| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08212041B2 |
Fused heterocyclic derivatives and methods of use
Selected compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as HGF mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes. |
| US08212032B2 |
sEH inhibitors and their use
The invention is directed to novel sEH inhibitors and their use in the treatment of diseases mediated by the sEH enzyme. Specifically, the invention is directed to (Cis)-N-{[4-cyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl}-3-{[4-methyl-6-(methylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino}cyclohexanecarboxamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and N-{[4-cyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl}-3-{[4-methyl-6-(methylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino}cyclohexanecarboxamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08212028B2 |
Method for producing ε-caprolactam and method for producing pentasil type zeolite
The present invention provides a method which can produce ε-caprolactam with a good selectivity by reacting cyclohexanone oxime with a good conversion in a vapor phase Beckmann rearrangement reaction. Disclosed is a method for producing ε-caprolactam, which comprises performing a vapor phase Beckmann rearrangement reaction of cyclohexanone oxime in the presence of a pentasil type zeolite, wherein the pentasil type zeolite is a zeolite obtained by subjecting a mixture containing a silicon compound, water, and a compound represented by formula (I): [(R1)3N+—(CH2)m—N+(R1)2—(CH2)m—N+(R1)3]·3/n(A) (I) wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, A represents an n-valent anion, m represents an integer of 5 to 7, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3, to a hydrothermal synthesis reaction. |
| US08212026B2 |
Process for the preparation of ivabradine hydrochloride and polymorph thereof
The present invention encompasses a process for the preparation of highly pure ivabradine hydrochloride by treating ivabradine with alcoholic hydrogen chloride. The invention further encompasses amorphous ivabradine hydrochloride and process for its preparation using suitable acid addition salts of ivabradine. |
| US08212023B2 |
Methods and intermediates for the synthesis of porphyrins
A method of making a porphyrin is carried out by: (a) condensing (i) a 1,9-bis(N,N-)dialkylaminomethyl)dipyrromethane of Formula II: with (ii) a dipyrromethane to produce a reaction product; then (b) oxidizing the reaction product; and then (c) optionally demetallating said reaction product to produce the porphyrin. The reaction is particularly useful for making substituted porphyrins with a wide range of substituents at the A and/or B (the 5 and/or 15) positions. |
| US08212021B2 |
Process for making 5-azacytosine nucleosides and their derivatives
A process of synthesizing a 5-azacytosine nucleoside, such as azacitidine and decitabine, comprises coupling a silylated 5-azacytosine with a protected D-ribofuranose of formula in the presence of a sulfonic acid catalyst. |
| US08212019B2 |
Nucleic acid silencing sequences
The present invention features compositions and methods for introducing, into cells, nucleic acids whose expression results in chromosomal silencing. The nucleic acids are targeted to specific chromosomal regions where they subsequently reduce the expression of deleterious genes, or cause the death of deleterious cells. Where the nucleic acid sequence is a silencing sequence, it may encode an Xist RNA or other non-coding, silencing RNA. Accordingly, the present invention features, inter alia, nucleic acid constructs that include a transgene (e.g., a silencing sequence encoding an Xist RNA or other non-coding RNA that silences a segment of a chromosome); first and second sequences that direct insertion of the silencing sequence into a targeted chromosome; and, optionally, a selectable marker. |
| US08212006B2 |
Structure of the farnesoid X receptor ligand binding domain and methods of use therefor
The present invention provides compositions comprising the ligand binding domain (LBD) of a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in crystalline form. In alternative embodiments, the LBD of FXR is complexed with a ligand therefor. There are provided high resolution structures of FXR complexed with a novel high affinity agonist fexaramine. The discovered structure of a FXR LBD provides the first three-dimensional view of the structural basis for FXR ligand binding. The present invention further provides a computer for producing a time-dimensional representation of FXR or a complex thereof, and a computer for determining at least a portion of the structure coordinates of FXR or a complex thereof. The present invention further provides methods of using this structural information to predict molecules capable of binding to FXR; to identify compounds with agonist, antagonist or partial agonist activity for FXR; and to determine whether a test compound is capable of binding to the LBD of FXR. The present invention further provides compositions comprising compounds identified by such invention methods. |
| US08212002B2 |
Synthesis of glatiramer acetate
A process of making a polylpeptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof comprises reacting a L-lysine protected polypeptide, which comprises L-alanine, L-tyrosine, L-glutamate, and L-lysine that is protected with a protecting group, with a tetraalkylammonium hydroxide in water to remove the protecting group. |
| US08212001B2 |
Peptides for the treatment of oxidative stress related disorders
Isolated DJ-1 related peptides are disclosed and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same for treating oxidative stress-related disorder. |
| US08211995B2 |
Method for the removal of alkaline or acidic compounds from a solvent-containing metal oxide dispersion, in particular silicic acid
The subject matter of the invention is a method for the removal of alkaline or acidic compounds from a solvent-containing metal oxide dispersion, having the following steps: a. conversion of the solvent into gas phase; b. condensation of the solvent; c. bringing the condensed solvent into contact with a neutralizing agent; d. Return of the condensed solvent into the metal oxide dispersion. |
| US08211992B2 |
Curable composition
To provide a curable composition comprising a polymer having a reactive silicon group as a curing component, containing no or substantially no organic metal compound, and having a high curing rate. A curable composition comprising a polymer (A) having a reactive silicon group as a curing component and comprising an amidine derivative salt (B) represented by the following formula (2) as a curing catalyst: wherein R2 is a hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen atom, each of R3 and two R4's which are independent of one another, is an organic group or a hydrogen atom, R5 is a C1-25 hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen atom, and X2 is an organic acid ion, an inorganic acid ion or a hydroxy group, and optional two or more of R2, R3 and two R4's may be bonded to form a cyclic structure. |
| US08211991B1 |
Thermo-gelling matrices and related methods for microchannel DNA sequencing
Polymeric compounds and related methods and apparatus, as can be used in a wide range of RNA and DNA separations. |
| US08211988B2 |
Methods of preparing a polymerization catalyst
A method comprising contacting a support with a chromium-containing compound and a tin-containing compound to produce a catalyst precursor, and activating the catalyst precursor in a temperature range of from about 400° C. to about 700° C. to produce a polymerization catalyst. A method comprising contacting a support with a chromium-containing compound and a tin-containing compound to produce a catalyst precursor, activating the catalyst precursor in a temperature range of from about 400° C. to about 700° C. to produce a polymerization catalyst, and contacting the polymerization catalyst with ethylene in a reaction zone under suitable reaction conditions to form polyethylene wherein the molecular weight distribution of the polyethylene is broadened. |
| US08211985B2 |
Silicon-containing ethylene-based polymer blends, methods for making same, and articles made therefrom
The present invention relates to polymer blends comprising: (a) from 5 wt % to 95 wt % of a HDPE having a density from 0.941 g/cm3 to 0.980 g/cm3 and an I22 of 10 dg/min or more; and (b) from 95 wt % to 5 wt % of a grafted mPE, which is a reaction product of (i) a mPE having a density from 0.860 g/cm3 to 0.935 g/cm3 and an I2 from 0.7 dg/min to 5.0 dg/min, and (ii) a silicon-containing grafting component, wherein the blend exhibits a high-temperature creep after extrusion that is at least 20% lower than a blend of the HDPE and the mPE that has not been grafted with a silicon-containing grafting component. These blends can advantageously comprise at least one layer of a film, e.g., made via extrusion. |
| US08211984B2 |
Ring-opening metathesis polymer, hydrogenated product thereof, method for preparing the same, and use thereof
Provided are a ring-opening metathesis polymer and a hydrogenated product thereof that are useful as materials for an optical component, and a method for preparation thereof. The present invention relates to a ring-opening metathesis polymer comprising at least repeating structural units [A] represented by the following General Formula [1] and repeating structural units [B] represented by the following General Formula [2] at a constitutional molar ratio [A]/[B] of 0.1/99.9 to 100/0. The present invention relates to a ring-opening metathesis polymer comprising at least repeating structural units [A] represented by the following General Formula [1] and repeating structural units [B] represented by the following General Formula [2] at a constitutional molar ratio [A]/[B] of 0.1/99.9 to 100/0. |
| US08211969B2 |
Dispersions of carbon nanotubes in copolymer solutions and functional composite materials and coatings therefrom
A dispersion includes non-chemically modified carbon nanotubes, a soluble block copolymer providing at least one block of a conjugated polymer and at least one block of a non-conjugated polymer, and at least one solvent. At 25° C. exclusive of any mechanical force and after one hour, at least 90% of the carbon nanotubes exist in the dispersion as isolated carbon nanotubes. The components of the dispersion can be combined with a polymer miscible with the block copolymer to form a carbon nanotube polymer composite upon removal of the solvent. The dispersion can be cast on a substrate and then dried to form a coating, including forming a superhydrophobic coating on the substrate. The non-conjugated polymer of the block copolymer or another miscible conjugated polymer including a copolymer can include functionalities that non-covalently attach to the carbon nanotube surface, such as for enhanced solubility or enhanced biocompatibility. |
| US08211953B2 |
Polyolefin resin foam and process for production thereof
The present invention relates to a polyolefin resin foam which includes a polyolefin resin composition includes: (A) a rubber and/or a thermoplastic elastomer; (B) a polyolefin resin; and (C) at least one aliphatic compound selected from an aliphatic acid, an aliphatic acid amide and an aliphatic acid metallic soap, the compound having a polar functional group and having a melting point of 50 to 150° C., in which a content of the aliphatic compound is 1 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the rubber and/or thermoplastic elastomer and the polyolefin resin. The polyolefin resin foam of the invention is excellent in flexibility and cushioning properties, and has good processability, especially excellent cutting processability. |
| US08211951B2 |
High selectivity polymer-nano-porous particle membrane structures
Methods comprising mixing at least one nano-porous particle into a homogeneous solution of a polymer and a diluent at an elevated temperature to form a mixture; and cooling the mixture to solidify the polymer. Membranes comprising at least one nano-porous particle; and a polymer; wherein the at least one nano-porous particle comprises pores ranging from about 0.1 nanometers to about 10,000 nanometers in size. |
| US08211950B2 |
Amphoteric ion exchangers
The present invention relates to novel amphoteric ion exchangers which possess not only phthalamide groups of the formula (I) but also —(CH2)mNR1R2 groups and/or if appropriate —(CH2)mNR1R2R3 groups, wherein m is an integer from 1 to 4 and R1, R2, R3 in each case independently of one another are hydrogen, —CH3, —CH2CH3, —CH2CH2CH3, benzyl, —OCH2CH3 or —CH2CH2OH and X is H or Na or K, to a process for production thereof and also use thereof. |
| US08211947B2 |
Composition and method for treating and preventing musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating and preventing musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases of unknown etiology, such as different forms of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, comprising a combination of therapeutic agents that improve the processes of blood circulation and angiogenesis in the affected tissues, as well as other supporting therapies. Among the components of herein proposed pharmaceutical composition, are: vitamin K, polyunsaturated fatty acids (blood thinner), and niacin (vasodilator and hypolipidemic agent). |
| US08211946B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulation
The invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations, and more particularly to formulations containing cannabinoids for administration via a pump action spray. In particular, the invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations, for use in administration of lipophilic medicaments via mucosal surfaces, comprising: at least one lipophilic medicament, a solvent and a co-solvent, wherein the total amount of solvent and co-solvent present in the formulation is greater than 55% wt/wt of the formulation and the formulation is absent of a self emulsifying agent and/or a fluorinated propellant. |
| US08211945B2 |
Carba-sugar amine derivative and glycolipid metabolic disorder treating agent containing the same as active ingredient
Methods for stabilizing β-galactosidase, stabilizing β-glucocerebrosidase, treating a glycolipid metabolic disorder caused by mutation of β-galactosidase gene, treating a glycolipid metabolic disorder caused by mutation of β-glucocerebrosidase gene, regenerating the activity of β-galactosidase, regenerating the activity of β-glucosidase, treating GM1 gangliosidosis, Morquio-B or Krabbe's disease, and treating Gaucher's disease, include administering a carba-sugar amine derivative represented by the following formula (1) or (2): |
| US08211944B2 |
Amino acid based compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions distinguished by insufficient mitochondrial function
The present invention relates to compositions suitable for the treatment of pathological conditions distinguished by insufficient or reduced mitochondrial function. The compositions comprise, as principal active ingredients, the amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. The compositions may also comprise, as further active ingredients, amino acids threonine and lysine, and optionally, histidine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan, as well as tyrosine and cysteine. |
| US08211943B2 |
Method for treating a pulmonary disease state in mammals by up regulating indigenous in vivo levels of inflammatory agents in mammalian cells
The present invention provides novel methods for treating a pulmonary disease state in mammals by up or down regulating indigenous in vivo levels of an inflammatory agent in mammalian cells comprising contacting the mammalian cells with a therapeutically effective amount of an inflammatory regulator, wherein the inflammatory agent is selected from the group consisting of cytokines, transforming growth factor-β, elastase, and white blood cells, and wherein the inflammatory regulator is selected from the group consisting of pyruvates and pyruvate precursors. |
| US08211939B2 |
Isosorbide nitrates
The present invention relates to new 3-substituted 6-nitrooxy-hexahydrofuro[3,2-b]furane derivatives possessing a superior pharmacological activity in thrombosis and in coronary ischemia models. |
| US08211936B2 |
Co-crystals of pyrrolidinones
The present invention relates to new co-crystals of pyrrolidinones having the formula (I) wherein R1 is a C1-C6 alkyl group. R2 is a C1-C6 alkyl group which is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogens or R2 is a C2-C6 alkenyl group. |
| US08211934B2 |
Small molecule inhibition of PDZ-domain interaction
Novel compounds that have been found effective in inhibiting PDZ domain interactions, and particularly interactions of PDZ domains in MAGIs with the oncogenic (tumor suppressor) protein PTEN and interactions between the PDZ domain in the Dishevelled (Dvl) protein and other proteins such as the Frizzled (Fz) protein, have the general formula (I) or (III). The invention also includes combinatorial libraries, arrays and methods for screening and studying proteins using such compounds. Compounds of the invention have produced apoptosis in certain cell lines that overexpress the Dishevelled protein (Dvl), inhibiting Wnt signaling. |
| US08211932B2 |
Organic compounds and their uses
The present application describes organic compounds of the Formula I that are useful for the treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of human diseases. |
| US08211923B2 |
Substituted arylsulfonylaminomethylphosphonic acid derivatives, their preparation and their use in the treatment of type I and II diabetes mellitus
The present invention relates to substituted arylsulphonylaminomethyl-phosphonic acid derivatives of general formula wherein R, X, Y and Z are defined as in claim 1, the tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, mixtures thereof and salts thereof which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly the suppression of the interaction of glycogen phosphorylase a with the GL subunit of glycogen-associated protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), and their use as pharmaceutical compositions. |
| US08211919B2 |
Amide derivatives as rock inhibitors
This invention relates to novel amide derivatives and salts thereof. More particularly, it relates to novel amide derivatives and salts thereof which act as a ROCK inhibitor, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same and to a method of using the same therapeutically in the treatment and/or prevention of ROCK-related disease. |
| US08211918B2 |
Derivatives of 5-amino-4,6-disubstituted indole and 5-amino-4,6-disubstituted indoline as potassium channel modulators
This invention provides compounds of formula I where the dashed line represents an optional double bond; where R1 is phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazyl, furyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, or isothiazolyl, optionally substituted, and other substituents are defined herein. Such compounds are potassium channel modulators. |
| US08211914B2 |
Inhibitors of diacylglycerol acyltransferase
Provided herein are amides containing at least a four ring structure, which are inhibitors of diacylglycerol acyltransferase and are useful for the treatment of diseases such as, for example, obesity, type II diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. |
| US08211912B2 |
Compositions and methods for effecting NAD+ levels using a nicotinamide phosphoribosyl tranferase inhibitor
The present invention relates to methods for decreasing cellular DNA repair in a target patient; decreasing cellular NAD+ biosynthesis in a target patient; increasing efficiency of radiation therapy in a target patient; modulating nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase activity in a patient; or sensitizing a patient to a DNA damaging therapy. The invention relates to methods for treating a patient who received a toxic dose of an nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase inhibitor. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a physiologically acceptable carrier; an effective amount of a NMPRT inhibitor; and nicotinic acid. The invention also relates to methods for treating a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have a cancer deficient in nicotinic acid pathway. |
| US08211910B2 |
Tri-, tetra-substituted-3-aminopyrrolidine derivative
A quinolone synthetic antibacterial agent and a therapeutic agent for an infection which exhibit broad spectrum and strong antibacterial activity for both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, and which are also highly safe are provided. The compound provided is represented by formula (I): |
| US08211909B2 |
Treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria infection
This invention relates to a method of treating infection by methicillin-nonsusceptibale bacteria, vancomycin-nonsusceptibale bacteria, penicillin-nonsusceptibale bacteria, clarithromycin-nonsusceptibale bacteria, or metronidazole-nonsusceptibale bacteria by administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of the following formula: |
| US08211907B2 |
Fused indane compound
To provide a compound which is useful as an NMDA receptor antagonist. The present inventors have studied a compound having an NMDA receptor antagonistic action, and confirmed that the fused indane compound of the present invention has an excellent NMDA receptor antagonistic action, thereby completed the present invention. The fused indane compound of the present invention has an excellent NMDA receptor antagonistic action and can be used as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular dementia, Parkinson's disease, intractable depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, migraines, or the like. |
| US08211902B2 |
Quinazolinone derivatives useful as vanilloid antagonists
The present invention relates to the use of a quinazolinone compound of the formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and m are as defined in the specification and in the claims, in free form or in salt form, and, where possible, in acid addition salt form, as a vanilloid. |
| US08211900B2 |
DHFR enzyme inhibitors
Compounds of formula (I) or (II) are dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, useful for the treatment of, for example, cell proliferative diseases: wherein A and D are independently —CHR7— or —NR7—; E and G are independently ═CR7— or ═N—; each R6 independently represents hydrogen or —OR7; R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl; R1 is a carboxylic acid group (—COOH), or an ester group which is hydrolysable by one or more intracellular carboxylesterase enzymes to a carboxylic acid group; R2 is the side chain of a natural or non-natural alpha amino acid which does not contain a carboxyl, or carboxyl ester group; Y is a bond, —C(═O)—, —S(═O)2—, —C(═O)NR3—, —C(═S)—NR3, —C(═NH)NR3 or —S(═O)2NR3— wherein R3 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl; L1 is a divalent radical of formula -(Alk1)m(Q)n(Alk2)p- wherein m, n and p are independently 0 or 1, and Q, Alk1 and Alk2 are as defined in the claims; X1 represents a bond; —C(═O); or —S(═O)2—; —NR4C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR4—, —NR4C(═O)NR5—, —NR4S(═O)2—, or —S(═O)2NR4— wherein R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl; and z is 0 or 1. |
| US08211898B2 |
Substituted thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as HIV inhibitors
This application concerns certain 4-cyanophenylamino-substituted bicyclic heterocycles of formula I where the dashed line represents a double bond that may be located either between A and C(V) or between C(V) and D, where A is S or C(Z); D is S or C(W); provided that one and only one of A and D is S; where T is NH, O, or S; and where other substituents are defined herein. These compounds are non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and have potential as anti-HIV treatment. |
| US08211896B2 |
Aryl sulfonamides
Compounds are provided that act as potent antagonists of the CCR9 receptor, and which have been further confirmed in animal testing for inflammation, one of the hallmark disease states for CCR9. The compounds are generally aryl sulfonamide derivatives and are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, methods for the treatment of CCR9-mediated diseases, and as controls in assays for the identification of CCR9 antagonists. |
| US08211892B2 |
Tetrahydroquinoxaline urea derivatives
The present invention relates to tetrahydroquinoxaline urea derivatives of Formula (I): as disclosed herein, to their preparation and to their therapeutic application. |
| US08211888B2 |
Prodrugs of 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds and their uses
The present disclosure provides prodrugs of biologically active 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds, compositions comprising the prodrugs, intermediates and methods for synthesizing the prodrugs and methods of using the prodrugs in a variety of applications. |
| US08211884B2 |
Diacylglycerol acyltransferase inhibitors
Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of diseases such as, for example, obesity, type II diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. |
| US08211881B2 |
Cholesterol-mimetic pyrene probes
The invention concerns compounds called pyrene-cholesterols, of general formula (I), wherein: X represents a CH2 group or an oxygen atom and n is an integer from 2 to 10, as well as their use for implementing a method for detecting and measuring the effects of specific products on biological membranes, and a method for preparing the compounds. |
| US08211879B2 |
Cationic steroid antimicrobial compositions and methods of use
The invention provides methods for decreasing or inhibiting herpesviridae (HV) infection or pathogenesis of a cell in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo, a symptom or pathology associated with a herpesviridae (HV) infection or pathogenesis in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo, or an adverse side effect of herpesviridae (HV) infection or pathogenesis in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo. In one embodiment, a method of the invention includes treating a subject with an invention compound (e.g., cationic steroid antimicrobial or CSA). |
| US08211877B2 |
Compounds, compositions and methods for preventing neurodegeneration in acute and chronic injuries in the central nervous system
The present invention provides compositions and methods for prevention and prophylaxis of neurological diseases accompanied by neuronal death. The invention includes synthesis of 5-benzylamino salicylic acid (BAS) and its derivatives. BAS and its derivatives protect cortical neurons from toxic insults by N-methyl-D-aspartate, Zn2+, and reactive oxygen species. Thus, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases that are accompanied by severe neuronal loss via excitotoxicity, Zn2+ neurotoxicity, and free radical neurotoxicity. |
| US08211870B2 |
Use of pharmaceutical compound in the treatment of wounds
A pharmaceutical composition that can be used in the treatment of wounds, comprising at least a sulfated polysaccharide and wherein the polysaccharide/s are in the form of solids as powder, flakes or sheets obtained through a lyophylization process. Particularly, this invention relates to the use of one or more sulfated polysaccharides, as solids in the form of sheets obtained by lyophylization, in the healing of wounds in humans and animals. |
| US08211868B2 |
Paramyxovirus vector encoding angiogenesis gene and use thereof
The present invention provides Paramyxovirus vectors encoding angiogenic genes and use of the same. The use of Paramyxovirus vectors enables effective transfer of angiogenic genes into individual tissues. FGF2 gene transferred into ischemic tissues in vivo induces expression of angiogenic genes without causing edema, and prevents necrosis due to ischemia. The vectors of the present invention are suitable for gene therapy targeted to ischemic tissues. |
| US08211867B2 |
Targeting microRNAs for the treatment of liver cancer
Provided herein are methods for the treatment of liver cancer. These methods encompass the administration of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is targeted to a miRNA. Also provided herein are compositions for the treatment of liver cancer. Such compositions include compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is targeted to a miRNA. Certain miRNAs have been identified as overexpressed in liver cancer, such as, for example, hepatocellular carcinoma, and are thus selected for targeting by modified oligonucleotides. Further, certain miRNAs have been identified as overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells exposed to dioxin, and are thus selected for targeting by modified oligonucleotides. Antisense inhibition of certain of these miRNAs has been found to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. |
| US08211866B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating HIV infection
A method for treating latent HIV infection is disclosed. The method includes administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of an anti-IκBα agent, an anti-IκBε agent or both; and administering to the subject an effective amount of an antiviral agent. A pharmaceutical composition for treating latent HIV infection is also disclosed. |
| US08211862B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising crystal forms of 5-azacytidine
The invention includes methods for isolating crystalline Form I of 5-azacytidine substantially free of other forms, wherein 5-azacytidine is represented by the formula: The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising Form I of 5-azacytidine. |
| US08211859B2 |
α-galactoceramide analogs, their methods of manufacture, intermediate compounds useful in these methods, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
The invention relates to α-galactoceramide analogs, their methods of manufacture, intermediate compounds useful in these methods. It also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the α-galactoceramide analogs. The methods of manufacture of the invention involve the use of unsaturated intermediate compounds which enable to synthesize α-galactoceramide analogs by a mere metathesis reaction. The α-galactoceramide analogs of the invention are useful as active ingredients of pharmaceutical compositions, particularly in pharmaceutical compositions having anti-cancerous properties. |
| US08211858B2 |
Modified plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 molecule and methods based thereon
The present invention relates to a modified plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) molecule that displays an increased in vivo half-life of the active form of PAI-1, but is deficient in one or more functional activities as compared to the wild-type PAI-1 protein. The modified PAI-1 molecule that displays an increased half-life further displays at least one of the following functional characteristics: (i) decreased binding activity to at least one of the following molecules: urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and vitronectin (Vn); and (ii) decreased specific activity against at least one of the following molecules: uPA, tPA and Vn. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising modified PAI-1 molecules and methods of using these pharmaceutical compositions for treatment. |
| US08211852B2 |
Molecules and methods of using same for treating CCR5/CCR5 ligands associated diseases
Soluble molecules are provided. Thus, for example, provided is a soluble molecule which comprises a heterologous amino acid sequence conjugated to a CCR5 amino acid sequence being capable of binding a CCR5 ligand, and wherein the molecule is devoid of an N-terminus domain of CCR5. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions which comprise the above molecules and methods and uses of same. |
| US08211851B2 |
Fast drying and fast draining rinse aid comprising a quaternary mixture of non-ionic surfactants
The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates. |
| US08211846B2 |
Materials for particle removal by single-phase and two-phase media
The embodiments of the present invention provide improved materials for cleaning patterned substrates with fine features. The cleaning materials have advantages in cleaning patterned substrates with fine features without substantially damaging the features. The cleaning materials are fluid, either in liquid phase, or in liquid/gas phase, and deform around device features; therefore, the cleaning materials do not substantially damage the device features or reduce damage all together. The cleaning materials containing polymers of a polymeric compound with large molecular weight capture the contaminants on the substrate. In addition, the cleaning materials entrap the contaminants and do not return the contaminants to the substrate surface. The polymers of one or more polymeric compounds with large molecular weight form long polymer chains, which can also be cross-linked to form a network (or polymeric network). The long polymer chains and/or polymer network show superior capabilities of capturing and entrapping contaminants, in comparison to conventional cleaning materials. |
| US08211844B2 |
Method for cleaning a semiconductor structure and chemistry thereof
A method for removing a etch residue (e.g., polymer or particle) from a semiconductor structure and using a cleaning chemistry and the composition of the chemistry is described. By providing a semiconductor structure with etch residue on it, the semiconductor substrate is then placed in a chemistry to remove the particle, wherein the chemistry comprises dilute hydrofluoric acid and a carboxylic acid. In one embodiment the carboxylic acid is selected from tartaric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, oxalic acid, salicyclic acid, or phthalic acid, and the dilute hydrofluoric acid is approximately 0.1 weight % of hydrofluoric acid. |
| US08211843B1 |
Water based composition developed to clean ink-jet cartridge nozzle heads, by unclogging said nozzle head(s) of paper flash, ink-residue, and all other debris, which results in the increase of ink yield, maintained print quality, and the extension of the useful life of said ink-jet cartridge
An end user implemented preventative maintenance process, made to clean ink-jet cartridges. The methodology consists of an organic solution injected into a lint free wipe, which, when applied to the print head nozzle surface of an ink-jet cartridge, leaches dried ink, paper lint, dirt, and other contaminants. The use of a lint free dry wipe, to blot any remaining ink from the print head nozzles after cleaning, provides streak-less printing, and assures the end user that preventative maintenance has been accomplished. Using this process noticeably extends the useful life of ink-jet print cartridges, while maintaining the integrity of print quality. |
| US08211841B2 |
Skin and hand cleansers
The invention relates to skin and hand cleansers comprising the components a.) at least one alkyl ester and/or diester, b.) 0 to 40 wt.-% of at least one surfactant selected from the group of fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates and salts of sulfated and/pr sulfonated fatty acids, c.) at least one thixotropic agent and at least one hydrophilic, pyrogenic silicic acid, d.) 0 to 30 wt.-% of one or more abrasives, e.) 0 to 5 wt.-% of at least one physiologically compatible carbonic acid ester f.) 0 to <10 wt.-% water, g.) optionally one or more viscosity modifying agent, h.) optionally other cosmetic aids, additives and/or active ingredients, wherein the total of the components a.) through h.) adds up to 100 wt.-%, based on the composition of the cleanser. |
| US08211839B2 |
Non-corrosive EP grease composition
The invention relates to an extreme pressure additive composition with excellent corrosion resistance properties for use in grease, as well as a lubricating grease composition containing the additive. The additive composition is based on (a) approximately equal amounts by mass of antimony diamyldithiocarbamate and zinc diamyldithiocarbamate, and (b) thiadiazole dimer poly(ether)glycol complex; at (a):(b) mass ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 9.6:1. |
| US08211836B2 |
Method of removing calcareous or siliceous deposits or scales
The productivity of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing calcareous or siliceous formations is enhanced by contacting the formation with a well treatment composition which contains a hydrofluoric acid source, a boron containing compound and a phosphonate acid, ester or salt thereof. |
| US08211832B2 |
Herbicidal glyphosate composition
The present invention relates to exogenous compositions and methods of their use, wherein the exogenous chemicals are applied to one or more surface layers of plants to generate a herbicidal biological response and in particular to a glyphosate-based herbicidal composition for spray application to a plant having superior properties of herbicidal cuticle layer coating and penetration, herbicidal uptake, and herbicidal translocation, without cuticle layer damage. |
| US08211830B2 |
Fungal isolates and biological control compositions for the control of weeds
The present invention discloses fungal isolates of Phoma spp. or extracts obtained therefrom, useful for the control of broad leaf weeds, including Canada thistle, perennial sowthistle, dandelion, scentless chamomile, false cleavers, chickweed, wild buckwheat, and field bindweed. Te present invention also discloses biological control compositions comprising fungal isolates formulated in a growth medium for maintaining the viability of the fungal isolates when the biological control composition is applies to soil. |
| US08211828B2 |
Fungicidal mixtures of 1-methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxanilides and azolopyrimidinylamines
Fungicidal mixtures comprising as active components: 1) at least one 1-methylpyrazol-4-ylcarboxanilide of the formula I in which the substituents are defined according to the description and 2) at least one azolopyrimidinylamine of the formula II in which the substituents are defined according to the description in a synergistically effective amount. Methods for controlling harmful fungi using mixtures of the compound I and compound II and also the use of the compound I and the compound II for preparing such mixtures, and compositions comprising such mixtures. |
| US08211819B2 |
Internal and external donor compounds for olefin polymerization catalysts
The present invention relates to catalyst systems containing solid catalyst components comprising titanium, magnesium, halogen and a 1,8-naphthyl diaryloate internal electron donor compound; organoaluminum compounds and alkyl benzoate derivatives as external electron donors. The present invention also relates to methods of making the catalyst systems, and methods of polymerizing or copolymerizing alpha-olefins using the catalyst systems. |
| US08211816B2 |
Cover glass for solid-state imaging element package
A cover glass, containing, by mole percentage: 15 to 40% of P2O5; 15 to 30% of Al2O3; 0 to 15% of SiO2; 0 to 20% of B2O3; 0 to 10% of Li2O; 0 to less than 20% of Na2O; 0 to less than 20% of K2O, provided that Li2O+Na2O+K2O is in a range from 15 to less than 20%; and from 1 to 35% of MgO+CaO+SrO+ZnO. The cover glass being suitable for at least one selected from the group consisting of a solid-state imaging element package and an air-tight sealing of a resin package, and having a sufficient strength not to undergo breakage even when subjected to external force. |
| US08211812B2 |
Method for fabricating a high-K dielectric layer
One inventive aspect relates to a method for fabricating a high-k dielectric layer. The method comprises depositing onto a substrate a layer of a high-k dielectric material having a first thickness. The high-k dielectric material has a bulk density value and the first thickness is so that the high-k dielectric layer has a density of at least the bulk density value of the high-k dielectric material minus about 10%. The method further comprises thinning the high-k dielectric layer to a second thickness. Another inventive aspect relates to a semiconductor device comprising a high-k dielectric layer as fabricated by the method. |
| US08211811B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device of an embodiment can prevent nitriding of the lower-layer insulating film and oxygen diffusion from the upper-layer insulating film, so as to minimize the decrease in charge capture density. This semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer, a first insulating film provided on the semiconductor layer, a nitrogen-added amorphous silicon layer formed on the first insulating film, a first silicon nitride layer formed on the amorphous silicon layer, and a second insulating film formed above the first silicon nitride layer. |
| US08211808B2 |
Silicon-selective dry etch for carbon-containing films
A method of etching silicon-and-carbon-containing material is described and includes a SiConi™ etch in combination with a flow of reactive oxygen. The reactive oxygen may be introduced before the SiConi™ etch reducing the carbon content in the near surface region and allowing the SiConi™ etch to proceed more rapidly. Alternatively, reactive oxygen may be introduced during the SiConi™ etch further improving the effective etch rate. |
| US08211807B2 |
Double patterning technology using single-patterning-spacer-technique
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a first and a second plurality of tracks parallel to a first direction and on a wafer representation. The first and the second plurality of tracks are allocated in an alternating pattern. A first plurality of patterns is laid out on the first plurality of tracks and not on the second plurality of tracks. A second plurality of patterns is laid out on the second plurality of tracks and not on the first plurality of tracks. The first plurality of patterns is extended in the first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that each of the second plurality of patterns is surrounded by portions of the first plurality of patterns, and substantially none of neighboring ones of the first plurality of patterns on the wafer representation have spacings greater than a pre-determined spacing. |
| US08211806B2 |
Method of fabricating integrated circuit with small pitch
A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit with a small pitch comprises providing a second material layer patterned to form at least two features with an opening between the features. The second material layer is formed over a first material layer and the first material layer is over a substrate. The method also comprises providing a first oxide layer to form a first sidewall surrounding each of the features, and providing a second oxide layer over the first sidewalls and the first material layer. A second sidewall is formed surrounding each of the features. The method further comprises providing a conductive layer over the second oxide layer and removing the conductive layer, the second sidewalls and the first material underneath the second sidewalls. |
| US08211805B2 |
Method for forming via
The invention provides a method for forming a via. A first dielectric layer is formed on a substrate. A conductive structure is formed in the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed on the first dielectric layer and conductive structure. A first etching step is performed by using a first etching mixture to form a first via in the second dielectric layer. A second etching step is performed by using a second etching mixture to form a second via under the first via. The second via exposes at least a top surface of the conductive structure. An etching rate of the second etching step is slower than the first etching step. |
| US08211804B2 |
Methods of forming a hole having a vertical profile and semiconductor devices having a vertical hole
In a method of forming a hole, an insulation layer is formed on a substrate, and a preliminary hole exposing the substrate is formed through the insulation layer. A photosensitive layer pattern including an organic polymer is then formed on the substrate to fill the preliminary hole. An etching gas including hydrogen fluoride (HF) or fluorine (F2) is then provided onto the photosensitive layer pattern to etch the insulation layer so that width of the preliminary hole is increased. |
| US08211803B2 |
Spacer process for on pitch contacts and related structures
Methods are disclosed, such as those involving increasing the density of isolated features in an integrated circuit. Also disclosed are structures associated with the methods. In one or more embodiments, contacts are formed on pitch with other structures, such as conductive interconnects. The interconnects may be formed by pitch multiplication. To form the contacts, in some embodiments, a pattern corresponding to some of the contacts is formed in a selectively definable material such as photoresist. The features in the selectively definable material are trimmed to desired dimensions. Spacer material is blanket deposited over the features in the selectively definable material and the deposited material is then etched to leave spacers on sides of the features. The selectively definable material is removed to leave a mask defined by the spacer material. The pattern defined by the spacer material may be transferred to a substrate, to form on pitch contacts. In some embodiments, the on pitch contacts may be used to electrically contact conductive interconnects in the substrate. |
| US08211797B2 |
Metal wiring layer and method of fabricating the same
A metal wiring layer and a method of fabricating the metal wiring layer are provided. The method includes forming a dielectric layer on a substrate, forming a plurality of dielectric layer patterns and holes therein on the substrate by etching part of the dielectric layer, with a cross sectional area of the holes in the dielectric layer patterns decreasing with increasing distance away from the substrate and the holes exposing the substrate, forming a trench by etching a portion of the substrate exposed through the holes in the dielectric layer patterns, and forming a metal layer which fills the trench and the holes in the dielectric layer patterns. Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an edge build-up phenomenon by forming a metal layer in a plurality of holes in the dielectric layer patterns having a cross sectional area decreasing with increasing distance away from the substrate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the transmittance of a liquid crystal layer from decreasing due to a failure to properly fill liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, and thus to increase the quality of display. |
| US08211796B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device manufacturing method has conducting first heating processing at a first heating temperature in an inert atmosphere under a first pressure in a first process chamber to silicide an upper part of the source-drain diffusion layer and form a silicide film; conducting second heating processing at a second heating temperature in an oxidizing atmosphere under a second pressure in a second process chamber to selectively oxidize at least a surface of the metal film on the element isolating insulation film and form a metal oxide film; conducting third heating processing at a third heating temperature which is higher than the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature in an atmosphere in a third process chamber to increase a concentration of silicon in the silicide film; and selectively removing the metal oxide film and an unreacted part of the metal film on the element isolating insulation film. |
| US08211795B2 |
Method of forming a dielectric cap layer for a copper metallization by using a hydrogen based thermal-chemical treatment
A new technique is disclosed in which a barrier/cap layer for a copper based metal line is formed by using a thermal-chemical treatment based on hydrogen with a surface modification on the basis of a silicon-containing precursor followed by an in situ plasma based deposition of silicon based dielectric barrier material. The thermal-chemical cleaning process is performed in the absence of any plasma ambient. |
| US08211793B2 |
Structures electrically connecting aluminum and copper interconnections and methods of forming the same
A structure and formation method for electrically connecting aluminum and copper interconnections stabilize a semiconductor metallization process using an inner shape electrically connecting the aluminum and copper interconnections. To this end, a copper interconnection is disposed on a semiconductor substrate. An interconnection induction layer and an interconnection insertion layer are sequentially formed on the copper interconnection to have a contact hole exposing the copper interconnection. An upper diameter of the contact hole may be formed to be larger than a lower diameter thereof. A barrier layer and an aluminum interconnection are filled in the contact hole. The aluminum interconnection is formed not to directly contact the copper interconnection through the contact hole. |
| US08211791B2 |
Method for fabricating circuitry component
A chip structure comprises a substrate, a first built-up layer, a passivation layer and a second built-up layer. The substrate includes many electric devices placed on a surface of the substrate. The first built-up layer is located on the substrate. The first built-up layer is provided with a first dielectric body and a first interconnection scheme, wherein the first interconnection scheme interlaces inside the first dielectric body and is electrically connected to the electric devices. The first interconnection scheme is constructed from first metal layers and plugs, wherein the neighboring first metal layers are electrically connected through the plugs. The passivation layer is disposed on the first built-up layer and is provided with openings exposing the first interconnection scheme. The second built-up layer is formed on the passivation layer. The second built-up layer is provided with a second dielectric body and a second interconnection scheme, wherein the second interconnection scheme interlaces inside the second dielectric body and is electrically connected to the first interconnection scheme. The second interconnection scheme is constructed from at least one second metal layer and at least one via metal filler, wherein the second metal layer is electrically connected to the via metal filler. The thickness, width, and cross-sectional area of the traces of the second metal layer are respectively larger than those of the first metal layers. |
| US08211783B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device including a patterned SiOC film as a mask
According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method can include multiply stacking an insulating layer and a conductive layer alternately above a base member. The insulating layer includes silicon oxide. The conductive layer includes silicon. In addition, the method can form a SiOC film on a stacked body of the insulating layers and the conductive layers, pattern the SiOC film, and make a hole in the stacked body by etching the insulating layers and the conductive layers using the patterned SiOC film as a mask. |
| US08211781B2 |
Semiconductor manufacturing method
A manufacturing method for semiconductor devices having a metal support is provided. The method in one aspect includes growing a semiconductor film on a growth substrate; forming a metal support on a surface of said semiconductor film opposite to the growth substrate; thereafter removing said growth substrate from said semiconductor film; forming a street groove reaching said metal support in the said semiconductor film; radiating a first laser beam onto said metal support to form a first dividing groove having a substantially flat bottom in said metal support; and radiating a second laser beam onto said metal support to form a second dividing groove that penetrates through a portion of said metal support that remains where the first dividing groove is formed. |
| US08211778B2 |
Forming isolation regions for integrated circuits
A substrate may have active areas at different levels separated by a mask. Along the mask may be a shallow trench isolation. Along the shallow trench isolation may be a LOCOS isolation. The shape of a substrate transition region between the levels may be tunably controlled. The shallow trench isolation may reduce the bird's beak effect. |
| US08211777B2 |
Method of manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor device
A semiconductor substrate having a main surface, first and second floating gates formed spaced apart from each other on the main surface of the semiconductor substrate, first and second control gates respectively located on the first and second floating gates, a first insulation film formed on the first control gate, a second insulation film formed on the second control gate to contact the first insulation film, and a gap portion formed at least between the first floating gate and the second floating gate by achieving contact between the first insulation film and the second insulation film are included. With this, a function of a nonvolatile semiconductor device can be ensured and a variation in a threshold voltage of a floating gate can be suppressed. |
| US08211776B2 |
Integrated circuit line with electromigration barriers
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit comprising an electromigration barrier in a line of the integrated circuit includes forming a spacer; forming a segmented line adjacent to opposing sides of the spacer, the segmented line formed from a first conductive material; removing the spacer to form an empty line break; and filling the empty line break with a second conductive material to form an electromigration barrier that isolates electromigration effects within individual segments of the segmented line. An integrated circuit comprising an electromigration barrier includes a line, the line comprising a first conductive material, the line further comprising a plurality of line segments separated by one or more electromigration barriers, wherein the one or more electromigration barriers comprise a second conductive material that isolates electromigration effects within individual segments of the line. |
| US08211774B2 |
Method for forming semiconductor structure
The invention provides a method for forming a semiconductor structure. A substrate is provided. A conductive layer is formed on the substrate. A first patterned mask layer is formed on the conductive layer. The conductive layer exposed by the first patterned mask layer is removed to expose a first sidewall of the conductive layer. A doped region is formed in the substrate by a doping step using the first patterned mask layer as a mask. The first patterned mask layer is removed. A second patterned mask layer is formed on the conductive layer. The conductive layer exposed by the second patterned mask layer is removed to expose a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall of the conductive layer. The second patterned mask layer is removed. |
| US08211769B2 |
Method for forming junctions of vertical cells in semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of active regions that are separated from each other by a plurality of trenches, respectively, wherein the trenches are formed by etching a substrate, forming an insulation layer having openings that each expose a portion of a first sidewall of each active region, forming a filling layer which fills the openings, forming a diffusion control layer over a substrate structure including the filling layer, and forming a junction on a portion of the first sidewall of each active region. |
| US08211767B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory and manufacturing method thereof
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory according to examples of the present invention comprises a memory cell and a peripheral transistor. The memory cell has a first intergate insulating film having a multilayer structure and provided on a floating gate electrode and an isolation insulating layer. The peripheral transistor has a second intergate insulating film having a multilayer structure and provided on a first gate electrode and a second isolation insulating layer. The first and second intergate insulating films have the same structure, and a lowermost insulating layer of the first intergate insulating film on the first isolation insulating layer is thinner than a lowermost insulating layer of the second intergate insulating film on the second isolation insulating layer. |
| US08211766B2 |
Method of fabricating a trench power MOS transistor
A trench-typed power MOS transistor comprises a trench-typed gate area, which includes a gate conductor and an isolation layer. A thin sidewall region of the isolation layer is formed between the gate conductor and a well region. A thick sidewall region of the isolation layer is formed between the gate conductor and a double diffusion region. A thick bottom region of the isolation layer is formed between the gate conductor and a deep well region. |
| US08211765B2 |
Bistable nanoswitch
A non-volatile bistable nano-electromechanical switch is provided for use in memory devices and microprocessors. The switch employs carbon nanotubes as the actuation element. A method has been developed for fabricating nanoswitches having one single-walled carbon nanotube as the actuator. The actuation of two different states can be achieved using the same low voltage for each state. |
| US08211762B1 |
Non-volatile memory
Briefly, embodiments of non-volatile memory and embodiments of fabrication thereof are disclosed. For example, a non-volatile memory device having a gate assembly with a floating gate and a control gate assembly is described. The control gate assembly includes a non-metal conductive control gate and a metal control gate in one embodiment. Additional embodiments are described, including use of a sacrificial nitride layer and forming contact recesses to create source or drain contacts, as other examples. |
| US08211755B2 |
Method for multi-level interconnection memory device
A method for preventing arcing during deep via plasma etching is provided. The method comprises forming a first patterned set of parallel conductive lines over a substrate and forming a plurality of semiconductor pillars on the first patterned set of parallel conductive lines and extending therefrom, wherein a pillar comprises a first barrier layer, an antifuse layer, a diode, and a second barrier layer, wherein an electric current flows through the diode upon a breakdown of the antifuse layer. The method further comprises depositing a dielectric between the plurality of semiconductor pillars, and plasma etching a deep via recess through the dielectric and through the underlying layer after the steps of forming a plurality of semiconductor pillars and depositing a dielectric. An embodiment of the invention comprises a memory array device. |
| US08211754B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device including a semiconductor chip encapsulated by an encapsulation resin and a manufacturing method thereof, in which a size reduction may be attempted. The device includes a semiconductor chip, an external connection terminal pad electrically connected to the semiconductor chip, and an encapsulation resin encapsulating the semiconductor chip, wherein a wiring pattern on which the external connection terminal pad is formed is provided between the semiconductor chip and the external connection terminal pad, and the semiconductor chip is flip-chip bonded to the wiring pattern. |
| US08211752B2 |
Device and method including a soldering process
A device and method of making a device is disclosed. One embodiment provides a substrate. A semiconductor chip is provided having a first surface with a roughness of at least 100 nm. A diffusion soldering process is performed to join the first surface of the semiconductor chip to the substrate. |
| US08211749B2 |
Integrated circuit package system with waferscale spacer
An integrated circuit packaging system is provided including forming a first device wafer having a first backside and a first active side; forming a waferscale spacer wafer having a waferscale spacer and a first opening; mounting the waferscale spacer wafer on the first backside; and singulating an first integrated circuit die having the waferscale spacer from the first device wafer having the first backside with the waferscale spacer wafer thereon. |
| US08211748B2 |
Systems and methods for low profile die package
A semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) device is defined by a low-profile package without a die attach pad (DAP). In place of the DAP, an adhesive element is used to retain a die relative to a lead frame during processing. In one example, a method of manufacturing the device includes sealing the lead frame on one side using an adhesive tape and exposing a portion of the tape within a die attach region. The die is secured onto the tape adhesive and held in place during subsequent processing, such as a wire bonding procedure to couple the die to external portions of the frame. |
| US08211745B2 |
Method and structure for bonding flip chip
Provided is a method and structure for bonding a flip chip while increasing the manufacturing yield. In the method, solder bumps are formed on first electrodes and/or second electrodes disposed on first and second substrates, respectively. In addition, the first and second electrodes are arranged to face each other with a second resin including spacer balls being disposed between the first and second substrates. In addition, while flowing the second resin, the first and second substrates are pressed until the distance between the first and second substrates is decreased smaller than diameter of the spacer balls so as to connect the solder bumps between the first and second electrodes. |
| US08211737B2 |
Method of producing nanopatterned articles, and articles produced thereby
A nanopatterned surface is prepared by forming a block copolymer film on a miscut crystalline substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, then reconstructing the surface of the annealed block copolymer film. The method creates a well-ordered array of voids in the block copolymer film that is maintained over a large area. The nanopatterned block copolymer films can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media. |
| US08211732B2 |
Image sensor with raised photosensitive elements
An image sensor having a pixel array comprises periphery elements formed over a substrate, an oxide layer formed over the periphery elements, an epitaxial layer formed in an opening in the oxide layer in a pixel array area, and a plurality of photosensitive elements of the pixel array formed in the epitaxial layer. Formation of an initial metallization layer occurs after the formation of the photosensitive elements in the epitaxial layer. The photosensitive elements can thus be formed in the epitaxial layer at a higher level within an image sensor stack than that of the initial metallization layer. This advantageously allows stack height and pixel size to be reduced, and fill factor to be increased. The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device. |
| US08211731B2 |
Ablation of film stacks in solar cell fabrication processes
A dielectric film stack of a solar cell is ablated using a laser. The dielectric film stack includes a layer that is absorptive in a wavelength of operation of the laser source. The laser source, which fires laser pulses at a pulse repetition rate, is configured to ablate the film stack to expose an underlying layer of material. The laser source may be configured to fire a burst of two laser pulses or a single temporally asymmetric laser pulse within a single pulse repetition to achieve complete ablation in a single step. |
| US08211730B1 |
Nanophotonic transceiver
A method for manufacture of a nanophotonic device can include the step of operatively coupling a planar light source and a photodetector with an optical waveguide. The planar light source, photodetector and optical waveguide can then be monolithically integrated in direct contact with a sapphire substrate, along with an electronic component that is also in direct contact with the sapphire substrate. |
| US08211724B2 |
Light emitting device having a plurality of non-polar light emitting cells and a method of fabricating the same
The present invention relates to a light emitting device having a plurality of non-polar light emitting cells and a method of fabricating the same. Nitride semiconductor layers are disposed on a Gallium Nitride substrate having an upper surface. The upper surface is a non-polar or semi-polar crystal and forms an intersection angle with respect to a c-plane. The nitride semiconductor layers may be patterned to form light emitting cells separated from one another. When patterning the light emitting cells, the substrate may be partially removed in separation regions between the light emitting cells to form recess regions. The recess regions are filled with an insulating layer, and the substrate is at least partially removed by using the insulating layer. |
| US08211723B2 |
Al(x)Ga(1-x)N-cladding-free nonpolar III-nitride based laser diodes and light emitting diodes
A method for fabricating AlxGa1-xN-cladding-free nonpolar III-nitride based laser diodes or light emitting diodes. Due to the absence of polarization fields in the nonpolar crystal planes, these nonpolar devices have thick quantum wells that function as an optical waveguide to effectively confine the optical mode to the active region and eliminate the need for Al-containing waveguide cladding layers. |
| US08211719B2 |
Method of processing substrate and method of manufacturing substrate for use in liquid ejection head
A substrate processing method includes preparing a substrate, a first mask adjacent to a first surface of the substrate and including a first light transmitting portion allowing light to be transmitted therethrough, a condenser adjacent to the first surface, a second mask including a second light transmitting portion, and a photo detecting member including a photo detecting portion detecting light having passed through the second light transmitting portion, the condenser condensing light having passed through the first light transmitting portion toward the second light transmitting portion, the second light transmitting portion allowing the light condensed by the condenser to be transmitted therethrough, and forming a recess in the substrate by laser beam irradiation from a direction opposite to the first surface. When an intensity of the laser beam detected by the photo detecting portion is at or above a specific intensity, the irradiation of the laser beam is stopped. |
| US08211711B2 |
Diagnostic detection device
The invention comprises a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample deposited on a first portion of the device for transport to a second portion of the device that is in fluid contact with the first portion. In specific embodiments, the device comprises a labeled conjugate comprising a binding member reactive with a first epitope of the analyte and a label comprising a gold colloid, preferably having a mean particle size of 50 nm to 100 nm. In further embodiments, the device comprises a capture component comprising polymerized streptavidin. The diagnostic device is particularly useful in the preparation of pregnancy test kits. |
| US08211709B2 |
Method for controlling communication between multiple access ports in a microfluidic device
A method is provided of controlling communication between multiple ports in a microfluidic device. The method includes the step of providing a channel network in a microfluidic device. The channel network including a first channel having a first input port and an output port. The first channel is filled with a fluid and a first output droplet is deposited on the output port. The first output droplet has a radius of curvature. The first output droplet flows toward the first input port in response to placement of a first input droplet having a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the first output droplet on the first input port. The first input droplet flows toward the output port in response to the first input droplet having a radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of first output droplet. |
| US08211708B2 |
Optical measuring device and method therefor
The light measurement apparatus of the invention, in which the light is irradiated to the sample dispersed in the liquid flowing through the flow passage, is used for measuring optical information of the sample. The apparatus includes a light source portion 20 for irradiating the irradiating light L to the liquid 11, a light receiving portion 31 to receive the optical information of the sample S including the irradiating light transmitted through the liquid to generate a receiving light signal SG1, under a condition in which the liquid is irradiated by the irradiating light of the light source portion 20 in a state that a relative position of the sample S to the irradiating light varies at constant speed, a measurement portion 120 for measuring variation of the receiving light signal according to the sample. |
| US08211703B2 |
Quantitative analysis of a biological sample of unknown quantity
Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device. |
| US08211696B2 |
Method useful for HCV RNA898 infection
The present invention provides compositions comprising cells that can effectively produce HCV after HCV infection, compositions for culturing the cells, methods for making the composition and methods for infecting the cells in the composition with HCV. The present invention also provides methods for assaying HCV production and methods for evaluating compounds that affect the production of HCV. |
| US08211692B2 |
Bioconversion process using liquid phase having to enhance gas phase conversion
The bioconversion of gas feedstreams to liquid products by direct contact with a layer of microorganism obtains enhanced productivity through the regular cycling of liquid across a substrate that supports a biolayer of microorganisms while separating the gas and liquid phases. Such processes produce liquid products such as ethanol, butanol and other chemicals from syngas components by contacting CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a highly porous side of an asymmetric membrane under anaerobic conditions and transferring these components into contact with microorganisms contained within bio-pores of the membrane. A periodic laving of liquid from the liquid contact side to and away from the microorganisms can increase nutrient flow to the microorganisms while enhancing the recovery of liquid products. The process effects laving by temporarily raising the liquid phase pressure relative to the gas phase pressure to periodically surge liquid toward the microorganisms and then restoring the original pressure differential to urge liquid away from the microorgaisms. |
| US08211691B2 |
Methods for producing modified glycoproteins
Cell lines having genetically modified glycosylation pathways that allow them to carry out a sequence of enzymatic reactions, which mimic the processing of glycoproteins in humans, have been developed. Recombinant proteins expressed in these engineered hosts yield glycoproteins more similar to their human counterparts. The lower eukaryotes, which ordinarily produce high-mannose containing N-glycans, including unicellular and multicellular fungi are modified to produce N-glycans such as Man5GlcNAc2 or other structures along human glycosylation pathways. This is achieved using a combination of engineering and/or selection of strains which: do not express certain enzymes which create the undesirable complex structures characteristic of the fungal glycoproteins, which express exogenous enzymes selected either to have optimal activity under the conditions present in the fungi where activity is desired, or which are targeted to an organelle where optimal activity is achieved, and combinations thereof wherein the genetically engineered eukaryote expresses multiple exogenous enzymes required to produce “human-like” glycoproteins. |
| US08211690B2 |
Modelling in yeast of the mitochondrial ATP6 gene mutations responsible for NARP syndrome in humans and uses thereof for screening for medicaments
Modified yeast cells comprising at least one mutation of the tryptophan 136 (W136), leucine 183 (L183), or leucine 247 (L247) codon of the mitochondrial ATP6 gene, responsible for NARP syndrome in humans and uses thereof for screening for medicaments that act against mitochondrial pathologies involving a deficiency in ATP production via the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, such as NARP syndrome. |
| US08211685B2 |
I-DmoI derivatives with enhanced activity at 37° C and use thereof
I-DmoI derivatives with enhanced cleavage activity at 37° C., said mutant comprising a sequence of a mutant of a I-DmoI endonuclease or a chimeric 5 derivative thereof including at least the first I-DmoIdomain, said sequence comprising the sub-situation of at least: (i) one of the residues in positions 4, 20, 49, 52, 92, 94 and/or 95 of said first I-DmoIdomain, and/or (ii) one of the residues in positions 101, 102, and/or 109 of the linker or the beginning of the second domain of I-DmoI, if present. 10 Polynucleotide encoding said derivatives, cell, animal or plant comprising said polynucleotide and use thereof for isolating meganucleases with new DNA target specificity. |
| US08211684B2 |
Stabilization of thermolysin in aqueous solution
The present invention deals with the proteolytic enzyme thermolysin which tends to be unstable in aqueous solution. The invention provides methods and compositions to enhance the stability of dissolved thermolysin in aqueous solution. Thermolysin, crude thermolysin or a lyophilisate containing thermolysin and one or more salts, is contacted with an aqueous buffer with a low salt concentration and a first solution is formed. Subsequently, a further salt in solid form is added and dissociated, thereby forming a second solution comprising thermolysin in a stabilized form. |
| US08211683B2 |
Plasmid, transformants and process for production of 3- carboxymuconolactone
There is provided a process for industrial production of simple 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconic acid and/or 3-carboxymuconolactone from low molecular mixtures derived from plant components such as vanillin, vanillic acid and protocatechuic acid, via a multistage enzyme reaction. A recombinant plasmid containing a vanillate demethylase gene (vanAB genes), benzaldehyde dehydrogenase gene (ligV gene) and protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase gene (pcaHG genes); transformants incorporating the plasmid; and a process for production of 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconic acid and/or 3-carboxymuconolactone characterized by culturing the transformants in the presence of vanillin, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid or a mixture of two or more thereof. |
| US08211677B2 |
Visible light-enhanced enzymatic promotion of hydrocarbon reactions
A photocatalytic method for the hydroxylation of alkanes involving the use of a Cytochrome P450 class of enzyme as a catalyst which is activated by exposure to a pulsed blue light emitted from a light emitting diode (LED) at 450 nm±25 nm. |
| US08211676B2 |
Cholesterol-producing yeast strains and uses thereof
The invention concerns the production of cholesterol in organisms of the Fungi kingdom. More particularly, the invention concerns genetically modified Fungus independently producing cholesterol from a simple carbon source. The invention also concerns the use of the inventive Fungus for producing non-marked and marked cholesterol. |
| US08211671B2 |
Activatable recombinant neurotoxins
Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids. |
| US08211669B2 |
mTOR ligands and polynucleotides encoding mTOR ligands
The invention relates to kinase ligands and polyligands. In particular, the invention relates to ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands that modulate mTOR activity. The ligands and polyligands are utilized as research tools or as therapeutics. The invention includes linkage of the ligands and polyligands to a cellular localization signal, epitope tag and/or a reporter. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding the ligands and polyligands. |
| US08211666B2 |
Sperm-specific cation channel, CATSPER1, and uses therefor
Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper1) are disclosed. The CatSper1 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm and to be necessary for sperm motility. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper1 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper1 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper1, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper1-mediated disorders, including infertility. |
| US08211663B2 |
Method for making a biological indicator for use with vaporous microbial deactivating agents
A biological indicator and method of making same. The biological indicator includes a carrier having a recess formed therein in order to restrict movement of an inoculum deposited onto the carrier. The inoculum includes microorganisms (e.g., bacterial spores) suspended in a suspension medium. The microorganisms are prepared by removing extraneous material and subjecting the microorganisms to sonication to break up agglomerations. The suspension medium includes a wetting agent to reduce surface tension, thereby facilitating flow of the suspension medium to prevent stacking of microorganisms on the surface of the carrier, and to allow the inoculum to more evenly “plate out” on carrier surfaces. The carrier, with inoculum deposited thereon, is enclosed in an envelope made of a material permeable to a vaporous deactivating agent (e.g., vaporized hydrogen peroxide, ozone, chlorine dioxide, ethylene oxide, etc.), thereby facilitating exposure to the vaporous deactivating agent. |
| US08211656B2 |
Biological targeting compositions and methods of using the same
Modified red blood cells are described. In an embodiment, the modified red blood cell includes a target-binding agent. Targeted delivery of imaging agents, drugs, and peptide and protein pharmaceuticals using modified red blood cells are described. Processes for preparing the modified red blood cells, pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions containing the same and methods of diagnosis and treatment involving the modified red blood cells are described. |
| US08211651B2 |
Method for measuring endotoxin and reagent kit for measuring endotoxin
A technique which is less likely to be affected by turbid or color of samples and with which prompt and simple detection or concentration measurement of endotoxin can be achieved is provided. A reagent in which proteins contained in LAL are adsorbed or bound onto fine particles dispersed in a previously prepared drug liquid is prepared, and this reagent and a sample containing endotoxin are mixed. By doing this, endotoxin acts on the proteins on the fine particles and the fine particles are associated with one another to form a large aggregate at an early stage. By optically measuring the formation of this aggregate, detection or concentration measurement of endotoxin is performed. |
| US08211642B2 |
Comparative genomic hybridization
The present invention relates to a method of comparing at least one chromosome or part thereof from a cell with a first karyotype with the corresponding chromosome or part thereof from a cell with a second karyotype. The method includes the steps of: (a) amplifying DNA from an isolated chromosome or part of an isolated chromosome; (b) attaching the amplified DNA to a solid substrate; (c) amplifying DNA from one or more cells with a first karyotype and amplifying DNA from one or more cells with a second karyotype; (d) labelling the amplified DNA from the one or more cells with a first karyotype with a first label, and labelling the amplified DNA from the one or more cells with a second karyotype with a second label, wherein the first and second labels are detectably different; (e) hybridizing the amplified and labelled DNA from the one or more cells with a first karyotype to the amplified DNA attached to the solid substrate, and hybridizing the amplified and labelled DNA from the one or more cells with a second karyotype to the amplified DNA attached to the solid substrate; and (f) comparing the relative amount of first and second labels hybridized to the amplified DNA attached to the solid substrate. |
| US08211641B2 |
Method for the diagnosis of preeclampsia
The present invention relates to a biomarker and a composition for diagnosis of preeclampsia. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biomarker for diagnosis of preeclampsia using an enzyme selected from the group consisting of placental chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase 1 (C4ST), chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase (C6S), heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase 1 (HS6S), and dermatan/chondroitin sulfate 2-sulfotransferase (CS-2OST), or uronic acid-2-sulfate (UA2S). |
| US08211637B2 |
Proteinase K inhibitors, methods and compositions therefor
The synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling of alkoxysuccinyl-peptidyl-haloalkyl ketones for use as proteinase K inhibitors are described. Sample preparation processes for in situ RNA or DNA analysis using such inhibitors, methods and compositions therefor are provided. |
| US08211635B2 |
P53 modulator and cancer target
Methods of screening for modulators of TRIM24 (also known as TIF1-ALPHA) expression and/or biological activity are described. In particular, methods of screening of screening for modulators of TRIM24 E3 ligase activity, and specifically an E3 ligase activity directed at p53 as the target polypeptide are also described. Modulators of TRIM24 expression and activity are provided and their use in treatment of cancer, particularly in breast, colon, prostate, renal cancers and in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Suitable modulators of TRIM24 expression include siRNA and shRNA and can be used in the treatment of cancer and for targeting cancer stem cells. |
| US08211631B2 |
In vitro model of spinal muscular atrophy
A population of iPS cells derived from somatic cells from a spinal muscular atrophy patient is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells have been cultured to produce neural cells. In another embodiment, the invention is a method of testing compounds for their ability to modify cellular SMN levels comprising the steps of obtaining a population of iPS cells derived from a spinal muscular atrophy patient or cells derived from the iPS cells, and examining the effect of a test compound on SMN levels. |
| US08211626B2 |
Maintenance of photoresist activity on the surface of dielectric arcs for 90 nm feature sizes
We have determined that it is necessary to remove hydroxyl groups from the surface of a DARC over which a CAR photoresist is applied, to reduce poisoning of the photoresist during imaging. The poisoning is reduced by treating the surface of the DARC film with a hydrogen or helium-containing plasma which is capable of removing the hydroxyl groups. |
| US08211624B2 |
Method for pattern formation and resin composition for use in the method
A pattern forming method includes (1) selectively exposing a first resist layer, and developing the exposed first resist layer to form a first pattern, (2) applying a resin composition containing a hydroxyl group-containing resin and a solvent to the first pattern, baking the applied resin composition, and developing the baked resin composition to form a second pattern, the hydroxyl group-containing resin becoming insoluble or scarcely soluble in a developer when baked, and (3) totally or selectively exposing the second pattern to make the second pattern partly soluble in the developer, and developing the exposed second pattern to form a third pattern in which at least a hole or a groove is formed in the second pattern. |
| US08211619B2 |
Positive photosensitive composition, positive permanent resist, and method for producing positive permanent resist
The present invention provides: a positive photosensitive composition that yields an insulation layer superior not only in high transparency, but also in heat resistance enduring a temperature during the production of a substrate, solvent resistance, and anti-aging property as a permanent resist; a positive permanent resist utilizing the positive photosensitive composition; and a method for producing the positive permanent resist. The present invention provides: a positive photosensitive composition containing (A) a curable silicone resin having a silanol group, which resin has a structure obtained by a reaction between one or more cyclic siloxane compounds represented by the following general formula (1): and one or more arylalkoxysilane compounds represented by the following general formula (2): (B) diazonaphthoquinones, and (C) a solvent; a positive permanent resist using the positive photosensitive composition; and a method for producing the positive permanent resist. |
| US08211618B2 |
Positive resist composition and patterning process
A positive resist composition comprising as a base resin a polymer having carboxyl groups whose hydrogen is substituted by an acid labile group of acenaphthene structure exhibits a high contrast of alkaline dissolution rate before and after exposure, a high resolution, a good pattern profile and minimal LER after exposure, a significant effect of suppressing acid diffusion rate, and improved etching resistance. |
| US08211617B2 |
Solid inks for printed masks
A printed mask derived from a composition comprised of at least one compound including at least one alkaline-hydrolyzable group, and at least one compound including at least one ethylene oxide group. The printed mask is removable using an alkaline solution in about 30 seconds or less. |
| US08211615B2 |
Copolymer for immersion lithography and compositions
The present invention provides a copolymer which can prevent problems associated with immersion lithography (including occurrence of a pattern defect such as water mark, and variation in sensitivity or abnormal patterning due to elution of an additive such as a radiation-sensitive acid-generator) and which provides surface characteristics suitable for immersion lithography, and a composition containing the copolymer.The copolymer for immersion lithography has, at least, a repeating unit (A) that generates an alkali-soluble group by removing protecting group through action of an acid, and a repeating unit (B) having a lactone structure, wherein, when a solution of the copolymer in propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (hereinafter may be abbreviated as “PGMEA”) is applied to a wafer and then heated to form a thin film, and a 15-μL droplet of pure water is added onto the thin film, the inclination of the wafer at the time when the water droplet starts to move is 35° or less, or the contact angle of the top edge of the water droplet at the time when the water droplet starts to move is 64° or more. |
| US08211608B2 |
Method for production of resin emulsion
The present invention relates to a resin emulsion which has a good emulsification performance even when produced by using a crosslinked polyester resin as a binder resin, and also is capable of producing a toner having an excellent storage property therefrom; and a process for producing the resin emulsion. The process for producing a resin emulsion according to the present invention, includes the steps of: (a) mixing a resin containing a polyester having at least one constitutional unit selected from the group consisting of a constitutional unit derived from a trivalent or higher-valent alcohol component and a constitutional unit derived from a trivalent or higher-valent carboxylic acid component, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an aqueous medium with each other at a temperature not lower than a softening temperature (Ts) of the resin as measured by a flow tester method, the nonionic surfactant and the aqueous medium being used in amounts of from 0.1 to 1.0 part by weight and from 10 to 50 parts by weight, respectively, on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the resin; and (b) neutralizing a mixture obtained in the step (a) with a basic compound in an aqueous medium at a temperature not higher than a softening point (T1/2) of the resin as measured by a flow tester method. |
| US08211607B2 |
Toner compositions
Toner particles are provided which may, in embodiments, include a gel. In embodiments, the toner particles may have a core-shell configuration, with the gel in the core, the shell, or both. The gel may prevent a crystalline resin in the core of the toner particles from migrating to the toner surface. |
| US08211606B2 |
Coloring compound, yellow toner, sheet for heat-sensitive transfer recording, and ink
A coloring compound is provided which is excellent in coloring ability and transparency, has high solubility in organic solvents, and is superior in light resistance. A toner, a sheet for heat-sensitive transfer recording and an ink that use the coloring compound are also provided. The coloring compound is represented by the following general formula: |
| US08211603B2 |
Photoreceptor
An electrophotographic imaging member includes a substrate, a photogenerating layer, and an optional overcoating layer, where the photogenerating layer includes a chemically functionalized carbon nanotube material. |
| US08211602B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus comprising an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer on an electroconductive substrate, and a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image, wherein the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor contains a phthalocyanine obtained via an acid paste step; the toner for developing an electrostatic charge image is a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image containing toner matrix particles formed in an aqueous medium; the toner has a volume median diameter (Dv50) of from 4.0 μm to 7.0 μm; and the relationship between the volume median diameter (Dv50) and the percentage in number (Dns) of toner particles having a particle diameter of from 2.00 μm to 3.56 μm satisfies the following formula (1): Dns≦0.233 EXP(17.3/Dv50) (1). |
| US08211597B2 |
Color photoresist with gold nanoparticles and color filters made thereby
A color photoresist with gold nanoparticles and color filters made therefrom are provided. The color photoresist with gold nanoparticles includes substituted acrylate monomers, gold nanoparticles (or clusters), surfactants and a photo-polymerization initiator. The color filter includes a polyacrylate, gold nanoparticles (or clusters) and surfactants. The gold nanoparticles (or clusters) can be dispersed in the color photoresist or the color filter by the surfactants. |
| US08211596B2 |
Optically variable security device
A method of forming a security device comprises: a) providing an undeveloped photoresist layer on an electrically conductive layer; b) forming a first diffractive pattern in the undeveloped photoresist layer using optical-interferometry; c) forming a second diffractive pattern in the undeveloped photoresist layer using electron beam lithography; and d) thereafter developing the photoresist layer. |
| US08211593B2 |
Low platinum fuel cells, catalysts, and method for preparing the same
This invention provides novel fuel cell electrodes and catalysts comprising a series of catalytically active thin-film metal alloys with low platinum concentration supported on nanostructured materials (nanoparticles). Processing of the electrodes and catalysts can include electrodeposition methods, and high-pressure coating techniques. In certain embodiments, an integrated gas-diffusion/electrode/catalyst layer can be prepared by processing catalyst thin films and nanoparticles into gas-diffusion media such as Toray or SGL carbon fiber papers. The catalysts can be placed in contact with an electrolyte membrane for PEM fuel cell applications. |
| US08211592B2 |
Hydrophilic layer on flowfield for water management in PEM fuel cell
A fluid distribution element is provided for a fuel cell having a major surface facing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and one or more flow channels for transporting gas and liquid to and from the MEA. One or more regions of the major surface are overlaid with a super-hydrophilic corrosion-resistant layer comprising a fluoropolymer. Methods of making such a fluid distribution element are also provided. |
| US08211591B2 |
Subgasket window edge design relief
A unitized electrode assembly for a fuel cell comprising an electrolyte membrane and a subgasket. The subgasket maximizing an operating life of the electrolyte membrane, militating against adverse effects of membrane expansion during use of the fuel cell and membrane shearing under unitized electrode assembly compression. |
| US08211589B2 |
Water transport features for diffusion media
A diffusion media for use in a fuel cell stack and that is adjacently aligned with lands of a reactant plate of the fuel cell stack. The diffusion media includes a sheet having a permeable material with a thickness. A plurality of water transport pores are defined through the sheet. Each of the pores has a pore diameter that is greater than 1.5 times the thickness. |
| US08211587B2 |
Plasma sprayed ceramic-metal fuel electrode
A plasma sprayed ceramic-metal fuel electrode is provided. The fuel electrode has particular application in connection with a solid oxide fuel cell used within a power generation system. The fuel cell advantageously comprises an air electrode, an electrolyte formed on at least a portion of the air electrode, a plasma sprayed ceramic-metal fuel electrode formed on at least a portion of the electrolyte, and an interconnect layer to connect adjacent cells in a generator. |
| US08211583B2 |
Derivation of control parameters of fuel cell systems for flexible fuel operation
A method of operating a fuel cell system includes characterizing the fuel or fuels being provided into the fuel cell system, characterizing the oxidizing gas or gases being provided into the fuel cell system, and calculating at least one of the steam:carbon ratio, fuel utilization and oxidizing gas utilization based on the step of characterization. |
| US08211579B2 |
Fuel cell start-up control system
A fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, and a proton-exchange membrane disposed between the anode and cathode. An exhaust anode gas exhausted from an outlet of the anode is directed back to an inlet of the anode. Hydrogen is added to the exhaust anode gas before the exhaust anode gas reaches the inlet. |
| US08211576B2 |
Block copolymers and use thereof
A block copolymer comprising at least one segment having an acid group which is represented by the following formula (1) and at least one segment substantially free from acid groups which comprises repeating units represented by the following formula (2) is provided: (wherein, m represents an integer of 10 or more, Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3 represent each independently a divalent aromatic group which is optionally substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms or aryloxy group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, at least one of Ar1 and Ar2 having an acid group, and Ar3 may have an acid group or may be free from acid groups. Y represents —CO— or —SO2—, and Y's may be different from each other.) (wherein, n represents an integer of 10 or more, Ar4 and Ar5 represent each independently a divalent aromatic group which is optionally substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, aryloxy group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms or flouro group. Z represents —CO— or —SO2—, and Z's may be different from each other). The block copolymer exerts more excellent performances as the polymer electrolyte in fuel cells and the like. |
| US08211574B2 |
Lithium ion secondary battery
A lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ion, a negative electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ion, a porous film interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, the porous film being adhered to a surface of at least the negative electrode. The porous film includes an inorganic filler and a first binder: The content of the first binder in the porous film is 1.5 to 8 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the filler: The first binder includes a first rubber including an acrylonitrile unit: The first rubber is water-insoluble and has a decomposition temperature of 250° C. or higher. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ion and a second binder, and the second binder includes a second rubber particle and a water-soluble polymer. |
| US08211573B2 |
Multilayered conductive sheet and electrode
The present invention provides a conductive sheet having a surface resistance of 10 Ω/sq or lower on both surfaces, the conductive sheet comprising a sheet (A) and a sheet (B) laminated to the sheet (A), the sheet (A) having an apparent specific gravity of 0.05 g/cm3 to 0.50 g/cm3 and being formed from fibers having a diameter within the range between 3 and 20 μm, and the sheet (B) being formed from fibers having a diameter of 3 μm or smaller. The sheet (A) may be a fibrous material comprises an organic polymer fiber as its main component. |
| US08211572B2 |
Fabrication method for electrode active material and lithium battery comprising electrode active material fabricated therefrom
Disclosed is a fabrication method for an electrode active material, and a lithium battery comprising an electrode active material fabricated therefrom. The fabrication method for an electrode active material comprises preparing an aqueous solution by dissolving a precursor that can simultaneously undergo positive ion substitution and surface-reforming processes in water; mixing and dissolving raw materials for an electrode active material with a composition ratio for a final electrode active material in the aqueous solution, thereby preparing a mixed solution; removing a solvent from the mixed solution, thereby forming a solid dry substance; thermal- processing the solid dry substance; and crushing the thermal-processed solid dry substance. |
| US08211570B2 |
Electrode composite material of lithium ion battery, method for making the same, and lithium ion battery using the same
An electrode composite material includes an individual electrode active material particle and a protective film coated on a surface of the particle. A composition of the protective film is at least one of AlxMyPO4 and AlxMy(PO3)3, M represents at least one chemical element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Zn, Mg, Zr, Mo, V, Nb, and Ta, and a valence of M is represented by k, wherein 0 |
| US08211567B2 |
Sealed battery, and vehicle equipped therewith
A sealed battery includes: a battery container having in at least an end portion thereof an opening portion, and a container folded-back portion formed in a peripheral edge of the opening portion; a lid having in its outer periphery a lid folded-back portion, and being attached to the opening portion of the battery container; a junction portion in which the container folded-back portion and the lid folded-back portion are integrally joined by a double-rolled seam method; a first seal member closing a first gap between a distal end portion of the container folded-back portion clamping a distal end portion of the lid folded-back portion and an inside of a folded curve portion of the lid folded-back portion; and a second seal member closing a second gap between the distal end portion of the lid folded-back portion and an inside of a folded curve portion of the container folded-back portion. |
| US08211566B2 |
Negative electrode active material for batteries, non-aqueous electrolyte battery and battery pack
According to one embodiment, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes an outer container, a positive electrode housed in the outer container, a negative electrode housed in the outer container such as to spatially apart from the positive electrode and includes a particulate active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte filled in the outer container, wherein the particulate active material includes a particle containing a substance having a lithium absorption and desorption potential of from 1 V vs. Li/Li+ to 3 V vs. Li/Li+, and a coating layer made of a spinel-type lithium-titanium composite oxide formed on the surface of the particle. |
| US08211563B2 |
Wet-to-use organic cell battery
A wet-to-use organic cell battery includes a container filled with an electrolyte that is made from organic materials, an electrolyte solution, such as water, can be repeatedly added into the container to mix with the electrolyte, and two electrodes electrically connected to a mixture of the electrolyte and the electrolyte solution, and insulated from each other. Thus, the organic cell battery of the present invention has the advantages of being able to preserve the electrodes from consumption and rustiness, being refreshable, and being benign to environment and public health. |
| US08211562B2 |
Battery pack provided with outer casing
A battery pack includes: a plastic-made, elongated outer casing composed of interconnected peripheral walls to define an interior battery storage portion; and a battery accommodated in the battery storage portion inside the outer casing. The outer casing has a mounting protrusion to be attached to and project outwardly from an electronic equipment casing. An inner casing is incorporated inside the outer casing of the battery pack. The battery pack is constructed and arranged so that an outer battery, located outside the electronic equipment, is accommodated inside the inner casing. |
| US08211559B1 |
Method and system for detecting leakage of energy storage structure liquid
A method and system for detecting liquid leaked from an energy storage structure, e.g., a battery is provided. One embodiment includes a sensor that detects the leaked electrolyte as it leaks through a breach in the wall retaining the electrolyte in the battery. The sensor has a sheet-like layer with a conductive surface and an electrical connection to a first interface. The sensor is positioned substantially flush to the battery wall, so that leaking electrolyte contacts the sensor. If the battery has a case, there is a first external communication point in electrical communication with the first interface. In the absence of leaked electrolyte there is substantially no electrical connection between the first external communication point and either of the terminals as indicated by a very high resistance. When leaked electrolyte is present there is an electrical connection between the first external communication point and either of the terminals. |
| US08211558B2 |
Crosslinked polymer electrolyte and method for producing same
There are provided a new crosslinked polymer electrolyte excellent in water resistance and solvent resistance, high in heat resistance, inexpensive and low in methanol permeability, and suitable for the proton conductive membrane of a fuel cell, by means of the crosslinked polymer electrolyte obtained by the following (1) or (2), and its production method.(1) A compound having two or three or more reactive groups is reacted with a polymer electrolyte.(2) A compound having two or three or more reactive groups is reacted with a polymer to obtain a crosslinked polymer and then an ion exchange group is introduced into the resultant polymer. |
| US08211557B2 |
Binary anisotropy media
A magnetic microstructure comprising (i) a magnetic storage layer having a magnetic easy axis perpendicular to a film plane of the storage magnetic layer; (ii) a magnetic assist layer having a magnetic easy axis in the film plane; and (iii) a phase transition interlayer between the magnetic storage layer and the magnetic assist layer. The phase transition layer comprises a material, such as FeRh, that switches from antiferromagnetic at ambient to ferromagnetic at a transition temperature that is greater than ambient, but below the Curie temperature. When the phase transition interlayer is in antiferromagnetic phase, there exists little magnetic coupling between the storage and assist layers. When the interlayer changes to ferromagnetic phase, the interlayer couples the magnetic moments of the storage and assist layer ferromagnetically. If the anisotropy field-thickness product of the two layers is similar and the coupling is sufficiently strong, the effective magnetic anisotropy of the storage layer and the assist layer essentially vanishes. That way, the required write field at the recording temperature needs only to be a few percent of the ambient anisotropy field of the storage layer. |
| US08211555B2 |
Coated cutting tool for medium-rough to rough turning of stainless steels and superalloys
A cutting tool insert is formed from a cemented carbide body and a coating particularly useful in medium-rough to rough turning of stainless-steels and superalloys. The cemented carbide body is formed from cemented carbide with a composition of 7.0-12.0 wt-% Co, 5.0-11.0 wt-% cubic carbide forming metals from group IVb, Vb and VIb of the periodic table, preferably Ti, Nb and Ta, and balance WC with a 10-30 μm essentially cubic carbide phase free and binder phase enriched surface zone. The coating includes an MTCVD Ti(C,N) as the first layer adjacent the body having a thickness of from >2.5 to 7.0 μm, on top of which an αAl2O3 layer is present, with a thickness of between 2.0 and 5.0 μm, and a total thickness of the coating of between 5.5 and 9.5 μm. The alumina layer has a (006) texture. |
| US08211549B2 |
Coating agent with double cross-linking
Coating agent for wooden or plastic surfaces containing 30 to 80% by weight of a polyolefin comprising at least two alkoxysilane groups, 5 to 40% by weight of at least one compound comprising (meth)acryl groups having 1 to 10 radiation-reactive groups, 0.1 to 6% by weight catalysts and initiators, 0 to 50% by weight adjuvants, selected from resins, adhesion promoters, stabilizers, pigments/fillers, softeners, waxes, thermoplastic polymers or water-binding agents, wherein the coating agent is solid at room temperature and can be cross-linked by actinic radiation and by moisture. |
| US08211548B2 |
Silicon-containing steel composition with improved heat exchanger corrosion and fouling resistance
A heat transfer component that is resistant to both corrosion and fouling is disclosed having a heat exchange surface formed from a silicon containing steel composition including an alloy and a non-metallic film formed on a surface of the alloy. The alloy is formed from the composition η, θ, and τ, in which η is a metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, and mixtures thereof, θ is Si, and τ is at least one alloying element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Al, Mn, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Sc, La, Y, Ce, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Ga, Ge, As, In, Sn, Sb, Pb, B, C, N, P, O, S and mixtures thereof. The non-metallic film comprises sulfide, oxide, carbide, nitride, oxysulfide, oxycarbide, oxynitride and mixtures thereof. The surface roughness of the heat transfer component is less than 40 micro inches. |
| US08211546B2 |
Coating composition and coated article
A composition comprising (A) a hydrolytic condensate of a bisphenol A alkoxysilane, (B) silica colloid sol, and (C) a curing catalyst is coated and cured to a transparent substrate to form a transparent film having crack resistance, flexibility and water vapor barrier properties. |
| US08211544B2 |
Surface modifier
A surface modifier comprising an organosilicone compound represented by General Formula (A) and/or General Formula (B): F—(CF2)q—(OC3F6)m—(OC2F4)n—(OCF2)o(CH2)pX(CH2)rSi(X′)3-a(R1)a (A) and F—(CF2)q—(OC3F6)m—(OC2F4)n—(OCF2)o(CH2)pX(CH2)r(X′)2-a(R1)aSiO(F—(CF2)q—(OC3F6)m—(OC2F4)n—(OCF2)o(CH2)pX(CH2)r(X′)1-a(R1)aSiO)zF—(CF2)q—(OC3F6)m—(OC2F4)n—(OCF2)o(CH2)pX(CH2)r(X′)2-a(R1)aSi (B) wherein q is an integer from 1 to 3; m, n, and o are independently integers from 0 to 200; p is 1 or 2; X is O or a bivalent organic group; r is an integer from 2 to 20; R1 is a C1-22 linear or branched hydrocarbon group; a is an integer from 0 to 2; X′ is hydrolysable group; and z is an integer from 0 to 10 when a is 0 or 1. |
| US08211543B2 |
Cushion for polishing pad and polishing pad using the cushion
The invention provides a cushion for a polishing pad, wherein, when a dynamic compression viscoelasticity measurement is performed under conditions of 23° C., a static load of 27.6 kPa, a frequency of 11 Hz and an amplitude of 1 μm, (1) a phase difference between dynamic stress and deformation is 4° or less, and (2) a ratio of the maximum value of the deformation amount to the maximum value of the dynamic stress ([maximum value of deformation amount]/[maximum value of dynamic stress]) is 0.5 μm/kPa or more. The invention also provides a polishing pad having a layer of the cushion for a polishing pad and a polishing layer. |
| US08211542B2 |
Artificial hair made of flame-retardant polyester
Artificial hair is made of flame-retardant polyester-based fiber formed of a composition obtained by melt-kneading 5 parts by weight to 30 parts by weight of a bromine-containing flame retardancy agent (B), 0.5 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight of an antimony compound (C) having an average particle diameter ranging from 1.5 μm to 15 μm, and 0.05 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight of at least one kind of a compound (D) selected from the group consisting of: biscarbodiimide compounds; polycarbodiimide compounds; bisoxazoline compounds; and isocyanate compounds, with respect to 100 parts by weight of polyester (A) made of at least one kind of polyalkylene terephthalate and copolyester that contains polyalkylene terephthalate as a main component. Also provided is a fiber for artificial hairs obtained by adhering to that fiber either a polyorganosiloxane-based fiber treating agent or a fiber treating agent containing a flame-retardant organosilicon compound. |
| US08211537B2 |
Resin composition, and prepreg
The present invention discloses a resin composition and a prepreg produced using the resin composition. The resin composition comprises, as essential components: 100 parts by mass of a component (A) which is an epoxy resin; 41 to 80 parts by mass of a component (B) which is thermoplastic resin particles; and 20 to 50 parts by mass (in terms of diaminodiphenylsulfone) of a component (C) which is diaminodiphenylsulfone microencapsulated with a coating agent. The thermoplastic resin particles (B) comprise at least thermoplastic resin particles (B1) having an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 μm and thermoplastic resin particles (B2) having an average particle diameter of 2 to 100 μm at a mass ratio of 3:1 to 1:3. The average particle diameter ratio D2/D1 of the average particle diameter D2 of the thermoplastic resin particles (B2) to the average particle diameter D1 of the thermoplastic resin particles (B1) is 2 or more. |
| US08211536B2 |
Composite solid surface article comprising at least one of randomly shaped fibers and powder particles
The invention relates to a composite solid surface article. More particularly, the invention relates to a composite solid surface article containing fibers and polymeric powder particles. A composite solid surface article may comprise a matrix of at least one polymeric resin, randomly-shaped fibers dispersed in the matrix, wherein the article comprises a substantially smooth surface with a viewable pattern formed by one or more ingredients of the composite solid surface article, the viewable pattern comprises at least part of the randomly-shaped fibers. |
| US08211529B2 |
Substrate provided with a dressing
To endow a velourlike carrier (7), which has a finely fibrous surface, in particular a grain leather having a buffed topside or a synthetic velour material, and has been provided with a dressing (1) which has a grain texture on its face side the dressing (1) consisting of a consolidated polymeric dispersion and being produced separately on a substrate having a textured surface corresponding to the grain texture, with the requisite properties in terms of softness and abrasion resistance, but particularly in terms of air and water vapor permeability, the dressing (1) has capillaries (11) which extend throughout its entire thickness, which everywhere is substantially the same, and is bonded to the carrier (7) via a thin bonding layer (12) formed of a consolidated polymeric dispersion. |
| US08211527B2 |
One-way vision display panels with retention layer
One or more types of ink retention layers for a one-way vision display panel and methods are provided. In one example, a one-way vision display panel assembly includes a perforated panel formed of a flexible material. The perforated panel having a front surface, a rear surface and a plurality of through holes extending from the front surface to the rear surface. An ink retention layer is located adjacent to the perforated panel. The ink retention layer includes a light reflective material that retains residual ink from an image applied to the front surface of the perforated panel. The one-way vision display panel may further include a releasing layer or a backing layer, or both. |
| US08211525B2 |
Honeycomb structure
There is provided a honeycomb structure comprising a plurality of honeycomb segments having porous partition walls separating and forming a plurality of cells and an outer peripheral wall located in the outermost periphery, first cells each open in an end portion on one side and plugged in the other end portion on the other side and second cells each plugged in the end portion on the one side and open in the other end portion on the other side being alternately disposed with the first cells having an area larger than that of the second cells in a cross section perpendicular to the central axial direction, and the outer peripheral wall having protruding portions along an external shape of the first cells and depressed portions along an external shape of the second cells. The honeycomb segments are bonded to each other with a bonding member. |
| US08211518B2 |
Duct section, system and method for constructing same
A duct section and system, including a laminated shroud, acting as a secondary duct, for aerospace and other applications, and a method for constructing same. The duct structure incorporates a metallic primary duct tube, with a laminated shroud surrounding the primary duct tube and separated therefrom by an annular gap. The laminated shroud includes a metallic inner layer and a polymeric outer layer. Preferably, the thin metallic layer is a corrosion resistant material such as corrosion resistant stainless steel or titanium. In one embodiment of the invention, the outer polymeric layer is a polyimide material, such as polyimide resin-impregnated fiberglass cloth. |
| US08211515B2 |
Optical compensation sheet, process for producing the same, and polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device using the same
A novel optical compensation sheet is disclosed. The sheet comprising a polymer layer formed by coating and, drying a solution comprising a polymer compound and a solvent composition comprising 20% by weight or more of water; and an optically anisotropic layer formed on the surface of the polymer layer by hardening a liquid crystal layer comprising at least one liquid-crystalline compound under irradiation of ionizing radiation at a film surface temperature from 70 to 160° C.; wherein a frontal retardation (Re) value of the optically anisotropic layer is not zero, and the optically anisotropic layer gives substantially equal retardation values for light of a wavelength λ nm coming respectively in a direction rotated by +40° and in a direction rotated by −40° with respect to a normal direction of a layer plane using an in-plane slow axis as a tilt axis (a rotation axis). |
| US08211509B2 |
Alignment of paste-like ink having magnetic particles therein, and the printing of optical effects
A method and apparatus is provided for printing using paste like inks such as those used in intaglio printing, wherein the inks include specialty flakes such as thin film optically variable flakes, or diffractive flakes. The invention discloses an apparatus having an energy source such as a heat source for temporarily lessening the viscosity of the ink during alignment of the flakes within the ink. |
| US08211507B2 |
Method for producing thermoplastic resin film
Disclosed is a method for producing a thermoplastic resin film, which comprises oxidizing the surface of a thermoplastic resin film (i) that contains an unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified polyolefin-based resin, then applying a surface modifier thereto, and stretching it. According to the method, thermoplastic resin films can be produced that have good adhesiveness between the film substrate and the coating layer thereof and have good printability and electrostatic resistance. |
| US08211504B2 |
Method for producing color giving and/or effect giving lacquer coatings
Process for producing a color and/or effect coating system on a substrate by applying an aqueous color and/or effect solid-color topcoat material or—alternatively—an aqueous color and/or effect basecoat material and a clearcoat material (wet-on-wet technique) to the substrate and curing the resultant coating films, which after curing have a water vapor permeability δ60° C.>6.0 mg/h·m·bar or p60° C.>286.4 g·100 μm/m2·d, where d stands for day, when the coating material contains no metal flake pigments; or have a water vapor permeability δ60° C.>4.0 mg/h·m·bar or p60° C.>190.92 g·100 μm/m2·d, when the coating material contains metal flake pigments. |
| US08211502B2 |
Aramid cord treatment
A composition and method for treating an aramid cord include a bisphenol-A-based- and/or a bisphenol-F-based-liquid epoxy resin, a reactive diluent, and a curing agent. The composition and method also may include an elastomer-modified epoxy-functional adduct and/or an elastomer-modified epoxy-resin adduct. |
| US08211499B2 |
Preparation of membranes using solvent-less vapor deposition followed by in-situ polymerization
A system of fabricating a composite membrane from a membrane substrate using solvent-less vapor deposition followed by in-situ polymerization. A first monomer and a second monomer are directed into a mixing chamber in a deposition chamber. The first monomer and the second monomer are mixed in the mixing chamber providing a mixed first monomer and second monomer. The mixed first monomer and second monomer are solvent-less vapor deposited onto the membrane substrate in the deposition chamber. The membrane substrate and the mixed first monomer and second monomer are heated to produce in-situ polymerization and provide the composite membrane. |
| US08211496B2 |
Amorphous lithium lanthanum titanate thin films manufacturing method
An amorphous lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) thin film is produced by the sol-gel method wherein a polymer is mixed with a liquid alcohol to form a first solution. A second solution is then prepared by mixing a lanthanum alkoxide with an alcohol. The first solution is then mixed with the lanthanum based second solution. A lithium alkoxide and a titanium alkoxide are then also added to the lanthanum based second solution. This process produces a batch of LLTO precursor solution. The LLTO precursor solution is applied to a substrate to form a precursor layer which is then dried. The coating techniques that may be used include spin coating, spraying, casting, dripping, and the like, however, the spin coating technique is the preferred method recited herein. |
| US08211494B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing circuit board
A mask film, where squeegee cleaning part has been formed at a predetermined position, and another mask film are attached to both sides of a substrate. A through-hole is formed by using a laser, and conductive paste is filled into the through-hole by using a squeezing method. As discussed above, a paste-residue can be prevented on the through-hole, so that a circuit board having high quality of connection can be obtained. |
| US08211490B2 |
Double layer UV variable data text
A method and system are provided for including a double layer security mark in digital document data defining an image of a document to be printed and in the printed document, itself. A fluorescence mark region including a fluorescence mark is defined using first and second metameric colorant mixtures. Variation in colorant spatial coverage between the first and second metameric colorant mixtures results in colorant-free areas that define the fluorescence mark due to substrate fluorescence under UV illumination. The fluorescence mark region is modified to define a double layer fluorescence mark region including the fluorescence mark and also including at least one visible light object defined by a third colorant mixture. The third colorant mixture is added to the fluorescence mark region by masking the colorant-free areas of the fluorescence mark region to prevent writing of the third colorant mixture data to the colorant-free areas so as not to disturb the colorant-free areas. |
| US08211489B2 |
Methods for applying an application material to an implantable device
Devices and methods for applying a coating to an implantable device are disclosed. A method for applying a coating to an implantable device is disclosed. The method includes positioning an implantable device relative to a material delivery apparatus. A spray pattern of an application material is produced using the material delivery apparatus. At least a portion of the spray pattern is deflected using a focusing assembly. |
| US08211487B2 |
Inhibition of ice crystal growth
Antifreeze polypeptides, antifreeze compositions including the polypeptides, nucleotides encoding the antifreeze polypeptides, methods of making antifreeze compositions, and methods of inhibiting ice crystal growth are provided herein. The peptides are based on the primary sequence of collagen and include those having a molecular weight between about 500-7000 Da. The peptides preferably include cationic polypeptides. The methods of making antifreeze compositions include digesting collagen or gelatin into hydrolysates with peptides having molecular weights between about 500-7000 Da. The digestions are performed with proteases and/or non-enzymatic hydrolysis. The methods of inhibiting ice crystal growth include adding the antifreeze polypeptides or compositions described herein to a composition to be frozen. The methods may be used to inhibit ice crystal growth in frozen food products. |
| US08211486B2 |
Process for the hydrogenation of unsaturated triglycerides
The invention is directed to a process for the hydrogenation of unsaturated triglycerides in the presence of a supported precious metal catalyst and hydrogen, in which process a precious metal catalyst is used, comprising an aggregate of solid support, precious metal nano particles and surfactant or polymer. |
| US08211481B2 |
Method for preparing a hypericum extract in neem oil and a substance so obtained
A method for making a Hypericum perforatum extract in Neem oil, provides of: combining an amount of Hypericum flowers and/or capsules with a quantity of Neem oil; introducing into a reactor the mixture made of the amounts of Hypericum flowers and/or capsules and of Neem oil; maintaining the mixture vacuum, under agitation for a predefined time and temperature. A composition includes Neem oil and Hypericum flowers and/or capsules. Such composition includes moreover a solvent or a mixture of solvents. |
| US08211480B1 |
Method for environmental remediating to reduce incidence of sinusitis
The invention provides a method for remediating environmental fungal sites in an environment to which a patient experiencing sinusitis and chronic rhino sinusitis brought on by fungal antigens is exposed. The formulation includes grapefruit seed extract, together with lemon, lime, and tangerine seed extracts. The method removes both air borne antigens and mold colonies from the environment. |
| US08211479B2 |
Combinations of vasoactive substances with estrogens and their use in the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions
Compositions comprising: vasokinetic natural coumarins or extracts containing them; anti-phosphodiesterase agents selected from 3,7-O-di-(2-hydroxyethyl)icaritin or 7-O-hydroxyethyl-icariside II and/or forskolin or extracts containing them; phytoestrogens selected from ferutinine or ferutinine-containing extracts of Ferula sp. or p-pivaloylferutinine. |
| US08211477B2 |
Solubilized protein composition obtained from eggshell membrane
The process for solubilizing proteinaceous material of the present invention includes subjecting the proteinaceous material to a sufficient amount of a basic solution to obtain a supernatant that has a basic pH and exposing the supernatant to the basic solution for a sufficient length of time and temperature for hydrolysis to occur. The process also includes cooling the mixture of the supernatant and proteinaceous material and optionally acidifying the mixture. This process may also include recovering the solubilized protein from the supernatant for use in various applications. Also provided herein is a composition of solubilized proteins from eggshell membrane obtained using processes of the present invention. |
| US08211475B2 |
Process for preparing nanoparticles of chitosan in water phase
A method for preparing chitosan nanoparticles in water phase is provided. The method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a chitosan solution having a concentration of about 0.05 w/v % to about 1 w/v %, (b) adding water first and then followed by acetic anhydride to the chitosan solution to carry out acetylation, wherein the concentration of acetic anhydride is from about 10 v/v % to about 30 v/v % of the total volume of the whole solution, and (c) subjecting the solution from step (b) to physical dispersion. |
| US08211471B2 |
Process for the production of beadlets
A process for the production of cross-linked beadlets containing one or more active ingredients selected from the group of a fat-soluble vitamin active material, a carotenoid and a polyunsaturated fatty acid is provided. The process comprises treating a dry particulate form at a temperature in the range of from 90° C. to 140° C. for a time period of from 30 seconds to 30 minutes or from 1 minute to 10 minutes or from 3 minutes to 7 minutes. |
| US08211469B2 |
Use of block copolymers based on vinyllactams and vinyl acetate as solubilizers
Use of polyvinyllactam-polyvinyl acetate block copolymers as solubilizers for active ingredients that are sparingly soluble in water. |
| US08211467B2 |
Osmotic drug delivery devices containing suspension formulations comprising particles having active agents and nonaqueous single-phase vehicles
A nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle that is capable of suspending an active agent. The nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle includes at least one solvent and at least one polymer and is formulated to exhibit phase separation upon contact with an aqueous environment. The at least one solvent may be selected from the group consisting of benzyl benzoate, decanol, ethyl hexyl lactate, and mixtures thereof and the at least one polymer may be selected from the group consisting of a polyester, pyrrolidone, ester of an unsaturated alcohol, ether of an unsaturated alcohol, polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymer, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one solvent is benzyl benzoate and the at least one polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone. A stable, nonaqueous suspension formulation that includes the nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle and an active agent, and a method of forming the same, are also disclosed. |
| US08211463B2 |
Use of glycolipids as adjuvants
The present invention relates to adjuvants of the glycolipid type and their uses in pharmaceutical compositions, like in vaccines. In particular, the present invention provides new uses of compounds useful as adjuvants for prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination in the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumors and allergies. The compounds are particularly useful not only as systemic, but preferably as mucosal adjuvants. |
| US08211460B2 |
Formulations, devices and methods for treating and preventing mucositis
The present invention is directed to compositions, devices, and methods for non-irritatively treating and preventing mucositis, such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Some aspects of the invention concern compositions comprising or consisting essentially of sodium phosphate buffer (e.g., sodium phosphate dibasic and sodium phosphate monobasic) and calcium carbonate; mucoadministration devices and kits containing such compositions; and methods for treating or preventing mucositis conditions such as CRS, comprising mucoadministering a composition of the invention to a subject in need thereof. |
| US08211456B2 |
Method of modifying materials surfaces
The present invention relates to “grafting to” methods of modifying materials surfaces with high-density polymer brushes. A method of the present invention comprises contacting in succession or simultaneously an activated material surface, a solution of a polymeric material having a polymeric backbone with pendant reactive moieties, and a melt of brush-forming terminally-functionalized polymer chains, in order to allow a covalent bonding reaction to occur between surface and polymers, wherein upon completion of the reaction, the polymeric material forms a layer between the material surface and the brush polymer chains. |
| US08211451B2 |
Spill resistant formulations containing clays
The invention relates to novel spill resistant formulations comprising either a weak base or a weak acid as the pharmaceutical ingredient, a liquid base, a clay and a water soluble cellulose ether. The clay and cellulose ether allow for a broader pH range into which the pharmaceutically active agent may be dispersed or dissolved, and therefore allows for easier preparation and formulation of the pharmaceutical composition. |
| US08211450B2 |
Ophthalmic composition
The present invention provides an ophthalmic composition comprising a hyperbranched polymer. The ophthalmic compositions may also comprise carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, wherein the hyperbranched polymer increases the aqueous solubility of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and increases corneal permeation of the active agent. The ophthalmic compositions may also comprise non-ionic surfactants, such as polysorbate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, and beta-blockers, such as carteolol, levobunolol, betaxolol, metipranolol, timolol or propranolol. |
| US08211448B2 |
Microemulsions and its use for preventing airway diseases
The invention relates to novel microemulsions comprising a non-polar lipid, at least one polar solvent, a surfactant, and a polar lipid. A microemulsion of these ingredients provides an environment that substantially encloses airborne particles, and it can be used for entrapping such particles. The inventive microemulsions are especially adapted for the prevention of symptoms in mammals, which are indirectly or directly caused by airborne particles. The invention further provides compositions comprising such microemulsions and methods of treatment comprising administering the same. |
| US08211445B2 |
PSM peptides as vaccine targets against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for the treatment and inhibition of infectious disease, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. In certain embodiments, the disclosure concerns immunogenic peptides, for instance PSM peptides, which can be used to induce protective immunity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. Also disclosed are methods of detecting methicillin-resistant staphylococcus in a sample, and methods of diagnosing methicillin-resistant staphylococcus in a subject. |
| US08211444B2 |
Hepatitis C virus non structural fusion protein
The present invention relates to an isolated fusion protein comprising at least three NS polypeptides originating from a hepatitis C virus which are configured in said fusion protein in an order which is distinct of the order in which they appear in the native configuration. The present invention also relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding such a fusion protein and a vector comprising such a nucleic acid molecule. The present invention also provides infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such a nucleic acid molecule or such a vector. The present invention also relates to a method for recombinantly producing such a fusion protein. Finally, the present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a fusion protein, a nucleic acid molecule, a vector, infectious viral particles and a host cell as well as the therapeutic use thereof for treating or preventing HCV infections, HCV-associated diseases and pathologic conditions as well as a method of inducing or stimulating an immune response against HCV in a host organism. |
| US08211439B2 |
Albumin fusion proteins comprising insulin polypeptides
The present invention encompasses albumin fusion proteins. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention are also encompassed by the invention, as are vectors containing these nucleic acids, host cells transformed with these nucleic acids vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally the present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising albumin fusion proteins and methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating diseases, disorders or conditions using albumin fusion proteins of the invention. |
| US08211437B2 |
Streptococcus antigens
Streptococcus proteins and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said proteins are antigenic and therefore useful vaccine components for the prophylaxis or therapy of streptococcus infection in animals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the protein antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcus bacterial infection. |
| US08211436B2 |
Anticancer vaccine and diagnostic methods and reagents
The invention provides a method for vaccinating a patient against a malignancy comprising introducing a protein or peptide comprising of all or an immunogenic fragment of a cyclin protein into the patient. The invention further provides a method of identifying tumor antigens. |
| US08211431B2 |
Human binding molecules having killing activity against staphylococci and uses thereof
The present invention provides human binding molecules specifically binding to staphylococci and having killing activity against staphylococci, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The human binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of a condition resulting from Staphylococcus. |
| US08211423B2 |
Muscle derived cells for the treatment of cardiac pathologies and methods of making and using the 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 cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration for dermatological conditions, gastroesophageal reflux, vesico-ureteral reflux, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, heart failure, and myocardial infarction. |
| US08211421B2 |
Mutant having uracil phosphoribosyl transferase activity
The invention concerns a polypeptide having a uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (UPRTase) by mutation of one or several residues of the UPRTase. The invention also concerns a nucleotide sequence coding for the UPRTase mutant, a vector for expressing the latter, a viral particle, a host cell, and a composition containing them. The invention further concerns their therapeutic use and a treatment method using them. The invention is particularly useful in the context of therapy by suicide genes, in particular, for treating proliferative and infectious diseases. |
| US08211414B2 |
Water soluble polymer complexes with surfactants
A complex including a polymer and a surfactant formed by polymerizing a monomer mixture containing: (A) acid functional monomers at least partially neutralized with one or more amines according to one or more of formulas (I) through (IV): R1—NR2R3 (I) R1—N+R2R3R7X− (II) R4—C(O)—NR5—R6—NR2R3 (III) R4—C(O)—NR5—R6—N+R2R3R7X− (IV) wherein R1 and R4 are independently a C8-C24 group; R2, R3 and R5 are independently H or a C1-C6 group, or where R2 and R3 combine to form an anelled ring of from 4 to 12 carbon atoms in length optionally containing hetero atoms; R6 is C1-C24 group, R7 is H or a C1-C12 group, and X is a halide, a sulfate or a sulfonate; (B) one or more cationic monomers; and optionally (C) one or more other monomers. |
| US08211413B2 |
Method and composition for preventing coloring of the skin adjacent the hairline when dying a person's hair
The present invention relates to a method of dying a person's hair and especially to a method and composition for preventing coloring of the skin adjacent the hairline when dying a person's hair. The composition for applying to a person's skin adjacent the hairline to prevent coloring of the skin adjacent the hairline when dyeing a person's hair includes a mixture of alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, glycerin, ethylhexyl palminate, bambusa starch octenylsuccinate, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, polythylene glycol, dimethicone, allantoin and water. |
| US08211411B2 |
Oral care compositions comprising fused silica
An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive and an orally-acceptable carrier. |
| US08211410B2 |
Oral care compositions with chelants and fused silica
An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive and a chelant. |
| US08211409B2 |
Whitening composition with fused silica
An oral care composition comprising fused silica and an oxidizing agent. |
| US08211408B2 |
Low pH oral care compositions with fused silica
An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive and a fluoride source. The oral care composition may have a lower pH to aid in fluoride and/or active stability. |
| US08211406B2 |
Oral care compositions with fused silica
An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive and a stannous ion source. |
| US08211403B2 |
Radiolabelling methods
The invention relates to radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic agents, including biologically active vectors labelled with radionuclides. It further relates to methods and reagents labelling a vector such as a peptide comprising reaction of a compound of formula (I): with a compound of formula (II) or, a compound of formula (III): with a compound of formula (IV): in the presence of a Cu (I) catalyst. The resultant labelled conjugates are useful as diagnostic agents, for example, as radiopharmaceuticals more specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) or for radiotherapy. |
| US08211401B2 |
Technetium- and rhenium-bis(heteroaryl) complexes and methods of use thereof for inhibiting PSMA
A compound of Formula I, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof: complexes with metals such as rhenium, technetium, and others to provide a complex for imaging tissues or treating disease, particularly where the metal is radioactive. Such complexes are specific to PSMA protein and can therefore be used in imaging or treating cancer of the prostate and other tissue where the protein is expressed. |
| US08211400B2 |
Method of manufacturing a clathrate compound
The present invention comprises new materials, material structures, and processes of fabrication of such that may be used in technologies involving the conversion of light to electricity and/or heat to electricity, and in optoelectronics technologies. The present invention provide for the fabrication of a clathrate compound comprising a type II clathrate lattice with atoms of silicon and germanium as a main framework forming lattice spacings within the framework, wherein the clathrate lattice follows the general formula Si136−yGey, where y indicates the number of Ge atoms present in the main framework and 136−y indicates the number of Si atoms present in the main framework, and wherein y>0. |
| US08211394B2 |
Captured CO2 from atmospheric, industrial and vehicle combustion waste
A CO2 control device and method for capturing CO2 from fluid flow, including: a flow-through apparatus and an CO2 absorbing filter treated with an alkaline material which is housed within the flow-through apparatus. The flow-through apparatus receives fluid flow and the CO2 from the fluid flow is absorbed by the CO2 absorbing filter. The absorbed CO2 is converted into CaCO3 which is combined with volcanic ash to form a useful cement material. |
| US08211391B2 |
Biomass boiler SCR NOx and CO reduction system
A selective catalytic reduction system and method for reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions comprising a boiler producing flue gas emissions, a particulate control device receiving flue gas emissions from the boiler, a selective catalytic reduction unit (SCR) receiving flue gas emissions from the particulate control device and reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and a heat exchanger located downstream of the selective catalytic reduction unit (SCR) for removing heat from the flue gas for preheating at least one of boiler feed water and combustion air for the boiler. |
| US08211388B2 |
Preparation of uniform nanoparticles of ultra-high purity metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, metals, and metal alloys
In preferred embodiments, metal nanoparticles, mixed-metal (alloy) nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and mixed-metal oxide nanoparticles are provided. According to embodiments, the nanoparticles may possess narrow size distributions and high purities. In certain preferred embodiments, methods of preparing metal nanoparticles, mixed-metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and mixed-metal nanoparticles are provided. These methods may provide tight control of particle size, size distribution, and oxidation state. Other preferred embodiments relate to a precursor material that may be used to form nanoparticles. In addition, products prepared from such nanoparticles are disclosed. |
| US08211386B2 |
Tapered cuvette and method of collecting magnetic particles
A vessel for use in clinical analysis including an open top, a closed bottom, and at least four tapered sides. A method for collecting magnetic particles in a fluid comprising the steps of providing a magnet and a vessel containing magnetic particles in a fluid, attracting the magnetic particles to the magnet, and moving the magnetic particles with the magnet out of the fluid. |
| US08211384B2 |
Filter vial
A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter. |
| US08211383B2 |
Handheld and/or mountable fluid-ejection device having tip-extension assembly and/or tubings
A fluid-ejection device includes a handheld and/or mountable enclosure, a removable tip having a fluid-ejection mechanism, a first fitting extending from the enclosure and receptive to placement of the removable tip thereon, and a controller situated within the enclosure to cause the removable tip to eject the fluid. The fluid-ejection device may also include tip-extension assembly having an electrical cable connecting to the controller and having a second fitting receptive to placement of the removable tip thereon. The electrical cable permits the removable tip to be located substantially independently of the enclosure. The fluid-ejection device may further include tubings fluidically couplable with the removable tip through at least one of the first and second fittings to provide fluid to the removable tip and to regulate backpressure of the fluid within the removable tip. |
| US08211375B2 |
Flow distribution device for downflow catalytic reactors
The invention is a fluid distribution device for coupling with a fluid distribution conduit or chimney for improving the distribution of downwardly flowing poly-phase mixture including at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, above at least one catalyst bed of granular solid catalytic material. The fluid distribution device for receiving the liquid and gas phases has one or more openings in the top and/or upper portion of its height through which a gas phase can enter and has a gas conduit that opens to a mixing cavity within the device. The fluid distribution device further comprises one or more lateral openings for liquid ingress. The lateral opening or openings allow the liquid to enter a liquid conduit that opens to the internal mixing cavity. The mixing cavity allows intimate contact between the liquid and gas phases. Therefore the flow distribution device of the invention provides improved tolerance for tray out of levelness. |
| US08211373B2 |
Mounting mat with flexible edge protection and exhaust gas treatment device incorporating the mounting mat
A mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device includes first and second major opposite facing surfaces, leading and trailing edges, and opposite lateral edges. At least a portion of one or both of the opposite lateral edges includes an edge protectant that protects the mounting mat against erosion from hot gases encountered during the normal operation of the exhaust gas treatment device. The edge protectant remains flexible after it has been applied to the mounting mat and substantially dried. Also disclosed is an exhaust gas treatment device that includes a housing and a fragile structure mounted within the housing by the mounting mat having the edge protectant deposited thereon. Additionally disclosed are methods of making the mounting mat and an exhaust gas treatment device. |
| US08211372B2 |
System and apparatus of separating remaining powder of hull
An apparatus and system for separating remaining powder of hulls includes a first remaining powder separating unit to be supplied with hulls of a spent nuclear fuel subjected to a high-temperature oxidation, and to include a first brush for separating remaining powder of the hulls; a hull alignment unit to be supplied with the hulls from the first remaining powder separating unit, and to align the hulls; a second remaining powder separating unit to be supplied with the aligned hulls from the hull alignment unit, and to include a second brush for separating remaining powder adhered on an inner peripheral surface of the hulls; and a third remaining powder separating unit to be supplied with the hulls from the second remaining powder separating unit, and to separate the remaining powder remaining on the inner/outer peripheral surface of the hulls by using air. |
| US08211370B2 |
Polymer synthesizer
The present invention provides a polymer synthesizer having a high efficiency production rate. The synthesis of the polymers, and more particularly of DNA and RNA, is done very quickly. Furthermore, it is possible to synthesize a plurality of polymers in the same batch without significantly increasing the time and the complexity of the process. |
| US08211369B2 |
High surface area material blends for odor reduction, articles utilizing such blends and methods of using same
A method for neutralizing odor contained within the headspace of product packaging includes the steps of formulating a blend of either modified and unmodified high surface area materials, differently modified high surface area materials, different unmodified high surface area materials, or a combination thereof; applying the blend of high surface area materials to the inside of the product packaging. |
| US08211367B2 |
Diagnostic device and method
A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force. |
| US08211366B2 |
Apparatus and methods for testing impurity content in a precious metal
A precious metal testing apparatus and methods adapted to analyze impurities in a precious metal test sample is described. The testing apparatus contains a test probe that has a replaceable portion and that is connected to a meter to measure resistance. The replaceable portion contains or forms a reservoir that includes at least one electrolyte component, a conductive member, and a fibrous tip. The electrolyte component is fluidly associated with a fiber tip and the conductive member contacts an electrical contact located outside the reservoir. Methods of testing and instructions regarding such methods are also included. |
| US08211364B2 |
PDA based system for managing treatment of a patient health condition
A measurement module for glucose testing includes a glucose testing measurement module housing, a test strip receptacle formed in the housing, and a connector portion formed in the housing and shaped to permit mechanical removable attachment of the housing to a hand-held computer. Electronics determine the amount of glucose present in a sample of body fluid, when the test strip is positioned in the receptacle and the body fluid is placed on a test strip, and communicate the glucose amount to the hand-held computer via the connector portion. |
| US08211362B2 |
Packaged blood purification device
A packaged blood purification device including a hollow fiber blood-processing device having a bundle of hollow fibers and a cylindrical container holding the bundle of hollow fibers; and a gas-impermeable container for packaging the hollow fiber blood-processing device. The hollow fiber blood-processing device is sealed together with an oxygen absorber in the gas-impermeable container, and is sterilized with radiation. The blood-processing device is produced by a method including the steps of sealing a hollow fiber blood-processing device in said gas-impermeable container together with an oxygen absorber, and radiation sterilizing the blood-processing device held in the sealed gas-impermeable container. |
| US08211360B2 |
Nickel-based heat resistant alloy for gas turbine combustor
A Ni-based heat resistant alloy for a gas turbine combustor, comprising a composition containing, in mass %, Cr: 14.0 to 21.5%, Co: 6.5 to 14.5%, Mo: 6.5 to 10.0%, W: 1.5 to 3.5%, Al: 1.2 to 2.4%, Ti: 1.1 to 2.1%; Fe: 7.0% or less, B: 0.001 to 0.020%, C: 0.03 to 0.15%, and a balance consisting of Ni and unavoidable impurities, wherein a content of S and P contained in the unavoidable impurities is controlled to be, in mass %, S: 0.015% or less, and P: 0.015% or less, wherein the alloy has a texture in which M6C type carbide and MC type carbide are uniformly dispersed in γ phase matrix. |
| US08211357B2 |
Smelting apparatus
A metallurgical vessel (11) has circumferentially spaced tubular mountings (25) through which to extend solids injection lances (31) into the vessel. Lance extraction apparatus (33) comprises an elongate track support structure (41) supporting a twin rail track (40) inclined upwardly and outwardly from the vessel above the direction of inclination of a respective lance (31). Interconnected upper and lower carriages (42, 44) are moveable along track (40) by operation of a hoist (47). Extraction apparatus (33) is operable sequentially to remove solids delivery line sections (36) and (37) and the lance (31) by connection to the carriages (42, 44) and upward movement of those carriages along track (40). Upper carriage (42) carries a pivot arm (51) for connection to upper parts of components to be removed such that those components can be pivoted downwardly to positions in which they can be hung from an overhead crane for removal to a remote location. |
| US08211356B1 |
Method of making aluminum oxynitride
A method of making aluminum oxynitride includes introducing a mixture having aluminum oxide and carbon into a chamber, agitating the mixture within the chamber, and heating the mixture to make aluminum oxynitride. |
| US08211349B2 |
Machine for injecting a heat curable material, in particular for rubber vulcanisation, and corresponding method for achieving same
An injection molding machine includes means for plasticizing rubber material and injectors for injecting the material in a fluid state into a flow channel having at least one outlet in communication with an internal volume of a mold. The flow channel is provided with at least one inverter device for inverting a radial temperature profile in the flow of the fluid material, between upstream and downstream ends of the at least one inverter device. |
| US08211348B2 |
Manufacturing method of cylindrical member and manufacturing method of vibration damping rubber bushing having the cylindrical member
A method of manufacturing a cylindrical member having anti-slip projections formed on axial end faces, the method comprising the steps of: employing a roller die, which is provided with a circumferential die groove of annular form extending through a medial section in a generatrix direction of a die face defined by an integral tapered outside peripheral face, and with a plurality of sloping die grooves extending in a tapered slope direction of the die face situated to both large-diameter and small-diameter sides of the circumferential die groove; providing plastic working to the axial end face with the small-diameter side of the roller die facing towards an inner peripheral side of the cylindrical member and with the large-diameter side facing towards an outer peripheral side, by pushing the die face against the axial end face while rotating circumferentially; and forming simultaneously an annular water barrier projection and the anti-slip projections. |
| US08211346B2 |
Paw-shaped toy
A method and apparatus is provided for molding a pet toy having one or more fabric inserts molded into a portion of the surface of the toy. The mold may comprise a cover plate, a cavity plate and a separator plate, the cavity plate including one or more projections and the separator plate including one or more complementary-shaped openings such that pieces of fabric placed on the projections may have skirt areas engaged by the engagement of the separator plate to the cavity plate. The fabric may stretch when the mold is filled with rubber or plastic to form discrete fabric-covered areas on the toy. |
| US08211341B2 |
Fiber pellets method of making, and use in making fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
The present disclosure is directed generally to synthetic organic fiber pellets, methods for making such pellets, and methods of using such pellets for making fiber reinforced polypropylene composite resins. The synthetic organic fiber pellets include at least 80 wt % of a synthetic organic fiber chosen from polyalkylene terephthalates, polyalkylene naphthalates, polyamides, polyolefins, polyacrylonitrile, and combinations thereof, and from 2 to 20 wt % of one or more waxes. The synthetic organic fiber pellets are produced using a pelleting press process. Also provided is a method for making fiber reinforced polypropylene composite pellets including feeding into a compounding extruder at least 25 wt % polypropylene based polymer, from 5 to 60 wt % of synthetic organic fiber in the form of the synthetic organic fiber pellets, and from 0 to 60 wt % inorganic filler; extruding the polypropylene based resin, the fiber pellets, and the inorganic filler through the compounding extruder to form a fiber reinforced polypropylene composite melt; cooling the fiber reinforced polypropylene composite melt to form a solid fiber reinforced polypropylene composite; and pelletizing the solid fiber reinforced polypropylene composite to form fiber reinforced polypropylene composite pellets; wherein an article molded from the composite pellets has a flexural modulus of at least 2.07 GPa and exhibits ductility during instrumented impact testing. Articles molded from the fiber reinforced polypropylene composite pellets find application as automotive parts, household appliance parts, or boat hulls. |
| US08211334B2 |
Orange-red persistent phosphors
Orange-red phosphors activated by europium and rare earth ions of formula I and formula II are long persistent, stable, and non-toxic M1F2-M1S: Eu2+, Ln3+ (I) M23M32O5X2: inside or outside Eu2+, Ln3+ (II) wherein M1 is Ba, Sr, Ca, Zn, Mg, or a combination thereof; M2 is Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, Zn, or a combination thereof; M3 is Al, Ga, B, In, or a combination thereof; X is F, Cl, Br, I, or a combination thereof; and Ln is Dy, Yb, Tm, Er, Ho, Sm, Nd, or a combination thereof. |
| US08211333B2 |
Poly(oxyalkylene)ated colorants and their use as fluorescent security taggants
Certain poly(oxyalkylene) colorants are disclosed along with method of preparation thereof. A method of using these colorants as fluorescent security taggants is also disclosed. |
| US08211332B2 |
Liquid Crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a low viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding two or more characteristics. The subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a high voltage holding ratio, a high contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.The invention provides a liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy that contains a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a first component, and a two-ring compound having a low viscosity as a second component, and may contain a specific compound having a low viscosity as a third component and/or a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and provide a liquid crystal display device containing the composition. |
| US08211327B2 |
Preparation of rare earth permanent magnet material
A method for preparing a rare earth permanent magnet material comprising the steps of: disposing a powder comprising one or more members selected from an oxide of R2, a fluoride of R3, and an oxyfluoride of R4 wherein R2, R3 and R4 each are one or more elements selected from among rare earth elements inclusive of Y and Sc on a sintered magnet form of a R1—Fe—B composition wherein R1 is one or more elements selected from among rare earth elements inclusive of Y and Sc, and heat treating the magnet form and the powder at a temperature equal to or below the sintering temperature of the magnet in vacuum or in an inert gas. The invention offers a high performance, compact or thin permanent magnet having a high remanence and coercivity at a high productivity. |
| US08211319B2 |
Solid-liquid separation process
A process for separating solids from liquids in a filtration zone defined by a higher concentration zone and a lower concentration zone separated by a filter. The process includes the steps of directing a slurry feed comprising a liquid and solids into the higher concentration zone, directing a displacement fluid to the higher concentration zone and passing at least a portion of the liquid through a filter to the filtrate zone, producing a filtrate. |
| US08211318B2 |
Biocides and apparatus
A biocide is formed by mixing at least one of ammonium sulfamate and ammonium carbamate with an aqueous solution of a hypochlorite oxidant at a molar ratio of ammonium to hypochlorite of at least 1:1. The biocide is useful in treating microbial or biofilm growth, pulp and paper process water, cooling tower water, waste water, reclaimed waste water, sludge, colloidal suspensions, irrigation water or a medium having a reducing capacity. |
| US08211317B2 |
Ballast water treatment systems including related apparatus and methods
Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided. |
| US08211312B2 |
Separation system and method
One exemplary embodiment can be a separation system. The separation system can include an adsorption zone, a rotary valve, a transition zone, and one or more pipes. Usually, the transition zone includes one or more lines communicating the rotary valve with the adsorption zone. The rotary valve alternatively may distribute an input of a feed or a desorbent to the adsorption zone or alternatively can receive an output of a raffinate or an extract from the adsorption zone in a line, and a remnant may remain in the line from a previous input or output. One or more pipes outside the transition zone communicating with the rotary valve can form at least one pipe volume receiving an input for dislodging a remnant or for receiving a remnant from the line. The remnant may be different from the input or output. |
| US08211310B2 |
Size-selective polymer system
A size-selective hemocompatible porous polymeric adsorbent system is provided, the polymer system comprises at least one polymer with a plurality of pores, and the polymer has at least one transport pore with a diameter from about 250 Angstroms to about 2000 Angstroms, and the polymer has a transport pore volume greater than about 1.8% to about 78% of a capacity pore of volume of the polymer. |
| US08211307B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing algae
Methods and apparatus for processing algae are described in which a hydrophilic ionic liquid is used to lyse algae cells. The lysate separates into at least two layers including a lipid-containing hydrophobic layer and an ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic layer. A salt or salt solution may be used to remove water from the ionic liquid-containing layer before the ionic liquid is reused. The used salt may also be dried and/or concentrated and reused. The method can operate at relatively low lysis, processing, and recycling temperatures, which minimizes the environmental impact of algae processing while providing reusable biofuels and other useful products. |
| US08211305B2 |
System and method for the renovation of process water
Disclosed is a system for renovating process water, especially during the production of paper. Said system comprises at least one process water renovation unit, at least one of which is provided with an anaerobic reactor spiked with anaerobic microorganisms as well as a lime elimination unit. Also disclosed is a method for renovating process water, particularly during the production of paper, which encompasses at least one process water renovation step in which at least some of the process water continuously delivered to the process water renovation step is subjected to a purification step in an anaerobic reactor that is spiked with anaerobic microorganisms and to a deliming step. |
| US08211302B2 |
Filter assembly
A filter assembly is disclosed having a filter base including an inlet and an outlet. The filter assembly also has a first valve disposed in the inlet, the first valve including a portion that protrudes from the filter base. The filter assembly additionally has a second valve disposed in the outlet, the second valve including a portion that protrudes from the filter base. The filter assembly also has a removably attachable filter configured to mechanically bias the first and second valves in an open position. |
| US08211301B2 |
Structure and method for handling magnetic particles in biological assays
Magnetic handling structure (1a) comprising a retractable magnet (4) and a probe (3) for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples. |
| US08211298B2 |
Cast metal article and a method of its manufacture
A method of manufacturing a cast article including a frame that in use of the article defines an aperture; and a further component that is in use retained moveably captive relative to the frame. The method casts the further component and respective first and second frame members, the further component and the frame members being securable together to form the article, and subsequently assembles the frame members and the further component together to form the article. A gully grate results from practicing the method. |
| US08211294B1 |
Method of removing arsenic from hydrocarbons
Improved methods for removing arsenic from starting liquid hydrocarbons are provided which comprise contacting the hydrocarbons with a composition containing a triazine component and a glycol ether component, allowing the composition to react with the arsenic to create a treated hydrocarbon fraction and an arsenic-rich fraction, and separating the treated fraction from the arsenic-rich fraction. Preferably, the treating composition also includes an alcohol, and is used at a level of from about 1-10,000 ppm. |
| US08211293B2 |
Method of correcting NOx sensor and NOx-sensing device
A method of correcting NOx sensor includes the steps of preparing a corrective map in advance, finding an existing proportion of NO or NO2 in a mixture of NOx in exhaust gases before coming into an NOx sensor, and correcting an NOx concentration that the NOx sensor detects actually. The corrective map records relationships between temperature physical quantities that are relevant to a temperature of the exhaust gases, oxygen-concentration physical quantities that are relevant to an oxygen concentration in the exhaust gases, and the existing proportion. The existing proportion is found with reference to the corrective map using the temperature physical quantities and oxygen-concentration physical quantities that are detected actually. The NOx concentration is corrected on the basis of not only the existing proportion but also a difference between an NO2 diffusion velocity and an NO diffusion velocity. |
| US08211292B2 |
Method for distinguishing electrochemical sensors
A method for distinguishing between types of electrochemical test sensors in a meter is disclosed. The method comprises the acts of providing an electrochemical test sensor comprising an enzyme and a chemical additive, contacting the test sensor to the meter to form an electrical connection, applying a potential having a magnitude sufficient to initiate a redox reaction of the chemical additive, and determining which type of electrochemical test sensor is being used based on whether a predetermined signal has been generated after the potential has been applied. The meter is adapted to determine an analyte concentration in a fluid sample. |
| US08211291B2 |
Sensor apparatus for an electrochemical measuring device and method for carrying out electrochemical measurements
A sensor apparatus for an electrochemical measuring device. The apparatus has at least one electrode, which can be heated using a heating current in the form of an alternating current, and a first and a second connection for the supply line for the heating current. The electrochemical measuring device is connected to the electrode by a third connection. In this case, the apparatus has the third connection connected to the electrode by a bridge circuit, which is also connected to the first and second connections. There also is provided a method for carrying out electrochemical measurements at elevated temperature. The sensor apparatus and the method for carrying out electrochemical measurements enable electrochemical measurements with little interference and directly heated electrodes in conjunction with a simplified design of the electrodes. |
| US08211287B2 |
Sulfuric acid electrolysis process
Sulfuric acid electrolysis process wherein; a temperature of electrolyte containing sulfuric acid to be supplied to an anode compartment and a cathode compartment is controlled to 30 degree Celsius or more; a flow rate F1 (L/min.) of the electrolyte containing sulfuric acid to be supplied to said anode compartment is controlled to 1.5 times or more (F1/Fa≧1.5) a flow rate Fa (L/min.) of gas formed on an anode side as calculated from Equation (1) shown below and a flow rate F2(L/min.) of said electrolyte containing sulfuric acid to be supplied to said cathode compartment is controlled to 1.5 times or more (F2/Fc≧1.5) a flow rate Fe (L/min.) of gas formed on a cathode side as calculated from Equation (2) shown below. Fa=(I×S×R×T)/(4×Faraday constant) Equation (1) Fe=(I×S×R×T)/(2×Faraday constant) Equation (2) I: Electrolytic current (A) S: Time: 60 second (Fixed) R: Gas constant (0.082 1·atm/K/mol) K: Absolute temperature (273.15 degree Celsius+T degree Celsius) T: Electrolysis temperature (degree Celsius) Faraday constant: (C/mol) |
| US08211286B2 |
Electrolyte and method for depositing decorative and technical layers of black ruthenium
The production of oxidation-stable and mechanically strong metal layers having a black color presents a particular challenge in the area of electrochemical finishing, especially since there are only a few metals which are suitable for this purpose. A possibility which is not hazardous to health, in contrast to nickel, and is economical compared with rhodium is the electrochemical production of black ruthenium layers. The invention provides an electrolyte and a method using this electrolyte for producing black ruthenium layers on pieces of jewelry, decorative goods, consumer goods and technical articles. The electrolyte is distinguished in that one or more phosphonic acid derivatives are used as a blackening additive. These maintain brightness. The degree of blackness of the resulting black ruthenium layer can be adjusted by the choice of the type and amount of the phosphonic acid derivatives used, while maintaining the desired brightness. |
| US08211281B2 |
Catalyst anneal for durable stoichiometric shift corrected protective coating for oxygen sensors
In one embodiment, a protective coating for an electrode of a sensor is described, the protective coating comprising an annealed catalyst, said annealed catalyst comprising at least one metal that has been subjected to thermal energy that is at least equivalent to or greater than that received from calcining the at least one metal for 24 hours at a temperature of 930 degrees C in air. In another embodiment, the annealed catalyst will comprise at least one metal that has been subjected to thermal energy that is equal to or less than that received from calcining the at least one metal for 24 hours at 1030 degrees C in air. In one exemplary embodiment, the annealed catalyst will comprise at least one metal that has been subjected to thermal energy that is equal to that received from calcining the at least one metal for 24 hours at 980 degrees C in air. |
| US08211280B2 |
Biosensors and methods of making
Devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample of liquid are provided. |
| US08211279B2 |
Electrochemistry and electrogenerated chemiluminescence with a single faradaic electrode
Described herein is an apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell that employs a capacitive counter electrode and a faradaic working electrode. The capacitive counter electrode reduces the amount of redox products generated at the counter electrode while enabling the working electrode to generate redox products. The electrochemical cell is useful for controlling the redox products generated and/or the timing of the redox product generation. The electrochemical cell is useful in assay methods, including those using electrochemiluminescence. The electrochemical cell can be combined with additional hardware to form instrumentation for assay methods. |
| US08211277B2 |
Compounds containing organofluorochlorophosphate anions
The present invention relates to compounds containing organofluorochlorophosphate anions, the preparation thereof and the use thereof, in particular as ionic liquids. |
| US08211271B2 |
Paper product having unique physical properties
A multiple ply paper product having an SST value ratio of greater than about 1.6 g/sec1/2 is disclosed. Additionally, a multiple ply paper product having a residual water value, RW, of less than about 0.05 g is disclosed. |
| US08211266B2 |
Badminton racket and manufacturing method of badminton racket
A badminton racket that is strong in respect to impact and twist and that is high in surface stability and a manufacturing method of the badminton racket is provided. A badminton racket includes a frame formed circularly, a shaft joined to the frame, a joint installed reaching inside the frame and the shaft at a joint portion of the frame and the shaft, and an expandable resin placed between the joint and the frame. A badminton racket manufacturing method includes an expandable resin placing process that places an expandable resin that expands when heated on an outer periphery of a portion of a joint, the joint being to be installed to reach inside a frame formed with the resin sheet tube and inside a shaft, the portion being to be installed in the frame. |
| US08211264B2 |
Method for preparing transparent multilayer film structures having a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer
Disclosed is a method for preparing a multilayer film laminate having a first film layer comprising a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer adhered to a polymeric second film layer that has been surface treated with an aminosilane. The multilayer laminate is useful as a photovoltaic module component. Methods for preparing photovoltaic modules that include the multilayer laminate are also disclosed. |
| US08211261B2 |
Semiconductor manufacturing method of die pick-up from wafer
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: affixing a die attach film and a dicing film to a back surface of a semiconductor wafer: thereafter dicing the semiconductor wafer and the die attach film to divide the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips: thereafter pulling the dicing film from the center toward the outer periphery of the dicing film with a first tensile force to cut the die attach film chip by chip; and thereafter picking up the semiconductor chips together with the die attach film while pulling the dicing film from the center toward the outer periphery of the dicing film with a second tensile force smaller than the first tensile force. |
| US08211260B2 |
Heat spreader for plasma display panel
The invention presented is a method for applying heat spreaders to a plurality of plasma display panels, including (a) providing a plurality of heat spreader composites, each of which comprises a heat spreader material having an adhesive thereon and a release material positioned such that the adhesive is sandwiched between the heat spreader material and the release material; (b) removing the release material from a plurality of the composites; and (c) applying at least one of the composites to each of the plurality of plasma display panels each such that the adhesive adheres the heat spreader material to the plasma display panel. |
| US08211249B2 |
Copper base rolled alloy and manufacturing method therefor
A copper base rolled alloy has a copper base alloy composition containing 0.05 percent by mass or more, and 10 percent by mass or less of at least one type of element selected from Be, Mg, Al, Si, P, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zr and Sn, wherein the X-ray diffraction intensity ratio I(111)/I(200) where I(hkl) is the X-ray diffraction intensity from (hkl)plane measured with respect to a rolled surface is 2.0 or more. |
| US08211247B2 |
Degradable compositions, apparatus comprising same, and method of use
Compositions, apparatus incorporating a composition, and methods of use are described, one composition embodiment consisting essentially of one or more reactive metals in major proportion, and one or more alloying elements in minor proportion, with the provisos that the composition is high-strength, controllably reactive, and degradable under defined conditions. Compositions of the invention may exist in a variety of morphologies, including a reactive metal or degradable alloy processed into an alloy of crystalline, amorphous or mixed structure that may constitute the matrix of other composition, for instance a composite. Methods of using apparatus comprising a composition, particularly in oilfield operations are also described (e.g. flow and displacement control, sensors, actuators). This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b). |
| US08211243B2 |
Dishwasher with multiple wash zones
An automatic dishwasher, comprises a wash chamber, a rotating spray arm having an outer periphery or rotation and having at least one outlet for introducing a stream of liquid into the wash chamber, a disperser located within the wash chamber and exteriorly of the outer periphery of the rotating spray arm where during at least a portion of one revolution of the rotating spray arm the disperser is fluidly connected such that the stream of liquid is transferred to the disperser, and a liquid volume controller to control the volume of liquid transferred from the rotating spray arm to the disperser. Wherein the disperser provides an additional source of water spray to utensils in the wash chamber and the liquid volume controller controls the amount of such additional spray. |
| US08211242B2 |
Substrate processing method, substrate processing apparatus, and control program
A substrate processing method includes covering, in advance, the surface of a substrate with water, holding the substrate generally horizontally with the surface facing upward and rotating it in a horizontal plane, and blowing to the substrate top surface drying gas flow that is thin in area in comparison with the substrate surface, in which the water is removed from the substrate top surface by the rotation in the horizontal plane while blowing the drying gas flow, a substrate processing apparatus for implementing the above method, and a control program for use with the above method and apparatus. |
| US08211241B2 |
Washing device and washing method for substrate for magnetic recording medium
A washing device of a substrate for a magnetic recording medium of the present invention includes an immersion tank; a plurality of screw conveyors that are provided in the immersion tank and that hold the substrates for a magnetic recording medium; and a rotation mechanism that causes synchronous rotation of and supports the plurality of screw conveyors, wherein both ends of main shafts of the screw conveyors are provided outside of the immersion tank, the main shafts of these screw conveyors penetrate the tank walls of the immersion tank in a non-contact manner, and the plurality of substrates for a magnetic recording medium that are held by the plurality of screw conveyors are washed by a wet process using a washing liquid that is contained in the immersion tank. |
| US08211235B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for deposition of material on surfaces
An apparatus for depositing conformal thin films by sequential self saturating chemical reactions on heated surfaces is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a movable single or dual-lid system that has a substrate holder attached to a reaction chamber lid. In other embodiments, the apparatus comprises an exhaust flow plug, a gas distribution insert, a local heater or a minibatch system. Various methods suitable for ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) are also enclosed. |
| US08211234B2 |
Coater platter homing tool
An alignment tool is used to ensure proper alignment of a component on a rotating gear relative to a non-rotating platter. The alignment tool includes a first arm member coupled to a locating feature on the gear, and a second arm member that is coupled to the first arm member such that the second arm member is movable relative to the first arm member. When the first arm member is coupled to the locating feature, the second arm member locates off the platter to verify proper alignment. The second arm member is cannot be fitted to the platter when there is improper alignment. |
| US08211232B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus that can reduce the number of parts. A first gas introduction hole through which the hydrogen fluoride gas is introduced into a GDP is formed in an upper lid. A second gas introduction hole through which hydrogen fluoride gas is introduced from a hydrogen fluoride gas source is formed in a processing vessel. When the upper lid engages the upper portion of the processing vessel, one end of the first gas introduction hole is joined with one end of the second gas introduction hole to form an introduction path through which the hydrogen fluoride gas is introduced into a chamber. |
| US08211220B2 |
Paint composition having silicate resin
A functional paint composition prevents a power loss caused by corrosion of a structure with high voltage electric current. The paint composition includes, by weight, an acrylic urethane resin of 100 parts as a principal resin, with a potassium silicate resin of 5 to 20 parts, an auxiliary resin of 5 to 10 parts, a functional pigment of 100 to 250 parts, and functional additives of 1 to 2 parts. Accordingly, in embodiments of the disclosure, causes of a negative influence on high voltage electric current not solved in general paint are eliminated, and the economy is considered being applicable to all kinds of materials and composition layers of objects to be coated, thereby providing an effect even in a repair coating for electrical lines and stuck-metal parts having electric current and structures not having an electric current, i.e., steel tower, bridge, storage tanks, steel structures and coating panels, etc. |
| US08211218B2 |
Web comprising fine fiber and reactive, adsorptive or absorptive particulate
The assemblies of the invention can comprise a fine fiber layer having dispersed within the fine fiber layer an active particulate material. Fluid that flows through the assemblies of the invention can have any material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer. The structures of the invention can act simply as reactive, absorptive, or adsorptive layers with no filtration properties, or the structures of the invention can be assembled into filters that can filter particulate from a mobile fluid while simultaneously reacting, absorbing, or adsorbing materials from the mobile fluid. |
| US08211216B2 |
Vacuum cleaners with self-cleaning filtration, and other self-cleaning filters
A particularly advantageous vacuum cleaner system has at least two filters and self-cleans its filters via back-flushing, without needing to stop normal operation to self-clean. Also, a self-cleaning valve assembly is provided for use in a vacuum cleaner. Also, a vacuum cleaner is provided that uses permanent, self-cleaning filters, and does not need disposable filters or filter bags, and advantageously can use inexpensive plastic bags. In another vacuum cleaner system, waste is collected in an ordinary plastic bag without any special preparation or modification of the bag being needed. Further, an inventive self-cleaning X-valve assembly cleans itself and is useable in the vacuum cleaner system. |
| US08211210B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for sampling and conditioning a fluid
A system of sampling a fluid comprises a fluid separator having a central axis. The fluid separator includes an insulating sleeve. In addition the fluid separator includes a separator assembly coaxially disposed within the sleeve. Further, the fluid separator includes an annulus radially disposed between the sleeve and the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes a conduit, a support rod coaxially disposed within the conduit, and a plurality of separator members coupled to the support rod within the conduit. |
| US08211208B2 |
Air purification apparatus
A method for purifying polluted air having particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants is provided. The method comprising: separately purifying and treating particle phase and gaseous phase pollutants present in the air; providing a dust cleaning apparatus, a catalytic filter core and a valve for controlling an airflow path within an air purification apparatus; controlling the airflow path for the air to bypass the catalytic filter core in a way that: if the amount of particle phase pollutants is above a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core; if the amount of particle phase pollutants is less than a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core. |
| US08211201B2 |
Controlled release fertilizers and methods of manufacture
A method of manufacturing a controlled release fertilizer wherein the fertilizer is deposited onto a first polymer film and then covered by a second polymer film to encapsulate the fertilizer between the first polymer film and the second polymer film. |
| US08211198B2 |
Adjustable filter racks
Filter racks are disclosed that are adjustable to accommodate filters of various thicknesses. The filter racks may include an insert that can be positioned within the base of the filter rack in two or more positions to adjust the receiving width of the filter rack. A perforated tab of the insert may be unbent to position the insert within the base at a smaller width, and the tab may be bent to position the insert within the base at a larger width. The insert also may include a divider that can be positioned within the base to reduce the width of the filter rack. Further, a rotating guide may be attached to detents within walls of the filter rack compartment. The guide may be biased at various angles to accommodate filters of different widths. |
| US08211186B2 |
Modular gastrointestinal prostheses
A modular system for therapy within a gastrointestinal system. The system includes anchoring or attachment functionality embodied in a low-profile implant technology and removable therapy components, which can be reversibly attached to these low-profile implants to accomplish various therapies. This modular design allows the physician to tailor the therapy to the patient's needs. The modular system has the potential to create conduits for diversion and/or restriction of food and organ secretions and to facilitate the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and T2DM. |
| US08211185B2 |
Composite joint implant incorporating inner extending stem with outwardly displaceable branches for securing to a sectioned bone end
An artificial joint implant in use with a bone and including a three dimensional shaped body have an exterior configured and joint defining face. An annular shaped recess is formed within a seating location of the implant for securing the body over a sectioned end of the bone. A stem extends from the body inwardly within the bone and exhibits at least one support for engaging an inner bone surface and in order to maintain the implant in secured fashion to the bone. |
| US08211184B2 |
Acetabular cup
A system and method for placing a prosthetic acetabular cup within an acetabulum are disclosed. The system may comprise an acetabular cup with an eccentric socket. The acetabular cup may be substantially hemispherical with a cup rim and a portion of the cup rim removed defining a relief. The cup may accommodate a concentric liner in an eccentric position. Screw apertures may be present on the periphery of the cup and the screw trajectories may converge toward the dome of the cup. The cup is attached to a tool which is offset relative to the cup because of the substantially eccentric socket. The relief, when the cup is secured to the acetabulum, is positioned substantially anterior and the socket is positioned more posterior to provide a more natural center of rotation of a femoral head within the socket. The first relief reduces impingement of the acetabular cup on soft tissue. |
| US08211183B2 |
Methods and systems for total hip replacement
Methods and apparatus of the present invention provide for orthopaedic total replacement of the hip while substantially preserving muscles and soft tissues around the hip joint resulting in reduced healing time and decreased risk of dislocation following the procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, the acetabulum is prepared and fitted with a prosthetic acetabular cup 702 and a prosthetic femoral head 1102 is fitted into the prosthetic acetabular cup 702. An intramedullary rod 1502 is inserted longitudinally into the femur. A prosthetic femoral neck 3102 is then inserted from a point along the side of the patient's body and into the side of the femur and through a pre-existing lateral bore in the intramedullary rod 1502 and through the remainder of the femur to join the prosthetic femoral head 1102. The methods and apparatus include structures and techniques for fixing the prosthetic femoral neck 3102 in relation to the intramedullary rod 1502. |
| US08211182B2 |
Hip socket with assembleable male ball shape having integrally formed ligament and female receiver and installation kit
A hip implant assembly including a spherical shaped ball and an elongated stem. An annular defining rim separates the ball from the stem and abuts, in a maximum inserting condition, over an exterior reconditioned surface of the femur and upon inserting the stem within an interior passageway formed within the femur. A cup shaped support seats the ball in a universally articulating permitting fashion via a flexible and resilient ligament which extends from the ball and is received within a recess passageway of the cup. The cup also includes a mounting surface with a central projecting portion which is in turn resistively fitted within an undercut defined recess formed in the ilium bone in communication with a base surface of the reconditioned acetabulum socket. A corresponding installation kit assists the preparation of the femur and ilium bones defining the hip joint, as well as the installation of the implant body into the upper conditioned femur end and the cup shaped and outer socket support to a reconditioned acetabulum defined in the ilium bone. |
| US08211178B2 |
Intervertebral implant with a pivoting end cap
Implants sized to be inserted into an intervertebral space between first and second vertebral members. The implants may include a body with opposing first and second ends. An end cap may be connected to the body and include a first side with a contact surface that faces away from the body and is configured to contact against one of the first and second vertebral members when the implant is positioned in the intervertebral space. The end cap may also include a second side that faces towards the body. A connection mechanism may connect the end cap and the body for the end cap to pivot to adjust an angular position of the end cap relative to the body. The body and the end cap may each include locking features that engage together to lock an angular position of the end cap. The locking features may be configured to overlap at each of the angular positions to engage together and maintain the angular position of the end cap relative to the body when the implant is positioned in the intervertebral space. |
| US08211174B2 |
Transtympanic vibration device for implantable hearing aid and apparatus for installing the same
A transtympanic vibration device for an implantable healing aid, suitable for being vibrated by magnetic flux transmitted from an outside and transferring vibration to a tympanic membrane. The device includes an outer plate having one surface on which a detachable magnet is detachably arranged; an inner plate sandwiching the tympanic membrane in cooperation with the outer plate and having a on which a fixed magnet is arranged; and at least one connection member connecting the outer plate and the inner plate with each other in such a manner that a distance between the outer plate and the inner plate can be adjusted. |
| US08211172B2 |
Correction of higher order aberrations in intraocular lenses
In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of designing an intraocular lens (IOL) to address variations of at least one ocular parameter in a population of patient eyes. The method can include establishing at least one eye model in which the ocular parameter can be varied over a range exhibited by the population. The eye model can be employed to evaluate a plurality of IOL designs in correcting visual acuity for eyes in the patient population. An IOL design that provides a best fit for visual performance over at least a portion of the parameter range can then be selected. |
| US08211166B2 |
Endovascular grafting device
An endovascular grafting device having a main body component and limb components. The device is contemplated to be assembled in-situ for the purpose of treating vascular defects or conditions. |
| US08211158B2 |
Branch stent graft for aortic aneurysm repair
Described is a method for deploying a stent-graft in the aorta, the method including positioning a shunt to go along a portion of a brain-supplying artery (BSA) into the aorta; deploying a stent-graft in the aorta along a portion of the shunt; and removing the shunt. Also described is a removable shunt adapted for deployment along a brain-supplying artery into an aorta to supply blood to the artery during deployment of a stent-graft in the aorta, the removable shunt including a stiff segment that is stiff enough to remain at least partially open when between the aorta and the stent-graft and large enough to allow sufficient blood supply to the brain during the deployment of the stent-graft; and a mechanism for facilitating safe removal of the shunt from between the stent-graft and the aorta. Also described is a method of deploying a branch stent graft having a flaring portion in a blood vessel branching at a bifurcation from an aorta to connect to an aortic stent graft deployed in the aorta across the bifurcation, a branch stent-graft useful in the method, and a delivery system useful in the method. |
| US08211156B2 |
Osteoporatic screw and expansion sleeve
The invention is a bone screw apparatus. The bone screw apparatus has two specialized functions for stabilizing the screw within a bone. The first is a mechanical structure that anchors the screw within a bone and the second is a structure that allows injection of bone cement through the screw assembly and into the interior structure of the bone. The anchoring mechanism functions by an expandable member that slides concentrically over the shaft of the screw. When the expandable member is forced over a portion of the screw shaft with an enlarged diameter, the expandable member extends radially from the screw shaft, and the bone screw is anchored to the interior structure of the bone. The injecting function of the bone screw apparatus functions through the use of a hollow core within the screw shaft. The hollow core of the screw shaft has an inlet at the top of the shaft and at least one outlet near the tip of the screw shaft. Once the screw shaft is inserted into the interior structure of a bone, bone cement may be injected into the inlet at the top of the screw shaft. The bone cement travels through the hollow core of the screw shaft and is extruded out the holes near the tip of the screw shaft. The bone cement fills the void spaces within the bone structure and strengthens the bone. |
| US08211153B2 |
Articulating spinal fixation rod and system
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for aligning and implanting orthopedic fixation or stabilization implants within the body. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two bone anchors, at least one of which is provided with a transverse portal and a locking member. In one aspect, the system also includes at least one linkage rod, for linking two or more bone anchors through their respective locking members. The linking rod may include at least one angularly adjustable joint, which may be fixed by actuating the locking member. The bone anchors and the linkage rod may be locked into place to form a spinal fusion or fixation prosthesis. |
| US08211149B2 |
Elongated members with expansion chambers for treating bony members
The present application is directed to devices with expandable lengths for treating bony members. The device may include an elongated member with two sections that are movable relative to each other. An expansion chamber may be positioned between the first and second sections. A pump may move fluid from a reservoir and through a conduit into the expansion chamber. The expansion chamber expands upon receiving the fluid to cause the first and second sections to move apart and increase the length of the elongated member. The device may include multiple expansion chambers along the length, and the elongated member may include multiple sections. |
| US08211144B2 |
Teeth cleaning pacifier having a convex teat body
A pacifier with a shield and a teat element. The teat element includes a shaft adjacent to the shield and solid in cross-section in the region of contact with the jaw and/or the teeth. A teat member adjoins the shaft in its end section which faces away from the shield so that the contour of the teat element, starting from the shaft, has a club-shape which corresponds substantially to known hollow-body teats. A convex hollow teat body is provided as a teat member which is substantially annular. The longitudinal axis of the annular teat body runs substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinally extending axis of the teat element or the hollow teat body is designed to be substantially closed-walled so as to form a cavity. |
| US08211141B2 |
Stretch resistant design for embolic coils with stabilization bead
A vasoocclusive embolic delivery system for use in placement of an embolic coil at a treatment site within a vessel. The embolic coil includes an elongated stretch resistant fiber having its distal end bonded to the distal end of the embolic coil. The stretch resistant fiber extends through a central lumen of the coil and extends beyond the proximal end of the coil. Also included is a generally cylindrical stabilization bead, having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the central lumen of the coil, mounted on the stretch resistant fiber within the lumen of the embolic coil. The stabilization bead serves to keep the stretch resistant fiber centered within the lumen of the embolic coil. Additionally, a headpiece is mounted on the proximal end of the stretch resistant fiber and serves to couple the embolic coil to the delivery system. |
| US08211137B2 |
Rotating stent delivery system for side branch access and protection and method of using same
A catheter assembly and method of use comprises advancing a catheter having a rotatably mounted balloon relative to the primary guide wire to a vessel bifurcation along first and second guide wires. |
| US08211133B2 |
Lancets
A lancet has a generally tubular body (1). A hollow insert (4) with a closed end plugs one end of the body (1), and it has a co-axial projection (5) forming a sharp tip proud of that end of the body. The body (1) and insert (4) are simultaneously formed by twin shot moulding, the body being of polyethylene and the insert being of a liquid crystal polymer which will create a sharp tip of adequate strength. |
| US08211132B2 |
Ultrasonic surgical apparatus
A probe is connected to an ultrasonic vibrator and can transmit ultrasonic vibrations to a living body tissue. A PLL circuit can generate a drive signal for driving the ultrasonic vibrator. A P-value detecting circuit detects a voltage peak value and current peak value of the drive signal to be supplied from the PLL circuit to the ultrasonic vibrator. A standardizing circuit standardizes voltage information and current information of the drive signal based on a result of the P-value detecting circuit. A comparing circuit is a comparing unit for comparing voltage information standardized by the standardizing circuit and current information standardized by the standardizing circuit. A CPU identifies an abnormality of the probe based on a comparison result of the comparing circuit. |
| US08211131B2 |
Apparatus and methods for anastomosis
Apparatus and methods for performing an anastomosis. More particularly, the apparatus may be used to perform a single or multiple anastomosis with the ability of maintaining fluid flow (e.g., blood) through the anastomosis vessel according to one aspect of the invention. |
| US08211130B2 |
Adhesive suture structure and methods of using the same
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical suture needle assembly is provided including an elongate tube defining a lumen through at least a portion of a length thereof; and a wound treatment material contained within the lumen of the suture structure. The present disclosure further provides for methods of using the surgical suture needle assembly in anastomotic procedures and the like. |
| US08211129B2 |
Method for anastomosis surgery using zip-ties
A double or triple zip-tied anastomosis surgery method is provided. The method includes circumferentially fastening a first and a second zip-tie around a tubular organ or a connecting region between two tubular organs, with the first and second zip-ties beside each other; dissecting the tubular organ or the connecting region at a space between the first and second zip-ties, forming a first tubular portion with a first zip-tied end and a second tubular portion with a second zip-tied end; resecting a target segment from the second tubular portion, and centrally fastened the resected end; then rejoining the first and the second tubular portions together using a circular stapler, with staples encircling the first zip-tied end and the centrally fastened resected end; and cutting and removing tissues and zip-tie encircled by the staples to recreate a tubular pathway, with a smooth interface between the two tubular portions. |
| US08211127B2 |
Injection port with extendable and retractable fasteners
An injection port comprises a body, a fluid reservoir, a septum, and a plurality of fasteners. The fluid reservoir is defined in part by the body and the septum. A needle may be inserted through the septum to reach the reservoir. The fasteners are integral with the body. The fasteners are simultaneously rotatable from a non-deployed position to a deployed position. The fasteners are retracted relative to the body when the fasteners are in the non-deployed position. The fasteners are extended relative to the body when the fasteners are in the deployed position. The fasteners are also simultaneously rotatable from the deployed position to the non-deployed position. The injection port may be coupled with a gastric band via a conduit. The conduit may provide fluid communication between an inflatable member of the gastric band and the reservoir of the injection port as part of a closed fluid circuit. |
| US08211118B2 |
Apparatus and method for manipulating or retracting tissue and anatomical structure
Integrated systems and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchoring devices for such purposes. |
| US08211117B2 |
Follicular extraction method and device
A method and device for the extraction of follicular units from a donor area on a patient. The method includes scoring the outer skin layers with a sharp punch, and then inserting a blunt punch into the incision to separate the hair follicle from the surrounding tissue and fatty layer. The method and device will significantly decrease the amount of follicular transection and increase the rate at which follicular units can be extracted. |
| US08211115B2 |
Variable size retrieval basket
A medical device includes an elongate member defining a lumen and a tipless basket having a proximal end and a distal end. The basket is retractable within and extendable from the lumen. The basket includes a plurality of proximal legs extending from the proximal end of the basket and a plurality of distal legs extending to the distal end of the basket. Each of the plurality of proximal legs is connected to an end of at least two of the plurality of distal legs between the proximal and distal ends of the basket. |
| US08211114B2 |
Medical instrument having a medical snare
A medical instrument including a resiliently flexible first elongate member and a resiliently flexible second elongate member. The first elongate member has a first proximal end portion and a first distal portion. The second elongate member has a second proximal end portion and a second distal portion, wherein the second distal portion is attached to the first distal portion, and wherein the attached first and second distal portions define a distal-loop medical snare which is insertable within a patient. In a first example, the first proximal end portion is lengthwise translatable with respect to the second proximal end portion to articulate the medical snare. In the same or a second example, the first proximal end portion is rotatable about its centerline to articulate the medical snare. |
| US08211113B2 |
Prosthesis cutting guide, cutting tool and method
A kit (10) for removal of bone (12) from a patient to prepare a bone cavity (14) for receiving a joint prosthesis (16) is provided. The kit (10) includes a guide (20) for cooperation with the bone (12) and a rotatable tool (22). The tool (22) is constrainable by the guide (20) for removal of the bone (12). The guide (20) includes a first portion (24) thereof cooperable with the tool (22) and a second portion (24) thereof cooperable with the bone (12). |
| US08211109B2 |
Osteosynthesis clip and insertion tool for inserting an osteosynthesis clip into bone tissue fragments
An improved osteosynthesis clip for the cicatrization of bone fragments, an improved insertion tool and method for inserting the improved clip and a surgical system implementing the improved clip and insertion tool are provided. The clip includes at least two engagement legs extending approximately parallel to one another and including insertion tips to be inserted into the bone tissue fragments; and a connecting bridge coupled to the at least two engagement legs at portions opposite the insertion portions, the connecting bridge including at least two elongated sections extending along side one another, the elongated sections extending along a non-linear trajectory to form a non-linear deformable region, such as a depression or a dome, wherein the engagement legs having respective helical screw surfaces extending substantially an entire distance between respective insertion and opposite portions to facilitate removal of the clip after the bone tissue fragments have fused. The improved clip may be made of any biocompatible material, including shape memory alloys, such as Nitinol. The insertion tool is improved to apply force at the bridging tips of either a stepped on a non stepped clip. |
| US08211108B2 |
Percutaneous intramedullary bone repair device
An intramedullary bone repair system and device for insertion into a bone extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone and for use with a plurality of screws. The bone repair device includes an elongate shaft and a head pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. A locking assembly is carried by the proximal end of the shaft and the head for rigidly coupling the shaft and the head together when the shaft and the head have been desirably positioned within the bone. The shaft and the head are provided with a plurality of threaded bores for receiving the plurality of screws to affix the shaft and head within the bone. A method for repair of a bone fracture using the bone repair device is also disclosed. |
| US08211107B2 |
Modular, blade-rod, intramedullary fixation device
The intramedullary fixation device for use in fixing the relative position between a tubular bone and an adjoining bone has, according to the present invention, an intramedullary nail that is inserted into the medullary canal of the tubular bone whose position is to be fixed, an elongated blade for insertion into the adjoining bone whose position is to be fixed relative to that of the tubular bone, a coupling element for fixing and locking the relative position of the nail and blade after their insertion, and a means for locating and positioning within the bones to-be-treated the nail and blade. Furthermore, the blade has a cross-sectional shape that is configured in consideration of the geometry of the bone into which the blade is to-be-placed and so as to enhance the ability of the blade to stabilize the bone, and these elements are configured so that they do not have to be decouple during the process of inserting the nail and blade. |
| US08211106B2 |
External bone distractor
An external bone distractor (1) having a threaded curvilinear rod (4) including several diametrical flat sections (7,8) with the thread (9) of the rod (4) continuing along longitudinal lines. At least a pair of carriages (2) are engaged on the rod and solidly connected to spindle supports (3). Guide members (10, 13) cooperate with the flat sections for preventing rotation of each of the carriages about the axis of the rod. Adjusting devices (14, 15) position each of the carriages along the length of the rod. The curvilinear rod (4) provides for use of the distractor in reconstruction of curved bone segments, such as in the jaw, face and skull. |
| US08211104B2 |
Co-access bipolar ablation probe
Medical probe kits and methods for treating tissue regions (e.g. tumors) are provided. The kit comprises a delivery cannula and an ablation probe. The delivery cannula comprises a shaft, a lumen extending through the shaft, and a plurality of windows formed through a wall of the shaft in communication with the cannula lumen. The ablation probe is configured to be removably disposed within the cannula lumen. The ablation probe has a shaft and proximal and distal arrays of electrodes that are deployable from the probe shaft. The electrodes of the proximal array are configured to be deployed out from the respective windows when the ablation probe is disposed within the cannula lumen. The electrodes of the distal array may be configured to be deployed out from an axial opening at the distal end of the cannula shaft when the ablation probe is disposed within the cannula lumen. The method may comprise introducing the cannula within a patient, introducing the ablation probe through the cannula, deploying the electrode arrays into contact with the tissue region, and conveying ablation energy to the ablation probe to ablate the tissue region within the electrode arrays. |
| US08211103B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument with adjustable power cable
An electrosurgical instrument that reduces the amount of fatigue experienced by a physician performing electrosurgery includes a hand piece that is connected to an electrosurgical generator by way of an electrical cable. The electrical cable is connected to the hand piece at a central portion of the hand piece, which reduces the resistance to the movement of the electrosurgical instrument created by the weight of the electrical cable. The reduced resistance leads to less fatigue in a physician's hand during electrosurgery. The hand piece can include a channel system that receives a portion of the electrical cable therein and allows a physician to adjust the location on the hand piece at which the electrical cable exits the hand piece. The channel system can include one or more side channels and/or longitudinal channels. The channels can include detents that define multiple exit locations from the channel system for the electrical cable. |
| US08211102B2 |
Contact sensing flexible conductive polymer electrode
A contact sensing catheter system includes a catheter shaft having a distal end; a flexible conductive polymer electrode located at the distal end of the shaft; and an electro-mechanical contact sensor positioned at least partially within the electrode. The sensor outputs an electrical signal in response to a mechanical force acting thereon. The sensor may be a piezoelectric sensor, a strain gauge, a fiber optic sensor, or another suitable electro-mechanical contact sensor. The electrical signal output by the sensor typically varies in response to variations in the mechanical force acting on the sensor. An output device may receive the signal output by the contact sensor and present to a user of the system an indicator of contact between the electrode and a tissue by assessing, for example, the amplitude or periodicity of the signal. |
| US08211099B2 |
Thermal feedback systems and methods of using the same
A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue. |
| US08211098B2 |
Microwave antenna assembly having a dielectric body portion with radial partitions of dielectric material
A microwave antenna assembly includes first and second elongated conductors, and a dielectric body portion. The first elongated conductor is associated with a first radiating portion at least partially along the length thereof. A second elongated conductor is disposed within the first elongated conductor and is associated with a second radiating portion at least partially along the length thereof. The dielectric body portion is disposed along the length of at least one of the first and second elongated conductors and the dielectric body portion includes two or more radial partition of dielectric material having difference dielectric constants. |
| US08211093B2 |
Data storage for an infusion pump system
A pump system can include a pump device and a controller device removably attachable to the pump device. The controller device can be reusable, and one or more pump devices can be disconnected and reconnected to the controller device. As such, some pump usage data can be conveniently stored in the pump device itself. In such circumstances, the controller device can receive data related to the pump's history or other usage when the pump device is attached to the controller. |
| US08211091B2 |
Method and apparatus for charging pump with local anesthetic
A kit for charging an infusion pump having a reservoir for holding a local anesthetic. The kit includes a first stopcock having an input port, a first input/output port and a second output port and a manual control for selectively coupling either the first input/output port or the second output port to the input port. The kit further includes a second stopcock having an input port, first and second output ports and a manual control for selectively coupling either the first output port or the second output port to the input port. The second output port of the first stopcock is adapted for coupling to the input port of the second stopcock. The kit further includes a syringe adapted to be coupled to the first input/output port of the first stopcock and tubing for coupling the input port of the first stopcock to a source of the liquid and for coupling the output port of the second stopcock to an input port of the pump. |
| US08211088B2 |
Catheter with controlled lumen recovery
An implantable medical device, comprising a body including a lumen extending therethrough at least one activatable element disposed within the body, a dimension of each of the at least one activatable elements changing in response to a predetermined stimulation between an activated state and an inactivate state to change a shape of the body to control a degree of opening of the lumen and at least one actuation element, each of the at least one actuation elements being configured to selectively supply the predetermined stimulation to a corresponding one of the at least one activatable elements to move the corresponding one of the at least one activatable elements between the activated and inactive states. |
| US08211087B2 |
Distal wire stop
A method and apparatus for releasably securing a wire guide to an elongate medical device for introduction into a work site with the bodily lumen of a patient. An elongate engagement member is configured to engage the wire guide while it is coupled to the elongate medical device and is configured so as to prevent relative movement between the wire guide and the elongate medical device. |
| US08211085B2 |
Therapeutic device for the selective cytoreduction treatment of an obstruction in a natural lumen or passage of the human or animal body
Therapeutic device intended for the selective cytoreductive treatment of an obstruction in a natural lumen or passage of the human or animal body, said lumen being obstructed by the effect of a local cell proliferation, said device comprising a tubular element, in particular of cylindrical shape, intended to be placed in said natural lumen and sufficiently flexible to conform to said natural lumen, but sufficiently rigid to maintain an artificial channel in said lumen. The tubular element supports lengthwise a medicinal sleeve which is intended to come into line with, and into contact with, the obstruction once the natural lumen has been intubated, and is designed to deliver locally, at least in its outer surface portion, at least one therapeutic agent which is cytoreductive, in particular cytotoxic, through contact with the cells under whose effect said lumen is obstructed. |
| US08211084B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for accessing the epicardial surface of the heart
Devices, systems, and methods for accessing the internal and external tissues of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of leads to the heart tissue. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide devices, systems, and methods for closing a hole in cardiac tissue. |
| US08211073B2 |
Ostomy faceplate having moldable adhesive wafer with diminishing surface undulations
An ostomy faceplate and its method of application are disclosed in which the faceplate comprises an annular adhesive wafer of soft, moisture-absorbent, memory-free, essentially non-elastic and finger-moldable adhesive skin barrier material, the wafer's distal surface having an outer zone terminating at the outer periphery of the wafer and an inner zone extending inwardly from the inner limits of the outer zone to a stoma-receiving opening at the inner periphery of the wafer. The faceplate also includes a flexible backing layer covering the outer zone and a removable cover member having a smooth surface releasably covering the proximal bodyside surface of the wafer. The distal surface of the inner zone has undulations defined by a plurality of concentric ridges and valleys with the ridges progressively diminishing in thickness, when measured by the distance between the distal and proximal surfaces at each ridge, as the series progresses inwardly from the maximum thickness of the wafer towards the stoma-receiving opening. The method of application includes both a preliminary molding step and a secondary molding step. |
| US08211072B2 |
Ostomy bag
The invention provides an ostomy bag assembly including an outer bag and an inner bag secured to one side of a flange. The inner bag is removable to facilitate disposal. The flange has a polymeric backing film and a layer of bioadhesive for securing the ostomy bag assembly to the body of a patient. The flange includes an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag. The outer bag is detachably bonded to a first attachment zone on the flange and the inner bag is secured to a second attachment zone on the flange. The outer bag is mounted to the flange by an annular bonding element is formed from a multilayer polymeric material comprising first and second ethylene vinyl acetate layers and a polymeric support layer interposed there between. A method of fabricating ostomy bags is also provided. |
| US08211068B2 |
Cassette for irrigation or aspiration machine for endoscopy
A cassette insertable into an irrigation or aspiration machine for endoscopy includes an irrigation or an aspiration tube and a support provided with one or two inlet plugs and one or two outlet plugs where two tubes form an elbow to be connectable to the inlet or outlet plugs in an input and output direction of motion, respectively and to form an irrigation or aspiration pumping area in the input and output direction of motion. The support includes a T-shaped guide according to the head of the T for protecting the elbow of each tube and according to the length of the T body in a slot guiding the tube in the output direction. The T-shaped guide extends between one or two inlet plugs to form the irrigation or aspiration pumping area on both sides of the slot between each inlet plug and the head of the T. |
| US08211067B2 |
Mechanical system
When consumable part such as pressure-resistant cover (300) is installed on a chemical solution injector (100), consumption degree data is read from storage means such as an RFID chip of the consumable part and temporarily held. If the consumption degree updated according to the use of the consumable part exceeds the consumption criteria, a replacement preliminary warning is outputted and the updated consumption degree data is written in the consumption storage means (310) of the consumable part. Since the consumption degree of a consumable part installed on a mechanical device is automatically detected and a replacement preliminary warning is issue to the user at an adequate timing, continuous use of a totally consumed part, unnecessary replacement of a non-totally consumed part is prevented. |
| US08211066B2 |
Device for selective access closure inside a catheter
The device (10) for selective access closure inside a catheter comprises a conduit (14) having a rear extremity (16) for the insertion of a medical instrument and a mechanism (27) for adjusting the cross-section provided within the conduit (14). The mechanism (27) comprises a member (32) for repositioning the device between an opening movement and a closing movement. The direction of movement of the repositioning member (32) along both the closing path and the opening path are identical. |
| US08211063B2 |
Side loaded securement device
An anchoring system includes a device which permits a portion of a catheter or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suture. The anchoring system comprises an anchor pad and a retainer mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer includes at least one clip forming at least a portion of a central channel and that moves generally in a lateral direction to capture the medical article to be retained. In certain embodiments, the clip moves in lateral and transverse directions between closed and open positions. The medical article is secured within the central channel. The channel may have a straight or tapering shape depending on the medical article to be retained. |
| US08211062B2 |
Illumination instrument for an infusion pump
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an illumination instrument that provides the user with an opportunity to illuminate and inspect a targeted location. The illumination instrument can be useful in situations where the ambient lighting is insufficient for the user's inspection needs (e.g., during the night, during presentation or movie in which the lighting is low, or the like). In some embodiments, illumination instrument can be employed to visually inspect one or more components of the pump system, the infusion set, or a combination thereof. |
| US08211061B2 |
Intelligent remote-controlled portable intravenous injection and transfusion system
An intelligent remote-controlled portable intravenous injection and transfusion system includes a fluid storage unit (A), a transfusion needle (B), a transfusion tube (C) and a fluid supply driving unit (D). The fluid storage unit (A) is formed by a portable bag (A1) and a fluid storage bag (A2) therein. The fluid supply driving unit (D) includes a peristaltic pump (2), which is provided in a portable flip-shell formed by a lower case (5), an upper cover (6) and a rotational axis (7), and its drive device (1), a power (13), a controller having MSF module and the second wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit. The second wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit is connected to the I/O of the controller. The first wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit is provided in a healthcare monitor room, and connected to the I/O of a computer installed with a controlling software. |
| US08211058B2 |
Device for injecting veterinary products to poultry including a retention member having an anatomic form with means for bracing a detectable bone
The invention relates to a device for injecting veterinary products to at least one bird by intramuscular injection, wherein said injection(s) can be carried out in the area of at least one muscle in the vicinity of a bone having a detectable shape in the body of said poultry, said device comprising: a retention member with means for bracing said detectable bone, at least one hole being formed in said retention member; at least one injection needle, said needle(s) being movable across said opening(s); characterized in that the retention member has: an anatomic shape that conforms to a portion of the body of said poultry and inside which is provided said means or bracing the detectable bone, said anatomic shape including a bearing surface for said body at said muscle; at least two contact sensors to be actuated by said poultry and provided on the anatomic shape with at least one on the bearing surface, said opening(s) being provided between said sensors. |
| US08211049B2 |
Blood processing system for single or double access draw and return
A blood processing system is disclosed which is adapted for single or double access draw and return. The blood processing system includes a blood processor for separating blood (or blood components) into one or more components or other components. In one embodiment the blood processor includes an inlet for receiving blood from blood source and an outlet for returning at least one blood component to the source. The processing system includes a first flow path in communication with the inlet, a second flow path in communication with the outlet, a third flow path in communication with a second flow path at two spaced apart locations, a reservoir communicates with the third flow path between the two spaced apart locations, and a flow communication site associated with the second flow path downstream of the spaced apart locations which communication site is adapted to permit communication with the first flow path. |
| US08211045B2 |
Ankle stress relief device
A novel ankle gapping device includes a lower leg engaging apparatus, a foot engaging apparatus, and a biasing member disposed between the lower leg engaging apparatus and the foot engaging apparatus. The leg engaging apparatus is adapted to securely engage a user's leg such that the leg engaging apparatus will remain stationary when the biasing member exerts an upward force thereon. The foot engaging apparatus is contoured to fit the user's foot. In a particular embodiment, the biasing member is a pneumatic biasing member, such as an inflatable tube that is actuated by a pump. As the pump provides compressed air (or some other fluid) to the biasing member, the pressure inside the biasing member increases, causing an increase in the volume of the biasing member. This pressure and volume increase exerts an upward force via the leg engaging apparatus to the lower leg, and a downward force via the foot engaging apparatus to the foot. The forces applied to the leg and the foot cause separation of the ankle joint, allowing the synovial fluid to flow over the articulating surfaces of the bones of the joint. |
| US08211044B2 |
Medical device for an athlete's digits
A medical device comprising a sheath that fits around at least a portion of the circumference of a finger, optionally comprising a pouch for retaining an insert, for supporting and protecting the finger. |
| US08211042B2 |
High torque active mechanism for orthotic and/or prosthetic devices
A high torque active mechanism for an orthotic and/or prosthetic joint using a primary brake which can be provide by magnetorheological (MR) rotational damper incorporating and an additional friction brake mechanism driven by the braking force generated by the MR damper. This combination of MR damper and friction brake mechanism allows an increase in torque density while keeping the same level of motion control offered by the MR damper alone. The increased torque density achieved by this high torque active mechanism allows to minimize the size of the actuating system, i.e. its diameter and/or breath, while maximizing its braking torque capability. In this regard, the friction brake mechanism is advantageously positioned around the MR damper, such that the dimension of the package is minimized. |
| US08211041B2 |
Sensing force during partial and total knee replacement surgery
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion. |
| US08211040B2 |
Continuous swallowing movement measuring device and method for measuring a continuous swallowing movement
A continuous swallowing movement measuring device includes pressure sensors placed in a line along a direction of an up and down movement of a thyroid cartilage when a food is swallowed, a first one of the pressure sensors placed at a top position of the thyroid cartilage, a second one of the pressure sensors placed along the direction to measure swallows included in a continuous swallowing movement. The device also includes a tool for wearing the pressure sensors and for fixing the pressure sensors to touch an anterior region of a neck of a subject. The tool includes a fixing unit fixes the pressure sensors. The tool also includes a supporter of the pressure sensors supports the fixing unit. Further, the tool includes a holding band holds the supporter of the pressure sensors on the anterior region of the neck of the subject. |
| US08211034B2 |
Monitoring of heart sounds
This document discusses, among other things, a system comprising an implantable medical device (IMD) including an implantable heart sound sensor circuit configured to produce an electrical heart sound signal representative of a heart sound of a subject and a processor circuit. The processor circuit is coupled to the heart sound sensor circuit and includes a detection circuit, a heart sound feature circuit and a trending circuit. The detection circuit configured to detect a physiologic perturbation and the heart sound feature circuit is configured to identify a heart sound feature in the electrical signal. The processor circuit is configured to trigger the heart sound feature circuit in relation to a detected physiologic perturbation. The trending circuit is configured to trend the heart sound feature in relation to a recurrence of the physiologic perturbation. The processor circuit is configured to declare a change in a physiologic condition of the patient according to the trending. |
| US08211028B2 |
System and method of determining arterial blood pressure and ventricular fill parameters from ventricular blood pressure waveform data
A system and method of determining hemodynamic parameters uses sensed ventricular blood pressure during a portion of ventricular pressure waveform following peak pressure. An estimated arterial diastolic pressure is based upon an amplitude of the sensed ventricular pressure corresponding to a time at which a first derivative of ventricular pressure as a function of time is at a minimum (dP/dtmin). Fill parameters such as isovolumetric relaxation constant, ventricular suction pressure, atrial kick pressure, and transvalve pressure gradient are derived from measured pressures representing minimum ventricular pressure, ventricular diastolic pressure, and diastasis pressure. |
| US08211027B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining at least one patient-related parameter for monitoring a patient
A method is described for determining at least one patient-related parameter for monitoring a patient. A general population-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship of the arterial vascular bed is used and the arterial pressure of the patient is measured to obtain a prediction of the cross sectional area (CSA) of the thoracic part of the aorta. The cross sectional area is measured, wherein at least one parameter of the general population-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship is corrected by means of the measured cross sectional area to determine a patient-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship such that the cross sectional area obtained with this patient-related pressure/CSA relationship is equal to the measured cross sectional area. |
| US08211026B2 |
Finger mounted probe adapted for intraoperative use
An ultrasound finger-mounted probe that has a finger clip that is adapted to be mounted on a human finger. The finger clip also has an interior surface adapted to contact the human finger. An ultrasound probe is adapted to be supported by the finger clip. Also, the ultrasound probe protrudes outwardly, relative to the interior surface, by less than 1.5 cm. |
| US08211021B2 |
Ultrasound image processing apparatus and ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
An ultrasound image processing apparatus includes first and second connecting portions to which first and second ultrasound probes are removably connected, the probes including first and second ultrasound transducers driven by first and second different ultrasound scanning systems respectively. The ultrasound image processing apparatus also includes an ultrasound image signal processing circuit that performs signal processings for generating first and second ultrasound images corresponding to the first and second ultrasound scanning systems from ultrasound signals received by the first and second ultrasound transducers. |
| US08211018B2 |
Time multiplexed method and device for beamforming
The present invention relates to a digital beamformer in ultrasound imaging after the process of receiving a digital echo signal. Provided herein is a time multiplexed device and method for beamforming. The device includes an echo data write/read unit, a multi-beam processing unit, a channel data summing unit, and a parameter distributing and synchronizing unit for distributing and synchronizing respective receive parameters to the echo data write/read unit and the multi-beam processing unit through a parameter load bus for each of the beams in the channel. |
| US08211016B2 |
Method and system for providing analyte monitoring
Methods and apparatuses for determining an analyte value are disclosed. |
| US08211015B2 |
Obstetric analgesia system
The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a short-acting analgesic agent in the management of pain during labor, wherein the system enables efficient, real-time prediction of contractions for the coordinated administration of analgesia such that the peak effectiveness of the analgesic coincides with the intermittent pain of labor. |
| US08211013B2 |
Speculum
Disclosed are devices and methods for accessing and channeling through biological tissue. One embodiment is a bone access tool including a handle assembly and speculum assembly coupled to the handle assembly. The handle assembly has first and second portions that are movable relative to one another. The speculum assembly has first and second speculum members movably positioned relative to one another. The speculum members define an internal shaft arranged about a central axis and a tapered shape when positioned adjacent one another. The tapered shape gradually reduces in size from a proximal rim to a distal edge of the speculum assembly. The speculum assembly also has at least one rib extending outwardly from each of the first and second speculum members, the rib having an upper surface and an inclined lower surface. Actuation of the handle assembly causes the first speculum member and second speculum member to spread apart from one another about the central axis so as to retract anatomical tissue and widen a size of the internal shaft for deploying a tool into the internal shaft between the speculum members. |
| US08211009B2 |
Endoscope bending control apparatus and endoscope system
An endoscope bending control apparatus includes: an image feature value calculating section for calculating, based on an endoscopic image, an image feature value related to a luminal dark part; a bending control section for performing bending control on a bending portion in either one of a first bending operation mode in which a position of the luminal dark part is set as an insertion target and a distal end of the insertion portion is directed to the position and a second bending operation mode in which the distal end of the insertion portion is directed in a direction of the position of the luminal dark part; an operation mode switching section for switching an operation mode from one bending operation mode to the other according to a first switching condition based on the calculated image feature value; and a switching condition changing section for changing the first switching condition. |
| US08211007B2 |
Lymph node removing method
A treatment instrument for endoscope of the present invention includes a puncture needle having a barb. A lymph node removing method of the present invention includes: an insertion step, wherein an endoscope has an insertable insertion portion which is inserted into an esophagus or a trachea being a lumen inside the body of a subject; the step of inserting a distal end portion arranged at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope into the lumen; a confirmation step of confirming the position of a mediastinal lymph node by performing ultrasound scanning using an ultrasound transducer arranged at the distal end portion; an anchoring step of placing an anchoring device which has been inserted through a channel inside the insertion portion of the endoscope, on the mediastinal lymph node by performing the ultrasound scanning; a incision step of cutting a wall of the lumen to make a fistula; and a drawing-in step of drawing the mediastinal lymph node into the lumen with the anchoring device. |
| US08211004B1 |
Adjustable device for the treatment of female urinary incontinence
A support device suitable for urethral support is adjustable for length post operatively. An elongated body has at least one bellows and a line going through a passage in the elongated body. The elongated body is supported in the patient and the line is adjustable by balloon inflation or rotation of a drum. The amount of support can be changed postoperatively using an instrument inserted through the skin with a local anesthetic or even from outside the skin with no surgical intervention. The bellows changes length when adjustments are made. |
| US08211003B2 |
Swing-out unit for a centrifuge having skewed sample vessel recesses
The present invention relates to a swing-out unit for a centrifuge, with the swing-out unit comprising sample vessel recesses and being insertable in a centrifuge rotor head to be swivelable about a swing-out axis, with the axes of at least two sample vessel recesses being arranged in a skewed manner with respect to one another. As a result, more sample vessels can be inserted in a swing-out unit than was previously possible with limited overall space. |
| US08210993B2 |
Elliptical exercise apparatus
An elliptical exercise apparatus includes a frame unit having a base frame, two crank arms, and two link units disposed respectively on left and right sides of the frame unit and each including a pedal rod connected pivotally to one of the crank arms. An adjustment unit includes a motor mounted on the frame unit, a threaded rod connected drivenly to the motor, a pull unit connected pivotally to the frame unit and connected drivenly to the threaded rod, and two roller sets connected pivotally to and disposed respectively on left and right sides of the pull unit. Each roller set is disposed in rolling contact with the pedal rod of a respective link unit. The roller sets are limitedly movable toward or away from an axis of rotation of the crank arms by a pulling action of the pull unit. |
| US08210992B2 |
Training method
A training method in which training coordinator device is in communication with a training transducer integrated in an exercise article. The training coordinator device receives training schedule data, for example, via an internet link, and uses this schedule to prompt and encourage a user in performing training activities in a real time and persistent manner defined in the training schedule by means of a user interface which may take the form of an LED array. The training coordinator device monitors training activities by signals from a suitably adapted training transducer, which may be integrated in an exercise article such as a bicycle etc. Information concerning the user's training activities may be published via an internet link for access by both the user and medical professionals, who may also be the source of the training schedule. |
| US08210991B2 |
Automated machine retarding systems and methods
A control system for a machine is disclosed. The control system may have a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of an inclination of the machine, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a travel speed of the machine, a third sensor configured to generate a third signal indicative of an engine speed of the machine, and a controller disposed in communication with each of the first, second, and third sensors. The controller is configured to determine whether the machine is freewheeling in a neutral gear, and to generate a machine braking command based on at least one of the first, second, and third signals. A method of retarding a machine is also disclosed. |
| US08210986B2 |
Hybrid vehicle drive control apparatus
A hybrid vehicle drive control apparatus is basically provided with an engine, a motor/generator, an electric power source and a controller. The electric power source exchanges electric power with the motor/generator. The controller selects between an EV drive mode in which a drive force is produced solely from the motor/generator and an HEV drive mode in which the drive force is at least partially produced from the engine. The EV drive mode and the HEV drive mode are based on at least a state of charge of the electric power source. The controller changes a state of charge region in which the EV drive mode is selected based on a degradation degree of the electric power source such that as the degradation degree of the electric power source becomes larger, the state of charge region in which the EV drive mode is selected becomes larger. |
| US08210983B2 |
Multi step transmission
A multi step transmission, of a planetary design, which has an external housing and includes a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. First, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets are each accommodated within the transmission housing along with third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth shafts, and at least six shift elements. The at least six shift elements comprises first and second brakes and first, second, third and fourth clutches, whose selected engagement produces different transmission ratios between the drive shaft and the output shaft such that nine separate forward gears and one reverse gear can be achieved. For each of the forward and reverse gears, only three of the six shift elements are engaged. |
| US08210981B2 |
Multi-stage gearbox
A multi-stage transmission comprises planetary gearsets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts and shift elements. The carriers of gearsets (P1, P2) couple via shaft (4) which couples the sun gear of gearset (P3). The ring gear of the gearset (P1) couples the sun gear of gearset (P2) via shaft (8), which couples drive shaft (1) via clutch (18). The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples housing (G) by shaft (3) via brake (03), and shaft (1) via clutch (13). The ring gear of gearset (P2) couples housing (G) by shaft (5) via brake (05). The sun gear of gearset (P4) couples housing (G). Shaft (6) couples shaft (1) via clutch (16) and carrier of gearset (P3). Shaft (9) couples shaft (4) via clutch (49) and the ring gear of gearset (P4). Output shaft (2) couples the ring gear and the carrier respectively of gearsets (P3, P4). |
| US08210975B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is provided. One embodiment of the automatic transmission may include a valve body including control valves for hydraulically controlling a friction engaging element provided within said transmission. The automatic transmission may further include an electric control unit located on said valve body for controlling gear shifting of said automatic transmission. The automatic transmission may further include a transmission case having a peripheral wall for at least partially enclosing a gear shift mechanism and an outer wall provided adjacent to said peripheral wall, wherein said electric control unit is located within a containing space surrounded by said peripheral wall, said outer wall and said valve body. |
| US08210972B2 |
Magnetic expandable broadhead
Magnetic expandable broadhead arrowheads and methods for magnetically holding the blades of broadhead arrowheads in the retracted position are disclosed. Embodiments include deployable cutting blades that are magnetically held in a retracted position during launch and flight and deploy outwardly upon impact with a target. Other embodiments include magnets where the force holding the cutting blades in the retracted position is localized adjacent either the deployable ends or the pivoting ends of the cutting blades. Still other embodiments include magnets adjacent to substantially the entire length of elongated cutting blades while the blades are in the retracted position. Alternate embodiments include elongated cutting blades that extend in a rearward direction when retracted and cutting blades that extend in a forward direction when retracted. |
| US08210971B1 |
Pivoting-blade deep-penetration arrowhead
A broadhead for an archery arrow is disclosed. The broadhead includes a substantially cylindrical body having a forward cutting end, a rearward attachment end, and a side wall. The forward cutting end terminates in a point and further includes a plurality of pointed faces, each of which has a concave scoop formed therein. A cutting edge is formed between each pointed face. The side wall of the body, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of longitudinal slots. The broadhead in such an embodiment further includes a plurality of blades each having a forward cutting edge and preferably a rearward cutting edge. Each edge meets at a distal point. Each blade further includes a slot engaging edge opposite the distal point, and each blade may be pivotally fixed in one slot. |
| US08210969B2 |
Ergonomic sports handle
A sports utility handle is provided for use with a sports equipment shaft including an upper shaft surface having an upper shaft plane, a lower shaft surface having a lower shaft plane, two side shaft surfaces having side surface planes and a shaft centerline. The handle includes a shaft engagement end, a handle termination end opposite thereto, an upper handle surface, a lower handle surface comprising a lower surface spline extending inwards from the lower shaft plane towards the upper shaft plane in a first lower handle surface beginning at the shaft engagement end. The lower surface spline extending outwards in the lower shaft plane direction in a second lower handle surface beginning at the first lower handle surface and extending towards the handle termination end. A curved stop element runs between the upper handle surface towards the lower handle surface at the handle termination end and is sized to fit within a human palm. Two handle side surfaces run generally parallel to the two side shaft surfaces. The lower surface spline is configured to provide a relaxed wrist grip such that the shaft centerline is generally aligned with a user forearm centerline. |
| US08210967B2 |
Elastomers, process for preparation, and uses thereof
Elastomeric interpolymers comprising at least two, or more, cyclic olefin monomers that are prepared by ring opening metathesis polymerization, and that are characterized by having no crystallinity, a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than −80° C., and a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 40 kg/mole, and functionalized products thereof.A ring opening metathesis polymerization process for producing the elastomeric interpolymers having no crystallinity.Uses of the elastomeric interpolymers in applications such as rubber compounds, tires, and the like.Cores of golf balls that are prepared by using metathesis polymerization produced elastomeric interpolymers having 0 to about 30% crystallinity. |
| US08210965B2 |
Golf club head with face insert
A golf club head with a face insert that is only partially connected to the body of the golf club head is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a face insert wherein the face insert is only connected to the body of the golf club head at specific engagement portions around the perimeter of the face insert while keeping the remainder of the perimeter unengaged. The golf club head disclosed in accordance with the present invention will allow for removal of excessive weight traditionally needed to connect the face insert to the body of the golf club head, therefore improving the performance of the golf club head. |
| US08210962B2 |
Putter heads and putters including polymeric material as part of the ball striking face
Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described. |
| US08210959B2 |
Device for shot tracking
The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component. |
| US08210958B2 |
Golf swing trainer
A golf practice and exercise device has an elevated arm from which an impact object is suspended for swinging movement. The object is positioned with a clubhead impact target in position for striking by the clubhead of a golf club swung by a golfer. The resistance to the impact of the golf club is adjustable. A sensor detects the magnitude and velocity of the striking force, and a display displays an indication as to how far a golf ball would have gone after being struck with a force and velocity of the detected magnitude. |
| US08210955B2 |
Amusement ride system
An amusement ride vehicle for maneuvering over a travel surface having a cushion of water includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface and at least one drive assembly housed by the vehicle body. The at least one drive assembly comprises a driven wheel disposed for selective engagement with the travel surface to maneuver the vehicle generally along the travel surface. The at least one drive assembly operates between a neutral state having the driven wheel disengaged from the travel surface, a forward drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a forward direction, and a reverse drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a reverse direction. |
| US08210954B2 |
Amusement water rides involving exercise circuits
An exercise facility may be part of a water ride. The exercise facility may be coupled to a water amusement system. An exercise facility may include a body of water that assists or resists movement of a participant between stations or apparatus in the facility. Exercise stations may be at least partially submerged in the body of water. Exercise apparatus may float on or be coupled to structures in the body of water. A participant may move from station to station, or apparatus to apparatus, by swimming, floating, traveling underwater, walking or jogging in the body of water, or using a conveyor. A system for providing exercise may include a processing unit that processes information relating to exercise by a participant and a display for displaying information to the participant while the participant is at the exercise stations. |
| US08210952B2 |
Universal joint
A pod type universal joint has a roller assembly rotatably carried by a number of trunnion journals. The roller assembly includes a spherical roller having its outer peripheral surface of a true sphere-shape and needle rollers arranged between the spherical roller and each of the trunnion journals. A raceway for the needle rollers and flanges for restricting an axial movement of the needle rollers are formed on an outer periphery of each of the trunnion journals. A projection beyond the circumscribing circle of the needle rollers is provided on the outer periphery of the tip end of each of the trunnion journals by performing plastic working on the tip end surface of each of the trunnion journals. |
| US08210951B2 |
Dual-mass flywheel
A dual-mass flywheel for a drive train of a motor vehicle having a primary flywheel mass and a secondary flywheel mass which are coupled to one another in a rotationally elastic manner via at least one spring device. At least one gear device is disposed between the spring device and at least one of the two flywheel masses. The gear device causing a deflection movement of the spring device relative to a rotational movement of the two flywheel masses in relation to one another, wherein a characteristic curve of the spring device may be modified by the gear device. |
| US08210950B2 |
Torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus
A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus for absorbing a torque fluctuation generated between an engine and a transmission includes a damper portion having a first plate member, a second plate member and a plurality of coil springs. The second plate member includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion to interpose therebetween the first plate member. The plurality of coil springs is provided between the first and second plate members. The plurality of coil springs is arranged to compress when the first and second plate members move relative to each other thereby absorbing a torque fluctuation generated by a difference between a rotation of the first plate member and a rotation of the second plate member. The first plate member is connected to an output shaft of the engine. The second plate member is connected to an input shaft of the transmission. |
| US08210948B2 |
Recording medium reproducing apparatus, recording medium reproducing method, and portable recording medium
A portable recording medium (100) stores video contents and icon information relating to an icon picture associated with the video contents and indicative of an operation mode corresponding to user operation of the recording medium reproducing apparatus (1). The recording medium reproducing apparatus (1) includes an image display plane (8) which is a frame memory area used for displaying video data of the video contents stored in the portable recording medium (100); a memory (15, 16) which stores the icon information stored in the portable recording medium (100); an OSD plane (18) which is a frame memory area used for displaying the icon picture on the basis of the icon information stored in the memory (15, 16); and a synthesizing device (10) which synthesizes the data held in the video display plane (8) and the data held in the information display plane (18), thereby outputting a superimposed video signal. |
| US08210945B2 |
System and method for physically interactive board games
A system and method of detecting a movement in space of a game participant and altering a scene of a game shown on an electronic display in response to the detected movement. |
| US08210933B2 |
Gaming apparatus and systems
Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, a poker game or the like. The EGM (1) displays a gaming image on a display (5), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and receives player instructions via an input (6) or the like, e.g. to spin the reels or manage the cards. The EGM (1) includes a guarantee feature in which an event is guaranteed to trigger if a monitored event (e.g. of the same type as the guaranteed event) does not occur within a set amount of gameplay. A guarantee indicator (9), e.g. a numerical countdown or gauge, indicates the remaining amount of gameplay required before the guarantee feature triggers. The monitored and/or guaranteed event may be a win event or a feature event, e.g. the triggering of a bonus round, free game or the like. |
| US08210921B1 |
Instant lottery ticket vending machine with ticket reveal and scan for computer generated display of results
A gaming ticket dispensing device is provided for dispensing tickets having prize-revealing characters and a removable covering for hiding the prize-revealing characters prior to acquisition by an end user. The ticket dispensing device includes a storage mechanism for holding a plurality of gaming tickets. A revealer is provided for removing the removable covering to reveal the prize-revealing characters, and a scanner is provided for scanning the prize-revealing characters. A processor is in communication with the scanner for processing the scanned characters' information to determine a prize value associated with the characters scanned. An audio visual display displays an audio visual message relating to the prize value and a dispensing port is provided for dispensing the gaming ticket to the user. |
| US08210920B2 |
Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
A method and system for playing jackpot and live baccarat games are provided. One feature of the jackpot method involves the use of card combinations that may include, e.g., at least one zero-point card. Another feature of the jackpot method involves initial jackpot contribution from the banker who operates the baccarat game. It is also provided a software program or a set of software program for carrying out any or all the steps of the disclosed gaming method. |
| US08210917B2 |
Simulated eye for toy
A simulated eye is capable of being changed between a normal state and a dilated state. The simulated eye includes a circuit board, a controller electrically connected to the circuit board, a simulated iris electrically connected to the circuit board, and a simulated pupil. When the simulated iris is irradiated with light, the size of the colored area of the simulated iris is changeable by operationally powering on and powered off the simulated iris via the controller, whereby the simulated eye is changed between the normal state and the dilated state. |
| US08210916B2 |
Real-time play valuation
A valuation system determines in real-time values of plays occurring during games by identifying a play that occurred during a game. The system determines an expectation of scoring prior to the play occurring, and an expectation of scoring that results from the play occurring. The system then calculates a value of the play as the difference between the expectation of scoring that results from the play occurring and the expectation of scoring that existed prior to the play occurring, and any scoring generated by the play. |
| US08210915B2 |
Combine harvester with spreader fans
Example embodiments relate to a combine harvester including a straw chopper having an inlet for unchopped straw, an outlet for chopped straw in an essentially horizontal direction, and a spreader fan, connected downstream of the outlet of the straw chopper and having an essentially horizontal plane of rotation, for spreading the chopped straw over a ground surface. The combine harvester further includes a guide member, which is arranged to deflect at least a part of the stream of chopped straw material to an axial intake of the spreader fan such that the part of chopped straw material meets the blades of the spreader fan in the direction of transport of the chopped straw material through the spreader fan at an acute angle (α) relative to the plane of rotation of the spreader fan. The part of the stream of chopped straw material thereby contributes to the material movement through the spreader fan. |
| US08210912B2 |
Game winch systems and methods
Systems and methods for suspending game animals. One embodiment is a system that includes a hitch fitting, a boom, a first winch and a stabilizer. The hitch fitting is configured to fit within a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The boom is coupled to the hitch fitting and extends upward from the hitch fitting. The first winch is coupled to an upper end of the boom and is configured to raise and suspend a game animal from the upper end of the boom. The stabilizer is coupled to the lower end of the boom and is configured to stabilize a lower end of the game animal which is suspended from the upper end of the boom. |
| US08210910B2 |
Multi-faceted sanding/finishing tool
A sanding and finishing tool is constructed from a number of interlocking sanding members configured such that the sanding and finishing tool is equipped for sanding and/or finishing jobs of varying sizes and degrees, and is further able to easily sand and/or finish in and around various sized edges, crevices and corners. The tool includes a first sanding member having a handle which can be provided with auxiliary sanding members having auxiliary sanding surfaces. The first sanding member includes a sanding surface covered by a sanding material, wherein the sanding material is removably attached to the sanding surface. The tool further includes any number of additional sanding members, such that each additional sanding member dovetails on to the last sanding member, and also includes a sanding surface and material. |
| US08210909B2 |
Abrading system
The present invention is an abrading system for a hand power tool including a base with a first end portion and a second end portion and configured to couple with the output shaft of a hand power tool, a flexible substrate having a first extending portion coupled with the first end portion and extending outwardly from the first end portion, a second extending portion coupled with the second end portion and extending outwardly from the second end portion, and a middle portion spaced apart from the base and extending between the first extending portion and the second extending portion, and an abrading material attached to the flexible substrate. |
| US08210908B2 |
Vented cutting head body for abrasive jet system
An abrasive waterjet assembly has a cutting head assembly with a venting system for controlling the flow of abrasive within a cutting head body. The venting system includes one or more vents for regulating the pressure within a cutting head body to minimize, limit, or substantially eliminate any abrasive from reaching a jewel orifice. The vents include venting ports positioned between an orifice mount that retains the jewel orifice and a mixing region in which abrasive is mixed with a fluid jet produced by the jewel orifice. An isolator retained in the cutting head body further inhibits the upstream flow of abrasive, if any. |
| US08210905B2 |
Wafer polishing device and method
Disclosed herein is a wafer polishing device including: an abrasive member driving device adapted to run a belt-like abrasive member in a direction crossing an outer circumferential end-edge of a wafer which is a wafer to be polished while bringing a belt-like abrasive member into contact with outer circumferential end-edge of the wafer, the abrasive member having non-abrasive sections disposed on both sides of an abrasive grain section; and a guide member having two guide surfaces shaped to conform to the outer circumferential end-edge of the wafer, the two guide surface being adapted to press, from rear sides of the non-abrasive sections, the respective non-abrasive sections of the abrasive member run by the abrasive member driving device. |
| US08210903B2 |
Method of manufacturing glass substrate for magnetic disk, method of manufacturing magnetic disk, and polishing apparatus of glass substrate for magnetic disk
A method of manufacturing a glass substrate for a magnetic disk is provided, by which polishing accuracy on an inner circumferential end face of a glass substrate is improved, and a thermal asperity trouble can be avoided.In a method of manufacturing a glass substrate for a magnetic disk, by which an inner circumferential end face of a cylindrical polishing object 12 is polished, the polishing object including a plurality of glass substrates 20 stacked on one another, a plurality of polishing cloths disposed around a rotation axis of an inner circumference polishing section having the rotation axis are contacted to the inner circumferential end face 116 of the polishing object at even pressure, then a polishing liquid is supplied between the inner circumferential end face of the polishing object and the inner circumference polishing section, and then the inner circumference polishing section and the polishing object are relatively rotated/moved with the rotation axis as a center, or relatively moved in a direction of the rotation axis, thereby the inner circumferential end face of the polishing object is polished. |
| US08210902B2 |
Surface treated implantable articles and related methods
Surface treated implantable articles and related methods are disclosed. The surface treated implantable articles can be substantially flash-free, include one or more rounded edges, or include an enhanced optical clarity, one or all of which can be produced by polishing. The polishing can include causing the implantable articles to be repeatedly impacted with polishing media when the articles are swelled to an enlarged state. The polishing process can be particularly useful for smoothing lacrimal implants insertable in a lacrimal canaliculus. |
| US08210901B2 |
Method for producing ceramic-honeycomb-structure-molding die and method for producing ceramic honeycomb structure
A method for producing a die for molding a ceramic honeycomb structure, which has molding grooves arranged in a lattice pattern and apertures communicating with the molding grooves for supplying a moldable material, wherein the formation of the lattice-patterned grooves by machining is conducted by a first machining operation for forming pluralities of first parallel grooves, and a second machining operation for forming second grooves crossing the first grooves; wherein the first and second machining operations are conducted by at least 2 passes of grinding or cutting using a rotating tool; and wherein the second machining operation is conducted by up-cutting in the second pass or later, and a method for producing a ceramic honeycomb structure using such a die. |
| US08210900B2 |
Dishing and defect control of chemical mechanical polishing using real-time adjustable additive delivery
A method and apparatus for polishing or planarizing a substrate by a chemical mechanical polishing process. In one embodiment a method of processing a semiconductor substrate is provided. The method comprises positioning a substrate on a polishing apparatus comprising a polishing pad assembly, delivering a polishing slurry to a surface of the polishing pad assembly, polishing the substrate with the surface of the polishing pad assembly, monitoring the removal rate of material from a plurality of regions on the surface of the substrate, determining whether the plurality of regions on the surface of the substrate are polishing uniformly, and selectively delivering a polishing slurry additive to at least one region of the plurality of regions to obtain a uniform removal rate of material from the plurality of regions on the surface of the substrate, wherein the removal rate of material from the at least one region is different than at least one other region of the plurality of regions. |
| US08210898B2 |
Pivotally manipulable toy
A pivotally manipulable toy is disclosed which includes a plurality of sections pivotally coupled in series, with a plurality of counting apertures being located in a plurality of the sections. The pivotally manipulable toy can be manipulated to form a plurality of shapes including letters and numbers. The pivotally manipulable toy may be used in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for children. Further, a manual which correlates each of the shapes with the number of unobstructed counting apertures that are visible when each shape is formed correctly may be provided together with the pivotally manipulable toy. |
| US08210896B2 |
Light and sound mechanisms for toys
A lights and sounds mechanism for use in a toy is provided. The lights and sounds mechanism may be connected to a product test switch switch. One or more components of the toy may be disassembled for packaging. The disassembled components may include one or more lights or speakers. When the product test switch is triggered, the lights and/or speakers in the disassembled components may properly function. |
| US08210895B2 |
Magnetic top system and method
A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top. |
| US08210891B2 |
Posable toy and method of forming
A toy with repositionable portions is disclosed. The toy may be stylized as a toy figure that may include a leg section and a torso section. The leg section includes legs pivotally coupled to a pelvic section. The pelvic section may also include an upward-extending connection post. The torso section, furthermore, may include a body cylinder that connects to the connection post. The body cylinder includes a series of resilient tabs that slidingly engage the post, securing the sections together while permitting the rotation of the torso section about the post. With this configuration, the toy figure possesses multiple degrees of motion, being adapted to move in bending and twisting motions. |
| US08210887B2 |
Base assembly useful in permitting a floating campfire
Disclosed is a base assembly useful in permitting a floating campfire, comprising a base shaped to float in open water, the base having an airtight pontoon portion at its periphery; and a floor defining an opening therethrough to accommodate a fire bowl to house the campfire; wherein the base assembly is constructed to counteract the weight of the campfire in use such that the base assembly floats in open water. The base assembly is preferably square in shape. The floor is preferably made of aluminum checker plate and TIG welded in a stitch pattern to the centre. |
| US08210886B1 |
Jack plate with light source
The jack plate has two vertically aligned side plates, a transom plate, and a splash plate. The jack plate has associated light source holes associated therewith. There are light sources, such as LED's contained with the light source holes of the jack plate. There is a travel stop block coupled to the jack plate transom plate. |
| US08210878B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector, includes a protection circuit for protecting circuits on a circuit board. The electrical connector includes a housing, a plurality of contacts secured to the housing, and a semiconductor device built into the housing. The semiconductor devices include an overvoltage protection device, and the plurality of contacts are grounded through the overvoltage protection device. |
| US08210876B2 |
Connector, connector assembling system and method of assembling a connector
An electrical connector is presented, including a plurality of connector wafers coupled by a coupling piece, each wafer including a housing accommodating a plurality of contact elements, said housing having opposite side edges, an insertion side exposing the contact elements, a back side and opposite main faces. The connector wafers are provided with first coupling means extending along at least a portion of a side edge thereof. The coupling piece is provided with second coupling means extending along at least a portion thereof. The first and second coupling means are arranged for engaging each other, in a coupled situation, on a plurality of distinct engagement positions along the respective coupling means. |
| US08210864B1 |
Connector terminal position assurance device
A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a connector having a connector body, and Tab-Down terminal, and a terminal position assurance device (TPA). The connector body has a cavity located therein and a flexible arm that is elastically deformable. The Tab-Down terminal is slidable in a first direction and in a second direction that generally opposes the first direction. The Tab-Down terminal is insertable within the cavity of the connector body in the first direction. The terminal position assurance (TPA) device is slidably engageable within the cavity of the connector. The TPA device has a primary lock support that is selectively positioned adjacent the flexible arm to limit deformation of the flexible arm. The connector assembly includes a pre-stage position and a full-stage position. In the pre-stage position the Tab-Down terminal moveable within the cavity. In the full-stage position movement of the Tab-Down terminal is limited. |
| US08210862B1 |
Water-proof cover for electrical connectors
A cover for an electrical connector including a plug and a receptacle includes a water-proof sheet having adhesive secured to a sheet outer peripheral portion, the adhesive forming a water-tight seal with electrical cords of the plug and receptacle, and the cover forming a water-tight seal completely surrounding the connected plug and receptacle. |
| US08210859B2 |
Female connector element and connector including same
The invention relates to a female element (2) that comprises at least one terminal conduction component and a receptacle (20) for receiving a body (10) of a male element (1) along a longitudinal direction (X2-X′2). The female element (2) has a proximal portion (210) fitted to receive an electric power cable (C2). The receptacle (20) includes a guiding chamber (205) for said body (10) in translation along said longitudinal direction (X2-X′2), and at least one guiding edge for guiding said body (10) revolving around an axis (X1-X′1) of said body (10), the one or each guiding edge being disposed, along said longitudinal direction (X2-X′2), between said guiding chamber (205) and the one or each terminal component. The guiding chamber (205) has a cylindrical form with a circular base circumscribed on a triangular base of the body (10) of the male element (1). |
| US08210858B2 |
Socket device comprising grounding structure, application of socket device and manufacturing method thereof
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a socket device comprising a base, a socket structure and a grounding structure. The base comprises a substrate and a sidewall adjacent thereto, and the substrate comprises a first lateral and a second lateral corresponded to each other. The socket structure is disposed on the sidewall of the base. The grounding structure is disposed on the substrate of the base and comprises a grounding element, a fixing element, a grounding wire, and an insulating plate. The grounding element comprises first and second terminals, wherein the first terminal is protruded from the first lateral of the substrate. The fixing element is substantially disposed on the second lateral of the substrate and connected to the second terminal of the grounding element, so as to fix the grounding element to the substrate. |
| US08210857B2 |
Electronic device including two electronic components connected together by a flexible connector
An electronic device includes least two electronic components linked electrically to one another using a flexible connector. The flexible connector includes multiple conducting blades, and is interposed between the two electrical components such that longitudinal edges of the flexible connector are held in contact against respective connection pads of each of the electronic components. The flexible connector is ultimately compressed, respectively, against both electronic components. The electronic device is equipped with two additional conducting blades for checking the state of compression of the flexible connector. The two additional conducting blades include an electrical circuit for determining the state of compression of the flexible connector by a resistive measurement and integrating at least one additional conducting blade of the flexible connector. |
| US08210855B1 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a pedestal terminal which has a base board, two fastening boards extending upward from two sides of the base board, and two elastic boards extending upward from two free ends of the fastening boards and inclined gradually away from each other in process of extending upward, and a connecting terminal having two elastic arms and a bent portion connecting the elastic arms together to make the connecting terminal show a substantial inverted-V shape. Two free ends of the elastic boards are bent inward to form two restraining portions. Two free ends of the elastic arms are arched outward to form two interfering portions. The connecting terminal is movably engaged with the pedestal terminal with the elastic arms restrained between the restraining portions, the interfering portions abutting against insides of the corresponding elastic boards and the bent portion projecting upward beyond the pedestal terminal. |
| US08210853B2 |
Reorientable electrical receptacle
There is provided systems and methods for a reorientable electrical outlet. In one embodiment, a system includes a housing configured to be coupled to an electrical power source, the housing having a first rotation stop, and an electrical plug receptacle, mountable within the housing, the insert having a second rotation stop, the first and second rotation stops configured to cooperate with each other to limit rotation of the insert within the aperture at a number of degrees, wherein the plug receptacle is configured to receive an electrical plug. |
| US08210852B2 |
Artificial bones and methods of making same
An artificial bone generally includes an outer wall defining an inner cavity and an inner core disposed within at least a portion of the inner cavity, wherein the inner core includes a porous material having stiffness within a range of stiffness properties for mammalian cancellous bone and strength within a range of strength properties for mammalian cancellous bone. |
| US08210846B2 |
Brushhead assembly-handle interface arrangement for a droplet jet system for cleaning teeth
The interface structure includes a handle portion (12) having separate supply lines for gas and liquid, and a head portion (18) also having separate supply lines for gas and liquid, wherein the upper surface of the handle portion is configured relative to the lower surface of the head portion, with or without a separate locking member, that the gas and liquid lines in the handle connect in a fluid-sealing relationship with the gas and liquid lines in the head as the head portion is operatively positioned on the handle portion. |
| US08210845B1 |
Orthodontic pliers
A two piece orthodontic pliers having a pair of arms separably hinged together, in which a first hinge portion on a first arm includes a shaft having a central, axially projecting protrusion, and a second hinge portion on a second arm includes a bore having a central recess for receiving the shaft and the central protrusion of the first hinge portion. |
| US08210840B2 |
Diaphragm flexure with large range and high load capacity
A stamping structure for imprinting micro-sized features is provided. The stamping structure includes a flexure arrangement having one or more diaphragm flexures arranged in a series or parallel or hybrid configuration so as to manage load-capacity while still achieving adequate vertical and angular range of a sample supported on the one or more diaphragm flexures. |
| US08210835B2 |
Pump apparatus, assembling method of the same and washer system for vehicle
In a pump apparatus of a washer system, a closure member closes an opening of a motor housing and an opening of a circuit box. The closure member includes a plurality of terminal receiving holes. Each corresponding terminal is inserted through a corresponding one of the terminal receiving holes. One end of each terminal is placed at an interior part of the pump apparatus and is electrically connected to a corresponding one of a motor received in the motor housing and a control circuit received in the circuit box while the other end of each terminal is placed at the exterior part of the pump apparatus and forms a connection contact that is electrically connectable with a corresponding connection contact of an external connector. |
| US08210833B2 |
Motor-driven compressor
A motor-driven compressor includes a terminal housing made of an electrically insulating material and accommodating therein an electrical connecting portion which includes a connecting terminal connecting to a conductive member and an electric wire. The compressor includes a first seal member and a second seal member to seal the inside of the terminal housing from the outside thereof. The terminal housing has a distance-increasing portion that increases the communicating distance from a compressor housing to the electrical connecting portion in the terminal housing. The distance-increasing portion allows the pressures in the terminal housing and the compressor housing to be equalized. |
| US08210831B2 |
Piezoelectric pump
A piezoelectric pump includes a diaphragm that defines a pump chamber between the diaphragm and a pump body, and a piezoelectric element bonded to a surface of the diaphragm. The piezoelectric element is a bimorph piezoelectric element in which a plurality of piezoelectric layers are stacked, including a neutral layer disposed in the approximate middle of the piezoelectric element in the thickness direction and that is not displaced. The piezoelectric element can be efficiently displaced because a neutral plane of the diaphragm and the piezoelectric element bonded therein is located in the neutral layer. |
| US08210829B2 |
Two-stage rotodynamic blood pump with axially movable rotor assembly for adjusting hydraulic performance characteristics
A pump (10) includes a housing, a stator (20) supported in the housing, and a rotor assembly (30). The rotor assembly (30) includes a rotor (32) supported in the housing for rotation relative to the stator (20) about an axis (12). The rotor assembly (30) also includes a first impeller (34) operatively coupled to a first axial end of the rotor (32) for rotation with the rotor about the axis (12). The rotor assembly further includes a second impeller (36) operatively coupled to a second axial end of the rotor (32), opposite the first axial end, for rotation with the rotor about the axis (12). The rotor assembly (30) is movable along the axis (12) relative to the housing to adjust hydraulic performance characteristics of the pump (10). |
| US08210826B2 |
Controlled liquid injection and blending apparatus
A liquid injection and ratio control system is provided for blending an additive into a main flow line at a controlled ratio. The system automatically detects variances in temperature, pressure, and additive concentration and provides compensation thereto. The system also provides for automatic flow detection, calibration responsive to a level gauge, automated data collection, and wireless bi-directional communication. |
| US08210822B2 |
Dovetail for steam turbine rotating blade and rotor wheel
A dovetail for a steam turbine rotating blade and rotor wheel is provided. The dovetail design comprises a rotating blade curved axial entry dovetail having a four hook profile and a rotor wheel dovetail slot sized to receive the blade dovetail. The blade dovetail and wheel dovetail slot each comprise a plurality of slanted crush surfaces, a plurality of non-contact surfaces, and a plurality of necks that each provide a transition between a slanted crush surface to a non-contact surface. Each neck comprises a slant angle defined by the transition of the slanted crush surface to the non-contact surface. The slant angle ranges from about 60 degrees to about 82 degrees. |
| US08210819B2 |
Airfoil structure shim
An airfoil structure, shim, and retention member combination includes an airfoil structure, a retention member and a shim. The airfoil structure may define a first recess. The retention member may define a second recess. The first and second recesses may define a cavity. The shim may include a main body and a plurality of first fins extending outwardly from a first side of the main body. The first fins may further extend transverse to a longitudinal axis of the main body. The shim may be positioned in the cavity such that the first fins extend in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cavity. |
| US08210817B2 |
Wind turbine utilizing wind directing slats
Various embodiments of a wind turbine are disclosed having a support structure with a rotor disposed about the support structure and having first and second scoops. Each of the scoops can have medial and lateral openings, and the medial opening can include a plurality of apertures that remain open during a complete rotation of the rotor. |
| US08210814B2 |
Crossflow turbine airfoil
A turbine airfoil includes pressure and suction sidewalls extending axially in chord between opposite leading and trailing edges. The sidewalls are spaced transversely apart to define flow channels extending longitudinally and separated chordally by partitions bridging the sidewalls. A perforate partition includes a row of crossover holes extending obliquely therethrough. |
| US08210810B2 |
Rotor turning device for wind turbine generator and rotor turning method
A rotor turning device for a wind turbine generator which can be used without having to modify the existing wind turbine generator. A rotor turning device includes, on the inner periphery, a first member acting as a fixing member for fixing to a coupling hub, and on the outer periphery, a second member acting as an operating member to which operational force for rotating a rotation axis of the wind turbine generator. A pair of the first members embracingly fixes to the coupling hub of a coupling, while the second member attaches to the pair of first members to form a handle-like shape. |
| US08210808B2 |
Pump insert and assembly
A pump insert (128) has an inner surface which in use defines a portion of a volute (124) of a pump (110) wherein said pump insert (128) is adapted to be coupled with a pump casing (116) by an inter-engaging profiled coupling arrangement (166). In one disclosed embodiment the pump insert (128) is adapted to engage a pump casing closure plate (148) which is locatable about a pump shaft (112) and between the pump inert (148) and the pump casing (110). |
| US08210807B2 |
Gas turbine airfoil assemblies and methods of repair
Gas turbine airfoil assemblies and methods of repair are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: separating the airfoil from the platform; forming a depression in the platform, the depression being sized and shaped to receive a replacement airfoil; and affixing the replacement airfoil within the depression such that the replacement airfoil is attached to the platform. |
| US08210802B2 |
Turbine casing
The turbine casing as described herein may include a first section flange, a second section flange, the first section flange and the second section flange meeting at a joint, and a heat sink positioned about the joint. |
| US08210801B2 |
Systems and methods of reducing heat loss from a gas turbine during shutdown
A method operates a gas turbine that includes a compressor section, a turbine section and an extraction cooling system. The method includes monitoring an operation of the gas turbine, directing a cooling air flow through the extraction cooling system from the compressor section to the turbine section in response to normal operation of the gas turbine, and directing a warming air flow through the extraction cooling system to the compressor section and the turbine section in response to shutdown of the gas turbine. |
| US08210800B2 |
Integrated actuator module for gas turbine engine
An actuator module for a gas turbine engine includes a multiple of actuators mounted within a common actuator housing. |
| US08210795B2 |
Flow-guiding device and fan assembly
A flow-guiding device, connected between two fans disposed in series and rotating in the same rotation direction, includes a main frame and a plurality of flow-guiding pieces. The flow-guiding pieces are connected with the main frame. Each of the flow-guiding pieces is disposed corresponding to the stationary flow guiding device of the above fan so as to form a completed flow guiding device. A fan assembly including the flow-guiding device is also disclosed. |
| US08210790B1 |
Pallet and product protector
A pallet and product protector for use with a forklift having a carriage assembly and a pair of L-shaped forks, including a horizontally elongated plate having a pair of cutouts defined in the lower edge thereof, each cutout being sized and shaped to receive a horizontal tong of an L-shaped fork, and a vertically elongated plate disposed rearward of the horizontally elongated plate and coupled thereto by a pivotable coupling. |
| US08210789B2 |
Method of assembling substrate transfer device and transfer system unit for the same
An assembly method of assembling a substrate transfer device including: a transfer system unit forming step of fixing a robot and a substrate container retainer to a divided body which composes a part of the substrate transfer device and is formed separably on a main structural body as a residual part of the substrate transfer device, thereby forming a transfer system unit; an operation examination step of examining whether the robot fixed to the transfer system unit can operate as a part of the substrate transfer device or not; and a mounting step of mounting the transfer system unit on the main structural body of the substrate transfer device after the operation examination step. |
| US08210786B2 |
Fastening device
A fastening device for fixing a member to be fixed to a fixing member through a screw, the fastening device includes: a top plate portion; and a pair of leg piece portions respectively suspended from the two side edges of the top plate portion, wherein the top plate portion includes two pairs of first elastic securing pieces disposed opposed to each other for defining a first screw hole formed in the screw, and two pairs of regulating pieces respectively interposed between the first elastic securing pieces for defining a first guide hole having a diameter larger than the first screw hole. |
| US08210785B1 |
Decorative cap and nut for toilet base
A decorative cap and nut for securing a toilet base to a floor includes a top substantially disc-shaped member having an upper disc surface and a lower disc surface. The diameter of said disc-shaped member is substantially greater than the thickness thereof so as to lie substantially flush with the toilet base. A coaxial cylindrically shaped stem extends vertically downwardly from the top and is connected to the lower disc surface. The stem includes an internal thread adapted to be threaded onto a floor bolt that extends upwardly through an aperture in the toilet base. A slot in the upper disc surface can be engaged by a tool for rotating the top and an O-ring located on the under disc surface seals the disc-shaped member to the upper surface of the toilet base. A plug fits within the slot to hide the same. The stem and top can be integrally formed in a single piece or can be made of more than one piece joined together. |
| US08210782B2 |
Machine tool
A machine tool, wherein the front face of a base of the machine tool is formed in a single plane and a jig for fixing a workpiece to be machined with a tool is installed extending forwardly from a vertical intermediate front part of the base that defines an area between right and left lateral end front parts of the base having the vertical overall length portions or the vertical roughly overall length portions at right and left end parts of the front face formed in the single plane is formed detachably from the other portions of the base. The jig for fixing the work machined with the tool may be installed in the state of being extended from the vertical intermediate position of the front face in a forward direction. |
| US08210777B2 |
Cutting insert, milling tool and cutting method
An object of the invention is to provide a cutting insert suitably usable even in a cutting. A cutting insert of the invention is formed in a substantially plate shape, wherein a groove part (6) is formed in a flank face (4), a main cutting edge (5) is composed of a plurality of main cutting edge divisions (5a) divided by the groove part (6), and a concave part (7) depressed in a rake face (2) is formed in a vicinity corresponding to each of the main cutting edge divisions (5) in the rake face (2). |
| US08210772B2 |
Soil vapor extraction remediation system with vapor stream separation
A soil remediation system comprises an in-ground extraction well and separation apparatus connected to receive extracted soil vapors from the extraction well. The separation apparatus comprises plural pressure swing adsorption (PSA) components, respective ones of the PSA components containing a respective adsorption medium adapted to adsorb a respective species contained in the extracted soil vapors, the plural PSA components being connected in a serial succession to provide respective desorbed species flow streams of the respective species from the respective PSA components, some of the species being re-injected into the ground. |
| US08210765B2 |
Washing brush
A brush having a body with scrubbing means (6), a compartment for washing liquid and a channelling means (18) is provided. The brush has first (12) and second apertures for fluid communication between surfaces of the brush and the compartment The brush is particularly suitable for cleaning of non-horizontal surfaces. |
| US08210763B2 |
Applicator for applying a cosmetic product to keratinous material
An applicator for applying a product to keratinous material, may include a rod and an application member fixed to one end of the rod. The application member may include a core extending from the rod and being fixed relative to the rod. The application member also may include an outer casing including a fixation zone and an application zone. The outer casing may define an inner cavity in which the core is located, and the outer casing may be fixed to one end of the rod at the fixation zone. The outer casing may be free relative to the core, at least over part of the application zone. In addition, the fixation zone of the outer casing may be fixed to the rod and to the core between portions of the rod and the core. |
| US08210761B2 |
Cosmetic package with integrally molded wiper
A rigid low cost cosmetic container is provided wherein the basic elements, a tubular container and an applicator wand, are integrally formed as a unitary body. The wand extends inwardly from the top of the container into a product reservoir to form of an applicator end. The wand extends upwardly from the top end of the container to form a handle which may be provided in dimensions approximating the cap on a saleable package. The container and wand are separated by a frangible connection in the top end of the container. The bottom margin of the container sidewall is provided with a substantially reduced thickness to permit the container to be pinched and hermetically sealed after the product reservoir is filled with a quantity of product. |
| US08210758B2 |
Guiding a hand-operated printer
A method for use in guiding a hand-operated printer positioned over a print medium includes determining a position of the hand-operated printer relative to the print medium; and generating on a display screen a virtual image of at least a portion of an area under the hand-operated printer, corresponding to the position of the hand-operated printer. |
| US08210754B2 |
Radial roller bearing having hollow rollers
A radial roller bearing shafts in wind turbine transmissions, which includes an external bearing ring with an inner runway, an internal bearing ring arranged coaxial thereto which has an outer raceway and roller bodies on runways between bearing rings spaced circumferentially by a bearing cage and distributed uniformly on a circumference replaced by hollow rollers. To prevent slip, the hollow rollers have a greater diameter and lower modulus of elasticity ensuring, in a load-free state, continuous contact by the radial roller bearing with the bearing rings and continuous drive for the bearing cage and roller bodies at kinematic rotation speed. The hollow rollers have increased bending fatigue strength, and their inner envelope surfaces are formed by mechanical processing for further inherent compression stresses of at least −200 MPa, superimposed on the hollow rollers maximum load stress along with the inherent compression stresses resulting from their heat treatment. |
| US08210752B2 |
Wheel supporting device
A rolling bearing is provided on an outer peripheral surface of a hub spindle of a hub wheel on which a wheel is mounted. Opposite side face splines, which, by meshing with each other, couple the hub spindle and an outer ring of a constant velocity joint torque-transmittably, are respectively formed on an end face of the hub spindle and on an end face of the outer ring of the constant velocity joint which is abutted against this end face. A tubular seal member for covering outer peripheries of the opposite side face splines is disposed so as to straddle an inner ring of the rolling bearing and the outer ring of the constant velocity joint, while maintaining a sealing state. |
| US08210745B2 |
Extremity imaging apparatus for cone beam computed tomography
An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography of lower leg portions of a patient has a radiation source and a source transport actuable to move the source along an arcuate source path within a housing, from one side of a circumferential gap to the other and has a radius R2 about a center. A housing is provided for placement of the patient's foot. A digital radiation detector has a detector transport actuable to move the detector along an arcuate detector path within the housing, the detector path having a radius R1 about the center and concentric with the source path, wherein R1 is less than R2, and wherein the detector path extends from one side of the pedestal indent to the other. A gap closure apparatus is movable to a position that continues the detector path across the circumferential gap and encloses the detector path. |
| US08210741B2 |
Apparatus for thermal characterization under non-uniform heat load
An apparatus determines cooling characteristics of an operational cooling device used for transferring heat from an electronic device. The operational cooling device is thermally coupled to a heat pipe. The heat pipe has an exposed surface for selective application of heat thereon. Heat from a localized heat source is selectively applied to at least one region of the exposed surface. The heat source is preferably capable of being varied both positionally relative to the exposed surface and in heat intensity. A heat shield is preferably positioned around the exposed surface of the heat pipe to isolate the operational cooling device from the heat from the localized heat source. A temperature detector repeatedly measures a temperature distribution across the exposed surface while the cooling device is in a heat transfer mode. The temperature distribution is then used to thermally characterize the operational cooling device. |
| US08210737B2 |
Food preparation method
A cooking apparatus includes a spatula assembly and a cooking container comprising an upper access opening and an inner, cooking surface having a spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly includes a spatula driver and a curved spatula pivotally mounted to the cooking container for moving along the cooking surface and about a pivot axis between first and second positions. The pivot axis passes through the center point of the spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly may be constructed so that at least one of the first and second positions is above the pivot axis. The curved spatula may also include a spatula body having an outer surface and a barrier member extending radially inwardly from the outer surface, the outer surface contacting the cooking surface of the cooking container. |
| US08210734B2 |
Combinational LED lamp
A combinational LED lamp includes an insulating housing, a first conductive contact, a second conductive contact, and an LED body. The insulating housing includes a first engaging surface with a first engaging portion and a second engaging surface with a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion. The two conductive contacts are all fixed on the insulating housing. Both the two conductive contacts include an integral internal section and two exposure sections exposing at the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface of the insulating housing. Two terminals of the LED body are each electrically connected with the internal section of the first conductive contact and of the second conductive contact. Therefore, multiple LED-lamp units can be incorporated so as to form various configurations of LED-lamp combinations. |
| US08210732B2 |
Light guide plate, light guide plate assembly, and planar lighting device and liquid crystal display device using these
A light guide plate includes a light exit plane and a light entrance end, is formed into a shape having a thickness in a direction orthogonal to the light exit plane, the thickness being gradually larger as being farther from the light entrance end, and contains scattering particles dispersed therein, and a light guide plate assembly includes the light guide plate and a prism sheet which includes a plurality of prisms arrayed in parallel with each other, and is arranged so that vertex angles of the prisms face the light exit plane. The scattering particles scatter light entering from the light entrance end and propagating in the light guide plate, which satisfy Expressions (1) and (2) below, and vertex angles of the prisms of the prism satisfy Expression (3) and (4) below. 1.1≦ΦNPLGKC≦8.2 (1) 0.005≦KC≦0.1 (2) 55°≦θ≦80° (3) 0°≦θ1≦15° and 30°≦θ2≦45° (4) |
| US08210731B2 |
Light guide plate, and planar lighting device and liquid crystal display device using the same
The transparent light guide plate includes a rectangular light exit surface, a thick portion positioned at substantially a central portion of the surface, thin edge portions formed in parallel on both sides of the thick portion, a parallel groove accommodating a bar-like light source and being formed at substantially a center of the thick portion and inclined rear portions whose thickness is reduced from the thick portion toward the thin edge portions. An end portion of the groove is narrowed toward the surface symmetrically to a center line of the groove in a sectional shape thereof according to a ratio of a peak value of illuminance or luminance of emitted light at a first portion of the surface corresponding to the groove to an average value thereof at second portions corresponding to the inclined rear portions. The planar lighting device includes the light guide plate. The liquid crystal display device includes the planar lighting device. |
| US08210725B2 |
Light bar
A light bar has several modular light source heads which may contain different types of light sources as well as different technologies mounted in cages by shock absorbing grommets. The cages are mounted on a bottom member so that the heads can be arranged along opposite sides and the ends of the bottom members. The heads are captured, and assembled with the bottom member, by a top member which also captures translucent or transparent members or lenses along the sides of the light bar and, transparent or translucent end caps which may also provide lenses for the light source heads at the ends of the bar. The end caps are removably connected to the top and bottom members at the ends of the bar by screws extending through the end caps. The light source modules have the same wiring connected thereto by connectors from a connector board to connectors along the back ends of the light source heads. The top member is attached to posts extending from the bottom member by screws so as to enable removal of the top member to expose the light source modules. The modules at the end of the light bar are exposed upon removal of the end caps thereby permitting the light source modules to be installed, removed for servicing, and the interchange of different modular heads to obtain a desired compliment of light sources, which may be of different types and technologies, or may not be installed if desired to meet customers' orders. |
| US08210723B2 |
LED lens array optic with a highly uniform illumination pattern
An LED (light emitting diode) illumination device that can generate a uniform light output illumination pattern. The illumination source includes an array of LEDs. Forward of the LEDs is an array of negative lens surfaces. At a distance from the LED the width W of the lens and the spacing D between the LEDs enhances creating the uniform light output illumination pattern. The negative lens surface can be non-symmetric and take a conic or conic-like shape. |
| US08210718B2 |
Light source module
A light source module includes a light bar and a stiffened bar. The light bar includes a flexible circuit strip and a plurality of light sources. The light sources are disposed on the flexible circuit strip along an extension direction of the flexible circuit strip. The stiffened bar overlaps the flexible circuit strip and is disposed on a face of the flexible circuit strip having the light sources. The stiffened bar surrounds at least one side of each light source and exposes the light sources. The rigidity of the stiffened bar is larger than the flexible circuit strip. |
| US08210712B2 |
LED lamp device
A LED lamp device includes a power unit serially linking a plurality of LED lamp sets by a power cord. The power unit has a regulating circuit, power switch, and an indicator. Each LED lamp set includes a metal heat sink which can be fixed to a specific position by bolts, clamping, gluing, or other method. The metal heat sink has at least one and five most LEDs. The LEDs can be arranged to a metal circuit board, print circuit board, or directly mounted on surface of the metal heat sink. A lens having a receiving space is arranged above the plurality of LEDs. |
| US08210711B2 |
Light
The invention relates to a light (1) especially a wall or ceiling light protected from spray water and used to receive at least one long gas discharge lamp (5), said light comprising a closed housing formed by an at least transparent base part (3) which can be mounted in a fixed location and holds electrical devices, and an at least transparent coupling part (2). The base part (3) and the coupling part (2) are injection-molded from the same charges of thermoplastic material in a common mold which is essentially symmetrical in terms of the injection process, and overlap along peripheral edges on both sides, one edge being an insertion edge (10) and the other edge being embodied as a U-shaped receiving element (9) for receiving the insertion edge (10). According to the invention, taking into consideration the characteristic features of the transparent or translucent plastic material and the requirements of large-scale production, the light is designed in such a way that the U-shaped receiving element (9) comprises a seal (14) consisting of an elastomer foam forming a smooth outer skin, and the inner wall (15) of the light is provided with a surface structure improving the adhesion, for receiving the seal (14). |
| US08210707B2 |
Flashlight structure
Provided is an improved flashlight structure applicable to a flashlight for use at special sites. The flashlight structure includes a press switch whose protruding end is constantly received in a recessed area. Therefore, should the flashlight be dropped, with the press switch facing down, the press switch will not be pressed inward (and hence turned on or off) by accident. Also, the flashlight structure includes a partition plate for separating batteries in the flashlight and preventing the batteries from overheating due to close contact. A lighting unit connected to the open end of the flashlight structure is peripherally provided with ribs of different widths for engaging with the corresponding slots and thus positioning the lighting unit properly. An annular isolation portion in the middle section of the press switch is tightly engaged with the inner periphery of an end hole of the flashlight structure to prevent entry of external moisture. |
| US08210703B2 |
Headlamp that may be dismantled
The headlamp comprises a fixture with a head strap, and a floodlight. The floodlight comprises a lamp body and a lamp receptacle, being characterized in that the head body and lamp receptacle of the floodlight is an integrally formed unit. The fixture mount may be removed from the floodlight such that the floodlight is used an ordinary flashlight, independent of the fixture mount. |
| US08210701B2 |
Lighting device and display device having the same
Disclosed herein is a lighting device including a blue light-emitting element adapted to emit a blue light beam; and a green phosphor layer which is disposed apart from the blue light-emitting element and can function as a light diffusion layer, the green phosphor layer including a green phosphor adapted to emit green fluorescence when excited by the blue light beam, the green phosphor having a refractive index of 1.49 or more and a quantum efficiency of 79% or more. |
| US08210699B2 |
Wavelength converting system
An embodiment of the invention discloses a wavelength converting system. The wavelength converting system comprises: a wavelength converter having a first area and a second area; a first light source disposed under the first area and inducing a first mixed light being visible above the first area; a second light source disposed under the second area and inducing a second mixed light being visible above the second area; and a carrier supporting the first light source and the second light source. The first light source and the second light source have a dominant wavelength difference of 1 nm˜20 nm, and the first mixed light and the second mixed light have a color temperature difference less than 100K. |
| US08210698B2 |
Phosphor layer having enhanced thermal conduction and light sources utilizing the phosphor layer
A light-conversion composition and light sources utilizing that composition are disclosed. The light-conversion composition includes a transparent carrier medium, a phosphor-conversion medium, and a heat-conducting medium. The transparent carrier medium is transparent to light at first and second wavelengths. The phosphor-conversion medium converts light of the first wavelength to light of the second wavelength, the phosphor-conversion medium being dispersed in the transparent carrier medium. The heat-conducting medium has a thermal resistance that is less than that of the carrier medium. The heat-conducting medium is dispersed in the transparent carrier medium such that the heat-conducting medium is present in a concentration sufficient to yield a net thermal resistance that is less than 90 percent of the carrier thermal resistance. The heat-conducting medium can include particles of a transparent crystalline material, such as silicon, diamond, or sapphire. |
| US08210696B2 |
Angle-adjustable auxiliary vehicle mirror
An angle-adjustable auxiliary vehicle mirror includes a base and a mirror. The base has a concave rest with a threaded hole. The mirror fits in a concave chamber of the base, with an auxiliary lens combined on top, having an arc-shaped convex formed at the bottom to engage with the concave rest. An opening is bored in the arc-shaped convex. A washer with a through hole is put on the arc-shaped convex. A screw is orderly inserted through the through hole and the opening to engage with the threaded hole to keep the mirror positioned, with the arc-shaped convex contacting with the concave rest. With the screw not tightly engaged with the mirror, the arc-shaped convex can axially slide on the concave rest to alter the angle of the mirror. |
| US08210694B1 |
Pair of concave mirrors for projecting non-inverted real images
The optical device projects a three dimensional image into free space. A series of minors are aligned thereby allowing an image reflect three times between the two minors. The distance between the mirrors may be altered, changing the size and orientation of the final image. In other arrangements, the minors are aligned to permit an image to reflect five times. The minors of the device are concave, may be spherical or parabolic, and may be fragments of a spherical or parabolic minor. |
| US08210693B2 |
Projection type image display apparatus and projection optical system
A projection type image display apparatus includes: a light source; an illumination optical system that uniformly illuminates beams, which are emitted from the light source, on a surface of an image modulation element as a primary image plane; and a projection optical system that projects image information of the primary image plane modulated by the image modulation element on a screen as a secondary image plane in an enlarged manner. The projection optical system includes a first optical system having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of transmissive surfaces, and a second optical system having a positive refractive power and including a concave reflective surface. The first optical system has a first reflective surface disposed between any surfaces of the plurality of transmissive surfaces, and a second reflective surface disposed between the first optical system and second optical system. |
| US08210692B2 |
Illuminating device, image display device, and mirror unit
A mirror unit of the present invention includes a base member constituted of an upper plate portion, a lower plate portion, a connecting portion connecting the upper plate portion and the lower plate portion, and wall portions. A mirror holder for holding a mirror is pivotally supported between the upper plate portion and the lower plate portion. A recess is formed in the wall portions. An adjuster is mounted in the recess. Screw holes extend through the recess, and adjusting screws are engaged in the screw holes. Lifting amounts of plate portions of the adjuster can be adjusted by the adjusting screws. The tilt angle of the mirror is adjusted so that the mirror is properly tilted with respect to a light flux from either one of two lamps. |
| US08210689B2 |
Projection system
A total internal reflection prism comprises at least two subprisms. The at least two subprisms define an airgap of a uniform thickness following a one-dimensional curve. |
| US08210683B2 |
No-history method for intraocular lens power adjustment after excimer laser refractive surgery
Systems and methods for using a new corneal ratio, referred to as the Geggel ratio, to estimate how much treatment a patient received at an original myopic or mixed astigmatism excimer laser refractive surgery. The Geggel ratio represents the ratio of the measure of a pre-IOL central pachymetry to a measure of a pre-IOL superior pachymetry. The estimated laser ablation depth (ELAD) is used in a derived linear regression equation to determine an IOL power adjustment that is added to the standard SRK/T formula used to determine IOL power. |
| US08210682B2 |
Method and apparatus for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's using non-invasive eye tomography by Teraherts
The primary objective of the present method and apparatus is to provide a transportable diagnosis system for a reliable method to examine the conditions of a human eye lens. The method provides precise and safe technique for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) which is not involved brain surgery or biopsy. The detection of deposited amyloid plaque in the eyes of the patient has been discovered to be a possible diagnosis solution. The disclosed method uses Terahertz waves in both time and frequency domains instead of laser for scanning the eye of the AD patient to precisely image the amyloid layer non-evasively in real time and to map the deposited plaque with high resolution which can easily distinguish the abnormality of an AD patient with the comparison of the patient eye lens test to the available signature of a normal person and the signature of a person with common age-related cataracts. |
| US08210678B1 |
Multiband contrast-enhancing light filter and polarized sunglass lens comprising same
The invention is a polarized sunglass lens that comprises a multiband contrast enhancer to provide relatively high light transmittance for portions of the red, green, and blue spectra, while blocking UV and visible violet wavelengths, and optionally blocking deep-red wavelengths, in a single lens layer which when positioned as the front lens layer also protects the internal lens layers from UV-induced degradation. The multiband contrast enhancer comprises a combination of a copper halide or copper indium compound with rare-earth oxides in a heat-treated glass composition, or a combination of narrowband and sharp-cut absorbing dyes in a plastic composition, and provides attenuation of the UV and violet spectrum, thus protecting the user's eyes and the internal layers and colorants from UV-induced damage while providing enhanced optical contrast, color saturation, and visual acuity for the wearer. |
| US08210674B2 |
Liquid droplet jetting apparatus
An ink-jet printer has a line ink-jet head which includes a plurality of heat units arranged in two rows in a zigzag form along a main scanning direction, and a spur which is arranged to be in line in the main scanning direction, with a first head unit belonging to one row, and to overlap a second head unit adjacent to the first head unit, which belongs to the other row, in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The spur presses a recording paper from a side of the head unit. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress curling of the recording paper in a direction intersecting a transport direction. |
| US08210673B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes: a first retainer and a second retainer arranged side by side in a thrust direction, the first and second retainers being rotatable and retaining a long recording medium wound therearound; a guide mechanism that draws the recording medium wound around the first retainer in the thrust direction and guides the recording medium in a direction in which the recording medium can be wound around the second retainer; and a recording unit that performs a first recording process on the recording medium wound in a single layer around and retained by the first retainer under rotation of the first retainer and a second recording process on the recording medium wound in a single layer around and retained by the second retainer under rotation of the second retainer. |
| US08210671B2 |
Ink loader with access synchronization
An ink loader for a phase change ink imaging device includes an automated access control system that enables ink stick insertion based on user initiated ink load requests with reference to the operating state of the imaging device. |
| US08210669B2 |
Fluid container
The cartridge case of an ink cartridge has cover panels removably attached to both sides of a case core. A locking mechanism that can be disengaged and holds the cover panels to the case core forcibly elastically deforms the first latch plates of the cover panel, and engages or disengages the first protruding catch of the case core. Elastic deformation of the first latch plates is limited by the locking tab of the other cover panel, and as long as the other cover panel is not removed from the case core, the locking mechanism will not disengage and the one cover panel will not separate from the case core. |
| US08210666B2 |
Liquid supplying device, liquid discharging device, and method of controlling liquid discharging device
A liquid supplying device includes a liquid tank storing liquid that is supplied to a consumption object that consumes the liquid, a transfer pump for transferring the liquid stored in the liquid tank, an auxiliary tank temporarily storing the liquid transferred by the transfer pump before supplying the liquid to the consumption object, and a return pipe disposed so as to return the liquid to the liquid tank from the auxiliary tank when an amount of the liquid stored in the auxiliary tank becomes greater than or equal to a certain amount. |
| US08210664B2 |
Printhead with matched resonant damping structure
A printhead that has at least one printhead integrated circuit (IC) with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink and a support structure for supporting the printhead IC. The support structure has an ink conduit for supplying the array of nozzles with ink. The conduit has a set of resonant frequencies at which ink in the conduit generates a standing wave in response to certain operating modes of the array of nozzle. A fluidic damper is incorporated into printhead, the damper having a selected resonant frequency that damps the standing waves associated with each of the set of resonant frequencies such that they have an amplitude less than a maximum threshold. |
| US08210661B2 |
Stacked slice printhead
A side-firing printhead comprises a stack that includes a plurality of slices, wherein each slice includes a PCB trigger layer and a diaphragm layer, the PCB trigger layer controls the flow of ink from the diaphragm layer, a first side of the diaphragm layer includes at least one cavity that delivers ink via one or more aperture braces. An aperture plate is coupled to one side of the stack to interface to the diaphragm layers contained therein, wherein the aperture plate contains a plurality of apertures that are located at each aperture brace. A first bracket is disposed on the top of the stack and a second bracket is disposed on the bottom of the stack, wherein at least one fastener couples the second bracket to the first bracket such that a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the stack. |
| US08210659B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric element
A liquid ejecting head includes: pressure generation chambers which communicate with nozzle orifices; and piezoelectric elements which induce pressure change in the pressure generation chambers and each include a first electrode, a piezoelectric body layer formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the side opposite to the first electrode of the piezoelectric body layer, wherein the piezoelectric body layer includes two dielectric films having the substantially same interstitial distance and an intervening layer provided between the two dielectric films and having a different interstitial distance from that of the dielectric film. |
| US08210652B2 |
Printing head and method of manufacturing printing head
A printing head is provided by which, even when the stress is caused by a connecting section between a printing element substrate-side electrode terminal and a lead when the connecting section is heated and is subsequently cooled, the connecting section can be suppressed from having a deteriorated reliability. The printing head is structured so that the electrode pads are connected to the inner leads via stud bumps. The connection between the electrode pad and the stud bump is performed by applying ultrasonic oscillation to the connecting part in the first direction while the electrode pad is having a contact with the stud bump. The connection between the inner lead and the stud bump is performed by applying ultrasonic oscillation to the connecting part in the second direction intersecting with the first direction while the inner lead is having a contact with the stud bump. |
| US08210650B2 |
Liquid discharge head
A liquid discharge head comprises a discharge port forming member having formed therein a discharge port arranged corresponding to an energy generating element which generates energy to eject a liquid and a flow path forming member for forming a flow path to supply ink to the discharge port. At least one of the discharge port forming member and the flow path forming member is made of a cured material of a composition containing an epoxy resin and a phenol resin having a higher oxygen equivalent than that of the epoxy resin. |
| US08210647B2 |
Inkjet printing head
To form an inkjet printing head which is not deteriorated in printing quality or broken in production processes, a rib capable of being displaced upon receiving an influence of stress resulting from a sealant is installed at a position opposing the long side face of a printing element substrate, and the sealant is used to seal between the ribs and the printing element substrate. |
| US08210643B2 |
Liquid droplet jetting apparatus
A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes a jetting head unit which has a nozzle which jets droplets of a liquid, and a heat generating section, a suction port which is formed in the jetting head unit, and which opens near the nozzle, and a suction device which sucks air around the nozzle from the suction port, and cools down the heat generating section of the jetting head unit by the air which is sucked. Since the heat generating portion is cooled down by the air sucked from the suction port by the suction device, it is possible to reduce a possibility of the heat of the heat generating section being transferred to the jetting head unit, and destabilizing an operation of the jetting head unit. Moreover, since the suction port opens near the nozzle, it is possible to suck fine liquid droplets together with air around the nozzle. |
| US08210641B2 |
Liquid ejection head, liquid ejection apparatus, and manufacturing method of liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes an energy-generating element arranged on a semiconductor substrate, a barrier layer deposited on the semiconductor substrate for forming a liquid chamber in the periphery of the energy-generating element, and a nozzle sheet bonded on the barrier layer and having a nozzle formed at a position opposing the energy-generating element, in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid contained in the liquid chamber from the nozzle as liquid droplets by the energy-generating element, and the barrier layer is provided with a plurality of depressions, each having an independent contour, arranged within a range, which is separated from the border of the barrier layer, on an adhesive region adhering to the nozzle sheet. |
| US08210639B2 |
Ink supply devices
An ink supply device includes a cartridge mounting portion to which an ink cartridge is configured to be mounted by being inserted thereinto in an insertion direction. The ink supply device further includes a controller configured to determine a type of the ink cartridge based on first determination information initially stored during an insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion and second determination information finally stored during the insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion. |
| US08210635B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A printer comprising: an image former that forms a plurality of images on a plurality of sheets; a circulation transfer route composed of a first transfer route that transfers each sheet fed from a feeding route toward a discharging route, and a second transfer route that is branched from the first transfer route and returns each sheet received from the first transfer route to the first transfer route; a printing rate detector that detects a printing rate of each image; a circulation number determiner that determines a circulation number of each sheet on the circulation transfer route based on the printing rate of each image; a scheduling coordinator that coordinates a sheet transfer schedule based on the circulation number of each sheet; and a transfer drive controller that controls quantities described in the sheet transfer schedule by controlling driving mechanisms on the circulation transfer route and switching between the first and second transfer routes based on the schedule. |
| US08210630B2 |
Method for driving liquid ejector
A method for driving a liquid ejector (1) provided with a piezoelectric actuator (7) including a piezoelectric ceramic layer (6) having a size covering a plurality of pressurizing chambers (2). An arbitrary piezoelectric deformation region (8) of the liquid ejector (1) is deflected in one thickness direction and the opposite direction individually by applying a driving voltage waveform including a first voltage (−VL) and an equivalent second voltage (+VL) of the opposite polarity in order to vary the volume of the pressurizing chambers (2) of a corresponding liquid droplet ejecting portion (4), and a liquid droplet is ejected through a communicating nozzle (3). Since gradual creep deformation of the inactive region (16) of the piezoelectric ceramic layer (6) is prevented, the ink droplet ejection performance is maintained at a good level over a long period. |
| US08210629B2 |
Method for measuring ink flow rate in an inkjet printhead
A method of determining the state of a printhead/cartridge in a thermal inkjet printer. An inkjet printhead undergoes a jetting operation in which a jetting frequency is selected and a corresponding steady state printhead temperature is known. The printhead is heated to the steady state temperature. Then the printhead is jetted with all nozzles for a predetermined period of time. Temperature samples from the printhead are obtained and the change in the printhead temperature for a short period of time is used to determine a slope in the temperature change. From the slope of printhead temperature changes, the ink flow rate through the printhead can be determined. The flow rate of ink through the printhead can be used to determine the various states of the printhead, including out of ink, clogged, deprimed, a taped printhead, etc. |
| US08210626B2 |
Elevation adjustment apparatus for shelf in refrigerator
In order to allow a user to conveniently adjust the elevation of the shelf, simplify the structure not to generate noise, stably maintain the selected position of the shelf, and rapidly and considerably adjusting the elevation of the shelf, the present invention discloses an elevation adjustment apparatus for a shelf in a refrigerator comprises a shaft lengthily provided up and down in the inside of the refrigerator; a shelf moved up and down along the shaft; an operating lever hinged to the shelf and having a through hole through which the shaft penetrates; and an elastic member pushing the operating lever to contact the through hole to the shelf and hook them so that the up and down movement of the shelf is selectively restricted. |
| US08210623B2 |
Sliding assembly with damping device
A slide assembly with a damping device includes a first rail, a second rail, a first support frame, a second support frame, a rack and a damper. The second rail is movable longitudinally relative to the first rail. The first support frame is fixed to the first rail, and the second support frame is fixed to the second rail. The rack is connected to the first support frame. The damper is connected to the second support frame and includes a box and a gear which is pivotally connected to the box. The box includes a damping material received therein. When the second rail is moved relative to the first rail, the gear is driven by the rack and rotates while the damping material provides a damping force to the movement of the second rail. |
| US08210621B2 |
Vehicle brake device
A vehicle brake device is configured to limit a drop in a final target braking force when an abrupt deceleration is performed by the driver. The vehicle brake device has a brake operating element, a master cylinder and a controller. The brake operating element is operated by the driver of a vehicle. The master cylinder is operatively coupled to the brake operating element to generate a fluid pressure in accordance with an operation of the brake operating element. The controller calculates a target deceleration rate based on the fluid pressure of the master cylinder and controls a braking force of the vehicle in accordance with the target deceleration rate. The controller is limits a decrease in the target deceleration rate during an abrupt deceleration caused by the operation of the brake operating element by the driver. |
| US08210613B2 |
Swivel seat with adjustable swivel resistance
A swiveling seat comprises a seat bottom, a swivel mechanism and a swivel resistance system. The swivel mechanism allows the seat bottom to rotate at least partially around a first axis of rotation. The swivel resistance system may include a first member that rotates with the swivel mechanism, a second member that is fixedly positioned relative to the swiveling of the swivel mechanism and an operator adjustable resistance control that is operated by the vehicle operator to bias the second member into the first member so as to vary the resistance required to swivel the operator's seat. |
| US08210607B2 |
Vehicle seat
A headrest is attached to a square frame-shaped seatback frame so that the headrest can be moved back and forth by an upper lever. The upper lever is connected by a connection rod to a lower lever provided at the seatback frame. Left and right connection arms of a rear collision detector are attached to the lower lever. Backward movement of the rear collision detector moves forward the headrest via the connection rod and the upper lever. The connection arms of the rear collision detector are fixed to the lower lever, held at a predetermined angle. |
| US08210602B2 |
Automobile roof structure
An automobile roof structure in which each end of the roof reinforcement member is connected to a roof side rail via a bracket, the base end of the bracket is fixed to the end of the roof reinforcement member, a base plate of the bracket has upstanding sections that extend to a head edge of the base plate, the upper end of an upstanding end edge of each upstanding section abuts the upper end of a vehicle interior side-surface of the roof side rail, a gap is provided between the lower portion of the upstanding end edge and the side surface. A rotational moment M that is induced in the roof side rail by a collision load acting from the center pillar is not transmitted to the roof reinforcement member 4. |
| US08210601B2 |
Vehicle body structure
A crash can with a cross-shaped cross section is provided between a side frame and a bumper beam. The crash can connects to an end portion of the side frame in a state where its four projecting portions are directed respectively in upper, lower, right and left directions. The bumper beam comprises a protruding portion which extends in the vehicle width direction. The right and left projecting portions are joined to a top face of the protruding portion and that the upper and lower projecting portions are joined to upper and lower faces of the protruding portion respectively. Plural beads are formed at the crash can at positions which avoid spot-joint positions. Accordingly, the impact energy can absorbed effectively by the crash can. |
| US08210600B1 |
Aerodynamic package for an automotive vehicle
A vehicle having an aerodynamic splitter for the front of a vehicle is provided. The splitter includes a splitter panel which has a top surface adapted to be mounted to a front fascia of a vehicle. The top surface is contoured and offset from the front fascia in order to define an airflow opening between the front fascia and the splitter panel. The airflow opening directs air under the vehicle therethrough in order to create a down force on the vehicle. |
| US08210599B2 |
Aerodynamic and protective vehicle panel assembly and method of constructing same
An aerodynamic panel assembly with surface macrostructure is provided for a land vehicle. The panel assembly includes a first plurality of slats each having a longitudinal length greater than its width, and a second plurality of slats each having a longitudinal length greater than its width. The first and second plurality of slats are interwoven, thereby providing significant structural strength while increasing the versatility of the panel assembly to be used on various types of vehicles. Various types of attachment mechanisms are provided for attaching a panel assembly to the vehicle. |
| US08210598B2 |
Wind blocker arrangement
The present invention relates to a wind blocker arrangement (1) for a personal vehicle embodied as a cabriolet, having a roller device (5) comprising a shaft (12) and a material web (7) that may be rolled onto the shaft (12), having a bow (8) to which the material web (7) is attached and by means of which the material web (7) may be unwound from the shaft (12), and having two lateral arms (9) that, when the material web (7) is extended, are disposed in the region of the lateral edges (14) of the material web (7) and that are pivotable transversely to the rotational axis (13) of the shaft (12).A particularly compact and comfortable construction may be achieved if the arms (9) are drive-coupled to the bow (8) such that the arms (9) pivoting open causes the bow (8) to pull out the material web (7). |
| US08210592B2 |
Console storage retention structure
A console for use in a vehicle includes a compartment that is defined by a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart from one another in a first direction. A first channel is disposed adjacent to the first wall and defines an opening that is oriented in an upward direction. First and second pairs of laterally spaced-apart retainer structures are disposed within the first channel. A tray member has a first pair of spaced-apart engagement structures that are configured to be received within the first channel and are configured to engage the retainer structures. The tray member is positionable within the compartment in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and engaged with the first pair of retainer structures. In the second position, the first pair of engagement structures are disposed within the first channel and are engaged with the second pair of engagement structures. |
| US08210588B2 |
Vehicle grab handle
The invention relates to a vehicle grab handle (10) having a handle (12) and at least one bearing support (14) for attaching the vehicle grab handle (10) to a vehicle body, a bearing section (18) of the handle (12) being pivotally mounted to the bearing support (14), two shaft stubs (22, 24) being provided on the bearing support (14) which define a pivot axis (S) for the handle (12) and which can be shifted along the pivot axis (S) from an initial position to a connection position, and the shaft stubs (22, 24) coupling the handle (12) and the bearing support (14) to one another in the connection position. |
| US08210585B2 |
Electromagnetic lifter for moving coils of hot-rolled steel and relevant operating method
An electromagnetic lifter includes at least two polar expansions shaped for transporting a horizontal axis coil of hot-rolled steel. The polar expansions are connected through a ferromagnetic circuit and respective cores around which solenoids are arranged. A detection coil is arranged around each of the cores suitable to detect the change in the flux linked to the coil, and a control unit connected to the detection coils compares the values detected by each of them in order to authorize or not the transport. The relevant operating method includes a first check that the difference between the values detected by the two detection coils is below a preset threshold, and in the affirmative a second check that the overall decrease in the linked flux is below a second preset threshold, the issuance of an authorization signal to the transport being possible only in case of positive outcome of both checks. |
| US08210584B2 |
Collapsible tool for truck operators
The present invention relates to tools employed by truck operators, and, more particularly, to such tools used to release a fifth wheel pin of a tractor/trailer assembly. Specifically, the tool is a collapsible, telescopic pin puller. The tool has a grip end having a hammer and chisel, and a pin pull end having a hook and a protruded portion. The grip end and the pin pull end are connected by a telescopic elongate central portion which retracts into a handle which can be used as the handle of the hammer. |
| US08210583B2 |
Energy absorber device and method of forming same
An energy absorber device is provided that includes a generally cylindrical member defining an axis and having an outer surface. One or more axially-spaced, substantially annular members are operatively connected to the generally cylindrical member at the outer surface to create areas of stress concentration in the generally cylindrical member, such that deformation of the generally cylindrical member due to a sufficient force applied to the generally cylindrical member is initiated at the areas of stress concentration, with the areas of stress concentration being reinforced by the substantially annular members. The areas of stress concentration act as crush initiation features and are formed by the connection of the substantially annular members to the generally cylindrical member. Thus, expensive tooling, such as preformed dies, to form the initiation features in the generally cylindrical member is not required. |
| US08210582B2 |
Arrangement for reinforcing a motor vehicle bumper
A structural arrangement of a motor vehicle, of type including a cabin and a loading bed, between which a substantially vertical partition extends, of type including a cabin floor that extends at a first height, and a loading floor of the bed that extends at a second height that differs from the first height of the cabin floor, and of type including a hollow body that stiffens the structure and extends substantially vertically between the first height of the cabin floor and the second height of the loading floor. The hollow body includes two substantially vertical structural elements, and the first structural element is formed by the lower portion of the partition. |
| US08210580B2 |
Detent assembly and its application to actuation means
A detent assembly—namely of pairs of sub-assemblies of which the individual ones comprise spatially directly associated surfaces at which projecting elements cooperate with engaging elements in prestressed manner—comprises at least one detent element within a detent sub-assembly, said detent element being retained prestressed within an obliquely directed guide in a manner that it projects beyond a detent sub-assembly outer surface and that it enters an aperture sub-assembly while being obliquely prestressed into a recess of an opposite aperture outer surface and rests only unilaterally and point-wise against associated rim sites of the mutually associated interlocking zones. A preferred application relates to a handle being supported rotatably but in axially fixed position by a stop fitted with a disk connected to a handle extension and comprising circumferential interlocking recesses, for instance notches. The stop is fitted with guides containing compression springs to prestress balls and to guide them at an angle to the line of symmetry of the notches. To attain play-free interlocking, the guide-supported detent balls act point-wise on the interlocking notches of the disk. |
| US08210577B2 |
Connecting system for telescopingly engaged elements and method of maintaining the elements together using the system
The combination of a) a first tubular element with a first axis, a first portion with a radially outwardly facing surface and a first connecting assembly with a first circumferentially facing surface and b) a second tubular element with a second portion with a second axis, a radially inwardly facing surface, and a second connecting assembly with a second circumferentially facing surface. The first portion is extendable within the second portion. The first and second tubular elements are movable around the first and second axes between a) a first relative rotational position and b) a second relative rotational position such that the first and second connecting assemblies cooperate to draw the first and second portions axially towards each other and the first and second circumferentially facing surfaces confront each other to thereby block relative movement back into the first relative rotational position. |
| US08210574B2 |
Refrigerant distributor
A conical-shaped distributing member 41 is disposed in a refrigerant distributing portion 32 distributing refrigerant, an orifice 34 is disposed by being positioned at an axis 16X of the conical body, the orifice 34 is held by a stop ring 37, and the stop ring 37 urges the orifice 34 in a flow direction of the refrigerant. |
| US08210567B2 |
Seat side airbag seam
A seam for use in a seat of a vehicle having a side airbag that deploys through a cover of the vehicle seat. The seam including a first material and a second material joined to the first material. A monofilament member used to join the first material to the second material. The monofilament member will allow for quicker and easier tearing of the seam thus allowing for more complete and quicker deployment of the airbag through the vehicle seat cover to protect the occupant from contact with interior surfaces of a vehicle. |
| US08210566B2 |
Vehicle between-seat airbag apparatus
A vehicle between-seat airbag apparatus is provided that is capable of properly deploying an airbag stowed at a vehicle rear end side of a center console. A vehicle far-side airbag apparatus (10) is provided with: a far-side airbag (20) that is stowed in a corner portion (16B) at a vehicle rear end side and upper end side of a center console (16) that is disposed between seats arranged in a vehicle lateral direction, the far-side airbag (20) receiving a gas supply and being inflated; and an airbag door (40) that causes the far-side airbag (20) that receives the gas supply and is inflated to deploy in the vehicle front direction and upward with respect to the corner portion (16B), by supporting the far-side airbag (20) from the vehicle rear direction. |