Document Document Title
US08106063B2 Pyrimidyl sulphone amide derivatives as chemokine receptor modulators
A compound of formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof for the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis, COPD, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or cancer.
US08106060B2 8-(3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthines, their preparation, and their use as pharmaceuticals
The invention relates to 8-[3-amino-piperidin-1-yl]-xanthines and the physiologically acceptable salts thereof, particularly the hydrochlorides thereof.
US08106056B2 Combination preparations comprising bifeprunox and a dopamine agonist
The present invention relates to a composition containing bifeprunox or its N-oxide, or at least one pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof: and L-DOPA or at least one pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the treatment of disorders requiring recovery of dopaminergic function, including Parkinson's disease and restless leg syndrome.
US08106044B2 8-{4-[3-(5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)-propyl]-piperazin-1-yl}-2-methyl-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one mesylate with high affinity for the dopamine D2 receptor and the serotonin reuptake site
The invention relates to the novel mesylate of a phenylpiperazine derivative of the formula (I). This salt has a favorable properties as compared with the free base of this compound.
US08106041B2 Combination product comprising an antagonist or inverse agonist of histamine receptor H3 and an antipsychotic and antidepressant agent, and use thereof for the preparation of a medicament that prevents the adverse effects of psychotropic drugs
Medicament comprising, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, an anti-psychotic or an antidepressant (A), which, on its own, has an undesirable effect of a gain in body weight or sedation, and an antagonist and/or inverse agonist (B) of the histamine H3 receptor, the antagonist and/or inverse agonist of the histamine H3 receptor being present in a therapeutically effective amount for ensuring at least one of the following three effects: suppression or at least limitation of the undesirable effect of weight gain, suppression or limitation of the undesirable effect on alertness, epilepsy/convulsions, increase in the precognitive effect of the treatment. Use of such an antagonist or inverse agonist for the preparation of a medicament which is to ensure at least one of the said three effects in a patient treated by such an antipsychotic or antidepressant.
US08106040B2 Stabilizing compositions for antibiotics and methods of use
The present invention is directed to improved liquid antibiotic formulations. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a composition comprising an antibiotic in a liquid comprising triglycerides, wherein the composition has less than about 5% water (w/v).
US08106036B2 Pharmaceutical compositions-4
The invention provides compositions comprising formula 1 steroids, e.g., 16α-bromo-3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one hemihydrate and one or more excipients, typically wherein the composition comprises less than about 3% water. The compositions are useful to make improved pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also provides methods of intermittent dosing of steroid compounds such as analogs of 16α-bromo-3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one and compositions useful in such dosing regimens. The invention further provides compositions and methods to inhibit pathogen (viral) replication, ameliorate symptoms associated with immune dysregulation and to modulate immune responses in a subject using certain steroids and steroid analogs. The invention also provides methods to make and use these immunomodulatory compositions and formulations.
US08106035B2 25-SO2-substituted analogs of 1μ,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
The present invention provides novel D-ring and side-chain analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, compositions comprising these compounds and methods of using these compounds as selective inhibitors of CYP24. In particular, the compounds of the invention are useful for treating diseases which benefit from a modulation of the levels of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, for example, cell-proliferative disorders.
US08106030B2 Hemostatic material
A hemostatic powder comprises a chitosan salt together with at least one inert material. The disclosure also relates to hemostatic powders into which fluid penetrability is 0.5 cm or more within 1 minute. At least one medical surfactant may optionally be included. The hemostatic powders may be incorporated into wound dressings.
US08106024B2 Method of treating cancer with an RPN2 gene expression inhibitor
The present invention uses an RPN2 gene expression inhibitor as a cancer cell growth inhibitor, which further includes a drug showing an anti-cancer action if desired, and is administered in combination with atelocollagen if desired. In addition, the present invention is an anti-cancer agent including such cancer cell growth inhibitor.
US08106022B2 Carbohydrate conjugates as delivery agents for oligonucleotides
The present invention provides iRNA agents comprising at least one subunit of the formula (I): wherein: A and B are each independently for each occurrence O, N(RN) or S; X and Y are each independently for each occurrence H, OH, a hydroxyl protecting group, a phosphate group, a phosphodiester group, an activated phosphate group, an activated phosphite group, a phosphoramidite, a solid support, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-nucleoside, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-oligonucleotide, a lipid, a PEG, a steroid, a lipophile, a polymer, —P(Z′)(Z″)O-Linker-OP(Z′″)(Z″″)O-oligonucleotide, a nucleotide, an oligonucleotide, —P(Z′)(Z″)-formula (I), —P(Z′)(Z″)— or -Linker-R; R is LG, -Linker-LG, or has the structure shown below: LG is independently for each occurrence a carbohydrate, e.g., monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide; RN is independently for each occurrence H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, or benzyl; and Z′, Z″, Z′″ and Z″″ are each independently for each occurrence O or S.
US08106016B2 Compounds and compositions for prevention of overdose of oxycodone
The invention relates to pharmaceutical compounds and compositions comprised of a chemical moiety attached to an opioid such as oxycodone in a manner that substantially decreases the potential of the opioid to cause overdose. When delivered at the proper dosage the pharmaceutical composition provides therapeutic activity similar to that of the parent active agent. Further the compounds and compositions of the invention are useful in preventing addiction and susceptibility to addiction.
US08106004B2 Methods of inhibiting tumor cell aggressiveness using the microenvironment of human embryonic stem cells
The invention provides compositions comprising one or more isolated factors from a microenvironment of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), including, but not limited to, Lefty and inhibitors of Nodal. The invention also provides methods of utilizing factors derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and their microenvironment to treat and prevent tumor formation and progression and to inhibit tumor cell aggressiveness. The invention further provides methods of inhibiting tumor cell growth and/or treating aggressive tumors in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal, having at least one tumor cell present in its body, an effective amount of an inhibitor of Nodal activity.
US08106002B2 Anti-cancer agent comprising protein C inhibitor
The present invention provides anti-cancer agents comprising protein C inhibitor (PCI) or derivatives thereof as an active ingredient. The anti-cancer agents of the present invention have activities of suppressing cancer cell growth, and cancer metastasis, infiltration, and angiogenesis. Further, the present invention has shown that derivatives containing a heparin-binding domain of PCI inhibit the growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of cancer cells. Therefore, according to the present invention, PCI or derivatives thereof are useful for inhibiting the growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of cancer.
US08105998B2 Liquid composition for removing photoresist residue and polymer residue
Provided is a liquid composition for, at a low temperature in a short time, removing a photoresist residue and a polymer residue generated in a semiconductor circuit element manufacturing process A residue removing method using such composition is also provided. The composition removes the photoresist residue and/or the polymer residue generated in the manufacturing process of a semiconductor circuit element having a metal wiring. The composition includes a fluorine compound of 0.5-3.0 mass % and water not over 30 mass %, and has a pH of 4 or less.
US08105995B2 Specific mild low surfactant, high emollient systems which retain foaming and phase stability
The present invention relates to aqueous liquid compositions in which surfactant system is specifically selected so that it cleanses well, but is mild and adequately foaming. Further the composition tolerate relatively large amounts of emollient (to help mildness) while, surprisingly, showing better stability.
US08105991B2 Overbased metal sulphonate detergent
An overbased metal sulphonate detergent having incorporated therein at least one friction modifier including at least one amine group.
US08105989B2 Water based completion and displacement fluid and method of use
A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas is disclosed, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake. The method may include the steps of circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes an aqueous fluid, a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting age, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks.
US08105987B2 Corrosion inhibitors for an aqueous medium
One or more methods for inhibiting corrosion in an aqueous medium that contain a composition with a specified generic formula are disclosed. The aqueous medium can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.
US08105985B2 Friction loss reduction in viscoelastic surfactant fracturing fluids using low molecular weight water-soluble polymers
Adding relatively low molecular weight water-soluble friction loss reduction polymers to an aqueous fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) increases the critical generalized Reynold's number at which the Fanning friction factor increases and friction pressure starts to increase rapidly. The water-soluble polymeric friction loss reduction additives lower surface pumping pressure in VES-gelled fracturing fluids for a given pump rate, thus lowering hydraulic horsepower (HHP) requirements for pumping fluids downhole, e.g. for hydraulic fracturing or frac packing treatments of subterranean formations.
US08105982B2 Aptamers and methods for their in vitro selection and uses thereof
The present method is an improved in vitro selection protocol that relies on magnetic separations for DNA aptamer production that is relatively easy and scalable without the need for expensive robotics. The ability of aptamers selected by this method to recognize and bind their target protein with high affinity and specificity, and detail their uses in a number of assays is also described. Specific TTF1 and His6 aptamers were selected using the method described, and shown to be useful for enzyme-linked assays, Western blots, and affinity purification.
US08105981B2 Superconducting member
This invention provides a thin superconducting oxide film, which can realize a high critical current, and a superconducting member having a high level of electric power resistance. The superconducting member comprises a sapphire R face substrate, a buffer layer formed of grain lumps of an oxide provided on the sapphire R face substrate, and a superconducting layer provided on the buffer layer. The nearest neighbor distance between oxygen atoms in the oxide and the grain diameter of grain lumps of the oxide have been specified. The superconducting member can be used as a member for superconducting filters.
US08105974B2 Destabilized and catalyzed borohydride for reversible hydrogen storage
A process of forming a hydrogen storage material, including the steps of: providing a first material of the formula M(BH4)X, where M is an alkali metal or an alkali earth metal, providing a second material selected from M(AlH4)x, a mixture of M(AlH4)x and MClx, a mixture of MClx and Al, a mixture of MClx and AlH3, a mixture of MHx and Al, Al, and AlH3. The first and second materials are combined at an elevated temperature and at an elevated hydrogen pressure for a time period forming a third material having a lower hydrogen release temperature than the first material and a higher hydrogen gravimetric density than the second material.
US08105973B2 Supported catalyst for producing H2 and/or CO from low molecular weight hydrocarbons
Chemical combination (C) between an active solid phase which is covalently bound to the surface of an inert solid phase, characterized in that said solid active phase essentially consists in a solid solution of a mixture of at least a magnesium oxide type phase compound and at least a magnesium silicate type phase compound in which Al, and Rh and/or Ni cations are soluted and characterized in that said inert solid phase is either a compound represented by the general formula (I): AlaNibRhcMgdSieOf  (I) wherein a, b, c, d, and e are integers which are greater than or equal to 0, f is an integer greater than 0, the sum a+b+c+d≠0, and wherein (3a+2b+3c+2d+4e)/2=f, or a mixture of compounds represented by the said general formula (I), provided that at least one of the Si, Al, Mg, Rh or Ni elements, which is present in the solid active phase, is also present in the solid inert phase.Use of a catalyst in chemical reactions involving the conversion of hydrocarbonaceous feedstocks.
US08105972B2 Catalysts for the conversion of paraffins to olefins and use thereof
A catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a paraffin to form an olefin, the catalyst having a general formula MoaVbXcYdOn wherein: X=at least one of Nb and Ta; Y=at least one of Te, Sb, Ga, Pd, W, Bi and Al; a=1.0; b=0.05 to 1.0; c=0.001 to 1.0; d=0.001 to 1.0; and n is determined by the oxidation states of the other elements. The catalyst may have a selectivity to the olefin of at least 90 mole % at a paraffin conversion of at least 65%.
US08105970B2 Olefin polymerization catalyst component and production process thereof, and production proces of olefin polymerization catalyst and olefin polymer
A solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization containing a titanium atom, a magnesium atom, a halogen atom, and a defined internal electron donor such as dodecanedioyl dichloride; a production process of such a solid catalyst component, using a titanium compound, a magnesium compound, and the above internal electron donor, or using a solid component containing a titanium atom and a magnesium atom, and the above internal electron donor; a production process of a solid catalyst, using (i) the above solid catalyst component, (ii) an organoaluminum compound, and (iii) an external electron donor; and a production process of an olefin polymer using the above solid catalyst.
US08105965B2 Roofing underlayment material and process for making the same
The present invention relates to a waterproof material, wherein film layers are set between non-woven fabric layers, an asphalt layer is set between the film layers, and a net reinforcement layer is set within the asphalt layer. The advantages of the present invention include: (1) film layers are formed by laminating it on the compositing surfaces of the upper and lower non-woven fabric layers, which overcomes the drawback of water leaking in the background art, prevents the leaking of asphalt into the non-woven fabric or out of the non-woven fabric during the compositing process, so that the environmental pollution during transportation and application is avoided; (2) a glass-fiber netlike reinforcement layer is set within the asphalt layer, so that not only the tensile strength and compressive strength of the asphalt layer, but also the tensile strength and tear strength of the roofing underlayment material are improved; (3) the thickness and number of film layers are set to ensure the temperature-resistance and puncturing-resistance of film layers.
US08105964B2 Composite materials
A composite material, the composite material comprising at least one prepreg, said prepreg comprising at least one polymeric resin and at least one fibrous reinforcement; and conducting particles dispersed in the polymeric resin.
US08105963B2 Composition for the protection of a shaped article against corrosion
The invention relates to a composition for the protection of a shaped article against corrosion, said composition comprising (a) a polyisobutene having a glass transition temperature of less than −20° C. and surface tension of less than 40 mM/m at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of said polyisobutene, (b) a filler material and (c) an anti-oxidant composition. The anti-oxidant composition comprises a primary and/or a secondary anti-oxidant, the primary anti-oxidant being selected from the group consisting of sterically hindered phenol compounds. The invention further relates to a wrapping tape comprising said composition for the protection of a shaped article, a process for the manufacture of said wrapping tape and a process for covering a shaped article with said wrapping tape.
US08105961B2 Method and apparatus for using flex circuit technology to create a reference electrode channel
A method of creating a sensor that may include applying a first conductive material on a first portion of a substrate to form a reference electrode and depositing a first mask over the substrate, the first mask having an opening that exposes the reference electrode and a second portion of the substrate. The method may also include depositing a second conductive material into the opening in the first mask, the second conductive material being in direct contact with the reference electrode and depositing a second mask over the second conductive material, the second mask having an opening over the second portion of the substrate, the opening exposing a portion of the second conductive material which forms a working surface to receive a fluid of interest.
US08105960B2 Self-assembled sidewall spacer
A semiconductor structure is provided that includes a spacer directly abutting a topographic edge of at least one patterned material layer. The spacer is a non-removable polymeric block component of a self-assembled block copolymer. A method of forming such a semiconductor structure including the inventive spacer is also provided that utilizes self-assembled block copolymer technology.
US08105959B2 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a nitrogen-containing gate insulating film
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming a SiO2 layer on a silicon substrate; forming on the SiO2 layer an SiN film having a N/Si composition ratio smaller than the stoichiometric composition ratio of SiN by using the ALD technique; and performing a plasma-nitriding process on the SiN layer at a substrate temperature of 550 degrees C. or below.
US08105955B2 Integrated circuit system with carbon and non-carbon silicon
An integrated circuit system includes a substrate, a carbon-containing silicon region over the substrate, a non-carbon-containing silicon region over the substrate, and a silicon-carbon region, including the non-carbon-containing silicon region and the carbon-containing silicon region.
US08105948B2 Use of CMP to contact a MTJ structure without forming a via
A process is described for making contact to the buried capping layers of GMR and MTJ devices without the need to form and fill via holes. CMP is applied to the structure in three steps: (1) conventional CMP (2) a Highly Selective Slurry (HSS) is substituted for the conventional slurry to just expose the capping layer, and (3) the HSS is diluted and used to clean the surface as well as to cause a slight protrusion of the capping layers above the surrounding dielectric surface, making it easier the contact them without damaging the devices below.
US08105940B2 Power distribution in a vertically integrated circuit
A first through via is electrically insulated from surrounding wafer substrate material. A second through via is not electrically insulated from the surrounding wafer substrate material. This configuration is advantageous when the non-insulated via serves as the path for either Vdd or GND. By not insulating the through via, a first supply voltage (Vdd or GND) is allowed to flow through the surrounding wafer substrate material thereby decreasing the resistance of the first supply voltage path.
US08105937B2 Conformal adhesion promoter liner for metal interconnects
A dielectric layer is patterned with at least one line trough and/or at least one via cavity. A metallic nitride liner is formed on the surfaces of the patterned dielectric layer. A metal liner is formed on the surface of the metallic nitride liner. A conformal copper nitride layer is formed directly on the metal liner by atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A Cu seed layer is formed directly on the conformal copper nitride layer. The at least one line trough and/or the at least one via cavity are filled with an electroplated material. The direct contact between the conformal copper nitride layer and the Cu seed layer provides enhanced adhesion strength. The conformal copper nitride layer may be annealed to covert an exposed outer portion into a contiguous Cu layer, which may be employed to reduce the thickness of the Cu seed layer.
US08105927B2 Method for manufacturing ion implantation mask, and method for manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing an ion implantation mask is disclosed which includes the steps of: forming an oxide film as a protective film over the entire surface of a semiconductor substrate; forming a thin metal film over the oxide film; and forming an ion-inhibiting layer composed of an ion-inhibiting metal over the thin metal film. The obtained ion implantation mask is used to form a deeper selectively electroconductive region.
US08105923B2 Sintered semiconductor material
The invention relates to a method for forming a semiconductor material obtained by sintering powders and to a semiconductor material. The method comprises a compression and heat treatment stage such that one part of the powder is melted or becomes viscous. The material can be used in the photovoltaic field.
US08105920B2 Semiconductor device with amorphous silicon mas memory cell structure and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device with an amorphous silicon (a-Si) metal-aluminum oxide-semiconductor (MAS) memory cell structure. The device includes a substrate, a dielectric layer overlying the substrate, and one or more source or drain regions embedded in the dielectric layer with a co-planar surface of n-type a-Si and the dielectric layer. Additionally, the device includes a p-i-n a-Si diode junction. The device further includes an aluminum oxide charge trapping layer on the a-Si p-i-n diode junction and a metal control gate overlying the aluminum oxide layer. A method is provided for making the a-Si MAS memory cell structure and can be repeated to integrate the structure three-dimensionally.
US08105919B2 In-situ defect reduction techniques for nonpolar and semipolar (Al, Ga, In)N
A method for growing reduced defect density planar gallium nitride (GaN) films is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) growing at least one silicon nitride (SiNx) nanomask layer over a GaN template, and (b) growing a thickness of a GaN film on top of the SiNx nanomask layer.
US08105918B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same including forming pillar neck patterns
A semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same includes preparing a substrate, forming a plurality of conductive layer patterns on the substrate, forming a gate insulation layer on sidewalls of the conductive layer patterns, forming a pillar neck pattern between the conductive layer patterns, forming a pillar head over the pillar neck pattern and the conductive layer patterns, and forming a gate electrode surrounding the pillar neck pattern and forming a pillar head pattern by selectively etching the conductive layer patterns and the pillar head formed over the pillar neck pattern.
US08105915B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming vertical interconnect structure between non-linear portions of conductive layers
A semiconductor device is made by forming a first conductive layer over a first temporary carrier having rounded indentations. The first conductive layer has a non-linear portion due to the rounded indentations. A bump is formed over the non-linear portion of the first conductive layer. A semiconductor die is mounted over the carrier. A second conductive layer is formed over a second temporary carrier having rounded indentations. The second conductive layer has a non-linear portion due to the rounded indentations. The second carrier is mounted over the bump. An encapsulant is deposited between the first and second temporary carriers around the first semiconductor die. The first and second carriers are removed to leave the first and second conductive layers. A conductive via is formed through the first conductive layer and encapsulant to electrically connect to a contact pad on the first semiconductor die.
US08105912B2 High voltage tolerant metal-oxide-semiconductor device
A method for increasing a voltage tolerance of a MOS device having a first capacitance value associated therewith is provided. The method includes the steps of: connecting at least a first capacitor in series with the MOS device, the first capacitor having a first capacitance value associated therewith, the first capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a gate of the MOS device and a second terminal adapted to receive a first signal; and adjusting a ratio of the first capacitance value and a second capacitance value associated with the MOS device such that a second signal present at the gate of the MOS device will be an attenuated version of the first signal. An amount of attenuation of the first signal is a function of the ratio of the first and second capacitance values.
US08105911B2 Bipolar junction transistor guard ring structures and method of fabricating thereof
Semiconductor devices with multiple floating guard ring edge termination structures and methods of fabricating same are disclosed. A method for fabricating guard rings in a semiconductor device that includes forming a mesa structure on a semiconductor layer stack, the semiconductor stack including two or more layers of semiconductor materials including a first layer and a second layer, said second layer being on top of said first layer, forming trenches for guard rings in the first layer outside a periphery of said mesa, and forming guard rings in the trenches. The top surfaces of said guard rings have a lower elevation than a top surface of said first layer.
US08105910B2 Method for forming silicide of semiconductor device
A silicide forming method for a semiconductor device. A silicide forming method may include forming a gate electrode by depositing a gate oxide film and/or polysilicon over a silicon substrate and patterning. A silicide forming method may include forming a nitride film spacer over sidewalls of a gate electrode and simultaneously performing source/drain implant and amophization implant over a silicon substrate. A silicide forming method may include depositing an insulating film after performing source/drain and amophization implants. A silicide forming method may include partially and/or entirely exposing a source/drain and/or gate electrode disposed under an insulating film by etching an insulating film. A silicide forming method may include applying a metal film over a silicon substrate and forming silicide over regions etched by performing heat treatment over a source/drain and/or gate electrode.
US08105899B2 Method and structure for performing a chemical mechanical polishing process
A method for fabricating flash memory devices, e.g., NAND, NOR, is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a second polysilicon layer overlying a plurality of floating gate structures to cause formation of an upper surface provided on the second polysilicon layer. The upper surface has a first recessed region and a second recessed region. The method includes depositing a dielectric material overlying the upper surface to fill the first recessed region and the second recessed region to form a second upper surface region and cover a first elevated region, a second elevated region, and a third elevated region. The method forms at least one dielectric spacer within the first recessed region and at least one dielectric spacer within the second recessed region to form a resulting surface region, and subjects the resulting surface region to a chemical mechanical polishing process to cause formation of a substantially planarized second polysilicon layer free from the dielectric material.
US08105897B2 Method and structure for performing a chemical mechanical polishing process
A method for fabricating flash memory devices, e.g., NAND, NOR, is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a second polysilicon layer overlying a plurality of floating gate structures to cause formation of an upper surface provided on the second polysilicon layer. The upper surface has a first recessed region and a second recessed region. The method includes depositing a photo resist material overlying the upper surface to fill the first recessed region and the second recessed region to form a second upper surface region and cover a first elevated region, a second elevated region, and a third elevated region. The method subjects the second upper surface region to a chemical mechanical polishing process to remove the first elevated region, the second elevated region, and the third elevated region to cause formation of a substantially planarized second polysilicon layer free from the fill material.
US08105893B2 Diffusion sidewall for a semiconductor structure
A method of forming diffusion sidewalls in a semiconductor structure and a semiconductor structure having diffusion sidewalls includes etching a trench into a semiconductor substrate to form first and second active regions, lining each trench with an oxide liner along exposed sidewalls of an active silicon region (RX) of the first and second active regions, removing the oxide liner formed along the exposed sidewalls of the RX region of one of the first and second active regions, forming diffusion sidewalls by epitaxially growing in-situ doped material within the exposed sidewalls of the RX region of the one of the first and second active regions, and forming an isolation region within the trench between the first and second active regions to electrically isolate the first and second active regions from each other.
US08105887B2 Inducing stress in CMOS device
A first aspect of the invention provides a method of forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising: providing a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device including: a silicon substrate layer; a silicon dioxide layer thereover; and an n-type field effect transistor (NFET) gate having a first recessed source/drain trench and a p-type field effect transistor (PFET) gate having a second recessed source/drain trench, the NFET gate and the PFET gate located over the silicon dioxide layer; depositing a nitride stress liner in the first recessed source/drain trench and the second recessed source/drain trench; depositing an oxide layer over the nitride stress liner; placing the CMOS device on a handling wafer, wherein the oxide layer is closest to the handling wafer; removing the silicon substrate layer; etching the silicon dioxide layer to form an opening abutting a portion of a source/drain region, the source/drain region abutting one of the first recessed source/drain trench or the second recessed source/drain trench; and forming a contact in the opening.
US08105884B2 Cross point memory arrays, methods of manufacturing the same, masters for imprint processes, and methods of manufacturing masters
A cross point memory array includes a structure in which holes are formed in an insulating layer and a storage node is formed in each of the holes. The storage node may include a memory resistor and a switching structure. The master for an imprint process used to form the cross-point memory array includes various pattern shapes, and the method of manufacturing the master uses various etching methods.
US08105881B2 Method of fabricating chip package structure
A method of fabricating a chip package structure includes the steps of providing a lead frame having a die pad, plural leads and at least one structure enhancement element. A chip is then disposed on the die pad and plural bonding wires are formed to electrically connect the chip to the leads. Then, an upper encapsulant and a first lower encapsulant are formed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the lead frame, respectively. The first lower encapsulant has plural concaves to expose the structure enhancement element. Finally, the structure enhancement element is etched with use of the first lower encapsulant as an etching mask until the die pad and one of the leads connected by the structure enhancement element, or two of the adjacent leads connected thereby are electrically insulated.
US08105879B2 Near chip scale package integration process
Flip chip ball grid array semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating the same. In one example, a near chip scale method of semiconductor die packaging may comprise adhering the die to a substrate in a flip chip configuration, coating the die with a first polymer layer, selectively removing the first polymer layer to provide at least one opening to expose a portion of the die, and depositing a first metal layer over the first polymer layer, the first metal layer at least partially filling the at least one opening to provide an electrical contact to the die, and including a portion that substantially surrounds the die in a plane of an upper surface of the first metal layer to provide an electromagnetic shield around the die.
US08105878B2 Manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a package dicing
A thermosetting tape is adopted as a dicing tape and, after package dicing, the thermosetting tape is heated, then a desired one of divided CSPs is picked up by an inverting collet. Since the thermosetting tape is heated o a predetermined temperature so that its adhesive force becomes zero, the CSP can be picked up by the inverting collet without peeling it off from the thermosetting tape. Thus, peel-off charging does not occur and therefore it is not necessary to perform a destaticizing process. As a result, it is possible to improve the production efficiency in assembling the semiconductor device (CSP).
US08105877B2 Method of fabricating a stacked type chip package structure
A stacked type chip package structure including a package structure, a corresponding substrate, and a number of second bumps is provided. The package structure includes a first chip, a second chip, a number of first bumps, and a first underfill. The first chip is disposed above the second chip. The first bumps are disposed between the first chip and the second chip for electrically connecting the first chip and the second chip. The first underfill is used to fill between the first chip and the second chip and encapsulates the first bumps. The package structure is disposed above the corresponding substrate in a reverse manner, such that the first chip is disposed between the second chip and the corresponding substrate. The second bumps are disposed between the second chip and the corresponding substrate, such that the second chip is electrically connected to the corresponding substrate through the second bumps.
US08105875B1 Approach for bonding dies onto interposers
A method includes providing an interposer wafer including a substrate, and a plurality of through-substrate vias (TSVs) extending from a front surface of the substrate into the substrate. A plurality of dies is bonded onto a front surface of the interposer wafer. After the step of bonding the plurality of dies, a grinding is performed on a backside of the substrate to expose the plurality of TSVs. A plurality of metal bumps is formed on a backside of the interposer wafer and electrically coupled to the plurality of TSVs.
US08105873B2 Flexible semiconductor device and identification label
Provided is a flexible device (100) having an integrated circuit (5) and an antenna (6) which is incorporated or directly coupled to the interconnect structure of the integrated circuit (5). An electrically insulating or dielectric layer (4) is present as support layer for both antenna (6) and integrated circuit (5). Preferably the substrate (10) is removed at non-silicon areas (10B) outside the active areas (10A) of the integrated circuit (5). This removal can be combined with the use of a substrate of monocrystalline silicon. The flexible device is very suitable for integration in identification labels and security paper, and can be manufactured using a temporarily attached carrier substrate.
US08105872B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming prefabricated EMI shielding frame with cavities containing penetrable material over semiconductor die
A semiconductor device has a plurality of semiconductor die mounted to a temporary carrier. A prefabricated shielding frame has a plate and integrated bodies extending from the plate. The bodies define a plurality of cavities in the shielding frame. A penetrable material is deposited in the cavities of the shielding frame. The shielding frame is mounted over the semiconductor die such that the penetrable material encapsulates the die. The carrier is removed. An interconnect structure is formed over the die, shielding frame, and penetrable material. The bodies of the shielding frame are electrically connected through the interconnect structure to a ground point. The shielding frame is singulated through the bodies or through the plate and penetrable material to separate the die. TIM is formed over the die adjacent to the plate of the shielding frame. A heat sink is mounted over the plate of the shielding frame.
US08105867B2 Self-aligned three-dimensional non-volatile memory fabrication
A self-aligned fabrication process for three-dimensional non-volatile memory is disclosed. A double etch process forms conductors at a given level in self-alignment with memory pillars both underlying and overlying the conductors. Forming the conductors in this manner can include etching a first conductor layer using a first repeating pattern in a given direction to form a first portion of the conductors. Etching with the first pattern also defines two opposing sidewalls of an underlying pillar structure, thereby self-aligning the conductors with the pillars. After etching, a second conductor layer is deposited followed by a semiconductor layer stack. Etching with a second pattern that repeats in the same direction as the first pattern is performed, thereby forming a second portion of the conductors that is self-aligned with overlying layer stack lines. These layer stack lines are then etched orthogonally to define a second set of pillars overlying the conductors.
US08105864B2 Method of forming barrier regions for image sensors
Embodiments of the invention provide an image sensor that includes a barrier region for isolating devices. The image sensor comprises a substrate and an array of pixel cells formed on the substrate. Each pixel cell comprises a photo-conversion device. The array comprises a first pixel cell having a first configuration, a second pixel cell having a second configuration, and at least one barrier region formed between the first and second pixel cells for capturing and removing charge. The barrier region comprises a charge accumulation region of a particular conductivity type in a substrate electrically connected to a voltage source terminal. The charge accumulation region accumulates charge and prevents charge transference from a pixel cell or peripheral circuitry on one side of the barrier region to a pixel cell on another side of the barrier region.
US08105863B2 Method for etching a see-through thin film solar module
This invention discloses a method for etching a see-through thin film solar module, comprising: printing ink paste which resists the etching of etching solutions in the protected area of the thin film solar module which is placed under a screen; drying and solidifying the ink paste; coating etching solutions on the thin film solar module; and removing the ink paste. The method of this invention can accurately position the see-through area, achieve various selections of see-through patterns, facilitate the realization of the see-through function in large-area thin film solar modules, and alleviate the problem that a short circuit easily occurs in a see-through thin film solar module.
US08105862B2 Imager with tuned color filter
An optimized color filter array is formed in, above or below one or more damascene layers. The color filter array includes filter regions which are configured to optimize the combined optical properties of the layers of the device to maximize the intensity of the particular wavelength of light incident to a respective underlying photodiode.
US08105861B2 CMOS image sensor with reduced dark current
A carbon-containing semiconductor layer is formed on exposed surfaces of a p− doped semiconductor layer abutting sidewalls of a shallow trench. Following formation of a dielectric layer on the carbon-containing semiconductor layer, a surface pinning layer having a p-type doping is formed underneath the carbon-containing semiconductor layer. A shallow trench isolation structure and a photodiode are subsequently formed. Diffusion of defects directly beneath the shallow trench isolation structure, now contained in the carbon-containing semiconductor layer, is suppressed. Further, boron diffusion into the shallow trench isolation structure and into the photodiode is also suppressed by the carbon-containing semiconductor layer, providing reduction in dark current and enhancement of performance of the photodiode.
US08105853B2 Surface-textured encapsulations for use with light emitting diodes
Surface-textured encapsulations for use with light emitting diodes. In an aspect, a light emitting diode apparatus is provided that includes a light emitting diode, and an encapsulation formed upon the light emitting diode and having a surface texture configured to extract light. In an aspect, a method includes encapsulating a light emitting diode with an encapsulation having a surface texture configured to extract light. In an aspect, a light emitting diode lamp is provided that includes a package, at least one light emitting diode disposed within the package, and an encapsulation formed upon the at least one light emitting diode having a surface texture configured to extract light. In another aspect, a method includes determining one or more regions of an encapsulation, the encapsulation configured to cover a light emitting diode, and surface-texturing each region of the encapsulation with one or more geometric features that are configured to extract light.
US08105841B2 Method and assembly for determining the temperature of a test sensor
An assembly determines an analyte concentration in a sample of body fluid. The assembly includes a test sensor having a fluid-receiving area for receiving a sample of body fluid, where the fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the sample. The assembly also includes a meter having a port or opening configured to receive the test sensor; a measurement system configured to determine a measurement of the reaction between the reagent and the analyte; and a temperature-measuring system configured to determine a measurement of the test-sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the opening. The meter determines a concentration of the analyte in the sample according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test-sensor temperature.
US08105834B2 Muscle derived cells for the treatment of urinary tract pathologies and methods of making and using same
The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration for urinary incontinence and other urinary tract pathologies.
US08105832B1 Methods for modifying stem cell characteristics
The invention provides a method of up-regulating genes in cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, the method comprising culturing the stem cells in a nutrient medium together with cells from a limb of a limb-regenerating animal. In the method, the limb-regenerating animal is preferably a species of the family Polychrotidae. Another method of the invention provides for up-regulating genes maintaining pluripotency and proliferation in cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by culturing the stem cells in a nutrient medium together with mouse embryonic stem cells.
US08105830B2 Polyspecific binding molecules and uses thereof
The present invention relates to polyspecific binding molecules and particularly single-chain polyspecific binding molecules that include at least one single-chain T-cell receptor (sc-TCR) covalently linked through a peptide linker sequence to at least one single-chain antibody (sc-Ab). Further disclosed are methods and compositions for testing and using the molecules.
US08105829B2 Fluorometric analysis kit
Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes that are intramolecularly crosslinked between the 1-position and 3′-position, their bioconjugates and their uses are described. 1,3′-crosslinked carbocyanines are superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar 1,1′-crosslinked or non-crosslinked dyes. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.
US08105828B2 Stable cell lines and methods for evaluating gastrointestinal absorption of chemicals
Nucleic acids and vectors for interfering with the expression of membrane efflux transport proteins in cells that express such proteins are provided. Also provided are cells and cell lines comprising such nucleic acids and vectors. Methods for screening chemicals and biomolecules for gastrointestinal absorption in animals, and kits for practicing such methods are also provided.
US08105826B2 Nucleotide and amino acid sequences relating to respiratory diseases and obesity
This invention relates to genes identified from human chromosome 12q23-qter, which are associated with various diseases, including asthma. The invention also relates to the nucleotide sequences of these genes, isolated nucleic acids comprising these nucleotide sequences, and isolated polypeptides or peptides encoded thereby. The invention further relates to vectors and host cells comprising the disclosed nucleotide sequences, or fragments thereof, as well as antibodies that bind to the encoded polypeptides or peptides. Also related are ligands that modulate the activity of the disclosed genes or gene products. In addition, the invention relates to methods and compositions employing the disclosed nucleic acids, polypeptides or peptides, antibodies, and/or ligands for use in diagnostics and therapeutics for asthma and other diseases.
US08105824B2 Integrated chip carriers with thermocycler interfaces and methods of using the same
Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source.
US08105823B2 Biogas installation for production of biogas from biomass, and methods for operation of the biogas installation
A biogas installation for production of biogas from biomass and methods for starting and shutting down a fermenter are disclosed. When biomass in a fermenter is used up, biogas production must stop, the fermented biomass removed, and the fermenter filled with fresh biomass. Biogas production and utilization is maintained for as long as possible. When the methane concentration in the biogas outlet falls below an upper limit, the biogas line is disconnected. The biogas/off-gas mixture is fed out via an exhaust chimney until the methane concentration has fallen to a lower limit. The fermenter to be shut down is purged with fresh air, and the off-gas/biogas/fresh air mixture is fed out via the exhaust chimney until the carbon-dioxide concentration in the off-gas/biogas/fresh air mixture has fallen to a first limit. The fermenter is then opened to unload the consumed biomass and load fresh biomass.
US08105821B2 Silane mixtures
Silanation compositions containing a mixture of two or more silanation reagents, where at least one silanation reagent includes a functional group capable of supporting polymer synthesis and at least one silanation reagent includes no functional group capable of supporting polymer synthesis are useful in modulating the active site density and hydrolytic stability of a surface. These compositions are particularly useful in silanating a surface prior to preparation of a polymer array and provide for increased hybridization results.
US08105818B2 Ready-to-use electroporation cuvette including frozen electrocompetent cells
A ready-to-use electroporation cuvette is provided that includes a cuvette, first and second electrodes positioned within the cuvette and electroporation competent cells frozen in a suspension solution within the cuvette, wherein the electroporation cuvette is configured to permit electroporation of the cells when the cells are thawed. The electroporation cuvette may be sealed with a cap that may be color coded to aid the user.
US08105815B2 Asparaginase and its use in food production
Process for the production of a food product involving at least one heating step, comprising adding one or more enzymes to an intermediate form of said food product in said production process whereby the enzyme is added prior to said heating step in an amount that is effective in reducing the level of amino acids that are present in said intermediate form of said food product which amino acids are involved in the formation of acrylamide during said heating step. The invention also relates to food products obtained from the process of the invention.
US08105813B2 Materials and methods for the generation of fully 2′-modified nucleic acid transcripts
Materials and methods are provided for producing aptamer therapeutics having fully modified nucleotide triphosphates incorporated into their sequence.
US08105810B2 Method for producing peroxycarboxylic acid
Disclosed herein are two-component enzymatic peracid generation systems and methods of using such systems wherein the first component comprises a formulation of at least one enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity, a carboxylic acid ester substrate, and a cosolvent and wherein the second component comprises a source of peroxygen in water. The two components are combined to produce an aqueous peracid formulation useful as, e.g., a disinfecting or bleaching agent. Specifically, organic cosolvents are used to control the viscosity of a substrate-containing component and to enhance the solubility of the substrate in an aqueous reaction formulation without causing substantial loss of perhydrolytic activity of the enzyme catalyst.
US08105808B2 Anaerobic microbial composition and methods of using same
A microbial composition for concurrent dechlorination of a mixture of chlorinated ethanes and chlorinated ethenes includes a isolated consortium of bioremediative microorganisms comprising strains of microorganism comprising Clostridium, Acetobacterium, Dehalobacter, Bacteroides, and Proteobacteria. The composition may also include Methanomicrobia.
US08105798B2 Cytoplasmic activity of retinoid X receptor and its regulation by ligands and dimerization
This invention relates to methods for identifying agents useful for treatment of diseases and pathological conditions affected by Retinoid X Receptor apoptosis. The invention also relates to methods for treating diseases and pathological conditions affected by RXR apoptosis. The invention includes compositions that are useful in the study and treatment of diseases and pathological conditions affected by RXR apoptosis.
US08105793B2 Process for in vivo treatment of specific biological targets in bodily fluids
A process for treating biological targets in a fluid of a biological organism, including introducing a fluid comprising a biological target to an assembly comprising an inlet connected to receive the fluid and an outlet connected to pass the fluid from the assembly, wherein the assembly comprises a flow chamber for conveying a flow of the fluid, and a capture zone comprising a target-specific binding agent, wherein during flow of the fluid through the flow chamber, the biological target undergoes flux rolling along the target-specific binding agent.
US08105791B2 Marker for stem cells and its use
A marker for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is provided, comprising an integrin alpha10 chain and/or an integrin alpha11 chain expressed on the cell surface of or intracellular in a MSC. The marker is used in methods for identification of mammalian MSC and in methods for isolation of MSC. Also included are isolated cellular populations of mammalian MSC and a cellular composition comprising the latter. Moreover, uses of said marker for isolation, modulation and identification of mammalian MSC are provided.
US08105789B2 Diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases through indel-differentiated proteins
A compound capable of specifically binding to pathogen EF-1α but not host EF-1α, wherein the compound binds to any part of an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to amino acids 240-230 of SEQ ID NO:22.
US08105784B2 Method for pairwise sequencing of target polynucleotides
The invention relates to methods for pairwise sequencing of a double-stranded polynucleotide template, which methods result in the sequential determination of nucleotide sequences in two distinct and separate regions of the polynucleotide template. Using the methods of the invention it is possible to obtain two linked or paired reads of sequence information from each double-stranded template on a clustered array, rather than just a single sequencing read from one strand of the template.
US08105783B2 Microfluidic cartridge
The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges configured to amplify and detect polynucleotides extracted from multiple biological samples in parallel. The technology includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising: a plurality of sample lanes, wherein each of the plurality of sample lanes comprises a microfluidic network having, in fluid communication with one another: an inlet; a first valve and a second valve; a first channel leading from the inlet, via the first valve, to a reaction chamber; and a second channel leading from the reaction chamber, via the second valve, to a vent.
US08105781B2 Predictors of long-term mortality following coronary artery bypass graft surgery
The present invention relates, in general, to perioperative depression and, in particular, to methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative depression.
US08105772B2 DNA detection method using molecular beacon with the use of monomer emission/excimer emission switching of fluorescent molecule
It is intended to provide a means and a method whereby a molecule for DNA detection at an elevated accuracy can be provided, different form the existing DNA detection system with the use of a molecular beacon. A molecular beacon wherein fluorescent organic groups capable of forming an excimer are bonded to the 3′ and 5′ ends of a single-stranded oligonucleotide to be hybridizable with a subject oligonucleotide and the switching of monomer emission/excimer emission is utilized; and a method of detecting SNP by using this molecular beacon.
US08105770B2 Method of detecting amplification or deletion in genomic DNA Fragment
[PROBLEMS] To provide a CGH method, in particular a CGH microarray method, enabling detection at an elevated accuracy and elevated sensitivity.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A method which comprises: (a) labeling a test genomic DNA fragment that is a cell-origin genomic DNA fragment to be tested with either a label represented by the following general formula (1) or another label represented by the general formula (2), and labeling a control genomic fragment that serves as a standard for detecting a difference from the test genomic DNA fragment with the other label; (b) hybridizing the labeled test genomic DNA fragment and the labeled control genomic DNA fragment each with a specimen nucleic acid containing a nucleic acid sequence for detecting the difference between the test genomic fragment and the control genomic fragment; and (c) detecting an amplification or deletion in the test genomic DNA fragment by using the fluorescent intensities thus obtained as an indication; and a kit for the above-described method which contains a nucleotide residue labeled with the label represented by the following general formula (1) and a nucleotide residue labeled with the label represented by the following general formula (2).
US08105766B2 Method of measuring pyrophosphate
Provided is a novel and useful method of measuring pyrophosphate in a sample. There may be provided a novel and useful method of measuring pyrophosphate in a sample using pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase, nicotinamide-nucleotide adenylyltransferase, and dehydrogenase.
US08105755B2 Method for processing of photopolymer printing plates with overcoat
Method is described for producing an imaged lithographic printing plate from a precursor comprising a free-radical polymerizable coating and an oxygen-impermeable overcoat, characterized in that removing the overcoat, developing and gumming is carried out in one single step.
US08105754B2 Functionalized fullerenes for nanolithography applications
A method for electron beam nanolithography without the need for development step involves depositing a film of a resist comprising functionalized fullerenes on a substrate, and writing features by exposure to an electron beam with an accelerating voltage and dose rate sufficient to promote heating or thermal degradation of the functionalized fullerene in the irradiated volume such that a pattern is generated without a subsequent development step or with an aqueous developer. Lithographic features of about 1 nm or greater can be formed.
US08105749B2 Polymer compound, positive resist composition, and method of forming resist pattern
There is provided a positive resist composition including a resin component (A) which displays increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) which generates an acid upon exposure, wherein the resin component (A) includes a polymer compound (A1) containing a structural unit (a0) represented by a general formula (a0-1) shown below, and a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester which has an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group: (in the formula (a0-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, or a halogenated lower alkyl group; two of R′ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, or an alkoxy group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; X represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom.).
US08105744B2 Image forming method and image forming apparatus
An image forming method includes forming an electrostatic latent image on a surface of a latent image carrier; developing the electrostatic latent image with a developing agent including a toner to form a toner image; transferring the toner image onto a surface of a target to obtain a transferred toner image; and fixing the transferred toner image; wherein the toner includes a resin particle having a core-shell structure, both of a resin constituting the core and a resin constituting the shell are a non-crystalline resin, glass transition temperatures of the resin constituting the core and the resin constituting the shell are different by about 20° C. or greater, the resin constituting the shell includes an acidic polar group, a basic polar group, or an alcoholic hydroxy group, and the fixing of the transferred toner image is performed by applying a pressure on the transferred toner image without heating.
US08105742B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing toner and toner manufactured by the apparatus and method
A method for manufacturing a toner, including periodically forming liquid droplets of a toner constituent liquid comprising a resin and a colorant by vibrating a thin film having a plurality of holes provided on a retention part thereof to discharge the liquid droplets of the toner constituent liquid from the plurality of holes and forming toner particles by solidifying the liquid droplets discharged from the plurality of holes. In periodically forming the liquid droplets of the toner constituent liquid, a flow of gas in a direction of discharge of the liquid droplets is formed by a gas flow generation unit provided downstream from the thin film relative to the direction of discharge of the liquid droplets, including a tapered part forming an aperture corresponding to a hole formation area of the thin film.
US08105737B2 Method of correcting patterns for semiconductor device
A method of correcting patterns includes attaining a correcting amount distribution map using a photo mask, the photo mask including a transparent substrate having first and second surfaces opposite to each other and a mask pattern on the first surface, attaining a plurality of shadowing maps based on the correction amount distribution map, each of the shadowing maps including a unit section having a different plane area, and forming a plurality of shadowing regions with shadowing elements in the transparent substrate of the photo mask using respective shadowing maps.
US08105735B2 Reflective mask blank for EUV lithography and reflective mask for EUV lithography
To provide an EUV mask of which a decrease in the contrast of reflected light at the mask pattern boundary, particularly a decrease in the contrast of reflected light at the boundary on the mask pattern outer edge, is suppressed, and an EUV mask blank to be used for production of the EUV mask.A reflective mask blank for EUV lithography, comprising:a substrate, and a reflective layer to reflect EUV light, and an absorber layer to absorb EUV light, formed in this order over the substrate,a step on at least a part of the substrate being provided between a first portion where the absorber layer is removed at the time of patterning, and a second portion where the absorber layer is not removed at the time of patterning, adjacent to the first portion where the absorber layer is removed.
US08105731B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes first and second fuel cell stacks which are juxtaposed to each other. An assembly manifold is attached to the first and second fuel cell stacks. A connection block is provided at a central position of the assembly manifold. A fuel gas supply port and a fuel gas discharge port are provided on a front surface of the connection block, and an oxygen-containing gas supply port and an oxygen-containing gas discharge port are provided on a back surface of the connection block. A fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas are equally supplied to each of the first and second fuel cell stacks.
US08105730B2 Fuel cell system with an injector and having a failure detection device for the injector and a pressure sensor upstream of the injector
A fuel cell system having a fuel cell, a fuel supply flow path for allowing a fuel gas supplied from a fuel supply source to flow to the fuel cell, an on-off valve for regulating the state of the gas on the upstream side of the fuel supply flow path to supply it to the downstream side, failure detection means for detecting whether the on-off valve has a closure failure, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure value of the fuel gas on the upstream side of the on-off valve, and determination condition setting means for setting, based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, the conditions of determination of the closure failure of the on-off valve. The failure detection means determines whether the on-off valve has the closure failure, based on the closure failure determination conditions set by the determination condition setting means.
US08105729B2 Electrode cartridge, hydrogen generating apparatus and fuel cell power generation system having the same
An electrode cartridge, a hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell power generation system equipped with the electrode cartridge and hydrogen generating apparatus are disclosed. The electrode cartridge can include an anode configured to generate electrons in an electrolyte solution, a cathode configured to generate hydrogen from the electrolyte solution by receiving the electrons at the anode, a liquid-gas separation membrane, which is disposed to surround the anode and the cathode, configured to separate the hydrogen from the electrolyte solution and discharge the hydrogen to the outside, and a support configured to support the liquid-gas separation membrane for preventing an expansion of the liquid-gas separation membrane. The electrode cartridge of the present invention can prevent an effect of electrolyte solution flowing backwards when generating hydrogen as well as an effect of electrolyte solution leak when moving.
US08105726B2 Fuel cell separator, method of manufacturing fuel cell separator, and fuel cell
A gas-impermeable fuel cell separator including ribs that form a gas flow passage, and a sealing section, wherein at least the gas flow passage has a hydrophilically treated surface, and in which the fuel cell separator base material is exposed within the sealing section.
US08105722B2 Fuel cell system suitable for organic fuels and a method of operation of the same
A fuel cell system includes a first electrode-electrolyte assembly having a first electrode coupled to one side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and a second electrode coupled to an opposite side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and a second electrode-electrolyte assembly having a third electrode coupled to one side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly and a fourth electrode coupled to an opposite side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the first electrode and a second conduit is in fluid communication with the fourth electrode and an electrically conductive mesh positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode. Portions of the second and third electrodes engage each other through apertures defined by the mesh. The fuel cell system also includes an electricity source connected to the first and second electrodes; and an electrical circuit connected to the first conduit and the second conduit.
US08105720B2 Humidity sensing device for use in fuel cell systems
A humidity sensing device for measuring a humidity of a reactant stream in a fuel cell system is provided. The humidity sensing device includes a humidity sensor coupled to a sensor housing. The sensor housing is adapted to selectively move the humidity sensor to an operating position and to a non-operating position in the fuel cell system. A fuel cell system and a method employing the humidity sensing device in the fuel cell system is also provided.
US08105712B2 Sealed secondary battery, and method for manufacturing the battery
An electrode group 4 formed by stacking or winding a positive electrode plate 1 and a negative electrode plate 2 with a separator 3 interposed therebetween, is housed in a battery case 5. An opening of the battery case 5 is sealed with a sealing plate 10. A lead 11 extending from one of the positive and negative electrode plates in the electrode group 4 is laser-welded to the sealing plate 10 by application of a laser beam 12 having a spot diameter smaller than a thickness of the lead 11.
US08105709B2 Battery module
There is disclosed a battery module that includes a housing. At least one terminal is melt joined with the bus member of the housing sealing the terminal relative to the bus member and providing a conductive path to an interior of the battery module. The terminal may be melt joined in an ultrasonic joining operation or in a thermal insertion operation. A plurality of cells are disposed in the housing with each of the cells electrically coupled via bus bars integrated into a bus member. Each of the cells includes a plurality of positive and negative electrodes that are spaced by a separator. The negative electrode includes a substrate having tab meeting at a flange that is connected to an active material portion of the electrode. The positive electrode includes a substrate having a tab meeting at a flange that is connected to an active material portion of the electrode.
US08105708B2 Heat exchanger for an energy storage device
A heat exchanger is connected to at least one energy storage cell of an energy storage device in a heat-conducting manner. The energy storage device is enclosed by a housing. The energy storage cells have at least one safety pressure release valve or burst opening for the release of gases to the outer environment. The heat exchanger at least partially forms at least one side of the housing and has holes that connect the safety pressure releases of the energy storage cells with the environment.
US08105704B2 Nonvolatile phase change magnetic material, manufacturing method thereof, and nonvolatile phase change magnetic memory using the same
A memory is provided that is improved in cost, life, energy consumption and recording density over existing optical disks and hard disks and operates under novel principles, as well as its manufacturing method. A nonvolatile phase change magnetic memory comprises a substrate and a film loaded on the substrate, which film is of a crystalline transition metal chalcogenide compound that in composition is deficient in transition metal from its stoichiometric ratio composition and expressed by formula: AyX where A is a transition metal, X is a chalcogen element and 0
US08105689B2 Adhesive, coating or film composition applied to a surface
The present invention relates to polymerizable N-substituted acrylamide phosphorus-containing monomers, organic polymers formed from the same. Incorporation of said monomers into adhesives, pigment dispersants, coatings or films for polar surfaces or particles gives improved adhesive, anti-corrosive, and flame retardant properties.
US08105688B2 Inorganic solid-phase combined powder, master batch and method for manufacturing the same, fiber and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to an inorganic solid-phase combined powder, a master batch and a method for manufacturing the same, a fiber and a method for manufacturing the same. The fiber manufactured by the above method includes the following constituents in percentage by weight: 10-20% the master batch and 80-90% the high polymer carrier section. Silver content in the fiber of the present invention can reach up to 3-10%, the bactericidal rate is high, the blocking rate against ultraviolet ray is high, the efficacy is perdurable and safe, and there is no toxic or side effects. The spinnability of the fiber is good. The water absorption, permeability, dyeing evenness and electrical conductivity of the fiber are improved greatly, and the drapability and comfortableness are increased when the textile of the fiber is worn.
US08105685B2 Roofing cover board, roofing panel composites, and method
A roofing system includes a layer of insulation boards overlying a roof deck, and a layer of cover boards overlying the insulation boards. The insulation boards include a polyisocyanurate or polyurethane foam material that has a first density. The cover boards include a polyisocyanurate or polyurethane material that has a second density. The second density is greater than the first. The roofing system may also include a waterproofing membrane overlying the cover boards.
US08105680B2 Multi-layer slip film for printing and lamination processes
A heat sealable, multi-layer film structure for multi-color printing or lamination processes and method for making the same are provided. The multi-layer film structure may include a core layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer and essentially no migratory slip agents; a functional layer on a first side of the core layer, wherein the functional layer is a printable layer or a laminatable layer; and a heat sealable skin layer on a second side of the core layer, the heat sealable skin layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a slip system. The multi-layer film structure is prepared without any migratory slip additives. Without migratory slip additives, the multi-layer film structure exhibits excellent machinability on typical packaging equipment.
US08105679B2 Actinic radiation curable jet-printing ink
The present invention relates to an active energy beam-curable ink comprising polymerizable monomers, wherein relative to the total of all the polymerizable monomers, the polymerizable monomers comprise from 95 to 99.99% by weight of a monofunctional monomer and from 0.01 to 5% by weight of a polyfunctional monomer, and a cured film of thickness 10 μm formed using the active energy beam-curable ink exhibits a drawing ability exceeding 120% when stretched at a temperature of 170° C. at a strain rate of 2/min.
US08105678B2 Structured surfaces that exhibit color by rotation
An optically variable device is disclosed having a substrate with an array of pyramidal structures formed upon it or within it. The structures are preferably formed by printing pyramids with an optically variable color-shifting ink using an Intaglio-like printing process. Alternatively the structure can be formed by embossing a layer of ink with positive pyramids so as to yield an array of positive embossed pyramids. Each of the structures form a pyramidal-like having at least three slanted faces and wherein one or more than one color is seen when viewing the pyramids vary as substrate is rotated at least 30 degrees about an axis orthogonal to the substrate. In order to see a color shift the device is rotated around the surface normal of the substrate, while keeping the angle of incidence to the light source the same, and keeping the viewing angle the same. Various forms of pyramids may be used, however pyramids with planar faces are most suitable.
US08105676B2 Method for fastening a silicon block on a support intended therefor and corresponding arrangement
In order to fasten a silicon block on a support for improved further handling, fiber material is introduced into an adhesive joint between the silicon block and the support. The fiber material is impregnated with adhesive and consists of glass fibers. The silicon block is then positioned on the support. The fiber material assures that the adhesive joint is not pressed together too far and is more stable.
US08105669B2 Insert-molded product having porous member
In forming a molded member (30) by insert molding, a porous member (10) and a cylindrical member (20) fitted on a peripheral edge of the porous member (10) are set in a die (40); and the molded member (30) is formed with the molded member (30) out of contact with the porous member (10) and with the molded member (30) in close contact with an outer surface of the cylindrical member (20) by the insert molding. Therefore a landed position (first landed surface (45A), second landed surface (45B)) of the die (40) is set on the outer surface of the cylindrical member (20). Thus there is no fear that liquid resin penetrates into the pores of the porous member (10) in the insert molding. Thereby by the insert molding, it is possible to form the molded member (30) holding the porous member (10).
US08105668B2 Crystalline form of 2-(4,6-bis-biphenyl-4-yl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-(2-ethyl-(n)-hexyloxy)phenol
The crystalline form of 2-(4,6-bis-biphenyl-4-yl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-(2-ethyl-(n)-hexyloxy)phenol, characterized by a X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by using Cu—Kα-radiation which exhibits the diffraction angles (2-Theta).
US08105665B2 Ink-jet recording medium and recording method
An ink-jet recording medium having a non-absorbent support; an ink-receiving layer containing an inorganic pigment and a binder, disposed on one surface of the non-absorbent support; and a water-absorbent layer containing a water-absorbent polymer and a pigment, disposed on the other surface of the non-absorbent support, opposite to the one surface provided with the ink-receiving layer.
US08105663B2 Composition for forming substrate, and prepreg and substrate using the same
Disclosed herein is a composition for forming a substrate, comprising: a liquid crystal thermosetting oligomer having one or more soluble structural units in the main chain thereof and having thermosetting groups at one or more ends of the main chain thereof; and a metal alkoxide compound having reaction groups which can be covalently bonded with the thermosetting groups.
US08105659B2 Method of controlling gloss with curing atmosphere using radiation curable ink or overcoat compositions
A method of controlling gloss of an image includes forming an image over a substrate by applying a colored or colorless composition, included a colored ink and/or a colorless overcoat composition, over one or more portions of the substrate, wherein the colored or colorless composition includes at least one gellant, at least one curable monomer, at least one curable wax and optionally at least one photoinitiator, wherein the colored or colorless composition is curable upon exposure to radiation, and curing the colored or colorless composition following application by applying radiation to the colored or colorless composition and, during the curing, controlling an amount of oxygen present in an atmosphere around the image.
US08105657B2 Device for applying coatings to lengthy products
The inventions refer to method of product surface treatment, technological line and device for hot applying the coating on lengthy products. Line for applying the coating on lengthy product comprising supplying device, product surface preparing unit, devise for continuous applying the coating, cooling camera and final product acceptance unit. Device for applying the coating comprises camera (13) for applying the coating, fixed above the tank (14) with melt. In cover (16) of camera (13) there is an outlet 19 for creating pressure discharge, and in cover (21) of tank (14) there is an inlet (22). Camera (13) is provided with intake vertical passage (20) plunged into the melt of the tank. In the walls of camera (13) there are passages (23) and (24) for product (2) transporting. In working state the melt in the tank (14) and in the camera (13) occupies levels (25) and (26) correspondingly.
US08105655B2 Fast and low temperature cured polyimide fuser belt
Exemplary embodiments provide a belt material and methods for making and using the belt material. In one embodiment, the belt material can be a fast and low-temperature cured polyimide belt that includes a plurality of thermally-conductive species dispersed in a polyimide resin. In another embodiment, the belt material can include one or more layers formed over the fast and low-temperature cured polyimide belt substrate that includes a plurality of thermally-conductive species dispersed in the polyimide resin. For example, the fast and low-temperature cured polyimide belt or belt substrate can be cured at a temperature of about 300° C. or lower for a time length of less than about one hour. The belt material can be suitable for use in an electrostatographic printing process as a fuser belt, a fixing belt, a pressure belt, and/or a release agent donor belt.
US08105653B2 Method and apparatus for performing surface treatment of rubber member
The method for performing surface treatment of a rubber member includes impregnating a rubber member with a first surface-treatment liquid containing an isocyanate component and an organic solvent, to thereby form a first impregnation layer, and sequentially treating a surface of the rubber member, without exposure to air, with a second surface-treatment liquid for partially removing the isocyanate component present in the first impregnation layer.
US08105651B2 Artifacts, methods of creating such artifacts and methods of using such artifacts
Artifacts, methods of creating such artifacts and methods of using such artifacts are provided. In this regard, an exemplary embodiment of a method for creating an artifact for quantifying measurement accuracy of non-contact sensors included in optical three-dimensional (3-D) measuring systems, comprises: fabricating an artifact using a base material; and coating the artifact with an approximately uniform coating of dry film lubricant.
US08105649B1 Fabrication of silicon carbide shell
The producing of shells of silicon carbide including CVD and CVI processes: A dense layer of silicon carbide is deposited upon the hollow shells, the shells being agitated during deposition to prevent sticking, bonding, or adhesion of shells to one another.
US08105644B2 Manufacturing method of printed circuit board
A screen plate having a plurality of openings is placed on a suspension substrate in which a plurality of conductive pads are formed. Conductive paste is moved in one direction on an upper surface of the screen plate, so that the conductive paste is applied onto the conductive pads through the openings. A recess that is inwardly bent is formed in each of the openings of the screen plate.
US08105642B2 Soft dried marshmallow and method of preparation
Dried soft aerated confections and methods of their preparation are provided having a water activity of about 0.1 to 0.4 and a glass transition temperature of less than 20° C. The confections comprise sugars, a foaming and a structuring ingredient, preferably each gelatin, and about 5 to 15% softening agent. Preferred softening agents include glycerin, polyglycerols and mixtures thereof. The confections are aerated to densities of about 0.1 to 0.5 g/cc. The soft dried aerated confections are particularly suited for addition to children's Ready-To-Eat cereals in the form of pieces weighing about 0.1 to 2 g each. The dried confection pieces maintain their soft texture over time without causing moisture migration to the cereal.
US08105640B2 Delivery of active agents using a chocolate vehicle
This invention provides edible compositions comprising pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active agents in particulate form homogeneously dispersed in a fat matrix, such as chocolate or chocolate compound coating.
US08105639B2 Process of precooking grains and an equipment for precooking grains
A process of precooking grains which comprises the steps of: a) Charging the grains into a reactor in a controlled manner; b) Applying a first negative pressure to the reactor; c) Heating the grains contained in the reactor; d) Applying a second negative pressure to the reactor; and e) Cooling the grains. Equipment for precooking grains comprises at least one reactor, which is associable with means for applying negative pressure.
US08105638B2 Reclosable package for a product
A package for packaging food and non-food products. The package may include a tray with a cavity to receive the product, and a reclosable lid to help protect the product within the tray. The lid may lock into an interior portion of the tray below its upper surface. The cavity may be sealed with a primary seal that helps to maintain the integrity of the product and/or to help preserve a food product within the cavity. A sealing flange used to form the primary seal is located below the upper surface of the tray and within the interior region of the tray. A removable sealing layer may be sealed to the sealing flange to form a hermetically sealed cavity. A secondary seal may be provided to help maintain freshness of a food product after the primary seal has been broken, and/or to stabilize or maintain the integrity of the package. One or more interlock features may be provided for releasably securing the lid to the tray. The interlocks may be located external to the cavity and within the interior region of the tray below its upper surface. The interlocks may include a snap-fit configuration that generates an audible sound that signals when the lid is secured to and/or removed from the tray.
US08105634B2 Umbilical cord biomaterial for medical use
The present invention provides a biomaterial comprising a mammalian umbilical cord membrane. The biomaterial can additionally comprise Wharton's jelly and/or one or more umbilical cord vessels. The biomaterial is preferably dry, and can be flat, tubular, or shaped to fit a particular body structure. The invention further provides laminates comprising at least one layer of an umbilical cord membrane biomaterial. The invention further provides methods of making the biomaterial, and laminates comprising the biomaterial, and methods of using the biomaterial.
US08105629B2 Collagen gel and process of producing the same
The present invention relates to a process of producing a collagen gel comprising collagen fibers cross-linked with each other by a cross-linking agent on the way of fibrosis of collagen, and a collagen gel comprising the cross-linked collagen fibers obtained by the process.The collagen gel comprising cross-linked collagen fibers of the present invention has high strength and thermal stability and can be widely used as cell carriers and medical materials.
US08105626B2 Granules containing acid-unstable chemical in large amount
It is intended to provide preparations such as capsules containing an acid-unstable medicament (in particular, a benzimidazole compound having an antiulcer effect, etc.) at a high concentration which are prepared by using about 12% by weight or more (based on the total granules) of the acid-unstable chemical and blending a basic inorganic salt therewith to give granules of about 600 μm or more in the average particle size.
US08105624B2 Topical patch for pain relief using cooling agent
Topical patch preparations that contain an odorless physiological cooling agent, and methods for using the same are provided. The subject topical patch preparations are made up of an adhesive gel composition that is present on a support, where the adhesive gel composition includes the odorless physiological cooling agent, a water-soluble polymer gel, water and a water holding agent. In using the subject topical patch preparations, the topical patch preparations are applied to a skin surface of a subject and maintained at the site of application for a period of time sufficient for an effective amount of the an odorless physiological cooling agent to be administered to the subject. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications.
US08105620B2 Bed bug insecticide
The insecticide comprises an insecticide particularly for killing bed bugs comprising nanospheres and primary ingredients of Organic Andirobia, Orange, Citronella, Organic Neem and Australian Myrtle oils. The insecticide can further comprise Isopropyl Alcohol as a carrier, Phenoxyethanol, Lavandox and Leucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract.
US08105619B2 Antimicrobial medicotechnical product, process for its production and use
The invention relates to a medicotechnical product having an antimicrobial finish consisting of a complex material of metal nanoparticles and macromolecules, the macromolecules being at least partially formed from amphiphilically modified polyamino acids which contain amino acid units, which aside from the functional groups bonded in the peptide bond contain at least one further functional group and at least some of these groups are modified with substances bearing hydrophobic radicals via covalent bonds. The hydrophobic radicals are bonded by addition of substances bearing epoxy groups to the at least one further functional group and/or via at least one amino group of an amino acid unit bearing at least one amino group as a further functional group with maintenance of an amino function on the polyamino acids. The invention furthermore relates to the production of the complex material and of the medicotechnical product.
US08105618B2 Dermatological/cosmetic gels comprising at least one retinoid and/or retinoid salt and benzoyl peroxide
Dermatological/cosmetic gel compositions suited for preventing or treating cell differentiation and/or proliferation and/or keratinization disorders, including preventing or treating common acne, comprise (i) at least one retinoid, (ii) dispersed benzoyl peroxide and (iii) at least one pH-independent gelling agent, formulated into (iv) a physiologically acceptable medium therefor.
US08105614B2 Expanding the T cell repertoire to include subdominant epitopes by vaccination with antigens delivered as protein fragments or peptide cocktails
A convenient way of inducing a broad recognition of dominant and subdominant responses to epitopes of any given antigen of importance for prophylaxis or treatment of a chronic disease is provided. The method involves by immunizing with pools of overlapping fragments (synthetic peptides, e.g., 10-30 mers with 2-20 aa overlap) of the desired antigen in appropriate adjuvants. The T cell repertoire is primed to include not only the immunodominant epitope recognized when the intact molecule is used for immunization and induced by the chronic infection itself, but induce a much broader and balanced response to a number of the subdominant epitopes as well. The vaccination with peptide mix induces a T-cell response that includes response to subdominant epitopes is important for protection against chronic disease that on their own induces a response focused only on immunodominant epitopes. The major advantage of the present invention is that it requires no prior knowledge of the precise localization and identity of the subdominant epitopes and their recognition in a human population, but expands the T-cell repertoire and thereby the total number of epitopes recognized by specific T cells primed by vaccination from a few immunodominant epitopes to a multiple of epitopes.
US08105613B2 Vaccine formulation
Spore coat-associated proteins from members of Bacillus genera, and in particular spore-coat associated protein N (CotN), have utilization as adjuvants in vaccine formulations. The vaccine formulations most likely contain a virulence factor of bacterial origin, which in the case of Bacillus genera is the protective antigen.
US08105611B2 Treatment of autoimmune disorder with a neurotoxin
Methods of treating one or more autoimmune disorders include a step of administering a Clostridial neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin, to a patient that has an autoimmune disorder. In one aspect, a method includes a step of administering the neurotoxin to the thymus gland or near the thymus gland of the patient. In another aspect, a method includes a step of administering the neurotoxin in combination with administering a cytokine inhibitor to the patient. Compositions are also described.
US08105608B2 Method of treatment using ligand-immunogen conjugates
A method and pharmaceutical composition are provided for enhancing the endogenous immune response-mediated elimination of a population of pathogenic cells in a host animal wherein the pathogenic cells preferentially express, uniquely express, or overexpress a binding site for a particular ligand. The invention comprises administering the ligand conjugated to an immunogen to a host animal harboring the population of pathogenic cells. Antibodies, preexisting or administered to the host animal to establish a passive immunity, directed against the immunogen bind to the ligand-immunogen conjugate resulting in elimination of the pathogenic cells by the host's immune response. At least one additional therapeutic factor is administered selected from the group consisting of a cell killing agent, a tumor penetration enhancer, a chemotherapeutic agent, antimicrobial agent, a cytotoxic immune cell, and a compound capable of stimulating an endogenous immune response wherein the compound does not bind to the ligand-immunogen conjugate.
US08105606B2 Chimeric proteins that induce effects directed against viruses
The present invention is related to the obtaining of chimeric chains coding for proteins capable of inducing, in the recipient, a serotype-specific and protective humoral immune response against the infection by the Dengue virus, thus eliminating the effects of the serotype-nonespecific viral immunoenhancement that causes hemorrhagies and clinical complications described for this kind of pathology. These chimeric chains of nucleic acids are composed by the specific combination of fragments belonging to the gene of a mutated protein from Neisseria meningitidis with dehydrogenase activity and fragments that codify for a region of the envelope (E) protein from the Dengue virus which, when inserted to an expression vector, give rise to chimeric proteins with particular properties. The resultant chimeric molecules from this invention are applicable to the pharmaceutical industry for the obtaining of vaccine preparations and diagnostic means of high serotype-specificity to be used in humans.
US08105595B2 Methods of using neutralizing anti-TLR4/MD2 antibodies
This invention provides monoclonal antibodies that recognize the Toll-like Receptor 4/MD-2 receptor complex, and monoclonal antibodies that recognize the TLR4/MD2 complex as well as TLR4 when not complexed with MD-2. The invention further provides methods of using the humanized monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics. This invention also provides soluble chimeric proteins, methods of expressing and purifying soluble chimeric proteins, and methods of using soluble chimeric proteins as therapeutics, in screening assays and in the production of antibodies.
US08105594B2 Methods for amyloid removal using anti-amyloid antibodies
Methods and related immunoglobulin peptides and fragments thereof are disclosed that enhance the cell-mediated immune response of a patient to deposits of amyloid fibrils. These methods exploit the opsonizing effect of antibodies directed toward amyloid material or its component parts.
US08105592B2 Heavy chain and single domain antibodies
The present invention relates to heavy chain immunoglobulins or fragments thereof of the VHH or VNAR type, or domain antibodies (dAbs) of the heavy or light chains of immunoglobulins or fragments thereof, suitable for use in the management of infections, in particular of the gastrointestinal tract. The present invention also relates to a delivery system comprising these heavy chain immunoglobulins or functional fragments thereof of the VHH or VNAR type, or domain antibodies (dAbs) of the heavy or light chains of immunoglobulins or fragments thereof, and hosts comprising expression vectors encoding for these heavy chain immunoglobulins or functional fragments thereof of the VHH or VNAR type, or domain antibodies (dAbs) of the heavy or light chains of immunoglobulins or fragments thereof. The invention also relates to food products and pharmaceutical preparations comprising the delivery system, and methods for the preparation of food products according to the invention.
US08105590B2 Methods of treating inflammation in neuronal tissue
Use of antagonists to IL-31 are used to treat inflammation and pain by inhibiting, preventing, reducing, minimizing, limiting or minimizing stimulation in neuronal tissues. Such antagonists include antibodies and fragments, derivative, or variants thereof. Symptoms such as pain, tingle, sensitization, tickle associated with neuropathies are ameliorated.
US08105589B2 Use of DR3 antibodies in the treatment of inflammatory disease
The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor (DR3 and DR3-V1) proteins that are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR3 and DR3-V1 proteins. DR3 and DR3-V1 polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. Also provided are antibodies and fragments thereof that bind to polypeptides of the invention. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of DR3 and DR3-V1 activity.
US08105588B2 Human monoclonal antibodies against interleukin 8 (IL-8)
Isolated human monoclonal antibodies which bind to IL-8 (e.g., human IL-8) are disclosed. The human antibodies can be produced in a hybridoma, transfectoma or in a non-human transgenic animal, e.g., a transgenic mouse, capable of producing multiple isotypes of human monoclonal antibodies by undergoing V-D-J recombination and isotype switching. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the human antibodies, non-human transgenic animals, hybridomas, and transfectomas which produce the human antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the human antibodies.
US08105586B2 Soluble glycosaminoglycanases and methods of preparing and using soluble glycosaminoglycanases
The invention relates to the discovery of novel soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGPs), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. The invention further comprises sialated and pegylated form of a recombinant sHASEGP to enhance stability and serum pharmacokinetics over naturally occurring slaughterhouse enzymes. Further described are suitable formulations of a substantially purified recombinant sHASEGP glycoprotein derived from a eukaryotic cell that generate the proper glycosylation required for its optimal activity.
US08105579B2 Bacteriophage-containing therapeutic agents
The present invention relates in its broadest aspect to combined phage/antibiotic therapy. More particularly, it relates to use of (i) one or more bacteriophages and (ii) one or more antibiotics in the manufacture of a combined product for simultaneous, separate or sequential administration of (i) and (ii) to treat a bacterial infection characterized by biofilm formation, for example an infection comprising or consisting of P. aeruginosa. Treatment in this context may be either therapeutic or prophylactic treatment. Also provided are deposited bacteriophages each exhibiting different strain specificity against P. aeruginosa and combinations of such bacteriophages, e.g. a panel of six deposited bacteriophages which was found to be effective against a high percentage of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from canine ear infections.
US08105575B2 Expression vectors with improved safety
The present invention relates to the use of internal promoters in mammalian expression vectors including plasmid vectors and enhancer-deleted retroviral vectors. The retroviral vectors have improved safety and optimal levels of transgene expression and vector titers.
US08105571B2 Method of treating pulmonary disease with interferons
A method of treating a pulmonary disease such as, for instance idiophathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), mixed connective tissue disease and asthma, comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon γ in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of one or more aerosolized interferon(s) alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents are provided.
US08105570B2 Methods and compositions for controlled release of drugs
This invention provides a method and compositions for the controlled release of drugs that have been attached by means of a covalent bond to a polymer or other moiety that blocks activity of the drug until it has been released. A two-stage process is provided in which an unmasking reaction results in the formation of a chemical group that can then undergo a second reaction to release the drug. In a preferred embodiment, the narcotic analgesic fentanyl covalently attached to an inert polymer by way of its nitrogen through the formation of a quaternary vinylammonium salt, and then released by a sequence involving hydrolysis of an acetal that exposes an alcohol that may then undergo an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction involving displacement of the nitrogen of oxycodone. The rate of this process may be controlled by controlling either or both of the rates of the acetal hydrolysis or the intramolecular substitution reaction, but is preferably controlled by the latter through varying the number of atoms in the chain connecting the alcohol group and the vinylic carbon, as well as by the addition of substituents on that chain. The drug-delivery molecules of this invention are useful for release of amine, alcohol and thiol drugs, including a number of narcotic analgesics, tricyclic amine antidepressants, and many others.
US08105569B2 Non-petrochemically derived cationic emulsifiers that are neutralized amino acid esters and related compositions and methods
The invention includes a method of increasing the substantivity of a personal care composition to hair, skin or nails by preparing a composition of an aqueous phase, a non-aqueous phase and a neutralized amino acid ester that is a reaction product of a neutral amino acid having a non-polar side chain with a long chain fatty alcohol and is represented by formula (I): wherein R1 is an alkyl group; R2 is a linear or branched carbon chain; and the amine group of the amino acid is neutralized with an acid. The composition is substantially free of petrochemicals and/or derivatives of petrochemical materials. The aqueous phase and the non-aqueous phase are emulsified by the neutralized amino acid ester. Other methods and an emulsifiers that is the neutralized amino acid ester are included. Because the neutralized amino acid ester and the compositions do not contain petrochemical-derived ingredient, the products are natural.
US08105567B2 Multidentate AZA ligands able to complex metal ions and the use thereof in diagnostics and therapy
Compounds of the formula: Wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H, NH2, and NHBoc; and R′ is selected from the group consisting of H, CH2Ph and tBu, optionally de-protected. Such compounds may be conjugated with a suitable molecule able to interact with physiological systems; and their chelates with bi-trivalent ions of the metal elements having atomic number ranging between 20 and 31, 39, 42, 43, 44, 49, and between 57 and 83, and radioisotopes chosen among 203Pb, 67Ga, 68Ga, 72As, 111In, 113In, 90Y, 97Ru, 62Cu, 64Cu, 52Fe, 52mMn, 140La, 175Yb, 153Sm, 166Ho, 149Pm, 177Lu, 142Pr, 159Gd, 212Bi, 47Sc, 149Pm, 67Cu, 111Ag, 199Au, 161Tb, 51Cr, 167Tm, 141Ce, 168Yb, 88Y, 165Dy, 166Dy, 97Ru, 103Ru, 186Re, 188Re, 99mTc, 211Bi, 212Bi, 213Bi, 214Bi, 105Rh, 109Pd, 117mSn, 177Sn and 199Au, as well as the salts thereof with physiologically compatible bases or acids.
US08105566B2 Method for producing oxygen-containing halogenated fluoride
Disclosed is a method for producing an oxygen-containing halogenated fluoride, wherein a gas-liquid reaction is used. This method is a method for producing an oxygen-containing halogenated fluoride represented by the general formula: XOmF (where X represents a halogen atom (Cl, Br or I) constituting a halogen fluoride and m represents 3 or 4), wherein a mixed gas containing the halogen fluoride and fluorine is reacted with an H2O source.
US08105557B2 Microreactor assembly incorporating interconnect backbone and diverse fluidic microstructures
A microreactor assembly [100] is provided comprising a fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and plurality of fluidic microstructures. Interconnect input/output ports [12] of the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] are interfaced with microchannel input/output ports [14] of the fluidic microstructures at a plurality of non-polymeric interconnect seals [50]. Interconnect microchannels [15] are defined entirely by the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and extend between the non-polymeric interconnect seals [50] without interruption by additional sealed interfaces. At least one of the fluidic microstructures [20, 30, 40] may comprise a mixing microstructure formed by a molding process. Another of the fluidic microstructures [20, 30, 40] may comprise an extruded reactor body. Still another fluidic microstructure [20, 30, 40] may comprise a quench-flow or hydrolysis microreactor formed by a hot-pressing method.
US08105553B2 Crystal forming devices and systems and methods for using the same
The present invention provides for microfluidic devices and methods for their use. The invention further provides for apparatus and systems for using the microfluidic devices, analyze reactions carried out in the microfluidic devices, and systems to generate, store, organize, and analyze data generated from using the microfluidic devices. The invention further provides methods of using and making microfluidic systems and devices which, in some embodiments, are useful for crystal formation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a platen having a platen face with one or more fluid ports therein. The fluid ports spatially correspond to one or more wells on a surface of the microfluidic device. A platform for holding the microfluidic device relative to the platen is included, and a platen actuator for urging the platen against the microfluidic device so that at least one of the fluid ports of the platen is urged against one of the wells to form a pressure chamber comprising the well and the port, so that when pressurized fluid is introduced or removed into or from the pressure chamber through one of the ports, fluid pressure is changed therein.
US08105551B2 Microfluidic device and method of fabricating the same
A microfluidic device and a method of fabricating the microfluidic device are provided. The microfluidic device includes: a platform including an upper substrate and a lower substrate that are bonded to face each other; a microfluidic structure obtained by forming grooves in the lower substrate; a lower substrate protrusion pattern including an outline protrusion that protrudes from the lower substrate toward the upper substrate along an outline of the microfluidic structure; and an adhesive layer disposed between the lower substrate protrusion pattern and the upper substrate in order to bond the upper substrate and the lower substrate to each other. The lower substrate protrusion pattern only supports the upper substrate, and remaining portions of the lower substrate except for the lower substrate protrusion pattern do not have structures for supporting the upper substrate.
US08105550B2 Method and system for microfluidic device and imaging thereof
A biological substrate, e.g., microfluidic chip. The substrate includes a rigid substrate material, which has a surface region capable of acting as a handle substrate. The substrate also has a deformable fluid layer coupled to the surface region. One or more well regions are formed in a first portion of the deformable fluid layer and are capable of holding a fluid therein. The one or more channel regions are formed in a second portion of the deformable fluid layer and are coupled to one or more of the well regions. An active region is formed in the deformable fluid layer. At least three fiducial markings are formed within the non-active region and disposed in a spatial manner associated with at least one of the well regions. A control layer is coupled to the fluid layer.
US08105545B2 Engine exhaust gas purifier
A selective reduction catalyst includes a catalyst support in which a plurality of through holes partitioned by porous walls are formed and a first active component carried by the walls which dissolves nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas by the reaction with ammonia. Inlet portions and outlet portions, adjacent to each other, of the plurality of through holes are alternately sealed, and the wall carrying the first active component has ventilation and a second active component having a catalytic action so as to oxidize ammonia having passed the wall is carried on the inner surface of the though hole. An exhaust gas purifier is provided with the selective reduction catalyst, a liquid injection nozzle which is provided on the upstream side and can inject urea liquid, and an oxidation catalyst provided at the exhaust pipe on the upstream side.
US08105543B2 Silicon carbide based structure for filtrating gas
The present invention relates to a structure, for filtering particulate-laden gases, of the honeycomb type and containing an assembly of adjacent ducts or channels, whose axes are parallel to one another, separated by porous walls, the ducts being sealed off by plugs at one or other of their ends so as to form inlet chambers opening onto a gas entry face and outlet chambers opening onto a gas exit face, in such a way that the gas to be filtered passes through the porous walls, wherein said walls comprise material based on silicon carbide and the walls have an open porosity of between 30 and 53%; a median pore diameter of between 9 and 20 μm; the average number of open pores on the surface of the walls, the opening area of which is between 20 and 310 μm2, is greater than 300 per mm2 of wall; and the ratio of the total opening area of said open pores to said area of the walls is between 0.15 and 0.30.
US08105540B2 Method of treating polymer compound and treatment system for the same
A method of treating a polymer compound has the steps of: mixing and agitating the polymer compound and a chemical agent in an extruder while controlling the inside of the extruder to be kept at a high temperature and a high pressure to have a reaction mixture containing a polymer treated product; supplying the reaction mixture continuously into a high-pressure container disposed following the extruder and retaining the reaction mixture at the high temperature and high pressure for a predetermined time; then supplying the reaction mixture continuously to a chemical agent separator to separate the polymer treated product; and supplying the separated polymer treated product continuously to a molding means to form it into a molded material.
US08105538B2 Robust low resistance vapor sensor materials
Compositions for sensor films used for detecting chemical analytes within sensors, such as polymer-absorption chemiresistors (i.e., conductometric sensors) are provided. Robust sensor film compositions that have low resistance, high conductivity, and greater temperature stability and sensitivity to chemical analytes are provided, as well as methods of making these sensor films. Such sensor film compositions include a matrix having a polymer resin and a plurality of conductive particles comprising an axial-geometry conductive particle. Exemplary axial-geometry conductive particles comprise graphene, such as a carbon nanotube. Blends of conductive particles are also contemplated, including blends of axial-geometry conductive particles, such as carbon nanotubes, and carbon black.
US08105534B2 Process and system for purifying gases
A process and system for purifying an impure gas to produce a purified gas in a gas purification system and protecting the system from damage by a) passing a portion of a first gas stream into a reactor vessel, which exits as a second purified gas stream; b) combining a portion of the second purified gas stream with another portion of the first gas stream to form a combined gas stream; and c) passing the combined gas stream into a sensing device to regulate the flow of the first and second gas streams into the reactor vessel.
US08105532B2 Mobile disinfectant device and methods
Ultraviolet light is an effective sterilization agent. Convenient mobile sterilization devices are described herein that, in certain embodiments, provide indications to a user of how much sterilizing light is required for a given sterilization goal and how much light has been applied to a surface towards that goal. Users can move the devices across a target surface as needed to sterilize or disinfect the surface, with the device tracking the dosage applied to the surface. One embodiment of a mobile device that comprises an ultraviolet C (UVC) light source, a distance detector, an indicator, and a microprocessor that receives data from the distance detector for calculating an intensity of the light from the source on a target surface and for calculating a dosage of the light on the surface to provide a signal to the indicator when a predetermined dosage is achieved.
US08105528B2 Automotive fuel tank fabrication apparatus
An automotive fuel tank fabrication apparatus is provided. The automotive fuel tank has a blow mold and a built-in part holding unit. The built-in part holding unit includes a plurality of holding rods for holding a built-in part. The holding rods are made to freely advance and retreat in such a manner as to hold the built-in part in a position where the built-in part confronts cavities when the blow mold is opened and to retreat from the blow mold when the blow mold is closed with the built-in part left positioned in an interior of a parison. The holding rods are formed in such a manner that their diameters are reduced as they extend towards distal ends thereof and are inserted into insertion holes formed in the built-in part so as to hold the built-in part.
US08105523B2 Reinforcement beam as well as method and fiber laminate for manufacturing the reinforcement beam
Disclosed is a reinforcement blank, in particular a curved ring frame segment for fuselage cells of aircraft, comprising a synthetic material that is reinforced by at least one fiber laminate. The fiber laminate includes at least one full-area layer with a first fiber direction and at least one full-area layer with a second fiber direction, wherein at least one further layer with a third fiber direction is arranged in a peripheral area of the fiber laminate. This results in an orientation of the fibers in the individual layers of the fiber laminate used to reinforce the reinforcement beam that is overall suitable for the applied load, so that the reinforcement beam withstands high mechanical loads at a minimum weight.
US08105521B2 Aromatic polyamide filament and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are wholly aromatic polyamide filament and a method of manufacturing the same, characterized in that, in a process of preparing wholly aromatic polyamide polymer, a multiple tubular feed pipe for polymeric monomer and polymerization solvent with specific construction of adjacent inner paths 11a and outer paths 11b which are alternately arranged one another is used to feed either aromatic diacid chloride A or aromatic diamine dissolved in the polymerization solvent B into a polymerization reactor 20 through corresponding one among the inner and outer paths 11a and 11b. The present invention is effective to progress uniform and homogeneous polymerization over all of area of a polymerization reactor 20 leading to reduction of deviation in degree of polymerization, since polymeric monomers are miscible and react together very well immediately after putting the monomers into the reactor 20. Accordingly, the wholly aromatic polyamide filament produced exhibits narrow PDI and increased ACS, so as to considerably improve strength and modulus thereof.
US08105520B2 Implantable or insertable medical device resistant to microbial growth and biofilm formation
Disclosed are implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the invention discloses implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents.
US08105518B2 Method for joining first and second members to each other through a joint material
A valve case, which is a metal component, and an outer shell portion of a cylinder head cover, which is a resin component, are joined together through a seal material. First, a recess formed in the valve case is filled with a seal material in a liquid form. A skin layer is then formed by curing the surface of the seal material. Subsequently, the outer shell portion is formed by supplying a synthetic resin material onto the valve case in such a manner as to cover the skin layer, which is provided on the surface of a non-cured portion of the seal material. At this stage, the skin layer is broken by supply pressure of the synthetic resin material and thus the synthetic resin material and the non-cured portion of the seal material are joined together as an integral body.
US08105516B2 Method and apparatus for producing a coal cake for coking
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a coal cake for coking, in which a bed (3) of coal is compacted in a mold (2) by pulses of hammers (19) which act on the bed, and is solidified to form a block. In accordance with the invention the bed (3) is not only worked on in pulses by the hammers (19) but is also subjected to compression.
US08105515B2 Method of manufacturing polytetrafluoroethylene particle aggregate and method of manufacturing polytetrafluoroethylene product
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) product offering better productivity and a higher degree of flexibility in form of the product to be obtained than the conventional methods of manufacturing a PTFE product, and a method of manufacturing PTFE particle aggregate obtained as an intermediate while manufacturing a PTFE product. According to the manufacturing methods, aggregate of PTFE particles including water and a surfactant is obtained by applying force to a dispersion of PTFE particles containing PTFE particles, a surfactant and water as a dispersion medium, where the force makes the PTFE particles approach or contact with each other. Such a manufacturing method may be carried out, for example, with a chamber (1) shown in FIG. 1.
US08105512B1 Infiltrated carbon foam composites
An infiltrated carbon foam composite and method for making the composite is described. The infiltrated carbon foam composite may include a carbonized carbon aerogel in cells of a carbon foam body and a resin is infiltrated into the carbon foam body filling the cells of the carbon foam body and spaces around the carbonized carbon aerogel. The infiltrated carbon foam composites may be useful for mid-density ablative thermal protection systems.
US08105511B2 Method of manufacturing a carbon-carbon brake disc
A method of manufacturing a carbon-carbon brake disc uses a restraint fixture (12) that includes a preform retention region configured to limit contracting forces applied against a preform (10) in the preform retention region when the restraint fixture (12) thermally contracts. In one embodiment, the restraint fixture (12) comprises a band (12) having a first surface defining the preform retention region and a first expansion portion (26, 28, 29) adapted to deform upon application of a force to the band (12).
US08105509B2 Hot-pressed transparent ceramics and ceramic lasers
A transparent polycrystalline ceramic having scattering and absorption loss less than 0.2/cm over a region comprising more than 95% of the originally densified shape and further provides a process for fabricating the same by hot pressing. The ceramic can be any suitable ceramic such as yttria (Y2O3) or scandia (Sc2O3) and can have a doping level of from 0 to 20% and a grain size of greater than 30 μm, although the grains can also be smaller than 30 μm. In a process for making a transparent polycrystalline ceramic in accordance with the present invention, ceramic nanoparticles can be coated with a sintering aid to minimize direct contact of adjacent ceramic powder particles and then baked at high temperatures to remove impurities from the coated particles. The thus-coated particles can then be densified by hot pressing into the final ceramic product. The invention further provides a transparent polycrystalline ceramic solid-state laser material and a laser using the hot pressed polycrystalline ceramic.
US08105508B2 Synthesis of crystalline nanometric LiFeMPO4
The present invention relates to crystalline nanometric olivine-type LiFe1-xMnxPO4 powder with 0
US08105506B2 Laser-markable compositions
A laser-markable composition comprises a pigment, a solvent and a conductive polymer that absorbs IR radiation. This can be used to mark a substrate, using a low-energy laser.
US08105504B2 Stabilization of organic materials
Organic materials which possess outstanding stability to oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation comprise as stabilizers at least one compound of the formula (I) wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1. The compounds of formula I are especially useful as stabilizers for protecting polymers and lubricants against oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation and as scavengers for oxidized developer in color photographic material.
US08105501B2 UV curable liquid pre-polymer, and liquid crystal display device using the same and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid-crystal display includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate, and a plurality of pixel areas formed on the first substrate, where each pixel area has red, green, blue, and white sub-pixel areas. Red, green and blue color filter layers are disposed on the red, green and blue sub-pixel areas, respectively, and an overcoat layer is disposed over the red, green and blue color filter layers, where a portion of the overcoat layer forms a white color filter layer in the white sub-pixel area. The overcoat layer is formed from a UV-curable liquid pre-polymer material, which includes monomers each having a mono-functional group, and at least a di-functional group or a tri-functional group.
US08105498B2 Method for fabricating variable parallel plate capacitors
A method for fabricating micromachined structures is provided. A structure including a dielectric layer, a metal layer and a passivation layer is formed, wherein the dielectric layer has a via thereon. An etching window is formed on the passivation layer. An etching solution is poured into the via through the etching window to perform a process of etching. After etching, the etching solution is removed and the passivation layer is removed. Finally, the structure is etched again to form the micromachined structure.
US08105497B2 Method for fabricating cylinder type capacitor
A method for fabricating a cylinder type capacitor includes forming connection contacts passing through a lower layer over a semiconductor substrate; forming a mold layer covering the connection contacts; forming a first floated pinning layer with a stress in a first direction over the mold layer; forming a second floated pinning layer for stress relief with a stress in a second direction over the first floated pinning layer, said second direction being opposite to the first direction; forming opening holes passing through the first and second floated pinning layers and the mold layer and exposing the connection contacts; forming storage nodes following a profile of the opening holes; removing portions of the first and second floated pinning layers to form a floated pinning layer pattern, the floated pinning layer pattern exposing a portion of the mold layer and contacting upper tips of the storage nodes; exposing outer walls of the storage nodes by selectively removing the exposed mold layer; and forming a dielectric layer and an upper electrode over the storage node.
US08105494B2 Method for controlling bacterial growth in process water
A system for reducing or preventing the growth of organisms in the process water used to coat glass fibers with a formaldehyde-free binder composition. One or more biocides is added to the process water that mitigates the growth of microbes in the water. The biocides are added in an amount sufficient to minimize growth of organisms without adversely affecting the application of the binder composition to the glass fibers.
US08105493B2 Aggregation and dispersion methods of magnetic particles, separation and detection methods using the same and detection kit
It is intended to provide a method capable of simply aggregating magnetic particles having a surface modified with a thermoresponsive polymer at a given temperature without heating or cooling an aqueous solution containing the magnetic particles, and a separation method and a detection method of a substance to be detected in a sample using the method. The method of separating a substance to be detected from a sample includes the steps of: mixing an adsorbent and the sample in an aqueous solution to adsorb the substance to be detected on the adsorbent, aggregating the adsorbent by changing a salt concentration in the aqueous solution; and collecting the adsorbent from the aqueous solution by a magnetic force, wherein said adsorbent comprises a magnetic particle of an average particle size of 50 to 1000 nm, a surface of which is modified with a thermoresponsive polymer and is immobilized with a substance having an affinity for the substance to be detected.
US08105477B2 System and method for electrochemical detection of biological compounds
The present invention relates to an electrochemical method for detecting a target polynucleotide. An electrode comprising an electrode surface is provided. The electrode surface includes at least one probe molecule reversibly immobilized with respect to the electrode surface. A first electrochemical signal indicative of an amount of probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface is obtained. The electrode surface is contacted with a liquid comprising the target polynucleotide. Upon the contacting step, at least some of the probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface dissociates therefrom. A second electrochemical signal indicative of an amount of probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface is obtained. The presence of the target polynucleotide is determined at least partially on the basis of the first and second electrochemical signals.
US08105475B2 Apparatus and method for determining the composition of a material being examined
A method includes identifying first data associated with cyclic voltammetry measurements of a material being examined. The cyclic voltammetry measurements include applying a varying first voltage to the material and measuring a first current. The method also includes identifying second data associated with impedance measurements. The impedance measurements include applying a second voltage to the material and measuring a second current. The second data includes a scaling factor. The method further includes adjusting at least part of the first data using the scaling factor and identifying a composition of the material using the adjusted first data. The first data could include a current versus voltage curve that associates values of the first current to values of a sweep voltage. The first data could be adjusted by normalizing the curve using the scaling factor, and the normalized curve could be used to generate a current derivative curve.
US08105468B2 Method for forming tantalum nitride film
A tantalum nitride film-forming method comprises the steps of introducing, into a vacuum chamber, a raw gas consisting of a coordination compound constituted by elemental Ta having a coordinated ligand represented by the general formula: N═(R,R′) (in the formula, R and R′ may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms) to thus adsorb the gas on a substrate; then introducing an NH3 gas and then activated H radicals derived from a reactant gas into a vacuum chamber to thus remove the R(R′) groups bonded to the nitrogen atom present in the reaction product through cleavage, and to thus form a tantalum nitride film rich in tantalum atoms. The resulting tantalum nitride film has a low resistance, low contents of C and N atoms, and a high compositional ratio: Ta/N, can ensure sufficiently high adherence to the distributing wire-forming film and can thus be useful as a barrier film. Moreover, tantalum particles are implanted in the resulting film according to the sputtering technique to thus further enrich the film with tantalum.
US08105466B2 Biased pulse DC reactive sputtering of oxide films
A biased pulse DC reactor for sputtering of oxide films is presented. The biased pulse DC reactor couples pulsed DC at a particular frequency to the target through a filter which filters out the effects of a bias power applied to the substrate, protecting the pulsed DC power supply. Films deposited utilizing the reactor have controllable material properties such as the index of refraction. Optical components such as waveguide amplifiers and multiplexers can be fabricated using processes performed on a reactor according to the present invention.
US08105461B2 Method for disassembling bonded structure
There is provided a method for disassembling a bonded structure obtained by bonding a first base member and a second base member to each other via a bonding film mainly made of a compound having a branched polyorganosiloxane skeleton having a structural unit expressed by a following general formula (1) at a terminal portion, a structural unit expressed by a following general formula (2) at a linking portion, and a structural unit expressed by a following general formula (3) at a branched portion: In the formulas, each R independently represents a non-substituted hydrocarbon group; each Z independently represents a hydroxyl group or a hydrolytic group; each X represents a siloxane residue; a represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 3; b represents 0 or an integer of 1 or 2; and c represents 0 or 1. The disassembling method includes heating the bonding film into a molten state at a temperature equal to or higher than a glass transition point of the compound having the branched polyorganosiloxane skeleton and separating the first and the second base members from each other.
US08105459B2 Method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, and product of same
A method and apparatus for producing labeled, plastic foam containers, such as a labeled EPS cup uses a heated pocket to thermally bond a label to a plastic cup. Also described is a labeled plastic foam container, such as a labeled EPS cup, having high quality printing capabilities, sufficient stiffness, acceptable insulation and barrier properties and reduced production cost.
US08105451B2 Method and system for enhanced manufacturing of biomass-based products
A method and a device to be used in the process of manufacturing plates, such as fiberboards or the like boards, where the raw material in form of bio-mass particles, such as wood fibers or the like, applied with a thermosetting binder is spread onto a forming belt to form a mat, and where said mat by means of a hot press is compressed into the desired thickness of the finished plate and the thermosetting binder is hardened. According to the inventing a system and corresponding method for manufacturing biomass-based products is provided that has enhanced efficiency due to the application of ultra sound.
US08105447B2 Austenitic stainless hot-rolled steel material with excellent corrosion resistance, proof stress, and low-temperature toughness
An austenitic stainless steel hot-rolled steel material can be provided which has sea-water resistance and strength superior to conventional steel. Low-temperature toughness can be maintained, which is preferable in a structural member of speedy craft. The steel material can include an austenitic stainless steel hot-rolled steel material which excels in the properties of corrosion resistance, proof stress, and low-temperature toughness. In such austenitic stainless steel hot-rolling steel material, e.g., PI [=Cr+3.3(Mo+0.5W)+16N] ranges from 35 to 40, δ cal [=2.9(Cr+0.3Si+Mo+0.5W)−2.6(Ni+0.3Mn+0.25Cu+35C+20N)−18] ranges from −6 to +2, and a 0.2% proof stress at room temperature is not less than 550 MPa, Charpy impact value measured using a V-notch test piece at −40° C. is not less than 100 J/cm2, and the pitting potential measured in a deaerated aqueous solution of 10% NaCl at 50° C. (Vc′100) is not less than 500 mV (as it relates to saturated Ag/AgCl).
US08105445B2 Method and apparatus for fast and local anneal of anti-ferromagnetic (AF) exchange-biased magnetic stacks
A method (and structure) of thermally treating a magnetic layer of a wafer, includes annealing, for a predetermined short duration, a magnetic layer of a single wafer.
US08105444B2 Process for producing highly anticorrosive rare earth permanent magnet and method of using the same
A process for producing a highly anticorrosive rare earth permanent magnet, characterized by sequentially subjecting an R—Fe—B sintered magnet to surface finishing involving cutting and/or polishing, plating pretreatment, nickel electroplating to a given plating thickness, immersion in an aqueous solution containing a phosphoric salt, washing with water and heat treatment at 150° to 400° C. for 1 to 24 hr in an atmosphere of 1.3×103 Pa or higher oxygen partial pressure so as to form a thin nickel oxide layer at the surface layer portion.
US08105441B2 Carrier for reducing entrance and/or exit marks left by a substrate-processing meniscus
A carrier for supporting a substrate during processing by a meniscus formed by upper and lower proximity heads is described. The carrier includes a frame having an opening sized for receiving a substrate and a plurality of support pins for supporting the substrate within the opening. The opening is slightly larger than the substrate such that a gap exists between the substrate and the opening. Means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks on substrates is provided, the means aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate the gap. A method for reducing the size and frequency of entrance and exit marks is also provided.
US08105440B2 Method of cleaning a CVD device
A CVD vacuum vessel including an electrically conductive partition plate which divides the interior of the vacuum vessel into a plasma generating space and a film-deposition processing space, and an electrically conductive spiral shield. The electrically conductive partition plate has a plurality of through-holes connecting the plasma generating space to the film-deposition processing space and a heater for heating the electrically conductive partition plate. The partitioning plate is mounted to the vacuum vessel by means of a mounting screw such that electrical contact between the partitioning plate and the vacuum vessel is achieved through said spiral shield.
US08105438B2 Film coating cover and film coating device using same
An exemplary film coating device includes a film coating holder and a film coating cover. The film coating holder includes a plurality of through holes defined therein for receiving workpieces to be coated. The film coating cover includes a first cover body and a second cover body. The first cover body includes a frame and a plurality of arms. A plurality of shelter pieces is set on the inner side of each arm. Each shelter piece is spatially arranged corresponding to one of the plurality of through holes. The second cover body is configured for covering the first cover body. The height of the second cover body is no less than that of the first cover body.
US08105437B2 Method and system for large scale manufacture of thin film photovoltaic devices using multi-chamber configuration
A method for large scale manufacture of photovoltaic devices includes loading a substrate into a load lock station and transferring the substrate in a controlled ambient to a first process station. The method includes using a first physical deposition process in the first process station to cause formation of a first conductor layer overlying the surface region of the substrate. The method includes transferring the substrate to a second process station, and using a second physical deposition process in the second process station to cause formation of a second layer overlying the surface region of the substrate. The method further includes repeating the transferring and processing until all thin film materials of the photovoltaic devices are formed. In an embodiment, the invention also provides a method for large scale manufacture of photovoltaic devices including feed forward control. That is, the method includes in-situ monitoring of the physical, electrical, and optical properties of the thin films. These properties are used to determine and adjust process conditions for subsequent processes.
US08105436B2 Single crystal silicon wafer for insulated gate bipolar transistors and process for producing the same
A single crystal silicon wafer for use in the production of insulated gate bipolar transistors is made of single crystal silicon grown by the Czochralski method and has a gate oxide with a film thickness of from 50 to 150 nm. The wafer has an interstitial oxygen concentration of at most 7.0×1017 atoms/cm3, a resistivity variation within the plane of the wafer of at most 5% and, letting tox (cm) be the gate oxide film thickness and S (cm2) be the electrode surface area when determining the TZDB pass ratio, a density d (cm−3) of crystal originated particles (COP) having a size at least twice the gate oxide film thickness which satisfies the formula d≦−ln(0.9)/(S·tox/2). The wafers have an increased production yield and a small resistivity variation.
US08105433B2 Cement admixture, and cement composition and concrete containing the cement admixture
It is an object of the invention to provide a cement admixture that can form concrete having a sufficient self-healing capability and satisfactorily maintaining its self-healing capability for prolonged periods. The cement admixture of the invention contains an expanding material and an alumina-silicate with swelling properties. The cement admixture is combined with cement to form a cement composition. The cement composition is mixed with water and an aggregate to provide concrete with an excellent self-healing capability.
US08105429B2 Ink set, ink jet recording method, recorded matter, and ink jet recording apparatus
An ink set includes an oil-based ink composition containing a metallic pigment; and at least one oil-based ink composition selected from the group consisting of a chromatic color ink composition containing a chromatic color oil dye, a black ink composition containing a black oil dye, and a colorless and transparent ink composition that does not contain a colorant.
US08105428B2 Solventless universal colorants
A method of preparing a universal base composition disclosed which consists of milling a pigment in a resin that is soluble in both water and organic solvent and wherein the resin contains both hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers such that the total weight of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers is at least about 20% of the total weight of the resin and the weight ratio of hydrophobic monomers to hydrophilic monomers is from about 1/5 to about 5.
US08105424B2 Hydrogen permeation/separation thin membrane
A hydrogen permeation/separation thin membrane including a Ni—Ti—Nb alloy. The Ni—Ti—Nb alloy is a cast foil material obtained by roll quenching and a refining heat treatment. The membrane has a thickness of 0.07 mm or less. The Ni—Ti—Nb alloy has the following: (a) a composition consisting of 10 to 47 atomic % of Nb, 20 to 52 atomic % of Ti, and a remainder containing 20 to 48 atomic % of Ni and inevitable impurities; and (b) an alloy structure where fine particles of a Nb-based solid solution alloy, in which Nb forms a solid solution with Ni and Ti in Nb, are dispersed in a basic structure made of a Ni—Ti(Nb) intermetallic compound formed of a solid solution of a Ni—Ti intermetallic compound, in which part of Ti thereof is replaced by Nb.
US08105420B2 Method for inhibiting amine degradation during CO2 capture from a gas stream
The present application includes a method for inhibiting amine degradation during CO2 capture from flue gas streams. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method of inhibiting O2- and/or SO2-induced degradation of amines using sodium sulfite (Na2SO3), potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate (KNaC4H4O6.4H2O), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or hydroxylamine (NH2OH), or analogs or mixtures thereof during CO2 capture by amines.
US08105414B2 Lead solder-free electronics
A composition may have metal nanoparticles having a diameter of 20 nanometers or less and have a fusion temperature of less than about 220° C. A method of fabricating the metal nanoparticles may include preparing a solvent, adding a precursor with a metal to the solvent, adding a first surfactant, mixing in a reducing agent, and adding in a second surfactant to stop nanoparticle formation. Copper and/or aluminum nanoparticle compositions formed may be used for lead-free soldering of electronic components to circuit boards. A composition may include nanoparticles, which may have a copper nanocore, an amorphous aluminum shell and an organic surfactant coating. A composition may have copper or aluminum nanoparticles. About 30-50% of the copper or aluminum nanoparticles may have a diameter of 20 nanometers or less, and the remaining 70-50% of the copper or aluminum nanoparticles may have a diameter greater than 20 nanometers.
US08105413B2 Manufacturing of bioorganic-augmented high nitrogen-containing inorganic fertilizer
The invention describes a new method for the production of high nitrogen organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that incorporates municipal biosolids or organic sludges that can compete with traditional fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate and urea on the commodity fertilizer marketplace. The method creates a thixotropic paste-like material from the biosolids or organic sludge that is blended with hot or molten ammonium salts, especially a mixture of ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. The invention can be an add-on to commercial production of ammonium salts or it can stand alone by manufacturing ammonium salts prior to their introduction to the conditioned biosolids. The invention is oriented to be tailored to production facilities for individual municipal waste treatment plants in order to keep manufacturing plants small with a minimization of logistics and liability.
US08105410B2 Water dissipation device with capillary action
A water dissipation device for a breathing circuit is provided, including a bucket-shaped hollow composite structure having walls made of a first inner layer made of water vapor wicking material, and a second outer layer of a water vapor breathable medium surrounding the first inner layer. The device defines a flow space surrounded by the composite structure to provide a superior way of removal of moisture or water vapor from a breathing circuit, due to the greater surface area of flow spaces bounded by a water vapor breathable medium and the use of a water vapor wicking material and relatively long dwell times and flow paths through the device. The result is that when the device is connected to a breathing circuit, rainout or condensation in the breathing tube and collection of water within the breathing circuit is significantly reduced.
US08105407B2 Air cleaner for internal combustion engine
Air filtered through a filter element in a case is supplied via an air outlet port to a carburetor. Bottom plate of the case includes a support frame section bulging inwardly of the case. The support frame section includes a peripheral wall surrounding the periphery of the outlet port, a plurality of posts extending upward from the peripheral wall, and a canopy portion of a plate shape provided on the upper ends of the posts. Interior of the case and the outlet port are in communication with each other via a space between the posts, and the canopy portion covers the whole opening area of the outlet port.
US08105404B2 Blast material
A blast media for removal of thick coatings from heavy steel and lighter aluminum substrates where a profile is desired for new paint adhesion. The blast media is applied as a free flowing particulate in a stream of a pressurized fluid. The blast media comprises a main ingredient of a glass frit with smaller generally equal amounts by weight of angular copper slag, spherical synthetic iron oxide and aluminum oxide.
US08105402B1 Micro-channel steam reformer and system for extracting ultra-pure hydrogen gas from a hydrocarbon fuel
A steam reformer is use in a fuel processor system to create a water gas shift reaction between a hydrocarbon fuel and water. A hydrocarbon fuel and water are provided. The water is heated to superheated steam. The hydrocarbon fuel is mixed with the superheated steam to produce a vaporized fuel/steam mixture. The vaporized fuel/steam mixture is directed into a gap space between separate surfaces. The gap space between the separate surfaces is very small. Within this confined gap space, at least one of the separate surfaces is heated to maintain a reaction temperature range that induces the water gas shift reaction. The water gas shift reaction produces reactant gases that include hydrogen gas and contaminant gases. At least some of the contaminant gases are burned to heat the gap space.
US08105400B2 Process and device for treating biomass
A process for treating biomass comprises providing a material that contains an amount of residual moisture. The material is heated to a torrefying temperature in a low-oxygen atmosphere in a torrefaction reactor to convert it into a torrefied material. The material with the contained residual moisture is essentially fully dried in a drying chamber by evaporation of residual moisture. The torrefaction reactor comprises a torrefying chamber, in which the torrefaction of this dried material is essentially carried out. The material is conveyed through the torrefaction reactor. The drying of the material in the drying chamber is carried out by introducing into it a hot drying gas that flows therethrough cocurrently with the material. The torrefaction of the material in the torrefying chamber of the torrefaction reactor is carried out by introducing into it a hot torrefying gas that flows through the torrefying chamber countercurrently with the material.
US08105399B2 Production of renewable diesel by pyrolysis and esterification
The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of diesel fuel from feedstocks containing fatty acids, glycerated fatty acids, and glycerin by catalytic and/or non-catalytic pyrolysis followed by esterification. Specifically, the present invention relates to the production of Renewable Diesel having low glycerin, water, and sulfur content.
US08105395B2 Method for manufacturing electrode plate for battery
A method for manufacturing an electrode plate for a battery comprises the steps of intermittently transferring a strip-shaped electrode plate material (1) in a longitudinal direction at intervals of a predetermined length and stopping it in a fixed position; and while pressing a cut portion of the electrode plate material (1) from above and below and compression-molding between a top stripper (12) and a top cut die (11) which slide on each other and a bottom stripper (14) and a bottom cut die (13) which slide on each other, cutting the compressed portion with sliding blades (11a and 13a) of the top and bottom cut dies (11 and 13), respectively, on each other. According to this method, the electrode plate material is cut while restraining the generation of a large burr which causes a short circuit between the electrode plates without reducing productivity and increasing costs to obtain the electrode plate for the battery.
US08105391B2 Merhods of treatment with devices having a coating containing pegylated hyaluronic acid and a pegylated non-hyaluronic acid polymer
Provided herein are a method, which comprises implanting in a patient an implantable device comprising a coating that includes a PEGylated hyaluronic acid and a PEGylated non-hyaluronic acid biocompatible polymer and the methods of use thereof.
US08105387B2 Mobile/fixed prosthetic knee systems
A prosthetic knee system includes a tibial tray, a non-rotating tibial insert, and a rotating tibial insert. The non-rotating tibial insert and the rotating tibial insert are selectively coupleable to the tibial tray such that a fixed or a mobile orthopaedic prosthesis may be configured. In some embodiments, the tibial tray may be a fixed or mobile tibial tray. Additionally, in some embodiments, the prosthetic knee system may include a femoral component.
US08105383B2 Manufactured bone composite implant shaped to conform to a prepared implantation space
The present invention is directed to a major long bone ring implant for insertion into an implantation space formed across a spinal disc between two adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine. The implantation space has a wall portion, lip, or ridge with a flat portion for abutting the leading end of the bone ring implant. The bone ring implant has a leading end and a trailing end connected by opposed sides. The leading end has a straight cut portion. The opposed sides have portions that are preferably straight and at a 90° angle to the straight cut portion of the leading end to produce straight portions that are outwardly facing. The bone ring implant may be machined from a single bone or manufactured from a composite of cortical fibers, filaments, or particles. The bone ring implant may be used in combination with lockable screws, and preferably screw locks each preferably made of cortical bone or of a bioresorbable material.
US08105381B2 Intervertebral implant, insertion tool and method of inserting same
An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.
US08105379B2 Materials and methods for improved bone tendon bone transplantation
Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a porcine bone tendon bone graft for use in orthopedic procedures. Additionally, Also a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency, increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation is disclosed.
US08105374B2 Vascular stents
The disclosure describes a coating for medical implants, in particular, vascular stents, said coating comprising silicon dioxide, towards medical implants with a coating containing silicon dioxide and towards a method for their production. The coating can contain additional admixtures and have functionalization coats. The substrate of the coating is produced from a durable material, preferably from a stainless steel.
US08105369B2 Fluorescent handpiece
A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a nonlinear waveguide. The nonlinear waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for circulating a fluorescent substance through the nonlinear waveguide. The fluorescent substance is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation.
US08105368B2 Dynamic stabilization connecting member with slitted core and outer sleeve
A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate core and an outer sleeve. The core may be substantially cylindrical, of one-piece construction, and includes end portions for attachment to the bone anchors. A portion of the core extending between the bone anchors has at least one slit. The outer sleeve may include compression grooves. The sleeve surrounds the core and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.
US08105357B2 Interspinous process brace
An intervertebral process brace is disclosed and can include a frame that can support a first vertebral process and a second vertebral process. The intervertebral process brace can also include a first vertebral process support strap that can span a first portion of the frame. The first vertebral process support strap can engage the first vertebral process and bind the first vertebral process between the first vertebral process support strap and the first portion of the frame.
US08105356B2 Bone anchor with a curved mounting element for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08105349B2 Removable vena cava filter having primary struts for enhanced retrieval and delivery
A removable filter having a collapsed state and an expanded state for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel is disclosed. The filter comprises a plurality of primary struts and a plurality of secondary struts. Each primary strut in the expanded state extends from a primary strut first end to an anchoring hook. Each primary strut extends arcuately along a longitudinal axis and linearly radially. The plurality of primary strut first ends are attached together along the longitudinal axis. Each secondary strut in the expanded state extends from a secondary strut first end to a free end. Each secondary strut extends arcuately along the longitudinal axis and linearly radially. The plurality of secondary struts are attached together along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of secondary struts centralize the filter in the expanded state in the blood vessel.
US08105347B2 Adjustable disposable/single-use blade lancet device and method
Single-use blade lancet device includes a body having a rear end and a front end that includes a blade tip opening. A trigger is mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end and a rear end. The blade member is movable between a first retracted position, an extended position, and a second retracted position. A biasing arrangement biases the blade member from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. A guiding arrangement guides the blade member while the blade member moves from the first retracted position towards the extended position and then towards the second retracted position. During movement of the blade member, the guiding arrangement ensures that blade member maintains substantially the same orientation with respect to the body. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08105345B2 Anastomosis apparatus and methods
A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween and a plurality of piercing members slidably coupled to the arms. The support device piercing members have a retracted state and an extended state to support the first tubular structure thereon for placement within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures. In another embodiment, fasteners are integrated into the support device and releasably coupled thereto for delivery to the anastomosis site.
US08105341B2 Suture removal device
A hand-held suture removal device exhibiting a generally elongated body. First and second biasing portions extend from one end of the body and establish a gap therebetween. A blade extends from the body, typically from one of the biasing portions and in proximity to the gap defined between the biasing portions. The blade is manipulated to section a suture projecting from first and second locations of a patient's skin. A trailing edge of the suture is gripped between opposing and abutting surfaces established by the biasing portions and, upon deflecting of the device in a direction away from the patient, forcibly withdraws each of a plurality of sutures in rapid and successive fashion.
US08105339B2 Image guided spinal surgery guide system and method for use thereof
A guide is disclosed for use in performing spinal surgery to prepare across a spinal disc and adjacent vertebrae an implantation space. The guide is associated with a computer controlled surgical navigation system employing an energy-detecting array to track positions of the guide in three dimensional space relative to a known reference point. The guide includes a body for providing protected access to prepare across the spinal disc and into the adjacent vertebrae the implantation space. The body has a passage adapted to receive a bone removal device for forming the implantation space through the body. At least one electrically energizable energy emitter array is attached to the body for use in identifying the location of the guide relative to the adjacent vertebrae. A system and method for using the guide in spinal surgery are also disclosed.
US08105338B2 Sterile surgical adaptor
A sterile adaptor, a sterile drape with the integrated sterile adaptor, and a telerobotic surgical system including the sterile drape with a drape interface are provided. The adaptor, drape, and system allow for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system while also providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical energy and signals between a robotic arm and a surgical instrument in the sterile field.
US08105337B2 Medical electrical lead implant tool
A medical electrical lead implant tool includes a gripping assembly, terminating a distal end of an elongate shaft, adapted to alternately grasp the lead and release the lead and to rotate the lead, and a user control terminating a proximal end of the shaft. An internal drive cable extends within the shaft coupling the gripping assembly to the user control. The user control facilitates single-handed manipulation of a slidable dial, which may be grasped by fingers of a hand for longitudinal and rotational manipulation when a stationary handle is held in a palm of the hand; the longitudinal manipulation causing the gripping assembly, via the drive cable, to alternately grasp the lead and release the lead and the rotational manipulation causing the gripping assembly, via the drive cable, to rotate the lead.
US08105332B2 Lens delivery system
A lens delivery system handpiece having a threaded plunger rod with a ball lock ring. Locking the ring causes the plunger to be advanced by turning a thumbscrew or knob. Unlocking the ring allows the plunger to be advanced by pushing on the thumbscrew or knob in a manner similar to a syringe.
US08105330B2 Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools
A patellar 3-D guidance tool includes a template. The template includes at least one contact surface for engaging a surface of the patella. The at least one contact surface substantially conforms with the surface associated with the patellar. At least one guide aperture directs movement of a surgical instrument, wherein the shape and/or position of the guide aperture is based, at least in part, on three or more anatomic reference points associated with the patellar.
US08105329B2 Reducing instrument for spinal surgery
An instrument is provided for use in orthopedic surgery for reduction of a connecting member such as a spinal rod toward an implant such as a bone screw. An embodiment of the instrument includes handle portions that are pivotable relative to each other and biased apart, and arm portions pivotable relative to each other and to the handle portions. Distal portions of the arm portions, which may be offset from the arm portions, provide structure for engaging a connecting member and an implant. Squeezing the handle portions force the distal portions of the arm portions together, forcing together the connecting member and the implant. A toothed bar and pawl may be provided to retain the instrument in a squeezed state.
US08105324B2 Methods and devices for the non-thermal, electrically-induced closure of blood vessels
Methods and devices for the non-thermal, electrically-induced temporary or permanent closure of blood vessels. The subject methods and devices employ pulsed electrical energy according to a defined regime to effect controlled occlusion of targeted blood vessels without heating the vessel and with minimal damage to adjacent tissue. The extent of vessel closure, i.e., temporary (vasoconstriction) or permanent (thrombosis), is controlled based on the manipulation of various parameters of the electrical stimulation regime as well as the configuration of the electrodes used to apply the regime.
US08105315B2 Break-away hemostasis hub
A breakaway hemostasis hub for a catheter or introducer sheath includes a splittable or separable housing, a seal within the housing, an actuator partially slidably disposed within the housing, a pair of spring retainer members in the housing each adapted to receive at least one spring, and a pair of actuator retainer members adapted to retain the seal, the actuator, and the spring retainer members in the housing. The actuator is operable to assume a closed position and an open position and includes a dilator member configured to dilate the seal when the actuator is in the open position. The hub is splittable or separable into two generally symmetrical sub-assemblies to facilitate cutting the catheter for retraction from the patient's body without displacing its payload.
US08105312B2 Syringe with connector, connector for syringe, and syringe
The present invention aims at offering: a syringe connectable to a port in a fixed manner as well as capable of demonstrating high operational performance even in the case of direct connection where a connector is not used; a connector used for the syringe; and a syringe able to attach the connector thereto. For the attainment of the above objectives, the medical syringe of the present invention is a medical syringe including a cyrindrical connection supporting member which enhances the holding force of a luer part inserted into a port when the medical syringe is connected to the port. The connection supporting member is set by sliding along the luer or a syringe body in a state of being movable between a first position near a tip of the luer and a second position away from the tip of the luer. The medical syringe is characterized in that, when the connection supporting member is moved to the second position, the tip of the luer part is exposed.
US08105310B2 Infiltration cannula
An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during a tumescent infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula may have an outwardly flaring hub which may be wedged into an adit of a patient to minimize leakage of fluid being infiltrated into the patient. Also, the infiltration cannula may be utilized to hydrate a dehydrated patient by a medically untrained person. The infiltration cannula may also be used to deliver an antibiotic/vasoconstrictive drug solution to minimize surgical site infections.
US08105306B2 Skin antiseptic composition dispenser and methods of use
Skin antiseptic composition dispensers and methods of use are disclosed. The skin antiseptic composition dispenser may include a container with one or more walls that are substantially impermeable to ethylene oxide gas during normal ethylene oxide sterilization processes. In some embodiments, the container may include flexible walls free of metallic foil barrier layers. The containers may also include one or more vents in addition to one or more openings used to dispense the skin antiseptic composition within the container. The dispenser may include an applicator with a hydrophilic foam.
US08105304B2 Folded disposable pants
Folded disposable pants which include an outer wear sheet of pants shape and an absorbent main body adhered to a skin-contacting surface side in the outer wear sheet, wherein elastic members are added at least to circumferences of a waist opening and a leg opening. The folded disposable pants are formed by folding back a crotch part of the disposable pants over a center pants part on the upside of the crotch part, folding back a left lateral part and a right lateral part of the pants over the center pants part, and then folding back an upper pants part in which the left and the right lateral parts of the pants are overlapped with each other, over a downside part thereof.
US08105295B2 Dressing and apparatus for cleansing the wounds
A dressing (2) and an apparatus (1) comprising the dressing, for cleansing the wounds (5) in which an irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable would dressing and would exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (18) (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow Path (6, 7, 9, 10) which passes through the dressing with a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, to provide a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting would healing over the would bed.
US08105289B2 Dialysis catheter anchoring system
An anchoring system for securing a dialysis catheter to a patient comprises an anchor pad and a retainer. The anchor pad is attached to the skin of the patient by an adhesive layer on one side of the pad. The retainer is disposed upon the surface of the anchor pad opposite the adhesive layer and includes a base and a cover and a adhesive spot. A groove upon the base is arranged to receive a Y-site portion of a dialysis catheter where the lumens merge distal to the insertion site. A post also protrudes from the base to the cover at a position which will be disposed between the two distal branches of the dialysis catheter. The cover closes over the base, securing the Y-site between the groove and the post. Closing the cover also places at least a portion of the catheter in contact with the adhesive spot. This contact between the retainer, adhesive spot and catheter thereby inhibits inadvertent motion of the catheter upon the patient. A latch mechanism is disposed upon the retainer to maintain the cover in a closed position over the Y-site of the catheter on the base.
US08105285B2 Surgical access apparatus and method
A laparoscopic insufflation device is provided in the configuration of a coil with a blunt tip. The device is capable of passing through the abdominal wall without cutting tissue, and exiting the abdominal wall substantially parallel to the inner surface. While rotation of the coiled device results in forward movement through the abdominal wall, a counter force can be applied to the device to create a safety space between the wall and the interior organs. With the blunt distal tip, parallel exit angle, and safety space, there is substantially no threat to the interior organs during placement of the device. Further space can be generated with the use of pressured gas to produce an abdominal cavity for the subsequent placement of trocars. By rotatably attaching the coiled insufflation device to a trocar, the advantage of a counter force can be used not only to establish the safety space but also to pull the trocar into the abdominal wall with a counterforce which resists tenting.
US08105284B2 System for access into bodily cavity
An assembly and method for percutaneous placement of a catheter comprising an elongated hollow catheter having a distal end and a reduced cross-section portion at a proximal end thereof. An introducer needle is slidably mounted over said catheter. The introducer needle has an elongated slit adapted to slide over the reduced cross-section portion to separate the needle from the catheter. A syringe may be attached to the proximal end of the catheter. Also, a valve may be attached to the catheter to permit easy collection of fluid.
US08105283B2 Miniaturized injection device for medical use
The miniaturized injection device (1) for medical use comprises a tube (2) extending along a certain axis (A-A) and in which there is disposed at least one reservoir (12) for receiving a medicinal substance, the reservoir being connected to at least one needle (14). The needle is movable in the tube (2) along said axis (A-A) and the injection device (1) further includes a pump (13) interposed between the needle and the reservoir. The pump is controlled by a switch (21) that operates in response to the needle (14) moving in the tube along said axis (A-A).
US08105282B2 System and method for communication with an infusion device
It may desirable to monitor or control a pump remotely. For example, the pump may be positioned near the patient, with remote control or monitoring of the pump occurring in a control room. In one exemplary embodiment, the pump is used in an MRI environment. In another exemplary embodiment, the pump is used in a hyperbaric chamber. The pump may monitor one or more physiological parameters and transmit them to the remote. The pump may also transmit information relating to the pump's operation. The pump may send the device and/or physiological data using one or more packets. The packets may consist of low priority sequential packets and high-priority asynchronous packets. The high-priority packets may enable the real-time monitoring of a patient's heart beat or other physiological parameter.
US08105280B2 Disposable dispenser for patient infusion
Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and systems associated with a disposable dispenser (100, 200) of therapeutic fluid. Preferred embodiments having a small size of less than about 75 mm in length, less than 50 mm in width and less than about 10 mm in thickness and may be releasably attached to the body (B). In one embodiments, the dispenser draws fluid from a flexible volume-conformable reservoir (4) and operates a dosing and metering pump (6, 61, 62, 63) incorporating a motor to deliver fluid through a fluid delivery tool (8, 81, 82). Disposed on the housing bottom (2B) is a peel-off tape (22) that when removed, electrically connects a power supply (18) to power the operative components (3) of the dispenser into operation, exposes an adhesive (28) and a window (21) in the housing (2), and allows the fluid delivery tool (8) to extend for insertion into the skin (S).
US08105279B2 Dispensing fluid from an infusion pump system
Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device having a flexible pushrod that can adjust from a curved configuration to a generally straight configuration. The flexible pushrod is part of a drive system of the pump device so that the flexible pushrod can be controllably and incrementally advanced toward a medicine reservoir to incrementally dispense the medicine therein. In particular embodiments, the flexible pushrod may comprise an anti-rotation mechanism, an anti-torsion mechanism, or a combination thereof.
US08105271B2 Single-use injector having a flexurally elastic housing
A housing of the injector is made from a thin-walled sheet-metal part. The sheet-metal part has at least two branches or legs. Each branch has, at the free end thereof, an angled retaining element or a recess as a means of receiving the cylinder of a cylinder/piston unit. The branches are elastic flexural beams which, in the middle area, are each bent in a Z-shape or S-shape to form a supporting portion for the piston-actuating ram. The contact zone situated between an individual supporting portion and the piston-actuating ram represents a wedge gear pairing that forces the respective branch outwards. The trigger unit comprises at least a trigger element which is slidably supported on the metal sheet, wherein the support section or, respectively the contact sections extend outwardly into longitudinal grooves. The branches may be provided with a locking tongue to engage corresponding openings in the trigger element to lock the housing in position as desired.
US08105268B2 Safety limits for closed-loop infusion pump control
A system and process for providing safety limits on the delivery of an infusion formulation by an infusion pump system in response to a sensed biological state. The safety limits may comprise user-initiated event signals corresponding to events that may significantly affect the biological state. The safety limits may further comprise user-initiated event ranking signals for respective events which specify a degree, quantity, or measure for the respective event. The user-initiated event and event ranking signals may be communicated to a computing element associated with the infusion pump by an associated communication device having a user interface which comprises a plurality of user-selectable operators for entering information about the events and event rankings.
US08105264B2 Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
US08105263B2 Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
US08105262B2 Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
US08105261B2 Osmotic devices and methods for diuretic therapy
Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for modulating renal function, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable occlusive device including a wall member defining an enclosed volume, the wall member can include a semi-permeable membrane. The device can also include a solution comprising a solvent and a solute disposed within the enclosed volume of the wall member. The semi-permeable membrane can be permeable to the solvent and impermeable to the solute. The enclosed volume can be configured to expand and contract in response to changes in the osmolality of a bodily fluid. The device can include a positioning member configured to maintain the position of the implantable occlusive device relative to a lengthwise axis of a lymphatic vessel. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of modulating renal function in a patient including implanting an occlusive device in the patient, the occlusive device comprising a semi-permeable membrane and configured to expand or contract based on the passage of a fluid across the semi-permeable membrane. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US08105259B2 Catheter
The present invention provides a catheter for extraction that can efficiently extract blood flowing in coronary sinus from coronary artery through coronary vein and has the same operability as catheters used in conventional PCI. The present invention also provides a catheter for extracorporeal circulation that can lessen an introduction number of devices for blood access as little as possible and reduce further the burden to a patient, in addition to the same operability as the catheters used in the conventional PCI. The catheter for extraction is equipped with blood extracting lumen in an inside and equipped with a hub at a proximal end portion, and when a minimum sectional area to a circumferential direction of the blood extracting lumen is referred to as S1 and immersion side length is referred to as L1, an equivalent diameter D1 satisfies the formula defined by D1=(4×S1)/L1 and the equivalent diameter D1 is at 1.80 mm. The catheter for extracorporeal circulation also has blood extracting lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end and blood return lumen extending from the proximal end of the catheter to a fixed length distal end.
US08105254B2 Apparatus and method for the conditioning of muscular fibrils reaction coordination capacity by means of a pressure wave, and aesthetic and therapeutic application thereof
Apparatus and method for the conditioning of muscular fibrils by means of the application to a muscle in isometric contraction, a succession of mechanical pulses, where the apparatus includes means for the production of pressure pulses, means for the application of said pressure pulses on the epidermis adjacent the muscle and means for the transmission of said pulses from said means for the production of pressure pulses to said application means, wherein said application means and said means for the transmission of said pulses from said production means to said application means comprise a closed circuit inside which a compressed fluid or a substantially uncompressible fluid is present.
US08105248B2 Medical plaster
A piezoelectric unit (4), preferably a piezoelectric foil, is arranged in a medical plaster unit (13) for therapeutic or stimulating influence of body tissue in an area underneath the plaster unit. The plaster unit may be equipped with a battery (11) and a microcircuit (2) for delivering voltage pulses or oscillations to the piezo unit (4). The plaster unit (13) can possibly be used as part of a system of several plaster units (13) that are activated synchronously to influence one and the same tissues area.
US08105245B2 Integrated sensor for analyzing biological samples
An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.
US08105244B2 Integrated sensor for analyzing biological samples
An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.
US08105241B2 Combining to a singularity plural-anatomical-site, heart-functionality measurements
Combining, to a singularity, from a plurality of anatomical sites, and over a plurality of heart cycles a collection of selected heart-functionality parameter measurements, such as EMAT, LVST, PADT, and AAFT measurements, including (a) collecting ECG and heart-sound data from plural anatomical sites, (b) computer processing such data to acquire plural, per-site, per-heart-cycle, nominal values for the selected parameter, (c) utilizing arithmetic mean and selected variance calculations related to such nominal values processing, and determined weight coefficients, computing weighted nominal values, (d) computing a weighted, nominal-value average of all of the nominal values by summing all of the weighted values and dividing that sum by the sum of all of the weight coefficients, and (e) presenting the computed weighted average as the combined, singularity value of the selected heart-functionality parameter.
US08105236B2 Surgical access device, system, and methods of use
A surgical access device can include a plurality of retractor members that together define a lumen having a first cross-sectional dimension. Each of the plurality of retractor members can be moved radially outward to at least a second cross-sectional dimension to create a surgical access passage. The surgical access device, systems and kits comprising the surgical access device, and methods of using the surgical access device can include a mechanism for inserting an elongate member from exterior the body to the surgical site, a mechanism for moving the retractor members radially outward, a mechanism for guiding the radially outward movement of the retractor members, a mechanism for securing each of the retractor members in a range of positions, and a mechanism for illuminating the surgical site. Variations of the devices, systems, kits, and methods are useful for creating and maintaining a surgical access passage for performing minimally invasive surgery.
US08105235B2 Stabilizer for robotic beating-heart surgery
Surgical methods and devices allow closed-chest surgery to be performed on a heart of a patient while the heart is beating. A region of the heart is stabilized by engaging a surface of the heart with a stabilizer without having to stop the heart. Motion of the target tissues is inhibited sufficiently to treat the target tissues with robotic surgical tools which move in response to inputs of a robotic system operator. A stabilizing surface of the stabilizer is coupled to a drive system to position the surface from outside the patient, preferably by actuators of the robotic servomechanism. Exemplary stabilizers includes a suture or other flexible tension member spanning between a pair of jointed bodies, allowing the member to occlude a coronary blood vessel and/or help stabilize the target region between the stabilizing surfaces.
US08105231B2 Living-body tissue removing apparatus
A living-body tissue removing apparatus includes a grip portion, an inserting portion which is connected to the grip portion and is inserted in the body, and an air feed channel which feeds predetermined air in the inserting portion so as to discharge the predetermined air from an opening arranged to the inserting portion.
US08105228B2 Method and morphologically adaptable apparatus for altering the charge distribution upon living membranes with functional stabilization of the membrane physical electrical integrity
A method and morphologically adaptable apparatus for altering the charge distribution upon living membranes with functional stabilization of the membrane physical electrical integrity further comprising a method for using quadripolar, circular, center charged, energy balanced magnetic device in a four (4) magnet array of alternating polarity in which the magnetic poles are in multiple planes and are separated by a predetermined distance which provide an effective magnetic sphere of influence on all adjacent poles to suppress the firing of action potentials of mammalian sensory neurons. The method and apparatus further provides a static magnetic device for production of a magnetic field for treatment of various disorders that can be focused at the site of pain or edema to deliver a gradient in the magnetic field to prevent or reduce charge flow. Further there is provided a static magnetic device for production of a magnetic field for treatment of disorders wherein the device provides a static magnetic field such that the focused magnetic field gradient is oriented To be perpendicular to the neuron or membrane charge flow providing maximum deflection of the ion or charge flow.
US08105226B2 Spout mounting method and spout
A spout mounting method and a spout that enable smooth and high-speed mounting of the spout onto a pouch. The method includes an insertion step of inserting the spout (S) into the pouch (P) so that a mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S) is held between not-yet-sealed opening edges, a temporary fixation step of temporarily fixing the spout (S), inserted in the pouch (P), to the pouch (P), and a sealing step of fixing the mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S), temporarily fixed to the pouch (P), to the opening edges of the pouch (P) by heat-sealing. In the temporary fixation step, the opening edges of the pouch (P) are fixed together by spot-sealing near edges on both sides of the mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S) so that the spout (S) is held by the opening edges of the pouch (P).
US08105221B2 Abdominal exercise device
An exercise device for the mid to lower body muscles comprising an inclined base, a base frame to support the base a first support bar and a second support bar, the first and the second support bar each having a mounting end and a support end, wherein the first support bar mounting end is pivotably attached to a first pivot point and the second support bar mounting end is pivotably attached to a second pivot point and the first and the second support bar support end are movably mounted on the perimeter of the base such that the first and the second support ends are movable through an arcuate path along the perimeter of the base a first knee pad pivotably attached to the first support bar at the first support bar support end; a second knee pad pivotably attached to the second support bar at the second support bar support end; and a handle attached to the front portion of the base frame. The exercise device may further comprise a crossbar removably attached to the first support bar and removably attached to the second support bar to temporarily immobilize the first and the second support bars relative to each other.
US08105218B1 Convex shell for push-up handle
An improvement is disclosed for a push-up handle of the type having a cylindrical base rotatably fixed to a grip. The improvement comprises a shell having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, and a connector for selectively fixing the grip of the push-up handle to the shell. The shell is adapted to receive the push-up handle therein so that a peripheral portion of the base contacts the inner surface of the shell. As such, with the push-up handle resting in the shell, and with the outer surface of the shell resting on a floor surface, a user may perform push-ups such that the grip imparts rotation to the shell through the contact of the base with the shell. The outer surface contacts the floor surface at essentially a single point, resulting in little effective rotational friction between the grip and the floor surface. The shell tends to maintain a stable position on the floor, resisting tipping.
US08105216B2 Exercise device for stomach muscles
A free-standing exercise device is disclosed for exercising the abdominal muscles of a user being in a substantially upright position. The exercise device includes a base structure, an upper structure, two handles and a beam element. The beam element is suspended by tensioning means and is configured, positioned and sized to directly engage the abdomen when the user grasps the handles and pulls himself or herself forward and backward relative to the handles. The exercise device may further include a skateboard or roller device to facilitate the forward and backward movement by the user.
US08105214B2 Compact and light exercise machine providing variable resistance and variable range of motion
A small, light personal fitness device offers capability to perform both light and heavy exercises. The invention employs flywheels (61) to provide continual and variable resistance. The invention includes a method to adjust range of motion and a method to view the operating force of the system. Flywheel unit (3) and the hand unit (9) are attached via a cord (21). Handle (1) is held by hand or by foot. Knob (7) is used to wind the cord manually. Knob (13) is used to adjust the length of the cord. The invention also includes a resistance indicator (31) to show the resistance for each exercise, and to allow the user to monitor the exercising progress and increase in strength.
US08105212B2 Inner circle mouse pad
An exercise ring with properties ideally suited for exercising by a user sitting at a desk or work station is disclosed. The exercise ring is nested within the outer rim of a computer mouse pad such that a user may easily remove the device and use it while seated at a desk or work station and serves the second function as a wrist rest when mounted on the mouse pad. The exercise ring is made of elastic material that exhibits high visco-elastic properties when being manually stretched and contracted. The unique visco-elastic properties cause the exercise ring to exert a larger force on the user's muscles when the ring is being stretched and a smaller force is exerted on the user's muscles while the ring is being contracted. This combination of exercise ring properties has been found to provide an optimum work out when exercising in a confined space and reduces the chance of the user being impacted by an accidentally released exercise ring. Frequent exercise is encouraged by additional embodiments that introduce new exercise regimens to the user and track the users exercise habits.
US08105208B2 Portable fitness monitoring systems with displays and applications thereof
Portable fitness monitoring systems with displays, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of providing training feedback to an individual using a heart rate sensor and a display module supported by the individual during a physical activity, the method including the steps of: (a) determining a maximum heart rate value for the individual; (b) defining a heart rate zone as a range of heart rate values that correspond to a range of percentages of the maximum heart rate value; (c) associating a color with the heart rate zone; (d) wirelessly transmitting heart rate data from the heart rate sensor to the display module during the physical activity; and (e) visually displaying the color associated with the heart rate zone to the individual on the display module during the physical activity in response to the heart rate data.
US08105206B2 Exercise machine
An exercise machine includes a frame including a first portion and a second portion positioned in a plane generally perpendicular to the first portion. A carriage assembly moves along a linear path parallel to the first portion. A drive unit is joined to the frame for movement the carriage assembly in a first direction and a second direction. The drive unit includes a motor, a ball screw joined to the motor, and at least one support bearing rotatably joined to the ball screw and joined to the carriage assembly for enabling the carriage to move along the linear path in response to the ball screw rotating. A first sensor activates the motor in a first mode to move the carriage in the first direction. A second sensor activates the motor in a second mode to move the carriage in the second direction.
US08105199B2 Outboard motor
A power transmission mechanism transferring a power output from an engine to a propeller includes a transmission planetary gear train that transforms the output power of the engine before it is transferred to the propeller. The transmission planetary gear train includes a transmission sun gear, a transmission double planetary gear set, and a transmission internal gear, in which the transmission sun gear is connected via the first clutch to the input end shaft extending into the engine, and the transmission sun gear is also connected via the second one-way clutch to the housing. In addition, the transmission double planetary gear set is connected via the second clutch to the input end shaft extending into the engine, and the transmission double planetary gear set is also connected via the first one-way clutch to the housing. Further, the transmission internal gear is connected to the output end shaft extending toward the propeller.
US08105198B2 Transmission having at least eight speeds
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08105193B2 Bicycle rear derailleur
A bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member and a moving mechanism. The movable member pivotally supports a chain guide. The moving mechanism is coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the movable member is movable relative to the base member. The chain guide includes a first guide plate, a second guide plate, a guide pulley rotatably disposed between the first and second guide plates and a tension pulley rotatably disposed between the first and second guide plates. The first and second guide plates are releasably coupled together by a tool-less connection.
US08105180B1 Iron-type golf club head with groove profile in ceramic face
The present invention provides a method of manufacture and design such that very small detail features can be produced within the groove profile on an iron or wedge. The advantage in being able to do this is that spin will be enhanced for a variety of shot types and conditions when striking a golf ball with cover composed of a urethane-based material.
US08105178B2 Side locking adjustable shaft connection systems for removably connecting a golf club head and shaft
Releasable golf club head/shaft connection systems and methods allow one to change shafts on a single club head, change club heads on a single shaft, and/or change the angular orientation features of a golf club. Such systems may include: (a) a club head body including a hosel and a locking nut stabilizer; (b) a shaft releasably engaged with the club head body, wherein an end of the shaft includes a retaining member that is inserted into the club head body; and (c) a locking nut engaged with a side surface of the club head body such that a body portion of the locking nut extends at least partially through the hosel and is supported by the locking nut stabilizer. The locking nut is movably engaged with the club head body such that it securely holds the shaft or allows the shaft to be removed therefrom.
US08105173B2 Adjustable height slide base
A playset is operable to be erected on a site and includes a slide and an adjustable-height slide base. The slide base includes an adapter that attaches below the slide and at least one standoff that attaches below the adapter.
US08105168B2 Method and computer readable medium relating to virtual playing instruments
Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods relating to online gaming utilizing virtual playing instruments generated from physical playing instruments. According to one aspect of the invention, physical playing instruments are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical playing instruments are traditional poker-style gaming playing cards. The playing instruments include at least one identifier that may be read upon being dealt, such as identified and stored on a computer-readable medium before a game. In one such embodiment, computer-executable instructions may utilize the information on the computer-readable medium in conjunction with one or more games. Further aspects relate to validating the playing instruments and/or systems before, during, and/or after conducting one or more games with the playing instruments.
US08105166B2 Fantasy vault system for managing fantasy league competitor entry fees and awards
The invention is a fantasy vault system and method for operating a fantasy league, such as a fantasy sports league. The system is independent from the league participants, namely, a fantasy league commissioner and fantasy competitors. Fantasy data providers provides data whereby the performance of the fantasy competitors can be scored and ranked. Different league accounts can be associated with respective distinct data providers. A data provider can be a fantasy host. The system is, therefore, adapted to scoring competitors based on competition data represented in a plurality of formats. The system may accept default and alternate award schemes from commissioners, the particular scheme to be used depending upon the number of competitors paying their entry fee by a deadline. Entry fees from the fantasy competitors are not handled by the league participants, but are deposited into an account in the vault system, from which they may be transferred to a bank account. Awards to successful fantasy competitors from the pool of entry fees are made directly from the vault on or before a payout date, typically chosen by the commissioner.
US08105159B2 Player roster selection interface
A player roster interface is described including display logic operable to display a table having a playing region (e.g., a first set of rows of the table) and player logic for displaying a plurality of players (e.g., names, thumbnail images, etc.), where at least a portion of the players may be positioned within the playing region. The interface further includes selection logic for moving a player within the table in response to a drag-and-drop operation. Displayed players may be moved within the table between the playing region and a bench region (e.g., a second set of rows of the table) to make changes to a roster and select a starting roster. Such an interface may allow a user to select and view a player roster (e.g., for a fantasy sports team) by positioning players within the playing region.
US08105155B2 Method for implementing loss limits
A loss limit system and method automatically tracks a player's entry and cash play, and does not allow them to play more than an allotted dollar amount during a given time frame or lose more than the established limit. Typically, excursions of play sessions are set up by day. Play is tracked at gaming machines and locked from all other play during card in at a machine. No other play is allowed at gaming machines, auto table rating systems or open table ratings, purchase of tokens, unless buy-in has not reached the loss limit for the session. At rollover, players are allowed to play again until they meet the same criteria for loss limit.
US08105154B2 Gaming machine, game control method and game system
A gaming machine determines a winning combination by lottery. A first special game state is determined as a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination. A second special game state is provided in which a predetermined number of game media is paid out when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value. A payout mode is selected in the special game state from a plurality of predetermined payout modes.
US08105149B2 Gaming system and method providing venue wide simultaneous player participation based bonus game
In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein substantially simultaneously provides a multi-round bonus event to a plurality of players. Each players' input(s) determine, at least in part, an award, if any, provided to that player for the bonus event. In one embodiment, upon an occurrence of a suitable triggering event, a central controller of the gaming system identifies at least one player and preferably a plurality of players who are eligible for the bonus event. The central controller causes the bonus event to be provided to those eligible players. In one such embodiment, the bonus event enables one or more eligible players in the gaming system to simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously) attempt to win the award in the bonus event. In this embodiment, the outcome of the bonus event is determined, at least in part, by one or more player inputs, choices or decisions in the bonus event.
US08105148B2 Amusement game using vertical rotating wheel
This invention is directed to an amusement device consisting of a vertically oriented hollow wheel that is rotated at a constant rate and that has a series of cavities provided along the inner surface of the outer wheel rim. The wheel has front and rear enclosures that prevent game pieces, such as elastic balls, from falling out of the wheel. A player attempts to time the release of game pieces from a holding area located within the wheel to try to have the pieces come to rest in preselected adjoining cavities. If the pieces are detected within the cavities in a winning orientation, a signal is transmitted to a central processing unit which then activates a ticket dispenser.
US08105146B2 Gaming machine
A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor accepts each station's entry to an event game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. There is collected an entry fee depending on a contribution degree of a station whose entry to the event game has been accepted. Then, there is executed the event game in common at each station whose entry to the event game has been accepted.
US08105145B2 Gaming machine having positional expanding symbols
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a plurality of symbols arranged in an array of symbol positions. The plurality of symbols include at least one expandable symbol. The plurality of symbol positions include at least one expandable position. The controller is operative to vary the symbols displayed in the symbol positions, and if the expandable symbol appears in the expandable position, expand the expandable symbol into at least one other symbol position to form and display an expanded symbol.
US08105142B2 Game device, communication game system, and recorded medium
The following types of processing are provided in the present invention. 1) Projection processing in which a shadow projected onto the ground of a flying object flying through a virtual space is prevented from becoming too small. 2) Viewpoint moving processing in which a viewpoint is moved automatically so that a character to be displayed is accommodated within the field of vision of the viewpoint at all times. 3) Semi-transparentizing processing in which, when display objects overlap, the display object with the smaller surface area according to [a comparison of] the displayed surface area is made semi-transparent. 4) Relative strength judgment processing in which the relative strength of teams in a team competition is determined on the basis of the sum of the fighting abilities. 5) Leader setting processing in which a leader character is determined and the outcome of the game is judged according to whether or not the leader character is active. 6) Fighting strength balance adjusting processing for adjusting the balance of fighting strength between the teams. 7) Delay preventing processing for causing a communication data receiving side to return a processing result, whereby processing on a transmission side is advanced in response thereto. By means of this processing series, problems specified in conventional communication game systems regarding game screen display, judgments of the relative strength of teams, and game data communication delays can be amended, enabling an improvement in the game quality of a team competition.
US08105140B2 Method for distributing a material flow onto a field, and chopping and spreading device
In a method and device for spreading a material flow onto a field, the material flow emerging from a chopping mechanism of a chopping and spreading device, in particular a combine mounted straw chopper on a combine harvester, is conveyed to at least one guide element which is situated transversely to the longitudinal axis of the chopping mechanism, the guide element accelerates the material flow and conveys it to at least one downstream spreading unit, the material flow emerging from the at least one guide element is conveyed by a plane of conveyance, in which the material flow enters the at least one guide element, onto a spreading plane situated below the plane of conveyance; in the spreading plane, and the material flow is distributed by the at least one spreading unit onto the field.
US08105136B2 Computer program products for systems with casing assemblies and netting chutes
Computer program products for an apparatus with an automated derucker operatively associated with a netting chute whereby the derucker is configured to automatically travel through a derucker stroke cycle comprising upstream and downstream locations to pull segments of netting material toward a downstream end portion of the netting chute while product is pumped out of the horn.
US08105134B2 Low pressure polishing method and apparatus
An improved low pressure low speed concrete polishing apparatus and method of cleaning and polishing a floor is used with a conventional rotary flooring machine. A polishing pad has interchangeable polymer strips that are slideably received within the housing of the pad. The polymer strips have an abrasive material embedded therein which collectively work to polish the floor while cleaning the floor during normal low speed floor cleaning conditions.
US08105133B2 Airfoil mask, airfoil and mask system
A mask for performing high speed media finishing on airfoils includes a thicker portion and a thinner portion. The thicker portion is spaced further from an edge that will become a leading edge in the final airfoil than the thinner portion. The media is redirected by the thicker portion toward the edge where the finishing is to occur.
US08105132B2 Eccentric grinder
An eccentric grinder has a drive which is arranged in a housing and the drive shaft of which drives a supporting shaft of a back-up pad by way of an eccentric mounting. Also provided is a friction braking device, which comprises a friction braking element on the housing and a friction surface on the back-up pad. The friction surface slopes down in the radial direction from the inside to the outside with respect to a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the back-up pad.
US08105131B2 Method and apparatus for removing material from microfeature workpieces
Methods and apparatus for removing materials from microfeature workpieces. One embodiment of a subpad in accordance with the invention comprises a matrix having a first surface configured to support a polishing medium and a second surface opposite the first surface. The subpad in this embodiment further includes a hydro-control agent in the matrix. The hydro-control agent has a hydrophobicity that inhibits liquid from absorbing into the subpad. The hydro-control agent, for example, can be coupling agents that are generally hydrophobic, surfactants that are hydrophobic, or other agents that are compatible with the matrix and at least generally hydrophobic.
US08105130B2 Inlay for the resiliently shape-maintaining reinforcement of bra cups
An inlay for reinforcing a bra cup is a pliably resilient plastics material part having the basic shape of a crescent with inner and outer edges that are curved and that have a spacing that increases continuously between a minimum value at one end and a maximum value at an opposite end. A rigidity of the inlay decreases from the outer edge to the inner edge. The inlay is manufactured flat such that a central face running between wide delimiting faces lies in a plane. The inlay is made of a material that is plastically deformable under the action of temperature for form-fitting or material-to-material connection to the textile material layers of the cups.
US08105127B2 Timber toy building system
A log based building system including a plurality of logs having different lengths and a square cross section; at least one connector having an opening sized to slide over an end of a stack of at least two logs and thereby clamp the at least two logs together. The two logs can include notches that allow a third log to be clamped in place by the connector, this arrangement allows for building toys with long reach arms.
US08105125B2 Body surfing method and apparatus
A buoyant device that enhances water activities and surfing by providing increased thrust from incident waves through utilization of a surface or volume to propel the buoyant device. A buoyant enclosure with an internal hand grip has surfaces that promote hydroplaning, flotation and the reduction of friction through the shape, materials and laminations used to manufacture the device. At least one of the surfaces can engage moving water allowing a user to benefit from the thrust of a wave to increase propulsion. A shape that combines a planar bottom surface with planar area to at least one side surface forms a wave wall to enhance propulsion from the force of a wave. Hydroplaning is enhanced using material with increased buoyancy to improve the body surfing experience. The devices are hand held by the user and can be used independently or combined to function as a single device. A “bow” like shape can be created by placing devices on both the left and right hand components together as a method of utilizing the system to efficiently cut through the water while simultaneously hydroplaning.
US08105124B2 Devices and methods for recovering articles inadvertently submerged in a body of water
A device and method for recovering articles inadvertently submerged in a body of water are disclosed. The device comprises a housing attachable to the article, the housing defining a storage chamber with a storage chamber opening at one end. The storage chamber contains a buoyant flotation element held in the storage chamber by a water-activated release mechanism that permits the flotation element to move toward and through the storage chamber opening when the device is submerged in water. The flotation element remains connected to the housing by a connection mechanism. The device housing also may include a biasing mechanism configured to bias the flotation element toward the storage chamber opening. The method includes attaching the housing to the article to be retrieved, having the flotation element release from the housing and float to the surface of the water and following the connection mechanism from the flotation element to the housing.
US08105121B2 Ground terminal fitting with a clamping section touching a ground member
The present invention provides a ground terminal fitting capable of being fixed to a ground member through a simple operation while permitting production cost to be reduced, and a ground device having the ground terminal fitting. The ground terminal fitting comprises a terminal body surrounding a through-hole, a clamping piece having a rising portion rising from an outer peripheral edge of the terminal body and a distal end portion extending inwardly from the rising portion along the terminal body, and a clampable piece located adjacent to the clamping piece in a circumferential direction of the terminal body. The clamping piece is adapted to clamp, when the ground terminal fitting is superimposed on a second ground terminal fitting, a clampable piece of the second ground terminal fitting to prevent a relative displacement between the ground terminal fittings. The distal end portion is adapted to contact the ground member penetrating through the through hole to prevent a relative rotation of the ground terminal fitting with respect to the ground member.
US08105119B2 Flat plunger round barrel test probe
A spring probe utilizing a flat plunger and a round barrel having a compression spring positioned within the barrel and a wiper for internal contact between the plunger and the inside of the barrel.
US08105114B2 Intermediate electrical connector
An intermediate electrical connector for connecting two electrical connectors includes a blade assembly formed of a plurality of blades and a ground plate attached to the blades; a plurality of terminals disposed on each of the blades and extending in parallel to each other; and a holding member for holding the blade assembly. The intermediate electrical connector may further include an intermediate portion disposed between the holding members.
US08105113B2 Fuse adapter
A fuse adapter adapts coplanar blades of fuse having a predetermined blade spacing to fit a pair of coplanar blade receiving terminal slots in a circuit having a different slot spacing. The fuse adapter includes a pair of adapter terminals. Each adapter terminal has a slotted, planar upper end spaced from the other terminal's slotted upper end by the fuse blade spacing. Each adapter terminal upper end also has an adjusting tab bent away from the upper end substantially perpendicular thereto and substantially parallel to the plane of the coplanar terminal slots. Each adjusting tab is integral with a transition portion that extends to an adapter blade. The two adapter blades are coplanar with and spaced apart to match the fuse blade receiving terminal slots in the circuit.
US08105112B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a plurality of terminals, a housing and a shield plate. The terminals are arranged and held in the housing. The shield plate is formed by bending a metal plate and attached to the housing. The housing includes a sidewall and an edge wall at an end portion of the sidewall. The shield plate includes a shield portion covering an outer surface of the sidewall and a held. The held portion is supported on a holding portion disposed on the edge wall of the housing. The shield portion includes a regulating portion capable of abutting against the outer surface of the sidewall. The regulating portion regulates deformation of the shield portion when the shield plate is attached to the housing.
US08105109B2 Retaining member, electric component and electric device
A retaining member includes at least a leg portion having a latch portion, a coupling portion and a spring portion. When the spring portion is displaced, the coupling portion is twisted. Then, the latch portion and the coupling portion are inserted into the opening so that an electric component is retained on a main face of the substrate. In this state, a part of the latch portion is disposed at the periphery of the opening on a rear face of the substrate, a part of the coupling portion is disposed in the opening, and the spring portion is disposed on the main face of the substrate. Therefore, the retaining strength of the electric component to the substrate can be improved, and damage of a side wall of the opening can be decreased.
US08105108B2 Docking station for portable electronics with voids for connector pass-through and integral connector fastener
Disclosed is a docking station for an electronic device comprising a main body which holds an electronic device and voids in the main body to allow for the passage of external connectors directly into the docked device and the securing of the external connectors to the main body.
US08105101B2 Lamp socket and luminaire with same
A lamp socket has a mover and a supporter. At an open position, the supporter supports the mover so that the mover does not prevent a lamp from being moved to or from a mounting position along a specified direction. When the lamp can be moved from the mounting position along the specified direction, the supporter supports the mover so that the contacts do not make contact with lamp pins, respectively. At the close position, the supporter supports the mover so that the mover prevents the lamp from being moved from or to the mounting position along the specified direction. If the mover is at the close position, and the lamp is in a posture by which it can be moved from the mounting position along the specified direction in case of the open position, the supporter supports the mover so that the contacts make contact with the pins, respectively.
US08105094B2 Receptacle with antenna
An electrical receptacle is disclosed. The electrical receptacle includes a housing and at least one socket at least partially disposed within the housing and having at least a pair of entry ports. The at least one socket is controllable by a radio frequency signal. The electrical receptacle also includes an antenna at least partially disposed within the housing configured to at least receive the radio frequency signal used to control the at least one socket. The electrical receptacle further includes at least one tamper resistant device at least partially disposed within the housing. The at least one tamper resistant device is configured to block the entry ports unless a mating electrical plug is inserted into the at least one socket.
US08105093B2 Socket assembly for fixing an IC on a circuit plate
An exemplary socket assembly includes a circuit plate and a socket mounted on the circuit plate for fixing an IC. The socket includes a first fixing member and a second fixing member. The first fixing member includes installed portions, elastic connecting portions, and a first buckling portion, the elastic connecting portions interconnects the electric portions and the first buckling portion. The second fixing member includes electric portions, elastic connecting portions, and a second buckling portion, and the elastic connecting portions interconnect the electric portions and the second buckling portion. Wherein when the IC is attached to the socket, the first buckling portion and the second buckling portion are initially disengaged from each other, pins of the IC is electrically connected with the electric portions, the first buckling portion and the second buckling portion are brought together with the elastic connecting portions elastically deforming, and the first buckling portion and the second buckling portion are locked together and hold the IC in the socket.
US08105091B2 Apparatus for and method of magnetically coupling standard electrical plugs
An adapter includes a device-side component and a wall-side component. The device-side component has a male socket receptacle to receive an electrical plug and a male socket opposite the male socket receptacle. The wall-side component has a female socket plug to insert into an electrical outlet and a female socket opposite the female socket plug. The male socket is configured to interface with the female socket, regardless of orientation of the male socket with respect to the female socket.
US08105089B2 Medical procedures training model
A training model for use in training to perform a medical procedure which is invasive of a skull, such as the insertion of an external ventricular drain or the evacuation of a subdural hematoma. The training model may comprise a base component defining a training component receptacle and a training component for mounting in the training component receptacle and comprising a skull section. Alternately, the training model may comprise the skull section or the training component in isolation. The skull section comprises an outer skull layer, a middle skull layer and an inner skull layer. The outer skull layer is constructed of an outer skull material which simulates osseous tissue when penetrated. The middle skull layer is constructed of a middle skull material which simulates marrow tissue when penetrated. The inner skull layer is constructed of an inner skull material which simulates osseous tissue when penetrated.
US08105086B2 Medical and dental biomaterial and method of use for the same
The embodiments herein provide a dental and medical biomaterial and its use for sealing and/or filling the tooth and bone cavities. In the embodiments herein, the calcium salt, calcium oxide, calcium silicate, and calcium phosphate compounds are mixed with a water-base solution, and a bioactive phosphate and calcium enriched mixture is prepared. The mixture comprises high concentration of water-soluble calcium and phosphate, and consequently forms hydroxyapatite during and after setting. The dental/medical biomaterial is biocompatible, antibacterial and capable of forming an effective seal against reentrance of microorganisms into the filled cavity. The biomaterial is compatible to handle and set in an aqueous environment and to stimulate soft/hard tissue healing/generation/regeneration.
US08105080B2 Computer automated development of an orthodontic treatment plan and appliance
A computer is used to create a plan for repositioning an orthodontic patient's teeth. The computer receives an initial digital data set representing the patient's teeth at their initial positions and a final digital data set representing the teeth at their final positions. The computer then uses the data sets to generate treatment paths along which the teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions.
US08105079B2 Orthodontic appliance
An orthodontic appliance 1 for promoting development of a dental arch form in a patient who has an underdeveloped dental arch form is disclosed. The appliance 1 includes an arch-shaped base member 2 that is made of a resiliently flexible material, and a teeth engaging member 5 that encloses at least part of the base member 2. The teeth engaging member 5 defines upper and/or lower dental arch receiving channels 46, 47 and is made of a resiliently flexible material that is softer than the base member and is deformable. The appliance 1 has a resting form in which the resilient materials of the base member 2 and the teeth engaging member 5 are in their resting condition. The appliance 1 can be flexed or deformed out of the resting form to fit the underdeveloped dental arch form into the dental arch receiving channel 46, 47. When deformed the appliance 1 exerts a return force that is directed to returning it to its resting form which in use urges the underdeveloped dental arch to expand into a developed dental arch form.
US08105077B2 Integrated operating and control package for a pressurized burner system
An operating and control package for at least one pressurized burner. The operating and control package comprises a controller and a gas control device. The controller is an integrated packaged unit for supplying and controlling a pre-mixed air/gas pressurized burner. A housing is provided for containing the controller. The housing is preferably located at the end of the burner manifold. The gas control device comprises a gas control valve for receiving gas entering the control package and a premix blower located within the housing for receiving gas from the gas control valve and air entering the control package. The gas control device mixes the air and gas to form a pressurized combustible mixture which is fed into the burner.
US08105075B2 Hollow flame versatile burner for hydrocarbons
To enable a significant flow of liquid, gas or mixed hydrocarbons to be eliminated cleanly and safely, particularly during a well test phase, a burner comprises two concentric apertures, rotationally symmetrical about a common axis, enabling a hollow flame to be generated. The central aperture (20), intended for liquid or mixed products supplied by a conduit (12), consists of 2 concentric male (22) and female (21) conical parts, with the spacing (25) therebetween being continuously adjusted by the axial movement of the rod (23) which carries the male component (22) and which is centered by a centring component (24) in the conduit pipe (12), which carries the female component (21). The peripheral aperture (60), intended for gas products or an auxiliary airflow, also consists of two concentric male (62) and female (61) conical parts, between which the spacing (65) is not necessarily continuously variable during burning.
US08105074B2 Reliable ignition of hot oxygen generator
A stream of hot oxygen is formed by providing a duct and a fuel lance movable axially within the duct, flowing gaseous fuel out of the lance into the duct, mixing it in the duct with gaseous oxidant, flowing the mixture out of the duct into an atmosphere which is hot enough that it ignites the mixture without aid of an ignition source other than said atmosphere, and combusting said mixture in a flame that does not extend into said duct; then moving the lance so its fuel outlet approaches the duct exit orifice so that the base of said flame moves inside said duct to the fuel outlet; and then moving the lance to draw the fuel outlet and the flame attached thereto away from the exit orifice into the duct; and increasing the flow rate of gaseous oxidant in said duct, so that combustion of fuel within the duct heats uncombusted oxygen which emerges as a stream of hot oxidant.
US08105072B2 Apparatuses and methods for manufacturing containers
An apparatus comprises a blow-moulding mould arrangement arranged for expanding a preform to obtain a container, said blow-moulding mould arrangement comprising a die arrangement cooperating with a punch arrangement, the apparatus further comprising a compression-moulding mould arrangement comprising a further die arrangement cooperating with said punch arrangement for compression-moulding plastics to obtain said preform.
US08105071B2 Mould housing
A mould housing for apparatuses for expanding plastic containers has at least two mould parts which can be assembled together and which in an assembled state have an interior space for accommodating the plastic container that is to be expanded. The housing has at least one insulating element which can be placed against an outer wall of at least one mould part. The insulating element has a curved profile, wherein the curvature of the insulating element is matched to a curvature of the outer wall.
US08105070B2 Apparatus and method for releasing a lens molded in a cavity between posterior and anterior mold sections
An apparatus and method for releasing a lens moulded in a cavity between posterior (21) and anterior mould (22) sections and adhered thereto. A post (30) is configured to support a flange (20) of the posterior section whilst the anterior section remains spaced from the post. Posterior section is compressed between a pin (40) applied to, an outer concave surface (29a) of the posterior section and the post, thereby initially releasing peripheral regions of the posterior section and subsequently the remaining portions thereof. Upon separation, the anterior section together with the lens (10) drops onto the post so that its outer convex surface (29a) rests on the post. A collar unit (50) with gas channels (53) presses against a flange (200) of the anterior section whilst blowing jets of gas towards an interface between a “monomer” ring (11) formed around the lens. In this manner, initially the “monomer” ring and then peripheral regions of the lens are separated from the anterior section.
US08105066B2 Cartridge for solid imaging apparatus and method
A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build. The invention also provides for tilting the build elevator to reduce air entrainment and for releasing the build from the image plane.
US08105062B2 Systems and methods for bladderless tire curing
A system for curing tires that does not require a traditional bladder is described. The system disclosed has top and bottom assembly rings that are coupled to modified mold rings. The bottom assembly ring has a curing medium delivery system, which has ports and a diverter that disperses the curing medium thereby reducing the momentum of the curing medium striking a liner of the tire being cured. The system is adapted for easy installation to existing center post presses.
US08105061B2 Container mold exchanging apparatus
A container mold exchanging apparatus includes: a container support body which supports the jacket of the container from which the lower sidewall mold is separated; a gripping mechanism which includes upper and lower gripping members and grips each tread mold so as to be interposed between the upper and lower gripping members in the vertical direction; first and second driving mechanisms which respectively elevate the upper and lower gripping members; a third driving mechanism which expands or contracts the upper and lower gripping members in the radial direction of the container; and a fourth driving mechanism which moves the gripping mechanism along the axis of the container relative to the container support body.
US08105060B2 Impact target capsule and impact compression apparatus
A target capsule includes (A) a pedestal having a central projection, (B) a pedestal aid attached to the central projection so as to define a sample-loading assembly, and (C) an impact-receiving member, wherein the components (A), (B), and (C) are detachable from each other. The impact target capsule can be readily loaded with a sample, allows the sample to be easily retrieved after application of impact pressure, and can be used repeatedly, and thereby the capsule can be preferably used as an impact compression apparatus in combination with a single-stage powder gun or a single-stage gas gun.
US08105059B2 Compressor with screw rotor and gate rotor with inclined gate rotor center axis
A compressor includes a screw rotor and a gate rotor arranged to form a compression chamber. The screw rotor has an outer circumferential surface with at least one groove portion. The gate rotor has a plurality of tooth portions. Preferably, a first plane contains the screw rotor center axis, a second plane orthogonally intersects the screw rotor center axis, and a third plane orthogonally intersects the first plane and the second plane. The gate rotor center axis passes through an intersection point of the first, second and third planes. The gate rotor center axis is inclined relative to the second plane toward the same side as the groove portions of the screw rotor, as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the third plane.
US08105058B2 Drywall mud pump with improved connection between the piston and the rod
Drywall mud pump for pumping drywall joint compound, for instance, from a bucket into a drywall tool. The pump includes a cylinder, a piston, a rod, and a means, or a connection structure between the piston and the rod, for allowing the end of the rod to move laterally relative to the piston. Some embodiments have an elongated hole in the piston that receives a flattened or reduced diameter end of the rod, for example. Different embodiments include a pump head through which the rod passes, a handle, a linkage, a means for allowing the rod to pivot, a shortened guide, a means for preventing the piston from rotating about the rod, or a combination thereof. Pistons may include, for example, passageways with straight and curved sides, a flapper, an elongated washer to block the elongated hole, and a means for controlling the rotational position of the washer.
US08105056B2 Aerating bag
An aerating bag has a body, a connector, a check valve and an intake valve. The body has a connecting tube, a mounting tube and a chamber. The chamber communicates with the connecting tube and the mounting tube. The connector is detachably connected to the body and has a connecting pipe, an inserting pipe, a mounting recess, a release pipe and a cover. The release pipe is formed on and protrudes from the connector and communicates with the connecting pipe and the inserting pipe. The cover is mounted on the release pipe. The check valve mounted in the mounting recess and has an open end, a closed end and a slit. The slit is formed longitudinally in the check valve near the closed end and communicates with a clearance between the connecting pipe and the check valve. The intake valve is detachably mounted in the mounting tube of the body.
US08105045B2 Wind turbine blade and method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade
Wind turbine blade includes a first blade part and a second blade part, the blade parts being bonded by bonding means forming a bond. To reduce peel stresses of the bond and reduce the risk of crack formation, an edge portion of the bond is covered by a low elastic modulus adhesive joint bridging a gap between the first blade part and the second blade part.
US08105028B2 Systems and methods for mitigating the effects of wind turbines on radar
A control system for mitigating the effects of a wind turbine on a radar system is disclosed. The control system includes a sensor configured to detect an operating condition of the radar system; a processor configured to receive an operating condition of the wind turbine and determine a rotation modification sequence based on the operating condition of the radar system and the operating condition of the wind turbine; and a controller configured to apply the rotation modification sequence to the wind turbine. A method of mitigating the effects of a wind turbine on a radar system is also disclosed.
US08105025B2 Collecting chamber and production process
A collecting chamber of a flow machine which expands in the direction of circumference, including at least one outer shell part and a contour insert is provided. The contour insert is provided with a groove which extends in the circumferential direction and is preferably configured as a helical spiral. The contour insert, is cut from a whole unit and is delimited at one end in the circumferential direction by a bent edge so that the flow losses are minimized during the passage from the collecting chamber into a subsequent diffuser.
US08105024B2 Seal in gas turbine
A seal assembly for a gas turbine is arranged in grooves of a rotor heat shield having several bends. The assembly comprises four seal portions overlapping one another and extending in the axial, radial, and circumferential direction with respect to the turbine rotor. A holding means retains the radial sections of one seal portion allowing a limited movement of said seal portion independent of another seal portion. The independent movement assures contact of the individual seal portions with all mating surfaces of the rotor heat shield and improved sealing function regardless of displacements of the rotor heat shield and tolerances of turbine parts.
US08105020B2 Turbocharger
A turbocharger comprises a turbine wheel (5) mounted within a housing assembly (1, 3) for rotation about a turbine axis, a gas flow inlet passage (8) upstream of the turbine wheel (5), and a gas flow control mechanism (10, 16, 32) located within the housing assembly (1, 3) upstream of the turbine wheel (5) and operable to control gas flow through said gas flow inlet passage (9). An actuator assembly is mounted to the housing assembly and comprises: A lead screw including a lead screw shaft (37) defining a lead screw axis, and a lead screw nut (36) threadedly engaged on a threaded portion of the lead screw shaft (37). The lead screw (36, 37) being arranged so that rotation of one of said shaft and nut relative to the housing assembly produces linear movement in the other of said shaft and nut in the direction of the lead screw axis: The lead screw (36, 37) engages the gas flow control mechanism (10, 16, 32) at a location within a housing cavity defined within said housing assembly (1, 3).
US08105019B2 3D contoured vane endwall for variable area turbine vane arrangement
A turbine section of a gas turbine engine includes an arcuate vane platform segment having a substantially flat surface over which a rotational turbine vane may swing.
US08105018B2 Decoupler devices to prevent backdrive in air turbine starters
An air turbine starter for starting an engine includes a housing, and a flow path communicating a flow of gas therethrough; a turbine member; a clutch; and a decoupler device at least partially housed within the output member of the clutch. The decoupler device includes a first shaft portion coupled to and rotating with the output member and a second shaft portion coupled to and rotating with the engine. The first and second shaft portions are axially aligned and configured to engage each another for rotation in a first direction and to separate from each other in a second direction to decouple the output member of the clutch from the engine. The starter further includes a bearing between the inner surface of the output member and the second shaft portion for reducing friction between the second shaft portion and the inner surface of the output member when the first and second shaft portions are decoupled.
US08105017B2 Centrifugal chopper pump with impeller assembly
The disclosed solid waste pump is a chopper pump, and preferably a chopper pump having a small rated motor and a semi-open impeller design. Particularly, a chopper pump having an impeller, at least one pump-out vane, an end plate, and a back plate including at least one cutting rib is disclosed. The impeller includes a back shroud and cutting vanes sharpened on a first edge extending opposite the back shroud and fixed on a first surface of the back shroud. The at least one pump-out vane is preferably fixed to a second surface of the back shroud opposite the first surface, while the end plate includes a surface adjacent to and facing the first edge of the cutting vanes and at least one internal cutting rib fixed to the end plate surface for shearing operation in combination with the sharpened edge of the cutting vanes of the impeller. Finally, the back plate has a surface adjacent to and facing the at least one pump-out vane and at least one cutting rib attached to the back plate surface for shearing operation in combination with the at least one pump-out vane.
US08105009B1 Econo-optimized board edger
A method of positioning lumber in a given orientation in a handling apparatus having a base frame, a longitudinal transport assembly, and at least two gripper arm support platforms with a pair of gripper arms positioned on each of the support platforms. A work piece is gripped with the gripper arms without the work piece engaging the longitudinal transport assembly. The gripper arms are adjusted on at least one of the support platforms in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal transport assembly in order to selectively position the work piece. The work piece is then brought into engagement with the transport assembly and the gripper arms are released from the work piece.
US08105008B2 Pneumatic multi-weight balancing device
A load balancing pneumatic manipulator comprising an inflatable reservoir for establishing via an amplifier a pressure within a lift cylinder that is sufficient to balance the weight of an object being lifted. The reservoir is inflated and deflated by inflation and deflation valves, respectively, that may be operated from an operator control center proximal an end effector of the manipulator. The valves may be actuated via pushbuttons or actuated in a mutually exclusively fashion via a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator. The manipulator advantageously allows loads of different weights to be lifted in a semi-automatic fashion with operator involvement to select the load balancing pressure. The manipulator further comprises an air release system that closes a blocking valve in the event of release of the object being lifted and optionally in the event of a loss of air supply pressure. The pressure within the lift cylinder is thereby preserved and can be vented at different rates, depending upon the condition causing closure of the blocking valve.
US08105007B2 Vehicle transport ramp system
A vehicle transport ramp system having a transport vehicle with a transport vehicle bed, a first side wall and an opposing second side wall; an upper ramp having a first upper ramp end and a second upper ramp end operative to form a door, and a first upper ramp edge and an opposing second upper ramp edge; a lower ramp having a first lower ramp side and a second lower ramp side, a first lower ramp edge and a second lower ramp edge, a first lower ramp end pivotally connected to the second upper ramp end, and a second lower ramp end pivotally mountable to the transport vehicle bed; a first lower ramp enclosure panel and a second side wall enclosure panel mountable to the first lower ramp side, and a first side wall enclosure panel and a second side wall enclosure panel to enclose the transport vehicle as the lower ramp is lowered toward the driving surface.
US08105006B2 Stacker cart
This is a stacker cart useful to collect a paper stack in a paper-handling system. The stacker cart has movables so that it can be moved into and out of a housing in the system. At a top section of the stacker cart is a transfer plate that receives the paper stack after processing, finishing, or marking. This transfer plate and the stacker cart have on their lower surface movables that allow both easy moving of the slidable plate off the stacker cart and easy moving of the stacker cart from one location to another. The transfer plate has at least one hook that is connected to a rope or for moving the transfer plate to a second surface. The movables used in both the transfer plate and the stacker cart can be wheels, slides, or bearings.
US08105005B2 Article transport facility
An article transport facility includes an article carrier movable along a track, and an article rack arranged along the track. Each article rack has a fixed frame, and a movable frame supported to be movable relative to said fixed frame between an extended position projecting toward the track and a retracted position retracted away from the track. A movable guide shiftably supports and guides the movable frame to be movable relative thereto in a shifting direction. A fixed guide is mounted on the fixed frame for supporting and guiding the movable guide to be movable in the shifting direction.
US08105004B2 Hybrid composite-metal male fasteners
A composite metal male fastener is provided. The metal fastener includes an elongate hollow shell made of metal. The shell includes a threaded exterior for insertion or retraction from the threads of a female fastener. In addition, the shell element includes a central bore and a radially extending flange. The male fastener further includes a core element made of a composite material including plastic, fiberglass or carbon fiber or the like. In a first embodiment, the core element fills the shell's central bore and extends proximally from the proximal end of the shell to encapsulate the shell's flange to form a male fastener head. In an alternative embodiment, the shell's proximal extremity includes a radially extending flange to form a male fastener head for rotation of the male fastener. For this embodiment, the core element extends proximally to the shell's proximal end, without projecting beyond the shell's proximal end. The shell may have a closed distal end, or alternatively, the central bore may extend the length of the male fastener so that the core element fills the shell's central bore the entire length of the shell.
US08104991B2 Method and composition for road construction and surfacing
Methods and compositions for improving the strength and longevity of secondary roadways through environmentally sound practices are disclosed herein. A composition for road sealing includes an aqueous emulsion of acrylic and vinyl acetate polymer, water, and a resin-modified emulsion, wherein the resin-modified emulsion includes a mixture of pitch and rosin, an emulsifying agent, and water.
US08104990B2 Paving system
A paving system comprises an upper paving layer (1) permeable to liquid, and a substrate layer (7) of load bearing particulate material. Particles (10) of a non-load bearing, non-degradable porous foamed polymeric material are distributed in the interstitial spaces between particles (9) of the load bearing particulate material. The porous material may be an open celled phenolyic foam such as foamed phenol formaldehyde resin. The porous material absorbs water and also serves to retain microorganisms to break down pollutants. The system can be in fluid communication with the surrounding soil. Elements of the porous material may be used in lumps, which crumble under load into particles, which settle into the substrate layer.
US08104989B2 Retaining structure
A retaining structure is used to retain a wooden first part and a wooden second part together and includes a retainer fitted to a recess of the first part, and a fastening member to be engaged to the second part. The fastening member has a plurality of wings formed on two sides of an acting end thereof. A number of recessed portions is mounted between front and rear sides of the fastening member and spaced apart from each other, and the fastening member further includes a plurality of raised portions. The recessed and raised portions are arranged longitudinally or horizontally between the front and rear sides of the acting end of the fastening member.
US08104988B2 Locking connector system
Components for use in a locking connector system, such a heavy duty shackles, comprise a retainer, a body structure and pin which is axially moveable into a receiving cavity of the body structure, the body structure having a transversely directed cavity interconnecting with the cavity and have a latching shoulder. The retainer has a body, a latch element associated with the body and adapted to move into a space adjacent the latching shoulder of the aperture when the retainer is inserted into the transverse aperture to retain the retainer in its aperture and the body of the retainer having a projecting portion for location adjacent the surface portion of the pin for restraining the pin from removal when the retainer is inserted, the retainer further having a latch actuator which is displaceable in the body from a released position to an engaged position for moving the latch element from its retracted position to a latching position, and the latch actuator further having releasable retention means for retaining the latch actuator in the engaged position but, on application of a retraction force, adapted to release the latch actuator to permit its return to its retracted position, thereby allowing return of the latch element to its retracted position, whereby the retainer may be removed from the aperture and the pin removed from the cavity.
US08104983B2 Combination writing instrument
A writing instrument, which has an inner and outer writing element with separate writing medium reservoirs. The writing elements are coaxially mounted in an outer barrel and axially moveable with respect to one another. A driving mechanism may be actuated to allow a user to selectively extend one writing element. The inner and outer writing elements may have an inner sleeve therebetween to improve, for instance, rigidity of the outer writing element and to prevent contamination of the writing medium reservoirs. An outer sleeve may also be provided over the outer writing element. The outer sleeve can function to hold various components of the outer writing element together, and to allow for clean and easy refill of the outer writing element, especially when the outer writing element is a nib-type writing element with a filler-type reservoir. The writing instrument is designed so that a user can replace the inner and/or outer writing elements when their respective writing medium have been expended.
US08104979B2 Keyboard with keystroke module movably disposed to an opening
A keyboard includes a first housing having a plurality of first magnetic elements, a keystroke module having a key portion disposed on the first housing, a second housing combining with the first housing and has an opening, and an actuating assembly. The keystroke module is disposed corresponding to the opening. The actuating assembly is disposed movably on the second housing and has a plurality of second magnetic elements. The keystroke module is not protruded from the opening and is at a packing position. When the actuating assembly is moved along an actuating direction, at least one first magnetic element and at least one second magnetic element attract to each other to shorten the distance, which brings the second housing to move relatively to the first housing so that the key portion of the keystroke module passes though the opening and is at a using position.
US08104974B1 Mating of optical fibers having angled end faces
A method for mating optical fibers, a fiber optic connector, and a fiber optic subassembly are provided in which mating fibers have angled end faces joined by index matching fluid, but in which the angled end faces of the fibers are positioned relative to one another in rotationally misaligned relationship. Applicants discovered unexpectedly that optical fibers can be spliced, to provide satisfactory optical connections, without the need for matched cleaves, and without the need for precise rotational alignment of the cleaves, provided that angled end faces are provided on both the launch and receive fibers and that index matching gel is provided between the angled end faces. Thus, the fibers are mated in positions other than in the precise rotationally aligned position previously believed essential to adequate optical performance. Angled end faces may be positioned less than 165 degrees out of phase.
US08104971B2 Resin cage for ball bearing
It is a cage that is formed of a resin and that holds balls serving as rolling elements. The cage includes an annular base portion, and a plurality of claw portions that are formed to be arranged at constant intervals on the circumference of the base portion and to protrude therefrom. A pocket for accommodating the ball is formed between each pair of adjacent ones of the claw portions. In the resin cage for a ball bearing, thinning recesses are formed in end parts 11a of the claw portions and a rear surface of the base portion, respectively.
US08104969B2 Modular bearing unit
A modular bearing unit, including a plurality of bearings and bearing shells, wherein each bearing shell incorporates a main body, composed of two coaxial ball-races between which a ball ring, a coaxial neck, an external diameter of which matches an internal diameter of an interior cylindrical ring of the bearing shell, with a threaded surface, is established, so that each bearing shell can be coupled and fixed coaxially to another bearing shell through the threaded surface of the coaxial neck.
US08104968B2 Rolling contact bearing
The sectional shape of a rolling surface of at least one of bearing component parts has the following relation between the order n (n being an arbitrarily chosen natural number) and the amplitude r of waviness relative to the circularity of the sectional shape. The order n and the amplitude r are logarithmically transformed to define X=Log(n) from the order n and Y=Log (rn) from the amplitude r of n-order. When a regression line Y=aX+b is determined, the ratio δ/σ of the deviation δ at each X from the regression line of Y to the standard deviation σ is chosen to be smaller than 4.
US08104967B2 Device for encapsulating the main bearing of a crankshaft
A device encapsulates a main bearing of a crankshaft. The main bearing is supplied with oil via an oil supply groove. The device has a bearing seat for the main bearing and on its sides which face toward the crank webs of the crankshaft, has oil channels which are open in the direction of the main bearing and in the direction of the crankshaft webs. In the device, the oil channels are sealed off in the direction of the crankshaft webs by sealing disks which are fastened to the bearing seat.
US08104966B2 Bearing device
In a bush (10) which relatively-rotatably supports a journal shaft (1) around its central axis by housing the journal shaft (1) in a formed bearing hole (11), the bush 10 includes an oil supply groove (16) formed spirally to supply lube oil to an inner surface of the bearing hole (11) which contacts to the journal shaft (1) when the journal shaft relatively rotates. A ratio of an area of the oil supply groove (16) to the inner surface area of the bearing hole (11) is equal to or less than 30%. A product of a distance in the central axis direction and a distance in the circumferential direction of the journal shaft (1) between the oil supply groove (16) in next to each other on the inner surface of the bearing hole (11) is within 50 to 300 mm2 range.
US08104965B2 Axle stub bearing unit
An axle stub bearing unit for a bearing point of an axle stub of a steerable axle of a vehicle is provided, with a radial bearing that is constructed as a needle bearing, and a separate axial bearing that is constructed as a sliding bearing, which are accommodated in a cup-shaped bush (2, 12, 21, 25). The bush is a component which is formed in one piece and is provided with a sleeve (7, 14, 19, 26) in a region of the axial bearing.
US08104963B2 Shaft member for fluid dynamic bearing device
Provided is a shaft member for a fluid dynamic bearing device, which is excellent in wear resistance and which can exert a high dynamic pressure effect. A shaft material (11) is rolled to form a recess (7) for causing a dynamic pressure effect of a lubricating oil in a radial bearing clearance (6). In this case, in a surface layer portion (14) of the recess (7) to be formed in an outer peripheral surface (11a) of the shaft material (11), a first hardened layer (14a) is formed by rolling. At the same time, also in a surface layer portion (15) of a surrounding region (8) of the recess (7), a first hardened layer (15a) is formed by rolling at a partial region thereof. After the recess (7) is formed by the rolling, barreling is applied to the shaft material (11). As a result, an outermost surface layer portion of the surface layer portion (15) is formed with a second hardened layer (15b) by the barreling. A hardness of the second hardened layer (15b) formed in the surrounding region (8) is higher by 50 Hv or more and 200 Hv or less than that of the first hardened layer (14a) formed in the recess (7).
US08104962B2 Adjustable linear slide and method of assembly
In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus including: a longitudinally extending base member; a moving carriage assembly member adapted to move axial back-and-forth in the longitudinally extending base member; two bearing members extending sideways, on opposite sides, from the moving carriage assembly and engaging longitudinal bearing guides disposed in the longitudinally extending base member; and single means engaging the bearing members to simultaneously adjust the bearing members to take up any slop between the moving carriage assembly member and the longitudinally extending base member. A method of manufacturing the apparatus is also provided.
US08104961B2 Bag and zipper assembly with secured side gussets
A bag and zipper assembly includes, side gussets of the bag are at inwardly folded positions between first and second panels. Each side gusset of the bag has a set of one or more gusset openings adjacent an open end of the bag. The first panel has a corresponding set of one or more panel openings, and adhesive extends in each of the openings for the adhesive to adhere the side gussets to the first panel and restrain each side gusset from movement outwardly from between the first and second panels.
US08104956B2 Thermocouple measurement circuit
A thermocouple measuring circuit for sensing a temperature at a measuring point is provided. The thermocouple measurement circuit (12) includes a thermocouple input for sensing a temperature at a measuring point, a compensation circuit (14) for compensating thermocouple effects of junctions of the thermocouple, and an instrumentation amplifier (16) for summing an output of the thermocouple and an output of the compensation circuit and outputting a voltage indicative of the temperature sensed, wherein the output of the compensation circuit is a reference voltage for the output of the instrumentation amplifier. Various embodiments of the thermocouple measurement circuit may be employed in electrosurgical generators for controlling output power dependent on temperature conditions.
US08104951B2 Temperature uniformity measurements during rapid thermal processing
Methods and apparatus for measuring substrate uniformity is provided. The invention includes placing a substrate in a thermal processing chamber, rotating the substrate while the substrate is heated, measuring a temperature of the substrate at a plurality of radial locations as the substrate rotates, correlating each temperature measurement with a location on the substrate, and generating a temperature contour map for the substrate based on the correlated temperature measurements. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08104944B2 Light emitting panel assemblies
Optical assembly comprises a light emitting panel member having opposite sides and an input edge for receiving light from light sources optically coupled to a different location along the input edge. On or in at least one of the sides of the panel member is a pattern of individual optical deformities that are varied throughout the pattern and shaped or oriented throughout the pattern to extract light propagating through the panel member in different directions for viewing from different angles through one of the sides of the panel member.
US08104942B2 Light guide sheet and movable contact element using the same
A light guide sheet and a movable contact element using the sheet are inexpensive and provide adequate illumination. In the light guide sheet, light-transmissive upper conductive layers, reflective layers, and lower conductive layers are laminated in this order in predetermined positions on the bottom surface of a light-transmissive, film-like cover sheet. The reflective layers have reverse particles dispersed therein, whose top and bottom surfaces are reversed between light color and dark color.
US08104940B2 Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp includes a projection lens, a halogen bulb disposed behind a rear focal point of the projection lens and below an optical axis, a main reflector which forwardly reflects and converges a first part of direct light from the halogen bulb toward the optical axis, the halogen bulb being inserted in the main reflector in a sidewise direction, a movable shade disposed between the projection lens and the halogen bulb to shield a portion of the first part of the light reflected by the main reflector and a second part of the direct light from the halogen bulb to form a cutoff line, an actuator which moves the movable shade, and an auxiliary reflector disposed below the optical axis to forwardly and diffusely reflect a third part of the direct light from the halogen bulb such that the third part of the light passes below the projection lens.
US08104938B2 Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp is provided. The vehicle headlamp includes a light source, an image forming section which forms a light image using light from the light source, and a projection lens which projects the light image. The image forming section includes a boundary shade and movable shades. Each of the movable shades is individually movable between a closed position at which the movable shade blocks a corresponding part of the light from entering the projection lens and an open position at which the movable shade allows the corresponding part of the light to enter the projection lens. The boundary shade is disposed to extend along distal ends of the respective movable shades that are arranged side by side when the movable shades are in the closed positions. When the movable shades are in the closed positions, the boundary shade forms a boundary line of the light image.
US08104935B2 Headlight system and a method for operating a headlight system
A method is provided for operating a headlight system in a motor vehicle, wherein the headlights of the headlight system encompass a first operating mode with a first response behavior and a second operating mode with a second response behavior, which is different from the first response behavior. The method includes, but is not limited to the steps of switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, rapid change of the response behavior from the first response behavior beyond the second response behavior until a third response behavior is reached, slow reversal of the response behavior from the third response behavior until the second response behavior is reached. A headlight system is also provided that operates in accordance with the method.
US08104932B2 Backlight structure
A backlight structure includes: light source modules 1 and 1; a light guide plate 2 disposed between the light source modules 1 and 1; a rear plate 3 disposed at the rear side of the light source modules 1 and the light guide plate 2; a fan-mount plate 4 disposed at the rear side of the rear plate 3; and a cooling fan 5 mounted on the fan-mount plate 4. The rear plate 3 has portions thereof at the rear side of the light source modules 1 and 1 formed into protruding portions 3a, and has a portion thereof between the upper and lower protruding portions 3a formed into a flat surface 3b. A cooling wind passage 11 is formed between a front surface 4a of the fan-mount plate and the flat surface 3b of the rear plate. Heat from LED chips 1a of the light source modules is made to concentrate at the protruding portions 3a of the rear plate and is then rejected into the outside by the wind guided from the cooling fan 5 into the cooling wind passage 11.
US08104931B2 Anti-glare indoor lamp
An exemplary anti-glare indoor lamp includes a shade, light source, and an optical sheet. The shade defines a receiving cavity therein and an opening at the bottom of the receiving cavity. The light source is received in the receiving cavity and positioned to emit light toward the opening. The optical sheet is arranged facing the opening and is sized to cover only part of the opening. The optical sheet is configured for reducing the brightness of the light passing therethrough, and is movable to cover a selected part of the opening. Therefore, the light reaching eyes of a user is reduced, and glare is avoided or at least mitigated.
US08104923B2 Light-emitting apparatus
The light-emitting apparatus (1) of the present invention includes: a storage case (12) that includes a base board (10) having a concave portion (10a) and a lid portion (11) covering the concave portion (10a); and a plurality of light-emitting elements (13) that are disposed on an inner surface (12a) of the storage case (12), an opening (11a) is formed in the lid portion (11), at least a part of the inner surface (12a) is a light-reflecting surface that wave-guides light emitted by the light-emitting elements (13) as light sources to a position directly underneath the opening (11), and a reflecting portion (15) that reflects the light emitted by the light-emitting elements (13) as the light sources toward the opening (11a) is formed directly underneath the opening (11a). Thereby, the light-emitting apparatus having a point light source with high brightness can be provided.
US08104922B2 Solid state illumination device
A solid state illumination device includes a semiconductor light emitter mounted on a base and surrounded by sidewalls, e.g., in a circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular or other appropriate arrangement, to define a chamber. A top element, which may be reflective, may be coupled to the sidewalls to further define the chamber. The light produced by the semiconductor light emitter is emitted through the sidewalls of the chamber. The sidewalls and/or top element may include wavelength converting material, for example, as a plurality of dots on the surfaces. An adjustable wavelength converting element may be used within the chamber, with the adjustable wavelength converting element being configured to adjust the surface area that is exposed to the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitter in the chamber to alter an optical property of the chamber.
US08104914B2 Light device
A light device and packaging assembly having packaging containing a product. The product may be a solar powered light device. The packaging includes a switch that is operable to activate the product while the product is still within the packaging so that a user may observe operation of the product without removing the product from the packaging.
US08104912B2 Light emitting module, backlight unit, and display apparatus
Provided is a light emitting module, which includes a module board, a light emitting diode, and a resin material. The module board includes a plurality of holes. The light emitting diode is in the hole. The resin material is in the hole. The module board includes a printed circuit board (PCB), and the PCB includes a photo solder resist (PSR) layer, an electrical conduction layer, and an insulation layer.
US08104902B2 Projection image display apparatus having a noise removal filter portion
In a projection image display apparatus, a noise removal filter portion 15 is separated from a power source unit body 14. The separated noise removal filter portion 15 is provided in the vicinity of a side wall of a housing on which a power source inlet is provided, and of the power source unit body 14, respectively. Specifically, the power source unit body 14 is provided along a side wall of a front face of the horizontally-long housing of the projection image display apparatus and the noise removal filter portion 15 is provided in a position opposed to the power source unit body 14 in a side wall of the back face. As a result, even when a light source lamp has a higher output, the projection image display apparatus can achieve reduced noise by an improved cooling capability and reduced cost enabled by an efficient Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) measure and the like.
US08104901B2 Image projection system and method
Provided are an image projection system and method, the image projection system including: a light source for providing illumination light; an illumination optics for receiving and illuminating the illumination light; a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) having 2 rows of modulation devices formed to be offset from each other, each of the modulation devices modulating the light illuminated from the illumination optics; a frame scanner for scanning the modulated light from the SLM onto a screen to thereby generate a two-dimensional (2D) image corresponding to one frame on the screen; and a projection optics for projecting and focusing the modulated light transmitted from the frame scanner onto the screen.
US08104895B2 One-way transparent display systems
A display system includes a projection screen and a projector. The projection screen includes a retarder plate between a polarizer and a transparent screen. The projector projects an image through the polarizer and the retarder plate onto the transparent screen. The image is visible from a first side of the transparent screen but invisible from a second side of the transparent screen because any light passing twice through the retarder plate is blocked by the polarizer.
US08104893B2 Calibration and tracking control of heliostats in a central tower receiver solar power plant
A suntracking system for a central receiver solar power plant includes a heliostat field for reflecting sunlight to a receiver, cameras directed toward at least a subset of the heliostats, and a controller. The cameras are configured to produce images of sunlight reflected from multiple heliostats. The heliostats include a mirrored surface having a settable orientation and have a geometry modeled by a set of parameters. A method of estimating heliostat parameters for open-loop suntracking includes acquiring pointing samples by setting the direction of reflection of the heliostats and detecting concurrent sunlight reflections into the cameras. The method uses the acquired pointing samples and surveyed locations of the cameras to estimate the heliostat parameters. The method accurately maintains the sun's reflection directed toward the receiver open-loop utilizing the estimated tracking parameters.
US08104892B2 Vision modification with reflected image
Various embodiments of methods and systems for improving and enhancing vision are disclosed. Adjustable lenses or optical systems may be used to provide adaptive vision modification. In some embodiments, vision modification may be responsive to the current state of the user's visual system. Certain embodiments provide correction of the subject's near and far vision. Other embodiments provide enhancement of vision beyond the physiological ranges of focal length or magnification.
US08104891B2 Optically decentered face shield
A face protector includes a one piece shield in which an optical center is displaced away from the normal straight ahead line of sight toward an activity specific line of sight to minimize image shift that occurs when a direction of gaze passes across the edge of the shield. An apex of the shield is formed at a forwardmost point of the shield, or a virtual extension of the shield, when the shield is in an as worn position on a wearer. In particular examples, an optical axis extends through the optical center, at a non-zero angle to the normal straight ahead line of sight and substantially parallel to the activity specific line of sight, with the optical center being placed away from the apex. In particular examples, the optical axis is closer to (or coincident with) an activity specific line of sight of one of the right or left eye. The face protector is particularly useful in activities such as sports, for example hockey, football, or baseball which involve activity specific lines of sight. In one disclosed embodiment, the optical center is positioned at or below a bottom edge of the shield so that a hockey player can view an object on the ice below the lower edge of the shield with reduced image shift.
US08104886B2 Image forming apparatus to print according to a plurality of image forming types
An image forming apparatus having a first image forming unit and a second image forming including a printing medium supplier which supplies a printing medium, a selection guide which selectively guides the printing medium from the printing medium supplier to one of a first supplying path of the first image forming unit and a second supplying path of the second image forming unit, and a first feed roller which is disposed between the selection guide and the printing medium supplier, and transfers the printing medium from the printing medium supplier to the selection guide.
US08104882B2 Duplex printer with intermediate fluid distribution arrangement
A duplex printer includes a pair of pagewidth printheads. Each printhead includes a casing assembly defining a channel. At least one elongate support member is received within the channel and defines longitudinally extending fluid passages. The support member further defines spaced apart groups of holes extending from the passages. A fluid distribution arrangement is mounted in fluid communication with the support member. A plurality of ink ejection integrated circuits (ICs) is mounted in fluid communication with the fluid distribution arrangement so that the ICs can be supplied with ink from respective groups via the fluid distribution arrangement.
US08104878B2 Phase shifts for two groups of nozzles
A method includes forming drops of first size by applying drop-forming pulses during unit time period, τ0; forming drops of second size by applying drop-forming pulses during second size drop time period, τm, wherein the second sized drop time period is a multiple, m, of the unit time period, τm=m*τ0, and m≧2; providing timing between drops for printing consecutive pixels is equal to τi=a*τ0 where a is an integer ≧m and is a function of print media speed; forming the corresponding plurality of drop forming pulse sequences so as to form non-print drops and print drops according to the liquid pattern data; delaying the timing of the drop forming pulses sent to the transducers of the second group relative to the drop forming pulses sent to the transducers of the first group by a delay time τL which is approximately equal to τi/2.
US08104875B2 Liquid jet recording head
A liquid jet recording head includes a substrate on which are formed recording elements that generate energy for ejecting liquid, and a flow passage forming member that is in contact with the substrate and in which are formed ejection ports that eject liquid and flow passages that supply liquid to the ejection ports. The flow passage forming member has a groove formed along the longitudinal direction of the flow passage forming member, and each end of the groove is located nearer to the middle in the width direction of the flow passage forming member than the other part of the groove is.
US08104868B2 Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a wiper, first and second movement mechanisms, and a controller. The wiper wipes an ejection face of a head. The controller controls the first movement mechanism to make at least either one of the wiper and the head move in a first direction perpendicular to the ejection face, so as to make the wiper and the head overlap each other with respect to the first direction. And thereafter the controller controls the second movement mechanism to make the wiper perform a first wiping. In the first wiping, while liquid is forcibly ejected from the ejection face, the wiper moves along the ejection face while being in contact with the ejection face.
US08104865B2 Ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet head
An apparatus includes an ink jet head and a suction mechanism. The head includes liquid chambers connected with ink tanks by flow passages. The flow passages include a non-branching flow passage and a branching flow passage. The suction mechanism sucks the liquid chamber and ejection ports corresponding to the non-branching flow passage and the branching flow passage, respectively at substantially the same pressure. The distance from the flow passage junction to the ejection ports connected to the branching flow passage is shorter than the distance from the flow passage junction to the ejection ports connected to the non-branching flow passage. The volume of the liquid chambers corresponding to the branching flow passage is less than or equal to the volume of the liquid chamber corresponding to the non-branching flow passage.
US08104864B2 Image recording device
There is provided an image recording device, comprising: a platen that supports a recording medium; a carriage that is located to face the platen and is configured to move in a first direction along the recoding medium; a recordation head that is mounted on the carriage and performs image recordation on the recording medium; a long member elongated, to face the platen, in the first direction within a region in which the carriage moves; a support member that fixes the long member such that the long member does not move in the first direction relative to the platen; and a guide member that is located on the carriage to deform the long member such that the carriage and the platen face directly with respect to each other.
US08104861B2 Color to color registration target
A method for calibrating a multi-color inkjet printing system includes using a 3×2 test target array. The test target includes printing a first color three times in which two of the three colors are aligned along a first axis and the third is offset from the first axis and at a midway point between the other two test marks along the other axis. A second test color is aligned with at least one of the first colors along both axes.
US08104859B2 Head array unit and image forming apparatus
A head array unit includes a plurality of liquid discharging heads configured to discharge liquid and a head supporter configured to support the plurality of liquid discharging heads. The head supporter includes a plurality of liquid inlets, a channel system, and at least two ports. The plurality of liquid inlets is configured to supply liquid to the plurality of liquid discharging heads, respectively. The channel system is configured to sandwich or surround each of the plurality of liquid inlets and contain coolant to control a temperature of the head array unit. The at least two ports are connected to the channel system.
US08104850B2 Furniture storage unit
An office furniture unit has an outer face with slotted hangers, and a removable storage unit assembly including a bottom panel positioned in a generally horizontal orientation along the office furniture unit, and a top panel disposed above and generally parallel with the bottom panel. First and second panels are disposed at opposite ends of the top and bottom panels and are connected therewith to define a rigid, box-shaped case having an open back portion. The first and second end panels have rear portions with multiple vertically spaced slots. First and second hanger brackets have a rear portion with first hooks selectively received in the slotted hangers of the office furniture units, and a forward portion with second hooks selectively received in the slots in the rear portions of the first and second end panels to detachably support the case against the outer face of the office furniture unit.
US08104848B2 Dryer having door opening and closing apparatus
A dryer having a door opening and closing apparatus are disclosed. The door opening and closing apparatus includes a cabinet provided with an opening part, a door installed to the cabinet to open and close the opening part, a hook provided to the door, a fixing part provided to the cabinet, a plate spring provided to the fixing part to allow the hook to be inserted therein and a projection part provided to the fixing part to allow the plate spring to be pivoted.
US08104846B2 Track connection system for mobile vehicles, including lift cranes
A crawler has a track connection system. The crawler includes a crawler frame; at least one drive tumbler supported on the frame; a track made of a plurality of track shoes connected in series to produce a track having a first end and second end that can be connected together to form the track into an endless track. The track is wrapped around the frame, with the first and second ends spaced apart but each adjacent a section of the frame. The track connection system is mounted to the frame and includes a mover device connected to the frame; and a track engagement member coupled between the mover device and the track; iii) whereby actuation of the mover device causes the track engagement member to move the track into a position where the first and second ends can be connected.
US08104845B2 Vehicle braking apparatus
A vehicle braking apparatus is provided with a brake operating element that is operated by a driver, and an actuator that generates a braking force in accordance with a braking operation of the brake operating element. A controller is operatively arranged to control the actuator such that an increase in a rate of change of the braking force with respect to the braking operation by the driver is suppressed upon determining that vehicle cabin background noise is equal to or below a prescribed threshold value.
US08104835B2 Standing frame with supine mode
An apparatus is disclosed as having, for example, a frame, a backrest assembly including a pivot bracket, a seat assembly pivotably connected to the pivot bracket and the frame, a leg rest assembly pivotably connected to the frame, a link connected to the leg rest assembly at a first pivot joint and the pivot bracket at a second pivot joint, and a lock connected to the leg rest assembly and the frame.
US08104831B2 Coupling mechanism for headrest of vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided comprising a seat back frame having right and left side frames, a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant, and a back-and-forth movable body provided inside a backrest that is positioned at a rear of the seat occupant, wherein a backward movement of the back-and-forth movable body forwardly moves the headrest to support the head of the seat occupant. The back-and-forth movable body is attached to each side frame through a link member and is provided with a backward protrusion protruding backward, and the backward protrusion extends laterally.
US08104826B2 Vehicle with cabin
A vehicle with a cabin comprises a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels; a cabin bracket supported by the vehicle body; an elastic member for supporting the cabin, disposed between the cabin and the cabin bracket; and a weight member attached to a plate-shaped member of the cabin.
US08104825B2 Vehicle bumper assembly
A vehicle bumper assembly includes a bracket for mounting to an interior of a vehicle, the bracket defining a protrusion portion to engage with one end of a bumper cover and an elastic clip coupled to the bracket, wherein the elastic clip is adapted to contact the bumper cover of the vehicle. A finger protection assembly for a vehicle is provided wherein the assembly includes a bracket for mounting to an interior of a vehicle, the bracket defining a protrusion portion to engage with one end of a bumper cover and an elastic clip coupled to the bracket, the clip adapted to contact the bumper cover of the vehicle, wherein the elastic clip is capable of deforming to prevent injury to the finger inserted between a rear door and the bumper cover.
US08104819B2 Audio bracket fore and aft slip plane
An automotive audio bracket for mounting a vehicle component to an interior surface of the vehicle includes a first mounting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the interior surface and adapted for attachment to a rigid support structure of the vehicle, and a second mounting surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the interior surface and adapted for attachment to the vehicle component. An elongated aperture extends through one of the first and second mounting surfaces, the aperture being elongated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the interior surface. A fastening mechanism is positioned within the aperture and connects the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface.
US08104818B2 Dashboard seal
The invention relates to a dashboard seal provided between the windshield (1), the sound-proofing wall (2) of the engine compartment and the dashboard (3) in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The dashboard seal is characterized in that the upper lip (6) includes a closed pocket (8) extending along a transverse section under the latter and limited by said upper lip (6), by the clamp (5) and, at the lower portion thereof, by a connection arm (8a) connected both to the upper lip (6) and to the clamp (5).
US08104815B2 Arm folding mechanism for use in a vehicle-mounted radiation imaging system
An arm-folding mechanism for use in a vehicle-mounted radiation imaging system. The vehicle includes a vehicle body behind a driving cab. The vehicle body includes a generator cabin and a control cabin. The arm-folding mechanism includes a vertical detection arm, a main arm frame, and a hinged mechanism hingedly connecting the vertical detection arm with the main arm frame. The hinged mechanism includes: a first connection arrangement having a free end and a fixed end fixedly connected with or integral with the main arm frame; a second connection arrangement fixedly connected with the vertical detection arm; and an intermediate arrangement connecting the first connection arrangement with the second connection arrangement so that the vertical detection arm can rotate relative to the main arm frame. The bottom of the first connection arrangement is at the same level as or above the bottom of the main arm frame.
US08104814B2 Emergency treatment station and stretcher system
The invention relates to a vehicle used in transporting or treating large numbers of victims or patients from a mass-casualty incident to or from a hospital in an evacuation situation. The typical vehicle contains a stacked stretcher system, a loading ramp system, and an oxygen system. This vehicle must have an independent energy source or must be capable of being powered by an outside energy source. The vehicle can be flexible enough to provide facilities for treatment of victims either at the site of a disaster, in route from the disaster, at any remote site, or near a healthcare facility. A variation of the vehicle contains refrigeration or freezer units and is capable of transporting or maintaining casualties until mortuary services can be obtained. Variations of the equipment include trays made of stainless steel, stretchers that can be easily cleaned and that allow for easy drainage of liquids.
US08104805B2 Shock absorbing member
An object of the invention is to provide a shock absorbing member enabled to reduce stress applied at the moment of impact to each part serving as an attaching portion. The shock absorbing member 10A includes a pressure receiving wall portion 11A to be pressed at the moment of impact, a side wall portion 21A formed on one end portion side in a direction H perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L of the pressure receiving wall portion 11A to extend along the longitudinal direction L towards a rear of the pressure receiving wall portion 11A, a plurality of vertical ribs 31A that are formed on the other end portion side of the pressure receiving wall portion 11A opposite to the one end portion side, on which the side wall portion 21A is formed, that are provided towards the rear of said pressure receiving wall portion 11A to intersect with the longitudinal direction L, that are arranged like rows to the longitudinal direction L, and flange portions 41A and 51A respectively formed on one end portion side of the side wall portion 21A, which is opposite to the pressure receiving wall portion 11A, and on one end portion side of each of the vertical ribs 31A, which is opposite to the pressure receiving wall portion 11A.
US08104804B2 Automobile safety bumper assembly
A safety automobile bumper assembly includes energy absorbers interposed between a fascia and bumper beam comprised of a strip of deformable material formed with a loop with opposite curved ends deformed by relative movement of the fascia and bumper beam in an impact. Additional curved strip positions are provided by one or more additional loops or by one or more inner webs to increase energy absorbing capacity.
US08104802B2 Integrated recessed latch assembly
An integrated latch dish device including a latch with a translatable bolt for engaging a strike and a two part recessed dish having a lower first part and an upper second part adjacent to the lower first part, the lower first and upper second parts of the recessed dish each having front and back sides and cavities on each of the front sides, the latch pivotally mounted in the cavity of the lower first part of the recessed dish, the upper second part of the recessed dish comprising the strike integral with the dish and adjacent to the cavity, the integrated latch dish device further including means for affixing the latch to the dish through the back side of the lower first part of the recessed dish to shield the means for affixing the latch from environmental elements while providing tension on the strike by exerting a force through the bolt in a direction opposite from the strike.
US08104797B2 Extended collar
A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an end fitting for a flexible pipe. The apparatus comprises an end fitting body having an open mouth for receiving an open end of a portion of flexible pipe body and an inner collar member to which the end fitting body is securable. The inner collar member includes a collar body portion and a neck portion extending away from the collar body portion. When the end fitting body is secured to the collar member the neck portion of the collar member extends in an axial direction away from the end fitting body to a region proximate to where at least one armour wire layer of the flexible pipe body is located.
US08104792B2 Airbag device
There is provided an airbag device being excellent in performance of protection of an occupant wherein a folded airbag (10) undergoes sequential and orderly expansion starting from a region where the expansion ought to be started. It is characterized in that a gas rectification member (12′) for rectifying and guiding a gas generated from an inflator (30) up to the vicinity of a part of the airbag (10), inflating in the initial stage of the expansion thereof, is provided substantially at the central part of the airbag (10).
US08104791B2 Pressurized gas release mechanism
A mechanism (10) for releasably confining pressurized fluid in a container (18) is provided. The mechanism includes a rupturable membrane (22) in fluid communication with an interior of the container (18), thereby exposing the membrane (22) to the fluid. The membrane (22) is configured to obstruct flow of the pressurized fluid when externally supported against pressure exerted by the fluid. The membrane (22) is also rupturable by pressure exerted by the fluid when not externally supported against the pressure exerted by the fluid. A support member (28) is provided for externally supporting the membrane (22) against pressure exerted by the fluid. The support member (28) is configured to be fracturable upon exposure to combustion products formed by activation of a gas generator (66) at least partially encased within the support member (28).
US08104790B2 Vehicular occupant restraint system
A vehicular occupant restraint system including: a four-point seatbelt system having left and right webbings for restraining an occupant, each of the left and right webbings having an upper body restraining portion that restrains the upper body of the occupant; a left first inflating portion which is provided on the upper body restraining portion of the left webbing and which inflates by receiving a gas supply and deploys in front of the upper body of the occupant, and a right first inflating portion which is provided on the upper body restraining portion of the right webbing and which inflates by receiving a gas supply and deploys in front of the upper body of the occupant; and a second inflating portion which inflates by receiving a gas supply when the first inflating portions inflate, and deploys to support the first inflating portions from the outside in the seat width direction.
US08104786B2 Binding for fixing a shoe to a snowboard
A binding for fixing a shoe to a snowboard and the like comprising a base body that can be fixed to a snowboard and the like by an angular positioning disk with engagement of contact elements defined by the base body on the snowboard, elements for fastening a shoe being associable with the base body and elastic shock-absorbing elements being also associable and interposable between the snowboard and the like and the base body, the shock-absorbing elements at least partially surrounding the external lateral profiles of the rear region of the base body.
US08104785B2 Binding for ski
A system for alpine touring, a low-profile, selectively pivotal riser, and a method of releasably locking a ski boot heel. In an embodiment, the system for alpine touring includes a pair of skis; a pair of low-profile, selectively pivotal risers, and a pair of alpine ski boot bindings. In one embodiment, the riser includes an alpine binding attachment plate, a first anchor portion for pivotally attaching the riser thereto; and a second anchor portion for selectively attaching the riser thereto.
US08104783B2 Fork lift receiver hitch
A fork lift hitch receiver has a trailer attachment side and a fork lift receiving side separated by an insert guard. Top, middle and bottom structural layers on the fork lift receiving side are provided with apertures which form a rod reception path. The fork lift receiving side is inserted into a receiving cavity of the forklift where an attachment rod of the forklift is inserted through the rod reception path. The insert guard covers the receiving cavity and assists in orienting the fork lift receiving side to a location within the cavity where the attachment rod can be inserted through the reception path. A guide path formed in the top layer on the receiving side of the fork lift hitch receiver further aids in guiding the attachment rod to the reception path. A ball and a ball support member are attached to the trailer attachment side.
US08104780B1 Adult activity chair
An adult seat providing an activity and confinement center for individuals suffering from mental impairments. The seat center is comprised of a stationary seat support having a rotatable seat assembly positioned therewith. A removable interlocking tray portion provides for user access and confinement with integrated tray locking and release and seat rotational control enablement therewithin.
US08104774B2 Hand-held instrument for dental or surgical use
A hand-held instrument, for dental or surgical use, intended to rotate a rectilinear detachable tool (13) includes a tubular sheath (1); a hollow shaft (3) rotatably mounted inside the sheath with an upstream portion (5) and a downstream portion (6) which in turn includes an upstream portion (11) partially clamped around the upstream portion (5) of the shaft and a downstream portion (12) of which the inside diameter substantially matches the outside diameter of the tool (13); a clamp (14) rigidly rotationally connected to the shaft (3) but movable along the axis thereof, which clamp is placed inside and concentric with the upstream portion (5) of the shaft; and elements for moving the clamp (14) longitudinally so that the jaws (17) thereof penetrate under the upstream portion (5) of the shaft (3) thereby gripping the tool.
US08104769B2 Bi-directional wellhead seal
A liquid and gas tight bi-directional metal frustro-conical seal is energized by compression between planar, annular faces causing its inner and outer diameters to sealingly engage opposing cylindrical surfaces of inner and outer metal pipes. The contact forces between the concentric sealing surfaces are high in order to locally deform the softer metal and eliminate leakage paths. The sealing ring is backed-up by a similar ring that is reduced in cross-sectional width, such that when compressed the ring does not engage the inner and outer cylindrical surfaces. The second ring is nested with and directly below the sealing ring, and equally axially compressed when the joint is assembled. When the pipe joints are disassembled, the second ring serves to restore the seal ring to its original, deeper frustro-conical shape, allowing the pipe joints to be easily separated for reuse of the piping in a different location.
US08104768B2 Board game
A board game includes a multi-color game board including eight distinguishing colors on a white background. The game also includes eight game pieces of eight colors that match the color spaces on eight radially extending arms surrounding a central hub. Each of the radially extending arms includes eight outwardly directed colored spaces and eight inwardly directed spaces abutting the eight outwardly directed spaces. The inwardly and outwardly directed spaces adjacent to the central hub and a turnaround space at the end of that arm are of the same color while the spaces in between the adjacent spaces and the turnaround spaces are of different colors.
US08104766B2 Sheet conveyor, image forming apparatus having sheet conveyor, and sheet conveying method
A sheet conveyor includes a first roller and a second roller pressurized to the first roller to hold and convey a sheet, wherein when the sheet is held between the first roller and the second roller, the first roller and second roller are separated at a space equivalent to a thickness of the sheet. The sheet conveyor has a pressurizing delay mechanism configured to bring slowly the first roller and the second roller into contact with each other after the sheet is conveyed from the first roller and the second roller.
US08104763B2 Double inhibit mechanism
Described herein is a system and device for singulating mail pieces during mail processing and sorting. A double inhibit mechanism, mounted opposite a feed belt assembly and having at least two degrees of freedom at its downstream end, can maintain contact with mail in the mail path while separating overlapping mail pieces and allowing only single pieces to pass thereby.
US08104759B2 Sheet finishing apparatus, sheet finishing method and image forming apparatus
A sheet finishing apparatus includes: a conveying roller configured to convey a sheet to a storage tray; a positioning stopper provided in parallel to a conveying path for the sheet; an aligning roller configured to convey the sheet, move the sheet in a lateral direction orthogonal to a direction of the conveyance, and press the sheet against the stopper to laterally align the sheet; and a moving mechanism configured to move the position of the aligning roller in the conveying direction. The sheet finishing apparatus controls the position of the aligning roller according to a size of the sheet.
US08104756B2 Method and apparatus for selecting media trays for hole punching in an image production device
A method and apparatus for selecting media trays for hole punching in an image production device in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a request to print a print job, the print job having a required number of media sheets, determining if print job requires hole punching, wherein if it is determined that print job requires hole punching, determining the media sheet capacity of one or more media trays, determining if the capacity of one of the one or more media trays is greater or equal to the number of media sheets required for the print job, wherein if it is determined that the capacity of one of the one or more media trays is greater or equal to the number of media sheets required for the print job, selecting one of the one or more media trays having the required number of media sheets for the print job, and printing the print job with media from the selected media tray.
US08104752B2 Integrated large XY rotary positioning table with virtual center of rotation
A unique X, Y, θ (Rotary) positioning system is disclosed that may include a machine base assembly with a substrate slide moving on the machine base with either a recirculating or air bearing in Y direction and two integrated cross stages attached to the slide which can kinetically provide large movements of the slide relative to the base in the X direction as well as generating large motion of the slide in the rotary θ direction about a virtual center of rotation. The positioning system allows a user to position large format glass substrates and the like with precision control. Specifically, depending on the mounting configuration of the present invention, a user may correct for straightness in X, X′ and Y directions, yaw in the A rotation direction and position in the X, X′ and Y direction.
US08104750B2 Fluid filled vibration damping device and electric actuator for use in the same
A fluid filled vibration damping device including: a fluid passage interconnecting a pressure receiving chamber partially defined by a rubber elastic body connecting a first and second mounting members, and an equilibrium chamber partially defined by a flexible film; a movable valve body provided for switching the fluid passage between a communicating state and a blocked state through reciprocating operation; an electric motor employed for actuating the movable valve body; an actuating force converter mechanism provided on an actuating force transmission path from the electric motor to the movable valve body. A rotational actuating force of the electric motor is transmitted as reciprocating actuating force to the movable valve body by the actuating force converter mechanism.
US08104748B2 Hollow fiber system
Disclosed is a hollow fiber system for a humidifier, including hollow fibers that are permeable to steam. A first air flow can be conducted within the hollow fibers while a second air flow can be conducted outside the hollow fibers. The hollow fibers are located at least in part at a distance from each other via a device (6) that is disposed between the hollow fibers, respectively.
US08104744B2 Panel with hidden attachment means
A panel including a plurality of first members disposed in a first direction, at least some of the first members defining a first part of a passageway, at least one second member disposed in a second direction and defining a second part of the passageway, the second member having a plurality of openings for at least partially receiving a first member, and at least one elongate locking member, adapted to pass through the passageway, and substantially in alignment with the first member or the second member to lock the first member relative to the second member.
US08104743B2 Pull string installation device for electrical system raceways
The pull string installation device can be described as a torsion spring having a pair of tangential legs, with each leg having a formed protrusion for engaging a fish tape eyelet, and one leg having a looped end adapted for the receiving and securing of a pull string. When used in conjunction with a fish tape, the pull string installation device receives, secures, and installs a pull string into an electrical system raceway, to aid in the future installation of conductors or cables.
US08104740B2 Flow control device
A flow control device is provided comprising: a housing (19) including a first chamber (21) communicated with an inlet port (11) and a second chamber (22) communicated with an outlet port (12); a cylindrical portion (25), which extends in the second chamber, for communicating the first chamber with the second chamber; a valve seat (61) provided at a forward end portion (25a) of the cylindrical portion; and a valve body (32) for opening and closing the valve seat, wherein at least one of the valve seat and the valve body is made of a material, the heat deformation of which is smaller than that of material composing the cylindrical portion. Due to the foregoing, it is possible to stably adjust the flow rate of a fluid of a high temperature and pressure. A pressure chamber (29), which is communicated with the second chamber and provided with a pressure port (18), may be arranged in the housing. A first and second flexible separation means (41, 51), which are connected to each other, for separating the second chamber and the pressure chamber from each other may be provided and a bed (75) arranged between the first and the second flexible separation means may be also provided. A reinforcement member (90) may be embedded in the cylindrical portion (25).
US08104738B2 Concrete shell system including clamping devices having diagonally guided wedges
A turnbuckle device (12, 13, 14; 20; 35a, 35b, 35c; 44a, 44b, 44c) for clamping concrete shell elements (1, 2), having two claws (15a, 15b, 15c, 16a, 16b, 16c; 21, 22) and a wedge (17a, 17b, 17c; 23; 37a, 37b, 37c; 46a, 46b, 46c), the claws being displaceable toward one another in a clamping direction (34), the wedge being guided in the clamping device along a wedge guiding direction (33), and the scale of the propulsion of the wedge in the turnbuckle device determining the displacement of the claws, is characterized in that the wedge guiding direction and the clamping direction enclose an angle less than 90°. Mutual obstruction of the turnbuckle devices neighboring wedges is thus avoided.
US08104737B2 Sidewall construction of a casting mold
The invention relates to a sidewall construction to be used in casting of concrete elements, said sidewall construction comprising a support construction and a changeable mold surface plate. The support construction of the sidewall construction according to the invention comprises at least one horizontal profile (1) having at least one magnet (2) located therein, by means of which the fixing of the metallic mold surface plate (3) to the support construction is effected.
US08104728B2 Adjustable display screen desk support
An adjustable display screen support includes a support arm with a mounting assembly at the bottom end for fastening to the top of a desk and a coupling block at the top end for holding a coupling block that has a base frame, an attachment frame hooked on the base frame, and a lock for locking the attachment frame to the base frame, a rail that has a flat base panel, a cover shell, a slide affixed to the attachment frame and movable along longitudinal sliding slots of the flat base panel, and spiral springs mounted in the slide each having one end affixed to the cover shell, and a display screen mount affixed to the cover shell to support a display screen.
US08104725B1 Lifting device for litter boxes
A lifting device for raising and lowering a litter box comprising a first platform for placing on a ground surface and a second platform for supporting the litter box, wherein the second platform is positioned above the first platform; one or more support components attached to the first platform to the second platform; wherein the second platform can move between an up position wherein the second platform is raised above the first platform a certain distance and a down position wherein the second platform contacts the first platform, wherein the second platform is biased in the up position caused by the support components and the second platform can be secured in the down position via a locking means.
US08104719B2 Digital interface unit (DIU) and method for controlling stages of a multi-stage missle
A multi-stage missile with plural stages adapted to be physically coupled to and decoupled from adjacent stages and a processor disposed on a single stage for controlling each stage thereof. In the illustrative embodiment, the processor includes a field programmable gate array. In the illustrative embodiment, the processor is disposed on stage 4 of a four-stage missile and performs guidance and navigation functions for each stage and control functions for stages 2, 3 and 4. In a specific embodiment, a serial bus interface is included for coupling the processor to electronic circuitry on each of the stages of the missile. In the best mode, the interface is an IEEE 1394b interface with a physical layer interface and a link layer interface.
US08104717B2 Air transport with scalloped underbody
An exemplary embodiment provides an air transport that has a scalloped aerodynamic underside that includes at least one depression. The depression is configured to receive at least an upper portion of a cargo pod to preclude an air passage way between an upper surface of a pod and the scalloped underside of the transport. Certain embodiments provide conformal pods that nest into the depressions so that pod under surfaces blend smoothly with the scalloped underside of the transport to provide a smooth aerodynamic underside. The scalloped underside may be retrofitted to existing aircraft or supplied as original equipment on new transports, and may be of composite, plastic or other light weight materials.
US08104715B2 Window arrangement for installing larger aircraft windows
A window arrangement is provided for enlarging a window area in an aircraft. The window arrangement includes, but is not limited to at least one first installation element. The at least one first installation element is designed to convey fluids, and furthermore includes, but is not limited to a transparent region which covers a first window region such that light waves in the visible spectrum can be let through.
US08104708B2 Suspension for mounting a turbojet engine on an aircraft
The present invention relates to an isostatic suspension for mounting a turbojet engine on a pylon of an aircraft, the turbojet engine comprising a front fan, an intermediate casing downstream of the fan with an outer shell and a hub interconnected by radial arms, and an exhaust casing with an outer shell on the same axis XX, the suspension comprising a front attachment on the intermediate casing, a rear attachment with at least two rear attachment links connected to the outer shell of the exhaust casing, a pair of thrust bars being fixed at their upstream ends to the hub of the intermediate casing. It is characterized in that the plane formed by the two links of the rear attachment is inclined with respect to the plane of the exhaust casing.
US08104704B2 Distributor plate
A distributor plate (10) is shown for use in an impelling rotor of a vertical shaft impactor (14). Typically the impelling rotor is a chamber (12) arranged to rotate about a vertical axis A-A. Feed materials for breakage are gravity-fed into the rotating chamber (12). These materials strike the rotating distributor plate (10) which is located at the base of the rotor chamber (12). The plate has a substantially planar single-piece upper surface (24) onto which the feed materials are received. This substantially flat surface (24) facilitates rapid and easy expulsion of feed materials there across and out of the rotor chamber (12). The plate shown is a circular disc made of metal carbide. Use of a single-piece upper surface of the distributor plate (10) also will not result in the development of preferential wear sites at corners, edges, join lines etc, as can happen with the known distributor plates.
US08104699B2 Process and device for dehusking cereal grains
The invention relates to a method and a system for dehusking grains, in particular for removing the spelts and/or the seed coat and the germ bud of grains and/or of malted grains and its processing in the brewing industry. The outer layers/shells are removed from cleaned and malted distiller's grains in a husking machine.
US08104698B2 Fuel injection valve
In relation to injectors used for internal-combustion engines, it is important to decrease valve closing delay time and also the minimum injection quantity, while these are affected by remanent magnetism in the fixed core, surface tension of the fuel, etc. With reference to a fuel injection valve with a pipe-shaped member to enclose a fixed core and a movable part and further with coils and yokes to cover up the above pipe-shaped member, the anchor to drive the movable member has a plurality of through holes for fuel passage extending in the axial direction, while these through holes are arranged at a certain intervals in the circumferential direction, and projections formed to constitute a contacting surface to touch the fixed core arranged randomly in between the through holes.
US08104697B2 Fluid spray control device
Disclosed is a method and device for fluid handling relating to controlling and directing the water streams from spray devices utilizing multiple liquid streams to produce an effluent that enhances a user's perception of spray performance. In the disclosed embodiments, a cavity acts as a mixing chamber for multiple fluid jets that enter the cavity at various locations, angles and flow rates. By positioning these inlet ports in the upper portion of the cavity, and with the ability to precisely direct and meter the fluid flow, the spray device may achieve a multitude of flow patterns from an outlet.
US08104693B2 Multilayer piezoelectric element, injection device and fuel injection system using the same, and method of manufacturing multilayer piezoelectric element
A multilayer piezoelectric element is provided which has excellent durability even if it is continuously driven for a long period of time under high temperature and high humidity. The multilayer piezoelectric element has a laminated body that a plurality of piezoelectric layers are laminated through an internal electrode interposed therebetween, in which the internal electrode, a dummy electrode spaced apart and electrically insulated from the internal electrode, and an insulating part between the dummy electrode and the internal electrode are arranged between two adjacent piezoelectric layers. A porous part having a larger number of voids than the internal electrode is formed at positions opposed in the laminating direction to the internal electrode, the dummy electrode and the insulating part through the piezoelectric layer interposed therebetween, respectively.
US08104692B2 System and method for generating robust fiducial patterns used to determine coordinate transformations
A method generates and evaluates a fiducial pattern for an imaging system. The method includes generating a fiducial pattern for an image substrate, and measuring a difference between a structure of the fiducial pattern and at least one of a structure of a printing system and a structure of a measurement pattern to determine whether the structure of the fiducial pattern is distinguishable from at least one of the structure of the printing system and the structure of the measurement pattern.
US08104685B2 Multi-function machine and method of controlling the same
A document including a two-dimensional barcode recorded therein is scanned, the two-dimensional barcode of the scan image is decoded, a text recorded in the document is extracted, the extracted text or a document produced by a document editing unit is attached to an e-mail, and the e-mail is transmitted. The text attached to the e-mail can be viewed at the side of a receiver. Since the document can be edited using at least one of the position, the size, the color and the arrangement of the text, readability of the text can be improved. Accordingly, it is possible to search the received text to easily find a desired document at the side of the receiver.
US08104684B2 Bar code made of electronic paper
There is provided a bar code made of electronic paper. A bar code made of electronic paper according to an aspect of the invention may include: one or more e-paper stacks having a plurality of pieces of e-paper each having an entire surface displaying black, white or being transparent, wherein an upper level of e-paper of the e-paper stack is narrower than a lower level of e-paper thereof, the outermost layer of e-paper of the e-paper stack has the same width as the narrowest constituting a bar code, and part of the lower level of e-paper exposed by the upper level of e-paper adjacent to the lower level of e-paper has the same width as the narrowest constituent bar of the bar code.
US08104683B1 Hand-operated document reader/imager with document retention device including manually-powered anti-skew methodology
A hand-operated document processor includes a base including a perforated bed for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized. The base defines a chamber under the perforated bed. A manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem includes a MICR read head and is attached to the base such that movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head. A document positioning and retentioning device connected to the base includes a manually-powered anti-skew device for creating a vacuum. The created vacuum is provided to the chamber under the perforated bed such that the vacuum, acting through the perforations, securely holds the document during the scanning operation.
US08104682B2 Method and apparatus for efficient handling of product return transactions
A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacturer for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturer provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns. The regional product return center then assembles the approved product returns into a box, shipping pallet, or the like, applies a label indicating the return authorization label, and ships the batch to the manufacturer. Shipping costs can be saved by omitting rejected product returns from the shipment. The manufacturer can handle the approved product returns from the regional return center as a batch, thereby reducing costs.
US08104679B2 Display payment card with fraud and location detection
A payment card comprises a display to support card-not-present transactions where no card reader is available to automate the transaction, and an account number retrieval method for dynamic, one-time use virtual account numbers whose use can assist authorities in rapid fraud and location detection. The account number generator is able to produce a sequence of virtual account numbers over its life that are predictable by the issuing bank and useful in authenticating transactions. A server for the issuing bank logs the merchant locations associated with each use or attempted use, and provides real-time detection of fraudulent attempts to use a virtual account number outside the predicted set. Fraud identification efforts can then be directed in a timely and useful way.
US08104671B2 Store solutions
Disclosed are systems and methods that time correlate input at a point of entry of consumer data of least two identifications for products, prescriptions, vouchers, or codes, uses positive correlation determinations for triggering output of predetermined information. The time correlation of identifications may be used to build a time correlation database, and thereafter use that database for targeted communications. Related inventions include an intelligent Y cable or the like to filter data transmitted from a scanner at a point of entry of consumer data, and a novel POS CS configured to receive bar codes that would otherwise cause the POS CS to enter an error condition.
US08104669B2 Strengthened folder with inserted elements and system for element interchangeability
A folder system with an accordion spine 16, and a method of making same is disclosed. The folder may have a plurality of insert elements 52, 60 either at manufacture or by a stub system which are bound into the spine at the valleys 32 of the web which forms the spine. The web is made of outer zig-zag web 40, with the inner web 42, 44, 46 joining adjacent insert elements and the outer web, to create a strong spine of web and inserts.
US08104662B2 Inert environment enclosure
A novel inert environment enclosure includes an object inlet where production objects enter the enclosure and an object outlet where the production objects exit. At least one of the object inlet and the object outlet includes both a top-side flow obstructer and a bottom-side flow obstructer for preventing air from entering the enclosure. In a particular embodiment, the top-side flow obstructer and the bottom-side flow obstructer each include a curtain constructed from a flexible fabric having a plurality of individual adjacent fingers. In another particular embodiment, the inert environment enclosure is a nitrogen hood that houses a wave soldering machine. A inert gas nozzle is mounted at or near the inlet and/or the outlet. The inert environment enclosure maintains a positive pressure with respect to the surrounding environment when production objects are passed through the enclosure.
US08104659B2 Electromagnetic stapler with a manually adjustable depth adjuster
An electromagnetic stapler includes a driver for driving fasteners into a workpiece, and a solenoid for providing power to the driver. The solenoid has a coil, and a core that is operatively connected to the driver. The stapler also includes a manually adjustable depth adjuster for adjusting a depth of drive of the fasteners. The depth adjuster is movable between a plurality of predefined positions, including a maximum depth of drive position, a minimum depth of drive position, and at least one intermediate depth of drive position. The depth adjuster includes a cam having a cam surface that interacts with the core so as to define an upper position of the core, an adjustment knob operatively connected to the cam, and a detent mechanism for securing the cam at one of the plurality of predefined positions to thereby define the upper position of the core.
US08104657B2 Methods and apparatus for storing and dispensing flexible sheet materials
Methods and apparatus may permit the storage of flexible sheet materials in a space-efficient manner and may provide a continuous point-of-use dispensing capability of such sheet materials at such stored location. Serially joined sheet materials may be separated from one another at sheet materials separation zones utilizing interference tabs having yieldable configurations, intra-planar configurations, trans-axial configurations, movement resistive configurations, and projective configurations. Such interference tab configurations may permit the simplified design and construction of a sheet materials dispensation apparatus, and multiple flexible sheet materials may be serially joined for use with such configurations. A substantially rigid enclosure for storing such serially joined sheet materials and incorporating an interference tab having one or more of such configurations may be dimensioned to dispense sheet materials from within an open-ended receptacle, for example a refuse container.
US08104652B2 Accessory connecting means for bicycle saddle
An accessory connecting means for a bicycle saddle includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member and a latching apparatus. The first connecting member includes a fixing portion for fixation to the bicycle saddle, and a first engaging portion extending downward from a lower side of the fixing portion. The second connecting member includes a coupling portion removably coupled with the accessory, and a second engaging portion extending upwardly from an upper side of the coupling portion to releasably engage with the first engaging portion. The latching apparatus is disposed between the first and second engaging portions in such a way that the first and second engaging portions can be interlocked with each other at the time of engagement and quickly released from each other at the time of disengagement.
US08104651B2 Vehicle roof rack end support
A support assembly to support a bar (11) of a roof rack assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base (12) to which the bar (11) is attached. The bar (11) includes a longitudinal cavity (46) that provides for the attachment of articles to the bar (11). The support assembly further includes a cover (24) that is captively attached to the base (12) but movable relative thereto between a lock position preventing access to a threaded shaft (18) that is used to secure the support assembly to the vehicle and the cavity (46), and a displaced position providing access to the cavity (46) and threaded shaft (18).
US08104649B2 Device for dispensing a heated liquid
A device for dispensing a heated liquid, such as a hot melt adhesive, which includes a dispenser body adapted to dispense the heated liquid, a solenoid valve, and a pneumatic section including a housing coupled between the solenoid valve and dispenser body. The pneumatic housing is formed from a thermally insulating material which may include a thermoplastic polymer such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or a fluoroplastic polymer to reduce heat transfer from the dispenser body through the pneumatic housing thereby thermally insulating the solenoid valve.
US08104648B2 Mixing applicator
An applicator mixes an additive with a fluid stream and dispenses the resultant mixture. The applicator includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a downstream auger chamber, a downstream mixing chamber, and a flow path fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the mixing chamber. A turbine auger assembly including an auger and a rotor is rotatably connected to the housing to move the additive towards the mixing chamber, help mix the additive with the fluid stream, and then disperse the mixture to the auger chamber, which includes a hopper port and a downstream auger chamber exit exposed to the mixing chamber. The turbine auger assembly is rotatably connected to the housing.
US08104644B2 One-way valve and apparatus and method of using the valve
A flexible pouch and valve assembly is provided for aseptically storing a substance, dispensing multiple portions of the stored substance therefrom, and maintaining substance remaining in the pouch in an aseptic condition sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. The flexible pouch and valve assembly are receivable within a relatively rigid housing, and are adapted to cooperate with a pump for pumping discrete portions of substance from the pouch and through the one-way valve to dispense the substance therefrom. The assembly comprises a flexible pouch defining therein a variable-volume storage chamber sealed with respect to the ambient atmosphere for aseptically storing therein multiple portions of the substance. A one-way valve of the assembly includes a valve body defining an axially-extending valve seat and at least one flow aperture extending through the valve body and/or the valve seat.
US08104643B2 Fluid dispenser device
A fluid dispenser device having: a fluid dispenser member such as a manually-actuated pump or valve, the fluid dispenser member being fastened by a fastener ring on a reservoir; an actuator head that is mounted on the dispenser member, and that is movable so as to actuate the dispenser member; and a removable blocking element that, in its blocking position, prevents the dispenser member from being actuated. The blocking element is assembled to the actuator head and co-operates with the fastener ring, or with an element that is secured thereto, through at least one opening that is provided in the actuator head.
US08104638B2 Swinging handle for a kitchen vessel
A swinging handle, which may swing with respect to a wall of a kitchen vessel, comprises an U-shape end, having free arms facing the kitchen vessel, wherein, from each end portion of the U-shape arms, mutually facing swinging pivot pins project, said pivot pins being housed in a seat of a supporting body fixed to a projection rigid with the vessel wall, the support body seat also housing herein a spring bearing with a side thereof against the bottom of the seat and by the other side thereof against one of two locating surfaces, arranged at 90° with respect to one another, and formed by an extension projecting from each swinging pivot pin.
US08104633B2 Container closure assembly
A closure assembly has a closure cap adapted to be fitted to the neck of a container to close the container. The cap has an upper wall and a cylindrical skirt depending from the upper wall. A reservoir is formed on the underside of the upper wall radially within the skirt and has a dispensing opening. A sealing member is fitted into the closure cap to close the dispensing opening in the reservoir. When the assembly is fitted to the container the sealing member fits into the neck of the container with an interference fit such that when the closure cap is removed from the container, the sealing member remains held within the neck of the container and is separated from the closure cap so that the dispensing opening is opened and material contained therein is dispensed into the container.
US08104630B2 Shelf divider
A display apparatus for holding a plurality of items and including a base and at least one shelf divider is disclosed. The base includes a front end, a back end, a left end, a right end, and an upper surface for supporting the items. The shelf divider is removably installable on the base and defines at least one channel dimensioned for accommodating an associated column of the items. The shelf divider includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and at least one compliant member depending from the bottom surface. The compliant member is deflectable towards the top surface upon engagement with a portion of the base.
US08104629B1 Device for dropping a first drinking vessel into a second drinking vessel and method of use
A device and method for dropping a first drinking vessel into a second drinking vessel includes a holder which outwardly projects from a support member. The holder releaseably suspends the first drinking vessel over the second drinking vessel, so that when the second drinking vessel is pulled away from the support member, the first drinking vessel detaches from the holder and drops into the second drinking vessel.
US08104627B2 Method of using a window pallet
A pallet for holding at least one window frame includes a base and movable sides pivotally attached to the base. The movable sides are positionable to be substantially perpendicular to the base and are configured to hold the window frame. Connectors attached to the base and the movable sides, respectively, prevent the first and second movable sides from moving away from each other. A method for using the pallet is also disclosed.
US08104624B2 Preparation of high performance ultra filtration hollow fiber membrane
A multipolymeric mixture is provided that includes a hydrophobic polymer, two different grades of a water-soluble polymer, water as non-solvent and a solvent suitable for all polymers involved. The dissolved hydrophobic polymer has the affinity to enmesh the water-soluble polymers to form a clear and viscous dope. Water-soluble polymers contribute to the pore formation process and hydrophilicity of the finally coagulated membrane according to the makeup of their molecular weight distribution.Water as a non-solvent takes the dope very near towards unstable zone, which helps in speeding up the membrane formation process in a diffusion induced phase inversion technique. The dope is then spun through a concentric orifice spinneret and solidified by passing it through a coagulation bath to form hollow fiber asymmetric membranes of ultra filtration grade with superior water permeability and separation characters even at higher feed turbidity.
US08104621B2 Method for grading a particulate water-absorbing resin
Process for classifying a particulate water-absorbing resin using a sieving apparatus at a reduced pressure compared with the ambient pressure and a sieving apparatus for classifying a particulate water-absorbing resin at a reduced pressure compared with the ambient pressure.
US08104618B2 Primary packaging and display therefor
Primary packages configured for display and sale without secondary packaging are stacked horizontally in a product display tray. The consumer-facing surface of the back panel of the product display tray may contain graphics including product information provided on the primary package's principal display panel (which is typically faced towards consumers). Thus, consumers may readily view the product information provided on the principal display panel as primary packages are removed from the product display tray and principal display panels of remaining primary packages are hidden from view by one or more walls of the product display tray. The individual primary packages may be contoured specifically to inhibit lateral relative shifting while in a horizontally stacked configuration. The individual primary packages may shaped to facilitate grasping by having a first surface contoured for grasping in the user's palm, a second surface opposite the first surface with molded branding information for engagement by a portion of the user's fingers. Molded branding information may be positioned on a surface of the primary package that faces upwardly when the primary packages are positioned in the product display tray.
US08104614B2 Autoclavable medical instrument case for reduced instrument corrosion
A case for storing medical instruments contains a rotating bracket for holding the instruments. The bracket is connected to the tray and hinged lid of the case via a movable frame, and the bracket movement is controlled by opening and closing of the lid. When the lid is closed, the bracket points the tips of the instruments downward to minimize water collection; and when the lid is opened, the instrument holding bracket rotates so that the instruments it holds are moved to a vertical position, facilitating instrument selection.
US08104610B2 Method and structure for mixing different materials
A structure for mixing different materials includes a main body having a lip portion with an upper opening portion, the main body coupled to an opening of a container containing a first material; a spouting guide member movably inserted in the lip portion by a predetermined distance; a cap ascending and descending together with the spouting guide member, the cap being coupled to the main body; and a seal closer separately formed on a lower portion of the spouting guide member.
US08104609B2 Container
A container which is not bulky at the time of shipping and can be stably stood on a suitable place. The container includes a lid member for closing a take-out opening (brittle portion) of the container body 2. On the lower outer side of the container body, there are formed slits for fitting the lid member to the container body after the container body and the lid member are separated apart, and auxiliary leg portions that protrude outward of the container body. The lid member is forming holding leg portions that protrude outward therefrom. Wing portions of the holding leg portions are inserted in the slits to fit the lid member to the container body, and the erected attitude of the container body is supported by the holding leg portions.
US08104607B2 Connection arrangements for mine conveyor sections
Arrangements are for use with interconnected conveyor sections, such as push beams, commonly found in mining applications. In one embodiment a mechanism includes an elongated dog-bone shaped coupler having a first and second end for insertion between the conveyor sections. A first end of the coupler is secured to a first conveyor section, while a second end of the coupler is received in a recess formed in a second conveyor section. A pivotally mounted cam includes a recess for mating with the upwardly projecting, flared portion of the second end of the coupler. The cam pivots automatically upon being engaged by a free end of the coupler to allow it to pass and then pivots to capture it in place, thereby simply establishing a secure manner of connection. In another, the ends of the conveyor sections are specially adapted to form an articulating joint.
US08104603B2 Starwheel conveying device including a wheel vertical adjustment device
An article conveying device (1) comprising a star wheel (2) having a plurality of gripping devices (3) mounted on the circumference thereof, a rotary drive shaft (8), a hub (10) coupling the wheel (2) to the drive shaft (8), said conveying device (1) being characterized in that it comprises adjustable fastening devices (22) for coupling the star wheel (2) to the hub (10), each fastening device (22) comprising a drift bolt (23) including a body (24) having a threaded portion (25) screwed into a hole (26) provided in the hub (10), said body (24) protruding from an upper face (28) of the hub (10), a head (34) protruding from a lower face (31) of the hub (10), a central bore (30), a washer (36) interposed between the head (34) of the drift bolt (23) and the lower face (31) of the hub (10), said washer (36) having a predetermined thickness (T3), whereby the starwheel (2) rests on an upper face (40) of the drift bolt (23) with a predetermined clearance (C) with respect of the hub (10), a bolt (37) mounted in the bore (30), said bolt (37) having a threaded portion (38) protruding from the drift bolt (23) and screwed into a hole (39) provided in the wheel (2), thereby fastening the wheel (2) to the hub (10).
US08104601B2 Method and apparatus for delivering items to destination areas
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to the sort destinations, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered.
US08104598B2 Friction device for automatic transmission
A friction device for an automatic transmission according to the invention includes a retainer, a wave coil spring, a center support, a piston, and a plurality of plates. The retainer is disposed on the inner circumference of a transmission case. The wave coil spring is disposed on a seating portion of the retainer. The center support is disposed in the transmission case. The piston is disposed in a pressure chamber of the center support and provided with a return force by contacting with the wave coil spring. The plates are spline-connected with the inner circumference of the transmission case and pressed by the piston. Further, the retainer has a protruding portion to align the center axis of the wave coil spring with the center axis of the transmission case.
US08104596B2 Clutch actuator assembly
A clutch actuator assembly may include a motor provided with a rotatable worm shaft, a screw thread being formed at an exterior circumference of the worm shaft; a worm wheel having a disk shape, and provided with a worm gear engaged to the screw thread and first and second guiding holes; an operation unit mounted in the first and second guiding holes in order to move toward a radial direction of the worm wheel; and an upper body provided with a fork, and engaging or releasing a clutch by upward and downward movements of the fork corresponding to a movement of the operation unit.
US08104592B2 Damper device
A damper device includes a cylinder body and a piston body. At least one of the cylinder body and the piston body is attached to an article subject to damping so that the damping is applied to a movement or a relative movement of the article subject to the damping. The damper device has a run-through hole formed in an inner recess part of the cylinder body facing the piston body, and a stopper body having a shaft part, which is inserted into the run-through hole. A dimension of insertion of the shaft part of the stopper body into the run-through hole changes by a change of pressure caused by a movement of the piston body.
US08104589B2 Electro-hydraulic brake actuator for vehicle brake
An electro-hydraulic brake actuator for a vehicle can include an electric motor configured to operate at about 28 Vdc, and to operate at about 2 Amps or less to hold a vehicle brake in a disengaged position. A hydraulic master piston can be operatively coupled to the electric motor, the hydraulic master piston configured to slidingly move within a master cylinder fillable with a hydraulic fluid such that advancement of the master piston within the master cylinder varies the hydraulic pressure supplied to the vehicle brake. The electric motor and hydraulic master cylinder are configured to fit within a wheel hub corresponding to the vehicle brake, the motor configured to operate the hydraulic master piston to vary the hydraulic pressure applied to the brake.
US08104585B2 Method of assigning hall calls based on time thresholds
A method for assigning an elevator car to respond to a call signal includes a controller that determines which elevator car will respond to the call signal based on certain wait time thresholds. The controller receives a hall call signal, and the controller is programmed with wait time thresholds that can include, e.g., an estimated wait time (EWT), and/or estimated travel time (ETT). In this example, these thresholds are time values above which a passenger is likely to become impatient, either waiting for an elevator car to arrive, or waiting for their elevator car to arrive at its destination. Based on system information an EWT and ETT are calculated and compared to the thresholds. An elevator car is assigned based on this comparison. In some versions, an estimated time to destination (ETD) is used in determining which elevator car to assign. In some versions, a handling capacity coefficient (HCx), which reflects current traffic conditions, is used in determining which elevator car to assign.
US08104584B2 Elevator drive control strategy
An elevator drive assembly (30) includes a voltage regulator (40) that selectively introduces current under certain conditions. In one example, the voltage regulator (40) introduces a negative flux current to an electric motor (32) when the motor (32) is operating under conditions corresponding to constant speed movement of an elevator car (22). In one example, the added negative flux current effectively reduces the back-EMF voltage of the motor (32) during the constant velocity portion of an elevator run. A disclosed example includes controlling the added current to maintain control over a motor torque constant, which becomes a function of the added current.
US08104580B2 Locking mechanism for a ladder
A locking mechanism for a collapsible ladder (1) comprising several ladder sections (5), each ladder section comprising two ladder bars (2, 3) arranged parallel to each other and interconnected at one end by a rung to form a U-shaped ladder section, and where each ladder section (5) is telescopically inserted into a lower ladder section to form a collapsible ladder (1), and where dampers (23) are provided at the lower end of the ladder bars (2, 3, and where the locking mechanism comprises retaining mechanisms (20, 41) provided on each ladder bar (2, 3), where a single pair of actuators of the locking mechanism can be arranged on any of the ladder sections (5) and still be able to collapse the entire ladder (1).
US08104578B2 Stepladder folding twin-step
A ladder includes a first section having at least one step. The ladder includes a second section having a least one step. The ladder includes a platform attached to the first and second sections. The ladder includes a hinge mechanism connected to the first section and second section, about which the first section and second section move between an open state, where the first and second sections are in an angular relationship for use, and a folded state where the first and second sections and the platform are essentially in parallel, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The ladder includes a foldable tray mechanism attached to the hinge mechanism about which the foldable tray mechanism moves between the open state independently of the first and second sections, where the foldable tray is in an angular relationship with the first and second sections for use, and a folded state where the foldable tray essentially forms a plane with the first section. A hinge for a stepladder. A step to a ladder. Methods for using a stepladder.
US08104573B2 Heat shield and an insulating isolator for the heat shield
An insulating isolator for a heat shield has a unitary first land, a bead portion, a second land and a half bead. The first land defines a fastener aperture. In one case, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart petals is formed in the isolator. The petals may be separated by gaps. In another case, a set of circumferentially spaced apart apertures are formed in the isolator.The heat shield may have at least two disk apertures. Two metallic disks are located in the area of at least one of the two disk apertures. The metallic disks are connected to each other, have aligned fastener openings that are smaller than the disk apertures and they are smaller than the metallic sheet. One of the metallic disks may have a bead.
US08104570B2 Suppressor
A suppressor for suppressing sounds generated by the discharge of a firearm, the discharge generating propellant gases is disclosed. The suppressor includes a host tube. The host tube is generally hollow and generally cylindrical. The suppressor also includes a monolithic baffle stack inserted within the host tube and secured to a first end of the host tube. The monolithic baffle stack includes a first end that includes a first hole. The monolithic baffle stack also includes a second end that includes a second hole. The second end is located opposite the first end of the monolithic baffle stack. The monolithic baffle stack further includes a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other via a plurality of holes. The monolithic baffle stack also includes a plurality of recesses in fluid communication with the plurality of chambers via a plurality of side holes. The suppressor further includes a cap secured to a second end of the host tube. The cap includes a hole. Moreover, the suppressor includes a path extending from the first hole adjacent the first end of the monolithic baffle stack through the hole of the cap. The plurality of chambers, the plurality of recesses, and the path are configured to allow propellant gases to travel therethrough.
US08104569B2 Speaker cabinet system
A speaker cabinet includes a first surface oriented generally along a first plane and a second surface oriented generally along a second plane. The second plane is generally orthogonal to the first plane. A third surface may be positioned between the first and second surfaces and may be oriented generally along a third plane that intersects the first plane and the second plane. The third surface may be configured to redirect an audio signal.
US08104567B2 Vehicle steering apparatus
In a vehicle steering apparatus in which a housing for supporting coaxially to a rack shaft a ball nut that is provided with a ball screw mechanism constructed between itself and the rack shaft for moving in an axial direction for the purpose of steering and that is rotated by transmission from a steering motor is constructed in a separated form consisting of first and second housings fit to each other by spigot-joint fitting on an outer side of a retaining ring of a thrust bearing for thrust-supporting a rotating cylinder, a gap is provided in a part of the spigot-joint fitting part located on an outer side of the fixing nut screwed into the retaining ring in order to apply from one side a tightening force on a thrust bearing fit into and retained by the retaining ring.
US08104565B2 Body frame and vehicle
A body frame for a vehicle such as a motorcycle with a minimized number of parts. A main frame is connected to a head pipe and supports a rear arm to which a rear wheel is attached. A tank rail is connected to the head pipe at one end and to the main frame at the other end.
US08104562B2 Saddle-riding type small vehicle and motorcycle
There is provided a saddle-riding type small vehicle where a power unit is mounted on a vehicle body frame. The power unit includes a valve control device that controls the operation of valve-operation mode changing mechanisms capable of changing operation modes of engine valves, and a clutch control device that controls the operation of a clutch unit provided between a crankshaft and a shift mechanism so as to shift the connection/disconnection of power transmission. In the vehicle, the valve control device and the clutch control device are disposed to balance the center of gravity, so as to make a power unit compact. A valve control device and a clutch control device are disposed on left and right sides of a center line CB of a vehicle in a width direction of the vehicle.
US08104560B1 Driving device utilizing inertia
The driving device utilizing inertia mainly contains a battery, a motor, a flywheel, a casing, a transmission box, a casing, a generator, a rectifier, and a charger. The flywheel is mounted on a shaft and is housed in a vacuum chamber through shaft seal. The flywheel freely spins by itself after actuated by the motor. The flywheel's torque is then delivered to the transmission box which in turn delivers the torque to drive a vehicle such as automobile, vessel, plane, submarine, etc. On the other hand, the spinning flywheel drives the generator to produce electricity which is stored in the battery series-connected to the generator via the rectifier and the charger. As such, the driving device is able to power the vehicle while the surplus energy is stored in the battery for activating the motor and turning the flywheel to spin.
US08104558B2 Vehicle controller
A vehicle controller is mounted in a box-shaped manner beneath the floor or on the roof of a vehicle so as to supply electric power to vehicle apparatuses. The vehicle controller is configured with a plurality of functional modules; each of the functional modules has at one side thereof an interface side in which a first interface region where signal-line terminals are arranged and a second interface region where power-line terminals are arranged are separated; in each of the interface sides, the first interface region is disposed at one and the same end and the second interface region is disposed at the other and the same end.
US08104555B2 Electro-mechanical pump for an automatic transmission
A drive system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a hydraulic pump including a shaft, an engine, a starter/alternator connected to the shaft, and a drive mechanism for transmitting torque from the engine to the shaft, and for amplifying torque produced by the starter/alternator and transmitting the amplified torque to the engine.
US08104554B2 Device for transporting a physically impaired person
A device for transporting a physically impaired person includes a support frame member having electric motors secured thereto for operating rear drive wheels; a stabilizing plate for maintaining the position of the support frame member when lifting a physically impaired person, the stabilizing plate being positioned via an electric motor operating a linear actuator; and opposite lifting arms rotationally extended from the support frame member via electric motors operating linear actuators, the lifting arms ultimately placing a physically impaired person upon or removing the impaired person from an inclinable seat member secured to the support frame member.
US08104552B2 Control system and vehicle incorporating same
A vehicle including a linkage-based motion control system for varying a parameter (e.g., velocity) of the vehicle as a geometric relationship between a vehicle input (e.g., velocity control lever) and a vehicle output (e.g., drive train) is modified. In one embodiment, the control system provides a linkage that allows a fixed level of input applied to the control lever to produce a repeatable output to a variable drive unit even as the drive unit is moved relative to the control lever.
US08104551B2 Excavation tool
Provided is an excavation tool which can firmly fix a locking pin so that the locking pin does not move even in the case of an impact during excavation and/or the locking pin being pushed out in the insertion/removal direction.The excavation tool (10) includes a tool body (20) having an attaching hole (32) and an attaching member (40).The attaching member (40) is provided with an attaching shaft (45) inserted into the attaching hole (32), and the outer peripheral surface of the attaching shaft (45) is provided with a groove (46) which crosses the extension direction of the attaching shaft (45).The tool body (40) is provided with a pin hole (33) extending in a direction crossing the extension direction of the attaching hole (32). A part of the pin hole (33) passes through the attaching hole (32).A locking pin (56), which can engage with the groove (46) of the attaching shaft (45) inserted into the attaching hole (32), is inserted into the pin hole (33). An opening of the pin hole (33) is provided with a fixing member (50) which is a rigid body and abuts on the end face of the locking pin (56) to fix the locking pin, anda locking portion (57) which locks the fixing member (50) in the extension direction of the pin hole (33) to fix the fixing member.
US08104550B2 Methods for applying wear-resistant material to exterior surfaces of earth-boring tools and resulting structures
Earth-boring tools include wear-resistant materials disposed in at least one recess formed in an exterior surface of a body thereof. Exposed surfaces of the wear-resistant material are substantially level with exterior surfaces of the body adjacent the wear-resistant material. In some embodiments, recesses may be formed in formation-engaging surfaces of blades of earth-boring rotary tools, adjacent one or more inserts secured to bodies of earth-boring tools, or adjacent one or more cutting elements secured to bodies of earth-boring tools. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include filling one or more recesses formed in an exterior surface of a body with wear-resistant material and causing exposed surfaces of the wear-resistant material to be substantially level with the exterior surface of the body.
US08104548B2 Shape memory alloy actuated steerable drilling tool
A rotary steerable apparatus is provided having an actuator for pushing the bit or pointing the bit that includes a shape memory alloy. An elongated form of the alloy, such as a wire or rod, is employed in a mechanism that applies force in a direction transverse to the wellbore in response to a change in length of the alloy. Temperature of the alloy is controlled to change shape and produce the desired force on pads for operating the apparatus. The apparatus may be used with downhole power generation and control electronics to steer a bit, either in response to signals from the surface or from downhole instruments.
US08104542B2 Process for preparing low-viscosity polymer gels
The invention relates to a process for preparing low-viscosity polymer gels by mixing a water-absorbing polymer with water, in which the viscosity is reduced by adding a chelating agent, and also to the use thereof for firefighting.
US08104536B2 Kerogen extraction from subterranean oil shale resources
The present invention is directed to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations, wherein such methods rely on fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of said formations so as to enhance their fluid permeability, and wherein such methods further rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen so as to render it mobile. The present invention is also directed at systems for implementing at least some of the foregoing methods. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of fracturing and/or rubblizing subsurface shale formations and to methods of chemically modifying kerogen in situ so as to render it mobile.
US08104531B2 Stacked plate heat exchanger including a device for evaluating the extent to which it has become coated in scale
A plate-type heat exchanger including a plurality of stacked plates and a device for evaluating the extent to which the fluid circuit(s) have become coated in scale, whereby the evaluating device has an electrical resistor which is thermally connected to a plate located at the end of the stack while measuring the temperature in the immediate vicinity of the resistor.
US08104529B2 Feed back unit, feed system and control device for a pressure die-casting machine
A feed block unit for a hot-runner feed system of a pressure die-casting machine includes a block body in which is incorporated at least one melt-conveying channel running out of the block body by way of a sprue orifice close to the gate, and a heating system, integrated into the block body, for the at least one melt-conveying channel. The feed block unit is designed as a structural unit which is insertable independently into a respective casting mold, and/or the heating system integrated therein includes at least a first heating device for supply channel heating and a second heating device, which can be controlled independently of the first heating device, for sprue channel heating. With this modular hot-runner feed system, individual temperature profiles can be predetermined and set for the respective feed block unit. A control device authorizes a mold-filling operating to take place dependent on whether temperatures detected in the hot-runner feed system lie within predeterminable setpoint temperature ranges.
US08104527B1 Method and apparatus for making an awning structure
A method and apparatus for joining angularly oriented side planar members into an otherwise orthogonal awning frame of open ended side plane and transverse members joined by fitted right angle connectors has the angularly oriented member cut to length at end angles that provide a flush fit to the side plane members at transverse member connections and lengths of formed right angle section material, cut at the same flush fitting angles as the tubing end angle cuts, for fastening to inwardly facing surfaces of the planar and transverse members, so as to present a smooth exterior surface for supporting an awning cover.
US08104526B2 Sheet laminating apparatus with instant heat control function
A sheet laminating apparatus with an instant heat control function includes a first cylindrical roller, a second cylindrical roller, a first long metal sheet, a first heat-generating case, a second long metal sheet, a second heat-generating case, a contact sensor and a controller. The first long metal sheet and the second long metal sheet are very thin and small, so that the temperature is quickly changed. By using the contact sensor to detect the surface temperature of the first cylindrical roller under control of the controller, the instant heat control function of the sheet laminating apparatus is achieved.
US08104522B2 Fluid exchange machine with graphical display
A fluid exchange machine for removing used transmission fluid from a vehicle's cooling system and replacing the used fluid with fresh fluid includes a fresh fluid tank, a used fluid tank, a pump for forcing fresh fluid from the fresh fluid tank to a vehicle's cooling system, a processor for controlling a fluid exchange operation, and a display coupled to said processor for graphically representing a status of the fluid exchange operation. The display can be an LCD display or other display capable of graphical representation of the conditions and status of the fluid exchange operation.
US08104518B2 Corrugated hose pipe assembly and method of making the same
A corrugated hose pipe assembly has a corrugated pipe that is surrounded by an elastomeric high-pressure hose. The ends of the high-pressure hose are grasped and fixed by connectors. The connectors each have a pipe piece (210, 220) which is fitted with a circumferential, radially projecting stationary nipple stop (211, 221) at the axial end thereof facing the corrugated pipe. A hose nipple (310, 320), which is positively mounted on each pipe piece (210, 220), is provided with a radially protruding, circumferential hose stop (311, 321) at the end of the hose nipple (310, 320).
US08104514B2 Microfabricated fluidic circuit elements and applications
A microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve includes a microfabricated elastomer material having a flow through channel. The microfabricated fluidic unidirectional valve also includes an elastomer flap attached to the elastomer material in the flow through channel. The elastomer flap forms a seal in the flow through channel to prevent fluid from flowing in a first direction through the flow through channel and to allow fluid flow in a second direction through the flow through channel.
US08104511B2 Sequential stepped directional control valve
A sequential stepped directional control valve accepts pressurized hydraulic fluid from a pressure port, and directs that pressurized fluid to a first stage port, or to both a first stage port and a second stage port. In the neutral position, the valve blocks the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid into the valve. In the first stage position, pressurized hydraulic fluid flows into the valve and is directed by the valve to the first stage port, however, the fluid flow to the second stage port is blocked. In the second stage position, pressurized hydraulic fluid flows into the valve and is directed to both the first and second stage ports. When the valve transitions from the first stage position to the second stage position, the valve does not cycle through a neutral position, and the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first stage port is uninterrupted.
US08104509B2 Water timer system having removable input and display module
A water timer system includes a base assembly and an input and display module. The base assembly includes (i) a conduit structure defining an inlet, an outlet, and a passage extending therebetween, (ii) a first housing defining a first chamber, (iii) a motor located within the first chamber and having an output member, (iv) a gear set located within the first chamber, (v) a valve member movable between a first valve position in which the valve member is positioned to prevent water flow through the passage and a second valve position in which the valve member is positioned to enable water flow through the passage, wherein movement of the gear set causes the valve member to move between the first valve position and the second valve position, and (vi) a receptacle structure defining a first aperture and a second aperture.
US08104507B2 Gas switch capable of adjusting fire intensity finely
A gas switch capable of adjusting fire intensity finely includes a gas switch capable of adjusting fire intensity finely, comprising a switch body inside which a guide is installed, a valve set that revolves inside the switch body and includes a hollow valve and a pilot valve moving elastically through the valve, a drive component installed inside the switch body, which contains a rotating rod that can move along and rotate round the same shaft of the valve set, a guide rod placed on the rotating rod and leaning on the guide, a regulating block installed movably at one end of the rotating rod and leaning against the pilot valve, and a connecting component for linking the drive component with the valve set flexibly.
US08104505B2 Two-way actuator and method
Disclosed herein is a two-way actuator. The actuator includes, a tubular, movably positionable within a structure between at least a first position and a second position, the tubular having a first density selected such that buoyancy forces urge the tubular toward the first position in response to submersion of the tubular within a fluid having a second density that is greater than the first density, and at least one flow resistor disposed at the tubular configured to urge the tubular toward the second position in response to fluid flow interacting with the at least one flow resistor.
US08104502B2 Drain water bacteriostatic structure for air conditioner
A drain water bacteriostatic structure for an air conditioner is provided with a drain pan 8 for holding drain water generated in an air conditioner 1 and an upright antibacterial member 50 which is provided in the drain pan 8. The antibacterial member 50 is provided with an antibacterial agent 50B. The length L3 of the antibacterial member 50 in the up-down direction is set such that the lower end portion 50a of the antibacterial member 50 is immersed in drain water when the drain water is at the minimum water level L1 in the drain pan 8, and the upper end portion 50b of the antibacterial member 50 is exposed above the maximum water level L2 of drain water in the drain pan 8 by a predetermined length H or more.
US08104501B1 Fluid handling system
A method and apparatus for handling fluids on an oil and gas well drilling platform utilizes detachable peripheral frames to reduce the per square foot load transferred to the platform when reservoirs on the apparatus are filled to (or near) capacity.
US08104500B2 Acoustic liquid level detection
The filling noise generated inside a pressurized container when liquid is injected into the container is detected at the outer end of a vent tube which extends into the container. When the level of liquid in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the filling noise detected at the outer end is abruptly diminished. This abrupt change is detected and used to automatically terminate filling of the tank.
US08104498B2 Soil moisture sensor and controller
Moisture sensor devices and methods are disclosed herein. One embodiment includes an integrated moisture sensor and controller to be placed in soil comprising a controller circuit for controlling a switch; a sensor circuit comprising a probe and adapted to provide the controller circuit a signal corresponding to a moisture level of the soil. The controller and sensor circuits integrated into a single device positioned within the soil; the switch coupled to the controller circuit and to be coupled to a control line of an irrigation controller at an electrical position between the controller and a valve, the control line to carry a power signal from the controller to the valve; the switch to interrupt irrigation in response to a signal from the controller circuit; the controller circuit is adapted to determine an amount of time for which irrigation is interrupted.
US08104497B2 Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems
A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.