| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08058109B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure, —including—the following steps of: forming a substrate having a package array; forming a thermosetting non-conductive layer covering the substrate; partially solidifying the thermosetting non-conductive layer to form a semi-solid non-conductive layer; connecting chips to the package array on the substrate; pressing and heating the chips and the substrate so that the semi-solid non-conductive layer adheres with the chips and the substrate; pre-heating an encapsulant preformed on a metal layer; covering the chips on the substrate with the encapsulant; and solidifying the encapsulant to completely cover the chips on the substrate. The present invention can reduce use of gold to lower the manufacturing cost and can also improve the heat conduction efficiency of the semiconductor structure to enhance operational stability of the chips. |
| US08058107B2 |
Semiconductor die package using leadframe and clip and method of manufacturing
A clip structure for a semiconductor package is disclosed. The clip structure includes a major portion, at least one pedestal extending from the major portion, a downset portion, and a lead portion. The downset portion is between the lead portion and the major portion. The clip structure can be used in a MLP (micro-leadframe package). |
| US08058104B2 |
Reversible leadless package and methods of making and using same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device package including an electrically conductive lead frame having a plurality of posts disposed at a perimeter of the package. Each of the posts has a first contact surface at the first package face and a second contact surface at the second package face. The lead frame also includes a plurality of post extensions disposed at the second package face. Each of the post extensions includes a bond site formed on a surface of the post extension opposite the second package face. At least one I/O pad on the semiconductor device is electrically connected to the post extension at the bond site using wirebonding, tape automated bonding, or flip-chip methods. The package can be assembled using a lead frame having pre-formed leads, with or without taping, or using partially etched lead frames. A stack of the semiconductor device packages may be formed. |
| US08058103B2 |
Semiconductor substrate cutting method
A method for cutting a semiconductor substrate having a front face formed with functional devices together with a die bonding resin layer. A wafer having a front face formed with functional devices is irradiated with laser light while positioning a light-converging point within the wafer with the rear face of the wafer acting as a laser light incident face, so as to form a starting point region for cutting due to a modified region within the wafer along a cutting line. When an expansion film is attached to the rear face by way of a die bonding resin layer after forming the starting point region and then expanded, a fracture can be generated from the starting point region which reaches the front face and rear face, consequently, the wafer and die bonding resin layer can be cut along the cutting line. |
| US08058101B2 |
Microelectronic packages and methods therefor
A method of making a microelectronic assembly includes providing a microelectronic package having a substrate, a microelectronic element overlying the substrate and at least two conductive elements projecting from a surface of the substrate, the at least two conductive elements having surfaces remote from the surface of the substrate. The method includes compressing the at least two conductive elements so that the remote surfaces thereof lie in a common plane, and after the compressing step, providing an encapsulant material around the at least two conductive elements for supporting the microelectronic package and so that the remote surfaces of the at least two conductive elements remain accessible at an exterior surface of the encapsulant material. |
| US08058099B2 |
Method of fabricating a two-sided die in a four-sided leadframe based package
A method of fabricating a leadframe-based semiconductor package, and a semiconductor package formed thereby, are disclosed. In embodiments, a semiconductor die having die bond pads along two adjacent edges may be electrically coupled to four sides of a four-sided leadframe. Embodiments relate to lead and no-lead type leadframe. |
| US08058097B2 |
Methods of forming resistive memory devices
Methods of forming a resistive memory device include forming an insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate including a conductive pattern, forming a contact hole in the insulation layer to expose the conductive pattern, forming a lower electrode in the contact hole, forming a variable resistive oxide layer in the contact hole on the lower electrode, forming a middle electrode in the contact hole on the variable resistive oxide layer, forming a buffer oxide layer on the middle electrode and the insulation layer, and forming an upper electrode on the buffer oxide layer. Related resistive memory devices are also disclosed. |
| US08058094B2 |
Transistor, method of fabricating the same and organic light emitting display including the transistor
A transistor includes; at least two polycrystalline silicon layers disposed substantially parallel to each other, each polycrystalline silicon layer including a channel region and at least two high conductivity regions disposed at opposing sides of the channel region; a gate which corresponds to the channel region of the two polycrystalline silicon layers and which crosses the two polycrystalline silicon layers, and a gate insulating layer interposed between the gate and the two polycrystalline silicon layers, wherein low conductivity regions are disposed adjacent to one edge of the gate and are formed between the channel region and one high conductivity region of each polycrystalline silicon layer. |
| US08058093B2 |
Method of forming an encapsulating electrode
An organic photosensitive optoelectronic device is formed in which the organic photoconductive materials are encapsulated by an electrode of the device. A first transparent film is provided that comprises a first electrically conductive material, arranged on a transparent substrate. A first photoconductive organic material is deposited over the first electrically conductive material. A metal is deposited at an initial rate of no more than 1 nm/s over the first photoconductive organic material, completely covering any exposed portions of the first photoconductive organic material and any exposed interfaces with the first photoconductive organic material to a thickness of no less than 10 nm. After the thickness of no less than 10 nm is obtained, the metal is sputtered at an increased rate at least three times the initial rate until a cumulative thickness of the metal completely covering the previously exposed portions of the first photoconductive organic material and the previously exposed interfaces with the first conductive organic material is at least 250 nm. |
| US08058090B2 |
Apparatus and method of manufacturing solar cells
The present invention relates to the field of thin film solar cells and particularly to an apparatus and method for manufacturing thin film solar cells. At least one material is deposited onto a substrate, whereby the deposited material is heated by means of heating means on a limited area of the deposited material. The substrate and the heating means are continuously moved in relation to each other until a predetermined area of the deposited material is heated, whereby the heated material is cooled in a controlled way, thus, obtaining a desired crystalline structure of the deposited material. |
| US08058088B2 |
Phosphor coating systems and methods for light emitting structures and packaged light emitting diodes including phosphor coating
Methods are disclosed including applying a layer of binder material onto an LED structure. A luminescent solution including an optical material suspended in a solution is atomized using a flow of pressurized gas, and the atomized luminescent solution is sprayed onto the LED structure including the layer of binder material using the flow of pressurized gas. |
| US08058085B2 |
Method of forming a waveguide in diamond
N-V centers in diamond are created in a controlled manner. In one embodiment, a single crystal diamond is formed using a CVD process, and then annealed to remove N-V centers. A thin layer of single crystal diamond is then formed with a controlled number of N-V centers. The N-V centers form Qubits for use in electronic circuits. Masked and controlled ion implants, coupled with annealing are used in CVD formed diamond to create structures for both optical applications and nanoelectromechanical device formation. Waveguides may be formed optically coupled to the N-V centers and further coupled to sources and detectors of light to interact with the N-V centers. |
| US08058084B2 |
Pixel structure of LCD and fabrication method thereof
In this pixel structure, a metal layer/a dielectric layer/a heavily doped silicon layer constitutes a bottom electrode/a capacitor dielectric layer/a top electrode of a storage capacitor. At the same time, a metal shielding layer is formed under the thin film transistor to decrease photo-leakage-current. |
| US08058082B2 |
Light-emitting diode with textured substrate
A light-emitting diode (LED) device is provided. The LED device has raised semiconductor regions formed on a substrate. LED structures are formed over the raised semiconductor regions such that bottom contact layers and active layers of the LED device are conformal layers. The top contact layer has a planar surface. In an embodiment, the top contact layers are continuous over a plurality of the raised semiconductor regions while the bottom contact layers and the active layers are discontinuous between adjacent raised semiconductor regions. |
| US08058080B2 |
Method of manufacturing a magnetic random access memory, method of manufacturing an embedded memory, and template
A magnetic material of a magnetoresistive element is formed on a lower electrode. An upper electrode is formed on the magnetic material. A resist for nano-imprint lithography is formed on the upper electrode. A first pattern or a second pattern is formed in the resist by setting a first template or a second template into contact with the resist and curing the resist. The first template has the first pattern that corresponds to the magnetoresistive element and the lower electrode. The second template has the second pattern that corresponds to the magnetoresistive element and the upper electrode. The magnetic material and the lower electrode are patterned at the same time by using the resist having the first pattern, or the magnetic material and the upper electrode are patterned at the same time by using the resist having the second pattern. |
| US08058079B2 |
Method of detecting analytes in a microfluidic sample and a system for performing the same
An automated assay system includes a platform and a rotatable coupon removably positioned within or on the platform. The rotatable coupon includes a plurality of discrete tracks, each of the plurality of discrete tracks configured to contain microfluidic volumes. At least one magnet is operatively disposed on the platform, the rotatable coupon, or combinations thereof, and the at least one magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field at a predetermined area of the rotatable coupon. A motor is operatively connected to the rotatable coupon. |
| US08058078B2 |
Device for automatically adjusting the bacterial inoculum level of a sample
Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample. |
| US08058077B2 |
Method for coding information on a biosensor test strip
The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. |
| US08058076B2 |
In-vitro method for testing bioequivalence of iron-sucrose formulation
The present disclosure relates to an in vitro method for measuring the T75 of reduction kinetics of iron from Fe+3 to Fe+2 in an iron-sucrose complex and hence assessing the bioequivalency of iron-sucrose composition. According to the disclosed method, T75 of reduction kinetics of iron in an iron-sucrose complex in between 25 to 50 minutes indicates bioequivalent iron-sucrose composition. |
| US08058074B2 |
8-hydroxyquinoline acetamide compound, 8-hydroxy quinoline thioamide compound and use thereof
Disclosed are a novel 8-hydroxyquinoline acetamide compound, an 8-hydroxyquinoline thioamide and use thereof. More specifically, disclosed are a novel 8-hydroxyquinoline thioamide compound suitable for use as a selective chemodosimeter that shows considerably high detection sensitivity to mercury ions, an 8-hydroxyquinoline acetamide compound as an intermediate thereof, preparation thereof, and a chemodosimeter for mercury ion-selective detection, the chemodosimeter comprising the 8-hydroxyquinoline thioamide compound. The compounds as disclosed herein exhibit considerably effective fluorescence specificity of an off-on type, detect a micromole of mercury ions from chemical and biological aqueous systems, and allow 100% desulfurization within 5 minutes, thus being considerably useful in the chemical industry. |
| US08058072B2 |
Microanalysis measuring apparatus and microanalysis measuring method using the same
This invention provides a measuring apparatus for microanalysis, which can be simply manufactured and can realize a number of analyses and measurements in a small analyte amount and particularly can analyze and measure a number of analytes having different concentrations and different analytes in a simultaneous and easy manner, and a measurement method of microanalysis using the apparatus. The measuring apparatus for microanalysis is characterized by comprising detection parts of m lines and n rows in communication with a micropassage for a waste solution, chambers of m lines and n rows in communication with the respective detection parts through a mixing flow passage, n first micropassages in communication with the respective line chambers through a passive valve, m second micropassages in communication with respective row chambers through a passive valve, and third micropassages in communication with the respective chambers for supplying gas and/or a washing solution. |
| US08058069B2 |
Lipid formulations for nucleic acid delivery
The present invention provides novel, stable lipid particles comprising one or more active agents or therapeutic agents, methods of making the lipid particles, and methods of delivering and/or administering the lipid particles. More particularly, the present invention provides stable nucleic acid-lipid particles (SNALP) comprising a nucleic acid (such as one or more interfering RNA), methods of making the SNALP, and methods of delivering and/or administering the SNALP. |
| US08058065B2 |
Oct3/4, Klf4, c-Myc and Sox2 produce induced pluripotent stem cells
The present invention relates to a nuclear reprogramming factor having an action of reprogramming a differentiated somatic cell to derive an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell. The present invention also relates to the aforementioned iPS cells, methods of generating and maintaining iPS cells, and methods of using iPS cells, including screening and testing methods as well as methods of stem cell therapy. The present invention also relates to somatic cells derived by inducing differentiation of the aforementioned iPS cells. |
| US08058063B2 |
Method of producing region-specific neurons from human neuronal stem cells
A method of priming neural stem cells in vitro by adhesively culturing in a mixture of basic fibroblast growth factor, laminin and heparin to differentiate into specific neuronal phenotypes, including cholinergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, in a region-specific manner, when transplanted in vivo. |
| US08058060B2 |
Culture insert carrier, culture insert and culture insert system
The present invention relates to a culture insert carrier, a culture insert and a culture system for culturing and testing of different kinds of cells, such as for example skin models. A culture insert carrier for supporting at least one culture insert in a culture tray having at least one well, wherein the culture insert carrier comprises a plane member with at least one opening for insertion of the at least one culture insert in such a way that the culture insert carrier supports the at least one culture insert in a position in the culture tray is provided. Further, a culture insert comprising a plurality of suspension elements including a first set of suspension elements and a second set of suspension elements, the suspension elements being adapted to suspend the culture insert in a plurality of vertical positions, including a first vertical position and a second vertical position, in relation to a frame is provided. |
| US08058056B2 |
Method and apparatus for integrated cell handling and measurements
Method and systems provide improved cell handling in microfluidic systems and devices using lateral cell trapping and methods of fabrication of the same that allow for selective low voltage electroporation and electrofusion. |
| US08058050B2 |
Cellular permissivity factor for viruses and uses thereof
The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the generation of host cells permissive for virus growth, particularly Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus. |
| US08058043B2 |
Non invasive method of electroporation mediated by carbon nanotubes and device for putting the method into practice
A non-invasive method for the electroporation of cells contained in a substrate wherein the cells are placed in contact with carbon nanotubes and then said substrate is subjected to the action of two orthogonal pulsed electric fields generated by means of two pairs of electrodes in contact with said substrate according to a specific time sequence in such a way that, when a pair of electrodes is active, the other pair of electrodes is deactivated and vice versa. A device for performing electroporation according to this method. |
| US08058042B2 |
Method and circuit arrangement for treating biomaterial
Disclosed is a circuit arrangement comprising at least one storage device for electrical charges to generate at least one voltage pulse by selectively discharging the storage device, and at least one control unit for controlling the discharge. A controller for monitoring the chronological progression of the voltage pulse is provided which controls at least one continuation of discharge after termination. Biomaterial is treated by using at least one electrical field generated by a first voltage pulse which is terminated once the value for an electrical parameter has exceeded or dropped below a preset limit. After the first voltage pulse has been terminated, it is continued by an additional voltage pulse. |
| US08058039B2 |
Use of erythromycin as a selective antimicrobial agent in the production of alcohols
A process for the use of low concentration levels of Erythromycin to eliminate or control the growth of unwanted or undesirable bacteria (contaminating bacteria) in the fermentation production of alcohols without inhibition of the growth or replication of the yeast. |
| US08058028B2 |
Polynucleotide
The present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a ubiquitous chromatin opening element (UCOE) which is not derived from 13. The polynucleotide of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the UCOE comprises the sequence of FIG. 20 between nucleotides 1 to 7627 or a functional homologue or fragment thereof an LCR. The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence, a host cell comprising the vector, use of the polynucleoticle, vector or host cell in therapy and in an assay, and a method of identifying UCOEs. The UCOE opens chromatin or maintains chromatin in an open state and facilitates reproducible expression of an operably-linked gene in cells of at least two different tissue types. |
| US08058027B2 |
Cell culture methods for producing recombinant proteins in the presence of reduced levels of one or more contaminants
The invention relates to cell culture methods, kits and cell lines for producing recombinant products, e.g. therapeutic proteins and antibodies, in the presence of reduced levels of one or more contaminants and further to methods of purifying those products. |
| US08058024B2 |
Devices for the detection of the presence and/or activity of proteases in biological samples
The subject invention provides novel devices and methods for the detection of the presence and/or activity of proteases in biological samples. |
| US08058022B2 |
Diagnosis and monitoring of mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Disclosed are methods for detecting protein complexes of sigma factors and interacting proteins in a sample containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Such methods are useful for the diagnosis and/or monitoring of tuberculosis in a subject. Also disclosed are methods for screening compounds that affect the interaction of one or more sigma factors with one or more interacting proteins. |
| US08058020B2 |
Method of detecting cancer using delta-catenin
The present invention provides a method for detecting or screening for the presence of cancer in a subject. The method comprises obtaining, providing or collecting a tissue or fluid sample (such as a urine sample) from said subject, and then determining the presence or absence of delta-catenin in said sample, or increased levels of delta-catenin in said sample as compared to a normal or control subject. The presence of delta-catenin in said sample, or increased levels of delta-catenin in said sample, indicating said subject is afflicted with or at least at risk of developing cancer. |
| US08058019B2 |
Method for assaying antibodies in body fluids by immune reaction with glycoprotein 2 (GP2) from zymogenic granules of the pancreas for the differential diagnosis of inflammatory intestinal diseases and chronic pancreatitis
The invention relates to a method for the detection of antibodies from body fluids via immune reaction with GP2 from pancreatic zymogenic granules, immunoreactive sequences or analogs thereof, excluding tissue sections. |
| US08058014B2 |
Method of diagnosing or predicting disease states in a subject using omentin 1 and omentin 2
The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosing a disease or predicting an increased risk of a disease, such as obesity, obesity-dependent subacute inflammation, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and a metabolic disease, by determining the levels of omentin 1 and 2 protein in a subject, or by determining the levels of omentin 1 and 2 gene expression in a subject. The present invention is also directed to methods of disease treatment using omentin 1 protein and omentin 2 protein. |
| US08058013B2 |
Assessing risk of disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Disclosed is an in vitro method aiding in the further assessment of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The method especially is used in assessing whether an RA patient is at risk of disease progression. The method is for example practiced by analyzing biochemical markers, comprising measuring in a sample the concentration of at least C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 and correlating the concentrations determined to the likelihood of an underlying rapidly progressing form of RA. A patient at high risk of a rapidly progressing disease might be a patient in need for treatment or if already treated in need for a different and more effective treatment. The invention also relates to the use of a marker panel comprising C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in the assessment of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and it teaches a protein array device and kit, respectively, for performing the method of the invention. |
| US08058006B2 |
Method for obtaining and initiating amplification of a target nucleic acid sequence
The present invention relates to oligonucleotides useful for determining the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms in a test sample. The oligonucleotides of the present invention may be incorporated into detection probes, helper probes, capture probes and amplification oligonucleotides, and used in various combinations thereof. |
| US08058004B2 |
Microarray synthesis and assembly of gene-length polynucleotides
There is disclosed a process for in vitro synthesis and assembly of long, gene-length polynucleotides based upon assembly of multiple shorter oligonucleotides synthesized in situ on a microarray platform. Specifically, there is disclosed a process for in situ synthesis of oligonucleotide fragments on a solid phase microarray platform and subsequent, “on device” assembly of larger polynucleotides composed of a plurality of shorter oligonucleotide fragments. |
| US08058002B2 |
Method of immobilizing and stretching a nucleic acid on a substrate
The present invention relates to a method of immobilizing and stretching a nucleic acid on a silicon substrate, to nucleic acids and substrates prepared according to this method, to uses of the method and to uses of the nucleic acid and the substrate. |
| US08057999B2 |
Extracellular serine protease
The present invention provides a DNA encoding a TADG-14 protein selected from the group consisting of: (a) isolated DNA which encodes a TADG-14 protein; (b) isolated DNA which hybridizes to isolated DNA of (a) above and which encodes a TADG-14 protein; and (c) isolated DNA differing from the isolated DNAs of (a) and (b) above in codon sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, and which encodes a TADG-14 protein. Also provided is a vector capable of expressing the DNA of the present invention adapted for expression in a recombinant cell and regulatory elements necessary for expression of the DNA in the cell. |
| US08057996B2 |
Nucleic acids and corresponding proteins entitled 202P5A5 useful in treatment and detection of cancer
A novel gene 202P5A5 and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 202P5A5 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 202P5A5 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 202P5A5 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 202P5A5 can be used in active or passive immunization. |
| US08057995B2 |
Methods of chromosome drying and spreading
The present invention provides for a method of drying and spreading chromosomes from various biological samples to yield optimal chromosomal spreading. The method requires preparing a biological sample for treatment, providing a cytogenetic chamber capable of setting predetermined conditions, pre-testing a portion of the biological sample in the cytogenetic chamber, and finally treating the remaining biological sample. The method is useful to yield metaphase chromosomes that are small and rounded, with very few overlapping or scattered chromosomes. Furthermore, the method is uses restricted ranges of temperature and relative humidity to achieve consistent chromosomal spreading. The morphologies of the chromosomes are preserved in order to execute banding techniques at 550 bands and chromosomal analysis on high-resolution chromosomes. |
| US08057994B2 |
Investigation of DNA samples
A method of investigating a DNA sample is provided involving taking at least two sub-samples from the sample, amplifying the sub-samples, analyzing the sub-samples to obtain identity information and amount of that identity about one or more alleles indicated as present in the sub-samples in respect of 5 or more loci and establishing identity information deemed representative of the sample from the sub-samples, wherein identity information from a sub-sample about a particular identity is included in the identity information deemed representative of the sample when that particular identity is indicated as present by one or more of the sub-samples analyzed, the amount of that particular identity in the identity information deemed representative of the sample being a weighted combination based on the amount of that particular identity in the sub-samples. In this way useful profiles can be obtained more often than they are at present, with reduced costs and with reduced expertise and time requirements. |
| US08057990B2 |
Screening method
The present invention provides a medicament for preventing/treating cancer, comprising a tacrine compound, or a compound promoting the binding between the tacrine compound and a protein comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1. |
| US08057987B2 |
Patterning method of semiconductor device
The invention relates to a patterning method of a semiconductor device. In an aspect of the invention, the method may include forming a target etch layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a photoresist film on the target etch layer, forming photoresist patterns using exposure and development processes employing an exposure mask wherein exposure patterns, each having inclined top corners, are formed, and patterning the target etch layer using an etch process employing the photoresist patterns. |
| US08057986B2 |
Method for forming resist pattern and method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
The resist material contains a photo-acid generator having an absorption peak to exposure light having a wavelength of less than 300 nm, and a second photo-acid generator having an absorption peak to exposure light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more. The method for forming a resist pattern comprises a step for selectively exposing which exposes a coating film of the resist material to an exposure light having a wavelength of less than 300 nm, and a step for selectively exposing by using an exposure light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more. The semiconductor device comprises a pattern formed by the resist pattern. The method for forming a semiconductor device comprises a step for forming a resist pattern on an underlying layer by the aforementioned manufacturing method, and a step for patterning the underlying layer by etching using the resist pattern as a mask. |
| US08057984B2 |
Photosensitive self-assembled monolayer for selective placement of hydrophilic structures
A photosensitive monolayer is self-assembled on an oxide surface. The chemical compound of the photosensitive monolayer has three components. A first end group provides covalent bonds with the oxide surface for self assembly on the oxide surface. A photosensitive group that dissociates upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation is linked to the first end group. A second end group linked to the photosensitive group provides hydrophobicity. Upon exposure to the ultraviolet radiation, the dissociated photosensitive group is cleaved and forms a hydrophilic derivative in the exposed region, rendering the exposed region hydrophilic. Carbon nanotubes or nanocrystals applied in an aqueous dispersion are selectively attracted to the hydrophilic exposed region to from electrostatic bonding with the hydrophilic surface of the cleaved photosensitive group. |
| US08057983B2 |
Chemically amplified positive resist composition
The present invention provides a chemically amplified resist composition comprising: a resin (A) which contains no fluorine atom and a structural unit (a1) having an acid-labile group in a side chain, a resin (B) which contains a structural unit (b2) having a fluorine-containing group in a side chain and at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of a structural unit (b1) having an acid-labile group, a structural unit (b3) having a hydroxyl group and a structural unit (b4) having a lactone structure in a side chain, and an acid generator, wherein the amount of the resin (B) is 2 parts by weight or less per 100 parts by weight of the resin (A). |
| US08057980B2 |
Sheeting with composite image that floats
Translucent, transparent, or semi-translucent microlens sheetings with composite images are disclosed, in which a composite image floats above or below the sheeting, or both. The composite image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The sheeting may have at least one layer of material having a surface of microlenses that form one or more images at positions internal to the layer of material, at least one of the images being a partially complete image. Additional layers, such as retroreflective, translucent, transparent, or optical structure layers may also be incorporated into the sheeting. |
| US08057975B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor and image forming apparatus having same
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a cylindrical body and a film forming layer formed on an outer surface of the cylindrical body, having a photosensitive layer. The electrophotographic photoreceptor is divided into a first region where an electrostatic latent image is formed and second regions provided at both end portions in an axial direction of the cylindrical body. The second regions include inclined annular surfaces whose outer diameters decrease toward end portions in the axial direction. |
| US08057974B2 |
Imaging member
Disclosed is an imaging member comprising a conductive substrate, a photogenerating layer comprising a photogenerating material in contact with the substrate, and a charge transport layer in contact with the photogenerating layer, the charge transport layer comprising a charge transport material, a polymer containing carboxylic acid groups or groups capable of forming carboxylic acid groups, and a hydroquinone antioxidant, wherein the photogenerating layer is situated between the charge transport layer and the conductive substrate. |
| US08057968B2 |
Mask and method to pattern chromeless phase lithography contact hole
A method of making a mask is disclosed. The method includes providing a first and a second mask layers and disposing a first phase shift region on the first mask layer. A second phase shift region is disposed on the second mask layer, wherein the first and second phase shift regions are out of phase. A continuous unit cell is formed in the first phase shift region. The unit cell comprises a center section and distinct extension sections. The extension sections are contiguous to and extend outwards from the center section. The distinct extension sections have a same width as the center section. The second phase shift region is adjacent to the unit cell in the first phase shift region. |
| US08057966B2 |
Manufacturing method of photomask for multiple exposure and semiconductor device manufacturing method using above photomask
A position deviation and an image of a danger control pattern predicted after multiple exposure of each mask used for multiple exposure are acquired and an image after lap exposure by means of the masks based on the above image and position deviation information. At this time, parameters such as an offset amount caused by overlapping of images of the masks, rotation amount and the like are changed and a parameter capable of avoiding occurrence of faults in a dangerous pattern in an image predicted after lap exposure is calculated. |
| US08057964B2 |
Photolithographic reticles with electrostatic discharge protection structures
Photolithographic reticles are provided that have electrostatic discharge protection features. A photolithographic reticle may be formed from metal structures such as chrome structures on a transparent substrate such as fused silica. Some of the metal structures on the reticle correspond to transistors and other electronic devices on integrated circuits that are fabricated when using the reticles in a step-and-repeat lithography tool. These metal device structures may be susceptible to damage due to electrostatic charge build up during handling of the reticle. To prevent damage, dummy ring structures are formed in the vicinity of device structures. The dummy ring structures may be constructed to be more sensitive to electrostatic discharge than the device structures, so that in the event of an electrostatic discharge, damage is confined to portions of the reticle that are not critical. |
| US08057962B2 |
Tungsten-based electrocatalyst and fuel cell containing same
The catalyst of this invention is a non-stoichiometric tungsten compound, H0.53WO3, which may be used as both the anode and cathode electrocatalyst for acid-style low-temperature fuel cells. A fuel cell using the tungsten-based electrocatalyst as both the anode and cathode has been constructed and operated with a hydrogen fuel and an air oxidant. |
| US08057959B2 |
Additive of electrode for fuel cell, electrode for fuel cell including the same, manufacturing method thereof, and fuel cell using the same
Provided are an additive to an electrode for a fuel cell that is a proton conductive compound having at least one phosphate group, an electrode for a fuel cell including the same, a method of manufacturing the electrode for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell using the electrode. The additive to an electrode for a fuel cell improves the durability of a fuel cell and reduces the amount of phosphoric acid discharged during operation of the fuel cell by fixing the phosphoric acid. Accordingly, a fuel cell having improved efficiency may be prepared using the additive because of improved proton conductivity and durability. |
| US08057950B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell and method of manufacturing the same
A solid oxide fuel cell includes: a solid electrolyte; and electrodes on both surfaces of the solid electrolyte, wherein at least one of joint surfaces where the solid electrolyte and the electrodes are in contact with each other is a roughened surface having at least two different types of surface roughness. |
| US08057949B2 |
Fuel cell stack flow diversion
A fuel cell system has a compressor delivering compressed gas to a fuel cell stack and a control valve affecting the flow of compressed gas. A load dump condition is determined for the fuel cell stack. The flow through the compressor is increased and the additional flow diverted away from the fuel cell stack by the control valve to provide additional load for the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack may then be operated at a higher output power for the purpose of generating more waste heat to more rapidly warm itself. |
| US08057946B2 |
Integrated charge air heat exchanger
An integrated charge air heat exchanger for use in a vehicle fuel cell system is provided. The integrated charge air heat exchanger includes a plurality of coolant conduits adapted for a coolant fluid to flow therethrough. The integrated charge air heat exchanger further includes a plurality of heating elements and a plurality of fin elements. One heating element is disposed on a first surface of each of the coolant conduits, and one of the fin elements is disposed on a second surface of each of the coolant conduits. A method for heating the coolant fluid in a first operational mode and cooling a charge air stream in a second operational mode is also provided. |
| US08057941B2 |
Comprehensive method for triggering anode bleed events in a fuel cell system
A method for triggering an anode bleed from split fuel cell stacks in a fuel cell system that employs anode flow-shifting. The method requests the bleed if any one of three different conditions are met. Those conditions include that the concentration of nitrogen in the anode side of the split stacks is above a predetermined percentage, the voltage spread between the maximum cell voltage and the minimum cell voltage of two fuel cells in the split stacks is greater than a predetermined spread voltage and the absolute value of the difference between the overall voltage of the two split stacks is greater than a predetermined voltage. The concentration of nitrogen in the anode can be determined in any suitable manner, such as by a nitrogen cross-over model or a sensor. |
| US08057940B2 |
Fuel cell system having a plurality of gas/liquid separation units
A fuel cell system having an excellent orientation free performance by separating a fluid into a liquid and a gas without being affected by shaking and/or rotation of the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell main body, a first liquid/gas separation unit, and a buffer line. The fuel cell main body receives a fuel containing hydrogen and an oxidizing gas containing oxygen and generates electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and the oxygen. The first gas/liquid separation unit is installed on a first recycling line extending from an anode outlet of the fuel cell main body to separate a gas byproduct from unreacted fuel discharged through the anode outlet. The buffer line is fluidly connected to the first and second recycling lines to receive and mix the unreacted fuel and the liquid byproduct at a predetermined amount from the first and second recycling lines, and is further fluidly connected to a third recycling line extending toward an anode inlet of the fuel cell main body to direct the unreacted fuel and the liquid byproduct into the fuel cell main body through the anode inlet. |
| US08057938B1 |
Structural fuel cells and components thereof
A structural fuel cell includes a first and a second electrically conductive electrode plate each comprised of a porous, open-cell material. A proton conductive membrane is disposed between the first and second plates, and a skin encloses the electrode plates and membrane. The structural fuel cell is fabricated from high strength materials, and the porous, open-cell material of the electrode plates may comprise a metal foam, a honeycomb structure, or other such expanded structure. The skin may comprise a composite material such as a reinforced polymer. In some instances, the combination of the electrode plates, membrane and skin has a flexural strength between 1-100 MPa, or a flexural stiffness between 0.1-10 GPa. |
| US08057931B2 |
Battery busing scheme
A battery including: a plurality of battery cells arranged side-by-side, each battery cell including a terminal tab for delivering power from the cell; a bus plate made of an electrically non-conductive material, the bus plate also having an array of holes formed therein, the array of holes defining a plurality of hole pairs, wherein the terminal tab from each cell of the plurality of cells extends through a corresponding different hole in the array of holes, wherein for each hole pair of the plurality of hole pairs, the terminal tabs extending through that hole pair are folded one over the other to produce overlapping tabs for that hole pair; and a plurality of clamps each of which clamps together the overlapping tabs of a corresponding different hole pair. |
| US08057930B2 |
Battery retainer
A low profile coin cell battery retainer assembly (BRA) is provided. BRA comprises a battery holder (410), a slot (520), and a dielectric band (504). The battery holder is configured for attachment to a circuit board (414). The batter holder is sized and shaped to define a cavity (522) configured for receiving therein a coin cell type battery (412). The slot is provided on a circumferential edge portion (524) of the battery holder. The slot is configured to permit the coin cell type battery to be removably inserted within the cavity. The dielectric band is removably attached to the battery holder. The dielectric band extends around a periphery of the circumferential edge portion so as to secure the coin cell type battery in the cavity. |
| US08057929B2 |
Regenerative compressor motor control for a fuel cell power system
A variable capacity compressor that is operable in a normal mode and either an upward or downward rapid transient mode includes a compressor that compresses a fluid and a motor that drives the compressor. A controller powers the motor from a main power source when operating in the normal mode and powers the motor from a supplemental power source when operating in the upward rapid transient mode. |
| US08057923B2 |
Wetting resistant materials and articles made therewith
Ceramic materials with relatively high resistance to wetting by various liquids, such as water, are presented, along with articles made with these materials, methods for making these articles and materials, and methods for protecting articles using coatings made from these materials. One embodiment is an article comprising a material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation of at least one type selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. The material comprises a primary oxide and a secondary oxide. The primary oxide comprises cerium or hafnium. The secondary oxide comprises (i) praseodymium or ytterbium, and (ii) another cation selected from the group consisting of the rare earth elements, yttrium, and scandium. |
| US08057919B2 |
Material for organic electroluminescence device and organic electroluminescence device using the same
Provided are an organic electroluminescence device, which: shows high luminous efficiency; is free of any pixel defect; and has a long lifetime, and a material for an organic electroluminescence device for realizing the device. The material for an organic electroluminescence device is a compound of a specific structure having a n-conjugated heteroacene skeleton crosslinked with a carbon atom, nitrogen atom, or oxygen atom. The organic electroluminescence device has one or more organic thin film layers including a light emitting layer between a cathode and an anode, and at least one layer of the organic thin film layers contains the material for an organic electroluminescence device. |
| US08057916B2 |
OLED device with improved performance
An OLED device includes an anode, a cathode, and at least one individually selected organic light-emitting layer disposed between the anode and cathode. The device also includes an electron-transporting layer disposed between the at least one light-emitting layer and the cathode, such electron-transporting layer including a first electron-transporting material, and an electron-injecting layer disposed between the electron-transporting layer and the cathode, such electron-injecting layer including a metal dopant having a work function less than 4.0 eV and an electron-transporting material that is different from the first electron-transporting material. |
| US08057912B2 |
Blank for producing dental shaped parts and method for producing the shaped part
The invention relates to a blank for producing dental shaped parts, comprising a blank body (1) made of tooth restoration material, from which the shaped part can be machined using a tool (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) for removing material. The aim of the invention is to enable a reliable verification or recognition of the tool fitting or of the type and state of wear of the used tool of a machine tool for the blank. To this end, the blank has at least one gauge (4, 5), whose dimensions are such that the tool present for the machining can be identified by the gauge on the basis of its outer contour. The invention also relates to a method for producing dental shaped parts with a blank body made of tooth restoration material, from which the entire shaped part can be machined in a machining device by a tool for removing material. In order to enable a reliable verification or recognition of the tool fitting or of the type and state of wear of the used tool of a machine tool for the blank, the tool selected for the machining is, before its use, verified with regard to the outer contour thereof by using at least one gauge that is placed upon the blank. |
| US08057909B2 |
Silicone composition and a pressure sensitive adhesive film having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer made from the composition
A pressure sensitive adhesive film comprising a substrate film and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer formed on a surface of the substrate film, said pressure sensitive adhesive layer being prepared from (A) a silicone composition comprising a diorganopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and (C) a polyorganosiloxane having an SiH bond, characterized in that the alkenyl groups are contained in an amount of from 0.0007 to 0.05 mole per 100 g of the diorganopolysiloxane (A) and that the polyorganosiloxane (C) is contained in such an amount that a molar ratio of the SiH bond to the alkenyl group of the diorganopolysiloxane (A) ranges from 0.5 to 20. The adhesive film is useful in protecting the surface of a flat panel display. |
| US08057908B2 |
Hole transport layer compositions and related diode devices
Hole transport layer compositions comprising a silylated aryl amine and a polymeric component, to enhance performance of an associated electroluminescent device. |
| US08057906B2 |
Method of reducing surface tackiness of silicone rubber cured product, liquid silicone rubber composition for sealing semiconductor, silicone rubber-sealed semiconductor device, and method of producing semiconductor device
A method of reducing surface tackiness of a silicone rubber cured product is provided. The method includes coating the surface of a cured product of a curable silicone rubber composition, which has a molar ratio within the composition of hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon atoms relative to alkenyl groups bonded to silicon atoms of 1.0 or greater, and which, following curing, exhibits a type A hardness prescribed in JIS K6253 of no more than 20, with a curable silicone resin layer which, following curing, exhibits a type D hardness prescribed in JIS K6253 of 30 or greater; and subsequently curing the silicone resin to form a cured resin layer with a thickness of no more than 0.5 mm. Adhesion of dirt to the surface can be prevented. |
| US08057904B2 |
Gas-barrier film and device
Disclosed is a barrier film capable of maintaining a high water vapor barrier property when folded. The film is characterized in that it has a structure in which an easy adhesive layer, an organic layer and an inorganic layer are laminated in that order on one surface or both surfaces of a plastic film, wherein a center liner average roughness of the surface of the organic layer on the inorganic layer side is at least 0.5 nm, and the organic layer contains a resin which is obtained by curing an acrylic monomer having at least two acryloyl groups and at least two urethane groups in one molecule as a polymerizable component. |
| US08057901B2 |
Composite materials comprising carbon nanotubes and metal carbonates
The invention relates to a carbon nanotube composite material, to methods of its production and to uses of such composite material. |
| US08057897B2 |
Melt spinning blends of UHMWPE and HDPE and fibers made therefrom
Compositions that are intimate blends of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and which are melt spinnable. The compositions include certain quasi-spherical particles. Also disclosed is a method of melt spinning from such compositions and the multi-filament fibers produced thereby. The fibers of the invention are useful in a variety of applications. |
| US08057895B2 |
Polyethylene pipe patching systems and methods
Film composites useful as adhesives for plastic piping are described. |
| US08057885B2 |
Washable underpad and method for producing an underpad of this type
The invention relates to a multilayer washable material which comprises at least one layer of a textile material, the layers being joined to one another using an adhesive composition, which is characterized in that in the interfacial region between each pair of layers bearing against one another there is an adhesive composition in the form of a pattern, and no finishing of the multilayer material, as such and/or of a smaller part obtained therefrom, is carried out. One example of a multilayer washable material of this type is a washable underpad comprising a moisture-permeable top layer material (2); a moisture-impermeable bottom layer material (3) and a moisture-absorption element (1) positioned between them, the top layer material (2), the bottom layer material (3) and the moisture-absorption element (1) being joined to one another. The adhesive composition used is preferably a moisture-curing reactive polyurethane hotmelt material. |
| US08057884B2 |
Glass segments including identification marking
A glass pane is provided. A marking field that includes an uneven surface structure is located on a limited area of a smooth side surface of the glass pane. The limited area is smaller than a total area of the side surface of the glass pane, and the uneven surface structure is more rough than portions of the side surface of the glass pane that are outside of the limited area of the side surface of the glass pane. A marking layer is located on the marking field so as to create an intimate adhesive bond between the marking layer and the marking field. The marking layer includes a color containing a thermochromic pigment that visually indicates that a heat treatment has been carried out on the glass pane by being irreversibly modified at a temperature at which the heat treatment is conducted. |
| US08057883B2 |
Abrasive process for modifying corners, edges, and surfaces of capacitor anode bodies
Porous sintered bodies for capacitors formed from valve metals are treated by electrolysis to form a dielectric layer and coated with cathode layers. When standard parallelepiped shapes are used as they were passed, cathode coverage at the sharp corners and edges is non-uniform and failures occur at those locations. Treating pressed anode bodies with an abrasive process alters the sharpness of corners and edges, creating rounded transitions between primary surfaces and remove surface imperfections resultant from the pressing process both of which enhance cathode layer uniformity. |
| US08057882B2 |
Membrane structure element and method for manufacturing same
It is intended to provide a membrane structure element that can be easily manufactured, has an excellent insulating property and high quality; and a method for manufacturing the membrane structure element. The manufacturing method is for manufacturing a membrane structure element including a membrane formed of a silicon oxide film and a substrate which supports the membrane in a hollow state by supporting a part of a periphery of the membrane. The method includes: a film formation step of forming a heat-shrinkable silicon oxide film 13 on a surface of a silicon substrate 2 by plasma CVD method; a heat treatment step of performing a heat treatment to cause the thermal shrinkage of the silicon oxide film 13 formed on the substrate 1; and a removal step of removing a part of the substrate 2 in such a manner that a membrane-corresponding part of the silicon oxide film 13 is supported as a membrane in a hollow state with respect to the substrate 2 to form a recessed part 4. |
| US08057869B2 |
Plastic film, gas barrier film, and image display device using the same
A plastic film comprising a multi-layer structure obtained by co-casting film formation or sequential-casting film formation of two or more layers of polyarylate having a glass transition temperature of 250° C. or higher and having a chemical structure represented by the following formula: wherein X represents a linking group having a naphthalene or biphenyl structure and A is represented by the following formula: wherein R1 and R2 represent an alkyl group or aryl group, j and k are an integer of from 0 to 4. |
| US08057861B2 |
Removable coating and application method
A removable, colored X-alginate coating composition includes an aqueous solution of sodium alginate including a colorant and an aqueous solution containing divalent cations. The applied coating composition may be in the form of a thin film coating having a thickness of 10 nanometers or more and may include more than a single layer. The X-alginate coating composition is substantially removable from the application surface on-demand using a suitable chelator. A reversible, colored X-alginate coating system includes a colored X-alginate coating composition and a colored X-alginate coating composition remover. The remover may be a chelator. A method for reversibly coloring a surface includes applying an aqueous solution of sodium alginate including a colorant onto the surface and applying an aqueous solution containing divalent ions onto the surface. Water may subsequently be applied to the coated surface as a final washing step. |
| US08057857B2 |
Phase separation in patterned structures
Novel phase-separation behavior by a mixture, including binary mixture, of patterning compounds, including alkanethiols, when deposited onto a surface, including a gold surface, using micro and nano-deposition tools such as tip and stamp methods like micro-contact printing (μCP), and Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN). This behavior is significantly different than that observed in the bulk. This behavior was demonstrated using three examples of compounds: 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHA), 1-octadecanethiol (ODT), and CF3(CF2)11(CH2)2SH (PFT). The identity of the resulting segregated structure was confirmed by lateral force microscopy (LFM), and by selective metal-organic coordination chemistry. This phenomenon is exploited to print sub-100 nm wide alkanethiol features via conventional μCP and to form sub-15 nm features using DPN printing, which is below the ultimate resolution of both these techniques. These nano-patterned materials also can serve as templates for constructing more complex architectures. |
| US08057856B2 |
Method for gettering oxygen and water during vacuum deposition of sulfide films
The present invention is a method for gettering undesirable atomic species from a vaporizing atmosphere during deposition of multi-element thin film phosphor compositions. The method comprises vaporizing one or more getter species immediately prior and/or simultaneously during the deposition of a phosphor film composition within a deposition chamber. The method improves the luminance and emission spectrum of phosphor materials used for full colour ac electroluminescent displays employing thick film dielectric layers with a high dielectric constant. |
| US08057855B1 |
Non-pressure gradient single cycle CVI/CVD apparatus and method
A process for densifying porous structures inside a furnace using non-pressure gradient CVI/CVD includes disposing a number of porous structures in a stack within a furnace. The stack has a center opening region extending through the porous structures and an outer region extending along the outside of the porous structures. Channels provide fluid communication between the center opening region and the outer region. A first portion of a gas composition is introduced to the center opening region. A second portion of the gas composition is introduced to the outer region. The porous structures are densified from an average density of less than 0.60 g/cm3 to an average density of greater than 1.70 g/cm3 in a single cycle of non-pressure gradient CVI/CVD. |
| US08057854B2 |
Surface treatment method for coated cutting insert
A surface treatment method can perform coated surface treatment on a cutting edge R and a rake surface, while maintaining a radius of curvature of the cutting edge R and uniformly surface-treating the rake surface. The surface treatment method includes providing an opening chamfered at corners adjacent to an upper surface of the fixture to the fixture for fixing a coated cutting insert; fixing the coated cutting insert inside the opening in such a manner that a rake surface of the coated cutting insert is disposed lower than upper surfaces of the fixture but higher than a lower edge created on the opening of the fixture by the chamfering; and conducting the surface treatment on a cutting edge R and the rake surface of the coated cutting insert. |
| US08057850B2 |
Formation of copper-indium-selenide and/or copper-indium-gallium-selenide films from indium selenide and copper selenide precursors
Liquid-based indium selenide and copper selenide precursors, including copper-organoselenides, particulate copper selenide suspensions, copper selenide ethylene diamine in liquid solvent, nanoparticulate indium selenide suspensions, and indium selenide ethylene diamine coordination compounds in solvent, are used to form crystalline copper-indium-selenide, and/or copper indium gallium selenide films (66) on substrates (52). |
| US08057846B2 |
Fiber modified layer and methods of making and using same
A composition for use in a fiber modified layer, comprising an aggregate material, a binder, and a plurality of fibers, wherein each fiber has a length of greater than 0.25 inches. Also provided is a method of selecting a fiber modified layer for applying on an existing surface, comprising the steps of: providing a binder mixture having an effective amount of an aggregate material, a binder, and a plurality of fibers, wherein each of the plurality of fibers has a length greater than 0.25 inches; applying the binder mixture to a selected surface to form a fiber modified proposed layer; testing the fiber modified proposed layer for fatigue or crack resistant properties; and selecting the binder mixture for application on the existing surface for performance if the fiber modified proposed layer has fatigue or crack resistant properties. |
| US08057845B2 |
Method for glazing a sash
A method of glazing a sash is disclosed. The method begins by placing a sash on a glazing table, wherein the sash defines an opening therein and has a glazing leg extending into the opening in the sash. At least two positioner assemblies are actuated, each positioner assembly having a position member defining a distal end. Each position member is selectively slidable between a stored position and an extended position. When the positioner assemblies are actuated, each position member is moved into the extended position such that the distal end of the positioner member contacts the glazing leg of the sash. A viewing element is then inserted into the sash opening and into abutting contact with portions of the positioner members so as to create a gap between an interior surface of the sash and an outer edge of the viewing element. Once the viewing element is positioned, the positioner members are retracted. Next, a back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly is actuated to move from a stored position to a dispensing position. The back bedding glazing compound applicator includes a nozzle head that is configured to fit within the gap between the interior surface of the sash and the outer edge of the viewing element when in the dispensing position. Once positioned, back bedding glazing compound is dispensed between the glazing leg and the viewing element. Once dispensing is complete, the back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly is retracted. |
| US08057844B2 |
Methods for coating implantable medical devices
Methods for coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, are provided. |
| US08057841B2 |
Mechanically attached medical device coatings
The present invention relates to nanofibrous coatings on medical devices such a surgical mesh or stent, wherein the coating is mechanically attached to the device. The principal mechanism for attaching the coating is through causing the fibers to permeate and entangle with the substrate. |
| US08057840B2 |
Food products comprising a slowly digestible or digestion resistant carbohydrate composition
A food product comprises an oligosaccharide composition that is digestion resistant or slowly digestible. The oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process that comprises producing an aqueous composition that comprises at least one oligosaccharide and at least one monosaccharide by saccharification of starch, membrane filtering the aqueous composition to form a monosaccharide-rich stream and an oligosaccharide-rich stream, and recovering the oligosaccharide-rich stream. Alternatively, the oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process that comprises heating an aqueous feed composition that comprises at least one monosaccharide or linear saccharide oligomer, and that has a solids concentration of at least about 70% by weight, to a temperature of at least about 40° C., and contacting the feed composition with at least one catalyst that accelerates the rate of cleavage or formation of glucosyl bonds for a time sufficient to cause formation of non-linear saccharide oligomers, wherein a product composition is produced that contains a higher concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers than linear saccharide oligomers. |
| US08057838B2 |
Animal by-product pet treat
The present invention relates to a moist pet treat and a method of making the pet treat. More particularly, the invention relates to a moist pet treat comprising an animal by-product selected from the group consisting of a snout, ear, lung, heart, brain, cartilage, organ tissue, muscle tissue, and bone tissue and a humectant. |
| US08057836B2 |
Sprayable cooking compositions for high temperature use
The application relates to a sprayable cooking composition having enhanced high heat performance. The cooking composition includes cottonseed oil, a crystal inhibitor, and a cookware release agent and does not polymerize at high cooking temperature, or exhibits reduced polymerization and/or browning at high cooking temperature. |
| US08057835B2 |
Seed oil compositions
The present invention is directed to seed oil compositions that can be used for cooking and frying applications. These oil compositions of the present invention have advantageous stability characteristics. In some embodiments, the oil compositions have a low concentration of α-linolenic acid. |
| US08057834B2 |
Portable cinnamon roll and method for making
A method for manufacturing a portable cinnamon roll includes forming raw dough in the shape of a sphere having a central pocket, placing cinnamon, frosting and sugar within the central pocket and cooking the raw dough with cinnamon, frosting and sugar until it is fully prepared for consumption. |
| US08057830B2 |
Cleansing compositions and methods of reducing skin irritation
Cleansing compositions are described that comprise at least one surfactant, at least one extract of a Lamiaceae family plant, and at least one extract of a Liliaceae family plant. The at least one extract of the Lamiaceae family plant and the at least one extract of the Liliaceae family plant are present in effective amounts to at least partially counteract skin irritation induced by the at least one surfactant. Methods of reducing skin irritation induced by a surfactant comprise contacting skin with a detergent comprising at least one surfactant, at least one extract of a Lamiaceae family plant, and at least one extract of a Liliaceae family plant, wherein the at least one extract of the Lamiaceae family plant, and the at least one extract of the Liliaceae family plant at least partially counteract irritation induced by the at least one surfactant. |
| US08057827B2 |
Chemoablation of tissue using biodegradable, solid salt dosage forms
Novel methods for the chemical ablation of tissue (e.g. prostatic tissue) are described. These methods include the steps of: (a) providing one or more solid salt dosage forms comprising 50-100% w/w salt; and (b) inserting one or more of such solid salt dosage forms into the tissue. The solid salt dosage forms is optionally inserted into the tissue under real-time ultrasonic observation. An advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate toxic byproducts. For example, where NaCl-based solid salt dosage forms are used to effect localized chemical ablation, the concentration is ultimately reduced to the level of normal saline (i.e., about 0.9%) upon absorption by the body of the subject being treated. |
| US08057826B2 |
Methods for reducing graft-versus-host disease using pluri-differentiated mesenchymal progenitor cells
The present invention provides isolated pluri-differentiated human mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs), which simultaneously express a plurality of genes that are markers for multiple cell lineages, wherein the multiple cell lineages comprise at least four different mesenchymal cell lineages (e.g., adipocyte, osteoblast, fibroblast, and muscle cell) and wherein each of the markers is specific for a single cell lineage. The present invention also method for isolating and purifying human mesenchymal progenitor cells from Dexter-type cultures for characterization of and uses, particularly therapeutic uses for such cells. Specifically, isolated MPCs can be used for diagnostic purposes, to enhance the engraftment of hematopoietic progenitor cells, enhance bone marrow transplantation, or aid in the treatment or prevention of graft versus host disease. |
| US08057825B2 |
Krill extracts for treatment of cardiovascular diseases
The present invention relates to a method of treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, skin cancer, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes and transdermal transport enhancement. The method comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of krill and/or marine oil to a patient. The present invention also relates to a composition for the treatment and/or prevention of these diseases. |
| US08057822B2 |
Modified exendins and exendin agonists
Novel modified exendins and exendin agonists having an exendin or exendin agonist linked to one or more polyethylene glycol polymers, for example, and related formulations and dosages and methods of administration thereof are provided. These modified exendins and exendin agonists, compositions and methods are useful in treating diabetes and conditions that would be benefited by lowering plasma glucose or delaying and/or slowing gastric emptying or inhibiting food intake. |
| US08057818B2 |
Methods of making expandable foam-like biomaterials
Liquid, injectable, aqueous solutions are transformed in situ to an expandable foam-like, space filling, and adherent biomaterial. Preferably, the foam-like biomaterial is the reaction product of a two-part liquid system to achieve the in situ formation thereof. The liquid system is generally comprised of a protein solution and a cross linker solution which may either be premixed and then applied to a site in need of the biomaterial, or simultaneously mixed and delivered through an in-line mixing/dispensing tip directly to the site. In especially preferred embodiments, an expandable foam-like biomaterial includes the reaction product of human or animal-derived protein material and a di- or polyaldehyde in the presence of a bicarbonate and an acidic titrant amounts sufficient to impart a cellular foam structure to the material. |
| US08057814B2 |
Drug delivery from stents
An intravascular stent has a coat comprising a crosslinked amphiphilic polymer and a sparingly water soluble matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI). Preferably the polymer is formed from 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammonium phosphate inner salt, C4-18 alkyl methacrylate and reactive and/or crosslinking monomer and the MMPI is a hydroxamic acid, more preferably batimastat. Preclinical and clinical results are reported, showing good luminal areas and reduced intimal thickening. |
| US08057812B2 |
Medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions
The present invention relates to compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism. The compositions can include advantageously high levels of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, can be readily made, and/or can exhibit reduced odor. |
| US08057811B2 |
Stable clozapine suspension formulation
A physicochemically stable aqueous composition including clozapine suspension. |
| US08057810B2 |
Peptide substance revealing an immunogeroprotective effect, pharmaceutical composition on its base and the method of its application
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and correction of age-related disorders of cellular and humoral immunity and having an immunogeroprotective effect. The pharmaceutical composition includes a peptide glutamyl-aspartyl-proline with general formula H-Glu-Asp-Pro-OH sequence 1 [SEQ ID NO:1]. The pharmaceutical composition can be in the form suitable for parenteral administration. Also disclosed is a method of prevention and/or correction of age-related disorders of cellular and humoral immunity by stimulating the processes of lymphocytes proliferation and differentiation, such method consisting in the administration to a patient of a pharmaceutical composition containing an effective amount of peptide glutamyl-aspartyl-proline with general formula: H-Glu-Asp-Pro-OH sequence 1 [SEQ ID NO:1] in the dose of 0.01-100 μg/kg of body weight as an active base at least once a day during a period necessary for attaining a therapeutic effect. |
| US08057809B2 |
Bioactive copepod-compositions, processes for the production thereof, and use thereof to prevent or treat hosts infested by phylogenetically similar ectoparasites
The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising copepods, such as marine Calanus species, process for the production thereof and use of said compositions in the prevention and/or treatment of ectoparasite infestations in animals. Further the invention relates to methods for prevention and/or treatment of ectoparasite infestations in aquatic animals, particularly fish. |
| US08057805B1 |
Edwardsiella ictaluri E-ict-VL33 strain, vaccines thereof, and a method for protecting fishes using said vaccines
A novel Edwardsiella ictaluri E-ict-VL33 strain, a vaccine derived from the novel Edwardsiella ictaluri E-ict-VL33 strain, especially in immersion form and oral form, and a method for protecting fishes from the infection of Edwardsiella ictaluri, especially catfish, the method including a primary immersion immunization using immersion vaccine, and after an appropriate period, boosting by oral vaccination, resulting in a strong and long-lasting immunity for fishes. |
| US08057791B2 |
Human antibodies specific to KDR and uses thereof
The invention provides an antibodies that bind to KDR with an affinity comparable to or higher than human VEGF, and that neutralizes activation of KDR. Antibodies include whole immunoglobulins, monovalent Fabs and single chain antibodies, multivalent single chain antibodies, diabodies, triabodies, and single domain antibodies. The invention further provides nucleic acids and host cells that encode and express these antibodies. The invention further provides a method of neutralizing the activation of KDR, a method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal and a method of inhibiting tumor growth in a mammal. |
| US08057790B2 |
Treatment of malodour
This invention relates to methods for inhibiting growth of anaerobic bacteria, particularly halitosis causing bacteria. The methods use BLIS-producing Streptococcus salivarius strains, extracts thereof, and compositions comprising same in the prevention or treatment of halitosis. |
| US08057786B2 |
Cosmetic and dermatological compositions in particular for the treatment of keratin containing substrates
The present invention relates to cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions for the treatment of keratin containing substrates, comprising synergistic mixtures of modified starch polymers with defined molecular weights and cationic charges in a cosmetically acceptable medium. The synergistic mixtures of modified starches employed to manufacture compositions according to the present invention exhibit significant benefits over the existing modified starches employed according to the state-of-the-art in the treatment of keratin-containing substrates like human or animal hair, skin and nails. Another aspect of the present invention is the stabilization of the modified starch solutions used to manufacture the cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions according to the present invention against the growth of micro-organisms without traditional preservatives. |
| US08057781B2 |
Fabrication method for chalcopyrite powder
The invention provides a fabrication method for a chalcopyrite powder. The fabrication method includes: (a) mixing a Group IB compound and a Group IIIA compound in a solvent; (b) drying or precipitating the solution of step (a) to obtain a precursor containing Group IB and Group IIIA elements; (c) mixing a solution or powder containing a Group VIA compound with the precursor; and (d) heating the mixture of step (c) to obtain the chalcopyrite powder. |
| US08057780B2 |
Method for preparing nanoparticles using carbene derivatives
Disclosed herein is a method for synthesizing a nanoparticle using a carbene derivative. More specifically, provided is a method for synthesizing a nanoparticle by adding one or more precursors to an organic solvent to grow a crystal, wherein a specific carbene derivative is used as the precursor. |
| US08057778B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming carbon nanotube array
The present disclosure relates to a method for forming a carbon nanotube array. In the method a tubular substrate is provided. The tubular substrate includes an outer sidewall with a catalyst layer located on the outer sidewall. The heating member, and the tubular substrate with the catalyst layer is received in a reacting chamber. The tubular substrate is heated by the heating member. A carbon source gas is supplied into the reacting chamber to grow the carbon nanotube array on the tubular substrate. |
| US08057776B2 |
Process to produce carbon nanotubes from microalgae
We disclose a process to produce carbon nanotubes from microalgae. Microalgae is been utilized for biodiesel production. The algal membrane resulted from oil extraction of microalgae is used here to produce carbon nanotubes. The process utilized for the conversion is composed of two steps, in the first step the algal membrane is converted to carbon black through a pyrolysis process in inert atmosphere, in the second step the resulted carbon black is converted to carbon nanotubes by mixing the carbon black with a fluid with known self ignition condition and subjecting the mix to said self ignition condition. |
| US08057775B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond materials, methods of fabricating same, and applications using same
Embodiments relate to methods of fabricating PCD materials by subjecting a mixture that exhibits a broad diamond particle size distribution to a HPHT process, PCD materials so-formed, and PDCs including a polycrystalline diamond table comprising such PCD materials. In an embodiment, a method includes subjecting a mixture to heat and pressure sufficient to form a PCD material. The mixture comprises a plurality of diamond particles exhibiting a diamond particle size distribution characterized, in part, by a parameter θ that is less than about 1.0, where θ = x 6 · σ , x is the average particle size of the diamond particle size distribution, and σ is the standard deviation of the diamond particle size distribution. In an embodiment, the diamond particle size distribution can be generally modeled by the following equation: C P F T 100 = D n - D S n D L n - D S n , wherein CPFT is the cumulative percent finer than, D is diamond grain size, DL is the largest-sized diamond grain, DS is the smallest-sized diamond grain, and n is a distribution modulus. |
| US08057769B2 |
Method for making phosphate-based electrode active materials
The invention is directed to synthesizing a phosphate-based electrode active material. The method includes the step of reacting two or more starting materials collectively containing at least a PO33− anion, an alkali metal and a metal which is redox active in the final reaction product, at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the phosphate-based electrode active material. |
| US08057766B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying apparatus and method for purifying exhaust gas
An exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes a metal casing and a honeycomb filter installed in the metal casing. The honeycomb filter includes cells, a first end face, and a second end face. The cells include a first cell and a second cell provided alternately. The first cell includes an open end on the first end face side and a sealed end on the second end face side. The second cell includes an open end on the second end face side and a sealed end on the first end face side. A cross-sectional area of the first cell is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the second cell. The first end face is disposed on a gas inlet side of the metal casing. The second end face is disposed on a gas outlet side of the metal casing. |
| US08057765B2 |
Methods for constructing underground borehole configurations and related solution mining methods
Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. |
| US08057758B2 |
Variable valve apparatus and methods
Sample processing devices with variable valve structures and methods of using the same are disclosed. The valve structures allow for removal of selected portions of the sample material located within the process chamber. Removal of the selected portions is achieved by forming an opening in a valve septum at a desired location. The valve septums may be large enough to allow for adjustment of the location of the opening based on the characteristics of the sample material in the process chamber. If the sample processing device is rotated after the opening is formed, the selected portion of the material located closer to the axis of rotation exits the process chamber through the opening. The remainder of the sample material cannot exit through the opening because it is located farther from the axis of rotation than the opening. |
| US08057757B2 |
Sample mixing on a microfluidic device
Mixing structures for use on sample processing devices are disclosed. The mixing structures include one or more mixing chambers in fluid communication with a process chamber, such that changing the rotational speed of the sample processing device forces sample material into and out of the mixing chamber to achieve mixing of the sample material. The mixing chambers are in fluid communication with the process chambers through mixing ports that are located on the distal sides of the process chambers with respect to the axis about which the sample processing device is rotated. |
| US08057754B2 |
Apparatus and method for tip alignment in multiwell plates
Apparatuses and methods of aligning at least one tip of a tip manifold with a plurality of wells of a multiwell plate. The tip manifold includes a plate, at least one tip depending from the plate, a first tip alignment pin depending from the plate, and a second tip alignment pin depending from the plate. The second tip alignment pin opposes the first tip alignment pin. The multiwell plate includes a body defining a plurality of non-porous wells for holding biological material, a first alignment hole, and a second alignment hole. The second alignment hole opposes the first alignment hole. |
| US08057753B2 |
Test strip ejection mechanism
A test strip ejection mechanism, for use with a test strip receiving port and a test strip, includes a framework, an elongated shape memory alloy (SMA) strip (e.g., a SMA wire), a slider, and a heating module. The SMA strip has first and second ends that are attached to the framework and exhibits a solid state transition temperature. The slider is configured to travel along the framework. The heating module is configured to heat the SMA strip from a temperature below the solid state transition temperature to a temperature above the solid state transition temperature. Moreover, the SMA strip and slider are configured such that the slider travels along the framework under an applied force exerted on the slider by the SMA strip as the shape memory strip is heated from a temperature below the solid state transition temperature to a temperature above the solid state temperature by the heating module. In addition, the slider has a proximal end configured to engage a test strip received within a test strip receiving port and eject the test strip from the test strip receiving port as the slider travels along the framework. A test meter for use with a test strip includes a test strip receiving port and a test strip ejection mechanism. |
| US08057752B2 |
Fluid analyzer for determining fluid chemistry of formation fluid by downhole reagent injection spectral analysis
A method for analyzing formation fluid in earth formation surrounding a borehole includes storing analytical reagent in a reagent container in a fluids analyzer in a formation tester and moving the formation tester, including the reagent, downhole. Reagent from the reagent container is injected into formation fluid in the flow-line to make a mixture of formation fluid and reagent. The mixture is moved through a spectral analyzer cell in the fluids analyzer to produce a time-series of optical density measurements at a plurality of wavelengths. A characteristic of formation fluid is determined by spectral analysis of the time-series of optical density measurements. |
| US08057751B2 |
Sterilizing apparatus and method using high pressure steam
A sterilizing apparatus is inserted into a cold or warm water passage of a water dispenser, a purified water passage of a water purifier, a discharge pipe of a beverage bending machine, an air suction unit of an air conditioner and so on to inject a high pressure steam for sterilization. The sterilizing apparatus using a high pressure steam includes an injection member for controlling a high pressure steam to be selectively injected; a rotating unit having a hollow perforated in a length direction of the rotating unit so that the steam injected from the injection member passes through the hollow, a rotating means being installed in the hollow to be rotated by the passing steam; and a nozzle unit coupled to the rotating means to rotate together with the rotating means, and having a rod-shaped nozzle for injecting the steam. |
| US08057748B2 |
Syringe, system and method for delivering oxygen-ozone
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas. |
| US08057745B2 |
Catalyst system for vehicle exhaust gas purification devices, exhaust gas purification device using the same, and method for purification of exhaust gases
The present invention provides a catalyst system for vehicle exhaust gas purification devices which exhibit excellent capacity of removing nitrogen oxide emissions from internal combustion engine exhaust gases when they are brought into contact with the catalyst even when hydrocarbon concentration in exhaust gases varies, exhaust gas purification device using the same and method for purification of exhaust gases.The catalyst system for vehicle exhaust gas purification devices comprises two or more exhaust gas purification catalysts including two different exhaust gas purification catalysts (first and second catalysts), each supported on an inorganic structural carrier and disposed in an exhaust gas passage, wherein the first catalyst is located on the upstream side in the exhaust gas passage, and the second downstream-side catalyst contains a cerium/zirconium-base compound oxide (A), prepared by melting a starting mixture at its melting point or higher, the molten mixture being then cooled to produce an ingot and crushed. |
| US08057737B2 |
Forging steel and its manufacturing method, and forged parts
A forging steel has a dissolved Mg concentration within the range of 0.04-5 ppm by mass and a dissolved Al concentration within the range of 50-500 ppm. |
| US08057734B2 |
Producing metal and carbon dioxide with hydrogen recycle
Offgas containing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide that is produced in the reduction of ores and other metal oxides in a reactor is treated to reduce its carbon dioxide content and is then contacted with metal oxide to reduce the oxidation state of the metal and oxidize carbon monoxide therein to carbon dioxide, following which the reduced metal is oxidized with steam to produce hydrogen that can be fed to the reactor. |
| US08057731B2 |
Process of fabricating three-dimensional object
A light beam is irradiated to sinter powder layers into a plurality of cured layer which are superimposed to each other to fabricate a three-dimensional object. A portion forming an outer shell of the object is given by high-density cured layers, while the other portion is given by low-density cured layers. The high-density cured layer making up at least a side of the object is composed of a high-density primary cured layer obtained by irradiation of a primary irradiation to the powder layer, and a high-density secondary layer obtained by a secondary irradiation to a supplemental powder layer supplied on the high-density primary cured layer. Thus, the high-density cured layer is given a height in level with the low-density cured layer, which assures constant height of each cured layer which is a combination of the high-density cured layer and the low-density cured layer. |
| US08057730B2 |
Microfilament manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus therefor
The objective of the present invention is to enable a microfilament that is a nanofilament to be manufactured continuously and consistently from all thermoplastic polymers without requiring a specialized high precision•high performance apparatus and also to present the nanofilament manufactured as described. The present invention comprises a microfilament in a nanofilament region and the manufacturing means thereof wherein a original filament transferred using a filament transfer means is supplied to an orifice under pressure P1 and is heated and drawn using an infrared light beam directly under the orifice under pressure P2 (P1>P2). |
| US08057725B2 |
Capillary imprinting technique
The present invention provides a method for patterning a substrate with a template having a mold that features positioning conformable material between the substrate and the mold and filling a volume defined between the mold and the substrate with the conformable material through capillary action between the conformable material and one of the mold and the substrate. Thereafter, the conformable material is solidified. Specifically, the distance between the mold and the substrate is controlled to a sufficient degree to attenuate, if not avoid, compressive forces between the mold and the substrate. As a result, upon initial contact of the mold with the conformable material, capillary filling of the volume between the mold and the substrate occurs. |
| US08057722B2 |
Method for coupling a keyboard base board with a keyboard base seat
A method for coupling a keyboard base board with a keyboard base seat includes (a) a keyboard base board being formed with a plurality of through holes; (b) a mold being formed with a keyboard base board space and a keyboard base seat cavity corresponding to a keyboard base seat; (c) the keyboard base board being placed on the mold, and the mold being closed for injection molding; (d) a plastic material being poured from a concave trough through the through hole into the keyboard base seat cavity, the through hole of the keyboard base board and the keyboard base seat cavity being filled up with the plastic material; and (e) the mold being opened to take out the keyboard base board integrated with the keyboard base seat after cooling. The keyboard base board is formed integrally with the keyboard base seat for saving the working procedure. |
| US08057719B2 |
Housing case, method for manufacturing housing case, and glass insert molding die used in same
A housing case for a small electric device and communication device includes a flat plate having a dimension substantially the same as that of the front portion of the housing case and comprising at least a glass plate, and a resin frame integrated with the flat plate to support the backside periphery of the flat plate. |
| US08057718B2 |
Microporous polyethylene film having excellent physical properties, productivity, and quality consistency, and method of producing same
Disclosed herein is a microporous polyethylene film for a battery separator and a method of producing the same. The microporous polyethylene film is made from a resin composition. The resin composition comprises 100 parts by weight of a polyethylene composition including 10-50 wt % polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of from 2×105 to less than 5×105 (component I) and 90-50 wt % diluent (component II), and 0-150 parts by weight of inorganic powder (component III). The film has a puncture strength of 0.20 N/μm or more and a gas permeability (Darcy's permeability constant) of 1×10−5 Darcy or more. The microporous polyethylene film has excellent physical properties, thus improving the performance and stability of a battery. |
| US08057716B2 |
Polarized lens and method of making polarized lens
Method of making eyeglass lens are disclosed where the lens are made of layers which include an outer, convex hard coating, a layer of hard epoxy, a laminated PVA film where one of the layer of the PVA film is coated in the peripheral portion, a layer of soft epoxy, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating. Other methods configuration of lens also include a camouflaged patterned lens, a layer of hard epoxy, a polyurethane mixture, a laminated PVA film where one of the layer of the PVA film is coated in the peripheral portion, a layer of soft epoxy, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating. |
| US08057713B2 |
Method for the production of nickel oxide surfaces having increase conductivity
The invention relates to a method for producing electrically conducting nickel oxide surfaces made of nickel-containing material. According to the method, the nickel surface is first degreased and is then roughened for approximately ten minutes in a solution containing about one percent of hydrochloric acid, the process being accelerated by adding hydrogen peroxide solution, resulting in the electrolyte turning green. The nickel surface is briefly wetted, the nickel material is introduced into a solution of 3.5 molar lye to which about ten percent of hydrogen peroxide is added and is kept therein for ten minutes, and the resulting nickel hydroxide surface is dehydrated in a subsequent thermal process and is then further oxidized to obtain nickel oxide. The invention further relates to a conductive boundary layer that is produced according to the method, the electrodes therefrom, and the use thereof in chlorine-alkali electrolysis processes, in fuel cells and storage batteries. |
| US08057709B2 |
Solid composition having enhanced physical and electrical properties
A method of making a treating wash includes mixing brass granules with acetone, mixing carbon nanotube material, iron pyrite granules and copper granules in the acetone brass mixture, and straining the liquid from the remaining solid material. Methods of treating materials such as brass granules, iron pyrite granules, carbon nanotube material, and brass granules comprises washing the materials in the treating wash, followed by straining and drying the materials. |
| US08057708B2 |
Stabilized compositions of conductive polymers and partially fluorinated acid polymers
There is provided an electrically conductive polymer composition. The composition includes an electrically conductive polymer and a partially-fluorinated acid polymer. At least 50% of acid protons on the partially-fluorinated acid polymer are replaced with cations. The cations can be inorganic cations, organic cations, and combinations thereof. |
| US08057707B2 |
Compositions to mitigate coke formation in steam cracking of hydrocarbons
The invention relates to a combination of compounds and a process using such combination useful for reducing or preventing coke formation in thermal cracking furnaces such as ethylene steam crackers. The combination is comprised of one or more compound of the formula R—Sx—R′ and one or more compound selected from the following group: R1R2CS3; R1R2C═CR3R4; RSH; R1SxR2; R1R2CH2; R1R2R3R4(C4S); and R1R2R3R4R5R6Si2O. |
| US08057706B1 |
Moisture-resistant phosphor and associated method
A phosphor material contains encapsulated particles of manganese (Mn4+) doped fluoride phosphor. A method of encapsulating such particles is also provided. Each particle is encapsulated with a layer of a manganese-free fluoride phosphor. The use of such a phosphor material in a lighting apparatus results in improved stability and acceptable lumen maintenance over the course of the apparatus life. |
| US08057702B2 |
Procedure to obtain Gd2O2S: Pr for CT with a very short afterglow
The present invention is directed to a Gd2O2S:M fluorescent ceramic material with a very short afterglow, wherein M represents at least one element selected from the group Pr, Th, Yb, Dy, Sm and/or Ho and the Gd2O2S:M fluorescent ceramic material comprises further: europium of ≦1 wt. ppm based on Gd2O2S, and cerium of ≧0.1 wt. ppm to ≦100 wt. ppm based on Gd2O2S, wherein the content of cerium is in excess of the content of europium with a ratio of europium to cerium of 1:10 to 1:150. |
| US08057701B2 |
Trifunctional (meth)acrylate compound and polymerizable composition containing same
A trifunctional (meth)acrylate compound of general formula (I) is provided The compound is capable of retaining a liquid crystal phase at or below 30 ° C. Polymerizable compositions containing a compound of formula (I) are also provided. |
| US08057700B2 |
Liquid crystal photo-alignment agent and liquid crystal photo-alignment film and liquid crystal display including the same
One embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid crystal photo-alignment agent that includes a polyamic acid copolymer including a repeating unit having the following Formula 1 and a repeating unit having the following Formula 2; a polyimide copolymer including a repeating unit having the following Formula 3 and a repeating unit having the following Formula 4; or a combination thereof: wherein the definition of R1 to R8 are the same as in the specification. The liquid crystal photo-alignment agent can have improved liquid crystal alignment properties, electrical characteristics such as voltage holding ratio, pretilt angle, residual DC, and the like, printability, cleaning stability, and spot stability, and is capable of unidirectionally aligning liquid crystals by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. |
| US08057694B2 |
Environmentally benign anti-icing or deicing fluids
The present invention provides deicing compositions which are environmentally benign, a process for producing the composition from certain waste process streams, and methods of deicing and/or anti-icing. |
| US08057692B2 |
Methods of forming fine patterns in the fabrication of semiconductor devices
In a method of forming a semiconductor device, a feature layer is provided on a substrate and a mask layer is provided on the feature layer. A portion of the mask layer is removed in a first region of the semiconductor device where fine features of the feature layer are to be located, the mask layer remaining in a second region of the semiconductor device where broad features of the feature layer are to be located. A mold mask pattern is provided on the feature layer in the first region and on the mask layer in the second region. A spacer layer is provided on the mold mask pattern in the first region and in the second region. An etching process is performed to etch the spacer layer so that spacers remain at sidewalls of pattern features of the mold mask pattern, and to etch the mask layer in the second region to provide mask layer patterns in the second region. The feature layer is etched using the mask layer patterns as an etch mask in the second region and using the spacers as an etch mask in the first region to provide a feature layer pattern having fine features in the first region and broad features in the second region. |
| US08057691B2 |
Method of manufacturing printing plate and method of manufacturing liquid crystal display device using the same
A method of manufacturing a precise printing plate, and a method of manufacturing an LCD device using the same are disclosed, the method of manufacturing the precise printing plate comprising forming a mask layer of a predetermined pattern on a substrate; etching the substrate with an etchant including an anionic surfactant by using the mask layer of the predetermined pattern, to thereby form a trench; and removing the mask layer. |
| US08057690B2 |
Single silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer accelerometer fabrication
Methods for creating at least one micro-electromechanical (MEMS) structure in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. The SOI wafer with an extra layer of oxide is etched according to a predefined pattern. A layer of oxide is deposited over exposed surfaces. An etchant selectively removes the oxide to expose the SOI wafer substrate. A portion of the SOI substrate under at least one MEMS structure is removed, thereby releasing the MEMS structure to be used in the formation of an accelerometer. |
| US08057689B2 |
Method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes forming a first hard mask, a second hard mask and a resist on a magnetic recording layer, imprinting a stamper to the resist to transfer patterns of protrusions and recesses to the resist, removing residues remaining in the recesses of the patterned resist by means of a first etching gas, etching the second hard mask by means of the first etching gas using the patterned resist as a mask to transfer the patterns to the second hard mask, etching the first hard mask by means of a second etching gas different from the first etching gas using the second hard mask as a mask to transfer the patterns to the first hard mask, and performing ion beam etching in order to deactivate the magnetic recording layer exposed in the recesses and to remove the second hard mask. |
| US08057684B2 |
Installation for the flocculation of sludge loaded with suspended matter, method using the installation
Installation for flocculation of water or sludge loaded with suspended matter comprising in succession: a polymer storage hopper, a polymer grinding device, and a line, pipe or other conveyor for transferring the polymer solution to the water or the sludge to be treated. The grinder device includes a wetting cone in which the polymer is poured, and at the bottom end of the cone: a chamber for grinding and removing the dispersed polymer comprising: a rotor, a stator, and a ring fed by a secondary water circuit. A method implementing the installation is also provided. |
| US08057683B2 |
Process for the removal of endocrine disrupting compounds
The present invention relates to the removal of endocrine disrupting compounds from an aqueous medium by adding surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate or an aqueous suspension comprising surface-reacted calcium carbonate and having a pH greater than 6.0 measured at 20° C., to the medium, wherein the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a reaction product of natural calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more acids, the use of the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate for the removal of endocrine disrupting compounds, as well as to a combination of a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate and activated carbon for the removal of endocrine disrupting compounds. |
| US08057682B2 |
Green synthesis of nanometals using plant extracts and use thereof
The present invention relates to methods of making and using and compositions of metal nanoparticles formed by green chemistry synthetic techniques. For example, the present invention relates to metal nanoparticles formed with solutions of plant extracts and use of these metal nanoparticles in removing contaminants from soil and groundwater and other contaminated sites. In some embodiments, the invention comprises methods of making and using compositions of metal nanoparticles formed using green chemistry techniques. |
| US08057678B2 |
Maintenance of metallization baths
A method for the regeneration of an electrolyte bath used for an electroless metallization process. A partial flow of electrolyte is removed from the process vessel and regenerated by dialysis or electrodialysis. Metallization components are replenished. The partial flow is returned to the process vessel. |
| US08057677B2 |
Extraction method using a static micromixer
A process is described for the extraction of one or more substances from a fluid starting material with an appropriate extraction agent by use of a static micromixer for mixing the starting material with the extraction agent. The static micromixer is provided with disk-shaped components, the disk (1) being provided with at least one inlet opening (2) for introducing at least one fluid stream into a linking channel (3) disposed in the plane of the disk and at least one outlet opening (4) for removing the fluid stream into a mixing zone (5) disposed in the plane of the disk, the inlet opening (2) being connected with the outlet opening (4) in a communicating manner through a linking channel (3) disposed in the plane of the disk, and the linking channel (3) before opening into the mixing zone (5) being divided by microstructure units (6) into two or more part channels (7), and the widths of the part channels being in the millimeter to submillimeter range and being smaller than the width of the mixing zone (5). |
| US08057675B2 |
Methods of remediation of water
Methods for bioremediation of contaminants in water using soapstock, an acid oil of soapstock, a neutralized acid oil of soapstock or combinations thereof are described. Systems for bioremediation are also disclosed. |
| US08057673B2 |
System and method for treating wastewater containing ammonia
Treatment system for wastewater containing ammonium is provided. The treatment system of the present invention includes an ammonia oxidation reactor and a membrane reactor disposed on the back of the ammonia oxidation reactor. The ammonia oxidation reactor includes biological carriers for carrying the ammonium oxidation bacteria and nitrite oxidation bacteria, a pH level controller for increasing the pH level to above 7.5, and a DO (dissolved oxygen) controller for reducing the DO content to less than 1.0 mg/L. The membrane reactor composed of a membrane and an aerator is used to separate the solids and liquids of the effluent of the ammonia oxidation reactor. In addition, a method for treating wastewater containing ammonium is also provided. |
| US08057672B2 |
Disposable multi-layered filtration device for the separation of blood plasma
Provided is a disposable multi-layered filtration device for the separation of blood plasma which can be applied to a biochip and appropriate for disposal uses. The filtration device for the separation of blood plasma includes: an upper substrate including a blood inlet; an intermediate substrate including a filtering unit for extracting blood plasma from blood flowing through the blood inlet; and a lower substrate including an air outlet, wherein the upper substrate, the intermediate substrate, and the lower substrate are stacked and adhered. |
| US08057669B2 |
Filter element and filter assembly including locking mechanism
A fluid filtering apparatus and method may include keyed components to ensure that a correct filter element is being installed into a filter base. Keyed arrangements may occur between a filter element and a filter housing, a filter and a filter base, and a filter base and a filter housing. A locking arrangement may be provided to prevent undesired loosening of a filter relative to a filter base. The filter base may include a torsion lock insert that engages lock detents of a filter to prevent the undesired loosening. An adaptor may be provided to provide the lock detents that interact with a torsion lock insert. |
| US08057666B2 |
Biomass and waste plastics to neodiesel and valuable chemicals via supercritical water
A supercritical fluid polymer depolymerization machine is disclosed herein, which machine is capable of converting a wide range of biomass and/or waste plastic materials into a plurality of reaction products (liquid and gaseous) including fermentable sugars, hydrocarbons, and various aromatic substances that, in turn, are readily convertible into liquid transportation fuel known as “neodiesel.” In one embodiment, a supercritical fluid reaction apparatus for transforming a selected polymeric material flowstream into a plurality of reaction products is disclosed and comprises, in fluidic series: an extruder; a supercritical fluid reaction zone fluidicly connected to the extruder, the supercritical fluid reaction zone being proximate to a circumferentially positioned heater, with the heater being configured to transfer heat to the selected polymeric material flowstream admixed together with water to supercritical conditions to thereby facilitate chemical reaction; and a reaction products separation chamber fluidicly connected to the supercritical fluid reaction zone. |
| US08057665B2 |
Cold water tank and water treatment apparatus having the same
Disclosed are a cold water tank and a water treatment apparatus. The cold water tank includes a tank body, a water inlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey water into the tank body, a water outlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey the water out of the tank body, and including an air vent hole, and a floating member movably provided at the water outlet pipe to block the air vent hole when the water filling the tank body reaches a height of the air vent hole. The water in the upper portion of the tank body is prevented from passing through the air vent hole and draining through the water outlet pipe, thereby preventing the cooler water in the lower portion from mixing with the hotter water in the upper portion. Only the cooler water in the lower portion can be supplied to a user. |
| US08057660B2 |
Process for the total conversion of heavy feedstocks to distillates
Process for the conversion of heavy feedstocks selected from heavy crude oils, distillation residues from crude oil or catalytic treatment, “visbreaker tars”, “thermal tars”, bitumens from “oil sands” liquids from coals of different origins and other high boiling feedstocks of a hydrocarbon origin. |
| US08057655B1 |
Sub-micron object control arrangement and approach therefor
Sub-micron objects are manipulated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, Brownian motion effects are mitigated to facilitate the analysis and/or manipulation of sub-micron objects. In some applications, an electric field is applied to facilitate the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution, facilitating the analysis of the manipulated objects. In other applications, fluid flow is used to effect the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution. |
| US08057654B2 |
Electrodeposition of dielectric coatings on semiconductive substrates
A method includes: immersing a semiconductive substrate in an electrodeposition composition, wherein at least 20 percent by weight of resin solids in the composition is a highly cross-linked microgel component, and applying a voltage between the substrate and the composition to form a dielectric coating on the substrate. A composition for use in electrodeposition includes a resin blend, a coalescing solvent, a catalyst, water, and a highly cross-linked migrogel, wherein at least 20 percent by weight of resin solids in the composition is the highly cross-linked microgel. Another composition for use in electrodeposition includes a surfactant blend, a low ion polyol, phenoxypropanol, a catalyst, water, a flexibilizer, and a highly cross-linked migrogel, wherein at least 20 percent by weight of resin solids in the composition is the highly cross-linked microgel. |
| US08057653B2 |
Carbon dioxide sensor
The present invention generally relates to carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor that incorporates lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) as an electrolyte and sensing electrode comprising a combination of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and barium carbonate (BaCO3). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor has a reduced sensitivity to humidity due to a sensing electrode with a layered structure of lithium carbonate and barium carbonate. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors having lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) as an electrolyte and sensing electrode comprising a combination of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and barium carbonate (BaCO3). |
| US08057651B1 |
Electrochemical sensor with nano-wire array
An electro-chemical sensor comprises a bismuth nano-wire array. The sensor is used to detect incipient corrosion under paint. It is particularly useful in admiralty and marine applications such as for detecting incipient metal oxidation such as rusting and for monitoring the progress of metal oxidation on ship hulls and tanks. It is also useful in the automobile industry for quantifying surface quality in preparation for painting. |
| US08057649B2 |
Microwave rotatable sputtering deposition
Disclosed is an invention that uses a coaxial microwave antenna as a primary plasma source in PVD. The coaxial microwave antenna is positioned inside a sputtering target. Instead of using a cathode assist in sputtering, microwaves generated from the coaxial microwave antenna may leak through the sputtering target that comprises a dielectric material to form microwave plasma outside the sputtering target. To further enhance plasma density, a magnetron or a plurality of magnetrons may be added inside the target to help confine secondary electrons. An electric potential may be formed between adjacent magnetrons and may further enhance ionization. To achieve directional control of the generated microwaves, a shield that comprises a dielectric material or dielectric material coated metal may be added proximate the coaxial microwave antenna. Furthermore, for high utilization of expensive target materials, a target can rotate to improve the utilization efficiency. |
| US08057648B2 |
Deposition system using noise canceller and its method of control
A deposition system and its method of control cancels the influence of noise occurring during measuring of a deposition rate using a noise canceller in order to exactly control the deposition rate, and obtains a film of a desired thickness. The deposition system includes a deposition device. A deposition rate sensor measures a deposition rate of the deposition device. A noise canceller cancels a noise component of the measured deposition rate. A power supply unit adjusts power supplied to the deposition device according to an output of the noise canceller. |
| US08057644B2 |
Process and apparatus for plating articles
A process and apparatus utilizing at least one conformable anode (40) in a plating process to apply a plating to an article (10). A wire or other material suitable for an anode is shaped to conform to the approximate shape of a region of the article to be coated. The anode is powered by an electrical power source (44), and the article serves as the cathode. The anode and article are both immersed in a plating bath (38). The article and anode are rotated relative to one another about a central axis (22) of the article. The relative movement between the anode and the article causes a uniform plating (46) to be applied to selected regions of the article that pass the anode. Another anode (50) can be arranged in fixed relation with the article to cause plating to a separate selected region of the article concurrently with the other anode. |
| US08057642B2 |
Method of corrosion prevention
This invention relates to a process for reducing the corrosion rate of iron-containing vessels within an ethylene glycol distillation system. The inventive process includes the addition of an additive component of sodium nitrite and sodium hypophosphite into such iron-containing vessels, to thereby react with iron of the inside walls and form a protective coating thereon. This process reduces the corrosion rate in iron-containing vessels of the apparatus, and reduces the catalytic effects of iron corrosion products within the system. Thus, not only is the on-stream time of the vessels extended, but also product quality is improved by reducing the aldehyde content of the final ethylene glycol product. |
| US08057639B2 |
System and method for preextraction of hemicellulose through using a continuous prehydrolysis and steam explosion pretreatment process
A system has been developed for pretreating cellulosic biomass feed stock including: a first pressurized reactor receiving the feed stock, wherein the feed stock undergoes hydrolysis in the first pressurized reactor; a sealing device having a first pressurized coupling to a feedstock discharge port of the first pressurized reactor, and a second pressurized coupling to a second pressurized reactor; a drain for a liquid including dissolved hemi-cellulosic material extracted from the feed stock in at least one of the first pressurized reactor and the sealing and extraction device; the second pressurized reactor assembly receiving the pressurized feed stock from the sealing device at a pressure substantially greater than the pressure in the first pressurized reactor, wherein cells of the feed stock are infused with water in the second pressurized reactor, and an expansion device downstream of the second pressurized reactor assembly, wherein the expansion device rapidly releases the pressure of the feed stock discharged from the second pressurized reactor such that the feed stock undergoes a steam explosion reaction. |
| US08057634B2 |
Method and apparatus for plasma processing
The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus capable of minimizing the non-uniformity of potential distribution around wafer circumference, and providing a uniform process across the wafer surface. The apparatus is equipped with a focus ring formed of a dielectric, a conductor or a semiconductor and having RF applied thereto, the design of which is optimized for processing based on a design technique clarifying physical conditions for flattening a sheath-plasma interface above a wafer and the sheath-plasma interface above the focus ring. A surface voltage of the focus ring is determined to be not less than a minimum voltage for preventing reaction products caused by wafer processing from depositing thereon. The surface height, surface voltage, material and structure of the focus ring are optimized so that the height of an ion sheath formed on the focus ring surface is either equal or has a height difference within an appropriate tolerance range to the height of the ion sheath formed on the wafer surface. Optimization of the structure is realized by setting up an appropriate tolerance range taking into consideration the variation caused by consumption of the focus ring. |
| US08057631B2 |
Apparatus and method for applying strips of thermoplastic material to thermoplastic membranes
A method for applying thermoplastic strips to thermoplastic membranes, the method comprising applying a first strip to a membrane, providing apparatus comprising a housing having drive wheels thereon, a guide assembly fixed to the housing and comprising a first pair of guide wheels for disposition around the first strip and a second pair of guide wheels for disposition around a second strip to guide the second strip to a welding station mounted on the apparatus to heat weld the second strip to the membrane, mounting the first pair of guide wheels on the first strip, mounting the second pair of guide wheels on the second strip, moving the housing on the drive wheels, the first pair of guide wheels riding along the first strip and the second pair of guide wheels channeling the second strip therebetween and into the welding station for attachment to the membrane by the heat weld, the second strip thereby extending equidistantly from the first strip. |
| US08057624B2 |
Dual panel fabrication
A pair of laminated panels are simultaneously manufactured in a single panel press. A thermal band is stacked between two panel sets and then the two panel sets are simultaneously heated and compressed together in a common stack with the band, with the band being separately heated. |
| US08057618B2 |
Method and apparatus for making structures of composite material, in particular airplane fuselage sections
A method and a device for manufacturing hollow components out of a composite material, such as sections of an airplane fuselage, that include a skin and possibly strengthening elements. The method may include inserting a multi-articulated arm fitted with a fiber placement head inside a female mold of elongated shape. The female mold includes a longitudinal slit. A support for the multi-articulated arm is received through the slit. The method may also include applying fibers to the inner molding surface of the female mold using the placement head to form the composite material skin, by displacement of the application head using the multi-articulated arm and relative displacement in translation of the support for the multi-articulated arm along said longitudinal slit. |
| US08057613B2 |
Static dissipative optical construction
An optical construction that is static-dissipative and includes a static-dissipative layer buried within optical material. |
| US08057607B2 |
Automated heat exchanger tube cleaning assembly and system
An automated heat exchanger tube cleaning assembly and system are provided. The present system can automatically (without ongoing human intervention) survey the tube sheet of a heat exchanger in three-dimensions, convert and record the survey results as a digital file in three-dimensions, and then, according to sequential parameters input via custom software, automatically coordinate via computer one or more cleaning devices to effect the cleaning of each desired tube of the heat exchanger. |
| US08057595B2 |
Bone cement compositions having fiber-reinforcement and/or increased flowability
The present invention relates in general to implantable compositions, and method for preparing same, containing a calcium salt-containing component, optionally demineralized bone, a plurality of discrete fibers, optionally a flow additive, and optionally continuous reinforcing fibers or an array of organized fibers in the form of mesh. Advantageously, the discrete fibers have a specific aspect ratio (length/diameter) from about 50:1 to about 1000:1. The addition of a small amount of discrete fibers and/or the continuous reinforcing fibers or fiber mesh can cause drastic increases in certain mechanical properties including flexural strength, flexural toughness, and/or screw pullout strength. |
| US08057589B2 |
Phase change inks
Disclosed is a phase change ink composition comprising a phase change ink carrier and a colorant compound of the formula wherein X1, X2, X3, and X4 each, independently of the others, are —S—, —S(═O)—, or —S(═O)2—, R1, R2, R3, and R4 each, independently of the others, are alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, R1′, R2′, R3′, and R4′ each, independently of the others, are substituents, n1, n2, n3, and n4 each, independently of the others, are 0, 1, 2, or 3, and M is an atom or group of atoms capable of bonding to the central cavity of a phthalocyanine molecule, wherein axial ligands optionally can be attached to M. Also disclosed is a radiation curable ink composition comprising (a) an ink vehicle, said ink vehicle comprising at least one radically curable monomer compound, and this colorant compound. |
| US08057588B2 |
Formulation for coating material
The present invention relates to a Solvent-free coating material and treating agents used as wood coating material as a protective agent. The wood coating material is used to provide a short period of time ultra-violet (UV) radiation curing. Furthermore the coating material relates to an anticorrosion formulation and a method for forming a coated panel. This invention also provides a low volatility and high scratch resistance of coating for wooden surfaces. |
| US08057585B2 |
Compressor unit for a vehicle air suspension system
A compressor unit for an air suspension system of a motor vehicle, having a compressor, an air dryer and a compressed-air port for delivering compressed air from the compressor to the air suspension system and for introducing compressed air from the air suspension system into the air dryer. A ventilation line is provided from the air dryer to the environment of the compressor. The ventilation line has an upwardly convex bend when the compressor unit is in installed position. |
| US08057583B2 |
Filter media including silicone and/or wax additive(s)
A method of improving filtration efficiency of a fibrous nonwoven filter media comprises providing a filter media and incorporating in the filter media one or more additives selected from the group consisting of silicone additives, wax additives, and mixtures thereof. The filter media comprises glass fibers, polymer fibers, and optionally binder. Inclusion of silicone and/or wax additive(s) in a filter media has surprisingly been found to increase filtration efficiency, for example, by 10-15%. |
| US08057580B2 |
Method of cooling a multiphase well effluent stream
A method of processing a multiphase well effluent mixture comprises: transferring the multiphase well effluent mixture (G+L) via a multiphase well effluent flowline (3, 23) to a gas liquid separator (5, 24) in which the multiphase well effluent mixture is separated into substantially gaseous and liquid fractions; transferring the substantially liquid fraction L into a liquid flowline (7, 25) in which a liquid pump (8, 29) is arranged; transferring the substantially gaseous fraction into a gas flowline (6, 26) in which a gas compressor (10, 30) is arranged; protecting the gas compressor (10, 30) against pressure and/or liquid surges by recirculating a recycled gas stream (Ghot) via a gas recycling conduit (14, 44) through the gas compressor in response to detection of a pressure and/or liquid surge in the multiphase well effluent mixture; cooling the recycled gas stream by injecting cooled recycled liquid (Lcold) from the liquid flowline (7, 25) into the recycled gas stream (Ghot) which recycled liquid is cooled in a heat exchanger (9, 49), which may be a compact liquid-liquid heat exchanger that is about ten times smaller than a bulky gas-liquid heat exchanger that could be arranged in the gas recycling conduit (14, 44). |
| US08057579B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for acid gas removal
A method and apparatus are provided for absorbing acid gases from a synthesis gas prior to combustion. In one embodiment, a vessel is provided for receiving a synthesis gas and a physical solvent. The vessel includes one or more membrane contactors that provide an interface for physical absorption of one or more acid gases from the synthesis gas into the physical solvent. |
| US08057578B2 |
Method for treatment of process waters
Systems and methods for treating water. Water containing one or more thermally destructible contaminants can be contacted with one or more oxidants to provide an effluent containing essentially contaminant-free water and a recycle containing the one or more oxidants and at least a portion of the one or more thermally destructible contaminants. The one or more thermally destructible contaminants in the recycle can be thermally destroyed using one or more combustion processes. |
| US08057575B2 |
Hydrogen purification membranes, components and fuel processing systems containing the same
Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas. |
| US08057572B2 |
Metal recovery
A method is provided for recovering rhenium from a titania-supported, rhenium-containing catalyst by treating the catalyst in the reduced form with an acid in an amount and for a time sufficient to dissolve the rhenium without dissolving the support. |
| US08057571B2 |
Corrosion resistant tool
There is disclosed a cemented carbide tool containing tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, nickel and cobalt, molybdenum and chromium. The composition of the materials provides a good resistance to corrosion as well as high hardness and wear resistance. These properties are particularly interesting for the manufacture of tools for coldforming operations. Cold forming tools made with these materials have steady performance over a long period of time. |
| US08057570B2 |
Electric arc furnace steelmaking
Efficient coordination of processing (by desulphurizing) and moving hot metal from a direct smelter, producing hot metal on a continuous basis, to an electric arc furnace or furnaces, operating on a batch basis, is disclosed. The invention includes the use of hot metal storage devices, such as ladles, that are large enough to supply hot metal for a small number, preferably two or three, of electric arc furnace batch operations. |
| US08057568B2 |
Extruded porous substrate and products using the same
A highly porous substrate is provided using an extrusion system. More particularly, the present invention enables the production of a highly porous substrate. Depending on the particular mixture, the present invention enables substrate porosities of about 60% to about 90%, and enables advantages at other porosities, as well. The extrusion system enables the use of a wide variety of fibers and additives, and is adaptable to a wide variety of operating environments and applications. Fibers, which have an aspect ratio greater than 1, are selected according to substrate requirements, and are typically mixed with binders, pore-formers, extrusion aids, and fluid to form a homogeneous extrudable mass. The homogeneous mass is extruded into a green substrate. The more volatile material is preferentially removed from the green substrate, which allows the fibers to form interconnected networks. As the curing process continues, fiber to fiber bonds are formed to produce a structure having a substantially open pore network. The resulting porous substrate is useful in many applications, for example, as a substrate for a filter or catalyst host, or catalytic converter. |
| US08057567B2 |
Filter medium and breather filter structure
Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units, such as breather caps. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate and/or fluid mist load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications. |
| US08057558B2 |
Enhanced biodiesel fuel having improved low-temperature properties and methods of making same
The present invention is generally directed to novel biodiesel fuel compositions having enhanced low-temperature properties. The present invention is additionally directed to methods (i.e., processes) for making such enhanced biodiesel fuels by improving the low-temperature properties of ester-based biodiesel fuels via in situ enhancement and/or additive enhancement. |
| US08057556B2 |
Processing paint sludge to produce a combustible fuel product
A method for producing a combustion product that involves dewatering raw paint sludge from spray paint booth operations. The resulting material can provide significant and economical fuel value to combustion processes such as for power plants while also obviating the need to dispose of waste paint sludge in landfills. Additionally the process is inexpensive, safe and free of most problems associated with paint sludge drying. |
| US08057551B2 |
Lanyard suspension system for a prosthetic limb
A lanyard suspension system for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a lanyard cord adapted to extend from a distal end of a patient's residual limb; and (b) a lanyard lock assembly adapted to be seated at a distal end of a patient's prosthetic limb socket assembly. The lanyard lock assembly includes: (1) a lanyard lock base having a lanyard cord channel extending therethrough from an inlet hole in a proximal surface of the lanyard lock base to an outlet hole in one of a side surface and a distal surface of the lanyard lock base; and (2) a locking mechanism designed to allow the lanyard cord to substantially freely thread through the lanyard cord channel from the inlet hole to the outlet hole while substantially inhibiting the lanyard cord from threading in the opposite direction when in an active setting. |
| US08057549B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing spinal surgery
An embodiment of an intervertebral prosthetic device for implantation in a spine includes a rigid fixation member and a compressible member. The fixation member is configured to be placed in a cavity of a first vertebral body and against bone of the first vertebral body. The compressible member is configured to be placed in a cavity in an intervertebral disc and to be secured to the first fixation member. Another embodiment includes two compressible members and one fixation member. In this embodiment, the first and second compressible members are sized to substantially replace the nucleus pulposus of first and a second intervertebral discs, respectively, on either side of a vertebral body. The fixation member is sized to fit within a cavity in the vertebral body between the first and second compressible members. |
| US08057548B2 |
Spinal fusion cage, method of design, and method of use
A fusion cage of the present invention includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and an insert portion adapted to be received therebetween, wherein the geometry of the fusion cage corresponds substantially to the geometry of a void into which the fusion cage is to be inserted. Also described is a novel tool for insertion of a fusion cage and a novel method for designing a fusion cage or other surgical implant for filling a void identified within a patient. |
| US08057547B2 |
Articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis
An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes superior and inferior shells connected in a ball and socket arrangement. The inferior shell preferably incorporating a convex portion that cooperates with a concave portion on the superior shell. A resilient nucleus is provided within an enclosure defined by the opposing inner surfaces of the shells and biases the shells against each other. The ball portion can be provided in either fixed or slidable arrangement. The superior and inferior shells are also provided with cooperating male and female portions whereby the shells positively engage each other, thereby preventing separation, but allowing any desired articulation there-between. The artificial disc of the invention includes various resistance means for restricting and limiting the range of rotational and translational motion between the shells. |
| US08057546B2 |
Intervertebral disk prosthesis or artificial vertebral body
An intervertebral disk prosthesis or the intervertebral implant has a cavity-like middle part with a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a lower end, an upper apposition plate, and a lower apposition plate. The upper apposition plate is placed on the upper end of the middle part such that it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The upper apposition plate is suited for resting against the base plate of a vertebral body. The lower apposition plate is placed on the lower end of the middle part such that it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The lower apposition plate is suited for resting against the cover plate of a vertebral body. The middle part has at least two coaxially arranged plate springs, which gives the middle part a progressive spring characteristic. |
| US08057545B2 |
Revision spacer
An intervertebral fusion device for promoting fusion of first and second vertebrae comprises first and second endplate modules. Each endplate module includes an outer surface adapted to interface with vertebral bone and an opposite inner surface. The endplate modules further include an attachment feature. A central module is adapted to extend between the first and second endplate modules and is further adapted for connection with the attachment feature. A through passage extends through the outer and inner surfaces of the each of the first and second endplates and through the central module. |
| US08057541B2 |
Method of using small diameter intracorneal inlays to treat visual impairment
Provided herein are small diameter inlays for correcting vision impairments by altering the shape of the anterior corneal surface. In an embodiment, inlays having diameters smaller than the pupil are provided for correcting presbyopia. To provide near vision, an inlay is implanted centrally in the cornea to induce an “effective” zone on the anterior corneal surface, within which diopter power is increased. Distance vision is provided by a region of the cornea peripheral to the “effect” zone. In another embodiment, small diameter inlays are provided that induce effective optical zones on the anterior corneal surface that are much larger in diameter than the inlays. The increase in the effective optical zone, due at least in part to a draping effect, allows an inlay to produce a much larger clinical effect on a patient's vision than the diameter of the inlay. |
| US08057539B2 |
System for in situ positioning of cardiac valve prostheses without occluding blood flow
An instrument for positioning a cardiac valve prosthesis in a vessel includes a wire element to slidingly guide the valve prosthesis towards an implantation site and an expandable element coupled to the wire element. The expandable element is expandable in the vessel to position the wire element in association with the implantation site. A method for positioning a cardiac valve prosthesis includes securing a delivery instrument at an appropriate location at the implantation site and delivering the valve prosthesis to the implantation site using the delivery instrument. |
| US08057537B2 |
Compliant venous graft
A venous graft for replacement of a section of an artery and methods of making the graft. The graft comprises a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a vein segment carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the venous graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery. |
| US08057534B2 |
Bioerodible endoprostheses and methods of making the same
A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes to a desirable geometry that can provide, e.g., improved mechanical properties or degradation characteristics. |
| US08057528B2 |
Balloon-stent combination
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for treating a vascular condition formed within a vessel by providing a balloon having proximal and distal regions and a stent configured to be disposed within the balloon. When the balloon is partially or fully inflated, the stent may be advanced within the confines of the balloon and then expanded to engage an inner surface of the balloon. The stent urges the balloon against the vessel wall, and the proximal and distal regions of the balloon then are cut to leave the balloon and stent within the vessel. The balloon may comprise a collagenous extracellular matrix material to facilitate fusion of the balloon with the vessel wall. |
| US08057525B2 |
Beauty device
A beauty device includes a light irradiation section having a blue LED, a yellow LED, a red LED, and near infrared LED each of which emits light with a predetermined wavelength to a face A, and an oxygen supply section 2 that supplies oxygen to the face A. |
| US08057521B2 |
Surgical stabilization system
The present invention discloses a device and method to establish and maintain bone stabilization and enhance post-operative healing in a surgical site, such as the cervical spine of a patient, with reduced risk of erosion or other injury to adjacent anatomic structures from extrusion of surgical fasteners, such as bone screws. The surgical stabilization system according to the present invention provides for the secure plating of structures such as adjacent vertebral bodies with allowance for selective postoperative motion of the surgical fasteners used to secure the plate. Such motion imparts benefit from increased translational response and remodeling in the course of bone healing, thus resulting in strengthened fusion. |
| US08057518B2 |
Spanning connector for connecting a spinal fixation element and an offset bone anchor
A spanning connector for connecting an offset bone anchor to a previously inserted spinal fixation element and method of use is provided. The spanning connector includes a first connecting mechanism for connecting the spanning connector to the bone anchor, and a second connecting mechanism for connector the spanning connector to the previously inserted spinal fixation element. The spanning connector also includes a connector body for coupling the first connecting mechanism and the second connecting mechanism. Embodiments of a spanning connector may also reduce a separation distance between the bone anchor and the spinal fixation element. Embodiments of a spanning connector are configured, sized and dimensioned for use in a minimally invasive surgical technique, such as a rod-first spinal surgical technique. |
| US08057517B2 |
Load-sharing component having a deflectable post and centering spring and method for dynamic stabilization of the spine
A dynamic spinal stabilization component which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The component is selectably attachable to a bone anchor for implantation in a bone of the spine. The component and bone anchor provide load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The dynamic spinal stabilization component includes a deflectable post connected by a ball-joint to a threaded anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a centering spring. The force/deflection properties of the dynamic bone anchor may be adapted to the anatomy and functional requirements of the patient. The dynamic spinal stabilization component may be used as a component of a dynamic stabilization system which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. |
| US08057514B2 |
Deflection rod system dimensioned for deflection to a load characteristic for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient. |
| US08057513B2 |
Percutaneous spinal implants and methods
Spinal implants and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine are describe herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method includes percutaneously inserting into a body an expandable member having a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration. The expandable member includes a support portion and a retention portion. The support portion has a longitudinal axis and is configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes. The retention portion is configured to limit movement of the support portion along the longitudinal axis. When the expandable member is in the first configuration, it is disposed in a first location between the adjacent spinous processes. The expandable member is then expanded from the first configuration to the second configuration. The expandable member is then contracted from the second configuration to the third configuration and disposed in a second location, the second location being different from the first location. |
| US08057497B1 |
Thrombectomy removal device kit
A thrombectomy removal kit having: (a) a catheter balloon assembly having proximal and distal ends including a first catheter carrying a remotely inflatable occlusion balloon and a second catheter carrying a mechanical device for removing a clot; (b) a balloon-collared sheath having a collar sheath with proximal and distal ends, the collar sheath having an open interior, and a sealing valve for sealing the interior of the collar sheath, and inflatable collar balloon, disposed on the exterior distal end of said collar sheath; and (c) a suction module, having a suction sheath attachable to a suction device, the suction sheath having proximal and distal ends, the suction sheath having an open interior, and sized to be inserted in a vein. |
| US08057494B2 |
Methods and devices for tissue reconfiguration
Methods and devices are provided for reconfiguring a tissue within a hollow body organ using an entirely endoscopic approach in order to effectively reduce flow of fluid contents into a second hollow body organ in fluid communication with the first. |
| US08057493B2 |
Fixation devices, systems and methods for engaging tissue
The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues. |
| US08057492B2 |
Automatically adjusting band system with MEMS pump
Devices and methods for forming a restriction in a patient are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided including an implantable restriction device, an implantable port in fluid communication with the implantable restriction device, and an implantable pump in fluid communication with the restriction device. In general, the implantable restriction device is adjustable and configured to form a restriction in a patient, and the implantable port is configured to receive fluid from a fluid source external to the patient. The implantable pump is a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump. |
| US08057491B2 |
Articulating suturing device and method
Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract without dilating the tissue tract. |
| US08057488B2 |
Epilating apparatus and cooling/heating pad for the same apparatus
An epilating apparatus includes a compartment for receiving a cooling/heating pad. The cooling/heating pad includes a bag portion containing a cooling/heating medium and a fixing portion for removably fixing the cooling/heating pad to the epilating apparatus. |
| US08057479B2 |
Surgical orientation system and method
A system and method for detecting and measuring changes in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses dual orientation devices of a type capable of measuring angular position changes from a reference position. One such device provides information as to changes in position of an anatomical landmark relative to a reference position. The second device provides information as to changes in position of a surgical instrument and/or prosthesis relative to the reference position. |
| US08057478B2 |
Unicondylar knee instrument system
The present invention provides for an apparatus for cutting a tibia, a stylus, an apparatus for cutting a femur, an apparatus for aligning a femoral cutting guide, and an ankle clamp in support of a unicondylar knee surgery. The present invention further provides for a method of preparing a femoral condyle of a femur for the implantation of a unicondylar femoral knee implant. The apparatus for cutting a tibia includes a unicondylar tibial resection guide that is adjustably connectable to a unicondylar tibial alignment guide and configured to operate concurrently with the tibial alignment guide. The apparatus for cutting a femur includes a spacer block and a cutting guide configured to operate concurrently with the spacer block. |
| US08057474B2 |
Telescopic strut for an external fixator
A telescopic strut for use with an external fixator includes a tube and a rod, especially a threaded rod being in threaded engagement with the tube. The tube comprises at least one hole for accommodating a ball, the ball having the spherical shape for engagement with the threaded rod. A sleeve is provided on the portion of the tube comprising the hole. The sleeve comprises a non-spherical inner cross-section. The greater diameter of the sleeve has a dimension which is at least the sum of the outer diameter of the threaded rod plus the diameter of an accommodating ball for allowing direct axial movement of the threaded rod against the tube in such a rotational position of the sleeve. The lesser diameter has a dimension to place the ball within the threaded rod for allowing a rotational movement of the threaded rod against the tube. |
| US08057473B2 |
Orthopedic device
An orthopedic device for fixating bone parts includes a set of one or more bone fixation pins for engaging a bone piece, an elongated fixator body having an internally threaded bore extending longitudinally therethrough, a pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots in the fixator body, and a pin-holder received within the fixator body and configured to removably hold the set of one or more bone fixation pins. The pin-holder is longitudinally movable within the fixator body for controlling the position of the set of bone fixation pins within the fixator body. The fixator body also can be configured to removably hold a second set of one or more bone fixation pins at a location fixed along the fixator body. |
| US08057471B2 |
Surgical ablation and pacing device
A surgical device has an integral first tip having pair of electrodes configured to ablate tissue using electric energy. A second tip has a pair of electrodes configured to provide pacing signals to a heart and/or to sense electrical signals passing through heart tissue. The second tip is configured to snap onto the first tip, such that the same device may be used for ablation, pacing, and sensing. Alternatively, the second tip may be integral with the device and the first tip configured to snap onto the second tip. Alternatively, a single integral tip of the surgical device may be used for ablation, pacing, and sensing. Such a multipurpose tip may comprise a plurality of electrode pairs or an array of electrodes. A user interface on the device or elsewhere may be operable to provide selectable modes for selectively varying properties of signals communicated to the electrodes. |
| US08057469B2 |
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having at least one closure device at its distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter also includes one or more energy transmission members for delivering energy to the closure device(s) and to the tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. Closure devices may comprise, for example, a bioresorbable matrix or a non-resorbable matrix. In some embodiments, the closure device contains particles dispersed within the closure device to increase conductance and/or to reduce resistance and/or impedance. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter to position its distal end into the tunnel of the PFO and fixing the closure device within the tunnel of the patent foramen PFO. |
| US08057462B2 |
Medical device control system
A control system for allowing a user to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions. |
| US08057461B2 |
Self-retaining stent
A stent is designed to be placed in a lumen of a patient and extend therethrough. The stent includes a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a distal retention structure and the proximal end includes a plurality of radially extending flexible segments to prevent migration of the stent through the lumen. At least one radially extending flexible segment at the proximal end is able to assume an outwardly everted configuration. The stent of the invention, due to its dimensions, shape, and rigidity, minimizes the force of contact and abrasion to sensitive areas of the patient's body, such as the trigone region of the bladder and the ureteral-vesical junction. |
| US08057457B2 |
Belted absorbent garment
Absorbent garment such as a diaper and an incontinence guard, said garment has a first body panel, a second body panel and a crotch portion there between. The garment is provided with opposed laterally extending belt members attached to the waist portion of the first body panel and are adapted to be wrapped around the waist of the wearer of the garment and fastened together by a first fastener. The second body panel at its waist portion is provided with second fasteners adapted to be fastened to the belt members, in such a way that the garment will assume a pant-like shape. An elastic member extends in transverse direction along the waist portion of the first body panel and extends into at least a portion of each belt member. |
| US08057453B2 |
Method of using an intravaginal device with fluid transport plates
A method of capturing bodily fluid intravaginally providing an intravaginal device that has a fluid storage element having a longitudinal axis and is in fluid communication with at least one fluid transport element. The method involves providing at least one fluid transport element that is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element and positioned within a human vagina. |
| US08057451B2 |
Absorbent wearing article and process of making the same
An absorbent wearing article including an air permeable and liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-retentive absorbent structure placed on the backsheet. An outer sheet has having elastic members is placed on and bonded to a surface of the backsheet opposed to its surface bonded to the absorbent structure. The outer sheet has the elastic members intermittently bonded under tension thereto, and is formed in a region thereof facing the absorbent structure with an opening. The elastic members extend laterally under tension from a peripheral edge of the opening beyond the absorbent structure and the first backsheet is exposed through the opening. |
| US08057450B2 |
Absorbent article with sensation member
An absorbent article having a waist region and a crotch region. The article including a backsheet, an absorbent core, and a sensation member. The absorbent core is disposed between the backsheet and the sensation member. The sensation member forms a portion of a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article. The sensation member has a wicking factor of greater than about 20 mm at about one minute, an absorptive capacity of greater than about 0.01 g/cm2, and a capillary pressure of greater than about 50 mm of water. |
| US08057447B2 |
Reduced pressure wound dressing having a wound contact surface with columnar protrusions
A reduced pressure treatment system is provided for delivering a reduced pressure to a tissue site comprising a distribution manifold including a backing substrate with a first side and a second side and a plurality of protrusions positioned on the first side of the backing substrate, each of the protrusions having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and having a diameter of between about 0.1 and 2.0 millimeters, the backing substrate having a plurality of apertures formed therein to allow fluid communication between the first side and the second side opposite the first side. A reduced pressure source fluidly connects to the apertures of the backing substrate to deliver the reduced pressure through the apertures, between the protrusions, and to the tissue. |
| US08057445B2 |
Direct delivery applicator assembly and method of use
An applicator directly delivers one or more active ingredients, such as flea, tick, or insect repellant to an animal's skin. The applicator comprises an applicator base connected to an applicator head having at least on prong member constructed with an internal channel therein in communication with a delivery aperture. A separately presented cartridge having a solution tube is appointed to be removably received within the applicator's base which, in turn is uniquely sized and shaped to receive a preselected one of those cartridges currently sold under recognized medicament brands. As the cartridge is squeezed, the solution traverses from the cartridge and applicator base into the applicator head and through the internal channels of the prong members, exiting through the delivery apertures onto the animal. Improved delivery owing to the prong members with channels therein terminating at fine delivery apertures is provided to yield direct delivery of the solution onto the animal's skin local to the fur shafts for a clean application and accurate dispersion of solution onto the animal. |
| US08057437B2 |
Radially sealing vavle for an infusion set
A radially sealing valve for preventing free flow from an IV set has an elastomeric cup portion that covers an outlet opening and is normally closed by its resiliency. The valve can be incorporated into a cassette for an IV pump that automatically opens the valve when the cassette is loaded. Axial force on the bottom of the cupped valve provides radial contraction or expansion of the sidewall of the valve to open a fluid path. |
| US08057436B2 |
Dispensing fluid from an infusion pump system
Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a drive system that advances a piston rod to dispense medicine to the patient in a safe and energy efficient manner. |
| US08057433B2 |
Delivery system
A pharmaceutical delivery system that releases an active agent in a controlled manner for an extended period in the vaginal cavity to treat or cure ailments associated with the vaginal cavity or proximal areas. The delivery system includes an applicator which is composed of a high internal phase emulsion, allowing the delivery system to adhere to the mueosal surfaces of the body, primarily the lining of vaginal cavity. The delivery system can maintain the high internal phase emulsion at a temperature of 86° F. for at least one month, without decomposition or instability of the emulsion. |
| US08057430B2 |
Catheter with skived tubular member
An elongate shaft of a medical catheter including a thermoset polymeric tubular member including a skived distal portion. The skived distal portion includes a distally extending trough having a convex surface and a concave surface. A thermoplastic tubular sleeve may be positioned over at least a portion of the skived distal portion of the thermoset polymeric tubular member. In some instances, the thermoplastic tubular sleeve includes a crescent-shaped tubular portion defining a crescent-shaped lumen. The trough of the skived distal portion may extend through the crescent-shaped lumen. The thermoplastic tubular sleeve is thermally bonded to the inner and outer tubular members of a distal section of the elongate shaft at a guidewire port joint. |
| US08057429B2 |
Feeding tube
An feeding tube and a kit for installation of a feeding tube includes a balloon anchored gastric tube. A protective sleeve on a dilator protects the toroidal balloon from damage during surgical insertion of the feeding tube. An integrated gastro jejunal feeding tube unit may include a jejunal tube outlet port at one end, a jejunal balloon port, a gastric sleeve outlet port, one or more gastric balloon ports, one or more gastric balloons, gastric drainage holes, a jejunal balloon positioned at end of the jejunal tube and sleeve. Drainage holes may be provided in the jejunal tube and/or the gastric sleeve. Drainage holes in the gastric sleeve may be used to deflate the stomach, while nutrition is provided by a jejunal tube inserted in the jejunum, simultaneously. |
| US08057420B2 |
Gastrointestinal implant with drawstring
A gastrointestinal implant device includes a flexible, floppy sleeve, open at both ends, that extends into the duodenum. The device further includes a collapsible anchor coupled to the proximal portion of the sleeve. The device further includes a drawstring that is threaded through a proximal end of the anchor, and barbs that extend from the exterior surface of the anchor. The collapsible anchor can be a wave anchor. The drawstring can be used to collapse at least a proximal portion of the implant device. This is useful in removing or repositioning the implant device. |
| US08057414B2 |
Osteoarthritis knee orthosis
A polycentric hinge is positioned on one side of the patient's knee and a unicentric hinge is positioned on a second side of the knee. A lower portion of the polycentric and unicentric hinge is attached to a knee cuff about a lower leg of the patient. An upper arm of the polycentric and unicentric hinge is attached to a thigh cuff, the upper arm of the unicentric hinge being longer than the upper arm of the polycentric hinge. The upper arm of the unicentric hinge has a 15° to 20° set back angle when the patient's leg is straight. The polycentric hinge has a slotted central plate with star gears engaging a back portion and multiple movable blocks mounted in screw holes on a front edge of the slotted plate supporting an elastic band having a fulcrum point on the polycentric hinge at a lower and upper end. |
| US08057413B2 |
Foot water jetting device
A foot water-spouting device includes a foot-front water spouting section for spouting water toward the front side of a user's foot and a water-spouting section direction moving mechanism for reciprocating the destination of water spouting of the foot-front water spouting section along a longitudinal direction of the foot. A plurality of spouts may be arranged side-by-side in the foot instep width direction for each of the right and left feet. The pressure of water spouting at a water arrival point may be changed based on or the water spouting amount may be changed based on movement of the water arrival point. |
| US08057402B2 |
Vacuum sensor and pressure pump for tetherless biopsy device
A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump in the handpiece may provide a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A pressure pump in the handpiece may also provide pressurized air to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor in the handpiece may drive the vacuum pump, the pressure pump, and/or the cutter. A vacuum sensor may sense a vacuum level within the biopsy device, and cause initiation of operational cycles in response to sensed vacuum levels. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first battery-powered motor; and a cutter, pressure pump, and vacuum pump by a second battery-powered motor. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum, pressurized air, and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless. |
| US08057401B2 |
System for transcutaneous monitoring of intracranial pressure
A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a medical patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of the measured information intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and a processing and display module which is external of the patient and optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the implanted module transduces the measured information and a near infrared (NIR) emitter transmits this telemetry information when interrogated by the complementary external coupling module. Alternately, a set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits versus inductor-crystal comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field which is generated by a power source within the external coupling module, in concept much like a conventional electrical transformer. A computer within the processing and display module calculates the parameter value from the telemetry signal and represents this data either in numerical, graphical, or analog format. |
| US08057397B2 |
Navigation and imaging system sychronized with respiratory and/or cardiac activity
An imaging and navigation system is disclosed herein. The imaging and navigation system includes a computer and an ultrasonic imaging device disposed at least partially within an ultrasound catheter. The ultrasonic imaging device is connected to the computer and is adapted to obtain a generally real time three-dimensional image. The imaging and navigation system also includes a tracking system connected to the computer. The tracking system is adapted to estimate a position of a medical instrument. The imaging and navigation system also includes a display connected to the computer. The display is adapted to depict the generally real time three-dimensional image from the ultrasonic imaging device and to graphically convey the estimated position of the medical instrument. |
| US08057394B2 |
Ultrasound image processing to render three-dimensional images from two-dimensional images
Methods for processing two-dimensional ultrasound images from an intracardiac ultrasound imaging catheter provide improved image quality and enable generating three-dimensional composite images of the heart. Two-dimensional ultrasound images are obtained and stored in conjunction with correlating information, such as time or an electrocardiogram. Images related to particular conditions or configurations of the heart can be processed in combination to reduce image noise and increase resolution. Images may be processed to recognize structure edges, and the location of structure edges used to generate cartoon rendered images of the structure. Structure locations may be averaged over several images to remove noise, distortions and blurring from movement. |
| US08057393B2 |
Method and device for transmission of a wide-beam in an ultrasonic diagnostic system
A method and device for transmission of wide beam in ultrasonic diagnostic systems is disclosed. The method comprises: dividing an aperture of an ultrasonic probe into N sub-apertures; laterally dividing a focus into N sub-focuses, wherein the N sub-apertures correspond to the N sub-focuses respectively, each sub-aperture has M array elements which all focus on a sub-focus corresponding to said sub-aperture; and N and M are integers larger than 2; exciting the N sub-apertures by a pulse generator, so as to obtain a laterally stretched transmit acoustic filed, wherein the transmit acoustic fields of the N sub-apertures focus on the corresponding sub-focuses respectively; and accumulating the acoustic fields of the sub-apertures to form an acoustic field of a wide beam covering acoustic fields of all receive lines. The present invention makes it possible for the system to transmit wide beams covering all receive lines, by dividing the aperture of the probe into a plurality of sub-apertures and accumulating the acoustic fields of the sub-apertures. |
| US08057383B2 |
Systems, devices and methods for treating pelvic floor disorders
Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient. |
| US08057381B2 |
Method and implant material for treatment of urinary incontinence
Methods and implant materials are provided for treating urinary incontinence. The methods may include providing a composition that includes at least one pharmaceutically active formulation capable of retropubic fat dissolution; and introducing the composition into the retropubic space, preferably via a minimally invasive procedure, to contact adjacent tissue and promote dissolution of retropubic fat therein and consequent induction of adhesions. The implant material for treating urinary incontinence may include at least one pharmaceutically active detergent for promoting retropubic fat dissolution; and a biodegradable carrier material, wherein the implant material is sized and shaped for placement within a patient's retropubic space. The implant material may further include an auxiliary adhesion-promoting material. |
| US08057377B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating a composite liquid into at least two components
A bag loader for loading and unloading at least one satellite bag into and from the central compartment of a rotor of an apparatus for separating a composite liquid into at least two components comprises an upper part for removably securing an upper portion of at least one satellite bag; a lower part comprising a receptacle; and an intermediate part connecting the upper part to the lower part and exposing an intermediate portion of a satellite bag. |
| US08057376B2 |
Blood processing apparatus with sealed diffuser in optical control apparatus
A centrifugal blood separation apparatus having an optical camera control system with a focused, stationary light source. A diffusion plate mounted on a rotor, rather than on or near the light source, allows an intense light beam to be transmitted from the light source to the rotor and then diffused at the rotor across an observation region. Different characteristics of a diffusion surface allow different lighting regions within the observation region. The diffusion plate has upper and lower plates with a diffusion surface sealed between the plates. This prevents degradation or contamination of the diffusion surface by abrasion, dirt, blood components or other materials that might incidentally contact the diffusion surface. |
| US08057370B2 |
Resistance apparatus
A resistance apparatus includes a track adapted to be secured in a vertical position on a support. A vertical slide is mounted and slideable and has on the track a spring loaded plunger near a first end thereof. A hook is mounted on the slide and has a pair of spaced apart legs, with upper and lower end portions, with the lower end portions of the legs connected by an upwardly extending U-shape portion. The upper end portion of the second leg has a downwardly extending curved portion which is laterally spaced from the upper end portion of the first leg to form therewith an entrance opening into the interior of the hook. A resistance band has an intermediate portion which is received in the interior of the hook through the entrance opening to permit a person to grasp the ends of the resistance band and to perform various resistance exercises. |
| US08057367B2 |
Exercise apparatus and method with selectively variable stabilization
Exercise apparatus and method with selectively variable stabilization enabling a user to progressively increase his/her core body muscular strength. In various embodiments, the exercise apparatus includes a resistance cabling system providing a user defined line of motion, and a partial stabilizer pad being adjustably positionable offset from the line of motion, wherein the user's core body is positionable against the pad and required to resist the torque created by the offset. The user can progressively increase the distance between the line of motion and partial stabilizer pad, in order to progressively increase the force which the user's core body must resist to maintain an upright stature. In this way, the user can progressively, over time, increase his or her core body strength. A vertically and rotatably adjustable handle/arm assembly, resistance cabling and pulley assembly, and an overall exercise apparatus having a relatively small footprint but allowing multiple variable exercise routines, are also provided. |
| US08057364B2 |
Stationary exercise bicycle
A novel stationary exercise bicycle and method for exercising on that bicycle is disclosed. The novel bicycle, comprising a frame having front and rear sockets, a seat mounted into the rear socket, and a handlebar mounted in the front socket, can advantageously be adjusted so that a rider can adopt different riding positions to simulate outdoor bicycle riding conditions. |
| US08057358B2 |
Control for an electromagnetic brake for a multiple-ratio power transmission that has a brake actuation counter
A control system and method for an electromagnetic clutch brake, including an electromagnetic clutch brake actuator coil surrounding a power input shaft for a multiple-ratio transmission in a vehicle powertrain. A protective circuit of the control system normally monitors data inputs from a databus that may indicate conditions that are not favorable for clutch brake actuation. The protective circuit prevents actuation of the clutch brake under such conditions. In the event the data inputs are not available from the databus, the protective circuit permits operation in a fall-back mode in which a brake ON timer is checked prior to clutch brake actuation. A primary counter is incremented with each normal clutch brake actuation and a secondary counter is incremented with each fall-back clutch brake actuation. |
| US08057354B2 |
Method and system for controlling rate of change of ratio in a continuously variable transmission
Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters. |
| US08057353B2 |
Frictional drive transmission
A frictional drive transmission basically comprises a transmission case, a drive roller unit, a driven roller unit, a gear shifting mechanism and an elastic member. Each of the roller units has a plurality of rollers with each of the driven rollers being associated with a corresponding one of the drive rollers to form roller pairs. The gear shifting mechanism is operatively coupled to one of the roller units to selectively contact one of the roller pairs together to form a contacting roller pair. A cam-shaped support member is provided with a mounting surface and a cam slanted surface such that contact surfaces thereof forms an angle smaller than forty-five degrees with respect to the mounting surface. The elastic member is arranged between the transmission case and the mounting surface of the cam-shaped support member to apply a pressing force in a contact direction of a contacting roller pair. |
| US08057352B2 |
Gear and differential apparatus provided therewith for vehicle
A differential apparatus for a vehicle comprises a pair of output gears 3, 4, first and second pinion gear 5, 6 intermeshing with the output pinion gears, and a differential case 2 accommodating the output gears and pinion gears. The second pinion gear 6 has large and small gear portions 6A, 6B whose pitch diameters are different and whose which tooth numbers is same respectively, and a tooth crest 60 and a tooth recess 61 formed to be shared by the large and the small gear portions 6A, 6B continuously from the large gear portion 6B to the small gear portion 6A. |
| US08057348B2 |
Differential for vehicles
The differential for vehicles comprises a rotatable carcass (1) inside which are housed a pair of planetary gears (2) rotatably integral with the axle shafts of two of the wheels of the vehicle, and at least a pair of satellite gears (5) linked to each other and movable to each other, each of said satellite gears (5) being rotatably integral with one of said planetary gears (2), and it is characterized in that said satellite gears (5) are linked to each other by threaded cylinders (3) with inverted threads with the same pitch and diameter. It permits always the differentiation of rotation between the wheels. |
| US08057344B2 |
Endless belt with improved load carrying cord
A power transmission belt with an embedded load carrier cord having a plurality of yarns and possessing a first twist corresponding to a first twist multiplier and a first twist direction, and possessing a second twist corresponding to a second twist multiplier in the opposite direction, such that the ratio of the first twist multiplier to the second twist multiplier is greater than about 1.5, and at least one yarn includes fibers of polyketone or polyvinylalcohol. |
| US08057337B2 |
Debris ejecting sprocket and system
A debris ejecting sprocket comprising a body (100), a plurality of teeth (101) projecting from the body, a plurality of grooves (102) in alternating arrangement with the teeth, each groove receives a belt tooth, a cavity (103) disposed radially inward from each groove and communicating with the groove, the cavity further comprises a land (111) for supporting the belt, the land disposed between the groove and the cavity, and the cavity comprising a surface (104) disposed at an angle (θ) with respect to an axial direction (A-A). |
| US08057333B2 |
Series spring blade tensioner
A blade tensioner includes a blade shoe assembly with parallel stacked flat springs that pivots at one end and is supported in series by a spring loaded ramp at the opposite end. Providing a spring loaded ramp in series reduces the overall stiffness of the tensioner which enables a more uniform tensioning load as the tensioner takes up chain slack due to elongation from wear. |
| US08057332B2 |
Bicycle derailleur
A bicycle derailler is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, a coupling member and a cable actuation ratio control mechanism. The movable member supports a chain guide. The coupling member movably couples the movable member to the base member. The cable actuation ratio control mechanism includes first and second link members. The first link member has a pivoting portion, a cable connection portion and a second link coupling portion. The pivoting portion is pivotally mounted to one of the coupling member and the base member. The cable connection portion is located on one side of the pivoting portion, while the second link coupling portion is located on the other side of the pivoting portion. The second link member is coupled to the first link member at the second link coupling portion and pivotally mounted to one of the movable member and the coupling member. |
| US08057331B2 |
Cutting wheels archery broadhead
A cutting wheels archery broadhead includes a ferrule with an upper fork, a lower fork and a forward tip. An upper sharpened cutter wheel is rotatably mounted in the upper fork. A lower sharpened cutter wheel is rotatably mounted in the lower fork and such wheels overlap within the ferrule. A sharpened arrowhead is mounted in the forward tip portion of the ferrule to assist in broadhead penetration and rotational cutting of the cutter wheels. |
| US08057326B2 |
Golf ball marker
The golf ball marker has a top side contoured and textured to represent a portion of an actual golf course and a flat bottom side. The flat bottom side has an indicia-receiving surface portion. The top bottom sides are separated by a perimeter that is shaped to enclose representations of the terrains of the portion of the actual golf course. The contoured top side may bear a name of the portion of the actual golf course in lettering, with or without a panel. The lettering is preferably proximate to the perimeter and arranged conformally to the shape thereof. The lettering may be cut in relief. A coupling, which does not extend below the bottom side, is optional. A decoration in or representing the golf hole on the green may be provided. The golf ball marker may be manufactured based on digital data either provided by or selected by the customer. |
| US08057318B2 |
Infant swing
An infant swing includes a support frame, a holding frame, a driving device, and a power supply device. The support frame includes a first connecting port, a second connecting port, and a leg assembly. Two ends of the leg assembly are connected to the first connecting port and the second connecting port. The holding frame is pivoted to the first connecting port and the second connecting port. The driving device is disposed on the first connecting port for driving the holding frame to swing relative to the support frame. The power supply device is disposed on the leg assembly and is electrically connected to the driving device. The power supply device is used for providing the driving device with power for driving the holding frame. |
| US08057317B2 |
Amusement park attraction
An amusement park attraction comprises an array of cells, the array including cells being arranged at various horizontal positions and various vertical positions. A movable passenger assembly, preferably a seat assembly, is provided for one or more passengers, which passenger assembly is at least movable in vertical direction. The passenger assembly and/or the array of cells is movable in horizontal direction.A cell is defined by a boundary and has a viewing opening. Mmultiple cells of said array each contain a discrete scene to be viewed by the one or more passengers.A programmable actuating system is provided, which actuating system provides a programmed route of said passenger assembly along the viewing openings of said scene containing cells, so that the one or more passengers are presented a predetermined sequence of scenes and at least experience a vertical motion along said route.Preferably the passenger assembly is movable in vertical direction and at least in one other direction, preferably multiple other directions, said other directions preferably including at least one rotational direction, if desired a composite motion in multiple directions simultaneously.Preferably the array of cells is stationary and the actuating system is associated with said passenger assembly to impart motions at least in vertical as well as horizontal direction to said passenger assembly. |
| US08057314B2 |
Joint assembly, a wheel bearing apparatus, and the assemblies included in an axle module
A joint assembly has a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a connecting drive shaft. A cover unit protects the constant velocity universal joints and prevents hanging down of the joints under their own weight. The unit cover is arranged to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots. The unit cover is formed from elastomer material by injection molding. The cover unit inner circumferential surface has a configuration corresponding to the outline configurations of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boots. |
| US08057306B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for displaying interactive content through a device
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect a device; detect a status level corresponding to the device; receive content on the device based on the status level; and display the content on the device based on the status level. |
| US08057304B2 |
Game machine
To provide a game machine capable of recording a play score for a team constituted of self and partners in a portable recording medium separately for each team, and executing team-specific game processing by using recorded data regarding the team.Comprising a means for reading data from a first recording medium mounted on a mounting unit of the game machine by a first player, reading data from a second recording medium mounted by a second player, and determining them both to be a team when a recording medium-specific ID other than self's is recorded in at least one of the first and second recording media and the means for ascribing information about a competition score during a game progress or a competition result from cooperative competition of the team to the recording medium-specific ID of a cooperator, to record it in at least one recording medium of the first and second recording media as team score recording data of the team. |
| US08057303B2 |
Wagering game system with docking stations
This description describes wagering game systems that include docking stations. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a presentation unit configured to present a wagering game and a docking controller configured to detect when the apparatus is docked with a docking station and to detect when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station. The apparatus can also include a docking port, the docking port including at least one of a dock power unit configured to receive power via the docking station and a dock communication unit configured to receive wagering game content associated with the wagering game, the dock communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the apparatus is docked with the docking station. The apparatus can also include a wireless communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the docking controller when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station. |
| US08057301B2 |
Game feature associated with an enhancement of a progressive prize
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting a feature in relation with a wagering game. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a first wager value and a second wager value; establishing evaluation conditions and increment a progressive prize based on this first wager value; and establishing an enhancement level of the progressive prize based on this second wager value. The method further comprising generating game outcomes, evaluating game outcomes, and awarding payouts based on evaluation of these game outcomes, wherein the prize value awarded for a progressive-prize winning outcome is based on the established enhancement level. |
| US08057300B2 |
Method and system for providing real time sports betting information
A method and system for providing sports betting information, in real time, utilizing a standard Internet connection on a computer to display the odds from a plurality of sports books are provided. The system provides its users with a line seeker alert, a major line move alert, a bet tracker, and a fully customizable display. A method of gaining real time sports betting information without the use of a web browser, through the use of a separate program written in the C++ programming language is disclosed. |
| US08057295B2 |
Wagering game having award group selection feature
A method of conducting a wagering game comprises receiving a wager from a player, and displaying a plurality of selectable elements arranged in an array, each of the selectable elements associated with a respective outcome. The method further comprises receiving a plurality of selections of the selectable elements, and after receiving the plurality of selections, revealing the outcomes associated with the selected elements. For each outcome which comprises an award, the award is provided to the player. For each outcome which comprises an expander element, outcomes associated with all selectable elements in a direction of expansion associated with the expander element are revealed, and if any such revealed outcomes comprise an award, the award is provided to the player. |
| US08057294B2 |
Wagering game system with community gaming system
A gaming system for playing a wagering game and a community-event includes a plurality of gaming machines configured to participate in a community-event game. A controller is configured to determine eligibility of each of the plurality of gaming machines to play a community-event. At least one of the plurality of gaming machines is configured to determine a randomly selected community-event outcome for a community-event and to transmit a signal related to the community-event outcome to an eligible gaming machine. |
| US08057293B2 |
Gaming machine and gaming system
A gaming machine and a gaming system that may encourage a player to continue to play a game even though the player almost gives up winning a progressive jackpot are provided. After a part of bet coins is added to the progressive jackpot, if it is determined that the progressive jackpot is won (S47: Yes), a number of coins or the like equivalent to the amount of the progressive jackpot accumulated so far is paid out (S48). On the other hand, for example, one game number is determined from among three game numbers to trigger occurrence of a special combination. After a total game number N reaches the thus-determined game number (S44: Yes), a number of coins or the like equivalent to a predetermined payout amount is paid out (S45) upon winning of the special combination (S44-2: Yes). |
| US08057292B2 |
Draw bingo
The present invention provides methods and devices for providing a bingo game having aspects of a poker game on a network of gaming machines. Some implementations include a bingo card display in which areas of a bingo card correspond with playing cards. Some such implementations provide first phase of a bingo game that is concluded when a player daubs a game-ending pattern of a bingo card and a second phase wherein players may establish interim wins by daubing other patterns that correspond to poker hands. In some implementations, only the highest-ranking interim win results in a payout. Preferred implementations provide games with easily recognizable bingo play and payout probabilities similar to existing bingo games. |
| US08057290B2 |
Dance ring video game
A video game application provided on storage media such as optical disks readable by computers, video game consoles, or other electronic devices to provide a ring dance game including sensing movement and position of two handheld controllers. The game method includes displaying a heads up display (HUD) on a screen that includes a dance ring defined by six or more target elements or ring segments that are positioned in different zones of the HUD ring such as on the periphery of the dance ring. Cue elements associated with a right hand controller and a left hand controller emanate in a pattern from the ring center and travel outward in the differing zones to strike the target elements. Play involves a player dancing by moving the handheld controllers in response to the cues striking the target elements, which allows a game designer to create a dance game with multi-directional, two-hand cues. |
| US08057287B2 |
Abrasive mesh for a powered grinding wheel
An abrasive mesh for a powered grinding wheel is made by weaving plural twisted warp threads with plural single weft threads. The twisted warp threads construct an even machining surface for grinding the workpiece evenly, avoiding the occurrence of surface scratch. Since the twisted warp threads are connected to the single weft threads by weaving, the structure strength of the abrasive mesh is relatively high, thus extending its service life. Further, the abrasive mesh can be applied to grind the workpiece requiring high grinding fineness. |
| US08057285B2 |
Comfort grip for an orbital abrasive hand tool
The present invention is an abrasive or abrading tool assembly comprising an abrasive or abrading tool having a housing, an air inlet port, and an exhaust outlet with a support for a wrist and forearm attached to the tool. In one embodiment including a pneumatically powered tool, the support extends toward and over the air inlet port and dust bag outlet. The abrading tool may be a rotary tool. The present invention also includes a wrist/forearm support for an abrading tool including a substantially flat body, two forks projecting from the body wherein each fork defines an orifice, and in which the orifices are positioned substantially opposite from each other, and possessing a support member that extends from the bottom of the body in the direction of the tool. |
| US08057281B2 |
Methods of removing defects in surfaces
Methods of abrading surfaces by rotationally reciprocating abrasive surfaces in contact with the surfaces, abrasive articles for use in rotationally reciprocating tools, and methods of removing defects in a surface, where the methods include sanding using a rotationally reciprocating abrasive surface followed by one or more polishing operations are disclosed. |
| US08057276B2 |
Toy
Disclosed herein is a toy including a figure and a launcher for launching objects at the figure. The figure has an upper portion and a lower portion wherein the upper portion is movably secured to the lower portion and at least one appendage is movably secured to the upper portion, the at least one appendage having a distal end with an item rotatably secured thereto. An actuator is disposed on an exterior surface of the upper portion of the figure and movement of the actuator causes the upper portion to move from a first configuration to a second configuration with respect to the lower portion. |
| US08057269B2 |
Contact element and use of such a contact element in a plug connection
A contact element (10) comprises a spring-elastic carrier strip (11) extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of web elements (17) having deformable feet (18), (19) that are disposed on the carrier strip (11) in the longitudinal carrier strip direction behind each other perpendicular to the carrier strip plane in a resilient manner in order to establish the electric contact between two opposing surfaces. A more compact design is achieved in that the web elements (17) are configured asymmetrically in relation to a center plane (M1) extending in the longitudinal carrier strip direction. |
| US08057265B2 |
Electrical charger
There is provided an electrical charger including a base unit and an adaptor unit. The base unit is configured for being coupled to an electronic device. The adaptor unit is configured for being coupled to a power supply. The base unit is configured to co-operate with the adaptor unit such that there is provided an electrically coupled state wherein the base unit is electrically coupled to the adaptor unit, and such that there is also provided an electrically uncoupled state wherein the base unit is electrically uncoupled from the adaptor unit. Effecting a change in state from one of the electrically coupled state or the electrically uncoupled state to the other one of the electrically coupled state and the electrically uncoupled state includes effecting rotation of the base unit relative to the adaptor unit. There is also provided an electrical charger including a base unit and an adaptor unit. The base unit is configured for being electrically coupled to an electronic device. The adaptor unit is configured for being electrically coupled to a power supply. The base unit is configured to co-operate with the adaptor unit so as to effect electrical coupling between the base unit and the adaptor unit. The base unit is configured to co-operate with the adaptor unit such that there is provided a mechanically coupled state wherein the base unit is disposed in a mechanical coupling relationship with the adaptor unit. Effecting mechanical uncoupling of the base unit from the adaptor unit includes effecting rotation of the base unit relative to the adaptor unit. |
| US08057256B2 |
Signal line wiring in nacelle of wind turbine generator
A wind turbine generator includes: a nacelle provided with a plurality of modules; a controller provided in a first module out of the plurality of modules; a first device provided in a second module out of the plurality of modules. The controller and the first device are connected with a device-side connection mechanism and a controller-side connection mechanism to allow electrical communications between the controller and the first device. The device-side connection mechanism includes: a first connection element; and a first multicore cable including a plurality of signal lines with one end connected to the controller and the other end connected to the first connection element. The device-side connection mechanism provides an electrical connection between the first connection element and the first device. |
| US08057255B1 |
Connector with a battery sandwiched between a housing and a printed circuit board
A connector for a battery powered electric apparatus comprising a housing including a base and side walls. A first contact is disposed on the housing base. A printed circuit board opposes the base and sandwiches a button battery therebetween. The first contact is in electrical communication with the printed circuit board. A second contact is between the button battery and the printed circuit board and is in electrical communication with each. The second contact is configured such that depression of a switch associated with the printed circuit board translates a rotational force on the button battery communicated through the second contact. |
| US08057250B2 |
Cable organizer for electrical connector
A cable organizer for use with an electrical connector terminated to an electrical cable includes a monolithic insulative housing including a base portion and a cover portion hingedly secured to and extending from the base portion. The base portion includes a bottom wall and opposing first side walls extending from the bottom wall. The cover portion includes a top wall and opposing second side walls extending from the top wall. The bottom wall, top wall, and first side walls cooperatively define a channel configured to retain the electrical cable when the cable organizer is assembled to the terminated electrical connector. The cable organizer may include a spring clip disposed in the channel and configured to assist in retaining the electrical cable. |
| US08057249B1 |
Electrical connector with slim-line cap
An electrical connector includes a mating end having a plug interface. The mating end has a retaining surface defined around the plug interface. At least one retention feature is provided on the retaining surface. A cap is provided having a plurality of sides and a front face. An opening extends through the front face. The cap is mounted to the mating end so that at least one of the plurality of sides of the cap engages the at least one retention feature to secure the cap to the mating end. The plug interface is accessible through the opening in the cap. The electrical connector is configured to be rear mounted to a panel so that the plug interface is accessible through an opening in the panel and the front face of the cap is capable of positioning flush with a front face of the panel. |
| US08057248B1 |
Connector for mounting to a circuit board
A connector for mounting to a circuit board for comprising a connector device with a body, a plurality of alignment members, and one or more contact elements, wherein the alignment members extend through a plurality of alignment holes of the printed circuit board from the first surface and past the second surface of the circuit board and wherein the contact elements engage one more contact pads on the first surface of the circuit board, and a separate retention device having a supporting element and a plurality of fixed sockets is positioned along the second surface of the printed circuit board to receive the alignment members of the connector device therein so that the circuit board is positioned between the body of the connector device and the retention device to temporarily or permanently retain the contact elements of the connector device in contact with the contact pads of the circuit board. |
| US08057244B2 |
Apparatus for preventing electrical shock in devices
A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use. |
| US08057241B2 |
Connector and interposer using the same
A connector includes a movable conductive element and an elastic body. The connector electrically conducts between opposed external electrodes disposed vertically. The movable conductive element has a pair of rigid contact. And the elastic body deforms elastically to receive the load caused by the movement of the movable conductive element. |
| US08057234B2 |
Foreign language learning apparatus
The increasing globalization of the world necessitates further strengthening of foreign language learning policies. The brain's foreign language recognition activity is enhanced and effective foreign language learning is enabled by extracting signals of prescribed bands from a speech signal in a foreign language using a first bandpass filter section having two or more bandpass filters, extracting the envelopes of each frequency band signal using envelope extraction sections having envelope extractors, applying a noise source signal to a second bandpass filter section having two or more bandpass filters and extracting noise signals corresponding to the prescribed bands, multiplying the outputs of the first bandpass filter section and the second bandpass filter section in multiplication sections, summing up the outputs of the multiplication sections in an addition section to produce a Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signal, and presenting the Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signals for listening. |
| US08057227B2 |
Intraoral device
An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels. |
| US08057218B2 |
Method for burning liquid fuels
A method for burning liquid fuels, wherein an amount of total combustion air required for burning is introduced into the liquid fuel in the form of small air bubbles to provide a highly variable overall heat output, particularly at least within a range of one to fifty times the amount of heat output in a similar system, where the liquid fuel/air mixture produced is at least 10 bar. The combustion air is intermittently fed to an injection nozzle protruding into a combustion chamber and is atomized there to produce an explosion at a constant injection pressure. The duration of each of the liquid fuel/air mixtures introduced with each fuel injection pulse is kept constant at a desired value and the total amount of the liquid fuel/air mixture injected per time unit is adjusted between constant fuel injection pulses by varying the duration. The remaining amount of the combustion air is introduced in the combustion chamber through an air nozzle annularly surrounding the port of the injection nozzle. |
| US08057217B2 |
Apparatus and method for injection molding an intraocular lens device
Apparatus and methods for injection molding intraocular lenses includes an embodiment having first and second runners extending into first and second optic cavities of a mold configured to make a dual optic lens device. |
| US08057215B2 |
Device for preparing pipe ends for jointing
A device for the preparation of pipe ends, prior to jointing them together using an inserted close-fitting spool and an external close-fitting sleeve, consists of a plain cylindrical mandrel (10) adapted to be firmly fixed centrally inboard of an end zone of the bore of a pipe (12) so as to project from the end of the pipe, a hydraulic cylinder (46) adapted to be removeably mounted co-axially on the projecting end of the mandrel, and a piston (48) in the cylinder slideable along the mandrel and adapted to carry an interchangeable annular tool, whereby the tool can be force fed axially along the mandrel into the pipe to modify the bore thereof. |
| US08057211B2 |
Stamping mold adapted to stamp characters in workpieces
A stamping mold includes a base, a mold holder and a stripper. The base defines a first through hole and includes a protruding block. The mold holder defines a second through hole and a plurality of receiving holes, and each receiving hole receives a mold insert and selectively corresponds to the protruding block. The mold holder is located on a top of the base and touches the protruding block. The stripper includes a cover defining a plurality of holes and a positioning shaft. The stripper is located on the mold holder via the positioning shaft passing through the second and the first through hole, and a free end of the positioning shaft is blocked under the base. The mold holder can rotate about the positioning shaft. When the stripper moves to a lowest location, the mold insert on the protruding block protrudes from the corresponding hole of the cover. |
| US08057210B2 |
Mould insert
A mould member 1 for blow moulding plastic containers, comprising an outer shell 2 supporting a sidewall mould insert 2, and a base mould insert 5 having the required shape features 7 of the body and base of the container to be moulded, the base mould insert being mounted on a base member by cooperating locking means 9, 10 engageable by a tool 17 for quick release by manipulations of the tool. |
| US08057209B2 |
Mold for injection molding apparatus
A mold for an injection molding apparatus includes a light-transmitting part forming at least a portion of the mold, and configured to transmit light to a cavity to be filled with photo-setting resin. |
| US08057206B1 |
Reconfigurable tooling using variable stiffness material
In some embodiments, reconfigurable tooling is provided having an array of actuator columns affixed to a support base. A programmable controller is configured to position the actuator columns. The reconfigurable tooling has a tooling surface which includes a variable stiffness surface capable of controllable states of stiffness, the variable stiffness surface being capable of being deformed by the actuator columns in a soften state, and rigid in a stiff state. In some embodiments, the variable stiffness surface is configurable multiple times. |
| US08057201B2 |
Variable displacement vane pump with dual control chambers
A variable capacity vane pump has a pump control ring which is moveable to alter the volumetric displacement of the pump. The pump ring is moved by at least first and second control chambers, which acts on the pump control ring when pressurized working fluid is supplied to them to move the pump control ring to alter the volumetric capacity of the pump. When pressurized fluid is supplied to only one control chamber, the pump operates at a first equilibrium pressure and when pressurized fluid is also supplied to the second chamber, the pump operates at a second equilibrium pressure. If desired, pressurized fluid can also be supplied only to the second control chamber to operate the pump at a third equilibrium pressure and/or additional control chambers can be provided if required. |
| US08057194B2 |
Compressor with discharge muffler attachment using a spacer
A muffler that is externally mounted to a housing shell of a compressor. To externally mount the muffler to the housing shell and prevent unnecessary vibration of the muffler during compressor operation, an attachment device connects an essentially central portion of the muffler to the housing shell. The attachment device may also be adapted to house a pressure- or temperature-related sensor device. |
| US08057192B2 |
Cyclic condensate pump having a three-way valve
A condensate pump includes a condensate reservoir, a liquid level float sensor operable to sense a liquid level within the condensate reservoir, and a pressure/vent valve including a pressure source, a pressure vent, and a primary piston slidably supported in a primary cylinder and sliding in the primary cylinder responsive to the liquid level sensor. A secondary piston is slidably supported in a secondary cylinder and moves responsive to a movement of the primary piston between a first secondary-piston position wherein the pressure source is in communication with a gas space of the condensate reservoir and the pressure vent is isolated from the gas space, and a second secondary-piston position wherein the pressure source is isolated from the gas space and the pressure vent is in communication with the gas space. An aperture in the primary piston and passages may also be provided to prevent build-up of gas pressures and maintain pressures in preselected regions within the pump at atmospheric pressures. |
| US08057191B2 |
Electrokinetic micropump having ion-exchange membranes
The invention is directed to the elimination of changes of the chemical composition of a pumped liquid caused by introduction of strange components or by modification of original components. Another object of the invention is to provide the possibility of use of electrodes of the first order in order to increase productivity and decrease size and cost of the micropump.For this purpose, the electrokinetic micropump comprises a multichannel structure 810 made of non-conducting material, for example, a piece of a polycapillary column. The inlet and outlet end of this structure are adjacent to electrode sections 803, 804 having openings 821, 822 for inlet and outlet of the pumped liquid. These sections are divided by ion-exchange membranes 811, 812 into chambers 813, 814 for flow of the pumped liquid, communicating with the ends 841, 842 of the multichannel structure, and chambers 815, 816 filled with an auxiliary medium for transfer of electric charges. In the latter electrodes 817, 818 are located. One of the membranes, namely, membrane 811, is monopolar, and its type corresponds to the polarity of the adjacent electrode 817. The other membrane, namely, membrane 812, is bipolar and faces the adjacent electrode 818 with its side that corresponds to the polarity of said electrode. On one or both sides of each ion-exchange membrane may be installed baromembranes 829, 830 for nanofiltration or reverse osmosis. As auxiliary medium may be used, in particular, the pumped liquid itself or a granulated ion-exchange material. |
| US08057190B2 |
Method and control unit for operating a linear compressor
A control unit for a linear compressor comprises a current sensor for detecting the current consumption of the linear compressor, a deflection sensor for detecting the deflection of the linear compressor and a control circuit for controlling the movement and detecting an overload state of the linear compressor using the current consumption which is detected by the current sensor and the deflection which is detected by the deflection sensor. |
| US08057188B2 |
Compressor airfoil
A compressor component having an airfoil with a profile in accordance with Table 1 is disclosed. The compressor component, such as a compressor blade, has an increased thickness over a portion of the airfoil span in order to increase stiffness. Furthermore, the airfoil has been restacked so as to induce a compressive stress in the blade root/attachment area. The increased stiffness and restacked airfoil combine to improve high-cycle fatigue capability of the compressor component. |
| US08057185B2 |
Forward swept centrifugal fan wheel
A forward swept centrifugal fan wheel comprising a first endring (10), a second endring (11), a plurality of blades (12) connected between the first endring and the second endring, each blade having a substantially continuous arcuate form extending along an axis parallel to an axis of rotation (A-A), and each blade having a substantially continuous arcuate cross-section taken with respect to a plane which extends normally from the axis of rotation (A-A). |
| US08057184B2 |
Propeller blade bearing, especially for propeller blades of aircraft propellers that can be adjusted along their longitudinal axis
The invention relates to a propeller blade bearing, for the propeller blades of aircraft propellers that can be adjusted along their longitudinal axis, a plurality of propeller blades being individually fastened on a propeller hub in a corresponding number of blade seats. Every propeller blade, at its blade base, has a primary adjustable bearing and a secondary adjustable bearing and is received so as to be rotatable along its longitudinal axis inside a blade seat. The primary and the secondary adjustable bearing are configured as angular contact ball bearings that have respective upper bearing races and lower bearing races and rolling bodies interposed between said bearing races. A lubricating oil reservoir is arranged in the propeller hub and supplies the primary and the secondary adjustable bearing with lubricating oil when the propeller rotates. Every propeller blade is configured as a completely pre-assembled unit with the primary adjusting bearing and the secondary adjusting bearing. The upper bearing races of the primary and the secondary adjustable bearing are connected to respective lubricating oil overflow rings which axially enclose the lower bearing races on one side and which allow to store the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil reservoir in the propeller hub mainly in the adjustable bearings. |
| US08057181B1 |
Multiple expansion film cooling hole for turbine airfoil
A film cooling hole for a turbine airfoil used in a gas turbine engine, where the film cooling hole is formed from a laser with smooth surfaces and without sharp corners, the film hole having a metering section of constant diameter, a first diffusion section having a conical shape, and a spreading section having a contoured clam shell cross sectional shape that opens onto the airfoil surface. The contoured clam shell shaped spreading section includes a raised middle portion with depressions on both sides, and slanted side walls that slant toward the hole opening. The laser cut film cooling hole can be formed after the TBC has been applied. |
| US08057176B2 |
Device for marking a wind power plant
The present invention concerns a wind power installation and in particular the identification of a wind power installation as an aviation obstruction. The object of the present invention is to provide a simple daytime identification which can be easily modified and which avoids the disadvantages of the blades identified by color marking. Apparatus for temporary signal identification of a wind power installation wherein the apparatus comprises a sheath which is of a predetermined colored configuration and also has releasable fixing means for releasably fixing the sheath to a rotor blade of the wind power installation, wherein during fixing the sheath at least partially encloses the rotor blade. |
| US08057175B2 |
Active control of a wind turbine blade
A method and system for increasing power production of a wind turbine including a rotor, at least one rotor blade coupled to the rotor, at least one sensor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. A flow parameter of the rotor blade is detected, and operation of the wind turbine is controlled to reduce a flow separation at the rotor blade based at least partially on the flow parameter of the rotor blade. |
| US08057173B2 |
Single-bearing fan structure
A single-bearing fan structure includes a fan frame having a bearing cup with a bearing received therein, the bearing cup having a radially inward protruded lip portion formed at a first end to abut on a top of the bearing, and a groove internally formed at a second end; a blade hub having a rotary shaft fixedly connected thereto with a distal end of the rotary shaft inserted into the bearing; a retainer engaged with the groove; a first elastic element fitted around the rotary shaft and located between the blade hub and the bearing; and a second elastic element received in the bearing cup and located between the bearing and the retainer. The first and second elastic elements and the bearing respectively axially and radially support the blade hub, enabling the fan structure to operate stably and have extended service life. |
| US08057170B2 |
Intermediate casing for a gas turbine engine
An intermediate casing for use in a gas turbine engine comprises inner and outer casing walls 2, 4, a support plate 6, supporting an axial end of each of the casing walls 2, 4, a splitter 8, and an array of vanes 10. At least one of the casing walls 2, 4, the support plate 6, the splitter 8 and the array of vanes 10 is formed from at least one blank of sheet material, such as steel. The formation of one or more components of the assembly from a flat blank of material provides a significant reduction in manufacturing cost. |
| US08057164B2 |
Continuous-flow machine, turbine, or compressor
A continuous-flow machine (1), in particular a turbine or a compressor, includes at least one stator blade section (2) which has a plurality of stator blades (3) which project into a gas path (10) of a working gas, and at least one adjacent section (6), which has a plurality of adjacent elements (7), which bound the working gas path (10) at the side. A gap (11), through which a cooling gas can be introduced into the working gas path (10), is formed between the stator blades (3) of the stator blade section (2) and the adjacent elements (7) of the adjacent section (6). In order to improve the efficiency of the continuous-flow machine (1), lateral seals (14) are formed in the gap (11) and prevent or at least impede pressure equalization and/or a gas flow in the gap (11) in the lateral direction (5). |
| US08057163B2 |
Gas turbine engine cooling system and method
Fuel (12) supplied to a rotary fluid trap (42) is centrifugally accelerated within a first cavity (46) adjacent a first side (48) of a rotor (24), and is then directed though a plurality of first passages (66) extending through the rotor (24) between and proximate to the blades (26), and shaped so as to at least partially conform to the shape of the blades (26). Second passages (100) extend within the blades (26) from the first passages (66) and terminate within associated cavities (110) proximate to the tips (112) of the blades (26). Relatively cooler fuel (12.2) in the first passages (66) is thermosiphon exchanged for relatively hotter fuel (12.3) in the second passages (100) so as to cool the blades (26). The heated fuel (12.3) flows into a second cavity (74) adjacent to a second side (72) of the rotor (24) and is discharged from the rotating frame of reference directly into the combustion chamber (16) through a second rotary fluid trap (96). A separate fuel distribution circuit (130) is used for starting and warm-up. |
| US08057159B2 |
Twin wind turbine power system
This invention relates to a novel twin wind turbine power system. More particularly, this invention pertains to a twin wind turbine power system which has adjustable width blades, adjustable width wind deflectors and a telescoping erection capability. A twin wind turbine electrical power generating system comprising: (a) a first rotatable wind turbine with vertical radially extending blades around its axis; (b) a second rotatable wind turbine deployed parallel to the first turbine with vertical radially extending blades around its axis; (c) a vertical windshield positioned windwardly between the first and second wind turbines; (d) a wind direction member associated with the first and second wind turbines and directing the first and second wind turbines and windshield to face windward; (e) a rotational support upon which items (a), (b), (c) and (d) are mounted; (f) an alternator connected to the first and second wind turbines and generating electricity as the first and second wind turbines rotate. |
| US08057158B2 |
Oscillation damping of a wind turbine
The invention relates to a wind turbine and a method for operating the wind turbine planted in the floor of a body of water. The wind turbine includes a support structure and a rotor, which is arranged on the support structure. The rotor has a rotor blade. The wind turbine operates in a trundle mode in order to reduce the oscillations in the support structure created through mechanical impacts on the support structure. |
| US08057155B2 |
Lifting deck for a palletizer
The deck for lifting a layer of products (2) onto a pallet (10) is constituted by a sole plate (26) of reduced thickness carried by a frame defined by crosspieces (22) and (23) also of reduced thickness and by side pieces (21). The side pieces (21) are of square-shaped cross-section with at least the horizontal wing (40) thereof being provided so as to receive and enable the locking of a piece of equipment forming said sole plate (26) and which is adapted to the nature of said products (2) constituting the layer to be loaded onto a pallet, said piece of equipment being in the form of tabular components (27) of small diameter, about 30 mm, placed between and parallel to said crosspieces (22), (23), said components (27) being able to constitute fully or partially free rolls (28), or able to be locked. |
| US08057153B2 |
Substrate transfer device, substrate processing apparatus and substrate transfer method
To correct any positional misalignment of a substrate manifesting along the horizontal direction by utilizing a substrate transfer device alone without engaging a transfer arm in operation. A substrate transfer device comprises a plurality of support pins disposed at positions set apart from one another around a support shaft of a stage, which support a substrate, e.g., a wafer W, on the bottom surface thereof, a base at which the support pins are mounted, a vertical drive means (Z-direction drive means) for raising/lowering the substrate by driving the support pins up/down via the base and a horizontal drive means (X-direction drive means, Y-direction drive means) for adjusting the position of the substrate along the horizontal direction (X and Y directions) by horizontally driving the support pins via the base. |
| US08057143B2 |
Trailer load securement system
A trailer includes a floor engageable with a load, the trailer floor comprising a plurality of floor panels. Each floor panel comprises a plurality of tubular portions that are hollow inside to reduce weight. The tubular portions have an upper wall comprising pairs of parallel channels which slideably receive at least one sliding bracket for securing the load to the trailer. |
| US08057140B2 |
Cradle arrangement
Transportation of articles such as gas turbine engines can be problematic in view of their size. Traditionally, articles such as gas turbine engines are transported on cradles associated with platforms and bases. It would be desirable to enable manipulation of height and width to allow the assembly of the article, such as a gas turbine engine upon the base to enter apertures such as doors in aircraft fuselages or for minimizing width for road or rail or sea transportation. By providing a cradle, having respective cradle sides projecting from a junction in association with a drive mechanism and each side of the cradle coupled to a pivot arm, control of rotation paths can be achieved. Thus, an article such as a gas turbine engine secured to a cradle arrangement can be manipulated between extremes and alternate configurations, defined by rotation paths, through elective association of one or the other of the pivot arms to the cradle and the base. |
| US08057139B2 |
Tube restraint and methods
Devices for restraining tubular segments and methods for storing and accessing tubular segments may include a frame arrangement that has a plurality of parallel cradles for holding tubular segments and movable restraining handles for securing the tubular segments. A spring retention assembly may also be provided that has a spring force to hold the restraining handles against the tubular segments. A vehicle can be equipped to have a device for storing and accessing tubular segments, wherein the device is movable between a storage position and an access position. |
| US08057137B2 |
Aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure
An apparatus for aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure. A machine plate positionable on the structure has a plate bushing providing a hole through the plate. The apparatus also includes a nosepiece for guiding a distal end of the tool through the plate bushing to the target location. The nosepiece has a collet configured to be moved at least partly through and sideward in the plate bushing to center the nosepiece on an element projecting from the structure at the target location. The nosepiece can be attached to the plate bushing to establish normality of the tool relative to the projecting element. |
| US08057135B2 |
Auger bit with interlocking feed screw and cutting insert
An auger bit includes a shaft having a central axis, a cutting insert mounted to said shaft, and a feed screw that is separate from the cutting insert and which is mounted to the shaft. The cutting insert and the feed screw are engaged with each other. A single locking member, such as a set screw, secures the feed screw member to the shaft, and thereby secures the cutting insert to the shaft. If the feed screw or the cutting insert become worn, feed screw or the cutting insert can be replaced. |
| US08057132B2 |
Indexable milling insert
An indexable milling insert, including an upperside, an underside parallel to an imaginary reference plane, and two cutting edges. Each cutting edge includes a cutting edge line and is formed between a chip surface included in the upperside and a first clearance surface extending between the upperside and the underside, the first clearance surface forming an acute, nominal first clearance angle (α) with a normal to the reference plane. Each cutting edge includes a main edge, which is at least partly convexly curved as viewed in plane elevation from above, and which extends from an initial end, which determines the maximal cutting depth of the milling insert, to a corner edge having a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of the main edge, the main edge rising in the direction from the initial end toward the corner edge such that the distance thereof to the underside successively increases in the direction. A second clearance surface is formed between the cutting edge line and the first clearance surface, the second clearance surface having a width of at most 0.3 mm and a nominal second clearance angle (λ) that is smaller than the first clearance angle. The second clearance surface is of uniform width and the second clearance angle decreases successively in the direction from the initial end toward the corner edge. |
| US08057129B2 |
Process and equipment for the conveyance of powdered material
The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28). To prolong the service life of the filter element (50) and to avoid contamination of the filter element more easily, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that the filter element (50) be designed as a hollow cylinder and that it surround at least a portion of the chamber (10, 12). |
| US08057126B2 |
Connector means
A connector means (10; 20) for tie-in and connecting of a first pipeline and a second pipeline on the seabed is shown. The connector means comprises a first connector part (1; 1′) retaining a first end of the first pipeline. The first connector part and the first pipeline are designed to be lowered and deployed on the seabed in advance of the connecting operation. A submersible second connector part (2; 2′) that retains a second end of the second pipeline (4) is also included. The second connector part and the second pipeline are designed to be lowered from the surface of the water toward the first connector part (1; 1′). The connector parts (1, 2; 1′, 2′) comprises means (6, 11; 21, 22) that cooperate during relative motion between said connector parts, and is hinged tilting the second connector part (2, 2′) by means of forced motion, and thus aligning the second pipe end (4e, 4′e) in the direction toward the first pipe end (8e, 8′e) such that the first and second pipelines are brought to be in line with each other on the seabed. In addition a connector (3, 3′) is arranged between the connector parts for final connection between the pipeline ends. |
| US08057124B2 |
Method and device for measuring soil parameters by means of compaction machines
A soil compaction device has a vibrated contact element that makes contact with the soil during a contact phase and that is exposed to a contact force exerted by the soil and travels over a contact distance. A dynamic stiffness of the soil is formed from the gradient of the contact force and from the contact distance. Furthermore, a contact surface parameter to take account of the actual contact surface of the contact element with the soil is determined. The dynamic deformation modulus is then the product of the contact surface parameter and the dynamic stiffness. The method allows the determination of the dynamic deformation modulus, and hence of the soil stiffness, during the compaction operation. |
| US08057123B2 |
Device for a pavement manhole with a support frame for closing a panel hinged on the frame using permanent articulation means
The present invention relates to a device for a pavement manhole with a support frame, for closing a panel hinged on the frame using permanent articulation means. The device is characterized in that the pivot axis (8) includes a pin made of at least two parts (13, 14) telescopically mounted into each other and spaced from each other by a spring (15) provided between the two telescopic parts (13, 14) so as to engage and hold the two ends of the pin (8) respectively in two blind holes (20) of the frame. The invention can be used in road equipment. |
| US08057119B2 |
Cosmetic applying device
A cosmetic applying device includes a soft tube with an end member connected to the open end of the soft tube in which fluid cosmetic material is received. The end member has two through holes in the closed end and an engaging portion extending from an inner end of the closed end. A core piece has an end inserted into the end member and an applying head extends through a passage in the core piece. A cap is threadedly connected to the soft tube to protect the applying head. When the cap is connected to the soft tube, the passage of the core piece is sealed by the engaging portion to prevent air and cosmetic material from entering the soft tube. When the cap is removed from the soft tube, the core piece is moved and the engaging portion is disengaged from the passage. |
| US08057118B2 |
Dispenser seal
A dispenser has a barrel which is closed at one end by a base and has a plurality of apertures at the other end through which a viscous material such as a gel or lotion is dispensed. In one aspect, the invention can be a dispenser for a viscous substance comprising: a barrel having a base at a first end and an upper wall area having a plurality of apertures at a second end; a seal unit having a bottom surface with a plurality of projections depending from the bottom surface; and the seal unit positioned so that the bottom surface of the seal unit is in contact with the upper wall area of the barrel and the plurality of projections enter into the plurality of apertures. |
| US08057116B1 |
Data input mechanism
A user interface with a keypad having a reduced form factor is provided. The keypad includes a plurality of multi-position keys, each of which has a plurality of toggle positions for making a plurality of data selections. The user interface may also include a plurality of function keys and a screen for displaying the data. The user interface reduces the number of keys needed on a keypad and minimizes the number of finger movements, thereby reducing the number of errors made when using the user interface. |
| US08057115B2 |
Media carrier
A system having a disc carrier determines a location of the disc carrier based upon first and second specular signals from an optical sensing element, the first specular signal occurring when the incident light is not received within the opening and impinges a first portion of the optical sensing element and the second specular signal occurring when the incident light is received within the opening and impinges a second portion of the optical sensing element. |
| US08057110B2 |
Card guide and heatsink assemblies for pluggable electro-optic modules
In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides improved card guide and heatsink assemblies for pluggable electro-optic modules utilized in optical communications networks and the like. More specifically, the present invention provides a solderable surface-mounted card guide assembly and a staggered heatsink assembly. These assemblies are utilized with small-form factor pluggable electro-optic modules and the like, and the concepts presented herein can be extended to XFP, XENPAK, XPAK, and X2 electro-optic modules, for example. The solderable surface-mounted card guide assembly of the present invention finds particular applicability with small-form factor pluggable electro-optic modules not utilizing any type of module cage, while the staggered heatsink assembly of the present invention finds particular applicability with small-form factor pluggable electro-optic modules both not utilizing and utilizing any type of module cage. |
| US08057109B2 |
Transceiver module with dual printed circuit boards
Transceiver modules with dual printed circuit boards. In one example embodiment, a transceiver module includes first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs), a transmitter, a receiver, and a flexible circuit. The first PCB is positioned in a first plane and the second PCB is positioned in a second plane. The transmitter and the receiver are both positioned in a third plane that is offset from the first and second planes. The flexible circuit includes conductive traces that allow electrical data signals to pass between the transmitter and the receiver and the first and second PCBs. |
| US08057103B2 |
Roller bearing of a wheel hub with a venturi nozzle for a tire pressure control system
The invention relates to a roller bearing of a wheel hub of a motor vehicle comprising a tire pressure control system. Said roller bearing comprises an air guiding channel that extends radially through an external ring and an air guiding channel that extends radially through an internal ring that leads into an intermediate chamber that is arranged between the rows of the bearing bodies and is sealed in relation to said bearing bodies. In order to seal the intermediate chamber in a more simple and effective manner, said intermediate chamber comprises a flow channel that is embodied as a Venturi nozzle. |
| US08057102B2 |
Bearing housing
The present invention provides a bearing housing (10) for accommodating a rotor shaft (33) of a wind turbine. The bearing housing includes a flange (12) for connecting the bearing housing to a main frame (30) of the wind turbine. The flange having a connecting surface (51, 52) to be attached to the main frame. Thereby, at least parts of the connecting surface, when seen from the top of the bearing housing, would be located below the rotor shaft. |
| US08057099B2 |
Linear roller bearing with deflection piece
A guide carriage for a linear roller bearing includes a main body, which may bear in a longitudinally movably manner and via at least a first and at least a second endlessly circulating roller row against a guide rail that extends in a longitudinal direction, a deflection assembly provided on an end face of the main body and including at least one curved inner deflection channel for the first roller row, and at least a second curved outer deflection channel for the second roller row, the inner deflection channel being located within the outer deflection channel, the deflection assembly includes an end cap, on the inner side of which—that faces the main body—an outer boundary surface of the outer deflection channel is provided, and at least one separate, one-pieced deflection piece inserted in the end cap, on which an inner boundary surface is provided that covers the entire outer deflection channel. An outer boundary surface is provided that covers the entire inner deflection channel on the deflection piece. |
| US08057097B1 |
Transportable anatomical imaging system with radiation-protective curtains
An anatomical imaging system including a scanner having an opening for receiving a patient, a transport mechanism mounted to the base of the scanner, wherein the transport mechanism comprises a movement mechanism for moving the scanner, relative to the patient, and a radiation-protective curtain pivotally connected to the scanner so as to cover at least one side of the opening in the scanner during scanning. |
| US08057096B2 |
Dental radiograph sensor positioning device
A dental radiograph sensor positioning device utilizing an elongated member which is fixed to a pair of supports. The first and second supports include holders for the radiograph sensor and are used interchangeably for this purpose. When one of the supports is held to the sensor, the other support is used as a grip for the user of the device. In this manner the device of the present invention may be used to obtain digital images from all four dental quadrants. |
| US08057093B2 |
Double temperature sensor with a receiving element
A double temperature sensor with a receiving element for measuring a near-surface temperature of the ambient air and the skin surface. The double temperature sensor with a receiving element includes an insulating block, two temperature sensors and a receiving element. At least the receiving element (8) and/or the insulating block (4) are designed in terms of the material structure such that the horizontal heat conduction is low compared to the vertical heat conduction. |
| US08057091B2 |
Water circulation systems for ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water
Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore. |
| US08057086B2 |
Light guide unit for point light source, backlight assembly having the light guide unit and display device having the same
A light guide unit for a point light source includes a light incident portion, a first reflecting portion and a second reflecting portion. The light emitted from the point light source enters to the light incident portion. The light incident portion includes an optical pattern diffusing an incident light corresponding to the point light source. The first reflecting portion reflects a first light of the incident light. The second reflecting portion roundly connects the first reflecting portion to the light incident portion and reflects a second light of the incident light. |
| US08057085B2 |
Illumination apparatus using light guide and portable terminal having the same
An illumination apparatus includes at least one light source for outputting light, a light guide for guiding light input from the at least one light source through multiple reflections in the light guide, at least one groove formed on the light guide to reflect incident light, and a light extraction pattern formed on a surface of the light guide to output the incident light to an exterior of the light guide. |
| US08057084B2 |
Side-view type light emitting device and optical device including the same
A side-view type light emitting device includes a package body, first and second lead frames, a light emitting diode chip, a resin covering portion, and at least one spacer portion. The package body has a first surface provided as a mounting surface, a second surface located opposite to the first surface, side surfaces located between the first surface and the second surface, and a concave portion formed at one of the side surfaces corresponding to the light emitting surface. |
| US08057083B2 |
Fibre bundle confocal endomicroscope
A fiber bundle confocal microscope or endoscope (200), comprising a light source (142) for providing a beam of light (160), a coherent fiber bundle of optical fibers (152), a scanner (202) for receiving the beam and scanning the beam over a proximal end of the bundle (162), so that the beam is launched into a plurality of the fibers sequentially, a plurality of the fibers thereby acting sequentially as an at least one delivery fiber (204), a spatial filter (172), and a photodetector (174) operatively associated with the spatial filter to receive return light from one or more of the fibers. The return light from the delivery fiber is excluded from the photodetector by the spatial filter. |
| US08057082B2 |
Multiple axes adjustable lighting system
A lighting assembly includes a thermally conductive mounting having a mounting surface is provided. The lighting assembly further includes a thermally conductive carriage having a front and a rear surface. The rear surface of the carriage is moveably mounted to the front surface of the mounting. A heat sink seat having a front and a rear surface is moveably mounted to the front surface of the carriage. A light emitting device may be attached to the front surface of the heat sink seat. In use, the carriage is moveable along a first axis and the heat sink seat is moveable along a second axis, the first axis and second axis being substantially transverse. |
| US08057078B1 |
Lateral and directional poletop illuminator
The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly beacon or light for illuminating a pole-mounted flag, banner, pennant or the like that has a luminous source located in a laterally extending cover, is mounted on top of the pole, and is capable of continuously directing an umbrella shaped illumination toward the flag, banner, pennant or the like as the wind blows the same to rotate about the flagpole. The flagpole light of the present invention is designed to be installed as a retrofit in existing flagpoles having a shaft supported knob or sphere located a short distance above a rotatable cap. |
| US08057076B2 |
LED lamp having a casing fixed to a fixing rod and a heat dissipating member fixed to the casing
An LED lamp fixed to an end of a fixing rod, includes a casing, a heat dissipating member fixed to a bottom of the casing and a plurality of LED modules attached to a bottom of the heat dissipating member. The casing has a sleeve part and a mounting part integrally extending from an end of the sleeve part. A plurality of connecting plates extend inwardly along radial directions from an inner wall of the sleeve part. The fixing rod is inserted into the sleeve part of the casing and secured within free, inner ends of the connecting plates. |
| US08057072B2 |
Light-emitting module and illumination apparatus
A light-emitting module includes at least one light-emitting element provided on a mount surface of a substratum. A translucent member is provided so as to face the mount surface of the substratum. The translucent member is separated from the light-emitting element and contains a phosphor material that converts a wavelength of light emitted by the light-emitting element. A frame having heat conducting properties is interposed between the substratum and the translucent member. The frame surrounds the light-emitting element. The frame includes an opening that leads light emitted by the light-emitting element to the translucent member, and a heat conductor thermally connected to the translucent member. The heat conductor includes a heat radiator exposed outside of the translucent member. |
| US08057067B2 |
Vehicle lamp with polymer conductors and mounting structures
A lamp unit is provided having polymer electrical conductors adhered to a non-conductive substrate in which adjacent conductors present a gap therebetween for securing a light radiating device within the gap the conductors of one embodiment having raised abutments formed in the conductors at the gap for capture of a light radiating device therebetween, such as an LED in said gap to hold the light device between the abutments to secure the light device in the lamp and power the light device. |
| US08057066B2 |
Backlight assembly with improved brightness uniformity and display apparatus having the same
A backlight assembly and a display apparatus having the backlight assembly are disclosed. A diffusion plate is provided above a plurality of lamps. Diffusion patterns that cause contrast inversion and diffusion patterns that do not cause contrast inversion are arranged on a surface of a diffusion plate, in an alternating manner along a longitudinal direction of the lamps. Thus, a brightness difference between a first area in which the lamps are positioned and a second area between two adjacent lamps is reduced, thereby improving a brightness uniformity of light from the backlight assembly. |
| US08057062B2 |
Portable electronic device and battery with lighting functionality
A portable electronic device includes a housing and battery. The housing is formed with a battery-receiving compartment that has positive and negative electrodes. The battery is mounted in the battery-receiving compartment, and includes: a casing having positive and negative electrodes that are electrically and respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the housing; a power storage unit having positive and negative electrodes that are electrically and respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the casing; a switch having one end electrically coupled to one of the electrodes of the power storage unit; and a light-emitting element having two ends coupled respectively with another end of the switch and the other electrode of the power storage unit. The power storage unit is controllable through the switch for supplying power to the light-emitting element. |
| US08057061B2 |
Showcase
An object is to provide a showcase capable of improving the appearance of an illumination apparatus itself and improving the illumination effect produced by the illumination apparatus. In the showcase in which the inside of a display chamber disposed in a main body is illuminated by an illumination apparatus, the illumination apparatus includes an LED illumination member having an LED element, and a holding member attached to the main body to hold the LED illumination member, and the holding member includes a lead wire receiving portion for receiving a lead wire of the LED illumination member. |
| US08057060B2 |
Aquarium light fixture with latch mechanism and bracket
Various embodiments of the present invention provide an aquarium light fixture comprising a light fixture and a bracket to support the light fixture, the bracket comprising a vertical portion configured to attach to an aquarium, a horizontal portion configured to support the light fixture above the aquarium, a hinge joint attaching the vertical portion to the horizontal portion, and a latch mechanism attached to the vertical portion and configured to secure the horizontal portion at a predetermined angle. |
| US08057057B2 |
Light unit and liquid crystal display device having the same
Provided are a light unit and a liquid crystal display (LCD) having the same. The light unit comprises a housing; at least one first printed circuit board (PCB) arranged in the housing in a first direction; at least one second PCB arranged in the housing in a direction opposite to the first direction; and light emitting diodes mounted on the first and second PCBs. |
| US08057055B2 |
Light source holding structure, a light source holding member, a light source holding unit, and a display device
A light source holding structure eliminates non-uniformity of temperature distribution of a tube body of a light source in order to make uniform the amount of light emitted or prevent portions at which the amount of light emitted is locally lowered. The light source holding structure has a linear light source and a first light source holding member substantially in the shape of a bar. An engaging groove arranged to engage with a portion of a tube body of the light source is provided on the front side of the first light source holding member. The portion of the tube body is engaged in the engaging groove and substantially the entire length of the tube body is brought into surface contact with the inner surface of the engaging groove. |
| US08057047B2 |
Heat radiation structure for portable projector
A heat radiation structure for a portable micro projector that enables efficient radiation of heat generated therein. A projector module irradiates light of high intensity using a lamp to project an image to an external screen. A thermally conductive plate having a plate-like shape, the projector module being attached to one surface of the thermally conductive plate to transfer heat generated in the projector module. A heat radiation case to which the thermally conductive plate to which the projector module is attached is coupled therein to emit the heat transferred through the thermally conductive plate outside. |
| US08057045B2 |
Star field projection apparatus
A projection apparatus for generating a moving star field and a cloud-like effect comprises a means for generating a cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source, a means for generating a moving star field using at least one coherent light source and a means for regulating and supplying electric power. The means for generating cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source comprises at least one pair of condenser lenses and an interferential filter wheel rotated by a motor, disposed between at least one pair of condenser lenses. The means for generating the moving star field using a coherent light source comprises a grating wheel rotated by a motor and a diffractive optical element disposed between the at least one coherent light source and the grating wheel. |
| US08057043B2 |
Imaging element and display with micro mirror array
As optical elements for bending a light beam when it passes through an element face constituting one plane, a plurality of unit optical elements for reflecting light on one or more mirror surfaces arranged perpendicularly or at an angle nearly perpendicular to the element face are disposed to constitute an optical imaging element. Light emitted from projection object disposed on one side of the element face is reflected on the mirror surface when it passes through the element face so that a real image is formed in a space on the other side of the element face where a physical entity does not exist, thus constituting a display equipped with the optical imaging element. An aerial picture projection system not existing heretofore is also provided. |
| US08057038B2 |
Accommodation compensation systems and methods
Methods and systems for obtaining an ocular aberration measurement of an eye of a patient are provided. Exemplary techniques involve obtaining a first induced metric for the eye that corresponds to a first accommodation state of the eye, obtaining a second induced metric for the eye that corresponds to a second accommodation state of the eye, and determining a natural metric of the eye based on the first and second induced metrics. An induced metric may include a pupil size or a spherical aberration. Techniques can also include determining a target metric for the eye base on the natural metric, determining whether an actual metric of the eye meets the target metric, obtaining an ocular aberration measurement of the eye if the actual metric meets the target metric, and determining a treatment for the eye based on the ocular aberration measurement. |
| US08057037B2 |
Transformation methods of wavefront maps from one vertex distance to another
The present invention provides methods, systems and software for scaling optical aberration measurements of optical systems. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye. The method comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. Aberration data from the transmitted image is measured across the optical tissues of the eye at a first plane. A conversion algorithm is applied to the data, converting it to corrective optical power data that can be used as a basis for constructing a treatment for the eye at a second plane. |
| US08057036B2 |
Binocular vision assessment and/or therapy
An information difference between a left eye image and a right eye image is adjustable to achieve binocular vision in a patient having a deficiency of binocular vision. A source of image pairs is used along with a dichoptic display system to present a selected one of the image pairs as a right eye image to a patient's right eye and a left eye image to a patient's left eye. The difference at which a patients achieves binocular vision is a measure of a level binocular vision health or function, and continued exposure to the image pairs is therapeutic. The difference can be adjusted during therapy, and restoration of regular binocular vision is possible. |
| US08057025B2 |
Inkjet head
An inkjet head may include a main-body block, which may include a reservoir configured to store ink, an ink supply port configured to supply the ink to the reservoir, and a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the reservoir via an ink flow path. The inkjet head may include a supply valve mechanism attached to the main-body block and configured to selectively set the ink supply port in one of a sealed state and an open state. The inkjet head may further include an attachment unit configured to be removably attached to the main-body block. The attachment unit may include a supply channel configured to supply the ink to the ink supply port. The supply valve mechanism may set the ink supply port in the sealed state when the attachment unit is detached from the main-body block, and set the ink supply port in the open state when the attachment unit is attached to the main-body block. |
| US08057024B2 |
Printhead incorporating a static pagewidth printhead and elongate fluid channel
A printhead assembly comprises an elongate casing defining a longitudinally extending printhead channel, a static pagewidth printhead received within the printhead channel, the static pagewidth printhead comprising a plurality of printhead tiles each bearing a printhead integrated circuit, the tiles being shaped to serially engage together so that adjacent printhead integrated circuits overlap, and an elongate fluid channel member defining a plurality of ducts for storing respective types of ink, the elongate fluid channel extending substantially the length of the static pagewidth printhead. The fluid channel member comprises an elongate body portion defining parallel open channels, and a lid portion which is fastened to the body portion so that the open channels form the ducts, the lid portion defining a plurality of protruding ridges which can be received in respective open channels. The lid portion comprises a plurality of groups of outlet ports, each group including a number of outlet ports equal to the number of parallel open channels. |
| US08057023B2 |
Ink cartridge unit for an inkjet printer with an ink refill facility
Provided is an ink cartridge unit for an inkjet printer. The cartridge unit includes a main body defining a number of ink reservoirs, each reservoir having a layered stack of absorbent material forming a micro-capillary array for suspending ink inside said reservoir. The unit also includes a lid assembly covering the main body to seal ink inside the ink reservoirs, and a printhead assembly operatively fed with ink from the ink reservoirs in the main body. The unit further includes a capper assembly for operatively capping the printhead assembly to prevent damage to micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements defined on a printing surface of the printhead assembly. The lid assembly includes a refill facility whereby the ink reservoirs are refillable with ink from a suitable ink refill unit. |
| US08057020B2 |
Printer having ink supply system with float valve chamber
A printer comprising: an inkjet printhead having an ink inlet, an ink outlet and a plurality of nozzles; an ink supply system for supplying ink to the inkjet printhead at a predetermined hydrostatic pressure, the ink supply system comprising: a pressure-regulating chamber having an outlet port connected to the ink inlet of the printhead, the chamber comprising a float valve configured for maintaining a predetermined level of ink in the chamber, the level of ink controlling the hydrostatic pressure; and an ink reservoir connected to an inlet port of the pressure-regulating chamber, the ink reservoir being positioned above the predetermined level of ink. |
| US08057009B2 |
Printing position alignment method and printing apparatus
Multiple alignment patterns, each composed of first and second alignment pattern elements printed by forward and backward movements of a print head, respectively, are formed while the relative printing positions of the two elements are shifted. From optical characteristics data thereof, whether the data is influenced by a disturbance is determined. When the data is determined to be less influenced by the disturbance and therefore to be reliable, an adjusting value for aligning positions in printing in reciprocal movements is calculated by use of: data with the smallest relative printing position misalignment between the first and second alignment pattern elements; and data of optical characteristics close to the data. When the data is largely influence by the disturbance, a range of shifting of relative position is widened than that of the data less influenced by the disturbance so that more data pieces are used to obtain the adjusting value. |
| US08057008B2 |
Ink conductivity fault tolerant mode
A method of operating an imaging device comprises measuring an ink conductivity of an ink volume in an ink reservoir of an imaging device. The imaging device is operated in a conductivity fault tolerant mode in response to the measured ink conductivity being outside of a predetermined ink conductivity operational range. In the conductive fault tolerant mode, at least one parameter of a melt duty cycle for the ink reservoir is set to a corresponding conductivity fault tolerant (CFT) level. |
| US08057002B2 |
Method of driving an ink-jet head, ink-jet head, and ink-jet recording apparatus
Provided is an ink-jet head and an ink-jet type recording apparatus for improving an impact position accuracy of ink droplets by eliminating a discharge speed difference of ink droplets when an ink volume is changed gradually in a plurality of steps to perform gradation expression. Among discharge pulse signals to be applied a plurality of times for gradually changing and discharging the ink droplet volume, a signal waveform of a final drive pulse and a signal waveform of an initial drive pulse to be operated at least once before the final drive pulse, are varied from each other so as to establish a predetermined relation therebetween. |
| US08056999B2 |
Printer with configurable memory
A printer is described that has a configurable memory to which waveform definitions are uploaded just prior to a printing process. The printer manufacturer can program a printer controller with waveforms that have been created by the printer manufacturer, instead of waveforms pre-programmed by the printhead manufacturer. |
| US08056997B2 |
Reserving apparatus of refrigerator
A reserving apparatus of a refrigerator having a door and a case that forms a main reserving chamber therein, comprises: a supplementary reserving frame that forms a supplementary reserving chamber at the door separately from the main reserving chamber; a partition member coupled to the supplementary reserving frame, for partitioning the supplementary reserving chamber; and a connecting portion for connecting the partition member to the supplementary reserving frame so that a partitioned space inside the supplementary reserving chamber can be variable. Storage items having various sizes and forms, such as a storage items having a relatively large size and a storage items having a relatively small size, can be effectively reserved at a suitably-adjusted space inside the supplementary reserving chamber. Accordingly, the supplementary reserving chamber can have enhanced spatial utilization degree. |
| US08056996B2 |
Support assembly for an appliance storage bin or storage shelf
An appliance includes a cabinet having a plurality of cabinet walls defining a compartment, a storage member configured to support an item for storage in the compartment, and a support assembly slidably mounted within the compartment. The support assembly includes a fixed rail mounted to one of the cabinet walls, and a movable rail slidably coupled to the fixed rail and movable along a sliding direction between a retracted position and an extended position. A bracket is slidably mounted to the movable rail and is movable along a sliding direction between a retracted position and an extended position. The sliding direction of the bracket is substantially parallel to the sliding direction of the movable rail. The storage member is fixedly connected to the bracket and movable with the bracket. |
| US08056995B2 |
Toolbox assembly
A toolbox assembly 10 which is adapted to allow material to be easily and securely stored and retrieved and which is aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. |
| US08056992B2 |
Coupling for a movable part of a piece of furniture
A coupling is provided for detachably connecting a mobile part of a piece of furniture to a drive. The coupling includes a coupling element that can be moved between the mobile part of the piece of furniture and the drive in a limited manner in at least one direction, in order to compensate for position tolerances in relation to the at least one direction. |
| US08056982B2 |
Compactable, collapsible chair
A collapsible, compactable chair or seating apparatus having a pair of rigid frames hingedly connected to one another to form an A-frame configuration. Both frames may be collapsed so that the frame dimensions of the chair in an operational, deployed configuration may be reduced in two dimensions (i.e., height, length) when collapsed into a compacted configuration for storage or transport. The novel chair may be compacted into a thin bundle that may be rolled up in and contained within fabric forming a portion of the chair. In its compacted, rolled up state, the novel chair is suitable for transportation within a backpack or other such enclosure. |
| US08056980B2 |
Vehicle seat and split console assembly
A vehicle seat assembly comprises a base; a seat mounted to swivel relative to the base; and a console having first and second segments, the first segment mounted to swivel with the seat relative to the base and the second segment being mounted to remain in fixed position as the seat and first console segment swivel. The console's two segments lie in a generally common horizontal plane and are separated by an arcuate spacing so that the first segment is located proximate the operator and the second segment is located distally of the operator. This arrangement of the seat assembly components allows the seated operator to rotate in the seat through a substantial arc, with the first console segment rotating as well while the second console segment remains stationary. In a second embodiment, the first and second console segments move with the seat as it swivels through a first rotational increment, but the second console segment remains stationary while the seat and first console segment swivel through a second rotational increment. |
| US08056978B2 |
Convertible seating unit
A convertible seating unit for a motor vehicle is provided. The convertible seating unit comprises a seat having an upper surface, a front edge and a rear edge. The convertible seating unit further includes a back support comprising a first back support panel and a second back support panel. Each of the first and second back support panels has a first edge and a second edge, and an upper surface and a lower surface. The second edge of the first back panel is hingeably connected to the first edge of the second back panel to define a first hinge axis. The first edge of the first back panel is hingeably connected to the seat proximate the rear edge of the seat to define a second hinge axis. |
| US08056977B2 |
Mounting bracket and clamp contact for doorway jumper apparatus
A mounting bracket for securing a doorway jumper apparatus having clamp contacts is provided. The mounting bracket includes a flange and a housing having a receptacle area. The housing is located at a center portion of the flange. The flange includes holes through which fasteners are insertable to affix the housing to a beam or to a wall above a doorway. |
| US08056975B2 |
Travel seat restraint system
A restraint system for a travel seat which includes a frame dimensioned to rest upon a vehicle seat. The frame defines front and rear portions and a center line. An adjustment assembly is coupled to the frame and positioned at a selected one of the front and rear portions of the frame. A strap assembly is connected to the adjustment assembly. The strap assembly has first and second points removably securable to a vehicle anchor and a third point movably secured within the adjustment assembly. |
| US08056973B2 |
Coupling mechanism for headrest of vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided comprising a seat back frame having right and left side frames, a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant, and a back-and-forth movable body provided inside a backrest that is positioned at a rear of the seat occupant, wherein a backward movement of the back-and-forth movable body forwardly moves the headrest to support the head of the seat occupant. The back-and-forth movable body is attached to each side frame through a link member and is provided with a backward protrusion protruding backward, and the backward protrusion extends laterally. |
| US08056970B1 |
Item catcher for an automobile console gap
An item catcher for an automobile console gap, which is utilized to removably cover a gap between an inside surface of a vehicle seat and a vehicle console adjacent to the vehicle seat and collect small items which may otherwise fall into the gap. The item catcher includes an elongated, flexible, thin parallelepiped body which has an obround aperture centered near one end of the body to accommodate passage of a seat belt therethrough. The body folds along a central longitudinal axis from a flat first position into a folded second position in which the body is maintained while pressing the to body downwardly between the inside surface and the console and then is released into it a third position in which a body first side is pressed against the inside surface and a body second side is pressed against the console. |
| US08056966B2 |
Gutter system for vehicle storage compartment
A gutter system for a vehicle storage compartment includes a bed floor for supporting cargo in a vehicle and a storage compartment having an opening defined in the bed floor. A gutter at least partially surrounds the opening. The gutter includes a main gutter channel disposed adjacent and along an inward side of the opening and lateral gutter channels disposed adjacent and along lateral sides of the opening. At least one discharge channel fluidly connects to the main gutter channel and extends laterally outwardly therefrom to facilitate drainage from the main gutter channel. |
| US08056964B2 |
Front body for a motor vehicle
A front body for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a bumper carrier and a hood lock carrier that are solidly connected to one another. An energy absorber structure that is supported on the bumper carrier on one side and on the whole block carrier on the other side features ribs that extend between the lock carrier and the bumper carrier and are essentially oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. |
| US08056963B2 |
Roof assembly windshield defogging system
A vehicle roof assembly is coupled to a windshield. The roof assembly includes an outer roof member and an inner roof member which form a duct for conducting conditioned air therethrough. A body panel includes a front panel and a bottom panel which are integrally joined together at a corner. The corner has a plurality of apertures formed therein. An adhesive strip attaches an upper edge of the windshield to the front panel. The apertures receive conditioned air from the duct and form an airflow boundary layer which flows over an inner surface of the windshield. This assembly forms a windshield defogging system. |
| US08056960B2 |
Sidewall assembly having composite panels for trailers and vans
A sidewall assembly for a trailer or van having a plurality of composite panels interconnected along the length of the trailer. The composite panels have a polyurethane core sandwiched between inner and outer metal panels in bonded relationship. The composite panels are affixed to a respective hat-shaped inner side post between adjacent vertical ends of the composite panels. A plurality of vertically arranged rivets affixes the composite panel to inner post and to an outer sidepost. |
| US08056958B2 |
School bus rollover protection structure
A protection structure is formed from a platform and a forward pair and a rearward pair of load bearing members, where each load bearing member is attached at a lower end to the platform. A first and second pair of side beams are attached to the outer side of one of each of the pair of load bearing members, respectively. A pair of upper corner beams are attached to an upper end of each of the load bearing members and attached to an end of each of a forward pair and a rearward pair of transverse members, where a beam is attached to the opposite end of each of the pair of transverse members. Body panels may be attached to the protection structure to define and enclose the occupant compartment. |
| US08056953B2 |
Thermal barrier system
A thermal barrier system includes a plurality of panels including at least two panels separated from each other so as to define a space between the panels, where each panel of the at least two panels is separated from another panel via at least one spacer structure. Each panel is further formed of an insulation material having a thermal conductivity in the range of about 0.023 W/(m*K) to about 0.099 W/(m*K). In an example embodiment, the insulation material forming the panels has a density of no greater than about 30 lb/ft3. In another example embodiment, the insulation material includes a silicone syntactic foam material. |
| US08056949B1 |
Universal gripper block for a robotic arm
A robot gripper block is provided that facilitates the simultaneous attached of robot deployed tools to a plurality of distinct robot platforms having robot grippers with opposing moveable fingers. The block includes a plurality of parallel cylindrical sockets passing through the block to accept the complementary cylindrical bars of the robot deployed tools. A set pin is inserted through the block and tools to secure the tools in the block. Running along the faces of the block and arranged in pairs are channels sixed and shaped to complement the fingers of the robot grippers. Each set of channels is arranged for a given robot gripper. |
| US08056945B2 |
Bar seal for shipping container
The present invention is directed to a bar seal for a shipping container that indicates if the bar seal has been tampered with during the shipment of goods. The bar seal uses the following mechanisms to indicate tampering: a unique marking mechanism, a reusable locking mechanism, and a temporary sealing mechanism for sealing a shipping container. |
| US08056943B2 |
Full width overlay drawer latch
A latching overlay for a tool storage unit drawer includes a drawer pull with a substantially horizontal flange portion perpendicular to a front face of the drawer and extending across at least a portion of the drawer width. In a preferred embodiment, the latching overlay includes a trim channel having a first surface for engaging a top face of the horizontal flange portion of the drawer pull, a second surface for engaging a bottom face of the horizontal flange portion of the drawer pull, and a release connected between the first surface and the second surface such that the trim channel is capable of pivoting about the horizontal flange portion. At least one drawer latch hook connected to the trim channel is provided, wherein the drawer latch hook engages and disengages from a latching component of the tool storage unit in response to the pivoting movement of the trim channel. |
| US08056942B2 |
Lock
A lock for releasably locking a movable hatch to a counterpart is equipped with a fitting (1) having a locking assembly (21) and an additional fitting (2) having an additional locking assembly (28) that can be brought into engagement with the locking assembly (21) of the other fitting (1). The fittings (1, 2) are made of plastic and an elastically deformable compensating cushion (7) is present, which is fastened to one fitting (1, 2) and which when the fittings (1, 2) are in the locked position is disposed deformed between the fittings (1, 2) such that it exerts a bias on them (1, 2). The inventive lock is therefore light but strong and compensates tolerances. |
| US08056936B2 |
Telescopic pipe structure for a marine light
A telescopic pipe structure for a marine light includes a telescopic pipe and a positioning device. The telescopic pipe includes a second pipe and a fixed pipe. The positioning device is used to control the telescopic pipe in a fixed status or in an adjustable status. The positioning device includes a rotatable lid, a resilient sleeve, and a metallic ring. When the rotatable lid is turned clockwise or counterclockwise, the metallic ring will be pushed by the top of the fixed tube or returned to its original position by the resilient sleeve for controlling the engagement or disengagement of an contracted opening of the resilient sleeve and the second pipe so as to change the telescopic pipe in a fixed status or in an adjustable status. |
| US08056935B2 |
Interface between a stiff piece and a composite material, a method for the formation of such an interface and a stiff piece therefore
An interface is provided between a stiff piece (1) and a composite material (2), the composite material (2) including fibres (3), the stiff piece (1) including two or more vanes (4a, 4b, . . . ) protruding from a surface of the stiff piece (1). The vanes (4) include two or more lateral surfaces (41, 42, 43, 44), in which one or more fibres (3) of the composite material (2) are arranged for passing through one or more funnel-shaped throats (45) formed between lateral surfaces (41a, 43a, 41b, 43b, . . . ) of adjacent vanes (4a, 4b, . . . ). A fixing matrix material (7) is arranged around the one or more fibres (3), at least in or near the funnel-shaped throats (45). The vanes (4) are arranged for exerting counteracting transversal and axial forces on the fibres (3) and the fixing matrix material (7) when the interface is subject to forces. |
| US08056934B2 |
Marine hose
In the marine hose of the present invention, protruded parts are provided at each axial direction end of the axial direction ends of the hose bodies, each axial direction end is located at both sides in the axial direction of the connection portion which is provided with limit mechanism. By this, when the marine hose is wound up to the reel, the protruded parts of the hose bodies contact the outer surface of the reel, the outer surface of the limit mechanism does not contact the outer surface of the reel. Thus, large amount of the bending force is not added to the limit mechanism. |
| US08056930B2 |
Bottle-cap identification system
A bottle-cap identification system includes a double or, alternatively, single layer coating applied to top and sides of a twist-top bottle cap and its appendant stationary connection ring. The double layer coating consists of an inner colored painting with stripe pattern and an outer opaque black layer. The single layer coating includes only the opaque substance and is applied directly to a cap and ring, whereby the cap and ring is either of solid color or features the genuine brand design. The black layer is composed of a polymer with weaker cohesive than adhesive bonds, which prevents the color of cap and ring from being seen through and enables its removal by scratching. Such scratching results in a marking randomly exposing the inner layer or, respectively, the cap and ring itself. The marking and its alignment on cap and ring serve as criterion for recognition and identification of the bottle. |
| US08056927B2 |
Pet travel safety device for use with a vehicle seatbelt system to controllably restrain movement of a pet in a vehicle
A pet travel safety device is provided for use with a vehicle seatbelt system to controllably restrain movement of a pet in a vehicle during a collision or sudden deceleration of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a safety restrainer may secure a pet in a vehicle having a seat belt with a first prong configured to latch into a first buckle of a shoulder/lap belt combination system. The safety restrainer may comprise a restraint assembly including a restraint strap having a first strap end and a second strap end which are configured to releasably couple to each other. The safety restrainer may further comprise a harness configured to couple to the restraint assembly. The harness may include a first harness end and a second harness end. The first harness end comprises a first connector to releasably couple to the first prong and the second harness end comprises a second connector to releasably couple to the first buckle. The harness may include first and second harness portions. The first harness portion includes an intermediate point which is fixedly affixed to the second harness portion that is in turn coupled between the intermediate point of the first harness portion and an intermediate point of the restraint strap between the first strap end and the second strap end such that the second harness portion is fixedly affixed to the restraint strap. |
| US08056925B2 |
Column-mounted knee airbag device
Rapidly constraining the knees of a driver, even for a steering column structure with plural obstructions projecting below the rear end side of the steering column, while also suppressing or preventing any detriment to column collapse operation during a frontal collision; the steering column is fixed to the vehicle body side with a lower bracket, an upper bracket and a housing, and a combination switch is disposed at the rear end side of an inner tube; lower portions are disposed in a state so as to protrude below a column tube and face each other, so that an airbag module is installed in an installation space between the two portions; a module case is manufactured from a fabric, and the airbag module is attached at a position in the vicinity of the combination switch through a rear attachment bracket. |
| US08056923B2 |
Side airbag apparatus for a vehicle
In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a side airbag apparatus for a vehicle having a seat with a back rest part and a hinge mechanism. The side airbag includes a separation means defining a front airbag chamber and a rear airbag chamber within the side airbag. A connecting passage connects the front and rear airbag chambers adjacent a lower extremity of the separation means. An attaching portion provided on the rear portion of the rear airbag chamber attaches the side airbag to the backrest part. An inflator proximate said attaching portion injects gas into the rear airbag chamber which flows through the connecting passage into the front airbag chamber. |
| US08056916B2 |
Drive system for human powered device
Drive systems configured to combine arm power with leg power are disclosed. A drive system may comprise an arm power headset comprising: a joint assembly configured to provide forward and aft movement; and a mounting bracket coupled to the joint assembly and configured to align the joint assembly. The drive system may further comprise: a push/pull rod configured to convert forward and aft arm movement into rotary movement, the push/pull rod coupling the arm power headset to a first drive assembly; the first drive assembly comprising a first drive sprocket coupled to a first crank shaft; a second drive assembly adjacent the first drive assembly; and a linking device linking the second drive assembly with the first drive assembly. |
| US08056915B2 |
Stepping scooter
A stepping scooter includes a scooter body for supporting a rider, a moving system, a driving system and a steering lever. The moving system includes a driving wheel rotatably connected with the scooter body, a driven wheel coaxially aligned with the driving wheel and rotatably connected with the scooter body. The driving system includes a driving arrangement pivotally connected to the scooter body, and a transmission and speeding up arrangement engaged with the driving arrangement to convert a human power applied on the driving arrangement into a rotation power to drive the moving system. When the human power is applied on the driving arrangement, the driving wheel is rotated so as to drive the driven wheel to move forward. On the other hand, the transmission and speeding up arrangement is capable of increasing a transmission velocity twice to save a physical force for the rider at the same time. |
| US08056914B2 |
Momentum management in a wheel such as a traction wheel under a changing load
A wheel, such as a traction wheel, with a momentum enhancing apparatus. The momentum enhancing apparatus may selectively enhance the wheel's ability to maintain its angular velocity at relatively high speeds, while having a reduced effect on the angular velocity of the wheel at relatively slow speeds. The momentum enhancing apparatus may include one or more bodies that either translate radially between the hub and the rim of the wheel to change the mass moment of inertia of the wheel, or rotate with the wheel and transfer the momentum of the bodies to the wheel under increasing loads. Methods of using such apparati and vehicles equipped with such apparati are also enclosed. |
| US08056913B2 |
Step assist box-side
A step assembly is provided for a bumper of a motor vehicle. The step assembly includes a mounting bracket fixedly secured to the bumper. A step is operatively coupled to the mounting bracket and is movable between a retracted position disposed adjacent the bumper and a deployed position extending away from the bumper. A pivot arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. A spring is secured between the mounting bracket and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm. The spring creates a tensile force. A lock arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. The lock arm defines a lock surface engaging the pivot arm while the tensile force of the spring locks the step in order to retain the step in one of the retracted and deployed positions. |
| US08056911B2 |
Compound steering mechanism
In summary, there is provided a front axle mounting assembly (100) which is suitable for a tractor or a construction vehicle for example. The assembly comprises a steerable front axle (130), which is typically the front axle on a tractor, and a pair of support arms (120) which extend forwardly from the main body of the vehicle. The arms are pivotally mounted to the body of the vehicle, for example, at the front of the chassis, at transversely spaced mounting points (121). The other ends of the arms (120) are pivotally attached to, and maintained at a fixed spacing, by a crosslink member (124). The axle (130) is mounted to the crosslink member (124) so as to be parallel thereto when viewed from above. By mounting the axle (130) on two support arms (120) instead of one, the effective radius of pivot of the axle is significantly increased, thereby allowing the axle to move sideways to a greater extent for a given angular displacement. |
| US08056909B2 |
Shopping cart
A shopping cart includes a frame, a number of front wheel assemblies and a number of rear wheel assemblies that are coupled to and support the frame, and a main container coupled to the frame. The main container includes a base, a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels each having a tope edge. The front panel and the pair of opposing side panels are coupled together and extend upward from the base. The rear panel is pivotally coupled to the frame. A portion of the main container is structured to engage each of the corresponding top edges of the opposing side panels of another similarly constructed cart as the other cart is nested into the shopping cart. The engagement causes the number of rear wheel assemblies of the shopping cart to be moved from a first position to a second position generally above the first position. |
| US08056908B2 |
Mechanic's creeper
The mechanic's creeper has a lower body support, an upper body support and dual wheel assemblies mounted to the frame in a triangular array. The triangular positioning of the dual wheel assemblies provides for exceptional mobility when a person is working in a reclined position underneath a motor vehicle. The mechanic's creeper may have trays for holding small tools and parts attached to the frame near the lower body support. |
| US08056906B2 |
Self-tightening drill chuck
A drill chuck has a chuck body, a jaw holder element rotatable on the body and formed with a plurality of angularly spaced guides, and a sleeve element surrounding the holder element and body. Jaws in the guides can be shifted in the guides forward and together on rotation of the holder element in a tightening direction relative to the body and oppositely on rotation of the holder element relative to the body in an opposite loosening direction. Interengaging formations on the sleeve element and on the body limit relative angular movement of the sleeve element on the body between a pair of angularly offset end positions. An annular array of teeth rotationally fixed to the sleeve element can be engaged by a pawl angularly fixed on the holder element. A release ring rotatable the body rearward of the sleeve is rotationally coupled to one of the elements. |
| US08056905B1 |
Computerized numeric control toolholder tightening fixture
A toolholder tightening fixture for selectively engaging a V-flange toolholder is provided. The fixture comprises a ball lock collar movably coupled relative to a housing and includes an inner surface having a recess formed therein. A lock housing is fixedly coupled with the fixture and is positioned within the ball lock collar. The lock housing includes at least one radial bore and is configured for receiving the toolholder. A lock ball is positioned within the radial bore of the lock housing. The ball lock collar is moved to an unlocked position when the lock ball is positioned in the recess in the ball lock collar to allow the toolholder to be inserted and removed from the lock housing. The ball lock collar is moved to a locked position when the lock ball is removed from the recess and placed in engagement with the toolholder. |
| US08056904B2 |
Low torque hydrodynamic lip geometry for bi-directional rotation seals
A hydrodynamically lubricating geometry for the generally circular dynamic sealing lip of rotary seals that are employed to partition a lubricant from an environment. The dynamic sealing lip is provided for establishing compressed sealing engagement with a relatively rotatable surface, and for wedging a film of lubricating fluid into the interface between the dynamic sealing lip and the relatively rotatable surface in response to relative rotation that may occur in the clockwise or the counter-clockwise direction. A wave form incorporating an elongated dimple provides the gradual convergence, efficient impingement angle, and gradual interfacial contact pressure rise that are conducive to efficient hydrodynamic wedging. Skewed elevated contact pressure zones produced by compression edge effects provide for controlled lubricant movement within the dynamic sealing interface between the seal and the relatively rotatable surface, producing enhanced lubrication and low running torque. |
| US08056898B2 |
Pin conveyor for printed sheet material and transfer unit
A pin conveyor for printed sheet material has a chain, a plurality of pins extending from the chain to push printed sheet material, and a receipt area for the printed sheet material, the chain and pins passing through the receipt area. The receipt area has at least one of the following a non-linear cross-section with the chain and pins passing through the receipt area, an inclined transport section of the chain, or a belt contacting the printed sheet material and running at or slower than a speed of the chain. A transfer unit with an overhead conveying unit and a method for delivering printed sheet material is also provided. |
| US08056896B2 |
Image scanning apparatus and image scanner
In an image scanning apparatus, documents on a document tray are transferred one by one, and an upper surface height of the documents is lowered to turn off a height detection sensor. Different kinds of control modes are performed according to a document scanning mode. In an image-quality-priority scanning mode, a transfer unit suspends transfer of the document, the document tray is elevated until the upper surface height reaches a target height that is higher by a predetermined distance after the height detection sensor is turned on, and the transfer unit resumes the transfer of the document. In a speed-priority scanning mode, while the transfer of the document is continued by the transfer unit, the document tray is elevated until the document tray reaches the target height. |
| US08056891B2 |
Palletised loads of containers
A device for use on palletized loads of containers for maintaining tension in vertical strapping comprises a rectangle (20) having outer dimensions commensurate with the dimensions of a pallet or dolly on which. containers are to be stacked in layers, each side of the rectangle comprising upper and lower leaves (21L, 22L) diverging from hinge means at the inner edge of the side, the lower leaves (22L) of all four sides being disposed in a common plane, and spring means (23) urging the outer edges of the upper and lower leaves apart. In one form of the device (20) the sides of a pair of rectangular frames (21, 22) constitute the upper and lower leaves (21L, 22L) and conical coil compression springs (23) are provided between the frames to urge them apart, tethering means (25, 27) adjacent the inner edges of the frames being such as to form the hinge means between the leaves, while tethering means (24, 26) adjacent the outer edges of the frames limit the extent to which the leaves (21L, 22L) are caused to diverge. In other forms the spring means is integral with the hinge means. |
| US08056890B2 |
Cut mat
A portable cutting mat for improving safety when using a power circular saw for cutting wood sheeting. The mat has a top surface, bottom surface, top edge, bottom edge, left edge, and right edge. The mat also contains holes through the top and bottom surfaces in a predetermined grid pattern. Disposed and secured within the mat holes are replaceable support pegs of a predetermined height. A wood sheet is to be laid on top of replaceable support pegs so that the top, bottom, left, and right edges along with row markings are visible around the perimeter of the wood sheet. The row markings are contrasting colors of alternate rows of the replaceable support pegs and/or alternate row markings directly printed on the mat to differentiate between rows of the replaceable support pegs. Cutting channels are the open areas between the rows of the replaceable support pegs, and the top surface of mat. Tie strings and/or straps are attached to the top or bottom edge to secure around the circumference of rolled up mat for transportation or storage. |
| US08056887B2 |
Apparatus for surface mixing of gasses and liquids
A surface aerator for mixing gas and liquid is disclosed. The surface aerator has an upwardly pumping impeller located within a draft tube. A flow diverter redirects pumped liquid from the impeller traveling in an upward direction to a radially outward direction where it impacts and aerates the remaining liquid in a vessel. A baffle extends radially at a shallow depth to a point beyond the impact area of the liquid to provide separation of the impact area from the rest of the liquid and promote aeration. |
| US08056886B2 |
Aspirator
An aspirator includes a plurality aspirator tubes, each preferably extending at approximately 70 degrees from a central axis and including a fin extending a limited distance below the aspirator tube outlet. The design improves mixing and gas contact, yet has reduced power requirements, by using a plurality of debris-shedding, finned aspirator tubes to inject approximately 35% more air than the best prior art designs at the same rotational speed. Further, the aspirator of the present invention improves motor life by reducing the average current draw on the motor. The aspirator is useful in many applications, including sewage and wastewater treatment, oxygenation, fermentation, aeration, hydrogenation, oxidation, and oil-sand separation. |
| US08056884B2 |
Cordless hoist
A portable hoist assembly having a housing. The housing has a recoil spring secured thereto wherein the recoil spring is secured to a cable spool such that constant tension is provided on the cable spool. The cable spool contains a cable that is secured thereto and has a hook member secured at a first end. An actuating member having a self contained power source and connected to the cable is thus operable to feed and retract the cable. |
| US08056883B1 |
Manual storage lift system
A manual storage lift system for efficiently hoisting articles to a raised position for providing temporary or permanent storage for the articles. The manual storage lift system generally includes a drive unit including a mounting plate mounted on a vertical surface, a shaft rotatably connected to the mounting plate, a spool coaxially positioned along the shaft, wherein the spool rotates independently of the shaft, at least one elongated member wound upon the spool, a hand crank connected to the shaft for winding or unwinding the at least one elongated member upon the spool and a brake assembly mounted to the drive unit, wherein the brake assembly includes a torsion spring. A first force applied with the hand crank in a rotational direction upon the torsion spring lessens a tension of the torsion spring allowing the torsion spring and the spool to rotate. A second force applied with the spool in the rotational direction upon the torsion spring increases a tension of the torsion spring preventing the torsion spring and the spool from rotating. The elongated members connect to a platform through a series of pulleys mounted on an overhead horizontal surface to raise and lower the platform through operation of the hand crank. |
| US08056881B2 |
Electrostatic actuation for management of flow in micro-total analysis systems (μ-TAS) and related method thereof
The present invention relates to microfluidic devices, and in particular, flow management in such devices. In particular, the present invention provides an electrostatic valve for flow manipulation in a microfluidic device. The valve of the present invention sits on a valve seat in a microchannel and deflects away from the valve seat by electrostatic actuation to assume an opened configuration to allow fluid flow. |
| US08056877B2 |
Support mechanism
A support mechanism includes a bracket, two sliding members, a first arm, a second arm, and an elastic member. The sliding members are slidably connected to the bracket. Each sliding member includes a resisting portion. An end of the first arm is pivotally connected to the bracket. An end of the second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm and the bracket. The elastic member is positioned between the first, second arms and the bracket. An elastic force of the elastic member acts on the first arm and the second arm to make the resisting portions of the sliding members resist the first arm and the second arm. |
| US08056876B2 |
Support structure for display device and display device using same
A support structure for supporting a display panel includes a support and a clamp. The support is rotatably coupled to the display panel. The clamp includes two clamping arms rotatably coupled to the support, a bolt and an adjusting nut. A slot is defined in each clamping arm. The bolt is extended through each slot and engaged with the adjusting nut. Therefore a distance between two distal ends of two clamping arms can be adjusted by screwing and unscrewing the adjusting nut along the bolt. A display device using the support structure is also provided. |
| US08056875B2 |
Bottle mountable condiment holder
A bottle mountable condiment holder is mainly described as a lime slice and salt shaker holder for pivotingly mounting on a bottle of tequila such that the holder pivots to stay mostly upright while the bottle is tipped for pouring, thus preventing condiments from falling off of the rack. The holder includes a rack for holding the condiments and a pivoting attachment for mounting the rack to a bottle; such that the center of gravity of the rack is below a pivot of the pivoting attachment. Preferably the rack has shelves for holding condiment pieces (e.g., lime slices) and/or at least one dispenser mounted on the rack for dispensing particulate or liquid condiments (e.g., salt shakers). In a preferred embodiment, the pivoting attachment is a removable bottle neck collar, and the dispensers are removably mountable on the rack. |
| US08056868B2 |
Conduit for vehicle system components
A conduit section for holding routing components constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The conduit section includes a double-walled structure having an attachment portion and a clip portion. A hinge is integrally formed within the double-walled structure for hingedly connecting the clip portion to the attachment portion. The clip portion is adapted to be reciprocated about the hinge between an open and closed position, and the hinge is adapted to bias the clip portion into one of the open and closed positions. |
| US08056866B2 |
Air-vehicle augmented kinesthetic control system
An augmented kinesthetic control system for use with a lift platform, the lift platform comprising first and second longitudinally-spaced thrust generating means, is provided. The first and second lift planes defined by the first and second thrust generating means are positioned below the lift platform center of gravity. The kinesthetic control means are coupled to means for aerodynamically altering the air flow from the first and second thrust generating means such that the intuitive and balancing movements of the pilot are magnified to allow kinesthetic control of a vehicle of greater size and utility. |
| US08056864B2 |
Docking system
A convex forward surface of a forward-biased probe head of a first portion of a docking system engages a central concave conical surface of a second portion of the docking system. A first linear actuator moves a flexible docking cable assembly relative to a support structure through bores therein and through the probe head. An aftward retraction of the docking cable assembly causes a linearly-actuated cam element thereof to rotate a rotary cam follower pivoted from the support structure, which engages an aft edge portion of the probe head, forcing the probe head forward. A plurality of distal coupling elements operatively coupled to the support structure around a central axis thereof engage with and become releasably captured by a corresponding socket and associated capture mechanism of a mating second portion of the docking system, and rigidized when the probe head is forced against the central concave conical surface. |
| US08056863B2 |
Unified attitude control for spacecraft transfer orbit operations
A method of controlling attitude of a spacecraft during a transfer orbit operation is provided. The method includes providing a slow spin rate, determining the attitude of the spacecraft using a unified sensor set, and controlling the attitude of the spacecraft using a unified control law. The use of a unified set of sensors and a unified control law reduces spacecraft complexity, cost, and weight. |
| US08056859B2 |
Airplane wing structure
A rib of an airplane wing is prevented from deforming due to a machining load when machining a rivet hole in parts where the rib and a skin are joined. With regard to a rib that provides a connection between first and second spars of the airplane wing, the rib is formed with mounting flanges secured to a skin via a rivet, a stringer through hole for a stringer to be positioned through, and first and second cutouts facing parts where the first and second spars and the skin are connected. Since reinforcing beads are formed along the mounting flanges and reinforcing flanges are formed so as to extend in the span direction from the edges of the stringer through hole and the first and second cutouts and be connected integrally to the mounting flanges, the stiffness of the rib toward a load in the vertical direction when drilling a rivet hole can be enhanced. |
| US08056858B2 |
Device and method for providing radiation occlusion and aero-thermal protection
An extendable device for providing radiation occlusion and/or aero-thermal protection is disclosed. In various representative aspects, the present invention generally includes an extendable collar and a flexure configured to provide elastic properties (e.g., to facilitate stowage and/or deployment with respect to conformational disposition of the flexure). The flexure is coupled to a collar and is also coupled to the housing of an optical device. |
| US08056856B2 |
Support beam shear fitting
Methods of securing a support beam to a structure such as a cargo roller tray or a passenger cabin is achieved using a shear fitting. The shear fitting has a back plate which fastens to the support beam. The shear fitting additionally has parallel lugs which extend from the back plate and fasten to the structure. Web extenders which extend from the shear fitting perpendicular to the lugs may additionally be used to further fasten the support beam to the structure. |
| US08056855B2 |
Missile interceptor with net body
The invention describes and claims an apparatus and method of missile interception. The missile interceptor comprises a net body with a plurality of sections and at least one missile trajectory effector. In the preferred variant, the missile trajectory effector is embodied as an exploding ring. A missile, passing through the net body, picks up a ring, which explodes once the missile passes a sufficient distance away from the missile interceptor. Preferred embodiments of the missile interceptor further comprise one or more vertically-positioned poles. Claimed method involves the use of such interceptor and positioning the interceptor on the likely trajectory of incoming missiles. |
| US08056852B1 |
Longitudinal flying wing aircraft
The Longitudinal Flying Wing aircraft idea provides for design of large cargo and passenger aircraft in range from low to high subsonic and transonic speed. Such aircraft would have up to twice lower fuel consumption per unit of payload, higher lift capacity, and a significantly longer range, while having a significantly lower level of noise inside passenger cabin and cockpit relative to classical concept aircraft. This idea is further providing for efficient, reliable, and simple flight controls, hence it may be successfully applied for design of all-size, long range, high-lift-capacity unmanned aircraft throughout the entire range of subsonic speeds. |
| US08056846B2 |
Stirred ball mill assembly with magnetic drive system
A stirred ball mill assembly includes multiple vessels each having a body supporting sets of magnets rotatable with respect to the body. Each vessel defines an enclosed milling chamber, and has a stirring arm assembly extending in the respective enclosed milling chamber and connected for rotation with the respective sets of magnets. The sets of magnets and the stirring arm assembly are completely enclosed within the respective vessel. The vessels are configured to be stacked with one another so that adjacent ones of the sets of magnets are magnetically coupled with one another. A drive motor assembly has another set of magnets magnetically coupled with one of the sets of magnets of the stacked vessels. The drive motor can rotate the stirring arm assemblies within the milling chambers of the milling chambers of the stacked vessels via magnetic coupling of the magnets. |
| US08056845B2 |
Combination coffee grinder and coffee storage device
In a combination coffee grinder and coffee storage device, a housing has a grinding chamber and a storage container located with the housing. The storage container has a removable airtight closure and the grinding chamber has grinding blades. A motor is located in the housing for driving the grinding blades. A pump, located in the housing, has an air connection to the storage container for evacuating air from the storage container. The pump is operated by the motor for evacuating air from the storage container while the motor is simultaneously driving the grinding blades |
| US08056838B2 |
Lawn spreader hopper flow control apparatus
A control mechanism for a lawn spreader controls output flow of granular material out of the spreader hopper by adjusting the position of a control cable anchor point. The control mechanism includes a clamping portion for clamping to a tubular handle of the spreader. A top surface of the clamp portion, adjacent to the handle, provides a slide for a slideable cable anchor shuttle, which internally provides the anchor point for a control cable. The shuttle may be made from a plastic material. A dial housed within a dial housing, adjacent to the slide portion of the clamp, may be rotated to various indicated positions which in turn controls the position of the shuttle on the metal slide portion of the clamp, thereby adjusting the position of the control cable anchor point. The control cable extends from the end of the shuttle anchor mechanism to a hopper spring-loaded aperture cover. |
| US08056837B2 |
Nozzle for use with a pressure washer
A nozzle for use with a pressure washer, and the nozzle includes a body portion that defines a longitudinal axis and a head portion coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with the body portion. The head portion includes a face substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body portion. An elongated first slot is disposed upon the face of the head portion, and an elongated second slot is disposed upon the face of the head portion and in a nonparallel orientation with respect to the first slot. A fluid outlet aperture extends through the face and is at least partially located within at least one of the first and second slots to allow a fluid flow from within the body portion to exit the nozzle from the head portion. |
| US08056834B2 |
Adjustable nozzle for pressure washer
A nozzle is provided. The nozzle includes a cylindrical housing defining a fluid flow path therethrough about a longitudinal axis and a first finger mounted to a first end portion of the housing comprising a wedge disposed on an outer surface of the first finger. A hollow shroud is coaxially disposed around the housing and longitudinally movable with respect to the housing. An outlet aperture is disposed in fluid communication with the fluid flow path, and a ramp disposed within an internal surface of the shroud and engageable with the wedge. |
| US08056830B1 |
Spinner tip shower head
A shower head designed to produce a consistent, wide diameter spray of water under both high and low water pressure conditions. The shower head includes a spinner tube mounted inside a cylindrical-shaped nozzle body. The upper segment of the spinner tube is held in a central location inside the nozzle body by a fixed cassette assembly. The middle and lower segments of the spinner tube extend below the cassette assembly and are bent outward and axially offset from the upper segment and from each other so that the spinner tube is able to spin freely inside the nozzle body. Mounted inside and over the upper end opening of the nozzle tube is an adapter with a longitudinally aligned threaded cavity formed on one end. The adapter includes a water orifice that delivers water from the shower head fixture tube to to the spinner tube. Disposed between the adapter and the upper end of the spinner tube is a flat washer with a narrow water orifice that delivers a narrow, high velocity stream of water to the spinner tube. |
| US08056828B1 |
Methods and apparatus for applying product
An apparatus (10) applies product in liquid or granular form to an area and includes a pivotal platform (34) solely supported to a vehicular portion through bushings (46, 54) formed of compressible material to reduce operator fatigue. The apparatus ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step (74) pivoting a composite block (82) to engage with an engagement (84) of the transmission proportioner arm (70). A gate (88) of the hopper (26) is opened utilizing a control lever (108) pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block (100) to either engage or avoid a tang (106) of an adjustment guide (102). A drive belt system includes a variator (144) having first and second sheaves (142, 146) having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin (148) is moved by pivoting a lever (164). A spray tip (200) sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield (184) is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion (188) parallel to the axis in a redirection position. |
| US08056827B2 |
Jet dispenser comprising magnetostrictive actuator
A jet dispenser is provided with a giant magnetostrictive actuator which expands or contracts in response to electric currents. A set of flexural elements is coupled to first and second ends of the giant magnetostrictive actuator and flexes when the giant magnetostrictive actuator expands or contracts. The jet dispenser further comprises a chamber containing fluid and the fluid is dispensable through a nozzle which is in communication with the chamber. A piston coupled to the set of flexural elements is slidably located in the chamber and is actuable by flexion of the flexural elements to apply a force against the fluid for dispensing fluid through the nozzle. |
| US08056824B2 |
Successive type constant-temperature valve core with single handle
A successive type constant temperature valve core with single handle comprises a valve cover, a temperature adjusting assembly, a thermo sensitive element and a control assembly for hot and cold inlet water, combining in the chamber of the valve cover from top to bottom, wherein, the control assembly for hot and cold water inlet comprises a holder of the thermo sensitive element, an adjuster, a put-off spring, a buffer spring and a holding piece. The upper part of the holder of the thermo sensitive element props the thermo sensitive element, and the lower part extends from the lower end of the valve cover; the buffer spring is arranged outside the holder of the thermo sensitive element, and the two ends respectively prop the holder of the thermo sensitive element and the adjuster; the adjuster is axial adjustably restricted to the periphery of the lower part of the holder of the thermo sensitive element by matching the buffer spring with the holding piece; the put-off spring is arranged outside the buffer spring, and the two ends are respectively prop the holder of the thermo sensitive element and the valve cover; the top and foot of the adjuster respectively forms cold water inlet and hot water inlet; water outlet is arranged on the wall of the valve cover; the holder of the thermo sensitive element is provided with a mixed water passage that communicates with the cold water inlet, the hot water inlet and the water outlet. |
| US08056823B2 |
Constant temperature and balanced pressure valve core with single handle
A constant temperature and balanced pressure valve core with single handle comprises a valve cover, and a temperature adjusting assembly, a thermo-sensitive element, a put-off spring, an adjuster, combined in the chamber of the valve cover from top to bottom; and the valve cover is provided with a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and an water outlet; wherein the valve core also comprises a water division mechanism and an compacting sealing part; the water division mechanism matches with the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet, forming the cold water passage and hot water passage, and provides a cold water control port and a hot water control port that respectively match with the cold water passage and the hot water passage; the compacting sealing part forms seal with the inner wall of the valve cover, and holds the water division mechanism in the valve cover; the adjuster matches with the thermo-sensitive element and the put-off spring, and on the action of the thermo-sensitive element and the put-off spring, the adjuster can float between the cold water control port and the hot water control port. |
| US08056816B2 |
Real time card printing systems and methods
A method for personalizing a presentation instrument for an account holder while the account holder is present is described. The method includes transmitting to a server computer a request to personalize a presentation instrument for an account holder who has a financial account with a financial institution. The request includes the account holder's name and background information indicating a background to be placed onto the presentation instrument. The method further includes receiving, at the server computer from the financial institution, presentation instrument data to be included on the presentation instrument. The presentation instrument data comprises an account number and an expiration date. Further, the method includes transmitting from the server computer through a financial institution network, personalization information usable by a printer to place printed personalization information onto a blank presentation instrument, and to electronically store account information onto the blank presentation instrument while the account holder is present. |
| US08056810B2 |
Methods and apparatus for generating and decoding scan patterns using multiple laser sources
Systems and techniques for multiple laser and multiple detector bar code scanning. multiple laser sources generate multiple laser beams directed to a rotating spinner and along optical paths to emerge from a scanner as multiple scan beams. The scan beams trace out a scan pattern within a scan volume. As the multiple scan beams strike an object within the scan volume, reflected light rays are produced representing reflections of the multiple scan beams. As the reflected light rays enter the scanner, they are directed to a collector and focused onto a plurality of detectors so that reflected light rays representing reflections of each scan beam are focused onto a detector associated with the laser source from which the scan beam originates. |
| US08056809B2 |
Image enhancement in imaging system
Image enhancement of symbol targets and non-symbol targets is performed based on the distance to the target, and optionally on the type of target being imaged, by an imaging system to improve reader performance. An axicon and other lenses are preferred to capture light from the target. |
| US08056808B2 |
Arrangement for and method of controlling image capture parameters in response to motion of an imaging reader
An arrangement for, and a method of, reducing image blur in response to motion of an imaging reader for imaging symbols to be read, employs an illuminating light assembly supported by the reader for illuminating a symbol with illumination light having an intensity level over an illumination time period, a solid-state imager supported by the reader and having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view over an exposure time period, a motion sensor, such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer, supported by the reader for detecting the motion of the reader, and for generating a motion signal in response to the detected motion of the reader, and a controller operatively connected to the motion sensor, for dynamically controlling at least one of the time periods and the intensity level in real time in response to the motion signal to optimally image the symbol. |
| US08056806B2 |
Machine-readable symbol reader and method employing an ultracompact light concentrator with adaptive field of view
An optoelectronic reader for reading machine-readable symbol such as barcode symbols employs a detection subsystem having an RX concentrator. The detection subsystem may include an N-tuple RX concentrator. The RX concentrator may define an optical path for light to illuminate the machine-readable symbol. |
| US08056805B2 |
PDA compatible text scanner
An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation. |
| US08056803B2 |
Ticket processing system for parking lot
The ticket processing system utilizes RFID technique to record and access data in the parking tickets. The ticket processing system mainly contains at least a ticket reader positioned at the entry of the parking lot. A first antenna in the ticket reader writes data into a ticket having RFID chip and a second antenna at a ticket retrieval opening of the ticket reader erases data from the ticket. The ticket processing system further contains a number of third antenna at the various parking spots which records a spot number into the ticket to facilitate the later locating the whereabouts of the parked vehicle. |
| US08056802B2 |
System and methods for accelerated recognition and processing of personal privilege operative for controlling large closed group environments
Methods (3500-3695) and apparatus (10, 20) for controlling physical (30, 40) and virtual (12) access for accelerated recognition and processing of privileges, benefits, value transfers, crowd control, community membership and status, in particular for institutions, arenas and other large venues. |
| US08056800B2 |
Systems and methods for configuration management
Systems and methods for configuration management in an article of manufacture disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for documenting a configuration of an article of manufacture includes an identifier positioned on the article of manufacture. A local positioning system is used to determine a positional location of the identifier on the article of manufacture. A multifunction apparatus configured to interactively communicate with the identifier and the local positioning system is present that is operable to communicate configuration information to the identifier. |
| US08056788B2 |
Surgical stapler
A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples. |
| US08056787B2 |
Surgical stapling and cutting instrument with travel-indicating retraction member
A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. A traction biased firing mechanism avoids binding in driving this straightened linked rack. The instrument further has a manually actuatable retraction system that does not require the use of additional springs or other mechanisms to generate retraction forces which must be overcome when generating the forces necessary to fire the device. In various embodiments, the retraction system provides a visual indication to the surgeon as to how far firing has progressed. |
| US08056777B2 |
Composite hanger
Disclosed is an apparatus for hanging articles and the method of manufacturing the apparatus includes a hanger body having first and second paperboard panels separated from one another by a fold line. The first paperboard panel includes a central tab extending from a periphery thereof opposite the fold line. A polymeric hook portion engages with the hanger body and includes a support portion and a hook base, the hook base having an alignment aperture formed therein through which the central tab of the first paperboard panel is inserted so as to provide means for securing the polymeric hook to the hanger body. In a preferred embodiment, apparatus for hanging articles and the hook portion are made from recycled or recyclable material. |
| US08056773B2 |
Assembly of a tapping keg with a neck and a connecting device and parts therefor
An assembly of a tapping keg with neck and a connecting device for placement on the neck. In the neck is at least one valve. The neck is provided with an outwardly reaching flange with a top surface and an inclined bottom surface. The bottom surface is inclined with respect to the top surface. The connecting device has a substantially horse shoe-shaped connecting element, provided with a slot by way of which the connecting element is slidable over the flange. The side of the slot facing the bottom surface during use includes a lower surface which is inclined at an angle which is at least virtually equal to the angle of inclination of the inclined bottom surface and, in coupled condition, abuts at least against a planar central part of the inclined bottom surface. |
| US08056768B2 |
Foam pump assembly
A foam pump assembly for dispensing foam comprises a dual piston pump engine having an air cylinder and fluid cylinder each with pistons, a mixing chamber in communication with the liquid cylinder for receiving liquid, and in communication with the air cylinder for receiving air, an outlet chamber providing a flow path with turns, whereby when air and fluid is fed into said mixing chamber foam is created which passes into the outlet chamber, through the flow path and out of the pump outlet. |
| US08056766B2 |
Assembly for containing and dispensing a liquid
This assembly is of the type including: a container (4) for containing the liquid; a liquid dispensing device (6), including: a spout (20) through which liquid can pass out and air can come in; and elements (28) for filtering liquid and air passing through the spout (20); and a cap (14) for closing the container (4). One feature of the invention is that the assembly includes elements (38, 41, 39) for encouraging the entrance of air and/or the return of a residual quantity of liquid trapped in the spout (20) after dispensing some liquid, through the filtering elements (28), into the container (4). |
| US08056764B2 |
Metered volume liquid dispensing device
A hand-operated device that can be actuated to dispense a predetermined volume of liquid food product (LFP) for use in food preparation and food consumption is provided. The device includes an actuator, an opening, a reservoir for storing the food product, and a liquid metering device for controlling a volume of LFP dispensed at the opening. The device may include a heater that functions to heat and/or liquefy the food product. The device may also include a volume adjuster that allows a user to vary the predetermined volume of LFP dispensed with each actuation of the device. |
| US08056762B2 |
Dispenser
A hand-held dispenser for dispensing a pharmaceutical product is disclosed. The dispenser has a housing providing a duct. A frangible membrane is provided in the duct. A probe with a piercing tip is mounted in the duct and arranged such that, in use the piercing tip pierces the frangible membrane. An air compression device is provided to compress air for expelling a pharmaceutical product through the probe and a channel is provided to substantially equalise the pressure in the air compression device and the pressure above the frangible membrane. The ability to substantially equalise the pressure in the bellows and the pressure above the frangible membrane on the sheath provides for a mote consistent release of pharmaceutical product when the frangible membrane is pierced. This is because the compressed air from the bellows which expels the pharmaceutical product through the probe does not encounter a sudden change in pressure as it passes the pierced frangible membrane with the entrained pharmaceutical product. In use, when compressed air is used to expel a pharmaceutical product through the probe, the air path through the probe has a lower resistance than the channel to substantially equalise the pressure in the air compression device and the pressure above the frangible membrane. This ensures that the majority of the compressed air is used to expel the pharmaceutical product. The piercing tip preferably comprises a generally annular cutting edge on an end portion of the probe with an interruption in the generally annular cutting edge. |
| US08056757B2 |
Hot beverage cup sleeve
A hot beverage cup and sleeve bring together two modes of heat transfer, conduction and radiation. The sleeve has an inner face with a plurality of high reflectivity surfaces for radiating heat back to the cup. The sleeve also has a plurality of insulating members for containing insulating air. Each of the insulating members is positioned to space the high reflectivity surfaces away from the cup. A low emissivity film can be adhered to the cup without touching the insulating members. The film can also be attached to the sleeve facing but spaced from the high reflectivity surfaces. This cup and sleeve arrangements minimize thermal contact and reduce heat transfer. Thus, the hot beverage cup and sleeve protect a person's hand as well as extend the time of keeping the beverage hot. |
| US08056754B2 |
Movable cup holder divider
The disclosed embodiment provides a beverage container holder for a vehicle that utilizes a bin-like member having a floor and generally vertical walls defining a compartment with an opening at its top. A partition member extends across the opening of the bin-like member to divide the compartment into two parts, wherein the partition member is manually adjustable to a plurality of locations within the bin-like member to provide for the retention of beverage containers of various sizes. |
| US08056753B2 |
Bottle crate
A nestable crate for bottles which includes a floor member and first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls integrally formed with the floor member. Each sidewall includes a side band member which is defined by a centrally disposed upper edge and lower edge. The lower edge is spaced above the floor member by a predetermined distance to define a sidewall nesting area therebelow. The upper and lower edges each contoured downwardly to form a corner band portion having a corner upper edge and corner lower edge, wherein each nesting area matingly receives a corresponding side band member of a crate nested subjacent thereto. |
| US08056751B2 |
Fast closing-twist top opening packaging system
Base and cover elements (12, 14) of a food container (10) can be rapidly closed at a plant and can be easily opened and closed by a customer. The cover has a lower rim wall (44) with a plurality of radially inward cover projections (50) spaced about the container axis (20), and the base has a base rim wall (32) with a plurality of recesses (52) with undercut grooves (60) that each receives a cover projection to hold the cover closed on the base. The bottom surface (86) of the cover projections and the top surface (80) of the base rim wall are beveled, so the cover can be installed by forcefully pushing it down, at any rotational position of the cover on the base. The cover then can be easily removed by turning it, with the cover projections moving along undercut base grooves (60), until the cover projections reach vertical passages (54) through which the projections can be easily lifted. The base has a handle (90) to prevent the base from turning, comprising a sheet-like tab that projects radially outward under the cover and that forms upstanding shoulders (94, 96). |
| US08056750B2 |
Advanced tamper evident bowl
A container with a base (12) and lid (14), clearly indicates if the lid has been opened after a clerk loaded food into the base and closed the lid. The base and lid each has a respective lid tab and a base tab, with one tab forming a slot (26) and the tab other projecting through the slot, and with the base tab forming a barrier wall (80) that lies over the lid tab. One of the tabs has a weakened severable line (90, 92) that can be torn to allow the lid tab to be lifted to open the container. |
| US08056747B2 |
Removable tank for laundry bulk dispenser system
Systems and methods for providing removable storage tanks in an appliance having a pedestal are disclosed. The systems include a storage container located in the pedestal and configured to house an additive. In addition, a cover may be positioned within the pedestal to secure the container within the pedestal. The methods include manufacturing the pedestal such that when a storage container is placed in the pedestal, the storage container will fit in a predetermined orientation. The storage container may be manufactured such that when the storage container is placed in the pedestal the storage container can be secured in the pedestal with a cover. |
| US08056745B2 |
Bottle stopper having pushbutton and movable plug
A stopper for an opening of a container such as a thermos. The stopper includes a pushbutton, a fluid flow channel extending between an inlet and an outlet, and a movable plug portion positioned adjacent the inlet. A biasing member biases the plug portion into sealing engagement with the inlet thereby preventing the contents of the container from flowing into the channel. A cam follower is disposed upon a cam surface opposing the biasing member. The cam follower is rotatable by the pushbutton relative to the cam surface from a closed position to an open position and when so rotated, exerts a biasing force on the cam surface sufficient to overcome the biasing force exerted by the biasing member on the plug portion and space the plug portion from the inlet allowing the contents of the container to flow into the channel and out the outlet. |
| US08056740B2 |
Product display assembly and tester security apparatus
A product display assembly having a tester security apparatus for at least one tester of a product, includes a base having a top surface, and at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base, wherein each of the at least one tester holder is adapted for receiving and reversibly retaining a tester. The product display assembly includes at least one retractor each corresponding to the at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base, wherein the retractor each has a retractable line located therein with a free end extending therefrom. The product display assembly further includes a fastening element adapted for attachment to the exterior of the tester, and a coupling member, wherein the coupling member further includes retaining means for receiving and retaining the free end of the retractable line of a corresponding retractor. |
| US08056737B2 |
Screwdriver holder
A screwdriver holder has a base and a holding bar. The base has a protrusion, a bottom board, a hanging seat and at least one hanging hole and may have multiple insert holes. The protrusion protrudes from the bottom board. The hanging seat is formed on or protruded along an edge of the bottom board. The at least one hanging hole is defined through the hanging seat. The multiple insert holes of the base are defined through the protrusion and the bottom board. The holding bar has a bottom surface or a side surface attached to the protrusion. The holding bar may have multiple pairs of aligned insert holes or multiple insert holes aligned with the insert holes of the base. |
| US08056735B2 |
Cigarette display system, frame unit, tray unit, magazine unit, and slider unit
An apparatus main body of a frame structure and an apparatus main body of a wall structure are formed separately, tray units 200 are attached to the frame main body and the wall main body, and magazine units 100 which are held by the tray unit 200 hold cigarette packs T. Since the two types of main bodies use the tray units 200 and the magazine units 100, the cigarette packs T can be displayed in various ways without decreasing productivity. In this way, the present invention provides a cigarette display system 1000 having a structure which can display the cigarette packs T in various ways without decreasing productivity. |
| US08056732B2 |
Microporous polymer material
The present invention relates to a microporous material which is a non-network polymer having a chain comprised of repeating units bonded to each other and each including a first generally planar species and a rigid linker, the linker having a point of contortion such that two adjacent first planar species connected by a rigid linker are held in a non-coplanar orientation, the rigid linker further being such that the polymer chain has a rigid contorted structure, and the polymer being such that said repeating units comprised of the first generally planar species and the rigid linker are bonded predominately to two other such repeating units. |
| US08056730B2 |
Magnetic separator for ferromagnetic materials with controlled-slip rotating roller and relevant operating methods
A magnetic separator conventionally includes a conveyor belt (1) that forms a closed loop around a magnetic roller (2) and an idler roller (3) to convey a mix of materials (4), the novel aspect being that the belt (1) is not driven by the roller (2) but by the idler roller (3) that is motorized, and in that the belt (1) is not wound directly on the roller (2) but on an idle tube (3′) of non-magnetic material inside which the roller (2) is arranged with a minimum gap. It is therefore possible to obtain two surfaces with a relative slip and therefore two different speeds whereby the attracted material, during the path defined by the 180° of tangency to the magnetic area, due to the backing or advancing of the magnetic polarities tends to rotate backward or forward with respect to the travel direction of the belt. This results in substantially all the inert material being released and falling by gravity in a first fall area (5) located below the vertical tangent to the belt (1), and also in a progressive release of materials with increasing permeability, with a fan-like detachment that leads them to fall into distinct fall areas (6, 7, 8). |
| US08056727B1 |
Shipping and display systems and methods
Systems and methods related to an expanding pallet skirt (EPS) are shown and described. In one example, an EPS includes a side including a stabilizer flap (SF), a display flap (DF), and a convertible shelf (CS) positioned between the SF and the DF. The SF has a ship-orientation and a display-orientation. The DF has a ship-orientation and a display-orientation. The CS converts from a shipper-rest-orientation to an expansion-spacer-orientation. Some systems may optionally include a removable shipper-cover configured to interface with the EPS when the DF is in its ship-orientation. |
| US08056723B2 |
Collapsible container
A container includes a plurality of walls extending upward from a base. At least one support is movable between a retracted position and a support position. The base includes projections downwardly from each corner of the base for interlocking with a larger container stacked thereunder. |
| US08056722B2 |
Baking pan stacking clips
A unitary, single-piece baking pan support clip for stacking one or more baking pans vertically to save space without contacting or damaging the contents of each stacked pan. Each clip is comprised of a thin, planar rigid bar having a vertical shaft, horizontal and vertical upper arms that contact and support the bottom surface and exterior sidewall of a baking pan and a base having a recess that secures the clips to the interior sidewall and lip bead of the lower pan. The base recess that is shaped as a cylindrical channel to securely snap or fit over the lip bead of the baking pan to which the clip is attached. |
| US08056718B2 |
Apparatus for storing baby bottles
Disclosed is a storage apparatus for storing a plurality of baby bottles. Each of the plurality of baby bottles includes a bottle body and a set of components. The storage apparatus includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compartment, and at least one tray removably configured within the first compartment. The at least one tray includes a plurality of receptacles capable of receiving and retaining the bottle body of the each of the plurality of baby bottles. Further, the storage apparatus includes a second assembly. The second assembly includes a support frame detachably configured to the first assembly, and a removable second compartment slidably coupled to the support frame. The removable second compartment is capable of storing the set of components of the each of the plurality of baby bottles. |
| US08056717B2 |
Overwrap for packaged articles
An overwrap provides cushioning and protection for an object, stored in a bag or other container, during transport and/or storage. The overwrap has a generally smooth exterior surface and textured interior surface that is pliable for conforming to bumps or other raised portions of the object thereby providing a generally smooth exterior covering that minimizes frictional forces with the bag. The overwrap may include one or more folding scores that allow the body of the overwrap to bend into a channel. A plurality of material discontinuities may also be included that allow the overwrap of conform to the object without bunching. |
| US08056716B2 |
Tamper-evident push-through packaging
The present invention relates to a tamper-evident push-through packaging secured against fraudulent reuse comprising: —a polymer base web (1) comprising at least one pocket; —a multilayer lidding film (2) covering said pocket, said multilayer lidding film (2) comprising on its seal side a coextruded polymer film, said coextruded polymer film comprising a push-through polymer layer (3) sealed on the base web by a permanent seal and a peelable protective polymer layer (4), the polymers of both layers (3,4) being incompatible and in direct contact with each other, without interlayer, the adhesion between said push-through polymer layer (3) and said peelable protective polymer layer (4) being lower than the seal strength between said polymer base web (1) and said push-through polymer layer (3), wherein, in use, the push-trough layer leaves a seal seam (6), after removing the part of the push-trough layer (3) covering the pocket and wherein said protective layer (4) cannot be resealed by a heat sealing process on said seal seam (6). |
| US08056712B2 |
Job bag for lenses and associated document
The present invention relates generally to job bags for use in the processing, handling, storage and/or transportation of lenses. In several embodiments, the job bags are used in combination with lens bags to transport lenses between various stations in a facility, where processes are applied to the lenses. One embodiment of the invention includes a front panel secured to a back panel, where the front and back panels are joined at least along a bottom edge and form a pocket configured to receive a document, and two vertical pockets formed on the front panel, where each vertical pocket is configured to receive a lens and to retain the lens in the vertical pocket when the job bag rests on its bottom edge. |
| US08056705B2 |
Device and method for processing objects
The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for processing objects (100, 110) with a plurality of tools (20), as well as with a tool drive arrangement (30). The tools (20) in each case comprise at least one lever (21) as well as an acting element (22) which may cooperate with the object (100, 110). The levers (21) are pivotably attached on tool drive arrangement (30) on bearing points (23) and may be driven along a closed revolving path by way of the movement of the tool drive arrangement (30). The acting elements (22) are distanced to the bearing point (23). The pivot position of the levers (231) relative to the tool drive arrangement (30) may be set in dependence on their position along the revolving path with a guide mechanism. According to the invention, the guide mechanism (40) is adjustable, wherein different distances (d, d′) of adjacent acting elements may be realized in a predefined reference region by way of the adjustment. |
| US08056701B2 |
Conveyance device using carriage
The present invention increases an allowable maximum weight of an object to be loaded on a conveyance device using a carriage including an object support base movable vertically controlled by cam rails on the floor side without increasing the weight of the conveyance carriage itself, and is characterized in that the object support base 11 is supported movably vertically on a conveyance carriage 1 via a crosslink mechanism 10, the crosslink mechanism 10 is provided with an elevating cam follower roller 32 which moves up and down in conjunction with standing and falling movements of the crosslink mechanism 10, and in a conveyance carriage traveling path, a cam rail 50 which pushes up the elevating cam follower roller 32 is provided, wherein an urging means 45 which urges the object support base 11 upward is provided, and an urging force of the urging means 45 is set so as to move up the object support base 11 when no object is loaded on the object support base 11, however, when an object is loaded on the object support base 11, to allow the object support base 11 to lower according to the load of the object. |
| US08056698B2 |
Tray handling apparatus and semiconductor device inspecting method using the same
Disclosed is a tray handling apparatus in which the conveyance and inversion of a tray can be performed simultaneously to thereby achieve a rapid inspecting operation and a simplified apparatus configuration, and a semiconductor device inspecting method using the tray handling apparatus. The tray handling apparatus includes an inverting unit to turn the tray, in which objects are received, upside down, and a transfer device to convey the object receiving tray from one conveyor to another conveyor while being reciprocally moved above a body of the apparatus. The inverting unit is integrally provided at a lower end of the transfer device, to allow the conveyance and inversion of the tray to be performed simultaneously. |
| US08056689B2 |
Water pump disconnect clutch
A water pump disconnect clutch including: a first race having first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively; a second race having at least one ramp; at least one rolling element disposed radially between the first and second races; and an engagement means for axially displacing the at least one rolling element. In response to an increase in temperature for the pump above a specified level, the engagement means is for axially displacing the at least one rolling element from a first position, in which the first and second races are rotationally independent, to a second position to rotationally lock the first and second races. In response to a decrease in temperature for the pump below the specified level, the engagement means is for axially displacing the at least one rolling element from the second position to the first position. |
| US08056685B2 |
Vehicle structural element serving to absorb certain shocks by plastic deformation
A mechanical device including an elongated structural element provided for absorbing, at least in part, certain shocks by deformation. The structural element or piece has a selected right sectional profile, the profile being provided with localized alterations, shapes, and with selected respective positions for approximately satisfying a given law of deformation under the combined effort of compression in an axis of the piece and of the moment of the axis perpendicular to a plane passing through the axis. The law includes an energy absorption phase followed by a retraction of the piece. |
| US08056681B2 |
Stacker crane and weight reduction method for mast of the stacker crane
A mast includes two support columns each having nonuniform strength in a height direction. Both of upper and lower end portions of the mast have the highest strength, intermediate portions of the mast have the intermediate strength, and shoulder portions of the mast, between the central portion and both of the upper and the lower end portions, have the lowest strength. |
| US08056678B2 |
Modular ladder assembly
A modular ladder assembly includes at least two ladder assemblies, each assembly having first and second parallel stiles and a plurality of spaced apart rungs disposed between the first and second stiles, the plurality of rungs being perpendicular to said first and second stiles. The first stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies are mechanically connected together and at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to the second stile of one of the at least two ladder assemblies and a second end of at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to a second stile of a second of the at least two ladder assemblies so that the at least two ladder assemblies and the at least one adjustment assembly have a triangular shape when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies. |
| US08056676B2 |
Fall-prevention device designed to interact with a rigid belay support
This fall-prevention device comprises a body on which, mounted so as to rotate about a shaft, there is a wheel designed to press and roll on a belay support, and means for locking the body of the fall-prevention device on the belay support, the wheel comprising at least one centrifugal engagement device that can be moved between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The locking means comprise at least one locking member mounted so as to rotate on the body about the rotation shaft of the wheel, the locking member comprising a chock arranged to be inserted between the belay support and the wheel when the engagement device is in its engaged position, so as to immobilize the fall-prevention device on the belay support. |
| US08056673B2 |
Sound dampening and wear protecting flapper configuration for marine exhaust system
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing noise and wear in a flapper configured exhaust tip for a marine exhaust system. A metallic flapper is located at an end portion of an exhaust tip of the exhaust pipe. An elastomeric flapper assembly is provided covering the exhaust tip and includes a lip portion configured to provide noise reduction by functioning as a stop for a tip portion of the metallic flapper. The metallic flapper is positioned such that a tip thereof contacts the elastomeric flapper assembly rather than the metallic exhaust pipe. Such contact with an elastomeric flapper assembly reduces noise previously produced by flapper contact with the hot exhaust pipe. |
| US08056669B2 |
Motorcycle-use power unit
In a motorcycle-use power unit in which a clutch device arranged in a power transmission path between a crankshaft and a drive wheel is housed in a clutch chamber which is defined between a crankcase and a clutch cover joined to a side surface of the crankcase, the maintenance of the clutch control device can be easily performed while preventing a lowering of oil-pressure transmission efficiency between the clutch device and the clutch control device and preventing an increase in the weight of the motorcycle. A clutch control device performs a changeover of engagement and disengagement of a clutch device by controlling the oil pressure applied to the clutch device. Oil passages for connecting the clutch control device and the clutch device with each other are mounted on a clutch cover. |
| US08056668B2 |
Radiator mounting for a motorcycle
A motorcycle including at least two wheels. The at least two wheels include a front wheel and a rear wheel, the rear wheel defining a rotational axis. The motorcycle includes an engine for driving at least one of the wheels. A radiator assembly includes a radiator configured to receive coolant from the engine and dissipate heat from the coolant. The radiator assembly further includes an inlet guide configured to direct air toward the radiator. The inlet guide has an inlet opening positioned closer to the rear wheel than the front wheel. At least a portion of the inlet opening is positioned below the rotational axis of the rear wheel. |
| US08056665B2 |
Magnetic air car
A magnetic air car uses a magnetic motor to compress input air and save moderately compressed high-pressure air in storage tanks. The compressor and storage tanks deliver the high-pressure working air and operational flows to several stages of compressors that boost the pressures during driving to very high-pressure, then ultra high-pressure, then super high-pressure, and finally to extremely high-pressure. A pneumatic torque converter uses jets of the extremely high-pressure to turn an input shaft of a transmission and differential. These, in turn, drive the powered wheels of a car. The compressors float a connecting shaft with matching vanes and impellers on opposite ends on air bearings to reduce shaft turning friction to near zero. The balance of forces between the two ends of a coupled turbo pair allow a simple air bearing design to operate safely and reliably at high rotational speeds. |
| US08056658B2 |
Saddle seat type electric vehicle
A saddle seat type fuel-cell electric vehicle includes a motor for driving rear wheels, a secondary battery for supplying electric power to the motor, a carrier for carrying luggage and a seat for supporting an operator, the carrier is located behind the seat and above the rear wheels. The secondary battery includes a plurality of cells each having an elongated boxlike shape, and it is stored in the internal space of the carrier, thereby increasing the flexibility of the layout of the vehicle body. Spacings functioning as air passages are defined between the inner wall of the carrier and the secondary battery. The carrier is formed with air inlet openings for introducing an air flow into the internal space and an air outlet opening for discharging the air flow out of the internal space. The plural cells are arranged adjacent to each other with given intervals on the same plane. |
| US08056656B2 |
Anti-torque system for a traction assembly
This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities. |
| US08056655B2 |
Endless belt drive for a vehicle
A drive system has a drive-system frame operatively connectable to a vehicle. The drive-system frame is capable of pivotal movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to steer the vehicle. The drive-system frame is incapable of pivotal movement with respect to the frame of the vehicle in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and normal to the ground when the vehicle is on flat level terrain and steered straight. A rail is pivotally mounted to the drive-system frame. A ground-engaging endless belt is in sliding engagement with the rail. The belt is operatively connectable to an engine to propel the vehicle. The drive system is operatively connectable to the steering device of the vehicle. A steering angle stopper is disposed on the vehicle such that a steering linkage of the vehicle does not bear a force created when the stopper is engaged. A vehicle is also described. |
| US08056647B2 |
First and second beam for telescopic feeder, incorporating guiding studs, telescopic feeder, drilling device for rock drilling and a way of using a guiding stud
The object of the invention is to provide a telescopic feeder which is easier to handle. A first beam is intended to be used in sliding cooperation with a second beam in a telescopic feeder for a rock drilling machine. The first beam comprises at least one guiding stud intended to be guided into a recess in the second beam as the second beam and the first beam are retracted to an end position. The guiding stud is used for locking the first beam in relation to the second beam in a fixed position as the telescopic feeder is fully retracted to an end position. |
| US08056645B2 |
Soil aeration device
In a self-propelled soil aeration device comprising a machine frame, a plurality of movable piercing tools arranged next to each other transversely to the direction of travel and define a width of a working path, at least two rear wheels running laterally alongside the path, and at least one front wheel arranged in front of the piercing tools providing a supporting device extending transversely to the direction of travel and arranged in front of the piercing tools and is vertically adjustable with respect to the soil such that in a working position, the rear wheels are raised and the machine frame is supported on the supporting device and the at least one front wheel so that neither the front or rear wheels, nor the supporting device travel over the already worked soil and the supporting device is supported by one or more wheels. |
| US08056643B2 |
Systems and techniques to actuate isolation valves
A tool that is usable in a well and may include an operator, a switch, a resilient device and an indexer. The switch may be configured to selectively communicate a first force to the operator, thereby actuating the tool. The resilient device may exert a second force. The indexer may cycle through a sequence of positions in response to alternating between the second force and a third force. The sequence includes a predetermined position configured to actuate the switch, thereby communicating the first force to the operator to actuate the tool. |
| US08056640B2 |
Hydraulic head clamp assembly for mobile drill rig
A hydraulic head clamp assembly is integral with a drill head mounted on a mobile drill rig. A side-shift carriage is provided for shifting the drill head from side-to-side relative to a centerline of a drill rod string. The clamp assembly includes a rigid jaw mounted on the side of the drill head, and a movable jaw mounted adjacent to said rigid jaw with a space between the jaws for receiving the drill rod string. The movable jaw is connected to a pair of hydraulic cylinder actuators that are actuated via a hydraulic circuit to control the clamp action between the rigid jaw and the movable jaw. The clamp assembly can be used to retract a drill rod string from the ground without limiting access to the inner diameter of the drill rod, and can also be used to advance the drill rod into the ground via a static push. |
| US08056635B2 |
Split stream oilfield pumping systems
A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid. |
| US08056631B2 |
Cementitious compositions having coarse ground blast furnace slag and methods of making and using the same
A cementitious composition capable of forming a high, early-phase strength cement may comprise construction grade cement and ground blast furnace slag, the ground blast furnace slag having a Blaine fineness less than about 250 m2/kg. The cementitious composition may comprise, for each 100% by weight, greater than about 50% by weight construction grade portland cement and less than about 50% by weight ground blast furnace slag, and the cementitious composition may have a Blaine fineness less than about 300 m2/kg. Methods of making and using such a cementitious composition to cement a structure are also described. |
| US08056625B2 |
Formation evaluation while drilling
An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. |
| US08056620B2 |
Low cost rigless intervention and production system
A system which may be used to replace workover rigs and metallic pipes for the production of hydrocarbon from wellbores uses a non-metallic, substantially continuous, flexible tube comprising a flexible, non-metallic, e.g. resin-based, substantially continuous production tube that can be wellbore deployed and retrieved without the need of onsite rigs. The system's components can be placed inside existing pipes for work in old wells where removal of the existing tube is not economical. The tubes may also be spoolable, thereby increasing installation rates and flexibility. Connectors for the tube may be dimensioned and configured to allow for providing and/or sealing downhole tools to the production tube. In certain embodiments, an onsite power generator will provide a clean alternative to existing diesel burning generators and will typically use a furnace, boiler, steam engine and electrical power generator. |
| US08056616B2 |
Exhaust heat recovery apparatus
An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes an evaporation unit and a condensation unit communicated with the evaporation unit such that an operation fluid circulates therein. The evaporation unit is disposed in a first fluid passage through which a first fluid flows, and performs heat exchange between the first fluid and the operation fluid, thereby evaporating the operation fluid. The condensation unit is disposed in a second fluid passage through which a second fluid flows, and performs heat exchange between the second fluid and the operation fluid. The exhaust heat recovery apparatus further includes a wet area increasing member in a tube of the evaporation unit for increasing a wet area of the operation fluid due to surface tension of the operation fluid. The wet area increasing member is disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the tube and has extension surfaces extending in directions intersecting with the inner surface. |
| US08056613B2 |
Vehicle including heat guard for control module
A vehicle, such as a motorcycle or ATV, includes a frame, an internal combustion engine, a radiator, a control module and a heat guard. The radiator is configured for receiving fresh air and for expelling heated air. The control module includes an engine control unit for the internal combustion engine. At least a portion of the heat guard is positioned adjacent to and between the radiator and the control module. The heat guard is configured to deflect at least a portion of the heated air expelled by the radiator from contacting the control module. The heat guard is also configured for receiving fresh air for cooling the heat guard to reduce radiation of heat from the heat guard to the control module. |
| US08056609B2 |
Core for casting
A core for casting a container includes a casting surface, where the core is divided into at least two core segments. The casting surface of each core segment adjoins a division surface, and the division surface of each core segment is spaced apart from the division surface of a neighboring core segment by a gap. The gap is spanned by a frangible collapsible member such that substantially all of the casting surface is free of the collapsible member. |
| US08056608B2 |
Method of mitigating against thermal contraction induced cracking during casting of a super Ni alloy
A method of mitigating against thermal contraction induced cracking during casting of a super Ni alloy, the method comprising: pouring liquid alloy into a mould such that liquid alloy is present in a feeder of said mould; and inducing an electrical current in alloy in said feeder to reduce a rate of cooling of alloy in said feeder. |