Document | Document Title |
---|---|
US08247533B2 |
Beta helical peptide structures stable in aqueous and non-aqueous media
Disclosed are peptide structures that are stable in aqueous and non-aqueous media where a first linear peptide chain comprising alternating D,L- or L,D-amino acids having an N and C termini is joined by at least one turn region to a second linear peptide chain comprising alternating D,L- or L,D-amino acids having an N and C termini. The peptide chains can be joined at the C terminus of one of the linear peptide chains with an N terminus of the other linear peptide chain, a C terminus of one of the linear peptide chains with a C terminus of the other linear peptide chain, or an N terminus of one of the linear peptide chains with an N terminus of the other linear peptide chain. |
US08247532B2 |
Deuterated hepatitis C protease inhibitors
This invention relates to processes and intermediates for the preparation of salts of deuterated, enantiomericallv enriched alpha-amino beta-hydroxy acids of Formula 1 wherein the variables R1,R′1 and R′2 are defined herein, and wherein the process may comprise the steps of forming a salt of a compound of Formula 1, and crystallizing said salt to give a compound of greater than 55% enantiomeric excess. |
US08247530B2 |
N-alkylated cyclic peptide melanocortin agonists
A melanocortin-4 receptor agonist cyclic peptide of the formula where R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b, R5, R6, R7a, R7b, x, y and z are as defined in the specification, and a method of treating sexual dysfunction, including male erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction, and other melanocortin 4 receptor responsive conditions and disorders. |
US08247527B2 |
Enhanced fine agglomerate mixture
A fine agglomerates mixture formed from pyrolysis of recyclable polymeric material such as scrap tires, polymeric automotive components, used rubber materials, and plastic containers. The mixture contains a carbon content ranged between about 80% to about 95% by weight of the fine agglomerates mixture. The fine agglomerates mixture has agglomerate particles averaging less than or equal to 35 nm. The fine agglomerates mixture also has a nitrogen surface area greater than or equal to 73 m2/g and includes an inorganic functional filler in a range between about 5% to about 20% weight of the fine agglomerates mixture. |
US08247526B2 |
Process for the preparation of polyalkylene ether glycol
Polyalkylene ether glycol or copolymer thereof are prepared by contacting at least one alkanediol with a alkanediol containing cyclic sulfate. |
US08247522B2 |
Production of non-solid-stated polyester particles having solid-stated properties
A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing. |
US08247519B1 |
Shaped articles fabricated from polyamides comprising fluoroether functionalized aromatic moieties
The invention is directed to shaped articles fabricated from polyamides comprising fluoroether functionalized aromatic moieties. Particular polyamides include nylon 6, 6 and nylon 6 copolyamides that comprise fluoroether functionalized aromatic amide repeat units. The shaped articles hereof are characterized by reduced surface tension and are useful for imparting soil resistant films, molded parts, fibers, fabrics, and carpets. |
US08247518B2 |
Multi-layer polymer film for printing and copying
A multi-layer polymer film for printing and copying of the present invention comprising a two-layer polymer base film composed of layer A and layer B laminated on one side of the layer A, the layer B containing a filler in an amount of 50 to 3000 ppm and the layer A containing no filler or a filler in an amount of at least 1000 ppm and less than the B layer; an image receiving layer coated on the exposed surface of the layer A; and an antistatic layer coated on the exposed surface of the layer B, wherein the layer A having the image receiving coating layer and the layer B having the antistatic coating layer have average degrees of surface roughness (Ra) ranging from 10 to 60 nm and 50 to 150 nm, respectively, exhibits improved properties in terms of runnability, printing, optical (haze), antistatic, friction coefficient and anti-blocking properties, which can be advantageously used as an OHP film. |
US08247513B2 |
Silicone materials which crosslink by condensation at room temperature
Materials crosslinkable at room temperature by condensation, based on organosilicon compounds which cure to give permanently resilient materials, are catalyzed by a compound of the main or subgroups I and II in conjunction with an inorganic acid as a catalyst. |
US08247506B2 |
PTFE powder and method of producing PTFE molding powders
This invention provides a polytetrafluoroethylene powder capable of giving moldings which are improved in surface roughness Ra, tensile strength and/or tensile elongation as compared with the prior art ones and can be excellent in dielectric breakdown strength and, further, can be excellent, if desired, in apparent density and/or powder flowability as well, and a method of producing a polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder. The present invention is a PTFE powder wherein a surface roughness Ra of molded articles a1 for measurement is less than 0.92 μm. |
US08247505B2 |
Process for preparing vulcanizable fluorine-containing elastomer
The present invention provides a process for preparing a fluorine-containing elastomer in a high productivity comparable to that of non-iodine transfer polymerization process by carrying out an iodine transfer polymerization at high pressure. The present invention also provides a fluorine-containing elastomer prepared by this process, and fluorine-containing molded articles. The process is a batch copolymerization process conducted under conditions that the reduced temperature of the critical constant is at least 0.95 and the reduced pressure of the critical constant is at least 0.80 wherein the reduced temperature and the reduced pressure are calculated using the Peng-Robinson formula from the critical temperature, the critical pressure and the composition ratio of each of the monomers in the gaseous phase in a reaction vessel, in which ethylenically unsaturated compounds containing at least one fluoroolefine are copolymerized in the presence of a compound having the formula: Rf1·Ix wherein Rf1 is a saturated or unsaturated fluorohydrocarbon or chlorofluorohydrocarbon group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, and x is the number of bonds of Rf1 and an integer of 1 to 4. |
US08247504B2 |
Catalyst component, catalyst for olefin polymerization, and process for producing olefin polymer using catalyst
A polymer having high catalyst activity, excellent hydrogen response, high stereoregularity and high yield can be obtained by polymerizing olefins in the presence of a catalyst for olefin polymerization comprising (A) a solid catalyst component containing magnesium, titanium, a halogen, and an electron donor compound, (B) an organoaluminum compound shown by the formula R6pAlQ3-p(R1R2N)m, and (C) an aminosilane compound shown by the formula (R3HN)nR4pSi(OR5)q. |
US08247497B2 |
Polymer molding compositions
The invention relates to formulated compositions which can be easily formed into bottle caps, without the need for a liner, while still maintaining pressure requirements, such as for carbonated beverages. The compositions may include an ethylene polymer having a density in the range of from about 0.947 to 0.962 g/cm3, a melt index of from about 1 to about 10 g/10 min., and another ethylene polymer having a density in the range of from about 0.912 to 0.932 g/cm3, a melt index of from about 0.25 to about 6 g/10 min., wherein the two ethylene polymers have a density difference of equal to or greater than 0.03 g/cm3. In other cases, the composition may include a single component resin with a density in the 0.935-0.955 g/cm3 range with a melt index in the range of 0.3-1.2 g/10 minutes, and wherein the resin comprises a polyethylene polymer. |
US08247493B2 |
Long acting formulation of biopharmaceutical
The invention relates to a long-acting formulation of biopharmaceutical, more specifically an aptamer therapeutics. A branched PEGylated aptamer or a hyaluronic acid (HA) derivative of which degradation in vivo is regulated is linked by the bioconjugation with biopharmaceutical to produce the long-action formulation. |
US08247492B2 |
Polyester powder compositions, methods and articles
Powder compositions and articles and methods of forming articles from powder compositions are provided. In one embodiment the powder compositions include at least one polyester polymer powder and an amount of reinforcing particles having an aspect ratio of preferably at least about 5:1. In another embodiment the powder compositions include at least one medium-high melting temperature, aromatic and crystalline polyester polymer powder. In a preferred embodiment, the powder composition is capable of being formed, via a laser sintering process, into a three-dimensional article that exhibits one or more desirable mechanical properties in an elevated temperature environment. |
US08247491B2 |
Water-absorbent resin composition and its production process
There are disclosed a water-absorbent resin composition and its production process, wherein the water-absorbent resin composition causes little gel-blocking and is excellent in the liquid permeability and liquid diffusibility and is high also in the absorption performances and further is strong also against the physical damage; and there are further disclosed a water-absorbent resin composition and its production process, wherein the water-absorbent resin composition has the following further advantages, in addition to the above, of involving little segregation of the metal compound and further having a dust prevention effect. One of water-absorbent resin compositions according to the present invention is a water-absorbent resin composition comprising water-absorbent resin particles obtained by polymerizing a monomer including acrylic acid and/or its salt, with the composition having a mass-average particle diameter of 100 to 600 μm and comprising water-soluble polyvalent metal salt particles and the water-absorbent resin particles that have been surface-crosslinked. |
US08247490B1 |
Adhesion composition and textile materials and articles treated therewith
This invention relates to improved adhesion compositions and textile materials and articles treated therewith. The improved adhesion composition comprises a non-crosslinked resorcinol-formaldehyde and/or resorcinol-furfural condensate (or a phenol-formaldehyde condensate that is soluble in water), a rubber latex, and an aldehyde component such as 2-furfuraldehyde. The composition may be applied to textile substrates and used for improving the adhesion between the treated textile substrates and rubber materials. End-use articles that contain the treated textile-rubber composite include, without limitation, automobile tires, belts, and hoses as well as printing blankets. |
US08247487B2 |
Tire with tread containing carboxylated styrene/butadiene rubber
This invention relates to a tire with a tread of a rubber composition containing carboxylated styrene/butadiene rubber. |
US08247485B2 |
Fibrous basic magnesium sulfate-containing pellets and production of molded propylene polymer products
Fibrous basic magnesium sulfate-containing pellets comprising an olefin polymer and fibrous basic magnesium sulfate in a weight ratio of 80:20 to 20:80 and further comprising a nucleating agent in an amount of 0.3 to 8 weight parts based on 100 weight parts of the olefin polymer and in an amount of 0.2 to 4 weight parts based on 100 weight parts of the fibrous basic magnesium sulfate are favorably employable for producing molded fibrous basic magnesium sulfate-containing propylene polymer products which show high flexural modulus, high flexural strength and high yield strength in tension as well as excellent thermal stability. |
US08247484B2 |
High temperature polymer composites and methods of making the same
A composition comprises a modified polymeric material and a ceramic antiferroelectric particle. The modified polymeric material comprises a high temperature polymer chemically combined with a polar group. A method of making a composition comprises chemically combining a high temperature polymer with a polar group to form a modified polymeric material; and combining the modified polymeric material with antiferroelectric particles to form a composite composition. |
US08247481B2 |
Photosensitive insulating resin composition, cured product thereof and ABA block copolymer
A photosensitive insulating resin composition includes a block copolymer, a crosslinking agent, a photosensitive compound, and a solvent. The block copolymer includes a first structural unit shown by a following formula (1) and a second structural unit shown by a following formula (2), wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. |
US08247478B2 |
Thermoplastic resin composition
A thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention has high impact resistance, not lowering the weather resistance thereof, even though the amount of an impact resistance improver added thereto is small. The thermoplastic resin composition contains 100 parts by weight of (A) a thermoplastic resin and from 0.5 to 20 parts by weight of (B) a graft copolymer, wherein the graft copolymer (B) contains from 70% to 99% by weight of a crosslinked core (b2) prepared through polymerization of a monomer for the core (b2), containing 70% by weight or more of an acrylate, in the presence of from 0.5% to 20% by weight of a non-crosslinked seed (b1) having a weight-average molecular weight of 40,000 or less, and from 0.5% to 10% by weight of a shell (b3) prepared through polymerization of a monomer for the shell (b3) containing 50% by weight or more of a methacrylate, and the thermoplastic composition further contains from 0.01 to 3.0 parts by weight of (C) a water-soluble polymer compound having the property of forming a physical gel, relative to 100 parts by weight of the graft copolymer (B). |
US08247473B2 |
Colorant dispersion of recording ink, and recording ink using the same
The present invention provides a colorant dispersion for a recording ink containing at least a dispersant, a colorant, and water, wherein the dispersant is a polycarboxylic acid dispersant containing units represented by formulae (1) to (3): where R1, R2, and R4 are selected from a hydrogen atom and CH3; R3 is selected from a hydrogen atom and a C1-C3 alkyl group; R5 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group; AO and BO represent a C2-C3 oxyalkylene group; M is selected from alkali metal, alkali earth metal, ammonium, and organic amine; m represents an integer of 1 to 30; and n represents an integer of 5 to 50. |
US08247472B2 |
Friction material and production method of friction material
A friction material including: an amorphous resin that has a chain-like polymer structure; and other components that constitute the friction material and that are components other than the amorphous resin, wherein dispersion treatment is preliminarily carried out in which the amorphous resin is dispersed in at least one of the other components, and a manufacturing method of the friction material. |
US08247471B2 |
Polymerizable composition
To provide a dental adhesive composition which does not decrease preservation stability when reacting with acidity for acquiring dental adhesive property, even though using a filler having X-ray imaging property, and does not need the conventional mixing and kneading of two or more components, the dental adhesive composition includes (a) a (meth)acrylate compound having an acid group, and (b) aluminosilicate glass powder containing Sr and/or Ba and/or Ca, and the dental adhesive composition further includes a filler and (c) a photopolymerization catalyst, where the filler does not substantially make a neutralization reaction with the (meth)acrylate compound having an acid group as the (a) component because a filler content is 15% by weight or less in terms of oxide of Al2O3, and those coexist is one. |
US08247469B2 |
Dental impression material
Dental article for preparing a dental impression comprising (i) a first paste composition, and (ii) a second paste composition reactive upon mixing with the first paste composition in a curing reaction, characterized in that the dental article is obtainable by forming a predetermined amount of the first paste composition and a predetermined amount of the second paste composition into a body wherein the first and second paste compositions are separated by an interface preventing mixing and curing of the first paste composition and the second past composition during storage of the dental article. |
US08247465B2 |
Heat-expandable microspheres, process for producing the same, and application thereof
Heat-expandable microspheres include a shell of thermoplastic resin and core material encapsulated in the shell. The core material include a blowing agent having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin and a gas migration inhibitor having a boiling point higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin. The ratio of the gas migration inhibitor to the core material is at least 1 weight percent and below 30 weight percent. The average particle size of the heat-expandable microspheres ranges from 1 to 100 micrometers. |
US08247464B2 |
Method of selective foaming for porous polymeric material
A selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming technique is described to fabricate porous polymers for biomedical applications. Process variables, including ultrasound power, scanning speed, and gas concentration have an affect on pore size. Pore size can be controlled with the scanning speed of the ultrasound insonation and interconnected porous structures could be obtained using a partially saturated polymers. A gas concentration range of 3-5% by weight creates interconnected open-celled porous structures. The selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming method can be used on biocompatible polymers so as not to introduce any organic solvents. The method has use in cell related biomedical applications such as studying cell growth behaviors by providing a porous environment with varying topological features. |
US08247463B2 |
Method of coproducing methanol and ammonia
The present invention provides a process of coproducing methanol and ammonia by using natural gas, LPG, butane, or naphtha as a raw material, having a methanol production process (A) composed of specific steps and an ammonia production process (B) also composed of specific steps. |
US08247462B2 |
Co-production of power and hydrocarbons
A process (10) for co-producing power and hydrocarbons includes in a wet gasification stage (70), gasifying coal to produce a combustion gas (86) at elevated pressure comprising at least H2 and CO; enriching (72) a first portion of the combustion gas with H2 to produce an H2-enriched gas (88); and generating power (77) from a second portion of the combustion gas. In a dry gasification stage (16), coal is gasified to produce a synthesis gas precursor (36) at elevated pressure comprising at least H2 and CO. At least a portion of the H2-enriched gas (88) is mixed with the synthesis gas precursor (36) to provide a synthesis gas for hydrocarbon synthesis, with hydrocarbons being synthesized (20, 22) from the synthesis gas. In certain embodiments, the process (10) produces a CO2 exhaust stream (134) for sequestration or capturing for further use. |
US08247460B2 |
Method of treatment for muscular dystrophy
The invention relates to a method of treatment for muscular dystrophies, including Duchenne, Becker, limb-girdle, facioscapulohumeral, congenital muscular dystrophies and the like using a combination of nitric oxide-releasing and anti-inflammatory compounds. |
US08247455B2 |
Guanylhydrazone compounds, compositions, methods of making and using
The present invention relates to compounds having the formula: salts thereof; compositions comprising one or more of the compounds and/or salts thereof; methods of using; and methods of making. |
US08247454B2 |
Liquid antibacterial compositions incorporating trichlorocarbanilide with reduced water activity
A liquid antibacterial soap comprising trichlorocarbanilide, wherein the composition includes, 0.1-5 wt. % trichlorocarbanilide, 0-40 wt. % water, 0.1-40 wt. % of a surfactant or mixture of surfactants, 10-60 wt. % of lower glycols to render the composition visually clear and stable, and 0.1-10 wt. % of a mixture of additional adjuvant ingredients. |
US08247452B2 |
Urea- and urethane-substituted acylureas, process for their preparation and their use
The invention relates to urea- and urethane-substituted acylureas and to their physiologically tolerated salts and physiologically functional derivatives. In particular, the invention relates to the compounds of the formula I wherein the radicals have meanings described herein, and to their physiologically tolerated salts and to processes for their preparation. The compounds are suitable for example as antidiabetics. |
US08247449B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of asthma
The present invention provides methods of treating an inflammatory disorder, or a disorder having an inflammatory component, in a mammalian subject in need of such treatment by administering to said subject an effective amount of a composition in unit dosage form for delivery of a daily dose of said composition, said composition consisting essentially of: (i) an effective amount of γ-linolenic acid (GLA) for increasing dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA) levels in the inflammatory cells of said mammalian subject, thereby inhibiting the metabolism of arachidonic acid; (ii) an effective amount of a Δ5 desaturase inhibitor for inhibiting accumulation of arachidonic acid in the serum of said mammalian subject; and, optionally, (iii) an effective amount of a competitive inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism. Preferred formulations may be in the form of a good tasting, preferably milk or fruit based drink, or a dried powder. The compositions reduce inflammation and inhibit the increase in serum arachidonic acid associated with gamma-linolenic acid. |
US08247448B2 |
Butenoic acid derivatives, processes for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and use for the treatment of dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and diabetes
The present invention relates to butenoic acid derivatives of the formula I: in which R, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the description, and also to processes for the preparation thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and to their use for the treatment of dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and diabetes. |
US08247444B2 |
Anti-tumor effect of dimeric phthalide compound
The present invention provides for the use of a dimeric phthalide compound, the dimeric phthalide compound has broad anti-tumor activity, can directly inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and induce cell death, but also indirectly inhibit the development of tumors by suppressing neovascularization. And further, the dimeric phthalide compound can be used alone or in combination to treat cancer, as well as in combination with chemotherapeutics to increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutics and decrease the toxicity of chemotherapeutics. |
US08247443B2 |
Small molecule antagonists of bacterial quorum-sensing receptors
A novel small molecule antagonizes two types of acyl homoserine lactone receptors: membrane-bound and cytoplasmic. A focused library of analogs and derivatives of the original antagonist was synthesized. Analog and derivative molecules harbor a range of activities. The novel small molecule and most potent antagonist protects the eukaryote Caenorhabditis elegans from quorum-sensing-mediated killing by the bacterial pathogen Chromobacterium violaceum. The saving of C. elegans demonstrates the use of these molecules as small molecule antimicrobials. |
US08247429B2 |
Tricyclic compound and pharmaceutical use thereof
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), amino optionally having substituent(s), hydroxy optionally having a substituent or a heterocyclic group optionally having substituent(s), R2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), R3 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), amino optionally having substituent(s), hydroxy optionally having a substituent or mercapto optionally having a substituent, Xa, Xb, Xc and Xd are each a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom, provided that any one or two of Xa, Xb, Xc and Xd is/are nitrogen atom(s), m is 0 to 2, and rings A to C are each a ring optionally having substituent(s), or a salt thereof, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease relating to an action of melatonin, and the like. |
US08247425B2 |
Peripheral opioid receptor antagonists and uses thereof
The present invention provides a compound of formula I: wherein X−, R1, and R2 are as defined herein, and compositions thereof. |
US08247424B2 |
Fredericamycin derivatives
The invention relates to novel fredericamycin derivatives, to drugs containing said derivatives or the salts thereof, and to the use of the fredericamycin derivatives for treating diseases, especially cancer diseases. |
US08247423B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer, tumors, and tumor-related disorders
Described herein are compositions and methods for using these compositions in the treatment of cancer, tumors, and tumor-related disorders in a subject. |
US08247419B2 |
Methods of identifying and treating individuals exhibiting mutant kit protein
The invention described herein relates to methods of identifying and treating individuals with protein tyrosine kinase associated disorders that have, or may, become resistant to treatment with a kinase inhibitor such as imatinib due to a gain-of-function mutation in KIT tyrosine kinase. |
US08247416B2 |
Phthalazinone derivative
4-[3-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-4-fluoro-benzyl]-2H-phthalazin-1-one as crystalline Form A. |
US08247414B2 |
Pyridizinone derivatives and the use thereof as H3 inhibitors
The present invention is directed to novel pyridizinone derivatives that mediate enzymatic activity. In particular, the compounds may be effective in the treatment of diseases or disease states related to the activity of the histamine H3 receptor, including, for example, neurodegenerative disorders, sleep/wake disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and cognition. |
US08247411B2 |
Sulfonyl amide derivatives for the treatment of abnormal cell growth
The present invention relates to a compound of the formula I wherein R1 to R6, A, B, n and m are as defined herein. Such novel sulfonyl amide derivatives are useful in the treatment of abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, in mammals. This invention also relates to a method of using such compounds in the treatment of abnormal cell growth in mammals, especially humans, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. |
US08247406B2 |
Composition and method for treatment of MRSA
The present invention provides a photosensitizing composition for treatment of MRSA comprising a photosensitizer and chlorhexidine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides a method for reducing disease causing microbes comprising: applying the composition comprising a photosensitizer, chlorhexidine at a concentration of more than about 0.01% and less than about 2% v/v, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a treatment site; and applying light to the treatment site at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to reduce the microbes at the treatment site. |
US08247404B2 |
Derivatives of 2-oxoalkyl-1-piperazin-2-one, preparation method thereof and therapeutic use of same
The present invention relates to derivatives of 4-{2-[phenyl-3,6-dihydropyridin-1-yl]-2-oxoalkyl}-1-piperazin-2-one and 4-{2-[phenyl-2,5-dihydropyrrol-1-yl]-2-oxoalkyl}-1-piperazin-2-one having general formula (I): in which A, B, m, R3 and n are as defined herein. The invention also relates to the preparation thereof and to the therapeutic use thereof. |
US08247399B2 |
Photoactive metal nitrosyls for blood pressure regulation and cancer therapy
Disclosed are nitric oxide delivery agents and methods of their use, more specifically to photoactive compounds, which are able to perform targeted delivery of nitric oxide in vitro and in vivo and are useful for medicinal applications including, but not limited, to blood pressure regulation and cancer treatment. |
US08247397B2 |
Combinations of phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor compounds and chemotherapeutic agents, and methods of use
Combinations of PI3K inhibitor compounds having Formulas I and II and chemotherapeutic agents, including stereoisomers, geometric isomers, tautomers, metabolites and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for treating hyperproliferative disorders such as cancer. Methods of using such combinations for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed. |
US08247389B2 |
Treatment of scleroderma
The present invention provides a method of treating scleroderma. The method consists in the upregulation of miR-29 by administration of miR-29 or a miR-29 upregulator which elevates circulating and/or intracellular concentrations of miR-29. The invention likewise relates to the use of miR-29 for such a treatment, and the use of miR-29 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of scleroderma. |
US08247387B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of eye disorders with increased intraocular pressure
The present invention relates to methods and compositions that decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. The compositions of the invention comprise short interfering nucleic acid molecules (siNA) including, but not limited to, siRNA that decrease expression of genes associated with production or drainage of intraocular fluid. The compositions of the invention can be used in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an eye conditions displaying increased IOP such as glaucoma, infection, inflammation, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy. The methods of the invention comprise the administration to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of one or more siNAs of the invention. |
US08247385B2 |
Treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases using gene therapy
Provided herein are compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. In particular aspects, compositions administered herein encode a cellular immune response element. The compositions may be prepared and administered in such a manner that the cellular immune response element coding sequence is expressed in the subject to which the composition is administered. The compositions include expression systems, delivery systems, and certain cellular immune response element genes. |
US08247382B2 |
Method for increasing oxytocin release in the epidermis
A method for increasing oxytocin release through direct action on the epidermal keratinocytes is provided. The method for increasing oxytocin release in the epidermis includes increasing the calcium ion concentration in the epidermal cells. In the method of the present invention, the increase of the calcium ion concentration in the epidermal cells may be achieved by physically stimulating the skin. The physical stimulation may be achieved by applying a heat stimulus and/or a massage. The increase of the calcium ion concentration in the epidermal cells may be achieved by stimulating the epidermal cells by at least one agent selected from the group consisting of ATP, UTP, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. |
US08247380B2 |
Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, alpha 2-HS glycoprotein, alpha 1-antitrypsin, and fragments thereof induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines
This invention characterizes the selective apoptotic activity of specially prepared zinc charged alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, alpha 2-HS glycoprotein, and alpha 1-antitrypsin. These proteins cause apoptosis in cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact. In addition, active fragments of zinc charged alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and alpha 2-HS glycoprotein, whether manufactured from the modification of natural alpha 1-acid glycoprotein or alpha 2-HS glycoprotein, recombinantly, or synthetically, selectively induce apoptosis. |
US08247376B2 |
NGAL for reduction and amelioration of ischemic and nephrotoxic injuries
Use of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a therapeutic and in a method of treating, reducing, or ameliorating an injury selected from an ischemic injury, an ischemic-reperfusion injury, and a toxin-induced injury, to an organ in a patient. The invention includes administering to the patient NGAL in an amount effective to treat, reduce or ameliorate ischemic, ischemic-reperfusion, or toxin-induced injury to the organ, such as the kidney. A siderophore can be co-administered with the NGAL. The invention also relates to administering a sideophore to enhance a response to secretion of NGAL following an ischemic or toxin-induced injury to an organ in a patient. |
US08247373B2 |
Lactoferrin compositions and methods of wound treatment
The present invention relates to lactoferrin compositions and methods of using the compositions to treat wounds. The compositions can be administered alone or in combination with other standard wound healing therapies. |
US08247371B2 |
Therapy with Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin to treat ovarian and uterine cancer
The invention discloses high levels of receptors for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) have been found in ovarian cancer and uterine cancer tissue samples. In addition, successful in vivo treatment of a mouse model of ovarian cancer with intraperitoneal injection of CPE is disclosed. High levels of Ep-CAM protein is also disclosed in ovarian cancer tissue samples. Thus, the invention provides a method of treating ovarian cancer and uterine cancer by administering CPE. The invention also provides a method of treating cancer in a mammal involving intraperitoneal administration of CPE, where at least some cancerous cells are located in or adjacent to the peritoneal cavity of the mammal. The invention also provides a method of treating ovarian cancer involving administering an anti-Ep-CAM antibody. The invention also provides a method of treating cancers expressing claudin-3 or claudin-4 by administering an antibody against claudin-3 and/or an antibody against claudin-4. The invention also provides a method of protecting a mammal from CPE toxicity involving administering a protective agent that binds to claudin-3 and/or claudin-4 and inhibits CPE binding to claudin-3 and/or claudin-4. |
US08247370B2 |
Conjoint therapy for treating fibrotic diseases
The present invention relates to improved methods of treating fibrotic or fibroproliferative disorders. Conjoint therapies are provided comprising the combination of one or more fibrocyte suppressors and one or more profibrotic factor antagonists or anti-fibrotic agents. |
US08247366B2 |
Azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene and hydrogen fluoride
An azeotrope-like composition consisting essentially of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene and hydrogen fluoride is provided, as well as methods that involve such an azeotrope-like composition. |
US08247365B2 |
Detoxicant solution
A detoxicant solution includes 0.1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one Friedel-Crafts reagent (Lewis acids) (I); 0.5 to 80 parts by weight of one or more of the following specific solvents (II): dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone or octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane; and 1 to 80 parts by weight of an alcoholic solvent (III). The term “parts by weight” relates in each case to 100 parts by weight of the complete detoxicant solution. |
US08247364B2 |
Whitening agents for cellulosic substrates
This invention relates to novel whitening agents for cellulosic substrates. The whitening agents are comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. The whitening agents are further characterized by having a dispersion component value of the Hansen Solubility Parameter of less than or equal to about 17 MPa0.5. This invention also relates to laundry care compositions including but not limited to liquid and/or powder laundry detergent formulations and rinse added fabric softening (RAFS) compositions that comprise such whitening agents. |
US08247347B2 |
Thermosensitive recording medium
The present invention presents a thermosensitive recording medium having excellent color development, image quality and preservation properties as well as excellent stamp receptivity, anti-scratching ability, printability and water blocking resistance.The present invention is a thermosensitive recording medium having a thermosensitive recording layer comprising at least a colorless or pale colored basic leuco dye and an electron accepting developing agent as a coating layer on a substrate, wherein at least an outermost layer among the thermosensitive recording layer and other optionally prepared coated layers contains rice starch particles. |
US08247338B2 |
High dielectric constant paste composition and dielectric composition using the same
The present invention relates to a high dielectric constant paste composition comprising (A) inorganic particles having a perovskite crystal structure or a complex perovskite crystal structure, (B) a compound represented by any one of the general formulas (1) to (4) shown below, and (C) an organic solvent. The present invention provides a high dielectric constant paste composition for producing a high dielectric constant dielectric composition which has high insulation reliability and exhibits satisfactory resistance in a high-temperature high-humidity bias test. |
US08247336B2 |
Optical glass composition, preform and optical element
An optical glass composition contains, in % by mole, 0% or more and 25.0% or less of SiO2, 20.0% or more and 40.0% or less of B2O3, 0% or more and 5.0% or less of Li2O, 3.0% or more and 15.0% or less of ZnO, 0% or more and 10.0% or less of ZrO2, 2.0% or more and 7.0% or less of Ta2O5, 6.0% or more and 25.0% or less of La2O3, 5.0% or more and 22.0% or less of Gd2O3, 66.5% or less of La2O3+Gd2O3+B2O3 and 26.0% or more of La2O3+Gd2O3, and has nd of 1.83 or higher and 1.86 or lower, vd of 43 or higher and 46 or lower and a liquidus temperature of 1300° C. or lower, and a preform and an optical element are formed from the optical glass composition. |
US08247334B2 |
Moisture-vapor-permeable and water-resistant fiber
A moisture-vapor-permeable and water-resistant fiber involves a layer of base fabric, a moisture-vapor-permeable layer, and a water absorption layer. The moisture vapor permeable layer is obtained by coating or laminating the inner side of the fabric with a moisture-vapor-permeable resin, which prohibits the penetration of the water droplets but allows the penetration of the moisture vapor molecules. The moisture absorption layer with intricate and colorful design is composed of binding resin blended with fiber powder and/or inorganic powder, and which is dot-coated or dot-printed onto the inner side of the moisture-vapor-permeable and water-resistant layer. The fiber powder or inorganic powder is highly hydrophilic and highly absorbent in its moisture absorption ability, which, when the clothes are fabricated, can prevent the penetration of raindrops but allows the transmission of the evaporated vapor of sweat through the fabric. Moreover, it is capable of absorbing plentiful amount of sweat. |
US08247333B2 |
Multifunctional periodic cellular solids and the method of making thereof
A cellular material that can provide a unique combination of properties and characteristics for a variety of applications requiring a cellular solid that possesses one or more of the following characteristics: (1) efficient load support in one or more directions, (2) excellent mechanical impact energy absorption and vibration suppression potential, (3) high convection heat transfer throughout, (4) low pumping requirements for fluid throughput, for example in a second direction orthogonal to one or more load-bearing directions, (5) a substantially linear dependence of the Young's and shear moduli along with the tensile, compressive and shear yield strengths upon relative density (6) a potentially inexpensive textile-based synthetic approach, (7) excellent filtration potential, (8) a high surface area to volume ratio for enhanced activity as a catalyst or catalyst support (9) interconnected, open porosity for device storage, biological tissue in-growth or other functionalities requiring open space, and (10) extendibility to a wide variety of materials. |
US08247332B2 |
Hardmask materials
Hardmask films having high hardness and low stress are provided. In some embodiments a film has a stress of between about −600 MPa and 600 MPa and hardness of at least about 12 GPa. In some embodiments, a hardmask film is prepared by depositing multiple sub-layers of doped or undoped silicon carbide using multiple densifying plasma post-treatments in a PECVD process chamber. In some embodiments, a hardmask film includes a high-hardness boron-containing film selected from the group consisting of SixByCz, SixByNz, SixByCzNw, BxCy, and BxNy. In some embodiments, a hardmask film includes a germanium-rich GeNx material comprising at least about 60 atomic % of germanium. These hardmasks can be used in a number of back-end and front-end processing schemes in integrated circuit fabrication. |
US08247330B2 |
Method of forming micropattern, die formed by this method of forming micropattern, transfer method and micropattern forming method using this die
A micropattern is joined to a substrate (W1) by: a first group of covering step and micropattern forming step by etching in a transfer step; and a second group of covering step and micropattern forming step by etching in the transfer step. |
US08247328B2 |
Polishing silicon carbide
The invention provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate comprising at least one layer of single crystal silicon carbide. The method utilizes a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising a liquid carrier, an abrasive, a catalyst comprising a transition metal composition, and an oxidizing agent. |
US08247319B1 |
Method to enable the process and enlarge the process window for silicide, germanide or germanosilicide formation in structures with extremely small dimensions
Techniques for silicide, germanide or germanosilicide formation in extremely small structures are provided. In one aspect, a method for forming a silicide, germanide or germanosilicide in a three-dimensional silicon, germanium or silicon germanium structure having extremely small dimensions is provided. The method includes the following steps. At least one element is implanted into the structure. At least one metal is deposited onto the structure. The structure is annealed to intersperse the metal within the silicon, germanium or silicon germanium to form the silicide, germanide or germanosilicide wherein the implanted element serves to prevent morphological degradation of the silicide, germanide or germanosilicide. The implanted element can include at least one of carbon, fluorine and silicon. |
US08247313B2 |
Method for preparing a germanium layer from a silicon-germanium-on-isolator substrate
A method for making a germanium-on-insulator layer from an SGOI substrate, including: a) depositing on the substrate a layer of a metallic element M capable of selectively forming a silicide, the layer being in contact with a silicon-germanium alloy layer; and b) a reaction between the alloy layer and the layer of a metallic element M, by which a stack of M silicide-germanium-insulator layers is obtained. Such a method may, for example, find application to production of electronic devices such as MOSFET transistors. |
US08247311B2 |
Laser processing method
A laser processing method for preventing particles from occurring from cut sections of chips obtained by cutting a silicon wafer is provided. An irradiation condition of laser light L for forming modified regions 77 to 712 is made different from an irradiation condition of laser light L for forming the modified regions 713 to 719 such as to correct the spherical aberration of laser light L in areas where the depth from the front face 3 of a silicon wafer 11 is 335 μm to 525 μm. Therefore, even when the silicon wafer 11 and a functional device layer 16 are cut into semiconductor chips from modified regions 71 to 719 acting as a cutting start point, twist hackles do not appear remarkably in the areas where the depth is 335 μm to 525 μm, whereby particles are hard to occur. |
US08247307B2 |
Manufacturing method of substrate provided with semiconductor films
A plurality of rectangular single crystal semiconductor substrates are prepared. Each of the single crystal semiconductor substrates is doped with hydrogen ions and a damaged region is formed at a desired depth, and a bonding layer is formed on a surface thereof. The plurality of single crystal substrates with the damaged regions formed therein and the bonding layers formed thereover are arranged on a tray. Depression portions for holding the single crystal semiconductor substrates are formed in the tray. With the single crystal semiconductor substrates arranged on the tray, the plurality of single crystal semiconductor substrates with the damaged regions formed therein and the bonding layers formed thereover are bonded to a base substrate. By performing heat treatment and dividing the single crystal semiconductor substrates along the damaged regions, the plurality of single crystal semiconductor layers that are sliced are formed over the base substrate. |
US08247304B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device having capacitor under bit line structure
Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a capacitor under bit line (CUB) structure capable of increasing a gap between a bit line in a cell area and an upper plate of a capacitor, reducing coupling capacitance therebetween, and forming deep contacts in a logic area. A capacitor including a lower electrode, a dielectric material layer, and an upper electrode is formed in an opening of a first insulating layer for exposing a first part of a semiconductor substrate in a cell area. A second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer. The first and second insulating layers are etched. First and second contact plugs are formed in first and second contact holes for exposing second and third parts in the cell area and the logic area. A third insulating layer including first through third conductive studs is formed on the second insulating layer. A fourth insulating layer including a bit line and first and second wires contacted with the first through third conductive studs is formed. |
US08247300B2 |
Control of dopant diffusion from buried layers in bipolar integrated circuits
An integrated circuit and method of fabricating the integrated circuit is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes vertical bipolar transistors (30, 50, 60), each having a buried collector region (26′). A carbon-bearing diffusion barrier (28c) is disposed over the buried collector region (26′), to inhibit the diffusion of dopant from the buried collector region (26′) into the overlying epitaxial layer (28). The diffusion barrier (28c) may be formed by incorporating a carbon source into the epitaxial formation of the overlying layer (28), or by ion implantation. In the case of ion implantation of carbon or SiGeC, masks (52, 62) may be used to define the locations of the buried collector regions (26′) that are to receive the carbon; for example, portions underlying eventual collector contacts (33, 44c) may be masked from the carbon implant so that dopant from the buried collector region (26′) can diffuse upward to meet the contact (33). MOS transistors (70, 80) including the diffusion barrier (28) are also disclosed. |
US08247298B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: forming a first layer on a sidewall of a trench formed on a main surface of a semiconductor substrate, filling up the trench with a protective film, etching back the protective film by a dry etching method so that a height of a surface of the protective film is lower than an opening of the trench and removing the first layer exposed by the etching-back. |
US08247294B2 |
Manufacturing process of fin-type field effect transistor and semiconductor
A constant distance can be maintained between source/drain regions without providing a gate side wall by forming a gate electrode including an eaves structure, and a uniform dopant concentration is kept within a semiconductor by ion implantation. As a result, a FinFET excellent in element properties and operation properties can be obtained. A field effect transistor, wherein a gate structure body is a protrusion that protrudes toward source and drain regions sides in a channel length direction and has a channel length direction width larger than that of the part adjacent to the insulating film in a gate electrode, and the protrusion includes an eaves structure formed by the protrusion that extends in a gate electrode extending direction on the top surface of the semiconductor layer. |
US08247291B2 |
Methods of forming fine patterns in integrated circuit devices and methods of manufacturing integrated circuit devices including the same
A method of fabricating an integrated circuit device includes forming first and second preliminary mask structures on a hard mask layer in respective first and second regions of the substrate. Spacers are formed on opposing sidewalls of the first and second preliminary mask structures, and the first preliminary mask structure is selectively removed from between the spacers in the first region. The hard mask layer is etched using the spacers and the second preliminary mask structure as a mask to define a first mask pattern including the opposing sidewall spacers with a void therebetween in the first region and a second mask pattern including the opposing sidewall spacers and the second preliminary mask structure therebetween in the second region. An insulation layer is patterned using the first and second mask patterns as respective masks to define a first trench in the first region and a second trench in the second region having a greater width than the first trench, and first and second conductive patterns are formed in the first and second trenches. |
US08247290B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing thereof
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device has forming a first conductive film over a semiconductor substrate, etching the first conductive film, forming a plurality of first conductive patterns arranged in a first direction, and forming a side surface on an outside of a conductive pattern positioned at an end among the plurality of first conductive patterns such that the side surface has a first inclination angle smaller than a second inclination angle of a side surface on an inside of the conductive pattern positioned at the end, forming a first insulation film over the plurality of first conductive patterns, and forming a second conductive pattern over the first insulation film. |
US08247287B2 |
Method of fabricating a deep trench insulated gate bipolar transistor
In one embodiment, a method comprises forming an epitaxial layer over a substrate of an opposite conductivity type, the epitaxial layer being separated by a buffer layer having a doping concentration that is substantially constant in a vertical direction down to the buffer layer. A pair of spaced-apart trenches is formed in the epitaxial layer from a top surface of the epitaxial layer down at least into the buffer layer. A dielectric material is formed in the trenches over the first and second sidewall portions. Source/collector and body regions of are formed at the top of the epitaxial layer, the body region separating the source/collector region of the pillar from a drift region of the epitaxial layer that extends from the body region to the buffer layer. An insulated gate member is then formed in each of the trenches adjacent to and insulated from the body region. |
US08247284B2 |
Manufacture of semiconductor device with stress structure
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of (a) forming a gate electrode on a silicon substrate, through a gate insulating film; (b) forming a lamination of an insulating film and a sacrificial film having different etching characteristics on the silicon substrate, covering the gate electrode, and anisotropically etching the lamination to form side wall spacers on side walls of the gate electrode and the gate insulating film; (c) implanting impurities into the silicon substrate on both sides of the side wall spacers; (d) etching the silicon substrate and the sacrificial film to form recesses in the silicon substrate, and to change a cross sectional shape of each of the side wall spacers to approximately an L-shape; (e) epitaxially growing Si—Ge-containing crystal in the recesses; and (f) depositing an insulating film containing stress, covering the side wall spacers. |
US08247283B2 |
Manufacture of semiconductor device with stress structure
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of (a) forming a gate electrode on a silicon substrate, through a gate insulating film; (b) forming a lamination of an insulating film and a sacrificial film having different etching characteristics on the silicon substrate, covering the gate electrode, and anisotropically etching the lamination to form side wall spacers on side walls of the gate electrode and the gate insulating film; (c) implanting impurities into the silicon substrate on both sides of the side wall spacers; (d) etching the silicon substrate and the sacrificial film to form recesses in the silicon substrate, and to change a cross sectional shape of each of the side wall spacers to approximately an L-shape; (e) epitaxially growing Si—Ge-containing crystal in the recesses; and (f) depositing an insulating film containing stress, covering the side wall spacers. |
US08247281B2 |
Technique for exposing a placeholder material in a replacement gate approach by modifying a removal rate of stressed dielectric overlayers
In a replacement gate approach, the sacrificial gate material is exposed on the basis of enhanced process uniformity, for instance during a wet chemical etch step or a CMP process, by forming a modified portion in the interlayer dielectric material by ion implantation. Consequently, the damaged portion may be removed with an increased removal rate while avoiding the creation of polymer contaminants when applying an etch process or avoiding over-polish time when applying a CMP process. |
US08247280B2 |
Integration of low and high voltage CMOS devices
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided that includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a first portion and a second portion, forming a first transistor in the first portion of the substrate, the first transistor being operable at a first voltage, and forming a second transistor in the second portion of the substrate, the second transistor being operable at a second voltage greater than the first voltage. The formation of the second transistor includes forming an extended feature of the second transistor with a photomask that is used to adjust a threshold voltage of the first transistor. |
US08247275B2 |
Strain engineering in three-dimensional transistors based on globally strained semiconductor base layers
Non-planar transistors, such as FINFETs, may be formed on the basis of a globally strained semiconductor material, thereby preserving a high uniaxial strain component in the resulting semiconductor fins. In this manner, a significant performance enhancement may be achieved without adding process complexity when implementing FINFET transistors. |
US08247273B2 |
Semiconductor device provided with thin film transistor and method for manufacturing the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes at least one thin-film transistor 116, which includes: a crystalline semiconductor layer 120 including a region 110 to be a channel region and source and drain regions 113; a gate electrode 107 for controlling the conductivity of the region 110 to be a channel region; a gate insulating film 106 arranged between the semiconductor layer 120 and the gate electrode 107; and source and drain electrodes 115 connected to the source and drain regions 113, respectively. At least one of the source and drain regions 113 contains an element to be a donor or an acceptor and a rare-gas element, but the region 110 to be a channel region does not contain the rare-gas element. The atomic weight of the rare-gas element is greater than that of the element to be a donor or an acceptor. The concentration of the rare-gas element in the at least one region as measured in the thickness direction thereof decreases continuously from the upper surface of the at least one region toward its lower surface. |
US08247271B2 |
Formation of alpha particle shields in chip packaging
A structure fabrication method. First, an integrated circuit including N chip electric pads is provided electrically connected to a plurality of devices on the integrated circuit. Then, an interposing shield having a top side and a bottom side and having N electric conductors in the interposing shield is provided being exposed to a surrounding ambient at the top side but not at the bottom side. Next, the integrated circuit is bonded to the top side of the interposing shield such that the N chip electric pads are in electrical contact with the N electric conductors. Next, the bottom side of the interposing shield is polished so as to expose the N electric conductors to the surrounding ambient at the bottom side of the interposing shield. Then, N solder bumps are formed on the polished bottom side of the interposing shield and in electrical contact with the N electric conductors. |
US08247270B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor component, and semiconductor component
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor component of the present invention has: obtaining a semiconductor wafer having stud electrodes formed on a functional surface thereof, and a circuit board having solder bumps on one surface and having electrode pads on the other surface thereof; bonding the semiconductor wafer and the circuit board, while providing a resin layer having a flux activity between the semiconductor wafer and the circuit board, and so as to bring the stud electrodes into contact with the solder bumps, while penetrating the resin layer having a flux activity, to thereby obtain a bonded structure; applying a solder material onto the electrode pads of the bonded structure; and dicing the bonded structure to obtain a plurality of semiconductor components. |
US08247269B1 |
Wafer level embedded and stacked die power system-in-package packages
Wafer level embedded and stacked die power system-in-package semiconductor devices, and methods for making and using the same, are described. The methods include placing a first side of a substrate frame, which includes through cavity and an adjacent via, on a carrier. A first side of a component selected from an active device and a passive device can be placed on the carrier, within the cavity. A perimeter of the cavity can be attached to a perimeter of the component. Material at a second side of the substrate frame can be removed so the via extends from the frame's first side to the frame's second side. The substrate frame and component can then be removed from the carrier so that routing can be distributed between the first side of the frame and the first side of the component to electrically connect the component with the via. Other embodiments are described. |
US08247266B2 |
Thin film transistor, method of manufacturing the same, and flat panel display device having the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) using an oxide semiconductor layer as an active layer, a method of manufacturing the TFT, and a flat panel display (FPD) including the TFT are taught. The TFT includes a gate electrode formed on a substrate, an oxide semiconductor layer electrically insulated from the gate electrode by a gate insulating layer, and the oxide semiconductor layer including a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, and a source electrode and a drain electrode respectively electrically contacting the source region and the drain region. The oxide semiconductor layer is formed of an InZnO or IZO layer (indium zinc oxide layer) including Zr. The carrier density of the IZO layer is controlled to be 1×1013 to 1×1018 #cm−3 by controlling an amount of Zr. |
US08247265B2 |
Method for manufacturing optoelectronic memory device
The present invention provides an optoelectronic memory device, the method for manufacturing and evaluating the same. The optoelectronic memory device according to the present invention includes a substrate, an insulation layer, an active layer, source electrode and drain electrode. The substrate includes a gate, and the insulation layer is formed on the substrate. The active layer is formed on the insulation layer, and more particularly, the active layer is formed of a composite material comprising conjugated conductive polymers and quantum dots. Moreover, both of the source and the drain are formed on the insulation layer, and electrically connected to the active layer. |
US08247262B2 |
Method for reducing contact resistance of CMOS image sensor
A method for performing a CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) silicide process is provided to reduce pixel contact resistance. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a Resist Protect Oxide (RPO) layer on the CIS, forming a Contact Etch Stop Layer (CESL), forming an Inter-Layer Dielectric (ILD) layer, performing contact lithography/etching, performing Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) at a pixel contact hole area, annealing for silicide formation at pixel contact hole area, performing contact filling, and defining the first metal layer. The Resist Protect Oxide (RPO) layer can be formed without using a photo mask of Cell Resist Protect Oxide (CIRPO) photolithography for pixel array and/or without silicide process at pixel array. The method can include implanting N+ or P+ for pixel contact plugs at the pixel contact hole area. The contact filling can comprise depositing contact glue plugs and performing Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP). |
US08247259B2 |
Method for the production of an optoelectronic component using thin-film technology
On an epitaxy substrate (1), a layer structure (5, 6, 7) provided for light-emitting diodes or other optoelectronic components using thin-film technology is produced and provided with a first connecting layer (2), which comprises one or a plurality of solder materials. A second connecting layer (3) is applied over the whole area on a carrier (10) and permanently connected to the first connecting layer (2) by means of a soldering process. |
US08247257B2 |
Method and material for processing iron disilicide for photovoltaic application
A method for providing a semiconductor material for photovoltaic devices, the method includes providing a sample of iron disilicide comprising approximately 90 percent or greater of a beta phase entity. The sample of iron disilicide is characterized by a substantially uniform first particle size ranging from about 1 micron to about 10 microns. The method includes combining the sample of iron disilicide and a binding material to form a mixture of material. The method includes providing a substrate member including a surface region and deposits the mixture of material overlying the surface region of the substrate. In a specific embodiment, the mixture of material is subjected to a post-deposition process such as a curing process to form a thickness of material comprising the sample of iron disilicide overlying the substrate member. In a specific embodiment, the thickness of material is characterized by a thickness of about the first particle size. |
US08247250B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device
An object is to uniformly align liquid crystal molecules without requiring a step of forming an alignment film. A material for forming a self-assembled monolayer is dispersed in a liquid crystal material, and the mixture is interposed between a pair of substrates by a liquid crystal injection method or a liquid crystal dropping method. A silane coupling agent (the material for forming a self-assembled monolayer) injected or dropped with the liquid crystal material adsorbs to a substrate interface (or a surface of an electrode formed over a substrate) after the injection or dropping, thereby forming a self-assembled monolayer. This self-assembled monolayer serves as an alignment film, and enables long axes of liquid crystal molecules to be approximately perpendicular to a substrate and the liquid crystal molecules to be uniformly aligned. |
US08247249B2 |
Semi-polar nitride-based light emitting structure and method of forming same
A structure and method for producing same provides a solid-state light emitting device with suppressed lattice defects in epitaxially formed nitride layers over a non-c-plane oriented (e.g., semi-polar) template or substrate. A dielectric layer with “window” openings or trenches provides significant suppression of all diagonally running defects during growth. Posts of appropriate height and spacing may further provide suppression of vertically running defects. A layer including gallium nitride is formed over the dielectric layer, and polished to provide a planar growth surface with desired roughness. A tri-layer indium gallium nitride active region is employed. For laser diode embodiments, a relatively thick aluminum gallium nitride cladding layer is provided over the gallium nitride layer. |
US08247237B2 |
Silica-based indicating desiccants
An indicating desiccant comprises a silica-based material having impregnated thereon a source of iron and a source of bromide, the source of iron being present in an amount up to 2.0 percent by weight, calculated as Fe with respect to weight of the silica-based material, and the source of bromide being present in an amount such that the weight ratio of Br to Fe is at least 0.1:1. |
US08247236B2 |
Detecting leucine and its isomers using differential esterification mass spectrometry
Methods of evaluating molecular isomers of branched-chain amino acids are featured. The methods can include: derivatizing one or more molecular isomers of branched-chain amino acids in a sample comprising a branched-chain amino acid labeled with one or more heavy atoms as a first standard; adding, to the sample, after derivatization, a nonderivatized or derivatized branched chain amino acid that is labeled with one or more heavy atoms, as a second standard; evaluating the sample using tandem mass spectrometry; and detecting peaks indicative of derivatized and nonderivatized forms of one or more branched-chain amino acids in the sample. |
US08247235B2 |
Lipoprotein analysis by differential charged-particle mobility
The invention provides methods of preparation of lipoproteins from a biological sample, including HDL, LDL, Lp(a), IDL, and VLDL, for diagnostic purposes utilizing differential charged particle mobility analysis methods. Further provided are methods for analyzing the size distribution of lipoproteins by differential charged particle mobility, which lipoproteins are prepared by methods of the invention. Further provided are methods for assessing lipid-related health risk, cardiovascular condition, risk of cardiovascular disease, and responsiveness to a therapeutic intervention, which methods utilize lipoprotein size distributions determined by methods of the invention. |
US08247224B2 |
Recombinant construct for detection of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons
The present invention describes a recombinant construct for detection of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. A method for detecting halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon compounds using the recombinant construct is also described. |
US08247217B2 |
Thermal cycler with self-adjusting lid
A thermal cycling instrument for PCR and other reactions performed on multiple samples with temperature changes between sequential stages in the reaction procedure is supplied with a thermal block to provide rapid changes and close control over the temperature in each sample vessel and a pressure plate incorporated into a motorized lid that detects anomalies in the reaction vessels or in their positioning over the thermal block, and automatically adjusts the plate position to achieve an even force distribution over the sample vessels. |
US08247215B2 |
Apparatus for introducing substance into cells
Provided is a cell chip for exposing to a portion of each of cells microdroplets dispensed with an inkjet printer or the like in a screening test of the effect of a substance on cells by using an apparatus for introducing the substance into cells including: a cell-immobilizing support including a substrate having through-holes penetrating from one side to the other side of the substrate and including cells immobilized in the through-holes so as to block up the through-holes; a liquid phase region present in contact with one side of the support and including a medium of the cells; and a mechanism present so as to face the other side of the support and imparting a microdroplet to a portion of each of the cells exposed in the openings on the other side. |
US08247211B2 |
Glycopeptide antibiotics
The invention provides compounds of formula Wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6a, R6b, R6c, R6d, R6e and R7 are defined in the specification. These compounds are useful as antibiotic agents. |
US08247207B2 |
Refrigerator-temperature stable influenza vaccine compositions
Methods and compositions for the optimization and production of refrigerator-temperature stable virus, e.g., influenza, compositions are provided. Formulations and immunogenic compositions comprising refrigerator-temperature stable virus compositions are provided. |
US08247205B2 |
Chalcone isomerase polypeptides and crystals thereof
This disclosure provides crystalline flavonoid or flavanone isomerases, isolated non-native isomerase having the structural coordinates of said crystalline isomerase, and nucleic acids encoding such non-native isomerase. Also disclosed are methods of predicting the activity and/or substrate specificity of a putative isomerase, methods of identifying potential ismerase substrates, and methods of identifying potential isomerase inhibitors. |
US08247201B2 |
Method for producing an organic acid
An organic acid is produced by allowing a bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which has an ability to produce an organic acid and has been modified so that the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity is enhanced, which is selected from Enterobacter, Pantoea, Erwinia, Klebsiella and Raoultella bacteria, or a product obtained by processing the bacterium, to act on an organic raw material in a reaction mixture containing carbonate ions, bicarbonate ions, or carbon dioxide gas to produce the organic acid, and collecting the organic acid. |
US08247198B2 |
Enzymatic processing in deep eutectic solvents
It has surprisingly been discovered that it is possible to use enzymes in deep eutectic solvents (DES). DES's are mixtures of a nitrogen salt or a metal salt and a strong hydrogen bond donor that can be mixed in proportions that form a eutectic point. |
US08247194B2 |
Preparation of scFv antibody fragments
The invention relates to methods of preparing antibody fragments. The invention further relates to antibody fragments prepared by said methods. The invention further relates to antibody variable regions comprised in antibody fragments producible by said methods. |
US08247186B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies and their use
Isolated monoclonal antibodies are disclosed herein that specifically bind a cell surface antigen expressed on the human pancreatic endocrine cells or a subset thereof, and/or a precursor thereof. Isolated monoclonal antibodies are also disclosed herein that specifically bind a cell surface antigen expressed on human pancreatic exocrine cells or human ductal cells. Humanized forms of these antibodies, and functional fragments of these antibodies, are also disclosed. The antibodies can be conjugated to an effector molecule, or a detectable marker. These antibodies are of use to detect and/or isolate pancreatic cells or a subset thereof. Methods of treating a pancreatic tumor are also disclosed. |
US08247178B2 |
Thermal reaction device and method for using the same
An M×N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block. |
US08247177B2 |
Method for sequencing a polynucleotide template
The invention relates to methods for pairwise sequencing of a double-stranded polynucleotide template, which permit the sequential determination of nucleotide sequences in two distinct and separate regions on complementary strands of the double-stranded polynucleotide template. The two regions for sequence determination may or may not be complementary to each other. |
US08247162B2 |
Methods of forming a pattern using photoresist compositions
A method of forming a pattern and a photoresist composition, the method including forming a photoresist film on a substrate by coating a photoresist composition thereon, the photoresist composition including a polymerized photoresist additive, a polymer including an acid-labile protective group at a side chain, a photoacid generator, and a solvent; exposing the photoresist film; and forming a photoresist pattern by developing the photoresist film using an aqueous alkali developer, wherein the polymerized photoresist additive includes a hydrophilic repeating unit having an aliphatic hydrocarbon backbone and a side chain containing an oxygen heteroatom in a heterocyclic ring substituted with at least three hydroxyl groups, and a hydrophobic repeating unit having an aliphatic hydrocarbon backbone and a side chain containing a fluorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon group. |
US08247157B2 |
Toner process
The present disclosure provides processes for increasing the shelf life and stability of resin emulsions suitable for use in forming toner particles. In embodiments, the pH of the resin emulsion is monitored, and a base is added as needed to maintain the pH of the emulsion at from about 6.5 to about 8. Maintaining the pH at from about 6.5 to about 8 prevents the degradation of the resin in the emulsion, including its molecular weight. |
US08247156B2 |
Processes for producing polyester latexes with improved hydrolytic stability
A process for making a latex emulsion suitable for use in a toner composition includes contacting at least one crystalline polyester resin with an organic solvent and a stabilizing agent to form a resin mixture, adding a neutralizing agent, and deionized water to the resin mixture, removing the solvent from the formed latex, and continuously recovering latex particles. |
US08247150B2 |
Carrier for developing electrostatic latent image, two-component developer, supplemental developer, process cartridge, and image forming method
A carrier for developing an electrostatic latent image which includes a core material and a resin coating layer provided on the core material. The resin coating layer includes a resin and a particulate tin oxide, and the surface of the particulate tin oxide is coated with carbon. |
US08247148B2 |
Resin-coated ferrite carrier for electrophotographic developer and electrophotographic developer using the resin-coated ferrite carrier
Employed are a resin-coated ferrite carrier for an electrophotographic developer including a ferrite carrier core material having a BET specific surface area of 900 to 5,000 cm2/g and an apparent density of 2.30 to 2.80 g/cm3, and the electrophotographic developer using this resin-coated ferrite carrier. |
US08247142B1 |
Fluorinated structured organic film compositions
A fluorinated structured organic film comprising a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, wherein the fluorine in the structured organic film may be distributed in a patterned uniform manner. |
US08247140B2 |
Mask and method for fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a mask includes sequentially depositing a phase shift layer and a light shielding layer on a transparent substrate; forming a light shielding layer pattern and a phase shift layer pattern by selectively etching the light shielding layer and the phase shift layer; forming side walls on side faces of the phase shift layer pattern; cleaning the substrate formed with the side walls; and selectively removing a portion of the light shielding layer. The side wall can be formed of an oxide formed by oxidizing the side faces of the phase shift layer pattern. |
US08247139B2 |
Volume holographic data recording media
There is provided volume holographic data recording media having a recording layer which is capable of recording interference fringes generated by interference of light having excellent coherence as fringes having different refractive indexes and undergoes holographic data recording by an amount of spatial shift distance of not more than 3 μm which is smaller than that of conventional media. |
US08247138B2 |
Metal fluid distribution plate with an adhesion promoting layer and polymeric layer
In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate and a method of making, and system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution plate. In at least one embodiment, the plate comprises an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate comprising a metallic plate body defining a set of fluid flow channels configured to distribute flow of a fluid across at least one side of the plate, a metal-containing adhesion promoting layer having a thickness less than 100 nm disposed on the plate body, and a composite polymeric conductive layer disposed on the metal-containing adhesion promoting layer. |
US08247136B2 |
Carbon based electrocatalysts for fuel cells
Novel proton exchange membrane fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells with nanostructured components are configured with higher precious metal utilization rate at the electrodes, higher power density, and lower cost. To form a catalyst, platinum or platinum-ruthenium nanoparticles are deposited onto carbon-based materials, for example, single-walled, dual-walled, multi-walled and cup-stacked carbon nanotubes. The deposition process includes an ethylene glycol reduction method. Aligned arrays of these carbon nanomaterials are prepared by filtering the nanomaterials with ethanol. A membrane electrode assembly is formed by sandwiching the catalyst between a proton exchange membrane and a diffusion layer that form a first electrode. The second electrode may be formed using a conventional catalyst. The several layers of the MEA are hot pressed to form an integrated unit. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells are developed by stacking the membrane electrode assemblies in a conventional manner. |
US08247134B2 |
Fuel cell and fuel cell system with the same
A fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a medium member. Unit areas are formed at both sides of the medium member. The unit areas include outlets and inlets which allow a fuel to flow. First path members which have first flowpaths for circulating the fuel are disposed at the unit areas. Membrane-electrode assemblies are connected to the respective first path members. Second path members which have second flowpaths for circulating air are connected to the respective membrane-electrode assemblies. |
US08247131B2 |
Fuel cell stack
A fuel cell stack includes a load receiver provided at an outer end of a fuel cell unit, a guide receiver provided in a box, and a pressure receiver provided in at least one corner in the box. The guide receiver abuts against the load receiver for receiving the external load. The pressure receiver protrudes toward the fuel cell unit. The pressure receiver abuts against a corner of the fuel cell unit for receiving the load. The pressure receiver has a resin receiver, and the resin receiver abuts against a curved portion of the fuel cell unit for supporting the fuel cell unit. |
US08247130B2 |
Solid oxide electrochemical cell and processes for producing the same
A hydrogen electrode constituted of a mixed phase composed of an oxide sinter having particles of at least one member selected from Ni, Co, Fe, and Cu on a surface part thereof and coated wholly or partly with a film having mixed conductivity and a sinter having ionic conductivity is formed on a surface of an electrolyte having oxygen ion conductivity. |
US08247129B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell for a power generation
A fuel cell provided with a reforming catalyst is located in a high-temperature portion on the anode side to cool the high-temperature portion by means of heat absorption of reforming reaction, or a combustion catalyst is provided in a low-temperature portion on the anode side to heat the low-temperature portion by means of heat generation of combustion reaction, or both of the catalysts are provided, by which the occurrence of variations in temperature in a cell reaction region of anode is prevented. |
US08247125B2 |
Fuel cell system
The invention relates to a fuel cell stack (10) of a fuel cell system that is to be hermetically sealed off from the environment after operation is ended so that only a finite amount of air oxygen remains in the fuel cells, thus preventing the fuel cells from excessively aging. According to the invention, locking means (26, 28; 32, 34) are provided that are disposed on or in an end plate (14) or distributor plate of the fuel cell stack (10). The locking means (26, 28; 32, 34) are therefore thermally coupled to the end plate (14) and may freeze up at cold ambient temperatures. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means (26, 28; 32, 34) comprise an elastomer body (32, 34) able to cover and uncover a channel (44, 46) in the plate (14). |
US08247120B2 |
Fuel cell system including a fuel module
A fuel cell system includes an energy conversion module and a fuel module that is detachable from the energy conversion module. The fuel module includes a fuel tank, a fuel module identification member including fuel module data and a fuel filter member. The control module is configured to access the fuel module data from the fuel module identification member. The fuel cell stack is configured to utilize the refined fuel to generate electrical energy. |
US08247119B2 |
Fuel cell system
In a fuel cell system, a humidifier is attached to an end plate. A pipe connector of a fluid pipe provided at the end plate such as an oxygen-containing gas inlet manifold and a pipe connector of a fluid pipe of the humidifier such as a humidified air supply pipe are connected through a substantially ring-shaped intermediate pipe. O-rings are attached to annular grooves in the outer circumferential portions of the intermediate pipe. One of the O-rings tightly contacts the inner circumferential surface of the pipe connector of the oxygen-containing gas inlet manifold, and the other of the O-rings tightly contacts the inner circumferential surface of the pipe connector of the humidified air supply pipe. |
US08247118B2 |
Non-aqueous solvent and non-aqueous electrolytic solution for energy storage device, and energy storage device, lithium secondary battery and electric double-layer capacitor each comprising the non-aqueous solvent or the non-aqueous electrolytic solution
A nonaqueous solvent for an electrical storage device according to the present invention includes fluorine-containing cyclic saturated hydrocarbon having a structure represented by the following general formula (1) in which one or two substituents R are introduced into a cyclohexane ring; a compound having a relative dielectric constant of 25 or higher; and a chain carbonate (in general formula (1), R is represented by CnX2n+1 where n is an integer of 1 or greater, at least one of (2n+1) pieces of X's is F, and the other X's are H). |
US08247117B2 |
Ionic liquid
The present invention relates to ionic liquids having low melting points, low viscosities and high electrical conductivities; and more specifically, to ionic liquids including at least one organic onium ion and at least one anion represented by the formula: [Z—BF3]−, wherein Z is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or a fluoroalkenyl group. The ionic liquids according to the invention are capable of easily dissolving electrolytes such as lithium salts, and are also nonflammable and have low viscosities; therefore, the ionic liquids are suitable for use as electrolyte solvents for lithium batteries such as lithium secondary batteries, electric double-layer capacitors, and the like. The ionic liquids according to the invention are suitable for use in electrochemical devices such as lithium secondary batteries, fuel cells, solar batteries, electrical double-layer capacitors and the like; as solvents for chemical reactions; and as lubricants. |
US08247111B2 |
Alkaline battery and sealing unit for alkaline battery
An opening part of a battery casing is sealed by a sealing unit into which a negative electrode terminal plate, a negative electrode current collector joined to the negative electrode terminal plate, and a gasket are integrated. The gasket includes a boss part through which the negative electrode current collector passes, an outer peripheral part in contact with the opening part of the battery casing, and an annular part arranged between the boss part and the outer peripheral part, and a part of the annular part is formed into a thin part serving as a safety valve. The negative electrode current collector has a body diameter of 1.8 mm or smaller and includes at the end part thereof a collar part. The ratio of the outer diameter of the boss part to the outer diameter of the collar part is 4.0 or smaller. |
US08247110B2 |
Battery cover latching mechanism
A battery cover latching mechanism is provided. The battery cover latching mechanism includes a body member defining a battery receiving space, a battery cover attached to the body member to cover the battery receiving space, and a button assembly. The battery cover including a clamping portion. The button assembly includes a button. The button includes a latching portion. The latching portion releasbly locks the latching portion to the clamping portion. |
US08247109B2 |
Battery cover structure for portable electronic device
A battery cover structure includes a removable cover and a main body. The cover defines two cutouts at an end thereof. The main body includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing defines a through hole. An elastic arm extending from the first housing and is received in the through hole. Two latching blocks respectively extend from two sides of the arm and are respectively engaged in the cutouts of the cover. The arm includes a distal portion. The second housing is integrally formed with the first housing. The second housing includes a flexible operating portion above the distal portion of the arm. When the operating portion is pressed down, the at latching blocks are detached from the cutouts so as to remove the cover. |
US08247108B2 |
Alkaline primary battery comprising a sealing agent
An alkaline primary battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode containing at least one of manganese dioxide and nickel oxyhydroxide; a negative electrode containing zinc; a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; an alkaline electrolyte; a battery case for housing the positive electrode, the negative electrode, the separator, and the alkaline electrolyte; a sealing plate for sealing the opening portion of the battery case; a resin-made gasket disposed between the battery case and the sealing plate; and a negative electrode current collector inserted in the negative electrode and the gasket. Between the battery case and the gasket, a sealing agent is applied. The sealing agent includes a mixture of a hot-melt resin with a weight average molecular weight of 1000 to 3000 and a softening point of 95 to 160° C.; and polybutene with a number average molecular weight of 300 to 700 and a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 10 to 1000 mm2/S. |
US08247107B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack that enhances the reliability and coupling force of a connection member electrically connecting two protective circuit boards is disclosed. The battery pack includes: a secondary battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a first protective circuit board electrically connected to the battery; a second protective circuit board electrically connected to the first protective circuit board; and at least one conductive plate coupled to one surface of the first protective circuit board and one surface of the second protective circuit board. |
US08247102B2 |
Standable portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a main body and a battery cover. The main body defines a recess for receiving a battery therein. The battery cover is installed on the main body to cover the recess when the portable electronic device is in a first use mode, and the battery cover is detached from the main body, placed flatly, and used to stand the main body erectly thereon when the portable electronic device is in a second use mode. |
US08247098B2 |
Electrochemical cell
An electrochemical cell comprising: (i) an anode half-cell with an anode, (ii) a cathode half-cell with a cathode, (iii) an ion-exchange membrane arranged between the anode half-cell and the cathode half-cell, the anode and/or the cathode comprising a gas diffusion electrode, (iv) a gap between the gas diffusion electrode and the ion-exchange membrane, (v) an electrolyte feed inlet above the gap, (vi) an electrolyte drain beneath the gap, (vii) a gas inlet, (viii) a gas outlet, and (ix) an electrolyte holding vessel comprising an overflow connected with the electrolyte feed inlet. |
US08247095B2 |
Energy assisted discrete track media with heat sink
A discrete track perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) disk and a method of fabricating the disk are described. The PMR disk may include a heat sink layer disposed above a substrate, intermediate layers disposed above the heat sink layer, and a magnetic recording layer disposed above the intermediate layers. The magnetic recording layer may have raised and recessed areas, where a heat conductive material may be disposed within one or more of the recessed areas. |
US08247092B2 |
Coated cutting tool and a method of making thereof
The present invention relates to a cutting tool for metal machining with improved wear properties, comprising a cutting tool substrate of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics or a super hard material, and a wear resistant coating, wherein the wear resistant coating comprises a PVD Ti—Si—C—N layer, and a method of making thereof. |
US08247088B2 |
Emitting complex for electroluminescent devices
An OLED device including a cathode, an anode, and having therebetween a phosphorescent light-emitting layer that contains a light-emitting organometallic complex including a precious metal, a first ligand including an imidazole group and a second nitrogen heterocycle group, and at least one second different ligand. |
US08247085B2 |
Oxide-forming protective coatings for niobium-based materials
Coatings suitable for use as protective oxide-forming coatings on Nb-based substrates exposed to high temperatures and oxidative environments. The coatings contain chromium and/or molybdenum, preferably contains silicon, and optionally contains niobium, titanium, hafnium, iron, rhenium, tantalum, and/or tungsten, which in combination form multiple intermetallic phases, which in combination form one or more intermetallic phases that promote the formation of a slow-growing oxide scale. Depending on the particular coating composition, the intermetallic phases may be: a silicon-modified Cr2Nb Laves phase and optionally a chromium solid solution phase, a CrNbSi intermetallic phase, and/or an M3Si intermetallic phase where M is niobium, titanium, and/or chromium; or M5Si3, MSi2 and/or M3Si2 where M is molybdenum, niobium, titanium, chromium, hafnium, iron, rhenium, tantalum, and/or tungsten. |
US08247084B2 |
Aluminum alloy brazing sheet
An aluminum alloy brazing sheet includes a core material containing Si, Cu and Mn by a predetermined amount, the balance being Al and inevitable impurities, a sacrificial anode material disposed on one face side of the core material and containing Si, Zn and Mg by a predetermined amount, the balance being Al and inevitable impurities, and a brazing filler material disposed on the other face side of the core material and formed of an aluminum alloy, and the area fraction of Zn—Mg-based intermetallic compounds with 2.0 μm or above particle size on the surface of the sacrificial anode material may be 1.0% or below. Or otherwise, in the aluminum alloy brazing sheet, the number density of Al—Cu-based intermetallic compounds with 0.5 μm or above particle size inside the core material may be 1.0 piece/μm2 or below. |
US08247080B2 |
Coating structure and method
A coating structure including an outer coating comprising aluminum; and an interlayer disposed between a substrate and the outer coating is provided. The interlayer may include a rare earth metal, a transition metal, or a noble metal. The interlayer may have one or more property of being less responsive to halogen etching relative to the outer coating; having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate and less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer coating or vice versa; having a color different from the color of the outer coating; having a electrical conductivity different from the electrical conductivity of the outer coating. A method of making is article is provided. The method may include securing an interlayer to a substrate surface, and securing an outer coating to a surface of the interlayer opposite the substrate. |
US08247073B2 |
Core-shell nanocrystal comprising a non-semiconductor buffer layer, method for preparing the same and electronic device comprising the same
Disclosed herein are a nanocrystal, a method for preparing the nanocrystal, and an electronic device comprising the nanocrystal. The nanocrystal comprises a semiconductor nanocrystal core, a non-semiconductor buffer layer surrounding the semiconductor nanocrystal core, and a shell surrounding the buffer layer. |
US08247070B2 |
Crystalline nanostructures
The present invention comprises nano obelisks and nanostructures and methods and processes for same. The nano obelisks of the present invention are advantageous structures for use as electron source emitters. For example, the ultra sharp obelisks can be used as an emitter source to generate highly coherent and high energy electrons with high current. |
US08247068B2 |
Coating material for forming gas-barrier layer and gas-barrier multilayer body
Disclosed is a coating material for forming a gas barrier. The coating material includes a polyalcohol polymer, a polycarboxylic acid polymer, and a divalent or higher-valent metal compound whose surface is coated with a poorly water-soluble component, or alternatively a monovalent metal compound whose surface is coated with a poorly water-soluble component and a divalent or higher-valent metal compound whose surface is coated with a poorly water-soluble component. By applying this coating material to a plastic substrate layer, a gas-barrier multilayer body having a gas-barrier layer formed thereon is obtained. |
US08247064B2 |
Coatings
This invention relates to coating a surface wherein the coated surface inhibits foulants such as cell and/or protein and/or prion adhesion or formation. In particular, the coated surface may be part of a medical device which inhibits bacterial adhesion and colonisation, thrombus formation and/or prion, blood protein and/or protein formation. |
US08247063B2 |
Multilayer material and related methods
A material and related methods that include a first layer and a second layer that is coupled to the first layer with the first layer disposed on the second layer, and an interface between the first layer and the second layer. The interface is configured to allow the first layer to be separated from the second layer. The first layer, after separation from the second layer, is configured to be repositioned and re-coupled to the second layer. |
US08247062B2 |
Methodology and tooling arrangements for increasing interlaminar shear strength in a ceramic matrix composite structure
Methodology and tooling arrangements for increasing interlaminar shear strength in a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure are provided. The CMC structure may be formed by a plurality of layers of ceramic fibers disposed between a top surface and a bottom surface of the composite structure. A plurality of surface recesses are formed on the surfaces of the structure. For example, each of the surfaces of the composite structure may be urged against corresponding top and bottom surfaces of a tool having a plurality of asperities. The plurality of surface recesses causes an out-of-plane sub-surface fiber displacement along an entire thickness of the structure, and the sub-surface fiber displacement is arranged to increase an interlaminar shear strength of the structure. |
US08247060B2 |
Flexible metamaterial structure based on graphene structures
A flexible graphene-based metamaterial structure is disclosed that can operate at above liquid helium or liquid nitrogen temperatures, up to room temperature or above in applications similar to those for which a superconductor-based material structure is used. The flexible graphene-based metamaterial structure is formed from a flexible substrate, and a plurality of two-dimensional graphene blocks disposed in an array on the flexible substrate, each graphene block having a plurality of graphene sheets. The lateral dimension of the face of the graphene blocks is dependent on the temperature of operation of the flexible metamaterial structure. The flexible graphene-based metamaterial structure can be used for cloaking, with application in magnetic shielding. |
US08247059B2 |
Two-color molded product
A two-color molding equipment for shaping a two-color molded product by placing a film in primary mold tool configured by a fixed mold and a movable mold, injecting a resin into a first cavity to shape a primary molded piece, shifting the primary molded piece provided with the film to secondary mold tool configured by the fixed mold and the movable mold, and injecting a resin into a second cavity to shape a secondary molded piece, wherein the first cavity is configured to shape the primary molded piece to be smaller than the film so that a part of the film protrudes from the primary molded piece, and a wall surface located at the protruding portion of the film to constitute the first cavity is provided with a convex portion that restricts mold shrinkage of the film protruding portion in the primary molded piece. |
US08247057B2 |
Cover tape and method for manufacture
An article includes a cover tape, which includes a base film layer, tear enabling features, and an adhesive. The base film layer has opposed longitudinal edges and top and bottom surfaces. The tear enabling features are substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges and at the top and bottom surfaces. |
US08247055B2 |
Protective device for protecting carbon nanotube film
A protective device includes a base film, a first carbon nanotube film, and a first protecting film. The first protecting film includes a release layer. The first carbon nanotube film is located between the base film and the first protecting film and in contact with the release layer. The carbon nanotube film is capable of being released from the release layer. The present disclosure also relates to a roll of protective device, and a method for making the protective device. |
US08247054B2 |
Adhesive backed preformed thermoplastic sheeting
The present invention relates to a system, method, and composition utilizing a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and/or thermal sensitive adhesive sheet for adhering sheets of preformed thermoplastic road markings, texture and design patterns to concrete, asphalt, wood or composite material surfaces. These markings may be decorative or legend type markings. The system involving the method of applying the product allows for immediate use in a traffic area upon completion of the application to any of the appropriate outdoor surfaces. |
US08247053B2 |
Adhesive composition containing grafted polyethylene
The invention relates to an adhesive composition comprising, relative to its total weight: from 1 to 40% of a polyethylene (A) grafted with a functional monomer or a blend of a polyethylene (A1) with a second polymer (A2) different from (A1), said blend of (A1) and (A2) being co-grafted with an unsaturated functional monomer, the content by weight of unsaturated functional monomer relative to (A) being in the range from 30 to 100000 ppm; from 25 to 98% of a non-grafted polyethylene (B) having a density in the range from 0.900 to 0.965; from 1 to 35% of an elastomeric product (C). The invention also relates to a multilayer structure comprising this composition, said structure being able to serve as protection of metal tubes used for the fabrication of oil pipelines and gas pipelines. |
US08247052B2 |
Coaxial cable
Certain embodiments of the present technology provide a cable comprising a conductor and a cable layer. The cable layer comprises a polypropylene material. The cable layer and/or the polypropylene material comprise a crystalline fraction crystallizing in the temperature range of 200 to 105° C. determined by stepwise isothermal segregation technique. The crystalline fraction comprises a part, wherein, during subsequent melting at a melting rate of 10° C./min, the part melts at or below 130° C. and the part represents at least 20 percent by weight of the crystalline fraction. In certain embodiments, the part melts at or below the temperature T=Tm−3° C., wherein Tm is the melting temperature of the cable layer and/or the polypropylene material, and the part represents at least 45 percent by weight of the crystalline fraction. Certain embodiments provide methods and processes for manufacturing the cable described above and herein. |
US08247050B2 |
Metal-coated polymer article of high durability and vacuum and/or pressure integrity
Metal-coated polymer articles containing structural substantially porosity-free, fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings/layers optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein on polymer substrates, are disclosed. The substantially porosity-free metallic coatings/layers/patches are applied to polymer or polymer composite substrates to provide, enhance or restore vacuum/pressure integrity and fluid sealing functions. Due to the excellent adhesion between the metallic coating and the polymer article satisfactory thermal cycling performance is achieved. The invention can also be employed as a repair/refurbishment technique. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, aerospace and automotive parts and other components exposed to thermal cycling and stress created by erosion and impact damage. |
US08247049B2 |
Preforms for preparing lightweight stretch blow molded pet copolymer containers and methods for making and using same
An injection molded preform for making a stretch blow molded container having an overall stretch ratio of from about 12 to about 16, wherein the overall stretch ratio is a product of a hoop stretch ratio and an axial stretch ratio, wherein the hoop stretch ratio is from about 5.6 to about 6.5, wherein the axial stretch ratio is from about 2.4 to about 2.7, and wherein the preform comprises a CG PET Copolymer having a free blow volume of from about 650 to about 800 ml measured at 100° C. and 90 psi using a 25 gram weight preform designed for a 500 ml container with a maximum diameter of 65 mm and a height of 200 mm from below the container finish and having a hoop stretch ratio of 5.5 and an axial stretch ratio of 2.6. This invention also relates to a method of making such preforms and stretch blow molded containers and methods of making the same. |
US08247048B2 |
Cylindrical molded article, injection mold and manufacturing method of cylindrical molded article
An injection mold 70 includes a first portion 71, a second portion 72, a third portion 73, and a fourth portion 79. The first portion 71 has three high-density regions H in which there is the highest proportion of the axial direction dimension accounted for by the portion corresponding to cam grooves with respect to the axial direction dimension of a cavity 71a. First gates 74b are disposed at locations corresponding to the high-density regions H, or closer to the high-density regions H than second gates 75b. The average channel sectional area of first runners 74a is larger than the average channel sectional area of second runners 75a. |
US08247045B2 |
Inkjet recording element
An inkjet recording element is disclosed having a support and, on the support, (a) a porous base layer comprising particles of fumed silica and a hydrophilic binder and (b) an optional porous gloss layer above the base layer comprising particles of colloidal silica and a hydrophilic binder, wherein the particles of finned and colloidal silica are anionic. Also disclosed is a method of printing on such an inkjet recording element and a preferred method of making the inkjet recording element. The inkjet recording element can potentially have, in some embodiments, the advantages of improved image quality (reduced coalescence), and higher dye ink optical densities. |
US08247044B2 |
Inkjet recording element
An inkjet recording element is disclosed having a support and, on the support, (a) a porous base layer comprising particles of fumed silica and a hydrophilic binder and (b) a porous gloss layer above the base layer comprising particles of colloidal silica and a hydrophilic binder, wherein the particles of fumed and colloidal silica are anionic. Also disclosed is a method of printing on such an inkjet recording element. The inkjet recording element can potentially have, in some embodiments, the advantages of improved image quality (reduced coalescence) and higher dye ink optical densities. |
US08247042B2 |
Recording medium
The invention provides a recording medium capable of inhibiting cracks and also inhibiting peeling off of an ink receiving layer upon folding of the recording medium. The recording medium has a substrate and an ink receiving layer provided on the substrate, wherein the substrate is a resin-coated substrate obtained by coating a base material with a resin, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of a surface of the substrate on the side of the ink receiving layer as prescribed by JIS B 0601:2001 is 3.0 μm or more, the skewness Rsk of a roughness curve of the surface of the substrate as prescribed by JIS B 0601:2001 is 0.2 or less, and the coating thickness of the ink receiving layer is 50 μm or less. |
US08247038B2 |
Process for the application of spin transition molecular materials in thin layers
This application relates to a process for the application of thin layers of substantially pure spin transition molecular materials while maintaining the hysteresis properties of the material. The process makes it possible to obtain a dense uniform surface with very low roughness. |
US08247037B2 |
Use of polysilazanes for coating metal strips
A coating for metals containing a polysilazane solution or a mixture of polysilazanes of the general formula (I) —(SiR′R″-NR′″)n— (1) wherein R′, R″ and R′″ are identical or different and independently represent hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, vinyl or (trialkoxysilyl)alkyl radical, wherein n is a whole number and n is dimensioned in such a way that the polysilazane has a number-average molecular weight of 150 to 150 000 g/mol, in a solvent and at least one catalyst. The invention also relates to a method for the production of the coating. |
US08247034B2 |
Advanced catalyst system prepared from a whiskered aluminum-containing metallic alloy substrate
A method for whisker formation on the surface of aluminum-containing metallic alloy fibers and substrates provides a support structure for many technical, medical and pharmaceutical applications. The novel surface modification of metallic alloy fibers and other metallic substrates involves heating the fiber or substrate in air at temperatures ranging from approximately 800° C. to approximately 1000° C. for a period of time ranging from approximately 10 hours to approximately 100 hours to form whiskers. The use of a metal oxide coating with large ions, such as zirconium oxide, allows the formation of alumina whiskers while preserving the structural integrity of the metallic alloy substrate. Uses of the present invention include, but are not limited to an advanced catalyst support, a highly efficient filter medium, a support for implants and the like. |
US08247033B2 |
Self-assembly of block copolymers on topographically patterned polymeric substrates
Highly-ordered block copolymer films are prepared by a method that includes forming a polymeric replica of a topographically patterned crystalline surface, forming a block copolymer film on the topographically patterned surface of the polymeric replica, and annealing the block copolymer film. The resulting structures can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media. The ability to use flexible polymers to form the polymeric replica facilitates industrial-scale processes utilizing the highly-ordered block copolymer films. |
US08247027B2 |
Composite particles
In the present invention a composite particle including: a first polymeric particle having a diameter of from 100 nm to 3.5 microns including a core and a shell: the core including, when dry, at least one void; and the shell polymer having a calculated glass transition temperature(“Tg”) greater than 50° C.; and a second polymeric particle disposed on the surface of the first polymeric particle, the second polymeric particle having a minimum film-forming temperature of greater than 20° C.; wherein the ratio of the diameter of the first polymeric particle to the diameter of the second polymeric particle is from 1 to 50; and wherein the ratio of the weight of the first polymeric particle to the weight of the second polymeric particle is from 0.1 to 40, is provided. In certain embodiments the composite particle further includes pigment particles having a diameter of from 10 nm to 5 microns disposed on the surface of the composite particle, wherein the ratio of the weight of the pigment particles to the weight of the composite particle is from 0.1 to 10. Also provided is a method for forming the composite particles, a thermosensitive recording material including the composite particles and a method for providing the thermosensitive recording material. |
US08247022B2 |
Silicon nitride passivation for a solar cell
A silicon nitride layer may be formed with a suitable refractive index, mass density, and hydrogen concentration so that the layer may serve as an ARC/passivation layer on a solar cell substrate. The silicon nitride layer may be formed on a solar cell substrate by adding a hydrogen gas diluent to a conventional precursor gas mixture during the deposition process. Alternatively, the silicon nitride layer may be formed on a solar cell substrate by using a precursor gas mixture consisting essentially of silane and nitrogen. To improve deposition chamber throughput, the silicon nitride layer may be a dual stack film that includes a low-hydrogen interface layer and a thicker bulk silicon nitride layer. Placing a plurality of solar cell substrates on a substrate carrier and transferring the substrate carrier into the deposition chamber may further enhance deposition chamber throughput. |
US08247011B2 |
Apparatus and method for extracting pomegranate seeds from pomegranates
Apparatus for extracting pomegranate seeds from pomegranates including a pomegranate breaker operative for breaking open pomegranates generally without cutting pomegranate seeds at the interior of the pomegranates and a pomegranate seed extractor operative to engage broken open pomegranates for separating the pomegranate seeds from other parts of the pomegranates. |
US08247009B2 |
Biological methane production from coal, manure, sludge, wastes, or other carbonaceous feedstocks with simultaneous sequestration of CO2
The present invention provides a method for generating methane from a carbonaceous fuel source with simultaneous sequestration of carbon dioxide, the method comprising anaerobically incubating a particulate alkaline earth metal salt in contact with a particulate and/or dissolved carbonaceous feedstock in a neutral or alkaline aqueous culture medium containing a culture of methanogenic bacteria consortia and collecting methane generated therefrom. At least a portion of carbon dioxide produced during the incubation reacts with the alkaline earth metal salt to form an alkaline earth metal carbonate, thereby sequestering the carbon dioxide. |
US08247005B2 |
Process for cosmetic treatment using ferutinine from Ferula genus plants
The invention relates to a process for cosmetic treatment, including the reduction of superficial and deep wrinkles, using ferutinine from Ferula spp extracts. |
US08247003B2 |
Protective compositions for dermal papilla cells
Disclosed are novel protective compositions for dermal papilla cells. In an embodiment the protective compositions of the present invention comprise 0.25% w/w or above of compositions comprising at least 10% w/w and above of 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (β-glucogallin). In an embodiment, the said protective composition additionally comprises 50% to greater than 50% gallates including mucic acid 1,4-lactone 5-O-gallate, mucic acid 2-O-gallate, mucic acid 6-Methyl ester 2-O-gallate, mucic acid 1-Methyl ester 2-O-gallate and ellagic acid. In another embodiment the invention also encompasses synergistic protective compositions comprising the said protective compositions and 0.5% concentrate of liquid endosperm of Cocos nucifera, for dermal papilla directed towards helping the dermal papilla cells to form sufficient numbers and to retain a healthy morphology conducive for hair growth. |
US08246992B2 |
β-1,3-glucan-derived polyaldehyde/polyamine hydrogel
The present invention provides a combination product which comprises: (1) a polyaldehyde obtained by introducing an aldehyde group into a branched glucose in a β-1,3-glucan, and (2) a polyamine obtained by increasing the molecular weight of a poly-L-lysine. The combination product according to the present invention is useful as a material for a tissue adhesive hydrogel which can be used as a hemostatic agent or the like which exhibits low risks for viral infections and the like, high biodegradability and biocompatibility, excellent safety, a good adhesion rate and a good adhesion strength. |
US08246991B2 |
Biocompatible and biodegradable elastomeric polymers
Disclosed herein are biocompatible and biodegradable polymers which are useful in tissue engineering; wound healing, coatings, and drug delivery, said polymers comprising one or more ECM-mimetic peptides and one or more biodegradable moieties, wherein the moieties do not comprise an amino acid or residue thereof. Further disclosed herein are methods for making and using the disclosed biocompatible polymers. |
US08246986B2 |
Drug coating providing high drug loading
Aqueous drug coatings including at least one insoluble drug, wherein the insoluble drug accounts for about 85 wt % to about 97 wt % of the drug coatings are described. Such drug coatings may include only one insoluble drug, two or more insoluble drugs, or one or more insoluble drugs in combination with one or more soluble drugs. |
US08246983B2 |
Encapsulated arsenic drugs
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer and for research and analysis of cancer. In particular, the present invention provides encapsulated arsenic anti-cancer compositions with improved properties. |
US08246981B2 |
Transdermal method and patch for emesis
Provided, among other things, is a method of treating acute, delayed or anticipatory emesis for a sustained period in an individual, which involves applying to a portion of intact skin on the individual a composition of i. an antiemetically effective amount of a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist; ii. a permeation enhancing amount of permeation enhancer comprising 0.5% to 15% by weight of the skin-contacting layer; and iii. an adhesive. |
US08246980B2 |
Transdermal delivery system
An improved transdermal delivery system (TDS) comprises a self-adhesive matrix comprising a solid or semi-solid semi-permeable polymer which contains an amine-functional drug in its free base form as a multitude of microreservoirs within the matrix. The self-adhesive matrix is highly permeable to the free base of the amine-functional drug and is impermeable to the protonated form of the amine-functional drug. |
US08246974B2 |
Medical devices and methods for producing the same
Embodiments of the invention include coated medical devices that can elute one or more bioactive agents within the body, and methods for producing the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of forming a coated medical device including depositing a coated composition onto a medical device having a roughened segment and a smooth segment. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of forming a coated implantable medical device including depositing a coated composition onto a medical device having a body segment and a piercing segment. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical device, a coated composition provided on the substrate surface, the composition including a bioactive agent and a polymer. The medical device includes an uncoated component wherein the edge of the coated composition is within 0.5 mm of the uncoated component. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for disposing a coated composition on a medical device with an ultrasonically atomized spray stream including moving a spray stream in a pattern having a plurality of transverse sweeps and a plurality of longitudinal movements. |
US08246973B2 |
Freeze-thaw method for modifying stent coating
Methods are disclosed for controlling the morphology and the release-rate of active agent from a coating layer for medical devices comprising a polymer matrix and one or more active agents. The methods comprise exposing a wet or dry coating to a freeze-thaw cycle. The coating layer can be used for controlled delivery of an active agent or a combination of active agents. |
US08246972B2 |
Veterinary dermatologic composition
This invention relates to the use of an active compound selected from the group comprising a sphingoid base, a sphingoid base derivative or a mixture of two or more these compounds for manufacturing a cosmetic composition suitable for topical application with animals having an at least partly fur covered skin for maintaining and/or repairing the keratoseborrheaic condition of the skin and/or fur. |
US08246969B2 |
Compositions containing aromatic aldehydes and their use in treatments
Disclosed are pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions containing aromatic aldehyde compounds. Some of the disclosed compositions are useful as topical therapeutics for treating inflammatory dermatologic conditions. Some of the compositions are useful in transdermal and other systemic dose forms for treating other inflammatory conditions in mammals. |
US08246968B2 |
Cancer cell targeting using nanoparticles
The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries. |
US08246966B2 |
Trypanosome microsome system and uses thereof
The present invention provides cell free preparations of protozoan microsomes, wherein the cell free preparation of protozoan microsomes demonstrate the ability to translocate a protozoan polypeptide into the microsome, methods of preparing cell free preparations of protozoan microsomes, and methods of using cell free preparations of protozoan microsomes. |
US08246965B2 |
Bacillus isolates and methods of their use to protect against plant pathogens
Bacillus isolates and compositions comprising the same are provided. Also provided are methods of inducing systemic acquired resistance to infection in a plant by applying a composition comprising a Bacillus control agent to said plant wherein said plant is capable of producing defense proteins. |
US08246964B2 |
Antigenic protein fragments of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Antigenic protein fragments of Streptococcus pneumoniae to be used for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention and the treatment of bacterial infections and a method for the detection thereof, and related compositions using said epitopes, are disclosed. |
US08246959B1 |
Dendritic cell-associated lectin-like molecules, compositions and methods of use
The invention provides novel dendritic cell-associated lectin-like (DCAL-1) molecules, compositions and therapeutic methods of use. In one aspect, the invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that are capable of remaining hybridized to SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3, including nucleic acid molecules that encode DCAL-1 polypeptides. In another aspect, the invention provides DCAL-1 polypeptides and portions thereof which are useful to stimulate T cell proliferation. In another aspect, the invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to DCAL-1 which are useful for promoting maturation of dendritic cells and for stimulating an immune response in vivo. In another aspect the invention provides methods of stimulating an immune response in an animal comprising introducing into the animal an anti-DCAL-1 antibody of the invention. |
US08246957B2 |
Lupus antibodies for passive immunotherapy of HIV/AIDS
Disclosed are monoclonal antibodies and antibody fragments which recognize antigens encoded by HERV DNA sequences, and methods for production, including recombinant antibody fragments derived from lymphoid cells of lupus patients that make antibodies which neutralize HIV. |
US08246956B2 |
Humanized anti-nerve growth factor antibodies
Method for the humanization of the VH and VL variable regions of an animal antibody of known sequence, humanized animal antibody obtainable according to the method, in particular anti-NGF and anti-TrkA humanized animal antibodies. |
US08246941B2 |
Detergent cosmetic compositions comprising at least one amino silicone, and use thereof
Disclosed herein is novel detergent and conditioning composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one sulfate or sulfonate anionic surfactant, at least one carboxylic anionic surfactant other than the preceding surfactant, at least one amphoteric surfactant and at least one amino silicone, wherein the sulfate or sulfonate anionic surfactant/carboxylic anionic surfactant weight ratio ranges from 2 to 12, and the surfactants are present in the composition in a total amount ranging from 4% to 35% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. Also disclosed herein is a method for cleansing and/or caring for keratin materials such as the hair or the skin comprising applying this composition to the keratin materials. |
US08246937B2 |
Hair and skin care composition
The present invention provides cosmetic compositions that form a durable film or coating on surfaces such as hair or skin. The compositions of the invention comprise one or more anionic silicones and one or more high molecular weight esters, the combination of which provides a durable film. Methods for treatment of hair and skin employing the compositions of the invention are also provided. |
US08246928B1 |
Methods and compositions for the separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Embodiments herein describe a composition including at least one water-soluble complex having a water-soluble separation agent including a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group; and a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube in an aqueous solution. Further embodiments describe a method of separating metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes including providing carbon nanotubes having an admixture of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes; and combining the admixture with a water-soluble separation agent in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, in which the water-soluble separation agent includes a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group. |
US08246925B2 |
Processing of chlorosilane flows containing boron
The invention relates to a method for yielding boron-depleted chlorosilanes from a chlorosilane mixture containing boron by means of separation by distillation of a boron-enriched distillation flow. The invention further relate to a device for yielding boron-depleted chlorosilanes from a chlorosilane mixture containing boron. |
US08246922B2 |
Four-way diesel catalysts and methods of use
Provided are catalyst articles, emission treatment systems and methods for simultaneously remediating the carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and gaseous hydrocarbons present in diesel engine exhaust streams. The emission treatment system of specific embodiment effectively treats diesel engine exhaust with a single catalyst article. |
US08246921B2 |
Alkylation unit
One exemplary embodiment can be an alkylation unit. The alkylation unit can include at least one alkylation reaction zone having an alkylation catalyst, at least one cooler communicating with the at least one alkylation reaction zone, a settler communicating with the at least one alkylation reaction zone and the at least one cooler, a fractionation zone receiving an effluent from the settler passing through a line, and a boot coupled to a substantially horizontal portion of the line. Generally, the boot receives an effluent portion rich in the alkylation catalyst. |
US08246920B2 |
Method and reagent tube for reducing reagent usage
The present invention provides a method for reducing reagent usage, comprising the steps of providing a retainer, at least one group of loopholes being provided on the sidewalls of the retainer; providing a colorimetric glass, adapted to be inserted into the retainer, for receiving the first reagent to be observed through said loopholes; providing a cap, for capping the colorimetric glass and the retainer into a whole, after the colorimetric glass being inserted into the retainer. The present invention mainly uses a reagent tube with a retainer having a new structure, a colorimetric glass and a cap, storing the first reagent only in the colorimetric glass, and the volume of the colorimetric glass is far less than that of the current reagent tube, thus the usage of the reagents can be reduced effectively. |
US08246919B2 |
Specimen sample rack
A rack for a plurality of capped tubes, including a frame having a longitudinally extending bottom base member having a row of spaced open top recesses adapted to receive the capped tubes. Vertical supports at the ends of the row of recesses fix a cover member above the base member. The cover member has openings therethrough smaller than the capped tubes. A wall is along one longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member, with the other longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member being open. Support fingers extend horizontally from the wall toward the open longitudinal side and are vertically aligned between the recesses to secure capped tubes in a generally vertical direction in a longitudinally extending vertical plane. The base member and cover member are vertically spaced a distance sufficient to permit tipped capped tubes to be moved into the frame with the tipped tubes then dropped into the recesses and tipped back to an upright vertical position. |
US08246913B2 |
Heater coil for gas sensor, detecting element for gas sensor, catalytic combustion gas sensor, and manufacturing method of catalytic combustion gas sensor
A lead portion (25) of a heater coil (22) is constituted of a single coil wound into a coil and a bead portion (24) is constituted of a double coil formed by further winding the single coil into a coil. By constituting a detecting element (2) by burying the bead portion (24) in a heat conductive layer (21) and adhering a catalyst layer (23) on the surface of the heat conductive layer (21), improvement of the gas sensitivity and the response speed of a catalytic combustion gas sensor is facilitated. Zero point variation is reduced by improving impact resistance. When both ends of the heater coil are fixed to electrode pins, both ends of the heater coil are welded to the electrode pins using a resistance welding method, etc., with a platinum wire, etc., wound on a primary core wire, and thereafter, the primary core wire is melted and eliminated while leaving the platinum wire, etc., by a wet etching process. |
US08246912B2 |
Optical detecting apparatus for a bio-chip
An optical detecting apparatus for a bio-chip, the optical detecting apparatus including: a light source system for illuminating a bio-chip with an excitation light; a fluorescent light detecting system for detecting a fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip; and a light path altering unit for directing the excitation light emitted by the light source system to a bio-chip and directing the fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip to the fluorescent light detecting system, wherein a cross-sectional area of the excitation light irradiated by the light source system onto the bio-chip is greater than an area of the bio-chip, and the fluorescent light detecting system detects a fluorescent image of the entire bio-chip with a single illumination of excitation light. |
US08246908B2 |
Small size gene analysis apparatus
By the conventional technique for dispensing more than one reagents accurately, the system is complicated and thus a compact and inexpensive system is difficult to realize. In the present invention, the pressurized dispensing system utilizing a capillary is realized, and in addition, in order to reduce the leakage of reagents different from the reagent dispensed, by forming air layers at the tips of the capillaries after dispensing, a compact, simple, inexpensive analysis apparatus is realized. |
US08246899B2 |
Process for the preparation of film sheets
A device and a process are employed to prepare sheets from a film tube. The process steps include extruding the film tube, laying the film tube flat and squeezing it, reversing the film tube, and cutting the extruded film tube. The film tube is cut before the squeezing step and at least one resulting sheet runs through only one reversing device before the sheet is fed to a stationary processing device or storage device. |
US08246896B2 |
Impression composition for the preparation of precision optics
The invention relates to a molding composition which is embodied as a molding composition, a thus produced molded body as a molded body, and a method for producing said molded body comprising a surface structure. |
US08246891B2 |
System and method for manufacturing fatty acid based material products with an injection molding process
A method manufactures molded fatty acid based material products by forming a fatty acid based material paste and injecting the paste into a mold having internal cavities. The method includes generating a fatty acid based material paste, injecting a portion of the fatty acid based material paste under pressure into a cooled mold having at least two separable shells that form product cavities, and separating the shells of the cooled mold to release molded fatty acid based material products from the product cavities. |
US08246888B2 |
Support material for digital manufacturing systems
A support material feedstock comprising a first copolymer and a polymeric impact modifier, where the first copolymer includes a first monomer unit comprising a carboxyl group and a second monomer unit comprising a phenyl group. |
US08246886B2 |
Chemically-assisted alignment of nanotubes within extensible structures
A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process. |
US08246881B2 |
Method of manufacturing sole assembly for article of footwear
A method of forming a midsole includes the steps of placing a first mold member and a second mold member in contact with one another, injecting a first material into the first mold member to form first and second portions of a midsole preform, positioning the first and second portions in a third mold member of a second mold assembly; placing a second material in the third mold member; placing the third mold member and a fourth mold member in contact with one another, subjecting the second material and the first and second portions to heat to form a midsole preform, placing the midsole preform in a fifth mold member, placing the fifth mold member and a sixth mold member in contact with one another; and subjecting the midsole preform to heat and pressure to form a midsole. |
US08246877B2 |
Method, apparatus and a forming part for casting a concrete product by slipform casting
Method and apparatus for casting a concrete product with a substantially horizontal slipform casting process, wherein the concrete mix is fed at least in one step through a limited cross-section moving progressively along with the cast, whereby the height of the product forming part (1) is changed during the cast. The invention also comprises a product forming part (1) having an adjustable height. |
US08246872B2 |
Method for making composite article with expandable elastomer in compression
A method of making a composite article includes providing an elastomeric composition with a blowing agent having an activation temperature and providing at least one structural member defining a fixed gap. The composition is formed below the blowing agent's activation temperature into a solid elastomeric member approximately the thickness of or larger than the gap. The elastomeric member is assembled into the gap, which may place the elastomeric member in a state of compression in the gap. The elastomeric member is then expanded by heating it above the activation temperature. During expansion, the escape of the gas produced is limited to increase the state of compression of the elastomer in the gap by means of confining any free surfaces or by including a platy filler such as nanoclay in the composition. |
US08246862B2 |
Static dissipative polymeric composition having controlled conductivity
The invention provides semi-conductive, static dissipative polymeric compositions comprising: an insulating polymeric resin; a first antistatic particulate material having a relatively low threshold percolation wt % concentration, wherein the first antistatic particulate material is present in the composition at from 50-150% of its threshold percolation wt % concentration; and a second antistatic particulate material having a relatively higher threshold percolation wt % concentration, wherein the second antistatic particulate material is present in the composition at from 1-110% of its threshold percolation wt % concentration. The invention enables forming semi-conductive, static dissipative polymeric compositions having volume resistivity easily controllable within the range of from about 104 ohm-cm to about 1011 ohm-cm. The invention further provides castable semi-conductive, static dissipative polymeric compositions wherein the insulating polymeric resin is formed from castable compositions. |
US08246861B2 |
Carbon nanotube composite, method for making the same, and electrochemical capacitor using the same
A method for making a carbon nanotube composite includes providing a free-standing carbon nanotube structure and a reacting liquid with a metal compound dissolved therein, treating the carbon nanotube structure by applying the reacting liquid on the carbon nanotube structure, and heating the treated carbon nanotube structure in an oxide-free environment to decompose the metal compound. |
US08246859B2 |
S-perfluoroalkyl substituted hydroxybenzylthioethers and derivatives as surface modifiers
The invention describes a process for reducing the surface energy of organic materials such as for example increasing the oil and water repellency and stain release of organic materials, which comprises treating the organic material with at least a compound of the formula I wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1; especially wherein at least one of the radicals R2, R3 or R4 is —CH(R11)—S(O)p—R12; R11 is hydrogen, C1-C8alkyl, unsubstituted or with C1-C4alkyl substituted phenyl; R12 is a monovalent perfluorinated alkyl or alkenyl, linear or branched organic radical having four to twenty fully fluorinated carbon atoms, and p is 0, 1 or 2. |
US08246854B2 |
Organic catalyst with enhanced solubility
This invention relates to organic catalysts comprising iminium or oxaziridinium moieties, cleaning compositions comprising such catalysts; and processes for making and using such catalysts and cleaning products. |
US08246844B2 |
Method for folding a filter bag and a folded filter bag arrangement
A method of folding a filter bag 10 made from a nonwoven fabric or stiff media to facilitate installation within a filter retainer basket and a folded filter bag 10 arrangement. |
US08246842B2 |
Screen bowl centrifuge
A centrifuge (2) for separating solids from liquid of a slurry with a conveyor (12) having a hub (14) rotatable about an axis (34) and at a helical blade (16) extending axially and radially from the hub. A bowl (4) including a cylindrical section (6) extending from an upstream end of the conveyor and a conically diverging screen section (10) extending to a downstream end of the conveyor extends about the conveyor and is rotatable about the axis. The conically diverging screen section includes an angle (40) that reduces the coefficient of friction of the solids to allow a cake formed of the solids to slide in a controlled manner forward on the conically diverging screen section with minimal back pressure, but without allowing the solid cake to break loose from the conically diverging screen section and slide out of the centrifuge in an uncontrolled manner. |
US08246841B2 |
Vibrational separation of particles from viscous materials
The invention provides a method for the separation of solids from a semi-solid viscous mass, the method comprising treating a solids-containing semi-solid viscous mass in an apparatus comprising a separating member incorporating a substantially flat solid surface and a supporting member, wherein the separating member is adapted to selectively impart directional momentum to the solids, thereby facilitating separation of the solids from the semi-solid viscous mass. Preferably the separating member comprises a substantially flat solid surface adapted for vibrational motion, the vibrational motion causing the solids material to be displaced from the remainder of the semi-solid viscous mass. |
US08246838B2 |
Fluid filtration method, fluid filtered thereby, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A method for filtering a fluid to obtain a fluid having a known purity is described. The fluid is filtered with a filtration system, and upstream of a final filtration stage of the filtration system, a purity of the fluid is measured. A purity of the fluid filtered by the filtration system is determined by correcting the measured purity with a filtration behavior of the final filtration stage. In an embodiment, the fluid comprises an ultra pure water for use as an immersion liquid in a lithographic apparatus. |
US08246837B2 |
Apparatus and method for removal of ammonia from a medium
A method for removal of ammonia from a polluted medium avoids the disadvantages related to the chemical-physical properties of an ammonium-containing salt (MAP). The method has improved technical and economical operational parameters and produces a reusable and environmentally friendly nitrogen fertilizer. All chemical processes and mechanical steps of the method are carried out in one single container, with the different steps divided into time phases. The chemical products are prevented from transportation between compartments and contact with pumps and pipes. Only liquids without precipitates are in contact with these elements. The method is applicable to ammonia-containing water from leachate, wastewater, the food industry, and agriculture. |
US08246836B2 |
Process for treating substances contaminated by heavy metals
Process for treating substances contaminated by heavy metals, according to which a calcium phosphate gel is produced and is brought into contact with the contaminated substances. |
US08246833B2 |
Chromatography column and maintenance method
A method of maintenance of a chromatography column is described which does not require the use of a hoist or crane for disassembly. The method provides improved operator safety by reducing the need for the operator to work below a suspended or supported load within the column. The provision of guide elements which can be reversibly attached to the column facilitates removal or insertion of column components. |
US08246829B2 |
Systems and methods for water treatment and remediation
A modularizable system for residential water treatment having a low energy requirement to process water for reuse at the residence which results in a reduction in the amount of fossil fuels required to power large water processing stations and transfer water from water plants to individual residences is disclosed. The system increases availability of water at the residential level in areas where water is a limited or limiting resource (e.g., in arid climates). Furthermore, the amount of water a residence uses in a given cycle is more efficient. |
US08246825B2 |
Horizontal filter stage with simultaneous venting and draining
A filter assembly for filtering particulate contaminants from a fluid comprises: a generally cylindrical filter unit with one end closed and the other end open; a filter head comprising a generally cylindrical sleeve extending generally horizontally an open end for receiving the open end of the filter unit with that has a vent port aligned with a vertical axis through an upper portion of the sleeve and a drain port aligned with the vertical axis extending through a lower portion of the sleeve; and a coupling for securing the open end of the filter unit to the filter head to seal the sleeve vent and drain ports; wherein loosening the coupling allows the filter unit to slide away from the filter head sufficiently to establish fluid communication between the sleeve vent and drain ports. |
US08246824B2 |
Waste grease disposal bin
A grease waste container has a main body forming an interior space; the container having vertical side walls, an enclosed base end, and an upper end that is wider than the base end. The upper end including a removable cover that is capable of releasably enclosing the interior space, and at least one bracket member attached to one of the vertical side walls and including an upper pin and a lower pin both adapted to releasably connect to a lifting system of a grease removal truck. |
US08246823B2 |
Device for focusing a magnetic field to treat fluids in conduits
Three magnet casings are adjustably and removably attached to one another such that the device may snuggly fit about fluid conduits of differing diameters. An outer casing wall of ferrous content stainless steel confines the magnetic field. An inner magnet holder frame attached to the outer casing wall holds a magnet to the conduit and is fabricated of non-ferrous stainless steel to allow maximum trans mission of the magnetic field to the fluid in the non-ferrous section of the conduit around which the casings are attached together. |
US08246821B2 |
Chromatographic solvent monitor
A bubbler is positioned within a solvent reservoir of a chromatographic system with its opening near the bottom of the system to measure the pressure of solvent. The bubbler may use air or may use helium or some other gas so that the solvent can be purged of excess air while its level is being monitored by the bubbler. The bubbler provides a depth signal to a microcontroller that records the drop in pressure and projects a low level of pressure at which point solvent should be replenished. The microprocessor may provide a signal to the operator or terminate operation or automatically replenish solvent depending upon the program. |
US08246819B2 |
Automatic transmission fluid filter
The automatic transmission fluid filter includes a plastic upper case having an outlet port, a plastic lower case having an inlet port, and a filter element including a filter medium and a plastic holder frame holding the periphery of the filter medium and held between the upper case and lower case, at least one of the upper case and lower case including a pair of joint portions respectively joined to opposite walls a of the holder frame, and a connecting wall connecting the pair of joint portions and having a circular arc longitudinal cross section protruding outward of one case. |
US08246816B2 |
Zone or system for providing one or more streams
One exemplary embodiment can be a separation zone for separating a plurality of naphtha components. The separation zone can include first and second columns. The first column may include a dividing imperforate wall with one surface facing a feed and another surface facing a side stream. Typically, the wall extends a significant portion of the column height to divide the portion into at least two substantially vertical, parallel contacting sections. Also, the second column can communicate with the first column so as to provide a feed to or receive a feed from the first column. Generally, the second column is non-divided. The separation zone may provide at least four product streams. |
US08246814B2 |
Process for upgrading hydrocarbon feedstocks using solid adsorbent and membrane separation of treated product stream
A process for upgrading crude oil fractions or other hydrocarbon oil feedstreams boiling in the range of 36° to 520° C., and preferably naphtha and gas oil fractions boiling in the range of 36° to 400° C., employs a solid adsorption material to lower sulfur and nitrogen content by contacting the hydrocarbon oil, and optionally a viscosity-reducing solvent, with one or more solid adsorbents such as silica gel or silica, silica alumina, alumina, attapulgus clay and activated carbon in a mixing vessel for a predetermined period of time; passing the resulting slurry to a membrane separation zone, optionally preceded by a primary filtration step (i.e., single stage or multiple stages), to separate the solid adsorption material with the adsorbed sulfur and nitrogen compounds from the treated oil; recovering the upgraded hydrocarbon product having a significantly reduced nitrogen and sulfur content as the membrane permeate; mixing the solid adsorbent material with one or a combination of aromatic solvents such as toluene, benzene, the xylenes and tetrahydrofuran to remove and stabilize the sulfur and nitrogen compounds; transferring the solvent to a fractionation tower to recover the solvent, which can be recycled for use in the process; and recovering the hydrocarbons that are rich in sulfur and nitrogen for processing in a relatively small high-pressure hydrotreating unit or transferring them to a fuel oil pool for blending. |
US08246812B2 |
Catalyst and its use in desulphurisation
A catalyst is provided comprising nickel in a reduced valence state on a carrier comprising zinc oxide and alumina, wherein the Zn:Ni atomic ratio is at least 12, and the catalyst particles are prepared by: mixing zinc oxide in the form of a powder and alumina or an alumina precursor in the form of a powder; peptizing the powder mixture and forming an extrudable dough by adding acid and water to the powder mixture in such amounts that the dough contains 0.8-1.2 moles acid equivalents per kg powder; extruding the extrudable dough to form extrudates; drying and calcining the extrudates; impregnating the extrudates with an aqueous solution of a nickel compound; drying, calcining and reducing the impregnated extrudates. Further provided is a process for desulphurization of a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock using such catalyst. |
US08246811B2 |
Process for the production of a hydrocarbon fraction with a high octane number and a low sulfur content
Process for the production of a hydrocarbon fraction with a high octane number and a low sulfur content from a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising at least the following stages: 1) a hydrodesulfurization stage of the hydrocarbon feedstock, and 2) at least one stage for extracting aromatic compounds on all or part of the effluent that is obtained from the hydrodesulfurization stage, whereby said extraction leads to a paraffin-enriched raffinate and an aromatic compound-enriched extract sent to a gasoline pool to improve its octane number, wherein a portion of the paraffinic raffinate can be used in a mixture with the aromatic extract; another portion can be used as a petrochemistry base either for producing aromatic compounds or for producing olefins. |
US08246807B2 |
Low cost, environmentally favorable, chromium plate replacement coating for improved wear performance
A coating which improves the wear performance of a part is described. The coating is applied over an article such as a part or a workpiece using an electroplating process. The coating broadly includes a cobalt material matrix with a hardness of at least 550 HV and a plurality of carbide particles distributed throughout the cobalt material matrix. The cobalt material matrix may be a cobalt-phosphorous alloy. The particles interspersed throughout the matrix may be chrome carbide or silicon carbide particles. |
US08246806B2 |
Multi-capillary array electrophoresis device
An electrophoresis apparatus includes a multi-capillary array having a liquid or solid disposed between the capillaries of the array. The liquid or solid exhibits a refractive index higher than that of air and less than that of water and reduces the amount of laser beams scattered by the capillaries. Also provided are methods of adjusting refracted and reflected excitation light beams passing through capillaries of a multi-capillary array, to reduce loss of intensity of the laser beams and increase irradiation of respective samples disposed in the capillaries. |
US08246803B2 |
Capillary electrophoresis apparatus and electrophoresis method
An object of the present invention is to provide a capillary electrophoresis apparatus in which simultaneity can be ensured between sensitivity and data acquisition to decrease a pull-up signal while spectral data acquisition is eliminated in each capillary exchange. The invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis apparatus characterized in that a multi-bandpass filter is provided in an optical detection system. In one aspect of the invention, a signal detection area of a two-dimensional detector is divided into plural regions corresponding to wavelength transmission regions of the multi-bandpass filter. An integrated value of the fluorescence spectrum signal is determined in the region including a fluorescence spectrum peak of an analysis sample in the plural regions. The analysis is performed with the integrated value. |
US08246802B2 |
Small volume liquid manipulation, method, apparatus and process
An apparatus, a method and a process to achieve manipulation of particles and/or solutions through the use of electrokinetic properties are disclosed. The manipulation is performed using a disposable device positioned on top of a stage for purposes of powering the electrodes. The fluidic solution is brought into contact with the active part of the device and then manipulated. |
US08246797B2 |
Surface treatment electrode
The invention concerns a surface treatment electrode (11) to treat at least one object (1). It comprises at least one cavity (23) enclosing the object (1) to be treated during the treatment, having a geometry ensuring free movement of the object (1), this cavity (23) being delimited by a wall (24) comprising at least one opening (25) communicating the inside of the cavity (23) with a treatment solution (5) in which the electrode (11) is immersed during the surface treatment. The cavity (23) is substantially cylindrical and its diameter is approximately 50 to 100 micrometers larger than a maximum size of the object (1). |
US08246793B2 |
Method for the continuous separation of mixtures comprising morpholine (MO), monoaminodiglycol (ADG), ammonia and water by means of distillation
Processes for the continuous fractional distillation of a mixture comprising morpholine (MO), monoaminodiglycol (ADG), ammonia and water from a reaction of diethylene glycol (DEG) with ammonia, the process comprising: (i) separating off ammonia from the mixture at a top of a first distillation column K10; (ii) feeding a bottom fraction from the first distillation column to a second distillation column K20, wherein water and an organic product are separated off at a top of the second distillation column at a top temperature of 45 to 198° C. and a pressure in the range from 0.1 to 15 bar; (iii) feeding a bottom fraction from the second distillation column to a third distillation column K30, wherein morpholine and an organic product having a boiling point of <140° C. (1.013 bar) are separated off at a point selected from a top and a side offtake of the third distillation column, and monoaminodiglycol and an organic product having a boiling point of >190° C. (1.013 bar) are separated off at a bottom of the third distillation column, and (iv) feeding the morpholine-comprising stream from the third distillation column to a fourth column K40, wherein morpholine is separated off at a side offtake of the fourth column, an organic product having a boiling point of ≦128° C. (1.013 bar) is separated off at a top of the fourth distillation column and an organic product having a boiling point of ≧128° C. (1.013 bar) is separated off at a bottom of the fourth distillation column. |
US08246792B2 |
Processes for producing succinic acid from fermentation broths containing diammonium succinate
Processes for making SA from either a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth or a clarified MAS-containing fermentation broth that include distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that comprises water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion and a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; and separating the solid portion from the liquid portion. A method also reduces the broth distillation temperature and pressure by adding an ammonia separating and/or water azeotroping solvent to the broth. |
US08246790B2 |
Method for collecting (meth)acrylic acid and apparatus for collecting (meth)acrylic acid
The present invention provides a (meth)acrylic acid collecting method for collecting a (meth)acrylic acid from a mixed gas that includes an organic byproduct, a steam, and a (meth)acrylic acid that are generated in a production reaction of the (meth)acrylic acid, which includes the steps of a) contacting the mixed gas that includes the organic byproduct, the steam, and the (meth)acrylic acid with a (meth)acrylic acid absorption solvent to obtain a gas that includes the organic byproduct and the steam and the (meth)acrylic acid containing solution while the gas and the (meth)acrylic acid containing solution are separated from each other; b) contacting the gas that includes the organic byproduct and the steam that are obtained in the step a with the organic byproduct absorption solvent to obtain the gas that includes the steam and the organic byproduct containing solution while the gas and the organic byproduct containing solution are separated from each other; c) supplying the gas that includes the steam that is obtained in the step b into the production reaction of the (meth)acrylic acid; and d) obtaining the (meth)acrylic acid from the (meth)acrylic acid containing solution that is obtained in the step a while the (meth)acrylic acid and the (meth)acrylic acid containing solution are separated from each other, and a (meth)acrylic acid collecting device. |
US08246788B2 |
Biomass torrefaction system and method
A biomass torrefaction system is provided which enables a continuous torrefaction process that involves the introduction of biomass particles into a rotating reactor drum having a low oxygen environment. The particles are conveyed through the drum by a heated gas stream and simultaneously torrefied thereby. Gas exiting the drum is recirculated back to a heat source for reheating the gas prior to reentering the drum. A method of biomass torrefaction is also provided. |
US08246775B2 |
Method of implanting RFID tags in corrugated paperboard
The disclosure concerns a method, an apparatus and a system for producing or equipping paperboard such that information carriers can be implanted between two layers of material, together with a piece of paperboard material produced in this way and a package. In particular, the disclosure concerns the implantation of an information carrier in corrugated paperboard, taking into account cuts that are subsequently to be made in the transverse direction, the distance of the position at which the cross-cuts are made from the position at which the information carriers are applied, and the movement executed by the web of material between the application position and the cross-cutting position. |
US08246773B2 |
RFID label technique
An RFID webstock containing a relatively high pitch-density array of semiconductive chips is provided and joined to a web bearing relatively widely spaced antennas in a continuous process. The RFID webstock is separated or cut into individual chip sections, with the spacing of the chips being increased as the RFID webstock is die cut. The individual chips on the sections are then joined to corresponding antennas to form an RFID inlay stock. This process is conducive to high speed roll-to-roll production of RFID tag and label roll stock. |
US08246769B2 |
Speed control method and speed control apparatus for transfer device
An object is to simplify a drive control structure of a transfer device that is designed to stop running of a film when hologram forming or surface treatment is not performed, during which the film is not required to run, and restart the film running from the running stopped state. A speed control method for controlling film running speed of a transfer device includes starting the drive of the transfer device based on a pulse signal different from a pulse signal outputted according to the rotational number of the cylinder, when the transfer film held in running stopped state is moved from the first film running path to the second film running path to run in a docking or interlocking engagement with the cylinder held in rotating state, and performing speed matching control to match the film running speed of the transfer device to the rotational speed of the cylinder; and switching a control mode from the speed matching control into synchronization control that synchronizes the rotational speed of the cylinder with the film running speed of the transfer device based on the pulse signal from the cylinder, after the matching of the speeds. |
US08246768B2 |
High-tensile steel plate of low acoustic anisotropy and high weldability having yield stress of 450 MPa or greater and tensile strength of 570 MPa or greater, and process for producing the same
A high-tensile steel plate of low acoustic anisotropy and high weldability having yield stress of 450 MPa or greater and tensile strength of 570 MPa or greater and a process for producing the steel plate are provided. The steel has an Si content of 0.10% or less, thereby achieving a volume ratio of island martensite of 3% or less, contains Nb≧0.025% and Ti≧0.005% so as to satisfy 0.045%≦[Nb]+2×[Ti]≦0.105%, contains Nb, Ti, C and N in ranges such that the value of A=([Nb]+2×[Ti])×([C]+[N]×12/14) is 0.0022 to 0.0055, and has a steel structure wherein bainite volume ratio is 30% or more and pearlite volume ratio is less than 5%. |
US08246765B2 |
Method for inhibiting growth of tin whiskers
A method for inhibiting growth of tin whiskers is provided. The method includes providing a metal substrate, forming a tin layer to cover the surface of the metal substrate, and treating the metal substrate covered the tin layer by an annealing process, wherein the annealing process is performed at 400° C.-600° C. and the surface of the tin layer is subsequently inhibited from growing tin whiskers. |
US08246760B2 |
Continual flow pin washer
A multi-chambered deposition pin wash station is provided. The wash station includes a lower chamber and an upper drain basin connected by a plurality of wash tubes. Cleaning fluid is provided to the lower chamber and passes through the cleaning tubes into the upper drain basin. The cleaning tubes are adapted to clean a single deposition pin with a single tube per wash cycle. |
US08246759B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method, and program storage medium
There is provided a substrate processing apparatus capable of stably holding a substrate and properly processing the substrate. The substrate processing apparatus is an apparatus that processes a substrate while rotating the substrate, with a place surface of the substrate being oriented in a horizontal direction. The substrate processing apparatus comprises a table including a rotatable base plate having a plurality of projecting members projected outward, and a rotation driving mechanism that rotates the base plate. The table can rotatably hold the substrate such that the projecting members contact the substrate from below with a gap formed between the substrate and the table. The substrate processing apparatus further comprises a pressure adjusting apparatus including a suction duct line having one end thereof being opened to the gap, and a suction mechanism connected to the other end of the suction duct line. |
US08246758B2 |
Neutral or alkaline medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions and methods employing them
The present invention relates to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions of neutral or alkaline pH, to methods of making these compositions, and to methods employing these compositions. The methods include methods of cleaning. The compositions include cleaning compositions. |
US08246756B2 |
Method for automatically flushing a bulk dispensing system in a cleaning appliance
A household cleaning appliance includes a bulk dispensing system configured to receive a removable cartridge containing multiple doses of treating chemistry and configured to deliver a charge of treating chemistry from the cartridge to a treating chamber and a water supply configured to be selectively coupled to the bulk dispensing system to flush at least a portion of the bulk dispensing system. |
US08246749B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and semiconductor device producing method
Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus, including a reaction tube to process a substrate therein, wherein the reaction tube includes an outer tube, an inner tube disposed inside the outer tube, and a support section to support the inner tube, the inner tube and the support section are made of quartz or silicon carbide, and a shock-absorbing member is provided between the support section and the inner tube. |
US08246742B2 |
Accelerator mixture and method of use
The invention concerns an accelerator mixture which contains aluminum in oxidation state 3, sulphate and hexafluorosilicic acid, a process for the preparation of said accelerators and the use of said accelerators for the coating of substrates with concrete or mortar. Furthermore the invention relates to concrete or mortar containing accelerators according to the invention and the hardened layers produced by applying the accelerators to concrete or mortar. The invention relates also to the use of hexafluorosilicic acid as a stabilizer. |
US08246736B2 |
Tricalcium phosphate coarse particle compositions and methods for making the same
Methods for preparing a tricalcium phosphate coarse particle composition are provided. Aspects of the methods include converting an initial tricalcium phosphate particulate composition to hydroxyapatite, sintering the resultant hydroxyapatite to produce a second tricalcium phosphate composition and then mechanically manipulating the second tricalcium phosphate composition to produce a tricalcium phosphate coarse particle composition. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications. |
US08246733B2 |
Alginate-based building materials
The present disclosure describes various building materials used in the building and construction industry, and to buildings or objects constructed therefrom, and to methods of making these building materials. The building materials comprise a polymeric material, such as sodium alginate and/or calcium alginate which confers significant flame-, fire- and heat-resistance or imperviousness to the materials. Other substances can be added to the materials to improve cross-linking and/or to produce resistance to fungal degradation. The building materials which can be produced, processed, or treated using the alginate polymers of the invention include, but are not limited to, wood products; masonry products; wall, roofing, flooring and siding products; and paint products. Further, sodium alginate in the form of a gel may be used as a firebreak to effectively stop the advance of grass fires, wildfires, and forest fires. |
US08246730B2 |
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. |
US08246729B2 |
Fuel vapour adsorbing device
A fuel vapor adsorbing device has a casing having an axis and defining a vapor inlet, a vent connected to the outside environment, and a chamber connected fluidically to the inlet and the vent. The adsorbing device also includes a filter material housed in the chamber; a cover wall covering the chamber; and an elastic mechanism and, preferably, a grille, which are integral with the cover wall and cooperate with the filter material. |
US08246725B2 |
Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO)
A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal. |
US08246714B2 |
Production of metal and metal-alloy nanoparticles with high repetition rate ultrafast pulsed laser ablation in liquids
Various embodiments include a method of producing chemically pure and stably dispersed metal and metal-alloy nanoparticle colloids with ultrafast pulsed laser ablation. A method comprises irradiating a metal or metal alloy target submerged in a liquid with ultrashort laser pulses at a high repetition rate, cooling a portion of the liquid that includes an irradiated region, and collecting nanoparticles produced with the laser irradiation and liquid cooling. The method may be implemented with a high repetition rate ultrafast pulsed laser source, an optical system for focusing and moving the pulsed laser beams, a metal or metal alloy target submerged in a liquid, and a liquid circulating system to cool the laser focal volume and collect the nanoparticle products. By controlling various laser parameters, and with optional liquid flow movement, the method provides stable colloids of dispersed metal and metal-alloy nanoparticles. In various embodiments additional stabilizing chemical agents are not required. |
US08246713B2 |
Preparation of a nano long-acting selenium fertilizer
The present invention provides a process for preparation of a fertilizer, particularly a process for preparation of a nano long-acting selenium fertilizer. The present invention provides a process for preparation of a long-acting selenium fertilizer, including: mixing a selenium rich carbonaceous siliceous rock powder having 30-95% of nano particles relative to total volume and a selenium content of 500 μg/g or more with a liquid having pH of 8.0-10.0. The liquid having pH of 8.0-10.0 is obtained by mixing KOH, K2CO3 and 20% ammonia in a weight ratio of 10:1:2, and then adjusting pH with water. |
US08246709B2 |
Device and method for connecting housing sections of soot particle filters
A device and a method for connecting housing sections (5a, 5b, 5c) of soot particle filters uses a yoke-like clamping U-bolt (17) which has, disposed along the two longitudinal sides thereof, gripper-like bulges (29), for the mutual alignment and pressing against one another of end regions of adjacent housing sections (5a, 5b, 5c), which end regions are joined together without overlapping. A sealing tape (31), disposed at the inside of the clamping U-bolt (17), seals the gap between mutually adjoining housing sections (5a, 5b 5c) when the clamping U-bolt (17) is tightened. |
US08246706B2 |
Active mattress spinner
A device for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a plane formed by a box spring where slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring are placed in contact to reduce the friction between. The slick surfaces are provided by a first cover for the top of a box spring and a second cover for the bottom of the mattress. The first cover is provided with a slick upper surface and non-slick bottom surface while the second cover includes a slick surface that faces downward. The first cover is attached to the box spring with its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring and its slick side is in contact with the slick side of the second cover of the first cover. A levitation device forms part of the second cover and includes an air supply that creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated. |
US08246703B2 |
Building air filtration system
An air filter system and an air filter therefor are provided for use in a building with first and second zones separated by a wall-door system having a wall with a door therein. Weatherstripping is mounted between side and upper edges of the door and a door frame in the wall and between the lower edge of the door and the threshold region of the floor to substantially seal against air flow between the door edges and the door frame and floor when the door is closed. An air flow permitting opening is provided in the wall-door system, sized to permit a controlled amount of airflow between the first and second zones when there is a pre-determined pressure differential between said zones. An air filter is mounted in such opening. |
US08246701B2 |
Methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond elements and compacts using SP2-carbon-containing particles
Methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond elements and compacts using sp2-carbon-containing particles are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond element includes mixing a plurality of sp2-carbon-containing particles and a plurality of diamond particles to form a mixture. An amount of the plurality of sp2-carbon-containing particles present in the mixture is effective to increase a thermal stability of the polycrystalline diamond element formed at least partially from the mixture. The method further includes sintering the mixture in the presence of a catalyst material to form the polycrystalline diamond element. |
US08246700B1 |
Method and system for recycling flue gas
An improved process to reduce emissions converts carbon dioxide from the flue gas exhaust from heat or power generators, into synthetic gas which is in-turn reintroduced back into the generator as fuel, is herein disclosed. Hot flue and exhaust gases from power generators, which contain carbon dioxide, would be blown into a gasification reactor, which contains coal, wood chips or other carbon based fuels substances. The process utilizes gasification technology to create a thermochemical reaction between the carbon dioxide and the fuel via a high temperature and no-oxygen atmosphere to produce synthetic gas. The synthetic gas includes carbon monoxide and hydrogen which is then fed back into a heat or power generator as fuel. The process may include two (2) or more reactors, thereby allowing one (1) reactor to be loaded or unloaded while synthetic gas continues to be produced by the other reactor. The synthetic gas may also be further converted into vehicle fuels and other useful chemicals. |
US08246699B2 |
Palm diesel with low pour point for cold climate countries
The processes of producing the low pour point palm diesel particularly but not exclusively via esterification of C18, C18:1 and C18:2 mixed fatty acids with methanol or ethanol, or fractional distillation of methyl or ethyl esters of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil products, or fractional distillation of methyl or ethyl esters of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil products, followed by crystallization, or crystallization of methyl or ethyl esters of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil products, or crystallization of methyl or ethyl esters of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil products, followed by fractional distillation. |
US08246695B2 |
Artificial foot
An artificial foot has a connecting part for a lower leg part, and a base foot part rotatably connected to the connecting part via an ankle joint. The base foot part extends rearwards of the ankle joint in a heel section and forwards of the ankle joint in a midfoot section. A forefoot part is rotatably connected to the midfoot section. In order to allow an automatic adaptation of the foot to varying heel heights while ensuring a good stability, an articulated connection transmits the angular position of the connecting part in relation to the base foot part in a proportional manner to the angular position of the forefoot part in relation to the base foot part. |
US08246693B2 |
Releasible attachment system for a prosthetic limb
A releasable attachment system is provided for use with a bone anchored post and related external prosthesis such as a prosthetic limb or the like, wherein the attachment system includes a safety release mechanism designed to release or break away when encountering an excess mechanical load. The bone anchored mounting post is implanted for direct affixation to patient bone, and carries or is connected to a fixator structure protruding through soft skin tissue and the like at the end or stump of an amputated limb for mechanical connection to the external prosthesis. The safety release mechanism accommodates substantially normal patient movement throughout a corresponding range of substantially normal mechanical loads, but releases in the presence of an excess load to prevent undesirable fracture failures. |
US08246692B2 |
Method for treating a cartilage defect, surgical instrumentation and surgical navigation system
The invention relates to a method for treating a cartilage defect by implanting a cartilage replacement implant through an arthroscopic access, comprising: determining at least one parameter for describing the arthroscopic access, providing a surgical instrumentation comprising at least two different applicator instruments for grasping the cartilage replacement implant, choosing one of the at least two applicator instruments of the instrumentation in dependence upon the at least one parameter determined for describing the arthroscopic access, and grasping and inserting the cartilage replacement implant into the patient's body with the chosen instrument through the arthroscopic access. |
US08246685B2 |
Vertebral disc prosthesis, notably for cervical vertebrae
The present invention relates to a prosthesis including a first component that delimits a single central housing, including a bottom forming a first articular surface, a peripheral wall and, at a distance from the bottom, an edge extending inwards, a peripheral supporting surface, and on the side turned towards said bottom a second articular surface; and a second component including a plate intended to come into contact with the vertebral plate of the relevant vertebra and a single central pin with a widened head. |
US08246679B2 |
Intraocular lens
An accommodating intraocular lens has an anterior portion including an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element connected to the anterior viewing element. A posterior portion has a posterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element connected to the posterior viewing element. The anterior and posterior biasing elements are connected at first and second apices. First and second distending members are connected to the posterior portion. The first and second distending members extend to locations significantly anterior of an anterior side of the posterior viewing element. |
US08246674B2 |
Endoprosthesis having struts linked by foot extensions
The present invention relates to an endoprosthesis having a plurality of web rings coupled by connectors, which include two or more essentially parallel struts and a foot extension protruding from one of the struts. An endoprosthesis constructed according to the principles of the present invention provides an elevated degree of scaffolding to a body lumen while retaining an acceptable degree of flexibility. |
US08246672B2 |
Endovascular graft with separately positionable and removable frame units
A device for repairing a vessel body including a plurality distinct and independently positionable, expandable frame units disposed within a tubular graft. The independent frame units are capable of being positioned, repositioned, or removed to conform the tubular graft to the anatomy of the vessel body. |
US08246671B2 |
Retrievable cardiac devices
Removable cardiac implants, applicators for inserting, repositioning and/or removing them, and methods of using them are described. In particular, removable or repositionable ventricular partitioning devices are described. Systems including removable implants and applicators for inserting and/or removing them are also described. |
US08246670B2 |
Catheter system and method for delivering medical devices
A system for delivering a medical device, such as an angioplasty balloon, includes two catheter shafts. The distal portion of a first shaft includes a first balloon and is narrower than the proximal portion. A second catheter shaft includes a second balloon and is connected to a medial portion of the first shaft. The second shaft includes a guidewire passageway which is in communication with the passageway of a third shaft that is removably connected to the first shaft. The distal tips of the first and second balloons are connected together to allow the system to be advanced to an anatomical site using a single guidewire. A second guidewire may be used to separate the distal ends of the balloons and to position the balloons at vascular bifurcation. A stent can be crimped onto the balloons such that inflation of the balloons implants the stent within the bifurcation. |
US08246669B2 |
Method and apparatus for regional and whole body temperature modification
A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure. |
US08246668B2 |
Controllable infrared bioeffect system
The present invention belongs to the technical field of infrared research and application in biomedicine. In particular, it refers to an apparatus of bio-effect system with the use of controllable infrared wave. The invention includes a shell (16); a infrared source (1) inside of the shell (16), the first group of filter mounting plate (2), convex lens (3), concave lens (4), the second groups of filter mounting plate (5), cable receptor device (6) and execution end (18); the first group of filter mounting plate (2) and the second group of filter mounting plate (5) are in line with the central axis; the described convex lens (3) is installed between the infrared source (1) and concave lens (4); the described first group of filter mounting plate (2) and the second group of filter mounting plate (5) are located between the concave lens (4) and the cable receptor device (6); the described second group of filter mounting plate (2) is installed with the first filter (23); the second group of filter mounting plate (5) is installed with the second filter (7). The invention is simple in structure. It is used to irradiate the test material, by selecting certain wavelength of IF-IR. |
US08246663B2 |
Osteosynthesis plate, method of customizing same, and method for installing same
An implant for osteosynthesis used in the stabilization of fractured bone of the mandible. The plate consists of apertures through which the plate is secured to bone using surgical screws. The apertures are connected by (a) two lateral bar sections running approximately parallel to the long axis of the mandible and (b) two cross bar sections intersecting each other near the centroid of the plate and at acute angles to the lateral bar sections. The plate design can be modified to accommodate patient anatomy depending on the type of bone it is designed to stabilize. Design and size parameters of the fixation plate can be customized to each individual patient using a customization software application to determine the least invasive fixation plate that will provide adequate functioning in stabilizing the bone fracture to a degree that will allow safe bone healing. The invention includes a method of design of osteosynthesis plates using shape optimization for different types and locations of fractures. |
US08246662B2 |
Modular occipital plate
A system and associated method are provided for mechanically fixating a region of a skull to a portion of a spine. A plate is provided to contact a region of a skull and be secured thereto. A spinal rod is configured to extend from a location adjacent the plate to a location adjacent at least one vertebra. An adjustable housing is provided to secure the rod to the plate, and has a first position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate can be adjusted and a second position wherein the relative position of the rod to the plate is secured. |
US08246661B2 |
Bone plate
A bone plate (1) having an upper side (2), a bone-sided lower side (3), a first end (11), a second end (12) and several plate holes (4) arranged between the two ends (11, 12) and connecting the upper side (2) to the lower side (3), the plate holes being provided for receiving bone screws. Two of the plate holes (4) are formed by a combination of two partially overlapping boreholes (5, 6) of different type. The first (5) of the two boreholes is a circular cylindrical bore, having an internal thread (7) and a cylinder axis (9). The second borehole (6) has a cone axis (10) and tapers from the upper side (2) to the lower side (3) in the form of a frustum of a cone. The second borehole (6) is provided with an internal thread (8). The cylinder axis (9) is situated at a distance A from the cone axis (10), where A is different than zero. |
US08246653B2 |
Device for the lateral stabilization of the spine
The device (9) comprises vertebral elements (10, 20, 10′, 20′) adapted to be fixed to the same lateral side of the bodies of at least two adjacent vertebrae (1, 2), the elements being associated in pairs that are provided to be associated with the left and right sides of the vertebrae. In order to guide the vertebrae effectively and stably, in order, in use, to reproduce an articulating intervertebral joint, the two elements of each pair delimit respective surfaces (15, 25, 15′, 25′) for the relative guiding of those elements, which surfaces are adapted, when the elements are implanted on their corresponding vertebra, to extend generally along the same lateral side of the body of the vertebrae and to rest and slide one against the other in such a manner that the surfaces define a center of rotation (C) about which the two elements are able to turn one relative to the other. |
US08246646B2 |
Endoscopic balloon tissue dissector and retractor
In endoscopic surgery, a retractor having independently spreadable retractor blades mounted at the distal end of a tube is introduced percutaneously. A balloon dissector is passed through the tube and expanded. Following dissection by expansion of the balloon, the balloon is contracted, the tube is advanced, and the dissected tissue is spread by moving the blades apart from each other. The balloon dissector is withdrawn and another instrument is then introduced to carry out surgery on the anatomical structure exposed by the dissection and spreading steps. |
US08246645B2 |
Lancet assembly and pricking device
A lancet assembly includes a lancet and a lancet holder that houses the lancet, whereinthe lancet includes a lancet body, a lancet cap and a pricking component, the pricking component is situated in both of the lancet body and the lancet cap, the tip of the pricking component is covered with the lancet cap, and the lancet cap and the lancet body are integrally connected together by a bridging componentwhen the lancet cap is pressed in the pricking direction with the lancet body attached to the lancet holder, the bridging component is broken so that the lancet cap is separated from the lancet body. Thereafter,when the separated lancet cap is pressed further: in the pricking direction, the separated lancet cap moves to a position that is off the pricking pathway of the pricking component. |
US08246644B2 |
Multi-functional second instrument for cataract removal
Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first instrument for inserting into a lens capsule and removing a cataract therein, the first instrument including a lumen for aspiration of cataract tissue and irrigation fluid from the lens capsule and manipulate the cataract until cataract is removed. The second instrument includes an irrigation port for introducing the irrigation fluid into the lens capsule. |
US08246643B2 |
Ultrasound catheter having improved distal end
An ultrasound catheter has an elongate flexible catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member has a proximal end that is coupled to a separate ultrasound generating device, and a distal tip that is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member and which is located at the distal end of the catheter body. The distal tip has at least one dimensional step. The ultrasound transmission member is directly attached to the catheter body and/or to a guidewire tube, either directly or via an attachment device. The catheter has an additional radiopaque marker positioned on the distal end the catheter. |
US08246642B2 |
Ultrasonic medical instrument and medical instrument connection assembly
An ultrasonic medical instrument having a handpiece and medical ultrasonic blade assembly including a vibration antinode, a handpiece, and a medical ultrasonic blade. The blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode. The blade is in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the handpiece proximate the vibration antinode and apart from where the medical ultrasonic blade is threadably engaged by the handpiece. A medical-instrument connection assembly for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations includes first, second, and third connecting members. The first connecting member is adapted to be ultrasonically vibrated and has a longitudinal axis. The second connecting member is capable of being positioned to be substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and in ultrasound-transmitting physical contact with the first connecting member. The third connecting member surrounds, and is rotatably or fixedly attached to, the second connecting member and is threadably engageable with the first connecting member. |
US08246637B2 |
Flexible endoscopic stitching devices
A handle assembly for operating a surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing; a trigger operatively supported on the housing; and at least one actuation cable operatively associated with the trigger and extending from the housing in such a manner that an actuation of the trigger imparts both an axial translation of the actuation cable and a rotation to the actuation cable. Each of the axial translation and rotation of the actuation cable performs a separate function. |
US08246636B2 |
Suturing devices and methods for closing a patent foramen ovale
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto. |
US08246635B2 |
Clip applier with migrational resistance features
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation. |
US08246634B2 |
Surgical clip applier ratchet mechanism
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. |
US08246633B2 |
Medical manipulator and medical robot system
A manipulator includes a yaw axis and a pitch axis disposed as joints on a distal end of a joint shaft and which are actuatable by motors, a needle variable in orientation by the joints, a coaxial connector disposed at a position closer to a proximal end of the manipulator than the joint shaft, and a coaxial cable providing within the joint shaft at least a portion of an electrical connection between the coaxial connector and the needle. A small board providing an impedance matching circuit, and which includes a coil and a capacitor, is interposed between the coaxial connector and the coaxial cable. |
US08246619B2 |
Vessel sealer and divider with knife lockout
An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife. |
US08246617B2 |
Surgical snare with electrosurgical tip and method of use
A medical device includes a tissue dissector and a snare loop on a common shaft. At least the distal tip of the snare loop is energizable to function as an electrosurgical element for tissue dissection. In use the snare loop is partially extended from the shaft to expose the electrosurgical element for electrosurgical dissection, and the snare loop is fully extended from the shaft to deploy the snare loop for retrieval and positioning of an implant such as a gastric banding device. The snare loop may be deployed through a pair of jaws also mounted on the shaft for use in tissue dissection. |
US08246611B2 |
Treatment of skin by spatial modulation of thermal heating
Treating skin can include delivering a beam of radiation to a target region of the skin to cause a zone of thermal injury including a lateral pattern of varying depths of thermal injury distributed along the target region. The lateral pattern includes at least one first sub-zone of a first depth of thermal injury laterally adjacent to at least one second sub-zone of a second depth of thermal injury. The first depth is greater than the second depth. The at least one first sub-zone of the first depth and the at least one second sub-zone of the second depth extend from a surface of the target region of the skin to form a substantially continuous surface thermal injury. The at least one first sub-zone of the first depth and the at least one second sub-zone of the second depth are substantially heated to at least a critical temperature. |
US08246610B2 |
Apparatus, method and control program for ophthalmological, in particular, refractive laser surgery
Disclosed is an apparatus for ophthalmological, in particular, refractive laser surgery, which aligns a required ablation profile on a specified corneal point, which it calculates from the image data of an eye tracker, taking account of the depth of the anterior chamber of the eye, including the depth of the cornea, calculated individually for the respective patient. |
US08246605B2 |
Clear flush check flow
A flow adapter has a housing, a connector disposed on the distal end of the housing, a valve member disposed within the housing, and a side port disposed on the housing. The housing has a first opening in a proximal end of the housing, a second opening in a distal end of the housing, and a passageway extending between the first and second openings. The first and second openings and the passageway are configured for the passage of an elongate medical device there through. The connector is in communication with the second opening and is configured for attachment to the medical introducer. The side port is fluidly connected to the passageway by one or more conduits extending along a side of the housing and the conduits are configured to direct the flushing fluid to a proximal portion of the passageway adjacent to the first opening. |
US08246603B2 |
Catheter for coronary artery and engaging method therefor
A catheter for a coronary artery can include a distal end for being introduced into an opening of a coronary artery from an artery of an arm. The catheter can, include a catheter main body including a main body portion having a substantially linear shape in a natural state and a curved portion forming a portion extending from the main body portion to the distal end and having a curved shape in a natural state. The curved portion can include a first curve extending in a curved state from the main body portion, an intermediate portion extending from the first curve, a second curve extending from the intermediate portion and curved in a direction same as that of the first curve, and an extreme distal end portion of a substantially linear shape extending from the second curve. A method of using the catheter is also disclosed. |
US08246598B2 |
Absorbent article
An absorbent article including an absorbent chassis and a pair of back ears. The absorbent chassis includes a liquid impermeable outercover and an absorbent body disposed on said outercover. A least a portion of each back ear is substantially flush with the chassis back waist edge. |
US08246597B2 |
Pants-type wearing article
A pant-type wearing article configured so as to prevent a lateral zone of a front waist region and an associated lateral zone of a rear waist region which should remain fastened together from being needlessly disengaged from each other. In the pant-type wearing article an outer surface of a base sheet strip constituting a front fastener component is bonded to a fixed region defined on an inner surface of a front lateral zone. The front lateral zone includes a free region to which the base sheet strip is not bonded. The free region normally takes a posture folded back in a waistline direction so that an outer surface of the front lateral zone lies inside. |
US08246596B2 |
Absorbent article having a multi-dimensionally contoured barrier cuff
A disposable absorbent article may comprise a chassis and a pair of longitudinally disposed barrier cuffs. Each cuff may contain a barrier zone, an attachment zone, and a transition edge separating the barrier zone and attachment zone. The barrier cuffs exhibit a cuff span and a cuff height at a given cross-section through a crotch point and an end region. The absorbent article exhibits a cuff span ratio, defined as a maximum cuff span as measured in the end region of the barrier cuff divided by a cuff span as measured at the crotch point, of greater than 1. The absorbent article exhibits a cuff height ratio, defined as a cuff height as measured at the crotch point divided by a minimum cuff height as measured in the end region, of greater than 1. |
US08246594B2 |
Absorbent article having an absorbent structure configured for improved donning and lateral stretch distribution
An absorbent article generally has a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting said front and back waist regions. The article comprises an outer cover stretchable in at least the lateral direction and a liner in opposed relationship with the outer cover and stretchable in at least the lateral direction. An absorbent structure is disposed between the liner and the outer cover and extends from the crotch region to at least one of the front waist region and the back waist region of the article. The article has an attachment zone and at least one non-attachment zone laterally adjacent the attachment zone. The absorbent structure is configured for improved lateral stretch distribution of the article. |
US08246591B2 |
Flanged connector for wound therapy
A wound dressing for use in negative wound pressure therapy includes a cover layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a reduced pressure may be maintained. At least one vacuum port is affixed to the cover layer and includes a conduit receiving portion configured to receive a fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the reservoir. The at least one vacuum port is configured to receive the fluid conduit from a plurality of directions relative to the cover layer. |
US08246589B2 |
Precision lid retracting eyedropper device
Precision lid retracting eyedropper device with a hollow, rigid housing having an upper aperture that allows a push button topped piston to enter the housing where the piston can impinge on a resilient tubular member that is part of a pump assembly. The housing also includes a solution storing chamber that feeds solution to the pump assembly. A solution exit tube attached to the outgoing portion of the pump assembly emanates from the bottom part of the housing and can be directed towards the user's eye. Integral downwardly facing resilient legs are placed just above and below the user's orbital ridge so that when the legs are squeezed and released, the user's eye lids are forced open allowing the user to dispense a precise amount of solution into his or her eye. |
US08246588B2 |
Insertion device with pivoting action
The invention concerns an insertion device for inserting a medical device into the subcutaneous or intramuscular area of a patient. More specifically, this invention relates to an insertion device comprising pivoting and guiding means for moving a penetrating member from a position, where the penetrating member is not pointing into the direction of insertion, to a position, where the penetrating member is pointing into the direction of insertion. The inserter device comprises a housing (15) encompassing a penetrating member (9), said housing comprising a top section (14) and a lower section (16), wherein said insertion device (1) comprises pivoting means (27, 31, 41, 43) and guiding means (10, 19, 16s, 31s, 18s) providing one or more pivoting movement(s) of the penetrating member (9) from a first position, where the penetrating member (9) is not pointing into the direction of insertion, to a second position, where the penetrating member (9) is aligned with the direction of insertion, to a third position, where the penetrating member (9) protrudes the housing (15) and the penetrating member (9) is aligned in the direction of insertion. The guiding means (10, 19, 16s, 31s, 18s) are adapted to provide a longitudinal movement of the penetrating member (9) from the second to the third position. |
US08246586B2 |
Surgical sealing element holder for holding a surgical sealing element and surgical sealing system
In order to improve a surgical sealing element holder for holding a surgical sealing element of a surgical sealing system comprising a trocar with a trocar sleeve, the sealing element having an insertion opening which can be widened, such that a sealing element of the sealing system can be replaced in a simple and reliable manner and it is ensured that sealing in relation to a channel of the trocar sleeve is perfect at all times it is suggested that a holder sealing element be provided for sealing the sealing element holder with respect to an inner wall surface of the trocar sleeve.In addition, an improved surgical sealing system is suggested. |
US08246583B2 |
Anchoring system for a medical article
An anchoring system secures a catheter to the body of a patient and arrests axial movement of the catheter without meaningfully impairing fluid flow through the catheter. The anchoring system includes an anchor pad that adheres to the patient's skin and supports a retainer. The retainer includes interacting structure with a cooperating keeper and latch that releasably moves the retainer between an open and a closed position. When in the open position, the retainer can receive a portion of the catheter and be subsequently moved to the closed position. The retainer further includes one or more retention mechanisms that inhibit axial movement of the catheter relative to the retainer when the catheter is secured therein. In one mode, the retainer includes interacting structure with a keeper and latch. The keeper selectively cooperates with the latch to secure the retainer in a closed position where the cover is generally over to the base. In another mode, the anchoring system includes a mount that allows the retainer to rotate 360° relative to the anchor pad. |
US08246581B2 |
Disposable infusion device with redundant valved safety
A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, a pump that holds a volume of the liquid medicament received from the reservoir and displaces substantially all of the volume of the liquid medicament when actuated, and at least a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve. The valves establish fluid connection between the reservoir and the pump when in a first valve configuration and establish fluid connection between the pump and the outlet when in a second valve configuration. At least two of the valves isolate the outlet from the reservoir when the valves are in the first valve configuration. |
US08246577B2 |
Injection device with claw-type lock
A lock for an injection device including a threaded rod, wherein the lock includes one of an anti-rotation or claw-type securing element engageable in cooperative anti-rotation elements or claws of the injection device to prevent rotation of the threaded rod relative to the injection device. |
US08246571B2 |
Drug storage and delivery device having a retaining member
Drug depot storage and delivery devices and methods for delivering a drug depot to a site beneath the skin of a patient are provided. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in an open position allows delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in a closed position reduces or prevents delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site. |
US08246569B1 |
Implantable intraocular pressure drain
An implanted parylene tube shunt relieves intra-ocular pressure. The device is implanted with an open end in the anterior chamber of the eye, allowing excess fluid to be drained through the tube out of the eye. In one embodiment, only a first end of the tube implanted into the anterior chamber of the eye is open. Intra-ocular pressure (IOP) is then monitored, for example utilizing an implanted sensor. When IOP exceeds a critical value, a practitioner intervenes, puncturing with a laser a thinned region of the tube lying outside the eye, thereby initiating drainage of fluid and relieving pressure. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the both ends of the tube are open, and the tube includes a one-way valve configured to permit drainage where IOP exceeds the critical value. The tube may include projecting barbs to anchor the tube in the eye without the need for sutures. |
US08246568B2 |
Hemodialysis catheter with thrombus removing device
The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for removing thrombus outside of a hemodialysis. The hemodialysis catheter comprises an elongate shaft comprising a plurality of lumens. A first lumen has a first distal port. The first lumen is configured for the flow of a fluid in a first direction. A second lumen has a second distal port proximal to the first distal port. The second lumen is configured for the flow of the fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A third lumen has a third distal port proximal to the second distal port. An elongate device is disposed through the third lumen. The elongate device has an operable member on a distal end or a device to connect to an operable member disposed on the elongate shaft. The operable member is configured to engage and remove thrombus from an exterior surface on the elongate shaft. |
US08246564B2 |
System for enriching a bodily fluid with a gas having automated priming capabilities
This invention discloses a modular system having a base module, a mid-section control module, and a display module for preparing and administering a gas-enriched bodily fluid. Gas-enrichment is achieved by a gas-enriching device which can be in the form of a disposable cartridge. During operation, the gas-enrichment device is placed in an enclosure within the control module to form a fluid pathway for extracorporeal circulation of the bodily fluid. An electronic controller manages the various aspects of the system and executes an automated method for priming the extracorporeal circuit. |
US08246562B2 |
Plantar flexion prevention device
The plantar flexion prevention device is an elastic sock. The sock extends over a foot to a calf area above the foot. A heel portion has a first attachment mechanism positioned near a plantar surface of a heel of the foot. There is an inverted Y-shaped inelastic strap that has two members securely attached to the elastic sock near the plantar surface of a metatarsalphalangeal joint region of the foot. A third member has a second attachment mechanism positioned in a middle portion of the third member. There is an inelastic toe strap that extends from a toe portion of the sock. A separate adjustable cuff with a third attachment mechanism is positioned above the calf area of the leg. The inelastic toe strap attaches to the second attachment mechanism of the inverted Y-shaped strap for toe extension, and can attach to the first attachment mechanism for toe flexion. |
US08246554B2 |
Living body inspection system, living body inspection apparatus, and living body inspection method
Motion of fingers of a subject is dynamically analyzed to provide an estimation index in a hardness of a muscle used in the motion of the fingers. A processing part calculates a speed and acceleration of two fingers on the basis of the motion data of the fingers obtained by a tapping detecting unit, calculates a ratio between the speed and the acceleration, and calculates as an estimation index a mechanical impedance regarding extending force of the fingers and a mechanical impedance regarding opening and closing force of the fingers by applying the calculated ratio to a predetermined equation based on a muscle dynamic model. |
US08246551B2 |
Adapter assembly for stereotactic biopsy
An adapter is provided for use with a biopsy device that includes a cutting element having an outer cannula hub removably mounted to a handpiece. The cutting element includes an outer cannula connected to the outer cannula hub and an inner cannula disposed within the outer cannula and attached to the handpiece. The outer cannula hub allows removal of the handpiece and inner cannula from the outer cannula. The adapter includes a base, a cradle moveably mounted to the base and configured to rotatably support the biopsy device therein, and an indexing guide moveable with the cradle having a receptacle within which the outer cannula hub is rotatably received. The cradle and indexing guide are configured to inhibit rotation and axial movement of the biopsy device relative to the cradle, and facilitates removal of the handpiece and inner cannula from the outer cannula, while maintaining registration with the biopsy site. |
US08246548B2 |
Ischemic conditioning for improved athletic performance
Methods for ischemic conditioning treatments of a chronic medical condition are provided. Baseline disease-related parameters of a patient with a chronic medical condition are measured. Ischemia is induced in the patient by occluding and releasing arterial flow in one or more extremities of the patient. Post-ischemia parameters in the patient are measured. The baseline and post-ischemia parameters are compared to provide an assessment of an ischemic conditioning treatment of a chronic medical condition. The repeated, scheduled delivery of ischemic conditioning provides a beneficial, therapeutic effect on the chronic medical condition. Also provided is a device for pulse oximetry during periods of absent or low pulsatile blood flow including an artificial pulse generator as well as the use of said device in assessment of ischemic conditioning. |
US08246545B2 |
Ultrasound transducers with improved focus in the elevation direction
A phased array ultrasound transducer is made from a plurality of independently excitable elements that are arranged in a row in the azimuthal direction, configured so that azimuthal aiming of an outgoing ultrasound beam is controlled by timing the excitation of the elements. The geometry of the elements is configured to focus the outgoing beam in the elevation direction so as to improve the images of target regions located at or about a particular radial distance. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by forming each element from a plurality of subelements that are stacked in the elevation direction, with the subelements of any given element all (a) wired together and (b) positioned at about the same distance from a substantially rod-shaped focal region. |
US08246543B2 |
Imaging method utilizing attenuation and speed parameters in inverse scattering techniques
Methods for imaging the internal structures of an object using an acoustic wave field are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method of imaging internals of a physical object using acoustic waves may include transmitting an acoustic wave field toward the object, receiving a resultant acoustic wave field with a receiver, where the resultant acoustic wave field is in response to the transmitted acoustic wave field reflected from or transmitted through the object, and determining a predicted resultant acoustic wave field derived from a model of the object. The method may also include determining a residual between the predicted resultant acoustic wave field and the resultant acoustic wave field, and back propagating the residual to determine corrections to the model of the object. In another aspect, the above recited steps may be further iterated to successively refine the model of the object over a number of iterations until a predefined condition is reached. |
US08246540B2 |
System for determining insulin dose using carbohydrate to insulin ratio and insulin sensitivity factor
An apparatus and method are provided for determining a patient's carbohydrate to insulin ratio (CIR) and insulin sensitivity factor (ISF), and using these values, along with values for current blood glucose level and deviation from target blood glucose level, for determining insulin dose in view of carbohydrate intake during a particular time period. The apparatus and method employ algorithms that can be implemented in any of a personal computer, personal data assistant, hand held computing device, blood glucose monitor, infusion pump, medication delivery pen, meter, calculator, among other therapeutic, diagnostic or informational devices used for managing a patient's blood glucose levels. |
US08246538B2 |
Minimally invasive retractor with separable blades and methods of use
A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a screw-based retractor, are disclosed herein and allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed to be coupled to a pedicle screw and then to have opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The retractor is removed by separating the opposed blades to allow the retractor portions to be pulled out of the wound. The retractor is intended to be made of a flexible metal material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed. |
US08246535B2 |
Bending instrument for an endoscope and endoscope set
A bending instrument for an endoscope which is used when a fiberscope is inserted into a gastrostomy catheter. The bending instrument comprises a sheath which covers a fiberscope shaft of the fiberscope, and a bending member which allows the fiberscope shaft to bend together with the sheath. A light-transmissive window part is formed at the tip end of the sheath. Furthermore, the bending member comprises a fixed part which is attached to the tip end outer periphery of the sheath, a sliding part which is slidably attached further to the base end side of the sheath than the fixed part and which engages with a cylindrical engagement part of the gastrostomy catheter so as not to be able to go past an intra-stomach fixed part, and a linear linking part which links the fixed part and the sliding part. |
US08246534B2 |
Endoscope
When a guide wire 5 is maximally raised on a treatment instrument raising stand 35, a distal point of the guide wire 5 is operated so as to be capable of always observing a papillary opening portion 7, which is a subject to be treated, from the front (in a basic position where the portion to be treated is positioned at the center of the field of view). The treatment instrument raising stand 35 is maximally raised in order that the tilt angle β of the guide wire 5 is equal to the tilt angle α of a central axis of a field of view of an observation window 30. Then, the guide wire 5 is fixed and a treatment instrument such as a drainage tube is replaced, whereby a treatment instrument can be easily and more safely replaced via the guide wire 5. |
US08246530B2 |
Nondestructive fluid transfer device
Fluid transfer device may be configured as a vacuum pump, including blood and blood constituents. Fluid transfer device used for assisting in the pumping of blood through a patient's heart for reducing the load on the patient's heart, sheer forces and blood pressure on the inner walls of the heart are reduced. Pump may be used as an implanted cardiac assist device, such as an aortic assist device, a ventricular assist device, or as a complete artificial heart. By use of a vacuum, the inventive fluid transfer device may be operated at no more than atmospheric pressure. A pre-charged pressure tank may be used dependent on the application requirements, such as in the case where fluid pressure of the pumped fluid, including the backpressure of body fluids, in the case where pressure greater than atmospheric to sufficiently expel pumped fluid. |
US08246529B2 |
Magnetic core for medical procedures
The inventive technique include a system, method and device for treating a patient. The inventive system includes a magnetic field generating device created using a powdered ferromagnetic. The system further includes a circuit in electrical communication with the magnetic core, and a power source in electrical communication with the circuit. The ferromagnetic powder core may be manufactured by at least one of the following: machining, pressing, molding, gluing, and extruding. Also, the ferromagnetic powder core may have a distributed gap structure, where the gap structure operates to focus the magnetic field between pole faces of the magnetic device. |
US08246525B2 |
Dumbbell having rolling or shaking device
A barbell or dumbbell or exercise device includes a handle having two end portions, a weight member attached to either of the end portions of the handle and having a ball guiding raceway for engaging with a rolling device which is movable along the ball guiding raceway of the weight member for generating a vibration to the weight member and the handle, the weight member includes a housing attached onto the weight member and engaged with the rolling device for retaining the rolling device in the weight member, for example, the housing includes a chamber for receiving the weight member and includes a peripheral flange extended radially and inwardly into the chamber and secured to the weight member. |
US08246524B2 |
Exercise device
An exercise device with an arc shaped track having a concave side that is mounted upon a support structure that supports the arc shaped track at a position in which the concave side of the arc faces downward and in which the arc shaped track can be fixed at a location centered above a user's head to extend to each side of the user. When in use, a track follower engages the track and moves along a length of the track to follow a course defined by the arc shape of the track. A handle is coupled to the track follower to be gripped by the user's hand to guide the user's side to side bends. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
US08246520B2 |
Control method to dynamically limit engine torque to provide clutch overheating protection
A method for controlling the axle coupling clutch of an all wheel drive vehicle is provided. A determination is made to confirm that a coupling clutch operating property is at a predetermined entrance value. If the determination concludes that the coupling clutch operational property is at a predetermined entrance value, a signal is sent to an engine controller to modify engine torque output. |
US08246517B2 |
Automatic stop/start controller for internal combustion engine
A controller stops a fuel injection when a vehicle is in a specified decelerate condition where the vehicle likely stops and an automatic stop requirement is generated. An input shaft and an output shaft of a shift transmission mechanism are directly connected with each other through a direct connector so that a driving power is transmitted from an engine to a driving shaft through a power transmitter which permits a sliding between an input shaft and an output shaft thereof. When a restart requirement is generated before the vehicle is completely stopped, the engine is restarted under a condition where the input shaft and the output shaft of the shift transmission mechanism are connected with each other by a direct connector. When the restart requirement is not generated before the vehicle is completely stopped, the input shaft and the output shaft are disconnected when the vehicle is completely stopped. |
US08246513B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling transmission functions in a vehicle transmission
A method and apparatus for controlling transmission functions in a transmission of a motor vehicle by an electromagnetically actuated control valve. The control valve is controlled by a control device that includes a stored valve characteristic curve to provide a temperature-dependent and a target-current-dependent overlay, so that a symmetrical target value oscillation around a target current value is achieved. The characteristic curve for controlling the control valve is adapted at least partially as a function of a current value and a temperature. |
US08246511B2 |
Power transmitting apparatuses
A power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle mounted with a torque converter and an idle-stop mechanism can be configured to improve fuel economy without cancelling a fuel-cut-off during vehicle speed reduction and to reduce the manufacturing cost by eliminating an electrically-driven oil pump. A power transmitting apparatus can comprise a torque converter, a clutch mechanism, an oil pump, a continuously variable transmission, a clutch control device, an engine control device, and a flow control device. The flow control device can be configured to limit or prevent the supply of oil to the torque converter by the oil pump and to prioritize the supply of oil to the clutch mechanism and the continuously variable transmission when the vehicle speed is reduced below a predetermined value with fuel being cut off by the engine control device during vehicle speed reduction. |
US08246508B2 |
Controller for vehicle drive device
A vehicle drive unit control system. The vehicle includes a prime mover arranged on a power transmission route from a continuously variable transmission to a wheel, a clutch mechanism arranged on a first route from the prime mover to the wheel, and a shift range or shift position can be shifted selectively between a drive range or drive position where a power can be transmitted through the first route and a non-drive range or non-drive position where a power cannot be transmitted through the first route. The control system includes a vehicle speed control demand judging mechanism judging a vehicle speed control demand in case of shifting the shift range or shift position from the non-drive range or non-drive position to the drive range or drive position; and a prime mover controller controlling torque of the prime mover based on the judged vehicle speed control demand. |
US08246505B2 |
Planetary type gear unit comprising a planet carrier with a planet bogie plate
A planetary type gear unit comprising a planet carrier with a planet bogie plate and at least one planet shaft, whereby on both sides of the bogie plate a planet wheel is mounted on the planet shaft by taper roller bearings, whereby the planet shaft is provided with an axially displaceable piece on each of its extremities forming an abutment which provides an axial support for the inner bearing rings of the taper roller bearings and with a tensioning elements by which the axially displaceable pieces can be displaced to one another for controlling the pre-tensioning on the taper roller bearings. |
US08246501B2 |
Four-mode hybrid powertrain with two motor/generators
A hybrid electro-mechanical transmission connectable with multiple power sources includes an output member and a stationary member. The transmission also includes a first planetary gear set having a first, second, and third node, and a compound planetary gear arrangement having a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh and an eighth node. The power sources include an engine, a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The engine and the first motor/generator are each operatively connected to the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is operatively connected to each of the first and the second planetary gear sets. The output member is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear set. Thus configured, the transmission provides under-drive, direct-drive, over-drive, and reverse gears for launching and propelling the vehicle. |
US08246496B2 |
Sports net and goal apparatus
A portable sports goal comprising a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member. The frame presents net connection points and is configured to support each of the pliable goal members in tension between two net connection points such that the goal apparatus presents a substantially rectangular goal mouth. A frame for use in the goal apparatus. A net for use in the goal apparatus comprising first, second and third edges, and a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member extending along the first, second and third edge respectively. A method of providing a goal. A portable football goal. |
US08246493B1 |
Batting practice apparatus
A batting practice apparatus able to be installed on any flat surface includes a base, a batting unit, an air-pump unit and at least one suction unit. The batting unit is mounted on the topside of the base while the air-pump unit is installed in the interior of the base and connected with the batting unit, and the suction unit is also positioned in the base and communicates with the air-pump unit. When receiving external force to swing, the batting unit will actuate the air-pump unit to pump air out of the suction unit and form a vacuum chamber between the suction unit and the flat surface, able to increase the suction strength of the suction unit and lighten the batting practice apparatus. |
US08246491B2 |
Golf tee and methods to manufacture golf tees
Embodiments of golf tees, such as golf tees with compressible materials, are described herein. Other examples and related methods are also described herein. |
US08246490B2 |
Low lift golf ball
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.250 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 120,000 to about 180,000 and at a spin rate of about 3,500 rpm. |
US08246487B1 |
Iron-type golf club head having movable weights
An iron-type golf club head is disclosed herein. The iron-type golf club head has multiple movable mass members which allow for the center of gravity to be moved at least 0.170 inch in a feel to toe direction and 0.070 inch in a crown to sole direction. Each of the movable mass members is preferably composed of a material having a density ranging from 12 g/cm3 and 14 g/cm3. |
US08246484B2 |
Golf club, head of golf club and method for adjusting properties of golf club
A golf club head with a leading end of a shaft mountable thereon, the golf club head includes: a head main body, formed with a hosel insertion hole; a hosel, formed with a shaft case insertion hole and removably mounted in the hosel insertion hole; and a shaft case, formed with a shaft insertion hole and removably mounted in the shaft case insertion hole. |
US08246482B1 |
Golf stance trainer
A golf swing stance trainer has a hub and a central telescoping arm connected to the hub. Side telescoping arms are connected to the hub for swinging outward to positions perpendicular to the central arm. The hub has ground-engaging cleats on a lower surface. The central arm is selectively extended outward for position with respect to a ball position. The side arms are selectively extended outward to indicate desired foot positions. Arm extensions are related to an individual user and club selection. The arms are telescoped inward and the side arms are swung inward for carrying. The hub includes a hinge rod with a central receive through which a connected on the central arm slides. The hinge rod has slots and holes through the slots at opposite ends. Side arm ends have complementary holes. Pins or screws extend through the holes, and washers allow turning the arms on the pins. |
US08246479B2 |
Mechanical device for simulating an animal ride
The present invention is a mechanical ride that simulates riding an actual rodeo bull. simulator, which provides a rider a simulation of an rodeo bull ride. The ride includes a track, a sled to move the ride along the track, and a mechanical body affixed to the sled. The mechanical body includes a plurality of actuators and motors that simulate the bucking, rotating, lunging, pitching, and tilting movement of an actual rodeo bull. The simulated movements are performed at the same time as the ride moving along the track. |
US08246477B2 |
Gear joint with super finished surfaces
A gear joint with finished surfaces and other enhancements that allows the gear joint to accommodate higher loads. In particular, in one embodiment, the invention is a ball gear system including a ball gear having a spherical surface, a ring gear configured to receive the ball gear therein and be rotationally coupled thereto, and a thrust plate. The thrust plate is configured to be positioned adjacent to the ball gear to take up thrust forces transmitted thereto. The thrust plate has a recess configured to closely receive the spherical surface therein, and the spherical surface has a surface roughness of less than about 10 Ra in microns. |
US08246476B2 |
Universal joint
A universal joint composed of a swivel member, a driven socket, and at least one mediator. The swivel member includes a swivel body and a first driving portion. The driven socket includes a concavity, a second driving portion, and an annular recess formed at the concavity. A retaining ring is mounted in the annular recess. The swivel body is received in the concavity. The swivel body includes at least one cavity formed on a surface thereof. The driven socket includes at least one recession, which can correspond to the at least one cavity when the swivel body is located in the concavity. The at least one mediator interacts with the recession and the cavity and is located between the swivel body and the driven socket. Therefore, the operation of the universal joint can be smooth. |
US08246474B2 |
Kelly bar arrangement
A Kelly bar arrangement includes an inner bar and at least one outer bar, whereby the inner bar is arranged with respect to the at least one outer bar in an axially movable but rotationally fixed manner, and a spring means which is arranged in a lower area of the inner bar for cushioning an axial movement of the inner bar with respect to the at least one outer bar. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the spring means to be designed as an elastomer spring. |
US08246471B2 |
System and method for dynamic video game recap
There is provided a system and method for providing dynamic recap sequences to a player of a video game. There is provided a method for use by a processor to present a recap sequence to a player of a video game, the method comprising storing, in a memory, identification data identifying the player and associated event data relating to the video game played by the player after a first game play, receiving the identification data to identify the player for a second game play, retrieving the event data from the memory, creating a prioritized event list including a number of events from the event data, generating the recap sequence based on the prioritized event list, and presenting the recap sequence to the player prior to the second game play. Creation of the prioritized event list can be customized to suit particular requirements of the video game. |
US08246467B2 |
Interactive gaming with co-located, networked direction and location aware devices
An interactive game environment includes two or more co-located, networked, direction and location aware interactive game devices. The game devices share a common reference coordinate frame (e.g., a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate frame). Each game device maintains its own device state (e.g., position, orientation, time) in the reference coordinate frame. Each interactive game device shares its device state with the other interactive game devices using communication technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular). Each interactive game device can use the device states of the other interactive game devices to project the relative positions and orientations of the other interactive game devices into a local, fixed coordinate frame of the interactive game device. These projections allow each interactive gaming device to know the position and orientation of the other interactive game devices in an interactive game environment defined by the reference coordinate frame. |
US08246466B2 |
System and method for collecting and using player information
A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player. |
US08246464B2 |
Caching and reporting system for accelerating combined computer gaming and advertising
A system supporting the presentation of advertisements within video game is described in which a memory cache stores advertising data that is used to provide the advertisements. The memory cache is managed via instructions provided by an external server via a network data connection. The management of the cache supports the storage of a variety of advertisements for a single advertisement opportunity. In addition, the cache management system is designed to supports numerous different video games on a same computing device. |
US08246462B1 |
Hall-effect finger-mounted computer input device
A Hall-effect system for providing inputs into a processor includes at least one magnet for establishing a magnetic field, a remote sensor unit and a receive station. The magnet is sized and adapted to be worn on a user's finger, while the remote sensor unit is adapted to be worn on a user's thumb. The remote sensor unit includes a Hall-effect sensor that senses changes in the magnetic field due to the motion of the magnet relative to the Hall-effect sensor. The Hall-effect sensor detects the magnetic field changes, and the remote sensor unit generates a sensor output corresponding to the magnetic field changes. The receive station is connected to the processor. The receive station receives the output from the remote sensor unit and converts the sensor output into an input for the processor. |
US08246461B2 |
Methods and apparatus for stringed controllers and/or instruments
Stringed instruments, game controllers, and related structures and methods are described. A game controller having one or more strings is described for a computer gaming application. Output signals may be sent from the controller to the gaming application indicative of fingering of the game controller and the time at which the strings of the game controller are struck. Multi-mode apparatus are also described. A stringed apparatus may be used as both a game controller and an instrument. Bracing structures and methods are also described for bracing stringed apparatus, such as stringed game controllers and instruments. |
US08246459B2 |
Method, apparatus and recording medium for performance game
Disclosed are a method, an apparatus, and a recording medium for a performance game, and more particularly are a method, an apparatus, and a recording medium for providing a performance game for playing indicators in a plurality of areas while a user moves in corresponding areas. |
US08246451B2 |
Celebration pay
Players are selected to celebrate the win. A portion of the bonus pool is divided among the celebrating players. The amount to be received by each player can be verified to meet minimum and maximum amount requirements. The celebration pay is delivered to the gaming machines used by the celebrating players. |
US08246448B2 |
Gaming machine with player-centric rewards
Gaming systems, machines and methods are disclosed that provide various player-centric rewards to the casino patrons. The rewards may be provided across multiple games including slots, tables, keno, and any other casino game. The sweepstakes rewards may be used to promote increased play for chosen time periods, locations, and/or individual players. In addition, patrons can earn sweepstakes rewards based upon the amount of coins played at the slot machine, on the slot floor or throughout the entire casino. Furthermore, the patrons can receive a birthday reward, which may be credited to the eligible patrons on or about the patron's birth date. The rewards may be directly credited to the gaming machines using either cashable or non-cashable credits. The system facilitates patrons continuing to accrue rights toward a reward even when playing different gaming machines, or when playing machines having different denominations. |
US08246446B2 |
Method for mapping possible outcomes of a random event to concurrent dissimilar wagering games of chance
The subject invention comprises a method and apparatus for which, from a single random event such as a spin of a roulette wheel or a roll of dice, a casino provides many concurrent games of chance. By mapping sets of randomization results (such as the results from rolling dice) to multiple sets of randomization ranges, a casino may run a number of disparate games concurrently from one randomly generated event. Players of the various games enjoy the common experience of all playing together against the same randomization events. |
US08246442B1 |
Dynamic assignment of pay lines in a game of chance
A game of chance is disclosed that looks like a multi-line gaming machine having a matrix of rows and columns of positions for displaying slot symbols or cards to a player. A player wagers to play one or more games but the actual pay lines are dynamically determined by events that occur during the course of game play, not before. Per the teaching of the invention a number of bonus pay lines and their routing are dynamically determined during the course of game play of slots or cards dependent on choices made by a player during game play. |
US08246440B2 |
Display device for gaming machine having a spinning reel
The present invention relates to a gaming machine having mechanical spinning reels and display units mounted inside the reels that are driven between a retracted position and a forward position. The display unit is displaced inwardly toward a central axis of the reel when located in the retracted position, and in this position the reel is free to rotate in response to a wager being placed. The display unit is located closer toward the outer periphery of the reel when in the forward position and in registration with a variable display when the reel is stopped. Movement of the display unit between the retracted and forward positions minimizes parallax effects and increases enjoyment for a player. |
US08246439B2 |
Tournament qualification and characteristics in a gaming system
A gaming system is disclosed that provides game.pjay in a tournament in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes: a game server, a plurality of game units, and a tournament administration controller. Each game unit including one or more display screens, a monetary input device, a player input device, and a processor that is implemented as part of a control system and connected to the game server via a casino gaming network. Each game unit is a game of chance or other game that does not rely primarily on the skill of the player. The casino-based game units enable the play of linked wheel games. The tournament administration controller enables an operator to designate tournament characteristics. |
US08246437B2 |
Gaming device having alternate outcome presentations
A gaming device and a method of playing a gaming device which includes a game having a plurality of presentations associated with outcomes or combinations in a game. Specifically, the each outcome or combination includes a default presentation and at least one of the outcomes includes one or more alternate presentations. The default and alternate presentations include probabilities of being selected by the processor. In a game, the processor predetermines the winning outcome or non-winning outcome to provide to the player and then selects one of the presentations associated with the determined outcome. The gaming device selects the presentation based on the probabilities of being selected associated with the presentations. The gaming device then provides any award associated with the determined combination to the player. |
US08246424B2 |
Polishing disc for a tool for the fine machining of optically active surfaces particularly on spectacle lenses and method for its production
A polishing disc for a tool for the fine machining of optically active surfaces, particularly on spectacle lenses as workpieces, comprises a main body which has a center axis and on which there is fixed an intermediate layer which is softer than the main body and on which a polishing agent carrier rests. The intermediate layer has, with respect to the center axis, a radial inner region of substantially constant axial thickness and an adjoining radial outer region. The latter is formed or is fixed to the main body in a particular way so as to prevent the edge of the polishing disc from being imprinted on the machined surface of the workpiece in the form of very fine, scratch-like microstructures. Also proposed is a simple method which can be used to produce such a polishing disc. |
US08246420B1 |
Portable debris container unit for sanding/micro-etching processes on dental elements
The problem of controlling dust during an operation such as a micro-etching process, associated with a dental appliance in an efficient and economical manner is solved by a unit which is portable and which encloses the appliance during the micro-etching process. |
US08246416B2 |
Comfort bra liner
A foldable one-piece insert (i.e., bra liner) worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments. A braless liner may also be used without a bra. The braless liner may be fastened to the female torso at the rear of the female torso with attachment mechanisms. |
US08246415B2 |
Gear box for use in toy vehicles
An improved and simplified gear box for toys and other small motorized devices is disclosed. The output gear is a composite piece that integrates a drive shaft with the output gear. |
US08246414B2 |
Air shifter toy model
The present invention provides an unconventional and proprietary radio control (RC) or infrared remote control (IR) toy model/airplane which can intentionally shift or change its center of gravity (COG) to different positions along the longitudinal centerline of the aircraft or fuselage. The incremental shifting or moving of the COG from front to rear or vice versa incrementally changes the “angle of attack” of the wing, thereby producing a variable range of viable flight attitudes and resultant terminal velocities (top speeds). Therefore, users can easily select an appropriate speed for the airplane to fly in limited indoor spaces or in larger outdoor areas. Additionally, the COG shifting of the present invention can be applied not only to RC and IR controlled toy models/aircrafts but may also be implemented into real aircrafts including manned and unmanned aircraft for civilian and/or military applications. |
US08246409B2 |
Light-emitting panel and a method for making
An improved light-emitting panel having a plurality of micro-components sandwiched between two substrates is disclosed. Each micro-component contains a gas or gas-mixture capable of ionization when a sufficiently large voltage is supplied across the micro-component via at least two electrodes. An improved method of manufacturing a light-emitting panel is also disclosed, which uses a web fabrication process to manufacturing light-emitting displays as part of a high-speed, continuous inline process. |
US08246404B1 |
Swim fin system
A swim fin system that may be used to propel an individual through water. The swim fin system may include a leg securement device, with an upper and a lower end, effective for detachably securing to at least the lower leg of an individual. A fin may attach longitudinally to the leg securement device where at least a portion of the fin is oblique to the leg securement device. The swim fin system may further include a second securement device, with an ankle end and a toe end, effective for detachably securing to at least the foot and ankle of an individual. |
US08246403B2 |
Marine water drop muffler
A water drop muffler for use in a marine exhaust system to silence exhaust noise while separating entrained water from exhaust gas using hydro-dynamic centrifugal separation principles enhanced by turbulent flow. A muffler housing has a top and a bottom, and defines an internal volume bounded by a generally vertically disposed cylindrical inner surface formed about a longitudinal axis. A generally tubular exhaust inlet is disposed in generally tangential relation with the cylindrical inner housing surface for receiving a mixture of exhaust gas and entrained cooling water. A variable geometry flow channel efficiently transitions the flow for discharge through a vertically elongate opening disposed along the length of the housing inner surface thereby creating vortex flow within the housing to maximize the generation of centrifugal forces. The vortex flow formed within the housing causes the relatively heavy water droplets and water vapor (i.e. steam) to be drawn away from the housing axis toward the cylindrical inner surface. In addition, turbulent boundary layer flow along the surfaces of the variable geometry flow forming channel and the other housing surfaces functions to more efficiently draw entrained water droplets and steam into contact with various surfaces within the housing thereby causing water to coalesce along the inner housing surfaces. |
US08246402B2 |
Outboard motor
An outboard motor includes an engine that generates power and a transmission device arranged to change the speed of rotation of the engine and to transmit the rotation to a propeller. The transmission device includes a planetary gear type transmission mechanism arranged to shift to any of a plurality of speed positions, and the planetary gear type transmission mechanism is controlled to shift such that a sun gear and planetary gears unitarily rotate when a speed position is a normally used speed position. The outboard motor achieves a reduction in load normally caused by engagements between gears in a normally used speed position and also achieves significant improvement in durability of the gears. |
US08246400B2 |
Steering apparatus for propulsion device and propulsion device
A steering apparatus for a propulsion device includes a swivel portion, a motor, a lock portion, and a lock release mechanism. The motor is arranged to generate a driving force to turn the propulsion device main body in right and left directions. The lock portion is provided in a transmission path of the driving force. The lock portion is arranged to transmit a force from an upstream side to a downstream side thereof and to be locked when a force is applied from the downstream side to thereby prevent a turning of the propulsion device main body in the right and left directions. The lock release mechanism is provided in the transmission path at the downstream side relative to the lock portion. The lock release mechanism is arranged to shut off or stop a transmission of force to the upstream side thereof to thereby prevent application of the force to the lock portion. |
US08246398B2 |
Outboard marine motor that allows a large steering angle
In an outboard marine motor including an upper case (4) enclosing an engine (E) and a lower case (5) fitted with a propeller (12) and connected to a lower end of the upper case, the lower case is configured to be turned relative to the upper case around a vertical axial line. The power of the engine is transmitted to the propeller via a vertical drive shaft (10) which is coaxial with the vertical axial line. Thereby, the outboard marine motor can be steered simply by turning the lower case. Because the upper case having a relatively large lateral dimension as compared with the lower case is not required to be turned, a large steering angle can be achieved without the outboard marine motor interfering with watercraft having the outboard marine motor mounted thereon. This is particularly beneficial when two or more outboard marine motors are used one next to the other. |
US08246395B2 |
Contact for an electrical connector
An electrical contact is provided. The contact includes a mating end, a mounting end, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating end and the mounting end. A shield attachment area is located on the intermediate portion. The shield attachment area has a top, a bottom, and a pair of sides extending between the top and the bottom. A notch is formed in at least one of the top or the bottom of the shield attachment area. The notch is configured to align the pair of sides during stamping and forming of the shield attachment area. The notch aligns the pair of sides such that the sides are stamped and formed in a substantially parallel configuration. |
US08246389B2 |
Electrical connector having improved crosstalk compensating paddle board
An electrical connector (100) includes a paddle board including a first through third faces (310, 311, 312), a number of conductive pads (341-344, 351-356) formed in the second and third faces, a number of conductive sections (321-328), and a number of conductive members (331-338). A selected first conductive section (321) is electrically connected with a selected first conductive member (331) via a first conductive pad (351). A selected second conductive section (322) is electrically connected with a selected second conductive member (332) via a selected second conductive pad (352). A selected third conductive section (323) is electrically connected with a selected third conductive member (333) via a selected third conductive pad. The selected third conductive pad is coupled with the selected first conductive pad. |
US08246388B2 |
USB port, USB plug, and connection structure thereof
A USB port includes a casing, first pins and second pins. The casing includes outer walls and a pillar. An accommodation space is formed between the outer walls. The pillar is disposed in the accommodation space. The casing has an opening exposing the pillar, and the pillar has a first surface, a second surface adjacent to the first surface, a third surface opposite to the first surface, and a fourth surface opposite to the second surface. The first pins are disposed at the first surface and the third surface, and the first pins conform to the USB 2.0 specification and the USB 3.0 specification. The second pins are disposed at the second surface and the fourth surface, and the second pins conform to the USB 3.0 specification. A USB plug for joined with the USB port is also provided. |
US08246383B2 |
Sealed connectors for portable electronic devices
A portable electronic device may have a sealed connector secured within a device housing. The sealed connector may have a metal shell. A plastic contact housing may be insert molded within the shell. Conductive signal contacts may be laterally spaced in the contact housing. An elastomeric gasket may be assembled or compression molded onto the metal shell. Left and right metal brackets may be welded onto the metal shell to moisture-seal latch windows. A water-resistant sealing layer may be attached to the bottom plate of the metal shell to moisture-seal alignment rail windows. The sealed connector may be pressed against the device housing to place the gasket in a compressed state. The connector may be secured to the device housing by screwing down the metal brackets to a circuit board assembled within the housing while the gasket is in the compressed state. |
US08246373B2 |
Mounting apparatus for expansion card
A mounting apparatus for fixing an expansion card to an expansion socket with two latching members pivotably mounted to opposite ends of the expansion socket to engage with the expansion card, includes two engaging blocks attached to the opposite ends of the expansion socket below the latching members, and a fixing bracket attached to a side of the expansion socket. The fixing bracket includes two latching portions respectively formed from opposite ends of the fixing bracket, to correspondingly latch the engaging blocks, thus making tops of the engaging blocks resisting against bottoms of the latching members to prevent the latching members from pivoting. |
US08246369B2 |
Waterproof device and a waterproof device producing method
A terminal fitting (20) is provided with a terminal portion (21) and a wire connecting portion (27) formed to be continuous with the rear end of the terminal portion (21) and to be connected with an exposed part of a conductor (11). The wire connecting portion (27) and the exposed part of the conductor (11) are accommodated in a waterproof cover (40) and clearances in the waterproof cover (40) are filled with a filling material (55). The waterproof cover (40) is formed with a holding portion (51) for holding the terminal fitting (20) in such a manner as to preventing a movement of the terminal fitting (20) with respect to the waterproof cover (40) by coming into contact with the terminal fitting (20). |
US08246364B2 |
Power strip with safety cover
A power strip includes a base, a casing, at least one latching member, and at least one first elastic member. The case includes at least one cover. Each cover includes at least one first hook. The cover is able to move between a first position and a second position. Each latching member is slidably connected to the base and includes at least one second hook. Each first elastic member is received in the base and capable of providing a spring force to keep one cover to be in the first position. When the cover is moved to the second position, the first hook engages the second hook to keep the cover in the second position. When the latching member is operated to cause the first hook disengages from the second hook, the cover is pushed to the first position due to the spring force of the first elastic member. |
US08246363B2 |
Safety socket
A safety socket has an insertion block, a base and a conducting unit. The insertion block has an inner housing and two support frames mounted in the inner housing. The base has an outer housing covered on the inner housing and two guide arms mounted in the outer housing. The conducting unit is mounted between the support arms and between the guide arms. When two blades of a plug are plugged in the insertion block and pushed inwardly, the conducting unit is rotated to electrically connect with the two blades. Each one of the guide arms and the two blades is held between the conducting unit and the corresponding support arm to keep the plug from being unplugged arbitrarily. When the insertion block is pushed again, the conducting unit is rotated and the plug can be easily unplugged. |
US08246360B1 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector with a plurality of solder balls arranged therein. In one embodiment, the electrical connector includes: an insulating body, wherein a plurality of receiving slots are formed through the insulating body, and at least one side surface of each receiving slot forms a stop wall; and a plurality of conductive terminals, received in the receiving slots. Each conductive terminal has a base, at least one fixing portion extends downwards from the base, and a soldering portion is bent laterally and extends from the fixing portion. The soldering portion includes a soldering arm and a hook portion bent and extending from a lower end of the soldering arm towards the stop wall. The solder ball is clamped between the soldering portion and the stop wall. The hook portion has at least one retaining point urging against a lower hemispherical surface of the solder ball. |
US08246359B2 |
Multi-pin connector for advanced signaling
Receptacle connectors and male plug connectors having a reduced size in at least one direction can be provided. One example reduces height by not including a center contact tab or tongue, but instead places contacts on an insulator that is adjacent to a bottom portion of the receptacle. Another example may reduce width by reducing contact pitch, and may use a particular shape of contact to achieve god signal quality. Receptacle connectors and male plug connectors can also provide support for one or more new high-speed communication standards, such as USB 3.0 and DisplayPort. Methods can provide one or more standardized connector components to speed connector design and manufacture of new electronic devices such as media players, thus reducing their time to market. |
US08246358B2 |
Contact device and method for insertion and removal of device under power without interruption
A contact device enables a contact method for RIUP operations relative to a backplane. The contact device includes first and second contact portions, each including first and second spaced-apart contact arms. The first and second contact portions are located relative to each other on the backplane such that when the contact device is in a first operative condition, the respective first contact arms abut each other and define a first electrical conduction path and the second contact arms are spaced from each other. The device is selectively movable to a second operative condition when an associated circuit board or other removable device is inserted into a slot defined between the second contact arms such that outer ends of the respective first contact arms of the first and second contact portions are moved apart and are separated by the removable device and the outer ends of the second contact arms are electrically connected through the associated removable device so that a second electrical conduction path is defined by the respective second contact arms. A contact method using the contact device and a backplane including the contact device are disclosed. |
US08246354B2 |
Training system and method using a dynamic perturbation platform
A new apparatus, system and method for fall prevention training is provided that delivers, studies and analyzes the biomechanics of a disturbance event, such as a slip or trip incident, so that an appropriate response can be executed by the person to reduce or eliminate the number of falls experienced. The apparatus includes a platform that delivers a disturbance event in less than about 500 ms and preferably in the range of about 100 ms to about 200 ms. The method includes a unique protocol for fall prevention training using the apparatus. The disturbance event can create instability in the joint of the individual. An individual's walking gait can be monitored with the portions thereof detected. A disturbance event can be triggered when a given portion of the walking gait is detected. Also, the disturbance even can be triggered manually, at preset intervals or according to preset script. |
US08246346B2 |
Blooming candle
A blooming candle is described as an ornamental candle that transforms between different appearances as the candle burns. The candle has a tapered body that extends along a longitudinal axis from a top portion to a bottom portion, where the top portion has a larger diameter than the bottom portion. Vertical grooves are cut into the outside surface of the tapered body to form segments. When the candle is burned, the center portion of the candle about the wick melts according to the candles defined heat radius. As the candle continues to burn, the wax material begins to soften and the segments between the vertical grooves will begin to separate away from the tapered body. As melting continues, the segments continue to separate in an outward and downward direction, resembling petals from a blooming flower. The described candle structures have a predictable ornamental change in shape during the burning process. |
US08246345B2 |
Burner
A burner having an inlet (10) and a mixing path (20) is designed such that the inlet (10) has a rectangular cross section. The mixing path (20) adjacent thereto has a round cross section and a larger diameter, thus forming four transitional steps (25). The transitional steps (25) form four secondary vortices, thus improving the distribution of the fuel in the radial direction. The burner provides combustion with low emission of hazardous substances, and with low emission of nitrogen oxides. |
US08246330B2 |
Integrated catalyst
The invention relates to an air compressor having a catalyst that is disposed in a reception block. The reception block is interposed between a valve block and a cylinder cover, comprises an inlet port in the region of a valve block outlet port, and an outlet port in the region of a cylinder head inlet port, so the compressed air exiting the valve block outlet port flows through said catalyst and through the outlet port into the cylinder cover. |
US08246328B1 |
Seal section with sand trench
A seal section for use with a downhole pumping system includes a rotatable shaft, a seal section head and a mechanical seal chamber inside the seal section head. The mechanical seal chamber is bounded by a floor and a wall. The mechanical seal chamber includes a trench disposed in the floor that is configured to entrap solid particles in the mechanical seal chamber at a distance spaced apart from the mechanical seal. |
US08246325B2 |
Miniaturized liquid cooling apparatus and electronic device incorporating the same
A liquid cooling apparatus for cooling an inversely mounted electronic component, includes a casing defining a receiving room therein, a diaphragm, a partition plate forming a nozzle thereon, and a piezoelectric element attached to the diaphragm in such a manner that a vibrating direction thereof is perpendicular to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is arranged in the receiving room and divides the receiving room into a top first chamber and a bottom second chamber isolated from each other. The partition plate is arranged in the first chamber and divides the first chamber into an upper region and a lower region. The lower region is filled with a working fluid. When the diaphragm is driven to vibrate upwardly by the piezoelectric element, the diaphragm pushes the working fluid in the lower region of the first chamber to the upper region of the first chamber via the nozzle. |
US08246322B2 |
Element for positioning and retaining an electric motor stator in a compressor, compressor and mounting method
A positioning and retaining element has a cylindrical rotary belt of substantially constant thickness, having an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the stator to be capable of being mounted substantially coaxial clamped about the stator. The positioning and retaining element also has a number of support members projecting radially from the belt outwards and having each a support surface on the housing of the compressor, the support surfaces being located on the lateral surface of a fictitious rotary cylinder of same axis as the other belt and of diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the housing, such that the positioning and retaining element can be mounted clamped inside the housing. |
US08246314B2 |
Ion pump device
An ion pump having a casing (1), a first electrode (2), a second electrode (3), a plurality of cylindrical magnets (4), and a connection part (5). The first electrode (2) is arranged inside the casing (1). The second electrode (3) is arranged on the outer circumference of the first electrode (2). The first electrode and the second electrode have different polarities. The cylindrical magnets (4) are arranged so as to surround the circumference of the second electrode (3). The plurality of cylindrical magnets (4) are arranged so as to surround the circumference of the second electrode (3). The plurality of cylindrical magnets (4) are arranged at intervals in the center axis direction of the casing (1). |
US08246312B2 |
Hub assembly for use with a wind turbine and method of making the same
A hub assembly for use with a wind turbine is provided. The hub assembly includes a body formed from a first material, a bearing seat formed integrally with the body, and a support assembly positioned within an opening defined by the bearing seat and at least partially coupled to the body. The support assembly includes an insert formed from a second material different than the first material. |
US08246309B2 |
Rotor disk for turbomachine fan
A rotor disk for a fan in a turbomachine is disclosed. The disk includes in its perimeter a plurality of essentially axial grooves for the installation and retention of vane roots having hooks at their downstream ends, and deformable regions formed by cavities being situated at the downstream end of the grooves in attachment flanges for inter-vane platforms to absorb the stresses between the disk and the vane roots. |
US08246308B2 |
Turning device for wind turbine rotor and wind turbine generator including the same
A turning device includes a brake disc, functioning as a driven-side friction pulley, which is disposed on an output shaft of a gearbox and rotates together with the output shaft; a motor-side friction pulley, which can move between an engagement position, where the motor-side friction pulley frictionally engages with an outer circumferential surface of the brake disc, and a free position, where the motor-side friction pulley is a certain distance away from the outer circumferential surface of the brake disc; a pulley pressing mechanism, which moves the motor-side friction pulley from the free position to the engagement position by manual power of an operator to frictionally engage the motor-side friction pulley with the outer circumferential surface of the brake disc; and pulley driving means (electric motor, etc.) for rotationally driving the motor-side friction pulley. |
US08246305B2 |
Gas turbine engine balancing
An apparatus and method for balancing a gas turbine engine rotor includes a plurality of balancing weights adapted to be selectively attached to at least one of inlets or outlets of a cooling passage of the rotor. The weights include cooling access which permits coolant to communicate with the cooling passage. |
US08246304B2 |
Wind turbine and method of determining at least one rotation parameter of a wind turbine rotor
A method of determining at least one rotation parameter of a wind turbine rotor rotating with a rotation speed and a phase is provided. The method includes: measuring an effective centrifugal force acting in a first pre-determined direction, which is defined in a co-ordinate system rotating synchronously with the rotor, on at least one reference object located in or at the rotor, establishing a first angular frequency representing the rotation speed of the rotor on the basis of variations in the measured effective centrifugal force due to gravitational force, establishing a second angular frequency representing the rotation speed of the rotor by use of at least one yaw rate gyro, and establishing the value of the rotation speed as the rotational parameter by correcting the second angular frequency by comparing it to the first angular frequency. |
US08246300B2 |
Vacuum pump
The distance h between a base end face 12ta (12tb) of a stator-blade-wheel outer ring part 12a and the corresponding rotor-blade end face 4aa (4ab), is set at a value larger than the maximum deformation of the running rotor blade wheel 4a during the pump operation. The larger distance h keeps perfectly stator-rotor separation, while the outer ring part 12a of a stator blade wheel 12 goes, in assembling, into the rotor area on account of large shift of any half of stator blade wheels owing to the wide cutting width. It makes also easy stator blade wheel assembling of the pump, as it is allowable to arrange half stator blade wheels with some eccentricity. |
US08246299B2 |
Rotor seal segment
A ceramic seal segment for a shroud ring of a rotor of a gas turbine engine, the ceramic seal segment positioned radially adjacent the rotor and characterized by being a hollow section that defines an inlet and an outlet for the passage of coolant therethrough. |
US08246294B2 |
Gas turbine overspeed protection system
An overspeed protection system for a gas turbine engine comprises: a plurality of engine speed sensors that generate engine speed signals; and a plurality of engine overspeed detection channels, each channel comprising an overspeed detector that receives and generates an overspeed signal when it detects the engine speed signal exceeding a selected value of overspeed. |
US08246293B2 |
Submersible plant
The present invention relates to a submersible plant for producing energy. The submersible plant comprises at least one turbine (9) and is characterized in that said turbine (9) is mounted on a stream-driven vehicle (3) and in that said stream-driven vehicle is secured in a structure by means of at least one wire (6). |
US08246292B1 |
Low noise turbine for geared turbofan engine
A gas turbine engine is utilized in combination with a gear reduction to reduce the speed of a fan relative to a low pressure turbine speed. The gas turbine engine is designed such that a blade count in the low pressure turbine multiplied by the speed of the low pressure turbine will result in operational noise that is above a sensitive range for human hearing. A method and turbine module are also disclosed. |
US08246290B2 |
Carton feeder having friction reducing support shaft
A carton feeder assembly is disclosed for selecting or picking carton blanks from the end of a stack of blanks in a magazine. The assembly includes a magazine and conveyor for moving stacks of carton blanks toward a carton feeder assembly. A support shaft assembly is disposed at the downstream end of the magazine and includes a support shaft against which the forwardmost carton blank in the stack leans and rests to support the stack of carton blanks. The support shaft is eccentrically rotatably mounted and driven by a motor so that the support shaft oscillates rapidly as it is rotated. This motion of the support shaft keeps the forwardmost blank of the stack spaced slightly from and out of contact with the support shaft for a significant majority of the time, thus reducing substantially the average friction between the forwardmost blank and the support shaft. Thus, the forwardmost blank can gripped with suction cups of the feeder assembly, which can then be moved to slide the forwardmost blank from beneath the support shaft and off of the stack of blanks with very little frictional resistance. The suction cups thus stay attached to the blank and do not tend to slide off due to shear forces developed in overcoming frictional resistance. |
US08246287B1 |
Guard structure for fluid conduits of hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic lines
The hydraulic cylinder and line guard of the claimed invention substantially surrounds and protects both a hydraulic cylinder and portions of a hydraulic line. The guard also significantly reduces the visual appearance of the hydraulic lines. While maintaining the flexibility of the hydraulic lines at pivot points, the guard inhibits movement of the line near the cylinder thereby reducing wear on the line. The claimed invention also achieves the important objective of providing an aesthetically pleasing and easily replaceable guard for hydraulic cylinders and lines. The improved guard is achieved by utilizing a resilient guard to cover both the cylinder and the line. The guard may be formed from a single stretchable resilient tube that is deformed to enclose both the line and the cylinder, wherein a cross-section of the guard is defined primarily by combined cross sections of the cylinder adjacent to the line. The guard may also be formed from multiple interconnected resilient segments that combine to substantially enclose a hydraulic line and cylinder. The guard may further have a raised wear surface arranged in an ornamental and/or functional pattern. |
US08246282B2 |
Multi-shank nail
A multi-shank nail has a first shank, a second shank and a washer; wherein both of the first shank and the second shank have an enlarged head at their top ends and a point at their lower ends. The first shank has a flat contact surface along its longitudinal length at an upper portion, and the second shank has a shape of a longitudinally cut nail such that the second shank is capable of corresponding to the contact surface on the first shank. The first shank has an inclined face and an extended portion in sequence below the contact surface. At least one of the first shank or second shank comprises a plurality of notches opposite the contact surface, and the notches make the first shank or second shank easier to bend. |
US08246280B2 |
Apparatus for chucking a tool or workpiece having a collet
The invention relates to an apparatus for holding a workpiece (2) or tool having a tapered collar (1) or the like and having a pull-back rod (4) axially shiftable in a body (3) for actuating a chuck head (6) cooperating with jaws (5). The axial position of the pull-back rod (4) is maintained in a holding position without utilizing the force of a tension spring by a self-locking mechanism. |
US08246277B2 |
Tool holder for clamping an insert holder
A tool holder for clamping an insert holder has a main block, two clamping members and a single adjustment member. The main block has a longitudinal side surface with a longitudinal groove with upper and lower walls. The two clamping members include mirror symmetrical left and right clamping members interfacing with two inclined non-parallel planar ramping surfaces of the lower wall of the longitudinal groove. A blade-shaped insert holder is mounted in the longitudinal groove on the two clamping members. The adjustment member interfaces with the two clamping members, and when rotated causes each clamping member to move up its respective non-parallel planar ramping surface, decreasing the distance between the two clamping members and the upper wall of the longitudinal groove until a clamping force is uniformly applied between the insert holder and the upper wall of the longitudinal groove. |
US08246269B2 |
Method of forming surface seeded particulate
An improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete and method of making the improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete is disclosed. Small particulate is sprayed over the upper surface of the concrete. The particulate may be sprayed using a material sprayer. The particulate may be uniformly sprayed to distances exceeding twenty feet. The particulate is mixed into a cement paste derived from the concrete mixture using floats. A surface retarder is then applied to cover the concrete surface. Subsequently, any surface film is washed from the surface of the concrete and the concrete is cured. The result is a surface seeded particulate with an exposed surface that is flat and is suitable for high traffic areas. The resultant surface may resemble stone, granite or marble. |
US08246268B1 |
Connector for connecting a bicycle to a bicycle carrier and method of use
A connector for connecting a bicycle having a frame member to a bicycle carrier includes a frame rest which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the frame member of the bicycle. A line is wrapped around the frame rest and the frame member of the bicycle. A coupler connects to the frame rest, wherein during the connection the coupler urges the line toward the frame member of the bicycle thereby tightening the line around the frame rest and the frame member of the bicycle. |
US08246262B2 |
Print media processing apparatus and media transportation control method for the same
A print media processing apparatus increases printer throughput by starting printing after setting the conveyed print medium to the printing start position, and a transportation control unit controls how far the print medium is advanced according to the length of text to be printed on the print medium. The transportation control unit advances the paper to the position where printing text of a specified length to the printing area of the paper begins. |
US08246261B2 |
Printer with ink ribbon core having magnets
A printer using a thermal head to sublime ink on an ink ribbon includes a cylindrical ribbon core around which the ink ribbon is wound, a rotating shaft to rotate the ribbon core, first and second magnets to generate magnetic force lines in a space surrounded by an inner peripheral face of the ribbon core, and a magnet sensor located in the space to detect the magnetic force lines generated by the first and second magnets only when the magnetic force lines are set in prescribed directions by rotation of the ribbon core. The ribbon core includes a cylindrical outer core with an outside peripheral surface around which the ink ribbon is wound and a cylindrical inner core with an outside peripheral surface to which the first and second magnets are fixed. The inner core with the first and second magnets fixed thereto is installed inside the outer core. |
US08246257B2 |
Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a housing, a plurality of lenses fixed to the housing, a plurality of optical fibers, and a glue. The housing defines a plurality of blind holes and receiving cavities. Each blind hole includes a first receiving hole portion. Each receiving cavity is in communication with the corresponding first receiving hole portion. Each optical fiber is received in the corresponding blind hole and includes a core portion. The glue is applied in each receiving cavity and fixes the optical fibers in the housing. Along a lengthwise direction of each blind hole, a projection of each receiving cavity on a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise direction covers that of the core portion. The glue surrounds the core portion, and a distal end of the core portion contacts an inner surface of the housing in the corresponding receiving cavity facing the respective blind hole. |
US08246255B2 |
Device for the axial locking of a guide shaft bearing in a turbomachine
A guide shaft bearing including an internal ring mounted on a cylindrical contact surface of a shaft and a device for the axial locking of the ring including a ring mounted sliding on the cylindrical contact surface and an annular rib made of shape memory material mounted in two annular grooves of the cylindrical contact surface and of the ring is disclosed. The annular rib is able to expand radially by shape memory effect when it is subjected to a temperature greater than a transition temperature of its material to pass to a locking position of the ring on the cylindrical contact surface. |
US08246253B2 |
Rolling bearing
A rolling bearing has a metallic member sealing member at one axial end thereof. The sealing member has a first cylinder section including a first cylinder section facing surface which is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of an inner ring, a second cylinder section connected to the first cylinder section and including a second cylinder section facing surface which faces the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring, and a flange section connected to the second cylinder section via a bend section. In a state before the sealing member is press fitted in the bearing, a radial position of the second cylinder section facing surface is closer to the flange section than a radial position of the first cylinder section facing surface. The rolling bearing has another metallic member sealing member at another axial end thereof. |
US08246252B2 |
Bearing apparatus
A bearing apparatus has a rolling bearing including an outer ring (11), an inner ring (12), and rolling elements (13) disposed between the two rings, and a temperature sensor (TS) for measuring an internal temperature of the rolling bearing. A wire from the temperature sensor extends to the outside via a through-hole (11d) formed in a component of the bearing apparatus, and hence the temperature sensor can be disposed in a desired position with excellent wiring extension flexibility, thereby enabling a temperature in the desired position of the bearing to be measured. The temperature sensor, which can be configured thin in a small size with flexibility, can therefore be incorporated into whichever portion of the bearing, wherein a high response to temperature detection is attained, and detectability of abnormality in temperature can be improved. |
US08246244B2 |
Containers used in determining the thermal stability of fuels
A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons, when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein which are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Specifically constructed containers used in a thermal oxidation tester are shown. These containers (1) reduce physical contact to hydrocarbon test fuels, (2) reduce exposure to hydrocarbon fuel vapors, (3) reduce environmental impact by reducing chemical spills, and (4) improve overall work flow of test. |
US08246241B2 |
Mixing device having a corrugated conveying plate
A mixing device for mixing adhesives containing at least two components comprises a conveying plate having first and second grooved surfaces each overlaid by a respective cover plate. The conveying plate and the opposed cover plates cooperate to define a plurality of separated channels extending through the mixing device. The discharge ends of the channels are interdigitated. First and a second distribution manifolds are defined within the mixing device. A supply port adapted to receive one adhesive component extends through a respective cover plate into fluid communication with one of the distribution manifolds. |
US08246237B2 |
Apparatus and method for the introduction of a foaming agent into a polymer melt
The apparatus for the production of foams includes an extrusion device for the plastification of a polymer melt, a heat exchanger for the cooling of the polymer melt, and also a connection piece for the connection of the extrusion apparatus to the heat exchanger. The connection piece contains a metering device for the introduction of a foaming agent into the polymer melt. |
US08246236B2 |
Light guide device
A light guide loop includes a number of optical coupling structures and a number of luminaries. Each of the optical coupling structures includes a light incident surface and a reflecting surface. The luminaries are respectively facing the light incident surfaces of the optical coupling for emitting light to the optical coupling structures. |
US08246233B2 |
Illumination system for illuminating a display device, and display device
Display devices are used in portable computer systems, imaging systems, and other electronic devices. Many of these display devices require a source of light to illuminate a display screen. The invention relates to an illumination system for illuminating said display devices. The invention also relates to a display device provided with such an illumination system. |
US08246232B2 |
Optical waveguide and optical apparatus
Described is an optical waveguide having a main direction of extension, at least one radiation entrance face, and a radiation exit face that extends longitudinally to the main direction of extension, wherein at least one radiation entrance face extends transversely to the main direction of extension, and the at least one radiation entrance face has two convexly curved subregions that are connected to each other by a kink-like or concavely shaped indentation. An optical device formed with such a waveguide is also described, as is a display device. |
US08246230B2 |
Disposable attachable light source unit for an endoscope
An LED based light source unit for an endoscopic imaging system produces illumination for a camera through an endoscope. The light source unit includes an array of LEDs mounted to a thermally conductive substrate, a light guide to collect light emitted from the LEDs and to couple the light into a group of optical fibers within the endoscope, and an interface to allow the light source unit to be removably attached to the endoscope at the endoscope's external light port. The LEDs therein may be overdriven by power for increased light output. When the LEDs reach their lifetime, the light source unit can be discarded. |
US08246229B2 |
Picture lighting master/museum frame providing near isotropic illumination of the artwork
A master/museum picture frame containing integral lighting and a light director (FIG. 1) in accordance with Snell's law of Total Internal Reflection and Refraction By a Prism. Said lights, wired in series with a resistance wire parallel to the filament on the lights dumet, in accordance with the Shunt Theory, such that if one light burns out the remainder remain lighted, to present the artwork in the most favorable manner for the longest period of time when viewed in a depreciating environment. The master/museum frame is interchangeable, both forward and backward, with the capability of being used as a lighted frame or an unlighted frame by substituting a spacer in place of the light director and vice versa as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. |
US08246224B2 |
Apparatus to provide variable illuminated signals for the presence of bicycles and other vehicles
Microprocessor-controlled light emitting diode (LED) arrays are built into an extruded tubular lens within a mast that is connected to a base assembly. A means of mounting, which may be an adjustable clamp, permits the base assembly to be connected to a seat post or other mounting point on a bicycle or other vehicle. The tubular lens allows for substantial dispersion of light, and various light patterns produced by the arrays may be selected and those patterns alternated automatically to achieve greater visibility of the vehicle to surrounding motorists. A handle within the base assembly allows a rider to lower the mast from its vertical operating position easily and pivotally up to 90 degrees parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame to facilitate mounting and dismounting the vehicle. |
US08246221B2 |
Reflector LED lamp
A reflector LED lamp comprises: a reflector 18 having a spheroidal reflecting surface with an opening provided therein; a plurality of LEDs 44, 46, 48, 50, and 52 arranged in the reflector 18, on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis X of the reflector 18; and a lighting circuit operable to light the plurality of LEDs, wherein the plurality of LEDs are divided into at least a first group (LED 44) and a second group (LED 46, 48, 50, and 52), the first group arranged at a first distance from the optical axis X, the second group arranged at a second distance from the optical axis X, the second distance being longer than the first distance, and while the plurality of LEDs are lit by the lighting circuit, luminous flux per LED is larger in the first group than in the second group. |
US08246220B2 |
LED array systems
A light emitting diode (LED) array comprises an array of LEDs mounted to a substrate. The LEDs emit light in a direction generally perpendicular to the substrate. An optical sheet is disposed over the LEDs. At least a portion of light entering one side of the optical sheet from the LEDs is guided within the optical sheet in a direction generally parallel to the substrate. Light extraction features direct light from the optical sheet in a generally forward direction. Such an array is useful for several applications, including space lighting, direct information display and backlighting of liquid crystal displays. The light spreading effect of the optical sheet reduces the amount of black space between LED pixels. |
US08246217B2 |
Apparatus for eliminating ghost image of point light sources
An apparatus adapted for eliminating a ghost image of point light sources is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of point light sources adjacently arranged, and a plurality of medium elements provided corresponding to the point light sources. Each of the point light sources is adapted for emitting a light. Each of the medium elements includes a light input surface, and a light output surface, and both of the light input surface and the output surface are arcuate surfaces adapted for diffusing the light emitted from the point light source. The point light source emits the light, and the light is inputted from the light input surface of the medium element and outputted from the light output surface of the medium element, thus configuring a uniformly distributed light without producing a ghost image. Further, a fluorescent material may be mixed in the medium element for obtaining a color combined light. |
US08246215B2 |
LED bulb
An LED bulb includes a connector for electrically connecting with a power supply, a heat sink disposed on the connector, and a plurality of LEDs mounted the heat sink. The heat sink includes a base, a tube extending downwardly from a first face of the base, and a plurality of fins extending outwardly from an outer circumference of the tube. The LEDs are attached on a second face of the base. The base defines a plurality of through tunnels extending through the base from the first face to the second face of the base. |
US08246212B2 |
LED optical assembly
An LED optical assembly is provided having a heatsink, a support surface having a plurality of light emitting diodes, a plurality of reflectors, and a plurality of optical lenses. The heatsink is in thermal connectivity with the support surface. Each reflector is positioned over a corresponding light emitting diode and at least one optical lens is placed over a corresponding reflector. |
US08246205B2 |
LED light emitting device
An LED light emitting device includes an LED light emitting component comprising a visible LED die emitting visible light and an infrared LED die emitting infrared light, a power source driver for providing electric energy for the LED light emitting component, and a temperature sensor for sensing a surface temperature of an outer surface of the LED light emitting component. When a value of the surface temperature is smaller than zero degree Celsius, the temperature sensor outputs a control signal to the power source driver to control the power source driver to supply an electric current to the infrared LED die, whereby the infrared LED die radiates infrared light to melt ice on the outer surface of the LED light emitting component. |
US08246203B2 |
Low profile LED lighting
A low profile light comprises mating front and back housings (12, 14), between them defining the thickness of the light. An attachment is provided on the back housing, whereby the light is attachable to a base on which the light is to be mounted. A circuit board (16) mounts circuit elements (36) and interconnecting conductive tracks to which LED devices (28) are connected. The board is enclosed and sandwiched between said front and back housings. The front housing is transparent or translucent to transmit light emitted from the LED devices. The circuit elements and LED devices are arranged to be powered by AC mains electricity. The thickness of the light is no greater than 10% more than the sum of the thicknesses of said front and back housings and the maximum 15 dimension of a minimum power-rating two-core mains electricity power cable (18). That is, it is less than 10 mm thick. |
US08246202B2 |
Light emitting diode bulb
A light emitting diode-based bulb is described. The bulb comprises a base comprising a driver; and a housing releasably coupled with the base. The housing comprises a light emitting diode connected to the driver and a fan connected to the driver. |
US08246198B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a housing, multiple LEDs received in a first end portion of the housing, an envelope having a first end portion inserted in the housing and having a second end portion extending beyond a second end portion of the housing, and a reflector covering the second end portion of the envelope and having a reflective surface facing the LEDs. The LEDs encircle the first end portion of the envelope. The second end portion of the envelope spaces a distance from the second end portion of the housing to define a window at the second end portion of the envelope. Light generated by the LEDs permeates the envelope and impinges on the reflective surface, and the light is reflected by the reflective surface to emit out of the housing from the window, thereby illuminating an annular region around the housing. |
US08246197B2 |
Lens, lens array having same and light source module having same
An exemplary lens includes a first light incident surface, a second light incident surface, a reflecting surface, a first light emitting surface and a second light emitting surface. The second light incident surface is connected with the first light incident surface. The first and the second light incident surfaces cooperatively define a receiving space therebetween. The receiving space is configured for accommodating the point light source. The reflecting surface is connected with the second light emitting surface. The first light emitting surface is opposite to the first light incident surface. Light entering the lens through the first light incident surface exits from the first light emitting surface. The second light emitting surface is connected between the first light emitting surface and the reflecting surface. Light entering the lens through second light incident surface is reflected from the reflecting surface to the second light emitting surface to exit the lens. |
US08246196B2 |
Recessed sealed lighting fixture
In an embodiment, a recessed light fixture includes a structural reflector and two end caps that form a light fixture housing. A first, second and third optics areas are provided. At least one first light source type is mounted near the first optics area. A second light source type is mounted near the second optics area and the second light source type is mounted near the third optics areas, the second light source type having a light output level substantially lower than the light output level of the first light source type. A diffuser is configured to sealably mount to the light fixture housing so as to substantially seal an interior portion of the light fixture. In operation, the light fixture can be switch between an ambient mode and an examination mode while providing a cost effective and attractive design. |
US08246191B2 |
Wind-driven light-emitting device
A wind-driven light-emitting device comprises a housing, a first shaft sleeving member, a second shaft sleeving member and a plurality of blades. The blades are coupled to a first shaft. The first shaft has a first speed-change gear driving a second speed-change gear of a rotating second shaft. The second shaft has a magnetic element. The second shaft sleeving member has a coil connected with a circuit. The circuit is connected to a plurality of light-emitting (or light-guiding) elements arranged on the blades. When the device is windward, wind propels the blades to rotate. Thus, the magnetic element of the second shaft is rotated to induce voltage on the coil. The circuit rectifies, boosts, stabilizes and regulates the power to drive the light-emitting (or light-guiding) elements. Thereby, the present invention provides a decorative lighting effect without using any external electric power. |
US08246186B2 |
Light-guide board assembly and portable electronic device using same
A light-guide board assembly includes a light-guide board, a shielding board disposed on the light-guide board, and a plurality of light-guide poles. The light-guide board defines a plurality of engaging holes, a plurality of light-focusing slots and a plurality of channels. One end of each light-guide pole is received in a corresponding engaging hole. The light-focusing slots focus light to strengthen the light emitted from the light-guide slots. Each engaging hole communicates with one adjacent engaging hole or an adjacent light-focusing slot through a channel. |
US08246185B2 |
Mirror arrangement of a laser processing system
A mirror arrangement for a laser processing system includes a mirror configured to deflect laser radiation incident on the mirror arrangement onto a workpiece. The mirror arrangement includes first, second, and third mirror regions. A surface of the third mirror region is parallel to or recessed from a direction of propagation of the laser radiation incident on the mirror arrangement such that the third mirror region forms a shadow zone. |
US08246182B2 |
Reflective optical element and method for production of such an optical element
In order to produce stress-reduced reflective optical elements (1) for an operating wave length in the soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet wavelength range, in particular for use in EUV lithography, it is proposed to apply, between substrate (2) and a multilayer system (4) optimized for high reflectivity at the operating wavelength, a stress-reducing multilayer system (6) with the aid of particle-forming particles having an energy of 40 eV or more, preferably 90 eV or more. Resulting reflective optical elements are distinguished by low surface roughness, a low number of periods in the stress-reducing multilayer system and also high Γ values of the stress-reducing multilayer system. |
US08246181B2 |
Apparatus having two functions
An apparatus having a housing and an opening is covered by a moveable panel, when the panel is in a first position, a first appliance, for example, a clock is presented. When the panel is in a second position, a second appliance, for example, a projector is presented. |
US08246172B2 |
Image display device
The present invention provides an image display device which detects projection region suitable for performing a display of an image and displays an image on the detected projection region. The present invention provides an image display device which displays an image on a projection surface by projecting light on the projection surface. The image display device includes an aptitude detection part which detects an aptitude as the projection surface, and a projection control part which controls projection light such that the an image to be displayed on the projection surface falls within a predetermined projection region in response to a detection result by the aptitude detection part. For example, the image display device further includes an aptitude value arithmetic operation part which recognizes the projection area as a mass of a plurality of divided regions and detects aptitude values of projection surfaces of the respective divided regions, a projection region determining part which selects one or more divided regions out of the plurality of divided regions as the projection regions based on the aptitude values, and an image processing part which controls projection light such that an image to be projected on the projection surface falls within one or more projection regions. |
US08246169B2 |
Ophthalmic imaging apparatus
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus comprises: a laser emitter that includes an ultrashort pulse light source and emits a laser beam with a tunable wavelength in a predetermined visible wavelength range; an irradiation optical system that includes a scanner for scanning the laser beam two-dimensionally and irradiates the laser beam emitted from the laser emitter to a predetermined portion of an examinee's eye; a light receiving optical system including an apertured plate placed in a substantially conjugate position of a focal point of the laser beam on the predetermined portion and a light receiving element for receiving the laser beam reflected by the predetermined portion and passed through the apertured plate; a controller that controls the laser emitter to continuously change a central wavelength of the laser beam in a predetermined visible wavelength range and controls the scanner in association with the wavelength change of the laser beam to two-dimensionally change an irradiation position of the laser beam; a memory that stores a light reception signal of the light receiving element associated with the wavelength change of the laser beam and the irradiation position change of the laser beam; and a display, the controller being adapted to display an image of the predetermined portion on the display based on the light reception signal stored in the memory. |
US08246160B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium includes a U-turn conveying path and a redirecting conveying path. The U-turn conveying path reverses the front and back of the recording medium and conveys the recording medium to a conveying roller. The redirecting conveying path reverses a conveying direction of the recording medium, fed from the front side of a main body of the apparatus, at an upstream side of the conveying roller in the conveying direction, and conveys the recording medium to the conveying roller. Then, a first recording medium is conveyed along the U-turn conveying path, and a second recording medium is conveyed along the redirecting conveying path. |
US08246159B2 |
Ink-jet printing platen, and ink-jet printing device
An ink-jet printing platen provided in an ink-jet printing device operable to eject droplets of an ink toward a surface of a recording medium for thereby performing a printing operation on the recording medium, the ink-jet printing platen being disposed to support the recording medium in an upward direction, the ink-jet printing platen including a main body having at least one groove through which the ink can flow, and at least one elongate member each accommodated in the corresponding groove and extending along the corresponding groove, wherein the main body has an inner surface which defines the corresponding groove and cooperates with the corresponding elongate member, to define therebetween a gap extending in a longitudinal direction of the corresponding groove. |
US08246153B2 |
Bubble control unit, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a bubble control unit for a liquid ejecting head which ejects liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface. The bubble control unit includes a liquid channel through which the liquid is supplied to the nozzle. In the bubble control unit, the liquid channel includes: a first chamber; a second chamber disposed on the upstream side from the first chamber; a first communicating path which has a bubble chamber extending upward from the first chamber, and makes the liquid within the second chamber to flow into the first chamber from a first communicating path inlet of the second chamber; and a second communicating path which is provided with a second communicating path inlet below the first communicating path inlet, separately from the first communicating path inlet, and makes the liquid within the second chamber to flow into the first chamber from the second communicating path inlet. |
US08246152B2 |
Liquid discharge head and its manufacturing method
A liquid discharge head comprises an element substrate made of Si having a discharge port for discharging a liquid, an energy generating element for generating an energy for allowing the liquid to be discharged from the discharge port, and a supply port for supplying the liquid to the discharge port and a liquid containing member made of a resin having a communication port communicated with the supply port, in which the element substrate and the liquid containing member are adhered with an adhesive agent. An inorganic film obtained by hardening compositions containing a silica precursor is formed on at least a surface corresponding to a portion of the liquid containing member to which the element substrate is adhered. |
US08246142B2 |
Rotating printhead maintenance facility with symmetrical chassis
A maintenance facility for an inkjet printer with a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction. The pagewidth printhead has an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate and the maintenance facility has an elongate chassis for mounting in the printer such that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis and a plurality of maintenance stations mounted to an exterior surface of the elongate chassis. The elongate chassis is symmetrical about at least one plane extending through the longitudinal axis. |
US08246135B2 |
Headchip and head for array type inkjet printer
A headchip and a head of an array type inkjet printer. The headchip of the array type inkjet printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept includes an ink supply unit which is arranged into first nozzle groups and second nozzle groups according to colors, and a power supply unit to supply power to the plurality of first and second nozzle groups in an alternate order, in which the first and second nozzle groups for one color and the first and second nozzle groups for another color closest in proximity to the one color, are connected using one power line. Accordingly, a voltage drop may be avoided when the plurality of nozzles are driven at the same time. |
US08246133B2 |
Liquid jet apparatus and printing apparatus
A liquid jet apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles, an actuator provided for each nozzle and connected to the respective nozzle, and a drive unit that applies a drive signal to the actuator, wherein the drive unit includes: a drive waveform signal generation unit that generates a drive waveform signal for controlling the operation of the actuator, a modulator unit that pulse-modulates the drive waveform signal to produce a modulated signal, a digital power amplifier for power-amplifying the modulated signal to produce an amplified signal, a low-pass filter for smoothing the amplified signal and supplying the actuator with the drive signal, and a carrier frequency adjusting unit that adjusts a carrier frequency of the pulse modulation by the modulator unit in accordance with the number of actuators to be driven. |
US08246129B2 |
Carrier
A carrier includes a tray for accommodating a data storage device, a bracket fixed to the tray, a retaining member pivotably attached to the bracket at a first end of the retaining member, a lever member pivotably mounted to the bracket, and a first resilient member located between the retaining member and the lever member. A latch protrudes out from the lever member. When the retaining member is pivoted to engage with the bracket, the first resilient member urges the lever member to pivot, thereby the latch of the lever member engaging with a chassis of an electronic device. A second end of the retaining member releasably engages with the bracket. |
US08246128B2 |
Trigger sensor for a furniture drive
A trigger sensor can trigger an electric furniture drive depending on a movement of the furniture part to be driven by the furniture drive caused by a user. The trigger sensor includes at least one actuator which can be moved by the furniture part into an assembly position, and the trigger sensor can capture movements of the furniture part along at least two directions which are orthogonal to each other. The trigger sensor has at least one actuator which captures each of the at least two directions. |
US08246126B1 |
Cabinet with sliding closure panel
Provided are cabinets, methods of making the cabinets, and methods of using the cabinets. One embodiment of the cabinet includes an enclosure and at least one horizontally slidable closure panel interconnected to the enclosure with a first fully extendible concealed rail slide assembly mounted proximate the top of the enclosure and a second fully extendible concealed rail slide assembly mounted proximate the bottom of the enclosure. Another embodiment of the cabinet includes an enclosure, at least one enclosure cover plate, at least one horizontally slidable and vertically angularly adjustable closure panel interconnected to the enclosure with a first fully extendible concealed rail slide assembly mounted proximate the top of the at least one enclosure cover plate and a second fully extendible concealed rail slide assembly mounted proximate the bottom of the enclosure or the at least one enclosure cover plate, and an angular adjustment mechanism for vertically tilting the least one horizontally slidable and vertically angularly adjustable closure panel. The cabinets disclosed herein are particularly advantageous for use by non-ambulatory people due to compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines. |
US08246124B2 |
Delivery storage locker
The present document describes a storage locker in which a main lock having a movable latch may be installed. The storage locker comprises a housing defining a storage area having an opening. The storage locker also comprises a main door for covering the opening. The main door comprises a lock edge. The storage locker further comprises a back plate extending from the housing and a lock door linked to the back plate. The lock door is for covering the lock edge. The main lock is attached to the lock door. The storage locker further comprises a stop member attached to the back plate for acting as a stop limit for the latch to keep the lock door in the lock door closed position. |
US08246123B2 |
Brake control system of motorcycle
A brake control system of a motorcycle is provided which can suppress a malfunction of an anti-lock braking system applied to a rear wheel which would be caused by an abnormal speed difference between the front and rear wheels. A threshold value for a skid rate for the rear wheel is kept to a second skid rate threshold value until a time when a predetermined condition is established. The second skid rate threshold value is larger than a first skid rate threshold value that is usually employed. |
US08246122B2 |
Brake control system and brake control method
A fluid level detecting apparatus detects the level of fluid in a reservoir. When the fluid level detecting apparatus detects that the fluid level has reached a minimum fluid level, an ECU issues a warning. If, after the warning has been issued, the fluid level detecting apparatus detects that the fluid level has reached a failsafe mode operation fluid level, which is lower than the minimum fluid level, the switches a normal control mode to a failsafe mode, and performs brake control using the failsafe mode. |
US08246120B2 |
Fully electrically controlled electrical braking system for a road vehicle
A fully electrically controlled electric braking system is provided for a road vehicle fitted with wheels (1). Each of the wheels is connected for rotation to at least one rotary electric machine (2) specific thereto, with at least one electronic wheel control module (23) controlling the electric machine(s) (2) of that wheel. Each electronic wheel control module (23) makes it possible to impart selectively to a corresponding wheel a control torque of determined amplitude and sign, in such a way that the corresponding wheel imparts to the vehicle a drive force or a braking force in accordance with the control torque. The system includes a central unit (3) for managing vehicle displacement, the central unit (3) controlling all the electronic wheel control modules (23). The central unit (3) has a vehicle braking mode activated by a vehicle braking control signal having a given amplitude representing a total desired braking force for the fully electrically controlled wheels. In the braking mode, whatever the amplitude of the braking control signal, the central unit (3) controls all the electronic wheel control modules (23) in such a way that the sum of the longitudinal forces of all the wheels is a function of the amplitude of the braking control signal, the function being proportional, for example. |
US08246115B1 |
Infant chair with animal motif
An infant chair designed to attach and secure to the rear of a seat functions as a conventional baby seat and has a soft fabric-based seat. The chair comprises a pair of adjustable handles that extend over the seating surface. The base of the chair also comprises a pair of adjustable legs to support the seat against the back cushion portion of the seat. The handles allow the infant chair to be placed upon a seat more safely than existing models. To make the chair more appealing to the infant, the chair comprises an animal motif with the handles being the upper arms of an animal and the lower base supports being the legs of an animal. The chair further has an integral vibrating mechanism and permanently attached toys to help amuse the infant while in the chair. |
US08246114B2 |
Utility seat
A utility seat encompasses a length of fabric of a tear-resistant, flexible material that can be secured to two spaced apart vehicle seats in a row of seats between the two vehicle seats to form the utility seat. A backrest section and a seat section are arranged thereupon. The length of fabric can be refracted into a cassette to be arranged between the vehicle seats when the utility seat is not in use, and extended from the cassette when using the utility seat. The cassette has a width configured to accommodate the length of fabric. |
US08246112B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat has a mechanism for moving a headrest upon a rear-end collision, wherein the vehicle seat comprises a plate-like support body for receiving a load of a rearward movement of an occupant; a link mechanism for transmitting the load received by the plate-like support body to the headrest side, and comprising a lower link, an upper link, and a connecting link; and a load retaining member for blocking the load received by the plate-like support body from being transmitted to the link mechanism, until the load reaches a predetermined level; wherein the load retaining member is held by one of the lower link and the connecting link, and is configured to urge the lower link and the connecting link in a separating direction. |
US08246109B2 |
Vehicle roof module
A vehicle roof module includes a front extruded cross member, a first pair of nodes each received in an end region of the front cross member, a first and a second extruded side rail with each end region receiving one of the first pair of nodes, a second pair of nodes each received in another end region of the first and second rails, a rear extruded cross member with each end region receiving one of the second pair of nodes, and a panel mounted to the front cross member, rear cross member, and first and second side rail. Each end region of each side rail defines an interior hollow portion and has at least one nodule extending from the side rail into the hollow portion to maintain a bond gap between the side rail and the node received into the side rail end region for receiving adhesive. |
US08246107B2 |
Cab stopper device for work machine, method for fixing the cab stopper and cab of work machine
A cab stopper device 32 is provided between a bracket 23 on a machine frame of a work machine and a cab 25. The cab stopper device 32 restricts relative movement of the cab 25 with respect to the machine frame in the vertical direction. Two through holes 43, 44 are formed in a floor plate 27 of the cab 25. A stopper 48 of the cab stopper device 32 is inserted in the through holes 43, 44 from above. An engaging portion 48a is formed at the lower end of the stopper 48 that projects from the through holes 43, 44 downward of the floor plate 27. The engaging portion 48a is arranged to be engageable with a restricting groove 42 formed in the bracket 23. In this state, a securing portion 48b at the upper end of the stopper 48 is secured to the floor plate 27. |
US08246100B2 |
Active material based closure hinge and latch assembly
Disclosed herein are active material based closure hinge assemblies, latch assemblies, and alignment methods. In one embodiment, a closure assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a first hinge portion having one end attached to a closure, a second hinge portion attached to the first hinge portion having one end attached to a vehicle body, and an active material configured to provide the first hinge portion with up to six degrees of freedom relative to second hinge portion upon receipt of an activation signal and less than or equal to two degrees of freedom in the absence of the activation signal. |
US08246096B2 |
Differential action railroad car axle assembly
A differential action railroad car wheelset axle has two individual stub axles, each having one or more annular rings or grooves on the interior ends, with the interior ends of the individual stub axles being rotatably mounted within a multi-piece sleeve assembly. The axle assembly has provision for safety pins to prevent independent rotation during installation in the railcar truck frame and also a device to permit relocking or unlocking the independent axle rotation after the original safety pins have been removed. Dry lubricant coatings eliminate the need for periodic liquid lubrication or maintenance. The differential action of the wheelset reduces the horsepower requirement by approximately 30 percent while also reducing the maintenance requirements for both wheels and track in locations where horizontal curves are predominant. |
US08246094B2 |
Clamping tweezers
Clamping tweezers include two elastic arms, two grips, and an adjustment block. The two elastic arms are connected to each other at one end to form a connected end, and start to open from the connected end. Each elastic arm defines a number of spaced grooves adjacent to the connected end. The two grips are rotatably positioned on the distal ends of the two elastic arms, and include two gripping surfaces that face to each other. The adjustment block fits over the two elastic arms from the connected end, and includes teeth and an elastic piece configured for allowing the teeth to engage with the grooves. The adjustment block is able to slide along the elastic arms to adjust an open angle of the two elastic arms. |
US08246090B2 |
Bumper beam
A bumper beam has an open hat beam profile with a central flange (11), two webs (12, 13) and two side flanges (14, 15), and it has two fastening portions (16, 17) in which the central flange has transverse recesses (30, 31), which continue along the webs for a maximum of 40% of the extent of the webs in the transverse direction. These recesses strengthen the profile and provide controlled deformation in response to collision loading. |
US08246084B2 |
Threaded pipe joint coupling with wire lock device
A threaded pipe (11) and coupler (5) made of polyvinyl chloride, the coupler (5) comprising two coupling ends having inner square-shaped threading (3, 14), each receiving a pipe end (4, 11) having an outer square-shaped threading, a sealing ring (2, 13) being provided between each coupling end of an inner surface of the coupler (5) and an outer surface of the corresponding pipe end (4, 11); a groove (10), being formed on the inner surface of the coupler (5), and co-operating with a part of the outer surface of the pipe end after the threading, when the pipe (11) is threadingly coupled in the coupler (5), to form a tangential hole (42) between the outer surface of the pipe (11) and the inner surface of the coupler (5) with the groove made on the outer surface of the coupler aligning with a groove of first pipe, wherein a wire lock (41) is inserted in the tangential hole (42) to lock the coupling of the coupler (5) with the end of the pipe (11). |
US08246083B2 |
System for reciprocally blocking mechanical elements defining a pressurized compartment
The system comprises a first substantially annular seat (159) provided in a first wall (155A) defined by the first mechanical element (155); and a second substantially annular seat (161 A, 161B) provided in a second wall (153A) defined by the second mechanical element (1). When the two mechanical elements are assembled the second substantially annular seat is positioned approximately at the level of the first substantially annular seat and the second wall is inside the first wall. The connection system between the mechanical elements also comprises at least one filiform element (157) forming a member for reciprocal blocking of the two mechanical elements, which is inserted in a space defined by the two opposed annular seats. Moreover, there is also provided a forcing member (173), insertable in a space defined between two opposed surfaces belonging respectively to the first and to the second mechanical element. |
US08246081B2 |
Security marking system
A security marking system for producing a secure marking label includes a support sheet, such as a silicon-containing sheet, having two separate flaps on a first folding line, the first flap supporting, on the recto side, a first holographic component whereof the surface contacting the support sheet is coated with an adhesive film. The second flap supports, on the same recto side, a second component formed by a film whereof the surface contacting the support sheet is coated with an adhesive film and the opposite surface bears personalizing indicia. The first flap includes a second folding line that is substantially parallel to the first folding line. |
US08246080B1 |
Foldable compartmentalized clipboard
A longitudinally foldable compartmentalized clipboard with a passageway for storing papers without creasing; The clipboard has a front side for writing with at least two frame members that are joined by a living hinge, and a releasable locking means including mating shapes formed into the frame members that couple with a friction fit when the case is opened in a writing position. |
US08246079B2 |
Supporting traverse
The invention relates to a supporting traverse for reinforcing a vehicle frame, comprising a cross-member with a fastening region, which is integrally formed thereon on the end and can be connected to the vehicle frame, and bearing blocks acting between the fastening regions on the cross-member. The aim of the invention is to refine a supporting strut with which the risk of the bearing block breaking away from the cross-member due to wear is considerably reduced. According to the invention, said aim is achieved by a supporting traverse, wherein the bearing blocks and the cross-member are connected to each other in a non-detachable way. |
US08246077B2 |
Occupant restraining device for a vehicle
An occupant restraining device for a vehicle that can regulate a position of a seat belt, without occupying vehicle cabin space. An air belt device includes a retractor that is arranged to the rear, in a vehicle front-rear direction, with respect to a seat back, a seat belt that is pulled out from the retractor when applied to an occupant and that includes a shoulder belt portion for restraining an upper body of the occupant, and a belt insertion portion that is formed by indenting a portion, in a seat width direction, of an upper end of the seat back, and into which an upper side portion of the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt is made to enter. |
US08246070B2 |
Snow glider with elevated chatter-absorbing rider deck
A snow glider comprises a longitudinally-extending runner for supporting a rider on ridden snow and having a generally central, longitudinally-extending slot. The glider further comprises an elevated rider-supporting deck and chatter-absorbing means straddling the slot for supporting the deck above the runner. Preferably, the bottom surface of the runner is preferably generally convex across its width, with curved outer edges that provide directional control to the rider when turning, and at least one longitudinally-extending, generally straight longitudinally-extending inner edge adjacent the periphery of the slot for greater directional control when the rider is going straight. To enhance controllability, the deck of the preferred embodiment is preferably coupled to the runner near the runner's outer periphery so that the force exerted by the rider is transmitted from his/her feet directly to the outer edges of the runner. To further reduce frictional contact with the snow, the bottom surface of the runner is preferably dimpled. |
US08246069B2 |
Break away tow hook
A tow hook assembly that includes a mount bracket, a tow hook having a towing end and a mounting end extending axially along a towing direction and through the mount bracket, a support bracket positioned proximal to the towing end of the tow hook and configured to support the towing end of the tow hook, and a fastener attached to the mounting end of the tow hook. The tow hook assembly is attached between the frame rail and impact beam of a motor vehicle such that the motor vehicle may be towed by the tow hook assembly and such that the tow hook assembly will break away from the motor vehicle upon application of a force which is less than a force required to activate an airbag. |
US08246064B2 |
Bicycle crank assembly
A bicycle crank assembly is provided with a crank arm and an axial gap adjustment device. The crank arm has a crank axle mounting part, an extension part extending from the crank axle mounting part, a pedal attachment part provided on a radial outer end of the extension part and a sprocket attachment part. The axial gap adjustment device includes an adjustment adapter and an adjustment member. The adjustment adapter has a crank arm engagement structure that non-rotatably engages the crank arm, a first crank axle opening, and a first screw part. The adjustment member has a second crank axle opening, and a second screw part threadedly engaged with the first screw part to selectively position the adjustment member relative to the adjustment adapter. |
US08246063B1 |
Rapid deployment assembly
A rapid deployment assembly 10 which may be placed upon a selectively movable assembly 18, such as by way of example and without limitation, a pickup type truck, or other selectively movable assembly and which allows for rapid ingress and egress into and out of the assembly 18 and such ingress and egress is achieved by the selectively deployment of various members 12, 14, 16 which selectively form steps and which may later cooperatively form a tailgate assembly. |
US08246061B2 |
Sub-frame mount for suspension
A sub-frame mount for a suspension may include a frame structure having an upper plate and a lower plate, a front mounting portion provided at a front portion of the frame structure, and connected to a vehicle body through a first mount bolt, and a rear mounting portion provided at a rear portion of the frame structure, and connected to the vehicle body through a second mount bolt, wherein the respective rear mounting portion includes, a first hole formed at the upper plate, a second hole corresponding to the first hole and formed at the lower plate, width of the second hole corresponding approximately to the width of the body of the second mount bolt, and a third hole connected to the second hole so that a head of the second mount bolt can pass through the third hole. |
US08246059B2 |
Mobile base for a table saw
A mobile base that supports a cabinet saw is disclosed. The mobile base includes casters that support the saw when a foot pedal is depressed. The mobile base raises the saw asymmetrically to provide clearance for the legs of an extension table attached to the table of the saw. A hydraulic jack is employed to raise the saw and hold it raised while the saw is moved, and a foot-operated release lever attached to the jack lowers the saw back to the ground at an adjustable rate of descent. |
US08246055B2 |
Multi-lobed seal member
A seal member for creating an adequate sealing engagement between two bodies. The seal member may have a closed loop shape, a plurality of engagement surfaces and a plurality of lobes formed on the engagement surfaces. The lobes may contact a sealing surface on a body to aid in creating an adequate seal between two bodies. |
US08246049B1 |
Cribbage card game and pegging board
The present invention is a card and board game either real or simulated foundationally based on standard cribbage rules. It enhances play by adding one or more special cards to a standard 52-card deck. The special cards significantly increase the variety of hands players can get as well as the strategy involved during pegging and counting. The special cards also significantly enhance the point totals attainable during pegging and counting while preserving the integrity of the classic game of cribbage. A special pegging board can accompany the card game. The board embodiments provide different length lanes for cribbage based play corresponding to differing number of players, player combinations playing the game and game lengths. |
US08246042B2 |
Method for calibrating stack height sensing in a media stack height monitoring system in an image forming machine
A method of calibrating stack height sensing in a media stack height monitoring system in an image forming machine includes sensing the angular position of a pick mechanism arm, generating electrical signals having levels correlated to the pick mechanism arm angular positions that correspond to different stack height levels, measuring and storing at least one value corresponding to the level of the electrical signal at least at one of two calibration points: “full load” and “stack out” conditions of the media stack, estimating either the amount or percent of media sheets remaining in the media stack corresponding to measured and stored value of the electrical signal level at the at least one calibration point, and indicating either of the amount or percent of media sheets remaining in the media stack. |
US08246039B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
The present invention provides a sheet feeding apparatus and an image forming apparatus in which generation of a hollow at a separation roller can be prevented.A sheet separating and feeding portion 132 which separates and feeds sheets S one by one sent by a pickup roller 129 includes a feed roller 130 and a retard roller 131 which is arranged rotatably in the direction opposite to a sheet feeding direction and which is capable of rotating along with a rotation of the feed roller 130 while being press-contacted to the feed roller 130. Then, the feed roller 130 is rotated by a predetermined amount so as to rotate the retard roller 131 via the sheet S after job completion. |
US08246037B2 |
Automatic document feeder
An automatic document feeder includes a feeder casing, a pressing structure, a guiding notch, plural first guiding ribs and plural second guiding ribs. The pressing structure is disposed on a bottom part of the feeder casing. The guiding notch is formed in the pressing structure. The first guiding ribs are arranged downstream of the guiding notch. The second guiding ribs are arranged beside the first guiding ribs. The height of the first guiding rib is smaller than the height of the second guiding rib. The lower first guiding ribs are used for guiding a thicker paper. The higher second guiding ribs are used for guiding a thinner paper. |
US08246034B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and a sheet processing method
According to an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes: a processing tray on which a sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus is placed; a lateral alignment unit which has a pair of movable alignment boards, holds and the sheet on the processing tray between the pair of alignment boards, and aligns the sheet; a stapler which staples the sheet placed on the processing tray; a sheet discharge unit which discharges the stapled sheet from the processing tray to a discharge port; and a control unit which control so that the sheet is stapled after an operation of holding the sheet between the pair of alignment boards and then opening the alignment boards is performed plural times, when the sheet is inserted to the stapler from the discharge port and manually stapled. |
US08246033B2 |
Image forming system and sheet handling apparatus
An image forming system includes an image forming unit that forms images on sheets; a sheet compiling unit that compiles the sheets on which the image forming unit has formed the images into a sheet stack; a first binding unit that binds a first end portion of the sheet stack by performing a first binding process; a second binding unit that binds a second end portion of the sheet stack by performing a second binding process, the second end portion being different from the first end portion; and an image rotation unit that rotates an orientation of each of the images in accordance with whether the sheet stack is to be bound by using the first binding unit or the second binding unit, the images being formed on the sheets of the sheet stack by the image forming unit. |
US08246032B2 |
Post-processing apparatus, sheet ejection method thereof and image forming system
Provided is a sheet ejection tray to which sheets are ejected; a stacker in which, after a plurality of sheets have been stacked, these sheets are ejected to the sheet ejection tray; a sheet ejection control section capable of controlling in such a way that it is selectable whether the sheets are ejected to the sheet ejection tray after having been stacked in the stack section, or the sheets are ejected to the sheet ejection tray without using the stack section; and an input button employed by an user to perform input operations. The sheet ejection control section provides control in such a way that, when the input button has been operated to perform an input operation while the sheets are ejected to the sheet ejection tray without using the stacker, the sheets will be ejected to the sheet ejection tray after having been stacked temporarily in the stacker. |
US08246030B2 |
Sheet folding apparatus and image forming system
A sheet folding apparatus includes a first folding unit that folds a sheet of recording medium along first folds that extend orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction, a second folding unit that folds the sheet along a second fold that extends orthogonal to the first fold, a folded-sheet conveying unit that conveys the sheet folded by the first folding unit to the second folding unit, and a stacker unit. The stacker unit is arranged above the folded-sheet conveying unit. The sheet folding apparatus has a first exit through which a non-folded sheet is output, a second exit through which a fan-folded sheet is output, and a third exit through which a cross-folded sheet is output. Sheets output from the first exit and the second exit are stacked in the stacker unit. |
US08246027B2 |
Clamp apparatus
A clamping apparatus includes a motor, a first cone gear secured to a shaft of the motor, and two clamping bodies attached to opposite sides of the motor. Each of the clamping bodies includes a second cone gear meshing with the first, a threaded post fixed to the second cone gear, a carriage threadedly connected with the threaded post, and a clamp arm fixed to the carriage. The motor rotates the first cone gear, and in turn the second cone gears and the corresponding threaded posts. With the rotation of the threaded posts, the carriages move towards or away from each other, whereby the clamp arms cooperatively acquire an object between the clamp arms, or release the object therefrom. |
US08246026B2 |
Tool indexer and turret-indexer assembly
Disclosed are a tool indexer assembly, a computer numerically controlled machine that includes such tool indexer assembly, and associated methods. The assembly in one embodiment includes a turret and an indexer, the indexer including a portion that is movable with respect to the turret and that includes plural tool station configured to receive plural tool structures. The tool indexer is disposed on a facet of the turret, and, in some embodiments includes a table that is rotatable about an axis that is generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the turret. In another embodiment, a tool indexer includes a clamping mechanism having a source of pressurized fluid and a piston that is hydraulically actuated by the pressurized fluid and movable to a clamping position. The assembly further includes a conduit for delivery of the pressurized fluid proximal the tool structure as coolant fluid. |
US08246024B2 |
Bushing having limit stops
A bushing, having a core member, at least one enveloping body surrounding the same, and at least one elastic connecting layer, the elastic connecting layer joining together and spacing apart the enveloping body and the core member, and the core member and the enveloping body being movable relative to one another. In view of the object of designing and further refining a bushing of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it exhibits an adjustable stiffness response that is dependent on the deflection of the core member relative to the enveloping body, following the cost-effective manufacturing thereof, the bushing has at least one limit stop, which is structurally separate or is produced separately from the connecting layer, is assigned to the core member and/or the enveloping body and limits the relative movement thereof. |
US08246015B2 |
Steam injection heater with stationary end seal assembly
A direct contact steam injection heater that includes a steam diffuser having a plurality of steam diffusion holes that are selectively exposed by a regulating member to control the amount of steam used to heat a liquid. The regulating member is movable within the steam diffuser and the steam diffuser includes a seating member to prevent the flow of steam from the diffuser when the regulating member is in a completely closed, seated position. At least one sealing members selectively exposes the steam diffusion holes in the discharge region of the steam diffuser when the regulating member moves between the open and closed positions. The spacing of the steam diffusion holes along the steam diffuser can be varied depending upon the desired resolution of the steam released as the regulating member moves between its fully closed and fully open position. |
US08246014B2 |
Water gate rail hinge and latch
A water gate rail hinge and latch includes a hinge unit, a hinge portion, a wooden rail unit, a connective unit and a moveable latch. The hinge unit includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected with a fixed wooden rail and the second portion is connected with a moveable wooden rail. The first portion and second portion are connected by the hinge portion, which includes several clockwise rotational pieces and several counterclockwise rotational pieces. The wooden rail unit includes the fixed wooden rail and the moveable wooden rail. With such design, the fixed wooden rail and the moveable wooden rail may be opened and closed. |
US08246009B2 |
Cable puller with pivot adjuster for converting between upward and downward cable pulling
A puller head and cable puller including the puller head are provided for pulling cable in an upward or a downward direction. The puller head includes a frame, a capstan mounted to the frame, and first and second retaining shaft apertures. The puller head is pivotally mounted to a boom of the cable puller through a pivot shaft. The capstan of the puller head is positioned rearward of the boom. The position of an upper most surface of the capstan relative to the boom is changed by pivoting the puller head between upward and downward pulling positions. The puller head is maintained in either the upward or downward pulling position through the use of a retaining shaft. |
US08246008B2 |
Lifting system
System for lifting and lowering a load, such as a vehicle, with at least one lifting mechanism such as a lifting column, a boom lift, a scissor lift and a loading platform. The lifting mechanism includes a carrier which can be moved up and downward for bearing the load and a drive which acts on the carrier. The drive herein includes at least one electrical power source and an electric motor to be energized at least during ascending of the carrier, and the electric motor forms a generator to be connected to the power source at least during even an unloaded descending movement of the carrier for the purpose of gene rating electrical energy to the power source. |
US08246004B2 |
Valve cartridge for a solenoid valve, and associated solenoid valve
The invention relates to a valve cartridge for a solenoid valve having a capsule, a magnetic armature that is movably guided within the capsule, a valve insert inserted into the capsule at a first end, and a valve body, which is pressed into a second end of the valve insert, and having a main valve seat. The magnetic armature, moved by a generated magnetic force, moves a tappet that is guided within the valve insert. The tappet has a locking element which includes a sealing element which plunges into the main valve seat of the valve body in a sealing manner for carrying out a sealing function, and an associated solenoid valve. According to the invention, the valve insert is configured as a slotted bushing, having a collar integrated onto the second end of the valve insert in order to increase an outer diameter and a shape stability of the valve insert. |
US08246001B2 |
Portable electronic device with supporting member
A portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device includes a main body and a supporting member rotatably connected to the main body. The main body defines a chamber for receiving detachable elements of the portable electronic device therein. The supporting member includes a number of supporting sheets which can be folded or unfolded relatively to each other. The folded supporting member is configured for covering the chamber of the main body, and the unfolded supporting member is configured for supporting the main body. |
US08246000B2 |
Mounting apparatus for storage device
A mounting apparatus includes a frame and a fastener made of conducting material. The frame includes opposite first and second fixing arms, and an end arm connected between the first and second fixing arms. The first fixing arm is pivotably connected to the end arm. Two pins protrude from an inner side of each of the first and second fixing arms, for correspondingly engaging in fixing holes of a storage device. The fastener is fixed to one of the first and second fixing arms. The fastener includes a head exposed out of the one of the first and second fixing arms, and a post-shaped engaging portion inserted into a threaded hole of the storage device and contacting a threaded portion of the threaded hole of the storage device. The fastener is capable of connecting the storage device to ground. |
US08245999B2 |
Stacking apparatus
The present invention relates to a stacking apparatus (1) enabling two front-loaded household appliances (X, Y) to be stacked. The stacking apparatus (1) of the present invention comprises an elastic bumper (4) that covers the gap left in between the household appliances. |
US08245996B1 |
Tag plate positioning bracket
A retractable license plate bracket for a motor vehicle is herein disclosed, comprising a means for a license plate to fold down under the motor vehicle. In this manner, sport cars, show cars, cars with low ground clearance and similar motor vehicles can display license plates for motoring purposes on the road, yet allow the license plate to essentially disappear when at shows or for aesthetic purposes. |
US08245994B2 |
Seat apparatus for vehicle
A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a longitudinal sliding mechanism including a first lower rail adapted to be fixed to a vehicle floor and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a first upper rail slidably supported to the first lower rail, a width-directional sliding mechanism including a second lower rail mounted on the first upper rail and extending in a width direction of the vehicle and a second upper rail slidably supported to the second lower rail and adapted to be fixed to a seat frame member, and an attachment bracket extending in parallel to the second lower rail and including an upper wall portion and first and second engagement portions extending downwardly from the upper wall portion, facing each other in the longitudinal direction, and supported by the first upper rail, wherein the second lower rail is fixed between the first and second engagement portions. |
US08245990B2 |
Display mounting assembly
A display mounting assembly includes: a wall bracket; a display-mounting bracket; and a position-adjusting mechanism disposed between and interconnecting the wall bracket and the display-mounting bracket, and including first and second connecting units and a supporting unit that is connected to the wall bracket. The first and second connecting units are provided on the display-mounting bracket and the supporting unit, respectively. Each of the first and second connecting units includes upper and lower connectors. The upper and lower connectors of the second connecting unit cooperatively define a circumferentially extending track. The upper and lower connectors of the first connecting unit are mounted slidably on the upper and lower connectors the second connecting unit so as to be co-slidable along the circumferentially extending track. |
US08245986B2 |
Support stand
A support stand includes a support body, a connecting member, a fastening assembly. The support body defines an assembling hole. The connecting member is received in the assembling hole of the support body, and defines an engaging hole. The fastening assembly is positioned on the support body. The fastening assembly includes a follower. The follower has a positioning pole. The follower is movably connected to the support body, so that the positioning pole is capable of engaging/disengaging in the engaging hole of the connecting member. |
US08245983B2 |
System and method for railroad wayside monitoring
A system and method for communicating information between wayside equipment and a railcar is provided, wherein the communication system includes a wayside monitoring system located at the wayside of a railway, wherein the wayside monitoring system is configured to generate wayside system data responsive to an operational characteristic of the railcar. A wayside communication device communicated with the wayside monitoring system to receive the wayside system data is also provided, wherein the wayside communication device is configured to generate digital wayside data and transmit at least one of the wayside system data and the digital wayside data to the railcar via a dispatch voice channel. Furthermore, an on-board communication device is provided, wherein the on-board communication device is configured to receive the digital wayside data from the wayside communication device via the dispatch voice channel. |
US08245981B2 |
Ice shed reduction for leading edge structures
A leading edge structure for use in an aerospace vehicle includes a body having a flowpath surface which defines a leading edge adapted to face an air flow during operation, and an opposed inner surface. The body is segmented into a plurality of portions having varying thermal properties and/or mechanical discontinuities, so as to promote stress concentrations in ice attached to the flowpath surface. |
US08245979B2 |
Centralized bus interface with single wire secondary distribution
A system for single wire secondary distribution comprising a spacecraft platform; a central bus interface unit coupled to the spacecraft platform; a payload unit coupled to the central bus interface unit; and a centralized power supply for powering the central bus interface unit and the payload unit; wherein the spacecraft platform provides a command to the central bus interface unit; wherein the central bus interface unit interrupts the power to the payload unit in a manner corresponding to the commands received by the central bus interface unit; wherein the payload unit decodes the interruption to the power and executes the command from the spacecraft platform. |
US08245975B2 |
Load-supporting and damage-tolerant laminated aircraft window
The invention relates to a vehicle window consisting of a transparent composite material, wherein the composite material comprises fibers and a matrix material such that the vehicle window is capable of withstanding structural loads occurring in the window region and can substantially provide the window function even in spite of damage to the vehicle window (damage-tolerant), the fibers and the matrix material being transparent and substantially having the same refractive index. The invention proposes vehicle windows which are damage-tolerant, load bearing, cost-saving, easy to handle and require less installation space than conventional vehicle windows. |
US08245970B2 |
Array of aircraft seats
Sleeper seats, wherein each comprises a head rest, a back rest, a seat pan or seat cushion, a leg rest, an ottoman and a divider between the individual seats with the their column. The four seats are arranged in a staggered chevron formation and two columns. All the seats in each column are parallel with each other and set at a “herringbone” angle α to the column direction, in other words their central axes make the angle α with a longitudinal axis of the array. Each seat extends from its column side of the longitudinal axis across the axis to a small extent. Along the axis, first a seat from one column crosses the axis and then a seat from the other column crosses the axis and so on. |
US08245968B2 |
Method and apparatus for retrieving a hovering aircraft
For retrieval of a hovering aircraft, a cable, bar, or similar fixture is suspended in an approximately horizontal orientation across the retrieval area between two well-separated supports. The aircraft slowly flies into this fixture, which then slides along the aircraft in a direction approximately parallel with the aircraft's thrust line. This leads to the aircraft becoming fastened to the fixture by an interceptor or aircraft capturer, which in alternative embodiments are respectively on the aircraft or the fixture or both. Thrust is then reduced, and the aircraft comes to rest hanging from the fixture for subsequent removal. Retrieval is thus accomplished with simple and economical apparatus, light and unobtrusive elements on the aircraft, low risk of damage, and only moderate piloting accuracy. |