Document Document Title
US08097612B2 Compositions and methods relating to novel compounds and targets thereof
The present invention relates to novel chemical compounds, methods for their discovery, and their therapeutic use. In particular, the present invention provides benzodiazepine derivatives and related compounds and methods of using benzodiazepine derivatives and related compounds as therapeutic agents to treat a number of conditions associated with the faulty regulation of the processes of programmed cell death, autoimmunity, inflammation, hyperproliferation, and the like.
US08097608B2 Methods for treatment of cardiovascular disorders and diseases
Propargylamine, propargylamine derivatives including N-propargyl-1-aminoindan, enantiomers and analogs thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disorders, diseases and conditions.
US08097606B2 Antiglucocorticoids for the treatment of catatonia
The invention provides a method of ameliorating the symptoms of catatonia in a patient who is in need of treatment for catatonia. The method comprises administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist to the patient.
US08097604B2 Combination of gestagen and insulin sensitizer for treating PCOS
The present invention relates to a medicament which contains as the active ingredient combination at least one gestagen with a contraceptive action as the sole hormone component and at least one insulin sensitizer, which medicament is in particular suitable for preventing or treating pathological disorders which are caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
US08097603B2 Compositions for controlling parasites on animals
The present invention relates to novel skin-friendly dermally applicable liquid formulations comprising a pyrethrin or pyrethroid and MGK 264 in a ratio of at least 1:20 and a further insecticide, preferably from the group of the neonicotinoids, for controlling parasitic arthropods on animals.
US08097602B1 Method of treating body insect infestation
Described is a safe and effective method for treating lice and nits (fleas, ticks and other insects) with a low surface tension chemical formulation.
US08097598B2 Porcine CTLA-4 for xenograft-specific immunosuppression
The invention provides means and methods for inhibiting T-cell mediated rejection of a xenotransplanted organ by blocking the delivery of co-stimulatory signal 2 (the B7/CD28 interaction) in order to prevent the activation of xenoreactive T-cells in the recipient. In a first aspect, co-stimulation is prevented by administration to the organ recipient of a soluble form of CTLA-4 from the xenogeneic donor organism. This preferentially binds B7 on the xenograft and blocks the interaction between B7 on the xenogeneic donor cells and CD28 on recipient T-cells. In a second aspect, co-stimulation is antagonized by expressing a ligand for CTLA-4 on the xenogeneic donor cells. This ligand binds to CTLA-4 on activated T-cells of the recipient and antagonizes signal 2. In a third aspect, co-stimulation is prevented by expressing recipient organism MHC class II on the surface of the cells of the xenogeneic donor organ. The donor cells are thus able to present xenoantigens to a recipient T-cell in the context of self-MHC class II. If the donor cells do not express B7, or if B7 is blocked, the xenoreactive recipient T-cell becomes anergic.
US08097597B2 Use of low doses of oligonucleotides antisense to TGF-β genes in the treatment of brain tumors
This invention is related to the use of at least one oligonucleotide with a length of from about 8 to about 30 nucleotide building blocks for manufacturing a pharmaceutical preparation for the prophylaxis and/or the treatment of diseases, that are modulated by TGF-beta2, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta3, VEGF, interleukin-10, c-jun, c-fos, and/or prostaglandin E2 in a mammal, wherein said oligonucleotide hybridizes with a messenger RNA of a TGF-beta2, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta3, VEGF, interleukin-10, c-jun, c-fos and/or prostaglandin E2 gene and wherein said preparation comprises said oligonucleotide in a concentration of about 1 microM to about 25 microM.
US08097592B2 Cocrystal of C-glycoside derivative and L-proline
A cocrystal of (1S)-1,5-anhydro-1-[3-(1-benzothien-2-ylmethyl)-4-fluorophenyl]-D-glucitol and L-proline. It is a cocrystal of known compound A, which has a constant quality, is superior in storage stability, has no moisture absorptivity, and is suitable as a crystal of a drug substance used for preparing pharmaceuticals.
US08097591B2 Polysialic acid derivatives, methods of production, and uses in enhancing cancer antigen production and targeting
The present invention relates to compositions and methods of their production and use, including use in increasing de-N-acetyl sialic acid antigen of a mammalian cell and methods that exploit the increase in deNAc sialic acid antigen on such cells.
US08097590B2 α-MSH-antagonist dipeptide conjugates
The invention relates to a dipeptide conjugate having general formula I, AA2-AA1-NH2, wherein A represent the radical corresponding to a monocarboxylic acid with general formula II, HOOC—R, in which: R represents a linear or branched aliphatic radical at C1-C24, which is optionally substituted by a hydroxyl group and which can comprise one or more unsaturations, preferably between 1 and 6 unsaturations, and/or which can comprise a phenyl group or lipoic acid or the reduced form thereof, dihydrolipoic acid or N-lipoyllysine; and AA1 and AA2 represent identical or different amino acids which are selected from the group containing Ala, Asn, Cys, Gln, Gly, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, Val, Asp, Glu, Arg, His, Lys, Orn, Dap, Dab, the corresponding homo-amino acids and the corresponding beta-amino acids in the form of enantiomers or diastereoisomers and mixtures thereof, including racemic mixtures.
US08097583B2 Proteins of natural origin and materials made therefrom
The present invention is directed to proteins of natural origin and materials made therefrom, in particular to threads, fibers, foams and gels derived therefrom. The invention further provides the use of these proteins/threads and materials in the field of technology, biotechnology and/or medicine, in particular in the manufacture of wound closure or coverage systems, suture materials and in the manufacture of replacement materials, preferably artificial cartilage or tendon materials, as well as in other commercial applications.
US08097581B2 Anti-wrinkle cosmetic composition
The present invention relates to a composition for treating skin comprising an acylated short chain bioactive peptide and fulvic acid, and optionally colloidal gold. The invention further relates to a method for topically administering the composition in an amount therapeutically effective to reduce wrinkles by building the dermal fibroblast matrix. The invention further relates to a method of treating wrinkled skin by topically administering the composition to an individual in need of such treatment.
US08097580B2 Liquid laundry treatment composition comprising an asymmetric di-hydrocarbyl quaternary ammonium compound
A laundry treatment composition comprising from about 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of an asymmetric di-hydrocarbyl quaternary ammonium compound comprising the structure: wherein R1 comprises a C12 to C22 hydrocarbyl chain, wherein R2 comprises a C6 to C12 hydrocarbyl chain, which can be branched, wherein R1 has at least two more carbon atoms in the hydrocarbyl chain than R2, wherein R3 and R4 are individually selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 hydrocarbyl, C1-C4 hydroxy hydrocarbyl, benzyl, —(C2H4O)xH where x has a value from about 1 to about 10, and mixtures thereof, and wherein X− is a anion; and from about 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of an anionic surfactant, wherein the laundry treatment composition provides sufficient softness and anti-static benefits without minimized formation of non-soluble flocs.
US08097571B2 Composition containing at least one hydroxy acid, at least one mono- or disaccharide and at least one ceramide, and methods
Composition which, in a preferred embodiment, contains, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one monosaccharide and/or disaccharide, at least one α-hydroxy acid, and at least one ceramide compound. Uses include topical application for the treatment of keratinous substances, in particular keratinous fibres, especially the hair.
US08097570B2 Lubricating composition for hydrocarbonated mixtures and products obtained
A subject of the present invention is an anti-corrosive and antistatic lubricating composition for a hydrocarbonated mixture comprising: a) at least a compound A of Formula (I) below: in which R1 and R2 are hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group of 1-40 carbon atoms, comprising possibly one to five double bond(s), R1 and R2 together being able to form an aromatic or aliphatic ring of 5-6 carbon atoms, said ring being capable of substitution by one to three linear or branched alkyl group(s) of 1-40 carbon atoms, in which R1 and R2 cannot be hydrogen at the same time, and in which R3 and R4, identical or different, are chosen from the OH groups, in which R3 and R4 cannot be the OH group at the same time, or deriving from a linear or branched monol or polyol group containing 1-20 carbon atoms having a functionality of 2 to 5 inclusive; b) and at least one B compound corresponding to a fatty acid of 16-24 carbon atoms, unsaturated or not, optionally in a mixture with a carboxylic acid comprising at least one aromatic and/or olefinic polycycle or ring and/or their ester, amide or corresponding amine salts derivatives, taken alone or in a mixture.
US08097568B2 Aqueous compositions useful in filling and conveying of beverage bottles wherein the compositions comprise hardness ions and have improved compatibility with PET
The passage of a container along a conveyor is facilitated by applying to the container or conveyor aqueous compositions containing hardness ions. The compatibility of the aqueous compositions with PET bottles is improved when the ratio of hardness as CaCO3 to alkalinity as CaCO3 is greater than about 1 to 1.
US08097567B2 Well drilling fluids having clay control properties
Clay is stabilized in the drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid including a choline compound together with an formation control additive.
US08097552B2 Dielectric ceramics and capacitor
A dielectric ceramic and a capacitor comprising the dielectric ceramic are disclosed. The dielectric ceramic has a high dielectric constant that is stable over temperature, and has a small spontaneous polarization. The capacitor can reduce audible noise caused by an electrically induced strain in a power supply circuit.
US08097546B2 Composition for ceramic extrusion-molded body and method for manufacturing a ceramic extrusion-molded body
A composition for ceramic extrusion-molded bodies includes a ceramic material, a water-soluble cellulose ether, a styrenesulfonate and water. A method for manufacturing a ceramic extrusion-molded body using the composition is also provided.
US08097544B2 Rated fire frame and door frame / jamb
The present invention teaches that a tightly woven, and strong layer of fiberglass may be coated or impregnated with sodium silicate in order to produce a strong and fire resistant jamb/frame. The present invention further teaches that a fire doorjamb core may be mass produced from fire resistant layers and the frame core rated for fire safety by a rating agency, thus allowing builders and door manufacturers to produce building structures and doors using that core without individually certifying each model of door or structure. The present invention further teaches a structure/method of mounting for door frames which closely parallels mounting of normal door frames, without special brackets or plates.
US08097539B2 Imprint mask manufacturing method for nanoimprinting
A pattern is formed on a mask substrate. Positional deviation information between an actual position of the pattern formed on the mask substrate and a design position decided at the time of designing the pattern is calculated. A heterogeneous layer of which a volume expands more greatly than that of surrounding mask substrate region is formed in a predetermined position within the mask substrate so that volume expansion of the heterogeneous layer according to the positional deviation information is achieved.
US08097535B2 Fabrication of self-assembled nanowire-type interconnects on a semiconductor device
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device with nanowire-type interconnect elements and a method for fabricating the same. The device comprises a metal structure with at least one self-assembled metal dendrite and forming an interconnect element (424) between a first and a second metal structure. The fabrication comprises providing an ambient environment adjacent to an interconnect surface region of a substrate that is suitable for allowing growth of at least one metal dendrite between the first and second metal structures, and initiating and sustaining self-assembly of a metal structure comprising at least one metal dendrite in the interconnect surface region between the first and second metal structures by irradiating the pn junction with photons of an energy suitable for creating free charge carriers in the first and second doped substrate regions and thus creating an electric potential difference between the first and second metal structures, which is suitable for electrolysis of metal from at least one of the first and second metal structures.
US08097534B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and storage medium
On an etching target film formed on a substrate, a three-layer resist is laminated. This three-layer resist includes an organic film and a resist film developed into a resist pattern. Through the resist pattern, the organic film is etched into a mask pattern through which the etching target film will be etched.The organic film is etched with plasma which is obtained by exciting a process gas containing carbon dioxide and hydrogen to the plasma state. This scheme makes it possible to form a high perpendicularity mask pattern in the organic film.
US08097530B2 Method for manufacturing SIC semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a SiC semiconductor device includes: forming an impurity layer in a SiC layer; and forming an oxide film on the SiC layer. The forming the impurity layer includes: implanting an impurity in the SiC layer; applying a cap layer on the SiC layer; annealing the cap layer to be transformed a carbon layer; annealing the SiC layer to activate the impurity; and removing the carbon layer. The annealing the SiC layer includes: increasing a temperature of the SiC layer from a second temperature to a first temperature within a first time duration; and decreasing the temperature of the SiC layer from the first temperature to the second temperature within a second time duration. The first temperature is equal to or higher than 1800° C., and the second temperature is lower than 1800° C. The first and second time durations are small.
US08097525B2 Vertical through-silicon via for a semiconductor structure
A semiconductor structure includes at least one silicon substrate having first and second planar surfaces, and at least one through silicon via filled with a conductive material and extending vertically through the first planar surface of the at least one silicon substrate to the second planar surface thereof. The through silicon via forms a vertical interconnection between a plurality of electronic circuits and an amount of dielectric insulation surrounding the through silicon via is varied based on a defined function of the through silicon via.
US08097524B2 Lightly doped silicon carbide wafer and use thereof in high power devices
A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide single crystal. A silicon carbide single crystal is grown. The crystal has a boron concentration less than 5×1014 cm−3, and a concentration of transition metals impurities less than 5×1014 cm−3. Intrinsic defects in the crystal are minimised. The intrinsic defects include silicon vacancies or carbon vacancies. The crystal is annealed for a desired time at a temperature above 700° C. in an atmosphere containing any of the gases hydrogen or a mixture of hydrogen and an inert gas, such that the density of intrinsic defects and any associated defects is decreased to a concentration low enough to confer to the crystal a desired carrier life time of at least 50 ns at room temperature.
US08097522B2 Modular methods of forming isolation structures for integrated circuits
A variety of isolation structures for semiconductor substrates include a trench formed in the substrate that is filled with a dielectric material or filled with a conductive material and lined with a dielectric layer along the walls of the trench. The trench may be used in combination with doped sidewall isolation regions. Both the trench and the sidewall isolation regions may be annular and enclose an isolated pocket of the substrate. The isolation structures are formed by modular implant and etch processes that do not include significant thermal processing or diffusion of dopants so that the resulting structures are compact and may be tightly packed in the surface of the substrate.
US08097517B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device with improved short channel effect of a PMOS and stabilized current of a NMOS
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device which is capable of simultaneously improving a short channel effect of a PMOS and the current of an NMOS and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor device includes first and second gates formed over first and second areas of a semiconductor substrate, respectively; and first and second junction areas formed in a portion of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to both sides of the first gate and a portion of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to both sides of the second gate, and including a projection, respectively, wherein the projection of the first junction area has a height higher than the height of the projection of the second junction area, and the second junction area is formed such that it has a depth from the surface of the semiconductor substrate deeper than the depth of the first junction area.
US08097515B2 Self-aligned contacts for nanowire field effect transistors
A method for forming a nanowire field effect transistor (FET) device includes forming a nanowire over a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate structure around a portion of the nanowire, forming a capping layer on the gate structure; forming a first spacer adjacent to sidewalls of the gate and around portions of nanowire extending from the gate, forming a hardmask layer on the capping layer and the first spacer, removing exposed portions of the nanowire, epitaxially growing a doped semiconductor material on exposed cross sections of the nanowire to form a source region and a drain region, forming a silicide material in the epitaxially grown doped semiconductor material, and forming a conductive material on the source and drain regions.
US08097510B2 Method of forming lateral trench gate FET with direct source-drain current path
A method of forming a field effect transistor (FET) includes: forming a drift region comprising a stack of alternating conductivity type silicon layers; forming a drain region of a first conductivity type extending into the stack of alternating conductivity type silicon layers; forming a trench gate extending into the stack of alternating conductivity type silicon layers, the trench gate having a non-active sidewall and an active sidewall being perpendicular to one another; and forming a body region of a second conductivity type adjacent to the active sidewall of the trench gate, wherein the trench gate and the drain region are formed such that the non-active sidewall of the trench gate faces the drain region.
US08097507B2 Method of fabricating a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. In accordance with a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to an aspect of the invention, a tunnel dielectric layer, a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer, a second conductive layer, and a gate electrode layer are sequentially stacked over a semiconductor substrate. The gate electrode layer and the second conductive layer are patterned. A first passivation layer is formed on sidewalls of the gate electrode layer. Gate patterns are formed by etching the dielectric layer, the first conductive layer, and the tunnel dielectric layer, which have been exposed. A second passivation layer is formed on the entire surface along a surface of the gate patterns including the first passivation layer.
US08097502B2 Semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a semiconductor light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor light emitting device. The semiconductor light emitting device includes a substrate, at least two light emitting cells located on the substrate and formed by stacking semiconductor material layers, a reflection layer and a transparent insulating layer sequentially stacked between the light emitting cells, and a transparent electrode covering the upper surface of the light emitting cells.
US08097501B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes: forming a first-conductivity-type semiconductor region on a semiconductor layer; forming a mask member on the first-conductivity-type semiconductor region; selectively forming an opening in the mask member; etching the first-conductivity-type semiconductor region exposed to the opening to form a trench having a larger diameter than the opening and an eaves-like mask projected above the trench and made of the mask member; and forming a second-conductivity-type semiconductor region in the trench below the eaves-like mask by epitaxial growth to form a structure section in which the first-conductivity-type semiconductor region and the second-conductivity-type semiconductor region are alternately repeated in a direction generally parallel to a major surface of the semiconductor layer.
US08097499B2 Semiconductor device and methods thereof
A semiconductor device and method thereof. The example method may include forming a semiconductor device, including forming a first layer on a substrate, the first layer including aluminum nitride (AlN), forming a second layer by oxidizing a surface of the first layer and forming a third layer on the second layer, the first, second and third layers each being highly oriented with respect to one of a plurality crystallographic planes. The example semiconductor device may include a substrate including a first layer, the first layer including aluminum nitride (AlN), a second layer formed by oxidizing a surface of the first layer and a third layer formed on the second layer, the first, second and third layers each being highly oriented with respect to one of a plurality crystallographic planes.
US08097497B2 Inkjet printed wirebonds, encapsulant and shielding
A method of connecting a chip to a package in a semiconductor device includes printing an encapsulant to a predetermined thickness on at least a portion of the chip and package and printing a layer of conductive material on the encapsulant in a predetermined pattern between the chip and package. The printed conductive material conforms to an upper surface of the encapsulant such that the encapsulant defines a distance from the printed conductive material to the chip and package. The method further includes printing a second layer of encapsulant over the printed conductive material curing at least the second layer of encapsulant.
US08097495B2 Die package with asymmetric leadframe connection
A leadframe for a semiconductor package is disclosed including electrical leads which extend from one side of the leadframe to an opposite side of the leadframe, where electrical connection may be made with the semiconductor die at the second side of the leadframe. The semiconductor die may be supported on the leads extending across the leadframe. The package may further include a spacer layer affixed to the electrical leads to fortify the semiconductor package and to prevent exposure of the electrical leads during the molding of the package.
US08097494B2 Method of making an integrated circuit package with shielding via ring structure
Electromagnetic shielding for an integrated circuit packaged device. The method includes forming shielding structures by forming openings in an encapsulated structure. The openings are filled with conductive material that surrounds at least one die. The encapsulated structure may include a plurality of integrated circuit die. A layered redistribution structure is formed on one side of the encapsulated structure.
US08097493B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor light emitting elements
A method of manufacturing semiconductor light emitting elements with improved yield and emission power uses laser lift-off and comprises the steps of forming a semiconductor grown layer formed of a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer on a first principal surface of a growth substrate; forming a plurality of junction electrodes apart on the second semiconductor layer and forming guide grooves arranged in a lattice to surround each of the junction electrodes in the second semiconductor layer; joining together a support and the semiconductor grown layer via the junction electrodes; projecting a laser to separate the growth substrate; dividing the semiconductor grown layer into respective element regions for the semiconductor light emitting elements; and cutting the support, thereby separating into the semiconductor light emitting elements. Removed regions include regions where the guide grooves are formed, and side walls of the second semiconductor layer formed by the guide grooves have a beveled shape at intersections of the guide grooves.
US08097492B2 Method and manufacture of silicon based package and devices manufactured thereby
A Silicon Based Package (SBP) is formed starting with a thick wafer, which serves as the base for the SBP, composed of silicon which has a first surface and a reverse surface which are planar. Then form an interconnection structure including metal capture structures in contact with the first surface and multilayer conductor patterns over the first surface. Form a temporary bond between the SBP and a wafer holder, with the wafer holder being a rigid structure. Thin the reverse side of the wafer to a desired thickness to form an Ultra Thin Silicon Wafer (UTSW) for the SBP. Form via holes with tapered or vertical sidewalls, which extend through the UTSW to reach the metal capture structures. Then form metal pads in the via holes which extend through the UTSW, making electrical contact to the metal capture structures. Then bond the metal pads in the via holes to pads of a carrier.
US08097489B2 Semiconductor device and method of mounting pre-fabricated shielding frame over semiconductor die
A semiconductor device includes a pre-fabricated shielding frame mounted over a sacrificial substrate and semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited through an opening in the shielding frame around the semiconductor die. A first portion of the shielding frame to expose the encapsulant. Removing the first portion also leaves a second portion of the shielding frame over the semiconductor die as shielding from interference. A third portion of the shielding frame around the semiconductor die provides a conductive pillar. A first interconnect structure is formed over a first side of the encapsulant, shielding frame, and semiconductor die. The sacrificial substrate is removed. A second interconnect structure over the semiconductor die and a second side of the encapsulant. The shielding frame can be connected to low-impedance ground point through the interconnect structures or TSV in the semiconductor die to isolate the die from EMI and RFI, and other inter-device interference.
US08097486B2 Method for producing a solid-state imaging element
There is provided a solid-state imaging element having a light receiving part generating charges by light irradiation, and a source/drain region of a transistor, both formed in a semiconductor layer. The solid-state imaging element includes a non-silicided region including the light receiving part, in which surfaces of the source/drain region and a gate electrode of the transistor are not silicided; and a silicided region in which the surfaces of the source/drain region and the gate electrode of the transistor are silicided. The non-silicided region has a sidewall formed on a side surface of the gate electrode of the transistor, a hydrogen supply film formed to cover the semiconductor layer, the gate electrode, and the sidewall, and a salicide block film formed on the hydrogen supply film to prevent silicidation. The silicided region has a sidewall formed on the side surface of the gate electrode of the transistor.
US08097484B1 Solar cell receiver component placement control with positioning receptacles
A method of manufacturing a solar cell receiver includes providing an insulative substrate having a metallized surface with a first conductive region separated from a second conductive region. The first conductive region forms a first terminal of the solar cell receiver and the second conductive region forms a second terminal of the solar cell receiver. The metallized surface has receptacles positioned around attachment regions with each attachment region corresponding to a different portion of the metallized surface. The method further includes positioning a material within the receptacles, placing a solar cell on the first conductive region and on a first one of the attachment regions, placing a second component on a second one of the attachment regions, placing a third component on a third one of the attachment regions and attaching the solar cell, the second component, and the third component to the metallized surface.
US08097483B2 Manufacturing a MEMS element having cantilever and cavity on a substrate
Method for manufacturing a capacitor on a substrate, the capacitor including a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (12; 25), the first and second electrodes being separated by a cavity (16; 32), the substrate including an insulating surface layer (3), the first electrode (5) being arranged on the insulating surface layer a first metal body (7a; 20) being adjacent to the first electrode and arranged as anchor of the second electrode (12; 25) the second electrode being arranged as a beam-shaped body (12; 25) located on the first metal body and above the first electrode; the cavity (16; 32) being laterally demarcated by a sidewall of the first metal body.
US08097478B2 Method for producing light-emitting diode
The present invention provides a method for producing a light-emitting diode, the method comprising a lamination step of forming a laminated semiconductor layer by sequentially laminating an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and a p-type semiconductor layer onto a substrate, as well as forming a plurality of reflective p-type electrodes on top of the p-type semiconductor layer, a plating step of forming a seed layer that covers the reflective p-type electrodes and the p-type semiconductor layer, and fowling a plating layer on top of the seed layer, a removal step of removing the substrate from the n-type semiconductor layer, thereby exposing a light extraction surface of the n-type semiconductor layer, and an electrode formation step of performing dry etching of the light extraction surface of the n-type semiconductor layer using an etching gas containing the same element as a dopant element within the n-type semiconductor layer, and subsequently forming an n-type electrode on the light extraction surface.
US08097476B2 Light emitting diode and wafer level package method, wafer level bonding method thereof, and circuit structure for wafer level package
This invention discloses a light emitting diode, a wafer level package method, a wafer level bonding method, and a circuit structure for a wafer level package. The light emitting diode includes a package carrier, a conducting material, at least one light emitting diode structure and a package material. The package carrier has at least one package unit and two through holes on the package carrier and corresponding to the package unit. The conducting material is disposed in the through holes and formed at the bottom of the package unit. The light emitting diode structure is formed on a substrate. The substrate having a light emitting diode structure is flipped over in the package unit, and the electrodes of the light emitting diode structure are bonded with the conducting material. After the substrate is removed, a package material is stuffed in the package unit or on the light emitting diode structure.
US08097473B2 Alignment method, exposure method, pattern forming method, and exposure apparatus
An alignment method is provided in which a substrate including first and second layers is aligned in forming a second pattern in the second layer. The method includes storing first alignment measurement data to be used in alignment performed in forming a first pattern and a second alignment mark in the second layer, the first alignment measurement data obtained by measuring a first alignment mark provided in the first layer; obtaining second alignment measurement data by measuring the second alignment mark through a resist applied over the second layer; obtaining third alignment measurement data by measuring the first alignment mark through the resist; and performing alignment of the substrate in accordance with a first difference between the first and second alignment measurement data, or in accordance with the first difference and a second difference between the first and third alignment measurement data.
US08097468B2 Using plasma proteomic pattern for diagnosis, classification, prediction of response to therapy and clinical behavior, stratification of therapy, and monitoring disease in hematologic malignancies
The present invention demonstrates that the diagnosis and prediction of clinical behavior in patients with hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia, can be accomplished by analysis of proteins present in a plasma sample. Thus, in particular embodiments the present invention uses plasma to create a diagnostic or prognostic protein profile of a hematologic malignancy comprising collecting plasma samples from a population of patients with hematologic malignancies; generating protein spectra from the plasma samples with or without fractionation; comparing the protein spectra with clinical data; and identifying protein markers in the plasma samples that correlate with the clinical data. Protein markers identified by this approach can then be used to create a protein profile that can be used to diagnose the hematologic malignancy or determine the prognosis of the hematologic malignancy. Potentially these specific proteins can be identified and targeted in the therapy of these malignancies.
US08097464B2 Chemical and biological detection arrays
Device comprising: a first substrate; a plurality of first raised elements on the first substrate, the first raised elements mutually spaced apart by first channel regions on the first substrate, each of the first raised elements having a first distal end, the first distal ends forming a first array; hydrophobic molecules on the first raised elements; and primary reactive molecules on the first raised elements for generating hydrophilic reaction products. Techniques for utilizing the device.
US08097462B2 Aerosol preparation of intact lipoproteins
A medical diagnostic method and instrumentation system for analyzing noncovalently bonded agglomerated biological particles is described. The method and system comprises: a method of preparation for the biological particles; an electrospray generator; an alpha particle radiation source; a differential mobility analyzer; a particle counter; and data acquisition and analysis means. The medical device is useful for the assessment of human diseases, such as cardiac disease risk and hyperlipidemia, by rapid quantitative analysis of lipoprotein fraction densities. Initially, purification procedures are described to reduce an initial blood sample to an analytical input to the instrument. The measured sizes from the analytical sample are correlated with densities, resulting in a spectrum of lipoprotein densities. The lipoprotein density distribution can then be used to characterize cardiac and other lipid-related health risks.
US08097460B2 Ethanol production in bacillus
The present invention relates to the production of ethanol as a product of bacterial fermentation. In particular this invention relates to a novel method of gene inactivation and gene expression based upon homologous recombination. The method is particularly useful in connection with species of Bacillus such as B. stereothermophilus, B. calvodelox, B. caldotenax, B. thermoglucosidasius, B. coagulans, B. licheniformis, B. thermodenitrificans, and B. caldolyticus.
US08097456B2 Nanotopographic compositions and methods for cellular organization in tissue engineered structures
The present invention relates to tissue engineered compositions and methods comprising nanotopographic surface topography (“nanotopography”) for use in modulating the organization and/or function of multiple cell types.
US08097454B2 Model system for identifying anti-cancer agents
A model system for screening and identification of compounds that interfere with Gli2 dependent tumorigenesis and provide potential use as anticancer agents is provided. In particular, the invention includes a Gli2 protein having an S662A point mutation that interferes with binding by the ubiquitin-ligase β-TrCP. The mutation inhibits Gli2 degradation by the ubiquitin pathway. Gli2 stability and half-life are increased in the host cell resulting in an increase in Gli2-dependent transcription and concomitant neoplasia and tumorigenesis. Expression of the Gli2 mutant allows for the high throughput screening of compounds that interfere with the tumorigenesis thereby identifying anticancer agents.
US08097453B2 Recombinant viral-based malaria vaccines
Described are vaccines against malarial infections, which are based on recombinant viral vectors, such as alpha viruses, adenoviruses, or vaccinia viruses. The recombinant viral-based vaccines can be used to immunize against different Plasmodium infections, such as infections by P. falciparum or P. yoelii. Codon-optimized circumsporozoite genes are disclosed. Replication-defective adenoviruses may be used, derived from serotypes that encounter low titers of neutralizing antibodies. Also described is the use of different adenoviral serotypes that are administered to elicit a strong immune response, either in single vaccination set-ups or in prime-boost set-ups in which compositions based on different serotypes can be applied.
US08097446B2 Staphylococus aureus strain CYL1892
This disclosure presents embodiments of novel strains of Staphylococcus aureus that through genetic engineering produce type 5 capsular polysaccharide at greater levels than Staphylococcus aureus strain Reynolds.
US08097444B2 Compositions and uses for an alpha-amylase polypeptide of bacillus species 195
Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an alpha-amylase enzyme obtained from Bacillus sp. no. 195, and methods of using the enzyme to clean surfaces and textiles. Also disclosed are variants of the enzyme with different signal sequences.
US08097439B2 Methods and compositions for producing fatty aldehydes
Methods and compositions, including nucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences, and host cells, for producing fatty aldehydes are described.
US08097437B2 Highly pure polysialic acid and process for preparation thereof
The instant invention provides highly pure Polysialic acid and process for preparation thereof.
US08097436B2 Antigen binding molecules that bind EGFR, vectors encoding same, and uses thereof
The present invention relates to antigen binding molecules (ABMs). In particular embodiments, the present invention relates to recombinant monoclonal antibodies, including chimeric, primatized or humanized antibodies specific for human EGFR. In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding such ABMs, and vectors and host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules. The invention further relates to methods for producing the ABMs of the invention, and to methods of using these ABMs in treatment of disease. In addition, the present invention relates to ABMs with modified glycosylation having improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased Fc receptor binding and increased effector function.
US08097435B2 Polynucleotides encoding long-acting growth hormone polypeptides and methods of producing same
A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising at least two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a peptide-of-interest are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.
US08097433B2 Diagnostic composition and article for monitoring intravaginal infections
The present invention provides a non-toxic diagnostic composition for intravaginal monitoring of vaginal infections. The present invention further provides a diagnostic article for intravaginal monitoring of vaginal infections with the article including an absorbent material for absorbing vaginal secretions and a composition suitable for identification of the pH or the buffer capacities associated with vaginal secretions. The diagnostic composition provides a visible indication of vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.
US08097432B2 Method for diagnosing hemangiosarcoma in canine using detection of thymidine kinase activity
The disclosure relates to a method for detecting hemangiosarcoma in canines. The method includes the steps of: (1) obtaining a quantity of blood from the subject canine; (2) separating the quantity of blood into a serum portion and a non-serum portion; (3) contacting the serum portion of the blood with a detector to detect presence of an amount of Thymidine Kinase (TK); and (4) detecting the level of TK in serum and determining whether TK is present in amounts of about 8 units/mL or greater.
US08097430B2 Antigen targeting
The present invention provides a method of raising an immune response in an animal. The method comprises administering to the animal a composition comprising a carrier and an antigen bound to a targeting moiety wherein the targeting moiety binds to at least one receptor present in circulatory vessels in Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue. It is preferred that the targeting moiety binds to Mucosal Addressin Cellular Adhesion Molecule-1.
US08097424B2 Method for predicting the outcome of a critically ill patient
The present invention relates to a method for predicting the outcome of a critically ill patient, said method comprising measuring the concentration of Chromogranin A or a fragment thereof in a biological sample obtained from said patient.
US08097420B1 Method of diagnosis
The present invention relates generally to a method of diagnosing or predicting the development of lung damage and more particularly, to a method of diagnosing or predicting the development of alveolo-capillary membrane damage. The method of the present invention is useful inter alia for detecting lung damage or predicting the development of lung damage such as that caused by noxious agents or as an undesirable side effect resulting from exposure to a therapeutic agent and for monitoring the progress of lung damage.
US08097415B2 Methods for identifying an individual at increased risk of developing coronary artery disease
The present invention provides methods of identifying a subject having an increased or decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, comprising: a) correlating the presence of one or more genetic markers in chromosome 3q13.31 with an increased or decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease; and b) detecting the one or more genetic markers of step (a) in the subject, thereby identifying the subject as having an increased or decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Also provided are methods of identifying subjects with cardiovascular disease as having a good or poor prognosis, as well as methods of identifying effective treatment regimens for cardiovascular disease, based on correlation with genetic markers in chromosome 3q13.31.
US08097412B2 DNA-based test for detection of annual and intermediate ryegrass
We have developed a novel TaqMan quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) based DNA test for detecting annual and/or intermediate ryegrass types in perennial ryegrass. This DNA test was designed using an insertion/deletion (InDel) site in the LpVRN2_2 gene. The new DNA test is more reliable, accurate, and cost effective in detecting annual and intermediate type contamination in perennial ryegrass, having a sensitivity of 0.04% in a sample size of 5000 seeds. Use of a higher sample size (12.5-fold higher compared to the SRF test) provides additional accuracy in detecting the level of contamination A forward and reverse set of primers also identified an approximately 450 bp fragment in or near the LpVRN1 promoter, the fragment being present for all perennial, but not annual, varieties tested.
US08097407B2 Metastatic human tumor associated molecule, methods to detect both activated gene and protein and to interfere with gene expression
This disclosure characterizes the function and the expression of the human protein encoded by tm9sf4. The protein is highly expressed in malignant tumor cells and therefore is a novel marker for malignancy. Moreover, the protein is involved in the phagocytotic character of tumor cells. This disclosure provides methods and tools to diagnose and follow up malignancy of tumors. Furthermore, means to inhibit phagocytotic character of tumor cells as well as means to treat cancer are provided.
US08097401B2 Self-forming top anti-reflective coating compositions and, photoresist mixtures and method of imaging using same
A composition of matter. The composition of matter includes a polymer having an ethylenic backbone and comprising a first monomer having an aromatic moiety, a second monomer having a base soluble moiety or an acid labile protected base soluble moiety, and a third monomer having a fluoroalkyl moiety. Also a photoresist formulation including the composition of matter and a method of imaging using the photoresist formulation including the composition of matter.
US08097398B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
In the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a resist film is formed on a substrate and is processed to be provided with openings to form a first resist pattern. Additive-containing layers containing an additive that changes a state of the resist film to a soluble state for a developer are formed so as to cover the first resist pattern. A first resin film having a nature of changing to a soluble state for the developer by containing the additive is formed in the openings of the first resist pattern. The additive is diffused into the first resist pattern and the first resin film to form first and second additive-diffusing portions which can be solved in the developer. The first and second additive-diffusing portions are removed by the developer to form second resist pattern made of remaining portions in the first resist pattern and the first resin film.
US08097393B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus at least containing an electrophotographic photoconductor, a latent electrostatic image forming unit, a developing unit, a transferring unit, and a fixing unit, wherein a glass transition temperature of an outermost layer of the electrophotographic photoconductor is 100° C. or more, wherein the toner is obtained by dissolving and/or dispersing the toner material containing at least an active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer reactive with the active hydrogen group-containing compound in an organic solvent to form a solution and/or a dispersion, emulsifying and/or dispersing the solution and/or the dispersion in an aqueous medium containing resin fine particles, allowing the active hydrogen group-containing compound and the polymer reactive with the active hydrogen group-containing compound to react in the aqueous medium, and removing the organic solvent, wherein a glass transition temperature of the resin fine particles is 65° C. to 85° C.
US08097391B2 Toner for developing electrostatic image
Provided is a toner for developing electrostatic image which is excellent in shelf stability, and is further excellent in low-temperature fixability so as to be capable of maintaining a high fixing rate even at a low fixing temperature.A toner for developing electrostatic image is used which comprises colored resin particles containing a binder resin, a colorant, and a parting agent, wherein the parting agent is an aliphatic hydrocarbon polymer obtained by polymerizing an aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer.
US08097390B2 Electrophotographic toner, invisible electrophotographic toner, electrophotographic developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, and image formation apparatus
The invention provides an electrophotographic toner containing at least a binder resin and an infrared absorber, the infrared absorber comprising a perimidine-squarylium dye represented by the following Formula (1). The invention further provides an invisible electrophotographic toner containing at least a binder resin and an infrared absorber, the infrared absorber containing at least a perimidine-squarylium dye represented by Formula (1). The invention further provides an electrophotographic developer containing at least the invisible electrophotographic toner. The invention further provides a toner cartridge containing at least the invisible electrophotographic toner. The invention further provides a process cartridge equipped with at least a developer holder and having at least the electrophotographic developer. The invention further provides an image forming apparatus having at least a developing unit which develops an electrostatic latent image with the electrophotographic developer to form a toner image.
US08097389B2 Color toner for flash fusing, method for producing the same, and electrostatic image developer, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus using the same
The invention provides a color toner for flash fusing containing at least: a binder resin, a colorant, a leuco dye, a developer and a decolorizer. An absorbance of the color toner after photoirradiation at a wavelength of about 900 nm is smaller than an absorbance of the color toner before the photoirradiation at the wavelength of about 900 nm. The invention further provides a method for producing the color toner, a electrostatic image developer comprising the color toner, a process cartridge comprising a developer bearing body which accommodates the electrostatic image developer, and an image forming apparatus to form a toner image by the electrostatic image developer.
US08097386B2 Positive-type photosensitive resin composition, method for producing patterns, and electronic parts
A positive-type photosensitive resin composition for electronic materials having good film adhesiveness and sensitivity without causing a corrosion reaction to copper and copper alloys in metal wirings, a method for producing patterns and electronic parts are provided. The positive-type photosensitive resin composition includes (A) a polybenzoxazole precursor having a structure represented by the following general formula (I): wherein X represents a bivalent organic group, Y represents a tetravalent organic group, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group, and m represents an integer of 2 to 500 which represents a repeating unit number of the polymer, (B) a solvent, (C) a tetrazole derivative and (D) a compound which generates an acid by light.
US08097384B2 Solid oxide fuel cell with transitioned cross-section for improved anode gas management at the open end
A solid oxide fuel cell (400) is made having a tubular, elongated, hollow, active section (445) which has a cross-section containing an air electrode (452) a fuel electrode (454) and solid oxide electrolyte (456) between them, where the fuel cell transitions into at least one inactive section (460) with a flattened parallel sided cross-section (462, 468) each cross-section having channels (472, 474, 476) in them which smoothly communicate with each other at an interface section (458).
US08097382B2 Fuel cell system and control method thereof
A fuel cell system (10) includes: a fuel cell (1); a hydrogen supply device (2) for supplying a hydrogen gas to the fuel cell (1); an anode off-gas passage (22) through which an anode off-gas discharged from the anode side of the fuel cell (1) passes; a hydrogen concentration sensor (3) that measures the concentration of hydrogen in the anode off-gas; and a sensor correction device (4) that, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the hydrogen gas supply to the fuel cell by the hydrogen supply device (2) was stopped, measures the hydrogen concentration using the hydrogen concentration sensor (3), and corrects a measurement value from the hydrogen concentration sensor (3) based on the measured hydrogen concentration.
US08097381B2 Solid oxide fuel cell generator including a glass sealant
A solid oxide fuel cell generator is provided for electrochemically reacting a fuel gas with a flowing oxidant gas at an elevated temperature to produce power. The generator includes a generator section receiving a fuel gas and a plurality of elongated fuel cells extending through the generator section and having opposing open fuel cell ends for directing an oxidant gas between opposing plena in the generator. A sealant defines a seal on the fuel cells adjacent at least one of the fuel cell ends. The sealant is a modified lanthanum borate aluminosilicate glass composition having a minimal amount of boron oxide and silica, and in which the sealant maintains substantially constant physical characteristics throughout multiple thermal cycles.
US08097379B2 Fuel cell stack with insulating members
In a solid polymer electrolyte membrane type fuel cell of the invention, where a pair of electrodes are provided on opposite sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and the outside thereof is clamped by a pair of separators, and nonconductive picture frame-shaped members 61 are arranged at the outer edge portions of the separators, for allowing increase and decrease of a space between separators, while sealing a gap between the separators.
US08097363B2 Positive electrode material, its manufacturing method and lithium secondary battery
The object of the invention is to provide positive electrode material in which a discharge rate characteristic and battery capacity are hardly deteriorated in the environment of low temperature of −30° C., its manufacturing method and a lithium secondary battery using the positive electrode material. The invention is characterized by the positive electrode material in which plural primary particles are flocculated and a secondary particle is formed, and the touch length of the primary particles is equivalent to 10 to 70% of the length of the whole periphery on the section of the touched primary particles.
US08097362B2 Electrode active material and manufacturing method of same
Electrode active material of the invention is such that a Li3PO4 phase is mixed in with an amorphous iron-phosphate complex having a LixFePyOz composition. Applying the electrode active material of the invention to a secondary battery inhibits an irreversible reaction which reduces the irreversible capacity, thus enabling a high capacity to be maintained even when it is used at a high potential.
US08097361B2 Nanotube wiring
This invention concerns a novel method for surface derivatization of electrode materials for Li-ion batteries. The derivatization is based on adsorption of a composite assembly consisting of amphiphilic redox active molecule attached to single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). Its role consists in the enhancement of electronic conductivity of electrode materials, such as phosphate olivines, without requesting any significant increase of the electrode volume and mass. The SWCNT is linked to the redox molecule via non-covalent or covalent interaction with the hydrophobic part of the molecule or electrostatic interaction. The hydrophilic part of the molecule serves as the anchoring site for surface modification of the electrode active material. The redox potential of the molecule is close to the redox potential of the electrode active material. The adsorbed assembly of redox-molecule & SWCNT thus improves the charge transfer from a current collector to the electrode active material.
US08097360B2 Method for producing electrolyte solution for lithium ion battery and battery using same
A method for producing an electrolyte solution for a lithium ion battery involving reacting a lithium halide selected from the group consisting of lithium fluoride, lithium chloride, lithium bromide, lithium iodide and a mixture of at least two of these, with phosphorus pentachloride and hydrogen fluoride in a nonaqueous organic solvent, thereby producing lithium hexafluorophosphate as an electrolyte of the electrolyte solution.
US08097353B2 Power generation system
Disclosed is a power generation system including an attachment part to attach a fuel container which stores a fuel, a lock mechanism to detect a lock or a lock release of the fuel container which is attached to the attachment part and a data recording unit to record a data in a storage medium provided at the fuel container based on a detection of the lock release by the lock mechanism before the fuel container is detached from the attachment part.
US08097352B2 Battery system and battery safety alarm system
A battery system that can prevent a battery from bursting and a battery safety alarm system therefore are provided. A battery system includes an optical fiber wound around an outer circumferential portion of a battery. The battery system detects an abnormality of the battery on the basis of a loss of the laser beam caused by lateral pressure acting on the optical fiber. An alarm warns a user of the abnormality when the abnormality is detected.
US08097351B2 Magnetic recording apparatus
A magnetic recording apparatus has a magnetic recording media including a substrate and a magnetic layer containing magnetic patterns on the substrate, the magnetic layer including data zones to constitute recoding tracks and servo zones, the magnetic patterns of the servo zones being used as address bits, and a magnetic head configured to read signals from the magnetic recording media while flying over the magnetic recording media, in which, in a case where two magnetic patterns used as address bits on the servo zones corresponding to two adjacent recording tracks are arranged in such a manner that one corner of one magnetic pattern is closest to one corner of the other magnetic pattern, the corners of the two magnetic patterns are substantially separated from each other.
US08097349B2 Nitrogen containing heterocycle derivative and organic electroluminescent element using the same
A novel derivative of heterocyclic compound having nitrogen atom with a structure made by bonding special groups to benzimidazole, a material for an organic electroluminescence (EL) device comprising the derivative of heterocyclic compound having nitrogen atom and an organic electroluminescence device comprising at least one organic compound layer containing a light emitting layer sandwiched between a pair of electrodes, wherein the device contains the derivative of heterocyclic compound having nitrogen atom. An organic EL device achieving elevation of luminance and of efficiency in light emission even under low driving voltage is obtainable by an employment of the derivative of heterocyclic compound having nitrogen atom for at least one layer composing organic compound layers of the EL device.
US08097348B2 Pi-conjugated organoboron polymers in thin-film organic electronic devices
Pi-conjugated organoboron polymers for use in thin-film organic polymer electronic devices. The polymers contain aromatic and or unsaturated repeat units and boron atoms. Pi-conjugated organoboron polymers which are end capped, derivatized with solubilizing groups or both exhibit improved solubility and handling properties beneficial for the formation of thin films useful for device fabrication. The vacant p-orbital of the boron atoms conjugate with the pi-conjugated orbital system of the aromatic or unsaturated monomer units extending the pi-conjugation length of the polymer across the boron atoms. The pi-conjugated organoboron polymers are electron-deficient and, therefore, exhibit n-type semiconducting properties, photoluminescence, and electroluminescence. The invention provides thin-film organic polymer electronic devices, such as organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), organic diodes, organic photodiodes, organic thin-film transistors (TFTs), organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), printable or flexible electronics, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, electronic papers, and printed circuit elements, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), and energy storage devices employing the pi-conjugated organoboron polymers. In OLED and PLED applications these materials are used as the electron transport layer (ETL) to improve device efficiency. The polymers which exhibit photo- and electroluminescence are also useful as light-emitting material in PLEDs.
US08097347B2 Light-emitting electrochemical cell
A light-emitting electrochemical cell includes at least two electrodes, and an electroluminescent material arranged between the two electrodes. The electroluminescent material includes a charged metal complex. The charged metal complex has at least one metal atom selected from the group consisting of Ir, Os, Pt, Re and Zn, with the proviso that the metal complex is different from [Ir(ppy)2(dtb-bpy)]+(PF6−) and [Os(bpy)2(dppe)]2+(PF6−)2.
US08097344B2 Electronic device housing
An electronic device housing is provided. The electronic device housing includes a substrate, a metallic coating formed on the substrate, and a top paint coating formed on the metallic coating. The top paint coating contains nano-titanium dioxide powder. The top paint coating has a self-cleaning property. It can oxygenize and clean off dust and sweat accumulated on the surface of the electronic device housing.
US08097343B2 Functionalized dendritic polymers for the capture and neutralization of biological and chemical agents
The present invention describes compositions and methods for trapping/capturing and/or destroying dangerous substances such as chemical and biological warfare agents. The present invention relates to dendritic polymers, specifically, to quaternary ammonium functionalized dendritic polymers and N-Halamine functionalized dendritic polymers. Such dendrimers are useful for the capture and neutralization of biological and chemical warfare agents.
US08097338B2 In-mold label, and labeled resin-labeled article
An in-mold label comprising an olefinic resin substrate layer (A) having a wetting index (α) of from 34 to 74 mN/m and a heat-sealable resin layer (B) with an antistatic layer having a wetting index (β) of from 30 to 54 mN/m, wherein the absolute value of the initial frictional charge voltage of the substrate layer (A) relative to a sheet offset printing blanket is from 0 kV to 15 kV. This label has good workability in printing, cutting and blanking even in a low-humidity environment.
US08097331B2 Mold release sheet
There is provided a mold release sheet (4) disposed between silica powder M and an inner face of an outer member 1b of a mold and made of expanded graphite. The mold release sheet has a gas permeability represented by the following equation (1) from 5.0×10−7 cm2/s to 1.0×10−4 cm2/s. Gas permeability=Q·L/(ΔP·A) (1). In this equation (1), Q is the gas flow rate (Pa·cm3/s), ΔP is the pressure difference (Pa) between two chambers, A is the gas transmission area (cm2) of the mold release sheet, which is the area of a passage that allows the two chambers to communicate with each other, and L is the thickness (cm) of the mold release sheet.
US08097330B2 Transparent conductive multilayer body and touch panel
A transparent conductive multilayer body of the invention comprises a transparent film substrate with a thickness of 2 to 120 μm; a first transparent dielectric thin film, a second transparent dielectric thin film and a transparent conductive thin film laminated in this order on one side of the transparent film substrate; and a transparent substrate bonded to the other side of the film substrate through a transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the second dielectric thin film is made of an inorganic material or a mixture of an organic material and an inorganic material, and the conductive thin film contains a crystalline material in which the content of crystal particles whose maximum particle sizes are at most 300 nm is higher than 50% by area. Such a transparent conductive multilayer body fully satisfies the pen input bending durability for a touch panel.
US08097326B2 Stack comprising multi-folded four panel sheets and folding boards therefor
A stack of folded sheets comprises first and second groups of folded sheets. Each of the sheets if each group includes a center panel, it second panel, and a V-shaped portion including third and fourth panels. The sheets of the two groups are alternately arranged so that the second panel of each sheet of each group is adjacent a fourth panel of a sheet of the other group. The adjacent second and fourth panels may or may not be interleaved.Adjustable folding boards are provided for folding elongated webs into the first and second folded sheets. Each of the folding boards includes a slidably mounted first plate which folds the fourth panel of the folded sheet. A second plate extends downwardly from the first plate and is also slidably mounted for movement transversely to the web. Third and fourth plates are mounted in front of the second plate.Adjusting the first and second plates relative to the web changes the width of the fourth panel. Adjusting the third panel relative to the web changes the widths of the central panel and the third panel. Adjusting the fourth plate relative to the web changes the widths of the central panel and the second panel.
US08097325B2 Polyurethane carpet backings made using fatty acid amide polyols
Polyurethane carpet backings are made using a polyurethane-forming composition that includes fatty acid amide polyols. The formulation allows a significant replacement of conventional polyols with polyols derived from annually renewable resources, while maintaining important properties like edge curl, tuftbind, viscosity and curing rates.
US08097324B2 Enhanced security of optical article
An optical article comprising a mark disposed on the optical article; wherein the mark comprises an optical state change material; wherein the optical state change material undergoes a change in its optical state when exposed to an activation signal selected from one or more of a laser, thermal energy, infrared rays, X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet light, ultrasound waves, radio frequency waves, electrical energy, chemical energy, magnetic energy, and mechanical energy; wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activated state when an authorized activation method is used; and wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an incorrectly activated state when an unauthorized activation method is used. A method and a system for changing the functionality of the optical article are also provided.
US08097321B2 Release films
This invention relates to the use of vermiculite and layer minerals in general release films.
US08097319B2 Diamond-containing nanocomposite interfacial layer in fusers
Exemplary embodiments provide a fuser member containing an interfacial layer and methods for forming the interfacial layer and the fuser member. In one embodiment, the fuser member can include a substrate, a resilient layer, a surface layer and an interfacial layer disposed between the resilient layer and the surface layer. The resilient layer can include, for example, a silicone rubber layer and the surface layer can include, for example, a fluoropolymer such as a fluoroplastic of PFA or PTFE. The interfacial layer can include a diamond-containing polymer composite to provide improved thermal/electrical/mechanical properties. The surface layer and the fuser member can thus be treated at a temperature of about 250° C. or higher with high quality and an improved adhesion between layers of the fuser member.
US08097310B2 Firestop article with attachment surface
A firestop article for fire stopping an opening in a floor or wall includes a firestop material, an enclosure surrounding the firestop material, and an attachment surface provided on the outer surface of the enclosure that allows the article to be repeatably connected to and removed from a mating surface.
US08097306B2 Aqueous treating solution for Sn-based plated steel sheet excellent in corrosion resistance and paint adhesion, and production method of surface-treated steel sheet
An aqueous treating solution for an Sn-based plated steel sheet, comprising (A) an organic material, (B) a water-soluble chromium compound, (C) a water-dispersible silica, and water, wherein the organic material (A) is at least one member selected from an oxy-acid with the ratio of hydroxyl group/carboxyl group in one molecule being from 3/1 to 10/1, its lactone form and an oxide derivative thereof, the water-soluble chromium compound (B) does not contain hexavalent chromium, and pH is from 0.7 to 6.0.
US08097305B2 Method for producing a thin-film chalcopyrite compound
The invention concerns a method which consists in depositing on a substrate a solution containing metal mineral salts constituting chalcopyrite and an organic binder; then drying to obtain a solid film on the substrate; and finally contacting the film with an atmosphere containing one or more elements of group 16 of the periodic table and forming chalcopyrite by thermal reaction.
US08097303B2 Methods for producing multilayered, oxidation-resistant structures on substrates
Methods for producing multilayered, oxidation-resistant structures on substrates are provided. The methods comprise depositing silicon dioxide on a substrate comprising molybdenum and boron and annealing the silicon dioxide at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form a coating comprising a borosilicate scale on the substrate.
US08097298B2 Method for producing diaper component parts from strip material
A method for producing diaper component parts (3) from strip material (5, 8), wherein the strip material (5, 8) is fed continuously, by means of conveying means (6), along a straight path (P) extending through a number of work stations (9, 16, 21) synchronized with one another; and wherein, along the path (P), the strip material (5, 8) is secured to the conveying means (6) so that all points of the strip material (5, 8) travel at the same speed.
US08097294B2 Film forming method and electrooptic apparatus
A method for forming a film by applying a material liquid to an application area of a base material and drying the applied material liquid includes: (a) forming a frame-shaped partition in the application area, the partition having a side surface facing a center of the application area; (b) applying the material liquid to the application area; and (c) drying the material liquid. In step (a), the partition is formed so that the side surface of the partition is closer to the center than an outer edge of the application area and so that a height of the partition is smaller than a film thickness of the material liquid at a time when the material liquid is applied and is larger than a thickness of the dried film.
US08097292B2 Methods for electrostatic coating of an abluminal stent surface
A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the electrostatic application of a coating substance is provided.
US08097273B2 Biodegradable film having honeycomb structure
The invention relates to a honeycomb film made of a biodegradable polymer which has biodegradation properties as an anti-adhesion membrane for preventing adhesion after an operation, is excellent in handling properties, and exhibits a satisfactory adhesion preventive effect stably over a desired period of time, and to a production process of the same. Above all, the invention provides an anti-adhesion membrane of a honeycomb film made of polylactic acid as a biodegradable polymer and a phospholipid and a production process of the same.
US08097270B2 Use of nanoparticles as carriers for biocides in ophthalmic compositions
The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials (e.g., synthetic smectite clays) in ophthalmic compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized as biologically inert carriers or depots for biocides. The nanoparticles are particularly useful in preventing or reducing the uptake of biocides from ophthalmic compositions by contact lenses, when the compositions are applied to the lenses.
US08097267B2 Moisture resistant container systems for rapidly bioavailable dosage forms
Provided are rapidly bioavailable solid oral dosage forms of acute pain medications, and moisture resistant packaging that enables the formulation of such rapidly bioavailable dosage forms.
US08097265B2 Foam disinfectant
The invention relates to an aqueous foam disinfectant comprised of a special surfactant system, which consists of non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants, and of a synergistic disinfectant constituent, which consists of an antimicrobial agent having amino groups and of at least one additional antimicrobial agent.
US08097264B2 Natural emulsifying agent
A natural emulsifying or coemulsifying agent is formed from fatty acids of olive oil emulsified with 5 to 8 mol ethoxylated cetyl stearyl alcohol. This natural emulsifier is particularly suited for applications in the field of cosmetics, particularly in cosmetic creams, to produce products exhibiting a pleasant silk touch, with hydrating properties and good smoothness.
US08097263B2 Silver-containing inorganic antibacterial
The present invention provides a silver based inorganic antibacterial agent excellent in heat resistance and chemical resistance, lowered in resin coloring and excellent in processability. The present invention has been completed by finding out that problems can be solved by a silver ion-containing zirconium phosphate represented by the following general formula (1) which is produced by a wet synthesis under specific production conditions. AgaNabHc(H3O)dZreHff(PO4)3.nH2O  (1) wherein, in the formula (1), a, b, c, d, e and f are positive numbers satisfying 1.75<(e+f)<2.25 and a+b+c+d+4(e+f)=9; and n is not more than 2.
US08097260B2 Lipid a deficient mutants of Neisseria meningitidis
The invention provides lipid A deficient mutant Neisseria meningitidis cells, pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such cells, and methods of using such cells.
US08097258B2 Anti-inflammatory hydrolysate of C. versicolor
Methods and compositions for reducing and/or inhibiting inflammation by topical application of dermatocosmetic compositions comprising effective amounts of extracts of Coriolus versicolor that have been hydrolyzed by an acid protease, preferably Rhizomucor miehei, and thereafter rendered substantially devoid of acid-protease activity.
US08097257B2 MAGE3 polypeptides
The present invention relates to novel MAGE3 polypeptides, including a fragment of MAGE3 fused to an immunological fusion partner, and compositions thereof.
US08097256B2 Cancer vaccines and vaccination methods
Methods and compositions for treating cancers (e.g., neural cancers) by dendritic cell vaccination are provided herein.
US08097254B2 Specific binding molecules for scintigraphy, conjugates containing them and therapeutic method for treatment of angiogenesis
The present invention relates to antibodies with sub-nanomolar affinity specific for a characteristic epitope of the ED-B domain of fibronectin, a marker of angiogenesis. Furthermore, it relates to the use of radiolabelled high affinity anti ED-B antibodies for detecting new-forming blood vessels in vivo and a diagnostic kit comprising said antibody. Furthermore, it relates to conjugates comprising said antibodies and a suitable photoactive molecules (e.g. an appropriately chosen photosensitizer or radionuclide), and their use for the selective light-mediated occlusion of new blood vessels.
US08097253B2 Methods for inhibiting angiogenesis
The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating proliferation, differentiation, migration, and adhesion of cardiovascular cell types.
US08097250B2 Anti-chemokine and associated receptors antibodies for inhibition of growth of neoplasms
The present invention provides a means of inhibiting the growth and metastasis of cancer cells by administering anti-chemokine antibodies. It is possible to identify the particular chemokines which are over-expressed in the tumor using methods of the invention and administer antibodies against that over-expressed chemokine.
US08097249B2 Use of PD-L3 proteins and PD-L3 specific antibodies or antibody fragments to regulate D4+ and CD8+ T cell immunity
The present invention relates to novel regulatory T cell proteins. One protein, designated PD-L3, resembles members of the PD-L1 family, and co-stimulates αCD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. A second, TNF-like, protein has also been identified as being upregulated upon αCD3/αGITR stimulation. This protein has been designated Treg-sTNF. Proteins, antibodies, activated T cells and methods for using the same are disclosed.
US08097247B2 Probiotic, lactic acid-producing bacteria and uses thereof
The present invention discloses compositions and methodologies for the utilization of probiotic organisms in therapeutic compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria, preferably strains of Bacillus coagulans, for the control of gastrointestinal tract pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant gastrointestinal tract pathogens, and their associated diseases by both a reduction in the rate of colonization and the severity of the deleterious physiological effects of the colonization of the antibiotic-resistant pathogen. In addition, the present invention relates to the utilization of therapeutic compounds comprised of lactic acid-producing bacteria and anti-microbial agents such as antibiotics, anti-fungal compounds, anti-yeast compounds, or anti-viral compounds. The present invention also discloses methodologies for: (i) the selective breeding and isolation of probiotic, lactic acid-producing bacterial strains which possess resistance or markedly decreased sensitivity to anti-microbial agents (e.g., antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-yeast agents, and anti-viral agents); and (ii) treating or preventing bacteria-mediated infections of the gastrointestinal tract by use of the aforementioned probiotic bacterial strains with or without the concomitant administration of antibiotics. While the primary focus is on the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections, the therapeutic compositions of the present invention may also be administered to buccal, vaginal, optic, and like physiological locations.
US08097246B2 Promoter of differentiation and keratinization of epidermic cell and functional beverage/food for promotion of keratinization of epidermis
The invention provides functional food and beverage that produce, through oral intake, a promotive effect on normal epidermal keratinization, and an epidermal differentiation and keratinization promoter for use in such functional food and beverage. The epidermal differentiation and keratinization promoter of the present invention contains, as an active component, fermented milk whey obtained by fermentation of milk with bacteria including lactic acid bacteria, such as Latobacillus helveticus. The functional food and beverage for promoting epidermal keratinization of the present invention contains the epidermal differentiation and keratinization promoter.
US08097244B2 Human prostate cell lines in cancer treatment
Combinations of cell lines are provided for allogeneic immunotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer. Cancer vaccines generally have been limited to the use of cells that contain at least some tumor specific antigens (“TSAs”) and/or tumor associated antigens (“TAAs”) having shared identity with antigens in a targeted tumor. In such cases, tumor cells often are utilized as a starting point on the premise that only tumor cells will contain TSAs or TAAs or relevance, and the tissue origins of the cells are matched to the tumor site in patients. A primary aspect of the invention is the use of immortalised normal, non-malignant cells, in combination with primary and/or metastatic tumor cells, as the basis of an allogeneic cell cancer vaccine. Normal cells do not posses TSAs or relevant concentrations of TAAs and hence it is surprising that normal cells are effective as anti-cancer vaccines when administered in combination with primary and/or metastatic tumor cells. More surprisingly, a three way combination of cells obtained from metastasized cells, non metastasized tumor and cells from a normal cell line provided good therapy. For prostate cancer, for example, a vaccine may be based on one or a combination of different immortalized normal cell lines derived from the prostate according to parameters described herein. The cell lines may be lethally irradiated with, for example, gamma irradiation at 50-300 Gy to ensure that they are replication incompetent prior to use.
US08097243B2 Microparticle-based transfection and activation of dendritic cells
The present invention provides an effective method for the transfection of dendritic cells by non-viral methods. The present invention provides this benefit by incubating dendritic cells and a specified transfection agent. The transfection agent comprises a polynucleotide and microparticles, with the microparticles being comprised of biodegradable polymer and cationic detergent. The dendritic cells and transfection agent are incubated for a time sufficient to transfect the dendritic cells with the polynucleotide.
US08097240B2 Use of transmission dyes for protecting human skin from browning and ageing
Disclosed is the use of an aqueous dispersion comprising (a) a micronized sparingly soluble organic compound which has a UV-Vis spectrum with a maximum from 380 to 420 nm; and (b) an anionic dispersing agent for protecting the human skin from browning and skin aging.
US08097237B2 Non-invasive diagnostic agents of cancer and methods of diagnosing cancer, especially leukemia and lymphoma
The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools to image cancers, especially, leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) with minimal toxicity in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probe is capable of detecting precancerous cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and staging of NHL using non-invasively molecular imaging techniques. This novel probe will also be useful to monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of NHL. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states.
US08097235B2 Bronsted acid destabilization of complex metal hydrides
In one aspect, there is disclosed a process of forming a hydrogen material including the steps of providing a metal hydride material, providing a Bronsted acid material, combining the metal hydride material and Bronsted acid material, and pyrolyzing the combined material forming a hydrogen storage material having a hydrogen release temperature less than the metal hydride material.
US08097230B2 Process for the manufacture of carbon disulphide and use of a liquid stream comprising carbon disulphide for enhanced oil recovery
The invention provides a process for the manufacture of carbon disulphide by reacting carbon monoxide with elemental sulphur to form carbonyl sulphide and disproportionating the carbonyl sulphide formed into carbon disulphide and carbon dioxide, the process comprising contacting a gaseous stream comprising carbon monoxide with a liquid elemental sulphur phase containing a solid catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 250 to 700° C. to obtain a gaseous phase comprising carbonyl sulphide, carbon disulphide and carbon dioxide. The invention further provides the use of a liquid stream comprising carbon disulphide, carbonyl sulphide and carbon dioxide obtainable by such process for enhanced oil recovery.
US08097227B2 Method for thiosulfate leaching of precious metal-containing materials
Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ heap leaching or lixiviants that include one or more blinding agents.
US08097225B2 Microfluidic cartridge with reservoirs for increased shelf life of installed reagents
A microfluidic cartridge that includes at least one reservoir for storing a reagent or the like for an extended period of time. In one illustrative embodiment, at least part of a wall of a reservoir includes a hydrophobic material, such as a polymonochlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) homopolymer and/or copolymer. The hydrophobic material may help reduce leaching, evaporation, diffusion and/or other transfer of the reagent or one of its components from the reservoir. When the reagent or the like is lyophilized, the hydrophobic material may help keep water, water vapor and/or other gases or liquids from entering the reservoir prior to use of the microfluidic cartridge.
US08097222B2 Microfluidic device with integrated micropump, in particular biochemical microreactor, and manufacturing method thereof
A microfluidic device for nucleic acid analysis includes a monolithic semiconductor body (13), a microfluidic circuit (10), at least partially accommodated in the monolithic semiconductor body (13), and a micropump (11). The microfluidic circuit (10) includes a sample preparation channel (18) formed on the monolithic semiconductor body (13) and at least one microfluidic channel (20, 22) buried in the monolithic semiconductor body (13). The micropump (11), includes a plurality of sealed chambers (40) provided with respective openable sealing elements (41) and having a first pressure therein that is different from a second pressure in the microfluidic circuit (10). In addition, the micropump (11) and the microfluidic circuit (10) are configured so that opening the openable sealing elements (41) provides fluidic coupling between the respective chambers (40) and the microfluidic circuit (10). The openable sealing elements (41) are integrated in the monolithic semiconductor body (13).
US08097219B2 Integrated reactor and centrifugal separator and uses thereof
An apparatus for providing reaction of fluids and separation of products with increased residence time. The apparatus includes a stationary shell, a rotating hollow cylindrical component disposed in the stationary shell, a residence-time increasing device external to the stationary shell, a standpipe for introducing fluid into an interior cavity of the hollow cylindrical component from the residence-time increasing device, a first outlet in fluid flow communication with the interior cavity of the hollow cylindrical component for a less dense phase fluid, and a second outlet in fluid flow communication with the interior cavity of the hollow cylindrical component for a more dense phase fluid.
US08097217B2 Atmospheric pressure plasma generating apparatus by induction electrode
The present invention relates to an atmospheric pressure plasma generating apparatus using an induction electrode. In particular, one or more upper metal electrodes are disposed on the upper side and an induction electrode and an induction electrode antenna are disposed opposite to the upper electrodes, so that a high-density plasma is generated at low applied voltage. Further, base electrodes are used to preclude interference between the upper electrodes. Thus, lots of the upper electrodes can be constructed at a narrow space, the uniformity of intensity of a generated plasma can be secured, the source of a plasma can be provided by the upper electrodes, and the intensity of a plasma can be increased. In addition, a lower electrode is disposed on the lower side in order to extend the length of a generated plasma.
US08097216B2 Fluidizing a population of catalyst particles having a low catalyst fines content
A process and apparatus for fluidizing a population of catalyst particles having a low catalyst fines content includes a fluidized bed reactor which includes a plurality of catalyst particles in the reactor wherein the catalyst particles having a d2 value of greater than about 40 microns. The catalyst particles are contacted with a fluidizing medium under conditions to fluidize the particles, the reactor includes a continuous reaction zone and separation zone and the fluidized of the catalyst particles are situated within the reaction and both the reaction zone and the separation zone include obstructing members which obstruct the flow of particles such that the catalyst particles can be maintained at an axial gas Peclet number from about 10 to about 20.
US08097214B2 Ceiling fan mounted air freshener device
The present invention is directed toward an air freshener that is constructed and arranged to be secured to the supporting shaft of a ceiling fan. One embodiment of the device includes a scented ring of wickable material having an inner aperture and split through one side. The aperture is sized to cooperate with the supporting shaft of the fan and the split allows the scented ring to be sprung apart for easy installation of the device about the supporting rod. The wickable material includes properties that allow the device to remain in position about the supporting rod once installed while wicking a fragrance composition substantially to its surface for distributing a fragrance evenly throughout an open area, such as a large room. The inner and bottom surfaces of the scented ring may include a polymeric coating to prevent the fragrance composition from wicking to a supporting surface.
US08097213B2 Calibration system, material delivery system, and methods for such delivery and calibration
Material delivery systems, methods of delivering material and methods of calibrating such systems and methods are disclosed. The material delivery system includes a delivery vessel, a load cell, and automated weight calibration device. The delivery vessel has at least an outlet adapted for coupling to an unit. The load cell is configured to provide a metric indicative of an amount of material in the delivery vessel. The automated weight calibration device is configured to impart a known force onto the at least one load cell. A method includes delivering material to a unit and determining how much material is delivered by a change in weight of a delivery vessel, wherein the delivery vessel comprises a load cell; applying a known calibration force to the load cell; and comparing a metric from the load cell of the known calibration with an expected metric.
US08097210B2 Disposable test sensor cartridge
This invention relates to a test sensor cartridge assembly that dispenses test sensors individually while shortening the distance of the lateral movement required to eject the sensor. A stationary gear rack is affixed to a surface with a moveable gear rack positioned parallel to the stationary gear rack. The moveable gear rack is adapted to engage the test sensor. A gear is positioned between and contacts the stationary gear rack and the moveable gear rack. The lateral movement of the gear in a first direction generates rotational movement by the gear. Both the lateral and rotational movement move the moveable gear rack laterally in the first direction. The lateral movement of the gear rack in the first direction ejects a test sensor from a test sensor cartridge.
US08097207B2 Steel having high mechanical strength and wear resistance
Method for reducing the segregated seams of a steel which has high mechanical strength and high wear resistance and whose composition comprises by weight: 0.30%≦C≦1.42%; 0.05%≦Si≦1.5%; Mn≦1.95%; Ni≦2.9%; 1.1%≦Cr≦7.9%; 0.61%≦Mo≦4.4%; optionally V≦1.45%, Nb≦1.45%, Ta≦1.45% and V+Nb/2+Ta/4≦1.45%; less than 0.1% of boron, less than 0.19% of (S+Se/2+Te/4), less than 0.01% of calcium, less than 0.5% of rare earths, less than 1% of aluminum, less than 1% of copper; the balance being iron and impurities resulting from the production operation. The composition further complies with: 800≦D≦1150 with D=540(C)0.25+245(Mo+3V+1.5Nb+0.75Ta)0.30+125Cr0.20+15.8Mn+7.4Ni+18Si. According to the method, the molybdenum is completely or partially replaced with double the proportion of tungsten so that W>0.21%, and Ti, Zr, C are adjusted so that, after adjustment, Ti+Zr/2≧0.2W, (Ti+Zr/2)×C≧0.07, Ti+Zr/2≦1.49% and D is unchanged at approximately 5%. Steel obtained and method for producing a steel workpiece.
US08097206B2 Lance duct for vacuum treatment systems
For the metallurgical treatment of steel melts, a lance is guided through a guide tube with gland into a reaction chamber, on which a water-cooled connection with a connector flange and a vacuum-sealed housing with a housing flange are located, as well as a compensator installed between the housing and the gland guide tube for compensating lateral, axial or angular relative motions of the guide tube and housing during the course of movement.
US08097204B2 Bevel head attachment for plasma and oxy fuel cutting machines
A lightweight bevel head attachment for a torch cutting machine includes a horizontal support tray, a rotation assembly mounted under the support tray, a tilt assembly coupled to the rotation assembly for rotation therewith about a vertical axis, a torch holder carried and pivoted by the title assembly, and a rack-and-pinion lift assembly having a mounting plate for attachment to the cutting machine carriage. The tilt assembly includes a pair of link arms housing a pulley system for transmitting pivotal motion at an input shaft to an output shaft on which the torch holder is mounted. The bevel head attachment can provide bevel angles in a range of about +/−75 degrees.
US08097200B2 Process for producing stretched film, stretched film, polarizer, and liquid-crystal display
A method for producing a stretched film comprising supplying a film composed of a thermoplastic resin along a direction D1 that is different from a taking-up direction D2 of a post-stretch film, and obliquely stretching the film while transferring the film with the edges thereof being gripped by gripping devices, to produce the stretched film having an orientation angle θ being within 45±5° with respect to the taking-up direction.
US08097199B2 Molded plastic container and preform having insert-molded insert
A method of making a plastic container having an RFID tag in a wall of the container includes providing a mold having a mold core and mounting an insert on the core. The insert includes an RFID tag surrounded by a plastic housing, which preferably is retained on the core for example by heat of the core partially melting the housing. A plastic preform is formed in the mold around the core and the insert, preferably by injection molding, such that the insert is embedded in a wall of the preform. The preform is then blow molded into a plastic container having the insert embedded in a wall of the container. The insert preferably is mounted on an end of the core such that the insert is in the base wall of the container following blow molding. The RFID tag preferably is externally covered by plastic material in the preform as molded, and in the container as blow molded, so that the RFID tag is not externally exposed in the preform or the container. The disclosure also contemplates a container preform and a blow molded plastic container manufactured in accordance with a method of the disclosure.
US08097197B2 Method for manufacturing a sealable container closure
A storage means provides sealed storage for contents. A closure means is fused to a container by application of an electro-magnetic field providing a permanent and hermetic seal between the closure and the container. The closure further includes a removable panel to provide access to the contents of the container.
US08097196B2 Method and device for manufacturing a mould, and method and device for manufacturing a product using the mould
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device are disclosed for manufacturing a mould for the manufacture of at least one product. The product can be a concrete body. The method includes: adjusting a rough shape which roughly approximates, with clearance, the shape of a side of the product; arranging a layer of processible material over the rough shape, and processing the layer of material in accordance with almost exactly the shape of the product.
US08097194B2 Method of making a damper component
A method for making a damper component for absorbing and dissipating vibration and/or noise resonation is provided. The method features heating a laminate including a viscoelastomer-containing damper layer and an adjacent melt-flowable, curable sheet molding compound. Heating is conducted under pressure in a mold to cure the sheet molding compound to form a continuous constraining layer that intimately contacts and encases the damper layer.
US08097193B2 Method of adjusting mold thickness of toggle-type mold clamping device
There are provided a first process T1 in which a mold clamping motor 4 is driven-controlled so as to move a cross head 5h of a toggle link mechanism 5 to a preliminary position Xr set in advance so as to become a position on the mold open side rather than a mold closure position Xs; a second process T2 in which after the first process T1 is finished, a mold thickness adjusting motor 2 is driven-controlled so as to move a pressure receiving platen 3 forward to a mold closed position Xc where a mold C is closed; a third process T3 in which after the second process T2 is finished, the mold clamping motor 4 is driven-controlled so as to move the cross head 5h forward, while the mold C is pressurized by torque limitation of the mold clamping motor 4, and the mold thickness adjusting motor 2 is driven-controlled so as to move the pressure receiving platen 3, while the cross head 5h is moved to the mold closure position Xs; and a fourth process T4 in which, after the third process T3 is finished, a clamping margin Lp of the mold C corresponding to a predetermined mold clamping force is set.
US08097192B2 Foamed resin molding machine and method of operating the same
A die opening and closing device for a movable die plate and a fixed die plate includes a toggle link disposed between the movable die plate and a die tightening housing, a cross head for flexing the toggle link, and a motor-driven ball screw penetrating through the die tightening housing and inserted into the cross head, and this die opening and closing device is provided with die thickness adjusting means for adjusting the die thickness S when the die is tightened by extension of the toggle link, and ball screw rotation control means for controlling constant the cracking gap, and a foamed resin molding machine is presented, together with its operating method.
US08097186B2 Microvaristor-based overvoltage protection
A method is disclosed for producing a non-linear powder having microvaristor particles which have a non-linear current-voltage characteristic. The production steps includes mixing non-metallic particles with the microvaristor particles, thermally treating the non-metallic particles for decomposing them into electrically conductive particles and fusing the electrically conductive particles onto the microvaristor particles. Embodiments, among other things, relate to: breaking up agglomerates of the non-metallic particles during mixing; keeping the decomposition temperature below a sintering or calcination temperature of the microvaristor particles; and choosing micron-sized or nano-sized non-conductive particles for microvaristor decoration. The production method produces varistor powder with improved reproducibility of the non-linear electric current-voltage characterstic and with reduced switching fields (Es).
US08097181B2 Ascorbic acid, terephthalate and nitromethane stabilizers for fluoroolefins
The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of a stabilizer comprising at least one ascorbic acid, terephthalate, or nitromethane, or mixtures thereof. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.
US08097180B2 Magnetic material
Disclosed is a magnetic material comprising a crystal of ε-GaxFe2-xO3 (wherein 0
US08097177B2 Piezoelectric vibrating reed, piezoelectric vibrator, oscillator, electronic device, radio—controlled clock, and method for manufacturing piezoelectric vibrating reed
Providing a piezoelectric vibrating reed which is capable of decreasing variation in the amount of etching residue as much as possible and suppressing influence of vibration loss on the vibration characteristics as much as possible. A piezoelectric vibrating reed 1 including: a piezoelectric plate 2 which includes a vibrating part 3 formed so as to extend along a central axis and a base portion 4 that supports a base end of the vibrating part; excitation electrodes 10 and 11 which are formed on an outer surface of the vibrating part and allow the vibrating part to vibrate when a voltage is applied thereto, wherein the base portion includes: a mounting portion 4a in which mount electrodes 12 and 13 are formed on an outer surface thereof; an intermediate portion 4b which is disposed continuously between the mounting portion and the vibrating part and in which an extraction electrode 14 connecting the excitation electrodes and the mount electrodes together is formed on an outer surface thereof, wherein the mounting portion has a greater horizontal width than the intermediate portion, and wherein a side surface of the mounting portion and a side surface of the intermediate portion are continuous to each other at a step portion between the mounting portion and the intermediate portion via a sloped surface 4c that is sloped relative to the central axis in a top view thereof.
US08097175B2 Method for selectively permeating a self-assembled block copolymer, method for forming metal oxide structures, method for forming a metal oxide pattern, and method for patterning a semiconductor structure
Methods of forming metal oxide structures and methods of forming metal oxide patterns on a substrate using a block copolymer system formulated for self-assembly. The metal oxide structures and patterns may be used, for example, as a mask for sublithographic patterning during various stages of semiconductor device fabrication. A block copolymer at least within a trench in the substrate and including at least one soluble block and at least one insoluble block may be annealed to form a self-assembled pattern including a plurality of repeating units of the at least one soluble block laterally aligned with the trench and positioned within a matrix of the at least one insoluble block. The self-assembled pattern may be exposed to a metal oxide precursor that impregnates the at least one soluble block. The metal oxide precursor may be oxidized to form a metal oxide. The self-assembled pattern may be removed to form a pattern of metal oxide lines on the substrate surface.
US08097172B2 Recovery of organic compounds using a saturator
The present invention provides an apparatus for recovering organic compounds from plant waste water. A saturator (10) is coupled to a feed gas stream (70) and a heated makeup water stream (54) which includes recoverable organic compounds. The saturator provides a saturated feed gas stream (70) which includes feed gas, steam and recovered organic compounds. A pump (30) recycles saturator water (56) and the makeup water stream (50) is added to that recycle stream (54).
US08097171B2 Method of separating a fluid fraction from whole blood
A novel composite of glass fiber paper and reinforcing material that is useful for high speed manufacturing of devices comprising it is disclosed. The composite is formed by pressing into a glass fiber paper, having multimodal (at least bi-modal) composition, a hydrophilic reinforcing material. The composite has anisotropic separation properties that are particularly useful for preparing a fluid fraction from whole blood. The preferred glass fiber paper comprises glass fibers such that there are a plurality of short fibers (6) having large diameters and long fibers (2) with smaller diameters. The preferred glass fiber paper also exhibits partial ordering. There are many more of the long fibers (2) with smaller diameters than of the short fibers (6) having large diameters. Also disclosed are several blood separator device designs for efficiently separating the fluid fraction of blood from whole blood using the composite.
US08097168B2 Wastewater photo biomass/algae treatment method
A treatment method for wastewater employing sulfur dioxide and lime chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental photo biomass/algae biological treatment system growing photo biomass/algae to reduce dissolved solids, heavy metals, and ammonia in the wastewater to produce recovered treated wastewater for vegetation consumption, biofuel feedstock, and biofuel and carbon credits.
US08097166B2 Method to produce the activated liquid which contains micro gas bubbles and methods realized by the use of the liquid
This invention offers effective and efficient method to produce and to use LIQUID defined as activated liquid which contains sufficient amount of micro bubbles of diameter less than 10 micrometers. LIQUID exhibits very useful properties for the purification of liquid, sterilization, extinguishment of undesirable bubbles, preservation of freshness of food, storage of gas in liquid, the decomposition of pollutants etc. The method to produce LIQUID comprises a means to rotate a rotor installed in a fixed tube wherein the rotor and the fixed tube are provided with a set of permanent magnets and a set of linear protuberances, and liquid and gas are introduced in the gap formed between the fixed tube and the rotor by pumping means driven by the motor. The micro bubbles are effectively produced with the repulsive magnetic field generated by the S (or N) pole of at least 30% of the whole magnets faced with the said gap. An annular activator made from far infrared emitting materials is assembled in the path of liquid in order to increase the efficiency for producing LIQUID.
US08097164B2 Process for preparing magnetic particles for selectively removing contaminants from solution
A process for selectively removing contaminant ions from a solution includes: a) contacting the solution with magnetic particles coupled to selectively chelating ion exchange functionality containing moieties prepared by: i) activating carboxyl groups on the selectively chelating ion exchange functionality containing moieties by the formation of an acyl fluoride, and ii) reacting the acyl fluoride with the magnetic particles, the magnetic particles having a particle size of less than 10 microns; b) allowing the chelating functionality coupled magnetic particles to selectively bind one or more of the contaminant ions; and, c) extracting the chelating functionality coupled magnetic particles and contaminant ions from the solution by magnetic filtration.
US08097159B1 Pressure filter type water kettle
A pressure filter type water kettle includes a kettle body for holding water, a pressure device holder mounted in the kettle body to close the top open side of the kettle body, a filter fastened to the bottom side of the pressure device holder and dipped in water in the kettle body, and a pressure device mounted in the pressure device holder and operable to apply compressed air to force filled water through a series of filter layers in the filter so that water is filtered into a drinkable condition.
US08097153B2 Systems and methods of microfluidic membraneless exchange using filtration of extraction outlet streams
A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
US08097152B2 Apparatus for removal of oil from ice
An apparatus for removing oil from sea ice comprises modular crusher units which may be pivotally mounted on a barge or other vessel. A rotating, toothed drum crushes the ice against a grating and mixes it with warmed, recycled water to form an ice/water slurry which is conveyed by means of an auger to one or more melting units. The liquid phase output of the melting units is first conveyed to a surge tank and then to a separator unit which separates the oil from the water. The oil is conveyed to a storage tank for subsequent offloading and disposal and the water is returned in a recycle line to sprayers mounted in the crusher unit(s) for deicing the intake section of the crusher and mixing with the crushed sea ice to form an ice/water slurry for subsequent, on-board treatment. The modular design of the apparatus permits a plurality of units to be mounted on a vessel in a side-by-side array such that substantially the entire beam of the vessel at the stern (or bow) may be covered and used for ice intake.
US08097148B2 Method for ultrasonic cleaning of a working electrode in electrochemical cell useful for automated trace metals measurement
Methods for cleaning and regenerating a working electrode in an electrochemical cell; method for measuring the concentration of a metal in a liquid sample in an electrochemical cell having a working electrode, the method including a step for cleaning and/or regenerating the electrode; and an assembly having an ultrasonic device in sonic communication with an electrochemical cell.
US08097147B2 Method of measuring quantity of substrate
A method of measuring a quantity of a substrate contained in sample liquid is provided. This method can reduce measurement errors caused by a biosensor. The biosensor includes at least a pair of electrodes on an insulating board and is inserted into a measuring device which includes a supporting section for supporting detachably the biosensor, plural connecting terminals to be coupled to the respective electrodes, and a driving power supply which applies a voltage to the respective electrodes via the connecting terminals. One of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to the first and second connecting terminals of the measuring device only when the biosensor is inserted into the measuring device in a given direction, and has a structure such that the electrode becomes conductive between the first and second connecting terminals due to a voltage application by the driving power supply.
US08097146B2 Device and method for monitoring an electrochemical gas sensor
An electrochemical gas sensor testing device that includes a test signal generator that generates a multiplexed signal that includes a first test signal that includes alternating current (AC) and is free from a direct current (DC) component and a second signal that includes a DC bias voltage, an electrochemical cell that includes a counter electrode, a sensing electrode, and an electrolyte, the counter electrode and the sensing electrode being in electrical communication with the electrolyte and each other, the counter electrode being in electrical communication with the signal generator to receive the multiplexed signal generated by the signal generator, and a processor that receives an AC signal from the sensing electrode and that analyzes the AC signal.
US08097145B2 Method and apparatus for decontamination of fluid
The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
US08097144B2 Aluminium electrowinning cell with enhanced crust
A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium has a cavity for containing electrolyte (20) and one or more non emerging active anode bodies (5) that are suspended in the electrolyte. The electrolyte's surface (21,21′) has an expanse extending over the cavity and is substantially covered by a self-formed crust (25) of frozen electrolyte. The crust is mechanically reinforced by at least one preformed refractory body (30, 30′,30″). The electrolyte crust is formed against the preformed refractory body and bonded thereto so as to inhibit mechanical failure of the crust and collapse of the crust into the cavity.
US08097142B2 High-throughput electrorefiner for recovery of U and U/TRU product from spent fuel
The present invention provides a method of simultaneously removing uranium and transuranics from metallic nuclear fuel in an electrorefiner. In the method, a potential difference is established between an anode basket containing the fuel and a solid cathode of the electrorefiner, thereby creating a diffusion layer of uranium and transuranic ions at the solid cathode, a first current density at the anode basket, and a second current density at the solid cathode. The ratio of anode basket area to solid cathode area is selected based on the total concentration of uranium and transuranic metals in a molten halide electrolyte in the electrorefiner and the effective thickness of the diffusion layer at the solid cathode, such that the established first and second current densities result in both codeposition of uranium and transuranic metals on the solid cathode and oxidation of the metallic nuclear fuel in the anode basket.
US08097137B2 Gas sensor element and gas sensor
To provide a gas sensor element having a base body whose durability is unlikely to deteriorate during the use and exhibiting excellent endurance and responsiveness.[Means for Solution] A gas sensor element 2 comprising: a closed-bottomed cylindrical base body 28 made of solid electrolyte which contains zirconia as a principal component; an outer electrode 26 formed on an outer surface of the base body 28; an inner electrode 27 formed on an inner surface of the base body 28; and an adhesive layer 29 formed between the base body 28 and the outer electrode 26 and containing zirconia as a principal component, wherein a proportion of tetragonal in zirconia particles of the base body 28 falls within the range from 45% or more to 60% or less and, wherein a proportion of tetragonal in zirconia particles of the adhesive layer 29 is greater than that of tetragonal in zirconia particles of the base body 28.
US08097134B2 Addressable chem/bio chip array
Addressable bio/chem chips include a plurality of isolated test cells, each addressable by at least two electrodes for measuring electrical characteristics of probe/test molecule interactions. In one embodiment, electrodes are located within a channel to allow for four terminal measurement. In another embodiment, electrodes are arranged in rows and columns and interconnected with electrolyte pads used as test sites. In yet another embodiment, electrodes are arranged in cells, with each cell including a counter electrode surrounded encircled by working electrodes.
US08097133B2 Evacuable magnetron chamber
A vacuum pumping system and method in conjunction with a sputter reactor having a vacuum-pumped magnetron chamber sealed to the target backing plate. A main sputter chamber is vacuum sealed to the target front and cryo pumped. A bypass conduit and valve connect the magnetron and main chambers. A mechanical roughing pump connected to the magnetron chamber pumps the main chamber through the bypass conduit to less than 1 Torr before the bypass valve is closed and the cryo pump is opened and thereafter continues to pump the magnetron chamber to reduce the pressure differential across the target. A pressure differential switch connected across the bypass valve immediately open it whenever the pressure differential exceeds a limit, such as 20 Torr, for example when there is a leak or an electrical failure. The bypass conduit is also used in a venting procedure.
US08097132B2 Process and device to obtain metal in powder, sheet or cathode from any metal containing material
A metal-containing material is introduced in the container with an anode inserted therein, the container is introduced in a tank filled with an electrolyte, with a cathode opposed to it, and direct current is passed through ((+) anode and (−) cathode) to recover the desired metal.
US08097130B2 Integrated water treatment system
An integrated water treatment system for sanitizing the water in a water system and reducing scaling includes an electrolytic cell through which water is passed. An electronic control system is coupled to the electrolytic cell, to provide a drive current to the cell to generate a sanitizer by electrolysis. The control system applies a variable frequency alternating voltage drive to said cell to reduce scaling build-up in the system.
US08097129B2 Multilayer nitride-containing coatings
This invention relates to erosion resistant coatings comprising at least 2 sublayer systems in which each sublayer system is separated from another by an interlayer, wherein (i) each sublayer system is the same or different and comprises at least 4 layers, (ii) said layers comprise alternating layers of a nitride-containing compound of stoichiometric composition and a nitride-containing compound of nonstoichiometric composition, (iii) each sublayer system has a thickness of greater than about 0.4 microns, and (iv) each interlayer is the same or different and comprises a metal-containing compound. This invention also relates to a method for producing the coatings and to articles, e.g., gas turbine compressor rotor blade and stator vanes, coated with the coatings.
US08097127B2 Siliceous composition and its use in papermaking
An aqueous polysilicate composition comprising a polysilicate microgel based component in association with particles derived from colloidal polysilicate. The invention also concerns a process for preparing an aqueous polysilicate composition comprising mixing an aqueous colloidal polysilicate with an aqueous phase of a polysilicate microgel. The aqueous polysilicate composition is more effective than colloidal silica and is more stable than a conventional polysilicate microgel.
US08097123B2 Fibrous support intended to be impregnated with liquid
Fibrous support intended to be impregnated, the fibers of which are formed 100% of cellulose fibers, characterized in that it presents, before creping or embossing, a wet traction strength of over 2.4 N/15 mm in the cross-machine direction, a water absorption capacity of at least 300% and contains less than 2% dry wet strength 10 agent in comparison with the dry weight of the fibers.
US08097118B2 Method for manufacturing liquid ejection head
A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head having an ejection port-forming member in which an ejection port configured to eject liquid is formed, includes the steps of preparing a substrate including a base substrate; a first layer composed of a resin composition not containing a polymerization initiator but containing a compound that can be polymerized by irradiation with active energy rays under the presence of the polymerization initiator; and a second layer composed of an active energy ray-curable resin composition containing the polymerization initiator; pressing a mold, on which a pattern of the ejection port has been formed, against the first layer and the second layer; irradiating the second layer with the active energy rays while the mold is being pressed against the first layer and the second layer; bonding the second layer to another supporting substrate; and detaching the base substrate.
US08097117B2 Method of producing solar modules by the roller laminate process
The invention relates to a method of producing a solar module by laminating a layer body consisting of a first carrier, to which at least one solar cell unit is applied, and a second carrier by at least one intermediate film based on a plasticizer-containing polyvinyl acetal by guiding the layer body between at least one pair of rollers at a temperature of 50 to 150° C.
US08097109B2 Method for the concurrent converting of multiple web materials
An apparatus for the concurrent converting of multiple web products includes at least a first unwind station and a second unwind station. The apparatus further includes a first web transformation station associated with a first web material unwound from the first unwind station, and a second web transformation station associated with the second web material unwound from the second unwind station. The first and second web transformation stations are disposed such that less than twice the width of the widest web material separates a portion of the first web material in the first web transformation station from a portion of the second web material in the second web transformation station. The method of the invention includes steps of unwinding web materials from rolls at each of the first and second unwind stations and transforming the respective web materials using the first and second web transformation stations.
US08097102B2 Cu-Ti-based copper alloy sheet material and method of manufacturing same
Provided is a Cu—Ti-based copper alloy sheet material that satisfies all the requirements of high strength, excellent bending workability and stress relaxation resistance and has excellent sprig-back resistance. The copper alloy sheet material has a composition containing, by mass, from 1.0 to 5.0% of Ti, and optionally containing at least one of at most 0.5% of Fe, at most 1.0% of Co and at most 1.5% of Ni, and further optionally containing at least one of Sn, Zn, Mg, Zr, Al, Si, P, B, Cr, Mn and V in an amount within a suitable range, with the balance of Cu and inevitable impurities, and having a crystal orientation satisfying the following expression (1) and preferably also satisfying the following expression (2). The mean crystal grain size of the material is controlled to be from 10 to 60 μm. I{420}/I0{420}>1.0  (1) I{220}/I0{220}≦3.0  (2)
US08097099B2 High toughness abrasion resistant steel with little change in hardness during use and method of production of same
The present invention provides an abrasion resistant steel having a hardness of HB400 to HB520, having little change of hardness during long term use, and superior in toughness, characterized by containing, by mass %, C: 0.21% to 0.30%, Si: 0.30 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.32 to 0.70%, P: 0.02% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Cr: 0.1 to 2.0%, Mo: 0.1 to 1.0%, B: 0.0003 to 0.0030%, Al: 0.01 to 0.1%, and N: 0.01% or less, further containing one or more of V: 0.01 to 0.1%, Nb: 0.005 to 0.05%, Ti: 0.005 to 0.03%, Ca: 0.0005 to 0.05%, Mg: 0.0005 to 0.05%, and REM: 0.001 to 0.1%, having a balance of Fe, and furthermore having an ingredient with an M value defined by the following formula (1) of −10 to 16: M=26×[Si]−40×[Mn]−3×[Cr]+36×[Mo]+63×[V]  (1)
US08097096B2 Fire resistant steel excellent in high temperature strength, toughness, and reheating embrittlement resistance and process for production of the same
The present invention provides a fire resistant steel material excellent in high temperature strength, toughness, and reheating embrittlement resistance containing, by mass %, C: 0.001% to 0.030%, Si: 0.05% to 0.50%, Mn: 0.4% to 2.0%, Nb: 0.03% to 0.50%, Ti: 0.005% to less than 0.040%, N: 0.0001% to less than 0.0050%, and Al: 0.005% to 0.030%, limiting P: 0.03% or, less and S: 0.02% or less, satisfying C—Nb/7.74≦0.005 and 2≦Ti/N≦12, and having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities and, further, a process for production of a fire resistant material comprising heating a steel slab comprised of this chemical composition to 1100 to 1350° C. and hot rolling it by a cumulative reduction rate at 1000° C. or less of 30% or more.
US08097094B2 High-strength electrical steel sheet and processed part of same
The present invention has as its object to stably produce a high strength electrical steel sheet and a processed part of the same which is high in strength and has wear resistant and is superior in magnetic flux density and core loss without greatly changing the cold rollability and production processes from those of conventional electrical steel sheet and provides a high strength electrical steel sheet characterized by containing, by mass %, C: 0.06% or less, Si: 0.2 to 6.5%, Mn: 0.05 to 3.0%, P: 0.30% or less, S or Se: 0.040% or less, Al: 2.50% or less, Cu: 0.6 to 8.0%, N: 0.0400% or less, and a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities and containing in the steel a metal phase composed of Cu of a size of 0.1 μm or less. The method of production of the same comprises holding in a temperature range of 300° C. to 720° C. for 5 seconds or more for heat treatment.
US08097086B2 Method and equipment for producing fruit sugar syrups having high fructose content
A method for preparing a sugar syrup having high fructose content, is implemented using at least one fruit containing sorbitol, particularly apples, pears, plums, prunes, peaches, nectarines, apricots and grapes, from which a first juice is extracted. The first juice is processed in order to obtain a clarified and demineralised sweet juice having a colour lower than 45 ICUMSA and having a conductometric ash content lower than 0.4%. The clarified and demineralised sweet juice is then processed in order to hydrolyse the saccharose into fructose and glucose. The method further includes an isomerisation of the glucose in fructose, and removing the sorbitol naturally occurring in the starting material.
US08097084B2 Vacuum chamber system for semiconductor processing
A vacuum chamber system for semiconductor processing includes at least two evacuable vacuum chambers for receiving semiconductor elements to be processed, each including a vacuum chamber opening and a vacuum chamber sealing surface, and transfer aspects by which one of the vacuum chambers can be moved relative to another of the vacuum chambers and can be docked with it in a vacuum-tight manner by producing substantially parallel opposite positions of the vacuum chamber sealing surfaces which are subject to possible misalignments. At least one of the vacuum chambers has support aspects which support one vacuum chamber on the other vacuum chamber in the evacuated, docked state. The support aspects are in the form of two support elements which are arranged on opposite sides of the vacuum chamber opening, are substantially parallel to the opening central axis and have an operative connection to one another and have a force and displacement balance relative to one another with a balance center located substantially on the opening central axis, so that, in the docked state non-parallel positioning of the vacuum chamber sealing surfaces opposite one another, caused by possible misalignments, is compensated on support.
US08097083B2 Operating method for a large dimension plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition cavity and an apparatus thereof
An operating method for a large dimension plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition cavity and an apparatus thereof are provided. The present invention reduces the time needed for filling the manufacturing gas into the large volume manufacturing cavity. Therefore, the plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition apparatus can switch the precursors rapidly to increase the thin film deposition rate, reduce the manufacturing gas consumption and lower the manufacturing cost.
US08097074B2 Air filtration and absorption method and system for the remediation of hydrazine
An air filtration system and method for the remediation of hydrazine from contaminated air. The system is provided in the form of a container with an inlet port and an outlet port containing absorbent pads or filters or wipes saturated with a solution of a dicarbonyl compound. As contaminated air passes through the container, hydrazine present within the air reacts with the dicarbonyl compound and becomes neutralized, thereby resulting in the exit of pure air from the container. The absorbent pads can also be used independently to remove hydrazine liquid spill.
US08097073B2 Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is provided. The dehumidifier includes a base, a barrier installed on the base to divide front and rear portions of the base, a drain pan formed on an upper portion of the barrier to collect condensed water and provided with a water collecting hole through which the condensed water is discharged, a drain hose connected to the water collecting hole to discharge the condensed water, and a hose fixing unit formed on the barrier to fix the drain hose.
US08097071B2 Sintered fiber filter
Sintered fiber filters are provided that can afford high particle capture efficiency and/or low pressure drop during operation, and are useful in applications such as semiconductor processing. The shape of at least a portion of the individual fibers (e.g., metal fibers) used to make the filter have a three-dimensional aspect, which allows for a low packing density and high porosity filtration media. Certain filters have a cylindrical or tube-like shape with tapered ends of higher density. Methods of making such filters, for example, using axial pressing, are also described.
US08097070B2 Air cleaners for electrical machines
A forced air open-ventilation systems for cooling electrical machines is provided. The forced air open-ventilation system includes an air cleaner having an air chamber with a first end, where air is drawn in from the surroundings, and a second end, opposite the first end, where air is drawn out of the air chamber, via a first outlet. A rotating means is contained within the air chamber and may be driven to rotate about an axis that extends between the first end and the second end of the chamber. The rotating means applies a centrifugal force to any airborne particles entering the air chamber and throws them radially outwards from the central axis. These particles are then drawn out of the air chamber, via at least one second outlet formed adjacent to a radially outer edge of the rotating means, by a high-velocity outlet stream of the open-ventilation system.
US08097068B2 Method for treating a diamine absorbent stream
A diamine absorbent that contains heat stable salts is regenerated using an ion exchange process wherein the concentration of heat stable salts in the feed stream provided to the cation exchange unit is limited.
US08097064B2 Methods for chemical recovery of non-carrier-added radioactive tin from irradiated intermetallic Ti-Sb targets
The invention provides a method of chemical recovery of no-carrier-added radioactive tin (NCA radiotin) from intermetallide TiSb irradiated with accelerated charged particles. An irradiated sample of TiSb can be dissolved in acidic solutions. Antimony can be removed from the solution by extraction with dibutyl ether. Titanium in the form of peroxide can be separated from tin using chromatography on strong anion-exchange resin. In another embodiment NCA radiotin can be separated from iodide solution containing titanium by extraction with benzene, toluene or chloroform. NCA radiotin can be finally purified from the remaining antimony and other impurities using chromatography on silica gel. NCA tin-117m can be obtained from this process. NCA tin-117m can be used for labeling organic compounds and biological objects to be applied in medicine for imaging and therapy of various diseases.
US08097059B2 Exhauster bypass system
An exhauster bypass system 20 receives an input flow of gases and entrained fine solid particles 15 from a pulverizer 12 and separates the input flow into a particle-deficient gas flow and a particle-laden gas flow. The particle-deficient gas flow is provided to a fan of an exhauster assembly through a central outlet, while the particle-laden gas flow is provided to the exhauster assembly away from the fan through a bypass outlet. The bypass system includes a housing that provides a chamber for separating the particles from the hot gases to produce the particle-laden gas flow and a particle-deficient gas flow. The bypass system further includes a plurality of vertically stacked louvers disposed before the central outlet for separating the particles from the input gas flow. The outlet may include a seal or bypass fan in fluid communication with the bypass outlet to provide the particle-laden gas flow to the exhauster assembly.
US08097055B2 System for treating exhaust gas
A system for treating exhaust gas from an engine is disclosed. The system may include a housing with a first longitudinal axis, an inlet port, and an outlet port. The housing may define a first flow path. A fluid treatment element may be arranged in the flow path. The system may also include a conduit defining a second longitudinal axis and forming a second flow path. The conduit may have first and second tubular portions generally aligned with the second longitudinal axis. The first tubular portion may have a first cross-section, and the second tubular portion may have a second cross-section. An inner diameter of the second cross-section may be less than an inner diameter of the first cross-section. The centerpoint of the first inner diameter may be offset from the centerpoint of the second inner diameter in a direction generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
US08097053B2 Separator of solid particles from steam-gas mixture
The present invention is related to the separator (dust chamber) for separating solid particles from vapor-gas mixture, particularly to the structure of the dust chamber belonging amongst installation of the plant processing the fossil fuels or materials containing organic matter. The dust chamber (1) for separating solid particles from vapor-gas mixture comprises main body (2) with inner refractory lining (7) arranged to the inner surface of said main body, first and second stage cyclones (3, 4), lamella compensators (18, 19), dust removal conduits (5, 15) and inlet conduit (13) of the vapor-gas mixture into the first cyclone (3). The main body (2) of the dust chamber (1) is manufactured in all height from the cylinder of equal diameter and first and second stage cyclones (3, 4) are placed outside of the main body (2) of the dust chamber (1). For the refractory lining of the main body (2) of the dust chamber (1) and first and second stage cyclones (3, 4) the non-porous and wear proof material, for example concrete, is used.
US08097051B2 Separator for liquids, in particular condensate, from liquid-loaded compressed gases
A separator for liquids, in particular condensate, from liquid-loaded compressed gases-generally serves, by coarse separation of condensate from the compressed gases, to protect downstream prefilters of cold dryers or adsorption dryers against overload due to condensate. In the separator of the invention, in a pot-shaped housing, a separator element in the form of a hollow cylinder is arranged, which consists of a multiplicity of flow chicanes formed from guiding bodies and impact bodies. The moisture-loaded gases are passed from the interior of the hollow cylinder to the exterior via these flow chicanes, condensate separating off on the chicanes and collecting in the collecting space.
US08097046B2 Dye composition comprising at least one insoluble compound and processes using this composition
Disclosed herein is an aqueous dye composition for dyeing keratin fibers, for example, human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a suitable dyeing medium: (a) at least one oxidizing agent, (b) at least one water-insoluble oxygenated organic non-dyeing compound, present in an amount of at least 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the dye composition, and (c) at least one oxidation dye precursor and/or at least one direct dye. Also disclosed herein is a process for dyeing human keratin fibers, for example, the hair, comprising applying such a composition to the keratin fibers.
US08097042B2 Double-wall prosthetic limb assembly
In one embodiment, a double-wall prosthetic limb socket assembly includes: (a) a first substantially rigid inner-wall socket adapted to receive a patient's residual limb; and (b) a second substantially rigid outer-wall socket seating the first inner-wall socket therein, the second outer-wall socket including, (i) a distal, circular base-plate; and (ii) a molded circumferential wall bonded to and extending proximally from the distal, circular base-plate; where the circular base-plate includes a vacuum port extending radially from a circumferential outer side of the base-plate in fluid communication with a vacuum channel extending through the circular base-plate and out through an outlet hole in a proximal side of the circular base-plate; such that when the vacuum port is coupled to a vacuum pump, the vacuum will help to draw the first inner-wall socket into the second outer-wall socket. A resilient, roll-on liner with a substantially closed distal end and an open proximal end interposes the substantially rigid inner and outer wall sockets.
US08097039B2 Total knee joint mold and methods
In one embodiment, a method for treating an infected implant area of a knee joint comprises surgically accessing the implant area, and inserting a tibial component into the tibia using an antibiotic-impregnated material. A femoral component is formed that is configured to interact with the tibial component by stable knee joint articulation and motion. The femoral component is formed of an antibiotic-impregnated material using a mold. The femoral component is attached to the femur using an antibiotic-impregnated material, and the tibial component is interfaced with the femoral component to form a stable temporary knee joint capable of reducing the spread of infection while permitting movement of the knee joint.
US08097036B2 Motion restoring intervertebral device
A motion restoring intervertebral device includes first and second articulating components positioned between adjacent vertebrae with the articulating surface of the first component being formed by a circular domed convex projection having a first radius. The articulating surface of the second component is formed by a generally concave recess having the first radius in the medial-lateral direction and a second larger sweeping radius in the interior-posterior direction so that the components are capable of rotating against each other in all directions and translate against each other in the anterior-posterior direction, whereby translation away from the center of the first radius will produce device and joint distraction to limit excessive translation.
US08097031B2 Warming device with provisions for deploying elements of an upper body convective apparatus and for deploying the lower portion of the warming device
A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting one or more convective apparatuses disposed to warm a patient perioperatively. The warming device may include an upper body convective apparatus supported on the inside of the clinical garment between its sleeves. The construction of the upper body convective apparatus includes pulling elements that draw folded components of the apparatus from sleeves of the clinical garment when pulled. The warming device may include a multi-section convective apparatus disposed longitudinally in a lower portion of the clinical garment and having separately inflatable sections, each for enabling a particular mode of warming. The construction of the multi-section convective apparatus includes a therapeutic warming section with an inlet port positioned for convenient and safe access when the lower portion of the warming device is disposed to drape over the lower limbs of a person while the therapeutic warming section is being operated.
US08097029B2 Stand-alone scanning laser device
A stand-alone laser device that provides low level laser therapy using one or more laser sources. The laser sources are attached to one or more arms which can be positioned to cause the laser light to impinge on a desired area of a patient's body. A scanning apparatus is attached to the arms which comprise structures that cooperate to cause an optical element to be able to simultaneously rotate about a central axis and move in a linear motion along that axis to achieve any desired scan pattern. Laser light of different pulse widths, different beam shapes and different scan patterns can be applied externally to a patient's body. In the preferred embodiment, red light having a wavelength of about 635 nm is used to stimulate hair growth on a patient's scalp.
US08097028B2 Photoreactive system and methods for prophylactic treatment of atherosclerosis
The present invention provides a prophylactic light activated treatment method for subjects at risk of a plaque-mediated thrombotic event, such as acute coronary syndromes. In one embodiment, the subject receives a dose of photosensitizer sufficient to result in a concentration of photosensitizer in the neovascularization associated with atherosclerotic disease to permit effective photodynamic therapy. Light of a wavelength that excites the photosensitizer, but that does not to any significant extent penetrate to an adventitial layer of the blood vessel, is applied to the region of the blood vessel. The therapeutic light dose, which may be applied in sequential stages, is sufficient to cause closure of neovasculature leakage and lead to plaque stabilization and reduced adverse clinical outcomes. The present invention further provides light transmission devices and systems useful in carrying out the methods of the present invention.
US08097025B2 Pedicle screw system configured to receive a straight or curved rod
A fastener and a bone fixation assembly for the internal fixation of vertebral bodies such as a pedicle screw is provided which allows a detachable tulip to be provisionally locked to a pedicle screw in a first position, while securely locking the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw when in a second position. According to one exemplary embodiment, the tulip assembly includes a tulip body, a coupling saddle, and an expansion ring serving as a fastener. The fastener secures the tulip body to the pedicle screw, while the coupling saddle provides a means to provisionally lock the tulip body at an angle relative to the pedicle screw via an interference fit. Incline planes on the walls of the tulip body provide means to rotationally lock a rod within the tulip assembly, and fully lock the tulip assembly to at an angle relative to the pedicle screw.
US08097024B2 Load-sharing bone anchor having a deflectable post and method for stabilization of the spine
A dynamic bone anchor for anchoring a spine stabilization assembly which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The dynamic bone anchor provides load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The dynamic bone anchor includes a deflectable post connected by a ball-joint to a threaded anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a compliant member. The dynamic bone anchor may be used as a component of a dynamic stabilization system which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The dynamic bone anchor has splines on the outside of the housing to facilitate installation and the secure attachment of spine stabilization components.
US08097018B2 Percutaneous spinal implants and methods
An apparatus includes a support member having an outer surface configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes and a retention member rotatably coupled to the support member. A first end portion of the retention member is spaced apart from the outer surface by a first distance along an axis substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the support member when the outer surface is disposed between the adjacent spinous processes. A second end portion of the retention member is spaced apart from the outer surface by a second distance along the axis substantially normal to the longitudinal axis when the outer surface is disposed between the adjacent spinous processes. The first end portion of the retention member and the second end portion of the retention member are configured to cooperatively limit movement of the support member relative to the adjacent spinous processes.
US08097017B2 Surgical fasteners coated with wound treatment materials
The present disclosure relates to surgical fasteners and more particularly to surgical fasteners coated with wound treatment materials. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical fastener for use in combination with a surgical fastener applying apparatus is provided. The surgical fastener includes a pair of legs; a crown interconnecting the pair of legs; and a wound treatment material coating at least a portion of the legs and crown.
US08097016B2 Directly insertable laparoscopic closure device, hemostasis and drain
A laparoscopic surgery close device used to close an entrance hole into a patient's abdomen with other embodiments that can function as a hemostasis device or as a drain device. An elongated stem with christmas-tree serrations (one way) has an inflatable balloon on a distal end and an anchor disk that can slide over the stem from the proximal end. After inserting the stem into a surgical entrance hole in a patient's abdomen, the balloon can be inflated providing support from the bottom, and the anchor disk can be slid on from the top effectively pinching the tissue along the hole. The device can be left in for around 5-6 days to allow healing to take place. After that, the balloon can be deflated, and the device can be pulled out. A second embodiment has a lager diameter hollow stem and can be used as a hemostasis device where the surgeon can pinch off a bleeding blood vessel and continue surgery through the same entrance port. A third embodiment is longer with slightly larger diameter hollow stem and can be used as a drain. An alternate embodiment uses a soft tube as a stem with a split disk anchor that pinches it when engaged.
US08097014B2 Variable rigidity vaginal dilator and use thereof
Relatively pain free vaginal dilation is obtained by inserting into the vaginal canal a variable rigidity vaginal dilator having an inflatable balloon, in a manner that avoids insertion into the urethra. Air is introduced into the balloon. When the patient has gained confidence in the pain free use of the dilator, the balloon is deflated to remove the air and water is introduced into the balloon to expand it so that it contacts the vaginal canal and exerts a pressure thereon. This contact is maintained for a period of up to about 15 minutes. The pressure and/or contact time is stepwise sequentially increased to a maximum of about 12 atmospheres and a contact time of up to about 45 minutes, in accordance with a regimen and instructions established by the patient's healthcare provider and tailored to the patient's specific needs. A preferred embodiment of the dilator and a kit employing same, useful in the method of the invention, are disclosed.
US08097013B2 Skin incision instrument and method for incising skin with the same
Provided are skin incision instrument to efficiently incise minimal portions and a method for incising skin with the skin incision instrument. The skin incision instrument according to the present invention comprises a holder, a needle, a needle drive unit, two or more skin expander sets, and a reader, wherein the skin expander sets comprise a first skin expander and a second skin expander; the first skin expander and the second skin expander are capable of expanding skin at both sides of the linear incision portion away from the linear incision portion and expanding the linear incision portion in a direction to expand the linear incision portion; and, minimal portions are efficiently incised by selecting a single skin expander set from two or more of the skin expander set based on the direction of the linear incision portion, such that an angle is adjusted to 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less wherein the angle is formed by the direction of the linear incision portion read by the reader and the direction to expand the skin by the single skin expander set.
US08097012B2 Endocardial lead removing apparatus
The invention provides an apparatus having a tubular member for receiving an endocardial lead implanted within a patient's body. Disposed generally at a distal end of the tubular member is at least one blade or cutting surface. An adjustment mechanism moves the blade between retracted and extended positions to engage the cutting surface with the endocardial lead to cut the lead. Once severed, the cut portion of the lead remains within an inner channel of the tubular member and the apparatus and cut portion of the lead are removed from within the patient. Various embodiments include the blade pivotally connected to the distal end of the tubular member and activated by a wire adjustment mechanism. Others include a metallic wire for slicing through the lead. Still others include a pneumatically actuated adjustment mechanism that inflates to move the blade and engage the cutting surface with the lead.
US08097005B2 Suture system
A suture system includes a plurality of double-stranded needles connected in sequence with a single-stranded needle at each end. The double-stranded suture needles incorporates two suture strands into a single needle. The suture system of the present invention facilitates the implantation of valve prostheses.
US08096997B2 Guiding device for bone cutting
A device for guiding a cutting tool capable of cutting bone portions at the level of the head of a bone includes a seat intended to be fastened at the level of said head defining a first rotation axis (Γ). The device includes means for adjusting the position of the first rotation axis with respect to said seat and an arm, with one end of said arm being pivotally assembled on said seat according to the first rotation axis. A guide intended to support the tool is pivotally assembled on the arm according to a second rotation axis (Δ).
US08096989B2 Motor-operated gastric banding device or gastric ring comprising at least one misaligned receiving antenna for power supply, remote control and data transmission by means of induction
A motorized gastric ring or “AGM” including a motor acting on a diameter of the ring and actuated by induction toward an integrated receiving antenna from at least one outer transmitting antenna, wherein the ring includes at least one receiving antenna, the at least one antenna being disoriented relative to a plane extending through the gastric ring, and integrated electronics adapted to substantially optimally use energy received.
US08096985B2 Deflectable guide
Described herein are devices and methods for guide catheters having one or more regions of increased flexibility. A flexibility region comprises one tubular segment of the guide catheter with a non-linear longitudinal seam between two non-concentric layers of material having different durometers. A non-linear seam, such as a zig-zag or sinusoidal configuration, permits controlled compression of lower durometer material between portions of higher durometer material.
US08096979B2 Reduced pressure treatment system having a dual porosity pad
A wound closure system and method having a porous pad for providing a reduced pressure to a tissue site is disclosed. The porous pad comprises a porous material formed by spraying a chemical substance that cures to form the porous material which has a body and an outer surface. Both the body and the outer surface have pores wherein the average size of the pores in the outer surface is smaller than the average size of the pores in the body. The porous pad further comprises a pathway formed within the porous material that is adapted to fluidly communicate with a source of reduced pressure.
US08096978B2 Automatic injection device with a top release mechanism
The present invention relates to a handheld mechanical injection device by which set doses of a liquid medicament can be injected from a medical reservoir. The medicament is expelled through an injection needle by release of a power reservoir in the device, the power reservoir being fully or partially released by actuation of a user operable release member being positioned at or near an upper end of the injection device, the upper end being that end of the injection device which is opposite the injection needle.
US08096974B2 Self-destroying disposable syringe and self-destroying method thereof
A self-destroying disposable syringe includes a barrel which includes a hub disposed on the front end of the barrel, a flange is disposed on the inner wall of the hub; a needle base which connects to the hub of the barrel, and includes a connecting portion, a containing portion disposed on the outer side of the connecting portion, and a self-destroying ring disposed on the back end of the needle base and connected to the connecting portion through one or more ribs; when the needle base has connected to the barrel, the connecting portion and the self-destroying ring are located in the inside of the hub of the barrel, and the self-destroying ring matches the flange each other; a plunger which is movably inserted into the barrel and includes a bar body, a pushing stem connected to the back end of the bar body, a pushing dish connected to the front end of the bar body, a cone with one end fixed to the pushing disc, and a puncturing portion fixed to the other end of the cone; and a piston which is connected to the cone of the plunger, a cavity is provided within the piston; a sealed front wall is provided on the front end of the piston, an opening communicated with the cavity is provided on the back end of the piston.
US08096969B2 Peritoneal dialysis methods and apparatus
A peritoneal-based (“bloodless”) artificial kidney processes peritoneal fluid without need for additional fluids (“waterless”). Fluid is separated into a protein-rich stream and a protein-free stream. The protein-rich stream is regenerated using a sorbent assembly, and its protein composition can be modified by removal of selected protein(s) (“dialysate-pheresis”). It is then reconstituted with additives and returned into the peritoneal cavity, thereby reducing protein-loss and providing oncotic-pressure for ultrafiltration. The protein-free stream is used to produce free water, and an alkaline or acid fluid for optimization of the composition of the regenerated stream. The unused protein-free stream can be used to “reverse flush” the separator to maintain its patency and the excess discarded for fluid-balance regulation. Compared to prior art, immobilization of urease allows more protein rich fluid to be regenerated and re-circulated into the peritoneal cavity for toxin removal and allows practicable development of portable and wearable artificial kidneys.
US08096968B2 Methods and apparatus for the enhanced delivery of physiologic agents to tissue surfaces
Apparatus and methods deliver vasoconstrictive agents simultaneously with capnic gases. The capnic gases can enhance the effectiveness of the vasoconstrictive agent, lower the dosage of drug or concentration of agent necessary to achieve a therapeutic result, or both. Exemplary capnic gases include carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and dilute acid gases.
US08096966B2 Eversion resistant sleeves
The invention relates to improved means for preventing eversion and subsequent obstruction of thin-walled, floppy gastrointestinal liners implanted in the digestive tract of an animal. The implantable devices include an anchor adapted for attachment within a natural body lumen and a thin-walled, floppy sleeve open at both ends and defining a lumen therebetween. A substantial length of the sleeve has material characteristics that result in the sleeve being prone to eversion in the presence of retrograde pressures. Exemplary eversion-resistant features provide an increased stiffness and/or an increased friction coefficient between the anchor and the proximal end of the sleeve to resist eversion. In some embodiments, the eversion-resistant feature includes an anti-buckling element, such as a wire coupled along the substantial length of the sleeve.
US08096963B2 Electromagnetic device, method and apparatus for selective application to vertebrates
A multifunction device for selective application to the body of a vertebrate is disclosed. The device includes an electromagnetic generator supported by an bobbin like member which has a bore therethrough for reciprocally receiving an elongated magnetizable member. A permanent magnet is disposed near one end of the bore. The magnetic poles of the permanent magnet are arranged to magnetically attract the elongated magnetizable member. When energized, the electromagnetic generator produces a magnetic field magnetically polarizing the elongated magnetizable member establishing a repelling magnetic force with the permanent magnet which is additive to the electromagnetic force caused by the electromagnetic generator moving the elongated magnetizable member away from the permanent magnet.
US08096961B2 Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal.
US08096960B2 Easy wake device
A device that monitors a user's sleep cycles and operates to sound an alarm to awaken the user at an optimal point within a sleep cycle. Once an alarm time is set and the alarm is activated, the device begins to monitor a wearer's sleep cycles by identifying the points in time at which the wearer moves his or her body limbs. As the alarm time is approached, the device can trigger the alarm earlier if the wearer is at an optimal point in the sleep cycle or, even retard the triggering of the alarm if the optimal point in the sleep cycle is expected to occur shortly. The device can be used to assist children in waking up to prevent bed wetting, or in a patient for obtaining light therapy.
US08096958B2 Blood-collection device for newborn babies and infants
The invention relates to a blood-collection device for newborn babies and infants, comprising a cannula, which is provided with a blood inlet and outlet and is located in a holder (2) that has a grip region (7). Said collection device is equipped with a bow-shaped bridging element (6) that connects the grip region to the holder.
US08096952B2 Electric-powered air release valve and blood pressure gauge
The electric-powered air release valve comprises a nozzle, a fixed iron core; an excitation coil; a movable iron plate; a leaf spring: a rubber valve; and a yoke; wherein a circular hole capable of accommodating a circular column part at one end of the fixed iron core when the movable iron plate is moved toward the nozzle is formed in the movable iron plate; and a magnetic gap is maintained between an internal periphery of the circular hole and an external periphery of the circular column part at one end of the fixed iron core.
US08096948B2 Method and apparatus for detecting movements of an object using volume change
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for visualizing movements of an object, preferably the movements of blood vessels during the cardiac cycle. The method includes scanning the object by at least a two dimensional ultrasonic image scanning apparatus at discrete acquisition times to acquire a data set by using surface reconstruction and/or volume rendering techniques. Next, the three-dimensional data set is partitioned into a plurality of volume units, wherein each volume unit has a unit surface. The method further includes calculating the change of volume of each volume unit over the acquisition times to obtain level information of each corresponding unit surface over time, and displaying the three-dimensional data set with its level information over time.
US08096947B2 Quantification and display of cardiac chamber wall thickening
An ultrasonic imaging system and method are described for quantification and display of myocardial wall thickening. The endocardial and epicardial borders in an image sequence are defined over a heart cycle and changes in the distance between the borders are tracked at specified locations around the myocardium over the heart cycle, The changes in distance are presented to the user in a graphical format, preferably together with another measure of the cardiac cycle such as chamber volume variation, ejection fraction, or the ECG waveform. The changes in the distance of chord lengths across the myocardium provide a direct indication of wall thickness variation at the specified locations. Preferably the tracking of the specified locations over the heart cycle is done by speckle tracking. The inventive technique can also represent strain at the specified locations of the myocardium.
US08096944B2 Air shield for videoscope imagers
An air shield for a videoscope imager to prevent obscuring of the optical input by body liquids and tissue particles. The imager is extended through a tube carrying a pressurized gas so that when the gas escapes from the end of the tube, it generates an air stream envelope around the optical input of the imager and prevents liquids and particles directed toward the optical input from contacting the optical input. The pressurized gas flows continuously during the medical or dental procedure to maintain a constant resistance to liquids and matter directed to the optical input of the imager.
US08096939B2 Urinary incontinence treatment with wireless energy supply
A urinary incontinence treatment apparatus comprises an operable restriction device (4) to be implanted in a patient for engaging the urethra (66) or urine bladder, to form a restricted urine passageway in the urethra or urine bladder. The restriction device is operable to change the restriction of the urine passageway. An energy transmission device (10) is provided for wireless transmission of energy from outside the patient's body to inside the patient's body for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device including enlarging or restricting the urine passageway.
US08096937B2 Adaptive cancellation system for implantable hearing instruments
The invention is directed to an implanted microphone having reduced sensitivity to vibration. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable vibration by utilizing at least one motion sensor to produce a motion signal when an implanted microphone is in motion. This motion signal is used to yield a microphone output signal that is less vibration sensitive. In a first arrangement, the motion signal may be processed with an output of the implantable microphone transducer to provide an audio signal that is less vibration-sensitive than the microphone output alone. Specifically, the motion signal may be scaled to match the motion component of the microphone output such that upon removal of the motion signal from the microphone output, the remaining signal is an acoustic signal.
US08096935B2 Pulsatile control system for a rotary blood pump
A system for controlling the speed of a rotary blood pump. The system oscillates the speed of the pump to produce pulsed pressure at the outlet of the pump. The speed is oscillated synchronously with the natural cardiac cycle. The natural cardiac cycle is determined using a pulsatility index calculated from the back EMF produced by the pump or an impedance sensor.
US08096933B2 Centrifuge used for liquid separation
A centrifuge with an electric motor (46), composed of a centrifuge outer frame (47), a heavy liquid collecting tank (18), a lower hollow shaft (22), centrifugal units, an upper hollow shaft (38), and a light liquid collecting tank (41). The heavy liquid collecting tank, the lower hollow shaft, the upper hollow shaft, and the light liquid collecting tank are all fixed to the centrifuge outer frame, the centrifugal units are fixed between the upper hollow shaft and the lower hollow shaft, the motor is connected to the upper hollow shaft and drives the upper hollow shaft to rotate, the upper hollow shaft is fixed to two or more centrifugal units connected in series and drives the centrifugal units to rotate, a hollow portion of the upper hollow shaft communicates with the light liquid collecting tank, centrifugal units are fixed to the lower hollow shaft and drive the lower hollow shaft to rotate, the heavy liquid collecting tank is a casing formed between the centrifuge outer frame and the centrifugal units. The centrifugal of the present invention is simple in structure, small in volume, low in power consumption, thorough in separation, convenient in operation, and high in practicability.
US08096931B2 Cutting device and manufacturing method for absorptive article
A cutting device feeds a web between a die roll and an anvil roll, and cuts a continuous portion of the web. The cutting device includes a continuous portion transport unit configured to hold and transport the continuous portion of the web being continuous in a moving direction of the web, and a discontinuous portion transport unit configured to hold and transport a discontinuous portion of the web being discontinuous in the moving direction of the web. The die roll includes a first large diameter portion whose outer peripheral surface is provided with a cutting blade configured to cut the continuous portion of the web. The anvil roll includes a second large diameter portion disposed to face the first large diameter portion. By the discontinuous portion transport unit, the discontinuous portion passes through between the die roll and the anvil roll without contacting the first large diameter portion and the second large diameter portion.
US08096922B2 Training apparatus
A device for use with an exercise apparatus consisting of at least one hanging, length-adjustable and lockable rope (10, 11) which at its lower end has a gripping means (13, 14), e.g., a gripping loop. A vibration means (12; 16) is designed, when attached via a rope engaging member (8, 9) to a portion of such rope, to impart to the rope and thus its gripping means (13, 14) a vibratory motion.
US08096921B2 Integrated parking brake and clutch control system
An integrated parking brake and clutch control system for a vehicle is provided that includes a clutch perch configured for mounting on a handlebar assembly of a vehicle. A clutch lever is pivotably coupled to the clutch perch and is pivotable between rest and clutch-applied positions, and between the rest position and a parking-brake-applied position. A brake lever is pivotably coupled to the clutch perch and is pivotable between rest and depressed positions. A lock pin is supported by and moveable with the brake lever. The clutch lever defines a pin-receiving aperture and is configured to receive respective ends of a clutch cable and a parking brake cable. The lock pin is selectively insertable into the pin-receiving aperture when the clutch lever is in the parking-brake-applied position, which prevents the clutch lever from pivoting to either the rest position or the clutch-applied position.
US08096916B2 Saddle type vehicle with forward/reverse changeover mechanism
The forward/reverse travel changeover mechanism includes a projection formed by causing an output power shaft for outputting the power from a main transmission to project to the outside of a case, a carrier rotatably supported around the projection relative to a sun gear provided rotatably integrally with the projection, a planetary gear, an internal gear held in meshing engagement with the planetary gear, an output sprocket rotatably supported integrally with the internal gear and rotatable around the projection adjacent the main transmission with respect to the sun gear, and a shifter for selectively changing over the position of the carrier and the internal gear between a forward travel position at which the carrier and the internal gear are connected against relative rotation and a reverse travel position for preventing rotation of the carrier around the projection, and is disposed outside the main transmission case.
US08096906B2 Continuously variable transmission and control method for continuously variable transmission
When a vehicle decelerates rapidly, a lower limit secondary pulley pressure (Plmt) is calculated on the basis of a primary pulley rotation speed (Npri) detected by a primary pulley rotation sensor. When a deceleration speed (Gdata) is greater than a predetermined deceleration speed (G1) and a secondary pulley pressure (Psec) detected by a secondary pulley pressure sensor is lower than the lower limit secondary pulley pressure (Plmt), it is determined that slippage is about to occur in a V-belt 4 on a primary pulley side in particular, and therefore speed ratio fixing control is performed.
US08096905B1 Archery broadhead with replaceable blades
A broadhead with removable and replaceable blades has a forward body end which receives the forward ends of the blades, and the rear ends of the blades are then engaged to the rear body end by a spring or other retaining member which can be moved to engage or disengage the rear blade ends. The broadhead can then receive an arrow shaft, with the arrow shaft fitting over and encasing the retaining member and preventing its accidental (or otherwise undesirable) release of the blades.
US08096900B2 Mat for sport and games
Mat for sport and games for detecting impact position of a movable object. The mat includes an outer layer and an inner layer, each with inlays of electrically conductive elements forming a pressure-sensitive switch distributed over the target area. The pressure sensitive switches communicate with electronic circuits for indicting, processing and presentation of electrical signals when the switches are activated by a ball impact.
US08096898B2 Golf balls incorporating rigid, rosin-modified polymers
Golf ball compositions including a rosin-modified polymeric composition including a conventional ionomer, acid copolymer, highly neutralized polymer, or other suitable polymer that has been modified with a rosin material to impart stiffness through increasing the flexural modulus of the material.
US08096896B2 Golf club head having a composite crown
The present invention resides in a golf club head having a high COR that is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc in volume. The body portion defines a front opening and an upper opening, and it includes a sole and a side section that extends rearward of the front opening. The striking plate is secured to the body portion, enclosing the front opening. While partially assembled, final weighting and/or other attachment of other members to the inner surface of the club head can be preformed, as desired. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The crown has a maximum thickness no greater than about 2 mm. The density of the crown is less than the density of the body portion. At least one of the striking plate and the crown is attached to the second portion by adhesive bonding, and the golf club head has a maximum coefficient of restitution of at least 0.80.
US08096882B2 Risk mitigation in a virtual world
Embodiments include an apparatus, device, system, computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, a system includes a computer-simulated environment wherein a participant is able to take part. The system also includes a risk management element of the computer-simulated environment, and a computer storage medium operable to save a record of the arrangement.
US08096880B2 Systems and methods for reducing jitter associated with a control device
An example system and method is provided for filtering input values associated with movement of a hand-held control device. A current input value is compared with an average input value and, based on the comparing, an output value is generated in a range between the current input value and a prior output value.
US08096879B2 Block game program and block game apparatus for removing blocks in accordance with a timing operation
A block game program and a block game apparatus that can improve interest therein by using a new block removal method and a new block movement method are achieved. The game program sequentially produces blocks in a playing field displayed on a display screen to form a block group. The game program causes the game apparatus to function as a mouse that receives an operation, and a block removal control unit that removes blocks satisfying a removal condition from among the block group in accordance with timing at which the mouse receives an operation.
US08096875B2 Gaming system having a manufacturer player tracking system and methods therefor
A gaming system includes a wager input device and a display for displaying a wagering game. The gaming system further includes a manufacturer player identification reader for receiving a manufacturer player identifier and a casino player identification reader for receiving a casino player identifier. The system further includes a controller operative to associate the casino player identifier with the manufacturer player identifier.
US08096874B2 Gaming system and method having progressive awards with meter increase events
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes at least one and preferably a plurality of progressive awards which are each associated with a supplemental fund or pool. If the gaming system determines that the progressive award is not growing at a designated incremental rate (due to a lack of wagers placed on gaming devices associated with the progressive award), the gaming system utilizes part or all of the amount in the supplemental fund to make up for this lack of wager based growth. Such a configuration provides that even if players are not actively playing gaming devices associated with the progressive award, the progressive award will still increment at a designated rate to at least a desirable value.
US08096869B2 Gaming machine with runs of consecutive identical symbols
A gaming machine arranged to display a matrix of symbol containing elements; each column of said matrix comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of said symbol containing elements; and wherein each of said symbol containing elements of at least one consecutive run of said symbol containing elements of at least one said reel is caused to display an identical symbol.
US08096867B2 Gaming machine and display device with fail-tolerant image displaying
A slot machine 10 is provided with a display device 30 for displaying an image and display control means for causing the display device 30 to display an image relating to a game. The slot machine 10 is further provided with a subsidiary control board 74 having the display control means packaged therein, and a scale board 76 having control means packaged therein for accepting image signals fed from the display control means, to convert the image signals into enlarged image signals having a larger display size than that displayed by the image signals, thereby to feed the enlarged image signals to the display device 30.
US08096865B2 Casino games directed to betting on progressions
A casino table or slot game allowing a player to place bets on game progressions. The player has the ability to tailor the game to his or her preferences. The player also has the ability to wager on the game before or during the game. Payouts on bets are adjusted according to computed payoffs depending on game situations.
US08096862B1 Isolation damper with proofing
An isolation damper for preventing the migration of air from a ventilated space includes a high differential pressure sealing chamber in the damper assembly that prevents the flow of air from the “clean” side of the damper assembly to the “dirty” side thereof. Pressurized air leaking out of the sealing chamber creates reverse flow leakage toward the dirty side which assures the clean side air is not contaminated by the dirty side air. Differential pressure between the sealing chamber and the dirty side is monitored with the differential pressure reported and alarmed externally if reductions in pressure indicate the sealing effect of the sealing chamber could be affected.
US08096859B2 Honing tool having enhanced wear resistance properties
A honing tool for honing holes in workpieces, having an abrasive portion including a first abrasive layer therearound of abrasive particles of a first size, including a region having a second abrasive layer of abrasive layers of a second size sufficiently smaller than the first size, so as to be disposed in interstices between abrasive particles of the first abrasive layer without altering the diametrical size of the first layer, and so as to provide enhanced wear resistance.
US08096853B2 Pre- and post-process bore gaging using a honing feed system equipped with feed force sensing
The method of the invention provides a capability for accurately and uniformly determining the sizes of bores of workpieces, both pre- and post-process, to improve process control, particularly compensation for tool or stone wear and other factors, and process data collection. The present method makes all required bore measurements, including those in both the workpiece bore and the calibration ring or sample workpiece bore, with the honing tool, under controlled static, non-honing conditions, including expanding the tool in the bores in a predetermined manner, such as at a predetermined rate. The method of the invention has utility for honing multiple workpieces to a finished size with a single tool, and also for multiple spindle applications.
US08096852B2 In-situ performance prediction of pad conditioning disk by closed loop torque monitoring
Polishing pads used in CMP machines are consumable components that are typically replaced after a specific number of wafers have been processed. The life of a polishing pad is optimized by controlling the rate of material removal from the polishing pad by the conditioning disk. The conditioning disk removes enough material so the polishing surface can properly process the wafers but does not remove any excess material. Preventing excess material removal extends the life of the polishing pad. During CMP processing, the controller receives data concerning the torque applied to the conditioning disk and the torque applied to the arm to sweep the conditioning disk across the polishing pad. Based upon the detected operating conditions, the system can predict the rate of material removal and adjust the forces applied to the conditioning disk so that the life of the polishing pad is optimized.
US08096847B2 Flat panel display with high efficiency and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the organic light emitting device includes red (R), green (G) and blue (B) lower electrodes formed on a substrate. R, G, B organic thin film layers are formed on the R, G, B lower electrodes, respectively. Additionally, an upper single or multilayer electrode is formed over the substrate. Portions of the upper electrode that correspond to the R, G, B organic thin film layers, respectively, are formed to each have a different thickness. Various methods for forming the upper electrode using a fine metal mask, a halftone mask, and single and multiple photolithography processes are also disclosed.
US08096845B2 Foam product
A foam product includes a foam core, at least one elastic buffer and a foam skin. The foam core defines an area on a surface thereof. The elastic buffer has a bottom surface bonded to the area of the surface of the foam core. The foam skin has a bottom surface bonded to a top surface of the elastic buffer and other areas of the surface of the foam core. The elastic buffer is made of foam materials and is elastic than the foam core. Additionally, the elastic buffer causes a bulge in the first foam skin.
US08096840B2 Conductive contact holder and conductive contact unit
Provided are a conductive contact holder and a conductive contact unit that enable a test to be performed in a precise temperature environment. For this objective, a construction includes a holder substrate that individually receives plural conductive contacts, and a floating member attached to the holder substrate such that a distance from a surface of the holder substrate is varied within a predetermined range by an external force. The floating member has plural hole sections into which a front end section of each of the conductive contacts received in the holder substrate is inserted. A gap between the holder substrate and the floating member forms at least a part of a passage of fluid introduced from outside of the conductive contact holder.
US08096822B2 IC socket having restraining mechanism
An IC socket includes a base receiving a number of contacts, a lid mounted upon the base, and at least one latch mounted in the base. The lid is able to be operated between a first position away from the base and a second position adjacent to the base. The latch is driven by the lid to open and close. At least one stopper is disposed on the lid and extends into a recess defined on the latch to lock with latch the latch when the lid located at the first position for preventing the lid from dropping from the base.
US08096820B2 Multi-connector, and charging cable and data cable having the same
A multi-connector, and a charging cable and a data cable including the same are disclosed. The multi-connector includes a 24-pin connector and a 20-pin connector that may be used regardless of the type and manufacturer of a portable terminal. The multi-connector includes a first connector body having a first connector installed on a side thereof, a second connector body having a second connector installed on a side thereof, and a hinge shaft to connect the first connector body to the second connector body. The first connector body and/or the second connector body are pivotable about the hinge shaft.
US08096818B2 Modular wiring system with locking elements
A wiring system includes a wiring module and a functional module. The wiring module in at least one embodiment includes elongated holes or openings which are configured to engage or lock with prongs on a functional module to create a lockable connection. The wiring module and the functional module form both a physical and an electrical connection. In another embodiment, there is an adapter which is configured to connect the wiring module and the functional module or unit together.
US08096811B2 Computer architecture and process of user evaluation
The present invention is generally related to a computer architecture and process for evaluating and reporting on a user's competence in managing a simulation of a complex system modeled in a computer based testing and training system. The simulation may be called a “virtual system.” The method generates evaluation criteria responsive to a user profile, user choices in managing the virtual system, and events that occur during a simulation, in addition to the original state of the system. The method produces summary evaluations responsive to a plurality of characteristics of the simulated system. The implementation may be advantageously employed to evaluate a medical clinician's management of computer-simulated human patients, hereinafter called “virtual patients”. The present invention is also suitable for evaluation of user management of a plurality of complex systems including but not limited to animals, plants, cells, machines, and populations.
US08096803B2 Flare stack combustion method and apparatus
Apparatus for enhancing combustion of an undesired chemical to minimize the formation of smoke during operation of a flare stack for the discharge of a flare feedstream includes a plurality of high-pressure air nozzles spaced apart below and around the periphery of the stack outlet. Each nozzle is directed toward the stack outlet and in the direction of the feedstream's movement. High-pressure air from the nozzles forms a plurality of high-velocity air jets to produce a moving air mass that draws additional atmospheric air into the air mass moving toward the stack outlet to enhance combustion of the flare feedstream. Analytical means determine the stoichiometric oxygen requirements, and an air-flow valve controls the flow rate of the high-pressure air to the nozzles. Air flow control means adjust the mass flow-rate of high-pressure air based on minimum oxygen requirements determined by the analytical means, whereby the oxygen content of the air flow at the stack outlet meets or exceeds the requirement for the complete combustion of the feedstream.
US08096801B2 Rotary press
A rotary press, with a rotor rotatingly drivable around a vertical axis, which features a die plate having die bores on a partial circle and upper and lower punches guided in guiding devices, radial cams for the upper and lower punches, at least two compression stations spaced apart in the circumferential direction and with an upper and a lower compression roller, a first filling device in the circumferential direction of a first compression station and a second filling device located behind the first compression station in the circumferential direction, wherein the rotor features an annular surface in a radial distance to the partial circle for the die bores and being concentric to the rotational axis of the rotor, wherein first deflecting means are provided between the second compression station and the first filling device that direct the ejected pressed articles towards the annular surface, second deflecting means are provided that direct the pressed articles from the annular surface towards off from the rotor, and third deflecting means behind the first compression station in the circumferential direction which direct the pressed articles ejected from the die bores towards off from the rotor, characterized in that the annular surface is disposed radially inside the partial circle and limited towards the partial circle by an annular stationary lock-out between the first and the second deflecting means.
US08096797B2 Roots type gear compressor with helical lobes having feedback cavity
A gear compressor or supercharger for compressing compressible fluids such as air, having a pair of intermeshing helical lobed rotors. A plenum or cavity is provided at a rear end of the gear compressor, situated rearwardly of said rotors and below an respective axis of rotation of each of said rotors, which spans at least a distance between said respective longitudinal axis of rotation of each of said rotors. In a preferred embodiment the plenum is in direct fluid communication with high pressure fluid which is discharged from said high pressure discharge port. The above modification improves the efficiency of the compressor, particularly at high revolutions.
US08096796B2 Temporary self-lubricating coating for scroll compressor
A sealed compressor is provided with a spray lubricant that will provide lubricant at various bearing surfaces during initial start-up of the compressor. The lubricant will wear away quickly after initial run-in, but liquid lubricant will be provided by that time.
US08096793B2 Ductile cast iron scroll compressor
A scroll compressor includes a scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap that extends from the base to define a portion of a compression chamber. The scroll member is made of a cast iron material comprising a microstructure having graphite nodules.
US08096791B2 Suction valve for a small hermetic compressor
A suction valve for a small hermetic compressor formed as a flexible vane having a fixed end portion, a bending median portion and a sealing end portion with the distance between the external edge portion of the vane and an internal edge portion of the vane.
US08096789B2 Simplified cleaning and filling device with a piston
A device for difficult intervention in a closed enclosure, having an enclosure connected to the closed enclosure via a duct, a piston that can be moved by a motor, a geometry allowing a contact with the outside air when the piston occupies a certain position within the enclosure in order to generate a sudden release of pressure, and an outlet valve remaining closed when the piston increases the volume of the enclosure so as to cause the pressure reduction within the enclosures.
US08096788B2 Pump having adjustable pumping pressures
A pump having adjustable pumping pressures includes a tube, first and second chambers and a channel extending from the first end to the second end of the tube, and an orifice extending through the tube and opening to the channel. A base connected to the second end of the tube includes a first passage opening to the first and second chambers and a second passage opening to the first passage and the channel. A switching device includes a rod disposed in the channel and a shaft received in the orifice for selectively moving the rod to a first position for permitting air flow through the second passage to the channel and a second position for preventing air flow through the second passage to the channel.
US08096785B2 Hydraulically driven multicylinder pumping machine
A hydraulically driven multicylinder diaphragm pumping machine has pump cylinders, each having at one end an inlet/outlet for fluid material to be pumped, and at the other end an inlet and outlet for hydraulic oil. A separator inside the pump cylinder is connected to the fluid-material end of the cylinder by a flexible diaphragm and to the fluid material end by another diaphragm, leaving an outer annular space that contains hydraulic fluid. The total volume of pumping hydraulic oil in the cylinders is maintained constant and by a device that compensates for thermal expansion and controls the necessary return flow of hydraulic oil for driving the pump. The separators move with an intake stroke at constant speed for all cylinders, and with pumping strokes function of the hydraulic oil delivery, so a lesser number of separators effect an intake stroke while a greater number of separators effect a discharge stroke.
US08096783B2 Apparatus for delivering a regulated supply of a gas, particularly respiratory assistance apparatus
An apparatus (1) includes a housing (2), an air feed duct (21) a volute (5), an impeller (4), and a motor (3) for driving the rotation of the impeller (4) so as to generate a centrifugal air flow in the volute (5). The housing (2) has a first part (18a) where wall is intended, after assembly, to extend around the motor (3), espousing the shape of this motor (3) in such a way as to lie at a substantially constant distance from this motor (3); and a second part (18b, 19) where wall is intended, after assembly, to extend around the volute (5), espousing the shape of this volute (5) so as to lie at a substantially constant distance from this volute (5). The housing (2) internally forms a salient axial lump (20) which, after assembly, sits close to the hub (10) of the impeller (4).
US08096779B2 Rotorcraft blade provided with a radial segment and with at least one forwardly- and/or rearwardly-swept segment
A rotorcraft blade (P) is provided in succession with a radial segment (1) and then a swept segment (2), the swept segment (2) being provided with at least one forwardly-swept segment (2′) and/or rearwardly-swept segment (2″). In addition, the blade has a single spar coming from the blade root. The invention is remarkable in that the single spar includes a radial spar (10) in the radial segment (1), after which the single spar splits where the radial segment (1) becomes the swept segment (2) to form thereafter in the swept segment (2) a primary spar (11) and a secondary spar (12).
US08096774B2 Turbocharger
The invention relates to a turbocharger (15) comprising a bearing housing (7) which mounts a rotor shaft (12) and has a bearing-housing oil space (13); comprising a compressor housing which is connected to the bearing housing (7) and has a compressor space (14); and comprising a sealing device (20) which is provided for sealing the bearing-housing oil space (13) relative to the compressor space (14) and which has a sealing ring (1) which is arranged in a fixed position in the bearing housing (7) and has two end faces (17, 17′) which interact with associated end faces (10) and (11) of a disc (9) and a sealing bush (16) which are fastened to the rotor shaft (12), wherein the sealing ring (1) is arranged with axial play on the rotor shaft (12) between the disc (9) and the sealing bush (16); and air-delivery devices (2, 3) oriented in opposition are arranged in the end faces (17, 17′) of the sealing ring (1).
US08096773B2 Vertical axis wind turbine
A vertical axis wind turbine has a stator shaft, an electrical generator, a rotating shaft and multiple blades. The electrical generator is rotatably mounted around the stator shaft. The rotating shaft is mounted on and protrudes from the electrical generator. The multiple blades are disposed around the electrical generator and orientated to balance each other. Each blade is connected to the rotating shaft by at least one strut and has a luff edge tapering to a lee edge. The at least one strut is formed on and protrudes from the blade is connected to the rotating shaft. The blades are rotated by the wind independent of wind direction and rotate the electrical generator to convert wind power into electric power.
US08096772B2 Turbine vane for a gas turbine engine having serpentine cooling channels within the inner endwall
A turbine vane for a gas turbine engine having an internal cooling system in fluid communication with cooling channels positioned in the inner endwall is disclosed. The cooling system in the inner endwall may include cooling channels extending outwardly from the leading edge, trailing edge, pressure side and suction side toward the edges of the inner endwall. The cooling channels may be serpentine cooling channels and may be two or more serpentine cooling channels coupled together in series. The cooling channels may exhaust cooling fluids from the inner endwall through a plurality of orifices on an outer surface facing the opposing endwall and on the sides surfaces of the endwall. The pressure side and suction side midchord modulus serpentine flow circuits may receive cooling fluids from one pass of an internal midchord cooling channel and may exhaust those cooling fluids into another pass of the midchord cooling channel.
US08096766B1 Air cooled turbine airfoil with sequential cooling
An air cooled turbine airfoil, such as a rotor blade, with a sequential impingement cooling circuit that provides a high level of cooling with a low amount of cooling air. The airfoil is formed of a spar and shell construction in which the spar is formed from a series of alternating layers that form the cooling circuit with the shell forming the gap for the impingement cooling channels. Two different layers form the impingement cooling channels with a third layer being a separation layer. The impingement cooling circuit includes a first impingement circuit to cooling a forward half of the pressure side wall, a second impingement cooling circuit to cool the aft half of the pressure side wall, and a third impingement cooling circuit to cool the entire suction side wall. The spent cooling air is collected and channeled through a series of exit holes in the trailing edge to discharge the cooling air form the airfoil.
US08096765B2 Wind turbine rotor blades with enhanced lightning protection system
A wind turbine rotor blade includes a plurality of lightning receptors configured along either or both of the pressure side or suction side of the blade. At least one looped lightning conductive circuit is provided, with the lightning receptors configured in communication with a respective lightning conductive circuit. The lightning conductive circuit has terminal ends that extend through the root for connection of each terminal end with a grounding system within the wind turbine. The looped lightning conductive circuit provides a redundant path to each lightning receptor for conducting a lightning strike to ground.
US08096761B2 Blade pitch management method and system
A method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes providing a wind turbine having at least one blade having adjustable pitch angle that is adjusted according to an operational parameter schedule. A blade efficiency parameter is determined in response to a wind speed and a rotor speed. A minimum pitch angle is determined in response to the blade efficiency parameter and the pitch angle of the at least one blade in response to the blade efficiency parameter is maintained to an angle equal to or greater than the minimum pitch angle independent of the operational parameter schedule. A wind turbine plant and a method for servicing a wind turbine are also disclosed.
US08096760B2 Centrifugal air blower
A centrifugal air blower guides returning air from a fan rotated by a rotational drive source out of interference with air delivered by a fan. The centrifugal air blower includes a rotational drive source having a rotational drive shaft, a housing including a holder which holds the rotational drive source in surrounding relation thereto, and a fan coupled to the rotational drive shaft of the rotational drive source. The housing has a disk-shaped flange extending from the holder, and the flange has a plurality of air guides disposed on a surface thereof and extending toward a peripheral edge of the flange.
US08096759B2 Bulkhead of a wind turbine
A bulkhead for a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor hub and a rotor blade operatively attached to the rotor hub. The rotor blade includes a blade root. The bulkhead includes multiple access openings with closable hatches and is arranged in or on the blade root or in the area between the blade root and the rotor hub.
US08096749B2 Guided fluid driven turbine
A guided fluid driven turbine to upgrade the efficiency in converting fluid kinetics into rotation kinetics by having a specific directional guide unit adapted to a fluid driven turbine for the fluid to be guided the open-end, specific directional guide unit extending from its head along the load side of the turbine, thus to change the fluid pressure on the load surface of the turbine.
US08096741B2 Interior vehicle body structure
A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle interior cargo area having an interior wall, a track and a cargo accessory. The track is fixedly attached to the interior wall and the track includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wall portions defining a track slot therebetween. The cargo accessory includes a cargo supporting portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion is configured and arranged to attach to the wall portions of the track retaining the cargo accessory in position with a snap-fit engagement arrangement.
US08096739B1 Method and apparatus for transporting wind turbine blades
A rail system for transporting wind turbine blades includes both pivoting and pivoting-sliding support structures carried by a plurality of railcars. Each support structure includes a platform system having a bolster for supporting the wind turbine blade and a support plate for supporting the bolster. The pivoting and pivoting-sliding support structures allow for selective rotational and longitudinal movement of the blades relative to the railcars as the rail system negotiates straight and curved sections of railway.
US08096736B2 Machining unit, particularly for machining the surface of cylindrical cavities, having a tool holding assembly including actuating means for adjusting the tool position and a wireless control system for the actuating means
A machining unit, particularly for machining the surface of cylindrical cavities, has a tool-holder assembly, including an electric actuator for adjustment of the radial tool position. The control signals of the actuator are transmitted to said actuator by a stationary electronic control unit via a wireless communication system. Also provided on board the tool-holder assembly is a system for electrical supply of the actuator, constituted, for example, by one or more batteries or else by an electrical-generation microsystem that exploits a portion of the flow of the high-pressure lubricant-coolant that is fed into the machining area.
US08096735B2 Cutting insert and milling tool
The invention relates to a cutting insert, in particular for a milling work, with a basic body which respectively has on opposite sides peripheral cutting edges, which protrude beyond the respectively adjoining face regions (15), descending at a positive rake angle, in the middle of which one or more planar supporting surfaces (16) are arranged, and with a central fastening hole (12) for receiving a tensioning screw. Arranged around the central fastening hole is at least one conical surface (19), with a cone descending inwards, i.e. towards the fastening hole.
US08096734B2 Milling cutter tool for chip removing machining, as well as a cutting body and a basic body therefor
A milling cutter tool including a basic body and a replaceable cutting body. The cutting body includes a set of teeth which are situated with a uniform partition along one of a pair of opposite sides of the cutting body. The cutting body is fixed in a pocket having a support surface against which the underside of the cutting body is mounted. The support surface of the pocket, and the underside of the cutting body, are tipped at a negative axial angle γ of at least 0.5° in relation to a center axis (C1) of the basic body such that the teeth of the cutting body are located along a common, phantom helical line (X), which is concentric with the center axis (C1) of the basic body and has an even pitch which corresponds to the partition between the teeth.
US08096733B2 Apparatus for inserting sheet pile having an independently adjustable insertion axis and method for using the same
An apparatus and method for the subterranean support of underground conduits is disclosed, including a pile driver that is configured to connect to an articulated boom of an excavator or another unit of positioning machinery to insert a section of curved sheet pile beneath a conduit. In one exemplary embodiment, the pile driver has a head portion and a body portion. The head portion of the pile driver is connected to the excavator and the body portion of the pile driver is moveable relative to both the head portion of the pile driver and the excavator to allow the pile driver to properly orient a section of curved sheet pile for insertion into subterranean material beneath an underground conduit.
US08096731B2 Modular hot stab with improved connection flange
A connection assembly for connecting sub-sea lines and devices includes a stab receptacle assembly and a stab assembly. The stab receptacle assembly includes a receptacle body and an outlet assembly, which in turn, includes an adapter nipple configured for attachment to the first sub-sea line. A swivel flange secures the adapter nipple to the first side of the receptacle body. The use of the adapter nipple and swivel flange eliminates a difficult weld between the adapter nipple and the receptacle body. The connection assembly further includes a stab assembly that has a base, a line end connected to the base and a stab body connected to the base. The stab body is configured for insertion into the stab receptacle. The line end is configured for connection to the second sub-sea line.
US08096729B2 Wheel adjustment apparatus
An adjustable lift, such as a boat lift, or an adjustable apparatus mountable to a boat lift, comprising a frame supporting a keyway, a shaft and a screw along which a hub assembly travels. An axle may extend from the hub assembly and support a wheel, such that translation of the hub assembly along screw raises and lowers the wheel with respect to the frame members of the lift. In this way, the lift may be rolled into place, with its wheels then raised, so that frame members and/or feet of the lift rest on a lake bed or other surface. When wanting to move the lift, a user may rotate the screw in an opposite direction, lowering the wheel with respect to the frame member, freeing lift frame members and feet from the lake bed and allowing the user to roll the lift away.
US08096719B1 Continuous personalized plastic card manufacturing system
A method for producing personalized cards on a substantially continuous basis. The method includes providing multiple supply rolls of card stock having a thickness of at least about 12 mils. The card stock is corona treated in an in-line corona treating unit to provide a printable surface having a surface tension energy of at least about 38 dynes/cm. Fixed and variable data are printed on individual card units of the card stock in first and second printing units of the in-line printing system. A removable activation label may be applied by an in-line label application unit to the variable data. The card units are die cut in an in-line die-cutting unit to a predetermined size. The first and second printing units are shaft driven printing units and the card units are capable of producing card units at a rate of at least 50,000 card units per hour.
US08096715B2 Tape drive and printing apparatus
A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.
US08096710B2 Rotor for use in rotary encoder and wheel rolling bearing assembly including the same
The invention seeks to provide a rotor for use in rotary encoder, which is increased in magnetic intensity and mechanical strength thereby achieving exact detection of rotation speed.A corner portion formed between a cylindrical portion 21 and a mounting flange 22 of a core 20 constitutes a protrusion 23 unitized with the cylindrical portion and the mounting flange, protruded from axial one end of the cylindrical portion 21 and opened toward the axial other end thereof. A part of a pulser ring 31 is disposed in the protrusion 23.
US08096706B2 Temperature detector and the method using the same
A temperature detector includes a plurality of comparators, an electronic component and a controller. Each of the comparators is responsible for detecting different temperature ranges. The electronic component has a temperature-dependent threshold voltage and an output connected to inputs of the plurality of comparators. The controller is configured to enable only one of the comparators at one time and to generate a value to the other inputs of the plurality of comparators.
US08096705B2 Method and system for real-time estimation and prediction of the thermal state of a microprocessor unit
A method of estimating temperature of a transient nature of a thermal system, including, without a temperature measurement being made available, determining a drive current and thermal parameters of the thermal system.
US08096704B2 Extreme temperature robust optical sensor designs and fault-tolerant signal processing
Silicon Carbide (SiC) probe designs for extreme temperature and pressure sensing uses a single crystal SiC optical chip encased in a sintered SiC material probe. The SiC chip may be protected for high temperature only use or exposed for both temperature and pressure sensing. Hybrid signal processing techniques allow fault-tolerant extreme temperature sensing. Wavelength peak-to-peak (or null-to-null) collective spectrum spread measurement to detect wavelength peak/null shift measurement forms a coarse-fine temperature measurement using broadband spectrum monitoring. The SiC probe frontend acts as a stable emissivity Black-body radiator and monitoring the shift in radiation spectrum enables a pyrometer. This application combines all-SiC pyrometry with thick SiC etalon laser interferometry within a free-spectral range to form a coarse-fine temperature measurement sensor. RF notch filtering techniques improve the sensitivity of the temperature measurement where fine spectral shift or spectrum measurements are needed to deduce temperature.
US08096703B2 Timepiece comprising a rotating bezel
The invention comprises a timepiece including a middle part (4) and a bezel (6) capable of rotating on the middle part (4), the bezel (6) and the middle part (4) delimiting between them an annular chamber (38) in which there is arranged a sealing gasket (40) with a U-shaped profile. A compression member (42) such as an O-ring type joint with a smooth external surface is housed in the sealing gasket (40).
US08096702B2 Ornament container for watch
An decorative element container module and a watch assembly incorporating the module are provided. The decorative element case module may include as walls lower and upper crystals, an outer ring for receiving an upper lip of the watch case body so as to secure the outer ring and for securing the upper crystal, and an inner ring including an upper portion for holding the upper crystal and a lower portion for securing the lower crystal. The outer and inner rings may have annular sloping walls to provide a unified reflecting surface for reflecting light to the decorative element container. The components of the module may be secured together and to the watch assembly without adhesive or glue, and may be disassemblable to facilitate removing and/or replacing decorative elements contained inside. The upper and lower crystals may have an anti-static coatings for discharging static electricity.
US08096699B2 Dough processing machine
A dough processing device has a support frame, a dough feed device, a dough portioning device, a dough kneading device and a dough transfer device. The latter transfers at least one dough portion from at least one portioning chamber of the dough portioning device to at least one kneading chamber of the dough kneading device during transfer time periods. An adjustment device serves for defining a vertical distance between the transfer device and the kneading chamber. This results in a dough processing machine in which a reliable transfer of dough portions from the at least one portioning chamber to the at least one kneading chamber is ensured even in the case of a high throughput.
US08096695B2 Light guide for ambient light sensor in a portable electronic device
Disclosed are various embodiments of a light guide and corresponding ambient light sensor, computing device and backlit display for use in a portable electronic device. The various embodiments of the light guide are configured to permit ambient light to be collected efficiently and accurately over wide angles of incidence, even under low-ambient-light conditions. The efficient and accurate collection of ambient light by the various embodiments of the light guide disclosed herein may be employed to more accurately control the amount and degree of backlighting provided to a backlit display, which in turn can be used to conserve valuable battery power in a portable electronic device.
US08096691B2 Optical irradiation device
An optical irradiation device incorporating a cluster of LEDs arranged so that shaped facets of adjacent LEDs come together to increase the packing density of LEDs in the cluster. A light guide collects light emitted by the LEDs. Two or more light guides and LED clusters may be arranged in series to produce a single light beam. A heat pipe is provided to conduct heat away from the LEDs. The heat pipe may be annular and contain an inner storage space for batteries or the like.
US08096690B2 Light module for signaling
A light source or signaling module for the emission of an illuminating or signaling beam along a main direction, of the type including a light source, a luminous flux recovery mirror made up of a set of reflecting tiles, each reflecting tile being formed of a conical segment with two focal points, the first of which is located on the light source and a second focal point which is located, with respect to the reflecting tile, in a direction parallel to the main direction, each reflecting tile forming an image of the light source. The parameters of the conical segments with two focal points made up of the reflecting tiles are adjusted to confer upon the second focal points pre-determined photometric characteristics, and the images from the light source are directly visible.
US08096687B2 Vehicle headlight
A vehicle head light includes a lighting casing; a lamp unit disposed in the lighting casing; a support member that supports the lamp unit so as to be rotatable at least in two directions; an actuator that rotates the lamp unit with respect to the support member; and a thrust receiver that receives a load of the lamp unit. The lighting casing includes a lamp housing opened on one side and a cover that closes the opening of the lamp housing. The lamp unit includes a light source and a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source. The actuator is disposed under the lamp unit. A lower end of the lamp unit is coupled to the actuator. The actuator includes a case member; and a driving mechanism disposed in the case member. The lamp unit is coupled to the driving mechanism. The thrust receiver is integrally provided on the case member of the actuator.
US08096685B2 LED lamp assembly
An LED lamp assembly includes a lighting pole and an LED lamp mounted on the lighting pole. The lighting pole includes a holding cylinder, a plurality of light-guiding plates received in the holding cylinder and a light emitting member surrounded by the light-guiding plates. The holding cylinder defines a plurality of through holes in a circumference sidewall thereof. A sensor is connected to the LED lamp, whereby the LED lamp lightens only when an object moves approaching the LED lamp assembly. Each light-guiding plate is semitransparent. Light generated by the light emitting member partly transmits through a corresponding light-guiding plate and partly reflected thereby, whereby the lighting pole radiates an even light through the holes thereof. The lighting pole constantly radiates the even light during the operation of the LED lamp assembly.
US08096681B2 LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a lamp frame, a reflector received in the lamp frame, a plurality of LED modules received in the lamp frame and an envelope covering an opening of the lamp frame. The lamp frame is made of a material with a good heat conductivity and thermally connects the LED modules. The reflector includes a plurality of interconnecting reflecting cells, each reflecting cell separating a corresponding LED module from others. Each LED module faces to a corresponding reflecting cell and light emitted therefrom is reflected by the reflecting cell to radiate out of the envelope.
US08096679B2 Reflector and LED light-emitting unit using the same
An LED light-emitting unit comprises an LED element having an optical axis and a reflector covering the LED element. The reflector comprises a light-reflecting unit recessed downwardly from a top surface of a top wall of the reflector and located corresponding to the LED element. The light-reflecting unit has a reflecting face comprising two curved faces intersecting with each other at two lines. The curved faces have axes intersecting with each other. A distance between two intersecting points of the two lines with a cross section of the reflector which is parallel to the top surface of the top wall of the reflector is larger than that between any other two intersecting points of the reflecting face intersecting with the cross section of the reflector.
US08096676B2 High intensity pulsed light source configurations
A high-intensity light source configuration has a long lifetime and can be modulated at a high rate. The configuration includes a movable member mounted to an actuator; a light-emitting phosphor region associated with the movable member; an input light source that illuminates the light-emitting phosphor region at a spot that is fixed relative to an emitted light output region; and a light source controller controlling the movable member actuator and the input light source. The input light source (e.g., laser) provides high-intensity input light to the illuminated spot, causing the light-emitting phosphor region to emit high-intensity output light. The light-emitting phosphor region is moved relative to the illuminated spot so as to reduce optical quenching and photobleaching, to thereby extend the life of the light source configuration. The phosphor region may emit broadband light and/or may include respective sub-regions having phosphors that emit respective peak wavelengths.
US08096669B2 Surface light source device and image display apparatus
A surface light source device includes a light source facing a reflective surface of a reflecting member, and a light-controlling member composed of a transparent material and disposed across the light source from the reflecting member in such a manner as to face the reflective surface, the light-controlling member guiding light emitted from the light source in a predetermined direction. The light-controlling member has on a surface thereof remote from the reflective surface projections arranged on a plane. The projections have profiles of at least one kind, each having a symmetry axis or a symmetry plane. The symmetry axes or the symmetry planes of the projections are tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to a direction in which the light controlling member faces the reflecting member.
US08096668B2 Illumination systems utilizing wavelength conversion materials
A wavelength conversion material with an omni-directional reflector is utilized to enhance the optical efficiency of an illumination system. Light guides with restricted output apertures, micro-element plates and optical elements are utilized to enhance the brightness of delivered light through light recycling. In addition, micro-element plates may be used to provide control over the spatial distribution of light in terms of intensity and angle. Efficient and compact illumination systems are also disclosed.
US08096667B2 Light control film with off-axis visible indicia
In one aspect, the invention provides a light control film having an indicium visible at a range of viewing angles. The light control film comprises a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the light input surface. The control film further comprises alternating transmissive and absorptive regions disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. Each absorptive region has a height and a length, wherein the heights of the absorptive regions corresponding to the indicium are different that the heights of the absorptive regions that surround the absorptive regions corresponding to indicium.
US08096666B2 Laser projector performing laser raster scan using a scanning mirror
An enlarging optical unit receives laser light emitted from a laser light source, enlarges a light flux of the received laser light to have a diverging angle corresponding to a swing angle of a scanning mirror and provides it to the scanning mirror.
US08096662B2 Light source unit having reflective wall surfaces and light-emitting elements, and projector utilizing the light source unit
A light source unit has a main body portion and light emitting elements, and the main body portion includes wall surfaces which constitute reflecting planes which are inclined so as to define a rectangular projecting port, and an inclination of the wall surfaces lying on longer member sides constitutes an inclined angle which is smaller than an inclination of the wall surfaces lying shorter member sides of the projecting port, the wall surfaces on the shorter member sides being each formed into a trapezoidal shape.
US08096660B2 Method and apparatus for communication between humans and devices
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising: providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.
US08096659B2 Fundus camera
A fundus camera includes an optical path splitting unit arranged between a focusing unit and an imaging unit. The splitting unit has characteristics adapted to reflect light of a visible light region and to transmit near-infrared light. The splitting unit retreats from an optical path when a still fundus image is photographed. A quick-return mirror having such characteristics is used as the splitting unit. When near-infrared illumination light having a wavelength of about 850 nm is used, such light can be incident upon the imaging unit without loss of the amount of light. Visible light output from an internal fixation target is projected onto a subject's eye. A cornea diaphragm and a crystalline lens diaphragm are used for observing a fundus with invisible light. Each of the cornea diaphragm and crystalline lens diaphragm can be changed to another one having a different diameter.
US08096655B2 Hyper-osmotic eye contact lens
A hyper-osmotic contact lens designed to compensate for an unhealthy edematous state for treating corneal edema.
US08096654B2 Active contact lens
An active contact lens system (100) and method for fabricating an active contact lens (200) are disclosed. The system comprises an active contact lens (110) worn like a conventional contact lens, and comprising a transparent substrate (112) having a circuit formed of one or more of a semi-transparent display (114), a display drive circuit (116), a data communications circuit (118), one or more biosensors (122), an energy transfer antenna (120) and an interconnect network (124). The substrate may be a conventional contact lens material, such as PMMA or RGP, and the display may be formed from a plurality LEDs. A method for fabricating the active contact lens includes fabricating the template (202), forming solder compatible pads (204), assembling the circuit elements (206) and micro-molding the lens (208). The template is fabricated with an interconnect network and shape-specific recesses for receiving the circuit elements. Preferably, the assembly is done using fluidic self-assembly.
US08096650B2 Duplex printing with integrated image marking engines
The present disclosure provides a method for controlling printing in a solid ink jet printing system. The method comprises forming a first ink image and a second ink image on a transfer surface; passing a receiving substrate through a first nip simplex path of a first ink jet printer at a first print speed; exerting a first pressure on the receiving substrate in the first nip to transfer the first ink image from the transfer surface to a first side of the receiving substrate; moving the receiving substrate through an inverter path; passing the receiving substrate through a second nip simplex path of a second ink jet printer at a second print speed; and, exerting a second pressure on the receiving substrate in the second nip to transfer the second ink image from the transfer surface to a second side of the receiving substrate.
US08096647B2 Solid ink sticks having a verification interlock for verifying position of a solid ink stick before identifying the ink stick
A solid ink stick facilitates verification of the position and orientation of a solid ink stick prior to an ink stick identification operation. The solid ink stick includes a solid ink stick body configured for insertion in a solid ink stick printer in a predetermined orientation, and a verification interlock in at least one surface of the solid ink stick body, the verification interlock and the at least one surface being located in the solid ink stick body to engage at least two displaceable members arranged in an insertion area of the solid ink printer to push one displaceable member away from the solid ink stick body and to enable the other displaceable member to move towards the solid ink stick body when the solid ink stick body is in the predetermined orientation in the insertion area.
US08096646B2 Ink cartridges
A cartridge includes a first member that prevents a first signal, having first intensity, from passing entirely therethrough, wherein one portion of the first signal has a second intensity. A second member either prevents a second signal having a third intensity from entirely passing therethrough, or allows one first portion of the second signal to pass therethrough. The first portion of the second signal has a fourth intensity. The third intensity is greater than the fourth intensity. The first intensity is greater than the second intensity. A third member either prevents the second signal from passing entirely therethrough, or allows either the first portion of the second signal or one second portion of the second signal to pass therethrough. The second portion of the second signal has a fifth intensity. The third intensity is greater than the fifth intensity. An intermediate portion is formed between the second and third member.
US08096644B2 Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection method
A print head, which ejects ink by using a method whereby a bubble generated by a heat generating element communicates with the air, and for which the occurrence of cavitation is deterred and the durability is improved, is provided. According to the print head, a bubble grows until the maximum volume is attained, and then, at a volume reduction step, communicates with the air. As a result, a liquid in a bubble generation chamber is ejected. An ejection port and the heat generating element are arranged so that the center of the ejection port is shifted away from the center of the heat generating element in a direction leading from an ink supply port to the ejection port.
US08096643B2 Fluid ejection device
A fluid ejection device includes a fluid chamber, a resistor formed within the fluid chamber, and an orifice communicated with the fluid chamber, wherein the fluid ejection device is adapted to eject drops of a non-aqueous fluid, and wherein a ratio of a square root of an area of the resistor to a diameter of the orifice is in a range of approximately 1.75 to approximately 2.25.
US08096642B2 Inkjet nozzle with paddle layer arranged between first and second wafers
An inkjet nozzle includes a first wafer having active drive circuitry together with an ink jet print nozzle formed therein; a second wafer having an ink channel formed therein; and a paddle layer sandwiched between the first and second wafers in a chamber complementarily defined by the wafers. The paddle layer is in signal communication with the active drive circuitry so that ink supplied via the ink channel is ejected via the print nozzle upon actuation of the paddle layer by the circuitry. The first wafer includes a silicon wafer upon which is fabricated an epitaxial boron doped layer, an epitaxial silicon layer, drive transistors and distribution circuitry forming a CMOS logic and drive transistor level, and a silicon nitride layer.
US08096641B2 Flexible printed circuit board and liquid discharge head including the same
A flexible printed circuit board, included in a liquid discharge head, includes a film having a length in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of connection terminals arranged in a first area of the film adjacent to one side of the film in the longitudinal direction, a contact portion disposed in a second area of the film adjacent to the other side thereof in the longitudinal direction, the contact portion including a plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of wiring lines arranged in the film. The length of the second area of the film in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is more than two times the length of the first area thereof in that direction. The planar shape of the film is L-shaped.
US08096636B2 Waste liquid storage container, waste liquid discharge device, and image formation apparatus
A disclosed waste liquid storage container includes: a container body divided into plural segments; and a waste liquid absorption member disposed on each segment of the container body, the waste liquid absorption member being made of a high water-absorbing polymer or a high oil-absorbing polymer.
US08096628B2 Piezo actuated slide latching mechanism
A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position.
US08096621B2 Vehicle seat assembly
A seat assembly including a base and backrest having integrally formed coupler sockets that each receives respective portions of at least one coupler that preferably is an elongate angled coupling tube that joins the base and backrest while serving as a frame. The base and backrest have mating surfaces that abut when assembled to the at least one coupler with one mating surface having a tongue that is received in a groove formed in the other mating surface helping to keep the coupler seated in at least one of the sockets. In a preferred embodiment, each socket includes an elongate channel. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of coupling tubes are used with mounting portions exposed to which seating hardware is attachable. Integrally formed sockets can also be provided for attachment of other features that include armrests and/or hip restraints.
US08096619B2 Foldable leisure chair
A foldable leisure chair includes a seat unit having a pair of side frames, a pair of armrest members connected pivotally and respectively to the side frames, and a pair of support units. Each support unit includes a coupling seat defining a receiving space therein and having a pivot end part that is connected pivotally to a respective side frame, a seat-engaging rod having an engaging end part that extends telescopically into the receiving space and a connecting end part that is connected pivotally to a corresponding armrest member, and an adjusting mechanism disposed in the receiving space for positioning the seat-engaging rod relative to the coupling seat so as to maintain the corresponding armrest member at a selected one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the respective side frame.
US08096616B2 Front row assembly having fold flat mechanism with forward cushion movement
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat cushion coupled between a pair of risers and a seat back pivotally coupled thereto. A pair of front cushion support links and a pair of rear cushion support links are coupled between the seat cushion and the risers for pivotally supporting and guiding the seat cushion. A fold flat mechanism includes a transfer link operatively coupled between the rear cushion support link and the seat back for transferring pivotal movement of the seat back through the transfer link to each of the front and rear seat cushion support links to automatically move the seat assembly between a seating position wherein the seat back is in an upright position and the seat cushion is spaced above the floor, and a stowed position wherein the seat back is pivoted to a fold flat position and the seat cushion is lying flat against the floor.
US08096611B2 Vehicle front-part structure
A vehicle front-part structure comprises a radiator support upper (5) which extends in a vehicle width direction in a vehicle front, a cowl (9) which is coupled to an apron upper member (2) provided on a side in the vehicle width direction and extending in a vehicle lengthwise direction, and which is located to rearward of the vehicle (1) further than the radiator support upper, and a hood framework (21) which constitutes a part of the hood inner panel (17). The hood framework extends in the vehicle lengthwise direction, the hood framework is disposed between the radiator support upper and the cowl such that at least a part of a front end-face (21a) faces the radiator support upper and at least a part of a rear end-face (21b) faces the cowl.
US08096606B2 Door-opening device in a vehicle sliding door
A sliding door in a vehicle includes a motor unit, a guide positioned rail along the sliding door, a slider that slides along the guide rail, a cable coupled to the motor unit, a hinge unit in which the outer thereof end is pivotally mounted to a body of the vehicle and the inner thereof is pivotally mounted to the slider, and a control lever pivotally mounted to the slider and coupled to the hinge unit. The cable is pulled by in the motor unit to turn the control lever, which turns the hinge unit and moves the sliding door from a closed position to a projecting position for opening.
US08096605B2 Sliding door for a motor vehicle
A sliding door for a vehicle such as a motor vehicle, on its inside has a guide rail which is mounted longitudinally displaceable in a slide. A hinge shackle is swivel mounted between the door and the vehicle. A state quantity of the vehicle is provided and the travel of the sliding door is established based on the state quantity.
US08096599B2 Stowable table unit system for a vehicle
A stowable table unit system for a motor vehicle comprises a table portion, a support leg portion, and a lifting mechanism. The table portion has a top surface and a bottom surface. The lifting mechanism connects to the table portion and positions the table portion between a stowed position and a deployed position. The support leg moves between a stored position within the bottom surface of the table portion when the table portion is in the stowed position and an extended position when the table portion is in the deployed position.
US08096594B2 Compact electric strike with preload release capability
In a door strike for captivating and releasing a door bolt, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated carrier, a longitudinally elongated solenoid supported by the carrier, the solenoid having a longitudinally movable plunger, a trip lever pivotally supported in or on the carrier, a laterally extending actuating arm pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be pivoted as the plunger moves longitudinally in response to solenoid energization, thereby to pivot the trip lever, a generally longitudinally extending blocking arm or arms pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be released for pivoting when the trip lever is pivoted, and a door bolt retainer or retainers pivotally supported in the carrier to be released for pivoting when the blocking arm or arms are released for pivoting, thereby to release the door bolt from captivation, for movement with the door. Dual springs are compressed by the plunger in response to solenoid energization. A strut on the plunger engages solenoid structure upon plunger retraction to prevent wear or peening of the plunger.
US08096581B2 Convertible motor vehicle with active rollover protection
A convertible motor vehicle with at least two vehicle seating rows and with at least two side doors is provided. A respectively associated door column is arranged in between the doors, and an active rollover protection system is provided in the region thereof. The door columns end upwards in the region of an associated waistline of the motor vehicle, and the rollover protection system is at least substantially arranged below the waistline of the motor vehicle in a retracted position.
US08096577B2 Hinge for an air-bag cover
The invention relates to an airbag cover hinge having a textile hinge that can be connected both to the airbag cover and to a carrier part surrounding the airbag cover, wherein the hinge comprises two different systems absorbing forces, which is to say one textile surface structure as a system that is combined to a second system with further warp threads, wherein the warp threads tear under a tensile load on the airbag cover hinge as a first force absorbing system.
US08096576B2 Housing fixing structure
A housing fixing structure for fixing a hosing of an airbag control device to a supporting portion of a vehicle is provided. The airbag control device is provided with an impact detection device and configured to control an airbag based on information detected by the impact detection device. The housing includes a main body which accommodates the impact detection device and three fixing portions which are configured to be fixed to the supporting portion. The housing is provided with a contact portion which is configured to come into contact with the support portion. The contact portion is disposed within a triangular region which is defined by lines connecting center points of the fixing portions.
US08096575B2 Set structure systems
A vehicle includes an instrument panel module including a receiving bracket. An airbag assembly includes an attachment bracket. The receiving bracket and attachment bracket have contact surfaces that provide a datum that guides the airbag assembly from an unsecured position toward a final installation position.
US08096572B1 Gooseneck trailer hitch alignment system
A gooseneck trailer alignment system includes a hitch receptacle having a receptacle opening, a trailer guide plate positional beneath the receptacle opening and a plate notch provided in the trailer guide plate.
US08096565B2 Roll out cart
A roll-out cart includes a bottom wall having front, rear and side walls extending upwardly to define an upper interior. The rear wall is taller than the front wall and each of the side walls has an upper edge angled downwardly from the rear wall to the front wall. At least one support extends upwardly and rearwardly from an upper end of the rear wall to a handle. A base portion extending downwardly from the bottom wall includes a plurality of base walls including side portions each having corrugated portions below the side walls.
US08096558B2 Dart board apparatus
This is a game combining darts, a game board, a non-standard dartboard, and non-standard cards to simulate a football game. The dartboard includes a center scoring region at the center of the dartboard, concentric rings of varying radii surrounding the center scoring region, and multiple scoring regions within each ring labeled with either a yardage target label or an alphabetic label describing a state of play. The cards include starting yard line cards, yard line cards, red zone cards, interception or fumble cards, and penalty cards. The yard line cards indicate on one side of each card a yard range on a simulated football field corresponding to a player's position on this field and on an opposite side of each card a plurality of yardage targets to be achieved by the player by means of darts thrown at the dart board.
US08096553B2 Sheet stacking apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet stacking apparatus includes a gripper configured to discharge a sheet, a plurality of stacker trays arranged in a row and configured to stack the discharged sheet, and a guiding unit configured to guide the discharged sheet to a predetermined position. The plurality of stacking trays are horizontally arranged so that a large number of sheets can be stacked without increasing the size of the sheet stacking apparatus.
US08096552B2 Belt overload device
An apparatus including a belt support system having a first belt support roller and a system for automatically moving the first belt support roller. The belt support system partially wraps a continuous belt on a belt drive roller. The belt support system includes the first belt support roller at an upstream side of the belt drive roller and a second belt support roller at a downstream side. The system for moving the first belt support roller moves the first roller from a first location relative to the belt drive roller to a second different location, based upon a predetermined load of the belt on the first belt support roller to thereby reduce an amount of wrap of the belt on the belt drive roller and reduce a length of the belt located proximate to the belt drive roller between the first and second belt support rollers.
US08096551B2 Medium transportation apparatus and image forming apparatus having planetary gear rotational load member
A medium transportation apparatus is provided with a plurality of medium transportation units, a drive source, a sun gear connected to the drive source, a planetary gear engaging the sun gear for transmitting a drive force to one of the medium transportation units according to a rotational direction of the sun gear, and a rotational load member for applying a rotational load to the planetary gear. The rotational load member is disposed on an outer side relative to a rotational shaft of the planetary gear in a radial direction of a rotational shaft of the sun gear.
US08096550B2 Paper-out mechanism for printing apparatus
A paper-out mechanism includes a paper out wall and a paper out board. The paper out wall defines a paper out opening. The paper out opening includes a first edge and a second edge facing to the first edge. The paper out board is slidably mounted on the paper out wall below the paper out opening. The paper out board includes an adapter portion which includes a first side and a second side. A distance between the first side and second side is greater than a distance between the first edge and the second edge. The paper out board is slidable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first side is in alignment with the first edge. In the second position, the second side is in alignment with the second edge.
US08096546B2 Paper sheet pickup device
A paper sheet pickup device includes a pickup belt configured to run along one of accumulated paper sheets, which is positioned at the most downstream side with respect to a direction of accumulation, and a negative pressure chamber provided inside the pickup belt. The negative pressure chamber is connected to a pump, and a valve unit is interposed therebetween. Further, an air inlet tube is connected to the negative pressure chamber for supplying air therein.
US08096544B2 Sheet containing device and image forming device and method of operating sheet containing device
A sheet containing device includes a supporting part that supports a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are different types of media, and the first sheet and the second sheet are stacked on one another; a feeding member that is located at a front end of the supporting part and that feeds the first sheet and the second sheet in correspondence with rotation of the feeding member; a sheet operating member that selectively prevents one of the first sheet and the second sheet from being fed by the feeding member.
US08096542B2 Method and arrangement for producing perfect bound book blocks
A method for producing perfect-bound book blocks for books or similar printed products, including driving successively arranged clamps to circulate along an endless path of a perfect binding apparatus, positioning loose book blocks composed of gathered printed sheets inside conveying units of a conveying device, supplying the book blocks upon or prior to reaching the transfer region below the endless path to the clamps of the perfect binding apparatus, the supplying including inserting the book blocks into the clamps pivoted by approximately 90° around a perpendicular axis from a processing position for the book blocks and clamping the book blocks in the clamps with spines facing downwards, and transporting the clamped book blocks in an upright position for further processing in the perfect binding apparatus. An arrangement for producing perfect-bound book blocks is also provided.
US08096541B2 Sheet folding apparatus, sheet folding method, and image forming apparatus
A sheet folding apparatus including a sheet supporting member which has an inclined surface to support a stack of sheets, a sheet position adjuster which adjusts a position of the stack of sheets along the inclined surface, a sheet pressing unit which presses the stack of sheets against the inclined surface, a folding unit which folds the stack of sheets pressed by the sheet pressing unit, and a controller which controls the sheet pressing unit to press the stack of sheets on the sheet position adjuster against the inclined surface, and to create a gap between the stack of sheets on the sheet position adjuster and the sheet pressing unit to receive a sheet onto the sheet position adjuster.
US08096539B2 O-ring free cooling pallet for hard disk drive slider carriers
An o-ring free cooling pallet for holding a carrier is disclosed. The pallet comprises a first clamp fixed to a planar surface of the pallet for coupling with a first edge of the carrier. The pallet also comprises a second clamp removably coupled to the planar surface of the pallet for coupling with a second edge of the carrier, wherein the second clamp comprises a spring mechanism for applying a force to the second edge of the carrier that is substantially parallel to the planar surface, the force for coupling the carrier to the pallet.
US08096537B2 Active material based suction cups
Remotely engageable and releasable suction cups include a pliable body and an active material in operative communication with the pliable body and configured to create and/or eliminate a partial vacuum through the activation of stiffness or geometry changes in the active material. Suitable active materials include shape memory materials such as shape memory alloys, ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, and shape memory polymers (SMP). A second class of active materials include materials that exhibit a change in at least one attribute when subjected to an applied field but revert back to their original state upon removal of the applied field. Active materials in this category include piezoelectric materials, electroactive polymers (EAP), magnetorheological polymers, and the like.
US08096536B2 Alignment tool for use in soldering roughed-in service pipes
One embodiment of the invention is directed toward an alignment device for soldering roughed-in pipes for plumbing applications that assists plumbers by acting as a third hand for the plumber. One portion of the device removably attaches to a plumbing wall-strap while another portion of the device holds one or more pipes perpendicularly in place, in order that a plumber may solder the pipes in place without the need for assistants or additional tools.
US08096535B2 Apparatus for holding martial arts boards
An apparatus for holding martial arts boards includes a first grip including a curved section for grasping the first grip in varying positions and a slot for holding a first end of the martial arts board. The slot is perpendicular to and distal from the curved section where when the martial arts board is inserted in the slot the martial arts board is perpendicular to the curved section and in front of a user's hand grasping the curved section such that the user's hand is protected from striking blows to the martial arts board. The apparatus accommodates martial arts boards of varying thickness and grips the martial arts board in the slot.
US08096528B2 Chain sprocket with increased load capacity
A chain sprocket for link chains, for example, round link chains or profiled steel chains, has chain pockets for horizontal chain links. Chain pockets for vertical chain links are also provided. The chain pockets for the vertical chain links are separated from one another by teeth. The tooth flank surface of the tooth that a vertical chain link contacts under the effect of a load is dimensioned and profiled in a special manner. The dimensioning is such that up to a defined chain load the vertical chain link does not contact the tooth flank with its nose. A contact between the tooth flank surface and the nose of the respective chain link occurs only above a defined chain load.
US08096527B2 Extension rod used for a jack arm
An extension rod for a jack arm comprises a connecting rod having a first joint and a second joint formed at the respective ends of the connecting rod. A first locking hole and a second locking hole are formed in the first and second joints, respectively. The extension rod also comprises a lockup mechanism comprising an elastic body configured to connect to either the first joint or the connecting rod and a lockup bolt formed on the elastic body, and configured to engage the first locking hole.
US08096525B2 Swabbable needle-free injection port valve system with zero fluid displacement
An improved needle-free intravenous injection port assembly is disclosed. Embodiments include a boot valve with a helical surface, a boot valve and septum which mate with mechanical interference, a spike with a rough outer surface coated with a lubricant, a septum having a shoulder and a single continuous swabbable surface, a septum and a boot valve which are pre-punctured, a septum with a frustroconical extension and a combination single piece septum and boot valve. The injection port assembly provides zero fluid displacement during coupling and uncoupling.
US08096521B1 System and method for outboard motor stabilization
An outboard motor and steering system motion stabilizer is disclosed that positively locks the outboard motor and steering system in the proper position for trailering. The disclosed stabilizer device effectively isolates the road-to-trailer-to-motor shock transfer that is delivered to the lower unit of the outboard motor by traditional transom savers that brace the outboard motor to the trailer. The disclosed stabilizer device is adjustable to fit many different outboard motor brands and sizes with hydraulic tilt and trim systems.
US08096517B1 Steering wheel laptop computer holder
The present invention may be used for retaining a laptop computer on a generally horizontal member of a structure. One or more hooks may each have an arm rotatably attached at a first end to a screen housing opposite a screen of a laptop computer. The hooks may have a first projecting member attached approximately orthogonal to the arm at a second end.
US08096511B2 System for controlling the deployment of spacecraft required to fly in formation, by simultaneous and high-precision determination of their positions
A system is dedicated to the control of the deployment of at least two spacecraft (ES1, ES2) which are provided with maneuvering means (MD1, MD2) and are intended to move according to a chosen formation. This system includes a control device (MM11, MM12, MT, MC1) comprising i) first measurement means (MM11, MM12, MT) responsible for determining substantially simultaneously and with high precision the orbital positions of the spacecraft (ES1, ES2), and ii) first calculation means (MC1) responsible for determining for each of the spacecraft, as a function of their orbital positions, maneuvers intended to position each of them at a chosen instant substantially in a chosen position with respect to a reference trajectory, having regard to the time law of a reference craft (ES1) on this reference trajectory (TR), so as to place the formation in a chosen configuration.
US08096506B2 Method for making window frame
A method for making a window frame for installation in the exterior shell of an aircraft, which comprises at least one outer flange, an inner flange, and a vertical flange arranged perpendicular to and between these two flanges, contemplates that first a semifinished part comprising multiple, individual substructures is made, which next is inserted into a molding tool, into which, under pressure and temperature, resin is injected, and that the component made in this manner subsequently is hardened in the molding tool. The semifinished part has a layer structure, which comprises a web material, fiber bundles, or a combination of fiber bundles and web material.
US08096503B2 Structuring construction for an aircraft fuselage
A structuring construction for an aircraft fuselage is provided having an outer skin as well as a plurality of formers extending at a spacing side by side crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the fuselage wherein at least a partial number of the formers include a main former portion which is channel-like in cross section and the channel edges of which are adjacent to the outer skin and wherein the channel space of the main former portion serves to accommodate at least one supply air line which may be formed, for example, by a separate pipe line.
US08096502B2 Aircraft cabin
An aircraft cabin that comprises a plurality of compartments (5) for passengers each having side walls (7a, 7b, 15) and accessible via a doorway (9) in one of the side walls (7a, 7b, 15). The compartments (5) include door assemblies for closing the doorways (9) and creating enclosed spaces and chair and other furniture interactively arranged in the compartment (5).
US08096497B2 Power assembly and a coaxial twin propeller model helicopter using the same
A coaxial twin propeller model helicopter comprises a power assembly, a twin propeller rotation assembly, a tail rotation assembly, a motor assembly and a gear assembly. The twin propeller rotation assembly comprises a main rotation assembly and a minor rotation assembly. The power assembly comprises a motor assembly having a motor, a motor gear, and a fuel tank and a gear assembly having a main gear, a synchronous belt gear and a belt pulley. The main gear is engaged with the motor gear, and connected to the main rotation assembly. A lower part of the main gear is connected to the synchronous belt gear which connects to said minor rotation assembly. An upper end of the belt pulley is connected to said tail rotation assembly. A middle part of the belt pulley is engaged with the main gear. A lower end of the belt pulley is connected to the synchronous belt gear.
US08096491B2 Drip emitter with an independent non-drain valve
An elastomer membrane based, regulated drip emitter unit, equipped with a non-drip valve, wherein the drip emitter is characterized by that it includes an opening that is exposable to an approximate atmospheric pressure that prevails on the water outlet from the drip emitter; and an additional elastomer membrane portion that is strained and biased against the water inlet opening of the drip emitter for creating a seal with its one side for a non-drain valve and on its other (second) side it is connected to that atmospheric pressure prevailing opening, and wherein the elastomer membrane portion is movable towards that opening in order to open the water inlet opening for enabling a water flow passage from a water supply conduit to the drip emitter, and this from the specific instant that the force exerted by the water pressure prevailing in the water supply conduit on one side of that elastomer portion, overcomes the strain at which that portion was strained and biased against the water inlet opening, as well as the approximate atmospheric pressure that prevails on the other side of that elastomer portion.
US08096487B2 Fluid dispenser
An automated sprayer for spraying the walls of a shower enclosure with a liquid cleanser is disclosed. The sprayer includes a bottle suitable for containing the liquid, a housing, a pump located in the housing wherein the pump is in fluid communication with the bottle, a rotatable dome-shaped spray head extending away from an opening in a surface of the housing, a spray nozzle positioned such that an outlet of the spray nozzle is positioned within an opening in a side wall of the rotatable spray head wherein the spray nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump, a motor located in the housing, and a transmission operably coupled to a shaft of the motor, the rotatable spray head, and the pump. The transmission transfers rotational motion of the shaft of the motor to drive the pump and cause rotation of the rotatable spray head such that the liquid is sprayed radially away from and around the housing thereby providing a circular spray pattern that contacts the walls of the shower enclosure.
US08096483B2 Air annulus cut off nozzle to reduce stringing and method
A nozzle for a viscous liquid dispensing apparatus has a nozzle tip with a generally conical outer surface that tapers toward a dispensing orifice and forms an annular discharge air passage substantially parallel to the conical outer surface. Pressurized fluid is directed over the conical outer surface toward the dispensing orifice and thus, prevents viscous liquid dispensed from the dispensing orifice from being pulled back toward the nozzle tip and accumulating on the conical outer surface of the nozzle tip.
US08096479B2 Multifunctional paper identification label
A multifunctional identification label comprises a paper substrate formed from a cellulose furnish including 1 to 2.5 percent of a wet strength resin and a rosin size. A front side of the substrate is machine glazed, coated with a print receptive coating, and printed with a bar code. The back side of the substrate has a coating comprising one or more pigments selected from the group of clay, magadite and mixtures thereof, a binder, and 1 to 2.5 parts by dry weight of pigment of a salt. A conductive ink antenna is printed on the back side coating. A RFID chip is secured to the back side of the coated substrate and electrically connected to the antenna. Embodiments of the invention include a pressure sensitive adhesive label including RFID and bar code identification, a ticket adapted for printing on both sides incorporating RFID identification, and an RFID insert.
US08096468B2 Wireless portable consumer electronics device facilitating multi-range transactions
A method for conducting a transaction is disclosed. The method includes using a first portable electronic device, and directly transmitting a request for payment to a second portable electronic device through a wireless link. Then, the second portable electronic device transmits an approval of the request for payment to the first portable electronic device. One of the first and the second portable electronic devices then sends the request for payment to a payment hub service. The payment hub service then facilitates the transfer of funds from a payer institution to a payee institution to complete the transaction.
US08096462B2 Method of reworking electrical short in ultra sonic bonder
A modified ultrasonic bonding machine and process uses a sharpened bonding wedge to perform cutting of short material. The sharpened wedge is controlled by the same position control device control used to position the bonding wedge for bonding. The software is modified to permit selection of bonding or cutting, and the bonding wedge is replaced with a cutting wedge. The modified ultrasonic bonding machine allows the operator to use the automated system of the machine to do the cutting, and the precision gained ensures that no damage to the parts is caused by the cutting process.
US08096461B2 Wire-bonding machine with cover-gas supply device
A wire-bonding machine includes a main body, a fixture block, a mounting block, a gas supply tube, a cover-gas supply device, a capillary tool and an electrode. The fixture block is provided with a chamber defined therein and a central bore formed at one side wall of the fixture block communicating the chamber. The mounting block has a fixture member extending upwards for being mounted to the main body and an electrode clamping member extending downwards into the chamber of the fixture block. The cover-gas supply device has a continuous gas passage and an orifice defined therein. The protection gas flows in a steady flow field around the orifice in the continuous gas passage of the cover-gas supply device so as to result in better ball formation during the ball formation and ball-bonding process.
US08096455B2 Single force strut for dual sided cargo box
Arrangement for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box (10) for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box (10) is provided and which has a lid portion (30) releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion (32) of the cargo box (10) for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. The bottom portion (32) is adapted to be mounted to a carrying vehicle and the lid portion (30) is manufactured from a semi-flexible material sufficiently pliable to permit two opposite end regions thereof to be at different relative distances from the bottom portion (32) of the cargo box (10) during transition between the open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts (50) are also provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion (30) and the bottom portion (32) of the cargo box (10), and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts (50) being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box. An expansively directed force is imposed on the lid portion (30), utilizing the pair of spring-biased struts (50), across a substantial entirety of travel of the lid portion (30) during operator induced movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration and thereby assisting the operator to smoothly open the cargo box (10).
US08096450B2 Lateral actuation spray device
A fluid spray device comprising a reservoir (10) containing fluid; a pump or a valve (20) mounted on the reservoir (10) by means of a fixing ring (30) for selectively dispensing the fluid; and a dispenser head (40) including a dispenser orifice (45), the device further comprising an actuator device (50) that is displaceable between a rest position and a dispensing position, the actuator device (50) being displaced in a direction that is different from the direction in which the fluid is sprayed through the dispenser orifice (45), said fluid spray device being characterized in that said actuator device (50) is formed on the dispenser head (40), and co-operates with the fixing ring (30), or with an element secured thereto, in order to actuate the pump or the valve (20).
US08096447B2 Deformable tube winding device
A wind-up device for use with a dispenser including: a body, a gripper inserted into the body, and a brake disposed between the body and the gripper for controlling the direction of rotation of the gripper relative to the body; the brake further comprises a plurality of fingers for engaging a plurality of notches on one of the body or the gripper; wherein rotation of the gripper relative to the body causes the fingers to engage and disengage with the notches at spaced-apart intervals.
US08096446B2 Turbine flow meter for use in fuel dispensing envirnoments
A turbine meter for measuring the flow of a fluid comprises a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port and defining a fluid flow path along a central axis thereof. A flow conditioner is mounted in the flow path downstream of the inlet port and has a plurality of flow deflectors canted in a first direction relative to the central axis. A first turbine rotor is located downstream of the flow conditioner and is mounted for rotation about the central axis. The first turbine rotor has a plurality of first rotor vanes canted in a second direction relative to the central axis, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The meter further comprises a second turbine rotor located downstream of the first turbine rotor and mounted for rotation about the central axis. The second turbine rotor has a plurality of second rotor vanes canted in the first direction relative to the central axis such that the first and second turbine rotors rotate in opposite rotational directions when fluid flows through the housing at rotational speeds indicative of fluid flow rate.
US08096444B2 Product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine
A product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine includes a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber. A delivery port is mounted in the dispensing chamber that rotated between a product receiving position and a product delivery position.
US08096440B2 Pressure cooker equipped with a gripping part attached to the pan
Pressure cooker equipped with a gripping part attached to the pan.The invention relates to a domestic pressure cooker comprising: a pan (2) which itself comprises a wall. a lid designed to be attached to the pan (2) to form with the latter a cooking chamber that is substantially impervious. at least one gripping part (20), attached to the pan (2) by means of attachment means (20A), characterized in that the attachment means (20A) at least comprise: an attachment orifice (200A) passing through the wall of the pan (2), wherein said attachment orifice (200A) is positioned on the wall of the pan (2) so that it does not communicate with the inside of the cooking chamber, and an attachment part (201A), connected to the gripping part (20) and extending through the attachment orifice (200A). Cooking devices.
US08096436B2 Pressure cooker with overpressure safety device
The invention relates to a pressure cooking appliance (1) having: a bowl (2) with a side wall (2B), a lid (3), a sealing gasket (4) interposed between the side wall (2B) and the lid (3), said appliance (1) being designed so that, when the pressure inside the chamber reaches a predetermined safety value, the gasket (4) moves up to reach a safety position, said appliance (1) being characterized in that the side wall (2B) comprises a geometrical irregularity (10) intended to interact with the gasket (4) when the latter is located at the predetermined safety position thereof so as to interrupt the contact between the gasket (4) and the side wall (2B).
US08096433B2 Hermetically sealed container
A hermetically sealed thermoplastic container is equipped with a unitary closure that includes a draining spike access aperture occluded by a removable, twist-off cap and an internal draining spike stabilizer situated in the neck portion of the container.
US08096431B2 Combination yoke and elastomeric draft gear having a friction mechanism
A draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft dynamic impact forces being applied to a center sill member of the railway vehicle during make-up of a train consist and in-track operation of such train consist includes a resilient cushioning member and a friction mechanism both axially mounted within the yoke with the friction mechanism positioned between the front end of the resilient cushioning member and the front coupler follower. A pair of the resilient cushioning members with the friction mechanism mounted therebetween may also be provided.
US08096430B2 Storage rack
A rack for holding articles includes a plurality of sets of vertical battens, a plurality of sets of horizontal battens that are clamped together with the plurality of sets of vertical battens, a long connecting screw piece that extends through each set of horizontal and vertical battens, and a supplementary connecting screw that connects the front horizontal batten and the front vertical batten. The screw piece defines a pivot axis for folding the battens.
US08096429B2 Comestible fluid rack with conduit routing system
A rack for comestible fluids with conduit portals in front and rear rails for passage and support of the conduits passing from the fluid container to the pump.
US08096421B2 Micro-fluidic chip, micro-particle sorting device and flow controlling method
A micro-fluidic chip including a channel through which a liquid containing micro-particles flows, and a gas jetting section configured to jet a gas toward the micro-particle-containing liquid ejected from the channel is provided.
US08096418B2 Sequentially placed shipping and packing label system
A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.
US08096417B2 Patch package structure
The main object of the present invention is to provide a patch package structure capable of stably retaining the physiologically active ingredient in a patch during preservation of the patch. This object can be achieved by employing the following constitution.To be specific, the present invention is a patch package structure including a patch 1 and a packaging member 51 holding the patch, wherein the patch 1 includes a support 2 and an adhesive layer 3 formed on at least one surface of the support 2, the packaging member 51 includes a first package 11, the first package 11 including an acrylonitrile resin layer 12, a moisture-absorbing layer 13 formed on the acrylonitrile resin layer 12, and a moisture impermeable layer 14 formed on the moisture-absorbing layer 13, and the acrylonitrile resin layer 12 is provided on the proximal side of the patch 1.
US08096415B2 Expiration date device for cosmetic containers
A system for providing an expiration month on cosmetic containers that store perishable make-up media including a container, a control, and a handle portion formed on the control. The handle portion has a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of an exterior surface of the control wherein the greater outer diameter prevents the handle portion from entering the container, and a plurality of date-months formed on the exterior surface of the control in a sequential order in a first circumferential direction. The handle portion rotates the control in a second circumferential direction that is opposite the first circumferential direction thereby changing the date-months until the desired expiration date-month is visible in the aperture.
US08096413B2 Package for containers
A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one feature is in the top panel that receives and holds a top portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one feature comprises an opening in the top panel and a retention feature adjacent the opening to engage at least one container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the at least one container to the package.
US08096408B2 Segmented material conveyor system, threshold assembly and method for making and using the same
A conveyor system is provided. The conveyor system includes a threshold assembly. The threshold assembly has a base plate that is secured to a floor, and the threshold assembly has a channel that is formed between two support beams that are secured to a base plate. A plurality of threshold center plates are provided, which span and enclose the channel formed by the support beams, such that each threshold assembly includes a modular printed circuit board that fits within the channel and is enclosed within the channel by threshold center plates. And, multiple conveyor segments are mountable to the threshold assembly. Other systems components and methods for making and operating the same are provided.
US08096394B2 Clutch brake
A clutch brake for use in association with a braking mechanism for braking rotation of a shaft connecting an engine to a transmission. The clutch brake includes first and second clutch brake sections having first and second lock plates. The first and second clutch brake sections are selectively configurable in a disconnected configuration and a connected configuration. The clutch brake further comprises a fastening mechanism on the first and second lock plates for fastening the first and second clutch brake sections in the connected configuration. The fastening mechanism includes a first fastening component on the first lock plate and a second fastening component on the second lock plate. The first fastening component further includes a fastener body movably mounted in an opening in the first lock plate, and a fastening arm extending from the fastener body. The fastener body is movable from a fastening position, to a release position.
US08096391B2 Fork with integrated braking system
A cycle with a wheel-supporting structure comprising a crown section and a pair of forklegs, a brake assembly with lever arms mounted at least partially within cavity openings within each fork leg to reduce aerodynamic drag.
US08096390B2 Drum brake shoe
Drum brake shoe, particularly for a motor vehicle, in which a brake cable (64) has an end terminal (66) for attachment to a lever (50) that acts on the shoe (4), this shoe comprising a rigid web one edge of which is formed with a cut-out (90) providing access to the cable (64) attachment end terminal (66) to make it easier to detach this cable.
US08096388B2 Elevator system for transmitting information to passenger
An elevator system has a data receiving unit that receives service state data transmitted from a control device of an elevator. A pulse modulation unit separates the service state data received by the data receiving unit into first information data and second information data, pulse-modulates the first information data by using the second information data, and creates an LED blinking pattern. An LED drive unit drives a visible light LED placed in a cage of the elevator or on a platform of the elevator in response to the LED blinking pattern created by the pulse modulation unit.
US08096384B2 Safety line anchor
An anchor for securing a safety line to a container having an opening defined by an upstanding rim comprises a bar which is longer than the opening is wide. A pair of hooks are connected to the anchor bar by hook mounts. The hooks open downward toward ends of the anchor bar such that the rim of the access opening may be secured between each hook and an associated end of the anchor bar. A mounting tab is connected to an end of each hook below a hook bend. A safety line connector may be connected to either tab through a hole formed therein. The mounting tabs project outward to permit connection of a safety line thereto even when the access opening is covered. A third mounting tab, to which a safety line connector may be connected, is pivotally secured around the anchor bar.
US08096382B2 Construction machine
[PROBLEM] To provide a construction machine capable of performing necessary operation or operations without a difficulty even when a remaining amount of a reducing agent becomes small.[SOLUTION] In a hydraulic excavator having an engine, a hydraulic cylinder (18), plural actuators including a hydraulic motor (29), and an exhaust gas treatment system for subjecting, to purification treatment, nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas from the engine, the hydraulic excavator is provided with an actuator operation control means for performing, when the remaining amount of the reducing agent in a reducing agent storage tank (30) is detected by a remaining reducing-agent amount detector (33) to have become equal to or smaller than a predetermined remaining amount, limiting control to limit an operation of the hydraulic cylinder (18) such that a front working implement driven by the hydraulic cylinder (18) becomes difficult to exhibit its function, and at a same time, holding control for holding the hydraulic motor (20) operable such that a function of a travel base (1) or swing upperstructure (3) driven by the hydraulic motor (20) can be exhibited.
US08096376B2 Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle includes a fuel tank holding fuel for an engine, a pump discharging the fuel in the fuel tank, a pipe for returning the fuel discharged by the pump to the fuel tank and a control device (hybrid control unit). The control device starts the pump to circulate the fuel (FL) when the stop period of the pump is at least a predetermined period.
US08096375B2 Vehicle and control method thereof
In a hybrid vehicle 20, when the ECO switch 88 is turned on, an intermittent permissive ceiling speed Vref for permitting an intermittent operation of an engine 22 is set to a second vehicle speed more than a first vehicle speed used on a turn-off condition of the ECO switch 88 (S130). The engine 22 and a motor MG2 are controlled so that a driving power equivalent to a torque demand Tr* is ensured with the intermittent operation of the engine 22 when a vehicle speed V is not more than the intermittent permissive ceiling speed Vref (S250,S270,S200-S230).
US08096372B2 Cutter geometry for increased bit life and bits incorporating the same
An improved cutter for fixed cutter drill bits includes a base portion with a longitudinal axis that extends through a center of the base portion and a cutting face which is generally centered with the base portion. The cutting face has a periphery edge geometry comprising a first arcuate segment and a second arcuate segment spaced apart and arranged opposite each other with linear edge segments disposed there between forming sides of the cutting face. The cutting face spans a maximum edge-to-edge dimension L in a first direction that corresponds to a major axis of the cutting face. The cutting face spans a maximum edge-to-edge dimension W in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, and W is less than L.
US08096368B1 Fence post installation and anchoring system
A hand-driven receiving bracket for galvanized or steel pipe used with yard fences, gateposts, pet pens, and the like comprises a round galvanized pipe and three (3) downwardly directed triangular steel plates. The bracket is then driven into the ground such that the top of the pipe is flush with the ground surface. After driving, the receiver bracket is ready for fence posts, gateposts, and other ground style devices. A plate device that sits atop the bracket and can be driven with a large sledgehammer provides a large flat surface that is suitable for impact and spreads such impact over the entire bracket, thus preventing damage. Alternately, a sliding hammer that slides upon a tall steel pipe which connects to the top of the bracket is used to drive the bracket into the ground and comprises a twist lock mechanism that engages the bracket and spreads the impact to prevent damage. When driven flush, it also is removed and replaced with a permanent fence or gateposts.
US08096367B2 Excavation system and method
A system and method of cutting for replacement a replaceable coupon out of a paved surface for keyhole excavation provides a truck with a turret to which a support arm supporting a cutter assembly is mounted, and a stabilizing member remote from the turret, which allows the turret to be rotated while stabilizing the support arm at any desired position about the truck.
US08096366B2 Environmentally beneficial and effective hydrochlorofluorocarbon compositions for fire extinguishing applications
Compositions are described which are useful in many applications such as fire extinguishing or refrigeration. The compositions may include a hydrochlorofluorocarbon such as 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, a dispersant such as CF3I, and an inert gas such as argon, and may in some embodiments be held under pressure. For example, some fire extinguishing compositions may be composed of 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, CF3I, and argon.
US08096364B2 Umbilical deployment system
A method for providing an umbilical connection for a well installation, the well installation being located at the bed or floor of a body of water, comprises the steps of providing an umbilical with first and second ends and prior to operative deployment of the umbilical, locating the umbilical such that at least a portion of the umbilical is substantially statically retained within the body of water. Additionally, an umbilical deployment system for a well installation located at the bed or floor of a body of water, comprises an umbilical, wherein, prior to operative deployment of the umbilical, at least a portion of the umbilical is substantially statically retained within the body of water.
US08096361B2 Stimulated oil production using reactive fluids
A method of stimulating production from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising pumping a fluid from the well into the formation so as to create a hydraulic fracture. The fluid contains one or more reactive species that destabilize cohesive forces in the formation matrix. The method allows the fluid to leak of into the formation and react with the formation matrix so as to produce a destabilized zone in the formation around the location of the fracture such the formation fluids and sand particles can be produced from the formation through the zone and into the well.
US08096357B2 Casing make-up and running tool adapted for fluid and cement control
The apparatus of the present invention provides a top drive supported tool for making up and running casing strings into a borehole. The tool comprises a fill-up and circulation assembly and a launcher assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a connectable cement wiper plug assembly for launching wiper plugs that control cement placement in the annulus between a casing string and a borehole containing the casing string. The tool of the present invention shortens or eliminates delays in well operations, thereby improving integrity of cement liners formed by placing cement slurry in a targeted interval.
US08096356B2 System and method for preventing buckling during a gravel packing operation
A technique prevents buckling of a service tool assembly during a sand control operation in a wellbore. A completion assembly and a service tool assembly are positioned in a wellbore. An anti-buckling mechanism is positioned to limit the buckling load effects that can otherwise be experienced by the service tool assembly during the sand control operation.
US08096354B2 Sensing and monitoring of elongated structures
Methods and related systems for use with a wireline tool system. A wireline cable designed to deploy a wireline tool into a wellbore from a surface. The wireline cable includes one or more conducting members for communication between the wireline tool and the surface. A plurality of sensing elements located on the wireline cable in a spaced apart fashion along a length of the wireline cable, wherein each sensing element is in communication with one or more adjacent sensing element.
US08096349B2 Apparatus for extraction of hydrocarbon fuels or contaminants using electrical energy and critical fluids
The extraction of hydrocarbon fuel products such as kerogen oil and gas from a body of fixed fossil fuels such as oil shale is accomplished by applying a combination of electrical energy and critical fluids with reactants and/or catalysts down a borehole to initiate a reaction of reactants in the critical fluids with kerogen in the oil shale thereby raising the temperatures to cause kerogen oil and gas products to be extracted as a vapor, liquid or dissolved in the critical fluids. The hydrocarbon fuel products of kerogen oil or shale oil and hydrocarbon gas are removed to the ground surface by a product return line. An RF generator provides electromagnetic energy, and the critical fluids include a combination of carbon dioxide (CO2), with reactants of nitrous oxide (N2O) or oxygen (O2).
US08096348B2 Heat exchanger, method of manufacturing heat exchanger, liquid cooling system, light source device, projector, electronic device unit, and electronic equipment
A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger having a plurality of fine flow channels includes forming a plurality of thin plate members into a predetermined shape, and laminating the plurality of thin plate members and bonding by diffusion bonding.
US08096346B2 Method for casting high-power wind turbine base with ductile iron
A method of casting a base of high-power wind turbines with low-temperature nodular graphite iron, using furan resin sand as the mold sand and having no risers or chills in the mold. The mold undergoes microseismic compaction and has no chills risers. The parting face of the mold is perpendicular to the ground. The molten iron in the mold is solidified evenly. Therefore, shrinkage holes and disperse shrinkages base are reduced greatly and the dregs and air are discharged easily for the base. The pouring system designed together with a reasonable pouring rate and time make the filtering system useful for blocking dregs.
US08096341B2 Actuating system and folding panel assembly
A folding panel assembly includes at least first and second, substantially rectangular panels, the first panel having first and second vertical ends, and the second panel having third and fourth vertical ends, the second and third vertical ends being hinged to one another about a hinge axis parallel thereto. An actuating system includes a substantially horizontal track, with a first pivot support for connection to the first panel, a carriage traversable along the track, with a second pivot support for connection to the second panel. The actuating system further includes a flexible drive element arranged parallel to the track and engaging the carriage for traversing it along the track. The actuating system employs an elongated connecting rod with a first longitudinal end pivotally connected to the carriage and a second, opposite longitudinal end pivotally connected to the first panel at a location adjacent to the second vertical end thereof. A line including the first and second longitudinal ends of the elongated connecting rod, in use, is excluded from becoming aligned with respect to the first panel in any position of the carriage along the track.
US08096337B2 Single stage glass lamination apparatus and process
An apparatus for laminating a glass sheet assembly includes a first glass sheet arranged in an opposing parallel configuration with respect to a second glass sheet, with a heat sensitive layer of adhesive laminating film disposed between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet, the glass sheet assembly having a leading edge and a trailing edge and being of a fixed length and width, the laminating film having a bonding temperature at which melting of the laminating film is initiated. The apparatus includes a heating chamber configured to heat the glass sheet assembly, the heating chamber including an array of heating elements to cause differential heating along the length of the glass sheet assembly such that the temperature at the leading edge of the glass sheet assembly is higher than the temperature at the trailing edge of the glass sheet assembly with uniform heating across the width of the glass sheet assembly, and a pressing station configured to press the first and second glass sheets toward each other to purge air or moisture from the glass sheet assembly until the first and second glass sheets adhere together via the adhesive laminating film, where the pressing at the pressing station is initiated at the leading edge of the glass sheet assembly when the temperature of the laminating film at the leading edge of the glass sheet assembly reaches the bonding temperature of the laminating film.
US08096335B2 Tire for heavy vehicle
A heavy vehicle tire comprising at least four working plies formed of reinforcing elements which, from one ply to the next, cross one another, and comprising at least one protective ply. The tire is supplemented on each side of the circumferential mid-plane by a single working half-ply the reinforcing elements of which make an angle greater than 30° with the circumferential direction, the half-ply being radially on the inside of and adjacent to the radially outermost continuous working ply, its axially outer end being axially on the outside of the ends of the continuous working plies, and the reinforcing elements of the half-ply, the reinforcing elements of the radially outermost continuous working ply and the reinforcing elements of the protective ply the end of which is axially on the outside of the ends of the working plies being oriented in the same direction.
US08096334B2 Shallow water wood harvester
A device and methods for harvesting submersed wood are provided. The device comprises, a machine operatively associated with a movable boom member rotatably attached. A telescoping stick having a first and second end is pivotally attached to the movable boom in a mid portion of the stick. The second end of the telescoping stick is attached to a wood gripping-cutting head. The telescoping stick is moveable to an operative position so that the second end extends below a plane defined by a surface the machine is located upon. When in use, the second end may extend into water located below the plane defined by the surface the machine is located upon. The device may be used on land, a dock, and a wharf adjacent a water edge, or the device may be located on a floating platform.
US08096333B2 Adjustable filling and sealing apparatus
An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of vials.
US08096332B2 Filler neck
The filler neck includes a neck tube body having a fuel passage a guide member for guiding the fuel gun and a recirculation passage that connects the fuel tank and the neck tube body through a passage separate from the fuel passage, and that directs fuel vapors inside the fuel tank into the fuel passage. The neck tube body includes a housing chamber a primary connector section and a secondary connector section connected to the housing chamber and defining part of the recirculation passage. The guide member is a member that is housed in the housing chamber and includes a guide section for guiding the fuel gun into the fuel passage and a passage-defining section formed in the guide section, and partly defining the recirculation passage inside the housing chamber.
US08096331B2 Machine for filling containers
A machine for filling containers, comprising dispensing heads, in which each dispensing head comprises at least two ports, which are connected to respective ducts for feeding different liquids, and is provided with elements for controlling the flow of the ducts which are controlled by automatic control elements which act as a function of the quantity of the individual portions of the different liquids that are meant to be introduced in a container, and are adapted to produce a sequential opening of only one of the ports, so as to fill each container by preset portions of the liquids which access sequentially the container.
US08096330B2 Isobaric rotary filling machine for filling containers with liquids
Isobaric rotary filling machine for filling containers, has a rotating table supporting a pressurized tank and valve units. Each valve unit has a filling duct for supplying the liquid from the tank to the containers, regulated by a faucet, and an air return pipe associated with a shut-off valve for controlling the pressure balance between the container and the tank. A flushing station, operationally associated with but fixed relative to the rotating table, has a receiving tray connected to a flushing circuit and operable to move between a non-operative position situated outside the travel path of the valve units, and an operative position situated underneath the travel path. The faucets and the shut-off valves open each filling duct and each pipe when the receiving tray is in the operative position and the flushing circuit is connected to the supply line of the tank.
US08096329B2 Hand-held vacuum pump
A hand-held vacuum device includes a housing to hold an electrical motor operable to drive a piston pump that is configured to draw a substantially continuous vacuum for each complete cycle of the piston pump. The hand-held vacuum device also includes an expansion chamber releasably connected to and in fluid communication with the housing and a vacuum interface that has a vacuum connector in fluid communication with the expansion chamber and is configured to releasably couple to a valve disposed on a container. The expansion chamber separates air and liquid from a fluid drawn into the expansion chamber.
US08096326B2 Fluid line and method of making the same
A fluid line includes at least one corrugated section having wave peaks and wave troughs and at least one tie rod arranged in at least one portion of the corrugated section and being coupled to plural wave peaks. A method of making the fluid line includes forming at least one corrugated section at an end area or beginning area of a generally cylindrical section of the fluid line.
US08096323B2 Device for receiving liquids in aircraft and/or releasing liquids therefrom
The invention relates to a device (1) for receiving liquids in an aircraft and/or releasing liquids therefrom, especially during the flight, said device being arranged especially in an airplane. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which can receive large quantities of liquids in a rapid, reliable and flexible manner. To this end, said device comprises a tank module (2) provided with at least one tank container (6) that is connected to a collector (8) by means of at least one connecting shaft (7), a bulkhead module (3) that can be connected to the tank module by means of the collecting tank and comprises a closing element (9) by which means, in the open position, liquids are released from the tank module, a refueling module (4) which is connected to the tank module by means of at least one supply line (10), and a tube which is arranged on a winding device (11) and comprises a receiving element (13) provided with at least one opening (14) which receives liquids released from the aircraft, so that the refueling of the device can take place.
US08096313B1 Method and device for communicating electrical positioning information of a final control element
In a method for communicating electrical positioning information of an actuator-positioned final control element such as a valve element, the positioning information resulting from continually sensing the position of the final control element, a binary signal is formed or received signalling a condition 0 (zero) when the final control element has attained a predefined position and a condition 1 (one) when the final control element has not attained the predefined position or the predefined position range. For forming a positioning signal, the corresponding signal condition of the binary signal and the associated continually sensed positioning information are combined such that the corresponding signal condition of the binary signal or the positioning information or both can be optionally invoked from the positioning signal.
US08096308B2 Cosmetic product distribution case
The case (1) for cosmetic products, typically in the form of paste or compact powder cakes, comprises a hollow base (2, 3) having an upper opening (16), a cover (15) closing said upper opening and a support (4) arranged inside said hollow base, said support comprising at least a first support surface (7) and a second support surface (8), the first and second support surfaces each comprising at least one compartment (10) intended to receive a cosmetic product (9), is characterized in that the support cooperates in a mobile manner with said hollow base so that the support can be turned inside the hollow base to present said first support surface or said second support surface through the upper opening.
US08096307B2 Hair styling attachment and hair styling device having such an attachment
A hair styling attachment for connection to a device producing an air stream, such as an air curler, has two arms connected together with an articulated joint. The facing top sides of the arms have complementary working surfaces which form a hair styling gap. At least one arm is capable of motion about the pivot axis of the joint. The arm capable of motion is connected to a control lever extension within the hair styling attachment which is located on the opposite side of the pivot axis from its working surface and at an angle to the plane of the working surface. A first drive mechanism for adjusting this arm about the pivot axis acts on the control lever extension. The first drive mechanism is driven by a rotatably mounted first drive shaft, which connects it to a rotationally mounted second drive shaft of the device.
US08096305B1 Nail clipper and light combination assembly
A nail clipper and light combination assembly includes a clipper that has a first arm with a first end and a second end and a second arm with a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first and second arms are attached together. The clipper includes a pair of blades and each of the second ends has one of the blades attached thereto. The blades extend toward each other. The second ends are biased away from each other. A lever is mechanically coupled to the first and second arms. The lever has a free end that is movable toward the first and second arms to urge the blades together in a cutting motion. A light emitter is attached to the clipper to emit light toward the second ends from above the first arm when the light emitter is turned on.
US08096300B2 Endotracheal tube holder
A tube holder assembly is provided for securing a medical tube such as an endotracheal tube to a patient. In one illustrative embodiment, the holder assembly comprises a support strap for placement around the patient's head or neck region, a bracket for holding the endotracheal tube in position relative to the patient's mouth, and a face anchoring portion for securing the support strap to the patient's face region. The support strap includes a front surface and an opposed, back surface. The bracket may be attached to the front surface of the support strap. The bracket may include an upper bar and an arm extending from the upper bar. The face anchoring device may comprise a first surface configured to adhere to the patient's face region, and a second, opposed surface having a strap-engaging portion configured to mechanically engage the back surface of the support strap. The support strap may be configured to be repeatedly releasable and adjustable to the face anchoring device.
US08096298B2 Snorkel
A snorkel for users floating or skin diving on the sea is disclosed. The snorkel includes an inlet tube, a mouthpiece chamber and a mouthpiece. A comber impermeable cap with a first valve is arranged on a top end of the inlet tube while a bottom end of the inlet tube is sleeved with an inlet end of the mouthpiece chamber. A baffle is disposed inside the mouthpiece chamber so as to form an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A second valve is arranged on the inlet end of the mouthpiece chamber so as to make air flow into the mouthpiece chamber or the upper chamber. At least one third valve is arranged on a corresponding outlet end so that air or water is exhausted from the mouthpiece chamber. A mouthpiece is sleeved on top surface of the mouthpiece chamber. The exhaled waste air is unable to enter the inlet tube and is exhausted only through the third valve. Therefore, users can breathe in/out easily without water inhalation or hypoxia.
US08096294B1 Spa water heating apparatus and method
An integrated spa water heating assembly comprising a solar water heater panel, having a water inlet and outlet, an electrical motor/pump unit attached to the panel and having ducting for drawing water from the spa interior for passage to the panel inlet, the panel operating to discharge heated water flowing from the panel back into the spa water, and a solar power panel operatively attached to the heater panel, and electrically connected with the motor to power motor operation.
US08096293B2 Water-heating system
A liquid-heating system has a solar energy collector exposed to solar radiation, a geothermal heat exchanger buried in the ground at a depth between 0.5 m and 5 m, a heater through which a liquid to be heated passes, and a heat pump having a sink side connected to the heater and a source side connected to the geothermal heat exchanger or to the solar energy collector. A first controller or valve setup connected to the heat collector can in one position connect the solar energy collector to the water heater such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the water heater. In another position it can connect the solar energy collector to the geothermal heat exchanger such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the ground surrounding the geothermal heat exchanger.
US08096292B1 Multiple dart blow gun projectile holder
A multi-dart blow gun projectile holder that provides for insertion and launching of multiple blow gun darts from a blow gun. The projectile holder has dual hollow open engagement cones secured together in oppositely disposed relation to one another. Multiple wire darts are selectively positioned by their base in one of said cones while the remaining cone imparts an air seal within the blow gun under user applied air pressure propelling and holding the position darts as they travel out of the blow gun during use.
US08096290B2 Device for an internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine, contaminated air in the crankcase creates problems. As a rule, the contaminated air is led into the engine's inlet manifold, and this can disrupt the smooth running of the engine. The invention eliminates the problem by having a filter connected to the crankcase, such that contaminated air from the crankcase must pass through this filter, where it is freed of its contaminants.
US08096279B2 Premixed compression ignition type engine and method of controlling the same
A premixed compression ignition type engine is operated while change over between spark ignition combustion and compression ignition combustion. This engine has a negative overlap period during steady operation under compression ignition combustion. In the same cylinder, a valve-closing timing of an exhaust valve during steady operation under spark ignition combustion is retarded with respect to the valve-closing timing thereof after the change over. In a case where an intake valve is first changed over after start of the change over from spark ignition combustion to compression ignition combustion, the valve-opening timing of the intake valve during a change over period from spark ignition combustion to compression ignition combustion is in an advanced state with respect to the valve-opening timing thereof during steady operation under spark ignition combustion.
US08096274B2 Rocker arm arrangement with a bearing shell provided with grooves
Rocker arm arrangement of an internal combustion engine has a bearing journal with a central axis and an outside circumferential surface running in the central bore of a rocker arm lined with a bearing shell. The bearing journal has a first transverse oil channel leading to at least one outlet at the running surface underneath the central axis. The bearing shell has an outer shell surface and an inner shell surface. The inner shell surface has a circumferentially extending internal groove, both ends of which terminate underneath the central axis, this groove extending to the outlet of the first oil channel when the rocker arm is in its base position. The outer shell surface has at least one circumferentially extending external groove, which extends as far as an inlet of a second oil channel passing through the rocker arm. At least one through-opening connects the internal groove and the external groove.
US08096269B2 Engine system
It is an object of the invention to provide an engine system using a small-sized heat exchanger having a high efficiency and a stable performance for heating and vaporizing a hydrogen medium supplied to a reactor vessel. The engine system includes an engine having an intake pipe for taking in air for combustion thereinto and an exhaust pipe for exhausting exhaust gas therefrom, a reactor vessel with a catalyst supported therein for decomposing a hydrogen medium which contains hydrogen in molecules thereof and of which the hydrogen can be taken out by a chemical reaction, a hydrogen medium tank storing the hydrogen medium, a high-pressure pump for pressurizing and transporting the hydrogen medium, a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the hydrogen medium in a liquid state, a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the hydrogen medium in a gas state, and a back pressure valve for depressurizing and vaporizing the hydrogen medium, disposed in a hydrogen medium flow path between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, wherein the reactor vessel is disposed in the exhaust pipe so that the reactor vessel can exchange heat with the exhaust pipe, and wherein the high-pressure pump, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are arranged in the hydrogen medium flow path for transporting the hydrogen medium from the hydrogen medium tank to the reactor vessel in this order from an upstream side in the hydrogen medium flow path.
US08096263B2 Nanoparticles, conductive ink and circuit line forming device
A circuit line forming device, including an inkjet head to eject a conductive ink onto one side of a substrate, the conductive ink containing nanoparticles including a ferromagnetic core and a conductive layer surrounding the ferromagnetic core; and a magnetic field generator part, positioned on the other side of the substrate in correspondence with the inkjet head, wherein the magnetic field generator part applies a magnetic field on the conductive ink, when the conductive ink is ejected to form circuit lines.
US08096262B2 Method and device for applying fluids
This document describes a process and a device for applying fluids, specifically particle material, on an area to be coated, which is viewed in forward moving direction of the coater, that fluid is applied on the area to be coated and then a leveling element is run over the applied fluid, whereby the fluid is led from a metering system provided with an opening, which oscillates when applying the fluid. The opening shall be designed in such a way that when the metering system is at a standstill this is closed by forming an angle of repose of the fluid.
US08096260B2 Coating apparatus for coating a building board
A coating apparatus for coating an entire surface of a building board without forming uncoated area, while conveying the building board, having: an application device for applying a coating material to the surface of the building board; a removal device for removing an excess coating material applied to the surface of the building board and forming a coating liquid film; and a pressure device for blowing air to the coating liquid film on the surface of the building board, wherein the pressure device is provided in a step posterior to a step that uses the removal device and has an air outlet which is wider than the building board and which covers the surface of the building board, and wherein the surface of the building board is applied with pressure of the atmospheric pressure or higher, while the building board is conveyed from the removable device to the pressure device.
US08096258B2 Collapsible catamaran
A collapsible catamaran is described, comprising two hulls (1) and a frame (4) which connects the two hulls (1) in a detachable manner and carries plug-in noses (3) which engage in plug-in receptacles (2) of the hulls (1). In order to provide advantageous plug-in connections it is proposed that the plug-in noses (3) each comprise a guide tube (17) with at least one rubber-elastic clamping ring (18) which encloses the guide tube (17) on the outside, rests on an axial abutment (23) and can be subjected to axial pressure with the help of an actuator (22) penetrating the guide tube (17).
US08096256B2 Passively-actuated lanyard clamp
A passively-actuated lanyard clamp is disclosed that provides an improved ability to deploy a terminal weight or anchor in a body of water without some of the disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mechanically-bistable latch for clamping a lanyard, wherein the latch is passively-actuated by a force that develops as a result of the terminal weight reaching the bottom of the body of water.
US08096248B2 Embroidery data processing apparatus, embroidery sewing machine and computer-readable recording medium with recorded embroidery data processing program
The present disclosure provides an embroidery data processing apparatus that processes embroidery data for sewing an embroidery to a work cloth and to make a cut by a boring knife. The embroidery data processing apparatus an embroidery data acquisition device that acquires the embroidery data, pieces of the embroidery data including at least thread color data specifying a color of an embroidery thread and needle drop point data specifying a sewing position where sewing is performed with the embroidery thread specified by the thread color data; a specification device that specifies, as data of a specified color, a predetermined thread color data piece of the thread color data in the acquired embroidery data, which is the embroidery data acquired; and a boring data setting device that sets a needle drop point data piece of the needle drop point data, corresponding to the specified color data specified as boring data that specifies a position for the cut.
US08096247B2 System and method for tufting multiple fabrics
A system for forming multiple patterned, tufted articles, includes a tufting machine having a series of distinct machine sections each adapted to form a desired patterned, tufted articles and each operable independently of the other machine sections. A system control can be programmed with pattern parameters for each of the patterned tufted articles to be formed, and will control the machine sections to form each of the patterned tufted articles.
US08096243B2 High velocity ammunition round
A sub-caliber bullet with an aerodynamic shape has long-range accuracy due to a high muzzle velocity and reduced time of flight to a target. The bullet has a forward portion, a mid-portion and an aft portion. The forward portion has a density in excess of 10/cm3 while the mid-portion has a lower density. The bullet has an aspect ratio of at least 5:1 and a diameter, d, that satisfies a Power Law equation: d=D*(x/L)n where D is a maximum bullet diameter, L is the length, x is a distance rearward from a nose of the bullet and n is a Power Law exponent that is between 0.5 and 0.75. In some embodiments, a blind bore extends into the mid-portion from the aft portion and a sustainer propellant within the blind bore ignites as the bullet exits a gun muzzle to provide a velocity boost and to overcome aerodynamic drag.
US08096242B2 Squib, gas generator for air bag and gas generator for seat belt pretensioner
A squib includes a cup body and a closure plug for holding a plurality of electrode pins insulated from one another and closing the opening of the cup body, and further includes, in the cup body, ignition powder and an ASIC component formed by molding a resin around electric circuits including an ASIC and a capacitor, a heating element connected to the ASIC and located at the top of the resin molding of the ASIC component, and connection electrodes located at the bottom of the resin molding for connecting the ASIC to the electrode pins. The squib includes a cylindrical metal fixture having at the center of its top an opening of a size sufficient to expose the heating element and being fixed to the closure plug in a state covering the top circumferential periphery and side surface of the ASIC component and pushing the connection electrode of the ASIC component against the electrode pins. With the squib thus constructed, electric current can be reliably supplied to the electric circuits incorporated in the squib, and upon operation of the squib the resin molding and its broken pieces are effectively prevented from flying in all directions.
US08096236B2 Press machine
A press machine is provided that can accurately detect load acted on a frame. A frame 1 includes an upper horizontal frame 1b, a lower horizontal frame 1a, and a vertical frame 1c arranged to connect the upper horizontal frame 1b and the lower horizontal frame 1a. A press drive mechanism 8 is provided to the upper horizontal frame 1b. A strain generation member 23 is arranged across from the upper horizontal frame 1b to the vertical frame 1c. In the strain generation member 23, an intermediate portion 23a has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than those of end portions 23b, 23c fixed to the upper horizontal frame 1b and the vertical frame 1c, respectively. A strain amount detecting body 24 is attached to the intermediate portion 23a of the strain generation member 23 in order to detect a strain amount.
US08096232B1 Food cutting and manipulating apparatus
A food cutting and manipulating apparatus includes having an aperture extending therethrough. A gear housing is mounted on the table and includes first and second driving axles. A plurality of pairs of food manipulating members is provided. Each of the manipulating members includes a shaft, releasably engageable with the first and second driving axles, attached to an elongated base. The plurality of pairs of food manipulating members includes a plurality of pairs of cutting members. Each of the cutting members includes at least one cutting plate that is attached to the base. The at least one cutting plate extends over the aperture when the shaft is attached to the one of the first and second driving axles. Food is positionable between the food manipulating members and the motor turned on so that the food manipulating members engage the food as the food moves downwardly through the aperture.
US08096231B2 Apparatus and method for maintaining cooked food in a ready-to-use condition
A food warming apparatus includes a heating compartment that can hold one or more trays containing previously cooked food portions. A cover for a tray has a horizontal section and a vertical section extending downwardly from one side of the horizontal section. A rack in the heating compartment includes a channel and a stop that blocks the front end of the channel. The vertical section of the cover fits securely in the channel behind the stop such that the rack supports the cover substantially only through the vertical section. When a tray is inserted into the receiving space cooperatively defined by the cover and rack, the cover is lifted up so that the horizontal section rests on the tray and at least partially blocks the open top of the tray, thereby restricting evaporation of liquids from the previously cooked food portions contained in the tray.
US08096230B2 Brewing element with a central inlet
A portable beverage preparation device comprising a drink container containing a predetermined volume of a potable base liquid, at least one beverage preparation of a predetermined quantity; at least one sealed compartment for confining the beverage preparation, and a dispenser means for dispersing the at least one beverage preparation into the base liquid within the drink container; wherein the drink container and the at least one sealed compartment are in close physical proximity to each other and separated by at least one thin membrane which, when inwardly perforated by the dispenser means, disperses the at least one beverage preparation into the base liquid to make a beverage ready to drink.
US08096228B1 Bent axis dual yoke hydromodule
A bent axis hydromodule that has a yoke that is rotatable about trunnions and rotating kits having rotating kit shafts that are in fluid communication with the yoke. Servo piston porting is integrated within the yoke and positioned about the trunnion such that servo pistons are in fluid communication with the servo piston porting and operable to rotate the yoke about a trunnion axis.
US08096221B2 Method of producing a cutting blade and cutting blade thus produced
A method of fabricating a blade for a cutting tool, in particular for a knife, a pair of scissors, a saw, a household appliance, or indeed an industrial tool, the blade being made of steel or an alloy of stainless steel with a cutting edge extending over a portion of its periphery. The cutting tool fitted with a blade presents great resistance to wear of the cutting edge of the blade.
US08096217B2 Base for a paper punch and a paper punch with such a base
A base for a paper punch includes an upper jaw, a lower jaw, and first and second bifurcated supports, fixedly secured with the upper and lower jaws. The base has first and second legs. A rear end of the upper jaw is fixedly joined with a rear end of the lower jaw. Each bifurcated support has upper and lower forks spaced apart from each other at a front end and fixedly joined with each other at a rear end. The forks are fixedly secured with respective lateral sides of the respective jaws. First ends of the legs are fixedly secured to either or both of the upper jaw and lower jaw, with a second end of the first leg fixedly secured to the rear end of the first bifurcated support. The second end of the second leg is fixedly secured to the rear end of the second bifurcated support.
US08096216B2 Chain-type flexible cutting edge
A chain-type flexible cutting edge, particularly for bush-cutter is described, comprising at least one linear connecting and cutting link (3) and at least one toothed connecting and cutting link (5) mutually connected in an articulated manner in order to have a smooth cutting-start edge (TL) and a toothed cutting-start edge (TD).
US08096213B2 Utility insert tool with spherical retaining ball member and torsion bar for securing detachable utility inserts
A body having one or more apertures to receive a variety of detachable utility inserts. The body being shaped with a spherical ball retainer member and/or a torsion bar for engaging a corresponding spherical indentation and notch formed on the utility insert. The body further including a lever for locking and unlocking the utility insert from the body.
US08096210B2 Bolt holder tool
A tool includes a base ring which defines a multiple of bores, each of the multiple of bores sized to receive one of a multiple of socket assemblies. A slide ring mountable to the base ring to rotate the multiple of socket assemblies.
US08096207B2 Vehicle hand control apparatus
A vehicle hand control apparatus for controlling the throttle and brake pedals of a motor vehicle. A support shaft pivotally supports a transverse control arm tube which holds a control shaft for rotation coaxially within the control arm tube. A handle extends from one end of the control arm tube for actuating the brake pedal and also for separate limited pivotal movement about a handle pivot axis orthogonal to the rotational axis of the control arm tube for actuating the accelerator pedal. Pivotal movement of the handle about the handle pivot axis causes separate interacting transfer rods dependently extending from the handle and the control shaft, respectively, to effect rotation of the control shaft and accelerator pedal movement.
US08096205B2 Gear
A gear comprised of a tooth surface and a hard carbon film formed on at least a part of the tooth surface. When the gear is used in lubricant including a specific component, a friction of a tooth surface of the gear is largely decreased, and therefore the gear performs an excellent power transmission efficiency. Further, when the gear is employed in a planetary gear mechanism or speed reducing mechanism which has a plurality of meshing portions of gears, the power transmission efficiency of the mechanism is also improved.
US08096201B2 Dustproof device for ball screw apparatus
A ball screw device includes an elongated screw shaft and a ball nut having helical grooves for receiving ball bearing members, a housing is attached to the ball nut and includes a bore for receiving the screw shaft, and includes one or more slots communicative with the bore of the housing, and one or more wiper members are changeably engaged into the slots of the housing and include a wiper element engaged into the bore of the housing for engaging into the groove of the screw shaft and for removing or wiping off the dirt from the helical groove of the screw shaft and for preventing the ball nut and the screw shaft from being damaged by the dirt.
US08096198B2 Electronic metering apparatus for metering liquids
An electronic metering apparatus for metering liquids with a drive with an electric motor, at least one displacer device with a displacer element, which is connected and/or connectable to the drive, an electric mode key and an electric parameter key for changeover between different menus, a pair of electric control keys, arranged next to each other, for navigation in the menus, setting of parameters and controlling the dislocation of the displacer element, wherein the two control keys control the navigation in the menus, the setting of parameters and the dislocation of the displacer element in different directions, an electronic display device for displaying menus and parameters, an electric control unit, which is connected to the electric motor, the electric mode key, the electric parameter key, the electric control keys and the electric display device, and which controls the display of menus and parameters by the display device as well as the dislocation of the displacer element corresponding to the actuation of the mode key, the parameter key and the control keys, and an electric power supply.
US08096196B2 Load cell
A load cell includes a cylindrical ring with one end closed by a membrane configured to receive a load or force to be measured. A sensor carrier plate is arranged in a cavity formed by the ring and the membrane. The sensor carrier plate is coupled to the membrane to undergo a displacement upon deflection of the membrane. The sensor carrier plate has an inner and an outer portion and carries in the outer portion at least one sensor adapted for sensing the displacement and generating a signal based on the load or force applied to the membrane. The sensor carrier plate is movably coupled to the membrane at a location between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one further sensor is arranged in the inner portion generating a signal changing with opposite sign with respect to the signal of the sensor.
US08096186B2 Systems and methods for measuring fluid pressure within a disposable IV set connected to a fluid supply pump
Systems and methods of measuring pressure of fluid in a disposable IV set connected to a fluid supply pump is disclosed. At least one sensing arrangement coupled to the fluid supply pump is provided. A chamber having a movable element is provided, the movable element configured to move in response to changes in fluid pressure within the disposable IV set and thereby cause a change in a sensed measurement variable associated with the sensing arrangement without contacting the sensing arrangement. A measuring signal indicative of the sensed measurement variable is generated. The fluid pressure within the disposable IV set is determined based on the measuring signal.
US08096185B2 Apparatus for performing ground vibration tests on airplanes
The invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for performing ground vibration tests (so-called “ground vibration tests”) on an airplane. In the method according to the invention, the airplane is jacked up essentially undamped (“rigidly”) in conventional holding points with lifting devices. For purposes of the ground vibration test, the airplane is then excited to vibrate in a known manner using a plurality of vibration exciters, and the vibrations are acquired with a plurality of measuring transducers, in particular accelerometers. A dynamic vibration model of the airplane theoretically calculated beforehand can here be adjusted. The boundary conditions are removed during or after the ground vibration test, meaning the influence of the lifting device is “mathematically canceled out”, so that the determined measured values reflect the so-called “free-free” state of the airplane, as if the airplane had actually been in free flight during the ground vibration tests.
US08096181B2 Inertial sensor
An inertial sensor includes a drive structure 11 which performs one reference oscillation in an XY plane, and force detecting structures 12 (12-1 to 12-4) which each have a plurality of detection axes and which are arranged on an X axis and a Y axis in the drive structure 11 in pairs at positions symmetrical about an origin, wherein angular velocities in three axes and accelerations in three axes are detected by providing the force detecting structure 12 with the plurality of detection axes including at least one detection axis orthogonal to the one reference oscillation.
US08096176B1 Bird deterrent for sailboat
A bird-deterrent device including a hub with fingers radiating from the hub to prevent or inhibit birds from perching on the top of a sailboat mast. In one embodiment, the hub is mounted to the top of a mast by a fastener which also secures a post of a wind indicator having a vane rotatable on the post to indicate wind direction. In another embodiment, the hub is mounted or fixed about the post of the wind indicator. In another embodiment the hub is fixed to a post which is connected to the halyard to be raised above or lowered below the mast.
US08096175B2 Tire pressure sensor valve
Provided is a tire pressure sensor valve that can be easily installed to a 2-piece or 3-piece inch-up wheel and protect a tire pressure sensor when removing a tire. The tire pressure sensor valve includes a sensor housing including a mounting space for receiving a PCB to which circuit parts including an air pressure sensor are mounted, and a coupling recess for coupling, a valve body including a head and an inner air inlet hole having an opening-closing member, the head being inserted into the coupling recess of the sensor housing and fixed to the sensor housing through a screw, and a valve adapter including a threaded end such that the end is covered with a valve cap.
US08096169B2 Seal section assembly mechanical face seal integrity verification tool
A test device for testing the integrity of a seal has a clear t-shaped liquid reservoir with three ends. A guide adapter is connected to the first end of the liquid reservoir and extends axially therefrom along an axis of the reservoir. A shaft adapter is connected to the second end of the body, opposite the first end. A test shaft with first and second ends extends axially through the first and second ends of the body and test and shaft adapters along the axis. The first end of the shaft is adapted to be connected to the rotating shaft of pump assembly.
US08096166B2 Knock detection device for internal combustion engine
An output signal of a knock sensor is converted by an A/D conversion part in a specified knock determination range. In a time-frequency analysis part, data of frequency, time, and vibration intensity are extracted at the same time from an output signal of the knock sensor and the time-varying patterns of vibration intensities in multiple frequency ranges are extracted. A knock determination part computes lengths (crank angle, or time period) from a starting point to a latest terminating point of the time-varying patterns of vibration intensity in at least two frequency ranges, which rise at a same time. The knock determination part executes a knock determination based on whether the lengths are greater than a knock determination threshold.
US08096157B2 Method and device for rolling up a metal strip
The invention relates to a method for rolling up a metallic strip (1), in particular a steel strip, to a coil (2), the strip (1) being kept under longitudinal tension between a driver (3), consisting of at least one driver top roll (4) and at least one driver bottom roll (5), and a winding pin (6). The strip (1) is rolled up on the winding pin (6) to form the coil (2). In order to prevent the undesired opening of the wound coil in a simple manner, a bending moment (MB) is initiated in the strip, said bending moment acting perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip (1) and causing a plastic deformation when a defined remaining length of the strip (1) is reached. The invention also relates to a device for rolling up a metallic strip.
US08096155B2 Variable shear line lock cylinder
A lock cylinder is provided and includes an outer cylinder having a bore, an inner cylinder rotatably disposed within the bore, and a pin assembly disposed within the inner and outer cylinders. The pin assembly is operable to selectively lock the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder. The pin assembly includes an upper shear cylinder positionable relative to the outer cylinder and a lower shear cylinder positionable relative to the inner cylinder. The upper and lower shear cylinders are movable to define a first shear line therebetween. In addition, the pin assembly includes an upper pin slidable within the upper shear cylinder and a lower pin slidable within the lower shear cylinder, whereby the upper and lower pins define a second shear line therebetween. The lock cylinder is positionable from a locked position to an unlocked position when the first shear line is aligned with the second shear line.
US08096153B2 Method and apparatus for securing equipment at a workstation
Under the present invention, methods and apparatus for securing equipment at a workstation are provided. Portable security apparatus for preventing unauthorized removal or theft of equipment from a workstation at which such equipment resides are disclosed. The apparatus utilize a hole in a surface of a workstation so as to not require permanent attachment to the workstation. A security cable may be utilized in combination with the security apparatus to secure equipment at a workstation. Construction and installation methods for the apparatus are also disclosed.
US08096149B1 Process for manufacturing a shaping camisole and garment made thereby
A method for manufacturing a shaping camisole and the article produced therefrom having an outer decorative portion and an inner knit tube made with elastomeric yarn to provide midsection support.
US08096148B2 Method for fabricating a glass substrate, magnetic disk, and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a glass substrate containing SiO2 as a main ingredient thereof and having a uniform and minute pattern of stripes formed on the surface thereof by ultraprecision polishing includes a step of inspecting whether or not, at the topmost surface portion of the glass substrate after polishing, a given property of a bound energy of the Si atom with respect to the electrons occupying a 2P orbit as determined by XPS is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the given property is a shift amount of the bound energy or a half-value width of the bound energy distribution, the predetermined value is 0.10 eV or 2.15 eV, respectively.
US08096144B2 Supply air terminal unit
A supply air terminal unit (10) has a body (11) with side walls, top and bottom walls and an opening cover, which is opened to allow access for service work inside the structure. A wall structure (12) formed by needle-fin tubes (100) is fitted around a central fine filter (13), whereby the needle-fin tubes (100) are placed on top of each other in order to form a filter wall (12). A needle-fin tube (120) has needle-like fins whereby in its tube a heat carrier is made to flow in order to transfer heat into the air made to flow through the structure or in the opposite direction. The fine filter (13) covers an air outlet port (A2) located in the bottom (11a5) of the supply air terminal unit.
US08096143B1 Portable box wine bar
A portable wine box bar has an insulated chamber with an open top, an insulated cover for the open top, and a horizontal shoulder on the inside wall near the top. A rigid panel fits on the shoulder. A support affixed to the panel supports bag-in box containers of wine with outlets supported above the panel high enough to allow containers to be supported on the panel while filling from the outlet. Perforations in the panel and a drip tray below the tap outlet capture spills. A panel aperture permits access to items such as soft drinks stored in the chamber. When not in use, the panel may be inverted and returned to the shoulder. With the cover in place it is insulated, secure, and transportable.
US08096138B2 Bottle pasteurizer and method
An improved method and apparatus for pasteurizing filled food containers having contents to be pasteurized includes spraying a heat transfer fluid onto the containers. As the contents increase in temperature, the flow rate of heat transfer fluid is decreased. The heat transfer fluid is at least about 20° F. hotter than the initial average temperature of the contents. In one embodiment, the temperature of the spent heat transfer fluid typically does not vary more than about 6° F. to 9° F.
US08096136B2 Heat dissipation device
A heat dissipation device includes a base, a fin group mounted on a top of the base, a fan mounted on a top of the fin group, a hollow fan duct mounted on the fan and a thermoelectric cooler secured on the fan duct. The thermoelectric cooler includes a cooling module having the Peltier effect and extending through a sidewall of the fan duct, and a heat sink enclosed by the fan duct and thermally contacting with the cooling module. The cooling module has a cold surface located at an inner side of the fan duct, and the heat sink thermally contacts with the cold surface of the cooling module. An airflow generated by the fan first flows through the heat sink and then reaches the fin group via the fan.
US08096130B2 Fuel conveying member for a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine fuel conveying member in fluid flow communication with at least one fuel nozzle, the fuel conveying member having at least first and second member portions sealingly engaged to one another, and means for conveying fuel defined at a junction between the first and second member portions. The means for conveying fuel is defined by at least part of two different walls of each of the first and second member portions.
US08096129B2 Fuel distribution apparatus
A fuel distribution apparatus has a manifold head, a waisted portion and a nozzle head. An inlet channel is formed in a mounting surface of a casing of a jet engine. An annular inlet manifold is formed in the manifold head to receive fluid from the fuel inlet channel. Six outlet fluid passageways extend substantially tangentially away from the annular inlet manifold and open out into an annular outlet manifold. Three ports are formed in the inner wall of the annular outlet manifold and the ports are connected to fuel delivery tubes which extend away from the ports in a substantially helical fashion around the waisted portion into a nozzle head. The outlet fluid passageways are arranged to direct the fluid around the outlet manifold in a first direction and the helical fuel delivery tubes extend in the opposite direction.
US08096127B2 Exhaust turbo-supercharger
An exhaust turbo-supercharger is capable of preventing misalignment of the center of the rotating shaft of a supercharger turbine and the center of the rotating shaft of a supercharger compressor, or, misalignment of the center of the rotating shaft of the supercharger turbine, the center of the rotating shaft of the supercharger compressor, and the center of the rotating shaft of a power generator, due to the heat of exhaust gas; is capable of reducing vibration of these rotation axes; and is capable of improving the reliability of the entire supercharger. The exhaust turbo-supercharger has a casing that supports a turbine unit and a compressor unit.The lower end of the casing constitutes a leg portion, and the leg portion is fixed to a base placed on the floor. A power generator having a rotating shaft is connected to a rotating shaft of the turbine unit and the compressor unit.
US08096125B2 Methods and systems for emission system control
Methods and systems are provided for operating a turbocharged engine including a particulate filter positioned upstream of a turbocharger turbine, a catalyst positioned downstream of the turbine, and an EGR passage coupled between an engine exhaust and engine intake. In one example, the method comprises, diverting exhaust gas from downstream of the filter to the engine intake via the EGR passage, and adjusting an amount of diverted exhaust gas based on filter operating conditions.
US08096123B2 System and method for mode transition for a two-stage series sequential turbocharger
A method of controlling a series turbocharger for an engine and a control system for the same includes a boost determination module determining a first predicted boost pressure for a first position of a variable geometry turbine when a high pressure turbine bypass valve is in an open position. The boost determination module determines a second boost pressure for a second position of the variable geometry when the high pressure turbine bypass valve is in the open position. A desired boost module determines a desired boost. A comparison module determines when the desired boost signal is between the first predicted boost pressure and the second predicted boost pressure. A bypass valve control module closes the high pressure turbine bypass valve when the desired boost signal is between the first predicted boost pressure and the second predicted boost pressure.
US08096122B2 Electrically driven brake booster and master cylinder
An electric booster according to the present invention comprises a booster piston disposed around an input piston so as to movable relative to the input piston. The booster piston and input piston also serve as a primacy piston of a tandem master cylinder. A brake fluid pressure is generated in the tandem master cylinder by an input thrust force provided from a brake pedal to the input piston and a booster thrust force provided from the electronic actuator to the booster piston. In this electric booster, a slide hole is formed through the secondary piston of the tamed master cylinder in the axial direction therefore, and a rod member is slidably disposed through the slide hole. When the fluid pressure is not increased in the primary pressure chamber, due to the fluid pressure in the secondary pressure chamber, the rod member comes to abut against the input piston, and a reactive force in the secondary pressure chamber is returned to the brake pedal.
US08096120B2 Movable mechanism
A movable mechanism having: a fixed body (1); a movable body (4); and a driving member (2), one end of which is attached to the fixed body and the other end of which is attached to the movable body, for changing the position of the movable body, wherein the driving member (2) is composed of a shape restorable material, and the movable body (4) is moved by shape restorability of the driving member (2) that has been released movable body (4) from being fixed.
US08096119B2 Fuel-powered actuators and methods of using same
Fuel-powered actuators are described wherein actuation is a consequence of electrochemical processes, chemical processes, or combinations thereof. These fuel-powered actuators include artificial muscles and actuators in which actuation is non-mechanical. The actuators range from large actuators to microscopic and nanoscale devices.
US08096117B2 Compressor and/or expander device
Systems and methods for operating a hydraulically actuated device/system are described herein. For example, systems and methods for the compression and/or expansion of gas can include at least one pressure vessel defining an interior region for retaining at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas and an actuator coupled to and in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a first mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved to compress and move gas out of the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a second mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved by an expanding gas entering the pressure vessel. The system can further include a heat transfer device configured to transfer heat to or from the at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas retained by the pressure vessel.
US08096115B2 Pump drive of an automatic transmission
A pump drive of an automatic transmission with a hydrodynamic torque converter driven by a drive motor and with an oil pump driven by a pump wheel of the torque converter. The pump wheel of the torque converter is connected to a converter hub that extends from the pump wheel in the direction opposite the drive motor and is mounted radially by way of a converter hub bearing in or on a wall of the automatic transmission fixed with respect to the transmission housing and radially encloses a section of a pump drive shaft of the oil pump. The pump drive shaft is radially centered in the converter hub and, on its side facing toward the drive motor, is connected to the converter hub by a driving profile.
US08096113B2 Exhaust purification system for internal combustion engine
The exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention includes fuel supply means for supplying fuel to the NOx storage-reduction catalyst from the upstream side thereof, and SOx poisoning recovery control executing means that uses the fuel supply means to supply fuel to the NOx storage-reduction catalyst thereby executing the SOx poisoning recovery control at a predetermined interval during operation of the internal combustion engine. In addition, according to the present invention, the execution of the SOx poisoning recovery control by the SOx poisoning recovery control executing means is prohibited during a predetermined period DELTA Qfen2 starting from a point in time that the operation of the internal combustion engine is initially started. The predetermined period DELTA Qfen2 is longer than a predetermined interval DELTA Qfen1.
US08096111B2 Reduction of NOx trap at engine shutoff
The reduction of a NOx trap upon engine shutdown is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises adjusting a timing of creating a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap based upon the determined engine stop position. The creation of a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap may help to at least partially reactivate the lean NOx trap during engine shutoff.
US08096110B2 Ammonia (NH3) storage control system and method at low nitrogen oxide (NOx) mass flow rates
A control system comprising an ammonia (NH3) storage level determination module that determines a NH3 storage level in an exhaust system, a desired NH3 storage level determination module that determines a desired NH3 storage level based on an exhaust temperature, and a nitrogen oxide (NOx) mass flow rate control module that controls a NOx mass flow rate based on a difference between the NH3 storage level and the desired NH3 storage level. A method comprising determining a NH3 storage level in an exhaust system, determining a desired NH3 storage level based on an exhaust temperature, and controlling a NOx mass flow rate based on a difference between the NH3 storage level and the desired NH3 storage level.
US08096096B2 Machine for packaging products in wrappers of sheet material
In a packaging machine, typically a cellophaner for overwrapping packets of cigarettes, each of the packets is enveloped by a wrapping unit in a heat shrinkable wrapper presenting at least two opposite faces disposed parallel one with another. The machine also comprises a unit by which heat is applied to the wrappers, equipped with a pair of belt conveyors that present two branches, facing one another and set in motion in such a way as to transport the packets by gripping the two opposite faces of each wrapper, and at least one heating head associated with each transport branch; the heating heads are faced with a leaf of lamellar graphite bonded to the head on one side and offered in direct contact on the other to the respective branch of the corresponding belt conveyor, so as to minimize friction between the belt and the head.
US08096095B2 Reverse molded panel
A reverse molded fiberboard panel; a wainscot kit comprising a plurality of differently sized reverse molded panels, and a planar finishing or spacer panel, adapted to completely cover any size wall between a wall base board and a wall chair rail; and a method of reverse molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, raised panels without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The reverse-molded panels are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press, in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture.
US08096094B2 Methods for finishing an edge of an insulated concrete form (ICF) wall
A method for finishing an edge of an insulating concrete form wall constructed from insulating concrete form blocks having a cavity including covering a top surface of a side panel and a top portion of an exterior surface with an elongated member having two surface portions coupled together with an intermediate portion positioned between the two surface portions the intermediate portion being dimensioned and positioned for enclosing an end of the side panel and a portion of an opening to the cavity and attaching a plurality of wire ties positioned along the elongated member between the elongated member and rebar members positioned within the cavity, said coupling devices being attached before, during and after concrete being received within the cavity.
US08096089B2 Suspended ceiling cloud with flexible panel
In a suspended ceiling segment known as a cloud, lengths of flat, flexible sheets form panels that are held on the main beams of the segment by flexible, plastic tracks adhesively fixed on the panels that engage plastic tracks hooked onto flanges of the main beams of the cloud. The flexible sheets bend to conform to the vertical contour of the main beams when the tracks on the sheets engage the tracks on the beams.
US08096088B2 Glazing assembly for rough openings
A barrier assembly for sealing the gap between the frame of a window and the rough opening of a building in which the window is received comprises an adaptor attached to the window frame and a sealing membrane providing an air and moisture barrier between the window frame and the framing members defining the building's rough opening. The flexible sealing membrane is formed from multiple membrane sections, at least one of which is formed from a flexible sheet and a projection integral with the flexible sheet, the projection being received in a channel defined by the adaptor to provide an air and moisture-proof barrier seal between the window frame and the associated building framing members.
US08096087B2 Overlying member to support assembly connection
A support assembly connectable to a base structure preferably disposed in an attic or other like location of a house, dwelling, and/or other building to provide or facilitate storage and or standing, walking, or crawling thereon. The support assembly comprising at least one or a plurality of mounting devices and at least one overlying member having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the lower surface is removably connectable to the mounting devices. The mounting devices comprising an upper portion and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism being removably connectable to the base structure.
US08096081B2 Jamb liner for a window assembly
The present invention is directed to a double hung window assembly and methods of manufacturing the double hung window assembly. The window assembly includes upper and lower sash assemblies, opposing side jambs, and a pair of opposing jamb liners that each have a length generally equal to a length of the opposing side jambs. At least one jamb recess is located between sash tracks on each of the jamb liners. Each jamb recess retains a jamb filler having a length generally equal to the jamb liner length. Each jamb filler has outer and inner weather stripping recesses, and outer and inner weather stripping. The jamb filler may include a primary exposed surface that is substantially unobstructed by the inner and outer weather stripping. A portion of the outer and inner weather stripping may be compressively secured between the jamb filler and a portion of the jamb liner.
US08096076B1 Systems and methods for a covered deployment unit for electronic weaponry
A deployment unit for use with an electronic weapon includes a body, an electrode, an electrical interface and tether wire, and a cover. The body has a cavity with an opening. The electrode is stored in the cavity. The electrical interface and tether wire conduct a current from the electronic weapon through the electrode. The cover is coupled to the body over the opening. Activation of a provided propellant, in any order (a) provides a force that pushes the cover away from the body to open the cavity; and (b) deploys the electrode from the cavity through the opening toward a provided target for conducting the current through the target that interferes with locomotion by the target. Prior to pushing the cover away from the body, no portion of the electrode contacts the cover.
US08096074B2 Firearm
A firearm including a barrel having a chamber and an integrally formed upper receiver having a passageway, an accessory rail extending the complete length of the upper receiver, and a guidance feature extending along the passageway. The firearm also includes an operating rod having an anti-bounce mechanism, a bolt that is rotated counter-clockwise to lock against the chamber, a bolt carrier having a safety extension disposed below the bolt that prevents a hammer from striking a firing pin until the bolt is locked against the chamber, a lower receiver, a recoil spring assembly, and a fire control group. The bolt includes a polymer spring that biases a sliding extractor against the base of a cartridge. The sliding extractor is disposed at an angle ranging from thirty degrees to fifteen degrees on the bolt face to provide a low ejection angle from the firearm.
US08096073B2 Systems and methods for providing a firearm that emits a distinguishable audible sound
A firearm having a barrel and a whistle, wherein when the firearm is discharged air is forced through the whistle to cause a whistle sound. In one particular embodiment, the whistle comprises a barrel port, a channel, and a whistle port and wherein when the firearm is discharged a bullet traveling down the barrel forces air through the barrel port, the channel, and the whistle port to cause a whistle sound. In another embodiment, the whistle is associated with a firearm attachment and the firearm attachment is removably couplable to the firearm. In a further embodiment, the whistle is modifiable and modification of the whistle is configurable to eliminate or change the whistle sound. In a further embodiment, the whistle sound is associated with a signal that is transmitted to another device or central location for analysis, wherein the signal comprises a firearm identification or locational information.
US08096072B2 Method and apparatus to prevent ghosting in a recycled road sign
One example embodiment disclosed herein includes a sign substrate including a front side and a back side, a reflective traffic sign layer to reflect a light to display a traffic message to traffic, the reflective traffic sign layer coupled to the front side of the sign substrate, a light blocking layer masking the reflective traffic sign layer to prevent the light from reflecting a ghost image of the message through the light blocking layer to the traffic and a replacement reflective traffic sign layer disposed on top of the light blocking layer, the replacement reflective traffic sign layer to reflect the light to display a reflected replacement message to the traffic.
US08096068B2 Display device and electronic appliance for use in combination therewith
The display device of the invention comprises a flexible display element that can be extended in rollable fashion between a first position and a second position. In the first position the element is present in a housing and in the second position it is at least partially visible. The display element is supported in its second position by foldable arms. According to the invention a foldable arm comprises means which facilitate the extension of the display from the first to the second position and from the second position to a further position. These means also counteract any tendency of the display to return by itself from the second or any further position to the first position.
US08096066B2 Extensible snowplough blade
An extensible snowplough blade comprises a fixed blade body (10), having a substantially linear conformation in a longitudinal direction and is provided, at a posterior surface (11) thereof, with means for support (12). It further comprises a raising structure (20) for defining a hinged connection between the blade body (10) and a vehicle (150). The raising structure (20) in turn comprises a frame (21) for fixing thereof to the vehicle (150) and coupling means (25) of the fixed frame (21) to the means for support (12). The extensible snowplough blade (100) further comprises a first extension (30), slidably mounted on the means for support (12) in a parallel position to the blade body (10) and destined to extend longitudinally with respect to the blade body (10) in a left-wards direction, and a second extension (40), slidably mounted on the means for support (12) in a parallel position to the blade body (10) and destined to extend longitudinally, with respect to the blade body (10), in a right-wards direction. Adjusting means (6) are further provided in the raising structure (20) in order to regulate an angle of incidence to the ground of the snowplough blade (100).
US08096059B2 Dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus and system
A dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus and system comprises an adjustable frame allowing the frame to adjust to fit any size bow. An air ram is used to controllably draw the shooting string as needed. A reference laser alignment module is mounted to a bow riser and allows a user to consistently and reliably align any bow for optimum performance based on the particularities of the selected bow subject to wear, defects and design constraints. The system removes the guesswork and allows a user to optimize any bow. A laser equipped arrow works in conjunction with the alignment module to allow the user to correctly position the shooting rest and nock indexer, and expose all functional anomalies. The system allows a user to completely quantify the performance parameters of bow performance including speed and spine tests. The system serves all major alignments and repairs.
US08096058B2 Measuring device
A measuring device includes at least three elongate sides, each side having first and second ends and a pair of outer edges extending therebetween. Each side includes a channel extending between the first and second ends at each outer edge. The measuring device includes a plurality of strips, the quantity of strips being at least as great as the quantity of all the channels. Each strip includes scaled indicia that is different from scaled indicia of every other strip. A respective strip is removably positioned in each of the channels such that each side has two of the strips offset 180 degrees away from each other. Each side is transparent to allow the scaled indicia of the strips in the channels to be viewed.
US08096057B2 Method for the relative positioning of an object to be measured and of a motor vehicle to a measuring device, and measuring device and a device for measuring a chassis
A method for the relative positioning of an object to be measured with respect to a measuring device, first of all the object to be measured is detected by the measuring device and the position of the object to be measured with respect to the measuring device is ascertained. Then a return message signal is generated which indicates whether the object to be measured is located in a position that is suitable for taking the measurement or not.
US08096055B2 Pendulum guide device for a jigsaw blade that executes reciprocating motions
A pendulum guide device for a power jigsaw saw blade that executes reciprocating motions includes guide elements that engage a saw blade spine of the saw blade and are associated with a support frame. A first two guide elements is fixed in place on the support frame and a second guide element is bearing-mounted to the support frame in moving fashion and is prestressed in the direction toward the saw blade spine.
US08096051B2 Method of lifting a wind turbine nacelle
This invention relates to a method of lifting a wind turbine nacelle (1), the method comprising: arranging a first and second anchoring point (2,3) on each of two opposing sides of the nacelle (1), the first point (2) of each side being arranged below the center of gravity (4) of the nacelle (1) and the second point (3) of each side being arranged above the center of gravity (4), wherein one of said first and second anchoring point (2,3) of each side is immovably arranged, and wherein the other one of said first and second anchoring point (2,3) of each side is movably arranged; interconnecting said first and second anchoring point (2,3) on respective side of the nacelle (1) by means of one connecting element (5) per each of the two sides; connecting each of said connecting elements (5) to a hoisting means (11); adjusting the position of each of the movable anchoring points such that each of the connecting elements (5) is vertically aligned when lifting the nacelle (1) by the hoisting means (11).
US08096049B2 Method of manufacturing a multilayer wiring board
First, a unilayer wiring board is fabricated, which has wiring layers formed in desired shapes on both sides of an insulating base member; and a metal bump formed on the wiring layer on one side of the insulating base member. Then, a desired number of unilayer boards are prepared and stacked up. On that case, the board disposed in the uppermost layer is prepared without having a metal bump. The boards are positioned and stacked up in such a manner that a metal bump of one of adjacent boards is connected to a corresponding wiring layer of the other board. Thereafter, resin is filled into gaps between the stacked boards, and insulating layers are formed on both sides of a multilayer board obtained through the above steps, in such a manner as to cover the entire surface except pad areas defined at predetermined positions on the wiring layers.
US08096048B2 Method for fabricating MEMS structure
A method for fabricating a MEMS is described as follows. A substrate is provided, including a circuit region and a MEMS region separated from each other. A first metal interconnection structure is formed on the substrate in the circuit region, and simultaneously a first dielectric structure is formed on the substrate in the MEMS region. A second metal interconnection structure is formed on the first metal interconnection structure, and simultaneously a second dielectric structure, at least two metal layers and at least one protection ring are formed on the first dielectric structure. The metal layers and the protection ring are formed in the second dielectric structure and the protection ring connects two adjacent metal layers to define an enclosed space between two adjacent metal layers. The first dielectric structure and the second dielectric structure outside the enclosed space are removed to form a MEMS device in the MEMS region.