| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08343883B2 |
Dielectric ceramic composition and electronic component using the same
A dielectric porcelain composition contains a major component represented by a composition formula (BaO.xTiO2). The dielectric porcelain composition contains also contains a first minor component represented by a composition formula raB2O3 and a second minor component represented by a composition formula rbCuO. In the formulae, x is a molar ratio of TiO2 to BaO and is within a range of 4.6 to 8, ra is a weight ratio of B2O3 with respect to the major component and is within a range of 0.5 to 5% by mass, and rb is a weight ratio of CuO with respect to the major component and is within a range of 0.1 to 3% by mass. |
| US08343877B2 |
Angle ion implant to re-shape sidewall image transfer patterns
A method for fabrication of features of an integrated circuit and device thereof include patterning a first structure on a surface of a semiconductor device and forming spacers about a periphery of the first structure. An angled ion implantation is applied to the device such that the spacers have protected portions and unprotected portions from the angled ion implantation wherein the unprotected portions have an etch rate greater than an etch rate of the protected portions. The unprotected portions and the first structure are selectively removed with respect to the protected portions. A layer below the protected portions of the spacer is patterned to form integrated circuit features. |
| US08343875B2 |
Methods of forming an integrated circuit with self-aligned trench formation
Methods for forming a semiconductor device include forming self-aligned trenches, in which a first set of trenches is used to align a second set of trenches. Methods taught herein can be used as a pitch doubling technique, and may therefore enhance device integration. Further, employing a very thin CMP stop layer, and recessing surrounding materials by about an equal amount to the thickness of the CMP stop layer, provides improved planarity at the surface of the device. |
| US08343874B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method
In a semiconductor device manufacturing method, on a film to be processed, a mask material film is formed which has pattern openings for a plurality of contact patterns and connection openings for connecting adjacent pattern openings in such a manner that the connection between them is constricted in the middle. Then, a sidewall film is formed on the sidewalls of the individual openings in the mask material film, thereby not only making the diameter of the pattern openings smaller but also separating adjacent pattern openings. Then, the film to be processed is selectively etched with the mask material film and sidewall film as a mask, thereby making contact holes. |
| US08343867B2 |
Method for main spacer trim-back
The embodiments of methods described in this disclosure for trimming back nitride spacers for replacement gates allows the hard mask layers (or hard mask) to protect the polysilicon above the high-K dielectric during trim back process. The process sequence also allows determining the trim-back amount based on the process uniformity (or control) of nitride deposition and nitride etchback (or trimming) processes. Nitride spacer trim-back process integration is critical to avoid creating undesirable consequences, such as silicided polyisicon on top of high-K dielectric described above. The integrated process also allows widening the space between the gate structures to allow formation of silicide with good quality and allow contact plugs to have sufficient contact with the silicide regions. The silicide with good quality and good contact between the contact plugs and the silicide regions increase the yield of contact and allows the contact resistance to be in acceptable and workable ranges. |
| US08343865B2 |
Semiconductor device having dual work function metal
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a dummy metal gate layer including work function metals directly on a base insulator, diffusing the work function metals into the base insulator by annealing, removing the dummy metal gate layer by a wet etching, forming a metal gate on the base insulator, and forming a high-k insulator on the metal gate. |
| US08343862B2 |
Semiconductor device with a field stop zone and process of producing the same
Embodiments discussed herein relate to processes of producing a field stop zone within a semiconductor substrate by implanting dopant atoms into the substrate to form a field stop zone between a channel region and a surface of the substrate, at least some of the dopant atoms having energy levels of at least 0.15 eV below the energy level of the conduction band edge of semiconductor substrate; and laser annealing the field stop zone. |
| US08343861B2 |
Ion implantation method, method of producing solid-state imaging device, solid-state imaging device, and electronic apparatus
An ion implantation method includes performing ion implantation a plurality of times using a plurality of ion implantation masks each including main mask portions, bridge portions connecting between the main mask portions, and openings corresponding to parts of annular regions where ions are to be implanted, whereby a plurality of annular ion-implanted regions are formed by combining the plurality of ion implantation masks. |
| US08343855B2 |
Nanostructured device
The invention concerns a nanostructured device (100) comprising a substrate (101), an intermediate layer (102), a zone (103) consisting of multiple three-dimensional structured sites (104) made of semiconductor material, having chemical species (106) fixed to the surface of said three-dimensional nanostructured sites (104). The inventive device is useful for making a biochip and an electronic memory. The invention also concerns a method for forming an electronic memory. |
| US08343853B2 |
Semiconductor wafer, semiconductor device using the same, and method and apparatus for producing the same
A method of processing a semiconductor wafer includes preheating the wafer to a preheating temperature that is less than a peak temperature, heating the wafer from the preheating temperature to the peak temperature at a first ramp rate that averages about 100° C. per second or more, and, immediately after heating the wafer from the preheating temperature to the peak temperature, cooling the wafer at a second ramp rate that averages about −70° C. per second or more from the peak temperature to the preheating temperature, wherein the peak temperature is about 1,100° C. or more. |
| US08343850B2 |
Process for fabricating a substrate comprising a deposited buried oxide layer
A process for fabricating a substrate that includes a buried oxide layer for the production of electronic components or the like. The process includes depositing an oxide layer or a nitride layer on either of a donor or receiver substrate, and bringing the donor and receiver substrates into contact; conducting at least a first heat treatment of the oxide or nitride layer before bonding the substrates, and conducting a second heat treatment of the fabricated substrate of the receiver substrate, the oxide layer and all or part of the donor substrate at a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature applied in the first heat treatment. Substrates that have an oxide or nitride layer deposited thereon wherein the oxide or nitride layer is degassed and has a refractive index smaller than the refractive index of an oxide or nitride layer of the same composition formed by thermal growth. |
| US08343849B2 |
Method for manufacturing SOI substrate
To provide a technical means which is capable of increasing crystallinity and planarity of a single crystal semiconductor layer, crystal defects are reduced in such a manner that a single crystal semiconductor substrate, in which an insulating film is formed on its surface and an embrittlement region is formed in a region at a predetermined depth from the surface, and a supporting substrate are attached to each other with the insulating film interposed therebetween; the single crystal semiconductor substrate is separated in the embrittlement region by a heat treatment; a single crystal semiconductor layer is irradiated with laser light over the supporting substrate with the insulating film interposed therebetween; a surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer is etched; and a plasma treatment is performed on the surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer. |
| US08343839B2 |
Scaled equivalent oxide thickness for field effect transistor devices
A method for forming a field effect transistor device includes forming an oxide layer on a substrate, forming a dielectric layer on the oxide layer, forming a first TiN layer on the dielectric layer, forming a metallic layer on the first layer, forming a second TiN layer on the metallic layer, removing a portion of the first TiN layer, the metallic layer, and the second TiN layer to expose a portion of the dielectric layer, forming a layer of stoichiometric TiN on the exposed portion of the dielectric layer and the second TiN layer, heating the device, and forming a polysilicon layer on the device. |
| US08343837B2 |
Work function adjustment in a high-k gate electrode structure after transistor fabrication by using lanthanum
The work function of a high-k gate electrode structure may be adjusted in a late manufacturing stage on the basis of a lanthanum species in an N-channel transistor, thereby obtaining the desired high work function in combination with a typical conductive barrier material, such as titanium nitride. For this purpose, in some illustrative embodiments, the lanthanum species may be formed directly on the previously provided metal-containing electrode material, while an efficient barrier material may be provided in the P-channel transistor, thereby avoiding undue interaction of the lanthanum species in the P-channel transistor. |
| US08343828B2 |
Methods of forming diodes
Some embodiments include methods of forming diodes. A stack may be formed over a first conductive material. The stack may include, in ascending order, a sacrificial material, at least one dielectric material, and a second conductive material. Spacers may be formed along opposing sidewalls of the stack, and then an entirety of the sacrificial material may be removed to leave a gap between the first conductive material and the at least one dielectric material. In some embodiments of forming diodes, a layer may be formed over a first conductive material, with the layer containing supports interspersed in sacrificial material. At least one dielectric material may be formed over the layer, and a second conductive material may be formed over the at least one dielectric material. An entirety of the sacrificial material may then be removed. |
| US08343827B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
In a CMIS device, to improve the operating characteristics of an n-channel electric field transistor that is formed by using a strained silicon technique, without degrading the operating characteristics of a p-channel field effect transistor. After forming a source/drain (an n-type extension region and an n-type diffusion region) of an nMIS and a source/drain (a p-type extension region and a p-type diffusion region) of a pMIS, the each source/drain having a desired concentration profile and resistance, a Si:C layer having a desired amount of strain is formed in the n-type diffusion region, and thus the optimum parasitic resistance and the optimum amount of strain in the Si:C layer are obtained in the source/drain of the nMIS. Moreover, by performing a heat treatment in forming the Si:C layer in a short time equal to or shorter than 1 millisecond, a change in the concentration profile of the respective p-type impurities of the already-formed p-type extension region and p-type diffusion region is suppressed. |
| US08343824B2 |
Gallium nitride material processing and related device structures
Gallium nitride material devices and related processes are described. In some embodiments, an N-face of the gallium nitride material region is exposed by removing an underlying region. |
| US08343822B2 |
Flexible semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a flexible semiconductor device includes (i) forming an insulating film on the upper surface of metal foil, (ii) forming an extraction electrode pattern on the upper surface of the metal foil, (iii) forming a semiconductor layer on the insulating film such that the semiconductor layer is in contact with the extraction electrode pattern, (iv) forming a sealing resin layer on the upper surface of the metal foil such that the sealing resin layer covers the semiconductor layer and the extraction electrode pattern, and (v) forming electrodes by etching the metal foil, the metal foil being used as a support for the insulating film, the extraction electrode pattern, the semiconductor layer, and the sealing resin layer formed in (i) to (iv) and used as a constituent material for the electrodes in (v). The metal foil need not be stripped, and a high-temperature process can be used. |
| US08343819B2 |
Extremely thin semiconductor-on-insulator (ETSOI) integrated circuit with on-chip resistors and method of forming the same
An electrical device is provided that in one embodiment includes a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having a semiconductor layer with a thickness of less than 10 nm. A semiconductor device having a raised source region and a raised drain region of a single crystal semiconductor material of a first conductivity is present on a first surface of the semiconductor layer. A resistor composed of the single crystal semiconductor material of the first conductivity is present on a second surface of the semiconductor layer. A method of forming the aforementioned electrical device is also provided. |
| US08343816B2 |
Organic transistor, manufacturing method of semiconductor device and organic transistor
It is an object to form a high quality gate insulating film which is dense and has a strong insulation resistance property, and to propose a high reliable organic transistor in which a tunnel leakage current is little. One mode of the organic transistor of the present invention has a step of forming the gate insulating film by forming the conductive layer which becomes the gate electrode activating oxygen (or gas including oxygen) or nitrogen (or gas including nitrogen) or the like using dense plasma in which density of electron is 1011 cm−3 or more, and electron temperature is a range of 0.2 eV to 2.0 eV with plasma activation, and reacting directly with a portion of the conductive layer which becomes the gate electrode to be insulated. |
| US08343814B2 |
Compact multi-port cam cell implemented in 3D vertical integration
A multi-ported CAM cell in which the negative effects of increased travel distance have been substantially reduced is provided. The multi-ported CAM cell is achieved in the present invention by utilizing three-dimensional integration in which multiple active circuit layers are vertically stack and vertically aligned interconnects are employed to connect a device from one of the stacked layers to another device in another stack layer. By vertically stacking multiple active circuit layers with vertically aligned interconnects, each compare port of the multi-port CAM can be implemented on a separate layer above or below the primary data storage cell. This allows the multi-port CAM structure to be implemented within the same area footprint as a standard Random Access Memory (RAM) cell, minimizing data access and match compare delays. Each compare match line and data bit line has the length associated with a simple two-dimensional Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cell array. |
| US08343813B2 |
Resistive-switching memory elements having improved switching characteristics
Resistive-switching memory elements having improved switching characteristics are described, including a memory element having a first electrode and a second electrode, a switching layer between the first electrode and the second electrode comprising hafnium oxide and having a first thickness, and a coupling layer between the switching layer and the second electrode, the coupling layer comprising a material including metal titanium and having a second thickness that is less than 25 percent of the first thickness. |
| US08343812B2 |
Contact structures in substrate having bonded interface, semiconductor device including the same, methods of fabricating the same
On embodiment of a contact structure may include a lower insulation layer on a lower substrate, an upper substrate on the lower insulation layer, a groove penetrating the upper substrate to extend into the lower insulation layer, the groove below an interface between the upper substrate and the lower insulation layer, an upper insulation layer in the groove, and a contact plug penetrating the upper insulation layer in the groove to extend into the lower insulation layer. |
| US08343802B2 |
Encapsulation for electronic and/or optoelectronic device
A method of processing a flexible encapsulation scheme to encapsulate a flexible device, such as a display device in order to provide structural support for the display module. An upper transparent encapsulation layer covers and protects the media and active area of the device. A lower encapsulation layer is deposited over the under side of the display to complete the encapsulation and the two protective encapsulation layers are sealed. A driver housing may be positioned at the opposite end of the device to the overlap region of the encapsulation layers in order to protect the driver electronics. |
| US08343801B2 |
Method of forming a programmable metallization memory cell
Programmable metallization memory cells include an electrochemically active electrode and an inert electrode and an ion conductor solid electrolyte material between the electrochemically active electrode and the inert electrode. An electrically insulating oxide layer separates the ion conductor solid electrolyte material from the electrochemically active electrode. |
| US08343799B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An object is to manufacture a semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor at low cost with high productivity in such a manner that a photolithography process is simplified by reducing the number of light-exposure masks. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a channel-etched inverted-stagger thin film transistor, an oxide semiconductor film and a conductive film are etched using a mask layer formed with the use of a multi-tone mask which is a light-exposure mask through which light is transmitted so as to have a plurality of intensities. The etching step is performed by wet etching in which an etching solution is used. |
| US08343797B2 |
Process for preparing a solar cell
A process for preparing a solar cell comprising a support, a layer of cadmium sulfide (CdS), a layer of cadmium telluride (CdTe), a layer of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), a conductive metallic layer and optionally a layer of buffer material, the CdS layer and the CdTe layer being deposited by means of a pulsed plasma deposition (PPD) method, a solar cell obtainable by means of the described process being also provided. |
| US08343795B2 |
Method to break and assemble solar cells
The present disclosure relates generally to a method to break and assemble solar cells to make solar panel. The present disclosure provides a method to produce solar pieces from solar cell, as well as assemble them together. The present disclosure device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because the present disclosure provides a high speed method to break scribed cells into pieces. A method of forming a string of solar cells includes providing a scribe line on a solar cell and placing a first ribbon on the solar cell. The method then includes placing the solar cell on a supporter and then breaking the solar cell into a plurality of solar cell pieces. The method then has the step of placing a second ribbon on the solar cell pieces and soldering the first and second ribbons and the solar cell pieces and then assembling the solar cell pieces into a string of solar cells. |
| US08343791B2 |
Plating process and apparatus for through wafer features
A method for forming through features in a substrate uses a seed layer deposited over a first substrate, and a second substrate bonded to the seed layer. The features may be formed in the first substrate, by plating a conductive filler material onto the seed layer. The first substrate and the second substrate may then be bonded to a third substrate, and the second substrate is removed, leaving through features and first substrate adhered to the third substrate. The through features may provide at least one of electrical access and motion to a plurality of devices formed on the third substrate, or may impart movement to a moveable feature on the first substrate, wherein the third substrate supports the first substrate after removal of the second substrate. |
| US08343789B2 |
Microstructure device with an improved anchor
The present disclosure provides a system of fabricating a microstructure device with an improved anchor. A method of fabricating a microstructure device with an improved anchor includes providing a substrate and forming an oxide layer on the substrate. Then, a cavity is etched in the oxide layer, such that the cavity includes a sidewall in the oxide layer. A microstructure device layer is then bonded to the oxide layer over the cavity. Forming a microstructure device, a trench is etched in the device layer to define an outer boundary of the microstructure device. In an embodiment, the outer boundary is substantially outside of the sidewall of the cavity. Then, the sidewall of the cavity is etched away through the trench in the device layer, to thereby suspend the microstructure device over the cavity. |
| US08343788B2 |
Light emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
A method of fabricating a light emitting device comprising: providing a substrate; forming an epitaxial stack on the substrate wherein the epitaxial stack comprising a first conductivity semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductivity semiconductor layer; forming a mesa on the epitaxial stack to expose partial of the first conductivity semiconductor layer; and etching the surface of the first conductivity semiconductor layer and forming a least one rough structure on the surface of the first conductivity semiconductor layer wherein the first conductivity semiconductor layer is sandwiched by the substrate and the active layer. |
| US08343785B2 |
Nitridosilicate phosphor tunable light-emitting diodes by using UV and blue chips
The present disclosure provides a radiation device. The radiation device includes a first light emitting diode (LED) operable to emit light having a first central wavelength; a second LED configured adjacent the first LED and operable to emit light having a second central wavelength substantially less than the first central wavelength; and a luminescent material disposed on the first LED and the second LED. The luminescent material includes a strontium silicon nitride (SrSi6N8) doped by one of cerium (Ce3+) and cerium, lithium (Ce3+, Li+). |
| US08343780B2 |
Method of stressing a thin pattern
The invention relates to a method for straining or deforming a pattern or a thin layer (24), starting from an initial component comprising the said thin layer and a prestressed layer (20), this method comprising: an etching step of the prestressed layer, perpendicular to its surface. |
| US08343778B2 |
Microfluidic microarray assemblies and methods of manufacturing and using
The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples. |
| US08343777B2 |
Low temperature method to enhance detection of magnetic beads
Detection of magnetic beads at temperature below room temperature can increase the signal level significantly as compared to the same detection when performed at room temperature. Additional improvement is obtained if the beads are below 30 nm in size and if deviations of bead size from the median are small. A preferred format for the beads is a suspension of super-paramagnetic particles in a non-magnetic medium. |
| US08343774B2 |
Chromatography-based monitoring and control of multiple process streams
An analytical apparatus includes a sample-injection valve, a sample pump, at least two sources of standards, and a selection valve. The sample-injection valve has an output port in fluid communication with a LC column, and an input port in fluid communication with a mobile-phase supply line. The at least two sources of standards are associated with at least two pharmaceutical compounds. The selection valve fluidically and selectably connects the sample pump to the at least two sources of standards, to the sample-injection valve, and to at least two pharmaceutical-manufacturing process lines associated with the at least two pharmaceutical compounds. A method for controlling a pharmaceutical manufacturing process includes switching the selection valve to alternately and repeatedly sample the at least two sources of standards and material flowing through the at least two pharmaceutical-manufacturing process lines. |
| US08343769B2 |
Immersion solution for microscope
An immersion solution for a microscope, the immersion solution including a metal-halogeno complex anion containing bromine or iodine and one or more types of metal elements M selected from Sn, In, Bi, Sb, Zn and Al, and an imidazolium cation, a pyridinium cation, a pyrrolidinium cation or an ammonium cation. The immersion solution includes an ionic liquid that transmits light having a predetermined wavelength, has a refractive index of no less than 1.60 and is used for a fluorescence microscope. |
| US08343766B2 |
Method and apparatus for sustaining viability of biological cells on a substrate
A method for the transient transformation of a living biological cell having an intact cell membrane defining an intracellular domain, and an apparatus for the transient transformation of biological cells. The method and apparatus include introducing a compartmentalized extracellular component fixedly attached to a cellular penetrant structure to the intracellular domain of the cell, wherein the cell is fixed in a predetermined location and wherein the component is expressed within in the cell while being retained within the compartment and wherein the compartment restricts the mobility and interactions of the component within the cell and prevents transference of the component to the cell. |
| US08343765B2 |
Gene injection apparatus and gene injection method
A gene injection apparatus for injecting a gene into a cell held on a substrate, includes a needle unit. The needle unit includes a fine needle to be inserted into the cell immersed in a culture medium in which the gene is dispersed, and a flexible support part configured to hold the fine needle, the flexible support part being flexing when the fine needle is pressed onto the substrate. The gene injection apparatus further includes a drive unit configured to push down the flexible support part toward the substrate, further from a position where a tip of the fine needle contacts the substrate. |
| US08343763B2 |
Heterocyclic derivatives as modulators of ion channels
The present invention relates to heterocyclic derivatives useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders. |
| US08343762B2 |
Human embryonic stem cell-derived connective tissue progenitors for tissue engineering
Methods of generating and expanding proliferative, multipotent connective tissue progenitor cells from embryonic stem cells and embryoid bodies are provided. Also provided are methods of generating functional tendon grafts in vitro and bone, cartilage and connective tissues in vivo using the isolated cell preparation of connective tissue progenitor cells. |
| US08343758B2 |
Bio-artificial materials with tuneable properties
This invention relates to methods for preparing biomaterials by applying multiple cycles of tensile loading to compacted collagen gels in order to fuse the collagen fibrils together within the compacted gels. This produces a biomaterial with improved material properties. Biomaterials produced by such methods may be useful, for example, as tissue equivalent implants, in the repair and/or replacement of damaged tissue in an individual. |
| US08343757B2 |
Polynucleotides allowing the expression and secretion of recombinant pseudo-virus containing foreign epitopes, their production, and use
This invention provides a new approach to the design of a virus with a defective replication cycle, which can be rescued by wild type virus co-infection, and which expresses foreign antigenic epitopes that contribute to the elimination of virus infected cells and then to viral clearance. The vector of the invention, by expression of epitopes derived from common pathogens, by-passes existing tolerance of virus specific T cell responses. The vector will only replicate in virus infected cells. |
| US08343756B2 |
Devices and methods for cell manipulation
Devices for fluid control and biological particle manipulation (e.g., cell enrichment and blood sampling) are disclosed. The devices a based on the ability to control the flow of fluids through the use of microfluidic valves. The valves are characterized, for example, by microstructures disposed on a mobile diaphragm. |
| US08343754B2 |
Annealing curve analysis in PCR
The present invention is directed to devices for performing PCR and monitoring the reaction of a sample comprising a nucleic acid and a fluorescent dye. Illustrative devices comprise a heat exchange component for heating and cooling the sample, a control device for repeatedly operating the heat exchange component to subject the sample to thermal cycling, an excitation source for optically exciting the sample to cause the sample to fluoresce, a photodetector for detecting temperature-dependent fluorescence levels from the sample, and a processor configured to record and process emissions from the fluorescent dye. |
| US08343749B2 |
Method and apparatus for membrane-based, two-stage gas production from solid biomaterials
Embodiments of the present invention preferably relate to a method and apparatus for a two-stage membrane-based production of gas, preferably hydrogen gas or the like, from solid biological materials, preferably organic waste materials or the like, comprising anaerobic hydrolysis and fermentation and photofermentation using microorganisms. |
| US08343748B2 |
Preparative purification process for human furin
Recombinant truncated human furin was expressed in CHO cells and concentrated approximately 50-fold by ultrafiltration and diafiltration. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on CAPTO MMC™ (mixed cation exchange/hydrophobic interaction gel) resulting in a 30-50 fold purification factor and a yield of at least 60%. The at least 20% pure preparation obtained after CAPTO MMC™ (mixed cation exchange/hydrophobic interaction gel) chromatography had already a purification degree allowing on-column maturation of pro-VWF. Then an additional Arginine Sepharose chromatography purification was carried out. This two column process for purification of truncated human furin resulted in an almost pure furin preparation with a specific activity of approximately 290,000 U furin/mg protein and a yield of about 50%. |
| US08343744B2 |
Regio- and enantioselective alkane hydroxylation with modified cytochrome P450
Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered using a combination of directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis to hydroxylate linear alkanes regio- and enantioselectively using atmospheric dioxygen as an oxidant. Mutant 9-10A-A328V hydroxylates octane primarily at the 2-position to form S-2-octanol (40% ee). Another mutant, 1-12G, hydroxylates alkanes larger than hexane primarily at the 2-position, but forms R-2-alcohols (40-55% ee). These biocatalysts are highly active for alkane substrates and support thousands of product turnovers. These regio- and enantio-selectivities are retained in whole-cell biotransformations with E. coli, where the engineered P450s can be expressed at high levels and the expensive cofactor is supplied endogenously. |
| US08343741B2 |
Pelletization process to control filamentous fungi morphology for enhanced reactor rheology bioproduct formation
Filamentous fungi are grown in pellet form by culturing the filamentous fungi in liquid culture under one or more of the following conditions: 1) with addition of particulate substrates: 2) using spores which have been stored for a period of time prior to inoculation; and 3) using high spore inoculum concentrations. |
| US08343737B2 |
Cell culture compositions capable of producing a VEGF-binding fusion polypeptide
The present invention provides cell culture compositions capable of producing fusion polypeptides that bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The cell culture compositions of the invention comprise cells which contain an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide that binds VEGF. The fusion polypeptides may comprise a VEGF receptor component having an immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domain 2 of a first VEGF receptor, an Ig domain 3 of a second VEGF receptor, and a multimerizing component. |
| US08343736B2 |
Xylitol producing microorganism introduced with arabinose metabolic pathway and production method of xylitol using the same
The present invention relates to an efficient production method of xylitol by using the xylitol producing microorganism introduced with arabinose metabolic pathway to inhibit the production of arabitol, the byproduct, and instead to use arabinose only for cell metabolism in xylose/arabinose mixed medium. More precisely, to express efficiently L-arabinose isomerase (araA), L-ribulokinase (araB) and L-ribulose-5-phosphate 4-epimerase (araD) in Candida tropicalis, codon optimization was performed. Then, each gene was inserted in the gene expression cassette containing the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter and the selection marker URA3, which was introduced into Candida sp. microorganism. As a result, arabitol, the byproduct interrupting the purification and crystallization of xylitol could be inhibited, making the production method of xylitol of the present invention more efficient. The xylitol producing microorganism introduced with arabinose metabolic pathway of the present invention can be effectively used for the production of xylitol with high productivity by inhibiting the generation of arabitol. |
| US08343735B2 |
Modified secretion system to increase expression of polypeptides in bacteria
The present invention provides methods of altering the production of desired polypeptides in a host cell. In particular, the present invention provides polynucleotides encoding truncated SecG proteins capable of facilitating the secretion of desired proteases by a bacterial host cell, such as Bacillus species, as well as expression vectors and a host cell containing the polynucleotides. |
| US08343732B2 |
Method for determining types of cells
The present invention relates to a method for detecting ATP in a sample by using luminescence, wherein a luminescence reagent is added to the sample that has not undergone any pre-treatment with an extractant in order to effect the formation of an ATP complex, wherein the luminescence of the ATP com lex thus formed is measured. |
| US08343731B2 |
Method for diagnosing acute cardiac ischemia
Chemiluminescent detection of metabolic by-products of inosine and hypoxanthine is used to diagnose ischemic events such as early acute cardiac ischemia. |
| US08343728B2 |
Highly sensitive system and method for analysis of troponin
The invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and systems for the sensitive detection of cardiac troponin. Such methods, compositions, kits, and systems are useful in diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of methods of treatment in conditions that involve release of cardiac troponin. |
| US08343722B2 |
Method for the identification of colorectal tumors
Disclosed is a method for the early diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma and determination of pre-cancerous lesions of the colon and rectum based on quantitation of DNA extracted from stool and amplified by PCR techniques. |
| US08343721B2 |
Methods and kits for nucleic acid amplification
Compositions and methods are provided for amplifying nucleic acid molecules. The nucleic acid molecules can be used in various research and diagnostic applications, such as gene expression studies involving nucleic acid microarrays. |
| US08343720B2 |
Methods and probes for identifying a nucleotide sequence
The present invention provides a method for identifying a set of target nucleotide sequences capable of identifying a member of a group of related nucleotide sequences, the method comprising the step of dividing the nucleotide sequence of each member of the group into a plurality of subsequences, wherein at least two of the subsequences overlap. The method is useful in generating probe sets capable of assigning alleles at HLA or KIR loci. |
| US08343717B2 |
Passive methods for anti-microbial biological meshes
Tissue matrices having anti-microbial properties are provided. In certain embodiments, the tissue matrices include cationic anti-microbial agents that form a stable bond with the tissue matrices without adversely affecting the biologic properties of the tissue matrices. |
| US08343716B2 |
Method of forming variable patterns using a reticle
A method of forming a variable pattern across a wafer using a reticle forms a plurality of first patterns on the wafer. The first pattern is repeated across the wafer and each first pattern has a first readable element. The method also forms a plurality of second patterns on the wafer. The second patterns is repeated across the wafer and each second pattern has a second readable element. The second patterns are positioned relative to the first patterns by aligning a first second pattern relative to one portion of a corresponding first pattern and then incrementally misaligning each successive second pattern in a row or a column relative to its corresponding first pattern. Thus, each corresponding first readable element and second readable element form a corresponding variable pattern. |
| US08343715B2 |
Photochromic polyesters and methods of producing photochromic polyesters
A method for producing a photochromic polyester, the method including: a) providing a reaction solution having at least one ester monomer, a photochromic compound having or functionalized to have at least one hydroxyl group, and a metal-free catalyst; b) reacting the at least one ester monomer and the photochromic compound using the metal-free catalyst to produce a polymeric product, where the polymeric product has a photochromic polyester; and c) separating the polymeric product from the reaction solution. A photochromic polyester includes a photochromic compound covalently linked to a polyester and the polyester is obtained by polymerizing a lactone. |
| US08343713B2 |
Method for patterning material layer
The invention is directed to a method for patterning a material layer. The method comprises steps of providing a material layer. The material layer has a first hard mask layer and a second hard mask layer successively formed thereon. Then, the second hard mask layer is patterned to form a plurality of openings therein. A patterned photoresist layer is formed to cover the second hard mask layer and the patterned photoresist layer exposes a portion of the openings. The first hard mask layer with the patterned photoresist layer and the patterned second hard mask layer together as a mask. Then, the patterned photoresist layer and the patterned second hard mask layer are removed. The material layer is patterned with the patterned first hard mask layer as a mask. |
| US08343712B2 |
Method for manufacturing inkjet recording head
A method for manufacturing an inkjet recording includes forming a photo-cationic polymerizable resin layer containing a photo-cationic polymerizable resin material on a substrate; performing pattern exposure of the photo-cationic polymerizable resin layer to form a latent image of a fine pattern including an ejection port; forming a water repellent layer containing a water repellent material capable of forming a bond in reaction with the photo-cationic polymerizable resin material on the photo-cationic polymerizable resin layer; developing the photo-cationic polymerizable resin layer to thereby remove a non-exposed portion of the photo-cationic polymerizable resin layer and remove a water repellent layer portion corresponding to the non-exposed portion to thereby form the fine pattern; and curing the photo-cationic polymerizable resin layer by heat treatment to form a member provided with the fine pattern and promote a reaction of the photo-cationic polymerizable resin material and the water repellent material. |
| US08343710B1 |
Photodegradable groups for tunable polymeric materials
Provided is a method that provides both spatial and temporal control of a polymer degradation process using mono- and multifunctional macromolecular monomers (“macromers”) that degrade via single- and multi-photon photolysis mechanisms over a broad range of wavelengths. The macromers can form or be incorporated into networks via covalent, non-covalent and/or ionic interactions. The spatial and temporal degradation of these networks can be controlled. More specifically, provided is a photodegradable macromer, comprising: (a) a photodegradable group; (b) a backbone structure comprising one or more repeating units that may be the same or different, which backbone structure is attached to the photodegradable group directly or through a linker; (c) one or more reactive end groups at one or more ends of the macromer; and optionally, (d) one or more therapeutic agents; and optionally (e) one or more caged groups. Also provided are polymers and networks incorporating macromers of the invention and optionally other substituents such as other polymeric structures. Also provided is a method of controlled degradation of a polymer comprising: providing a photodegradable polymer as described herein and exposing the photodegradable polymer to photoradiation of the appropriate wavelength and energy to cause one or more of the photodegradable groups to photodegrade. |
| US08343708B2 |
Positive resist composition and pattern forming method
A positive photosensitive composition includes: (A) a resin that has an acid decomposable repeating unit of formula (I) and increases its solubility in an alkali developer by action of an acid; (B) a compound that generates an acid upon irradiation; (C) a resin that has: a fluorine atom and/or a silicon atom; and a group selected from groups (x) to (z); and (D) a solvent: (x) an alkali soluble group, (y) a group which decomposes by action of an alkali developer and increases a solubility of the resin (C) in an alkali developer, and (z) a group which decomposes by action of an acid, wherein, Xa1 represents hydrogen, alkyl, cyano or halogen, Ry1 to Ry3 each independently represents alkyl or cycloalkyl, and at least two of Ry1 to Ry3 may be coupled to form a ring, and Z represents a divalent linking group. |
| US08343706B2 |
Fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic photoacid generators and resist compositions containing the same
The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography. |
| US08343703B2 |
Electrostatic image developing toner, method for manufacturing electrostatic image developing toner, electrostatic image developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, image-forming method and image-forming apparatus
An electrostatic image developing toner, includes: a block copolymer that contains: a block A that has a glass transition temperature of about 60° C. or more; and a crystalline block B that has a melting point of about 25° C. or more derived from an ethylenically unsaturated compound, wherein the block copolymer satisfies the following equations (1) to (3): 30° C.≦[T(0.5 MPa)−T(30 MPa)]≦80° C. (1) 60° C.≦T(0.5 MPa) (2) T(30 MPa)≦80° C. (3) wherein T(0.5 MPa) represents a temperature at which a viscosity of the block copolymer is 104 Pa·s when a pressure applied by a flow tester is 0.5 MPa; and T(30 MPa) represents a temperature at which a viscosity of the block copolymer is 104 Pa·s when a pressure applied by a flow tester is 30 MPa. |
| US08343702B2 |
Electrophotographic toner and method of preparing electrophotographic toner
The disclosure provides an electrophotographic toner and methods for preparing the same, including a first binder resin, a second binder resin, a colorant, a releasing agent, a charge control agent, and an ionomer, wherein the second binder resin is a resin derived biomass. |
| US08343690B2 |
Fabrication of mesoporous metal electrodes in non-liquid-crystalline phase and its application
A method for the fabrication of a mesoporous metal electrode in a non-liquid crystalline phase was tested. Specifically, there was tested the efficacy of the method for the fabrication of a mesoporous metal electrode which comprises forming the mesoporous metal electrode on a substrate by chemical or electrochemical reduction of a mixture comprising a solvent, a structure-directing agent, and a source of a metal, characterized in that the mixture is maintained in a non-liquid crystal phase. Furthermore, the usefulness of the mesoporous metal electrode thus prepared from the non-liquid crystalline phase was also tested. The mesoporous metal electrode prepared from the non-liquid crystalline phase had a large surface area, and a roughness factor thereof was controlled by charges passed during electroplating. The method made it possible to fabricate the mesoporous metal electrode in the non-liquid crystalline phase, even more flexible than a liquid crystalline phase. The mesoporous metal electrode prepared by the method had randomly distributed mesopores on the surface thereof and retained a large roughness factor. The method was found to be a good alternative to the conventional fabrication of porous platinum films in the liquid crystalline phase. Furthermore, the method was found to be suitably applicable to automatic processes, because the mesoporous metal electrode was prepared in the highly flexible non-liquid crystalline phase. Recovery and recycling of raw materials were also improved. The mesoporous metal electrode prepared by the method can be suitably used for the detection of glucose and proton, and as a cathode or an anode of fuel cells. |
| US08343686B2 |
Joined concentric tubes
Tubular objects having two or more concentric layers that have different properties are joined to one another during their manufacture primarily by compressive and friction forces generated by shrinkage during sintering and possibly mechanical interlocking. It is not necessary for the concentric tubes to display adhesive-, chemical- or sinter-bonding to each other in order to achieve a strong bond. This facilitates joining of dissimilar materials, such as ceramics and metals. |
| US08343683B2 |
Fuel cell stack
A fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells each formed by stacking separators and an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly. The electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane provided with a pair of electrodes on the opposite sides thereof. A stacked body formed by stacking the fuel cells is provided with a pair of end plates at the opposite ends thereof in a stacking direction. The end plates are integrally fixed by fastening members with the distance between the end plates maintained. A load measurement mechanism including a plurality of load sensors integrally connected to a connector member is provided between one of the end plates and the stacked body. The one of the end plates is provided with a pressure mechanism. The pressure mechanism presses the load measurement mechanism toward the stacked body to thereby apply a tightening load to the stacked body via the load sensors. |
| US08343681B2 |
Bipolar plate and fuel cell stack including the same
Bipolar plates and a fuel cell stack having the bipolar plates. The fuel cell stack includes membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), and first and second bipolar plates sequentially stacked between the MEAs. The bipolar plates include: flow channels formed on opposing surfaces thereof; four manifolds connected to the flow channels; and through holes to connect to the manifolds of the bipolar plates adjacent thereto. |
| US08343680B2 |
Fuel cell system
A shutoff value provided on the entrance side and exit side of a fuel cell system has a diaphragm. A valve closing-side pressure chamber is provided on the upper face side of the diaphragm, and a valve opening-side pressure chamber is provided on the lower face side of the diaphragm. With the valve closing-side pressure chamber of the shutoff valve pressurized, the pressure in the chamber is maintained by ViS, Vic, and ViO in an electrically non-conducted state. Also, the pressure in the valve opening-side pressure chamber of the shutoff valve is maintained released. By this, force acting in the direction of closing a valving element acts on it through the diaphragm, maintaining the shutoff valve closed. |
| US08343676B2 |
Fuel cell vehicle, and method of supplying electric power
A fuel cell vehicle has a fuel cell for generating electric power by being supplied with a reactive gas, an electric storage device, a first power supply line connected to the fuel cell, a second power supply line connected to the electric storage device, and a main DC-to-DC converter for performing bidirectional voltage conversion between the first power supply line and the second power supply line, an electric motor to propel the vehicle and a first electric accessory connected to the first power supply line, a second electric accessory having at least a portion connected to the second power supply line. |
| US08343671B2 |
Fuel cell system having recycle fuel conduit in fluid communication with fuel cell assembly and carbon dioxide removal unit
A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell assembly, a carbon-dioxide-removal unit, an anode exhaust conduit connecting the fuel cell assembly and the carbon-dioxide-removal unit, a fuel source, an oxygen source, a fuel conduit connecting, at least in part, the fuel source with the fuel cell assembly, and a recycle conduit connecting the carbon-dioxide-removal unit with at least one of the fuel cell assembly, the fuel conduit and the fuel source. The fuel cell assembly includes at least one fuel cell, each fuel cell including an anode and a cathode. The carbon-dioxide-removal unit removes carbon dioxide that is in a gas phase. The carbon-dioxide-removal unit includes a carbon-dioxide-removing material. The fuel source and the oxygen source are each independently in fluid communication with the fuel cell assembly. The fuel conduit and the recycle conduit are optionally merged into a single recycle-fuel conduit that extends to the fuel cell assembly. The recycle conduit and/or the recycle-fuel conduit directs essentially all gaseous fluid from the carbon-dioxide-removal unit to the fuel cell assembly. |
| US08343669B2 |
Electrochemical device
An electrochemical device comprises an electrode matrix including a multilayer structure composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a first separator, and first and second dummy electrodes electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The first and second dummy electrodes have respective opposing parts opposing each other through a second separator at an outer peripheral part of the electrode matrix. One or each of the first and second dummy electrodes has a resistance control layer at least on a side where the opposing parts oppose each other. The resistance control layer has such a resistance value that an estimated internal short circuit current between the first and second dummy electrodes is equivalent to 0.09 C to 1.00 C. The first and second dummy electrodes are adapted to short-circuit each other at a lower temperature than the positive and negative electrodes do. |
| US08343667B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte battery, battery pack and vehicle
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode contains a lithium compound and a negative electrode current collector supporting the lithium compound. A log differential intrusion curve obtained when a pore size diameter of the negative electrode is measured by mercury porosimetry has a peak in a pore size diameter range of 0.03 to 0.2 μm and attenuates with a decrease in pore size diameter from an apex of the peak. A specific surface area (excluding a weight of the negative electrode current collector) of pores of the negative electrode found by mercury porosimetry is 6 to 100 m2/g. A ratio of a volume of pores having a pore size diameter of 0.05 μm or less to a total pore volume is 20% or more. |
| US08343666B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a positive electrode including an active material of complex oxides capable of storing and emitting lithium ions, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolytic solution made of a nonaqueous solvent. A discharge curve of this battery when being discharged with a constant power has two or more points of step-like flections near the end of electrical discharge in a range of 5% to 20% of a discharge capacity thereof as determined from an initial discharge voltage in a state of full charge to a discharge-end voltage. |
| US08343664B2 |
Positive-electrode material for lithium secondary battery, secondary battery employing the same, and process for producing positive-electrode material for lithium secondary battery
A subject for the invention is to provide a positive-electrode material, which has high capacity and high output and is inhibited from suffering a decrease in output with repetitions of charge and use. The invention provides a positive-electrode material for lithium secondary battery, which comprises a secondary particle of a lithium/transition metal composite oxide containing boron and/or bismuth, and wherein the atomic ratio of the sum of boron and bismuth to the sum of the metallic elements other than lithium, boron, and bismuth in a surface part of the secondary particle is from 5 times to 70 times the atomic ratio in the whole secondary particle. |
| US08343663B2 |
Method of preparing positive active material with low carbon content for rechargeable lithium battery
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery. The positive active material includes a lithium/nickel-based compound wherein primary particles having an average particle diameter ranging from 1 μm to 4 μm are agglomerated to form secondary particles. The positive active material of the present invention has excellent electrochemical performance and outstanding inhibition to swelling at high temperatures. |
| US08343652B2 |
Battery cell and case with corresponding small grooves
Disclosed herein is a battery cell including an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure mounted in a receiving part of a battery case (cell case). The cell case is provided, at a predetermined region of the cell case corresponding to the upper end interface of the electrode assembly while the electrode assembly is mounted in the receiving part, with a small groove for pressing against the upper end of the electrode assembly to prevent the upward movement of the electrode assembly. The small groove is continuously formed in parallel with the upper end of the electrode assembly. |
| US08343649B2 |
Electricity storage device with enhanced heat dissipation
An electricity storage device has: an enclosed container; an electricity storage unit contained in the enclosed container; a coolant, contained in the enclosed container, for cooling the electricity storage unit; and protrusions that extend into the coolant and conduct the heat of the coolant to a top lid of the enclosed container. The protrusions are formed on the top lid. |
| US08343639B2 |
Organic semiconductor material and light-emitting element, light-emitting device, lighting system, and electronic device using the same
Disclosed is a novel organic semiconductor material which has a twisted quaterphenylene skeleton as a central unit and simultaneously possesses a skeleton having an electron-transporting property and a skeleton having a hole-transporting property at the terminals of the quaterphenylene skeleton. Specifically, the organic semiconductor material has a [1,1′:2′,1″:2″,1′″]quaterphenyl-4-4′″-diyl group, and one of the terminals of the [1,1′:2′,1″:2″,1′″]quaterphenyl-4-4′″-diyl group is bonded to a skeleton having an electron-transporting property such as a benzoxazole group or an oxadiazole group. A skeleton having a hole-transporting property such as diarylamino group is introduced at the other terminal. This structure allows the formation of a compound having a bipolar property, a high molecular weight, an excellent thermal stability, a large band gap, and high triplet excitation energy. |
| US08343634B2 |
Triglyceride compositions useful for preparing composite panels and applications thereof
Composite panels may be prepared using a moisture resistance additive having a formulation that includes a triglyceride having a saponification value of at least 150 and an iodine value of at least 35. The additive may be used in the form of a water emulsion. The water emulsion may be prepared by dispersing the components of the additive formulation under conditions sufficient to at least partially saponify the triglyceride. The moisture resistance additive can impart resistance to moisture absorption and thickness swelling to composite panels prepared therewith. |
| US08343631B2 |
Low-gloss, two-component clear coats, articles of manufacture having low-gloss, two-component clear coats, and methods for applying the same
Low-gloss, two-component clear coats include a base resin including a urethane resin, an isocyanate resin that combines with the base resin immediately prior to application of the low -gloss, two-component clear coat to form a two-component base resin mixture, wherein the two-component base resin mixture comprises from about 20 weight percent to about 40 weight percent urethane resin and from about 20 weight percent to about 40 weight percent isocyanate resin, and a silica-based flattener, wherein the silica-based flattener comprises from about 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the two-component base resin mixture to about 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the two-component base resin mixture, wherein the low-gloss, two-component clear coat has a 60° gloss finish from 22 gloss units to 34 gloss units when cured. |
| US08343630B2 |
Transparent composite conductors having high work function
There is provided a transparent composite conductor. The composite conductor has a first layer that includes a transparent conductive material and a second layer that includes a fluorinated acid polymer. |
| US08343627B2 |
Core-shell nanoparticles with multiple cores and a method for fabricating them
The present invention is directed toward core-shell nanoparticles, each comprising a ligand-capped metal shell surrounding a plurality of discrete, nonconcentric, metal-containing cores. Methods of making and using these nanoparticles are also disclosed. |
| US08343626B2 |
Dry-coated oxygen-scavenging particles and methods of making them
A method of dry coating oxidizable particles with activating particles. The method includes accreting at least portions of the activating particles onto surfaces of the oxidizable particles by mechanically induced juxtapositions to form composite particles; and abrading the composite particles to more evenly distribute the activating component over surfaces of the activating particles. |
| US08343625B2 |
Structures comprising an association agent and processes for making same
Polysaccharides and/or hydroxyl polymers, more particularly, structures, especially fibers, comprising a polysaccharide and/or hydroxyl polymer and an association agent, fibrous structures comprising such structures and processes for making such structures and/or fibrous structures are provided. |
| US08343624B2 |
Durable antireflective film
Antireflective films are described having a surface layer comprising a the reaction product of a polymerizable low refractive index composition comprising at least one free-radically polymerizable fluoropolymer and surface modified inorganic nanoparticles. A high refractive index layer is coupled to the low refractive index layer. In one embodiment, the high refractive index layer comprises surface modified inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in a crosslinked organic material. The antireflective film is preferably durable, exhibiting a haze of less than 1.0% after 25 wipes with steel wool using a 3.2 cm mandrel and a mass of 1000 grams. |
| US08343623B2 |
Gas barrier film laminate
Disclosed is a gas-barrier film laminate having at least two gas-barrier film layers laminated via an adhesive layer, wherein the gas-barrier film layer has a substrate film, and at least one constitutive unit layer comprising an anchor coat layer and an inorganic thin film layer formed on at least one surface of the substrate film in that order, and wherein the number of the bubbles having a diameter of at least 0.5 mm and the impurities having a diameter of at least 0.5 mm existing between the gas-barrier film layers is at most 3 in total per 100 cm2. |
| US08343622B2 |
Flexible high refractive index hardcoat
Antireflective films comprising a flexible high refractive index layer that comprises at least 60 wt-% of inorganic nanoparticles, the nanoparticles having a refractive index of at least 1.60, dispersed in a crosslinked organic material. Also described are surface treated nanoparticles. |
| US08343616B2 |
Coating agent, substrate for mounting optical semiconductor element using same, and optical semiconductor device
The coating agent of the invention is a coating agent to be used between conductor members, comprising a thermosetting resin, a white pigment, a curing agent and a curing catalyst, the coating agent to be used between conductor members having a white pigment content of 10-85 vol % based on the total solid volume of the coating agent, and a whiteness of at least 75 when the cured product of the coating agent has been allowed to stand at 200° C. for 24 hours. |
| US08343615B2 |
Dynamic appearance-changing optical devices (DACOD) printed in a shaped magnetic field including printable fresnel structures
A printed image is disclosed wherein the image may be in the form of an array of magnetically aligned platelets or flakes that may by uniform in shape and size and wherein the flakes are arranged in a particularly manner to form optically illusive images useful as security devices, or useful in beam steering applications. In one embodiment of this invention printed array is disclosed a plurality of concentric rings of magnetically aligned platelets disposed upon a substrate in the form of a Fresnel structure, preferably a Fresnel reflector. Advantageously, since the magnetic field can be controlled with respect to strength and direction, one can easily design a field that will correct for spherical aberration that would otherwise be present in a typical Fresnel reflector. In other embodiments of the invention optically illusive images of funnels, domes and cones are printed. |
| US08343614B2 |
Metallized polymeric film reflective insulation material
A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which maintains satisfactory reflectance commercial criteria. |
| US08343613B2 |
Anti-skid sheet for thermoformed articles
Disclosed in one aspect is an anti-skid sheet comprising at least one contact layer selected from the group consisting of dynamically vulcanized alloys, propylene-α-olefin copolymers, and blends thereof; and at least one substrate layer comprising polyethylene having a density of from greater than 0.935 g/cm3. In one embodiment, the dynamically vulcanized alloy comprises a blend of one or more polyolefins and an at least partially vulcanized rubber. Disclosed in another aspect is a method of forming the anti-skid sheet comprising providing a melt-blending extruder for each of the sheet layers, at least one substrate layer as disclosed herein and at least one contact layer as disclosed herein, and co-extruding a melt of each component to form a co-extruded sheet. In a particular embodiment, the anti-skid sheet is thermoformed to form an article. |
| US08343612B2 |
Absorbent fiber web
An absorbent fiber web has a base layer of cellulose fibers and an external layer that is connected at least across areas thereof with the base layer. The external layer is a nonwoven of nano fibers. The base layer and the nonwoven are connected to one another across areas thereof without a binder. |
| US08343611B2 |
One way vision film for ink jet printing, printing film, and method for producing them
A one-way vision film includes a white film base material; a shrinkable color tone layer on one side of the base material; and a self-adsorptive foamed layer on the base material opposite to the shrinkable color tone layer. The one-way vision film is perforated with through-holes. The self-adsorptive foamed layer has an adhesive function attachable to a surface onto which the film is attached and is printable. Since the printing ink is deposited to the bottoms of the open pores while not closing the openings of the open pores, open pores exposed to the surface of the foamed layer function like suction cups adhering onto a smooth surface. Accordingly, there is no need for forming ink-receptive and pressure-sensitive layers, unlike a conventional film, so the film can have a low cost, three-layer structure. The one-way vision and printed film is easily attachable onto a smooth and transparent substrate like glass. |
| US08343610B2 |
Laminated plate and manufacturing method thereof
A vehicle deck board 1 is molded in such a manner that a lower die 21 and an upper die 22 are clamped together in a state where foamed resins 13 and reinforcements 20 are interposed between a back surface side sheet material 16 and a front surface side sheet material 15, whereby the back surface side sheet material 16 and the front surface side sheet material 15 are welded to each other to thereby form a laminated member 26 with height-increasing bridge members included therein, compressed air is injected into an inside of the laminated member 26 with the height-increasing bridge members included therein, which is formed by welding the back surface side sheet material 16 and the front surface side sheet 15, while individually vacuum-sucking the back surface side sheet material 16 and the front surface side sheet material 15 to the lower die 21 and the upper die 22, and the laminated member 26 concerned is subjected to blow molding. |
| US08343605B2 |
Adhesive tape and its use
An adhesive tape for flying splice, having a left and right boundary edge, at least one main carrier and a first layer of self-adhesive on the obverse of the main carrier, the reverse of the main carrier bearing a parting system which is suitable for effecting an adhesive bond to a substrate that can be parted again in such a way that sticky residues are left neither on the reverse of the main carrier nor on the substrate in the region of the parted bond, the parting system being constructed in a particular form as described herein. |
| US08343603B2 |
Insulator material and method for manufacturing thereof
Vacuum filled hollow alveoles embedded in an insulation material in order to arrive at a light weight insulation material using the high breakdown voltage of evacuated cavities, i.e. alveoles at a vacuum lower than the minimum of the Paschen law. Pressurized hollow alveoles embedded in an insulation material in order to arrive at a light weight insulation material using the high breakdown voltage of pressurized cavities, i.e. alveoles at a pressure higher than the minimum of the Paschen law. |
| US08343600B2 |
Case module for portable terminal using thermal adhesive tape
Disclosed is a case module for a portable terminal using a thermal adhesive tape. The portable terminal using a thermal adhesive tape includes: a case and a LCD cover of a portable terminal disposed so as to face with each other; a heated sheet made of a conductor and disposed between the case and the LCD cover; a first melting sheet adhered to a face of the heated sheet facing to the case; and a second melting sheet adhered to the other face of the heated sheet facing to the LCD cover, wherein the first sheet is melted to couple the heated sheet and the case to each other and the second sheet is melted to couple the heated sheet and the LCD cover to each other when the heated sheet is heated by a high frequency induction. |
| US08343595B2 |
Chlorofluorobenzene compound, optically isotropic liquid crystal medium, and optical device
A liquid crystal compound and a liquid crystal medium are described. The liquid crystal compound is stable to heat and light and has a large dielectric anisotropy and a large optical anisotropy. The liquid crystal medium has a wide temperature range of liquid crystal phase, a large optical anisotropy and a large dielectric anisotropy, and exhibits an optically isotropic liquid crystal phase. The liquid crystal compound has 4 or 5 benzene rings, one of which is a chlorofluorobenzene ring. The liquid crystal medium is characterized in containing the liquid crystal compound and a chiral dopant and exhibiting an optically isotropic liquid crystal phase. |
| US08343591B2 |
Method for use with a coating process
A method for use with a coating process includes depositing a ceramic coating on a substrate within a coating chamber. Prior to depositing the ceramic coating, an electron beam source is used to heat a ceramic material. The ceramic material radiates heat to heat a substrate to an oxidation temperature to form an oxide layer on the substrate. A desired evaporation rate of the ceramic material is established during the heating to thereby provide an improved ceramic coating. |
| US08343587B2 |
Process of forming durable reactive thermal barrier coatings
A method for providing a component with protection against sand related distress comprises the steps of: providing a substrate; and forming a thermal barrier coating system by depositing at least one layer of a first material selected from the group consisting of a zirconate, a hafnate, a titanate, and mixtures thereof, which first material has been mixed with at least one oxide so that each layer contains from about 25 to 99 wt% of at least one oxide. |
| US08343583B2 |
Method for vaporizing non-gaseous precursor in a fluidized bed
Methods and systems for depositing a film on a substrate are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes converting a non-gaseous precursor into vapor phase. Converting the precursor includes: forming a fluidized bed by flowing gas at a sufficiently high flow rate to suspend and stir a plurality of solid particles, and converting the phase of the non-gaseous precursor into vapor phase in the fluidized bed. The method also includes transferring the precursor in vapor phase through a passage; and performing deposition on one or more substrates with the transferred precursor in vapor phase. |
| US08343582B2 |
Process for deposition of non-oxide ceramic coatings
A method for depositing a non-oxide ceramic-type coating based on chrome carbides, nitrides or carbonitrides, by DLI-CVD at low temperature and atmospheric pressure on a metallic substrate, includes: a) a solution is prepared, containing a molecular compound which is a precursor of the metal to be deposited, belongs to the bis(arene) family, and has a decomposition temperature of 300° C.-550° C., the compound being dissolved in an oxygen atom depleted solvent; b) the solution is introduced as aerosol into a heated evaporator at a temperature between the solvent boiling temperature and the precursor decomposition temperature; and c) the precursor and the vaporized solvent are driven from the evaporator towards a CVD reactor having cold walls, with a susceptor carrying the substrate to be covered and heated to a temperature higher than the decomposition temperature of the precursor, to a maximum of 550° C., the evaporator and the CVD reactor being at atmospheric pressure. |
| US08343581B2 |
Synthesis of pure nanotubes from nanotubes
An improved method of synthesizing nanotubes that avoids the slow process and the impurities or defects that are usually encountered with regard to as-grown carbon nanotubes. In a preferred embodiment, nanotubes are synthesized from nanotubes providing a novel catalyst-free growth method for direct growth of single- or multi-walled, metallic or semiconducting nanotubes. |
| US08343579B2 |
Methods and systems for coating and sealing inside of piping systems
Methods, processes and systems for cleaning, coating and sealing leaks in existing pipes, in a single operation. A process can include isolating, draining, drying, cleaning and sealing a piping system. Air can be forced and pulled throughout the piping system by a generator and a vacuum. Pipes can be protected from water corrosion, erosion and electrolysis, extending the life of pipes such as copper, steel, lead, brass, cast iron piping and composite materials. Coatings can be applied to pipes having diameters up to approximately 6″. Leak sealants of at least approximately 4 mils thick can cover insides of pipes, and can include novel mixtures of fillers and epoxy materials, and viscosity levels. A positive pressure can be maintained within the pipes during applications. Piping systems can be returned to service within approximately 96 hours. |
| US08343577B2 |
Core-shell type nanoparticles comprising crystalline metal-oxide shell and method for preparing the same
Disclosed herein are core-shell type nanoparticles comprising nanoparticle cores made of a metal or semiconductor, and shells made of crystalline metal oxide formed on the surfaces of the nanoparticle cores, as well as a preparation method thereof. According to the disclosed invention, the core-shell nanoparticles, consisting of metallic or semiconductor cores and crystalline metal oxide shells, can be prepared by epitaxially growing metal oxide on the surfaces of the metallic or semiconductor nanoparticle cores. By virtue of the crystalline metal oxide shells, the core nanoparticle made of metal or semiconductor can ensure excellent chemical and mechanical stability, and the core-shell nanoparticles can show new properties resulting from the interaction between the metal cores and the metal oxide crystal shells. |
| US08343573B2 |
Method for repairing a component by coating
A method for repairing a component such as a turbine blade is provided. At the end of its operating time, the component has, for example, a depletion of aluminium in a region near the surface. The application of a repair layer is provided including particles with an increased proportion of aluminium. A subsequent heat treatment may achieve the effect of equalizing the concentration of aluminium between the repair layer and the region near the surface, and so the aluminium content required for new components is achieved again. |
| US08343571B2 |
Composite glass element, preferably composite safety glass element with an integrated electroluminescent (EL) illumination structure
A laminated glass element is described, preferably a laminated safety glass element with integrated electroluminescence (EL) light structure, a method for producing a laminated glass element according to the invention, an insulating glass element containing at least one laminated glass element according to the invention and the use of a laminated glass element according to the invention as a decorative element and/or light element in interior spaces or for external use, preferably on external claddings of buildings, in or on items of equipment, in or on land or water vehicles or aircraft or in the advertising sector. |
| US08343566B2 |
Preparation of canola protein isolate without heat treatment (“C200Ca”)
The supernatant from the deposition of canola protein micellar mass is processed to provide a canola protein isolate which is soluble in an aqueous acidic environment. |
| US08343558B2 |
Microorganism and method of processing green coffee beans using the same
There is provided a novel microorganism capable of fermentation without placing particular limitations on fermentation conditions, as well as a method of processing green coffee beans using the novel microorganism, the method adding new, high-quality flavor and aroma to a coffee beverage by a simple operation, without instigating a particular increase in raw material costs and without requiring a new processing step.The method for processing green coffee beans includes a fermentation step of bringing nutritive substances and microorganisms into contact with one another and causing fermentation in the presence of green coffee beans, wherein the microorganism used in the fermentation step is a microorganism belonging to the genus Geotrichum. |
| US08343556B2 |
Composition for treating and/or preventing periodontal disease
A method for treating periodontal disease, which comprises administering an effective amount of a composition to one in need of treatment of periodontal disease, the composition comprising a Sasa extract and an organic acid. |
| US08343555B2 |
Composition and method for treating or preventing white spot syndrome virus
The present invention relates to a composition and method for treating or preventing white spot syndrome virus of arthropod. The present invention is based on using Artemisia japonica extract, and preferably, a mixture of Artemisia japonica extract and Saururus chinensis extract as effective agent. More preferably, the present invention provides a composition for treating or preventing white spot syndrome virus, comprising Artemisia japonica extract and Saururus chinensis extract which are coated by a polymer. The present invention also provides a method for treating or preventing white spot syndrome virus of arthropod, using Artemisia japonica extract and Saururus chinensis extract which are coated by a polymer. |
| US08343553B2 |
Essential element extractor
A Mobile Extractor for extracting essential elements from plant material and for transporting low concentrations of essential elements in a solution of solvent includes a clean tank, a hopper, one or more pumps, a plurality of valves, and a dirty tank. Plant material may be soaked or rinsed with a solvent that extracts essential elements from the plant material where the solvent washes the essential elements from the plant material into a dirty tank. When the operation is complete the dirty tank will contain a solution of solvent infused with essential elements from the plant material. The best mode of the invention extracts cannabinoid or cannabis related essential elements from raw cannabis plant material and stores it in a solvent bath. The best mode pump or pumps used is one or more vacuum pumps. |
| US08343552B2 |
Therapeutic composition produced using punica granatum and hydrogen peroxide
Methods of and compositions for producing and using plant-based materials are provided. The methods include using biopolymers or their synthetic equivalents combined with a stable source of reactive oxygen species that when applied to or combined with a separate source of oxido-reducing enzyme or catalyst will cause the formation of an activated biopolymer with increased protein binding affinity and microbial control activities. |
| US08343547B2 |
Solid dosage form comprising solid dispersion
Provided are a solid dosage form comprising a solid dispersion that allows a drug in the preparation to be rapidly dissolved without compromising the solubility of the solid dispersion, and a method for producing the same. More specifically, provided is a solid dosage form comprising a solid dispersion, the dispersion comprising: a poorly soluble drug, a water-soluble polymer and a disintegrant, wherein the disintegrant is low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose having an average particle size of 10 to 100 μm and a specific surface area measured by BET method of at least 1.0 m2/g. Moreover, provided is a method for producing a solid dosage form comprising a solid dispersion, the method comprising steps of: spraying a water-soluble polymer solution in which a poorly soluble drug has been dispersed or dissolved, on a powder of low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose having an average particle size of 10 to 100 μm and a specific surface area measured by BET method of at least 1.0 m2/g and serving as a disintegrant and granulating the resultant; and drying. |
| US08343546B2 |
Ion exchange resin treated to control swelling
The present invention provides a method and composition are provided that includes an ion exchange resin treated with from between about 0.01 to about 10 percent by weight of one or more sugar alcohols in contact with one or more ionic pharmaceutically active drug. |
| US08343545B2 |
Method of producing microparticles
A method of producing microparticles having a median diameter up to 100 μm and the microparticles so produced are described. The method includes the steps of providing a solvent having a bioactive dispersed or dissolved therein and a vehicle dissolved therein, carrying out an emulsification in a non-solvent phase to produce an emulsion containing the bioactive and the vehicle in a solvent phase, and evaporating the solvent to leave the microparticles, wherein a mixture of at least two surfactants is employed to stabilize the emulsion and wherein the mixture has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of up to 8. |
| US08343539B2 |
Compounds that bind α5β1 integrin and methods of use
The present invention provides biologically active compounds that bind an α5β1 integrin. Also included in the present invention are methods for using such biologically active compounds. |
| US08343538B2 |
Compositions and methods for controlling the flux of a drug from a transdermal drug delivery systems
A blend of at least two polymers in combination with a drug provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for a transdermal drug delivery system in which the drug is delivered from the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and through dermis when the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is in contact with human skin. |
| US08343537B2 |
Clay-based hemostatic agents and devices for the delivery thereof
A hemostatic device for promoting the dotting of blood includes a gauze substrate, a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate, and also a polyol such as glycerol or the like disposed on the gauze substrate to bind the clay material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood emanating from the wound to cause the clotting. A bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood includes a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon. The gauze substrate includes a clay material and a polyol. A hemostatic sponge also includes a gauze substrate and a dispersion of hemostatic material and a polyol on a first surface of the substrate. |
| US08343535B2 |
Wound healing dressing and methods of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a hydrogel dressing for covering or treating a wound and a method for preparing the same. The hydrogel dressing includes a matrix structure of a cross-linked mixture, and an elastic sheet coated with an elementary metal or ionic metal embodied in the matrix structure. The mixture comprises a hydrophilic polymer, about 0.5 to about 5 wt % of a photocatalyst agent and at least 80 wt % of water based on the total weight of the mixture. |
| US08343534B2 |
Tissue including a volatile rhinological composition
Tissues useful in providing fibrous tissue products for skin contact, such as facial tissue, bathroom tissue, disposable handkerchiefs which comprise a volatile rhinological effective composition for delivery to human skin. |
| US08343531B2 |
Composition containing peptide as active ingredient
The invention provides a composition used for promoting glucose uptake, which comprises a peptide having an effect of promoting glucose uptake as the active ingredient, as well as a composition comprising a dipeptide containing leucine and/or isoleucine as the active ingredient. The composition is effective in preventing or treating diabetes mellitus or an elevation of blood glucose level, in promoting glycogen storage, or in enhancing physical strength, enhancing athletic ability, improving endurance performance or relieving fatigue. |
| US08343529B2 |
Implantable drug delivery devices having alternating hydrophilic and amphiphillic polymer layers
An implantable drug delivery medical device with alternating hydrophilic and amphiphilic polymer layers and methods of using for the treatment of vascular disease are disclosed. |
| US08343525B2 |
Chlorhexidine acetate antiseptic cleaning agent
An antiseptic cleaning agent, generally, comprising chlorhexidine acetate and a solvent, such as an alcohol and/or water. The chlorhexidine acetate acts as a highly effective biocide. Additionally, the chlorhexidine acetate allows the cleaning agent to dry without leaving a tacky residue. Where the cleaning agent comprises one or more alcohols, the alcohols may comprise any suitable alcohols, including lower alcohols having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as ethanol and isopropanol. Where the ratio of ethanol to isopropanol may be from between about 1:1000 to about 1000:1. In addition to chlorhexidine acetate, the cleaning agent optionally comprises another non-alcohol biocide, such as triclosan. The cleaning agent can be used in any suitable manner. For instance, the cleaning agent may be impregnated in an absorbent material, such as a towelette, swabstick, or gauze. Additionally, the absorbent material may comprise a positively charged or a non-ionic substance, such as polypropylene or polyester. |
| US08343519B2 |
Chemical enhancer and method
The present invention relates to compositions containing at least one salicylic acid derivative and at least one cosmetic, dermatologic, pharmaceutical, etc. active agent, where the salicylic acid derivative increases, enhances, etc., the efficacy of the active agent, as well as to methods of making and using such compositions. The invention further relates to a method for enhancing the efficacy of active agents with these salicylic acid derivatives. |
| US08343515B2 |
Perfluorocarbon gel formulations
A perfluorocarbon gel composition is disclosed with numerous uses including topical medical and cosmetic uses. |
| US08343514B2 |
Sol-gel nanostructured titania reservoirs for use in the controlled release of drugs in the central nervous system and method of synthesis
The invention is related to a sol-gel nanostructured titania reservoir and its synthesis which is biocompatible with brain tissue. The pore size distribution, crystallite size and the extent of the crystalline phase distribution of anatase, brookite and rutile can be fully controlled. This device may be used to contain neurological drugs. It may be inserted directly into brain tissue for the purpose of the controlled time release of drugs over a period of from 6 months to three years. |
| US08343513B2 |
Prevention of molecular weight reduction of the polymer, impurity formation and gelling in polymer compositions
Polymer and drug containing compositions and method of preparing such compositions are disclosed. The dispersed phase formulation has a polymer, a pharmaceutically or biologically active agent and a small fraction of low pKa acid additive. Stable, filter sterilizable, non-gelling solutions containing GnRH analogues at least at levels typically used in sustained release formulations and a method of increasing solubility of a high level of a GnRH analogue or a freeze-dried antagonist of GnRH in a polymer containing solution are also disclosed. The amount of the acid additive in the polymer solution is such that it is sufficient to increase the solubility of the high level of the GnRH analogue in the polymer solution without affecting the release characteristics of the microspheres prepared therefrom. |
| US08343507B2 |
Protein from Photobacterium damselae and use thereof
A derivative of a 55 kDa extracellular protein from Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida is the basis for a vaccine against Photobacterium infection, and thereby protects fish from pasteurellosis. |
| US08343506B2 |
Chimeric chikungunya virus and uses thereof
The present invention discloses a chimeric Chikungunya virus comprising a heterologous alphavirus cDNA fragment and a Chikungunya virus cDNA fragment. The heterologous alphavirus may include but is not limited to Sindbis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus or Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. The present invention also discloses the use of this chimeric Chikungunya virus as vaccines and in serological and diagnostic assays. |
| US08343504B2 |
Methods of administering IGBPMA to treat type 1 hypersensitivity
The present invention relates generally to methods and materials for treating conditions associated with IgE activation in humans and animals, and to agents capable of modulating the activation. The agents of the invention comprise or are related to IGBPMA polypeptides from ticks. |
| US08343500B2 |
Peptide composition
There is provided a method for selecting a tolerogenic peptide by selecting a peptide which is capable of binding to an MHC class I or II molecule without further processing. There is also provided a peptide selected by such a method and its use in a pharmaceutical composition and a method to treat and/or prevent a disease. The present invention also relates to a composition which comprises the following myelin basic protein (MBP) peptides: MBP 30-44; MBP 83-99; MBP 131-145; and MBP 140-154. The composition may be used to treat a disease, in particular multiple sclerosis and/or optical neuritis and the invention also relates to such uses and methods. |
| US08343496B2 |
Anti-CD74 immunoconjugates and methods
Disclosed are compositions that include anti-CD74 immunoconjugates and a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the immunoconjugates and using the immunoconjugates in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The compositions may be part of a kit for administering the anti-CD74 immunoconjugate compositions in therapeutic and/or diagnostic methods. |
| US08343494B2 |
Antibodies against LLG polypeptides of the triacylglycerol lipase family
Lipoprotein Lipase like polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding said polypeptides, antisense sequences, and antibodies to said polypeptides are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of said polypeptides in a recombinant system and for the use of said polypeptides to screen for agonists and or antagonists of said polypeptides. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for the treatment of disorders of lipid metabolism. |
| US08343487B2 |
Large-scale production of soluble hyaluronidase
Provided are methods for preparing culture medium that contains soluble hyaluronidases. The methods employ cells that contain a plurality of active copies of nucleic acid encoding the soluble hyaluronidase and a plurality of feedings and temperature changes, whereby the encoded soluble hyaluronidase is secreted into the cell culture medium. |
| US08343480B2 |
Administration of stem or progenitor cells to a joint to enhance recovery from joint surgery
Disclosed are methods of enhancing recovery from joint surgery, comprising administering to the joint during surgery a composition comprising stem or progenitor cells in an amount effective to enhance recovery, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US08343479B2 |
Methods and compositions for the repair and/or regeneration of damaged myocardium
Methods, compositions, and kits for repairing damaged myocardium and/or myocardial cells including the administration of stem cells, such as adult stem cells, optionally with cytokines are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08343476B2 |
Method of using IL-29 cystehne mutant to treat hepatitis C and hepatitis B
Homogeneous preparations of IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 have been produced by mutating one or more of the cysteine residues in the polynucleotide sequences encoding the mature proteins. The cysteine mutant proteins can be shown to either bind to their cognate receptor or exhibit biological activity. One type of biological activity that is shown is an antiviral activity. |
| US08343472B2 |
Biodegradable polyurethane/urea compositions
The present invention relates to biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethane/urea polymeric compositions that are capable of in-vivo curing with low heat generation to form materials suitable for use in scaffolds in tissue engineering applications such as bone and cartilage repair. The polymers are desirably flowable and injectable and can support living biological components to aid in the healing process. They may be cured ex-vivo for invasive surgical repair methods, or alternatively utilized for relatively non-invasive surgical repair methods such as by arthroscope. The invention also relates to prepolymers useful in the preparation of the polymeric compositions, and to methods of treatment of damaged tissue using the polymers of the invention. |
| US08343469B2 |
Cationic synthetic polymers with improved solubility and performance in surfactant-based systems and use in personal care and household applications
The present invention is related to surfactant-based formulations comprising the polyelectrolytes and blends of such polyelectrolytes with non-cellulosic cationic polysaccharide polymers. The surfactant-based formulations exhibit improved clarity of the resulting formulations, their improved conditioning of keratin substrates, textile substrates, and hard-surface substrates, their improved deposition of dispersed phase materials onto keratin substrates, textile substrates, and hard-surface substrates, their improved lather performance, and their improved rheology in applications such as personal care and household care products and textile applications. |
| US08343468B2 |
Human sebum mimetics derived from botanical sources and methods for making the same
Human sebum mimetics and methods for producing human sebum mimetics are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a human sebum mimetic comprises a wax ester derived from interesterification of refined botanical oil comprising palmitoleic acid and refined jojoba oil, a phytosterol, and phytosqualene. A method for producing a human sebum mimetic comprises mixing refined macadamia oil and refined jojoba oil, interesterifying the refined macadamia oil and the refined jojoba oil, adding a phytosterol after the interesterifying, and adding phytosqualene after the interesterifying. |
| US08343464B2 |
Composition and method for treating eustachian tube dysfunction
A method of treating Eustachian tube dysfunction in a person includes placing the person's body in a position substantially lying on one of the person's left or right sides. The side on which the person is lying is the side affected by Eustachian tube dysfunction. A composition of simethicone in a concentration of about 0.05% to 0.65% wt/vol diluted in an aqueous carrier is introduced through the nasal cavity of the same side on which the person is lying. The simethicone composition is then allowed to coat the person's pharynx on the side of which the person is lying. |
| US08343461B2 |
Molecular signature of cancer
The present invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods for detecting, diagnosing and treating cancers such as glioblastoma multiforme. |
| US08343460B2 |
Methods and compositions for F-18 labeling of proteins, peptides and molecules
The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of F-18 labeled molecules of use in PET imaging. In particular embodiments, the labeled molecules may be peptides or proteins, although other types of molecules may be labeled and utilized. Preferably, the F-18 is attached to a targeting molecule by formation of a metal complex and binding of the F-18-metal complex to a chelating moiety. In other embodiments, the metal may first be attached to the chelating group and subsequently the F-18 bound to the metal. More preferably, the F-18 label moiety may be attached to a targetable conjugate that is used for pretargeting in combination with a bispecific or multispecific antibody. The F-18-metal labeled molecules are stable in human serum at 37° C. |
| US08343458B2 |
Probes for in vivo targeting of active cysteine proteases
Activity-based probes, which are specific for certain active cysteine proteases (caspase, cathepsin and legumain) and carry radioactive labels, are disclosed. The present probes comprise an acyloxymethyketone (AOMK) “warhead” that binds only to active enzyme. The probes further comprise peptide-like structure that targets the probe to a specific cysteine protease or protease family, and a radiolabel on the probe, which is bound to the targeted enzyme. It has been found that the present probes are stable in vivo and give specific target images distinguishable over background. The preferred probes are labeled with a positron-emitting agent such as 64Cu, 125I (SPECT) and 99mTc (PET). The probes show in vivo half-life and stability well suited for imaging. |
| US08343457B2 |
Amyloid imaging as a surrogate marker for efficacy of anti-amyloid therapies
The present method for determining the efficacy of therapy in the treatment of amyloidosis involves administering to a patient in need thereof a compound of formula (I) or formula (II) or structures 1-45 and imaging the patient. After said imaging, at least one anti-amyloid agent is administered to said patient. Then, an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or formula (II) or structures 1-45 is administered to the patient and the patient is imaged again. Finally, baseline levels of amyloid deposition in the patient before treatment with the anti-amyloid agent are compared with levels of amyloid deposition in the patient following treatment with the anti-amyloid agent. |
| US08343453B2 |
Carrier core material for electrophotographic developer and method for producing the same, carrier for electrophotographic developer, and electrophotographic developer
To provide a carrier for two-component electrophotographic developer not only having excellent fluidity but also having proper surface irregularities necessary for imparting electric charge, without generating cracks/chipping of particles even under an influence of stirring stress over a long period of time. A particle surface has raised parts of striped pattern extending almost continuously in a plurality of directions while being superposed on one another, with a surface formed with raised parts of striped pattern occupying 80% or more of the whole surface of a particle. Depths of grooves between the adjacent raised parts are 0.05 μm or more and 0.2 μm or less, average surface roughness Ra is 0.1 μm or more and 0.3 μm or less, roundness is 0.90 or more, and average particle size is 15 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and a carrier core material thus constituted is coated with resin. Thus, the carrier for two-component electrophotographic developer is prepared. |
| US08343442B2 |
Microfluidic device and methods of using same
A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses. |
| US08343441B2 |
Method for manufacturing and testing micro fluidic chips
Aspects of the invention include methods and devices for manufacturing and testing microfluidic chips having at least one capillary for through-flow of a fluid. |
| US08343432B2 |
Waste decomposition apparatus
A waste decomposition apparatus has a container-shaped body, a waste inlet for introducing wastes into the body, an outlet for discharging residual ash out of the body after the wastes introduced into the body are decomposed, and magnetic functioning means for inducing magnetic fields in the wastes introduced into the body. The waste decomposition apparatus includes pressing means for pressing the wastes introduced into the body. |
| US08343430B2 |
Compact two-stage granular moving-bed apparatus
A compact two-stage granular moving-bed apparatus comprises a vessel, a flow-corrective element, and a filter material supplying part. The vessel comprises a hollow interior, a gas outlet, a first media outlet and a second media outlet. The flow-corrective element divides the hollow interior into a first channel and a second channel. The filter material supplying part has a first provider for providing a first granular material flowing through the first channel and a second provider for providing a second granular material flowing through the second channel, wherein a vertical level of each first and second provider is adjustable so that a first flow path that an exhaust gas flows through the first granular material and a second flow path that the exhaust gas flow through the second granular material is respectively capable of being controlled. |
| US08343429B2 |
Target supply unit of extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
In a target supply unit of an extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus for generating extreme ultraviolet light by applying a laser beam to a target material to turn the target material into plasma, clogging of a target nozzle for supplying the target material to a laser beam application point is suppressed. The target supply unit includes: a target container for accommodating the target material; a target nozzle for injecting the target material supplied from the target container; and a reducing gas supply unit for supplying a reducing gas into the target container. Instead of using the reducing gas, a carbon-based material having a reduction action may be provided within the target container for causing reduction reaction. |
| US08343422B2 |
Water vapor plasma generating apparatus, sterilization and disinfection method, and method for antioxidative treatment using water vapor plasma
A water vapor plasma generating apparatus which is able to generate water vapor plasma stably is provided. By applying the water vapor plasma generated by the apparatus to an object to be treated, a sterilization and disinfection treatment can be performed. In addition, by applying the water vapor plasma generated by the apparatus to a substance containing an oily ingredient, an antioxidative treatment can be performed. |
| US08343421B2 |
Method and system for enhanced high intensity acoustic waves application
According to the invention a method (and corresponding system) of enhancing application of high intensity acoustic waves is provided, wherein acoustic waves, e.g. ultrasound, and a gaseous medium, e.g. steam, coincide at a treatment zone. This is achieved by a combination of one or more high intensity acoustic generators and/or reflectors. In this way, enhanced efficiency in an area of the gaseous medium (or where the gaseous medium is to affect something) is obtained since a second generator or a reflector is located so that the acoustic waves directly influence the gaseous medium. |
| US08343419B2 |
Ni base alloy solid wire for welding
An object of the present invention is to provide a Ni base alloy solid wire for welding, which has excellent cracking resistance to ductility dip cracking in weld metal, can increase the tensile strength of the weld metal to not less than the tensile strength of the base material, and has excellent weldability. The present invention provides a solid wire which has a composition containing Cr: 27.0 to 31.5 mass %, Ti: 0.50 to 0.90 mass %, Nb: 0.40 to 0.70 mass %, Ta: 0.10 to 0.30 mass %, C: 0.010 to 0.030 mass %, and Fe: 5.0 to 11.0 mass %, and is regulated to Al: 0.10 mass % or less, N: 0.020 mass % or less, Zr 0.005 mass % or less, P:0.010 mass % or less, S: 0.0050 mass % or less, Si: 0.50 mass % or less, and Mn: 1.00 mass % or less, with the balance including Ni and inevitable impurities. |
| US08343413B2 |
Method for manufacturing molded foam
An object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a molded foam which is lightweight and excellent in strength. According to the invention, a method for manufacturing a molded foam from a foamed parison includes: an extruding step of extruding a resin blend containing a foaming agent and a thermoplastic resin to form a foamed parison; an attaching step of closely attaching facing portions of an inner wall surface of the foamed parison to each other to form a foamed parison laminated body; a mold clamping step of sealing and mold clamping the foamed parison laminated body by clamping the foamed parison laminated body by split mold blocks; and a sucking step of sucking air between the split mold blocks to reduce a pressure between the split mold blocks, after the attaching step and the mold clamping step. |
| US08343412B2 |
Sealing of inscriptions on plastics
The present invention relates to the sealing of inscriptions on plastics which have been produced by means of lasers on the plastic surface. |
| US08343411B2 |
Method of producing a web substrate having activated color regions in deformed regions
The present invention relates to a method of producing activated color regions in a web substrate where activated color regions are formed coinciding with deformed regions. The method includes providing a web substrate having an activatable colorant and producing a first activated color region therein. The web substrate is mechanically deformed to produce at least one deformed region in the first activated color region such that a second activated color region is produced coinciding with the at least one deformed region. |
| US08343408B2 |
Method of molding an endotracheal tube for tracheal intubation
A mold (form) in which an endotracheal tube, having a stylette therein, is received so as to form the overall configuration of the endotracheal tube is disclosed. The mold has a recess in the surface thereof to receive the endotracheal tube with a stylette therein. The recess has a curve therein adjacent one end of the mold to receive the distal end of the endotracheal tube. The recess in the opposite end of the mold has a bend therein to receive the proximal end of the endotracheal tube. The recess in the intermediate portion of the mold is substantially straight and interconnects the curved end and the oppositely disposed bent end of the recess. The stylette is fabricated from a thin metallic malleable rod which is bendable, and thus configurable, to retain the overall configuration of the endotracheal tube after being formed and removed from the mold. The stylette is withdrawn from the endotracheal tube after the distal end thereof has been inserted through the vocal cords and just into the trachea of the patient being intubated. Due to the configuration of the endotracheal tube, withdrawal of the stylette causes the distal end of the tube to advance further into the trachea of the patient being intubated. |
| US08343402B1 |
Consolidation of composite material
In one embodiment method to form a composite part from a metallic composite powder, comprises positioning a metallic composite powder preform in a mold cavity formed by a first susceptor and a second susceptor, heating the mold cavity to a first processing temperature, applying a pressure to the mold cavity, and applying a thermal oscillation cycle to the mold cavity, wherein the thermal oscillation cycle oscillates the temperature of the mold cavity between a first temperature in which the metallic composite powder is in a first phase and a second temperature in which the metallic composite powder is in a second phase, different from the first phase. |
| US08343394B2 |
Pyrospherelator
Crystalline alumina particles are intimately mixed with a gaseous fuel, air and oxygen. The mixture is then ignited in a torch. Such blending of the powder with the combustible gas allows the alumina particles to be immediately heated to above their melting temperature and allows the particles to form into spheres. The spheres are then rapidly cooled to ambient temperature, providing high purity micron-sized polymorphic alumina spheres without the use of additives or special treatment. |
| US08343391B2 |
Compositions for the preparation of composite photochromic polycarbonate lenses
Photochromic matrix compositions and tie layer compositions useful for the preparation of photochromic polycarbonate lenses are disclosed. The tie layer compositions facilitate adhesion of the photochromic matrix composition to the polycarbonate lens. The photochromic matrix compositions can contain a flexible hydrophilic dimethacrylate monomer, one or more hydrophobic monomers, a flexible hydrophobic multi(meth)acrylate monomer, one or more urethane methacrylate oligomers, and one or more photochromic dyes. The tie layer compositions can contain one or more methacrylate monomers, a (meth)acrylated oligomer with a polycarbonate backbone, one or more urethane methacrylate oligomers, and a solvent or solvent mixture. Methods of preparing photochromic polycarbonate lenses are also disclosed, involving the serial application of the tie layer composition, then the photochromic matrix composition to the lens. |
| US08343390B2 |
Highly Crystalline lithium transition metal oxides
A powderous lithium transition metal oxide having a layered crystal structure Li1+aM1−aO2±bM′kSm with −0.03 |
| US08343388B2 |
Electrode having porous active coating layer, manufacturing method thereof and electrochemical device containing the same
Disclosed are an electrode having a porous active coating layer, a manufacturing method thereof and an electrochemical device containing the same. The electrode having a porous active coating layer according to the present invention may be useful to enhance peeling and scratch resistances of the porous active layer and improve a lamination characteristic toward the porous active layer by introducing a porous active layer onto a porous substrate having pores, the porous active layer having heterogeneity of morphology toward a thickness direction in which a content ratio of the binder polymer/inorganic particles present in a surface layer is higher than that of the binder polymer/inorganic particles present inside the surface layer. Accordingly, the stability and performances of the battery can be improved at the same time since the detachment of the inorganic particles from the porous active layer may be reduced during the assembly process of the electrochemical device. |
| US08343386B2 |
Electrostatic dissipative adhesive
An electrostatically dissipative adhesive in one embodiment includes a mixture comprising: an adhesive material; and electrically conductive particles intermixed with the adhesive material, the electrically conductive particles being present in an amount between 0 and about 10% by weight of a total weight of the mixture. An electrostatically dissipative adhesive in another embodiment includes a mixture comprising: an adhesive material; and electrically conductive particles intermixed with the adhesive material, the electrically conductive particles being present in an amount between 0 and about 10% by weight of a total weight of the mixture, wherein the mixture has at least 50% of a lap shear strength as measured in accordance with ISO 4587 after curing for 72 hours at 22° C. as the raw adhesive material has as measured in accordance with ISO 4587 after curing for 72 hours at 22° C. |
| US08343385B2 |
Conductive paste composition and method for producing multilayer ceramic capacitor using the same
Disclosed herein is a conductive paste composition. The conductive paste composition according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a conductive powder including nickel or a nickel alloy; a spherical particulate inhibitor including BaTiO3 powders; and a glass composition having Chemical Formula of aLi2O-bK2O-cCaO-dBaO-eB2O3-fSiO2, wherein a, b, c, d, e, and f satisfy a+b+c+d+e+f=100, 2≦a≦10, 2≦b≦10, 0≦c≦25, 0≦d≦25, 5≦e≦20, and 50≦f≦80. |
| US08343382B2 |
Band gap control in conjugated oligomers and polymers via Lewis acids
A method for altering the electronic and optical properties of a chemical compound having a band gap and a framework that includes π-delocalized electrons. The method includes complexing a Lewis acid to a basic site within the framework to form a Lewis acid adduct having a band gap that differs from the band gap of the chemical compound. The λmax of the Lewis acid adduct can be shifted to a longer wavelength in comparison to the λmax of the chemical compound. In various versions, the chemical compound can be a conjugated oligomer, a conjugated polymer, or a small molecule comprising a conjugated π-electron system. Electronic devices that include Lewis acid adducts are also provided. |
| US08343381B1 |
Hole transport composition
There is provided a hole transport composition having (i) a first hole transport polymer having crosslinkable groups, and (ii) a second hole transport polymer having substantially no crosslinkable groups. There is also provided a crosslinked hole transport layer and an electronic device containing the crosslinked hole transport layer. |
| US08343380B2 |
Corrosion inhibition of hypochlorite solutions using sugar acids and Ca
Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Sugar acids and calcium corrosion inhibitors combined with hypochlorite sources provide use solutions for effective corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces. |
| US08343379B2 |
Warm white light-emitting diode and thin film and its red phosphor powder
The invention discloses a red phosphor powder which is based on strontium (Sr) aluminate and using europium (Eu) as exciting agent, and is characterized by that its chemical equivalence formula is (SrO)4(ΣMe+2O)1Al2O3: Eu, wherein Me+2=Mg and/or Ca and/or Ba. The present invention also discloses a manufacturing process for the red phosphor powder and a warm white light-emitting diode employing the phosphor powder. Moreover, the present invention also discloses a multi-layer polyethylene thin film using the red phosphor powder. |
| US08343373B2 |
Method of aligning nanotubes and wires with an etched feature
A method of forming an aligned connection between a nanotube layer and an etched feature is disclosed. An etched feature is formed having a top and a side and optionally a notched feature at the top. A patterned nanotube layer is formed such that the nanotube layer contacts portions of the side and overlaps a portion of the top of the etched feature. The nanotube layer is then covered with an insulating layer. Then a top portion of the insulating layer is removed to expose a top portion of the etched feature. |
| US08343370B2 |
Method of fabricating a PTFE seal element and a shaft seal assembly therewith
A method of fabricating a PTFE seal element and rotary shaft seal assembly therewith. The method includes providing a PTFE seal element and a vacuum chamber having electrodes therein. Next, placing the PTFE seal element on one electrode and drawing a vacuum pressure in the chamber and introducing a first process gas into the chamber. Further, applying a high frequency signal to the electrodes and producing a discharge plasma and etching and chemically modifying a surface of the PTFE seal element with the discharge plasma. Then, purging the vacuum chamber with a second process gas and restoring the vacuum chamber to an atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, rinsing the seal element and applying an adhesion promoter to the etched and chemically modified surface. Lastly, attaching the etched and chemically modified surface of the PTFE seal element to the carrier by molding an elastomeric material between the seal element and the carrier. |
| US08343369B2 |
Method of producing a MEMS device
A method of producing a MEMS device removes the bottom side of a device wafer after its movable structure is formed. To that end, the method provides the device wafer, which has an initial bottom side. Next, the method forms the movable structure on the device wafer, and then removes substantially the entire initial bottom side of the device wafer. Removal of the entire initial bottom side effectively forms a final bottom side. |
| US08343368B2 |
Method of fabricating a structure by anisotropic etching, and silicon substrate with an etching mask
In a fabrication method of fabricating a structure, a basic etching mask corresponding a target shape with a convex corner, and a correction etching mask with a first portion, a second portion and an opening portion are formed on a single-crystal silicon substrate, and the silicon substrate with the basic etching mask and the correction etching mask formed thereon is subjected to an anisotropic etching to form the silicon substrate having the target shape. The first portion extends in a <110> direction, respective ends of the first portion are connected to the basic etching mask. The second portion is connected to a side of the first portion extending in the <110> direction. |
| US08343356B2 |
Installation for treating a biological liquid
Installation for treating a biological liquid, including a circulation pump (5), a filter element (9), a container for collecting treated liquid, a first circuit section connecting a source of said biological liquid to an inlet orifice of said filter element (9), including a circuit element adapted to cooperate with said circulation pump (5); a second circuit section, connecting an outlet orifice of said filter element (9) to said treated liquid collecting container; characterized in that said treated liquid collecting container, said first circuit section and said second circuit section are disposable and said installation further includes a first cart (1) carrying said pump (5) and a second cart (2) including a housing (14) for said collecting container, separable from the first cart (1) and adapted to be at least partly nested in said first cart (1). |
| US08343354B2 |
Sulphur removal
A process for desulfurizing a process fluid includes contacting a sulphur compound containing feed stream with an absorbent including an iron, copper or nickel compound capable of forming a metal sulphide, a support material, a first binder and a second binder where the first binder is a cement binder and the second binder is a high aspect ratio aluminosilicate clay binder having an aspect ratio >2 and a ratio of the first binder to the second binder is in the range 2:1 to 3:1. |
| US08343352B2 |
Method for collecting or containing an oil spill
Oil in an oil spill is collected by laying an elongate generally flat mat onto and around the spill where the mat is formed from strips of material arranged side by side and connected at spaced positions longitudinally to define a honeycomb structure with top and bottom surfaces of the mat defined by edges of the strips. The mat is unrolled from a supply and laid onto the surface of a body of water in which the spill has occurred so that open empty tubular cells stand upwardly from the surface allowing the oil to be absorbed into the cells. The oil can be squeezed out by pressing the strips together to close the cells. |
| US08343346B2 |
Dialysis systems and related components
A cassette is described for holding circuit components used with a hemodialysis machine. |
| US08343340B2 |
Flowing water splitting apparatus, flowing water splitting method and sewage system
To provide a flowing water splitting apparatus, a flowing water splitting method, and a sewage system each capable of enhancing the flow quantity splitting function for flowing water by a simple structure to reduce the flow quantity of the flowing water flowing to a dirty water pipe. A flowing water splitting apparatus 10 includes a first flowing water channel 20 including a weir 28 defining a water quantity of the flowing water flowing in from a confluent pipe 14 and leading the flowing water flowing in from the confluent pipe 14 to a dirty water pipe 16; a second flowing water channel 32 leading flowing water flowing over the weir 28 to a rainwater pipe 18; a partition wall portion 26 provided to block the flowing water flowing through the first flowing water channel 20 to form a plurality of water diversion chambers 28 partitioned in the first flowing water channel 20; and a flow throttle portion 30 formed in the partition wall portion 26 to throttle a flow quantity of the flowing water flowing from one water diversion chamber into another water diversion chamber 28. |
| US08343338B2 |
Reverse osmosis water filtering system
A valve assembly having a first valve defining an inlet connected to the inlet supply and an outlet connected to the concentrate chamber, a second valve defining an inlet connected to the permeate chamber and an outlet connected to the faucet, and a third valve defining an outlet connected to drain, a port connected to the concentrate chamber, and an inlet connected to the inlet supply. The port is selectively in fluid communication with the third valve outlet and inlet. When the faucet opens, the first valve opens, the second valve has permeate flowing, and the third valve opens a flowpath between the third valve port and the inlet due to pressure dropping in the second valve. When the faucet closes, the first valve closes and the third valve opens another flowpath between the third valve port and outlet due to pressure created in the second valve. |
| US08343331B2 |
Method for correcting erroneous results of measurement in biosensors and apparatus using the same
Disclosed herein is a method of correcting erroneous measurement results in a biosensor. The method includes the steps of: (a) applying a first voltage from a voltage generator 12 to a test strip 10 when a blood sample is applied on the test strip 10, and measuring an electric current generated from the test strip within one second of applying the first voltage by a microcontroller unit (MCU), and then calculating a hematocrit value of the blood sample using the measured electric current value! (b) applying a second voltage from the voltage generator to the test strip after calculating the hematocrit value of the blood sample, and measuring an electric current generated from the test strip within a predetermined time of applying the second voltage, and then calculating a glucose level using the measured electric current value; and (c) correcting the glucose level in (b) by using the calculated hematocrit value in (a). |
| US08343326B2 |
Acid mist mitigation agents for electrolyte solutions
Sulfonate-, sulfate-, or carboxylate-capped, alkoxylated anti-misting agents having the structure: R((AO)nX)m((AO)nH)p, and methods of suppressing mist from electrolyte solutions by adding a mist-suppressing amount of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds of the Formulas R((AO)nX)m((AO)nH)p and R3N+(CH3)2R4, and mixtures thereof, to electrolyte solutions. |
| US08343325B2 |
Electrodialysis apparatus and electrodialysis method using the same
An electrodialysis apparatus includes a sample chamber including first and second dialysis membranes and filled with a sample between the first dialysis membrane and the second dialysis membrane, an anode chamber including an anode and filled with a first chamber solution between the anode and the first dialysis membrane, and a cathode chamber including a cathode and filled with a second chamber solution between the cathode and the second dialysis membrane. In particular, when a voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode, ionic materials of the sample move to the anode and cathode chambers. |
| US08343323B2 |
Determination of particle properties
The present invention relates to a method and system for determining particle properties. Such properties may for example be charge, size, drift, etc. The method comprises determining (110) an electric mobility distribution based on detection of individual particles. The latter may be performed for a single particle over time, for a plurality of particles at the same time or in a combination thereof. The method also comprises deriving a particle property based on a periodicity in the electric mobility distribution. |
| US08343321B2 |
Membrane electrode unit for the electrolysis of water
The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side.The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products.Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices. |
| US08343319B1 |
Method and system for providing an improved hard bias structure
A method and system for providing a magnetic transducer is described. The method and system define a magnetoresistive sensor in a track width direction, provide hard bias material(s) adjacent to the sensor in the track width direction, and provide sacrificial capping layer(s) on a portion of the hard bias material(s). The sacrificial capping layer(s) have a first height in a stripe height direction. The method and system also provide a mask for defining a stripe height of the sensor. The mask covers at least part of the sensor and has a second height in the stripe height direction. The second height is less than the first height. The method and system define the stripe height of the sensor while the mask covers the sensor. The sacrificial capping layer(s) are configured to prevent removal of the portion of the hard bias material(s) while the stripe height is defined. |
| US08343318B2 |
Magnetic lensing to improve deposition uniformity in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process
A physical vapor deposition (PVD) system includes a chamber and a plurality of electromagnetic coils arranged around the chamber. First and second annular bands of permanent magnets are arranged around the chamber with poles oriented perpendicular to a magnetic field imposed by the electromagnetic coils. Each of the permanent magnets in the first annular band is arranged with poles having a first polarity closest to a central axis of the chamber. Each of the permanent magnets in the second annular band is arranged anti-parallel with respect to the permanent magnets in the first annular band. |
| US08343315B2 |
Integrated solar thermal and nuclear enabled water purification and hydrocarbon refining processes
Saline waters are made suitable for use in large quantities in petroleum refining operations by evaporative desalination of a water source having a dissolved salt content of at least 30,000 ppmw with the heat liberated during the steam condensation used as low quality heat for petroleum refining operations. Sea water is most suitable for evaporative purification processes. |
| US08343310B2 |
Wastewater treatment system and method
A vessel-based system and method for disposing of wastewater including bilge water from a bilge of the vessel. The system including a treatment unit for receiving and treating the wastewater to produce a substantially oil-free treated water and, an evaporator for receiving the treated water from the treatment unit. In an embodiment, the evaporator having an evaporation element for transferring heat to the treated water to evaporate the treated water. |
| US08343305B2 |
Method and apparatus for diagnosing status of parts in real time in plasma processing equipment
Apparatus and methods for diagnosing status of a consumable part of a plasma reaction chamber, the consumable part including at least one conductive element embedded therein. The method includes the steps of: coupling the conductive element to a power supply so that a bias potential relative to the ground is applied to the conductive element; exposing the consumable part to plasma erosion until the conductive element draws a current from the plasma upon exposure of the conductive element to the plasma; measuring the current; and evaluating a degree of erosion of the consumable part due to the plasma based on the measured current. |
| US08343299B2 |
Infrared plastic welding with recirculation of unabsorbed infrared laser light to increase absorption of infrared laser light
Unabsorbed infrared laser light that has passed though plastic parts to be welded with a low absorption TTIr process is recirculated in an infinite loop back to the low absorption weld interface for reabsorption in the process. On each pass in the infinite loop, more infrared laser light is absorbed at the weld interface. |
| US08343298B2 |
Aircraft structures bonded with adhesive including magnetostrictive material
First and second aircraft structures are bonded together with an adhesive including strain-sensitive magnetostrictive material. |
| US08343295B2 |
Apparatus and method for insulating conductor bars for rotating electrical machines
An apparatus is provided for wrapping a conductor bar with an insulation. The apparatus has at least one supply roll for feeding an insulating tape to the conductor bar. The insulating tape can be wound around the conductor bar by the supply roll rotating relative to the conductor bar. At least one pressure roll is provided, and the insulating tape can be pressed against the conductor bar by means of the pressure roll. A method is also provided for wrapping a conductor bar with insulation, with an insulating tape being pressed against the conductor bar by means of a pressure roll. |
| US08343294B2 |
Method for enhancing the fatigue life of a structure
An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation. |
| US08343292B1 |
Adhesive tape
The pressure sensitive adhesive tape of this invention comprises a first layer of polymeric material, particularly a polyvinyl chloride, having a Shore A Hardness of between 92 and 100 and a second layer of adhesive material attached to a surface of the layer of polymeric material. |
| US08343286B2 |
Ware washing system containing cationic starch
The present invention discloses a method of washing ware, in particular in an automatic domestic or institutional ware washing machine, using a detergent composition containing a cationic starch. This eliminates the need for a surfactant in the rinse step. The cationic starch provides a layer of cationic starch on the ware so as to afford a sheeting action in an aqueous rinse step without any added rinse agent. |
| US08343284B2 |
Film removing device and film removing method
A film removing device includes an approach stage having a flat approach part having a surface substantially flush with the surface of a substrate supported on a support member. The flat approach part faces a first side surface of the substrate at a corner of the substrate where the first side surface and a second side surface of the substrate join. A film removing nozzle spouts a solvent toward a peripheral part of the substrate and sucks a solution while being moved along the second side surface and the approach stage. A gas is spouted into a gap between the flat approach part and the corner of the substrate so that the gas flows through the gap toward the second side surface. |
| US08343283B2 |
Cleaning with controlled release of acid
The present invention discloses a method for cleaning a substrate comprising contacting the substrate in a cleaning cycle with an aqueous cleaning solution comprising an aqueous diluent and a detergent composition, the detergent composition comprising a glycolic and/or lactic acid oligomer with an average degree of polymerization between 1.8 and 6. Preferably, the substrate is contacted in a rinse cycle with an aqueous rinse which is substantially free of an intentionally added rinse agent or fabric softener. |
| US08343279B2 |
Apparatuses for atomic layer deposition
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for depositing materials on substrates during vapor deposition processes, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD). In one embodiment, a chamber contains a substrate support with a receiving surface and a chamber lid containing an expanding channel formed within a thermally insulating material. The chamber further includes at least one conduit coupled to a gas inlet within the expanding channel and positioned to provide a gas flow through the expanding channel in a circular direction, such as a vortex, a helix, a spiral or derivatives thereof. The expanding channel may be formed directly within the chamber lid or formed within a funnel liner attached thereon. The chamber may contain a retaining ring, an upper process liner, a lower process liner or a slip valve liner. Liners usually have a polished surface finish and contain a thermally insulating material such as fused quartz or ceramic. In an alternative embodiment, a deposition system contains a catalytic water vapor generator connected to an ALD chamber. |
| US08343268B2 |
Inks with improved performance
Inkjet ink formulations and methods using the same, with improved performance, wherein the inks are formulated to work as an ink set with darker inks having a higher dynamic surface tension. |
| US08343267B2 |
Gallium formulated ink and methods of making and using same
A gallium formulated ink is provided. Also provided are methods of preparing the gallium formulated ink and for using the gallium formulated ink to deposit a Group 1b/gallium/(optional indium)/Group 6a material on a substrate for use in the manufacture of a variety of chalcogenide containing semiconductor materials, such as, thin film transistors (TFTs), light emitting diodes (LEDs); and photoresponsive devices (e.g., electrophotography (e.g., laser printers and copiers), rectifiers, photographic exposure meters and photovoltaic cells) and chalcogenide containing phase change memory materials. |
| US08343265B2 |
Air cleaner apparatus
An air cleaner apparatus includes a lid that covers an opening formed in an air cleaner box is provided with an intake port communicating with the opening. In addition, a regulator is attached to an upper wall portion of the air cleaner box, the intake port is extended to the upper wall portion of the air cleaner box so as to cover the regulator, and the regulator is placed facing inside an intake passage connecting between the intake port and the opening. The air cleaner apparatus so configured provides a sufficient cooling effect, and is excellent in ease of maintenance. |
| US08343256B2 |
Integrated contaminant separator and water-control loop for a fuel reactant stream
An integrated contaminant separator and water-control loop (10) decontaminates a fuel reactant stream of a fuel cell (12). Water passes over surfaces of an ammonia dissolving means (61) within a separator scrubber (58) while the fuel reactant stream simultaneously passes over the surfaces to dissolve contaminants from the fuel reactant stream into the water. An accumulator (68) collects the separated contaminant stream, and ion exchange material (69) integrated within the accumulator removes contaminants from the stream. A water-control pump (84) directs flow of a de-contaminated water stream from the accumulator (68) through a water-control loop (78) having a heat exchanger (86) and back onto the scrubber (58) to flow over the packed bed (62). Separating contaminants from the fuel reactant stream and then isolating and concentrating the separated contaminants within the ion exchange material (69) minimizes cost and maintenance requirements. |
| US08343255B2 |
Forged product and crankshaft manufactured from it
When the density (DO) of the inclusions whose major axis exceeds 5 μm observed in the axis position of a section perpendicular to the axial direction of a forged product is made 70 nos/cm2 or below and the radius of the forged product is made R, the ratio of the density (DR) of the inclusions whose major axis exceeds 5 μm observed in the R/3 position from the axis position toward the radial direction and the density DO satisfies an inequality (1) below. 0.5≦DR/DO≦1.50 (1) |
| US08343253B2 |
Method for producing conductor fine particles
A method for producing conductor fine particles in which the advantages of conventional vapor phase method and liquid phase method are utilized while eliminating the drawbacks of both methods remarkably. Furthermore, definite guidelines and measure for improvement are given to the greatest problems common to the vapor phase method and liquid phase method, i.e., enhancement in quality of the unit fine particle and a fine particle production method controllably temporarily and regionally. The method for producing conductor fine particles comprises a step for applying a voltage to a pair of electrode consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode arranged in conductive liquid and generating plasma in the vicinity of the negative electrode, and a step for producing conductor fine particles by melting the metal material of the negative electrode and then re-solidifying. |
| US08343251B2 |
Composite filter media
A composite filter media having excellent dust-releasing properties provided with a layer of netting formed of a low surface free energy material that is hot calendered to the upstream surface of a supporting layer formed of non-woven synthetic fibers. A filtering layer formed of non-woven synthetic fibers is laminated to the downstream surface of the supporting layer. The filtering layer may include an electrostatic charge to increase filter efficiency at a reduced pressure drop across the composite media. |
| US08343248B2 |
Filter unit panel
The present invention provides a filter unit panel in which the generation of an organic gas derived from an adhesive can be suppressed although a plurality of filter units each having a frame body made of a resin member and an outer frame that surrounds these units are used together. This filter unit panel includes a plurality of filter units (100) and an outer frame (10) that surrounds these units. Each of the plurality of filter units includes a pleated filter medium and a frame body that supports the filter medium. Both of the outer frame (10) and the frame body are resin members. The filter units (100) are integrated into a single unit by welding their frame bodies adjacent to each other, and the outer frame and the frame bodies are integrated with each other by welding. |
| US08343247B2 |
Filter module
The invention relates to a filter module for removing air-polluting materials from machine exhaust, comprising a filter housing with an intake opening and an outlet opening for channeling machine exhaust through, at least one mounting element for mounting the filter module on a machine, and a filter assembly, arranged in the filter housing and comprised of at least two filter groups, arranged in tandem in the direction of flow and comprised of rod-shaped filter elements with a filter medium, said elements being arranged parallel to one another at a constant center-to-center distance and with their longitudinal axis largely crosswise to the direction of flow, wherein the filter elements of two adjacent filter groups are parallel to one another, and are arranged offset in relation to one another, crosswise to their longitudinal axes and to the direction of flow. The filter elements are connected with at least one filter bracket to form at least one filter insert, and the filter insert is detachably connected to the filter housing. |
| US08343245B2 |
Filter arrangements; housings; assemblies; and, methods
Air cleaner and preferred components for an air cleaner are provided. In certain arrangements, a band is permanently mounted to the media pack, surrounding the media. Also, the cartridge is non-circular and includes a radial seal thereon. |
| US08343241B2 |
Process for the conversion of organic material to methane rich fuel gas
The present disclosure relates to a process for the conversion of organic material to methane rich gas. In particular, the process comprises heating vaporized organic material in the presence of an excess amount of hydrogen gas and superheated steam to produce a methane rich fuel gas at pressures greater than 0 atmospheres gauge up to about 2 atmosphere gauge. |
| US08343238B1 |
Process for altering the appearance of hair using a composition containing dyes and non-hydroxide bases
A process for altering the appearance of hair, the process comprising the steps of (a) providing a composition for dyeing and reducing curl and/or frizziness of hair, said composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier: (i) at least one non-hydroxide base; (ii) at least one protein denaturant different from (a)(i); (iii) at least one dye chosen from oxidative dye precursors; (iv) at least one thickening agent; (v) optionally, at least one alkoxysilane comprising at least one solubilizing functional group; and (vi) optionally, at least one fatty substance; (b) contacting the hair with the composition in (a) to form treated hair; (c) smoothing the treated hair using a combination of heat and means for physically smoothing hair to form smoothed hair; (d) optionally, shampooing the smoothed hair; and (e) rinsing the smoothed hair. |
| US08343230B2 |
Orthopaedic bearing material
Disclosed is a polymeric orthopaedic bearing material for use as an implant material or part thereof comprising one or more crosslinked regions and one or more non-crosslinked or substantially non-crosslinked regions at the surface. The bearing material can be prepared from a crosslinkable polymer, e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The orthopaedic bearing material has an advantageous combination of at least one wear property and at least one mechanical property. Also disclosed are processes for producing orthopaedic bearing materials, for example, by irradiating a raw material in consolidated form through a radiation mask having a perforated pattern for crosslinking selected regions of the raw material, and optionally shaping the raw material into a bearing material. Alternatively, a pulsed radiation beam can be used for crosslinking. |
| US08343228B2 |
Arthroplastic implant with anchor peg for basilar joint and related methods
An arthroplastic implant is for a basilar joint of a hand of a patient. The arthroplastic implant may include a body having a distal surface and a proximal surface opposite therefrom with the distal surface to be positioned adjacent a first metacarpal bone at the basilar joint of the hand of the patient. The arthroplastic implant may also include an anchor peg extending outwardly from the body to anchor the body within the basilar joint of the hand of the patient. |
| US08343222B2 |
Spinal disc prosthesis and instruments
Described is an articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis including a first member having a vertebra engaging portion and a bearing surface; a second member having a vertebra engaging portion and a bearing surface, which in use abuts the first member bearing surface to form a first bearing joint, —and motion restraint means adapted to provide ax-ticulation restraint of the bearing joints at predetermined limits of articulation similar to the natural motion restraint of a facet joint; wherein the prosthesis is longitudinally—split into two bodies so that the two bodies can be laterally separated, each body having an articulating bearing joint. Preferably, the second member bearing surface is shaped to include at least a portion of a first substantially circular curve when viewed in a first section, and at least a portion of a second substantially circular curve when viewed in a second section, said first and second curves being of respectively different sizes of circle. Further described is a chisel and a chisel guide for preparing the disc space for implantation. |
| US08343219B2 |
Intersomatic cage, intervertebral prosthesis, anchoring device and implantation instruments
An intersomatic cage, an intervertebral prosthesis, an anchoring device and an instrument for implantation of the cage or the prosthesis and the anchoring device are provided. An intersomatic cage or an intervertebral prosthesis fit closely to the anchoring device, which includes a body of elongated shape on a longitudinal axis, of curved shape describing, along the longitudinal axis, an arc whose dimensions and radius of curvature are designed in such a manner that the anchoring device may be implanted in the vertebral plate of a vertebra by presenting its longitudinal axis substantially along the plane of the intervertebral space, where the anchoring device is inserted, by use of the instrument, through a slot located in at least one peripheral wall of the cage or on at least one plate of the intervertebral disc prosthesis to penetrate into at least one vertebral plate. |
| US08343217B2 |
Intraocular lens and methods for providing accommodative vision
An accommodating intraocular lens for providing a range of accommodative vision contains an optic and a haptic. The optic is disposed about an optical axis and includes an anterior surface and a posterior surface defining a clear aperture of the optic. The haptic is at least partially disposed inside the optic and includes an inner structure, an outer structure, and a plurality of arms disposed between and connecting the inner structure and the outer structure. The inner structure is circumferentially disposed about the optical axis, while the outer structure is circumferentially disposed about the inner structure and has an outer face. Each arm has proximal portion adjacent the inner structure and a distal portion adjacent the outer structure that is bifurcated in a radial direction from the proximal portion. The intraocular lens also has an outer surface defined by outer surfaces of the plurality of arms and an outer surface of the outer structure. The inner structure and at least a portion of the arms are disposed inside the clear aperture. The distal portion of each arm has a larger axial extent than an axial extent of the inner portion. The distal portion of each arm has a larger axial extent along the outer surface than an axial extent of the outer structure along the outer surface. |
| US08343216B2 |
Accommodating intraocular lens with outer support structure
An intraocular lens for insertion into the capsular bag of an eye contains an optic, an outer periphery, and an outer support structure. The optic has a periphery and centered about an optical axis. The outer periphery is disposed about the optic and configured to engage an equatorial region of the capsular bag of an eye. The outer support structure is disposed along the periphery and spaced from the optic with voids outer support structure and the optic. The intraocular lens further comprises a first intermediate member and a weakened region disposed along the outer periphery between the outer support structure and the first intermediate member. The first intermediate member operably couples the optic and the outer support structure. The weakened region is attached to, and configured to provide relative motion between, the outer support structure and the first intermediate member in response to the ciliary muscle of the eye. |
| US08343211B2 |
Connectors for bifurcated stent
A stent assembly comprises a second stent body and a substantially tubular first stent body defining a first lumen and containing a side branch opening. In an undeployed state, the second stent body is at least partially comprised of rings having peaks and valleys at least some of the valleys of adjacent rings being interconnected by bridges. In an expanded state, the rings of the second stent body define a second lumen opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The second lumen has superior body vessel coverage and is flexible enough to form an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first stent body. |
| US08343201B2 |
Pedicle screw assembly having a retractable screw tip for facilitating the securement of the pedicle screw assembly to a spinal vertebra
A pedicle screw assembly has a retractable screw tip that facilitates the securement of the pedicle screw assembly to a spinal vertebra in a minimally invasive fashion during an orthopedic surgical procedure. The pedicle screw assembly includes a body portion including a head and a shank. The shank includes an outer surface with a thread provided thereon, an end having a cutting tip provided thereon, and a bore extending inwardly from the end and having an internally threaded region provided therein. The pedicle screw assembly also includes a tip portion including a body having a cutting edge and a shank extending from the body. The shank has an externally threaded region provided thereon that cooperates with the internally threaded region of the bore to permit movement of the tip portion relative to the body portion between extended and retracted positions. |
| US08343198B2 |
Hybrid plate system and method
A bone plate system is disclosed which includes a bone plate having at least one plate hole, at least one pin adapted to be disposed in the at least one plate hole, and a polymer component disposed between the at least one pin and the bone plate. The polymer component includes a polymer that may be melted through the application of ultrasonic energy. The at least one pin is constructed of a material that will not melt under such application of ultrasonic energy. The re-solidified polymer component creates a bond between the at least one pin and the bone plate to provide a more rigid and secure mating therebetween, and to at least substantially prevent backout of the at least one pin with respect to the bone plate. A method of implanting the bone plate system is also disclosed. |
| US08343196B2 |
Bone plate
A bone plate has an underside on the side of the bone, an upper side and a plurality of holes in the plate connecting the underside with the upper side, with a central hole axis. At least one of these holes in the plate has an internal jacket surface that tapers towards the underside, while the internal jacket surface has N≧3 recesses which extend radially away from the axis of the hole. |
| US08343195B2 |
Drill-tap-screw drill guide
A surgical drill guide for use with a bone plate having fastener holes oriented at predetermined angles with respect to the plate, the surgical drill guide having at least one alignment drill guiding barrel that is aligned with the respective fastener holes in the bone plate for drilling the holes at the desired range of angles permitted by the plate hole. |
| US08343193B2 |
Method of supporting and distracting opposing vertebral bodies
An apparatus and method is provided for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column. |
| US08343192B2 |
Expandable rod system to treat scoliosis and method of using the same
Correction of a scoliotic curve in a spine comprises the steps of implanting an expanding rod isolated completely under the skin and attached to selected portions of the scoliotic curve of the spine at opposing ends of the rod; and producing a controlled force by means of expansion of the rod over at an extended time period under external control until a desire spinal curve is obtained. An incremental force is generated to stretch the scoliotic curve of the spine between the selected portions where attachment of the rod is defined. The controlled force is provided steadily for at least one month or alternatively 1-3 months. Multiple rods may be employed each associated with a different scoliotic curve of the spine or a different portion of the scoliotic curve. |
| US08343190B1 |
Systems and methods for spinous process fixation
A spinal fixation device including two plates and a coupling element for coupling the plates in a fixed manner about adjacent spinous processes of the spine. Each plate is preferably equipped with integral spikes on the inwardly facing surfaces for pressing into the spinal processes and thereby augmenting the purchase between the plates and the spinous processes. Each plate contains a central aperture through which the coupling element passes in order to couple the plates together. |
| US08343189B2 |
Method and apparatus for facet joint stabilization
A device for treating a facet joint of a patient, the facet joint including opposing, superior and inferior faces. The device includes a superior component and an inferior component each defining an anchoring surface configured to engage bone at a face of the facet joint and an articulating surface. The device is configured for percutaneous insertion into the facet joint, with the articulating surfaces abutting one another in a sliding interface. One or more instruments are included with the device as part of a percutaneous implantation kit, such as a dilator, a guide wire, and a sheath. |
| US08343185B2 |
Surgical stapling device
A surgical stapling device an elongated body portion having proximal and distal portions, and a head portion positioned adjacent the distal portion of the elongated body portion. The head portion includes a shell assembly and an anvil assembly movable relative to the shell assembly between un-approximated and approximated positions. The anvil assembly includes a center rod and an anvil head connected to the center rod. The center rod includes at least one aperture extending transversely therethrough and configured and dimensioned to receive a flexible member such that the flexible member extends transversely through the center rod. |
| US08343183B2 |
Self-contained medical applicators for surgical sealants, and methods of use thereof
Aspects of the invention relate to an applicator, and methods of use thereof, which can house multiple component formulations in separate material receptacles, which components can then be easily combined at the time of use without assembly by the user. In certain embodiments, a device of the invention can be used for, but is not limited to, applying hydrogel formulations to dura mater, abdominal tissue in hernia repair, tissues near the spine, lung tissue, intestinal tissue, or any of the internal tissues. In certain embodiments, a device of the invention can be configured to apply a spray or a stream of a liquid formulation to a surface. In certain embodiments, a device of the invention can be configured to deliver the formulation through an endoscope or laparoscope. |
| US08343180B2 |
Safety lancet for preventing reuse
A safety lancet for preventing reuse is provided, including an upper and lower case, moving block, guide, pressing plate, seating recess, and resilient spring. The upper case and a lower cases are coupled together with a space therein and a through-hole at the front to expose a lancet needle. The moving block is movable within the cases. with the lancet needle at the front. The guide is positioned behind the moving block within the cases and includes an anti-reverse ledge to selectively restrict reverse movement for reloading of the moving block. The pressing plate is pivotably mounted to the upper case and includes a stopper on which the moving block is caught, and a pressing projection for pressing the guide. The seating recess is defined in a bottom of the lower case, in which the guide descends and is seated. The resilient spring supports the rear of the moving block. |
| US08343175B2 |
Apparatus and methods for forming and securing gastrointestinal tissue folds
Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided. |
| US08343174B2 |
Locking mechanisms for fixation devices and methods of engaging tissue
Devices and methods are provided for tissue approximation and repair. Fixation devices comprise a pair of elements each having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being moveable between an open position wherein the free ends are spaced apart and a closed position wherein the free ends are closer together with the engagement surfaces generally facing each other. The fixation devices include a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place. The devices and methods find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions. The invention is particularly useful in procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. |
| US08343163B1 |
Spinal implant installation device
An implant installation device is provided for delivering an implant to a target implantation site including a handle with a first and second arms extending distally therefrom. A translation member extends through the handle such that a distal portion lies between the first arm and second arm while a proximal portion extends beyond the proximal end of the handle. An inserter is coupled at the distal end of the translation member and also lies between the first arm and second arm. With an implant positioned proximate the distal end of the inserter, the distal ends of the arms may be inserted between the pair of vertebrae. The translation member may be operated to drive the inserter distally, which in turn pushes the implant toward the implantation site. |
| US08343161B2 |
Femoral guide for ACL repair having multiple lumen
A guide for positioning a femoral tunnel during an ACL repair. The device may include a shaft having two or more lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The device may also include a distal offset projection, at least a portion of the distal offset projection extending distally from the elongated shaft. |
| US08343154B2 |
Modular bone plate system
A modular bone plating system in one embodiment is a bone plate kit including a plurality of bone plates, each of the plurality of bone plates including a male coupling portion, a female coupling portion and a shaft extending between the male coupling portion and the female coupling portion, wherein each of the male coupling portions of each of the plurality of bone plates is configured to couple with each of the female coupling portions of each of the other of the plurality of bone plates. |
| US08343151B2 |
Vessel sealer and divider with captured cutting element
A forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft has an end effector assembly that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposed relation and moveable from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue therebetween and a knife. One or more jaw members include knife blade channels defined therein. Each knife blade channel includes a polygonal longitudinal cross-section defined therein. The knife includes a knife edge and a knife base. The knife base includes a corresponding polygonal longitudinal cross-section. The knife is configured to translate through the knife blade channels and the knife base is configured to slidingly engage the knife base channel having the polygonal cross section upon translation of the knife. In embodiments, the knife blade channel and the knife base have a T-shaped longitudinal cross-section. |
| US08343150B2 |
Mechanical cycling of seal pressure coupled with energy for tissue fusion
An electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes one or more elongated shafts having an end effector assembly attached at a distal end thereof that includes a pair of opposing jaw members movable by an actuator from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue. One or both jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrical energy source such that electrosurgical energy can be supplied to tissue disposed therebetween. A controller is coupled to the actuator for regulating a closing pressure between the jaw members and a sensor is configured to provide feedback to the controller regarding a seal pressure of tissue disposed between the jaw members. |
| US08343145B2 |
Microwave surface ablation using conical probe
An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a conical hood reflector and method of manufacture thereof is disclosed. The disclosed probe includes a shaft assembly that has a coaxial feedline core having an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by an insulating layer. A tubular catheter is disposed coaxially around the feedline and is configured to deliver coolant, such as saline or deionized water, to a coolant chamber at a distal end formed within the conical reflector. A radiating section disposed within the conical reflector may have a conical, cylindrical, or other suitable shape. A membrane disposed across a distal opening of the conical reflector seals coolant within the coolant chamber, and may conform to tissue contours during use. A resilient aperture may be included at the periphery of the conical hood. The shaft assembly may include an angled section, an adjustable section, and, additionally or alternatively, a malleable section. |
| US08343142B2 |
Assembly and method for performing surgical laser treatments of the eye
An arrangement for carrying out surgical laser treatments of the eye is adapted to emit pulsed treatment radiation with a wavelength of between about 190 nm and about 380 nm and a pulse duration in the femtosecond range. Such treatment radiation allows nonaggressive corneal or intraocular laser treatment of the eye, for example in order to make corneal cuts or deliberately ablate corneal tissue. |
| US08343132B2 |
Apparatus and methods for injecting high viscosity dermal fillers
A method includes inserting a distal end portion of a needle of a medical injector into a skin of a body. An energy source operatively coupled to the medical injector is actuated such that a dermal filler is conveyed from the medical injector into the skin through the distal end portion of the needle. The distal end portion of the needle is moved within the skin during the actuating. |
| US08343131B2 |
Catheter for modified perfusion
A catheter adapted for use in passing fluids and medicines therethrough for use in the perfusion or reperfusion of blood or blood-fluid mixtures into the arteries, veins, tissues, conduits, or organs of a patient by selectively adjusting the flow rate of fluid supplied to a drug delivery lumen of the catheter based at least in part on the sensed systemic fluid pressure and the sensed fluid pressure at a distal end of the catheter is disclosed. |
| US08343128B2 |
Multiple-chamber medical container and bag for enclosing same
A multiple-chamber medical container 1 comprises a container body 5 having two chambers 9, 11 for containing medicaments therein and a partitioning weak seal portion 13 for separating the chambers 9, 11 from each other, a medicinal outlet portion 7 attached to the container body 5 for discharging the medicaments from the chambers therethrough, and an openable small container 15 disposed in the first chamber 9 and having a medicament enclosed therein, the partitioning seal portion 15 being openable so as to cause the chambers 9, 11 to communicate with each other for use. The small container 15 can be opened by opening the partitioning weak seal portion 13. |
| US08343124B2 |
Absorbent article
An absorbent article including an absorbent article main body which is extended in a longitude direction and having a front end portion and a rear end portion, and which includes an absorber of liquid-retaining, a topsheet of liquid-permeable covering a surface of the absorber, and a backsheet of liquid-nonpermeable supporting the absorber from a back surface of the absorber, the absorbent article includes: a belt-shaped member extended in the longitude direction of the absorbent article main body, including a base end portion fixed to any one of the absorber and the backsheet and a tip portion not fixed, and being stretchable in the longitude direction; and an attaching sheet provided on a back surface of the belt-shaped member and configured to be attached to clothing, wherein the attaching sheet is extended in a width direction of the belt-shaped member and both end portions of the attaching sheet are fixed to the belt-shaped member. |
| US08343123B2 |
Absorbent article
An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body, wherein the absorbent body has multiple linear or curved fold regions with a flexural rigidity lower than average flexural rigidity and with a flexural rigidity lower than that in adjacent regions. Accordingly, there is provided an absorbent article that can change its morphology along the configuration of wear object. Absorbent article has multiple linear or curved first fold regions with a flexural rigidity lower than the average flexural rigidity of the absorbent article and with a flexural rigidity lower than that in adjacent regions, which multiple first fold regions are provided in approximately symmetric relationship with respect to the center line in the direction of width. |
| US08343122B2 |
Device for monitoring a patient for a urinary tract infection
The invention provides for a urinary monitoring device to monitor for the presence or absence of markers indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The invention also provides for methods of using such a device. |
| US08343115B2 |
Low profile pivoting joint infusion assembly
System for the subcutaneous delivery into the body of a patient of a fluid from a remote vessel. The system includes a main assembly and placement member with a needle. A delivery tube for carrying the fluid is attached at a near end to the remote reservoir or vessel. At removed end, the delivery tube has a needle for engagement with the main assembly. The main assembly includes a rotating member that when the rotating is perpendicular to the main assembly, it will accept the handle and needle for emplacement of the body onto a patient. After the handle and needle are removed, the delivery tube can be attached to the rotating member which can then be rotated down to a position along to and adjacent the skin of the patient. This provides for a flush mounted infusion device. |
| US08343112B2 |
Disinfecting caps having an extendable feature and related systems and methods
Some assemblies can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which can be used to cover separated medical connectors. In certain arrangements, a male cap can include a movable carriage that transitions from a retracted position when an assembly with which the male cap is associated is in a closed state to an extended position when the assembly is in an open state. |
| US08343110B2 |
Injection device
A syringe is received within a housing, the syringe having a bore terminating at a forward end in a hypodermic needle and at a rearward end in a flared opening in which a bung having a bore surrounded by a skirt is insertod. A drive element has a forward end consisting of a substantially flat annular region that bears upon the skirt of the bung and surrounds a conical middle region that is received in the bore of the bung. An actuator advances the drive element so as to advance the bung and discharge the contents through the needle. The opening in the rear of the synnge is flared by being provided with a radius. The combination of the radius at the opening and the projecting conical middle region of the drive element allows misalignments of the two to be managed during automated assembly. |
| US08343109B2 |
Multi-spring support for needle syringes
When a trigger of an injection device is released, a main spring (4) expands, driving a member (7) forwards. This compresses a weak spring (11), but a spring (5) is stiff enough to remain expanded. A syringe (2) is thus thrust forwards via a collar (9), so that a needle (3) projects from a barrel (1). The spring (4) continues to expand after the syringe has reached its forward position, with the spring (11) fully compressed, so that the stem (8) of the member (7) acts on a piston (14) within the syringe (2), to expel the dose while the spring (5) is caused to be compressed. The spring (5) ensures that the syringe is retained in its forward position during this phase. |
| US08343108B2 |
Systems and methods for anchoring medical devices
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors. In some implementations, the anchor device can be installed using a technique in which the subcutaneous anchors undergo relatively little or no flexing when being inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous region between the skin and underlying muscle tissue which may be occupied by fatty tissue. |
| US08343103B2 |
Injection device with tensioning spring and tensioning element
An injection device including a receiving device movable in an insertion movement relative to the injection device, a tensioning element, e.g. a spring, which bears on a part of the injection device, and a coupling element for coupling the receiving device to the spring such that, during an insertion movement of the receiving device the spring is tensioned. In some embodiments, the invention encompasses a method for preparing an injection device for dispensing a substance from an ampoule, wherein a discharging spring of the injection device is tensioned by introduction of the ampoule into the injection device. |
| US08343102B2 |
Fluid driven medical injectors
Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid. |
| US08343092B2 |
Method and system for providing integrated medication infusion and analyte monitoring system
Method and system for integrating infusion device and analyte monitoring system including medication infusion device such as an insulin pump and an analyte monitoring system such as a glucose monitoring system are provided. |
| US08343089B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating a carotid artery
One disclosed embodiment comprises a method for treating lesions in the carotid artery of a mammalian body. The method comprises transcervical access and blocking of blood flow through the common carotid artery (with or without blocking of blood flow through the external carotid artery), shunting blood from the internal carotid artery and treating the lesion in the carotid artery. |
| US08343086B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods including infection-fighting and monitoring shunts
Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively controllable shunt configured to, for example, monitor, treat, or prevent an infection. |
| US08343083B1 |
Auto-flex knee brace
An auto-flex knee brace that employs an extension spring defined as a flexible hinge, which determines different modes of configuration to alleviate medial and lateral compartmental osteoarthritis of a knee of a patient is disclosed. The auto-flex knee brace comprises an upper thigh cuff, a lower thigh cuff, a flexible strap arrangement and at least one spring column assembly. The upper thigh cuff is positioned substantially above knee for encircling an upper part of leg of a user and the lower thigh cuff is positioned substantially below the knee for encircling a lower part of the leg of the user. The flexible strap arrangement includes a first strap means and a second strap means that securely tied around the upper thigh cuff and the lower thigh cuff. The at least one spring column assembly is adaptable for releasably coupling the upper thigh cuff and the lower thigh cuff. |
| US08343078B2 |
Methods for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity
Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate. If the flow rate drops to zero or close to zero, this indicates that the uterine cavity is intact and not perforated. If the flow rate does not drop to zero or close to zero, this indicates that a fluid flow is leaking through a perforation in the uterine cavity into the uterine cavity or escaping around an occlusion balloon that occludes the cervical canal. |
| US08343076B2 |
Sensor mounted flexible guidewire
A flexible guidewire comprising a hollow tube, having a proximal section and a distal section, the distal section having a distal tip, the outer diameter of the distal section gradually decreasing toward the distal tip, the outer diameter of the distal tip being larger than the smallest outer diameter of the distal section, the flexible guidewire further comprising a plug coupled with the distal tip of the hollow tube for creating a non-traumatic tip, and the flexible guidewire further comprising a tubular spring, being place around the distal section of the hollow tube for maintaining the outer diameter of the hollow tube over the length thereof and for supporting compressive loads. |
| US08343074B2 |
Fluid handling devices
Devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid are provided. Also provided are systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods. |
| US08343072B2 |
Coaxial needle assembly
An adjustable coaxial needle assembly for placement into a tissue mass prior to a biopsy procedure comprises a guide cannula assembly, a stylet, and a throw calibrator. The stylet is selectively coaxially received by the guide cannula, which is in turn coaxially received by the throw calibrator. The effective length of the guide cannula can be selectively adjusted by moving the throw calibrator relative to the guide cannula to adjust the distance between an open distal end of the guide cannula and a the throw calibrator. |
| US08343068B2 |
Sensor unit and procedure for monitoring intracranial physiological properties
An anchor for an implantable sensing device, a sensor unit formed by the anchor and sensing device, and a surgical procedure for implanting the sensor unit for monitoring a physiological parameter within a cavity of a living body, such as an intracranial physiological property. The anchor includes a shank portion and a head portion. The shank portion defines a distal end of the anchor and has a bore defining an opening at the distal end. The head portion defines a proximal end of the anchor and has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the shank portion. The sensor unit comprises the anchor and the sensing device placed and secured within the bore of the anchor so that a sensing element of the sensing device is exposed for sensing the physiological parameter within the cavity. |
| US08343067B2 |
System and method for quantifying and mapping visual salience
A system for quantifying and mapping visual salience to a visual stimulus, including a processor, software for receiving data indicative of a group of individual's ocular responses to a visual stimulus, software for determining a distribution of visual resources at each of at least two times for each of at least a portion of the individuals. The system further including software for determining and quantifying a group distribution of visual resources at each of the at least two times and software for generating a display of the group's distribution of visual resources to the visual stimulus. |
| US08343064B2 |
System and method for diagnosing and monitoring congestive heart failure
A system and method for providing diagnosis and monitoring of congestive heart failure for use in automated patient care is described. At least one recorded physiological measure is compared to at least one other recorded physiological measure on a substantially regular basis to quantify a change in patient pathophysiological status for equivalent patient information. An absence, an onset, a progression, a regression, and a status quo of congestive heart failure is evaluated dependent upon the change in patient pathophysiological status. |
| US08343063B2 |
Optical vital sign detection method and measurement device
A vital sign measurement device includes a sensor fixation device, an optical sensing system, and an output unit. The sensor fixation device is adapted to be placed against an anatomical location of a subject, within which is an artery. The optical sensing system includes an optical source device and an optical detector, both of which are held by the sensor fixation device and move with movement of the sensor fixation device. The optical source device is configured to produce a speckle pattern output. The optical detector is positioned to detect at least a portion of the speckle pattern output and generate therefrom the detected portion of the speckle pattern output. The optical sensing system can sense an arterial pulse from the movement, bending, or compression of at least one portion of the optical sensing system relative to other portions of the optical sensing system resulting in a change in the optical signal received within the detected portion of the speckle pattern output. The output unit generates a measure of the vital sign using a signal indicative of the optical signal received within the detected portion of the speckle pattern output. |
| US08343061B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining central aortic pressure waveform
A method is provided for determining a central aortic pressure waveform. The method includes: measuring two or more peripheral artery pressure waveforms; analyzing the signals so as to extract common features in the measured waveforms; and determining an absolute central aortic pressure waveform based on the common features. |
| US08343056B2 |
Ultrasound systems and methods for orthopedic applications
Medical diagnostic instruments and systems are provided that include (i) a proximal handle configured and dimensioned to permit an operator to manually grasp the instrument; (ii) an ultrasound probe including a longitudinal shaft extending distally from the handle and terminating in a distal end, and an ultrasound transducer mounted with respect to the longitudinal shaft proximate the distal end thereof, the ultrasound transducer including an array of ultrasonic energy generation elements; and (iii) a tactile feeler probe mounted with respect to the ultrasound probe, the tactile feeler probe including a longitudinal shaft mounted with respect to the longitudinal shaft of the ultrasound probe and extending distally beyond the distal end thereof, and a feeler probe tip (e.g., a ball tip) defined at a distal end of the longitudinal shaft of the tactile feeler probe. Advantageous methods for use of the disclosed instruments and systems are also provided, e.g., for detecting breaches in cortical bones in connection with pedicle screw placement. |
| US08343051B2 |
Apparatus and methods for the destruction of adipose tissue
Methods and apparatus are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure so that as destroyed tissue is removed from a treatment volume, the volume shrinks gradually to maintain the skin tone of the treatment area. The procedure may involve multiple treatments to the same treatment area or location. |
| US08343048B2 |
Retractor system
The present invention provides a surgical retractor system in which first and second retractor blades are maintained in spaced relationship by a third retractor blade engaged with the first and second retractor blades. The first and second retractor blades are moveable between a first position in which they are nearer one another and a second position in which they are further from one another. The third retractor blade is engageable with the first and second retractor blades in the second position to maintain the first and second retractor blades in the second position. The first, second, and third retractor blades define an open space between them in which a minimally invasive surgical procedure may be carried out. |
| US08343046B2 |
Surgical access system and related methods
A method for accessing a spinal disc of a lumbar spine of a patient using a surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly. The method can include maintaining an operative corridor along a lateral, trans-psoas path using the retraction assembly. |
| US08343036B1 |
Flaccid tubular membrane and insertion appliance for surgical intubation
A thin sheath of flexible, flaccid material is introduced through openings in the body of an animal or human patient to permit surgical tools or fluids to be inserted and removed, or debris removed, during surgeries anywhere in the body to protect the tissue of the body from the instruments used. The sheath is inserted by an obturator which holds the sheath thereon by suction through an aperture in the obturator at its distal end. Once the sheath is inserted, suction is removed to release the sheath. Then a balloon on the distal end of the sheath is expanded to hold the sheath in place in the body while the obturator is removed. The sheath then remains in place with the balloon holding the distal end in the open position to enable fluids to flow through the sheath. After a procedure, the balloon is deflated and the sheath removed. |
| US08343032B2 |
Controllable gastric band
The invention relates to an adjustable stomach band with a rigid back and a chamber, arranged on the stoma side of the back, for control of stoma constriction by means of introduction or removal of fluid from the chamber. According to the invention, such a stomach band with a preferably automatic setting of the stoma constriction, depending on the food intake, is possible, whereby a second chamber is provided to the stoma side of the back, directly connected to, or cooperating with the first chamber, such that the control of the stoma constriction is achieved by means of displacing the fluid between the chambers or between a reservoir and the stoma-constricting chamber. An auto-regulation can be achieved, whereby a second chamber is embodied as sensor for recording a pressure rise in the stomach and the control of the stoma constriction is achieved depending on the recorded pressure by means of displacement of the fluid from the chamber, or from the reservoir into the stoma-constricting chamber. |
| US08343029B2 |
Transseptal cannula, tip, delivery system, and method
A transseptal cannula assembly for directing blood from the heart of a patient and a minimally invasive method of implanting the same. The transseptal cannula assembly includes a flexible cannula body having proximal and distal portions with a lumen therebetween, a tip coupled to the distal portion of the flexible cannula body, and first and second anchors coupled to the tip. The anchors can be configured to be deployed from a contracted state to an expanded state and are configured to engage opposite sides of the heart tissue when in the expanded state. The anchors resist movement of the cannula assembly along a lengthwise central axis of the flexible cannula body. |
| US08343028B2 |
Ventricular pump coupling
A device and method for creating a connection with the left ventricle of a heart are provided. A seal member capable of moving between a folded position and an open position is attached to the end of a conduit. An introducer capable of moving between a first and second position allows for the expansion of the seal member into an open position. A clamp component is positioned outside of the heart to provide an axial clamping force with the wall of the heart so that a seal is created between the seal member and the wall of the heart. |
| US08343026B2 |
Therapeutic methods using electromagnetic radiation
This invention provides methods for treating cold extremities using localized electromagnetic radiation directed at excitable tissues, including nerves, muscles and blood vessels. By controlling the wavelength, the wavelength bandpass, pulse duration, intensity, pulse frequency, and/or variations of those characteristics over time, and by selecting sites of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, improvements in the function of different tissues and organs can be provided. Responses can be monitored by measuring physiological variables including temperature and blood flow. |
| US08343025B2 |
Centrifugal concentrator with suspended rotor bowl
A centrifugal concentrator in which there is a common shaft for the drive motor and concentrator bowl. The cost of bearing assemblies is thereby minimized. The bowl is driven and suspended from above to keep the motor out of the slurry area and maximize the simplicity of the design. A fluidizing fluid is delivered through the common shaft. |
| US08343024B1 |
Apparatus and methods relating to corrugated materials, containers, and packaging
A machine for transitioning a box cutout from a flat configuration to a collapsed box configuration includes a first drive wheel configured to drive a box cutout towards a plunging area; a plunger configured to apply force to a central portion of a bottom panel of the box cutout so as to fold the box about a lateral bisecting axis and propel at least a portion of the box cutout downward; and opposed second and third drive wheels configured to grab a box cutout propelled downward by the plunger and further draw the box cutout downward into a collapsed box configuration within a collection area. A box cutout transitioned to a collapsed box configuration in this manner may include a bottom panel having plurality of unbroken minor score lines and broken major score lines. |
| US08343022B1 |
Cheerleader training device
A training apparatus for use by flyers in a cheerleading squad includes a stable base assembly, a balancing assembly, and a fixed or adjustable column located between the stable base assembly and the balancing assembly. The balancing assembly includes a deflectably resilient member and a standing surface that promotes proper alignment and mimics the feel that a flyer experiences when being supported by a base cheerleader. The deflectably resilient member provides two degrees of freedom of movement to the standing surface when the standing surface is under an external load. The standing surface preferably provides about the same standing area as that typically provided by a base cheerleader. The column may be a fluid-activated cylinder that moves between a first and second vertical position and simulates a flyer being raised by the base. |
| US08343020B2 |
Method and apparatus for physical therapy exercise
A method for exercise, physical therapy and rehabilitation includes providing an elastic member having a tension indicator, securing one end of the elastic member, and stretching the elastic member using a part of the body until the tension indicator indicates that a predetermined tension level has been attained. Upon reaching the predetermined tension level, the elastic member is returned to its relaxed state. The tension indicator on the elastic member may be a printed image of recognizable image that distorts to another recognizable image at the predetermined tension level, a printed non-recognizable image that distorts to a recognizable pattern or image at the predetermined tension level, or an electronic indicator that provides audio and/or visual cues at the predetermined tension level. |
| US08343016B1 |
Leg-powered treadmill
A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion. Since an essential feature of treadmill is the concave shape of the running surface of belt in its respective upper portion, curved and linear arrays of bearings are used to insure that this shape is maintained during actual use. These bearings prevent the lower portion of the treadmill belt from drooping down (i.e.—it must be held taut), to prevent the top portion to be pulled taut into a flat shape between the front and rear pulley rollers. |
| US08343006B2 |
Transmission
A transmission includes an input shaft (IP), an output shaft (OP), a single planetary gearset (SP), a compound planetary gearset (CP), shifting elements. The single planetary gearset is arranged before the compound planetary gearset, and the shifting elements comprise at least two brakes (B1,B2), the first clutch (C1), the second clutch (C2), the third clutch (C3), and all the shifting elements are positioned between the single planetary gearset and the compound planetary gearset, which has compact arrangements, and can reduce the power transmission length. The transmission also includes an one-way clutch (OWC) acted on the compound planetary gearset. When the transmission shifts to the first speed stage, the first clutch (C1) and the one-way clutch are operated, and the power is transferred from the input shaft to the output shaft via the single planetary gearset and the compound planetary gearset, and when the first speed stage is shifted to the second speed stage, only the first brake (B1) should be operated to engage, thereby it can reduce the frequency of operating the shifting elements and the shifting time in low speed stage. |
| US08343001B2 |
Electric drive
An electric drive comprises an electric motor (2) which drives a differential transmission (14) via a spur gear stage (4) and a parking lock gear (5) is arranged on the driveshaft (1) of the electric motor (2). |
| US08343000B2 |
Electric drive system
An electric drive system including an electric motor arranged to rotate a drive shaft. A differential includes a first planetary gear being drivingly connected to a first output assembly. A second planetary gear configuration is in driving engagement with the first planetary gear configuration via an output shaft. The second planetary configuration is drivingly connected to a second output assembly. The motor is disposed between the first and second planetary gear configuration. The first planetary gear configuration is arranged to co-act with the second planetary gear configuration so as to provide a differential function. The ring gears of the first and second planetary gear configurations are engaged via a reversing assembly for the differential function. Also, a motor driven unit, such as a motor vehicle. |
| US08342996B2 |
Multi-speed transmission with multi-axis transfer
Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have two motor-generators, two planetary gear sets, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the second planetary gear set. A drive transfer assembly transfers torque from components establishing the first axis of rotation through components establishing one or two additional axes of rotation to a differential establishing yet another axis of rotation. |
| US08342993B2 |
Synchronous drive apparatus
A synchronous drive apparatus that includes a continuous loop elongate drive structure and first and second driven rotors that are configured to cooperate with the continuous loop elongate drive structure to generate first and second opposing fluctuating corrective torques, respectively, that are configured to at least partly counteract first and second periodic fluctuating load torques, respectively. |
| US08342990B1 |
Arrow switched lighted arrow nock assembly
This invention relates generally to a nock assembly that is illuminated and more particularly to a nock assembly that has a power source that is removable from the nock assembly for use with an electrically conductive arrow shaft having a nock, illumination member, conductor, and a power source. The illumination member and conductor are in electrical communication with the power source. The power source is in removable engagement with the nock. The principle use is for archers however other applications will benefit from this invention. For example, emergency locators and outdoor lighting displays will benefit from this invention. |
| US08342987B2 |
Football holder for place kicking and method for making and using football holder for place kicking
A collapseable, and self-assembling football holder for kicking a football that replaces the need for another person to hold the football for placekicking while simulating a placeholder for the place kicker. |
| US08342984B2 |
Multi-component golf club head
A golf club head having multiple components is provided. The golf club head includes a plurality of components wherein at least one component exhibits a different modulus of elasticity than the other components. In some structures, one or more of the plurality of components that comprise the golf club head is titanium or titanium alloy component provided in the heel and/or toe areas of the club head structure immediately adjacent the ball striking face, wherein that titanium or titanium alloy component has a lower modulus of elasticity than the material making up the club face and/or other club head body components. |
| US08342983B1 |
Golf putter
A golf putter comprising a body including a front face, and a rearward member joined to and extending rearwardly from the body and comprising a lower region, and a first cleat and a second cleat extending downwardly from the lower region. The first and second cleats may be positioned to extend downwardly along first and second cleat axes, such that a line segment extending between the cleat axes is parallel to the front face of the club body. The putter may be further comprised of a shaft joined to a top portion of the body and having a central axis which intersects a line segment extending from a junction of the first cleat with the lower region of the rearward member to a junction of the second cleat with the lower region of the rearward member. The central axis of the shaft may be substantially perpendicular to the line segment. |
| US08342982B2 |
Metal wood club with improved hitting face
A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. The main portion of the hitting face is a plate-like face made from a first material having a first density. An internal insert made from a second material having a second density that is greater than the first density is attached directly or indirectly to the plate-like face at or near the geometric center thereof. The internal insert increases the flexural stiffness of in a central zone of the hitting face so that a golf club head that has a larger zone of substantially uniform high initial ball speed. In another embodiment, the hitting face includes an insert that includes main plate and at least one wing extending therefrom. The insert is welded to the golf club head so that the main plate does not deflect separately from the remainder of the hitting face. The geometry of the insert controls the stiffness in the axial directions. |
| US08342981B2 |
Golf club head having a grooved face
The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances and angled relative to a leading edge of the golf club head. The sole of the golf club head is contoured so that the effective bounce and leading edge height are controlled when the golf club head is rotated to an opened orientation. |
| US08342977B2 |
Automatic baby swing
The amplitude of a swing powered by an electric motor is controlled by detecting a peak voltage induced in the motor coil by the swing motion when the motor is not being powered and comparing the detected voltage with a one of a set of pre-measured reference values of peak voltages obtained at corresponding amplitude settings to provide a signal to a motor controller which adjusts the power supplied to the motor to bring the swing amplitude to. The motor controller supplies a PWM signal voltage to power the motor and adjusts the voltage on-time to bring or restore the swing to the selected amplitude. |
| US08342976B2 |
Gravity slide ride system
A rotating hub ride configured to position passenger vehicles at different vehicle radii relative to the hub's axis of rotation. The ride includes curved support arms extending outward from the hub, with a first end coupled to the hub at a lower height than a second end of the arm. A vehicle is attached, via a mounting assembly, to each curved support arm to slide radially inward and outward on the arm in response to forces applied to the vehicle due to rotation of the hub, e.g., at two or more hub rotation rates. The arm or track defines a travel path for radial movement of the vehicle. When hub rotation is halted, the vehicle slides inward on the track to a load position corresponding to a minimum vehicle radius. At increasing hub speeds, the vehicle slides outward to position the vehicle in any of a number of vehicle radii. |
| US08342969B2 |
Tripod-type constant-velocity universal joint and method of manufacturing the same
A tripod-type constant-velocity universal joint has a journal raw profile with reduced weight and a reduced number of manufacturing steps. A leading end corner portion of the journal raw profile is held with use of a die and forged. By the forging, at the part including an elliptically longitudinal side relatively on a leading end portion side of an outer peripheral surface of each of journals, edge portions reducing a lateral sectional area of each of the journals toward a leading end side thereof are formed, and tapered surfaces are formed on the leading end side of the edge portions. Centering on each of the journals is performed by causing two points on an elliptically longitudinal side of the edge portions to abut against a centering jig. |
| US08342965B2 |
Displaying a game menu screen by flash program module in an on-line game application
A recorded medium comprises a FLASH program module including FLASH program module graphic data and action scripts associated with the FLASH program module graphic data. The FLASH program module analyzes the FLASH program module graphic data and the action scripts. A platform program installed on a client transmits the functionality necessary for game processing through communication with a game server. When a user requests information which requires communication with the game server, the FLASH program module provides a parameter associated with the user request to the platform program. The platform program analyzes the parameter, requests the information from the game server and provides the information to the FLASH program module. |
| US08342961B2 |
Computer, program, and storage medium
There are provided controller control means for receiving acceleration of movement of a housing or an angular speed of rotation of the housing from a controller operated by a user and image generating means for generating a game image obtained by photographing a predetermined direction from a predetermined viewpoint in a three-dimensional game space and for moving the viewpoint when the received acceleration or angular speed exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, there are provided controller control means for receiving an angular speed of rotation in a first specific direction of a housing from a controller operated by a user and image generating means for generating a game image obtained by photographing a three-dimensional game space from a predetermined viewpoint and for starting movement to the first specific direction of the viewpoint when the received angular speed exceeds a predetermined threshold value. |
| US08342956B2 |
Progressive wagering game with funding distribution feature
The present invention is a method and a gaming system for operating a progressive game that is accessible at a plurality of gaming machines. The progressive game has a plurality of progressive jackpots. The method and system involve collecting wager-input data at the plurality of gaming machines that corresponds to wager inputs made at the plurality of gaming machines, and crediting a portion of the wager inputs to a first group of the plurality of progressive jackpots in accordance with a first distribution set. In response to the wager-input data meeting a predetermined criteria, the method and system include crediting a portion of subsequent wager inputs to a second group of the plurality of progressive jackpots in accordance with a second distribution set. The first group directs funds to at least one progressive jackpot in an amount that is different from the second group. |
| US08342955B2 |
Gaming system and a method of gaming
A bonus game controller is disclosed for use with a plurality of gaming machines in networked relationship with the bonus game controller. The bonus game controller comprises a trigger determiner arranged to determine whether a bonus trigger signal has occurred at a gaming device. The bonus game controller is arranged to implement a first bonus game when a bonus trigger signal occurs at a gaming device, and also comprises a bonus prize allocator arranged to allocate a bonus prize to the gaming device based on an outcome of the first bonus game and based on one or more respective outcomes of at least one other subsequent bonus game implemented within a qualification period. A gaming system including a plurality of gaming devices and a game controller is also disclosed. A corresponding method is also disclosed. |
| US08342954B2 |
Gaming system and method of operating a gaming system providing wagering control features for wagering games
A gaming system and method provides wagering control features for application in multi-stakes, multi-player wagering games. Players have the option to choose one of a plurality of different modes at the beginning of a gaming session. Depending on which mode is selected, the wagering control feature or features available to players during game play will be different. |
| US08342953B2 |
Methods and devices for gaming network management
The present invention provides novel method and devices for managing gaming machine networks. In some implementations, switches report the gaming machines that are currently connected to the switch. The report may be made periodically, in response to a query and/or in response to an event (such as the connection of a new gaming machine). The report may be made to a host device or may be used to automatically update a connectivity table. Some implementations provide for a display of the current connectivity of gaming machines and associated switches according to the report. Some implementations also display the prior connectivity of the gaming machines and associated switches according to a previously stored connectivity table. The display may be a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that allows a user to, e.g., resolve discrepancies between the current connectivity and the prior connectivity and update stored connectivity table. |
| US08342951B2 |
Providing offers to computer game players
A method of rewarding a game player of a game can target particular types of offers to a player. A usage profile is determined for the player, which can be based on interaction between the player and items or goals in a game. Player information is identified, such as player statistics or categorization of the player. A category is selected for the player, based on the usage profile and the player information for the player. An offer is then selected from a group of offers, wherein the offer is for a real world object, service or event. |
| US08342944B2 |
Persistent state systems, methods and software
In one example embodiment, a wagering game system includes at least one wagering game computer program operative on the wagering game platform to detect a wager. A persistent state manager software component is operative to read or write persistent state data to and from the wagering game computer program and persistent state media. In one embodiment, the persistent state media is a bar-coded ticket, and in another embodiment an electronic data storage device such as a RFID device. A messaging system allows persistent state media devices to interact with the wagering game. |
| US08342942B2 |
System and method for creating betting instruments
Systems and methods are provided for creating and managing bets. In an exemplary embodiment, a first betting session may be started. Betting product information may be communicated to at least one user. A plurality of bet requests for wagering on at least one betting product may be received from the at least one user. Each of the plurality of bet requests may comprise at least one betting term from the betting product information. One of the bet requests may be validated. Another of the bet requests may be validated based on a term associated with the other bet request being within a range from a corresponding term associated with the validated bet request. A betting instrument may be created for each validated bet request. Bets associated with the betting instruments may be settled. |
| US08342940B2 |
Gaming machine for one wagered-on game symbol having extended play and method
A base game in a gaming machine that plays only one game symbol in a display in response to a wager. The wagered-on game symbol is transformed to reveal a random game play result picked by a processor from a number of symbol types. One type is a player action type symbol that can statistically extend base game play through player input in further rounds of base game play. As further rounds of extended base game play occur, the expected player payoff grows in value. Base game play ends whenever an award symbol type (value or null) is displayed. |
| US08342939B2 |
Slot machine hybrid pin and ball game
An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit. |
| US08342933B2 |
Apparatus and method for playing poker-style games involving a draw
An apparatus and method for enhancing participation in gaming activities that involve replacement items, replacement cards, or other draw-type activity. A player is allowed to hold cards (or other items) of a starting hand/payline. Multiple sets of potential replacement cards are provided, from which the player can select the desired set of replacement cards. The selected set of replacement cards is used to complete the player's hand. Multiple hands may be played concurrently. |
| US08342930B2 |
Game execution control method, storage medium, and electronic instrument
When a piece 6a has stopped at an empty element 3, a castle 10 can be built at the element, and ownership can be set to the element. When another piece 6b has stopped at the element to which the ownership has been set, a sub-game is executed so that a player who owns the castle 10 (element 3), another player who uses a piece 6b, and a third player who uses a piece 6c that is positioned within a given range from the castle 10 participate in the sub-game. When the player who owns the castle 10 has won the sub-game, the player can collect the cost of staying from the player who uses the piece 6b. When the player who uses the piece 6b has won the sub-game, the player who uses the piece 6b can acquire the ownership of the castle 10. |
| US08342928B1 |
Market-based simulation game and system
Games and devices for playing games based on market simulations are described. The games may use real market data or may simulate markets using real data. Other games may use guesses from a large number of other players to simulate the market. One embodiment is described where real estate markets are the basis for a game. The value of the real estate may be determined by actual sales prices or valuations, by automated valuation models of the sales or valuation of similar items, or from a “wisdom of the crowd” algorithm. In one embodiment, the wisdom of the crowd algorithm uses a segmented authority model to make the pricing algorithm more robust. |
| US08342924B2 |
System and method for providing enhanced services to a user of a gaming application
A system for providing enhanced services to users of a gaming application comprises a server and a platform remotely coupled to the server. The server executes a gaming application. The platform receives a request for enhanced services, and establishes an enhanced services session with a user of the gaming application in response to the request for enhanced services. The enhanced services session corresponds in time at least in part with the execution of the gaming application. The platform further provides enhanced services to the user of the gaming application during the enhanced services session. |
| US08342919B1 |
Method and apparatus for cutting the second joint of a poultry wing and product therefrom
A conveyor with juxtaposed blocks moves along a path of travel, certain of the blocks have recesses which receive second joints of the wings of poultry. The second joints are arranged sidewise to the path of travel of the conveyor, in the recesses and are successively passed beneath a support frame where a hold down plate and knife is reciprocated as the support frame is towed by the conveyor to cut the flesh and skin between the ulna and radius bones and one or both cartilages, which join the ends of the bones. When cutting a cartilage, the bones are urged apart as the cut is made. |
| US08342916B2 |
Meat processing assembly
An improved processing assembly having a meat emulsion pump connected to a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn positioned to fill casings with meat emulsion which form a strand of processed meat that is received by a twister, then a linker, and subsequently deposited on a conveyor. |
| US08342914B2 |
Mobile machine for screeding floor surfaces and the like
A mobile machine for screeding floor surfaces and the like comprises a planet disk, which is rotatably supported and driven by a drive motor, and which carries at least one screeding disk, operatively connected to the drive motor and defining one screeding plane. The operative connection comprises at least one belt or chain running over a belt sheave connected to the screeding disk, and a belt sheave connected to the drive motor. The belt sheave of the screeding disk has a central stub axle forming part of an automotive wheel hub, comprising wheel bolts attached to said planet disk. |
| US08342912B2 |
Abrasive water jet processing machine
An abrasive water jet processing machine for jetting a fluid and performing a cutting includes a fluid supply device, an abrasive supply device, an injection pressure controller, wherein the abrasive supply device includes a reservoir hopper consisting of a pressure vessel for reserving the abrasive, an abrasive supply tube for communicating with the reservoir hopper and the nozzle, and an air purge device for supplying compressed air to the abrasive supply tube and the reservoir hopper; the injection pressure controller performs a two-stage control of controlling injection pressure in a piercing; and the air purge device includes a flow pressure controller for controlling flow pressure of compressed air passing through the abrasive supply tube, wherein the flow pressure controller controls the flow pressure in the piercing to be higher than that in the cutting. |
| US08342911B2 |
Truing apparatus of grinding wheel
A wheel truing apparatus adapted for use in a cylindrical grinding machine wherein a work head with a work spindle for support of a workpiece and a wheel head with a grinding wheel for grinding the workpiece are mounted on a bed for relative movement in a Z-axis direction parallel with the rotation axis of the work spindle and in an X-axis direction crossing the Z-axis direction, characterized in that the wheel truing apparatus comprises a rotary drive portion mounted on the work head or a member united therewith, and a wheel truing tool supported on the rotary drive portion for rotation therewith, the wheel truing tool being provided at its outer periphery with a truing portion for truing a grinding surface of the wheel brought into contact therewith, wherein the rotary drive portion is placed in a position adjacent to said work head in a tooling area defined by a stroke of the relative movements of said wheel head and said work head in the Z-axis direction and apart from said work spindle radially outward and is arranged in such a manner that the rotation axis line of said truing tool is oriented toward the rotation axis line of said grinding wheel in a condition where said truing portion is retained in contact with the grinding surface of said wheel, whereby the truing portion of said tool is brought into contact with the grinding surface of said wheel by relative movement of said wheel head to said work head for truing the grinding surface. |
| US08342910B2 |
Abrasive tool for use as a chemical mechanical planarization pad conditioner
An abrasive tool including a CMP pad conditioner having a substrate including a first major surface, a second major surface opposite the first major surface, and a side surface extending between the first major surface and the second major, wherein a first layer of abrasive grains is attached to the first major surface and a second layer of abrasive grains is attached to the second major surface. The conditioner further includes a first sealing member extending in a peripheral direction along a portion of the side surface of the substrate. |
| US08342902B2 |
Deer call
A deer call includes a cylindrical mouthpiece in which a reed assembly is mounted for oscillatory movement creating a sound replicating that of a deer and a sound attenuating tube secured to the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is composed of a rigid tubular member and an elastic skin secured about the tubular member. The rigid tubular member includes a central cut-out section exposing the elastic skin to an interior of the mouthpiece thereby defining the elastic skin resonance control surface, wherein the elastic skin in the area of the elastic skin resonance control surface includes a sound control aperture allowing the user to control air pressure within the mouthpiece and thereby control amplitude of sound generated by the deer call. |
| US08342899B2 |
Method of manufacturing lamp and quartz bulb
It is intended to enable accurate positioning of an electrode top end such that the arc length is constant and prevent leakage from sealing portions due to bending or twisting of a molybdenum foil upon sealing an electrode mount by heating the sealing portion. For attaining the object described above, a quartz bulb in which extension tubes each having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the opening of a body tube is welded the openings of both ends of a body tube formed with light emitting portion and a sealing portion thereby forming to a positioning step is used, and electrode mounts each formed with a positioning engagement portion at a position spaced apart by a predetermined length from the electrode top end are inserted to engage the positioning engagement portion of the electrode mounts to the positioning step and, in this state, the sealing portions are sealed. |
| US08342893B2 |
Stamped electrical terminal
An electrical terminal operable to facilitate electrical connectivity between the terminal and an electrical connector. The electrical terminal may include a conducting element, such as but not limited to a coil spring, within a open end used to connect to an electrically conducting connector. The conducting element may facilitate electrical connectivity between the inserted connector and the terminal. |
| US08342892B2 |
High conductivity energy-saving clamping device
The high conductivity energy-saving clamping device comprises a clamp and a cable fixed upon the clamp. Inside the cable, the conductive material protrudes and is set on the juncture of the clamp and the external conductor. When the clamp is connected to the external conductor, the conductive material and the external conductor contact and meet. This invention possesses the following advantages: it simplifies the production technology, lessens raw materials needed for production and hence saves resources and cost by the direct contact of the conductive material and the external conductor; moreover, due to the increase of conductive contact area, it enhances the electrical conductivity by 10% to 15% compared to those common clamps which use tooth-like conductive parts to connect the external conductor. Meanwhile, the invention greatly decreases environmental pollution by omitting the plating process of tooth-like conductive parts. |
| US08342891B2 |
Electrical connector
In one aspect, provided is an electrical connector that can improve reliability of signal connection by ensuring insulation between adjacent terminals. In one aspect, connector housing 2 has front housing 3 and rear housing 4 that are combined together during assembly and that have respective partition walls 10 and 11 to define terminal accommodation chambers 8 and 9, respectively, and wherein movable wall 15 is provided to extend from partition wall 11 of rear housing 4 to displace and connect to partition wall 10 of front housing 3 when both housings 3 and 4 are combined together. |
| US08342888B2 |
Connector with overlapping ground configuration
A high speed connector (106) with reduced crosstalk utilizes individual connector support frames (121, 122) that are assembled together to form a block of connector units (112). Each such unit supports a column of conductive terminals (113) in two spaced-apart columns. The columns have differential signal terminal pairs separated from each other by larger intervening ground shields that serve as ground terminals. The ground shields are arranged in alternating fashion within the pair of columns and they are closely spaced together so as to define within the pair of columns, a serpentine pattern of ground shields that cooperate to act as a single “pseudo” shield within each pair of columns. The ground shields are substantially larger in width (GW) than the differential signal terminal pairs (SPW) to provide more effective signal isolation. |
| US08342884B2 |
Dual card edge connector with top-loading male and female components
An LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED printed circuit boards (PCB), with each LED PCB having at least one LED bulb and electrical connector pads configured at each opposite end of the boards. A top loading two-component surface mount electrical connector is configured to connect one end of a first LED PCB to an end of a second said LED PCB such that the first and second LED PCBs are electrically connected in an abutting end-to-end configuration. The connected LED PCBs may be configured in a light tube that includes connector end caps for mounting the light tube in a light fixture. |
| US08342880B2 |
Electrical connector with elastically held terminals
A connector includes a terminal electrically connected to an end of an electric wire, and a connector housing which accommodates the terminal and the electric wire. The terminal is capable of being fastened to an opposite member by means of a fastening member so that the terminal is electrically connected to the opposite member. The connector housing includes a housing arm which supports the terminal so as to be displaceable in a direction in which the fastening member is fastened to the opposite member. |
| US08342873B2 |
Electrical socket having suitable receiving space for a solder ball of an IC package
An electrical socket used to connecting an IC package to a printed circuit board comprises an insulative housing (2) and a plurality of contacts (1) received therein, the insulative housing (2) comprises a top surface (21), a bottom surface (22) opposite to the top surface (21) and a plurality of passageways (211) penetrated the top surface (21) and the bottom surface (22), the contact (1) comprises a body portion (10), a connecting portion (11) extending upwardly from the body portion (10) and a spring portion (12) extending horizontally from the connecting portion (11), the spring portion (12) comprises a supporting portion (120) at the end thereof touching with the insulative housing (2). |
| US08342870B2 |
Burn-in-test socket incorporating with actuating mechanism perfecting leveling of driving plate
A socket connector (100) comprises a socket body (5), a plurality of contacts (3) received in the socket body (5), a lid (1) movably mounted on the socket body (5) and moving up and down along a vertical direction, a moving plate (4) movably mounted upon the socket body (5) and moving along a horizontal direction and an operating lever (2) located between the lid (1) and the moving plate (4), the operating lever (2) comprises a press member (22), the press member (22) presses on the top surface of the moving plate (4) to prevent the floating of the moving plate (4) in the vertical direction. |
| US08342869B2 |
Electrical connector having terminal grooves with various widths
A circuit board electrical connector to be disposed on a circuit board includes a housing and a plurality of terminals arranged in the housing. The housing includes a receiving space with an upper opening portion to receive a flat conductive member and a housing space with a lower opening portion that communicates with the receiving space. Each of the terminals has a connecting section and a contact section. The circuit board electrical connector has a portion to house a middle section of the terminal between the connecting section and the contact section. The portion is a region includes a range that overlaps at least with the upper opening portion and lower opening portion when viewed from an upper side, and is made wider at a gap between an inner surface of the housing space and the terminal than a gap other than the region. |
| US08342865B2 |
Device for connecting electrical lines for boring and production installations
A device for connecting two electrical lines to essentially tubular connecting elements (1, 2) of drill pipes (32), which elements can be screwed to one another, characterized in that on one connecting element (1), a first electrical contact element (10) is located to be able to move in the direction of rotation of the connecting element (1), and that on the other connecting element (2), a second electrical contact element (23) is located in a fixed manner. |
| US08342862B2 |
Moveable earth pin for large form factor power connectors
A power connector comprises a slidably positionable earth pin. The earth pin is able to be positioned in a travel, or small form factor and in an operational form factor. The housing of the connector comprises a member having a slot that defines a sliding path for the earth pin. The member also has two sets of grooves for receiving a set of spring loaded protrusions on the earth pin. The protrusions come to rest in one of the sets of grooves thereby defining a small form factor and an operational form factor. |
| US08342855B2 |
Flexible power raceway
A connection system for cables comprises a raceway adapted to cover the cable and a raceway outlet element connectable to the raceway. The raceway outlet element includes a first connection element for connecting the cable to second connection element. |
| US08342853B2 |
System for displaying and interacting with palpatable feature
A training aid for of a medical procedure where a substance is injected under the skin is disclosed that provides a user with the sensation of “pushing” the substance under the skin to smooth out raised areas. The training apparatus includes an artificial skin area with a raised feature protruding there from that is provided by cam-driven lifters positioned under the artificial skin area. The raised feature simulates the injected substance and may be touched and manipulated by the user. |
| US08342851B1 |
Tissue model for testing biopsy needles
A tissue model and test method are described. The tissue model can be used to simulate tissue during design and testing of biopsy needle tip configurations. For instance, the tissue model can be used to estimate the force required to penetrate natural breast tissue with a particular needle tip configuration. |
| US08342850B2 |
Literacy education system for students with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD)
A literacy system provides teaching for reading and writing skills particularly adapted to students with autistic spectrum disorders (ADS). In one embodiment, the literacy system may include exercises for teaching visual sequencing, motor skills, phonology, semantics, syntax, and text. The literacy system may have a pre-reading section, which includes exercises for developing visual sequencing skills and motor skills prior to teaching the skills of reading and writing words. |
| US08342849B2 |
Display updating program and display updating apparatus
A game machine has an LCD, a cross key, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of words and a plurality of translations each corresponding to the plurality of words. A computer of the game machine displays at least one of the plurality of words on the LCD, and updatedly displays on the LCD a word which is being displayed on the LCD by being changed to another word in response to an operation of a certain push portion of a cross key. The translation of the word which is thus being displayed on the LCD is updatedly displayed in place of the word during a period from accepting an operation of another push portion of the cross key to cancelling the operation, and when the operation is cancelled, the word which was displayed on the LCD before the operation is displayed in place of the translation which is being displayed on the LCD. |
| US08342848B2 |
Apparatus for developing and/or augmenting communication skills
An apparatus for developing, promoting and/or augmenting communication skills includes an apparatus base dimensioned for positioning relative to a support. The apparatus base defines longitudinal, vertical and orthogonal axes, and a reference plane inclusive of the longitudinal and orthogonal axes. The apparatus base includes a top support surface arranged at a predetermined angle greater than 0 degrees relative to the reference plane. The top support surface has an article retaining element associated therewith. At least one icon containing article having communication media adapted for conveying information is releasably mounted to the article retaining element of the top support surface. The top support surface may be arranged at an angle ranging from about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to the reference plane. In one embodiment, the top support surface is arranged at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the reference plane. |
| US08342846B2 |
Braille writing device capable of processing information
A Braille writing device capable of processing information, comprises a motherboard (10) including a plurality of Braille cells (11) arranged in rows and columns, each cell consists of six dot-shaped recesses or pinholes, a sub-board (20) is configured to be inserted into a flute (12) being provided at each of left and right margins of the motherboard and moveable along the flute, a plurality of marks (13) are provided on an outer surface of the flutes (12), and a detent member (30) is formed between each two of the marks (13) in the inner side of the flute (12) and configured to prevent the moveable sub-board from being moved during writing. A Braille information processor (40) is fixed on a concave formed on the backside of the motherboard (10), comprising a circuit board (41), a central processing unit (42), a plurality of Braille trigger switch groups (44) each of which consists of six trigger switches (43), and an infrared transmitter (45). The Braille information processor can be coupled to a PDA or computer. |
| US08342845B2 |
Method and system for providing incentives in a business environment
A method, comprising the steps of (a) representing users within a virtual environment, the virtual environment residing on one or more computers, comprising the steps of (b) collecting data pertaining to one or more of the users' activities not associated with the virtual environment relating to each of the users' performance on business-related tasks, (c) awarding incentives including points, badges, levels, prizes, etc. to a plurality of users in the virtual environment based on the collected data pertaining to the users, (d) providing information regarding a first user's incentives to at least a second user involved in activities related to the business-related tasks performed by the first user, and (e) updating the collected data in the virtual environment as the data pertaining to the performance of users changes. |
| US08342839B2 |
Assembly for hanging a candle inside a bottle
An assembly is provided whereby a candle holder is supported within a bottle and the bottle has no bottom and a single assembly supports both the candle holder and bottle. |
| US08342838B2 |
Mold with sliders
A mold includes upper and lower mold members, an upper-side slider pushing member, a slider, and an ejector rod. The upper-side slider pushing member is secured on the upper mold member. The lower mold member defines a movement space. The slider is slidably mounted on the lower mold member, and forms outer and inner angled surfaces. The ejector rod is movably mounted on the lower mold member. The ejector rod extends into the movement space and is driven by the push bar. The ejector rod and the upper-side slider pushing member are respectively engageable and thus pushing the inner and outer angled surfaces of the slider to cause the slider to slide on the lower mold member. The mold keeps the slider in a closed state while the mold is being opened, thereby preventing molded products from sticking to an upper mold member and saving internal space for the sliders. |
| US08342837B2 |
Resin sealing apparatus
There are provided a first mold 2 and a second mold 1 that can be brought into and released from contact with the first mold 2. A substrate 70 provided in both the molds 1, 2 and mounted with electronic components is subjected to resin sealing and molding by filling with resin of cavities formed by both the molds 1, 2. The second mold 1 is placed on a base plate 9 so as to be capable of horizontally reciprocating, and has a cavity block 7 that can be brought into and released from contact with the first mold 2 and a mold clamping mechanism 16 that supports the cavity block 7 and that brings and releases the cavity block 7 into and from contact with the first mold 2 so as to perform mold clamping. On the base plate 9 is provided a horizontal actuation mechanism 11 for moving the second mold 1 to a facing position where the second mold 1 faces the first mold 2 and to a non-facing position where the second mold 1 has been moved sideways from the facing position. |
| US08342836B2 |
Flexible carrier mold
A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. When subjected to pressure the prongs of the carrier mold flex to completely or substantially close one end of the carrier mold. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided. |
| US08342835B2 |
Seal-ring shape forming apparatus
A seal ring whose abutment joint portion is opened is fitted into an annular gap while the abutment joint portion is substantially closed. The annular gap is formed between an inner circumferential surface of a hole portion provided in an outer circumferential jig and an outer circumferential surface of an inner circumferential jig disposed in the hole portion, and has a heating region and a cooling region. The seal ring is passed through the heating region and then passed through the cooling region in the annular gap. The outer circumferential jig and the inner circumferential jig are maintained at a constant temperature higher than a glass transition temperature of a resin material for the seal ring in the heating region, and maintained at a constant temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the resin material for the seal ring in the cooling region. |
| US08342834B2 |
Method and apparatus for spinning and crimping a synthetic multifilament yarn
A method and an apparatus for spinning and crimping a synthetic multifilament yarn, wherein a filament bundle is spun from a polymer melt and compressed to a yarn plug. The yarn plug is advanced at a cooling speed and cooled within a cooling zone in a moving cooling groove. After cooling, the yarn plug is disentangled to form a crimped yarn, with the latter being wound to a package. To obtain an adequate cooling of the yarn plug and, with that, a stable and highest possible crimp in the yarn, the method of the invention provides for selecting the length of the cooling zone and the cooling speed of the yarn plug such that the yarn plug is cooled in the cooling groove over a period of at least 1 second. To this end, the apparatus of the invention includes a cooling groove, whose width is dimensioned such that the yarn plug can be advanced in meander form in a plurality of superposed layers. |
| US08342833B2 |
Three-dimensional object forming apparatus
A three-dimensional object forming apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object includes: a base platform; a transmission portion; a detachable construction tank; a movable powder supplying tank provided for driving to supply construction powder above the detachable construction tank; a print module including at least a print cartridge with at least a nozzle; a heating portion; an lifting portion arranged below the detachable construction tank; a nozzle cleaning module; a nozzle sealing module having a holder, at least a sealing portion and a moisture portion; and a stretchable dust-proof cover connected to a side of the powder supplying tank, which is provided for moving together with the powder supplying tank to cover the construction powder in the construction tank. |
| US08342828B2 |
Seal for a rotary vane pump
A pump includes a housing and a shaft rotatable about an axis. The shaft has a shaft diameter and has a portion disposed within the housing. A plurality of retractable vanes is coupled to the shaft and each vane includes a first end that contacts the housing. A seal element is positioned to define a seal between the shaft and the housing. The seal element includes a first bushing, a second bushing, and a dry seal assembly including a wiper that defines a diameter that is smaller than the shaft diameter. |
| US08342827B2 |
Hermetic compressor and refrigeration cycle device having the same
Disclosed are a hermetic compressor and a refrigeration cycle device having the same. An oil separator for separating oil from a refrigerant is installed outside a casing. The oil separated by the oil separator is recollected into the casing by an oil pump driven by a driving force of a driving motor. The oil is recollected from the refrigerant and fabrication costs are be reduced. A cooling capability of the refrigeration cycle device is enhanced, the compressor has a simplified configuration, and the fabrication costs are reduced. Because an outlet of a discharge opening through which oil is discharged to the casing from the oil pump is installed at a position lower than a minimum level of oil in the casing, the refrigerant is prevented from backflowing into an oil passage, and the occurrence of air bubbles on the surface of oil in the compressor may be prevented. |
| US08342826B2 |
Variable capacity vane pump
A variable capacity vane pump (100) has a pump housing (10) having a high-load bearing part (10a) on which a higher load is exerted than another part when the pump vane pump (100) operates. A control valve (21) for varying a capacity of the vane pump (100) is provided in a valve housing (28) which is formed integrally in the pump housing (10). By arranging the valve housing (28) on the same side of the pump housing (10) as the high-load bearing part (10a) with respect to the rotation axis of the vane pump (100), the high-load bearing part (10a) can be reinforced without increasing the size of the vane pump (100). |
| US08342825B2 |
2 stage rotary compressor
The present invention provides a 2 stage rotary compressor (100) including a hermetic container (101), a 2 stage compression assembly provided in the hermetic container, wherein a low pressure compression assembly (120), a middle plate (130) and a high pressure compression assembly (140) are successively stacked from any one of upper and lower portions, a first discharge port (124) for discharging middle pressure refrigerant compressed in the low pressure compression assembly (120) a second discharge port (162p) for discharging high pressure refrigerant compressed in the high pressure compression assembly (130) and a third discharge port (172p) positioned at any one of the upper and lower portions of the 2 stage compression assembly to discharge high pressure refrigerant compressed in the 2 stage compression assembly to the hermetic container (101), wherein an area of the third discharge port (172p) is larger than 0.5 times of an area of the first discharge port and smaller than 1.0 times thereof. As a volume flow of refrigerant compressed in the low pressure compression assembly (120) determines a volume flow of refrigerant compressed in the entire 2 stage compression assembly, a size of the third discharge port discharging refrigerant compressed in the 2 stage compression assembly is preferably optimized at a ratio with respect to a size of the first discharge port (127). Therefore, the size of the third discharge port (172p) can be optimized to suppress noise of the compressor. |
| US08342823B2 |
Sludge suction apparatus for offshore structure
Disclosed is a sludge suction apparatus for an offshore structure. The sludge suction apparatus includes a housing having an upper mounting hole and a lower mounting hole; a suction valve installed in the lower mounting hole in line with a suction hole to selectively suck sludge according to variation of internal pressure of the housing; an exhaust valve installed in the upper mounting hole to communicate with the exhaust hole and aligned coaxially with the suction valve to exhaust the sludge to an outside through the exhaust hole; a valve port coupled to an upper portion of the upper mounting hole and formed with a fixing groove coupled with an upper portion of the exhaust valve; and a piston assembly fixedly coupled with the coupling section and reciprocated in forward and rearward directions to operate the suction valve and the exhaust valve. |
| US08342822B2 |
Suction device for dental, medical and industrial purposes
A suction device for dental, medical and industrial purposes with a radial fan with a suction side and a delivery side. An air outlet of a centrifugal separator is connected to the suction side of the fan. At least one drive motor controlled by a control unit, and in the form of a rotating electric motor, drives the fan and the separator. A fan drive motor and a separator drive motor are arranged, uncoupled in terms of rotation, one behind the other on a common shaft fixed to the housing. The respective stators are supported by the common shaft. The rotating parts of the fan are connected to the rotor of the fan drive motor, and the rotating parts of the separator are connected to the rotor of the separator drive motor and are mounted to rotate coaxially with respect to the shaft fixed to the housing. |
| US08342821B2 |
Tuned bearing
A bearing assembly for a submersible pump motor has a bearing body, having a hub, an outer portion, and a plurality of wing portions. The wing portions are spaced apart to form a plurality of cavities in the bearing body. A mass damper is mounted to the hub. The mass damper has an upper portion, a lower portion and mass damper prongs connecting the upper and lower portion. The mass damper prongs are disposed in the cavities, and act to reduce the amplitude of the vibrating frequency of the motor shaft. |
| US08342818B2 |
Wave powered pumping apparatus
An apparatus is disclosed for an improved float type wave powered pump that uses the continuous rising and falling wave action in a body of water to pump a fluid. The pump includes piston and cylinder assemblies that are configured for relative reciprocal movement therebetween. One of the assemblies is anchored to the floor of the body of water and the other is vertically moveable in response to a drive float riding on a wave. The pump selectively includes a tide compensating device to reduce the ratio of vertical travel of the drive float to vertical travel of the moveable assembly. The pump also selectively includes a fluid inlet check valve incorporating a support plate of the piston assembly with openings therein and a cover for the same. The pump further selectively includes a directional pressure-activated seal at the point of sliding connection between the piston rod and the cylinder. |
| US08342813B2 |
Combined pumping system comprising a getter pump and an ion pump
A combined pumping system comprises a getter pump and an ion pump. The getter and ion pumps are mounted on a same flange and are arranged on the same side of the flange at two different points thereof. The flange can be mounted to a vacuum chamber, such that the combined pumping system evacuates the vacuum chamber. |
| US08342808B2 |
Cooling fan
A cooling fan of the present invention includes: a bottomed cylindrical boss portion; and a plurality of blades provided on an outer circumferential surface of the boss portion, the blades radiating in a radial direction, in which a ring member for connecting the blades with each other is provided on a side radially inner from tips of the blades. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cooling fan capable of preventing the worsening of the noise characteristic and also of enhancing the versatility even if the blades are made thinner. |
| US08342801B2 |
Method for controlling of at least one element of a first component of a wind turbine, control device and use of the control device
The invention concerns a method for controlling of at least one element of a first component of a wind turbine and a control device not permanently belonging to the wind turbine wherein the control device is connected to a communication interface of the first component for supporting the mounting of the first component and a second component of the wind turbine with each other and/or for the purpose of service of the wind turbine. Moreover the invention concerns the use of the control device for controlling of at least one element of a first component of a wind turbine during the mounting of the first component and a second component of the wind turbine with each other and/or during a service procedure of the wind turbine. |
| US08342795B2 |
Support member for optimizing dynamic load distribution and attenuating vibration
A support member for a compressor having a shell may include a hub receiving a load from the compressor, at least three spokes radially extending from the hub, and at least three attachment locations attaching the at least three spokes to the shell. The support member may further include at least one connecting portion extending between at least two of the at least three spokes to transmit a load between the at least two spokes, whereby the at least one connecting portion is spaced apart and separated from the shell. |
| US08342791B2 |
Depalletizing device
The invention relates to a depalletizing device comprising a carriage as well as a friction roller attached to the carriage, which friction roller is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis and is coupled to a rotational drive in order to rotate. The carriage can be moved to and fro in a direction at right angles to the rotation axis of the friction roller in order to push the friction roller against a side of an object on the pallet in such a manner that the friction roller exerts an upward friction force on the object as a result of which the object is raised on that side, and in order for the friction roller to pass underneath said object after the latter has been raised. The depalletizing device comprises drive means with variable driving power in order to drive the carriage. The drive means comprise detection means. The drive means are designed such that, when the carriage moves, it is driven with a power of not more than a base value and that, when the friction roller engages on the side of the object, the driving power is increased from that power until the detection means detect that the object has been raised. The power is then immediately reduced to the power of not more than the said base value when the detection means detect that the object has been raised sufficiently high. |
| US08342790B2 |
Method and device for stacking plate-shaped bodies
The invention relates to a device for stacking plate-shaped bodies, comprising the following features: a) a plate-shaped body (2) is conveyed by a conveying device (3) to the region of the push comb (7); b) the push comb (7) pushes the plate-shaped body (2) onto a surface that consists of the front tablet comb (6) and the rear tablet comb (5); c) the retaining comb (8) prevents a return movement of the plate-shaped body when the front tablet comb (6) and the rear tablet comb (5) move apart from one another and controls the falling motion of the plate-shaped body (2) onto the plate stack. The invention also relates to an associated method and a machine-readable support provided with the program code for carrying out said method. |
| US08342788B2 |
Chiplessly thread-forming screw
A chiplessly thread-forming screw has a stem (11) at one end of which a tip (13) is provided and at another end of which a head (14) is provided, and which has a pointed conical section (21) extending from the tip (13) in a direction of the head (14), a cylindrical section (25) arranged between the first pointed section (21) and the head (14), a first cambered section (22) adjoining the pointed conical section (21) in the direction of the head, and a second cambered section (24) arranged between the first cambered section (22) and the cylindrical section (25) and an outer surface (16) of which has a second curvature radius (R2) unequal to the first curvature radius (R1) of the outer surface (12) of the first cambered section (21). |
| US08342785B1 |
Trailer for transport of standardized shipping containers
A universal trailer designed to accommodate and transport a container of a family of containers having a standardized base footprint has a simple horizontal frame bed sized to the standardized base footprint of the container. The compact size and low profile of the trailer allows the entire trailer with mounted container to be rolled into and out of standard intermodal containers as an integrated unit. Securement of the container to the trailer is by a simple but reliable sliding rod mechanism which engages tabs on the container. An adjustable height hitch and 12/24 VDC compatible electrical system allow the trailer to be towed by almost any vehicle. The trailer greatly shipment time by allowing trailer interchange among different parties having different tow vehicles, by facilitating loading and unloading into and out of standard intermodal containers, and providing quick and easy yet reliable securement of the container to the trailer. |
| US08342783B2 |
Key cutting machine
A key cutting machine is provided for cutting a key blank from a master key. The key cutting machine comprises a first cutting member that rotates about a substantially horizontal axis for cutting a key pattern on a key blank and a second cutting member that rotates about a substantially vertical axis for cutting a key pattern on a key blank. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described. |
| US08342779B2 |
Cutting insert and cutting method
In a cutting insert of the invention, a protruded portion formed on an upper surface lying more inward than a breaker groove along a corner comprises a breaker projection adjacentmost to the corner; a breaker wall face formed connectedly with the breaker projection so as to project more upward than the breaker projection; and a breaker side face formed connectedly with the breaker wall face. The breaker wall face is formed to have a smaller width toward the projecting direction of the breaker wall face, and inclined to have a higher position as it departs from the corner. The breaker side face is formed to have a larger width as it departs from the corner. The height of the breaker projection is not more than half of the height of the top of the breaker wall face, and is lower than the height of the cutting edge along the corner. A cutting method using a cutting tool comprising the cutting insert is also provided. |
| US08342778B2 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating the subterranean support of underground conduits having a fixed insertion axis
A vibratory pile driver configured to insert curved sheet pile beneath a conduit by rotating the pile driver about a fixed pivot element to advance the curved sheet pile along a fixed arc. In one exemplary embodiment, the distance between the fixed pivot element and the clamps that secured the curved sheet pile to the pile driver is the same as the radius of curvature of the curved sheet pile. In another exemplary embodiment, when the curved sheet pile is secured to the pile driver by the clamps, the center of the radius of curvature of the curved sheet pile lies substantially on the rotational axis of the fixed pivot element. In this embodiment, the vibratory pile driver may be rotated about the fixed pivot element to advance the curved sheet pile along an arc having curvature substantially identical to the radius of curvature of the curved sheet pile. |
| US08342775B2 |
Groundwater control system with purity sensor and method
A groundwater control system and method for regulating the level of groundwater in an agricultural field according to selected criteria concerning the purity of the groundwater including a drainage tile line having a water flow regulator that is computer controlled through a communications link in response to the selected criteria. |
| US08342774B2 |
Conveying system
A conveying system for conveying material having a tendency to stick, in particular a mobile conveying system for paving material used for constructing road mats has at least one conveying element which is accommodated in a conveying channel. The conveying element is directly or indirectly driven by at least one combustion engine. The conveying system has a primary heating device predominantly for the conveying element and/or the conveying system. Furthermore, the conveying system has at least one secondary heating device for at least partially relieving the primary heating device. The secondary heating device is operated with direct or indirect exit heat of the combustion engine. Alternatively, a combination of a primary heating device and at least one secondary heating device is provided, which secondary heating device is operated with exit heat originating from the combustion engine in order to at least partially relieve the primary heating device. |
| US08342772B2 |
Civil engineering machine for spreading material for spreading on soils or base materials
A civil engineering machine for spreading material for spreading on soils or base materials, and in particular a civil engineering machine for spreading binders for soil or base material stabilization, has a container for material for spreading to receive the material for spreading and a spreading arrangement having one or more outlet openings for the discharge of the material for spreading. An anti-dust arrangement is arranged below the outlet openings, and is characterized in that there is created below the outlet openings a spreading compartment which is bounded by one or more first anti-dust members and in that there is created an anti-dust space which is bounded by one or more second anti-dust members. |
| US08342770B2 |
Coupling device intended to connect first and second elements which are hinged with respect to one another
Disclosed is a coupling device (1) intended to connect first and second elements which are articulated with respect to one another, wherein the device includes a compression element (2) designed to allow a compressive force to pass from one element to another in a first state, and a tension element (3) designed to allow a tensile force to pass from one element to another in a second state, the compression element additionally forming a substitution tension element designed to allow a tensile force to pass from one element to another in a third state corresponding to the fracturing of the tension element. |
| US08342769B2 |
Pivot socket with cartridge bearing and vehicle steering linkage therewith
A pivot socket includes a housing with an inner surface providing a cavity extending between a substantially closed end and an open end. A cartridge bearing is received in the cavity with a spring disposed between the closed end and the cartridge bearing. The cartridge bearing has an inner surface with a cylindrical portion and conical portion converging inwardly from the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion houses a tapered bearing for relative axial movement therewith. A stud having opposite first and second tapered surfaces diverging away from one another is received in the cartridge bearing, with the first tapered surface engaging the tapered bearing for relative sliding movement therewith and the second tapered surface engaging the conical portion of the cartridge bearing for relative sliding movement therewith, thereby causing the relative axial movement between the tapered bearing and the cartridge bearing. |
| US08342765B2 |
Liquid applicator
A liquid applicator contains a hollow body portion incorporating a reservoir portion for containing a liquid to be applied by the applicator; an outlet portion having first and second ends, the first end being connected to an outlet mouth of the reservoir; an applicator tip assembly provided on the second end of the outlet portion for discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via said outlet portion; a plug located in the mouth of the reservoir portion; and actuator for applying an actuating force to the mouth wall to effect movement of the plug towards the outlet portion and for squeezing the walls of the reservoir portion to effect discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via the outlet portion and the applicator device. The liquid to be dispensed is retained in a reservoir that is sealed by a plug until usage. |
| US08342761B2 |
Coating/developing apparatus and coating/developing method
Disclosed is an coating/developing apparatus and method thereof in which the processing time is shortened and the foot prints is reduced by shortening the travel distance of a wafer transfer arm. The coating/developing apparatus of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, liquid processing part (COT) that processes the substrate using a liquid, a cooling processing part (CA) provided to correspond to the liquid processing part (COT) and perform the cooling process for the substrate, a liquid processing unit (COTU) provided to correspond to the cooling processing part (CA) and equipped with a heating processing part (HP) that performs a heating processing for the substrate. The cooling processing part (CA) transfers the substrate to/from the liquid processing part (COT) and the heating processing part (HP). |
| US08342760B2 |
Camera accessory, camera body, and camera system
A camera accessory is detachably mounted at a camera body that includes a first body contact point, a second body contact point, a third body contact point, a fourth body contact point and a fifth body contact point and detects disengagement of the camera accessory when the fifth body contact point sustains a signal level corresponding to a first truth value continuously over a length of time equal to or greater than a predetermined time length. In the camera accessory, the accessory-side communication control device executes control so as to ensure that the signal assuming a level corresponding to the first truth value is not continuously output from the fifth accessory contact point any longer than the predetermined time length while the operating voltage supply from the camera body is provided via the first accessory contact point. |
| US08342755B2 |
Fiber optic connector and method for assembling
A connector and method for assembling a connector. The connector includes a ferrule that is retainably engaged within a hub. The connector further includes a rear housing and a front housing. The front housing is sized to receive and rotationally retain the hub. The front housing has a bore that receives and engages the exterior surface of a rear housing. The front and rear housing include engagement members that allow the rear housing to be retained within the front housing. A grip housing slideably mounts to the front housing. A boot mounts to the rear housing and terminates before the grip. An inner passage of the rear housing includes a flared passage adjacent to the hub. |
| US08342748B2 |
Electronic thermometer with flex circuit location
A method of making a probe for an electronic thermometer includes positioning a flex circuit together with a probe shaft. Connecting a locating member to the probe shaft. The locating member comprises a resilient locator that is resiliently deformed by engagement with the flex circuit thereby to bias the flex circuit to a selected position. The biasing of the flex circuit by the resilient locator is independent of movement of the probe shaft. |
| US08342746B2 |
Temperature measurement system and temperature measurement method
A temperature measurement system including a measurement plate placed on a measurement plane specified on at least one of an intake opening and an exhaust opening of a rack storing an information processing apparatus or at a position being away from the measurement plane by a predetermined distance; and an infrared camera configured to capture an image of the measurement plate, where the infrared camera is placed at a position with which the measurement plane is not captured and the measurement plate is captured by the infrared camera. |
| US08342742B2 |
Thermal calibrating system
The invention relates to a temperature calibrating system (1) comprising a thermo siphon, a heat pipe or an equivalent (2) connected between a cooling unit (4) and a temperature calibration unit (3), where the system (1) further comprises an external chamber (8) connected to the heat pipe/thermo siphon or equivalent (2) for controlling the thermal conductivity between the two units and where the temperature of the external chamber (8) is held at a certain temperature, for example ambient temperature or a temperature controlled by external means. The external chamber (8) can be connected to the heat pipe/thermo siphon (2) via a conduit (9) which connection point is placed above liquid level at a evaporating end of the heat pipe/thermo siphon (2) and in that the external chamber (8) is arranged below the connection between the conduit (9) and the heat pipe/thermo siphon (2). |
| US08342738B2 |
Vertical mixer with deflectors
A mixer includes a housing having one or more augers therein. The augers are turned so that they lift the material being mixed upwardly. Fixed on the side walls, which include baffles, are one or more deflectors which impart a downward motion on the mixture being mixed so that the mixture is tumbled upwardly by the augers and downwardly by the deflectors. |
| US08342736B2 |
Sonication of a medium
Sonication of a medium for example in an immunassay is provided by applying sound waves from a transducer to a vessel in which the medium is held by a sonotrode coupled between the transducer and the vessel. The sonotrode has a recess in which the vessel is held, the recess being formed by facing surfaces of a plurality of protruding portions of the sonotrode separated by slits and arranged around the recess. The sonotrode is coupled to the vessel by dry contact with the vessel without any coupling layers therebetween. The use of such a sonotrode provides the advantages of allowing effective sonication with relatively low energy loss and with a low temperature elevation. |
| US08342734B2 |
Vehicular light source unit
A vehicular light source unit includes: an LED element integrated with a pair of plate-like feeding terminals; and an LED socket including a pair of plate spring-like conductive terminals in which movable portions and supporting portions that are integrally formed by a conductive member hold the pair of feeding terminals from both sides, and a resin housing integrated with the pair of conductive terminals. The LED element is detachably supported by the plate spring-like conductive terminals through the feeding terminals and receives a power supply from both sides of the feeding terminals. |
| US08342733B2 |
LED lighting assemblies
A lighting assembly for a light emitting diode (LED) package having an LED chip on the top of a mounting substrate with power leads on the top of the mounting substrate arranged proximate to a first edge of the mounting substrate, which is mounted to a base, includes power contacts defining separable interfaces for contacting the power leads on the mating substrate of the LED package and supplying power to the LED chip. The power contacts have compliant beams extending to the separable interfaces that are deflected when contacting the power leads such that the power contacts are biased against the power leads. The power contacts are terminated to corresponding power conductors opposite the separable interfaces. The lighting assembly also includes a dielectric housing holding the power contacts, with the housing having mounting features for securing the housing to the base independent of the LED package. |
| US08342732B2 |
Poly night light
A poly night light is made of an un-saturated polyester resin (UPR) compound to provide the night light with a certain degree of softness and cushioning to meet quality tests. The poly night light has a molded-in clip that allows the display unit to fit into a lamp holder's connector for solid installation. The lamp holder can be for an incandescent bulb, neon bulb, LED(s), organic electro-luminescent element(s), or other conventional lighting elements. The poly display unit may have a three-dimensional design, shape, curvature, and/or configuration for an eye-catching, valuable appearance and further may be painted by hand or spray paint to make it more elegant than any other currently-marketed night light. |
| US08342729B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a reflecting unit, two light emitting units, and two light absorbing units. The light guide plate has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and two light incident surfaces connecting the first surface and the second surface. The two light incident surfaces are respectively located at two adjacent corners of the light guide plate. The reflecting unit is disposed on the second surface. The two light emitting units are respectively disposed beside the two light incident surfaces. Light beams emitted by the two light emitting units are capable of entering the light guide plate respectively through the two light incident surfaces and being transmitted out of the light guide plate through the first surface. The light absorbing units are disposed between the second surface and the reflecting unit and are respectively adjacent to the two light incident surfaces. |
| US08342728B2 |
Arrangement for cooling semiconductor light sources and floodlight having this arrangement
An arrangement for cooling semiconductor light sources (5), wherein the semiconductor light sources (5) are arranged on a heat-conducting module (11), which is operatively connected to an evaporator zone (27) of a heat pipe (20), wherein a first condensation zone (23) of the heat pipe (20) is connected to a first heat sink (33), wherein the heat pipe (20) is connected to at least one second condensation zone (25) with at least one second heat sink (25), and a heat flow can be switched over between the condensation zones (23, 25) or the second condensation zone (25) can be switched in. |
| US08342727B2 |
Molded electrical socket
A molded lamp socket. The molded lamp socket includes a lamp base body molded from a first plastic material providing a socket cavity with an opening for receiving a lamp bulb. The molded lamp socket also includes a lead extending from a first contact portion disposed in the socket cavity to a second contact portion spaced from the socket cavity. The molded lamp socket also includes a mounting body molded from a second plastic material providing a plug cavity encircling the second contact portion. The mounting body is overmolded with respect to the lamp base body. |
| US08342726B2 |
Vehicle headlight having plural light sources and lenses
A vehicle headlamp includes a first light source, at least one second light source and an integrally designed, transparent shaped part. The shaped part includes a first optical structure for orienting light radiated by the first light source and at least one second optical structure for orienting light radiated by the second light source. The first optical structure and the second optical structure each have a continuously curved surface or a continuous, curved surface with an extent of at least in each case half a centimeter, in particular one centimeter, in two orthogonal directions. |
| US08342717B1 |
Foldable LEDs light recycling cavity
Direct attach or surface mount LEDs are mounted onto a flat, thermally conductive, substrate, which is folded to form a light recycling cavity. A planar substrate is first coated with a metal layer, which is patterned to electrically connect the LEDs. The direct attach or surface mount LEDs are mounted on the substrate. The substrate is then scribed on the backside to form cut channels which form the folds. The direct attach or surface mount LEDs are then attached onto the metal layer on the substrate. The substrate is then folded into a light recycling cavity where the direct attach or surface mount LEDs are facing the inside of the cavity. |
| US08342716B2 |
LED heat sink module, LED module for LED heat sink module
A LED head sink module includes a LED module, which comprises a circuit substrate, a LED chip installed in the circuit substrate, a packing cup molded on the circuit substrate around the LED chip and a lens molded on the packing cup over the LED chip, a heat sink, which has a base and a flat mounting block located on the bottom side of the base for stopping against the circuit substrate of the LED module for absorbing waste heat, a bracket, which has a center opening that receives the circuit substrate of the LED module, first retaining members for fastening to a retaining portion at the periphery of the packing cup and second retaining members for fastening to the flat mounting block of the heat sink, and a water seal sandwiched between the LED module and the bracket to seal off outside moisture and dust. |
| US08342715B2 |
Lens arrangement for telescopic illuminator
A lens arrangement for telescopic illuminator includes a reflector. The reflector has a cavity defined therein. An inner periphery of the cavity is annularly formed with a conical surface. The conical surface is inwardly inclined. A convex lens is disposed in the cavity and positioned in a middle part of the reflector. A tapered portion is annularly disposed on an outer periphery of the reflector and inclined toward the inner end of the reflector. A flat surface is formed on the inner end of the reflector. The flat surface has a receiving hole centrally defined therein and passing therethrough. A lamp movably is disposed adjacent to the reflector. The lamp is born by an aluminum board. |
| US08342712B2 |
Kinetic flame device
An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members. |
| US08342711B2 |
Light-emitting unit adapter module
A light-emitting unit adapter module includes a mounting base for mounting, a circuit board accommodated in the mounting base and having electrode pins connectable to an external power source, a light-emitting unit mountable in the mounting base, and a holding-down device fastenable to the mounting base to hold down the light-emitting unit, keeping the tubular electrodes of the light-emitting unit in positive contact with the electrode pins of the circuit board for power input and the heat sink of the light-emitting unit suspending outside the mounting base for quick dissipation of waste heat during operation of the light-emitting devices of the light-emitting unit. |
| US08342707B2 |
Multi-wavelength light-emitting module
A multi-wavelength light-emitting module that includes a PCB, a drive IC structure, a conductive structure, a multi-wavelength LED array set, a plurality of conductive elements, and an optical amplifier structure. The PCB has at least one input/output pad. The drive IC structure is disposed on the PCB and having at least one concave groove formed on top surface thereof. The conductive structure is electrically connected between the drive IC structure and the at least one input/output pad. The multi-wavelength LED array set is received in the at least one concave groove. The conductive elements are electrically connected between drive IC structure and the multi-wavelength LED array set, respectively. The optical amplifier structure is disposed over the multi-wavelength LED array set for receiving light sources from the multi-wavelength LED array set. |
| US08342706B2 |
LED lamp
An exemplary LED lamp includes a central member, lamp bodies, a solar panel transforming solar power to electric energy, and a supporting member supporting the solar panel over the central member. Each lamp body includes a housing and an LED module received in the housing. The housings of the lamp bodies have bottoms thereof mounted around the central member and have tops thereof extending upwardly and outwardly from the central member. Each of the housings defines an opening facing away from the central member. Light generated by the LED modules projects out of the lamp bodies through the openings. The solar panel provides the electric energy to the LED modules. |
| US08342705B2 |
Removable work light assembly for a hand tool
A work light assembly for use with a hand drill or like rotary tool having a work light, a side handle assembly, and an attachment assembly, where the work light is removably secured to a portion of the rotary tool. |
| US08342701B2 |
Reflective optical element for use in an EUV system
A reflective optical element for use in an EUV system is disclosed. The reflective optical element includes a base body, which is produced at least partly from a substrate material. At least one cooling channel through which a cooling medium can flow is arranged in the base body. A material having a thermal conductivity of greater than 50 W/mK is provided as substrate material. The reflective optical element also includes a polishing layer, which is applied on the substrate material. The polishing layer includes an amorphous material which can be processed via polishing. |
| US08342700B2 |
Wear and impact resistant reflective road lane markers
A laminate article preferably including two or more layers adapted to be applied to a surface of a roadway that can function as a reflective marker, such as a lane marker or road feature marker. The article includes one or more reflective compounds, preferably particles, aggregates, or clusters that are partially embedded in an exposed outer surface layer of the article. In order to increase the durability of the material, protective media compounds are also present in the outer layer and extend outward therefrom with the protective material protruding a greater distance than the reflective compounds. The articles of the present invention are weather resistant, durable and resistant to damage by vehicles and snowplows. |
| US08342699B2 |
Electronic device with virtual keyboard function
An electronic device includes a body, a rotatable member, a projecting unit configured for projecting an image, a sensing unit and a processing unit. The body includes a connecting end, and a plurality of conductive contacts is formed at the connecting end. The rotatable member is rotatably connected to the connecting end. The rotating member includes a conductive ball configured for being electrically connected to one of the plurality of the conductive contacts, and the plurality of conductive contacts are formed along a displacement path of the conductive ball. The sensing unit is configured for sensing interactions at specific locations corresponding to the projected image. The processing unit stores a plurality of images, and is configured for controlling the projecting unit to project a corresponding image according to the conductive contact which is electrically connected to the conductive ball. |
| US08342696B2 |
System and method for displaying remote content through multiple projectors
A multi projector imaging system is provided. The system includes a plurality of projectors and a computing device in communication with the plurality of projectors. The computing device includes a projector platform module providing output to the plurality of projectors such that the plurality of projectors display partially overlapping output as a cohesive display. The projector platform module includes a projection player module having media drawers for preparing frames of data that are drawn into a frame buffer for eventual display through the plurality of projectors. The projection platform also includes a remote desktop controller. The remote desktop controller manages remote computing devices communicating with the projector platform, wherein the remote desktop controller specifies a resolution and aspect ratio for image data provided by the remote computing devices, and wherein the provided image data is stored in the frame buffer. A method for displaying content through the multi-projector system is also included. |
| US08342693B2 |
Dynamic projection adjusting method and projection display device
The present invention discloses a dynamic projection adjusting method for a projection display device to display output images. The projection display device includes a light source driven by a periodic pulse signal. The dynamic projection adjusting method includes the following steps: (a) determining a brightness parameter of the output image; (b) adjusting the periodic pulse signal according to the brightness parameter and (c) driving the light source with the periodic pulse signal. |
| US08342691B2 |
Information technology system with micro projector display
An information technology system includes a micro projector display for displaying status, operating, troubleshooting, and location information. An image output from the micro projector display is viewable from outside the enclosure, for example on a cabinet door, an optional retractable projection screen included with the enclosure, or a floor, wall, or ceiling of a room, or other external surface. In some embodiments of the invention, a micro display projector is adapted for removable electrical and mechanical connection to one or more docking ports on the information technology system. In some embodiments of the invention, a projection direction for the micro projector display is selectable. |
| US08342688B1 |
Multifocal capable ophthalmic aberrometer
A multifocal capable ophthalmic aberrometer has an afocal relay defining an optical axis, an object plane, and an image plane. The image plane is conjugated to the object plane. A probe beam is projected along the optical axis and is propagated toward the object plane. Reflection of the probe beam from a subject eye located at the object plane generates a wavefront emerging from the object plane. A Hartmann-Shack sensor positioned at the image plane and produces an image of Hartmann-Shack spots of the wavefront. A control electronics acquires the images of the Hartmann-Shack spots in a single measurement. A processing electronics calculates an optical power map of the subject eye with respect to a center of the wavefront and averages the optical power map over the images. |
| US08342683B2 |
Optimizing optical aberrations in ophthalmic lenses
An ophthalmic lens includes spherical aberration in an amount that accounts for spherical aberration introduced into the lens during the manufacturing process and/or spherical aberration differences in the manufactured lens measured off of the eye and measured on the eye. The result is a lens-and-eye optical system is free or substantially free of spherical aberration, i.e., having only negligible spherical aberration. Because the optical system is free or substantially free of spherical aberration, there is no or only negligible coma induced by the normal misalignment of the lens optical axis and the eye's primary line of sight. The result is a lens-and-eye optical system that provides enhanced optical performance and visual quality. Also disclosed are methods of designing and manufacturing lenses with spherical aberration adjustments to account for manufacturing process changes and off-eye to on-eye differences. |
| US08342680B2 |
Eyeglass lens
A lens that covers the front side of an eye, includes: a high light-transmissive region including an eyepoint; and a low light-transmissive region surrounding the entire circumference of the high light-transmissive region, a light blocking ratio in the low light-transmissive region being higher than the light blocking ratio in the high light-transmissive region, wherein the low light-transmissive region has a region where the light blocking ratio changes toward the periphery. |
| US08342677B2 |
Image recording device and image recording method
An image recording device includes a first detecting unit, a recording unit, and a control unit. The first detecting unit detects a position of a perforation pre-formed in a recording sheet. The recording unit records an image on the recording sheet based on printing data. The control unit is configured to imaginarily divide the recording sheet into a first region including a portion where the perforation is pre-formed, and a second region excluding the first region based on the position of the perforation detected by the first detecting unit. The control unit prohibits the recording unit from recording the image on the first region and controls the recording unit to record the image at least partially on the second region. |
| US08342675B2 |
Newspaper production system and production method for newspaper
An object of this invention is to provide a newspaper production system, having the structure of a system that is provided with a supply unit for a continuous web provided at an upstream side of a printing unit for printing on one surface and the other surface of a continuous web, and a processing unit for carrying out cutting and folding processing of a continuous web after printing at a downstream side, by making the area of an installation flat region for the printing unit for printing on one surface and the other surface of a continuous web, having an ink jet printing device group for printing one side of the continuous web and an ink jet printing device group for printing the other side of the paper sheet, small, and with which it is easy for a single person to carry out a newspaper production operation of monitoring the entire system. It is also an object of this invention to provide a newspaper production system and newspaper production method that enables production of a few sizes of a plurality of newspaper pages arranged horizontally as sheets constituting a newspaper by sequentially cutting, and being capable of producing a newspaper formed of various page configurations. |
| US08342674B2 |
Ink composition and inkjet recording method
An ink composition is provided that includes (A) a monofunctional monomer comprising an acrylate monomer represented by Formula (I) and (B) a photopolymerization initiator represented by Formula (II), the monofunctional monomer (A) having a content of 30 to 90 wt %. There is also provided an inkjet recording method that includes (a1) a step of discharging onto a recording medium the ink composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 11; and (b1) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation. |
| US08342673B2 |
Printing apparatus
Provided is a printing apparatus including: a head unit that ejects liquid on a printing medium that is transported in a printing medium transport direction; a transporting roller unit that is disposed at a printing medium transport direction upstream side of the head unit; a transporting belt unit that is disposed at a printing medium transport direction downstream side of the head unit; an intermediate supporting unit that is disposed at a side facing the head unit; and a heating unit that is disposed to at least one of the transporting roller unit, the transporting belt unit and the intermediate supporting unit to heat the printing medium, wherein the heating unit heats the printing medium so that a temperature T1 of the transporting roller unit, a temperature T2 of the intermediate supporting unit, and a temperature T3 of the transporting belt unit satisfy a relationship of T1 |
| US08342670B2 |
Inkjet printing method and ink set
In an inkjet printing system using an ink which includes a coloring material dispersed in a solvent, it is aimed that printing density is improved by thickening the ink on a printing medium so as to stay the coloring material on the surface of the printing medium. An inkjet printing method is provided, in which printing is performed by ejecting one of first and second inks onto a printing medium, and then successively ejecting the other ink so as to overlay it on the one ink, wherein the first ink includes at least a first organic solvent and an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound, the second ink includes at least a second organic solvent and an organic compound reactive as a nucleophile with the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound, and at least one of the first and second inks includes a coloring material. |
| US08342668B2 |
Liquid application apparatus, liquid storage method and inkjet recording apparatus
A liquid application apparatus has: an application member that has an application surface applying a liquid onto a medium; a holding member that abuts against the application surface of the application member so as to form a liquid holding space in which the liquid is held; a liquid application device that rotates the application surface of the application member in such a manner that the liquid supplied from the holding member to the application surface is applied onto the medium; a storage device that stores the liquid; a first flow channel and a second flow channel that connect the storage device to the holding member; a liquid movement device that causes oscillation of the liquid in the first flow channel, the second flow channel and a flow channel including the liquid holding space to generate a flow of the liquid; and a controller that controls the liquid movement device to generate the flow of the liquid caused by the oscillation in such a manner that a product which is generated from the liquid, has a higher viscosity than the liquid and adheres to interior walls of the first flow channel and the second flow channel, is solved in the liquid or collected in the liquid. |
| US08342665B2 |
Protector for print head chip and ink cartridge used by the same
A protector for a print head chip and an ink cartridge used by the same are provided. The protector (1, 8) for a print head chip is independent from an ink cartridge (9) for storing ink. A contact surface (3) of the protector for a print head chip facing a print head contact is provided with contacts (6) for contacting corresponding contacts of the print head chip. The contact is connected to a memory (5) and sealed between the contacts of the print head chip and the protector for a print head chip. The protector has no structural relation to the ink cartridge, especially an ink supply port (11) and an ink supply needle of the ink cartridge. Therefore, even if the ink cartridge oscillates or moves horizontally to deviate from a centerline of the ink supply port, a communication effect is not influenced. |
| US08342659B2 |
Liquid discharge head and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid discharge head includes a substrate and a flow path wall member provided on the substrate and having a wall defining a flow path connected to a discharge port for discharging liquid. The flow path wall member is provided with a cavity not connected to the flow path, when viewed in a direction from the discharge port toward the substrate, the cavity has a shape of a character, and the character corresponds to information regarding the liquid discharge head. |
| US08342657B2 |
Inkjet nozzle assembly having heater element bonded to chamber wall via dielectric layer
An inkjet nozzle assembly has a chamber with a nozzle opening for ejecting a liquid, a heater element disposed in the chamber, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the heater element and a wall of the chamber. The dielectric layer has a thermal product of less than 1495 Jm−2K−1s−1/2. The thermal product is defined as (ρCk)1/2, where ρ is the density of the layer, C is specific heat of the layer and k is thermal conductivity of the layer. |
| US08342655B2 |
Liquid jet head and method for manufacturing liquid jet head
A liquid discharge head includes a recording element substrate including an energy generating element, a wiring substrate including wiring, a support substrate for supporting the recording element substrate and the wiring substrate so that a side end portion of the recording element substrate and a side end portion of the wiring substrate are adjacent to each other, and a sealing member, wherein the side end portion of the wiring substrate has a step portion, a distance between a second portion of the step portion on the side opposite to the support substrate and the side end portion of the recording element substrate is larger than a distance between a first portion of the step portion on the side of the support substrate and the side end portion of the recording element substrate, and a part of the wiring is formed in the first portion. |
| US08342652B2 |
Molded nozzle plate with alignment features for simplified assembly
An ink jet print head includes a molded nozzle plate, the molded nozzle plate further including molded die alignment features. The molded die alignment features can be registered to the apertures of the print head die. |
| US08342651B2 |
Inkjet recording head
A liquid jet recording head includes a substrate including a plurality of discharge energy generating elements, and a plurality of ink supply ports positioned along an array direction of the plurality of discharge energy generating elements and separated from each other by beams, a plurality of ribs supported by the beams, and an orifice plate supported by the plurality of ribs, wherein the orifice plate includes discharge ports for discharging liquid droplets which enter from the plurality of ink supply ports and is provided with discharge energy by the plurality of discharge energy generating elements. |
| US08342650B2 |
Printhead having polysilsesquioxane coating on ink ejection face
A printhead having an ink ejection face coated with a hydrophobic polymeric material. The polymeric material is comprised of a polysilsesquioxane, such as poly(methylsilsesquioxane) or poly(phenylsilsesquioxane). The printhead is compatible with various printhead maintenance operations requiring contact with the ink ejection face. |
| US08342646B2 |
Ink jet print head and printing method and apparatus using the same
The present invention relates to measures for preventing end deviation that may occur during high-duty printing such as one-pass printing, and in particular, to measures for preventing density unevenness (white stripes) in the case of ink with a low lightness such as black ink. According to the present invention, the amount of black ink ejected through the corresponding ejection ports is set to be larger than that of color ink ejected through the corresponding ejection ports. Two black ink ejection chips each having at least one black ink ejection port row are arranged on the respective sides of a color ink ejection chip. |
| US08342642B2 |
Method and latching assembly for securing replaceable unit
The invention describes a method and latching assembly for securing a replaceable unit in a carriage assembly of an image forming device. The latching assembly receives the replaceable unit in the carriage assembly. As the replaceable unit gets loaded in the carriage assembly, the latching assembly may automatically apply, using a power source in the image forming device, a force on the replaceable unit in a direction towards the carriage assembly until the replaceable unit is latched therein. |
| US08342641B2 |
Ink separators
Ink separators are described herein. One example ink separator is described, which includes an ink receptacle to receive ink aerosol particles, a surface within the ink receptacle to change a direction of an airflow entraining the ink aerosol particles and cause at least a portion of the ink aerosol particles to combine to form ink droplets on the surface, and a chamber adjacent the surface to receive the airflow including the ink droplets and at least some of the ink aerosol particles, wherein the chamber includes at least two flow paths to separate the airflow and the ink aerosol particles from the ink droplets by directing the airflow and the ink aerosol particles to an aerosol collection port and the ink droplets to an ink droplet collection port. |
| US08342637B2 |
Suction cap device and liquid jetting apparatus provided with the same
A suction cap device includes a cap member which is formed of an elastic member, which is formed to have a recessed portion, and which has a suction port formed in a bottom surface of the cap member to be located inside of the recessed portion; a suction mechanism which communicates with the suction port; and a cap protector which is accommodated in the recessed portion of the cap member, and which prevents the cap member from being deformed when a pressure inside the recessed portion is decreased. In a liquid flow passage formed in the cap protector, a lead-in port formed in the cap protector has a diameter which is greater than a diameter of a lead-out port formed in the cap protector. With this, it is possible to quickly discharge a liquid received in the cap member. |
| US08342634B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes: a first printing unit group, a second printing unit group, a turnover unit and a control unit controlling the path change unit. The control unit controls the path change unit so that a difference is as small as possible between the length of the path along which the printing medium is transported from at least one printing unit of the first printing unit group to several printing units of the second printing unit group via the turnover unit and the length of the path along which the printing medium is transported from another printing unit of the first printing unit group to several printing units of the second printing unit group via the turnover unit. |
| US08342627B1 |
Adaptive filtering scheme in handheld positioning device
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for an adaptive filter scheme in handheld positioning device are described herein. The adaptive filter scheme may determine a direction that the positioning device is traveling and adjust one or more parameters of the filter scheme based at least in part on the determined direction. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08342626B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus and discharge recovery method
An ink jet recording apparatus determines the timing of executing discharge recovery processing based on the discharge amount of ink for each predetermined region discharged from a recording head, and controls the discharge recovery processing to be executed at the determined timing. Thereby, the discharge performance of the ink can be kept to be good, and the discharge recovery processing can be executed at the suitable timing without producing any deterioration of the image quality of a recorded image, and with the deterioration of throughput reduced. |
| US08342625B2 |
Printer ink identification system and method
A printer ink identification system including a detector, an excitation source and a controller. The detector is adapted to detect an excitable feature of an ink forming an indicium on an article. The excitation source is adapted to cause excitation of the excitable feature of the ink. The controller is coupled to the detector. The controller is adapted to initiate a predetermined task based, at least partially, upon input from the detector. |
| US08342619B2 |
Refrigerator with height-adjustable receiving apparatus
Provided is a refrigerator including a height-adjustable receiving apparatus in which a rotation gear is vertically moved along a fixed shaft disposed on a mounting member when the rotation gear disposed on a receiving member is rotated, and the receiving member is adjustable in vertical height. The height-adjustable receiving apparatus includes a receiving member in which foods are received, a mounting member on which the receiving member is vertically movably mounted, a fixed shaft longitudinally disposed on the mounting member, a rotation gear disposed on the receiving member, an operation member disposed on the receiving member, and a transmission member disposed on the receiving member. |
| US08342617B2 |
Automotive hydraulic brake system
An automotive hydraulic brake system is provided which exhibits an excellent pressure reduction performance to a low μ road while restraining an intake resistance of a fluid pump. For providing the hydraulic brake system, a gate-in valve is connected to an intake passage that connects a master cylinder to an intake side of the fluid pump. The gate-in valve selectively opens and closes the intake passage in accordance with a mutual relation between a master cylinder pressure and a pressure produced at an intake side of the fluid pump. |
| US08342616B2 |
Brake control apparatus
An object of the invention is to reduce an influence of deviation in pressure increasing performance, which would be caused by individual differences of pressure increase valves, so that a desired braking force may be obtained. A moderate pressure increasing operation is carried out for wheel cylinder pressure of a wheel, which is on a high μ-road, wherein a demand differential pressure for a pressure increase valve is set at a first target pressure for a first time period and then switched to a second target pressure for a second time period. The influence of the deviation may be absorbed during the moderate pressure increasing operation, so that a difference of wheel cylinder pressure between front left and front right wheels may be reduced. |
| US08342614B2 |
Composite rim for a bicycle wheel
A composite rim for a bicycle wheel generally includes a radially outer tire-engaging portion, a radially inner spoke-engaging portion and first and second sidewalls. The second sidewall is spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls extend between the tire engaging and spoke-engaging portions. The rim includes at least one through-hole and a pattern of through-thickness stitching reinforcement at the through-hole. The tire-engaging and spoke-engaging portions and first and second sidewalls form a toroid. |
| US08342611B2 |
Spring loaded pick
In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for degrading natural and man-made formations includes a pick with an axially spring loaded pick comprising a central axis and being attached to a holder secured to a driving mechanism. The pick comprising a steel body with an axial shank disposed within a bore of the holder. |
| US08342609B2 |
Mining method
An open cast mining method includes sinking a blasting borehole (14) for receiving an explosive charge into a ground body (12) which is to be mined, taking an initial measurement of one or more borehole conditions, including at least a temperature inside a bottom half (14.1) of the borehole (14), and loading the borehole (14) with a base explosive charge (28) only if the initial measurement of all of the one or more measured borehole conditions are within predefined limits indicating that the borehole (14) will not be subject to uncontrolled detonation of the base explosive charge (28). The one or more borehole conditions, including at least said temperature, are further measured and monitored after the base explosive charge (28) has been loaded. An alarm signal external of the borehole (14) is provided if any of the one or more measured borehole conditions are not within predefined limits so that there is a risk of uncontrolled detonation of the explosive charge (28). |
| US08342606B2 |
Multimodal headrest for vehicle seat
A seat for a vehicle, that includes a headrest with a headstall for supporting the head of a passenger in the seat, wherein the occupant may or may not wear a protection helmet depending on the circumstances. The headstall can assume at least three stable positions: a first position for the cervical support of the head of the seat passenger in which the headrest provides a cervical support function with or without wearing a helmet; a second position for the occipital support of the head of the seat passenger in which the headrest provides an occipital support function without wearing a helmet; a third position for the occipital support of the head of the seat passenger in which the headrest provides an occipital support function while wearing a helmet. |
| US08342600B2 |
Central floor part of a vehicle body
A central floor part of a floor assembly of a vehicle body is formed as a unipartite cast part which is delimited at the outer side of the body by in each case one sill profile. Alternatively the unipartite cast part can be two cast parts connected to each other by a vehicle tunnel disposed between the inner sides of the two cast parts. |
| US08342598B2 |
Structure including a composite panel joint
A panel formed by resin infusion from two fiber reinforced resin layers and a separating core is connected to a member such as a metal rail or another panel by an adhesive joint. The panel edge is shaped to define a male portion with a web and two side portions and the rail is channel shaped to match. A layer of adhesive of a thickness not less than 0.03″ or more than 0.10″ covers the base and sides. The tapered shape allows the adhesive located between the web of the panel and the web of the member, between the flange of the panel and the surface of the member and between the flange of the member and the second surface of the panel to be simultaneously compressed without the necessity for any shearing in the adhesive layer. |
| US08342596B2 |
Deformation element, motor vehicle fender bracket with deformation element, and method for producing a deformation element
A deformation element, a motor vehicle fender bracket with the deformation element, and a method for producing a deformation element are provided. The deformation element serves to receive external impulses introduced into the deformation element and includes, but is not limited to at least two sleeves that are displaceable relative to one another, and a spring-elastic pressure element that is supported in each case on the at least two sleeves that are displaceable relative to one another. In this case, it is provided that at least one of the sleeves has at least one embossing that forms a sliding surface for the other sleeve. The at least one embossing is preferably introduced by electromagnetic pulse forming. |
| US08342594B2 |
Apparatus for reducing drag on a vehicle
An apparatus for reducing atmospheric drag on a vehicle. The apparatus includes an airfoil having a receiving feature, wherein the airfoil is attachable with a back portion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one extender attachable with the back portion of the vehicle, and a slide arm attached to the at least one extender and mateable with the recess portion of the airfoil. The apparatus is configured such that when the slide arm is disposed in the receiving portion of the airfoil, the airfoil is in an extended position relative to the back of the vehicle. The apparatus is further configured such that applying a force on the airfoil in a direction substantially perpendicular to the back portion of the vehicle buckles the airfoil, thereby lifting the slide arm from the recess and moving the airfoil to a retracted position. |
| US08342589B2 |
Convertible trailer
Trailers are described that include a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container comprises a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks. |
| US08342587B2 |
Carryable plastic mattress bag
A device for moving, carrying and storing a mattress includes a bag sized to receive the mattress and having an opening for placing the mattress into the bag. Handles are built in to an extension on at least one side or end of the bag. The built-in handles do not include a woven layer. The extension includes multiple layers of film. The bag can comprise a sheet of plastic material with a seal for bonding two or more layers of film together along at least a portion of the length of the side having the extension thereon. |
| US08342585B1 |
Drum lifter
A drum lifter for lifting and moving empty and full chimed and unchimed drums. The lifter includes a cross member with grippers at each end. The grippers include a cam block with a cam rotatably mounted in the cam block. |
| US08342584B1 |
Method of manufacturing a lifting sling
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing single and multi-core lifting slings, the method comprising: aligning a plurality of core fibers to form a sling body; applying a coating along length of the sling body, wherein an initial layer of the coating seals the plurality of core fibers from exposure to contaminates; and applying additional layers of the coating in areas of the sling body subject to high crush and shear forces. Other exemplary embodiments include tensioning the plurality of core fibers and forming a multi-core lifting sling by applying a seaming coat of the coating material to the sling body and at least to one of a second sling body. In an exemplary embodiment, the coating can be at least an isocyanate mixed with an amine forming polyurea. |
| US08342579B2 |
Push lock pipe connection system
A pipe for connecting to a similar adjacent pipe. The pipe has a female end with a plurality of rigid fingers extending into the space within the female end. The plurality of rigid fingers extends from at least one interior circumferential groove on the interior surface of the female end. On the male end of the pipe there is at least one exterior circumferential groove that is sized and positioned to receive the plurality of rigid fingers from a corresponding interior circumferential groove on the female end of an adjacent pipe. The number of interior circumferential grooves on the female end with the plurality of rigid fingers extending from them typically corresponds to the number of exterior circumferential grooves on the male end. When the male end of a similar adjacent pipe is inserted into the female end of the pipe, the plurality of rigid fingers is received within the corresponding exterior circumferential groove on the male end, thereby preventing the male end of the similar adjacent pipe from being withdrawn from the female end of the pipe. |
| US08342571B2 |
Airbag having a filling piece and airbag arrangement having an airbag and a gas generator
The invention relates to an airbag, the airbag comprising a tubular area and a filling piece for filling the airbag with gas of a gas generator, wherein the filling piece is formed by putting-over the tubular area of the airbag. In one embodiment, the filling piece is formed by putting-over the tubular area of the airbag in the longitudinal direction, wherein an end of the put-over tubular area faces the airbag interior and said end of the put-over tubular area comprises one or several openings which are arranged to distribute gas inflowing from a gas generator in a targeted manner into the airbag. |
| US08342568B2 |
Covering element for the interior of a motor vehicle
The covering element has a visible face and an invisible face opposite the visible face. It includes a weakening line which is formed on the invisible face and defines a gate zone which is to open under the pressure of the deployment of the airbag when the motor vehicle is subjected to an impact. The weakening line includes a groove which has a given total length and is delimited by a bottom and at least one transverse rib which projects relative to the bottom and closes the groove at least partially. The covering element has a thickness of material between the visible face and the bottom which is between predetermined minimum and maximum limits over most of the total length of the groove. The groove includes at least one zone of lesser strength in which the thickness of material between the visible face and the bottom is less than the minimum limit. |
| US08342563B2 |
Joint protecting device for baby stroller
A joint protecting device for a baby stroller, the baby stroller has a pair of guarding housings on the outer surface of two joints on the two lateral sides of the baby stroller. When the baby stroller is collapsed or stretched, each of two upper struts is rotated relatively to a corresponding lower strut on each of the joints and makes one of the two guarding housings rotate about an axle of the joint, thereby the guarding housing obstructs a gap with an angle formed between the joint and the upper strut, and harming by clamping to the baby's fingers can be prevented. |
| US08342560B2 |
Coupling lock for a trailer coupling
A coupling lock for a trailer coupling. The coupling lock comprises a receptacle (9) in which a coupling element (6) is inserted, an angle measuring device (13, 19) is connected to the receptacle (9), and the angle measuring device (13, 19) is provided for detecting rotation of the receptacle (9), about a rotational axis (18), relative to the coupling element (6). A magnetically adhering body (24) is elastically connected to the receptacle (9) and magnetically connectable to the coupling element (6) for actuating the angle measuring device (13, 19). |
| US08342557B2 |
Fifth wheel slider assembly
A fifth wheel slider assembly includes a hitch plate with a throat for receiving a king pin of a trailer, and a slider assembly that includes at least one rack member having a first side and a second side and supportable above a vehicle frame. The slider assembly further includes a first portion including a guide plate slidably abutting the second side of the at least one rack member, and an engagement assembly releasably engaging the at least one rack member at incremental points along a length of the at least one rack member, thereby selectively positioning the hitch plate with respect to the at least one rack member, and a second portion including at least one support bracket pivotably supporting the hitch plate, slidably abutting the first side of the at least one rack member, and readily releasably coupled to the first portion of the slider assembly. |
| US08342551B2 |
Retractable running board/box side step
A running board assembly is provided for a motor vehicle having a passenger cab and a box. The running board assembly includes a housing assembly, a gear assembly disposed within the housing assembly, a running board operably coupled to the gear assembly and movable relative to the housing assembly between a stowed position tucked underneath the motor vehicle, a cab entry position generally outwardly from the motor vehicle to support a user entering or exiting the passenger cab, and a box side step disposed generally outwardly from the motor vehicle and rearward of the cab entry position to provide a user with side access to the box, and a motor operably coupled to the gear assembly for driving the gear assembly in opposing first and second directions to move the running board between the stowed position, the cab entry position, and the box side step position. |
| US08342544B1 |
Utility cart
An adjustable cart, comprising in combination a base supported by wheels at least one of which is swiveled to allow cart steering travel, two frames carried by the base to pivot from active upright positions to stored down positions, one above the other, there being upright supports carried by the cart at or proximate cart corners, there being mechanism associated with the frame and certain of the supports to releasably lock the frames in upright extended positions relative to the supports in response to frame pivoting to upright positions, and there being lengthwise adjustable means, associated with each frame, whereby said mechanism is un-blocked to allow frame folding. |
| US08342541B2 |
Apparatus and method for active spring suspension of a vehicle component
The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle component moveable in an oscillating manner with respect to a first vehicle component, and a first measuring means for measuring at least one acceleration measuring value of said first vehicle component with respect to a ground surface, wherein a calculating means is provided for determining an optimum acceleration value of said second vehicle component to be applied at the moment of the presence of the acceleration measuring value, and at least one actuator arranged between the first and second vehicle components, with control and closed-loop control units, for minimizing a deviation of a real acceleration value of said second vehicle component from the optimum acceleration value by using at least one available spring path. |
| US08342538B2 |
Gasket-end feature for sealing a T-joint assembly
A t-joint assembly includes a gasket having first and second ends, and a substantially elongated body having a profile. The first end includes an enlarged tapered section having a distal tip and a force-transfer surface disposed substantially perpendicular to the body. The assembly also includes a first component having a channel with a profile and a reaction surface configured to respectively complement the profile and accept the force-transfer surface of the gasket. The first component also has a first sealing surface arranged substantially parallel to the reaction surface, and a second sealing surface arranged substantially perpendicular to the reaction surface. The t-joint assembly additionally includes second and third components, each having a sealing surface. Inserting the gasket into the channel and assembling the three components compresses the gasket against the channel, and the tip of the gasket against the reaction surface, to thereby seal the t-joint. |
| US08342532B1 |
Draw and learn, an educational card game
An educational game where cards with academic subjects written on them are drawn from a deck and where players try to guess the subject by viewing drawings made by the person who has drawn the card and where the academic subjects are discussed by the players during the process. |
| US08342529B2 |
Automated house way indicator and activator
A system for enabling play of a casino table card game is disclosed. At least one of a rank and suit of a set of playing cards is automatically determined. Multiple randomized sets of playing cards of known composition are formed and delivered to a game, and are set by following automatically generated house way instructions. The components of the system include an automatic card shuffler configured to deliver randomized sets of physical cards, the shuffler equipped with a playing card reading system that reads at least one of a rank and suit of markings on each of the playing cards. The automatic card shuffler has a processor that receives the read card information from the playing card reading system and determines a composition of each individual set of playing cards dispensed. Other components of the system include a gaming table with a gaming surface and at least one display on or proximate the gaming surface in communication with a processor programmed with house way rules for displaying instructions on how to set hands from a distributed set of cards a house way; wherein the monitor displays information on how to set a hand according to programmed house way rules. A method of operating a casino table card game using physical playing cards that are distributed in sets to multiple play positions and set according to automatically generated house way instructions is also disclosed. |
| US08342527B2 |
Five-by five cube puzzle
A five-by-five cube puzzle has a central shaft assembly mounted around by center blocks in predetermined numbers, first intermediate blocks, second intermediate blocks, first edge blocks, second edge blocks and corner blocks. Each center shaft of a multi-axis shaft unit of the central shaft assembly is combined with a movable inner shield. An outer shield is mounted on an outside of a corresponding inner shield with a spring and a screw. The inner shields and the outer shields are combined with the first intermediate blocks, second intermediate blocks, first edge blocks, second edge blocks and corner blocks to form the cube puzzle. Based on rotation of those blocks with respect to the relative movement between inner shields and outer shields and sufficient gap among each block and a corresponding inner shield and outer shield, smooth rotation of each block can be achieved without being affected by slightly skew block alignment. |
| US08342525B2 |
Card shuffler with adjacent card infeed and card output compartments
A playing card handling device is disclosed. The device includes a first side and a second opposite side. Components of the device include a card infeed tray, a card output tray and a card handling zone. The card infeed tray and card output tray are on the same first side of the device and an upper surface of the card infeed tray and an upper surface of the card output tray are in the same plane. Card handling devices of the present invention also include a touch screen display, as well as a movable card gate. |
| US08342523B2 |
Image forming apparatus with indermediate gear
A pair of conveyor rollers arranged in an image forming apparatus to convey a recording sheet is configured to be shiftable relative to the body between a first position and a second position. A first holding member is configured to support one of the conveyor rollers so that the supported conveyor roller is swingable around a pivot to allow the pair of conveyor rollers to be shifted between the first position and the second position. The first holding member including a sheet guide portion which provides a variable-position guideway extending from a position located upstream along the sheet conveyance path toward a peripheral surface of the supported conveyor roller, where the sheet guide portion moves to a position suitable to guide the recording sheet to be nipped by the pair of conveyor rollers at least when the pair of conveyor rollers is shifted to the first position. |
| US08342522B2 |
Sheet conveyance apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet and a pair of roller units, provided on a downstream of the conveyance unit in the conveyance direction, wherein the pair of roller units forms a plurality of nipping portions, arranged along a width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, a downstream end of the sheet to be conveyed is caused to abut against abutting positions of the plurality of nipping portion, and wherein the abutting position of the nipping portion nearer to a center in the width direction is positioned on a more downstream in the conveyance direction than the abutting position of the nipping portion at end side in the width direction. |
| US08342521B2 |
Double sheet feed detector and method
A double sheet detector includes a pair of rollers forming a nip through which a fed sheet passes, causing the rollers to separate. The amount of separation is transmitted to a transducer which generates a signal proportional to the sheet thickness. Signals from the transducer are frequently sensed and averaged over one or more full revolutions of the rollers, so that signal variations resulting from irregularities in the shape of the rollers are canceled out. |
| US08342518B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
The sheet conveying apparatus includes first to third pairs of skew conveying rollers conveying a sheet, a reference portion, in which the reference portion corrects a skew feeding of the sheet by abutting a side edge of the sheet conveyed by the first to third pairs of skew conveying rollers against a reference surface placed in parallel with the sheet conveying direction, and a guide groove provided on the reference portion, which guides the side edge of the sheet skew-conveyed by the first to third pairs of skew conveying rollers to the reference surface, wherein a vertical width of an opening portion of the guide groove in an upstream area of the reference portion is wider than that of the guide groove in a downstream area of the reference portion, in the sheet conveying direction. |
| US08342517B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The present invention provides a sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of preventing occurrence of skew feeding when correcting sheet lateral deviation. A pair of lateral-shift correcting rollers 305 to correct positional deviation in the sheet width direction based on positional deviation quantity detected by a lateral-registration detection sensor 204c is controlled after controlling a skew feeding correcting roller 203 so as to correct sheet skew feeding based on skew-feeding quantity at a sheet leading edge detected by skew-feeding detection sensors 204a and 204b. Then, skew-feeding quantity of the sheet leading edge to be detected by the skew-feeding detection sensors 204a and 204b for correcting skew feeding of the next sheet is adjusted with skew-feeding quantity at the sheet trailing edge detected by the lateral-registration detection sensor 204c after positional deviation in the sheet width direction is corrected. |
| US08342515B2 |
Feeding device and recording apparatus
To achieve high conveying accuracy by reducing back tension on a recording medium being conveyed. A feeding device includes a pressure plate on which recording media are loaded; feeding means for feeding the recording media; a regulating member configured to regulate a position of a side edge of the recording media; supporting means for supporting the regulating member, the supporting means having a bottom portion on which the recording media are partially loaded; and moving means for separating the regulating member from the side edge of the recording media. The feeding means starts to feed the recording medium while the position of the side edge of the recording media is being regulated by the regulating member, and the moving means separates the regulating member from the side edge of the recording media after a conveying means starts to convey the recording medium fed by the feeding means. |
| US08342514B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
Sheets fed out from a sheet feeding portion, which is brought into pressure contact with the sheets by the upward movement of a sheet stacking portion to feed out the sheets, are separated and conveyed one by one while being upwardly curved. During the sheet feeding operation, the sheet stacking portion is sequentially moved up, and when the sheet feeding operation is completed, the sheet stacking portion is moved down. Further, a remaining amount indicating member moved with the upward movement of the sheet stacking portion to indicate the remaining amount of sheets is held at a position before the sheet stacking portion is moved down, by a holding mechanism, when the sheet feeding operation is completed and the sheet stacking portion is moved down. |
| US08342508B2 |
System for transferring objects
A system for transporting an object between stations, for example, from a magazine to a conveyor is provided having a rotary apparatus having two arms, wherein a first arm rocks back and forth between two positions and a second arm rotates about an axis on the first arm. The second arm can be fixedly connected to a holder having one or more suction heads for grasping the object. Preferably, the holder is arranged parallel to the object and moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the object as the object is removed from the magazine. Additionally, the holder is preferably displaced above the conveyor and positioned to be parallel to the conveyor, after which the holder is moved toward the conveyor in a path that is perpendicular to the plane of the conveyor. Therefore, the lateral force, shearing force, and friction exerted on the object during removal from the magazine and deposition onto the conveyor can be minimized. |
| US08342506B2 |
Sheet conveyance apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image reading apparatus
In a sheet conveyance apparatus, a sponge roller is provided at a joining portion in which a first sheet conveyance path joins a second sheet conveyance path. A leading edge of a sheet or tailing edge of a sheet abuts at the sponge roller when the sheet is conveyed from the first conveyance path to the second conveyance path. In a projection surface in a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveyance direction in the second sheet conveyance path, an outer periphery of the sponge roller and an outer periphery of a conveyance roller, which is positioned in a downstream side, are partially overlapped in the second conveyance path. Further the sponge roller is rotatably arranged. With such a configuration, the noise generated in the joining portion can be reduced, and effect to reduce the noise can be continued. |
| US08342505B2 |
Bottom placement sheet accumulator device and method for an inserter system
An improved apparatus and method for accumulating sheets having a horizontal transport deck. Inserts are fed from an insert feeder positioned above the deck. Driven accumulator nip rollers are positioned to receive accumulations of sheets transported on the horizontal deck, and they are also positioned close enough to the insert feeder to receive inserts fed from the insert feeder. A recessed accumulation deck is positioned immediately downstream of the accumulator nip rollers. When a first sheet rests in the recessed accumulation deck, a subsequent second sheet will be placed on top of the first sheet when it enters the recessed deck. The process is controlled whereby insert sheets are released by the insert feeder prior to arrival of an accumulation on the deck. The released insert is driven by the accumulator nip rollers onto the recessed accumulator deck. Then when the accumulation arrives, it is deposited on top of the insert resting there. |
| US08342501B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus with a plurality of sheet feed trays
There are provided a plurality of sheet feed trays in which sheets are stored, a sheet feeding section which enables a continuous sheet feeding of sheets stored in the above sheet feed tray, and a control section which controls the above sheet feeding section and has an auto tray switch function, and the aforesaid control section obtains information on an amount of sheets stored in the above sheet feed tray, during a continuous sheet feeding from the above sheet feed tray, and judges whether or not the amount of the remaining sheets in the above sheet feed tray satisfies the prescribed condition. In the case where the above prescribed condition is satisfied, the control section stops motion of sheet feeding from the above sheet feed tray while leaving sheets in the above sheet feed tray. |
| US08342499B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and sheet processing system
A sheet processing apparatus includes a support unit on which sheets, which each include first and second edge portions that differ from each other, are stacked together such that the first and second edge portions are aligned; a counter member disposed so as to face the first edge portions; a pressing member that presses the first edge portions against the counter member; a first binding unit that binds together the first edge portions by a first binding process, the first edge portion of each sheet being pressed against the counter member by the pressing member; and a second binding unit that binds together the second edge portions by a second binding process, the first edge portion of each sheet being pressed against the counter member by the pressing member, a bond formed by the second binding unit being more easily breakable than a bond formed by the first binding unit. |
| US08342496B2 |
Printing system, printing apparatus, job processing method, storage medium, and program
A printing system which is capable of performing square back processing and has a mechanism that makes it possible to prevent occurrence of a new trouble of inadvertently creating a saddle-stitched brochure defective in appearance and/or stackability, which is unexpected by an operator. A printing apparatus receives plural jobs including a saddle-stitch job for creating a saddle-stitched brochure of a predetermined kind. In the saddle-stitch job, saddle-stitch processing and square back processing are carried out. The square back processing is performed by a saddle-stitching machine. The saddle-stitching machine forms a flat surface on the back of a saddle-stitched brochure. A controller permits or inhibits creating the saddle-stitched brochure of the predetermined kind for a job based on whether the job meets a predetermined condition. |
| US08342494B2 |
Aligning structure for a power line and sensor
An apparatus includes a first jaw (108) coupled to a second jaw (110) to form an opening (114) when the first jaw (108) and the second jaw (110) are closed. An aligning structure couples to at least one of the first jaw (108) and the second jaw (110). A portion of the aligning structure may be disposed within the opening (114) and aligns a power line (128) to a sensor (418) disposed within the first jaw (108) and the second jaw (110). |
| US08342488B2 |
Damping cylinder with annular bladder
An improvement to damping cylinders in which the damping fluid needs to be separated from a gas is disclosed. In particular, an annular bladder is used. An annular bladder allows for a control shaft to extend at least a portion of the length of the damping cylinder. This configuration effectively and simply reduces most issues that result from when an IFP is used for the same purpose. |
| US08342481B2 |
Pivot rings for coupler devices and coupler devices comprising the same
Coupler bodies with pivot rings for use in bottom loading couplers and bottom loading couplers comprising the same are disclosed. The coupler body for a bottom loading coupler may include a body sidewall having a fluid channel extending between an adapter end and a supply end. A plurality of slots may extend through the body sidewall of the coupler body. A pivot ring may extend substantially around the outer circumference of the coupler body. A plurality of interlocks may be positioned in corresponding slots in the body sidewall and pivotally engaged with the pivot ring. The interlocks are pivotable about the pivot ring between an engaged position and a disengaged position. |
| US08342476B2 |
Stirrer stand
A stirrer stand (10) for a submersible motor stirrer (12) composed of at least one base part (14) and a receiving part (16) for the submersible motor stirrer beyond which a guide member extends, which is used for guiding the submersible motor during assembly, the entire stirrer stand being produced from a single vibration-damping material. |
| US08342462B2 |
Support apparatus
A support apparatus includes a first substantially horizontal member positioned adjacent to first and second elongated substantially vertical member members. The first substantially horizontal member has a channel formed in its rear side. The channel is sized and configured to receive wiring for display devices. The first substantially horizontal member is supported or attached to first and second collars positioned on the first and second elongated substantially vertical members such that movement of the first and second collars adjusts a vertical position of the first substantially horizontal member. One or more display devices, such as LCD screens or computer monitors, may be positioned on the first substantially horizontal member. Preferably, each display device positioned on the first substantially horizontal member is connected to the first substantially horizontal member via a connector that utilizes a releasable attachment mechanism that permits an easy removal or connection to the first substantially horizontal member. |
| US08342456B2 |
Wing tip device
An aircraft includes a wing having a positive dihedral, the wing having a tip and a wing tip device mounted in the region of the tip. The wing tip device is generally downwardly extending and has a region inclined at a cant of more than 180 degrees. The region is arranged to generate lift during flight. The region inclined at a cant of more than 180 degrees may be located at the distal end of the wing tip device. The wing tip may be swept and may aeroelastically deform during flight. |
| US08342453B2 |
System for airborne transport of flammable liquids
A system for airborne transport of flammable liquids with an aircraft. A fuel tank and a reservoir, each for storing flammable liquids, are joined to the aircraft. A fuel jettison subsystem is coupled between an interior portion and an exterior of the reservoir to selectably expel fuel from the reservoir to an exterior portion of the aircraft. The fuel jettison subsystem includes a jettison valve opening formed in the reservoir. A lid selectably closes off the opening. A biasing member urges the lid away from the jettison valve opening. A solenoid retains the lid in the jettison valve opening when unactuated and releases the lid when actuated. A jettison linkage is coupled to the solenoid, the jettison linkage being operable to actuate the solenoid. The t lid is urged away from the jettison valve opening by the biasing member when the t solenoid is actuated by the jettison linkage. |
| US08342452B2 |
Structural element for covering an elongate gap on an aerodynamic surface of an aircraft
A covering structural element is adapted to close an elongate gap provided on an aerodynamic surface of an aircraft. Such an element has a strip-shaped body made of metal material, including a fixing portion, adapted to be fixed along one of the longitudinal borders of the elongate gap; a sliding portion adapted to urge in a sliding manner on the other of the longitudinal borders of the strip-shaped gap; and a connection portion, connecting the sliding portion to the fixing portion, the thickness of which is so sized as to allow, in use, a controlled elastic bending of the structural covering element. The covering structural element has a profile so sized as to be tapered at the transition from the fixing portion to the connection portion and from the sliding portion to the connection portion, the covering structural element having a smooth surface on the side intended to face away from the elongate gap. |
| US08342451B1 |
Variable pitch airfoils
An apparatus may comprise an inflatable control surface for an aircraft and an end of the inflatable control surface configured for attachment to a fuselage of the aircraft. The end of the inflatable control surface may be configured to be rotated about an axis to control movement of the aircraft during flight. |
| US08342440B2 |
Miniature robotic vehicle with ground and flight capability
Miniature robotic vehicles suitable for a variety of tasks including covert surveillance, reconnaissance, and recreation are provided. Embodiments of the invention may include vehicles having a hybrid transportation system that incorporates a rotary-wing flight mode in conjunction with a wheeled ground transport mode. As a result, exemplary vehicles provide efficient ground-mode travel, with the added ability to fly over large obstacles and rough terrain. |
| US08342438B2 |
Spinning reel spool support structure
A retainer member has a retainer portion, a through hole, and non-circular cross section. A bearing section is disposed on an outer periphery of the retainer portion. The through hole has a circular axial cross section and an inner periphery, which is axially penetrated by a non-circular portion of a spool shaft from back to front. The non-circular cross-sectional portion is formed by cutting out a front end of the retainer portion by machining. The non-circular cross-sectional portion has a non-circular axial cross section that engages the non-circular portion of the spool shaft. |
| US08342437B2 |
Deflaker plate and methods relating thereto
A deflaker plate for use in a deflaker for reducing fibrous flakes in a slurry of fibers. The deflaker plate may include at least one annular ring consisting of multiple teeth, in which at least one tooth has a leading face, a trailing face, and an impact-generating side-face. The impact-generating side-face may be adapted to generate an impact force during operation, such that the force corresponds to a first vector radially pushing the slurry towards a center of the deflaker and a second vector tangentially pushing the slurry towards the leading face. |
| US08342436B2 |
Pulverizing screw, pulverizing casing and pulverizer for food waste treatment apparatus having the same
The present invention provides a pulverizing screw, a pulverizing casing and a pulverizer having the same. The pulverizing screw includes a rotating shaft and a drive blade which extends from the rotating shaft in a spiral shape. The drive blade rotates in the pulverizing casing in such a manner as to maintain a predetermined distance between the drive blade and the inner surface of the pulverizing casing to prevent the drive blade from being impeded by the inner surface of the pulverizing casing. The drive blade extends from a first end of the rotating shaft in a spiral shape surrounding the rotating shaft in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and is connected to a second end of the rotating shaft. The pulverizing casing comprises a spherical body having a space therein. The pulverizing screw is installed in the spherical body so as to be rotatable. |
| US08342435B2 |
Hammer mill hammer
A method of avoiding hammer rod-hole deformation in a hammer mill. Conventional hammers are fitted with a bearing structure that reduces wear while permitting the hammer to pivot about multiple axes. An optional, integral spacer provides spacing between adjacent hammers. |
| US08342431B2 |
Jet diffusor having a withdrawal mechanism
A sanitary outlet fitting including a water outlet (2) and a jet regulator (1) which is associated with the water outlet and includes a jet regulator housing (3) with integrated components. The jet regulator housing can be inserted into the water outlet by an axial insertion movement and includes a holding element (6) provided with at least one radially mobile projection (10) for connecting to the water outlet. The outlet fitting includes either a locking element (8) that can be actuated from the outside without using a tool for selectively blocking and releasing the holding element, or an unlocking tool (65) can be inserted into the annular space (68) between the inner peripheral edge of the water outlet and the outer peripheral edge of the housing by an axial insertion movement. The insertion movement of the unlocking tool can be converted into a radial movement of the at least one projection of the holding element from a functional position into an unlocking position. |
| US08342429B2 |
Sanitary outlet fitting
A sanitary outlet fitting with a liquid guide which opens into an outlet fitting, in the region of which an insertable cartridge is provided. The liquid guide is matched in at least the mouth region of the outlet fitting to the insertable cartridge. The insertable cartridge is held in the outlet fitting by a sleeve-shaped intermediate holder, which is held in the outlet fitting in a radially sealed manner. A peripheral edge region on the admission side of the insertable cartridge is held in an axially sealed manner in the outlet fitting. The insertable cartridge is inserted with the aid of the intermediate holder supporting it into the outlet fitting to a depth such that the insertable cartridge is held securely. Accordingly, the insertable cartridge is scaled axially in its peripheral region on the admission side. The intermediate holder can also be held in a radially sealed manner in the outlet fitting to prevent undesired creepage. |
| US08342427B1 |
Lawn and tree fertilizing device installable on sprinkler system
A fertilizing device for installing in a water system comprising a first half housing removably attached to a second half housing; an intake pipe disposed on a first side and an outlet pipe disposed on a second side of the first half housing, the intake pipe and outlet pipe are both fluidly connected to the inner cavity of the first half housing; a box with apertures disposed in the first and second half housings for holding a chemical bar with fertilizer; wherein the intake pipe is connected to a first portion of a pipe of the water system, the outlet pipe is connected to a second portion of the pipe of the water system; wherein water from the water system can enter the intake pipe, mix with the chemical bar, and exit via the outlet pipe. |
| US08342423B2 |
Fuel injection apparatus
A fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel supply passage and a valve arrangement for controlling fuel pressure within the fuel supply passage. The valve arrangement includes a valve member movable between an open position in which the fuel supply passage communicates with a low pressure fuel drain and a closed position in which communication between the fuel supply passage and the low pressure fuel drain is prevented. The valve arrangement comprises damping means for controlling and/or damping movement of the valve member between the closed and open positions. |
| US08342419B2 |
Prefabricated stand for hydronic systems
A stand assembly for hydronic circulation systems includes a fixed back portion. A selectively movable platform portion is connected to the back portion. The stand assembly is selectively movable between a folded shipping position and an unfolded installation position by selectively moving the platform portion. |
| US08342416B2 |
Wireless IC device, wireless IC module and method of manufacturing wireless IC module
A wireless IC module that can function as a component of an RFID system even when mounted on a metal article includes a loop-shaped electrode that is constructed such that a plane of a loop of the loop-shaped electrode is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of a wireless IC module. The loop-shaped electrode functions as a magnetic field antenna and is electromagnetically coupled with a metal article so that the surface of the metal article functions as a radiator antenna. |
| US08342412B2 |
Transaction product with electrical circuit
A transaction product includes an enclosure, an account identifier and an electrical circuit. The enclosure defines an aperture. The account identifier is at least one of connected to or enclosed within the enclosure and links the transaction product to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable. The electrical circuit includes a flexible circuit member, wherein the flexible circuit member extends through the aperture defined by the enclosure such that a first portion of the flexible circuit member is coupled to an outside surface of the enclosure and a second portion of the flexible circuit member is positioned inside the enclosure. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed. |
| US08342411B2 |
Bar code reading device for reading 1D or 2D bar code symbols
The present invention relates to a bar code reading device for reading 1D or 2D bar code symbols. The bar code reading device, in one embodiment, can receive a command to disable symbology reading. In another embodiment, a bar code reading device can have a timercount and an image memory. In one embodiment, a bar code reading device can be configured to read bar code symbols of more than one bar code symbology. |
| US08342409B2 |
Object proximity sensor recessed into imaging reader
An electro-optical imaging reader includes a chassis mounted in a housing, a window spaced from a rear wall of the chassis, an imaging module for capturing return light from a target through the window over an imaging field of view, a controller for operating the reader in a standby state in which no target is read, and for processing the captured return light to read the target during a reading state, and an object sensing assembly supported by the rear chassis wall and spaced from the window. The object sensing assembly senses the presence of an object bearing the target in front of the window by detecting return sensing light from the object through the window over a sensing field of view that at least partially overlaps the imaging field of view, and triggers the controller to change from the standby state to the reading state upon such detection. |
| US08342407B2 |
System and method for pairing a bluetooth device with a point-of-sale terminal
A method of completing a transaction at a point-of-sale terminal using payment information contained on a wireless unit of a customer. The method comprises providing a point-of-sale terminal capable of wirelessly connecting with a wireless unit of a customer desiring to complete a transaction. The point-of-sale terminal is used to perform at least one of reading a barcode displayed on the wireless unit containing short range network pairing information, or displaying a barcode containing short range network pairing information for reading by the wireless unit, to thereby establish a short range wireless network between the point-of-sale terminal and the wireless unit of the customer. Via the short range wireless network, transaction data is received from the wireless unit of the customer containing payment information. The transaction data is then used to effect payment for the transaction and thereby complete the transaction. |
| US08342406B2 |
System and method for data transfer through animated barcodes
A system and method are provided for transferring data to a mobile device through animated barcodes. The mobile device scans, with a barcode reader, at least a first barcode and then scans at least a second barcode, whereby the barcodes are shown on a display. The display is in an open-loop relationship with the mobile device. The mobile device decodes the at least first and second barcodes to extract a first data portion and an associated first sequence identification, and a second data portion and an associated second sequence identification. The mobile device combines the first and second data portions according to the associated sequence identifications. |
| US08342403B2 |
Compact optical reader system
A method and optical reader system for label-independent detection as defined herein. The reader system includes: a launch beam; a first lens; a receptacle for receiving at least one optical biosensor article, the article having a mask on one face, and the mask having at least one aperture there through for receiving and transmitting radiation from the collimated launch beam; an angular separator; and an imager to record the image of the optical biosensor article. |
| US08342400B1 |
Systems controlled by data bearing records for maintaining inventory data
A registering and counting system operated in response to information included on data bearing records is used for maintaining inventory records related to narcotics items. Data corresponding to users is read through record reading devices (448, 452). Authorized users are allowed access to a narcotics vault (402). Narcotics holding containers (422) are removable from storage locations in drawers (416). Wireless transmitters on the containers operate in conjunction with wireless readers in the storage locations to enable a computer (458) to track the use of the narcotics items and operating parameters of the system. |
| US08342397B1 |
Method of transmitting electronic signature during a financial transaction
A system operates to carry out financial transfers in response to data read from data bearing records. A cell phone having a camera stores in memory indicia corresponding to account data from a plurality of magnetic stripe cards. A user can operate the phone to select one of the accounts stored in the memory. The memory further includes a scanned user-identifying written signature. The user can use the phone during an item purchase to wirelessly transmit each of an item's identifier captured by the camera, selected account data, and the user signature. |
| US08342395B1 |
Card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine may include a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine is operative to authenticate firmware in at least one hardware component of the machine prior to causing the at least one hardware component to carry out a transaction function. |
| US08342393B2 |
Attributing harvest information with unique identifiers
Systems and methods allow units of produce to be traced back to the fields in which the produce was grown. In the field, a harvest form is completed with harvest information at the time of the harvest. In some instances, labels having unique codes are used to label the produce in the field, and two additional labels are placed on the harvest form to associate a range of unique codes with the harvest information on the form. The labels used to label the produce can also be marked with a lot code and date at the time of harvest. In other instances, empty packages arrive at the field already marked with a range of associated unique codes. In the field, harvest information is recorded and associated with the range of unique codes by scanning one or more of the packages. |
| US08342387B2 |
Spherical solder reflow method
The present disclosure relates to methods of making solder balls having a uniform size. More particularly, the disclosure relates to improved solder ball formation processes that prevent or reduce bridging/merging of two or more solder balls during reflow. The processes of the instant disclosure are desirable because they do not require a sifting step to obtain uniformly-sized solder balls. |
| US08342384B2 |
Method for the production of a metal-ceramic substrate, preferably a copper ceramic substrate
The invention relates to a novel process for producing a metal ceramic substrate, especially a copper-ceramic substrate, in which at least one metal foil at a time is applied to the surface sides of a ceramic layer or a ceramic substrate using a high temperature bonding process and the metal foil is structured on at least one surface side for forming conductive tracks, contact surfaces, and the like. |
| US08342372B2 |
Adhesive dispenser system
A dispenser system employs a packaging module for use with moisture sensitive materials. The packaging module comprises an outer carton and an inner bladder, which is substantially impermeable to moisture and is filled with one part of an adhesive. The carton is loaded on a mobile cart and the one part adhesive is supplied to a pump/mixer without exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. The packaging and dispensing system can be used in conjunction with mechanized adhesive application equipment for the construction trades. A cart which employs multiple transversely spaced mixing nozzles is employed to produce transversely spaced beads of adhesive as the cart is pushed along a surface. Part 1 adhesive component and part 2 adhesive component are independently pumped to mixing nozzles which dispense the adhesive in beads. |
| US08342371B2 |
Caulking gun with a radially expanding pressure disk
The caulking gun comprises a cartridge holder (12) for accommodating a cartridge (25). For pressing out the substance contained in the cartridge (25), use is made of a piston (30) which is advanced by a pressure disk (16). The pressure disk (16) can be radially expanded under the influence of the advancement force and thus will press by a spreading edge (49) against the side wall (31) of the piston (30). In this manner, the piston in the region of its side wall (31) is tightly pressed against the cartridge wall. Leakage of substance past the piston (30) is prevented. |