| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08039294B2 |
Insulating layer, organic thin film transistor using the insulating layer, and method of fabricating the organic thin film transistor
Provided is an insulating layer in which an inorganic material is added to an organic polymer to thereby improve the insulating properties, an organic thin film transistor using the insulating layer, and a method of fabricating the organic thin film transistor. An insulating layer for an organic thin film transistor including a vinyl polymer and an inorganic material is provided. Here, a weight ratio of the vinyl polymer to the inorganic material may be in the range of 1:0.0001 to 1:0.5. Accordingly, it is possible to fabricate a thin film at low temperature and, further, to fabricate an insulating layer having a high-dielectric constant, not affecting other layers formed in the previous processes during the formation of the insulating layer. |
| US08039293B2 |
Method of manufacturing photoelectric conversion device
A method of manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device having a semiconductor substrate, comprises a first step of forming an insulating film on the semiconductor substrate, a second step of forming first holes in the insulating film, a third step of forming, in the insulating film, second holes shallower than the first holes, a fourth step of forming electrically conductive portions by embedding an electrically conductive material in the first holes, and forming planarization assisting portions by embedding the electrically conductive material in the second holes, and a fifth step of polishing the electrically conductive portions, the insulating film, and the planarization assisting portions until the planarization assisting portions are removed, thereby planarizing upper surfaces of the electrically conductive portions and the insulating film. |
| US08039283B2 |
Nitride compound semiconductor element and method for manufacturing same
The present invention is directed to a production method for a nitride compound semiconductor element including a substrate and a multilayer structure 40 supported by an upper face of the substrate. First, a wafer 1 to be split into individual substrates is provided. A plurality of semiconductor layers composing the multilayer structure 40 are grown on the wafer 1. By cleaving the wafer 1 and the semiconductor layers, a cleavage plane in the multilayer structure 40 is formed. In the present invention, a plurality of voids are arranged at positions in the multilayer structure at which a cleavage plane is to be formed. Thus, cleavage can be performed with a good yield. |
| US08039276B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
The semiconductor device si formed by forming a first metal film over a first main surface of a semiconductor wafer having a first thinkness, performing back grinding to a second main surface of the semiconductor wafer thereby making a second thickness thinner than the first thickness and forming an insulation film pattern having a first insulation film and containing an annular insulation film pattern along the periphery of a second main surface of the semiconductor wafer over the second main surface along the periphery thereof. The second main surface of the semiconductor wafer is bonded to a pressure sensitive adhesive sheet thereby holding the device semiconductor wafer by way of the pressure sensitive adhesive sheet to a dicing frame in a state where the insulation film pattern is present. |
| US08039273B2 |
β-glucuronide-linker drug conjugates
Ligand Drug conjugate compounds comprising a β-glucuronide-based linker and methods of using such compounds are provided. |
| US08039272B2 |
Rapid quantification assay involving concentrated and ligand-coated gold colloid
A concentrated and ligand-coated gold colloid and a method of preparing it. Also disclosed is a rapid biomolecule quantification assay involving the use of the concentrated gold colloid and an apparatus for performing the assay. |
| US08039268B2 |
Immunochromatoassay method and immunochromatoassay kit
An immunochromatoassay method that allows high detection sensitivity measurement. The method including the steps of: permeating an analyte solution that includes a visibly labeled second binding substance that specifically binds to a detection target substance into a test area of a chromatography medium provided with a first binding substance that specifically binds to the detection target substance, simultaneously with or after the permeation of the analyte solution into the test area, permeating a visual recognition aid solution into the chromatograph medium, the solution having a refractive index whose refractive index difference Δn from that of the chromatograph medium is −0.1≦Δn≦0.1, and visually observing the test area while the visual recognition aid solution is permeated in the test area. |
| US08039264B2 |
Compositions, methods and kits for biarsenical fluorophore labeling
Methods, compositions, and kits for labeling tetracysteine-tagged proteins with biarsenical fluorophores with increased specificity, including compositions, methods and kits particularly adapted for labeling of tetracysteine-tagged proteins to be resolved within an electrophoresis gel. |
| US08039263B2 |
Estimation and biological consequences of oxidative metabolism
The present invention relates to monitoring of oxidative metabolism and is, particularly, directed to a method for estimation of the lipid peroxide load or the consequent inflammatory state of a subject by measuring the concentration of the subject's oxidized HDL (high density lipoprotein) lipids. In addition, the invention is also directed to methods for the elimination of lipid peroxidation products, and attenuation of the resulting oxidative stress and inflammatory state in the human body by increasing the lipid peroxide transporting capacity of HDL. |
| US08039254B2 |
Populations of expanded and re-differentiated adult islet beta cells capable of producing insulin and methods of generating same
A population of expanded adult islet beta cells is provided as well as a population of expanded and redifferentiated adult islet beta cells. Methods of generation of the populations of cells are provided. |
| US08039249B2 |
Compact disk based platform for separating and detecting immunomagnetic bead labeled cells
Disclosed is a disk based platform for separating and detecting cells that are labeled with immunomagnetic beads. A disk-like carrier board forms therein at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir for receiving a sample fluid, an outer reservoir, and a plurality of micro flow channels arranged between and in fluid communication with the inner and outer reservoirs. When the disk-like carrier board spins, cells labeled with immunomagnetic beads are attracted by a magnetic attraction unit that is arranged above the disk-like carrier board and adjacent to the inner reservoir to thereby remain in the inner reservoir, and cells that are not so labeled are acted upon by a centrifugal force induced by the spinning of the disk-like carrier board to flow with the sample fluid from the inner reservoir through the micro flow channels into the outer reservoir. |
| US08039248B2 |
Modified flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent glucose dehydrogenase
The invention provides a modified flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FADGDH), as well as a glucose sensor comprising the modified FADGDH and a method for measuring glucose comprising using the glucose sensor to measure glucose of a sample. |
| US08039245B2 |
Method and devices for improved disinfection process
A method which enhances a disinfection process by using a catalyst which increases in effective surface area during the process. Also disclosed are contact lens disinfecting systems which are designed to maintain a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution for a longer period of time before increasing the overall surface area of catalyst exposed to the hydrogen peroxide solution. The devices utilize pressure from expanding oxygen generated within the system through use of a small catalyst, or through exposure of only a small portion of a large catalyst, to control deployment of the large catalyst for completing disproportionation of the hydrogen peroxide. |
| US08039242B2 |
Low oxygen biologically mediated nutrient removal
The present invention is directed to a substantially odorless biologically mediated treatment process for solid and liquid organic wastes. The present invention also provides for a novel nutrient rich humus material produced from the biologically mediated treatment process. The bioconversion process of the present invention results from low electron acceptor concentrations and high quantities of microorganisms in a diverse microbial community. |
| US08039241B2 |
Thermostable alpha-amylases
The present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide comprising an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide having alpha-amylase activity, the polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 70% identity with amino acids 1 to 450 of SEQ ID NO: 4; b) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 70% identity with the polypeptide encoded by the amylase encoding part of the polynucleotide inserted into a plasmid present in the E. coli host deposited under the Budapest Treaty with DSMZ under accession number DSM 15334; c) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence which has at least 70% identity with the sequence shown from position 68 to 1417 in SEQ ID NO: 3; and d) a fragment of (a), (b) or (c) that has alpha-amylase activity. |
| US08039240B2 |
Recombinant human T2 RNase and uses thereof
The cloning and heterologous expression of human T2 RNase6PL are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods for preventing, inhibiting and/or reversing cell motility, actin filament assembly or disassembly, proliferation, colonization, differentiation, accumulation and/or development of abnormal cells in a subject is disclosed. The methods are effected by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a RNase6PL ribonuclease or close homologues thereof. |
| US08039239B2 |
Recombinant microorganisms having modified production of alcohols and acids
Recombinant acetogenic Clostridia are engineered to modulate production of aliphatic C2-C6 alcohols and aliphatic C2-C6 organic acids from synthetic gases. One aspect of the invention provides a method of producing an aliphatic C2-C6 alcohol using an acetogenic Clostridium micro-organism having at least one genetic modification that reduces or eliminates C2-C6 carboxylic acid production by the modified organism. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of producing an aliphatic C2-C6 alcohol using an acetogenic Clostridium micro-organism having one or more genetic modifications that cause increased enzyme activity of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, aldehyde ferredoxin oxidoreductase, NADPH-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase, or alcohol dehydrogenase. Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of producing aliphatic C2-C6 alcohols using acetogenic Clostridium micro-organisms that have been genetically modified to increase C2-C6 aliphatic alcohol formation and decrease the production of the corresponding C2-C6 aliphatic organic acid. |
| US08039234B1 |
Methods, panels of identification markers, and kits for identifying forensic samples
Methods for identifying forensic samples using panels of markers and gene expression profiling, including without limitation, mRNA profiling, miRNA profiling, or both, are disclosed. Panels of markers for identifying certain tissue samples and certain body fluid samples are also disclosed. Kits for expediting performance of certain of the disclosed methods are provided. |
| US08039213B2 |
Methods for assessing efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents
Methods are provided for accurately predicting efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Methods of the invention increase the positive predictive value of chemosensitivity assays by assessing both the ability of a chemotherapeutic to destroy cells and the genetic propensity of those cells for resistance. Results obtained using methods of the invention provide insight into the in vivo effectiveness of a therapeutic, and lead to more effective chemotherapeutic treatment. |
| US08039210B2 |
Protein tyrosine phosphatase mutations in cancers
Tyrosine phosphorylation, regulated by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) and kinases (PTKs), is important in signaling pathways underlying tumorigenesis. A mutational analysis of the tyrosine phosphatase gene superfamily in human cancers identified 83 somatic mutations in six PTPs (PTPRF, PTPRG, PTPRT, PTPN3, PTPN13, PTPN14) affecting 26% of colorectal cancers and a smaller fraction of lung, breast and gastric cancers. Fifteen mutations were nonsense, frameshift or splice site alterations predicted to result in truncated proteins lacking phosphatase activity. Five missense mutations in the most commonly altered PTP (PTPRP) were biochemically examined and found to reduce phosphatase activity. Expression of wild-type but not a mutant PTPRT in human cancer cells inhibited cell growth. These observations suggest that the tyrosine phosphatase genes are tumor suppressor genes, regulating cellular pathways that may be amenable to therapeutic intervention. |
| US08039195B2 |
Si device making method by using a novel material for packing and unpacking process
A method of lithography patterning includes forming a resist pattern on a substrate, the resist pattern including at least one desired opening and at least one padding opening therein on the substrate; forming a patterned photosensitive material layer on the resist pattern and the substrate, wherein the patterned photosensitive material layer covers the padding opening of the resist pattern; and applying a resolution enhancement lithography by assist of chemical shrink (RELACS) process to the desired opening of the resist pattern. |
| US08039193B2 |
Tissue markings and methods for reversibly marking tissue employing the same
Provided are methods of applying a tissue marking to a tissue and rendering said tissue marking colorless when desired, comprising implanting into the tissue an amount of the tissue marking in sufficient quantity to form a detectable marking, said tissue marking comprising at least one colored compound comprising a thermally activatable fragmentation group and at least one infrared absorbing compound, wherein the at least one colored compound is capable of being rendered colorless by unimolecular fragmentation of the thermally activatable fragmentation group when the tissue marking is non-imagewise exposed by a source of infrared radiation and applying sufficient infrared radiation to a sufficient amount of the tissue marking to render the tissue marking colorless when desired. |
| US08039192B2 |
Transfer substrate, method of manufacturing the same and method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent element
A transfer substrate includes a base layer, a light-reflecting layer pattern, a light-to-heat conversion layer and a transfer layer. The transfer layer is formed on the light-to-heat conversion layer. A line shaped laser beam may be scanned over the entire area of the transfer substrate to transfer designated portions of the transfer layer onto designated electrodes on an array substrate to make an organic electroluminescent display. Thus, processing time may be reduced, and an organic electroluminescent element may be efficiently formed on a large-size substrate. |
| US08039189B2 |
Electrophotographic developer and carrier therefor, core material particle for carrier for electrophotographic developer and production method thereof and image forming method
The present invention can provide small-diameter core material particles for electro photographic carrier, the particles that can prevent occurrences of carrier adhesions and reduce toner spent, have excellent durability and cause little fluctuations in image density with a narrow particle diameter distribution, and an efficient, cost-effective production method thereof. That is, the core material particles for electro photographic carrier are particles wherein the weight average particle diameter, Dw, is in the range of 22 μm to 32 μm, the ratio of Dw to the number average particle diameter, Dp, satisfies the condition, 1 |
| US08039179B2 |
Integrated circuit layout design
Provided is a photolithography apparatus including a photomask. The photomask includes a pattern having a plurality, of features, in an example, dummy line features. The pattern includes a first region being in the form of a localized on-grid array and a second region where at least one of the features has an increased width. The apparatus may include a second photomask which may define an active region. The feature with an increased width may be adjacent, and outside, the defined active region. |
| US08039178B2 |
Manufacturing method of transparent substrate for mask blanks, manufacturing method of mask blanks, manufacturing method of exposure masks, manufacturing method of semiconductor devices, manufacturing method of liquid crystal display devices, and defect correction method of exposure masks
There are provided a manufacturing method of a transparent substrate for a mask blank, a mask blank, or an exposure mask adapted to prevent occurrence of a transfer pattern defect or a mask pattern defect, by correcting a recessed defect existing on the surface of the transparent substrate, and a defect correction method of an exposure mask.With respect to an exposure mask having a transparent substrate 1 formed thereon with a mask pattern 2 which becomes a transfer pattern, correction is performed by removing, by the use of a needle-shaped member 4, a peripheral portion of a recessed defect 3 formed on a surface 1a of the substrate, where the mask pattern 2 is not formed, so as to induce a reduction in transmission light quantity which causes a transfer pattern defect, thereby reducing a level difference between the surface of the substrate and the depth of the recessed defect. This correction of the recessed defect is carried out at the stage before forming a mask pattern forming thin film on the transparent substrate. A mask blank and an exposure mask are manufactured by the use of the transparent substrate applied with the correction of the recessed defect. |
| US08039177B2 |
Method of correcting a flare and computer program product
A method of correcting a flare comprising: calculating a distribution of a flare value corresponding to pattern data on the pattern data as a flare map; calculating an occupancy of a pattern having a predetermined flare value on the pattern data as a flare value occupancy for each flare value, by using the flare map; determining a reference flare value to be a reference of the flare value based on the distribution of the flare value occupancy; and performing a pattern correction corresponding to the flare value with a pattern correction amount at the reference flare value as a reference. |
| US08039174B2 |
Flexible fuel cell
Through holes for flow paths of the fuel cell are formed in a thermoplastic polymer film by a process selected from a group consisting of laser drilling, etching and lithography, an inner side surface of the thermoplastic polymer film is coated with a metal layer, and the through holes are filled with a fuel diffusion material and a catalyst to provide an anode. The procedure is repeated to provide a cathode. Then, the anode and the cathode are placed to oppose each other. A cation conducting polymer membrane is disposed, between the anode and the cathode, and the anode, the cation conducting polymer membrane and the cathode are hot-pressed. |
| US08039173B2 |
Catalyst for a fuel cell, a method for preparing the same, a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including the same, and a fuel cell system including the same
A cathode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carrier and an A-B alloy supported on the carrier, where A is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pd, Ir, Rh, and combinations thereof, and B is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, and combinations thereof. The carrier is composed of at least one chalcogen element selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof. |
| US08039170B2 |
Internally gas regulated fuel cell
A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and at least one bipolar plate having an anode-side gas distributor structure for distributing anode reactants, a cathode-side gas distributor structure for distributing cathode reactants, and a guide passage structure for distributing a cooling medium. At least one of the anode-side gas distributor structure and the cathode-side gas distributor structure is divided into at least a first field and a second field, each of the first and second fields having an entry port and an exit port for the reactants. In addition, a method for such a fuel cell includes passing a reactant into an entry port of the first field and out of an exit port of the first field, mixing the reactant with a fresh reactant so as to form a mixture, and passing the mixture into the entry port of the second field. |
| US08039169B2 |
Fuel cell and fuel cell stack
A fuel cell includes a separator having a circular disk. On one surface of the circular disk, a fuel gas channel is provided for supplying a fuel gas to an anode, and on the other surface of the circular disk, an oxygen-containing gas channel is provided for supplying air to a cathode. The fuel gas channel has an end point at an outer circumferential end of the anode. A fuel gas discharge channel is connected to an end point of the fuel gas channel, such that the consumed fuel gas is emitted to an oxygen-containing gas supply unit, from a position spaced outwardly from the outer circumference of an electrolyte electrode assembly. |
| US08039162B2 |
Unit cell for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell
A unit cell for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising: a membrane/electrode assembly including a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode disposed on either side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, the assembly being sandwiched from either side by a first separator and a second separator to give a stacked construction to form therebetween a fuel gas flow passage and an oxidant gas flow passage. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane has a projecting portion projecting outwardly beyond the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode, and the projecting portion is coated by a reinforcing resin member. Connecting grooves formed on a primary face of the separators connecting both ends of the fuel gas/oxidant gas flow passages with a fuel/oxidant gas feed/discharge ports, respectively. The reinforcing resin member is placed so as to bridge openings of the connecting grooves in order to give a tunnel construction to the connecting grooves. |
| US08039161B2 |
Metal halogen electrochemical cell system
A metal halogen electrochemical energy cell system that generates an electrical potential. One embodiment of the system includes at least one cell including at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode, at least one electrolyte, a mixing venturi that mixes the electrolyte with a halogen reactant, and a circulation pump that conveys the electrolyte mixed with the halogen reactant through the positive electrode and across the metal electrode. Preferably, the positive electrode comprises porous carbonaceous material, the negative electrode comprises zinc, the metal comprises zinc, the halogen comprises chlorine, the electrolyte comprises an aqueous zinc-chloride electrolyte, and the halogen reactant comprises a chlorine reactant. Also, variations of the system and a method of operation for the systems. |
| US08039159B2 |
Fuel cell having actuator controlling unit and method of operating the same
A fuel cell includes a fuel cell stack, a buffer, an actuator, and a control circuit. The control circuit controls the operation of the actuator according to a reference value of a reference volume of fuel disposed in the buffer. The fuel cell is operated by measuring a value corresponding to a volume of fuel disposed in the buffer, comparing the value with a reference value, and operating the actuator according to a result of the comparison. |
| US08039158B2 |
Methods of operating and making a solid oxide fuel cell system
A solid oxide fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell and at least one gas flow channel to deliver a reactant mixture. The fuel cell comprises at least one chamber to house at least one anode, at least one cathode, and at least one electrolyte, and the fuel cell is adapted to receive a reactant mixture comprising reactants mixed prior to delivery to the fuel cell. The one or more gas flow channels for delivering the reactant mixture have characteristic dimensions that are less than a quench distance of the reactant mixture at an operating temperature within the solid oxide fuel cell system. |
| US08039156B2 |
Fuel cell system and method for removal of impurities from fuel cell electrodes
A fuel cell system and method of removing impurities from a catalyst are provided. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack comprising a pair of end plates and at least one unit cell. The unit cell contains a gas diffusion layer in contact with a membrane electrode assembly which is constructed of a polymer electrolyte membrane enclosed between two electrodes. The at least one unit cell is stacked between the end plates. The fuel cell system further comprises a voltage supply means and a means of impressing a cyclically varying voltage from the voltage supply means on the fuel cell stack. The cyclically varying voltage removes impurities that adhere to catalysts on the electrode surfaces in the fuel cell stack. |
| US08039151B2 |
Negative electrode active material, nonaqueous electrolyte battery, battery pack and vehicle
A negative electrode active material includes lithium-titanium composite oxide porous particles having an average pore size of 50 to 500 Å. |
| US08039147B2 |
Rechargeable secondary battery having improved safety against puncture and collapse
A rechargeable battery according to embodiments of the present invention has improved safety against puncture and collapse. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a case, a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, a cap plate, and a short circuit member. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode. The case contains the electrode assembly. The first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal are electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode of the electrode assembly, respectively. The short circuit member extends from the end of one of the first electrode and the second electrode and is wound around the outermost periphery of the electrode assembly to short circuit the electrode assembly when the secondary battery is punctured or collapsed. |
| US08039141B2 |
Battery module
A battery module including a plurality of unit batteries spaced apart from each other and cell barriers disposed between the unit batteries, wherein the cell barriers have different strengths depending on their position in the battery module. |
| US08039138B2 |
Chloride-free, sodium ion-free, and water-free thermal batteries using molten nitrate electrolytes
Thermal batteries using molten nitrate electrolytes offer significantly higher cell voltages and improvements in energy and power density. A problem concerning gas-evolution reactions is solved by eliminating chloride ions, sodium ions, and moisture contaminants. One step is to avoid any chlorine-containing substances in any battery component. The decomposition of such substances into chloride ions results in passivating-film breakdown and gas-producing reactions with the electrolyte. Sodium ions also react with the anode and lead to decreased stability. Thus, the use of sodium ions in components of the battery is avoided. The effect of water in the melt relates to both the reactivity and out-gassing problem. Water in the melt will react with, and breach the insoluble and protective oxide film and can produce hydrogen gas. A method to measure water in the nitrate electrolyte melt via cyclic voltammetry, as well as means of eliminate water from the melt is presented. |
| US08039135B2 |
Electrochemical cell exhibiting enhanced safety features
Disclosed is the structure of a center pin assembly inserted into the winding center of a winding-type electrode assembly of an electrochemical device, which has a case containing the winding-type electrode assembly. The center pin assembly can secure the safety of an electrochemical device when physical impact (e.g. squeezing, shock) is applied from the outside, when the internal temperature rises, and/or when the device is overcharged. The center pin assembly includes a center pin manufactured by winding a planar substrate into a tubular shape, the planar substrate having at least two protrusions formed in an embossing type or at least two discontinuous scores formed in a predetermined shape; and a container placed in a space inside the center pin, the container containing a substance capable of improving the safety of the device. |
| US08039133B2 |
Magnetic recording medium and method for manufacturing the same
A magnetic recording medium, and method of manufacturing the same, is provided with excellent recording performance by employing a granular magnetic layer having a specified composition. A magnetic recording medium according to the present invention comprises a nonmagnetic underlayer, a granular magnetic layer, a protective film, and a liquid lubrication layer sequentially laminated on a nonmagnetic substrate. The granular magnetic layer consists of ferromagnetic crystal grains containing cobalt and nonmagnetic grain boundary region surrounding the ferromagnetic crystal grains. The ferromagnetic crystal grains contain platinum in the range of 15 at % to 17 at %. |
| US08039132B2 |
Perfluoropolyether compound, and lubricant and magnetic disk each using the same
A compound of the formula (I), and lubricant, and magnetic disk each using the same A-(CH2—Rf—CH2O—B—O)n—CH2—Rf—CH2-A (I) wherein n is an integer of 1 to 4, A is a group of the formula (a) below, and B is a group of the formula (b) below, p being 1 or 2, R being C1-4 fluoroalkyl, Rf is —CF2O(CF2CF2O)x(CF2O)yCF2— or —CF2CF2O(CF2CF2CF2O)zCF2CF2—, x, y and z being each a real number of 0 to 50. |
| US08039129B2 |
Organic electroluminescence device and material for organic electroluminescence device
An organic electroluminescence device includes: a cathode; an anode; and an organic thin-film layer including at least one layer and provided between the cathode and the anode. At least one layer of the organic thin-film layer includes: an organic-electroluminescence-device material represented by any one of the following formulae (1), (2) and (3); and at least one phosphorescent material, in which the organic-electroluminescence-device material may have a substituent. A or Ar may be substituted by a phenyl group or a naphthyl group. |
| US08039128B2 |
Fluorene compound, organic light emitting device and display device using the fluorene compound
An organic light emitting device having a high efficiency and durability is provided. The organic light emitting device includes an anode, a cathode and a layer formed of an organic compound interposed between the anode and the cathode, and contains at least one kind of the fluorene compound represented by the following general formula (I) or (II): wherein R1 to R4 each represent an alkyl group, a fluorinated alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; and Ar1 to Ar8 represent a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted polycondensed aromatic group. |
| US08039124B2 |
Electro luminescent metal complexes
Electro luminescent metal, e.g. Ir, complexes are disclosed. The metal complexes comprise at least one ligand L1 and at least one ligand L2, wherein ligand L1 is a 2-phenylpyridine ligand (I), comprising a phenyl ring (A) and a pyridine ring (B). The integers 2 to 9 denote positions in which substitutions can be made, and by the use of different substituents, e.g. 2,4-difluoro and 7-N(CH3)2, the emission wavelength of the complex may be tuned. The ligand L2 may e.g. be a compound of the following formula (II). |
| US08039120B2 |
Organic electroluminescence device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic electroluminescence device, and a method of manufacturing the same, where the device includes a substrate, a first electrode formed on the substrate, an organic layer formed on the first electrode and including at least an organic light-emitting layer, and a second electrode formed on the organic layer. The second electrode is made of an Mg—Ag layer having a thickness in a range of 170 Å to 200 Å. |
| US08039118B2 |
Welded steel pipe for high strength line pipe superior in low temperature toughness and method of production of the same
The present invention provides high strength welded steel pipe for line pipe inexpensive in cost and superior in low temperature toughness, and a method of production of the same, produced by forming a base material steel plate containing, by mass %, C: 0.010 to 0.050%, Si: 0.01 to 0.50%, Mn: 0.50 to 2.00%, S: 0.0001 to 0.0050%, and Ti: 0.003 to 0.030%, limiting Al to 0.020% or less and Mo to less than 0.10%, having a carbon equivalent Ceq of 0.30 to 0.53 and a crack susceptibility parameter Pcm of 0.10 to 0.20, comprised of polygonal ferrite and residual bainite of an area rate of 20% or less, and having an effective crystal grain size of 20 μm or less, into a pipe shape, then seam welding it and making the effective crystal grain size of the heat affected zone 150 μm or less. |
| US08039117B2 |
Combustion turbine component having rare earth NiCoCrAl coating and associated methods
A combustion turbine component (10) includes a combustion turbine component substrate (16) and an alloy coating (14) on the combustion turbine component substrate. The alloy coating (14) includes a first amount, by weight percent, of nickel (Ni) and a second amount, by weight percent, of cobalt (Co), the first amount being greater than the second amount. The alloy coating also includes chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), and yttrium (Y). The alloy coating further includes at least one of titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), and rhenium (Re). Moreover, the alloy coating includes at least one rare earth element, and an oxide of at least one of the yttrium the at least one rare earth element. |
| US08039112B2 |
Interlayer films for laminated glazing containing silica with specific refractive index
Interlayer films useful for laminated glass contain a polyvinyl acetal (A), at least on plasticizer (B), fumed silica (C) and at least one basic compound (D), wherein the difference of refractive index between fumed silica (C) and plasticized polyvinyl acetal (A+B) is 0.015 or less, and the weight ratio of C/(A+B) is 2.7-60/100. |
| US08039111B2 |
Article with organic-inorganic composite film
An article with a silica-based film that contains an organic material and has excellent mechanical strength. This article includes a substrate and an organic-inorganic composite film that is formed on the surface of the substrate. The organic-inorganic composite film contains silica as its main component. A value of (0.19A+0.03) or lower (A denotes the film thickness [μm]) is obtained through X-ray diffraction analysis on the organic-inorganic composite film, with the X-ray incident angle being fixed at 1° with respect to the surface of the organic-inorganic composite film, when the intensity of a peak at a diffraction angle of 3° to 10° is standardized using the intensity of a halo pattern peak at a diffraction angle of 20° to 30°. A value of 0.25 or lower is obtained through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis on the organic-inorganic composite film, when the intensity of a peak at around 950 cm−1 based on a Si—OH group is standardized using the intensity of a peak at around 1100 cm−1 based on a Si—O—Si bond. |
| US08039110B2 |
Special aminoalkylsilane compounds as binders for composite materials
A composite material, useful in producing wood-based materials, comprises (a) at least one cellulose- or lignocellulose-containing material and (b) at least one aminoalkylsilane, or at least one cocondensate of the at least one aminoalkylsilane and at least one further functional silane, or an aqueous solution which contains the at least one aminoalkylsilane or the at least one cocondensate of the at least one aminoalkylsilane and the at least one further functional silane. |
| US08039109B2 |
Epoxy resins with improved burn properties
Epoxy resin compositions that generate reduced levels of sulfur dioxide and which unexpectedly have reduced self-extinguishing times. The epoxy resins are composed of from 50 to 70 weight percent of an epoxy resin component. The epoxy resin composition also includes from 15 to 35 weight percent of a thermoplastic blend that is composed of polyetherimide and polyamideimide. The epoxy resin composition further includes from 5 to 25 weight percent of a curative agent. |
| US08039107B2 |
Silver-coated ball and method for manufacturing same
A silver-coated ball 10 according to the present invention includes: a spherical core 1; and a coating layer 2 including silver superfine particles, which is arranged so as to surround the core 1. The silver superfine particles included in the coating layer 2 have a mean particle size of 1 nm to 50 nm. |
| US08039099B1 |
Nanoencapsulated aerogels produced by monomer vapor deposition and polymerization
Polymer coated aerogel comprising aerogel substrate comprising a substantially uniform polymer coating. In an embodiment, the polymer coated aerogel is comprised of a porosity and has a compressive modulus greater than the compressive modulus of the aerogel substrate. |
| US08039097B2 |
Methods for protecting patinated surfaces of copper products and patinated copper product
A method for the temporary protection of patinated surfaces of copper products, in which an aqueous polymer dispersion is applied to the patinated surface, so that the polymer dispersion penetrates regions of the porous patina that are close to the surface, and in which the aqueous polymer dispersion is subsequently dried, so that it forms a composite with the patina that is permeable to water vapor diffusion. The polymer dispersion binds loose dust located on prepatinated copper products and simplifies the handling of the copper products. It behaves in a hydrophobic manner, but on the other hand it permits the required access of air moisture and water to the patina layer for further weathering. |
| US08039095B2 |
Laminate electrical insulation part
This invention relates to a laminate electrical insulation part for an electrical device comprising a thermoplastic film positioned between, adjacent to, and attached to two nonwoven sheets. Each of the nonwoven sheets consists of multicomponent polymeric fibers comprising at least a first polymer and a second polymer, the first polymer having a melting point that is at least 15 degrees Celsius lower than both the melting point of the second polymer and the melting point of the thermoplastic film, and the film is attached to the nonwoven sheets by the first polymer in the nonwoven sheets. The electrical insulation part has a breakdown voltage of at least 3 kilovolts, and a surface having a dynamic frictional coefficient of 0.25 or less. This invention also relates to an electrical device component comprising the laminate electrical insulation part. |
| US08039092B2 |
Pattern formed body and method for manufacturing same
A main object of the present invention is to provide a pattern formed body capable of forming highly precise functional parts on various base materials, and a method for manufacturing the same. To achieve the object, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a pattern formed body, having a plasma radiating step of radiating plasma to a patterning substrate having: a base material; an intermediate layer formed on the base material and containing a silane coupling agent or a polymer of the silane coupling agent; and a resin layer formed in a pattern form on the intermediate layer, wherein a fluorine gas is used as an introduction gas to radiate the plasma from the resin layer side. |
| US08039087B2 |
Honeycomb structure
There is disclosed a honeycomb structure 1 having a plurality of cells 4 partitioned by cell walls 2 to function as fluid passages, a predetermined cell 4 being plugged by a plugging material at one end face, a remaining cell 4 being plugged by the plugging material at the other end face, wherein a Young's modulus of the plugging material is lower than that of the cell wall 2. A strength of the plugging material is lower than that of the cell wall. A porosity of the plugging material is 97% or more of that of the cell wall. There is provided a honeycomb structure whose end face is not easily cracked and which is superior in durability. |
| US08039078B2 |
Energy-absorbing pads
An energy-absorbing pad structure includes an energy-absorbing pad that is encapsulated by a polymeric film. The polymeric film is sufficiently air-permeable to permit air to escape during rapid compression of the pad structure, such as from a high-speed dynamic impact, but nonetheless is water resistant under ordinary conditions. It is desirable that the polymeric film is made from an elastic polymer. The air-permeability can be provided from a series of perforations such that the film's elastic quality tends to contract the perforations thereby impeding the progress of water through them under normal conditions. The energy-absorbing pad can be a semi-rigid viscoelastic foam. |
| US08039075B2 |
Wear resistant and noise reducing arrangement
A wear resistant and noise reducing arrangement of wear elements in material handling systems exposed to wear and to noise. The arrangement comprises at least one adjustable wear element arranged in a row, wherein the wear elements are provided along one side with a flexible sealing to seal between the arrangement and adjacent arrangements. |
| US08039073B2 |
Pipe preformed liner comprising metal powder
The present invention relates to a preformed liner of tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer adhered to the surface of a pipe, and in particular, an oil well pipe, without the need for either a primer layer or an adhesive. The liner comprises an effective amount of metal powder which provides adhesion between the liner and the surface of the pipe. The present invention also relates to a process for making such pipe, where in a preferred embodiment, the liner is co-extruded to form an inner layer and an outer layer. This co-extrusion embodiment is particularly useful in applications where high purity is necessary. In this case, the inner layer comprises an effective amount of metal powder and the outer layer is pure tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer. |
| US08039070B1 |
Easy open bag and film for use in thermally processing food at elevated temperatures
A heat-shrinkable film suitable for forming an easy opening cook-in bag is provided. The film comprises at least five layers, including an inner layer, an inner frangible layer, a barrier layer, an outer frangible layer, and an outer layer. The film is capable of being formed into a bag comprising a lap seal, a top end seal, and a bottom end seal, wherein the seals are heat sealed to a closed condition to contain and protect a product disposed therein. The lap seal, top end seal, and bottom end seal each are able to remain sealed during cook-in conditions. Additionally, the lap seal, top end seal, and bottom end seal each are peelable and easily openable by application of force. |
| US08039068B2 |
Thermal transfer image receiving sheet, and method for manufacturing same
A thermal transfer image receiving sheet, excellent in releasability even after printing based on a thermal transfer process is performed a plurality of times, is provided. The thermal transfer image receiving sheet has: a substrate sheet; and an image receiving layer which is formed on the substrate sheet and having a binder resin, a high molecular weight silicone, and a low molecular weight-modified silicone. A kinematic viscosity of the high molecular weight silicone is 500000 mm2/s or more, and a kinematic viscosity of the low molecular weight-modified silicone ranges from 100 mm2/s to 100000 mm2/s. |
| US08039066B2 |
Cellulose acylate film and method for producing same, and retardation film, polarizer, and liquid crystal display device comprising the film
A cellulous acylate film in which X-ray diffractive intensity satisfies the following Formulae (I) to (V) and in which a half-value width of the peak at 2θ2 is 2.8° or less as observed in the sectional view in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the film: 0.00≦Ici/Ico<0.60; Formula (I) Iam=I1+{(I3−I1)/(2θ3−2θ1)}×(2θ2−2θ1); Formula (II) Ic=I2−Iam; Formula (III) Ici=Ic11/Ic12; and Formula (IV) Ico={(Ic21/Ic22)+(Ic31/Ic32)}/2. Formula (V) |
| US08039065B2 |
Antireflection film, polarizing plate, method for producing them, liquid crystal display element, liquid crystal display device, and image display device
To provide an antireflection film which is easily and inexpensively producible and which has an antireflection property, a scratch resistance and a stain resistance in a sufficient level, and a polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display device utilizing the antireflection film of such excellent ability, the antireflection film includes a transparent support and a low-refractive index layer having a lower refractive index than the transparent support, wherein the low-refractive index layer is an outermost layer, and the low-refractive index layer contains a hollow silica particle and a compound that reduces a surface free energy of the outermost layer. |
| US08039064B2 |
Compound, polymerizable liquid crystal composition, optical element and optical information writing/reading device
A compound having a good durability against light and capable of producing desired liquid crystallinity after polymerization, and a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing such a compound, are provided. Further, an optical element having a good durability against light, and an optical information writing/reading device employing such an element, are provided.A compound represented by CH2═CR1—COO—R2-Cy-Ph-R3—OCO—CR4═CH2. R1 and R4 are each preferably a hydrogen atom. R3 is preferably a C1-6 alkylene group wherein an oxygen atom is present or not present at an end of the group to be bonded to a cyclic group, and wherein some or all of hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms in the group may be substituted by fluorine atoms; or an alkylene group wherein an oxygen atom is present at an end of the group to be bonded to a cyclic group. A diffraction grating 2 produced by employing this liquid crystal compound has a good durability against light, and accordingly, it is possible to constitute an optical information writing/reading device suitable for large capacity recording by employing a blue laser as a light source 1. |
| US08039062B2 |
Methods of atomic layer deposition using hafnium and zirconium-based precursors
Methods of forming a metal-containing film by atomic layer deposition is provided. The methods comprise delivering at least one precursor to a substrate, wherein the at least one precursor corresponds in structure to Formula II: wherein: M is Hf or Zr; R is C1-C6-alkyl; n is zero, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; L is C1-C6-alkoxy. Further methods are provided of forming a metal-containing film by liquid injection atomic layer deposition. The methods comprise delivering at least one precursor to a substrate, wherein the at least one precursor corresponds in structure to Formula III: wherein: M is Hf or Zr; R is C1-C6-alkyl; n is zero, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; L is amino, wherein the amino is optionally independently substituted 1 or 2 times with C1-C6-alkyl. |
| US08039060B2 |
Barrier film substrate and method for producing same, and organic device
A method for producing a barrier film substrate with excellent gas-barrier capability having, on at least one surface of a plastic film, a barrier layer that contains at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer, which includes forming the organic layer by polymerization of a monomer mixture containing a vinyl monomer that has a sulfinyl group or a sulfonyl group and a tertiary carbon atom. |
| US08039059B2 |
Method for manufacturing product
A method for manufacturing a product includes: filling, with a dispersion medium, an internal flow path and a liquid chamber of a droplet-jetting head for jetting droplets of liquid filled in the liquid chamber through the internal flow path, the internal flow path and the liquid chamber communicating with each other; filling the internal flow path and the liquid chamber of the droplet-jetting head with a dispersion liquid containing particles in place of the dispersion medium filled in the internal flow path and the liquid chamber; and applying the dispersion liquid droplets onto an object to be coated from the droplet-jetting head filled with the dispersion liquid. |
| US08039058B2 |
Methods of forming gypsum facers and gypsum boards incorporating gypsum facers
A gypsum or foam facer is formed by the direct in-line or off-line coating of a pre-impregnated, fibrous network matting with a secondary binder system. The pre-impregnated fibrous network is preferably formed of a randomly oriented wet use chop strand fiber material impregnated with a modified urea-formaldehyde binder system. The secondary binder system preferably consists of low glass transition acrylic or styrene-butadiene-rubber resin filled predominantly with fillers combined with a plate like reinforcement or fibrous reinforcement. In an alternative embodiment, a low basis secondary veil is layered onto the fibrous network matting with or without the secondary binder system to improve softness and decorative appearance of the formed gypsum board. In another preferred alternative embodiment, a plurality of high aspect ratio particles may be introduced to the binder prior to introduction of an optional secondary binder resin to also improve the softness and decorative appearance of gypsum board. |
| US08039057B2 |
Polyimide film, image-forming apparatus, method for producing the polyimide film, and method for producing the intermediate transfer belt
A polyimide film having a polyimide as the primary constituent and containing at least a polymeric electroconductive material, wherein in a weight-decrease vs. temperature-increase curve when the polyimide film is heated gradually from 30° C., a weight-decrease rate at a first inflection point, where an amount of difference in weight-decrease rates decreases first from 30° C., is in the range of −1.9% or more and −1.4% or less. |
| US08039052B2 |
Multi-region processing system and heads
The various embodiments of the invention provide for relative movement of the substrate and a process head to access the entire wafer in a minimal space to conduct combinatorial processing on various regions of the substrate. The heads enable site isolated processing within the chamber described and method of using the same are described. |
| US08039050B2 |
Method and apparatus for strengthening a porous substrate
A process is provided for strengthening a porous substrate. The process includes providing a substrate having intersecting fibers, where the intersecting fibers cooperate in the final substrate product to form an open pore network. Pathways are opened into the fibrous substrate structure, which enable a flow of gas into the or through the substrate. The substrate is positioned in a CVD (chemical vapor deposition) station, and one or more layers of a strengthening agent is deposited. The deposited layer or layers form a strong coating around fibers and fiber intersections to provide additional strength to the substrate. The strengthened substrate may then be used in wide variety of applications and fields. Advantageously, the disclosed fiber strengthening process produces a substrate having high porosity and higher strength characteristics as compared to a non-strengthened substrate. |
| US08039048B2 |
Algae resistant roofing granules with controlled algaecide leaching rates, algae resistant shingles and process for producing same
A process for forming algae-resistant roofing shingles comprises producing algae-resistant granules, and adhering the granules to a shingle stock material. The algae-resistant roofing granules are produced by a process that includes coating mineral particles with a clay-silicate binder including a metal oxide algaecide and small organic particles. The particles are heated to cure the binder, and the organic particles pyrolyse to form pores in the coating. The release of the algaecide is controlled by the structure of the granules. |
| US08039047B2 |
Coating for permanent hydrophilization of surfaces, and its use
A coating for permanent hydrophilization of surfaces and its use are provided. The coating is made of nano-scale particles having hydrophilic side chains, which can be sintered. The coating may be made of 10 to 90% inorganic structures, 5 to 70% hydrophilic side chains, and 0 to 50% organic side chains having functional groups. |
| US08039045B2 |
Method of manufacturing a disk substrate for a magnetic recording medium
An object of the present invention is to provide a plating method on a glass base plate. The method allows forming a plating film on a base plate composed of a glass material with excellent adhesivity and homogeneity by means of an electroless plating method even to a thickness of 1 μm or more. Before forming a plating film by a step of electroless plating S6, a surface treatment process is conducted on a surface of the base plate composed of a glass material. The surface treatment process comprises at least a step of glass activation treatment S2 to increase quantity of silanol groups on the surface of the base plate at least by a factor of two using an aqueous solution of diluted acid, a step of silane coupling agent treatment S3, a step of palladium catalyst treatment S4, and a step of palladium bonding treatment S5. |
| US08039042B2 |
Low voltage electron source with self aligned gate apertures, fabrication method thereof, and luminous display using the electron source
A method of fabricating an electron source having a self-aligned gate aperture is disclosed. A substrate is deposited on a first conductive layer. Over the first conductive layer an emitter layer is deposited. The emitter layer includes one or a plurality of spaced-apart nano-structures and a solid surface with nano-structures protruding above the surface. An insulator is conformally deposited over the emitter layer surface and forms a post from each protruding nano-structure. A second conductive layer is deposited over the insulator and the second conductive layer and the insulator are removed from the nano-structures such that apertures are formed in the second conductive layer and at least the ends of the nano-structures are exposed at the centers of said apertures. |
| US08039039B2 |
Method of manufacturing organic EL device, and organic EL device
Grooves (3R, 3G, 3B) corresponding to red, green and blue respectively are formed on a substrate (40), and the edge portion of each groove (3R, 3G, 3B) is formed so as to be farther from a side of substrate (40) in order. The edge portion of each groove (3R, 3G, 3B) is immersed in an organic EL solution (8R, 8G, 8B) of corresponding color, the grooves (3R, 3G, 3B) are severally filled with the organic EL solution (8R, 8G, 8B) of corresponding color using capillary phenomenon, and thus a full-color organic EL display device is manufactured. |
| US08039034B2 |
Method for preparing a beverage from a capsule
A method for preparing a beverage through a capsule (2) inserted in a beverage machine; the capsule comprising an enclosure (20) containing one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewing fluid is introduced in the enclosure to brew the said one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewed liquid is filtered by a filtering wall (22) and delivered from the capsule, wherein the filtering wall extends from substantially the bottom of the enclosure and said filtering wall is associated to an overflow wall (3) that forces the brewed liquid to traverse at least one overflow aperture (25). The method is particularly suitable for brewing a tea containing capsule. |
| US08039030B2 |
Microwaveable popcorn and methods of making
Microwaveable popcorn compositions, products and methods of making the same are disclosed. The composition includes unpopped popcorn kernels, an oil comprising at least one omega-3 LC PUFA, and an oil that is solid at about 20° C. The an oil comprising at least one omega-3 LC PUFA can include a microbial oil prepared by extraction with isopropanol and water in the absence of winterization. |
| US08039026B1 |
Methods for treating skin pigmentation
This invention relates to methods and compositions for bringing about changes in skin pigmentation. More particularly, this invention relates to compounds which affect melanogenesis and can be used as depigmenting agents or as agents for darkening skin utilizing the PAR-2 pathway. |
| US08039020B2 |
Composition exhibiting enhanced formulation stability and delivery of topical active ingredients
A therapeutic, cosmetic or cosmeceutic composition for topical application, capable of stabilizing an active ingredient and delivering the active ingredient, comprising a plurality of microcapsules having a core-shell structure. The microcapsules have a diameter of approximately 0.1 to 100 micron. The core of each microcapsule includes at least one active ingredient, and is encapsulated within a microcapsular shell. The shell is comprised of at least one inorganic polymer obtained by a sol-gel process, and the shell protects the active ingredient before topical application and is designed to release the active ingredient from the microcapsules following application. The composition is useful in encapsulating active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, that are unstable in other formulation, or are irritating to the skin. |
| US08039015B2 |
Microencapsulation product and process
Microcapsules possessing Lewis acid-Lewis base salt walls incorporate water-immiscible materials, such as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), as a core component. Such microcapsules, or similar microcapsules incorporating other core components, may be made by emulsifying a water-immiscible core component in an aqueous solution of one wall-forming reactant, such as the Lewis base, and then mixing that solution with the other wall-forming reactant, such as the Lewis acid. Various adjuvants may be included with the core component to contribute additional characteristics, such as enhancement of a controlled release characteristic or improved mechanical stability. |
| US08039009B2 |
Modified release formulations of memantine oral dosage forms
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions given once daily containing at least one therapeutically active ingredient selected from the group consisting of memantine and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of memantine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable polymeric matrix carrier. The dosage forms of the invention sustain the release of the therapeutically active agent from about 4 to about 24 hours when said dosage form is exposed to aqueous solutions. following entry of said form into a use environment, wherein said dosage form has a dissolution rate of more than about 80% after passage of about 6 hours to about 12 hours following said entry into said use environment. |
| US08039005B2 |
Mutant forms of streptolysin O
Forms of GAS25 (streptolysin O) which are not toxic but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes. |
| US08039003B2 |
Recombinant attenuated dengue viruses comprising a deletion in the 3′ untranslated region and additional attenuating mutations induced by chemical mutagenesis
The invention provides compositions featuring an attenuated dengue virus mutant or an attenuated chimeric dengue virus mutant. |
| US08039001B2 |
Therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine for the treatment and prevention of papillomavirus infection
Embodiments of the present invention provide compositions including a complexes of papillomavirus capsid polypeptide L2 and polypeptide including an immunotherapeutic epitope, and GST fusions thereof. Other embodiments also provide complexes comprising chimeras of papillomavirus L2 polypeptides non-covalently associated with papillomavirus L1 polypeptides, and GST fusions thereof. These compositions may be used to elicit immune responses in a patient to papillomavirus. Therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines for the prevention and treatment of viral infection, especially papillomavirus infection and cervical cancers and warts associated therewith, made from compositions of this invention, are also disclosed. Nucleic acids and expression vectors coding for compositions are also disclosed. |
| US08038994B2 |
Combination therapy for treating disease
Disclosed are methods for treating cancer comprising administering a xenotypic antibody and a chemotherapeutic drug to a patient suffering from cancer. Also disclosed is a method for inducing a host immune response in a patient against a multi-epitopic in vivo tumor antigen present in the host serum, which antigen does not elicit an effective host immune response, comprising administering to the patient a chemotherapeutic drug and a composition comprising a binding agent that specifically binds to a first epitope on the antigen and allowing the binding agent to form a binding agent/antigen pair, wherein an effective host immune response is elicited against a second epitope on the antigen. |
| US08038993B2 |
Cytotoxic antibodies directed against antibodies inhibiting factor VIII
The invention relates to an anti-idiotypical antibody targeting an antibody inhibiting the human factor VIII, said inhibiting antibody targeting the C2 region of the human factor VIII, the variable region of each of the light chains thereof being encoded by a sequence of nucleic acids of which at least 70% is identical to the murine sequence of nucleic acids SEQ ID NO: 1, and the variable region of each of the heavy chains thereof being encoded by a sequence of nucleic acids of which at least 70% is identical to the murine sequence of nucleic acids SEQ ID NO: 2, the constant regions of the light chains and the heavy chains being constant regions from a non-murine species. The invention also relates to the use of said antibody for activating the FcγRIII receptors of cytotoxic immune cells, and to the production of a medicament especially for the treatment of haemophilia A. |
| US08038991B1 |
High-viscosity hyaluronic acid compositions to treat myocardial conditions
Embodiments of single component bioscaffolding systems formed of a hydrogel such as hyaluronic acid or salt thereof are described. The hyaluronic acid or salt thereof may be dissolved in a buffer, plasma, or combination thereof to minimize adverse immunogenic responses when applied to a treatment site. Additionally, the hydrogel component includes stem cells to facilitate angiogenesis or facilitate tissue repair and/or regeneration of ischemic tissue, particularly in compromised cardiac tissue. The bioscaffolding may also be formed on a stent or a cardiac medical device. |
| US08038989B2 |
Hair conditioning compositions
The invention provides a hair conditioning composition comprising an aqueous carrier, a lamellar gel phase formed from cationic surfactant and fatty material and a rheology modifier for the lamellar gel phase which comprises a fatty acid and a water-soluble, nonionic polymer of alkylene oxide of the general formula: H(OCH2CHR)nOH in which R is H, methyl, or mixtures thereof, and n has an average value of at least 150. Compositions of the invention provide a superior viscosity profile. |
| US08038988B2 |
Method of enhancing hair growth
Methods and compositions for stimulating the growth of hair are disclosed wherein said compositions include a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I wherein the dashed bonds represent a single or double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration, A, B, Z, X, R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification. Such compositions are used in treating the skin or scalp of a human or non-human animal. Bimatoprost is preferred for this treatment. |
| US08038986B2 |
Immunogenic compositions and diagnostic and therapeutic uses thereof
The present invention relates to a method of inducing an immune response to a parasite utilizing an immunogenic composition comprising a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (“GPI”) inositolglycan domain or its derivative or equivalent. The present invention is useful as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment for microorganism infections of mammals such as parasite infections and particularly infection by Plasmodium species. The invention also provides a method of monitoring, or qualitatively or quantitatively assessing an immune response to a microorganism such as a parasite. More particularly, this aspect of the present invention is directed to assessing said immune response utilizing a GPI inositoglycan domain or its derivative or equivalent, which facilitates the qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of anti-GPI antibodies in a biological sample, the identification of unique specificities of antibodies, epitope specific screening or the rational design of immunogenic molecules and the generation, thereby, of functionally effective immunointeractive molecules. |
| US08038984B2 |
Membrane-permeant peptide complexes for treatment of sepsis
Methods and compositions for treating sepsis using cell membrane-permeant peptide conjugate covalent compounds having target cell specificity are provided. |
| US08038982B2 |
EUO-structural-type zeolite containing the alkyl quinuclidinium structuring agent, process for preparation and use as catalyst
An EUO-structural-type zeolite that comprises at least one element X that is selected from among silicon and germanium and at least one element T that is selected from among aluminum, iron, gallium, vanadium, zirconium, molybdenum, arsenic, antimony, chromium and manganese is described. It contains at least one alkyl quinuclidinium cation in its intracrystalline pores and has an N/X atomic ratio of more than 0.065, whereby N represents the nitrogen element. This invention also relates to a process for preparation of said zeolite and the use of the latter as an acidic solid in a process for conversion of hydrocarbon feedstocks. |
| US08038981B2 |
Hydrogen production using complex metal oxide pellets
Complex metal oxide-containing pellets and their use for producing hydrogen. The complex metal oxide-containing pellets are suitable for use in a fixed bed reactor due to sufficient crush strength. The complex metal oxide-containing pellets comprise one or more complex metal oxides and at least one of in-situ formed calcium titanate and calcium aluminate. calcium titanate and calcium aluminate are formed by reaction of suitable precursors in a mixture with one or more complex metal carbonates. The complex metal oxide-containing pellets optionally comprise at least one precious metal. |
| US08038979B2 |
Metal oxide nano powder and manufacturing method of the same
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a metal oxide nano powder comprising preparing a first dispersed solution by adding a nano-sized metal powder to water and dispersing the metal powder within the water, performing a hydration reaction of the first dispersed solution at a temperature of about 30 to about 70° C. to generate a precipitation, and filtering and drying the precipitation to prepare a metal oxide powder. Also, disclosed is a metal oxide nano powder manufactured by the method described above, and having any one of a bar-form, a cube-form, and a fiber-form. |
| US08038976B2 |
Method and system for producing activated carbon
An activated carbon producing system includes a heating furnace for thermally decomposing multi-layer film including a polyvinyl alcohol layer and cellulose triacetate (TAC) layers formed on surfaces of the polyvinyl alcohol layer, to produce carbonized material by carbonization. An activation device activates the carbonized material with heat, to produce activated carbon by forming fine pores therein. A burner assembly combusts acetic acid contained in pyrolysis gas created by thermal decomposition in the heating furnace, to produce gaseous carbon dioxide. A first heat exchanger exchanges heat between the pyrolysis gas from the burner assembly and heat exchange medium, to provide the heating furnace with the heat of the heat exchange medium. A washer absorbs gaseous carbon dioxide contained in the pyrolysis gas from the first heat exchanger by use of alkaline absorption solution. If the multi-layer film contains additive, the washer washes away the combusted additive. |
| US08038974B2 |
Aqueous solutions containing metal cyanide for cyanide leaching for the winning of gold and silver
The present invention relates to solutions comprising water and at least one metal cyanide, at least a part of the water being obtained from wastewater which occurs as depleted wastewater in a process for extracting noble metals from noble metal-containing ores by the cyanide process, the process for the preparation of solutions according to the invention and to the use of the solutions according to the invention in a process for extracting noble metals from noble metal-containing ores by the cyanide process, to a process for extracting noble metals from noble metal-containing ores by the cyanide process, wherein the solution according to the invention is used, and to the use of depleted wastewater occurring in the extraction of noble metals from noble metal-containing ores by the cyanide process to the preparation of solutions comprising water and at least one metal cyanide. |
| US08038969B2 |
Rare metal/platinum-group metal extractant and method for extracting rare metals and platinum-group metals
The present invention provides a rare metal/platinum-group metal extractant, which has a completely new structure compared with the conventional rare metal/platinum-group metal extractant and which exhibits excellent extraction performance; it also provides a method for extracting rare metals and platinum-group metals using the extractant. The rare metal/platinum-group metal extractants of the present invention is the one to extract rare metals and platinum-group metals by contacting a solution, in which several kinds of rare metals and platinum-group metals are dissolved, with a solution in which a cyclic phenol sulfide of the following Formula (1) is dissolved to make the rare metals and platinum-group metals move into the cyclic phenol sulfide solution. |
| US08038968B2 |
Radiative heat transfer via shunt in a steam reforming reactor
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to increasing a temperature in a low temperature zone in a steam reforming reactor via a radiative heating shunt. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a steam reforming reactor comprising a reaction chamber having an interior surface, a packing material located within the reaction chamber, and a radiative heating shunt extending from the interior surface into the reaction chamber. The radiative heating shunt comprises a porous partition enclosing a sub-volume of the reaction chamber bounded by the porous partition and a portion of the interior surface, the sub-volume being at least partly free of packing material such that radiative heat has a path from the interior surface to a distal portion of the porous partition that is unobstructed by packing material. |
| US08038967B2 |
Method for accessing the contents of a closed vessel containing a specimen retrieval device
Method for obtaining a fluid from a collection device assembled to isolate a specimen retrieval device from the pathway of a fluid transfer device used to penetrate a cap of the collection device and to draw and remove the fluid from the collection device for analysis. |
| US08038962B2 |
Device for impregnating a porous bone replacement material
A device for the impregnation of a porous bone replacement material with an impregnation agent includes a container with a central axis and a cavity with a lid. The container has two sealable openings and elastic means. The elastic means are arranged in the cavity allowing a clamping force to be exerted on a bone replacement material inserted in the cavity. A single size container is sufficient for housing variously sized implants, where the implant placed in the cavity of the container is held, centered and protected against damage or breakage, for example, by shaking back and forth or during transportation of the container. |
| US08038960B2 |
Reformer
A reformer that produces reformed gas from a hydrocarbon material includes a reforming chamber having an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder; a reforming catalyst filled in the reforming chamber; a burner that heats the reforming catalyst and fuel of reformed gas; a combustion gas outer flow channel through which combustion gas of the burner flows along an outer side surface of the reforming chamber; a combustion gas inner flow channel through which the combustion gas of the burner flows along an inner side surface of the reforming chamber; and a plurality of return pipes as a reformed gas flow channel. |
| US08038958B2 |
Method for decomposing and recovering isocyanate compound
The present invention relates to a method for decomposing and recovering an isocyanate compound, which comprises: continuously mixing and dispersing into water at high pressure and high temperature an isocyanate compound having at least one isocyanate group or group derived from an isocyanate group in a molten state or solution state, supplying a liquid mixture containing the isocyanate compound and the water at high pressure and high temperature continuously to a reactor, followed by subjecting the isocyanate compound to a decomposition reaction in the reactor, and recovering a raw material for the isocyanate compound or a derivative thereof; and an apparatus for decomposing and recovering an isocyanate compound, which comprises: a reactor which brings water at high pressure and high temperature into contact with an isocyanate compound having at least one isocyanate group or group derived from an isocyanate group to cause a decomposition reaction, a water supply line which continuously supplies the water at high pressure and high temperature to a reactor, a compound supply line which continuously supplies the isocyanate compound in a molten state or solution state to the water supply line, an on-off valve which communicates the compound supply line with a vicinity of a communication portion of the water supply line to the reactor, a dehydrating device which conducts a dehydration of a decomposition reaction product discharged from the reactor, and a purification device which purifies the decomposition reaction product after the dehydration. |
| US08038957B1 |
Electric catalytic oxidizer
A containment vessel having a spiral plate heat exchanger, a central catalyst chamber packed with particulate catalyst, a central heater, a plenum providing conductive flow access for a hydrocarbon-air mixture to and from the containment vessel interior, and essential flow pathways interconnecting the plenum section, heat exchanger, catalyst chamber and central heater. The spiral plate heat exchanger, catalyst chamber, and heater assembly occupy successively smaller annular regions within the containment vessel. |
| US08038956B2 |
Catalyzed soot filter manufacture and systems
Catalyzed soot filters comprising a wall flow monolith having microcracks and pores and a catalyst comprising support particles with particle sizes greater than about the size of the microcracks and less than about the size of the pores are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing catalyzed soot filters and diesel engine exhaust emission treatment systems are also disclosed. |
| US08038953B2 |
Mat material, exhaust gas treating apparatus, and muffler
A mat material includes inorganic fibers, a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The mat material has plural needle traces formed by performing a needling treatment. The needle traces extend from the first surface toward the second surface and from the second surface toward the first surface. There is no depth in the mat material that the needle traces do not reach. There is substantially no protrusion of a bundle of the inorganic fibers at a position on the second surface that lies on a line extending from each of the needle traces extending from the first surface. There is substantially no protrusion of a bundle of the inorganic fibers at a position on the first surface that lies on a line extending from each of the needle traces extending from the second surface. |
| US08038952B2 |
Surface treatments and coatings for flash atomization
A flash atomizer comprising a channel substrate configured to generate a vapor and form a two-phase flow of a fluid; and an enhanced surface disposed on the channel substrate and configured to change a temperature and a pressure required to form the vapor, wherein the enhanced surface texture comprises a plurality of active nucleation sites configured to promote heterogeneous bubble nucleation. |
| US08038951B2 |
Catalyst compositions
Provided are catalyst composites comprising: a catalytic material on a carrier, the catalytic material comprising a precious metal selected from a palladium component and an oxygen storage component, the oxygen storage component being present in an amount of at least 10% by weight, wherein substantially all of the oxygen storage component is in intimate contact with the palladium component and the catalytic material is effective to substantially simultaneously oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and reduce nitrogen oxides. A catalyst composite comprising: a catalytic material on a carrier, the catalytic material comprising a palladium component and a ceria-zirconia composite support, the ceria being present in an amount in the range of 10 to 70% by weight, wherein substantially all of the ceria is in intimate contact with at least a portion of the palladium component. Methods of making and using these catalysts along with systems containing these catalysts are also provided. |
| US08038947B2 |
Analyte sensor devices and holders, and methods and systems utilizing the same
Provided are sensor devices, methods, systems, and kits for measuring the concentration of at least one target analyte. Sensor devices may be mounted into an optical system for measuring the target analyte. Example sensor devices may also be removably mounted in a holder that enables the sensor device to be inserted into a container that allows the sensor device to contact an analyte containing sample. Further provided are methods that include contacting a sensor device with an analyte-containing sample; determining analyte concentration; and optionally repeating these steps to determine if the analyte concentration spikes or exceeds a predetermined level, which may trigger an alarm response. |
| US08038945B2 |
Detection and analysis system for protein array
To provide a method for detecting a protein by immobilizing a protein on a protein array substrate at a high density with controlled orientation, irradiating the immobilized protein with ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light, and measuring the light not absorbed by the protein and further analyzing an interaction between the protein on the substrate and another protein and/or a compound other than proteins, a system used for the method, and to provide a protein array suitable for the system. A system including a protein array in which a protein is immobilized in aligned position on a light-transmissive substrate at a high density, a light-irradiating means, and a light-detecting means and being for detecting or analyzing a protein on the protein array and/or a compound which is other than proteins and interacts with the immobilized protein, wherein the protein array is irradiated with light by the light-irradiating means, and the light transmitted through the protein array is measured by the light-detecting means for detecting the light absorption of the protein on the protein array and/or the compound which is other than proteins and interacts with the immobilized protein. |
| US08038943B2 |
Method of detecting bio-molecules using field effect transistor without fixing probe bio-molecules on the gate sensing surface
A method of detecting a presence of bio-molecules, or a concentration of the target bio-molecules using a field effect transistor, includes allowing a first sample including a first target bio-molecule to contact a sensing surface of the field effect transistor and measuring a change in an electric signal of the field effect transistor, the field effect transistor including a substrate, a source region and a drain region, the source region and the drain region formed apart from each other on the substrate, the source region and the drain region each doped to having an opposite polarity than a polarity of the substrate, a channel region disposed between the source region and the drain region and an insulating layer including the sensing surface, the insulating layer disposed on the channel region. |
| US08038942B2 |
Automated sample processing system
A system for a clinical lab that is capable of automatically processing, including sorting, of multiple specimen containers. The system comprises a central controller, a workstation, one or more analyzers, and an automated centrifuge. The workstation has automatic detectors for detecting the presence of a holder holding specimen containers. The workstation has a bar code reader for reading bar codes on the containers. The system has a transport subsystem, preferably a workstation robotic arm and an analyzer robotic arm for transporting the specimen containers, moving them to and from the workstation, to and from the analyzers, and to and from the centrifuge. The centrifuge is loaded with buckets containing specimen containers. The workstation can be provided with a balance system for balancing the weight of the buckets used. The workstation can also have a decapper for automatically removing caps from the specimen containers. |
| US08038937B2 |
Autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment
The device with biofouling control for monitoring aquatic (or gaseous) environment encloses an environmental sensor instrument in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the water of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by adding a biocide into the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time. The monitoring device includes a microprocessor which is preprogrammed prior to deployment of the device (and which may be re-programmed from a remote host computer during the deployment) into the aquatic environment and which controls the operation of the entire device for a long deployment (up to several months). The opening/closing of the sensor housing, instrument sampling and release of the biocide into the chamber are synchronized to provide the most effective sampling/anti-fouling sequence of operations of the autonomous device. |
| US08038933B2 |
Gas sensor
A gas sensor is for determining at least one physical quantity of a gas, e.g., an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, the gas sensor having a sensor element that is fixed in a housing of the gas sensor by a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a sealing element, which has a ceramic and/or a metallic material. After the heat treatment, the sealing element has a maximum decrease in volume of 5 percent, or an increase in volume, based on the volume of the sealing element prior to the heat treatment. |
| US08038931B1 |
On-site induction heating apparatus
A method and apparatus for heating a workpiece. An induction heating system is used to induce magnetic fields in a workpiece to inductively heat the workpiece. The induction heating system may comprise a portable power source, a portable power source controller, a fluid-cooled induction heating cable, and a portable cooling unit. The induction heating system may be used to perform a variety of induction heating operations, including: annealing, surface hardening, heat treating, stress-relieving, curing, shrink-fitting, etc. |
| US08038930B2 |
Cooling element and method for manufacturing the same
The invention relates to a cooling element to be used in the structure of a pyromettalurgical reactor used in the manufacturing of metals, which cooling element comprises a housing element mainly made of copper, provided with a channel system for the cooling medium circulation, made of pipe that is mainly made of copper; on the outer surface of the pipes forming the channel system, there is arranged a coating that has a lower melting point than the material of the housing element and the pipe. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the cooling element. |
| US08038927B2 |
Methods for making oxidation resistant polymeric material
The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein. |
| US08038926B2 |
Method for making carbon nanotubes with embedded nanoparticles
The invention concerns methods for producing carbon nanotubes with embedded nanoparticles comprising providing a template comprising an anodized aluminum oxide membrane with a pore diameter of 20-200 nm; contacting the template with a solution containing nanoparticles; exposing the template and solution containing nanoparticles to sonication; removing the template from the solution; forming a carbon structure via chemical deposition of carbon on said template; and removing the template by exposing the template to a basic solution. |
| US08038924B2 |
Method of controllably conveying an object and an apparatus for conveying a web
The present invention relates to a method of controllably conveying an object. The method comprises the steps of determining an intended conveying of the object, dividing, on the basis of a predefined profile for a second section (G) of the conveying, the intended conveying of the object into a first section (F) and a second section (G), conveying the object the first section (F), conveying the object the second section (G), and, during the second section (G) of the conveying of the object, registering an actual position of a predefined element linked to the object. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for reducing this method into practice. |
| US08038922B2 |
Method and device for the authentication of identification marks on a packaging foil or package
In the method for the authentication of identification features that are embossed on a packaging foil together with satin-finishing and the embossing of logos, a number of identification features is embossed on-line as a pattern and read by a suitable apparatus and evaluated by means of an image evaluation method.The embossing device (1) suitable therefor includes at least two embossing rollers (2, 3, 15), a reading unit, and an evaluating unit, one of the embossing rollers (2) being driven by the motor drive mechanism (5) and having individual teeth (8) of which a number of teeth for embossing identification features have a different shape, height, or surface structure while the remaining teeth serve for satin-finishing, and one of the mating rollers (3) being provided with circumferential rings (10).Such a method and such a device allow a relatively simpler embossing device with relatively lower requirements with regard to the embossing quality than in methods of the prior art. |
| US08038921B2 |
Process for producing molded object with embedded member
A process for producing a molding having an embedded member which comprises: a first step in which a mold (1) having pins (3) which extend from the outside to the inside of the mold and can be withdrawn outward is heated to a given temperature; a second step in which a member (2) to be embedded is held in a given position within the mold by supporting the member, including an upper part thereof, with the pins (3); a third step in which a thermoplastic resin is packed through a gate (1d) first into that part of the cavity of the mold (1) which is located under the member to be embedded to thereby cause the thermoplastic resin to press the member against the pin (3) located in an upper part of the mold; a fourth step in which the thermoplastic resin is packed into the remaining part of the cavity of the mold (1); and a fifth step in which the pins (3) are withdrawn successively from the lower side of the mold before cooling to a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin solidifies and loses its flowability. |
| US08038919B2 |
Method of manufacturing film antenna using sputtering process
A method of manufacturing a film antenna includes: preparing a carrier film formed of an insulation polymer material; forming an antenna radiator on at least one side of the carrier film by one of sputtering and deposition; inserting the carrier film with the antenna radiator formed thereon into a mold having a shape of a mobile communication terminal case; and forming a mobile communication terminal case integrally formed with the carrier film by injecting a molding material into the mold. |
| US08038917B2 |
Process for preparing articles
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) comprising: contacting a thermoplastic polymer, a cross-linkable elastomer, at least one curative, and at least one cure activator in a solvent to form Composition A. The solvent is then removed, and thereafter the cross-linkable elastomer is at least partially cured. The average particle size of the cross-linkable elastomer is 10 microns or less after the solvent is removed. |
| US08038915B2 |
Panel smoothing process and apparatus for forming a smooth continuous surface on fiber-reinforced structural cement panels
A vibrating flexible smoothing sheet or shroud disposed transversely of a direction of travel of a formed fiber panel including gypsum-cementitious slurry and embedded chopped fibers. The sheet is used to smooth the surface of the panel as it exits a fiber embedment station of a structural cementitious panel production line to remove grooves and other non-uniform surface imperfections to reduce the need for costly finishing after the panels are cured and cut to size. The flexible sheet is designed to float over the surface of the formed panel without tearing or otherwise damaging the surface of the heavily fiber reinforced surface layers of the panel. The vibrating sheet is pivotally mounted on the side dams of the web production line so it can float over the panel surface during use, but be raised off the line when not in use. |
| US08038905B2 |
Illumination system comprising a radiation source and a fluorescent material
The invention concerns an illumination system for generation of colored, especially amber or red light, comprising a radiation source and a fluorescent material comprising at least one phosphor capable of absorbing a part of light emitted by the radiation source and emitting light of wavelength different from that of the absorbed light; wherein said at least one phosphor is a amber to red emitting a rare earth metal-activated oxonitridoalumosilicate of general formula (Ca1−x−y−zSrxBayMgz)1−n(Al1−a+bBa)Si1−bN3−bOb:Ren, wherein 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0≦z≦1, 0≦a≦1, 0 |
| US08038900B2 |
Process of improving melt value of melters using processed desugarized solubles (MDS)
An improved processing of sugar beet molasses (MDS—Molasses Desugarized Solubles) with the addition of applied heat at about 140° F. to about 180° F. for a time sufficient to, along with alkali degradation, at any given concentration of MDS, show an increase in overall melt value performance when compared to non-use of the heat step. |
| US08038893B2 |
Method for producing semiconductor optical device
To grasp a removable particle contamination and appropriately removing a particle contamination exposing from a surface of a semiconductor layer, this production method of the semiconductor optical device includes a surface treatment step in which particle contaminations removed from a surface of a cap layer 5 by etching are limited to particle contaminations A1, C2 higher than the thickness of a resist layer 22 formed on the surface of the cap layer 5. Therefore, the heights of removable particle contaminations can be preliminarily grasped based on the thickness of the resist layer 22 formed, whereby the particle contaminations exposing from the surface of the cap layer 5 can be appropriately removed by etching just enough. By repeating steps S11-S17 while changing the thickness of the resist layer 22, it is feasible to prevent unnecessary etching of a wafer and to remove the particle contaminations more completely. |
| US08038886B2 |
Medical hemodialysis container including a self sealing vent
A container for use with a hemodialysis apparatus having a vent structure is described. The vent structure is porous, and allows air in the container to vent when the container is being filled with fluid, but expands when the vent structure becomes wet, when filling is complete, thereby closing off the pores and inhibiting (e.g., preventing) fluid from flowing through the vent structure, and reentry of air into the container. The vent structure can also include a micro-porous membrane. |
| US08038877B2 |
Oil filter apparatus
The invention relates to an oil filter apparatus comprising an oil inlet and an oil outlet, with a suction oil pump being connectable to the oil outlet with which a negative pressure can be produced between the oil inlet (and the oil outlet, a coarse filter medium and a fine filter medium which is arranged between the oil inlet and the oil outlet, with the oil filter apparatus being capable of allowing a volume share of the oil to pass permanently through the coarse filter medium irrespective of the viscosity of an oil passing through the oil inlet and of allowing at the same time the remaining volume share of the oil to pass through the fine filter medium. The entire oil volume flow can thus be purified in a short period of time with high efficiency, and no additional space is required outside of the transmission or engine, a light and cost-effective configuration is achieved, and the oil filter apparatus can be used in different vehicle models or types of engines without any change and thus without any reduction in the variety of variants. |
| US08038873B2 |
Refrigeration device comprising a water filter
A refrigerator comprising a water conduit that is equipped with a socket for an exchangeable water filter and a monitoring unit for detecting the water throughput through the water conduit, said unit generating an alarm if the water throughput exceeds a threshold value. The monitoring unit can be deactivated if a water filter is mounted in the socket. |
| US08038872B2 |
Filtering device for fluids, in particular for fuel
A filtering device for fluids features a filter element located in a filter housing and a heating device located in the flow path of the fluid. The heating device comprises a heating element that is held by a heating support which is located at the inner surface of the cover, with a water outlet connection being designed as one-piece with the heating support, the water outlet connection being directed outwards through a recess in the cover. |
| US08038871B1 |
Septic tank float mounting system
A septic tank float mounting system includes a septic tank having a pump therein. A discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump. A pump actuating assembly is removably positioned in the septic tank. The pump actuating assembly includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A plurality of clamps is attached to the tube and releasably engages the discharge conduit. A control is positioned outside of the septic tank. An electrical conduit extends through the tube and is in electrical communication with the control and the pump. A float apparatus is releasably engaged to the tube and in communication with the electrical conduit. The float apparatus signals the control to turn on the pump when the float apparatus detects a preselected height of fluid in the septic tank. |
| US08038869B2 |
Integrated process for upgrading a vapor feed
Processes and systems are provided for removing contaminants from a vapor stream containing hydrocarbon and hydrogen, and can include: providing a feed stream to a first pressurized vapor liquid separator that produces a liquid stream and a vapor stream containing hydrocarbon and hydrogen, passing the vapor stream to an inlet of a particulate trap containing a plurality of treatment zones that remove contaminants from the vapor stream to produce a particulate trap effluent, and passing the particulate trap effluent directly to a catalytic hydrogenation zone. The processes and systems can also include: passing the liquid stream from the first pressurized vapor liquid separator to a second vapor liquid separator that produces an overhead vapor stream and a liquid bottoms stream, condensing the overhead vapor stream from the second vapor liquid separator to form a liquid overhead stream, routing the liquid overhead stream to the inlet of the particulate trap. |
| US08038867B2 |
Electrodialysis device and process
A device includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to define a volume. An anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane are disposed within the volume. A controller controls a supply of electrical current from an electrical source to the first electrode and to the second electrode. The electrical current supply is controlled to switch from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation providing electrical current having a reverse polarity during each cycle. The electrical current is supplied at a controlled cycle rate and for a controlled duration. The cycle rate is greater than about 100 hertz and less than about 10 kilohertz. |
| US08038863B2 |
Composite stamper for imprint lithography
A stamper having a patterned layer composed of a hard material and a compressible material back plane layer. The back plane layer may be composed of an elastomer. The stamper may be used to imprint an embossable layer disposed above a substrate for the production of a magnetic recording disk. |
| US08038862B2 |
Connecting structure of a liquid sending apparatus, fuel-cell type electricity generating apparatus, and electronic device
Disclosed is a connecting structure of a liquid sending apparatus, including: an electroosmotic flow pump having first and second electrodes upstream and downstream of an electroosmosis material; a flow-path structure which defines with flow-paths for liquid upstream and downstream of the electroosmotic flow pump, which is provided upstream of the electroosmotic flow pump with a ventilation hole communicating with inside and outside of the flow-path, and which is provided with a hydrophobic film which covers the hole and is permeable to bubbles; and a liquid-absorbing body absorbs liquid, which is provided in the flow-path upstream of the electroosmotic flow pump, which comes into abutment against a surface of the electroosmosis material on which the first electrode is provided, and which is formed with a bubble removing passage which passes through the liquid-absorbing body from a hydrophobic film side thereof to the abutment surface against the electrode. |
| US08038854B2 |
Electrolysis installation
The invention relates to an electrolysis installation comprising at least two rows of electrodes that are immersed at least in part in a liquid electrolyte giving off one or more gaseous species of corrosive nature at the electrodes, at least one separation membrane being disposed between two adjacent rows of electrodes. Each membrane is constituted by carbon fiber reinforcement stiffened by a carbon matrix and presents porous portion that is permeable to ions and impermeable to the or each gaseous species, given off at the electrolytes. |
| US08038853B2 |
Photo-induced reduction-oxidation chemistry of carbon nanotubes
Described herein is a method for the photo-induced reduction/oxidation of carbon nanotubes, and their use in photochemical cells and in electrochemical cells for the generation of hydrogen. |
| US08038848B2 |
Recycling of tires, rubber and other organic material through vapor distillation
A processor for vacuum distillation of whole tires including; an insulated housing having a door on one end, and rails on a lower surface of the housing to support a cart loaded with whole tires. A plurality of first heat tubes arranged around and spaced from a central radiant heat tube, the central radiant heat tube having an unsupported end adjacent the door such that whole tires loaded on the cart and through the door will pass over the central radiant heat tube such that the central radiant heat tube is located in a central opening of each tire on the cart. |
| US08038847B2 |
Structured forming fabric, papermaking machine and method
A fabric for a papermaking machine that includes a machine facing side and a web facing side comprising pockets formed by warp and weft yarns is provided. Each pocket is defined by four sides on the web facing side, each of the four sides is formed by a knuckle of a single yarn that passes over only two consecutive yarns to define the knuckle. |
| US08038842B2 |
Method for vapor phase pulping with alcohol, sulfur dioxide and ammonia
A method for the fractionation of lignocellulosic materials into cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin in a batch or continuous process in a treatment with vaporous mixture of aliphatic alcohol, sulfur dioxide and water. Cooking conditions are varied to get different proportions of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Chemical recovery through pressure release is described. |
| US08038841B2 |
Method for producing fine paper powder and resin composition containing the same
Coarsely shredded paper powder is pulverized using a first vertical roller mill equipped with a plurality of first pulverizing rollers 15 to obtain a fine paper powder having an average particle diameter of 50 μm or greater and less than 150 μm. Then, such a fine paper powder is further pulverized using a second vertical roller mill equipped with a plurality of second pulverizing rollers 25 to obtain a fine paper powder having an average particle diameter of 25 μm or greater and less than 50 μm. Concerning the inclination angle θ1 of grooves 15a, 25a with respect to axes L of rotation of said first and second pulverizing rollers, an angle of inclination θ1 of the first pulverizing rollers 15 is smaller than an angle of inclination θ2 of the second pulverizing rollers 25. Accordingly, the fine paper powder can be produced without incurring a substantial environmental impact. |
| US08038839B2 |
Laminate body, method, and apparatus for manufacturing ultrathin substrate using the laminate body
Provided is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground and a support, where the substrate is ground to a very small thickness and can then be separated from the support without damaging the substrate. One embodiment of the present invention is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground, a joining layer in contact with the substrate to be ground, a photothermal conversion layer comprising a light absorbing agent and a heat decomposable resin, and a light transmitting support. After grinding the substrate surface which is opposite that in contact with the joining layer, the laminated body is irradiated through the light transmitting layer and the photothermal conversion layer decomposes to separate the substrate and the light transmitting support. |
| US08038832B2 |
Curable composition and sealing method
An object of the present invention is to provide a curable composition excellent in on-site formability, excellent in heat resistance, chemical resistance and oil resistance, and low in compression set. The invention relates to a curable composition comprising (a) a vinyl-based polymer containing at least one (meth)acryloyl group in a molecule thereof and having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1,000,000, (b) an ethylenic unsaturated group-containing compound, (c) a thixotropic property-imparting agent, (d) fumed silica surface-treated with a (meth)acryloyl group-containing silane and (e) a photopolymerization initiator. |
| US08038829B2 |
Coating method for pipe having weld bead
Method of coating pipe having a raised weld bead. Curable resin polymer is applied to the pipe and allowed to bond to form a cured or partially cured polymer layer on the pipe. Powder form adhesive composition is applied on the polymer layer while hot, with fusion into a film bonding to the polymer. Powder form polyolefin is applied to the adhesive while hot with fusion into a film bonding to the adhesive to form a powder-based coating. Following forming of the powder-based coating, the pipe is cooled from the inside. An outer polyolefin covering is bonded to the powder-based coating and the pipe cooled to ambient temperature. This procedure can avoid voids, cavities or pinholes forming in the coating adjacent the weld bead. |
| US08038825B2 |
Fibre strip application heads
The invention relates to improvements in fiber strip application heads for applying fiber strips (4) that are supplied with a support and protection paper (5), the fiber strip (4) to be applied being supplied with the immediate separation of the protection paper (5) at the exit from the feed reel (1), such that the fiber strip (4) circulates by itself through the head, passing through drive modules (10) formed by caterpillar strips, with the passage through a longitudinal cutting module (20) and through a waste separation module (22) in the path towards the application area. |
| US08038818B2 |
Connection method of thermoplastic resin long body
A connection method for interconnecting end portions of a thermoplastic resin long body in which conductive unstretchable members are embedded within the thermoplastic resin along a longitudinal direction, wherein the unstretchable members in each of specific sections in the both end portions of the thermoplastic resin long body are heated using an induction heating portion so that the thermoplastic resin coating the unstretchable members is removed by melting for the unstretchable members to be exposed, after which the both end portions are interconnected while they are held in a state where the unstretchable members being exposed in the respective end portions are butt-connected to each other. |
| US08038817B2 |
Opening-sealing apparatus for honeycomb molded body, opening-sealing apparatus for honeycomb fired body, method of filling plug material paste, and method of manufacturing honeycomb structured body
An opening-sealing apparatus for a honeycomb molded body comprising: a paste filling device equipped with a paste filling unit having an opening-sealing mask in which a number of openings are formed at predetermined positions and a paste supplying unit; an image pickup device for picking up an image of the end face of the honeycomb molded body; and an image analyzing device for analyzing the image obtained by the image pickup device, wherein the image analyzing device analyzes the positions of the cells based upon the image of the end face picked up by the image pickup device; the opening-sealing mask is made in contact with the end face of the honeycomb molded body in such a manner that the positional error between the openings of the opening-sealing mask and the cells of the honeycomb molded body is reduced to a minimal level; and the plug material paste, which has been supplied from the paste supplying unit to the paste filling unit, is injected through the opening-sealing mask and filled in the end portion of the cells. |
| US08038815B2 |
Fluorescent dye to improve primer coverage accuracy for bonding applications
A method of visually verifying the application of a primer or adhesion promoter to a surface for optimizing the adhesion of a bonding tape to the surface. A fluorescing agent is mixed with the primer and a light source is emitted on the surface causing the agent to fluoresce when the primer is applied. The technician can then visually verify coverage of the primer. The fluorescing agent does not affect the bonding properties of the bonding tape or affect the aesthetic appearance of the surface or the material being bonded to the surface. |
| US08038808B2 |
Flat soft magnetic material and process for its production
A flat soft magnetic material to be used for a noise-suppressing magnetic sheet, wherein the 50% particle size D50 (μm), coercive force Hc (A/m) and bulk density BD (Mg/m3) of the flat soft magnetic material satisfy the following formula (1). D50/(HC×BD)≧1.5 (1) |
| US08038806B2 |
Method for producing grain oriented magnetic steel strip
A method, which makes it possible to economically produce high-quality grain oriented magnetic steel sheet, utilizes a steel alloy with (in wt %) Si: 2.5-4.0%, C: 0.01-0.10 %, Mn: 0.02-0.50%, S and Se in contents, whose total amounts to 0.005-0.04%. The method utilizes an operational sequence whose individual routine steps (secondary metallurgical treatment of the molten metal in a vacuum-or ladle facility, continuous casting of the molten metal into a strand, dividing of the strand, heating in a facility standing inline, continuous hot rolling in a multi-stand hot rolling mill standing inline, cooling, coiling, cold rolling, recrystallization and decarburization annealing, application of an annealing separator, final annealing to form a Goss texture) are harmonized with one another, so that a magnetic steel sheet with optimized electromagnetic properties is obtained using conventional apparatus. |
| US08038805B2 |
Multi-piece dishrack for a drawer dishwasher
A dishrack system for a drawer-type dishwasher having a tub including bottom, rear and opposing side walls includes a side portion and a readily removable base portion supported by the side portion. The side portion includes a base section having first and second leg members, and a back wall section. The leg members directly support the side portion upon the bottom wall of the tub, with the back wall section extending along one of the opposing side walls. The base portion includes a first end directly supported by the side portion and a second end which can be supported either directly by the bottom wall of the washing chamber or by another side portion. With this arrangement, the dishrack system occupies a full length and width of the tub, while the base portion can be removed without disturbing dishware items resting on the side portion(s). |
| US08038801B2 |
Method and apparatus for the cleaning of components of a power plant by the injection of a medium and measuring device for measuring the degree of purity of the medium
The invention relates to a method for cleaning plant components of a power station, wherein a medium is continuously passed through one or more plant components for cleaning a closed circuit and a check of the medium for degree of purity is carried out in at least one operating plant component. |
| US08038799B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
A substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method, with which a resist can be removed satisfactorily from the substrate and a processing solution used for removing the resist can be recycled, are provided. The substrate processing apparatus includes: a substrate holding means holding a substrate; a peroxosulfuric acid generating means generating a peroxosulfuric acid using sulfuric acid; a mixing means mixing the peroxosulfuric acid generated by the peroxosulfuric acid generating means and sulfuric acid of higher temperature and higher concentration than the sulfuric acid used in the peroxosulfuric acid generating means; and a discharging means discharging, toward the substrate held by the substrate holding means, the mixed solution of the peroxosulfuric acid and the sulfuric acid mixed by the mixing means as a processing solution for removing a resist from the substrate. |
| US08038798B2 |
Method of and apparatus for cleaning substrate
A substrate cleaning apparatus is capable of individually setting a threshold value for use in making a check of a resistivity during a rinsing process on a recipe setting screen in each process step. Thus, by setting each threshold value depending on the type of liquid chemical to be used immediately before the rinsing process, the substrate cleaning apparatus can use an optimum threshold value during the rinsing process in each process step to make a check of the resistivity. This allows the proper completion of the rinsing process in each process step. |
| US08038796B2 |
Apparatus for spatial and temporal control of temperature on a substrate
An apparatus for control of a temperature of a substrate has a temperature-controlled base, a heater, a metal plate, a layer of dielectric material. The heater is thermally coupled to an underside of the metal plate while being electrically insulated from the metal plate. A first layer of adhesive material bonds the metal plate and the heater to the top surface of the temperature controlled base. This adhesive layer is mechanically flexible, and possesses physical properties designed to balance the thermal energy of the heaters and an external process to provide a desired temperature pattern on the surface of the apparatus. A second layer of adhesive material bonds the layer of dielectric material to a top surface of the metal plate. This second adhesive layer possesses physical properties designed to transfer the desired temperature pattern to the surface of the apparatus. The layer of dielectric material forms an electrostatic clamping mechanism and supports the substrate. |
| US08038794B2 |
Group III-nitride crystal, manufacturing method thereof, group III-nitride crystal substrate and semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a group III-nitride crystal substrate including the steps of introducing an alkali-metal-element-containing substance, a group III-element-containing substance and a nitrogen-element-containing substance into a reactor, forming a melt containing at least the alkali metal element, the group III-element and the nitrogen element in the reactor, and growing group III-nitride crystal from the melt, and characterized by handling the alkali-metal-element-containing substance in a drying container in which moisture concentration is controlled to at most 1.0 ppm at least in the step of introducing the alkali-metal-element-containing substance into the reactor is provided. A group III-nitride crystal substrate attaining a small absorption coefficient and the method of manufacturing the same, as well as a group III-nitride semiconductor device can thus be provided. |
| US08038792B2 |
Methods and apparatus for rapid crystallization of biomolecules
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for promoting rapid formation of biomolecule crystals from a solution of biomolecules, preferably proteins, wherein the protein solution undergoes rapid concentration according to its isoelectric point in an electric field. Protein crystallization according to the methods of the present invention takes place within a period of hours or less. |
| US08038791B2 |
Clinker, system and method for manufacturing the same
A cement product is disclosed. The cement product includes clinker defined by a feedstock material and a ladle metallurgical facility slag material derived from a ladle metallurgical facility steel production system. A system and method for manufacturing clinker is also disclosed. |
| US08038787B2 |
Coating formulation having improved rheological properties
The present invention relates to coating formulations comprising surface-modified silicon dioxides. The coating formulations are useful in applications such as architectural paints for buildings, windows and doors. |
| US08038780B2 |
Ink composition, inkjet recording ink and inkjet recording method
An ink composition includes a colorant represented by the following formula (I); water; a guanidine-based compound; and a colorless water-soluble planar compound having more than ten delocalized π-electrons within one molecule: wherein the symbols in the formula (I) are defined in the specification. |
| US08038779B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing emissions in an integrated gasification combined cycle
A method of assembling a gas removal system for an integrated gasification combined cycle is provided. The method includes coupling a first rich solvent tank in flow communication with the integrated gasification combined cycle to store a first emissions-rich solvent discharged from the integrated gasification combined cycle and coupling a first stripper in flow communication with the first rich solvent tank to facilitate removing gases from the first emissions-rich solvent. The method also includes coupling an absorber in flow communication with the first stripper to receive gases from the first stripper and create a second emissions-rich solvent and coupling a second rich solvent tank in flow communication with the absorber to store the second emissions-rich solvent. |
| US08038778B2 |
Air purification apparatus
An apparatus (10) for purifying polluted air consisting of particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants, the apparatus (10) comprising: a dust level sensor (23) to measure the amount of particle phase pollutants in the polluted air; a dust removal component (14) to remove the particle phase pollutants from the polluted air; a catalyst filtering core (17) to decompose the gaseous phase pollutants by chemical reaction; a valve (22) for selectively controlling a path of air flow within the apparatus (10) and is movable between an open position and closed position, the valve (22) being positioned downstream from the dust removal component (14); wherein if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is above a predetermined value, the valve (22) is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core (17); and if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is less than a predetermined value, the valve (22) is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core (17). |
| US08038777B2 |
Air sterilization device with low aerosol bounce
An air sterilization device with low aerosol bounce includes an air conditioning pipe, a porous filter media, and a UV light generator. This porous filter media, it is secured on the fixing portion. This porous filter media has many irregularly distributed channels. The channel is coated with a coating layer having a thickness between 10 μm to 1000 μm sticking aerosols for avoiding bounce effect. The UV light generator can emit UV light to kill biological aerosols. It is suitable for long-term usage. So, the bounce effect of aerosols can be significantly reduced. The maintenance cost is low. The sterilization effect is excellent. Plus, the flow rate of the air conditioning system remains high. |
| US08038772B2 |
Filter cartridge for recuperating halogenated hydrocarbons
A filter cartridge for recovering halogenated hydrocarbons (HKW), such as those occurring in inhalation anesthetics in the medical field, contains a first gas inlet; a container which contains a filter insert; wherein the container is connected over a connection with a cover and with a gas release; wherein the container is united via two sealing rings and a filter plate with the cover; wherein the filter insert contains a zeolite; wherein the filter insert has openings; wherein the filter insert adapts with the base of the filter insert to recesses in the container. |
| US08038771B2 |
Systems and methods for regulating heating assembly operation through pressure swing adsorption purge control
Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with purge control systems, and hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same. The PSA assemblies are operated according to a PSA cycle to produce a product hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream from a mixed gas stream. The byproduct stream may be delivered as a fuel stream to a heating assembly, which may heat the hydrogen-producing region that produces the mixed gas stream. The PSA assemblies may be adapted to regulate the flow of purge gas utilized therein, such as according to a predetermined, non-constant profile. In some embodiments, the flow of purge gas is regulated to maintain the flow rate and/or fuel value of the byproduct stream at or within a determined range of a threshold value, and/or to regulate the flow of purge gas to limit the concentration of carbon monoxide in a heated exhaust stream produced from the byproduct stream. |
| US08038770B2 |
Separator for degassing fluid
A separator for a hydraulic system is provided, including a substrate and a membrane. The substrate includes a substrate outer surface and a gas side expulsion area. The expulsion area is for expelling gas from the separator. The membrane is in communication with the substrate, and is for permeating gas to the substrate outer surface while substantially blocking ingression of fluid to the substrate. The substrate outer surface is for receiving gas. The substrate is for transporting gas from the substrate outer surface to the expulsion area. |
| US08038769B2 |
Liquid processing apparatus, liquid processing method and storage medium
A liquid processing apparatus, includes an apparatus main body, a power room having an atmosphere separated from the clean room by a partition member, an air suction path configured to suction an air in the clean room and take the air into the power room, a temperature control part provided in the power room and configured to control at least a temperature of the air taken in via the air suction path, an air supplying path configured to supply the air from the temperature control part to the liquid processing unit, a ventilation part configured to take the air from the air suction path and supply the air via the air supplying path, and a cleaning filer configured to clean the air taken in from the air suction path. |
| US08038766B2 |
Direct reduction process using a single fluidised bed
A direct reduction process for a metalliferous material includes supplying the metalliferous material, a solid carbonaceous material, an oxygen-containing gas, and a fluidizing gas into a fluidized bed in a vessel and maintaining the fluidized bed in the vessel, at least partially reducing metalliferous material in the vessel, and discharging a product stream that includes the partially reduced metalliferous material from the vessel. The process comprises (a) reducing the metalliferous material in a solid state in a metal-rich zone in the vessel; (b) injecting the oxygen-containing gas into a carbon-rich zone in the vessel with a downward flow in a range of ±40° to the vertical and generating heat by reactions between oxygen and the metalliferous material (including metallized material), the solid carbonaceous material and other oxidizable solids and gases in the fluidized bed, and (c) transferring heat from the carbon-rich zone to the metal-rich zone by movement of solids within the vessel. The metal-rich zone is formed in a lower section of the vessel and the carbon-rich zone is an intermediate section below an upper section of the vessel. Oxygen-containing gas is injected into a central region of the vessel. |
| US08038762B2 |
Process for production of chain metal powders, chain metal powers produced thereby, and anisotropic conductive film formed by using the powders
A process for production of a chain metal powder, which comprises the steps of reducing metal ions contained in an aqueous solution, while applying a magnetic filed to the solution, in the presence of both a reducing agent capable of generating a gas during the reduction of metal ions and a foamable water soluble compound, through the generation of a gas, a bubble layer on the surface of the aqueous solution to form a chain metal powder, separating the bubble layer formed on the surface of the aqueous solution from the solution, and collecting the chain metal powder contained in the bubble layer. |
| US08038757B2 |
Filtering block with fins for filtering particles contained in an internal combustion engine exhaust gases
A block for filtering particles contained in an internal combustion engine exhaust gases, includes overlapping assemblies of adjacent input channels (14e) and output channels (14s), the input and output channels being alternately arranged so as to form, in cross-section, a checkered pattern, the overall volume of the input channels (14e) being greater than that of the output channels (14s). The filtering block is characterized in that at least one inner space (20e, 20s) of one channel (14e, 14s) includes at least one inner fin (30). |
| US08038754B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering air to vehicle engines
A system for delivering air to vehicle engines generally includes at least one air cleaner configurable to receive either conditioned air or unconditioned air and a conduit assembly coupled to the air cleaner for delivering cleaned air from the air cleaner to the vehicle engine. |
| US08038753B2 |
Systems for removing toxic airborne contaminants in waxing environments
Systems are described for use in removing toxic airborne contaminants from a waxing environment where wax is being applied to sporting equipment. The systems include a base, at least one platform coupled to the base and an airflow generator. The at least one platform is configured to securely receive sporting equipment to be waxed. Each platform includes a first surface that is in contact with the waxing environment, an opposing second surface and at least one opening that extends between the first and second surfaces of each platform. The airflow generator is configured to generate an airflow for pulling harmful airborne contaminants through the at least one opening in each platform in a direction from the first surface to the second surface. |
| US08038750B2 |
Structured abrasive with overlayer, and method of making and using the same
A structured abrasive article comprises a backing with a topographically structured abrasive layer secured thereto. The topographically structured abrasive layer comprises precisely-shaped abrasive composites. A solid overlayer comprising eroding particles with a Mohs scale hardness of at least 4 and a water-soluble polymer is disposed on at least a portion of the topographically structured abrasive layer. Methods of making and using the structured abrasive articles are also disclosed. |
| US08038744B2 |
Reduced-emission gasification and oxidation of hydrocarbon materials for hydrogen and oxygen extraction
A system and process for maximizing the generation of marketable products from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system and process using oxygen gas rather than ambient air. Intermediate gases generated in the system and process are recirculated and recycled to the gasification and oxidation chambers in order to maximize both energy generation and the resulting stoichiometric reaction products. The energy produced through the system and process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology. In addition to the release of heat energy, the hydrocarbon feedstocks are oxidized to the pure product compounds of water and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is subsequently purified and marketed. The water recovered from the system and process is collected and electrolyzed to generate oxygen and hydrogen gases. These gases are separated using conventional gas separation technologies and also marketed. The system and process minimizes environmental emissions. |
| US08038743B1 |
Systems and methods for supercritical water reformation of fuels and generation of hydrogen using supercritical water
A supercritical water reformer (SCWR) and methods for using supercritical water to convert hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel fuel or gasoline, into carbonaceous gases and hydrogen. The synthesis gas stream generated by the fuel reforming reaction can then be further refined to increase hydrogen content, and the resultant hydrogen can be utilized to power fuel cells. |
| US08038740B2 |
Use of proteins as an antifoaming constituent in fuels
The present invention relates to the use of at least one hydrophobin or of a derivative thereof as a defoamer in additive compositions or fuels, to a process for defoaming fuels, to an additive and fuel composition comprising at least one hydrophobin or derivative thereof and at least one further fuel additive, and to a process for preparing at least one fuel composition. |
| US08038731B2 |
Method of dyeing and lightening keratin materials in the presence of a reducing agent comprising a fluorescent disulphide dye
The invention relates to a method of dyeing and lightening keratin materials in the presence of a reducing agent, comprising applying to keratin materials, a dyeing composition comprising a fluorescent disulfide dye and simultaneously applying to the keratin materials at least one reducing agent. |
| US08038730B2 |
Fiber product treating agent
The present invention relates to a fiber product treating agent containing, in a predetermined mass ratio, (a1) a silicone compound and (b) a polymer compound having a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000, containing an alkylene terephthalate unit and/or an alkylene isophthalate unit, and a polyoxyalkylene unit, and further containing (c) at least one compound selected from (c1) a specific tertiary amine compound, or acid salt thereof or a quaternization product thereof, and (c2) a cationic water-soluble polymer compound, and a fiber product treating agent containing, in a predetermined mass ratio, (a2) an amino-modified silicone compound and/or an amide-modified silicone compound and (b) a polymer compound having a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000, containing an alkylene terephthalate unit and/or an alkylene isophthalate unit, and a polyoxyalkylene unit. |
| US08038724B2 |
Decorated hair pieces and method for decorating hair pieces
A textile, such as a hairpiece, includes a plurality of fiber single-ply threads. The plurality of fiber single-ply threads are grouped such that designs may be created on desired portions of the plurality of fiber single-ply threads, such as a decolorized portion. The textile includes a fixed part to hold the fiber single-ply threads. A variety of techniques may be used to create a design on the plurality of fiber single-ply threads with precision. For example, various dispersion dyes on transcription paper could be applied to a surface of the single-ply threads with a heat pressing process. The textile, exhibiting designs on a plurality of fiber single-ply threads, is also configured to be attached or adorned. |
| US08038718B2 |
Multi-composite disc prosthesis
A multi-composite disc prosthesis is adapted to be implanted within the annulus of an evacuated disc nucleus space in a human spine. The disc prosthesis has a generally solid unitary body with a size and a shape adapted to be positioned within the annulus of the evacuated disc nucleus space. The body has an outer portion comprised of a first biomaterial and an inner portion comprised of a second biomaterial. The second biomaterial has a compressive modulus that is harder than a compressive modulus of the first biomaterial and the first and second biomaterials are chemically or physically bonded to form a multi-composite material that forms the solid body. |
| US08038716B2 |
Artificial spinal disc
An artificial disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis of the present invention enables spinal segment alignment by having a variable height across its surface. The variable height is achieved by an asymmetric artificial nucleus or by at least one variable height end plate. |
| US08038714B2 |
Intervertebral spacers with side wall accessible interior cavity
Intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein. |
| US08038713B2 |
Two-component artificial disc replacements
Artificial disc replacements (ADRs) and total disc replacements (TDRs) are based upon two, directly articulating components, resulting in a restricted-motion system that better approximates more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending. One component has a concave articulating surface, and the other with a convex articulating surface. The radius of curvature of the articulating surface is smaller in the anterior to posterior direction of the ADR than radius of curvature of the articulating surface in the left to right direction of the ADR. The use of an articulating surface with two or more radius of curvature also limits axial rotation, thereby protecting the facet joints and the Annulus Fibrosus (AF). The two different radii used to create the articulating surfaces also naturally leads to an oval shape as seen from the top, which better fits the oval shape of the vertebral endplate better than circularly shaped ADRs. Both components are preferably made of a hard material and are highly polished to reduce friction. |
| US08038711B2 |
Accommodating intraocular lens and methods of use
An accommodating intraocular lens, for use in an eye, is made from flexible, optionally elastic, bio-compatible lens body material surrounding a closed and sealed lens cavity which is filled with bio-compatible optical liquid, optionally a gel. The optical liquid has a refractive index sufficiently high to, in cooperation with the ciliary muscle, focus light, incident on the eye, on the retina, and to provide accommodation. The curvature of the front surface of the lens is deformable, by the pressure expressed by the ciliary body during the accommodative effort, thus to change the radius of curvature of the anterior body member and/or the posterior body member, thus providing smooth focusing, including from far distance in the relaxed state to near distance of less than 50 centimeters in the accommodative state. |
| US08038700B2 |
System and method for dynamic skeletal stabilization
There is disclosed a system and method for dynamic stabilization which provides for distraction of the inter-vertebral space while still allowing a patient a substantial range of motion. In one embodiment, an inter-vertebral dynamic brace is used to maintain proper distraction. The dynamic brace is designed to allow the vertebrae to which it is attached to move through their natural arc, maintaining the correct instantaneous center of rotation. An adjustable tensioning device is used to maintain the proper distraction and compression forces to restore and maintain proper kinematics, while allowing the dynamic brace to move through an arc centered with respect to the center of rotation of the portion of the spine between the vertebrae. In one embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting the dynamic brace both with respect to the center of rotation of the vertebrae in both the flexion/extension axis and in the superior/inferior axis. |
| US08038699B2 |
Percutaneous instrument assembly
A percutaneous tower for the orthopedic procedures. The tower can include an outer elongated member, an inner elongated member received within the outer elongated member, a release actuator operable to move the inner elongated member relative to the outer elongated member between first and second positions, and a fastener engagement member coupled to a distal portion of the tower and operable to engage a bone fastener when the inner elongated member is in the first position, and to disengage the bone fastener when the inner elongated member is in the second position. |
| US08038698B2 |
Percutaneous spinal implants and methods
An apparatus includes an elongate member having a proximal portion configured to be deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. The elongate member has a distal portion configured to be deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. A non-expanding central portion is positioned between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The non-expanding central portion is configured to engage adjacent spinous processes. |
| US08038697B2 |
Embolic protection device
A collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device, the filter element comprises a collapsible filter body of polymeric material which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filer element. A proximal inlet portion of the filter body has one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body. A distal outlet portion of the filter body has a plurality of generally circular outlet openings sized to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body. The distal outlet portion of the filter body in the region of the outlet openings has means for reducing shear stress on blood passing through the outlet openings. The shear stress reducing means includes lead-in and lead-out radiussed portions of the filter body leading to the outlet holes. The porosity of the distal portion of the filter body decreases towards the distal end. A blind portion extends for at least 5% of the length of the body. Preferably there are between 200 and 300 outlet opening with an average diameter of approximately 150 microns. |
| US08038693B2 |
Methods for ultrasonic tissue sensing and feedback
An ultrasonic surgical instrument including an ultrasonic transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end is provided. The instrument also includes an ultrasonically-actuated cutting element having a tissue contacting surface and a clamp member supported adjacent to the cutting element for clamping tissue. The clamp member includes a sensing mechanism that senses load variations. A handle member located at the proximal end of the transmission member moves the clamp member relative to the cutting element. Also, a feedback mechanism is operatively coupled to the sensing mechanism that supplies information related to the load variations where the output of the tissue cutting element is adjusted based on the sensed load variations. |
| US08038690B2 |
Vascular graft
A vascular graft for anastomosis of blood vessels or ducts comprises piercing means (3) for engaging an end portion (8/8′) of a blood vessel or prosthesis and means (6, 6′) for precisely guiding one or more piercing elements (3) to pierce the wall of the vessel or prosthesis to a predetermined depth and in a predetermined direction. |
| US08038689B2 |
Intracoelomic suturing and ligating method
A manipulator includes a composite input unit that is manually operable by the fingers, a connector shaft extending from an operating unit, and a working unit mounted on the distal end of the connector shaft. The working unit comprises a rolling mechanism, a tilting mechanism, and an opening and closing mechanism. The composite input unit includes a shuttle ring for actuating the rolling mechanism. The manipulator also includes a gripper for gripping a curved needle. The gripper is placed near a DVC, whereupon the rolling mechanism is actuated to roll the gripper and to pierce a living body with the curved needle, until the point of the curved needle projects outside of the living body. |
| US08038687B2 |
Suture loop closure device
The present invention describes apparatus and methods for tying a filament across subcutaneous punctures. According to some embodiments, the apparatus and methods provide pre-tied knots that are inserted into a bodily lumen. Needles flanking the subcutaneous puncture are inserted into the lumen and grab the pre-tied knots. The pre-tied knots are pulled through tiny holes flanking the subcutaneous puncture by the needles, leaving an internal length of the filament across the subcutaneous puncture. The filament is then externally tied, closing the subcutaneous puncture. |
| US08038685B2 |
Anchoring apparatus and methods for use
An apparatus for securing an implantable lead within tissue of a patient includes a base adapted to be secured to a patient's skull adjacent a craniotomy. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface with a central passage therebetween. The central passage is adapted to receive the implantable lead therethrough. The apparatus also has a cover that is releasably coupled to the base so as to substantially cover the central passage and capture the implantable lead therebetween. A first rotating member is also coupled with the base and the first member is rotationally movable so as to meet and engage the implantable lead at a plurality of positions within the central passage. |
| US08038674B2 |
Percutaneous or surgical radiofrequency intravascular thrombectomy catheter system and method
The present disclosure relates to intravascular thrombectomy systems and methods for ablating a partial or complete blockage in a blood vessel. The system includes a catheter sleeve defining a lumen extending therethrough; a pair of electrodes disposed at a distal end portion of the catheter sleeve, wherein the pair of electrodes are disposed on opposed sides of the lumen of the catheter sleeve; and a guidewire slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter sleeve, the guidewire including a capture element supported proximate a distal end thereof, wherein the guidewire is slidable with respect to the catheter sleeve to expose the capture element from the distal end portion of the catheter sleeve; wherein the capture element includes a first condition retracted onto the guidewire and a second condition at least substantially spans the entire lumen of the vessel. |
| US08038669B2 |
Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device further include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions. |
| US08038663B2 |
Bubble free-self primed IV set
A bubble free, self-priming IV set for use in the administration of liquids that includes a drip chamber comprising a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, a bubble isolation device disposed within the drip chamber that prevents air bubbles from exiting the chamber outlet, a tube having an inlet end coupled to the chamber outlet of the drip chamber and an outlet end, and an end plug that includes an air vent. The end plug may be coupled to the outlet end of the tube and is a flow restrictor so that when a liquid is moving through the tube, the velocity of the liquid flow is controlled such that the front of the liquid does not trap bubbles in the tube. |
| US08038662B2 |
Incontinence article in the form of pants
An incontinence article comprising front and back belly sections connected at side seams forming belly and back bands, continuous in the hip direction having a hip opening closed in the hip direction, and a crotch section comprising an absorbent body, extending longitudinally between and permanently attached to the bolly and back sections, wherein the crotch, belly, and back sections define leg openings, the belly and back sections have an edge contour extending towards a transverse center axis, wherein first elastification means in the belly and back sections extend parallel to each other in the hip direction and wherein, in the belly and back sections, second elastification means extend from two side seam areas towards a longitudinal center axis of the article in a curved shape, thereby fanning out with increasing separation from each other, where the second elastification means fan out, the restoring force from extensive stretching of this area is smaller than that from extensive stretching of an area on the hip side, having only the first elastification means. |
| US08038658B2 |
Synthetic resin needles and synthetic resin composition for needles
A medical needle is made of a synthetic resin which is reinforced, including the point part of the needle, to reduce deformation during puncture, even when the needle is produced by injection molding. The needle is made of a synthetic resin composition which includes synthetic resin and reinforcing fiber having a length of 80 μm or below and reinforcing fiber having a length exceeding 80 μm. The number ratio of the former fiber to the whole fiber component is 40% to 90%. A synthetic resin composition for needles includes a synthetic resin and a reinforcing fiber component, wherein the composition is prepared by adding at least two kinds of fibers, namely a fiber having a mean length of 1 mm to 10 mm and a fiber having a mean length of 10 μm to 100 μm to the synthetic resin and kneading the obtained mixture. |
| US08038657B2 |
Systems and methods for providing an IV administration set incorporating drip monitoring circuitry
A circuitry for counting drips and monitoring a rate of infusion is incorporated into an IV administration set. The circuitry includes a pair of leads that are positioned in the pathway of fluid droplets, such that each droplet simultaneously contacts both leads. As such, the leads act as a virtual switch that is closed by the presence of a droplet. This event is then displayed on a drip signaling device to aid a user in adjusting the infusion rate of the IV administration set. |
| US08038656B2 |
Detachable plunger rod syringe
A plunger rod assembly for use with a syringe barrel is provided and includes a plunger rod slidably disposable within the syringe barrel, wherein the plunger rod includes a hub extending distally from a distal end thereof and at least two tabs extending outwardly therefrom. The syringe further includes a plug configured for slidable disposition in the syringe barrel and configured for selective connection to the plunger rod via a bayonet-type engagement. The plug includes a base wall having at least two resilient fingers supported on a first side thereof, wherein each resilient finger is configured to snap-fit engage a respective tab of the plunger rod during connection of the plug to the plunger rod; and a plunger tip supported on a second side of the base wall, opposite the first side, and being configured to form a substantially fluid tight seal with an inner surface of the syringe barrel. |
| US08038653B2 |
Anchor systems and methods
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) and secures the instrument in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the anchor device may allow the anchor device to be used after medical instrument is already in place without the need for a second penetration point for the anchor device. |
| US08038651B2 |
Device with pressure-actuated pistons for dispensing a multiple syringe or multiple cartridge
The suggested device comprises a dispensing piston that is actuatable by a pressure medium for dispensing a syringe and a guide portion within which the dispensing piston is displaceably supported. The device is designed for dispensing a double syringe and includes a handling portion for receiving the pressure medium, the dispensing piston, and the guide portion, as well as locking means that are releasable by applying manual pressure to the handling portion and are arranged on the handling portion and operatively connected to locking means provided on the dispensing piston. This allows a very simple repeated use of this arrangement for self-dispensing by patients, and remote wounds, e.g. an arm or foot wound, can also be treated by the patient independently. |
| US08038647B2 |
Needle safety deflection device
An apparatus to automatically secure an end of a needle after contact with a blood vessel. The apparatus may include a housing and a biasing member, where the housing includes a hollow interior region extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A proximal opening may be integrated into the proximal end, while a distal opening may be integrated into the distal end. The proximal and distal openings may be configured to receive a needle therethrough along a longitudinal axis. The biasing member may be coupled to the housing and configured to apply a force to the needle. The force may be oriented to displace the needle relative to the longitudinal axis upon retracting an end of the needle through the distal opening into the hollow interior region. Embodiments of the present invention may thus secure the end of the needle within the hollow interior region after use to prevent accidental needle sticks and exposure to blood and blood-borne pathogens. |
| US08038645B2 |
Device for the time-controlled intravenous administering of the anesthetic propofol
The invention relates to a device for the time-controlled intravenous administering of the anesthetic propofol by means of a method used for determining an adequate dosage profile and adequately controlling an infusion pump as a metering apparatus. |
| US08038642B2 |
System for delivering anesthesia drugs to a patient
The invention relates to a system for delivering anesthesia drugs to a patient. The system comprises means for feeding anesthesia drugs to the patient treated, a measuring device for measuring at least one parameter relating to the effects of the anesthetic drugs fed to the patient, a patient monitor to show the results measured by the measuring devices, and feeding means for feeding patient demographics to the system. The system further comprises means for visual planning of the anesthesia drug delivery before the drugs are actually fed. The system can also comprise means for anesthesia management for drug interaction during the treatment. |
| US08038634B2 |
Sternotomy splinting assembly, kit and method for use
Herein disclosed is a simple, passive splinting system for sternotomy patients designed to provide a continuous yet readily adjustable, compressive tangential stabilizing force to the ribcage so as to promote healing of a median sternotomy incision while minimizing patient pain. |
| US08038631B1 |
Laparoscopic HIFU probe
A high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of tissue using minimally invasive medical procedures is provided. |
| US08038625B2 |
System and method for three-dimensional mapping of electrophysiology information
An electrophysiology apparatus is used to measure electrical activity occurring in a heart of a patient and to visualize the electrical activity and/or information related to the electrical activity. A three-dimensional map of the electrical activity and/or the information related to the electrical activity is created. Exemplary maps include a time difference between action potentials at a roving electrode and a reference electrode, the peak-to-peak timing of action potentials at the roving electrode, the peak negative voltage of action potentials at the roving electrode, complex fractionated electrogram information, a dominant frequency of an electrogram signal, a maximum peak amplitude at the dominant frequency, a ratio of energy in one band of the frequency-domain to the energy in a second band of the frequency-domain, a low-frequency or high-frequency passband of interest, a frequency with the maximum energy in a passband, a number of peaks within a passband, an energy, power, and/or area in each peak, a ratio of energy and/or area in each peak to that in another passband, and a width of each peak in a spectrum. Colors, shades of colors, and/or grayscales are assigned to values of the parameters and colors corresponding to the parameters for the electrograms sampled by the electrodes are updated on the three-dimensional model. |
| US08038623B2 |
Calibration of in vivo blood pressure sensors
A method for performing an in-vivo calibration of a blood pressure sensor that is associated with an in-vivo balloon system. The method involves monitoring a patient's blood pressure by observing the system gas pressure while at the same time monitoring the patient's blood pressure through the sensor. The blood pressure measurements obtained by monitoring the system gas pressure are used as reference, or “true,” blood pressure measurements, and an “offset” is determined between the reference blood pressure measurements and the blood pressure measurements obtained through the sensor. The offset can be stored in a memory, which may also store sensor sensitivity data. The offset and/or sensitivity data may be used to adjust future measurements obtained from the sensor, thereby generating calibrated sensor measurements. |
| US08038620B2 |
Fresnel zone imaging system and method
A method for Fresnel zone imaging is provided. The method comprises identifying a plurality of constructive regions and a plurality of destructive regions in an energy transmitting device and converting the destructive regions to the constructive regions by using an apodization profile. The apodization profile comprises apodization values for each constructive region and destructive region and the apodization values comprise real numbers. |
| US08038617B2 |
Mobile defibrillator
The invention relates to a mobile defibrillator which has a housing. In order to improve the diagnostic reliability, particularly in the case of irregular heart rhythms and myocardial infarctions, provision is additionally made for an imaging ultrasound device to be provided in or on the housing. |
| US08038616B2 |
Acoustic imaging by nonlinear low frequency manipulation of high frequency scattering and propagation properties
Methods of acoustic imaging provide images with reduced reverberation noise and images of nonlinear scattering and propagation parameters of the object, and estimation methods of corrections for wave front aberrations produced by spatial variations in the acoustic propagation velocity. The methods are based on processing of the received signal from transmitted dual frequency band acoustic pulse complexes with overlapping high and low frequency pulses. The high frequency pulse is used for the image reconstruction and the low frequency pulse is used to manipulate the nonlinear scattering and/or propagation properties of the high frequency pulse. Through filtering in the pulse number coordinate and corrections for nonlinear propagation delays and optionally also amplitudes, a linear back scattering signal with suppressed pulse reverberation noise, a nonlinear back scattering signal, and quantitative nonlinear forward propagation and scattering parameters are extracted. |
| US08038608B2 |
Body-cavity image observation apparatus
An object of the present invention is to enable clearly identifying whether a body-cavity image displayed on a display unit is based on data which is directly received by a viewer itself, or whether the body-cavity image displayed on the display unit is based on data received by another receiving device. An identification notifying unit presents different identification modes such as a capsule mark and a cable mark 41 which are sensory recognizable between the case where a body-cavity image based on body-cavity image data which a first receiving unit has received directly from a capsule endoscope is displayed, and the case where a body-cavity image 40 based on body-cavity image data which a second receiving unit has received via another receiving device is displayed. Thus, it is possible to clearly identify which receiver has received the body-cavity image data based on which the body-cavity image is displayed. |
| US08038607B2 |
Body insertable apparatus with a plurality of imaging blocks
A body insertable apparatus includes a capsule casing configured to be disposed within a cavity and a plurality of imaging blocks provided in the capsule casing. Each imaging block includes an illuminating unit configured to illuminate an interior of the cavity and an imaging device configured to pick up images of the interior of the cavity in a substantially backward-looking or substantially forward-looking movement direction of the capsule casing, wherein arrangement directions of the plurality of imaging devices are associated with one another. The capsule casing includes a cylindrical body casing in which the respective imaging blocks are disposed, and transparent end cover casings, provided watertight with the cylindrical body casing, that cover up the respective imaging blocks, and derive illumination lights from the illuminating units. The body-insertable apparatus further includes an elastic member that urges each of the imaging blocks against the respective transparent end cover casing. |
| US08038604B2 |
Endoscope distal end cover, endoscope including the same, and method for removing endoscope distal end cover
An endoscope distal end cover includes a cover portion provided with a coupling port for covering at least a part of an outer circumferential portion of a distal end portion main body configuring an insertion portion of an endoscope; an opening portion for allowing a surface of the distal end portion main body to be in communication with outside when the cover portion is disposed on the distal end portion main body; a finger-hooking portion provided on the cover portion and located away from an edge portion of the coupling port by a predetermined distance; a plastic-deformation portion formed adjacent to the finger-hooking portion and along a predetermined direction of the cover portion; and convex portion engaged with an engaging portion provided to the distal end portion main body, the convex portion being provided on an inner surface of the cover portion adjacent to the plastic-deformation portion. |
| US08038603B2 |
Endoscope hood
An endoscope hood has a protrusion portion which protrudes in an observation visual field direction of an endoscope at an end of a cylindrical press fitting fixing portion attached by press fitting in a state that an attachment position in a circumferential direction is positioned at a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion portion in an appropriate direction. Further, there is provided attachment state confirming device which increases an area of the protrusion portion displayed in an endoscope observation image when the press fitting fixing portion is attached to a distal end portion of a second endoscope insertion portion having a size different from that of a first endoscope insertion portion to which the press fitting fixing portion can be appropriately attached, and gives a warning about an inappropriate attachment state. |
| US08038599B2 |
Wireless in-vivo information acquiring apparatus, wireless in-vivo information acquiring system, and communication apparatus
A communication apparatus (3) arranged outside a subject (1) has an external device (32) which sequentially transmits control signals. A capsule endoscope (2) is introduced inside the subject (1). Thereafter, a system control circuit controls a driving of an intra-capsule function executing circuit so as to start driving at a previously set given time, by supplying driving power to the intra-capsule function executing circuit to control the driving thereof based on a result of detection by a control-signal detecting circuit which is provided in the capsule endoscope (2) and which detects a discontinuous state of input of the control signals. Thus, a collection and transmission of images inside the subject can be performed accurately.In addition, a transmitting unit generates and transmits a communication confirmation signal to the communication apparatus. In response, a receiving unit receives a communication permission signal from the communication apparatus. A communication controller determines whether to transmit in-vivo information or not based on the state of reception of the communication permission signal. |
| US08038595B2 |
Devices and methods for tissue transplant and regeneration
Devices and methods for transplanting tissue for the purpose of regeneration, for treating a patient having injured myocardial tissue, and/or for improving cardiac function through cell regrowth. More specifically, the devices and methods obviate the need for cellular alteration. The devices comprise a hollow tube with a sharp distal end, a stylet that is disposed and movable within the hollow tube, and a stopping device that constrains movement of the stylet. The methods comprise removing intact tissue from a first region of a mammalian organ and implanting the tissue in a second region of the same organ. |
| US08038592B2 |
Centrifuge having face seal
A centrifuge includes a rotor, a rotation shaft which has a through-hole communicated with an interior of the rotor, a face seal which slidingly contacts an end of the rotation shaft and has a path communicated with the through-hole of the rotation shaft, a wall member which accommodates the face seal, a sample transfer unit which transfers a sample through the rotor, and a coolant circulation unit which circulates a coolant to the wall member. The sample transfer unit transfers the sample by pressure so that a pressure of the sample flowing through a portion where the rotation shaft and the face seal slidingly contact with each other is higher than a pressure of the coolant flowing through the wall member. |
| US08038590B2 |
Conductive member, process cartridge having the same, and image forming apparatus having the process cartridge
A conductive member (10) includes a conductive supporting body (1), an electric resistance adjusting layer (2), which is formed onto the conductive supporting body (1) and is disposed to face a photoconductor (4), and a pair of space holding members (3, 3) disposed in both ends of the electric resistance adjusting layer (2), so as to have contact with the photoconductor (4) to maintain a predetermined gap (G) between the electric resistance adjusting layer (2) and the photoconductor, and each of the space holding members (3, 3) includes a cylinder portion (3a) attached to the outer circumference surface (2a) of the electric resistance adjusting layer and an end plate (3b) provided in one end portion of the cylinder portion and disposed to have contact with the end surface (2b) of the electric resistance adjusting layer. |
| US08038589B2 |
System and method for a modular obstacle course with variable difficulty
A system and method are provide for an obstacle course including first and second lanes associated with first and second difficulty ratings, respectively. The first lane includes a first plurality of obstacles associated with the first difficulty rating and the second lane includes a second plurality of obstacles associated with the second difficulty rating. The first difficulty rating indicates greater difficulty than the second difficulty rating. |
| US08038588B2 |
Combined shoulder shrug and neck exercise machine
A combined shoulder shrug and neck exercise machine includes a shrug exercise system having a first shrug arm assembly and a second shrug arm assembly and a neck exercise system operable to receive a ratio of a first weight load on the first shrug arm assembly. |
| US08038586B2 |
Portable exercise apparatus
A portable exercise apparatus comprising a member, for placing on the user's back, a shoulder strap, extending out of the member, for passing around the user's shoulder, a torso strap, extending out of the member, for passing around the user's torso, wherein the torso strap has a first strap portion and a second strap portion, a resistance band, a latching member, having a first latch portion and a second latch portion, wherein the latch portions are interlockable and the first latch portion is provided on the first strap portion and the second latch portion is provided on the second strap portion, and a locking member, for securing the latch portions in an interlocked position. |
| US08038585B1 |
Flexible elongated handheld exercise bars
A handheld flexible exercise device intended for human use in which an exercise device is held in each hand with each exercise device bending in response to the movement of an individual's hands and arms when performing an exercise such as walking or an aerobic exercise such as step aerobics. In addition, the flexible exercise device contains metal particles in the core of the device which will move back and forth freely inside the exercise device adding to the exercise benefits by increasing the weight and increasing resistance through the dynamic movement of the metal particles plus creating a noise that can allow an individual to achieve more benefit from an exercise such as walking to enhancing better coordination in the movement of one's hands and arms with the simultaneous movement of one's legs as in walking by trying to achieve a consistent noise level during the exercise. |
| US08038584B1 |
Method and apparatus for practicing yoga in and around trees
A method and a strong, light weight, portable apparatus useful for assisting a person to safely practice Yoga using a real tree. The apparatus comprises a plurality of strong, flexible, inelastic, continuous loop slings, predominately of Mountain Climbing Specification Nylon tube webbing, connected to one another in an interlocking fashion. This Yoga multi-sling is dimensioned for attachment in a secure manner to most any tree or strong branch; and is designed to comfortably support the user's body or limbs in such a manner as to alter the orientation of one's body with respect to gravity. This method and apparatus empower the user to employ gravity as the exercising or stretching force through the positioning of the user's own body or limbs to create first, second, and third class levers in order to multiply and focus these forces on targeted muscles or muscle groups, and enhance the flow of one's Yoga practice. The Yoga multi-sling enables a person to use a real tree as a strong stretching partner to practice unique, supported, Yoga postures, or asanas, in order to increase one's balance, strength, and flexibility in an outdoor, natural setting. An advantage of connecting to a living tree while practicing Yoga is the medicinal and therapeutic enhancement of the five senses to produce an overwhelming sensation of peace to one's mind, body, and soul. The inexpensive multi-sling, which fits in a drawstring backpack tote, is adaptable to various body types, reconfigurable, comfortable, and tree friendly. |
| US08038583B2 |
Shoe accessory
The shoe accessory includes a platform for supporting a conventional shoe that is bendable in a manner corresponding to bending of a wearer's show during walking, etc. The shoe accessory's base has a convex or other non-planar surface that causes the shoe accessory to be stable in a longitudinal (heel-toe) direction, and unstable in a lateral (medial/lateral) direction. The non-planar surface may be defined by one or more ridge segments on the platform's bottom side. One or more straps are provided to temporarily secure the wearer's conventional shoe to the platform in a non-destructive manner. A generally U-shaped heel retainer may be provided adjacent a rear portion of the platform for receiving the heel of the shoe. The shoe accessory makes a flat-soled shoe laterally unstable while allowing for longitudinal stability and a naturalistic gait, and thus facilitates exercise of leg and foot muscles during normal walking, running, etc. |
| US08038581B1 |
Climbing wall assembly
A climbing wall assembly for educational and recreational purposes. The climbing wall assembly has a plurality of adjacently positioned wall panels, each having an exterior paint/aggregate textured surface adapted for educational purposes. A plurality of wall apertures are provided for mounting hand hold structures so that a plurality of climbing paths may be provided. Markable paint/aggregate climbing wall surfaces are also provided. Removable magnetic and metallic educational elements may also be utilized by the climbers. A paint/aggregate layer having metallic or magnetic particles mixed therein may be utilized to provide the magnetic climbing wall surface and to provide magnetic qualities to climbing wall components. |
| US08038580B2 |
Trampoline and hook element for trampoline
A trampoline includes a frame and a jumping bed which preferably has hook elements on its underside. The jumping bed is connected to the frame via a plurality of annular strap sections, which each extend at least partially around the frame and are inserted into the hook elements. The hook elements have a first receiving section and a second receiving section. These are arranged separated from one another in such a way that the two loop ends of the strap section, which are produced by the looping of the strap section around the frame and are inserted into the hook element, do not, or substantially do not, come in contact with one another. This structure considerably extends the life in comparison with conventional trampolines. |
| US08038576B2 |
Exercise intra-repetition assessment system
An intra-repetition exercise system which allows comparison of actual performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (2) to pre-established target performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (3) by an exerciser (1). |
| US08038574B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling automatic transmission
A shift control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes a pre-shift device that operates a predetermined synchromesh, based on a prediction by a predicting device. It thereby couples together a transmission input shaft (with a friction transfer mechanism that has not been used to effect a current gear position) and a transmission output shaft, through a predetermined gear train, and brings them into a standby state. The time when it is determined that the friction transfer mechanism that has not been used to effect of the current gear position has been disengaged is taken as the timing with which the synchromesh coupling operation by the standby control is started, regardless of the completion of the achievement of the current gear position. |
| US08038573B2 |
Power development for rapid start in full-hybrid drives with optimized traction control
A launch control system for a hybrid vehicle is described. The system includes overcharging an electrical energy storage unit of the hybrid vehicle, operating an internal combustion engine at an increased power level, and operating an electric motor at an increased power level with the overcharged electrical energy storage unit. The transmission during the launch is configured to connect the electric motor and the internal combustion engine to a drivetrain of the hybrid vehicle, and to selectively slip friction clutches to store energy and release it for the launch. |
| US08038560B2 |
Power transmission chain and power transmission device
A power transmission chain (1) has links (11), pins (14), and interpieces (15). The links (14) each have a front and a back insertion parts (12, 13) through which the pins are inserted. The pins (14) and the interpieces (15) connect links (11) that are arranged side by side in the lateral direction of the chain such that the front insertion part (12) of one of the links (11) and the rear insertion part (13) of the other link (11) correspond to each other, and the connection is made such that that the links (11) are bendable in the longitudinal direction. The locus of a contact position of a pin (14) and an interpiece (15) is an involute of a circle. Two or more kinds of sets of a pin (14) and an interpiece (15) having different radii of base circles of involutes are formed, and these sets of a pin (14) and an interpiece (15) are randomly arranged. |
| US08038558B2 |
Chain drive or return arrangement and chain assembly and sprocket employed therein
Chain return arrangement and sprocket and chain assembly employed therein with the bow flanks of the horizontal chain links (1) of the chain assembly (10) exhibiting a concave trough at least below an equatorial line (7) and the chain link pockets (52) of the sprocket (50) that receive the horizontal chain links at their tooth flanks (53) in the contact areas (55) to the chain links (1) having a convex crown shape to match the troughed bow flank. This significantly reduces the surface pressures between the two parts. |
| US08038557B2 |
Power unit and saddle-ride type vehicle provided with the power unit
A power unit, provided in a saddle-ride type vehicle, makes a vertical dimension of an engine body compact and achieves reduction in loss horsepower. A cylinder body is formed so that a virtual plane including a cylinder axis and being in parallel to a crank axis passes through a position displaced downward from the crank axis, At least a part of an ECVT motor (electric motor for driving) and a reciprocation gear (drive member) is arranged on a side of a virtual plane, which includes a crankcase side end of the cylinder body and is perpendicular to the cylinder axis, toward the cylinder body and above a lower surface of the cylinder body. |
| US08038555B2 |
One-way clutched damper for automatic belt tensioner
A new asymmetrically damped tensioner is provided utilizing a bearing-ramp clutch. During normal operation, the bearing-ramp clutch enables the tensioner arm to pivot in a first direction to take up belt slack with negligible frictional damping applied to the motion of the tensioner arm. When the tensioner arm pivots in a second direction, away from the belt, however, in a condition commonly known as wind-up, the bearing-ramp clutch locks against a fixed internal surface and creates a frictional damping force that is applied to the tensioner arm. This frictional linkage provides asymmetric frictional damping to the tensioner to limit movement in the second direction to mitigate wind-up. |
| US08038554B2 |
Isolation damper pulley and method of producing the same
An isolation damper pulley comprises a damper section 1 and an isolation pulley section 2 assembled thereto, wherein a first fitting portion 18 constituted from a cylindrical portion concentric with a center axis O of a through hole 13 is provided to a hub 10 of the damper unit 1. The isolation pulley section 2 has a supporting member 22 fixed to a pulley portion 21 via an annular elastic member 23, wherein a second fitting portion 27 concentric with the first fitting portion 18 is provided to the supporting member 22. A third fitting portion 32 concentric with the first fitting portion 18 is provided to a pressing member 31 applying a precompression to the annular elastic member 23 in cooperation with the supporting member 22. The second fitting portion 27 and the third fitting portion 32 are fitted to each other and these fitting portions are fitted to the first fitting portion 18, so that the isolation pulley section 2 is assembled to the damper section 1. |
| US08038550B2 |
Method of constructing a basketball backboard
A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap. |
| US08038549B2 |
Basketball shooting training aid and method for its use
The present invention provides a shooting aid apparatus for basketball players including a device worn by a basketball player to aid the player's shooting forearm to be kept parallel to the vertical centerline of the body during the shooting motion without any apparatus restraints. The centerline of the body is an imaginary line dividing the player vertically down the middle of his or her body. The shooting aid comprises a sleeve adapted to fit around the forearm or wrist of the shooting arm of the basketball player. The sleeve carries a light that brightly illuminates in response to the forearm of the shooter being in a vertical position. |
| US08038546B2 |
Wood-type golf club head
A hollow wood-type golf club head 1 capable of controlling the spring effect without excessively increasing the weight of a face portion, the club head 1 comprising a face portion 3 having a face 2 for hitting a golf ball, a sole portion 5 constituting the bottom of the club head, and a junction 8 interconnecting the face portion and the sole portion and including at least one thick wall portion 9 having a thickness t2 larger than a thickness t1 at a lower edge of the face portion 3 and having a length L of 20 mm or more wherein the length L is a total of lengths in a toe-heel direction of said at least one thick wall portion 9. |
| US08038544B2 |
Composite metal wood club
A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, comprising of a body portion and a crown portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high-density material in the body portion, with a low-density material in the crown portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. The material for the crown portion is preferably a composite. A vibration dampening gasket is disposed between the ledge and lip sections of the body and crown respectively. |
| US08038540B2 |
Tuned mass damper for rotating shafts
The apparatus relates to a vibration absorber for mounting onto the outer circumference of a rotating shaft or axis having an inner part (3) of substantially resilient material for abutting against the outer circumference of the shaft or axis, and an outer part (2, 2′), which comprises at least two segments (2, 2a, 2b), that grips around the inner part and abuts it vibratingly, and serves as an inertial mass member. The segments (2, 2a, 2b) are configured at their two ends in the circumferential direction with connecting members (5a, 5b, 5a′, 5b′, 6a, 6b, 6a′, 6b′) formed integrally therewith for establishing a mutual latching connection. |
| US08038538B2 |
Electronic device for enhancing an interactive experience with a tangible medium of expression
An electronic device for enhancing an interactive experience with a tangible medium of expression is disclosed. The device is operable with a any of a plurality of preprogrammed, removable memory modules, at least one memory module having content relating to the tangible medium. The electronic device has a processor coupled to each of a user input device, a user output device, and a memory address space comprising a preprogrammed, non-removable electronic memory. A memory interface is configured to increase the memory address space accessible to the processor when any combination of the memory modules is coupled to the interface. The processor is configured to cause the output device to produce an output signal relating to the tangible medium based on the content of the memory address space when any combination of the plurality of removable memory modules including the at least one memory module is coupled to the interface. |
| US08038537B2 |
Systems and methods for evaluating a gaming outcome using a game rules script
Systems and methods utilize a game rules script that defines a set of winning outcomes. The games rules script may be parsed into a game rules data structure that may be utilized by a gaming application. The gaming system generates a game outcome, and uses the game rules data structure defined by the game rules script to determine if the game outcome matches at least one winning outcome in the set of winning outcomes defined in the script. |
| US08038533B2 |
Game system using parent game machine and child game machine
A game system includes a parent game device and a plurality of child game devices connected thereto. The parent game device displays a common screen on a CRT, and each of the plurality of child game devices displays an individual screen on an LCD provided for each child device. The parent game device detects a degree of progress of a game of each child game device, selects for each child game device predetermined display information data out of a plurality of display information data on the basis of the detected degree of progress of the game, and creates different parent game device data for each child device on the basis of the display information data. Each child game device generates image data for displaying the individual screen on the LCD on the basis of the parent game device data received from the parent game device. |
| US08038532B2 |
Performing a competition between teams by means of modular units
This invention relates to a method of performing a competition between teams by means of at least two sets of modular units (20A, 20B; 21A, 21B; 22A, 22B). The invention further relates to a modular unit for performing a competition between teams. Said method comprises the steps of connecting a first set of modular units (20A, 21A, 22A) to a second set of modular units (20B, 21B, 22B), wherein each set comprises at least one modular unit (10); determining which first modular unit in the first set is connected to which second modular unit or units in the first set; determining which third modular unit in the second set is connected to which fourth modular unit or units in the second set; determining a set of information items for at least one modular unit, wherein each information item individually relates to a specific modular unit in said sets (20A, 20B; 21A, 21B; 22A, 22B); and wherein said set of information items represents competition-related information, and wherein said set of information items depends on the way in which said modular units are located relative to one another, a property for each modular unit and of which first competition performed; distributing the set of information items to the corresponding modular units; and presenting said set of information items on the modular units. A modular unit, when used in conjunction with more modular units, can thus provide a freely selectable field of any form or shape for performing a competition, such as sports or games. |
| US08038530B2 |
Method and apparatus for filtering wagering game content
Methods and apparatus for filtering wagering game content are described herein. In one embodiment, the wagering game system includes a wagering game content filter to receive wagering game content over a communications network and to authenticate the wagering game content. The wagering game system can also include a memory unit to receive the wagering game content after the wagering game content filter has authenticated the wagering game content. The wagering game system can also include a processor to fetch the wagering game content from the memory unit and to conduct a wagering game based on the wagering game content. |
| US08038526B2 |
Gaming machine
When a predetermined amount of credits have been inserted into a slot machine, the game mode is switched from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode according to the player's input operation via a touch panel. In the insurance mode, determination is made whether or not the amount of bet credits matches the maximum bet amount. When determination has been made that the amount of bet credits matches the maximum bet amount, the number of games is counted after switching of the game mode to the insurance mode. When the counted number of games reaches a predetermined number, a predetermined amount of credits is paid out. Furthermore, in this case, only in a case where determination has been made that the amount of credits bet on the game matches the maximum bet amount, the difference between the counted number of games and the predetermined number is displayed. |
| US08038523B2 |
Methods and systems for determining and selling wagering game outcomes to be viewed remotely
In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith. |
| US08038521B2 |
Card shuffling apparatus with automatic card size calibration during shuffling
A device for automatically calibrating for card size during card handling is disclosed. The device includes a card receiving area, a card stacking area and a card moving system for moving cards from the card receiving area to the card stacking area. An elevator located in the card stacking area has a movable platform for moving a stack of cards, and has a collection surface on the platform. A motor moves the platform within the elevator. At least one sensor senses at least one of a) position of the platform, b) height of the platform, c) position of a card in the elevator, d) height of a card or cards in the elevator, e) pressure applied to a card in the elevator, e) presence of the platform at a predetermined height, f) presence of the platform at a predetermined position, g) presence of card(s) on the platform, and h) absence of card(s) on the platform. A method for calibrating a card handling device during shuffling is also disclosed. The method is practiced by providing a device having a card receiving area and a card stacking area comprising an elevator with a card support platform and grippers. The method includes feeding at least two initial cards into a card stacking area, automatically identifying a target elevator height that corresponds to a height at which at least a single card on the card support platform is gripped and one card remains on the platform, and randomly feeding remaining cards into the card stacking area. |
| US08038520B2 |
Methods and systems for determining and selling wagering game outcomes to be viewed remotely
In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith. |
| US08038519B1 |
Raffle game system and method
An automated raffle game and method making use of prize pools, the prize pools having elements, the elements representing one of: winning prizes; or, both winning prizes and no-win (0 value) prizes. Raffle tickets are associated with a prize pool. Upon closure of the game, either by a time-out or by number of tickets sold, a number of elements are taken from the pool. The number of elements taken from the pool is directly related to the number of tickets associated with the pool and further depends on which type of pool is being used (one having only win-elements or both win and 0-value elements). The results are sent to the player terminal, where a player may simply take a winning voucher or ticket, or, may chose to view an entertainment display. |
| US08038514B2 |
Milling tool
A milling tool includes a cylindrical base and a plurality of abrasive grain clusters. The cylindrical base is centrally formed with a through-hole, and has an annular surface extending around the through-hole, a peripheral surface extending perpendicularly to the annular surface, and an inclined or rounded surface connecting the annular and peripheral surfaces. The annular surface is formed with a circular recess groove coaxially with the through-hole for separating the annular surface into first and second planar areas that respectively are closer to and farther from the peripheral surface. The second planar area is higher than the first planar area. Abrasive grains are brazed on the annular surface. The abrasive grain clusters are brazed on the inclined surface at predetermined intervals, each cluster including a predetermined number of abrasive grains having substantially the same diameter, each cluster being positioned substantially on a circumference almost equidistant from one another. |
| US08038512B2 |
Glass substrate for information recording medium and method for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium having a high level of cleanness and superior smoothness. The manufacturing method includes washing a disk-shaped glass plate with an acid washing liquid, removing at least part of a surface layer, which is formed on the surface of the glass plate, by performing grinding with diamond abrasion grains, and washing the surface with a neutral or alkaline washing liquid. |
| US08038508B2 |
Apparatus for polishing a wafer and method for detecting a polishing end point by the same
A wafer polishing apparatus includes a polishing tape extending between two guide rollers, a first surface of the polishing tape contacting a surface of a wafer to be polished, a polishing head including a pusher pad, the pusher pad adapted to push the polishing tape against the surface of the wafer to be polished, a color image sensor adjacent to the polishing tape, the color image sensor being adapted to detect a color image of the polishing tape and to output a signal corresponding to the detected color image, and a controller connected to the color image sensor, the controller being adapted to receive the signal output from the color image sensor and to determine when a color of the color image detected by the color image sensor changes, a change in the color image indicating a polishing end point. |
| US08038505B2 |
Brassiere cup and pad structure
A brassiere cup and pad structure is revealed. The brassiere cup and pad structure consists of two outer linings made from polypropylene and an inner padding made from the same material-polypropylene. By the polypropylene with low melting point, the dye degradation on the outer lining caused by high temperature during foaming processes can be avoided. Thus the amount of defective products in which the outer lining have spots resulted from degraded dyes is reduced. Moreover, the shortcoming of general inner padding made from foam that is easy to turn yellow over time is improved effectively. |
| US08038502B2 |
Toy figures, play set, and play set accessories
The disclosure relates to toy figures, corresponding play sets and play set accessories. In particular, the toy figures have a body portion comprising at least two articulated appendages and a magnetic base portion disposed at the bottom of the body portion, wherein the magnetic base portion has a distinct shape permitting the magnetic base portion to be detachably coupled with a recess of compatible shape. Additionally, corresponding play set and play set accessories can have magnetic, distinctly shaped recesses for receiving the particular distinctly shaped base of the toy figure. Thus, the magnetic base portion and the recess of a play set or play set accessory have essentially the same distinct shape. |
| US08038499B2 |
Flat display panel and method for manufacturing a flat panel display
In a flat display panel, a surface of at least one of a sustain electrode and an address electrode may be formed to have a curved surface. The surface of the electrode may be formed as a continuous curved surface. The sustain electrode and the address electrode may be elongated in a lengthwise direction thereof. These lengthwise directions may be perpendicular to each other. The electrode may be formed by transferring an electrode material onto the substrate using an electrode frame defined with electrode forming grooves each having a same sectional shape as the electrode. Therefore, the surface of the electrode may be formed as the curved surface. |
| US08038493B1 |
Exhaust system with a catalyst for a marine propulsion device
A catalyzed exhaust system for an outboard motor engine rotates its catalyst device in a catalyst housing above an adapter plate which supports the engine and separates it from the driveshaft housing. The exhaust gas is directed initially in an upwardly direction and then is turned downwardly to provide space for location and easy access to the catalyst device. A coolant, such as water drawn from a body of water, is reversed in direction of flow several times in order to advantageously fill certain cooling channels in an upward direction. In addition, various coolant channels are vented to remove potential pockets of air in their upper regions. |
| US08038492B2 |
Underwater propulsion apparatus performance enhancement device and associated methods
A device that when fitted to a motor vessel's existing propulsion gear improves the performance and reduces potential damage and wear of underwater propeller shaft bearings, commonly referred to as “cutlass bearings” that are used on boats, ships, etc. Designed with radially mounted impeller blades around the periphery of the propeller shaft, the device creates a forced flow of water by centrifugal pumping action, which creates suction along the shaft abaft the cutlass bearing, thereby increasing the flow of water through the cutlass bearing. The device also greatly diminishes the probability that fouling around a propeller shaft will severely restrict water flow through the cutlass bearing. |
| US08038478B2 |
Cordless electrical connection with simple key
A mechanical and earthed safety contact intended for both small and large withdrawals of power and may for instance be used for connecting a vehicle to the electrical power net includes a telescopic part with a key and a docking unit, which when in mechanical contact interacts with each other for transmission of electric current. The docking unit includes multiple spring pins, of which one is pushed in when the key reaches the front of the docking unit. Transmission of current between the docking unit and the key can take place only when this pin is pushed in far enough. Contact surfaces on the key are used for exchange of information in interaction with contact surfaces of canals containing the spring pins. The key may have a seal that tightens against such a canal to protect the transmission of energy and signal. |
| US08038475B2 |
Shield connector
A shield connector includes plural female terminals 2, a connector housing 3, and a shield shell 8. The connector housing 3 includes a terminal holder 6 that holds the plural female terminals 2 and an inner housing 5 into which the terminal holder 6 is inserted. The shield shell 8 includes an upper shield shell 25 and a lower shield shell that are attached to each other so as to cover the outer periphery of the inner housing 5. The upper shield shell 25 includes an extension wall 30 which detects the state where the terminal holder 6 is being inserted into the inner housing by overlapping with at least a part of a surface 6a of the terminal holder 6 on the rear end side in an insertion direction toward the inner housing 5 in the state where the upper shield shell is attached to the inner housing 5 and by coming into contact with the terminal holder 6 so as to regulate the upper shield shell 25 from being attached to the inner housing 5 in the state where the terminal holder 6 is being inserted into the inner housing 5. |
| US08038474B2 |
Assembled electrical connector
An assembled electrical connector includes an insulating housing and at least two sets of electrical conducting terminals. The insulating housing has a main body, a first tongue and a second tongue extending from the main body and perpendicular to the main body. The first tongue is longer than the second tongue, and the second tongue is located at a side of the first tongue in a lengthwise direction. The at least two sets of electrical conducting terminals include a first terminal set and a second terminal set. The first terminal set is arranged at a side of the first tongue, and the second terminal set is arranged at a side of the second tongue. Compared with prior art, such a structure can miniaturize the volume of the electrical connector apparently and further miniaturize the volume of an electronic product utilizing the electrical connector. |
| US08038465B2 |
Electrical connector and heat sink
A vehicle power distribution circuit board has interconnected electronic components and a connector mounted thereon. The interconnected electronic components include one or more heat generating components. The connector includes a main body formed of an electrically insulating material for supporting a plurality of terminals. The terminals have first ends connected to the circuit board and second ends adapted to be connected to a mating connector of a vehicle wiring harness. The main body of the connector is configured to form an air gap between the main body and the circuit board, and the terminals extend from the main body to the first end through the gap. Also, the connector is positioned on the circuit board with a thermally conductive path from one of the heat generating components to the gap such that the terminals within the air gap function as a heat sink to dissipate heat from the heat generating component. |
| US08038464B2 |
Electrical connector with adaptable strain relief having clamping members of different shapes
An electrical connector for electronics applications such as avionics or the like includes an adaptable strain relief feature for accommodating different sizes of wire bundles that terminate and are electrically coupled within the connector. The strain relief feature includes a pair of clamping members that span between mounting surfaces at a rear portion of the connector to define a strain relief passageway in which the wire bundle is clamped to provide a strain relief. The clamping members are selectable from at least two different available shapes so that the size of the strain relief passageway is determined by the selection of clamping members, which may be interchangeable with one another. Resilient pads on the clamping members engage and compress against the wire bundle to secure it in place when the selected clamping members are installed. |
| US08038460B2 |
Safety device for a plug (patch guard)
A security device for a plug (1) has at least one locking clip (2) said security device comprising a lockable closure piece (8, 12) which prevent the manual operation of the locking clip (2). The closure piece (8, 12) comprises a closure lower piece (8) which may be fixed to the plug (1) on which a separate closure upper piece (12) is placed. Said closure lower piece (8) is designed such as to be clipped on the plug (1) with a positive and/or non-positive fit. |
| US08038452B2 |
Test socket with discrete guiding posts defining side walls
A test socket, adapted for electrically connecting an IC package to a printed circuit board, comprises a bottom board (10) and four separated clumps (20). The bottom board has a main body (11) having a rectangular shape and four mounting portions (12) integrally extending outwardly from four corners of the main body, respectively. The clumps are assembled upon the four mounting portions of the bottom board to cooperate with the bottom board to define a receiving space for receiving the IC package. |
| US08038447B1 |
Therapeutic dolls
The invention is an improved anatomical doll that has a clear tummy and back that swivel open to reveal either removable or non-removable organs. The removable organs are held in place by indentations in the abdomen of the doll, whereas each of the non-removable organs has an individual recess that allows the non-removable organ to be hidden further within the abdomen. An alternative embodiment of the invention is to provide a doll with missing limbs and corresponding prosthetic limbs. The primary benefit of the improved anatomical dolls is to provide a means to educate small children about the human anatomy, especially children that need an upcoming surgical procedure explained to them. |
| US08038440B2 |
Method for placing and manufacturing a dental superstructure, method for placing implants and accessories used thereby
Methods for placing and manufacturing a dental superstructure, and methods for placing implants and accessories used thereby. |
| US08038431B2 |
Imprint mold
An imprint mold including a substrate of transparent material having a first principal surface having a pattern region and a second principal surface; a first light shielding film provided on the first principal surface, along a periphery of the pattern region; and a second light shielding film provided on the second principal surface, having an opening including an opposite region to the pattern region, a part of the second light shielding film opposite to the first light shielding film. In a cross section perpendicular to the substrate, the maximum incident angle of the light for curing a transfer layer to the second principal surface is less than an angle between a perpendicular line of the second principal surface and a line connecting an end of the second light shielding film on a side of the opening and a farthest end of the first light shielding film from the pattern region. |
| US08038427B2 |
Rapid prototyping apparatus
Apparatus for producing an object by sequentially forming thin layers of a construction material one on top of the other responsive to data defining the object, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of printing heads each having a surface formed with a plurality of output orifices and controllable to dispense the construction material through each orifice independently of the other orifices; a shuttle to which the printing heads are mounted; a support surface; and a controller adapted to control the shuttle to move back and forth over the support surface and as the shuttle moves to control the printing heads to dispense the construction material through each of their respective orifices responsive to the data to form a first layer on the support surface and thereafter, sequentially the other layers; wherein each printing head is dismountable from the shuttle and replaceable independently of the other printing heads. |
| US08038426B2 |
Injection mold friction puller
A friction puller for an injection mold is disclosed. The friction puller has a bolt with a head portion and a threaded portion. The friction puller has first and/or second first substantially hemispherical wedges having a first and/or second passages running through them for the bolt and allow lateral float about the bolt. The friction puller also has a deformable jacket having a third passage running through is for the bolt and first and second substantially hemispherical cups for receiving the first and second substantially hemispherical wedges. The first hemispherical wedge can have a vent relief notch disposed in a top surface of the first hemispherical wedge. The deformable jacket can have a jacket vent notch disposed in a top surface of the deformable jacket. The bolt head and the jacket can have alignment indicator marks thereon. The bolt threads can have a variable pitch diameter. |
| US08038425B2 |
Injection mold friction puller
A friction puller for an injection mold is disclosed. The friction puller has a bolt with a head portion and a threaded portion. The friction puller has first and second first substantially hemispherical wedges having a first and second passages running through them for the bolt and allow lateral float about the bolt. The friction puller also has a deformable jacket having a third passage running through is for the bolt and first and second substantially hemispherical cups for receiving the first and second substantially hemispherical wedges. The first hemispherical wedge can have a vent relief notch disposed in a top surface of the first hemispherical wedge. The deformable jacket can have a jacket vent notch disposed in a top surface of the deformable jacket. The bolt head and the jacket can have alignment indicator marks thereon. The bolt threads can have a variable pitch diameter. |
| US08038424B2 |
System and method for manufacturing sold ink sticks with an injection molding process
A method manufactures solid ink sticks by forming a solid ink paste and injecting the paste into a mold having internal cavities. The method includes generating a solid ink paste, injecting a portion of the paste under pressure into a cooled mold having at least two separable shells that form ink stick cavities, and separating the shells of the cooled mold to release solid ink sticks from the ink stick cavities. |
| US08038419B2 |
Controllable coolant pump
A controllable coolant pump for internal combustion engines driven by torque transmission elements has a pump housing, a driven shaft mounted in the pump housing, an impeller wheel arranged fixedly in terms of rotation on a free, flow-side end of the shaft, and a pressure-activated valve slide having an outer cylinder covering the outflow region of the impeller wheel in a variable manner. The valve slide is of annular configuration and is arranged on piston rods mounted displaceably in the pump housing. An annular piston mounted in an annular groove in the pump housing and movable in a defined manner in the annular groove via excess pressure or vacuum is arranged on the piston rods in a manner lying opposite the valve slide. |
| US08038418B2 |
Linear compressor
A linear compressor has a rigid frame (11, 12, 13), on which an oscillating body (16) is held via at least one spring (9) so as to be able to effect reciprocating motion and at least one electromagnet (14, 15) is mounted for driving the reciprocating motion of the oscillating body (16), and having a pump chamber (13) forming part of the frame, in which pump chamber a piston, connected to the oscillating body (16), may effect reciprocating motion. The frame (11, 12, 13) is connected in an oscillatory manner to a fixing member (1) for fixing the linear compressor to a support by a diaphragm spring (5, 7, 9) oriented transversely of the direction of movement of the oscillating body. |
| US08038407B2 |
Wind turbine blade with improved trailing edge bond
A wind turbine blade includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. The blade has an upper shell member and a lower shell member, with each of the shell members having a forward edge bonded at the leading edge of the blade and a rearward edge. A rigid bond cap is pre-formed into a designed size and shape of the trailing edge of the blade. The bond cap includes oppositely oriented leg members bonded to the respective rearward edges of the shell members so as to be essentially flush with the upper and lower shell members. The rigid bond cap defines at least a portion of the trailing edge of the blade and a primary external bonding bridge between the upper and lower shell members at the rearward edges. |
| US08038406B2 |
Axial fan and blade design method for the same
An axial fan which includes a hub portion having the rotational center thereof and blades arranged on the outer periphery of the hub portion is equipped with a thickness reinforcing portion which extends from the joint portion between the blade front edge portion of the blade and the hub portion to the outer periphery of the blade along the blade front edge and whose width and thickness are smaller as the distance from the rotational center of the hub portion is larger. There is achieved an arc corresponding to the overlap portion between the blade and a circle of a first radius which passes from the blade front edge side of the blade to the blade rear edge side and has as the center thereof any reference point displaced from the rotational center on a plane vertical to the rotational axis of the hub portion and the blade. |
| US08038399B1 |
Turbine rim cavity sealing
A rim cavity seal arrangement for a gas turbine engine, where the rim cavity is formed between two rotor disk stages with a stator vane assembly positioned between the rotor disks and extending into the rim cavity. A cover plate secured onto a side of the rotor disk includes a plurality of cooling air injectors directed to discharge cooling air into an annular groove formed on the underside of the vane endwall adjacent to the rotor disk to form an air cushion that seals the rim cavity from hot gas ingestion. The cover plate forms a cooling air supply passage with the rotor disk side to supply the injectors, and the cover plate includes at least one metering hole to meter the pressurized air into the injectors. |
| US08038395B2 |
Pulsed torque control of wind turbine pitch systems
A wind turbine pitch control system is disclosed that provides a pulsed torque to the blade pitch actuator if continuous torque fails to adjust the blade pitch angle to a commanded pitch angle. This invention provides a cost-effective way to increase peak torque capability for existing wind turbines that have problems, under certain operating conditions, moving blades per the control command. |
| US08038393B2 |
Member for locking ring sectors onto a turbomachine casing, comprising means allowing it to be grasped
The present invention relates to a locking member (24) for a device for attaching ring sectors to an aircraft turbomachine casing, said member comprising two longitudinal clamping branches (28, 30) extending rearward and connected at their rear ends by a transverse connecting branch (32), their front ends being intended, between them, to press at least one ring sector (16) against at least one casing element (14). According to the invention, the member (24) further comprises means (42) allowing it to be grasped, these means being arranged such that they project rearward from the transverse branch (32). |
| US08038385B2 |
Spindle device with rotor jetting driving fluid
A spindle device driven by driving fluid, having accurate rotation and superior quietness. The device includes a stator having at least one inlet for introducing the driving fluid, a rotor having at least one flange arranged outside of the stator and provided with nozzles for jetting the driving fluid, and a static-pressure fluid bearing for rotatably supporting the rotor with respect to the stator. The stator has a first inner path for conducting the driving fluid introduced from the inlet to the rotor and the rotor has a second inner path communicating with the first inner path of the stator for conducting the driving fluid to the nozzles. The driving fluid introduced from the inlet of the stator is jetted from the nozzles of the rotor through the first and second inner paths to rotate the rotor. |
| US08038384B2 |
Omni-directional turbine and method
The invention teaches a turbine capable of receiving wind power and transferring wind power into mechanical energy, and capable of coupling with a generator. The turbine includes a generally flat horizontally mountable support plate capable of rotation about a central axis, the support plate having a plurality of pivot modifications located proximate to an outside circumference, and vanes coupled to the support plate at the pivot modification, each vane having a vane shaft coupled between a pivot modification on the first support plate and a pivot modification on a cap plate, each vane supported by a first rib and a second rib having an exterior edge defined as the exterior circumference edge of the head and the interior circumference edge of the tail, and a material attached between the exterior of the first rib and the exterior of the second rib. |
| US08038383B2 |
Vertical axis turbine apparatus
Vertical axis turbine apparatus is described in which a rotating blade turbine member mounted on a fixed base includes one to fifty, preferably two or three, upwardly and outwardly inclined spars. On each spar is set at least one aerofoil or hydrofoil section blade. If there is more than one spar, the spars are preferably held to one another via a plurality of guy wires. |
| US08038382B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling gas turbine clearance
Systems and methods for controlling the clearance in a gas turbine are provided. A temperature of a shaft of the gas turbine may be determined, and a desired temperature of an inner turbine shell of the turbine may be determined based upon the temperature of the shaft. The desired temperature of the inner turbine shell may be associated with a turbine clearance at which the gas turbine may be ignited. The temperature of the inner turbine shell may be altered by controlling the temperature of a gas that is circulated within the inner turbine shell, and a determination may be made that the temperature of the inner turbine shell exceeds the desired temperature. The gas turbine may be ignited subsequent to the determination that the temperature of the inner turbine shell exceeds the desired temperature. |
| US08038381B2 |
Arrangement and method for loading vehicle bodies
An arrangement is provided for loading vehicle bodies in which assembled vehicle bodies are continuously made available from a production process for loading and are prepared for the loading. Several different stations of the loading arrangement are mutually coordinated and monitored by a control unit. A drive operated fork lift is utilized to handle empty cargo carriers and to stack a pair of vehicle body loaded cargo carriers to form a loading unit which is subsequently transferred to a transport train freight car. |
| US08038377B2 |
Fastening device
There is provided a fastening device in which the tightening load at the engaged portion between the thread of a nut and the thread of a bolt can be made uniform along the length of the threads, the circumferential load distribution at the end of the engagement of the bolt can also be made uniform, and concentration of a stress in the vicinity of the beginning of the engagement can be reduced. The fastening device includes an object to be fastened, having a nut hole; a nut having, at one end, a female screw portion to be fitted in the nut hole and configured such that the center of gravity is located in the nut hole; and a bolt having, at one end, a male screw portion to be screwed into the female screw portion. |
| US08038376B2 |
Connection element for a screwed connection as well as such a screwed connection
A connection element (1) has a thread (2) that can be made to engage with a mating thread such as, for instance, a nut. The thread includes locking means (3) that acts upon the mating thread. The locking means (3) are formed by flanks (4, 5; 6, 7, 8, 9) of at least one section (10; 11) of the thread (2) whose arrangement with respect to each other is changed vis-à-vis the arrangement of the flanks (18, 19) of the thread (2) outside of the locking section (10; 11) in such a way that, when the thread (2) engages with the mating thread, a locking force is generated on at least one of the flanks (4, 5; 6, 7, 8, 9) of the locking section (10; 11). |
| US08038375B2 |
Expansion anchor
An expansion anchor comprising a tubular body, which extends along a longitudinal axis and is structured so as to have a head at one end, adapted to be engaged inside a hole obtained in a wall; the head comprising a deformable body made of a first plastic material having a predetermined mechanical rigidity, and at least one longitudinal rigid insert, which is firmly integrated in the deformable body and is made of a second plastic material having a higher mechanical rigidity than the mechanical rigidity of the plastic material of the deformable body itself. |
| US08038372B2 |
Push button holesaw mandrel assembly
A holesaw mandrel assembly has a mandrel body with a first end to be coupled with a drill motor and a second end extending from the body. The second end receives a holesaw. A housing covers a portion of the mandrel. A first member is coupled with the housing and moves between a first and second position. A friction surface is on the first member. The friction surface is adapted to contact the holesaw such that upon contact with the friction surface, the holesaw is fixed in position. The friction surface moves between a first contact position and a second release position. A mechanism coupled with the housing moves the friction face between the first and second positions. |
| US08038371B2 |
Push button holesaw mandrel assembly
A holesaw mandrel assembly has a mandrel body with a first end to be coupled with a drill motor and a second end extending from the body. The second end receives a holesaw. The first member is positioned on the second end. The first member is axially movable on the second end. A friction surface is on the first member. The friction surface is adapted to contact a base surface of the holesaw such that upon contact with the friction surface, the holesaw is fixed in position. The friction surface moves between a first contact position and a second release position. A mechanism on the first member moves the friction surface between the first and second position. |
| US08038364B2 |
Reinforcement for asphaltic paving, method of paving, and process for making a grid with the coating for asphaltic paving
A composite material comprises: an open grid comprising at least two sets of strands. Each set of strands has openings between adjacent strands. The sets are oriented at a substantial angle to one another. A tack film is laminated to the open grid. The tack film has first and second major surfaces, such that a material of the tack film at its first and second major surfaces is a material including about 50% or more of resinous non-asphaltic component and about 50% or less of asphaltic component. |
| US08038357B2 |
Diaphragm unit, lens barrel, and imaging apparatus
A diaphragm unit includes: a plate-like base member having an optical path hole formed therein; diaphragm blades overlapping with each other in an optical axis direction of an optical system, being supported by the base member so as to be movable in directions in which the diaphragm blades approach and depart from the optical axis along a plan perpendicular to the optical axis, and forming a diaphragm opening centered on the optical axis inside the optical path hole; and a driving mechanism adjusting the size of the diaphragm opening by moving the diaphragm blades. |
| US08038354B2 |
High density optical connector
A multi-channel fiber optic connector includes a first connector housing and a mating second connector housing. The first connector housing includes a plurality of abutting first termini and a first guidance feature amongst the plurality of abutting first termini to form a first grouping. A circular containment sleeve surrounds the first grouping. The second connector housing includes a plurality of abutting second termini and a second guidance feature amongst the plurality of abutting second termini to form a second grouping. When the first and second connector housings are mated, the first guidance feature cooperates with the second guidance feature, and the plurality of abutting second termini enter into the containment sleeve to assume an end-to-end alignment with the plurality of abutting first termini. The termini may be formed as ceramic ferrules and the guidance features may be formed as an extending pin amongst one of the plurality of termini for filing a void space amongst the other plurality of termini. |
| US08038352B2 |
Rolling bearing device
The rolling bearing includes an inner ring, and an outer ring which is arranged in a concave part which is formed in a fixing member so as not to rotate in a state preloaded in an axial direction toward the inner ring by way of a rolling element, with the fixing member at a bottom surface of the concave part. Moreover, a vibration isolating part formed of a laminated body including a pair of metal layers and a resin layer which is thinner than these metal layers and interposed between them is press clamped to be disposed between an end surface of the outer ring at a preloaded side in the axial direction and the bottom surface of the concave part, in such a manner that a direction of lamination may coincide with the axial direction. |
| US08038351B2 |
Self-lubricated bearing assembly
A self-lubricating bearing assembly for a hinge of a turbine engine nozzle is described. The hinge includes a bolt and a bell crank housing. The bearing assembly includes a sleeve, a pair of bushings, liners, a thrust washer and a nut. The sleeve includes a tubular and a shoulder portion. Each bushing has an inner and an outer diameter. The liners include first liners, each bonded to the inner diameter of a respective one of the bushings, a second liner disposed between the shoulder portion and a bushing, and a third liner disposed between the thrust washer and a bushing. When assembled, the tubular portion is disposed over an outer diameter of the bolt, the outer diameters of the bushings are disposed within an inner diameter of the bell crank housing, and the nut is affixed between the thrust washer and the bolt to secure the hinge assembly. |
| US08038350B2 |
Hydrodynamic bearing device
In order to prevent degradation of accuracy and decrease of strength when a hydrodynamic bearing device is assembled and to reduce a cost of the hydrodynamic bearing device, a guide face serving as a guide when a disc hub is press fitted into a shaft member is formed on the shaft member. Then, the guide face, an outer circumferential surface of the shaft member adjacent to the guide face, and a boundary portion between the guide face and the outer circumferential surface are ground simultaneously, thereby forming a blunting portion having a radius r in the boundary portion. Thus, no edge remains between the guide face and the outer circumferential surface. Therefore, press-fitting resistance when the disc hub is press fitted to an end of the shaft member can be reduced. |
| US08038349B2 |
Flexible package and method of producing the same
The invention relates to a flexible package (1) formed by a wrapped material having a first longitudinal joint (4) comprising two longitudinal edge portions of the wrapped material. The package (1) also has a first and a second transverse joint (5, 6), each comprising a transversal edge portion of the wrapped material. The package (1) comprises a pocket defined by said wrapped material, an openable flap (11) defined by an indication (10) and a label (12) fixed to the openable flap (11) and provided with a tab (14) for opening the package (1) along the indication (10). The package (1) is characterised by a first and a second longitudinal stiffener (3) being formed by said wrapped material and that said label (12) is adhesively fixed to at least one of said first and second longitudinal stiffeners (3). The invention also relates to a method of producing such package. |
| US08038347B2 |
Portable tomographic diagnostic system with open gantry
An imaging system includes a portable litter including a structural housing and a digital detector positioned in the structural housing to detect X-ray signals corresponding to a region of interest to be imaged. The imaging system further includes at least one X-ray source for generating the X-ray signals, the at least one X-ray source positioned above the portable litter on an open gantry arrangement and configured to generate X-rays from different focal spot locations. |
| US08038346B2 |
Detachable electronic pacifier thermometer
An electronic pacifier thermometer is provided. The electronic pacifier thermometer is composed of a pacifier device and a measurement device. The pacifier device has a built-in temperature sensing element (e.g., a temperature sensor) and a connector element. The measurement device contains a display, a circuit board mainly which is controlled by an integrated circuit, and a cable element. The circuit board contains an incomplete temperature measurement circuit that would be made complete through connection to the temperature sensing element. The temperature measurement circuit has a reference resistor (could also be installed inside the pacifier device) whose resistance difference is relative to the temperature sensing element in the pacifier device which is linearly corresponds to the temperature difference between the measured temperature and a pre-determined temperature value. When the pacifier device and the measurement device are attached together by joining the connector and the cable elements, a complete and functional pacifier thermometer is formed to take body temperatures. |
| US08038343B2 |
Apparatus for thermal characterization under non-uniform heat load
A novel computer program product and method for thermally characterizing a device used for cooling an electronic device is disclosed. A cooling device, being operated, is thermally coupled to a heat pipe having a surface to receive a test chip. A heater is patterned on a circuitry side of the test chip. The heater is separate from operational circuitry of the test chip. A localized heat source is applied to at least one region on a test chip thermally coupled to the heat pipe to locally heat more than one region on a second surface of the test chip to test more than one hot spot. The second surface is the circuitry side of the test chip. The heater provides a bias heat to the test chip, independent of operating the test chip, while the localized heat source is selectively applied directly to the test chip. A temperature detector is used to measure a temperature distribution on the second surface of the test chip. The temperature distribution is used to thermally characterize said cooling device during operation. |
| US08038334B2 |
Vehicular headlamp unit
A vehicular headlamp unit using a light-emitting element as a light source includes a projection lens on an optical axis that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and first and second light source units arranged rearward of the projection lens. The first light source unit includes a first light-emitting clement, a first reflector arranged to cover the first light-emitting clement from above and structured to reflect light from the first light-emitting element forward toward the optical axis, and a first mirror component having an upward-facing reflective surface. The second light source unit includes a second mirror component including a downward-facing reflective surface, a second light-emitting element arranged on the second mirror component facing forward and diagonally downward, a second reflector structured to reflect light from the second light-emitting element upward, and a third reflector arranged downward of the second light-emitting clement which reflects light from the second light-emitting clement forward. |
| US08038333B2 |
Vehicle lighting fixture and method
A lighting fixture for use with a vehicle can switch a plurality of functions (for example, a fog lamp function and a cornering lamp function) without depending on a mechanical action. The lighting fixture can be mounted on a vehicle and can include a first light source, a second light source, and a first reflecting surface which can reflect light emitted by the first light source to form a first light distribution pattern when the first light source is turned on and can reflect light emitted by the second light source to form a second light distribution pattern different from the first light distribution pattern when the second light source is turned on. |
| US08038332B2 |
Viewing and lighting device
A viewing and lighting device includes a side-view mirror formed with a ball, a lamp provided on the side-view mirror, a flexible tube, a first clip attached to an end of the flexible tube and used to clip a portion of the side-view mirror, a second clip attached to another end of the flexible tube and used to clip a portion of a vehicle and a controller provided on the vehicle and used to control the lamp. |
| US08038327B1 |
Color mixing luminaire
A luminaire housing designed to be installed to illuminate an illumination area, wherein a light source is oriented within the housing to direct a central axis of emitted light rays away from the illumination area and towards a reflective surface of a stationary reflector. In some embodiments the stationary reflector is oriented and contoured to reflect the light rays towards a light passageway. In some embodiments, an adjustable reflector is also provided that is movable between at least a first and a second position. Optionally, the luminaire housing may be a recessed luminaire housing. |
| US08038325B2 |
Method for manufacture of reflecting mirror, reflecting mirror, illumination device, and projector
An auxiliary reflecting mirror is manufactured by heating the central portion of a quartz glass tube and compressing the central portion by pushing two end portions of the quartz glass tube so that the wall thickness of the central portion thickens, accommodating the quartz glass tube after thickening the wall thickness of the central portion in a mold having inner surfaces formed to the reflecting surface shape, which is to be formed in an auxiliary reflecting mirror, and forming an expanded portion by expanding the central portion, of which the wall thickness was thickened, by introducing a gas from the two ends of the quartz glass tube, cutting the quartz glass tube in at least the central portion of the expanded portion, evaporating a reflecting film on the outer surface of the expanded portion and forming a reflecting surface. |
| US08038324B2 |
Waterproof lighting fixture
A waterproof lighting fixture includes a transparent tubular enclosure having two open ends and an inner peripheral wall that defines an inner hole. A lamp device is disposed in the inner hole, and includes a lamp seat, a LED light source module, a reflector component, a LED driver, and a power cable. The lamp seat has a heat-dissipating peripheral wall that is disposed around the lamp seat, that defines a compartment having an upper end opening, and that has an inner surface. A heat-dissipating base wall is disposed on the inner surface, and has a bottom surface. At least one heat-dissipating connecting wall is connected between the bottom surface and the inner surface. First and second waterproof devices are disposed for sealing the open ends of the enclosure, respectively. |
| US08038320B2 |
Packaging for lighting modules
A package for holding a plurality of LED modules interconnected by wire. The package comprises a plurality of cradles each of which is sized to hold a respective one of the interconnected LED modules. Each of the cradles comprises first and second opposing side vertical surfaces partially defining a space for holding its respective one of the LED modules, each of the LED modules arranged in a respective one of the cradles. A plurality of holding tabs is included at least one of which is on one of the first and second opposing side vertical surfaces of each of the cradles and protruding into the module holding space. Each of the tabs is arranged to hold its respective one of the modules in its cradle, wherein the cradles are arranged adjacent to one another with the interconnecting wire running between adjacent cradles. |
| US08038319B2 |
Luminaire and method of operation
A luminaire and a method of operating a luminaire is provided. The luminaire includes a light source emitting a plurality of light rays. A collimation device is arranged to receive a portion of light from the light source and transmits the portion of light through an exit aperture towards an illuminated area. The exit aperture includes a planar portion and at least one lenslet formed thereon. The lenslet is arranged having a first profile and a second profile, where the portion of light is refracted on a plurality of angles to form a twisted profile by the lenslet. |
| US08038315B1 |
Luminaire housing with printed bottom panel
A luminaire housing with a printed bottom panel is provided. The luminaire housing has a luminaire housing frame. The printed bottom panel is coupled to the luminaire housing frame and has a first surface generally facing the interior of the luminaire housing. The first surface of the printed bottom panel has an opaque ink layer applied thereto that defines a printed area. The printed area outlines at least one light permeable light passageway. |
| US08038314B2 |
Light emitting diode troffer
A troffer-style luminaire includes first and second side ends and a top end extending between the side ends. The side and top ends define an interior region. Light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) are coupled along interior surfaces of the side ends, within the interior region. At least some of the LEDs are coupled to the interior surfaces by being wedged between members protruding into the interior region from the interior or other surfaces. In addition, or in the alternative, one or more spring clips can apply a force that holds the LEDs against the interior surfaces. A reflector extends between the LEDs and the top member and reflects light from the LEDs towards a bottom end of the frame. The light emitted by the LEDs is directed to the reflector and then indirectly emitted through the bottom end, into a desired environment. |
| US08038313B1 |
Illuminated sports board
The present invention includes a skate board having a deck, a pair of trucks mounted beneath the deck and equipped with wheels. The deck is equipped with a plurality of light emitting devices, such as LEDs, which are mounted to the deck in a distinct pattern. The LEDs are in electrical connection with an energy source, such as a rechargeable battery. In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery is mounted into the deck in a removable pack which can be charged without removing it from the deck. A microcontroller may be incorporated which provides for the selective illumination of the light emitting devices, and which may pulse, flicker, or create other aesthetically pleasing illumination patterns. |
| US08038307B2 |
Projector with a projection position adjusting device
A projector includes a projection optical device and a projection position adjusting device that includes a fixed member defining a hole having a step portion, a first plate that supports the projection optical device and a second plate disposed between the fixed member and the first plate. The projection position adjusting device further includes a connecting member having a step and being disposed in the hole of the fixed member and connected to the first plate, and an urging member disposed between the connecting member and the step portion of the hole of the fixed member. The urging member urges the step portion of the hole and the step of the connecting member away from each other, and urges the first plate into direct contact with the fixed member. |
| US08038306B2 |
Light source device and image display device having a wavelength selective element
A light source device includes: a plurality of light emitting elements that emit laser light; and a wavelength selective element that includes a light selective region functioning as a resonator mirror of the light emitting element by selecting light of predetermined selective wavelength from the laser light emitted from one of the light emitting elements and reflecting the selected light toward the light emitting element while allowing the remaining laser light to pass therethrough, and a base member having a plurality of the light selective regions so that the wavelengths of the light selected by the light selective regions are different from each other. |
| US08038305B2 |
Light source unit, illumination device, image display apparatus, and monitor apparatus
A light source unit includes: a light source part that supplies light; an optical element that changes an optical path of the light from the light source part; and a wavelength conversion element that converts a wavelength of the light from the optical element. The optical element is movable, and the optical path of the light entering the wavelength conversion element from the light source part is shifted by moving the optical element. |
| US08038301B2 |
Projector with heat radiating construction
A projector includes a light source unit, a light source side optical system which includes a color wheel and a light guiding unit, a display device, a projection side optical system, a cooling fan, and a projector control unit. An interior of a projector casing is divided into an outlet side spatial compartment which is positioned on an outlet side of the cooling fan and in which the light source unit is disposed and an inlet side spatial compartment which is positioned on an inlet side of the cooling fan. The outlet side spatial compartment is covered thereabove by an upper division board, above which a heat conductive sheet which is formed of an aluminum sheet is disposed. The heat conductive sheet is electrically connected to the projector casing, so that electricity charged in the heat conductive sheet can be discharged. |
| US08038299B2 |
Light source apparatus, light source control method, and projector apparatus
A light source apparatus includes a light source emitting light, an optical deflection element deflecting and exciting the emitted light, and a light conversion member cyclically outputting source light components having a plurality of hues in accordance with irradiation positions in a time-sharing manner based on the irradiation using the light deflected by the optical deflection element. |
| US08038296B2 |
Optical observation instrument and a method of controllably adjusting a refractive power in such instrument
An optical observation instrument, in particular a spectacle, a reading aid or a telescope, comprises an optical element, in particular a spectacle lens, adapted to be controllably adjustable in its refractive power, a sensor, and a control unit for adjusting the refractive power as a function of signals from the sensor. The sensor is a brightness sensor. In a method of controllably adjusting a refractive power of an optical element in an optical observation instrument an optical parameter is captured by means of a sensor and the refractive power is adjusted as a function of a signal from the sensor. By means of the sensor the brightness of the light impinging on the optical instrument is captured. |
| US08038295B2 |
Tinted contact lenses with combined limbal ring and iris patterns
The invention provides tinted contact lenses that include a limbal ring that serves to enhance the definition of the wearer's iris resulting in the iris appearing larger to viewer's of the lens wearer. The lens also incorporates additional elements that overlie a portion of the wearer's iris. The lenses of the invention may be used as cosmetic lenses for enhancing or altering an individual's iris. |
| US08038284B2 |
Liquid application apparatus and method, and image forming apparatus
A liquid application apparatus includes: a roller member which is driven so as to rotate in a rotational direction; an application liquid supply device which supplies an application liquid onto a portion of the roller member while the roller member is rotating; a blade member which is arranged so as to abut against a circumferential surface of the roller member at an abutment position that is on a downstream side of the application liquid supply device in terms of the rotational direction of the roller member, the blade member wiping away an excess of the supplied application liquid on the roller member; a substitute fluid spray device which is arranged on a downstream side of the abutment position of the blade member in terms of the rotational direction of the roller member, the substitute fluid spray device spraying a substitute fluid onto a region of the circumferential surface of the roller member so as to remove the application liquid on the region of the circumferential surface of the roller member after the roller member passing the abutment position of the blade member, the substitute fluid including one of gas and liquid that is different from the application liquid; and a substitute fluid spray control device which controls the substitute fluid spray device to spray the substitute fluid. |
| US08038283B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus
The invention is directed to an ink-jet recording apparatus including: a recording medium transport unit as defined herein; a full-line ink-jet head as defined herein; and an ultraviolet light illumination unit as defined herein, wherein the ultraviolet light illumination unit comprises an aperture-type hot-cathode tube, or an ultraviolet-setting ink-jet recording apparatus including: a recording medium transport unit as defined herein; and ink-jet head as defined herein; and an ultraviolet light illumination unit as defined herein, wherein: the ultraviolet light illumination unit comprises plural aperture-type hot-cathode tubes and apertures of at least one set of aperture-type hot-cathode tubes are rotated so that an overlap of their illumination regions is increased. |
| US08038282B2 |
UV module
A UV module of this invention has connection block (optional), connection end cap, shutter, and exhaust end cap assemblies. The connection block has doweled or tapered bayonets for facilitated installation and removal of the UV module. The connection end cap has a drive train with sleeve bearings and/or torque limiting clutches. Each of the sleeve bearing cooperates with a poppet valve in the connection block assembly to assure fluid-tight integrity during assembly and disassembly. Each of the clutches allows for facilitated shutter synchronization and helps prevent drive train breakdown. The shutter assembly may include a novel coolant flow path cross over and/or improved positive and negative positive and negative retainers to eliminate or greatly reduce shutter binding. The shutter end caps may include coolant flow paths and mate with the shutters to achieve a fluid-tight integrity. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). |
| US08038281B2 |
Media preheater
A heater for preheating media in an imaging device including a substantially planar polymeric carrier having an exterior surface. A channel is recessed into the exterior surface of the carrier. A resistance heating element is disposed in the channel, the resistance heating element having a first and second end for coupling to a power source. The heater includes an over molded polymeric layer disposed in the channel such that the resistance heating element is substantially encapsulated in the channel and such that an exterior surface of the over molded layer is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the carrier. |
| US08038279B2 |
Ink-jet inks for neutral black printing
Ink, ink sets, and methods of printing are provided. The inks can include an aqueous solvent system including from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % organic co-solvent, from about 2 wt % to about 5 wt % black dye, and a dye selected from cyan, magenta, and yellow dyes. The ink can be formulated such that upon printing on a print medium, the printed ink or inks can maintain a neutral black, defined by a chroma value of less than 7. This neutral black can be maintained such that the printed ink or image has a chroma value of less than 7 for substantially all L* values ranging from about 7 to about 12. |
| US08038278B2 |
Ink cartridges
An ink cartridge includes a case including an ink chamber configured to store ink therein, and a particular face facing an exterior of the case and having a first opening formed therethrough. The ink cartridge also includes an ink supply portion extending from a particular portion of the particular face in a particular direction, in which the particular portion surrounds the first opening, and the ink supply portion has a tube shape. The ink supply portion includes a particular chamber formed therein, an end wall having a second opening formed therethrough, and a peripheral wall extending from the end wall. The ink supply portion is configured to supply ink from the ink chamber to the exterior of the case via the particular chamber and the second opening. |
| US08038277B2 |
Ink cartridges and methods of adjusting pressure in an ink chamber of such ink cartridges
An ink cartridge includes a case including an ink chamber defined in the case and configured to store ink, and a first wall facing an exterior of the case. The first wall has a first opening formed therethrough, and a second opening formed therethrough. The first opening is configured to introduce air into an interior of the ink chamber, and the second opening is configured to supply ink from an interior of the case to the exterior of the case. The case also includes a second wall facing the exterior of the case and positioned opposite the first wall, and a third wall positioned in the case and defining a portion of the ink chamber. The third wall has a third opening formed therethrough, and the third opening is positioned closer to the second wall than to the first wall. Moreover, the case includes a particular ink path extending from the second opening to the third opening. The particular ink path is in fluid communication with the ink chamber via the third opening. |
| US08038273B2 |
Ink tank venting
An inkjet cartridge having an ink container including a venting structure with an orifice through a wall of the ink container in direct communication with a meniscus baffle extending into the interior of the ink container. An inkjet cartridge lid including serpentine trenches and orifices formed within a top surface. At least one of the serpentine trenches intersects with at least one of the orifices. The venting structure includes a corridor interposing at least two separate ink reservoirs and including opposing first and second ends. The first end of the corridor resides in communication with an external environment while the second end is partitioned to establish a separate passage in communication with each of the at least two separate ink reservoirs, each passage including a hollow extending into an interior of the ink reservoir. |
| US08038270B2 |
Liquid ejecting device
A liquid ejecting device is provided. The liquid ejecting device includes: a liquid ejecting head configured to eject a liquid; a liquid supply channel configured to supply the liquid to the liquid ejecting head; a discharge channel communicating with the liquid supply channel through a communicating portion; a suction unit connected to the discharge channel so as to perform a suction operation of suctioning gas from the discharge channel; a gas permeable film disposed in the communicating portion between the liquid supply channel and the discharge channel; a vibration driving unit configured to vibrate the gas permeable film; and a controller configured to control the suction unit and the vibration driving unit. |
| US08038267B2 |
Droplet jetting applicator and method for manufacturing coated body
Provided is a droplet jetting applicator including: a droplet jetting head configured to jet liquid supplied from a liquid storage unit; a liquid supply unit configured to supply the liquid from the liquid storage unit to the droplet jetting head through a liquid supply channel; a first buffer liquid reservoir positioned closer to the droplet jetting head than the liquid supply unit in the liquid supply channel, and formed so that the inflow liquid drops thereinto; a liquid return unit configured to return the liquid from the droplet jetting head to one of the liquid storage unit and the first buffer liquid reservoir through a liquid return channel; and a second buffer liquid reservoir positioned closer to the droplet jetting head than the liquid return unit in the liquid return channel, and formed so that the inflow liquid drops thereinto. |
| US08038264B2 |
Liquid droplet jetting head
A plurality of pressure chambers are divided into a first pressure chamber group and a second pressure chamber group, and are arranged such that an interval of the first pressure chamber group and the second pressure chamber group is larger than an interval between nozzles, and sub ink supply passage which supplies the ink to the common liquid chambers through the space is formed. Accordingly, a liquid droplet jetting head which is capable of delivering the ink to all the nozzles without increasing a size is provided. |
| US08038263B2 |
Piezoelectric inkjet head
A piezoelectric inkjet head includes a plurality of pressure chambers filled with ink that is to be ejected, a manifold to supply ink to the pressure chambers and extending in both sides of each of the pressure chambers parallel to a direction in which the pressure chambers are arranged, a restrictor to connect the manifold to each of the pressure chambers, and to be connected to both ends of each of the pressure chambers in a longitudinal direction, a plurality of piezoelectric actuators respectively corresponding to the pressure chambers, and at least one nozzle respectively connected to each of the pressure chambers, and to be symmetrically arranged with respect to the centerline in a longitudinal direction of each of the pressure chamber. The at least one nozzle includes a first nozzle and at least two second nozzles, the first nozzle is disposed to correspond to the centerline in the longitudinal direction of each of the pressure chambers, and the second nozzles are disposed in both sides of the first nozzle. |
| US08038259B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus
An ink-jet recording apparatus of one aspect of the invention comprises nozzles are arranged on an ink ejection surface in a matrix in a first direction in which a recording medium is conveyed and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plurality of nozzles are grouped into a plurality of nozzle sets, each of the plurality of nozzle sets includes nozzles arranged along the second direction. The plurality of nozzle sets are spaced from one another in the first direction by first distances, each of the first distances is an integral multiple of a distance that is obtained by multiplying a unit distance by 2n-1. The unit distance corresponds to a highest resolution among first resolutions with respect to the first direction of an image to be formed on the recording medium. |
| US08038252B2 |
Method of detecting MEM device faults with single current pulse
A method of detecting a fault within a micro electro-mechanical device is provided. The micro electro-mechanical device has a support structure and an actuating arm that is movable relative to the support structure because of thermal expansion of at least part of the actuating arm caused by heat inducing current flow through at least that part. The method comprises the steps of passing a first current pulse having a predetermined duration tp through at least the part of the actuating arm and determining movement of the actuating arm in response thereto. |
| US08038251B2 |
Ink jet printing method and ink jet printing apparatus
Time for which an ejection port surface of a print head has been exposed to the exterior since the end of the last cleaning operation is predicted and accumulated as an accumulated exposure time. A cleaning timing is set to be a timing when the accumulated exposure time coincides with a set time set according to the ambient temperature and humidity of an area in which a label printer is installed. In principle, a cleaning operation is performed at the cleaning timing. However, when the cleaning timing comes during the current consecutive printing operation, the cleaning operation is not performed during the current consecutive printing operation but at a time before the start of the current consecutive printing operation or a time after the end of the current consecutive printing operation. |
| US08038250B2 |
Recording device
A recording head where an actuator, a cavity portion and a flexible flat cable are placed one on another is provided in a head holder of a carriage. A drive IC chip is mounted on the flexible flat cable. A bottom plate portion of a first heat sink is in contact with the drive IC chip so as to be thermally conductable, and a side plate portion thereof is disposed in a standing condition. A base end of a second heat sink is in contact, so as to be thermally conductable, with a wiring pattern formed portion of the flexible flat cable between the drive IC chip and the actuator, and a heat dissipating portion of the second heat sink is extended below the bottom plate portion, and a part of the heat dissipating portion is exposed to the outside of the head holder. |
| US08038247B2 |
Recording apparatus and recording method
A recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium by scanning the recording medium with a recording head for discharging ink includes a thinning unit configured to thin data for discharging ink by the recording head on a plurality of areas formed by dividing scanning regions including at least a first scanning region and a second scanning region to be recorded each by one scan of the recording head in the scan direction, and a recording head drive unit configured to discharge ink by driving the recording head based on data which has been thinned by the thinning unit, wherein a boundary between the areas in the first scanning region is located in a different position from that of a boundary between areas in the second scanning region, which is adjacent to the first scanning region, in the scan direction. |
| US08038244B2 |
Printing method, computer-readable medium, and printing apparatus
A printing method etc. capable of suppressing degradation in image quality of border sections between regions respectively printed by a plurality of nozzle rows that eject ink droplets is achieved. The printing method includes a step of setting, when at least two print heads that move in a movement direction intersecting a carrying direction and that include a plurality of nozzle rows each including a plurality of nozzles arranged in the carrying direction are moved in the movement direction, one ejecting method, of among a plurality of ejecting methods in which the nozzles for actually ejecting ink droplets are appropriately changed between an upstream-side nozzle and a downstream-side nozzle, for each of a plurality of aligned nozzle sections that are arranged such that the downstream-side nozzle of one print head and the upstream-side nozzle of the other print head, of the nozzle rows provided in different print heads, are aligned in the movement direction; and a step of ejecting ink droplets from the aligned nozzle sections according to the one ejecting method that has been set. |
| US08038241B2 |
Inkjet recording device
An inkjet recording device according to an aspect of the invention comprises: an ejection head configured to eject ink on a recording medium; a conveying unit configured to convey the recording medium on a conveying path, the conveying path including a first conveying path positioned where the ejection head forms an image on the recording medium and extending along a first direction; an attaching unit configured to attach a second recording medium having an adherable part adherable to the recording medium such that a part of the second recording medium projects from an end portion of the recording medium with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The ejection head is configured to record an image on the second recording medium in a position outside the recording medium with respect to the second direction. |
| US08038239B2 |
Controller for printhead having arbitrarily joined nozzle rows
A controller for a printhead is provided. The printhead has rows of printing nozzles with each nozzle row formed by adjacent sub-rows of printing nozzles of adjacently disposed printhead modules. Each nozzle row us arranged such that the join of the respective adjacent sub-rows is arbitrarily located relative to the other nozzle rows thereby forming an arbitrarily shaped join region. The controller being configured to determine the arbitrary shape of the join region and to supply dot data to the printhead which compensates for the determined arbitrary shape. |
| US08038238B2 |
Printhead substrate, inkjet printhead, and inkjet printing apparatus
A detector circuit for detecting a malfunction of a circuit due to a low third power supply voltage that has the same amplitude and potential as an input signal is provided. Based on an output signal of the detector circuit, whether an output of a second power supply voltage generation circuit for activating a heater driving circuit is allowed or not is determined. When the third power supply voltage is low and the heater driving circuit operates improperly, no power supply voltage is supplied from the second power supply voltage generation circuit. Since no power supply voltage is supplied to the heater driving circuit, the heater driving circuit does not drive a corresponding heater. |
| US08038235B2 |
Refrigerator with tray on top
A compact portable refrigerator includes caster wheels on its bottom and a removable storage tray on its top. The storage tray is well suited for containing ice and beverage containers. A lid may be provided to selectively enclose and cover the storage tray. Removable display panels may be provided on a door of the refrigerator. Back lighting may be provided to enhance the appearance of the display panels. |
| US08038234B2 |
Device for mounting of drawer front panels
A device for mounting of drawer front panels, which are adjustable laterally and vertically by bolts 7, 8 equipped with a thread 11 and with an eccentric, respectively, wherein the bolts 7, 8 are guided in the device 5 approximately perpendicularly to the drawer bottom and are accessible from above, wherein the threaded bolt 7 reaches through a tap hole 12 and the eccentric bolt 8 reaches through an oblong hole 16 of the device, and are supported on an undersurface 17 of the edge frame 1. |
| US08038232B2 |
Pneumatic brake system with safe drainage circuit and method of operating the same
A pneumatic brake system for a motor vehicle includes a compressed air system including a plurality of compressed air reservoirs containing compressed air. A service brake system in fluid communication with the compressed air system is operably engaged by application of the compressed air from the compressed air system. A parking brake system in fluid communication with the compressed air system is operably engaged upon the engagement of a spring brake component. A compressed air release system is coupled to the compressed air system and the parking brake system. The compressed air release system is configured to receive a command and in response to the command drain compressed air from the compressed air system if the parking brake system is engaged. |
| US08038230B2 |
Vehicle brake hydraulic pressure controller
A vehicle brake hydraulic pressure controller provided with a stroke simulator including a dummy cylinder includes a base member, a plurality of electromagnetic valves, a motor and pumps. The base member is constituted with a flow path in correspondence with a brake system. A plurality of the electromagnetic valves is attached to one face of the base member for controlling a flow of a brake fluid in the flow path. The motor is attached to other face constituting a back face side of the one face of the base member. The pumps are attached to a side face contiguous to the one face of the base member and are driven by the motor for delivering the brake fluid to the flow path. The dummy cylinder and the pumps are aligned at the base member with axis lines in a longitudinal direction being substantially in parallel with each other. |
| US08038228B2 |
Method for controlling the pressure buildup in an electronically controllable brake system
In a method for controlling the pressure buildup in an electronically controllable brake system, preferably for use in motor vehicles, including a master brake cylinder, in particular a tandem master brake cylinder (TMC), a vacuum brake booster (booster), at least one additional pressure source for brake force assistance, preferably a hydraulic pump which is drivable by a controlling unit and the pressure of which can be applied to wheel brakes of the vehicle, an approach of a point where the auxiliary-force to actuating-force ratio (operating point) of the vacuum brake booster (booster) falls below a predetermined ratio is detected, that a pressure gradient in the master brake cylinder (TMC pressure gradient) is detected, and that in the event of a detected approach of the operating point of the booster and when a pressure gradient limit value of the detected TMC pressure gradient is exceeded, the additional pressure source is activated for brake force assistance, for the purpose of building up additional brake pressure. |
| US08038220B2 |
Adjustable positioner for vehicle seat back headrest
A vehicle seat headrest (14) is mounted on a vehicle seat back (12) for infinite position vertical adjustment by helical spring clamping and unclamping of a support shaft of the headrest. |
| US08038213B2 |
System and method for a child safety seat having sensing and notification abilities
A child safety seat system having sensing and notification abilities includes a child safety seat, a proximity sensor, a presence sensor, and a transmitter. The proximity sensor is configured to detect when a wireless receiver is located outside a predefined distance of the child safety seat. The presence sensor is configured to detect presence of a person in the child safety seat. The transmitter is configured to transmit a wireless signal to the wireless receiver when the presence sensor detects the presence of a person in the child safety seat and the wireless receiver is located outside the predefined distance. Furthermore, the wireless signal configured to cause the wireless receiver to generate an alert. |
| US08038210B2 |
Vehicle seating system with pivoting stop mechanism and method
A vehicle seat system and method in which a seat belt restraint assembly is secured directly to the seat. The vehicle seat system includes a seat frame and a seat base that supports the seat frame. The system includes a first stop operating at rear portions of the seat base and seat frame to couple the seat base and seat frame and to limit forward pivoting movement of the seat frame upon sudden deceleration. The system may also include a second stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the seat frame. The coupling of the seat base and seat frame provides the seat system with sufficient strength to satisfy load testing requirements and to provide comfort to the occupant. The vehicle system may include a tilt adjustment mechanism that allows tilting of the seat frame and that may also form part of a cushion slide mechanism. |
| US08038208B2 |
Bicycle saddle height adjustment apparatus
A bicycle saddle height adjustment apparatus that is mounted on the frame of a bicycle, for adjusting the height of a bicycle saddle. The bicycle saddle comprises a seat post that supports a bicycle saddle and is adapted to fit telescopically within the seat tube of a bicycle frame; a height adjustment mechanism mounted on the seat tube of a bicycle, for adjusting the saddle height; and a spring connected between the seat post and the height adjustment mechanism. Actuating the height adjustment mechanism enables a cyclist to safely and quickly adjust the height of a bicycle saddle while continuously operating said bicycle. |
| US08038207B2 |
Rocker and booster child seat
A child seat that can be used as either a rocker or a booster. The child seat has a frame that includes a pair of leg portions having respective curved sections on which the child seat can be rocked back and forth. The same frame includes a pair of arm arrangements that can be engaged to an object such as a table such that the child seat can hang off the table and extend into the air. When engaged to the table, such as to the edge of the table, the seat frame portion of the child seat can be angularly adjusted as to a remaining portion of the frame such that the child seat can recline whether the child seat is in use as a booster or as a rocker. The seat portion of the frame is disposed within the arm arrangement and leg portions of the frame. The frame clamps tightly to the table via the frame resiliently biting into the table when a lock is swung into position. |
| US08038206B2 |
Operating lever of vehicular seat
An operating lever is provided at one of a front face, an upper face, and a back face of a seat including a seat cushion and a seat back. The operating lever may include a first lever having a first end and a second end, and a second lever having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first lever and the first end of the second lever may be pivotably connected to each other, and the first end of the first lever may be pivotably connected to the seat such that the first lever is configured to change an attitude of the seat. In addition, the second end of the second lever may be formed as an operating portion, and when the operating portion is operated in a direction away from the seat, the first lever and the second lever pivot may away from the seat and the attitude of the seat is adjusted. |
| US08038202B2 |
Operators section construction for work vehicle
An operator's section construction for a work vehicle includes an operating device mounted on a vehicle body, a driver's seat mounted on the operating deck, a first operating device provided on one of right and left sides of the operating deck and a second operating device provided on the other of the right and left sides of the operating deck. On an upper face of the operating deck, there are formed a mounting portion for the driver's seat, a mounting portion for the first operating device, and a mounting portion for the second operating device; the driver's seat, the first operating device and the second operating devices being mounted on the respective mounting portions independently of each other. |
| US08038199B2 |
Visor
A visor is mounted to a vehicle such that it pivots from a pocket in a vehicle headliner adjacent the windshield downwardly away from the windshield from the stored position to a use position. A mounting bracket coupled to the visor and mounting clip coupled to the vehicle cooperate to hold the visor in a stored position and allow its pivoting to a lowered use position and movement in connection with a pivot rod assembly on the opposite end of the visor to a side window position. The pivot rod assembly includes a cam mechanism for lowering the visor as it pivots from the front window position to the side window position. A push-push spring-loaded pivoted extender panel can be deployed from an edge of the visor to increase sun blocking. |
| US08038194B2 |
Mounting structure of deck side trim
The deck side trim includes accommodating recesses in which left and right ends of a cover accommodating body are accommodated and disposed. A clamp portion provided at its side with an engaging pawl is provided in the accommodating recess. The clamp portion is provided with an inner hole having an opening at least on the accommodating recess side. A cap body for closing the opening is disposed in the inner hole. The cap body includes a cap leg and a cap head. When the cap leg of the cap body is fitted into the inner hole, the engaging pawl in the clamp portion is pushed outward, and the engaging pawl is engaged with the body engaging portion provided on the vehicle body. |
| US08038193B2 |
Strap bed lift
A vehicle includes a lifting mechanism that may be used to lift one or more objects between a lowered or use position and a raised or stowed position. The lifting mechanism includes a strap to lift the objects. |
| US08038191B2 |
Pick and place apparatus
A pick and place apparatus includes a plurality of device holing elements in a predetermined arrangement; a power supply mechanism for supplying a power for controlling a horizontal pitch between the plurality of device holding elements; a power transmission mechanism for delivering the power from the power supply mechanism to the plurality of device holding elements as a translational force in a horizontal direction; a first linear motion guide mechanism for guiding horizontal movements of some of the plurality of device holding elements; and a second linear motion guide mechanism disposed below the first linear motion guide mechanism, for guiding horizontal movements of the other device holding elements. The plurality of device holding elements are slidably coupled to the first and the second linear motion guide mechanism alternately. |
| US08038188B1 |
Pet waste cleanup kit
A kit containing a plurality of pet waste containers each of which may scoop or pick up pet excrement is provided. Each container provides a plastic bag with a simple frame about the bag mouth. Each pet waste container is held in a pouch removably attached to a leash until desired for use. The used pet waste container is then grasped by a squeeze clip which is attached to a ring attached to the pouch until convenient for disposal. |
| US08038186B2 |
Carrier support for attaching to a motor vehicle
A carrier support arrangement that attaches to a vehicle between a rear bumper crash bar and mounting pads that are provided at the rear of the body of the vehicle. The carrier support is formed of a transverse support bar that has a modified hollow tubular beam construction, with attachment lands its ends. Tubular socket members receive attachment rods of the associated carrier. The tubular beam construction if formed of an upper member and lower member welded together. The web portions of the beam have a series of triangular cutouts, leaving a series of diagonal struts. This construction achieves a weight savings without sacrifice of strength or torsion resistance. |
| US08038184B2 |
Dynamically self-locking catching device
The invention concerns a catching device (1) between a first structure (2) and a second structure (3), characterized in that it comprises at least one bolt (5) linked to the first structure and mounted in opposition to at least one elastic return (9) tending to bring it back to a retracted position, a stop (10) corresponding to the second structure being adapted to maintain it in a taut state when the latter is proximate the first structure, such that when the first structure is rapidly spaced apart from the second structure, each bolt is engaged with at least one corresponding retainer (4) so as to limit the relative spacing and, when the first structure is slowly spaced apart from the second structure, each bolt and corresponding retainer remain separated, thereby allowing complete opening between the first structure and the second structure. |
| US08038183B2 |
Multi-point lock assembly
The present invention is an improved multi-point door latch. The door latch is for mounting in a stile of a door and for latching to a corresponding keeper mounted in a corresponding door jamb. The multi-point door latch includes a housing containing first and second gears, each gear being rotatably mounted to the housing, the gears intermeshing to rotate in opposite directions between first and second positions. One of the gears is mountable to a door lock lever to rotate in response to movement of the door lock lever. The door latch also includes a first and second hook pivotally mounted to the housing, each hook being movable between a latching position for engaging the keeper and a non-latching position. The door latch also includes an actuator coupling the first and second hooks to the first and second gears, respectively. The actuator permits the hooks to move between their latching and non-latching positions in response to the rotation of the gears between their first and second positions, respectively. |
| US08038180B2 |
Fitting with taper and single ferrule
A fitting for a tube or pipe capable of functioning a high pressures having a first fitting component adapted to receive the conduit end; a conduit gripping device such as a ferrule or ferrules and a second fitting component that can be joined to the first fitting component to cause the conduit gripping device to grip the conduit and seal when assembled. In one aspect of the invention, the first fitting component is constructed from a material that is softer than the material used to construct the second fitting component. An additional aspect of the invention include a retaining portion on the second fitting component that constrains the tube gripping device against pressure. The retaining portion can also be configured to retain the tube gripping device to the second fitting component prior to installation and in a finger-tight condition. A further aspect of the invention includes a first fitting component in which an exterior portion of the component is work hardened radially outward from the tube gripping device. The fitting may optionally be provided with a structure to effect the pull-up by torque functionality. |
| US08038177B2 |
Pressure isolation system for flexible pipe joints
A flexible pipe joint has two annular elastomeric flex elements stacked in a co-axial fashion at an inner radius from a common center of rotation, and at least one elastomeric flex element disposed at an outer radius from the common center of rotation. The flex elements at the inner radius are coupled mechanically in series between the extension pipe and the housing of the flexible pipe joint, and the flex element at the outer radius is coupled mechanically in parallel with the series combination of the inner flex elements. The inner flex elements isolate the flex element at the outer radius from transport fluid, and the flex element at the outer radius reduces the axial compression of the inner flex elements. Thus, the inner flex elements may have a reduced radius and a different composition to handle a higher loading of heat and pressure. |
| US08038176B2 |
Seal with rigid stop ring
A seal for pipe couplings and a method of connecting pipe elements. The seal has an elastic ring surrounding a rigid ring. The elastic ring has side portions connected by a recessed center portion. The recessed center portion has a diameter no greater than the final diameter of the elastic ring in its deformed shape which effects a fluid tight joint. The seal is positioned between segments of a pipe coupling. Pipe elements are inserted into the elastic ring against the rigid ring from opposite sides of the coupling. The segments are drawn toward one another by fasteners, compressing the side portions and effecting the fluid tight joint. |
| US08038173B2 |
Telescopic extension for an electric household appliance
A telescopic extension (1) for an electric household appliance is described, said extension comprising: an inner tube (2) and an outer tube (3) which are slidable one inside the other; a sleeve (4) fixed to the outer tube; a fastener (5) able to lock together said inner tube and the outer tube; a slider co-operating with the fastener via the action of a first spring and a second spring (73); and an actuating handle (8) operationally connected to said slider. The inner tube is provided with a plurality of recesses (23) able to receive, at least partially, the fastener. The outer tube comprises a tunnel (31) for retaining the slider and for guiding it during displacement. The tunnel is formed by suitably shaping the outer tube. The sleeve comprises a recessed area (46) for retaining the slider and guiding it during displacement. |
| US08038171B2 |
Device for connecting ski tips
Disclosed is a device to connect the tips of skis and thereby enable a skier to create, hold, and adjust the shape of a wedge with his skis. The device is comprised of two sleeves which slip over and are secured to the upturned tips of the skis. The sleeves are connected by a length of flexible, stretchable, or both, material. This connection is either fixed or made by a novel easily detachable hook. The device allows the skis to be easily connected or disconnected for lift rides, when walking across flat terrain, or to evaluate the progress of the skier during a lesson. As a result, disclosed is a novel device which enables a skier to make, hold, and adjust a wedge while being easily detached for normal skiing and easily used by a skier or instructor wearing gloves or mittens. |
| US08038170B2 |
Vehicle occupant restraint apparatus
A vehicle occupant restraint apparatus includes a four-point seat belt that has a pair of right and left shoulder webbings; and air belt portions that are respectively provided for the pair of right and left shoulder webbings. The air belt portions receive gas supplied from an inflator and then deploy so as to restrain a head H of an occupant P from moving forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction. |
| US08038169B2 |
Restraint system for front vehicle occupants
A restraint system is provided that includes, but is not limited to at least one airbag module having an airbag having at least one chamber for front vehicle occupants in a vehicle, a space at a distance from the windshield between dashboard and front vehicle occupant being fillable using the airbag by unfolding. To improve the vehicle comfort and the passenger safety according to the current and future requirements and provide more interior space, the airbag module is fastenable to a vehicle body structure forming the front vehicle interior, the restraint system being implemented using an airbag enlarged by a depth (T) of a dashboard. |
| US08038166B1 |
Trailer hitching and backing precision guidance system method and apparatus
A target unit mounted on vehicle hitch ball contains a known object target and an optical unit mounted on trailer hitch socket contains an optical sensor. A real image of known object target is projected onto image plane of optical sensor. Vehicle hitching distance and offset from optical axis, normal to image plane origin, is related to real image size and offset from image plane origin respectively. Distance and offset are displayed to driver in the form of remaining distance and relative steering commands. |
| US08038162B2 |
Joint unit, preferably for mounting the chassis control arm of a motor vehicle
A joint unit such as for mounting the vehicle control arm of a motor vehicle, is provided with a control arm-side housing (1), in which a pivot pin (2) is mounted pivotably by means of a spheroidal bearing surface (3), wherein the joint unit has a securing unit against the separation of the housing (1) from the pivot pin (2). The securing unit includes a securing bolt (9), arranged within the pivot pin (2) essentially in parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pivot pin (2) and with a blocking element (12) at a free end. A securing mount (13) is located within the housing (1) or the pivot pin (2) and in this the blocking element (12) is mounted in a contactless manner in the mounted state of the joint unit. The securing mount (13) is part of the securing unit, and the securing bolt (9) is fixed to the component of the joint unit (housing (1) or pivot pin (2)) that is not provided with the securing mount (13). Redundant securing of a joint unit against separation of the housing (1) from the pivot pin (2), which is not visible from the outside and is thus advantageous from both a safety engineering viewpoint and a visual viewpoint is achieved. |
| US08038160B2 |
Caster mounting arrangement for ride-on toy
A children's ride-on toy includes at least two casters. The ride-on toy has a first caster mount connected to the body, wherein the first caster mount comprises a first caster receptacle, and a second caster mount connected to the body, wherein the second caster mount comprises a second caster receptacle. In at least one embodiment, the first caster has an engagement shaft that is uniquely adapted to engage the first caster receptacle, and the second caster has an engagement shaft that is uniquely adapted to engage the second caster receptacle. In at least another embodiment, a first bushing rotatably engages the first caster and is uniquely adapted to engage the first caster receptacle, and a second bushing rotatably engages the second caster and is uniquely adapted to engage the second caster receptacle. |
| US08038156B2 |
Tool chuck with sleeve and clutch mechanism to remove operator variability
A tool chuck may include a chuck body defining a longitudinal axis. A sleeve may be mounted on the chuck body for movement between a first axial position and a second axial position. A clutch part provided on the sleeve. The clutch part may engage with a cooperating clutch part when the sleeve is in the second axial position. The clutch part may have a working surface that faces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08038153B2 |
Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games
Playing cards from the input playing card receiver are allocated or directed between at least the first intermediary and the second intermediary playing card receivers based on an order in which the playing cards will be arranged at the playing card output receiver. The second intermediary playing card receiver may comprise an endless array of playing card receiving compartments mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. The first intermediary playing card receiver may comprise an annular array of playing card receiving compartments mounted pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis. The first intermediary playing card receiver may comprise a diagonal array of playing card receiving compartments mounted translation along a vertical axis. |
| US08038152B2 |
Sheet conveyance relay unit and image forming system using the same unit
A sheet conveyance relay unit, including: a convergence unit, including: a convergence section to converge sheet conveyance paths of plural sheet receiving sections; and a first common sheet-conveyance section, which conveys the recording sheets from the convergence section to a sheet feeding outlet; a divergence unit, including: a second common sheet-conveyance section, which conveys the recording sheets conveyed from the convergence unit; plural sheet feed-out sections, which are combined to plural post-finishing apparatuses; and a divergence section, which sorts the recording sheets conveyed by the second common sheet-conveyance section, onto the plural sheet feed-out sections; and a control section which receives job information having been set, and selects an image forming apparatus to be used for a job among the image forming apparatuses and a post-finishing apparatus to be used for the job among the plural post-finishing apparatuses, whereby the control section conducts the job having been set. |
| US08038151B2 |
Medium holding apparatus, image recording apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A medium holding apparatus includes: a medium holding device which includes: flow channel forming sections having openings respectively and provided according to a prescribed arrangement pattern on a medium holding surface on which a medium is fixed and held; flow channel control sections having a smaller cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the flow channel forming sections and restricting a flow rate of air flowing in the flow channel forming sections; and a pressure generating section connected to the flow channel forming sections via the flow channel control sections; and a suction pressure generating device which generates suction pressure that is applied to the medium held on the medium holding device. |
| US08038150B2 |
Sheet thickness measurement
A method of measuring a thickness of a sheet being conveyed on a transport path includes rotating a substantially cylindrical reference surface disposed in the transport path and engaging a probe with the reference surface to determine a runout value for each of a set of positions along a circumference of the reference surface. The method further includes conveying the sheet on the transport path so that the sheet contacts the reference surface at one position of the set, engaging the probe with the sheet at the one position to determine a measured sheet thickness value, and adjusting the measured sheet thickness value based on the runout value for the one position to obtain an actual sheet thickness value. |
| US08038148B2 |
Meander control system, and meander control method
A meander control is performed by using: a guide roller that alters the conveying direction of a aluminum sheet conveyed along a conveying path; a first edge sensor that detects the amount of meandering at a first detection position that is upstream of the guide roller; a second edge sensor that detects the amount of meandering at a second detection position between the first edge sensor and the guide roller; and a control device that calculates an error contained in a first gain of a first feedforward model on the basis of a detected value from the first edge sensor and a detected value from the second edge sensor, and corrects a second gain of a second feedforward model by the calculated error, and then calculates a guide position-estimated amount of meandering on the basis of the second feedforward model and the detected value from the second edge sensor. |
| US08038143B2 |
Sheet delivery device and image forming device
A sheet delivery device is disclosed that includes an openable and closable manual paper feeder, an openable and closable paper catch tray, a first open/close detection unit to detect an opened/closed state of the manual paper feeder, a second open/close detection unit to detect an opened/closed state of the paper catch tray, and a control unit. The control unit issues an alert in response to simultaneous occurrences of both a closed state of the paper catch tray detected by the second open/close detection unit and an open state of the manual paper feeder detected by the first open/close detection unit. |
| US08038142B2 |
Medium delivery apparatus and medium processing apparatus with dual pressing members
A media delivery apparatus includes a media insertion portion and a media delivery port. A media guide surface is configured to guide media toward the delivery port. The feed roller is configured to feed the media toward the delivery port. The first pressing member is configured to press the media against the feed roller and the second pressing member is configured to press the media against the media guide surface. A driving mechanism is configured to drive the first pressing member. The first pressing member is moved from a waiting position and toward the feed roller and the second pressing member is moved from a retreating position to a side of the media guide surface interlockingly with the first pressing member. The second pressing member reaches a position at which the second pressing member presses the media against the media guide surface after the first pressing member reaches a position at which the first pressing member presses the media against the feed roller. |
| US08038140B2 |
Document feeding device, image forming apparatus including same, and control method for the document feeding device
A document feeding device includes a carrying unit capable of carrying documents, a drawing device drawing and supplying the documents, a drawing device drive source driving the drawing device, a separation unit including a separation device to separate the documents one by one, a separation device drive source driving the separation device, a conveying device conveying the documents, a reading unit including a reading device to read information of the documents, a discharge device discharging the documents, a first document detector provided between a document set position and the separation unit to detect the documents, and a second document detector provided downstream of the separation unit and near a separation position to detect the documents. The first and second document detectors detect the trailing end of each of the documents to control the operation of the drawing device on the basis of the result of the detection. |
| US08038134B2 |
Compression spring and method for the production thereof
The inventive compression spring comprises a cylinder (6) which is made of thermoplastic elastomer and is surrounded with an composite assembly comprising n alternating sleeves (4′, 5, 17, 18, 19) made of thermoplastic elastomer and (n−1) substantially nondeformable collars (3, 14, 15, 16), wherein each nondeformable collar is sandwiched between two sleeves and encompasses said cylinder and the sleeves are embodied in the form of rings whose lateral faces centered inside the spring. |
| US08038132B2 |
Hydraulic bushing
A hydraulic bushing assembly includes an inner tube, an elastomeric bushing disposed around the inner tube, an insert disposed around the elastomeric bushing and an outer tube disposed around the insert. The elastomeric bushing and the insert define a pair of chambers which are connected by a passageway defined by the insert. A pair of intermediate tubes are disposed in the elastomeric bushing at opposite axial ends of the insert. |
| US08038129B2 |
Method and device for cooling circulating air
Circulating air is cooled by heat exchange with adiabatically cooled process air. To this end, a first heat exchanging device is fed with circulating air and the process air. The heat exchanging device contains a humidifying device used to spray water into the process air. In this way, the process air is adiabatically cooled and the corresponding cooling is carried out by heat exchange with the circulating air. Before entering the first heat exchanging device and before leaving same, the process air is guided through a second heat exchanging device in which the cooled process air first extracts heat from the uncooled process air. This increases the cooling performance of the device. |
| US08038128B2 |
Evaporative humidifier pad made of rigidifying layer laminated to paper layer and method of constructing
A humidifier pad made of a plurality of laminated sheets connected together in a stack. Each of the sheets is made of a two layer laminate material made of a first layer of a rigidifying material, such as aluminum, and a second layer made of an absorbent layer, such as paper. The layers of each of the sheets are first laminated together, and then each sheet is slit and expanded in a conventional manner. Subsequently, each sheet is bonded to a next adjacent sheet to form a pad. |
| US08038121B2 |
Fluid control valve with sensing port
A fluid control valve includes a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet. A metering plug is located within the valve housing, and is configured to move linearly within the valve housing along a valve axis between an open position to allow fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet, and a closed position to block fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet. A reference plane is oriented perpendicular to the valve axis. The metering plug includes a nose portion having a sensing port in fluid communication with fluid flow at the outlet. The sensing port is oriented perpendicular to the valve axis and generally parallel to the reference plane. |
| US08038118B1 |
Apparatus for forming condiment receiving cavity in ground meat
A system for preparing compressible food stuff such as ground meat to include a central cavity in the meat product which can receive one or more condiments prior to cooking with the pressing and shaping devices to cover the condiment filled cavity with an additional layer of the compressible food product for a final shape and compressed product. The molding system includes a mold body that is cylindrically shaped, a first press plate that includes a central smaller in diameter protrusion for forming a cavity in a compressible food product, a second press plate having a flat disc shaped for compressing the top layer of meat over the cavity and an adapter ring used to raise the side wall of the mold body for adding a second layer of meat to be compressed with the second press plate. |
| US08038113B2 |
Telescoping mounting system for a recessed luminaire
A lighting assembly for a recessed luminaire includes a plaster frame for supporting the recessed luminaire and a pair of telescoping bars for attaching the plaster frame to framing support members. The telescoping bars include a first bar and a second bar, each of the bars having a generally S-shaped cross-sectional profile that is defined by a center curve joining a first area and a second area, which are generally hook-shaped and extend perpendicularly from the center curve in opposing directions. The first area of the first bar is overlappingly positioned at least in part within the second area of the second bar, and the first area of the second bar is overlappingly positioned at least in part within the second area of the second bar whereby the first and second bars are mated in an inverted and opposed adjacent relationship allowing sliding extension of the bars. |
| US08038112B2 |
Shelf support bracket and wall standard
A shelf support system is provided for supporting one or more shelves at selected elevations on a vertical surface. The system includes at least one standard having a rear wall, a first mounting wall extending from the rear wall, and a second mounting wall extending from the rear wall. The first and second mounting walls define between them a channel open to the front of the standard. At least one of the first and second walls defines notches which are not visible from the front of the standard, and the notches are adapted to receive a retention member on a bracket or shelf support which can be disposed within the channel of the standard. The shelf support can be tilted to an orientation that permits it be moved up or down within the standard to a different position, or to be removed from the standard altogether, or to be reinserted into the standard. |
| US08038106B2 |
Fast beam clamp
A beam clamp includes a clamp base and a rotational portion. The base includes an interior cavity and an external surface. The base and the rotational portion are pivotably connected by a mateable device. The rotational portion extends into the interior cavity of the base and the rotational portion includes a torsion spring. |
| US08038105B2 |
Arcuate saddle with partial ribs and methods of manufacture
Embodiments of the present invention relate to arcuate saddles with partial ribs typically used to anchor and suspend insulated or non-insulated pipes. Partial ribs on the lower face of the saddle inhibit the saddle from sliding relative to the hanger when engaged and provide strengthening force to the saddle. |
| US08038104B1 |
Cable constraining device for reduced cable wear
A cable constraining device features a flexible cable contact sheet that is inward attached to a cable constraining contour of a holding structure. The holding structure is configured for substantially encompassing a cable circumference while in constraining configuration. In a cavity between the holding structure and the cable contact sheet is a gel filled that provides a vibration dampening soft contact of the cable contact sheet with the cable insulation. The cushioning gel absorbs micro movement of the cable transferred onto the cable contact sheet such that wearing effects due to frictional sliding and vibration of the cable at its constraining location is substantially reduced. The holding structure may be of rubber like material that is formed on its outside like a well known grommet. An outer rigid clamping structure may be additionally employed. The device may be also configured as a profile in various lengths and bent shapes. |
| US08038101B2 |
Attitude change control method, attitude change control system, attitude change control program and program recording medium
Disclosed is an attitude change control system that is designed to efficiently output a torque for attitude change of a space craft using CMGs and realizes a real time CMG driving rule. A CMG gimbal steering law 15 generates target profiles for setting angle and angular velocity for each gimbal by applying an anisotropic weighted gradient method based upon the necessary torque calculated by a feed back controller 13 and a feed forward controller 14 from the angle and angular velocity in the target direction from the attitude navigator 12 and the current angle and angular velocity of the space craft estimated by the attitude estimator 11 as well as the current condition of each gimbal from the CMG 40, thereby controlling the CMG 40 for changing the attitude of the space craft dynamics 50 to the target direction. |
| US08038096B2 |
Aircraft landing gear assembly
An aircraft landing gear assembly comprises a four bar linkage arranged to be pivotably attached to an aircraft fuselage and movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein when in the retracted position at least a first portion of the landing gear assembly is housed within a wing at the aircraft. |
| US08038095B2 |
Motorised airplane with mixed hydrodynamic and aerodynamic structure for take-off and landing on water, ground or snow
A motorized airplane includes a landing gear with at least two legs capable of retracting into the fuselage via hatches. A pair of hydrofoils is fitted to the base of the fuselage in conformance with the ailerons used for lift and hydrodynamic stability, directed towards the base like a reverse V shape. The legs of the landing gear are each articulated around the pivot axes, fitted onto the hydrofoils. The landing gear is dual-function, using wheels or skis suspended on legs. Applications: airplane for landing on water, ground and snow. |
| US08038093B2 |
Aircraft control device
The invention relates to a control surface (3) for an aerodynamic lifting surface (2) of aircraft comprising a main closing rib (9) located at one end of the control surface (3) to which a main torsion bar (8) is joined, the mentioned torsion bar (8) being joined at its other end to a lever system (14) on which at least one actuator (15) acts, such that it is possible to act on the rotation of the mentioned control surface (3) during the flight of the aircraft. The invention also relates to an actuation method for actuating such a control surface (3). |
| US08038091B2 |
Fan control apparatus
When a FADEC detects an abnormality in any of engine+compressor combinations, a FCC controls the amount of air for driving the fan to a level that is lower than that before the abnormality has been detected, until a state is assumed in which the normally operating engine+compressor combination can supply the air at a flow rate necessary for a fan to generate a propulsion force that has been attained before the abnormality has been detected. As a result, the normally operating engine+compressor combination can be prevented from the occurrence of a surge and a resultant overload state. Therefore, when some drive sources from a plurality of drive sources fail, normally operating drive sources can be prevented from being in an overload state. |
| US08038089B2 |
Leader member in recording tape cartridge, manufacturing method thereof, and recording tape cartridge
The present invention provides a leader member in a recording tape cartridge that is excellent in terms of strength, rigidity, corrosion resistance, a low frictional property, and abrasion resistance, have excellent productivity, and is manufactured with a low cost, a manufacturing method thereof, and the recording tape cartridge. A leader member that is attached to a free end of a recording tape wound around a single reel accommodated in a case and that is pulled out from an opening formed in the case by an pull out member of a drive device is manufactured by die casting with one of a zinc alloy, an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or a copper alloy. |
| US08038084B2 |
Roller mill
The invention relates to a roller mill having a mill housing, a mill path which is supported so as to be rotatable about a mill axis inside the mill housing, and at least one mill roller which can be rotated about a mill roller shaft and which is engaged with the mill path in terms of rolling action. There is further provided a pivot lever which is for rotatably retaining the mill roller and which has a pivot shaft arranged parallel with the mill roller axis and which is supported outside the mill housing. The pivot lever is further in operational contact with a hydropneumatic resilient system in order to adjust the pressing pressure of the mill roller. The pivot lever is supported outside the mill housing with spacing therefrom in such a manner that the forces which are produced by the hydropneumatic resilient system are dissipated into the mill foundation directly or via pillars. |
| US08038081B2 |
Mobile power washer
A mobile power washer includes a heater module that is displaceable from an operative position, beneath a vented panel, to an access position enabling easy servicing or replacement of the module. The module includes a heater and a heat exchanger for heating water drawn from tanks for delivery at high pressure through a spray gun attached to a hose. A buffer tank is provided for retaining water heated by the heater for mixing with cold water from the tanks prior to further heating in the heat exchanger and delivery from the spray gun. |
| US08038077B1 |
Texture material for covering a repaired portion of a textured surface
A texturing system or texture material for applying a desired texture pattern on a patched portion of a surface. The texturing system comprises a texture material, a selecting system, and a dispensing system. The texture material comprises a carrier, a binder, a filler, and a change material. |
| US08038074B2 |
Data compression
A system and method of compression is disclosed that includes the generation of position codes based on positions of individual codes. Individual codes having the same value are adjacent in the position code and are separated by a spacer code. The position codes can be generated from individual codes in increasing value or decreasing value of the individual codes. The position code can be prefixed by a maximum value of the individual codes or prefixed by a total number of the individual codes. The individual codes can be representative of an audio or a video data stream. |
| US08038073B2 |
Tamper detection of documents using encoded dots
Disclosed are arrangements encode protection marks (302) into an unprotected document, where the protection marks are modulated according to a attributes of corresponding areas (902) of the unprotected document associated with the protection marks (302). Unauthorized amendment of the protected document can be detected by demodulating (1107) the modulated protection marks in the protected document, to derive the attribute of the unprotected document. This is compared to the corresponding attribute of the protected document, and this comparison indicates if unauthorized amendment has taken place. |
| US08038072B2 |
RFID label, method for producing the RFID label, device for producing the RFID label, sheet member (tag sheet) used for the RFID label, and cartridge attached to the device for producing the RFID label
A method for producing a RFID label comprises conveying a first label base material which is transparent from a first holding portion holding the first label base material, forming an image on a surface of the first label base material, conveying a second label base material including at least one of a RFID antenna conductor and an IC chip from a second holding portion holding the second label base material and joining the second label base material and the first label base material on which an image has been formed together, wherein, when an image is formed on the first label base material, the image is formed on a surface of the first label base material, the surface being joined to the second label base material. |
| US08038071B2 |
Smart card system and driving method thereof
A smart card system may include a smart card; and a smart card reader configured to communicate via a smart card protocol with the smart card, wherein the smart card includes a modulus counter that generates an operation clock of the smart card by receiving an external clock complying with the smart card protocol from the smart card reader, dividing the external clock a first and a second time to generate a first and a second dividing clock, counting the first dividing clock for A number of times, and counting the second dividing clock for N-A number of times. |
| US08038069B2 |
Apparatus for producing RFID labels
An apparatus for producing RFID labels includes: a housing forming a shell of the apparatus; a feeding roller drive shaft configured to feed a base tape in which a RFID circuit element for producing a label provided with an IC circuit part storing information and a tag antenna for transmission and reception of information is arranged; an antenna for producing the label provided in the housing and configured to transmit and receive the information via radio communication with respect to the RFID circuit element for producing a label in a tag label tape with print; an antenna for acquiring information provided with the IC circuit part storing information and the tag antenna for transmission and reception of information and configured to transmit and receive the information via the radio communication with a RFID circuit element for acquiring information located outside the housing; and a shielding member provided so as to cover at least the side of the antenna for acquiring information of the antenna for producing a label and provided with a function to shield or attenuate an electromagnetic wave. |
| US08038065B2 |
Encoded information reading terminal with user-configurable multi-protocol wireless communication interface
An encode information reading terminal can have a microprocessor electrically coupled to a system bus, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, and a wireless communication interface. The EIR can be selected from the group including a bar code reader, an RFID reader, and a card reader. The EIR can be configured to perform outputting raw message data containing an encoded message and/or outputting decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can comprise a radio frequency front end configured to perform receiving a first radio signal and/or transmitting a second radio signal. The radio frequency front end can be electrically coupled to an analog-to-digital converter which can be electrically coupled to the system bus and/or to a digital-to-analog converter which can be electrically coupled to the system bus. |
| US08038064B2 |
Color barcode producing method and apparatus, color barcode reading method and apparatus and color barcode reproducing method and apparatus
A color barcode can record much more amount of information than black white barcode. However, the problem of the color barcode is that it is easy to lose integrity or authenticity in printing and copy generation. This invention provides an apparatus and a method to keep the integrity or authenticity of the color barcode. Such is accomplished by the color reference portion of the color barcode including reference color tiles filled with colors which are used in a data portion of the color barcode and an apparatus and a method for producing, reproducing and reading such color barcode. |
| US08038061B2 |
Voting by peers with limited resources
A method for voting by peers via mobile devices operating in a network on behalf of their owners, comprising iteratively sending by a plurality of peers votes for candidates to a peer and determining by the peer, according to the votes, at least one winner candidate. |
| US08038058B2 |
Method and system for automated value transfer
This invention provides a system and method for authorizing automated value transfers from an account available to users who do not have a pre-existing trust, business or financial relationship. In an embodiment of the present invention, a Sender at a first location purchases a PIN Card at a point of sale, such as a retail location or a bank teller. The Sender contacts an intended Recipient at a remote location and discloses a Transfer PIN associated with the PIN Card, as well as the amount being transferred, to that intended Recipient. The Recipient needs only the Transfer PIN and a Cash Card to receive the money transfer at a participating remote location. To receive the value associated with the PIN Card, the Recipient inserts or swipes the Cash Card at an ATM and enters the Transfer PIN. An authorization system then authorizes the dispensing unit to dispense that value amount. |
| US08038057B1 |
Card activated automated banking machine system and method
A card actuated automated banking machine is operative to carry out financial transactions responsive to data included on user cards. The machine includes a user interface including a display. The user interface includes a card reader which is operative to read data on user cards which identify at least one of a user and a user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad through which users input confidential data. Covers prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Authorization signals assure that the display is operating in a manner that provides appropriate user instructions. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted. |
| US08038054B2 |
Method of using an indicia reader
A method of completing a transaction including the steps of: a customer remotely ordering a product from a provider; the provider sending an indicia to the customer, the indicia being representative of the product ordered; the provider sending authentication data to the customer for utilization as an authentication process at a point of transaction (POT); the customer displaying a new indicia at the POT; and the provider reading the new indicia at the POT. |
| US08038051B2 |
Method for production of electronic circuit board
A method for the deposition of a soldering powder to an electronic circuit board includes the steps of imparting stickiness to an exposed metal surface of a substrate and depositing a soldering powder to the resultant sticking part in a liquid body. The method can further include the steps of heating the substrate, thereby fusing the soldering powder, and forming a solder circuit. |
| US08038045B2 |
Staple buttress retention system
A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge. |
| US08038043B2 |
Heavy duty stapler
A heavy duty stapler comprises a base member; a magazine member, which has a first end pivotally connected to the base member and a second end opposite to the first end, including a firing device provided at the second end thereof, with a firing portion formed from an end of the firing device; a lever arm, which has first and second end, including first and second pivotal sections defined at the first end thereof and a pressing section defined at the second end thereof opposite to the first and second pivotal sections, with the first pivotal section pivotally connected to the base member; a linkage member having a first end pivotally connected to the second pivotal section of the lever arm and a second end opposite to the first end thereof; and a driven member including a first pivotal portion pivotally connected to the base member, a second pivotal portion pivotally connected to the second end of the linkage member and a driven portion. |
| US08038042B2 |
Backpack
A backpack which includes a frame and a cover. The frame has a first frame element which is connected with a first portion of the cover and a second frame element which is connected to a second portion of the cover. The second frame element is pivotably arranged on the first frame element at a region lying between an upper region and a lower region of the first frame element. |
| US08038039B2 |
Regulated fluid dispensing device and method of dispensing a carbonated beverage
A device and method are provided for dispensing a beverage from a pressurized container. The dispensing device includes an integral source of compressed gas for maintaining the beverage within the container at a desired pressurized state. The dispensing device also includes a regulator for controlling the flow of gas from the compressed gas source to the interior of the container, as well as a pressure relief mechanism that accounts for potential over pressurization of the container. The beverage is selectively dispensed by actuation of a tap handle. Delivery is achieved through the device by a resilient delivery tube, and the delivery tube is either pinched closed or allowed to decompress by the actuation of the tap handle. |
| US08038037B2 |
Utensil dispenser system
A dispenser for food material that facilitates spreading of the material is disclosed. The dispenser can comprise a unitary construction, or can be composed of a plurality of components that can be fastened together. Disposable cartridges containing food material can be attached to the dispense, and the material within can be dispensed into a utensil such as a spoon for serving. The dispense provides metered dispensing. |
| US08038028B2 |
Additional containment system for storage tank
An additional containment system for a fluid containment vessel includes an outer section, an inner section, and a monitoring system. A plurality of independent and distinct zones of interstitial space are positioned between the outer section and the inner section. The monitoring system is connected to and separately monitors a pressure in each of the zones. A divider plate is attached to both the inner section and the outer section and divides a first zone from a second zone. Upon detecting a leak, the monitoring system provides an indication as to the leak being in the outer section or in the inner section, and upon detecting a leak, the monitoring system also provides an indication as to which of the zones the leak is detected. |
| US08038025B2 |
Medical waste container hinged lid
In one aspect, a waste container lid having a closure part and a cap part connected with a hinge, a releasable lock structure and at least one permanent lock structure. In another aspect, a waste container with waste container lid having first closure retention structure and a second closure retention structure that permits the cap to remain opened in a plurality of positions. |
| US08038019B2 |
Jump rope cart assembly
A jump rope cart assembly includes a frame having a base portion, a hanger portion and a plurality of indicium. The hanger portion, which includes a plurality of holders, is supported by the base portion. The plurality of indicium is disposed on the frame. Each of the plurality of is adapted to correspond to a length of jump rope. The jump rope cart assembly further includes a plurality of jump rope of different lengths disposed on the holders. A method for using a cart assembly includes providing a cart assembly having a plurality of jump rope. The cart assembly includes a plurality of indicium corresponding to lengths of jump rope. A height of a reference location on a user is compared to the indicium disposed on the cart assembly. A jump rope is selected which corresponds to the indicium that is closest to the height of the reference location. |
| US08038016B2 |
Injection drug takeout device
To reliably bias drugs to a rotor side without upsizing a device, with little layout limitations, and without damaging the drugs.Biasing means that biases drugs stored in a cassette 3 to a rotor 23 side to arrange the drugs includes: a casing 35; a constant load spring 36 provided in the casing 35 and having a spring part 41 fixed to the rotor 23 side of the cassette 3 at its tip; a locking plate 42 provided in the casing 35 and having a gear part 46 that engaged with and disengaged from a locking rack 26 formed in the cassette 3; and a pressing block 43 projected so as to be pressed from the contact surface of the casing 35 in contact with the drugs and rotating the locking plate 42 by pressing to release the gear part 46 from the locking rack 26. |
| US08038015B2 |
Equipment rack panel system and method
An equipment rack panel system using one or more rack extension panels with optional raceway to interconnect equipment cables to service cables through connectors within the rack extension panel. The rack extension panel is either fastened to or integral with one of the posts of the equipment rack or otherwise adjacent to the equipment rack and extends away from the equipment rack so as not to occupy space within the equipment rack normally reserved for equipment. |
| US08038013B2 |
Liquid filtration media
A liquid filter with a composite medium that has a nanoweb adjacent to and optionally bonded to a microporous membrane. The membrane is characterized by an LRV value of 3.7 at a rated particle size, and the nanoweb has a fractional filtration efficiency of greater than 0.95 at the rated particle size of the membrane. The nanoweb also has a thickness efficiency ratio of greater than 0.01 at that efficiency. The nanoweb acts to provide depth filtration to the membrane, prefilters particles and extends the lifetime of the membrane. |
| US08038012B2 |
Procedure and apparatus of the concentration of hydrophobic materials
A procedure and apparatus for the concentration of hydrophilic materials through flotation which consists of two devices operating in series. The first device performs the function of feeding the gas and the pulp, generate bubbles and produce contact with the hydrophobic particles to be concentrated. The second device performs the functions of separating and evacuating the froth carrying the hydrophobic materials and the evacuation of the aqueous pulp with the materials with water affinity. The gas-pulp mixing device contains inside it solid mixing means, preferably bead shaped and of a density lower than that of the pulp to be processed. The generation of bubbles and their contact with hydrophobic materials happen when the gas and the pulp transit through the interstices between the mixing media which have discrete freedom to move in the interior. The separation of the froth takes place in a tank without motorized agitation systems volume of which can permit the pulp's residence times within a range of 20 to 60 seconds. This tank has in its upper section overflow ridges and froth collecting troughs. The discharge of the tailings is effected through one or more outgoing pipes placed in the inferior section of the slanted bottom and flow of which is controlled by valves. The selectivity of the concentration is controlled by changing the depth at which the bubbler discharges into the froth separator tank. |
| US08038010B1 |
Single piece edge protector for curved objects
A single piece edge protector for curved and curvilinear-shaped objects includes a preformed, rigid, laminated U-board having a bottom wall, and a first sidewall, and a second sidewall which include preformed angled cuts. The preformed cuts are formed at about 15 degrees from a plane perpendicular to the bottom wall. Each sidewall of the edge protector is a mirror-image of the other such that a preformed cut on the first sidewall is directly across from a preformed cut on the second sidewall. A plurality of preformed cuts form both V-shaped openings and a plurality of trapezoid-like legs on the first and second sidewalls. Each leg may have a similar surface area or a different surface area as an adjacent leg along the length of the edge protector. The edge protector is configured to follow a curvilinear perimeter of about 135 degrees and may include an end cap closure. |
| US08038006B2 |
Blister-type packaging for inhalers
A dispensing device package including a protective enclosure containing a dispensing device, e.g. an inhaler. The protective enclosure includes at least one rigid enclosure member, which in some implementations defines a recess to house a section of the dispensing device. |
| US08038003B2 |
Heavy duty handle U-board
A packaging container has a heavy duty integrated handle. The container is formed from a rigid unit of generally U-shaped cross-section having a main body portion with a generally flat bottom wall and upstanding, opposing sidewalls, wherein the bottom wall is reinforced with reinforcing material. Reinforced hand openings are formed in the reinforced bottom wall, configured for a user to insert a hand for use as the handle for the packaging container. |
| US08038002B2 |
One-hand operable data disc case
A data disc case includes a base panel and an one-hand operable arrangement which includes an affixing panel affixing on the base panel and a foldable panel extended from the affixing panel to foldably overlap on the base panel, wherein the affixing panel and foldable panel are extended edge to edge to form a cover panel on the base panel and to define a compartment between the cover panel and the base panel for accommodating a data disc therewithin. The foldable panel at the cover panel is movably overlapping with the base panel to foldably flip the foldable panel of the cover panel between an open position in a one-hand operable manner for exposing the data disc within the compartment to be accessed and an enclosed position for enclosing the data disc within the data disc case. |
| US08038000B2 |
Hydrogen peroxide point-of-use wipers
A hydrogen peroxide point of use wetted wiper system includes a packaging with a first, a second, and a third compartment, wherein the separate compartments are mergable. Wipers are disposed in the third compartment. Disposed in the second compartment is dry urea hydrogen peroxide, isolated from the wipers. Disposed in the first compartment is a solvent, wherein the solvent is isolated from the wipers and the urea hydrogen peroxide. The first and second compartments can merge to form a unified compartment such that the solvent is combined with the urea hydrogen peroxide at a point of use to form liquid 6% hydrogen peroxide solution. The unified compartment then merges with the third compartment such that the liquid hydrogen peroxide wets the wipers. The liquid hydrogen peroxide concentration and amount is proportional to the wiper absorptive capacity, number, size, and degree of desired saturation. |
| US08037998B2 |
Panel-carrying-out apparatus
A panel-carrying-out apparatus used for conveying panels ejected from a press machine includes: a semicircular sorting conveyor adapted to be driven switchably in a normal direction or a reverse direction; and a pair of straight conveyors respectively disposed at ends of the sorting conveyor. Each of the panels from the press machine is mounted on the center position of the sorting conveyor in terms of a conveying path. Specifically, an arced conveyor included in the sorting conveyor, on which each of the panels is initially mounted, is adapted to be driven switchably in the normal direction or the reverse direction. |
| US08037993B2 |
Container carrier turning device for a container carrier conveyor
A container carrier turning device for a specimen container provided with an ID barcode and inserted into a carrier made advancing by a conveyor belt. The turning device includes a carrier stopping arrangement for rotatably engaging a lateral surface of the carrier to stop the advancing movement of the carrier while leaving it free to rotate around the container axis, and a carrier pressing arrangement for rotatably engaging an upper surface of the carrier. An elastic arrangement forces the carrier pressing arrangement to a carrier engaging position. An idle bearing, opposite to the carrier stopping arrangement, facilitates the carrier rotation. An RFID antenna is associated with the carrier turning device to identify a container carrier tag. |
| US08037992B2 |
Method and apparatus for transporting and processing on-edge tablets
A tablet conveying apparatus for transporting tablets includes a conveyer. Each of the tablets includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a generally flat, circumferential belly band that interconnects the first and second sides. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier bars to convey a plurality of tablets along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier bar has at least one pocket to receive and transport a tablet in a vertical orientation along the predetermined conveyer path. The pocket may be configured to allow rotation of the tablet about its central axis that extends transverse to the first and second sides. The pocket may be configured to establish line contact between two flat portions of the pocket and two corresponding circumferential portions along the belly band. |
| US08037985B2 |
Motorcycle including centrifugal clutch
A centrifugal clutch for an engine includes a pressure plate that presses a friction plate into a clutch plate is provided. The clutch may include a plurality of roller weights that move on respective cam surfaces in a radially outward direction relative to the pressure plate in accordance with the magnitude of a centrifugal force generated by rotation of a drive side rotating body. The pressure plate presses the friction plate into the clutch plate with a force corresponding to the amount of movement. An elastic member is operatively coupled to the pressure plate to cause the friction and clutch plates to stay in pressed contact even when the engine is in a stopped state. |
| US08037984B2 |
Four-wheel-drive-vehicle driving force distribution apparatus
A four-wheel-drive-vehicle driving force distribution apparatus has an auxiliary transmission mechanism for switching motive power transmitted to an input shaft at least between two levels, a high speed and a low speed, and transmitting the motive power to a main output shaft; a friction clutch for selectively transmitting the motive power of the main output shaft to an auxiliary output shaft; a ball cam mechanism for changing the pressing force of the friction clutch in a non-step manner; and a shift mechanism for shifting the auxiliary transmission mechanism. A clutch control mechanism is provided between a drive member fixed to an output shaft of a motor and a pinion gear and changes the clutch pressing force caused by the ball cam mechanism corresponding to clockwise rotation of the drive member performed by a motor starting from a control starting point. A shift control mechanism is provided between the drive member and a shifting cylindrical cam and alternately repeating switching between a H position and a L position of the auxiliary transmission mechanism in every counterclockwise reciprocating rotation of the drive member performed by the motor starting from the control starting point. |
| US08037979B2 |
Arrangement for reducing a rotational speed of a rotating member
An arrangement for reducing a rotational speed of a rotating member includes a first and second pressure member arranged at a distance from each other and an opposite sides of the rotating member for movement relative to each other between a retracted position and a forward position engaging the rotating member. The arrangement includes an adjustment device including a friction structure forming a friction joint with one of the pressure members for maintaining a position relative to one another provided a maximum friction force is not exceeded. The arrangement further includes a spring acting on the friction structure for separating the pressure members after having been compressed. The spring has a gradually increasing spring force between a non-compressed state and a totally compressed state. An intermediate spring force value of the spring, which corresponds to compression of the spring to an extent less than the totally compressed state, equals a maximum friction force of the friction joint so that the friction structure is forced to move relative to the pressure member, with which it forms the friction joint, when the maximum friction force is exceeded. |
| US08037977B2 |
Disk brakes
The present invention includes a disk brake including a caliper having an opening, the opening includes two edges, the caliper also having pin holes positioned adjacent to the two edges, a pad positioned in the opening of the caliper, a pair of pad pins connectable to the pin holes of the caliper and able to movably support the pad and a bias member capable of biasing the pair of pad pins in at least one of a mutually approaching direction and a mutually separating direction, the bias member is capable of elastically pushing the pair of pad pins against hole wall surfaces of the pin holes of the caliper. |
| US08037972B2 |
Vehicle parking system and method for controlling the same
In a vehicle parking system, when a selected shift position is changed between Park and a shift position other than Park, if both an electric motor of an electric parking lock mechanism and an electric motor of an electric parking brake mechanism are operated, these electric motors are started in such a manner that the times at which striking currents supplied to these electric motors reach their peaks are staggered. |
| US08037970B2 |
Checkout counter and self checkout terminal
A counter base for checkout includes a basket placing table on one side thereof to be freely raised and lowered. A driving unit can drive to raise and lower the basket placing table. A first detecting unit detects that a shopping cart enters an access area closer to the basket placing table than a predetermined range. A second detecting unit detects presence or absence of the shopping cart stopped along one side of the counter base. A control unit controls to drive, when the first detecting unit detects entrance of the shopping cart into the access area, the driving unit to move the basket placing table to a lowered position and, thereafter, controls to drive, when the second detecting unit does not detect the shopping cart stopped along the counter base, the driving unit to return the basket placing table to a raised position. |
| US08037967B2 |
Acoustic treatment device for turbine and combustion noises
An acoustic treatment device for an internal primary ejection duct from a turbojet pod, including an upstream zone and a downstream zone relative to an airflow direction in the primary ejection duct, the upstream and downstream zones being located on each side of a separating wall with a first face on the side of the upstream side and a second face on the side of the downstream side. The separating wall is a micro-porous wall and the face of the separating wall located on the side of the downstream side is covered by a honeycomb structure to attenuate high frequency acoustic waves. Such a device may find application to treatment of combustion and turbine noises. |
| US08037962B2 |
Motorcycle
A motorcycle that maintains sufficient vehicle rigidity with a simple structure. A main frame has an up-and-down extension part in a vehicle width center, side plates disposed apart on the right and left of the up-and-down extension part, and first and second supporting pipes. Both ends of the supporting pipes are attached to the side plates. |
| US08037958B2 |
Layout of compact all terrain vehicle for fuel tank, intake duct, and exhaust duct positioning
Fuel tank 10 is provided such that its front end 10′ is located to the rear of the rear end 20a′ of crankcase 20a; air intake duct 34 of transmission case 21a has an intake port 34b arranged above air intake opening 21b of transmission case 21a, with at least a portion of it being forward of the rear end part 8″ of handlebar member 8 at the time of maximum turning thereof; and exhaust duct 35 has an exhaust port 35b arranged above exhaust opening 21c of transmission case 21a, with at least a portion of it being forward of the rear end part 8″ of handlebar member 8 at the time of maximum turning thereof. |
| US08037954B2 |
Electric vehicle and vehicle charging system
When a current flows through a battery, a resistance loss proportional to the square of the current is produced by an internal resistance component of the current. In a case where the temperature of a heat capacity element is raised, a charging current is controlled such that prescribed thermal energy is provided to the heat capacity element by this resistance loss. Air is induced into a power supply unit through a vehicle compartment air exhaust duct. Then, the thermal energy stored in the heat capacity element is transferred to the air induced into the power supply unit. The air to which the thermal energy has been provided from the heat capacity element is blown out toward a vehicle compartment space by a fan. |
| US08037951B2 |
Cutter having shaped working surface with varying edge chamfer
A cutter for a drill bit used for drilling wells in a geological formation includes an ultra hard working surface and a chamfer along an edge of the working surface, wherein the chamfer has a varied geometry along the edge. The average geometry of the chamfer varies with cutting depth. A depression in the shaped working surface is oriented with the varied chamfer and facilitates forming the varied chamfer. A non-planar interface has depressions oriented with depressions in the shaped working surface to provide support to loads on the working surface of the cutter when used. |
| US08037950B2 |
Methods of using a particle impact drilling system for removing near-borehole damage, milling objects in a wellbore, under reaming, coring, perforating, assisting annular flow, and associated methods
A particle impact drilling system and method are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, an apparatus or system, methods, to excavate a subterranean formation. The system can including, for example, removing near-borehole damage, casing, window milling, fishing, drilling with casing, under reaming, coring, perforating, effective circulatory density management, assisted annular flow, and directional control. Embodiments of associated systems and methods are also included. |
| US08037949B2 |
Pipe running tool
A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by the lower drive shaft, and is designed to releasably engage a pipe segment in such a manner to substantially prevent relative rotation between the two. Thus, when the lower pipe engagement assembly is actuated to securely hold a pipe segment, the top drive assembly may be actuated to rotate the top drive output shaft, which causes the lower drive shaft and lower pipe engagement assembly to rotate, which in turn rotates the pipe segment. |
| US08037948B2 |
Drilling machine
A drilling machine includes a motor housing, a gear box housing, a shaft driven by the motor and extending into the gear box housing, a drilling shaft extending through the gear box housing and having an outgoing channel arranged in the drilling shaft for supply/removal of a drill flow medium to/from a tool part that is connectable to the drilling shaft, a drill flow medium room, between the motor housing and gear box housing, that can be supplied with drill flow medium when the drilling machine is in operation, and an incoming drill flow medium conduit for the supply/removal of the drill flow medium to/from the drill flow medium room. The motor housing includes a detachable end cover which forms the rear unit of the drilling machine. The gear box housing includes a detachable end cover that forms the front unit of the drilling machine. |
| US08037944B2 |
Fastening device for coupling ploughing elements in agricultural cultivation machines
Fastening device for coupling ploughing elements in agricultural cultivation machines, the ploughing elements including ploughshares, points, blades or any similar type of tool, the fastening device including an intermediate fastening element, formed by a solid body, which joins the ploughing element to the support arm; the intermediate fastening element being equipped with a fastening arrangement for linking thereof to the support arm; a guiding arrangement for insertion of the former inside the ploughing element; and an aperture, passable transversely with respect to the direction of the guiding arrangement and intended for insertion of a retractable pin which, in an insertion position for the pin, acts as a retaining element for the ploughing element with respect to the intermediate fastening element such that the fastening device enables the user/operator to manually replace or reposition the ploughing element, avoiding any need for accessory tools for this purpose. |
| US08037942B2 |
Resettable antiextrusion backup system and method
A resettable antiextrusion system including a backup ring, a ramp in operable communication with the backup ring, and a gauge ring attached to the ramp. A method for sealing a tubular. |
| US08037939B2 |
Riser pipe with rigid auxiliary lines
The invention relates to a riser pipe section comprising a main tube (2), at least one auxiliary line element (3) arranged substantially parallel to said tube (2), characterized in that the ends of main tube (2) comprise connecting means (8) allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted and in that the ends of auxiliary line element (3) comprise linking means (5-6) allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted. |
| US08037935B2 |
Acquiring and concentrating a selected portion of a sampled reservoir fluid
An apparatus includes a sample compartment. The apparatus further includes an inlet port through which the sampled reservoir fluid may be introduced into the sample compartment. The apparatus further includes a concentrating object that can be placed within the sample compartment. The concentrating object includes an outer surface and an inner surface recessed from the outer surface. The inner surface is receptive to adsorbing the selected portion of the sampled reservoir fluid. |
| US08037934B2 |
Downhole tool delivery system
An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores. |
| US08037933B1 |
Externally testable redundant seal connector
An externally testable redundant seal connector for a well comprising a connector body and a ferrule disposed on an end of the connector body. The ferrule is adapted for forming a primary seal between an outer diameter of the connector body and a profile in a mandrel. A sealing groove can be formed on the outer diameter of the connector body. A sealing device can be disposed in the sealing groove. A conduit can be formed in the connector body parallel to but disconnected from the thru-bore. Ports can be disposed in the connector body for receiving fluid and introducing fluid to at least one conduit. A plug can be insertable in each port upon completion of testing wherein each plug forms a secondary seal between the connector and the mandrel. |
| US08037932B2 |
Pipe handling device and safety mechanism
A pipe handling assembly includes a pipe engaging apparatus having a pipe gripping mechanism connectable to a top drive such that the top drive transmits rotational movement and axial movement to the pipe gripping mechanism. A pipe handling device is mounted onto the pipe engaging apparatus, the pipe handling device including a link hanger mounted on the pipe engaging apparatus. A link arm has a first end pivotally connectable to the link hanger and an outboard end selected to carry a pipe into a position to be gripped by the pipe engaging apparatus. A bearing isolates rotational movement to the pipe gripping mechanism from the link hanger. A connection rigidly connects the link hanger to the pipe engaging apparatus during operation of the pipe handling assembly. The connection is selected to substantially prevent the link hanger from rotating with the pipe gripping mechanism should the bearing seize. |
| US08037930B2 |
Heat exchanger
A tube is composed of a first plate and a second plate which are opposed and engaged with each other. In a first region on both end sides of the tube, the first plate is formed into a shape in which an edge portion of the first plate is laid along a bent portion of the second plate so that an outer wall face of the tube forms a continuous face. In a second region of the tube, the first plate is formed into a shape in which the edge portion of the first plate is laid between the edge portion of the second plate and the bent portion of the second plate. |
| US08037928B2 |
Chromium-enriched oxide containing material and preoxidation method of making the same to mitigate corrosion and fouling associated with heat transfer components
A heat transfer component that is resistant to corrosion and fouling is disclosed. The heat transfer component includes a heat exchange surface formed from a chromium-enriched oxide containing material formed from the composition δ, ε, and ζ, wherein ζ is a steel containing at least about 5 to about 40 wt. % chromium, ε is a chromium enriched oxide (M3O4 or M2O3 or mixtures thereof) formed on the surface of the steel ζ, wherein M is a metal containing at least 5 wt. % Cr based on the total weight of the metal M, and δ is a top layer formed on the surface of the chromium-enriched oxide ε, comprising sulfide, oxide, oxysulfide, and mixtures thereof. The top layer δ comprises iron sulfide (Fe1-xS), iron oxide (Fe3O4), iron oxysulfide, iron-chromium sulfide, iron-chromium oxide, iron-chromium oxysulfide, and mixtures thereof. The metal M of the chromium enriched oxide (M3O4 or M2O3 or mixtures thereof) may comprise Fe, Cr, and constituting elements of the steel ζ. The steel ζ may be selected from low chromium steels, ferritic stainless steels, martensitic stainless steels, austenitic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels and precipitation-hardenable alloys. |
| US08037923B2 |
Magnetically attachable window screen system
A magnetically attachable window screen system comprising,a rectangular casement window comprising a casement window frame for removably attaching a rectangular window screen, the casement window frame comprising four window frame sides,the four window frame sides comprising a lower horizontal frame side, an upper horizontal frame side and two opposing vertical frame sides, each window frame side comprising a front perimeter wall and a side perimeter wall, at least one frame magnet attached to the casement window frame at least partly behind the plane defining the front perimeter wall or the plane defining the side perimeter wall, at least one support on the casement window frame for supporting the window screen, the window screen comprising a screen frame comprising four screen bars, the four screen bars comprising a lower horizontal screen bar, an upper horizontal screen bar, and two vertical screen bars, the window screen further comprising at least one screen magnet attached to the window screen frame and positioned to magnetically co-operate with the at least one frame magnet attached to the casement window frame. |
| US08037922B2 |
Device for monitoring motion of a movable closure
A device for monitoring motion of a movable closure arranged for travel between limit positions, comprising an absolute position encoder for identifying whether the closure is in one of a plurality of sectors of travel, a relative position encoder for monitoring the speed and relative position of the closure, and a drive means for operatively coupling the relative position encoder and the absolute position encoder to the closure, such that there is a fixed relationship between motion of the closure and movement of both encoders, wherein the absolute position encoder features an adjustment assembly comprising a first element and a second element, the first element being selectively adjustable in position relative to the second element to adjust the absolute position encoder without movement of the drive means or the relative position encoder. |
| US08037921B2 |
Track and guide system for a door
A vertically operating door and its drive system can be configured to push a door panel along a track to various overhead storage configurations including vertical, horizontal, inclined and coiled. Semi-flexible drive strips extend continuously along lateral edges of the curtain. The system includes a drive gear that engages a series of projections on at least one drive strip so that the gear can push the door between its open and closed positions. To protect the door from being damaged by collisions, the track can include a breakaway feature that allows at least a portion of the panel with its drive strip to separate from the track without permanent distortion. The drive strip and panel remain together as they break away from the track. The threshold of the breakaway force can be changed by selecting a retention strip from a plurality of interchangeable strips having different degrees of flexibility. |
| US08037919B2 |
Double-sided adhesive tape dispenser available for diverse widths
A double-sided adhesive tape dispenser available for diverse width includes a main body and a winding mechanism installed inside the main body. The winding mechanism has a driving gear and a recycling gear fitted with a recycling wheel. The driving gear and the recycling gear are respectively mounted with a first adjusting member and a second adjusting member that have a certain height. A tape disk is fitted on the first adjusting member. With or without the first adjusting member and the second adjusting member, adhesive tapes with diverse widths can be applied by the adhesive tape dispenser of the invention without using an additional conventional adhesive tape dispenser. |
| US08037913B2 |
Pneumatic tire with single non-continuous carcass ply
A carcass for a pneumatic tire includes a first annular bead, a second annular bead, a first continuous radial ply, a second continuous radial ply, and a third non-continuous radial ply. The first radial ply has two shoulder portions and two lateral edge portions. One lateral edge portion of the first ply extends from one shoulder portion of the first ply radially inward to a location proximal to the first annular bead. The other lateral edge portion of the first ply extends from the other shoulder portion of the first ply radially inward to a location proximal to the second annular bead. The second continuous radial ply has two shoulder portions and two lateral edge portions. One lateral edge portion of the second ply extends from one shoulder portion of the second ply radially inward to a location proximal to the first annular bead. The other lateral edge portion of the second ply extends from the other shoulder portion of the second ply radially inward to a location proximal to the second annular bead. The third non-continuous radial ply has a first portion and a second portion separate and distinct from the first portion. The first portion of the third ply extends from a location proximal to one shoulder portion of the second ply to a location proximal to the first annular bead. The second portion extends from the other shoulder portion of the second ply to a location proximal to the second annular bead. |
| US08037908B1 |
Slide valve for a bottle
A slide valve system for a powder or liquid reservoir bottle which closes the reservoir bottle and allows the reservoir bottle to be tipped away from a subjacent dispensing bottle fed by the reservoir bottle. Once the reservoir bottle is tipped away the slide valve can be opened and the reservoir bottle filled. The reservoir bottle can then be closed by the slide valve and tipped back onto the dispensing bottle. Once on top of the dispensing bottle the valve can be opened and the contents of the reservoir bottle can enter the dispensing bottle by gravity flow. The slide valve must be closed in order to rotate the reservoir bottle away from the dispensing bottle. Likewise, the reservoir bottle must be locked in a vertical position with the reservoir bottle over the dispensing bottle in order to open the slide valve. |
| US08037903B2 |
Micromachined electrowetting microfluidic valve
This invention relates to a systems and methods of controlling the flow of a fluid in a capillary or microfluidic channel. A first pair of electrodes can influence the wetting of a fluid front at a relatively hydrophobic surface in the channel. A second pair of electrodes can electrolytically generate a bubble that can stop fluid flow when it contacts the hydrophobic surface. Flow of a fluid in a channel can be stopped on contact with the hydrophobic surface and restarted when an electrostatic field reduces the contact angle of the fluid at the hydrophobic surface. The electrostatic field can be removed and the fluid stopped again when an electrolytically generated bubble contacts the hydrophobic surface to reestablish the blocking contact angle of the fluid, gas and surface. |
| US08037902B2 |
Fluid logic device
Novel fluid logic devices are disclosed. Certain examples of the fluid logic devices include two or more fluid logic gates that are each operative to select and/or direct analytes in a sample into one or more fluid flow channels in communication with the fluid logic gates. The fluid logic device can be part of a larger system, such as a chromatography system, or can be stand-alone device. |
| US08037898B2 |
Reservoir tank for vehicle brake system
A reservoir tank for a vehicle brake system has a tank body including upper and lower shells joined together along mating surfaces. A float and a fluid level sensor are mounted in a fluid level detecting chamber defined in the tank body. The float is fitted on a shaft of the fluid level sensor. A partition plate is fitted in the lower shell to restrict a flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the fluid level detecting chamber. The partition plate is disposed near the top end of the shaft of the fluid level sensor to restrict the distance by which the float can move vertically. A filter, the fluid level sensor and the partition plate are all set in the lower shell. The filter and the partition plate having their top ends pressed against the bottom ends of partitioning walls of the upper shell. Thus, the filter and the partition wall are held in position in the tank body between the upper and lower shells. No separate retainer for the float is necessary because the partition plate serves also as a float retainer. |
| US08037892B2 |
Parts washing apparatus with centrifugal filter
A parts washing apparatus comprising a basin having a drain, a reservoir located below the drain, and a solvent filtering and recirculating system. This system comprises a centrifuge filter assembly and a solvent recirculating system. The centrifuge filter assembly in turn comprises a centrifugal filter comprising a receptacle and a replaceable filter element, and also a turbine to drive the centrifugal filter. The centrifuge filter and the turbine are positioned in an enclosing structure to enclose the turbulent flow of the solvent from the centrifuge filter and also enclose the fumes associated with the turbulent flow. Thus, there is a discharge of solvent as less turbulent flow while substantially enclosing the associated fumes. |
| US08037886B2 |
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. |
| US08037885B2 |
Treatment for sleep apnea or snoring
A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway. |
| US08037884B2 |
Modular system for patient positioning during medical procedures
A device 50 for supporting and positioning a part of a patient's body includes at least two joints 62, 64, 66 each having a locked state and an unlocked state and a release system for allowing an operator to select between the locked state and the unlocked state. The release system has an operator interface remote from the joints and at a location that enables the operator to support the weight of the body part while at least one of the joints is in the unlocked state. |
| US08037881B2 |
Dry powder inhaler
The present invention relates to an improvement of the mouthpiece of a dry powder inhalation device wherein the medicament is packed in the blisters of single dose blister strips. According to the invention a portion of the air which enters the mouthpiece does not pass through the powder containing blister, but follows an alternative path through the mouthpiece, enabling therefore the modification of the resistance of the device in a simple and cost effective manner. |
| US08037880B2 |
Dry powder inhaler
A new dry powder inhaler is developed as a pulmonary medicine delivery device for dispersing precise tiny dosages (10 μg-50 mg) of pure carrier-free ultra-fine powdered medicament (<5 μm aerodynamics particle size) into a patient's lung. The powder is drawn from the blister cell and dispersed through an outlet tube assisted by two air streams. The first air stream goes through a the blister cell from its upstream side, to significantly fluidize the medicament in the dose to flow upward. The second one extracts the fluidized powder from downstream of the blister cell for further deagglomeration and dispersion of the medicament powder by shear force. The rotating multi-dose blister can hold up to 60 doses, which are pre-metered with pure ultra-fine powdered medicament. So that it has higher drug loading capability in small volumes, compared to most current dry powder inhalers, which usually use some excipient. The inhaler efficiently disperse the aerosolized medicament in the air stream to the deep interior of patient's lung. The fine particle fraction (<4.7 μm) is reported to reach as high as 80% using this inhaler. |
| US08037872B2 |
Engine system having cooled and heated inlet air
A thermal management system for an engine is disclosed. The thermal management system may have a first heat exchanger situated to cool air directed into the engine, a pump configured to pressurize a fluid directed through the engine, and a second heat exchanger situated to transfer heat absorbed by the fluid to air directed into the engine. The thermal management system may also have a heater configured to provide supplemental heat to air directed into the engine. |
| US08037871B2 |
Seal assembly for a pressurized fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine
The seal assembly comprises providing a fuel conduit having a fluid flow passage therethrough for conveyance of a pressurized fuel-containing gas in a general fluid-flow direction with a first sealing surface disposed on the fuel conduit. A second sealing surface engages with the first sealing surface, such as to provide a fluid-tight connection preventing pressurized gas from leaving the fluid flow passage. The said first and second sealing surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the general fluid-flow direction. An o-ring is disposed between the first sealing surface and second sealing surface, the o-ring being compressed by the first and second sealing surfaces to form said fluid-tight connection. Preferably the o-ring is subjected to a squeeze of at least 40%, more preferably 50%, when the first and second sealing surfaces are coupled together. The sealing arrangement is most advantageously applied to throttle assemblies and the like, in particular for use with low-speed, gaseous fueled engines. |
| US08037867B2 |
Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine
In a method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine (1), the accuracy of the detection of knocking in an internal combustion engine (1) can be increased by determining a reference ignition advance angle for an actual operating point of the internal combustion engine (1) at which the efficiency of the engine is a maximum. An actual ignition advance angle at which the internal combustion engine (1) is to be operated at the actual operating point is determined. Signals from a knocking sensor (14) are detected, allowing conclusions to be drawn concerning a knocking event in a combustion chamber (30) of the internal combustion engine (1). To detect knocking, only the signal values which lie within a predetermined evaluating interval are used, wherein the position of the evaluating interval is determined depending on the difference between the reference ignition advance angle and the actual ignition advance angle. |
| US08037864B2 |
Diesel engine
In a diesel engine 10 equipped with a fuel injection device 50 having a fuel supply pump 53 for pressingly sending a fuel, a common rail 52 for accumulating the fuel pressingly sent from the fuel supply pump, injectors 51 for injecting the fuel into a cylinder by an electronic control, a coolant water temperature sensor 64 for detecting an engine coolant water temperature and a fuel injection quantity map for calculating a target common rail pressure, total amount of injections, the number of multistage injection, the respective injection quantity and the respective injection quantity timing, the diesel engine 10 comprises a total injection quantity increasing means for increasing the total amount of injections in the injection quantity control arithmetic means and an injection number reduction avoidance means for avoiding that the number of multistage injections are changed by the total injection quantity increasing means when the engine is transferred to a cold state to a warming state. |
| US08037863B2 |
Positive displacement rotary vane engine
The present invention is an engine, which includes a positive displacement compression process, a variably fueled, continuous combustor and/or heat exchanger, and a positive displacement, work-producing expander. This arrangement avoids the traditional stochiometric mixture requirements utilized in spark-ignition based engines and the emission problems associated with diesel engines. |
| US08037861B2 |
Rotary engine with two rotors and its design method
This invention provides a rotary engine and the type engine design method. This engine mainly has two nested rotors and a cylinder body. This invention publicizes in detail about the rotary engine movement principle and the work mechanism. This type engine can the automatic control compression ratio, the running rate be high, Structure simple and so on many kinds of merits. |
| US08037859B2 |
Intake manifold
An intake manifold to be mounted to a traverse engine includes pieces made of resin and welded to each other. The pieces are constructed with a first piece having a connector to be connected to the engine, and a second piece. The second piece has an upper positioning part overlapping with the first piece except for the connector having a linear-shaped outlet passage. The upper positioning part is welded to the first piece so as to define an upstream side passage of the outlet passage. The first piece has a cover, which covers the upper positioning part defining a downstream end of the upstream side passage. |
| US08037857B2 |
Hydraulic support element for a switchable cam follower of a valve drive of an internal combustion engine
A hydraulic support element for a switchable cam follower of a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a pot-like housing with a bore, a pressure piston formed in one piece with an external casing and head projecting over an edge of the housing and a high pressure space for a hydraulic medium. The high pressure space is supplied, via a non-return valve from a first reservoir space, which is fed via first passages in the housing and pressure piston. A second reservoir space is formed in the pressure piston axially above the first reservoir space and is filled by second passages in the housing and pressure piston. From the second reservoir space a hydraulic medium is conducted to the cam follower via an opening in the head. The reservoir spaces are separated by a ball around which the internal wall of the pressure piston is wrapped. |
| US08037855B2 |
Valve characteristic controller and valve characteristic control system
When a valve timing is held, even if a Duty value of an operational signal of a variable valve timing controller is slightly changed, a holding unresponsive range will be arisen. In the unresponsive range, a variation speed of the valve timing is very small. As temperature is decreased, the unresponsive range is extended and an individual difference becomes notable. While the valve timing is held, a computer learns a deviation amount of a response characteristic of the valve timing based on a variation speed of the valve timing when the Duty value is slightly changed from the holding unresponsive range to outside thereof. |
| US08037854B2 |
Hydraulic pressure control device of variable valve system
A hydraulic pressure control apparatus of a variable valve system may include a variable valve device for controlling lift characteristics of a valve, a hydraulic pressure control pipe in which an slot is formed from the interior toward the exterior and hydraulic pressure is supplied to the inside thereof, and a driving unit for rotating the hydraulic pressure control pipe, wherein the hydraulic pressure is selectively transferred to the variable valve through the slot according to a rotation of the hydraulic pressure control pipe. |
| US08037853B2 |
Internal combustion engine with electronic valve actuators and control system therefor
A valve assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a stationary permanent magnet assembly having at least one permanent magnet for generating a permanent magnetic field and a movable coil assembly having at least one coil of electrically conductive material for generating a magnetic field when an electrical current is applied to the at least one coil to thereby move the coil assembly with respect to the permanent magnet assembly. A valve is connected to the coil assembly for movement therewith. The valve assembly also includes a housing with an internal cavity and spaced ports extending from the cavity to circulate liquid through the cavity and cool the valve assembly during operation. |
| US08037850B2 |
Method for operating an engine
A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4, or the fuel may change state to vaporized alcohol. The present method provides for ramping injection of the gaseous fuel so that stoichiometric combustion may be maintained while gaseous fuel is injected to the engine. |
| US08037845B2 |
Detecting arrangement and method for a magnetic gripper device
A detecting arrangement for a magnetic gripper device (3) mountable on a robot arm (10) of a milking robot (2) provided for automatically attaching teat cups (5) to the teats of a milking animal, wherein the magnetic gripper device is adapted for gripping teat cups made of or comprising a magnetic material and comprises a primary coil (31) feedable with a current and a core (33) of a magnetic material arranged at least partly within the primary coil. The detecting arrangement comprises means (41, 43; 43; 53) for repetitively sensing a magnetic field, an inductance, or a change thereof, as caused by a teat cup (5) when being present at, or gripped by, the magnetic gripper device (3); and means (44; 54) for repetitively detecting whether the magnetic gripper device is holding a teat cup or not based on said repetitive sensing of the magnetic field, the inductance, or the change thereof. |
| US08037841B2 |
Liquid droplet ejection apparatus, method for manufacturing electro-optical apparatus, electro-optical apparatus, and electronic apparatus
A liquid droplet ejection apparatus includes an ejection inspecting section for recognizing an inspection pattern printed on a printing unit as an image, and inspecting ejection performance of the functional liquid droplet ejection heads, a workpiece alignment section for aligning a workpiece relative to a set table, a table moving section for moving the set table between the printing area and an alignment position, a unit moving section for moving the printing unit between a retracted position and an inspection position, and a controller for controlling the functional liquid droplet ejection heads, the ejection inspecting section, the table moving section, the unit moving section, and the workpiece alignment section. The controller allows alignment processing of moving the set table to the alignment position and aligning the workpiece and inspection processing of moving the printing unit to the inspection position and performing inspection of the ejection performance to be performed simultaneously. |
| US08037838B2 |
Mooring system
Mooring system arranged in a body of water for the mooring of multiple surface or semi-submersible vessels or platforms with a artificial seafloor grid designed as a mesh-like structure arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in the body of water. The artificial seafloor grid including means for attachment to said vessel or platform, and is mechanically coupled to the bottom of the sea using anchoring elements. |
| US08037834B2 |
Sewing machine and computer readable medium
A sewing machine includes a sewing machine motor that vertically drives a sewing needle via a main shaft; a sewing speed commander that produces a command sewing speed determined by rotational speed of the sewing machine motor; a stitch-pitch specifier that specifies a stitch pitch to be applied to manually fed sewing operation; a consumed thread amount detector that detects a consumed needle-thread amount in each ongoing sewing cycle; a sewing speed controller that controls sewing speed at the command sewing speed when the command sewing speed is equal to or less than a predetermined reference sewing speed, and that controls sewing speed at a target sewing speed calculated based on the consumed needle-thread amount and the stitch pitch when the command sewing speed is greater than the reference sewing speed. |
| US08037831B2 |
Super compressed detonation method and device to effect such detonation
A method for effecting physicochemical transformations and detonation properties in a material using super-compressed detonation includes: providing an insensitive energetic material to be compressed; super-compressing the material by exposure to at least one of a normally or obliquely oriented cylindrical imploding shock wave, generated from a first detonation; effecting transformations from the super-compression in the material including increasing at least material density, structural transformations and electronic energy gap transitions relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression; exposing the super-compressed material to a second detonation; and effecting transformations from the second detonation in the material including increasing at least detonation pressure, velocity and energy density relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression and second detonation. |
| US08037827B2 |
Fuze for a projectile
A fuze for a projectile has a firing assembly for firing a main charge of the projectile and a delay detonator for firing the firing assembly after a delay time which is defined by a burning distance of a delay charge. The delay detonator has a housing with a fuze half in which it is fired and a detonator half which contains a detonator charge for firing the firing assembly. In order to prevent the projectile from misfiring as a result of premature detonation of the delay detonator, the housing has a relief opening in the fuze half, with an opening cross section that can be passed through freely in the firing state of the delay detonator. |
| US08037825B2 |
Primer element
The invention relates to a primer element, in particular for ammunition or similar, comprising at least one primer composition that has at least one sleeve acting as the housing for the primer element, at least one contact pin and a mass contact. Multiple wires, (at least two) are used, one end of said wires being connected to the contact pin and the other end of said wires to the mass contact. The multiple wires are embedded in the primer composition(s). |
| US08037819B2 |
Machine for in-register mounting of flexographic printing plates
A machine for in-register mounting of flexographic printing plates with a virtual data-processing system, having a supporting footing for a printing plate cylinder, on which a respective flexographic printing plate is mounted, suitable for printing a predefined image, and at least one television camera, which is connected to a monitor, is trained onto the cylinder and can slide parallel to the cylinder to check correct positioning-mounting of the printing plate, the television camera being associated with position sensors and connected to a device for the real-time processing and display of at least one composite image, for allowing the operator to perform precise position comparisons for optimum plate mounting between a preprocessed graphical reproduction of the image to be printed, provided on a digital memory composed of graphical memory associated with position measurements, and the position of the printing plate. |
| US08037817B2 |
Liquid coating machine with plate replacing work space
A rotary screen printing press, which includes a rotary screen cylinder for coating ink on a sheet transported by transport means, and a plate or form replacing work space whose upper side is closed, with respect to which a transport direction of the sheet is restrained by other device and a liquid coating unit including the rotary screen cylinder, which is open in at least one of directions orthogonal to the transport direction of the sheet, and where an operator performs work of replacing a screen printing form, comprises a plate or form rest provided below the rotary screen cylinder and supported to be movable to a first position within the liquid coating unit and a second position within the form replacing work space. |
| US08037815B2 |
Marking device support on pivotable cradle carried by trolley
The invention concerns a marking device comprising a support frame, marking means including a marking member and means for moving the marking member parallel to two mutually perpendicular movement planes and to the surface to be marked to produce, on the surface to be marked, two-dimensional symbols inscribed in a marking window. The invention is characterized in that it comprises means for compensating, at least partly, the influence of the rotation over the distance between the marking member and the marking point of the surface to be marked. |
| US08037813B2 |
Methods and apparatus for forming contoured edible pieces
A method for forming thin edible pieces uses two continuous belts that cooperate to form a fill cavity. An edible mass, such as chocolate, is flowed into the fill cavity where it forms an edible blank which is transported on a belt path with the two belts moving in tandem. After the edible blank is released from the first or second continuous belt, a three-dimensional shape may be imparted to the edible blank at a forming station using one or more stamping dies or a forming drum. Using the techniques and apparatus described herein, novel edible products, and particularly novel chocolate products, can be made having shape characteristics that cannot be obtained using known molding or forming techniques. |
| US08037809B2 |
Piston-and-cylinder assembly with a variable diametral clearance, and a cylinder for use in a piston-and-cylinder assembly with a variable diametral clearance
A piston-and-cylinder assembly, used in cooling sys terns that may include, for example, refrigerators, air-conditioning systems and the like. In order to solve the problems of volumetric loss (or of cooling capacity) of compressors in general, according to the present invention, one foresees configuring the cylinder (11) of the compression chamber in such a manner that the friction will be as low as possible in the phase in which the gas being compresses still does not exert a significant force onto the piston (10) top and will only have a significant effect during the phase in which the gas to be compressed exerts a greater force onto the piston (10), a moment when the volumetric loss impairs the efficiency of the compressor. |
| US08037806B2 |
Rifle
A rifle with an upper receiver and a barrel attached to the upper receiver and including a bolt carrier, and operating, buffer, and cooling systems. The operating system includes a cylinder and a piston coupled to receive propelling gases from the barrel. As the piston moves between retracted and extended positions the bolt carrier is moved between closed and open positions. The bolt carrier includes a weight movable within a guide frame between rearward and forward limits. The buffer system includes a compression spring in a tube attached to the upper receiver in abutting engagement with the bolt carrier. A partially fluid filled cylinder is attached to a coil of the spring and includes a piston and shaft. The piston is formed so that fluid in the cylinder restricts movement in one direction and allows free movement in a second direction. |
| US08037800B2 |
Drum magazine for firearm
A detachable magazine for storing and delivering ammunition to a firearm having a magazine well. The magazine has a body with a column adapted for insertion into the magazine well. The column has a passage for transmitting ammunition to the firearm. The body includes a drum housing defining a substantially cylindrical chamber communicating with the column passage. A first sprocket element is rotatably received in the chamber and has a serrated periphery, with each serration adapted to receive an ammunition cartridge. A second sprocket element is rotatably received in the chamber, and is concentric with the first sprocket element, having a serrated periphery with each serration adapted to receive an ammunition cartridge. A spring element is connected to at least one of the sprocket elements, and operates to rotatably bias the sprocket elements to transmit cartridges from the drum chamber to the column passage. The magazine may have a pair of drums, and the sprockets may be tapered, to facilitate feeding of tapered cartridges. The magazine may include a counter to indicate the quantity of ammunition consumed or remaining. The magazine may include the ability to power and de-power spring motor. |
| US08037798B2 |
Methods and apparatus for communications between a fire control system and an effector
Methods and apparatus for communications between a fire control system and an effector according to various aspects of the present invention may include a communications link. The communications link may be coupled to a launcher for the effector and the effector. The communications link is detachably coupled to at least one of the launcher and the effector. The communications link may be adapted to transmit a fire control solution to the effector after initiating the launch. |
| US08037795B2 |
Trimmer for trimming brochures
A trimmer for trimming brochures has lower blade holders and upper blade holders for top cutting blades and bottom cutting blades lying opposite them. The trimmer further has a guide rail configuration and tensioners by which the lower blade holders can be locked on the guide rail configuration. Accordingly, the tensioners can be actuated from one and the same side of the trimmer. This has an advantageous effect on the time required for changing over the trimmer from one brochure format to another. |