| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08358170B2 |
Power amplifier linearization using cancellation-based feed forward methods and systems
Linearizers can improve the linearity of power amplifiers by canceling or reducing amplitude of non-linearity components, (e.g., IM3, IM5, IM7, IM9, etc.) generated by the power amplifier. The linearizers can obtain samples of signals output by the power amplifier and process the samples to produce a canceling signal that is applied onto or into an output of the power amplifier. The canceling signal is generated such that when applied to the output of the power amplifier, the canceling signal cancels or reduces at least a portion of the non-linearity components produced by the power amplifier. A controller can improve the correction of the non-linearity components by executing one or more tuning algorithms and adjusting settings of the linearizer based on the results of the algorithm(s). |
| US08358168B2 |
Charge pump regulator and method of producing a regulated voltage
A charge pump regulator has a charge pump to establish a charge path and a discharge path alternately, so as to produce a regulated voltage on an output terminal. The charge pump has at least a current control element on the charge path or the discharge path to control the current flowing therethrough according to an output-dependent feedback signal. |
| US08358167B2 |
Photo sensing unit and photo sensor thereof
A photo sensing unit used in a photo sensor includes a photo sensing transistor, a storage capacitor, and a switching transistor. The photo sensing transistor receives a light signal for inducing a photo current correspondingly, and a source and a gate thereof are respectively coupled to the first signal source and the second signal source. The storage capacitor stores electrical charges induced by the light signal, one terminal thereof is coupled to drain of the photo sensing transistor, and another terminal thereof is coupled to a low voltage. The switching transistor is controlled by the second signal source for outputting a readout signal from the storage capacitor to the signal readout line. The threshold voltage of the photo transistor is higher than that of the switching transistor. |
| US08358165B2 |
Ultra-low voltage level shifting circuit
A voltage level shifter having an internal low voltage power supply (VCCL) and an external high voltage power supply (VCCH) includes a first PMOS transistor and a second PMOS transistor each with a source connected to the VCCH, a gate of the first PMOS transistor being coupled to a drain of the second PMOS transistor, and a gate of the second PMOS transistor being coupled to a drain of the first PMOS transistor. The voltage level shifter further includes a first NMOS transistor with a source connected to a ground (VSS) and a gate connected to a first signal swinging between the VCCL and the VSS, and a first blocking device coupled between the drain of the first PMOS transistor and a drain of the first NMOS transistor, such that the voltage level shifter can operate at a lower VCCL. |
| US08358157B2 |
Monolithic low impedance dual gate current sense MOSFET
A power switch includes a first power transistor having a first source electrode, a first gate electrode, and a first drain electrode, and a second power transistor having a second source electrode, a second gate electrode, and a second drain electrode. The power switch further includes a first pilot transistor which has a third source electrode, a third gate electrode, and a third drain electrode. The first, second and third drain electrodes are electrically connected together. The first and second source electrodes are electrically connected together. The first and third gate electrodes are electrically connected together and can be biased independently from the second gate electrode. The first power transistor is the same size as or smaller than the second power transistor and the first power transistor is larger than the first pilot transistor. |
| US08358156B1 |
Voltage mode line driver and pre-emphasis circuit
In one embodiment of the invention, a voltage-mode line driver circuit is provided for transmitting a differential signal. The voltage-mode line driver includes a first voltage swing circuit having an input coupled to receive an input signal and an output coupled to a first transmission line. A second voltage swing circuit is included, the second voltage swing circuit having an input coupled to receive an inversion of the input signal and an output coupled to a second transmission line. First and second pre-emphasis circuits are respectively coupled to the first and second voltage swing circuits. The first and second pre-emphasis circuits are configured to supplement the slew rate of respective first and second voltage swing circuits in response to a transition of the input signal. |
| US08358146B2 |
CMOS image sensor test probe card
A CIS test probe card with an optic assembly is disclosed. At least one embodiment relates to the optic assembly being located close to the CIS test probe card to collimate a light before it is projected through the CIS test probe card to the wafer. At least one embodiment relates to a change in the geometric configuration of the hole(s) and the probe(s) in the CIS test probe card. Small holes corresponding to the CIS chips in a one-on-one fashion can be implemented, such that each small hole is located over a corresponding CIS chip. |
| US08358145B1 |
Self-heating integrated circuit
Self-heating integrated circuits are provided. In one embodiment, a self-heating integrated circuit comprises a drive circuit configured to drive a device and a controller configured to selectively operate the drive circuit in a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the controller is configured to operate the drive circuit to drive the device and, in the second mode, the controller is configured to operate the drive circuit to heat the integrated circuit to a target temperature. |
| US08358141B2 |
Analytical scanning evanescent microwave microscope and control stage
A scanning evanescent microwave microscope (SEMM) that uses near-field evanescent electromagnetic waves to probe sample properties is disclosed. The SEMM is capable of high resolution imaging and quantitative measurements of the electrical properties of the sample. The SEMM has the ability to map dielectric constant, loss tangent, conductivity, electrical impedance, and other electrical parameters of materials. Such properties are then used to provide distance control over a wide range, from to microns to nanometers, over dielectric and conductive samples for a scanned evanescent microwave probe, which enable quantitative non-contact and submicron spatial resolution topographic and electrical impedance profiling of dielectric, nonlinear dielectric and conductive materials. The invention also allows quantitative estimation of microwave impedance using signals obtained by the scanned evanescent microwave probe and quasistatic approximation modeling. The SEMM can be used to measure electrical properties of both dielectric and electrically conducting materials. |
| US08358139B2 |
Optical reproducing apparatus connectable to optical pickups and method of controlling optical pickups
An optical reproducing apparatus connectable to optical pickups and a method of controlling an optical pickup thereof are provided. The optical reproducing apparatus measures resistance of an optical pickup on a port of a connection unit to which the optical pickup is connected, and determines the type of the optical pickup according to the measured resistance. Accordingly, optical reproducing apparatuses may be controlled according to the type of optical pickups, and manufactured using various optical pickups without checking the type of optical pickups, which allows convenient manufacturing of optical reproducing apparatuses. |
| US08358137B2 |
Method and apparatus for examining ion-conductive electrolyte membrane
A detection membrane is joined to a first surface of an electrolyte membrane. After the detection membrane is hydrogenated, oxygen is supplied to a space facing a second surface of the electrolyte membrane. If the electrolyte membrane has a defect, oxygen leaks to the first surface, resulting in a change in resistance of the detection membrane owing to dehydrogenation of the detection membrane. The defect is recognized by this change. An air electrode is joined to the second surface, and an electric circuit is connected between the detection membrane and the air electrode. After hydrogenating the detection membrane and ionizing oxygen supplied to a space facing the air electrode, oxygen ions permeate through the electrolyte membrane and dehydrogenate the detection membrane. Uniformity of the oxygen ion conductivity is examined by measuring resistance of the detection membrane, which varies depending on the amount of oxygen ions, for each region. |
| US08358136B2 |
State of charge calculator for multi-cell energy storage system having cell balancing
An arrangement for monitoring the current or state of charge (SOC) of an energy system (230) having one or more series-connected strings (S1, S2, . . . Sn) of battery cells (C1, C2, . . . Cn). The battery cells each have respective dissipative devices (D1, D2, . . . Dn) selectively connectable in parallel therewith for balancing cell voltages in the string. The dissipative devices are of predetermined, typically equal, impedance value. The voltage across each cell (Vc1, Vc2, . . . Vcn) may be separately monitored, such that by dividing the monitored voltage across a cell by the impedance value of a dissipative device connected in parallel therewith, the dissipative current is determined. A summation of all of the dissipative currents yields an error value, which error value is then removed from the measured gross current (Ibat) flowing through the combined battery cells and dissipative devices to yield a corrected value of current (Ibatnet). A corrected SOC value (Qnet) is obtainable in a similar manner. |
| US08358133B2 |
MRI body coil connected to a frangible retention frame circuit board assembly and method for attaching an electronic module to a body coil of a magnetic resonance apparatus
Efficient mounting of a module to a whole-body coil of a magnetic resonance apparatus is enabled by a circuit board with conductive contact regions located at least in the area of an edge of the circuit board, with which contact regions contacts of an electronic module for a magnetic resonance apparatus are connected in a conductive manner. The contact regions of the circuit board are configured for electrical contact with the whole-body coil. |
| US08358130B2 |
Magnetic resonance method and apparatus for acquiring measurement data from a subject continuously moving through the apparatus
In a method and apparatus for the acquisition of measurement data of an examination region of an examination subject (in particular a patient) during continuous travel of the examination region through a magnetic resonance apparatus for the generation of an image data set, the continuous travel is interrupted and resumed at least once. The examination region is moved back by a predeterminable distance counter to the travel direction of the continuous travel before interrupting the continuous travel. Moving the examination region back makes it possible to interrupt and resume an acquisition of measurement data given (otherwise) continuous travel of the examination region, without loss of measurement data. The time during the interruption can be used advantageously for preparation of an acquisition of measurement data in the portion of the examination region of the patient that is to be examined after the interruption of the continuous travel. In particular, during the interruption a patient can be prepared to hold his or her breath for an acquisition of additional measurement data that follows the interruption. The continuous travel can be interrupted arbitrarily often. |
| US08358127B2 |
Apparatus for measuring magnetic field of microwave-assisted head
A measuring circuit system in a magnetic field measuring apparatus of the invention has an amplifier and a band-pass filter connected in sequence on an output terminal side of the TMR element, the band-pass filter is a narrow-range band-pass filter such that a peak pass frequency of the filter that is a center is a basic frequency selected from a range of 10 to 40 GHz and a band width centered around the basic frequency is a narrow range of ±0.5 to ±4 GHz; and with the measuring circuit system, an SIN ratio (SNR) of 3 dB or greater is obtained, the SNR being defined by a ratio of an amplitude S of a high-frequency generated signal induced by the TMR element to a total noise N that is a sum of a head noise generated by the TMR element and a circuit noise generated by the amplifier. With such a configuration, an in-plane high-frequency magnetic field generated by a microwave-assisted magnetic head is reliably and precisely measured. |
| US08358117B1 |
Hysteretic regulator with output slope detection
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes output voltage comparison circuitry that compares an output voltage of a regulator and a reference voltage and outputs an output voltage comparison signal based on the comparison. Slope detection circuitry detects a slope of the output voltage and outputs a slope comparison signal based on the slope detected. Duty cycle determination circuitry receives the output comparison signal and the slope comparison signal and outputs a pre-driver signal having a duty cycle based on the output comparison signal and the slope comparison signal. The pre-driver signal is used to regulate the output voltage of the voltage regulator. |
| US08358116B2 |
DC/DC converter
A DC/DC converter converts an input DC voltage into an output DC voltage. The DC/DC converter includes an input capacitor, an inductor, an electronic switch, a diode, an output capacitor and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the first electronic switch as a function of the signals fed to the control unit. The input capacitor is connected between the input voltage and ground or zero point, and the inductor is connected between the input capacitor and the electronic switch. A second electronic switch, which the control unit can drive by means of a switching signal, is disposed between the load and the ground or zero point, and a second diode embodies a connection between the output of the load and the input capacitor. The control unit is fed the value of the input voltage. |
| US08358113B2 |
Current balance in a multi-phase power converter with constant on-time control
A multi-phase power converter with constant on-time control includes a plurality of channels to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, and each of the channels is driven by a control signal. When all channel currents of the channels are balanced, each of the control signals remains a constant on-time. When the channel currents are imbalanced, the on-times of the control signals are modulated according to the difference between each channel current and a target value for current balance between the channels. |
| US08358112B2 |
Multiphase transformer for a multiphase DC-DC converter
A multiphase DC-DC converter is provided that includes a multiphase transformer, the multiphase transformer including a plurality of input voltage terminals and an transformer output voltage terminal, each input voltage terminal associated with a corresponding phase. Each phase is assigned to an input voltage terminal of the plurality of input voltage terminals to minimize a ripple current at the input voltage terminals of the multiphase transformer. |
| US08358111B2 |
Architecture for dual source electric power generating system
A dual source electric power generating system (EPGS) provides both a regulated AC output and a regulated DC output. The EPGS includes a rotating portion and a stationary portion. The stationary portion includes a plurality of windings (permanent magnet generator (PMG) armature windings, an exciter field winding, and high-voltage main generator armature windings), a voltage regulator, a rectifier, an inverter, a point of regulation (POR) sensor. The high-voltage main generator armature windings generate a high-voltage AC that is converted to a regulated, high-voltage AC by the rectifier and the inverter. The stationary portion is further characterized by circuitry for producing the regulated DC output from AC voltage produced by a winding other than the high-voltage main generator armature windings. |
| US08358108B2 |
System and method for re-initiating charge cycle for battery pack left in a charger
A system and method is provided for initiating a charge cycle for a battery pack left in a battery charger. The battery pack includes a battery control unit which is operable to place the battery pack in a sleep mode after a predefined period of inactivity. The battery charger in turn is operable to deliver a charging signal to the battery pack in response to the battery pack entering a sleep mode. |
| US08358103B2 |
Automatic coupling of an alternating current power source and an inductive power apparatus to charge a target device battery
Several methods and systems to perform automatic coupling of an alternating current power source and an inductive power apparatus to charge a target device battery are disclosed. In an embodiment, an inductive battery charging system includes a connection module to determine when a target device is coupled to a charging apparatus comprised of an inductive power apparatus. The system further includes a monitoring module to determine when a target device battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source. In addition, the system includes an activation module to automatically couple the inductive power apparatus and an alternating current power source when a power level of the target device battery is below the charging threshold. |
| US08358090B1 |
Dimmer circuit for transformer—isolated LED driver and method therefor
A driver circuit has a Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver having an input and output. A switching device is coupled to an output of the LED driver. An edge detector is coupled to the LED driver. A timing device is coupled to the edge detector. A latch is coupled to the edge detector, the timing device and the switching device. |
| US08358083B2 |
System and method including self oscillating feedback for acoustic operation of a discharge lamp
A system and method including self oscillating feedback for acoustic operation of a discharge lamp. The system includes a ballast configured to receive a modulation input and modulate a lamp power signal in accordance with the modulation input. A photodetector senses the optical output of the lamp to provide an electrical feedback to a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit filters the feedback to couple a portion thereof corresponding to a selected acoustic resonance mode of the lamp to the ballast as the modulation input thereby causing self-oscillation at the selected acoustic resonance mode. |
| US08358078B2 |
Fluorescent lamp dimmer with multi-function integrated circuit
In one embodiment, a fluorescent lamp dimming circuit includes power factor correction control, dimming control, and switching devices. The power factor correction control may be connected to power factor correction circuitry that produces a regulated DC buss. The dimming control circuit may be connected to the input of the fluorescent lamp dimming circuit for producing a driver signal whose frequency varies depending on the input voltage waveform perhaps as modified by a dimmer. The control circuit may produce a drive signal with a duty cycle profile to drive switching devices. The switching devices invert the DC buss voltage to an AC voltage waveform for driving a resonant tank circuit. The resonant tank circuit may include an inductance, a capacitance, and the impedance of a fluorescent lamp. The AC voltage waveform when applied to the resonant tank circuit may cause the fluorescent lamp to dim based on the dimmer setting. |
| US08358069B2 |
Lighting method of light source apparatus
A method of lighting a light source apparatus that has a discharge lamp, a reflection mirror for reflecting light emitted from the discharge lamp, a light emission optical system for irradiating a work piece with light, one or more laser oscillator for emitting a laser beam to the discharge lamp, and a discharge starting unit for starting discharge. The method includes removing deposits adhering to an inner face of the discharge lamp by irradiating a discharge vessel with the laser beam from the first laser oscillator, starting discharge in the discharge vessel by the discharge starting unit, and condensing the laser beam from a second laser oscillator, into the discharge vessel. |
| US08358067B2 |
Lighting apparatus having an improved light extraction efficiency
In a lighting apparatus which emits light of a desired wavelength by irradiating excitation light from a light source to a wavelength converting member, a structure is such that a part of wavelength-converted light which is launched from the wavelength converting member is made to launch from an irradiated-light emerging area without making the light incidence again to the wavelength converting member. |
| US08358064B2 |
Light emitting and/or receiving apparatus
A light emitting and/or receiving apparatus in the form of a panel comprising a lattice of electroluminescent conductive polymer, a layer of transparent conductor, a clear substrate above the other layers and an integrated reflective panel located within the lattice layer. |
| US08358061B2 |
Coating solution for formation of intermediate layer, method for production of organic electroluminescence element, and organic electroluminescence element
Disclosed is a coating solution for use in the formation of an intermediate layer in an organic electroluminescence element which comprises at least a pair of electrodes, a light-emitting layer arranged between the pair of electrodes and comprising an organic material, and the intermediate layer arranged between one of the electrodes and the light-emitting layer. The coating solution is produced by dissolving an alkali metal salt. |
| US08358059B2 |
Phosphor, white light illumination device and solar cell utilizing the same
The invention provides phosphors composed of Eu(1-x)MaxMg(1-y)MbyAl(10-z)MczO17, wherein Ma is Yb, SN, Pb, Ce, Tb, Dy, Pr, Ca, Sr, Ba, or combinations thereof, and 0≦x≦0.9; Mb is Mn, Zn, or combinations thereof, and 0 |
| US08358056B2 |
LED fluorescent lamp
A light-emitting diode (LED) fluorescent lamp which can replace a typical fluorescent lamp is provided. The LED fluorescent lamp includes an LED array including a plurality of LEDs connected in series; first through fourth connection pins; first through fourth capacitors connected to the first through fourth connection pins, respectively; a first diode having an commonly connected to second ends of the first and third capacitors and a cathode connected to a first end of the LED array; a second diode having an anode connected to a second end of the LED array and a cathode commonly connected to second ends of the second and fourth capacitors. The LED fluorescent lamp can replace a typical fluorescent lamp without a requirement of the installation of additional equipment or the change of wiring. |
| US08358052B2 |
Unit having resonator, oscillator having unit and electronic apparatus having unit
In a unit comprising a quartz crystal resonator, a case having a mounting portion, and a lid connected to the case, the quartz crystal resonator having a base portion, and first and second vibrational arms connected to the base portion, at least one groove being formed in at least one of opposite main surfaces of each of the first and second vibrational arms, at least one mounting arm being connected to the base portion having a length L1 less than 0.5 mm and extending in a common direction with at least one of the first and second vibrational arms, the at least one mounting arm being mounted on the mounting portion of the case. |
| US08358051B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator
A piezoelectric actuator comprises a co-fired stack of piezoelectric elements formed from a piezoelectric material and a plurality of positive internal electrodes interdigitated with a plurality of negative internal electrodes throughout the stack to define active regions of the piezoelectric material which are responsive to a voltage applied across the internal electrodes, in use. An external positive electrode connects with the positive internal electrodes and an external negative electrode connects with the negative internal electrodes. The actuator is characterized in that the stack further comprises means for deliberately creating artificial cracks within the stack at a location at which the artificial cracks do not give rise to a short circuit between the internal electrodes but serve to relieve stresses within the piezoelectric material. |
| US08358049B2 |
Energy converters and associated methods
Energy converters and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an energy converter includes a first structural member spaced apart from a second structure member, a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element individually coupled to the first structural member and the second structural member, and a deflection member tensionally suspended between the first and second piezoelectric elements. The deflection member is substantially rigid. |
| US08358047B2 |
Buried traces for sealed electrostatic membrane actuators or sensors
In accordance with the invention, there are micro-electromechanical devices and methods of fabricating them. An exemplary micro-electromechanical device can include a first dielectric layer; a buried conductive trace disposed over the first dielectric layer, such that the buried conductor trace is electrically connected to an outside power source; a second dielectric layer disposed over the buried conductive trace; at least one conductive electrode disposed over the second dielectric layer and electrically connected to the buried conductive trace; and at least one conductive membrane including membrane anchors disposed over the second dielectric layer, such that the at least one conductive membrane is electrically isolated from the at least one conductive electrode and the buried conductor trace, wherein the at least one conductive electrode is electrically connected to the power source through the buried conductive trace. |
| US08358046B2 |
Hybrid electric power system with distributed segmented generator/motor
An apparatus is disclosed for a hybrid electric power system for use in a multi-wheeled hybrid electric vehicle, and particularly for use in hybrid electric vehicles designed for operation in hostile environments where reliability and survivability of the propulsion system of the vehicle are important. The hybrid electric power system advantageously comprises at least one segmented electrical machine having multiple pairs of parallel stator segments with a magnetic rotor segment between each pair, for generating power from a thermodynamic engine, or for providing power to a driven wheel of the hybrid electric vehicle. A hybrid electric power system is also provided which comprises at least one distributed segmented electrical machine which comprises a distributed electrical energy storage system. |
| US08358044B2 |
Electric machine apparatus with integrated, high torque density magnetic gearing
An electrical machine apparatus having magnetic gearing embedded therein includes a moveable rotor having a first magnetic field associated therewith, a stator configured with a plurality of stationary stator windings therein, and a magnetic flux modulator interposed between the moveable rotor and the stator windings. The magnetic flux modulator is configured to transmit torque between the first magnetic field associated with said moveable rotor and a second magnetic field excited by the plurality of stationary stator windings. |
| US08358042B2 |
Electric motor integrated hydraulic motor
The present invention provides a small-size light-weight electric motor integrated hydraulic motor which is simple in configuration, integrally includes an electric motor and a hydraulic motor, and is capable of efficiently operating, by being configured such that: a swash plate type hydraulic motor and an electric motor driven by the swash plate type hydraulic motor are provided in one casing; the casing is filled with oil; a driving shaft of the swash plate type hydraulic motor is configured to extend from a front end portion of the casing up to a rear end portion thereof and be supported at the front and rear end portions of the casing; the swash plate type hydraulic motor and a rotor of the electric motor are provided in series at the driving shaft; and a stator of the electric motor is fixed to an inner side portion of the casing. |
| US08358041B2 |
Electric motor having wire connection structure and wire connection method for the same
An electric motor having a wire connection structure includes a stator including a stator coil, a rotor, a motor housing accommodating the stator and the rotor and having a hole, a cable retaining portion formed on the motor housing for retaining end portions of feed cables, a fixing portion formed on the stator, first terminals connected to the stator coil and arranged on the fixing portion in an orientation different from an orientation of the end portions, second terminals each projecting from each of the end portions to face the corresponding first terminal after being inserted into the hole, at least one of the second terminals being bent, and screw members engaged with the fixing portion after being inserted into the corresponding first and second terminals, each of the screw members jointly fastening the first and second terminals to the fixing portion to electrically connect the first and second terminals. |
| US08358040B2 |
Permanent magnet type electric rotating machine
A permanent magnet type electric rotating machine having a high resistance permanent magnet used for the electric rotating machine, the permanent magnet containing a magnetic powder and a fluorine compound, in which the current waveform is controlled for reducing the loss to satisfy a relation: A |
| US08358039B2 |
High-scan rate positioner for scanned probe microscopy
A system contains a first actuator half containing a first pair of actuator coils and a second pair of actuator coils located above the first pair of actuator coils, wherein the first pair of actuator coils is connected to a first metallic backing. A second actuator half is also providing within the system, which contains a first pair of actuator coils and a second pair of actuator coils located above the first pair of actuator coils, wherein the first pair of actuator coils is connected to a second metallic backing. The system also contains a mechanical flexure suspension having at least one flexure supporting a permanent magnet that is capable of moving, wherein the mechanical flexure suspension is located between the first actuator half and the second actuator half. |
| US08358035B2 |
Electrical generator arrangements
An electrical generator arrangement comprising a distribution network having a first generator and a second generator, the first generator arranged to provide electrical power to a transmitter source, the second generator coupled to the distribution network by a switch to enable isolation of the second generator, the switch associated with an electrical characteristic comparator to compare the phase and/or frequency of the voltage provided by the second generator with the incidental modulation of a transmitter signal from the transmitter due to variations in the phase and/or frequency of the voltage provided by the first generator to the transmitter, the comparator arranged to operate the switch to isolate or connect the second generator to the distribution network dependent upon a variation in the change of the phase and/or frequency of the voltage provided by the second generator and the incidental modulation of the transmitted signal. |
| US08358030B2 |
Wind turbine apparatus
A wind turbine apparatus including a shaft, two wind turbines, and a two-piece alternator. The turbines and the alternator are mounted on the shaft. The alternator is located between the turbines. The alternator includes a circular permanent magnet component fixed to the first turbine, and a circular electrical winding component fixed to the second turbine so that, when an effective wind blows in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the first turbine and the circular magnet component will rotate around the shaft in a first direction and the second turbine and the circular winding component will rotate around the shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby generating electrical energy. |
| US08358020B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing energy
An energy storing system, which includes a plurality of weights; a first storing unit and a second storing unit, wherein the first storing unit is arranged below the second storing unit and each of the storing units includes a guiding track on which weights can be placed and along which weights can be moved, wherein each of these guiding tracks includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is arranged below the first portion; and a loading unit configured to lift at least one weight from the first storing unit to the second storing unit during a first period thereby converting electrical energy to potential energy. |
| US08358017B2 |
Semiconductor package featuring flip-chip die sandwiched between metal layers
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to flip-chip packages for semiconductor devices, which feature a die sandwiched between metal layers. One metal layer comprises portions of the lead frame configured to be in electrical and thermal communication with various pads on a first surface of the die (e.g. IC pads or MOSFET gate or source pads) through a solder ball contact. The other metal layer is configured to be in at least thermal communication with the opposite side of the die. Embodiments of packages in accordance with the present invention exhibit superior heat dissipation qualities, while avoiding the expense of wire bonding. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suited for packaging of power devices. |
| US08358015B2 |
Layered chip package and method of manufacturing same
A layered chip package includes a main body and wiring. The main body includes: a main part having a top surface and a bottom surface and including three or more layer portions stacked on one another; a plurality of first terminals disposed on the top surface of the main part; and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the bottom surface of the main part. Each layer portion includes a semiconductor chip having first and second surfaces, and a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the wiring. The plurality of electrodes are disposed on a side of the first surface of the semiconductor chip. A first layer portion located closest to the top surface of the main part and a second layer portion located closest to the bottom surface of the main part are arranged so that the second surfaces of their respective semiconductor chips face toward each other. The plurality of first terminals are formed by using the plurality of electrodes of the first layer portion. The plurality of second terminals are formed by using the plurality of electrodes of the second layer portion. |
| US08358014B2 |
Structure and method for power field effect transistor
A packaged semiconductor device has a metal plate (1200) with sawed sides (1200c), a flat first surface (1200a) and a parallel second surface (1200b); the plate is separated into a first section (1201) and a second section (1202) spaced apart by a gap (1230). The plate has on the second surface (1200b) at least one insular mesa (1205) of the same metal in each section, the mesas raised from the second plate surface. The device further has an insulating member (1231), which adheres to the first plate surface, bridges the gap, and thus couples the first and second sections together. The device further has a vertical stack (1270) of two power FET chips (1210) and (1220), each having a pair of terminals on the first chip surface (1211 and 1212; 1221 and 1222 respectively) and a single terminal on the second chip surface. The single terminals of chip (1210) and chip (1220) are attached to each other to form the common terminal (1240). The terminal pair (1221) and (1222) is conductively attached to plate (1200) so that terminal (1221) contacts the first plate section (1201) and terminal (1222) contacts the second plate section (1202). The terminal pair (1211) and (1212) is available for attachment to a substrate. |
| US08358013B1 |
Leadless multi-chip module structure
Multi-chip quad flat no-lead (QFN) packages and methods for making the same are disclosed. A multi-chip package may include a first die including a plurality of first bond pads, wherein selected first bond pads are wire-bonded to a first side of a leadframe, and a second die mounted on the first die and including a plurality of second bond pads, wherein selected second bond pads are wire-bonded to a second side, opposite the first side, of the leadframe. Another package may include a first die including a plurality of first bond pads, wherein selected first bond pads are wire-bonded to a first side of a leadframe, and a second die flip-chip mounted on a second side of the leadframe and including a plurality of second bond pads, wherein selected second bond pads are bonded to the second side of the leadframe. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08358009B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device with a transistor region has a first conductor pattern formed within a multilayer interconnect structure positioned under a signal line and above the transistor region. The first conductor pattern is coupled to ground or a power supply and overlaps the transistor region. The signal line overlaps the first conductor pattern. |
| US08358008B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: a semiconductor substrate; an insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate and containing a wiring trench; a first catalyst layer provided directly or via another member on side and bottom surfaces of the wiring trench; and a first graphene layer provided in the wiring trench so as to be along the side and bottom surface of the wiring trench, the first graphene layer being provided on the first catalyst layer so as to be in contact with the first catalyst layer. |
| US08358005B2 |
Packaged gallium nitride material transistors and methods associated with the same
The invention provides semiconductor material (e.g., gallium nitride material) devices (e.g., transistors) and methods associated with the same. The devices may be supported within a package that is formed, in part, of a polymeric material. In other embodiments, the devices may be mounted to a support (e.g., circuit board) and a polymeric material may encapsulate a portion of the device extending from the support. |
| US08358003B2 |
Surface mount electronic device packaging assembly
A surface mount electronic device packaging assembly includes a body having an aperture defined therethrough. The aperture is adapted to receive an electronic device therein. The body has a first surface and a second surface. An electrically conductive contact pad is disposed on the first surface of the body. The contact pad is adapted to receive a lead from the electronic device. A thermally conductive base pad is disposed on the second surface of the body. A top surface of the base pad is adapted to receive the electronic device thereon. |
| US08358002B2 |
Window ball grid array (BGA) semiconductor packages
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide window ball grid array semiconductor packages. A semiconductor package includes a substrate having (i) a first surface, (ii) a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, and (iii) an opening formed between the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate. The semiconductor package further includes a semiconductor die having (i) a first surface and (ii) a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, the first surface of the semiconductor die being electrically coupled to the second surface of the substrate by one or more interconnect bumps; one or more bonding wires that electrically couple the first surface of the semiconductor die to the first surface of the substrate through the opening of the substrate; and a first electrically insulative structure disposed to substantially fill an area between the first surface of the semiconductor die, the second surface of the substrate, and the one or more interconnect bumps. The first electrically insulative structure substantially encapsulates the one or more bonding wires and substantially fills the opening of the substrate. |
| US08358000B2 |
Double side cooled power module with power overlay
A power module includes one or more semiconductor power devices having a power overlay (POL) bonded thereto. A first heat sink is bonded to the semiconductor power devices on a side opposite the POL. A second heat sink is bonded to the POL opposite the side of the POL bonded to the semiconductor power devices. The semiconductor power devices, POL, first channel heat sink, and second channel heat sink together form a double side cooled power overlay module. The second channel heat sink is bonded to the POL solely via a compliant thermal interface material without the need for planarizing, brazing or metallurgical bonding. |
| US08357989B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device which eliminates the need for high fillability through a simple process and a method for manufacturing the same. A high breakdown voltage lateral MOS transistor including a source region and a drain region is completed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate. A trench which surrounds the transistor when seen in a plan view is made in the surface of the semiconductor substrate. An insulating film is formed over the transistor and in the trench so as to cover the transistor and form an air-gap space in the trench. Contact holes which reach the source region and drain region of the transistor respectively are made in an interlayer insulating film. |
| US08357986B2 |
High speed orthogonal gate EDMOS device and fabrication
An orthogonal gate extended drain MOSFET (EDMOS) structure provides a low gate-to-drain capacitance (CGD) and exhibits increased reliability. It has a gate electrode that is folded into the shallow trench isolation (STI) oxide region. Horizontal and vertical gate electrode segments provide gate control. It accommodates both high voltage devices and standard CMOS components on the same substrate. Reduced surface field (RESURF) technology is employed to optimize tradeoffs between high breakdown voltage and specific on-resistance. Device fabrication steps are compatible with standard CMOS flow and process modules can be added or removed from baseline CMOS technology. |
| US08357985B2 |
Bipolar transistor with guard region
A bipolar transistor comprising an emitter region, a base region and a collector region, and a guard region spaced from and surrounding the base. The guard region can be formed in the same steps that form the base, and can serve to spread out the depletion layer in operation. |
| US08357982B2 |
Magnetic memory
According to one embodiment, a magnetic memory according to an embodiment includes a magnetoresistive effect element and a fourth magnetic layer which is provided on the side surface of the magnetoresistive effect element via an insulating film. The magnetoresistive effect element has a first magnetic layer of which the magnetization direction is variable, a second magnetic layer of which the magnetization direction fixed, a third magnetic layer of which the magnetization direction parallel to a film plane is variable, and an intermediate layer between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The fourth magnetic layer collects a magnetic field generated from the end of the third magnetic layer. |
| US08357977B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, which includes the steps of: forming a mask layer (20) on a gate insulating film (18), the mask layer (20) having openings over the portions of first and second semiconductor layers that are destined to become low-concentration impurity regions and source and drain regions; forming first conductivity type implantation regions (24b, 24c) in the first and second semiconductor layers respectively by implanting a first conductivity type impurity (22) to the first and second semiconductor layers through the openings in the mask layer (20); forming first and second gate electrodes (26b, 26c) to cover a portion of the first conductivity type implantation regions and portions of the first and second semiconductor layers that are destined to become channel regions; forming another mask layer (28) which has openings over portions of the first conductivity type implantation region (24b) of the first semiconductor layer, said portions being located at both ends of the first semiconductor layer, the entire second semiconductor layer, and a portion of a third semiconductor layer; and implanting the first conductivity type impurity into the first, second, and third semiconductor layers through the openings in the another mask layer (28). |
| US08357974B2 |
Semiconductor on glass substrate with stiffening layer and process of making the same
A semiconductor-on-glass substrate having a relatively stiff (e.g. relatively high Young's modulus of 125 or higher) stiffening layer or layers placed between the silicon film and the glass in order to eliminate the canyons and pin holes that otherwise form in the surface of the transferred silicon film during the ion implantation thin film transfer process. The new stiffening layer may be formed of a material, such as silicon nitride, that also serves as an efficient barrier against penetration of sodium and other harmful impurities from the glass substrate into the silicon film. |
| US08357973B2 |
Inverted-trench grounded-source FET structure with trenched source body short electrode
This invention discloses bottom-source lateral diffusion MOS (BS-LDMOS) device. The device has a source region disposed laterally opposite a drain region near a top surface of a semiconductor substrate supporting a gate thereon between the source region and a drain region. The BS-LDMOS device further has a combined sinker-channel region disposed at a depth in the semiconductor substrate entirely below a body region disposed adjacent to the source region near the top surface wherein the combined sinker-channel region functioning as a buried source-body contact for electrically connecting the body region and the source region to a bottom of the substrate functioning as a source electrode. A drift region is disposed near the top surface under the gate and at a distance away from the source region and extending to and encompassing the drain region. The combined sinker-channel region extending below the drift region and the combined sinker-channel region that has a dopant-conductivity opposite to and compensating the drift region for reducing the source-drain capacitance. |
| US08357972B2 |
Semiconductor power device
A semiconductor power device includes a substrate, a first semiconductor layer on the substrate, a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer, and a third semiconductor layer on the second semiconductor layer. At least a recessed epitaxial structure is disposed within a cell region and the recessed epitaxial structure may be formed in a pillar or stripe shape. A first vertical diffusion region is disposed in the third semiconductor layer and the recessed epitaxial structure is surrounded by the first vertical diffusion region. A source conductor is disposed on the recessed epitaxial structure and a trench isolation is disposed within a junction termination region surrounding the cell region. In addition, the trench isolation includes a trench, a first insulating layer on an interior surface of the trench, and a conductive layer filled into the trench, wherein the source conductor connects electrically with the conductive layer. |
| US08357971B2 |
Trench gate MOSFET and method of manufacturing the same
A Trench gate MOS field-effect transistor having a narrow, lightly doped, region extending from a channel accommodating region (3) of same conductivity type immediately adjacent the trench sidewall. The narrow region may be self-aligned to the top of a lower polysilicon shield region in the trench or may extend the complete depth of the trench. The narrow region advantageously relaxes the manufacturing tolerances, which otherwise require close alignment of the upper polysilicon trench gate to the body-drain junction. |
| US08357967B2 |
Methods of forming memory cells
Some embodiments include memory cells that contain floating bodies and diodes. The diodes may be gated diodes having sections doped to a same conductivity type as the floating bodies, and such sections of the gated diodes may be electrically connected to the floating bodies. The floating bodies may be adjacent channel regions, and spaced from the channel regions by a dielectric structure. The dielectric structure of a memory cell may have a first portion between the floating body and the diode, and may have a second portion between the floating body and the channel region. The first portion may be more leaky to charge carriers than the second portion. The diodes may be formed in semiconductor material that is different from a semiconductor material that the channel regions are in. The floating bodies may have bulbous lower regions. Some embodiments include methods of making memory cells. |
| US08357966B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises an active area extending in a first direction, a contact plug located on a first portion of the active area, and a transistor located on a second portion adjacent to the first portion of the active area in the first direction. A width of a top surface area of the first portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than that of a top surface area of the second portion in the second direction. |
| US08357965B2 |
Semiconductor device having multiple storage regions
One embodiment in accordance with the invention can include a semiconductor device that includes: a groove that is formed in a semiconductor substrate; bottom oxide films that are formed on both side faces of the groove; two charge storage layers that are formed on side faces of the bottom oxide films; top oxide films that are formed on side faces of the two charge storage layers; and a silicon oxide layer that is formed on the bottom face of the groove, and has a smaller film thickness than the top oxide films. |
| US08357964B1 |
Three-dimensional dynamic random access memory with an ancillary electrode structure
A three-dimensional dynamic random access memory with an ancillary electrode structure includes a substrate, at least one bit line formed on the substrate, at least one pillar element formed on a growth zone of the bit line, an ancillary electrode, a character line parallel with the substrate and perpendicular to the bit line, and at least one capacitor connecting to the pillar element. The bit line is formed on the substrate by doping and diffusing a doping element. The ancillary electrode is located on a separation zone of the bit line and adjacent to the pillar element. The character line is insulated from the ancillary electrode and incorporates with the bit line to output or input electronic data to the capacitor. Through the ancillary electrode, impedance of the bit line can be controlled to enhance conductivity of the bit line. |
| US08357958B2 |
Integrated CMOS porous sensor
A single chip wireless sensor comprises a microcontroller connected to a transmit/receive interface, which is coupled to a wireless antenna by an L-C matching circuit. The sensor senses gas or humidity and temperature. The device is an integrated chip manufactured in a single process in which both the electronics and sensor components are manufactured using standard CMOS processing techniques, applied to achieve both electronic and sensing components in an integrated process. A Low-K material with an organic polymer component is spun onto the wafer to form a top layer incorporating also sensing electrodes. This material is cured at 300° C., which is much lower than CVD temperatures. The polyimide when cured becomes thermoset, and the lower mass-to-volume ratio resulting in K, its dielectric constant, reducing to 2.9. The thermoset dielectric, while not regarded as porous in the conventional sense, has sufficient free space volume to admit enough gas or humidity for sensing. |
| US08357952B2 |
Power semiconductor structure with field effect rectifier and fabrication method thereof
A power semiconductor structure with a field effect rectifier having a drain region, a body region, a source region, a gate channel, and a current channel is provided. The body region is substantially located above the drain region. The source region is located in the body region. The gate channel is located in the body region and adjacent to a gate structure. The current channel is located in the body region and is extended from the source region downward to the drain region. The current channel is adjacent to a conductive structure coupled to the source region. |
| US08357951B2 |
LED chip having first conduction layer surrounding a bottom surface and a circumferential surface of a second conduction layer
An LED (light emitting diode) chip includes a substrate, a first conduction layer formed on a top surface of the substrate, and a second conduction layer formed on the first conduction layer. The first conduction layer extends from a bottom surface of the second conduction layer to a circumferential surface of the second conduction layer, thereby surrounding the bottom surface and the circumferential surface of the second conduction layer. An active layer is sandwiched between the first and second conduction layers, to increase a contact area between the active layer and the first conduction layer and the second conduction layer. |
| US08357949B2 |
Light-emitting device, light-emitting device package and lighting system
A light-emitting device includes a substrate, a light-emitting structure on the substrate, the light-emitting structure including a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layer, a light-transmitting electrode layer on the second semiconductor layer, and a first reflective layer on the light-transmitting electrode layer, wherein the first reflective layer includes a first layer having a first index of refraction and a second layer having a second index of refraction different from the first index of refraction. Based on this configuration, it is possible to protect the light-emitting device and improve luminous efficiency thereof. |
| US08357947B2 |
Package for light emitting device and method for packaging the same
There are provided a light emitting device package and a method for manufacturing the same. The light emitting device includes: a plurality of barriers provided above a metal circuit board; a plurality of light emitting devices placed in a space between the barriers; and a lens unit provided at an upper side of the barrier. Accordingly, the plurality of light emitting devices can be conveniently seated as a module format, and a luminance can be increased. Also, an efficiency of heat sink can be increase. |
| US08357945B2 |
Gallium nitride crystal and method of making same
There is provided a GaN single crystal at least about 2.75 millimeters in diameter, with a dislocation density less than about 104 cm−1, and having substantially no tilt boundaries. A method of forming a GaN single crystal is also disclosed. The method includes providing a nucleation center, a GaN source material, and a GaN solvent in a chamber. The chamber is pressurized. First and second temperature distributions are generated in the chamber such that the solvent is supersaturated in the nucleation region of the chamber. The first and second temperature distributions have different temperature gradients within the chamber. |
| US08357943B2 |
Light emitting device, method of manufacturing the same, light emitting device package and lighting system
A light emitting device includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer, a second conductive type semiconductor layer, and an active layer between the first conductive type semiconductor layer and the second conductive type semiconductor layer; and a plurality of polarizers, wherein a distance between a polarizer and an adjacent polarizer along a first direction is different from the polarizer and an adjacent polarizer in a second direction. |
| US08357942B2 |
Semiconductor device with a peripheral circuit formed therein
In a semiconductor device by which peripheral circuit sections, such as a semiconductor element, a matching circuit section, a bias circuit section, a capacitor element, are placed on and connected to a substrate, the semiconductor element can be grounded, and the semiconductor device which can make heat radiation characteristics of the semiconductor element satisfactory is provided, without providing a via hole into a semiconductor substrate.It includes: a semiconductor element (2) placed on a substrate (1); peripheral circuit sections (30) and (40) placed on the substrate (1) and connected with the semiconductor element (2); an electrode (30e) provided in the peripheral circuit section (30) and grounded; an electrode (30s) for grounding connected to a metal layer (30m), a metal layer (30m) and a source electrode (2s) of the semiconductor element (2); and an electrode (30d) connected to a gate electrode (2g) of the semiconductor element (2). |
| US08357940B2 |
Thin film transistor and manufacturing method thereof
A bottom gate-type thin film transistor includes a gate insulating film, an interlayer insulating film formed on the gate insulating film, having an opening which is formed in a formation region of a gate electrode, and a semiconductor film formed on the interlayer insulating film so as to cover the opening. The interlayer insulating film contains nitrides in an amount larger than that in the gate insulating film, and the semiconductor film includes a microcrystalline semiconductor film or a polycrystalline semiconductor film formed on semiconductor crystalline nuclei which are formed on the gate insulating film and the interlayer insulating film and contain at least Ge. |
| US08357939B2 |
Silicon wafer and production method therefor
A silicon wafer includes BMDs with a diagonal length of from 10 nm to 50 nm, and has a density of BMD which exists at a depth of 50 μm and deeper from the surface of the silicon wafer which is greater than or equal to 1×1011/cm3, and a ratio of the {111} plane of the BMD to the total planes surrounding the BMD, as an indication of the morphology of the BMD, is less than or equal to 0.3. |
| US08357938B2 |
Organic light emitting display device having external light transmission area
An organic light-emitting display device that is transparent and prevents distortion of an image transmitted therethrough by preventing light from scattering during image display. The organic light-emitting display device comprises a plurality of pixels, in which each pixel includes a light transmission area, a light emitting area, and a light absorption area. The light transmission area is configured to pass visible light incident thereto. The light absorption is configured to absorb visible light incident thereto. |
| US08357936B2 |
Array substrate for liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
An array substrate for an LCD device includes a gate line crossing a data line to define a pixel region. A thin film transistor (TFT) includes a gate electrode connected to the gate line, insulating and active layers on the gate electrode, a source electrode connected to the data line, and a drain electrode spaced apart from the source electrode. An auxiliary common electrode includes a horizontal portion disposed in the pixel region. A metal layer overlaps the insulating layer and contacts the horizontal portion of the auxiliary common electrode through a contact hole defined through the insulating layer. A passivation layer is disposed on the TFT and the metal layer. A pixel electrode has a horizontal portion overlapping the metal layer with the passivation layer therebetween to form a storage capacitor, the pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode through a second contact hole defined through the passivation layer. |
| US08357935B2 |
Electronic component having an authentication pattern
In order to solve the above problem, provided is an electronic component having an authentication pattern formed on an exposed surface, in which the authentication pattern includes a base section including a resin and colored particles having a hue that can be identified in the base section, and the colored particles are dispersed so as to form dotted pattern in the base section. |
| US08357934B2 |
Semiconductor-based sub-mounts for optoelectronic devices with conductive paths
The disclosure facilitates testing and binning of multiple LED chip or other optoelectronic chip packages fabricated on a single semiconductor wafer. The testing can take place prior to dicing. For example, in one aspect, metallization on the front-side of a semiconductor wafer electrically connects together cathode pads (or anode pads) of adjacent sub-mounts such that the cathode pads (or anode pads) in a given column of sub-mounts are electrically connected together. Likewise, metallization on the back-side of the wafer electrically connects together anode pads (or cathode pads) of adjacent sub-mounts such that the anode pads (or cathode pads) in a given row of sub-mounts are electrically connected together. Probe pads, which can be located one or both sides of the wafer, are electrically connected to respective ones of the rows or columns. |
| US08357931B2 |
Flip chip semiconductor die internal signal access system and method
A device and method for providing access to a signal of a flip chip semiconductor die. A hole is bored into a semiconductor die to a test probe point. The hole is backfilled with a conductive material, electrically coupling the test probe point to a signal redistribution layer. A conductive bump of the signal redistribution layer is electrically coupled to a conductive contact of a package substrate. An external access point of the package substrate is electrically coupled to the conductive contact, such that signals of the flip chip semiconductor die are accessible for measurement at the external access point. |
| US08357928B2 |
Recording level gauge type organic light emitting diode
Diode for which one of the conducting layers presents a suitable surface resistance so that when a power supply voltage is applied between a connection element and this conducting layer and the other conducting layer, a potential distribution is generated at the surface of this resisting conducting layer which is able to cause light to be emitted by a portion of the surface of the organic light emitting layer which is proportional to this power supply voltage. This diode is advantageously used to visualize the signal value. |
| US08357925B2 |
Optoelectronic device based on non-polar and semi-polar aluminum indium nitride and aluminum indium gallium nitride alloys
A high-power and high-efficiency light emitting device with emission wavelength (λpeak) ranging from 280 nm to 360 nm is fabricated. The new device structure uses non-polar or semi-polar AlInN and AlInGaN alloys grown on a non-polar or semi-polar bulk GaN substrate. |
| US08357924B2 |
Light emitting diode and method of fabricating the same
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a light emitting diode including an n-type contact layer doped with silicon, a p-type contact layer, an active region disposed between the n-type contact layer and the p-type contact layer, a superlattice layer disposed between the n-type contact layer and the active region, the superlattice layer including a plurality of layers, an undoped intermediate layer disposed between the superlattice layer and the n-type contact layer, and an electron reinforcing layer disposed between the undoped intermediate layer and the superlattice layer. Only a final layer of the superlattice layer closest to the active region is doped with silicon, and the silicon doping concentration of the final layer is higher than that of the n-type contact layer. |
| US08357923B2 |
External extraction light emitting diode based upon crystallographic faceted surfaces
A light emitting diode is disclosed that includes a support structure and a Group III nitride light emitting active structure mesa on the support structure. The mesa has its sidewalls along an indexed crystal plane of the Group III nitride. A method of forming the diode is also disclosed that includes the steps of removing a substrate from a Group III nitride light emitting structure that includes a sub-mount structure on the Group III nitride light emitting structure opposite the substrate, and thereafter etching the surface of the Group III nitride from which the substrate has been removed with an anisotropic etch to develop crystal facets on the surface in which the facets are along an index plane of the Group III nitride. The method can also include etching the light emitting structure with an anisotropic etch to form a mesa with edges along an index plane of the Group III nitride. |
| US08357921B2 |
Integrated three-dimensional semiconductor system comprising nonvolatile nanotube field effect transistors
Field programmable device (FPD) chips with large logic capacity and field programmability that are in-circuit programmable are described. FPDs use small versatile nonvolatile nanotube switches that enable efficient architectures for dense low power and high performance chip implementations and are compatible with low cost CMOS technologies and simple to integrate. |
| US08357920B2 |
Electronic component, and a method of manufacturing an electronic component
An electronic component (100) comprising a matrix (102) and a plurality of islands (103) embedded in the matrix (102) and comprising a material which is convertible between at least two states characterized by different electrical properties, wherein the plurality of islands (103) form a continuous path (104) in the matrix (102). |
| US08357919B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for generating terahertz electromagnetic radiation
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for generating terahertz electromagnetic radiation. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for generating terahertz electromagnetic radiation. The method includes: coupling a terahertz resonator with an optical resonator, wherein the optical resonator comprises non-linear optical material; directing laser light through the optical resonator to generate terahertz radiation by parametric interaction of the laser light with the optical resonator and the terahertz resonator; and directing the terahertz radiation from the terahertz resonator to an output. |
| US08357918B2 |
Apparatus and method for analyzing a fluorescent sample disposed on a substrate
An apparatus for analysing a fluorescent sample disposed on a substrate comprises a first processor for producing first and second electrical signals derived from respective first and second light signal components received from a sample and from a substrate. The apparatus produces the first and second electrical signals such that there is a phase difference between phases of the first and second electrical signals. The apparatus comprises a control circuit for producing an attenuation signal for attenuating the second electrical signal. |
| US08357917B2 |
High resolution microscopy using an optically switchable fluorophore
The invention relates to a method for high resolution visualization of a compound that can be switched by a switching signal from a state of low fluorescence to a state of higher fluorescence, and then revert to the state of low fluorescence. Said switching signal is directed to a spot in a region of a material containing said compound, and an optical signal adapted to lower the probability that said switching signal will successfully switch said compound to said state of higher fluorescence is directed to said spot and shaped to have a minimum in said spot, such that the probability that said switching signal successfully switches said compound is greatest at said minimum. Said spot containing both said switching signal and said optical signal is scanned over said region of said material while monitoring the fluorescence from said compound in said spot to create an image of said region. In some embodiments of the invention a plurality of spots are simultaneously scanned, to reduce the imaging time. |
| US08357915B2 |
Method and device for measuring optical characteristics of an object
Method and device for measuring the multi-dimensional distribution of optical characteristics of an object, by carrying out the following operations: illumination of the object by means of a pulsed light source; and acquisition of an image by modulated detection of light rays coming from the object consecutively to the illumination, the detection being modulated according to an acquisition modulation function G(t) which is continuous, non-sinusoidal and temporal, the acquisition taking place outside the phase of illumination by the light source. |
| US08357913B2 |
Method and apparatus for sample extraction and handling
An improved method and apparatus for extracting and handling samples for STEM analysis. Preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of a micromanipulator and a hollow microprobe probe using vacuum pressure to adhere the microprobe tip to the sample. By applying a small vacuum pressure to the lamella through the microprobe tip, the lamella can be held more securely and its placement controlled more accurately than by using electrostatic force alone. By using a probe having a beveled tip and which can also be rotated around its long axis, the extracted sample can be placed down flat on a sample holder. This allows sample placement and orientation to be precisely controlled, thus greatly increasing predictability of analysis and throughput. |
| US08357911B2 |
Particle beam irradiation system and particle beam therapy system
The objective is to eliminate the effect of the hysteresis of a scanning electromagnet so that there is obtained a particle beam irradiation system that realizes high-accuracy beam irradiation. There are provided a magnetic-field sensor that measures the magnetic field of a scanning electromagnet and an irradiation control apparatus that controls the scanning electromagnet based on a measurement magnetic field measured by the magnetic-field sensor and target irradiation position coordinates of a charged particle beam. The irradiation control apparatus is provided with an inverse map means that calculates a target magnetic field, based on the target irradiation position coordinates of the charged particle beam; and a compensator that outputs a control input, to the scanning electromagnet, for controlling the magnetic-field error between the target magnetic field and the measurement magnetic field to be the same as or smaller than a predetermined threshold value. |
| US08357907B2 |
Method and device for real-time measurement of a local dose upon bombardment of a target by hadrons by means of prompt gamma rays
A method for real-time measurement of a local dose received by a region of a target upon bombardment of the target by an incident beam of hadrons generates at least prompt gamma rays and neutrons. The particles emitted by the target are measured by collimating the region of the target and by placing a detector at a distance L from the region of the target to be measured. The detector is linked to a device for particle energy and time-of-flight measurement, in which the number of prompt gamma rays received by the detector is determined by selecting the recorded events, and a two-directional charged-particle detection system, placed in the beam of incident hadrons before the target, is used so as to obtain the transverse position of the incident hadrons in order to provide spatial information about the prompt gamma rays. |
| US08357904B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus
A radiation imaging apparatus comprises display means for displaying an image obtained by imaging an object and light projection means for projecting a light projection mark onto the object, and displays a light projection position on the object onto which the light projection mark is projected on the image. The light projection mark is projected as a line of intersection which is perpendicular to the surface of a detector and at which two planar flat light beams visually intersect each other, and the light projection position on the image is moved according to the movements of the flat light beams. By calculating projected lines obtained by projecting the light projection lines projected onto the object by the flat light beams onto the surface and displaying the projected lines on the image, the light projection position is displayed as a point of intersection of the projected lines on the image. |
| US08357897B2 |
Charged particle beam device
A charged particle beam device enabling prevention of degradation of reproducibility of measurement caused by an increase of the beam diameter attributed to an image shift and having a function of dealing with device-to-device variation. The charged particle beam device is used for measuring the dimensions of a pattern on a specimen using a line profile obtained by detecting secondary charged particles emitted from the specimen when the specimen is scanned with a primary charged particle beam converged on the specimen. A lookup table in which the position of image shift and the variation of the beam diameter are associated is prepared in advance by actual measurement or calculation and registered. When the dimensions are measured, image processing is carried out so as to correct the line profile for the variation of the beam diameter while the lookup table is referenced, and thereby the situation where the beam diameter is effectively equal is produced irrespective of the position of the image shift. Whit this, measurement by the charged particle beam excellent reproducibility can be carried out. |
| US08357896B2 |
Method of analyzing a substance
An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of analyzing a substance comprising the steps of: fabricating a structure comprising said substance and at least one graphene layer; carrying out at least one measurement step with respect to said structure; and analyzing the measurement result of said measurement step to receive at least one analytical result concerning said substance. |
| US08357895B2 |
Defect inspection apparatus, defect inspection method, and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A defect inspection method includes generating and applies a charged beam to a sample with patterns; controlling a shape of the charged beam so that a beam width in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis differs from a beam width in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction, while substantially maintaining a cross-sectional area of the beam; scanning the sample with the charged beam having the controlled shape; and detecting charged particles from the sample by irradiation of the charged beam and detects a defect of the patterns. Assuming that the beam width of the charged beam in the first direction is smaller than that in the second direction, the first direction is set to a direction in which an interval between adjacent patterns becomes a minimum value and the sample is scanned in the second direction. |
| US08357888B2 |
Photoelectric feedback sensing system having a sensing apparatus outputting a light signal corresponding to a characteristic of a sample within the sensing apparatus
The present invention relates to a photoelectrical feedback sensing system. A first light signal passes through the sensing apparatus. A second light signal corresponding to a characteristic of a sample within the sensing apparatus is outputted from the sensing apparatus. The first photo detector receives the first light signal and outputs a first electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the first light signal. The second photo detector outputs a second electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the second light signal. A driving signal is generated by the micro-processor to drive the light-emitting unit. The micro-processor receives the second electric signal and converts the second electric signal into a digital signal. The feedback circuit modulates the driving signal for maintaining the optical stability of the first light signal so that the sensing system is less affected by environmental temperature fluctuation and noise interferences. |
| US08357887B2 |
Microwavable apparatus capable of keeping food moist
A microwavable apparatus capable of keeping food moist is composed of a bottom pan and at least one support frame stacked upon the bottom pan. Each of the at least one support frame includes a vapor release pan and a support member for supporting the vapor release pan up to a predetermined height. When the food is heated in a microwavable oven, the water in the accommodable cavity can pass through the microwave heating to become vapors and then the vapors can be transferred to vents and an internal space of the vapor release pan and finally ejected through the vents. Accordingly, the food put under the vapor release pan can keep moist rather than over-dried due to excessive evaporation of moisture. |
| US08357884B1 |
System of extraction of volatiles from soil using microwave processes
A device for the extraction and collection of volatiles from soil or planetary regolith. The device utilizes core drilled holes to gain access to underlying volatiles below the surface. Microwave energy beamed into the holes penetrates through the soil or regolith to heat it, and thereby produces vapor by sublimation. The device confines and transports volatiles to a cold trap for collection. |
| US08357881B2 |
Carbon nanotube fabric and heater adopting the same
A carbon nanotube fabric includes a heating element and at least two electrodes. The heating element includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes joined end to end. The at least two electrodes are separately located and electrically connected to the carbon nanotubes of the heating element. |
| US08357868B2 |
Controller unit for switching device
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a controller unit for a switching device. The controller unit includes a body part and an operating axle. The operating axle is connected to contacts of the switching device to adjust a respective state of the contacts between a closed position and an open position. A control axle includes a first axle part and a second axle part, the first axle part is arranged to be turned by a user, and the second axle part is functionally connected to the operating axle to turn it between the open position and the closed position. A tripping assembly is functionally connected to the operating axle to turn the operating axle from the closed position to the open position. The controller unit also includes connecting means for functionally connecting a first axle part to one of a tripping assembly and a second axle part. |
| US08357863B1 |
Push handle switch lampholder
The present invention provides a push handle switch lampholder push handle switch lampholder that pushes a lower conductive plate to move like a see-saw by pushing a push handle to move back and forth and determines whether or not to pass a current to an upper conductive plate, so as to control the ON or Off of a light emitting element. The invention can reduce the number of components and the total volume while achieving the effects of easily controlling whether or not to light the light emitting element, lowering the manufacturing, warehouse storage and transportation costs, and improving the overall service life of the lampholder. |
| US08357859B2 |
Insulating resin sheet laminate and multi-layer printed circuit board including insulating resin sheet laminate
Disclosed is an insulating resin sheet laminate (an insulating resin sheet with a film or a metal foil) including an insulating resin layer with a uniform thickness that is formed without repulsion or unevenness in a process of forming the insulating resin layer on a film or a metal foil, and a multi-layer printed circuit board that includes the insulating resin sheet laminate and possesses high insulating reliability. The present invention provides an insulating resin sheet laminate (an insulating resin sheet with a film or a metal foil) obtained by forming an insulating resin layer made of a resin composition on a film or a metal foil, and the resin composition includes an acrylic surfactant. |
| US08357858B2 |
Electrically conductive, thermosetting elastomeric material and uses therefor
An electrically conductive, thermosetting elastomeric composition is provided. The composition may comprise: an initially substantially non-electrically conductive, thermosetting base polymer; a particulate filler comprising electrically conductive particles; and an electrically conductive polymer additive. The non-electrically conductive, thermosetting base polymer, the particulate filler and the electrically conductive polymer additive are mixed substantially macroscopically homogeneously. |
| US08357850B2 |
Housing and method for making the same
A housing includes a first base layer and a second base layer integrally combining with the first base layer. The first base layer is formed by a first injection mold, the first base layer has a first combining surface arranged with ribs. The second base layer combines with the first base layer to form the housing with a second injection mold. The second base layer has a second combining surface combining with the first combining surface. The second combining surface defines recesses to correspondingly receive the ribs. |
| US08357849B2 |
Organic photosensitive devices
A photoactive device is provided. The device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photoactive region disposed between and electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. The photoactive region further includes an organic donor layer and an organic acceptor layer that form a donor-acceptor heterojunction. The mobility of holes in the organic donor region and the mobility of electrons in the organic acceptor region are different by a factor of at least 100, and more preferably a factor of at least 1000. At least one of the mobility of holes in the organic donor region and the mobility of electrons in the organic acceptor region is greater than 0.001 cm2/V-sec, and more preferably greater than 1 cm2/V-sec. The heterojunction may be of various types, including a planar heterojunction, a bulk heterojunction, a mixed heterojunction, and a hybrid planar-mixed heterojunction. |
| US08357848B2 |
System and method for policy based automatic scoring of vocal performances
Systems and methods for the automatic scoring of a vocal performance are provided. The systems and methods for providing feedback and scoring a vocal performance generally relate to receiving/processing a user's vocals, measuring the various performance qualities of the performance according stored evaluation policies and rendering a score according to stored scoring policies. |
| US08357836B2 |
Agrobacterium-mediated method for producing transformed maize or rice
An Agrobacterium-mediated method for producing transformed maize or rice, culturing an Agrobacterium-inoculated immature embryo with a coculture medium and a regeneration step for culturing the immature embryo with a regeneration medium either without callus growth or after callus growth culture to regenerate whole transformed maize or rice. The method further includes a transformation enhancement and the method does not include any selection step based on the properties of a nucleic acid to be introduced by Agrobacterium in any step from coculture to regeneration. |
| US08357828B2 |
Processes for producing 1,1-dichloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
To provide a simple and economical process for producing 1,1-dichloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, which does not require purification of the raw material component obtained in the form of a mixture of isomers, and a process for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene from the product thereby obtained.A process for producing 1,1-dichloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, characterized by bringing a mixture of dichloropentafluoropropane isomers which contains 1,1-dichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane into contact with an aqueous alkali solution in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst, and thereby selectively dehydrofluorinating only the 1,1-dichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane in the mixture, and a process for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene from the 1,1-dichloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene thereby obtained. |
| US08357824B2 |
Process for preparing neopentyl glycol by cracking high boilers occurring in the production process
The present invention relates to a process for obtaining neopentyl glycol by hydrogenating cracking of high-boilers occurring in the production process in the presence of copper-chromite catalysts. The hydrogenating cracking proceeds in the absence of solvent at a temperature of 140 to 220° C. and at pressures of 7 to 28 MPa. |
| US08357823B2 |
Alkylene oxide capped secondary alcohol ethoxylates as fermentation foam control agents
Provided are foam control agents and their use for controlling foam in fermentation processes. The foam control agents are of the formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, n and y are as defined herein. |
| US08357821B2 |
Aromatic amine compound, organic electroluminescent element including the same, and display device including organic electroluminescent element
An aromatic amine compound is represented by general formula [I]: wherein X1 and X2 each represent a group selected from an alkyl group, an aryl group, an allyl group, an alkoxy group, and an aryloxy group, X1 and X2 may be the same or different, Ar1 and Ar2 each represent an arylene group, n≧1, at least one of substituents Y is a substituent selected from a trifluoromethyl group, a cyano group, and a halogen group, and other substituents Y are groups each selected from a hydro group, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an allyl group, an alkoxy group, and an aryloxy group. |
| US08357820B2 |
Process for producing N-protected amino acid
The present invention relates to a method for producing N-protected amino acid. Specifically, the present invention provides a method in which a protecting group is introduced to the amino group of an amino acid in a reaction under alkaline condition, and the N-protected amino acid thus generated is then separated from the reaction solution as crystals, without undergoing an extraction step or a concentration step. The present inventors have completed the invention based on the finding that desirable crystals of N-protected amino acids may be obtained without extraction, concentration or recrystallization steps between the initial generation of the N-protected amino acid molecules and the subsequent separation of the crystals, by first adding an water-soluble organic solvent and optionally water to the reaction solution (alkaline) containing the N-protected amino acid, and then neutralizing the solution by an acid. |
| US08357815B2 |
Metal compound, material for chemical vapor phase growth, and process for forming metal-containing thin film
A novel metal compound of general formula (1), a material for chemical vapor phase growth containing the compound, and a process for forming a metal-containing thin film by chemical vapor phase growth using the material. Among the compounds of formula (1), those wherein X is a chlorine atom are preferred because of inexpensiveness and high volatility. When M is titanium, those wherein m is 1 are preferred as having a greater difference between a volatilization temperature (vapor temperature) and a deposition temperature (reaction temperature), which provides a broader process margin. In formula (1), M is titanium, zirconium, or hafnium; X is a halogen atom; and m is 1 or 2. |
| US08357808B2 |
Process for producing diamine derivative
The problem to be solved is to provide an important intermediate for production of an FXa inhibitor. The solution thereto is a process for industrially producing a compound (1) represented by the following formula (1): wherein Boc represents a tert-butoxycarbonyl group. |
| US08357807B2 |
Isoquinolinium compounds useful in the preparation of cisatracurium and associated intermediates
The present invention provides novel isoquinolinium compounds, methods of producing the isoquinolinium compounds, and methods for converting them into cisatracurium, e.g., cisatracurium besylate. The isoquinolinium compounds of the present invention can be obtained in the form of solids, which can be purified using simple techniques and can be used to afford pure cisatracurium besylate without HPLC purification. |
| US08357803B2 |
Process for the preparation of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-β-carbolin-3-carboxylic acid esters
The present invention relates to the process of preparation of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1/−/-β-carbolin-3-carboxylic acid esters substituted in position 1 of the general formula (I). in the preferred diastereoisomeric form through a single step starting from tryptophan in racemic form and/or its enantiomers and from 3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzaldehyde. |
| US08357801B2 |
Labeling of target molecules, identification of organelles and other applications, novel compositions, methods and kits
The present invention provides dyes, reactive dyes and labeled reagents that may be used in the detection or quantification of desirable target molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids and cellular organelles. Dyes are provided that may be used free in solution where the binding of the dye to the target molecule provides signal generation. Dyes are also provided that comprise reactive groups that may be used to attach the dyes to probes that will bind to desirable target molecules. The novel dyes of the present invention have been modified to provide beneficial properties. |
| US08357799B2 |
Light emitting material
This invention pertains to light emitting materials comprising novel ortho-metalated transition metal complexes [C^N]2M[P^O] comprising two orthometalated chelate C^N ligands and an ancillary ligand of bidentate phosphinocarboxylate type. It has been surprisingly found that when the metal has bound thereto both orthometalated chelate C^N ligands and an ancillary ligand of bidentate phosphinocarboxylate type (P^O), these ligands advantageously participate in the emission process, enabling appreciable improvement of the blue emission efficiency of complexes [C^N]2M[P^O]. Still objects of the invention are the use of such light emitting materials and organic light emitting device comprising such light emitting material. |
| US08357798B2 |
Process for preparing N-alkylated hydroxypyrimidinone compounds
Potassium salts of Compound A and methods for their preparation are disclosed, wherein Compound A is of formula: Compound A is an HIV integrase inhibitor useful for treating or prophylaxis of HIV infection, for delaying the onset of AIDS, and for treating or prophylaxis of AIDS. |
| US08357797B2 |
Process of making 3-phenylimino-3H-phenoxazine mediator
A method of forming a 3-phenylimino-3H-phenothiazine or a 3-phenylimino-3H-phenoxazine mediator includes providing a first reactant including phenothiazine or phenoxazine, providing a first solvent, providing a second reactant and providing a second solvent. The first reactant, first solvent, second reactant and second solvent are combined to form a reactants solution. Sodium persulfate is added to the reactants solution to couple the first and second reactants resulting in a reaction solution including the 3-phenylimino-3H-phenothiazine or the 3-phenylimino-3H-phenoxazine mediator. |
| US08357793B2 |
Label target and labeling reagents comprising backbones with at least two consecutive peptide bonds
This invention provides for labeling reagents, labeled targets and processes for preparing labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can take the form of cyanine dyes, xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, coumarin dyes or composite dyes. These labeling reagents are useful for labeling probes or targets, including nucleic acids and proteins. These reagents can be usefully applied to protein and nucleic acid probe based assays. They are also applicable to real-time detection processes. |
| US08357792B2 |
SRSV detection kit
A polynucleotide base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 22, a vector containing the polynucleotide and a method of preparing a small round structure virus (SRSV) virus-like particle in insect cells with vector. |
| US08357785B2 |
Method of aralkylation of 4′-hydroxyl group of anthracylins
A method for the aralkylation of anthracyclins by utilizing an aralkylating agent R3—CH2X (for example, BnBr) in accordance with the reaction pathway describe by the scheme shown in FIG. 1. The present invention recognizes that 4-R1, 3′-N3-Daunomycines are suitable substrates for selective 4′-O-benzylation, yielding 4-R1, 3′-N3-4′-O-Aralkyl-Daunorubicines (in particular, 4′-O-Bn-Daunomycines). Thus, the present invention provides a pathway for a simple production of 4′-O-aralkylated derivatives of anthracyclines which can be effectively used to produce anthracyclines. |
| US08357784B2 |
Beta-diketiminate ligand sources and metal-containing compounds thereof, and systems and methods including same
The present invention provides metal-containing compounds that include at least one β-diketiminate ligand, and methods of making and using the same. In certain embodiments, the metal-containing compounds include at least one β-diketiminate ligand with at least one fluorine-containing organic group as a substituent. In other certain embodiments, the metal-containing compounds include at least one β-diketiminate ligand with at least one aliphatic group as a substituent selected to have greater degrees of freedom than the corresponding substituent in the β-diketiminate ligands of certain metal-containing compounds known in the art. The compounds can be used to deposit metal-containing layers using vapor deposition methods. Vapor deposition systems including the compounds are also provided. Sources for β-diketiminate ligands are also provided. |
| US08357779B2 |
Polymer-von Willebrand factor-conjugates
The present invention relates to a proteinaceous construct (also designated as polymer-VWF-conjugate) comprising plasmatic and/or recombinant von Willebrand factor (VWF), said VWF being bound to at least one physiologically acceptable polymer molecule, as well as to a complex between said proteinaceous construct and at least one factor VIII (FVIII) protein. The physiologically acceptable polymer molecule can be, for instance, polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysialic acid (PSA). Further the present invention relates to methods for prolonging the in vivo-half-life of VWF or FVIII in the blood of a mammal having a bleeding disorder associated with functional defects of or deficiencies of at least one of FVIII or VWF. |
| US08357776B2 |
Composition for suppressing re-elevation of cholesterol, and usage thereof
The present invention provides a composition (composition for suppressing re-elevation of cholesterol) that has the effects of suppressing re-elevation of cholesterol in patients with high cholesterol or pre-high cholesterol, and that can therefore be used to suppress re-elevation of cholesterol in those patients. The present invention also provides a composition which, due to the effects described above, can be used to prevent or treat conditions or diseases caused by high cholesterol due to cholesterol re-elevation, specifically hypercholesterolemia, arteriosclerosis and diseases and conditions stemming therefrom. The composition of this invention uses as an active component an edible protein hydrolysate, preferably a globin proteolysate or a peptide consisting of Val-Val-Tyr-Pro. |
| US08357769B2 |
Method for producing polyphenylene ether
Disclosed is a method for producing a polyphenylene ether, which comprises a step of preparing a polymerization solution composed of 10-25 parts by mass of a phenolic compound (M) and 75-90 parts by mass of an aromatic solvent (A) with the total of the compound and the solvent being 100 parts by mass, and 0.1-10 parts by mass of a catalyst (C) containing a metal salt; a step of performing an oxidative polymerization of the phenolic compound (M) by passing an oxygen-containing gas through the polymerization solution; a step of stopping the polymerization by mixing an aqueous chelating agent solution into the polymerization solution; a step of subjecting a diphenoquinone compound produced as a by-product to a quinone binding process or removal by reduction; and a step of obtaining a polyphenylene ether by separating the aqueous phase through liquid-liquid separation. In the method for producing a polyphenylene ether, 0.001-0.004 part by weight of an ion catalyst (D) is added into the polymerization solution before the liquid-liquid separation. |
| US08357766B2 |
Continuous process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer
The present invention relates to a continuous process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer comprising providing an acidic liquid aqueous monomer mixture containing dissolved oxygen; continuously feeding the aqueous monomer mixture to a reactor; introducing a source of carbonate or hydrogen carbonate into the aqueous monomer mixture prior to entry into the reactor thereby forming a gas phase comprising carbon dioxide and at least a part of the dissolved oxygen, the gas phase being dispersed in the liquid phase; subjecting the gas/liquid mixture to at least partial phase separation immediately prior to or after entry into the reactor and at least partially removing the separated gaseous phase; subjecting the liquid phase in the reactor to free-radical polymerization to obtain the superabsorbent polymer, and continuously removing the superabsorbent polymer from the reactor. |
| US08357765B2 |
Process for producing catalyst component for addition polymerization
A production process of a contact product, which can be used as a polymerization catalyst component, comprising contacting a compound defined by a specific formula, such as diethyl zinc, with a compound defined by a specific formula, such as pentafluorobutyric acid; a production process of a polymerization catalyst, comprising contacting the polymerization catalyst component with a transition metal compound; and a production process of a polymer, comprising polymerizing an addition-polymerizable monomer in the presence of the polymerization catalyst. |
| US08357763B2 |
Adhesion promoter
An adhesion promoter for a hot melt adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive prepared by admixing a silane composition with an aqueous buffer solution, where the silane composition includes at least two silane compounds. The adhesive is able to bind at very low surface free energy substrates, such as Xerographic prints contaminated by silicone fuser oil. The hot melt adhesive maintains a substantially stable viscosity at temperature ranging from about 100° C. to about 200° C. |
| US08357762B2 |
Organopolysiloxane and making method
An organopolysiloxane is prepared by hydrolysis and polycondensation of an organosilicon compound in the presence of a liquid hydrolytic condensation catalyst which is separable. The organopolysiloxane contains a high proportion of cyclic polysiloxanes and has a sharp molecular weight distribution due to minimized monomer and polymer contents. |
| US08357760B2 |
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses with convertible comfort agents
The invention provides a silicone hydrogel contact lens including a hydrolyzable polymer. The hydrolyzable polymer can be converted by hydrolysis into a hydrophilic polymer which is capable of imparting the silicone hydrogel contact lens a hydrophilic surface without post-curing surface treatment. |
| US08357753B2 |
Screen-printable encapsulants based on polyhydroxyamides that thermally convert to polybenzoxazoles
This invention relates to compositions, and the use of such compositions for protective coatings, particularly of electronic devices. The invention concerns fired-on-foil ceramic capacitors coated with a composite encapsulant and embedded in a printed wiring board. |
| US08357749B2 |
Coating composition and articles made therefrom
The instant invention provides an aqueous dispersion, a coating composition, coating layers and coated article made therefrom. The coating composition according to the present invention comprises: (1) the inventive aqueous dispersion comprising the melt blending product of: (a) from 50 to 99 percent by weight of one or more polyethylene terephthalate resins, based on the total solid content of the dispersion; (b) from 1 to 50 percent by weight of one or more stabilizing agents comprising at least one second polyester, based on the total solid content of the dispersion, wherein said second polyester (i) has a carboxylic acid group and an acid number equal to or greater than 15, based on the solid content of the second polyester; or (ii) is a self-dispersing sulfopolyester; (c) one or more neutralizing agents; and (d) from 15 to 90 percent by weight of water, based on the total weight of the dispersion; wherein said dispersion has a solid content of 10 to 85 percent, based on the total weight of the dispersion; and (2) optionally one or more cross-linking agents. |
| US08357739B2 |
Low fluoride thermoplastic composition, method of manufacture and product made therefrom
A thermoplastic composition that includes a base polymer, a fluoropolymer, and a fluoride scavenger having suitable fluoride levels such that use in the electronics industry is appropriate. An extrusion method may be used for making the thermoplastic composition. The compositions may then be used to form a molded article. The composition has lower fluoride levels as compared to thermoplastic compositions without the fluoride scavenger making it suitable for use in electronic applications, as well as medical or food or beverage applications where fluoride ions are a concern. |
| US08357738B2 |
Flame retardant halogenated phenyl ether blends
A flame retardant blend comprises at least first and second halogenated non-polymeric phenyl ethers having the general formula (I): wherein each X is independently Cl or Br, each m is independently an integer of 1 to 5, each p is independently an integer of 1 to 4, n is an integer of 1 to 5 and wherein the values of n for the first and second ethers are different. |
| US08357737B2 |
Polyarylene sulfide composition
The object of the present invention is to provide a polyarylene sulfide composition having excellent thermal conductivity, dimensional stability, heat resistance and low gas property, which is particularly useful to applications of electric parts such as electric and/or electronic parts or automobile electric parts. The present invention relates to a polyarylene sulfide composition comprising a polyarylene sulfide (a), a metal silicon powder (b), a fibrous filler (c), and preferably a release agent (d) and at least one thermally conductive filler (e) selected from the group consisting of a scale-like boron nitride powder (e1) having a hexagonal structure, a coated magnesium oxide powder (e2) coated with a complex oxide of silicon and magnesium and/or a complex oxide of aluminum and magnesium, a high purity magnesite powder (e3) which is a magnesite comprising magnesium carbonate as a main component and has a magnesium carbonate content of from 98 to 99.999% by weight, and graphite (e4). |
| US08357736B2 |
Defoaming agent for water-based paint
A defoaming agent which can effectively eliminate foams generated in the occasions of preparation, coating, drying and baking of water-based paint, by addition thereof by itself, without combined use of other kind(s) of defoaming agent(s), and furthermore without impairing appearance of baked coated film of the paint or recoatability of the paint is provided. Such a defoaming agent for water-based paint has the composition comprising (1) polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil triisostearates and (2) polyalkyl vinyl ether, polybutadiene, polybutene or polyisoprene, which are dissolved in (3) liquid normal paraffin, liquid isoparaffin or liquid cycloparaffin, at such a ratio that the blended amount of (1) occupies 2-90% by weight of the total composition. |
| US08357734B2 |
Creping adhesive with ionic liquid
The drying cylinder of a papermachine is provided a creping adhesive coating including a creping adhesive resin composition and a low temperature ionic liquid or a low temperature quasi-ionic liquid, the liquid being characterized by a melting temperature of 100° C. or less as well as low volatility. |
| US08357732B2 |
Method for production of biocompatible nanoparticles containing dental adhesive
A method of synthesizing hydroxyapatite nanorods, having high purity, high crystallinity and high aspect ratio is disclosed here. In one embodiment, high crystalline hydroxyapatite nanorods with relatively stoichiometric structure are prepared via hydrothermal method at 200° C. and under moderate acidic conditions. The synthesized hydroxyapatite nanorods have a diameter of 30-95 nm, a length of 850-1400 nm with an average aspect ratio of 24, degree of crystallinity of 73% and stoichiometry ratio of 1.69. Further it discloses the use of HAp in dental adhesive. The dental adhesive comprising synthesized HAp shows improved diametral tensile strength and high microshear bond strength. Energy dispersive X-ray mapping confirmed the uniform distribution of nanorods in the adhesive matrix. The synthesized hydroxyapatite nanorods have high colloidal stability in the dental adhesive solution. The nanorods are well dispersed and protected from aggregation by their high surface charges confirmed by zeta potential measurement. |
| US08357731B2 |
One-package type tooth surface coating material
A one-package type tooth surface coating material that is capable of forming, on the surface of a tooth, a cured film having not only a very high strength of adhesion to the tooth surface but also excellent properties such as long-term adhesion, long-term durability, dentinal tubule occlusion and aesthetic appearance, and that has excellent storage stability and can be stored in the form of one package. The one-package type tooth surface coating material includes (A) a polymerizable monomer component containing not less than 5% by mass of an acidic group-containing polymerizable monomer; (B) polyvalent metal ions; (C) a volatile water-soluble organic solvent; (D) water; and (E) an effective amount of a photopolymerization initiator; the amount of the polyvalent metal ions (B) and the amount of the volatile water-soluble organic solvent (C) satisfying a specific relationship. |
| US08357729B2 |
Conductive toner supply roller, method of manufacturing supply roller, and electrostatic recording apparatus having the supply roller
A conductive toner supply roller and a method of manufacturing the supply roller. The method includes preparing a polyurethane foam, impregnating the polyurethane foam with an impregnation solution including an electroconductive polymer, a binder resin, an electroconductive agent and a solvent, and drying the resulting polyurethane foam, cutting the dried polyurethane foam, and inserting a shaft into the cut polyurethane foam, and polishing an outer surface of the resulting polyurethane foam. The resulting conductive toner supply roller has a low or medium resistance, and may be user in an electrostatic recording apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copier or the like. |
| US08357728B2 |
Porous material and method of production thereof
The present invention relates to a method for producing a porous material comprising the steps of; (a) providing a C/W emulsion comprising an aqueous phase, a matrix building material, a surfactant and liquid CO2 phase; (b) at least partially freezing the aqueous phase; (c) gasifying CO2 from the liquid CO2 phase to form an intermediate porous material; (d) venting gasified CO2 from the intermediate porous material; and (e) freeze drying the intermediate porous material at least substantially to remove the aqueous phase and form the porous material. The present invention also relates to a porous material obtainable by the method. |
| US08357726B2 |
Devulcanization of rubber and other elastomers
A process for devulcanizing crosslinked elastomer particles comprising applying an alternating radio frequency dielectric field to a composition comprising crosslinked elastomer particles. The alternating radio frequency dielectric field preferably has a frequency between 1 and 100 MHz and a voltage between 1000 and 10,000 V. |
| US08357725B2 |
Semi-crystalline fluoropolymer having ion exchange groups
The invention pertains to a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer having ion exchange groups comprising recurring units derived from at least one ethylenicalty unsaturated monomer comprising at least one fluorine atom (fluorinated monomer); and a substantial amount of recurring units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprising at least one ion exchange group (functional monomer), wherein the amount of unstable end groups of —COF type is of less than 0.05 mmol/kg, and the use of the stabilized fluoropolymer in fuel cells devices, a membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly. |
| US08357722B2 |
Lipids, lipid complexes and use thereof
The present invention is related to a compound according to formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are each and independently selected from the group comprising alkyl; n is any integer between 1 and 4; R3 is an acyl selected from the group comprising lysyl, ornithyl, 2,4-diaminobutyryl, histidyl and an acyl moiety according to formula (II), wherein m is any integer from 1 to 3 and Y− is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion. |
| US08357713B2 |
Compounds and compositions and methods of use
Described herein are compounds useful in the modulation of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of using them. In some embodiments, the compounds described herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid. |
| US08357711B2 |
Heterocyclic sulfonamides as inhibitors of ion channels
The invention is directed to compounds of the formula in which R5, R6 B and Z are defined supra. |
| US08357710B2 |
Bicyclic angiotensin II agonists
There is provided a compound of formula I, wherein R1a, R1b, X, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Z1, Z2, R2 and R3 have meanings given in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which compounds are useful as selective agonists of the AT2 receptor, and thus, in particular, in the treatment of inter alia gastrointestinal conditions, such as dyspepsia, IBS and MOF, and cardiovascular disorders. |
| US08357708B2 |
Macrocyclic compounds and methods of treatment
The instant invention describes macrocyclic compounds having therapeutic activity, and methods of treating disorders such as cancer, tumors and cell proliferation related disorders, or affect cell differentiation, dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation. |
| US08357701B2 |
Galactokinase inhibitors
Therapeutic agents for treatment of Galactosemia and disorders thereof, and other enzyme related disorders thereof are identified. The compounds inhibit galactokinase (GALK) and other kinase activity and are identified by a high throughput screening assay. |
| US08357698B2 |
Diacyl indazole derivatives as lipase and phospholipase inhibitors
The invention relates to diacyl indazole derivatives of general formulae (I) or (II) and to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: Wherein X, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds to treat diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic disorders. |
| US08357696B2 |
Aerosolized fluoroquinolones and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are formulations of fluoroquinolones suitable for aerosolization and use of such formulations for aerosol administration of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials for the treatment of pulmonary bacterial infections. In particular, inhaled levofloxacin specifically formulated and delivered for bacterial infections of the lungs is described. Methods include inhalation protocols and manufacturing procedures for production and use of the compositions described. |
| US08357694B2 |
Substituted 5,6-dihydro-6-phenylbenzo[F]isoquinolin-2-amine compounds
The present invention relates to substituted 5,6-dihydro-6-phenylbenzo[f]isoquinolin-2-amine compounds and methods of synthesizing these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing substituted 5,6-dihydro-6-phenylbenzo[f]isoquinolin-2-amine compounds and methods of treating cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer, by administering these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof. |
| US08357677B1 |
Methods of treating hypertriglyceridemia
In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related disease and, in particular, a method of blood lipid therapy comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising eicosapentaenoic acid or a derivative thereof. |
| US08357668B2 |
Compositions and methods for promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration
Provided herein are compositions and methods for use in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration following tissue injury in a subject. |
| US08357666B2 |
Reprogramming a cell by inducing a pluripotent gene through RNA interference
The invention relate to methods, compositions, and kits for reprogramming a cell. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for inducing the expression of at least one gene that contributes to a cell being pluripotent or multipotent. In yet another embodiment, the method comprises inhibiting the expression of a gene that codes for a protein involved in transcriptional repression. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a reprogrammed cell or an enriched population of reprogrammed cells that can have characteristics of an ES-like cell, which can be re- or trans-differentiated into a differentiated cell type. |
| US08357662B2 |
Surface-based ammonium ion sensor and methods of making thereof
A compound sensitive to and selective for ammonium ions over other ions. A sensor fabricated from a self assembled monolayer of said compound on gold, exhibiting sensitivity and selectivity for ammonium ions over other ions in aqueous solutions, including blood. A method of preparation of said compound and said sensor. |
| US08357661B2 |
Recombinant human Alpha1-antitrypsin
The present invention relates recombinant human α1-antitrypsin (rhAAT) comprising N-linked glycans, wherein at least 10% of said N-linked glycans are tetra-antennary glycans; and the degree of capping with sialic acid on said N-linked glycans (Z/A) is at least 50%. The invention further relates to rhAAT for use as a medicament, in particular for use in the prevention and/or treatment of a disease associated with AAT deficiency, and/or a disease involving neutrophil-mediated tissue damage. |
| US08357660B2 |
Methods for inhibiting growth of prolactin-responsive cancer cells with cyclosporine A or other cyclophilin inhibitors
Methods are provided for inhibiting growth of prolactin-responsive cancer cells and treating prolactin-responsive malignancies via administration an agent such as cyclosporine A which directly inhibits an enzymatic activity of a cyclophilin. |
| US08357652B2 |
Anti-tumor fibrillar human serum albumin methods and compositions
Fibrillar human serum albumin was shown to be effective in the treatment of various types of cancers. Methods and compositions are disclosed for using fibrillar human serum albumin as a medicament to treat subjects having cancer. |
| US08357649B2 |
Delivery particle
The present application relates to benefit agent delivery compositions comprising a material selected from the group consisting of agglomerates comprising chelant and an encapsulated benefit agent; agglomerates comprising an encapsulated benefit agent having a shell comprising chelant; agglomerates comprising an encapsulated benefit agent having a core comprising chelant and combinations thereof, and processes for making and using such benefit agent delivery compositions. |
| US08357643B2 |
Lubricants derived from plant and animal oils and fats
A lubricant from plant and/or animal oils and fats; methods for producing a lubricating oil, and the oil produced thereby. The lubricant is derived from an animal or plant fat or oil having an iodine number above about 7, and produced by epoxi-dising the fat or oil and (1) reacting the epoxidised fat or oil with a carboxylic acid anhydride in the presence of a basic catalyst to produce a diester, or (2) hydrogenating the epoxidised fat or oil to generate mono-alcohols and acylating the alcohol functionality with acid anhydrides, acid chlorides or carboxylic acids to produce a mono-ester. |
| US08357637B2 |
Molecules involved in regulation of osteoblast activity and osteoclast activity, and methods of use thereof
The present invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of molecules involved in the differentiation and/or activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of identifying modulators of bone formation, mineralization, and/or osteoclastogenesis and methods for treating disorders that would benefit from modulation of bone formation, mineralization, and/or osteoclastogenesis using agents identified as described herein. |
| US08357636B2 |
Alkoxylated alkylamines/alkyl ether amines with peaked distribution
The present invention generally relates to a process for preparing the alkoxylated alkylamines and/or alkyl ether amines. The process consists of three stages, and utilizes an alkali catalyst. The alkoxylated alkyl amines and alkoxylated alkyl ether amines prepared by the process possess the peaked distribution and contain less hazardous by-product. |
| US08357633B2 |
2-(2-fluoro-substituted phenyl)-6-amino-5-chloro-4-pyrimidinecarboxylates and their use as herbicides
2-(2-Fluoro-substituted phenyl)-6-amino-5-chloro-4-pyrimidine carboxylic acid and its derivatives are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control. |
| US08357630B2 |
Use of adjuvants to improve abscisic acid performance
This invention relates to the use of selected adjuvants to improve the performance of S-(+)-abscisic acid (S-ABA, ABA) or ABA salts on plants. |
| US08357629B2 |
Herbicidal compositions
A herbicide combination comprising of components (A) and (B) exhibit synergistic herbicidal effects, where (A) is one or more herbicides selected from the group consisting of heteroaryloxy- and aryloxy-phenoxypropionic acids, their salts and esters and cyclohexanediones, and (B) is one or more herbicides selected from the group consisting of (B1) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against mono-cotyledonous plants, (B2) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against dicotyledonous harmful plants and cyperaceae, (B3) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against cyperaceae and (B4) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against mono-cotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants and cyperaceae. |
| US08357627B2 |
Deodorizing catalyst, deodorizing method using the same, and method for regenerating the catalyst
A deodorizing catalyst showing high activity at room temperature, having great adsorption capacity, and possessing activity persistence capable of withstanding continued use; a deodorizing method using the catalyst; and a method for regenerating the catalyst are provided.The deodorizing catalyst is characterized by containing manganese oxide and a Mn—Fe complex oxide at a weight ratio in the range of 98:2 to 60:40. A honeycomb catalyst having the catalyst carried thereon is also disclosed. The deodorizing method is characterized by treating a gas containing odor components with the catalyst. The method for regenerating the catalyst involves heating the catalyst to 140 to 250° C. |
| US08357626B2 |
Oxygen storage/release material and exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprising the same
There is provided an oxygen storage/release material using a rare earth oxysulfate or oxysulfide, which has a high oxygen storage/release capacity even at lower temperatures. The oxygen storage/release material of the present invention comprises a compound consisting of Pr2O2SO4 and/or Pr2O2S and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Rh and Fe supported thereon. |
| US08357624B2 |
Lens and process for the production thereof
A lens formed of a high-refractivity low-dispersion glass and free of fogging and scorching on its optical-function surface, which is obtained by precision press-molding of an optical glass having a refractive index (nd) of over 1.83, an Abbe's number (νd) of 40 or more and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 640° C. or lower and containing no Li2O and has one form of a meniscus form, a biconcave form or a plano-concave form. |
| US08357623B2 |
Composite materials and bodies including silicon carbide and titanium diboride and methods of forming same
Methods of forming composite materials include coating particles of titanium dioxide with a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon, and reacting the titanium dioxide with the substance including boron and the substance including carbon to form titanium diboride. The methods may be used to form ceramic composite bodies and materials, such as, for example, a ceramic composite body or material including silicon carbide and titanium diboride. Such bodies and materials may be used as armor bodies and armor materials. Such methods may include forming a green body and sintering the green body to a desirable final density. Green bodies formed in accordance with such methods may include particles comprising titanium dioxide and a coating at least partially covering exterior surfaces thereof, the coating comprising a substance including boron (e.g., boron carbide) and a substance including carbon. |
| US08357607B2 |
Method for fabricating nitride-based semiconductor device having electrode on m-plane
A nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting device 100 includes a GaN substrate 10, of which the principal surface is an m-plane 12, a semiconductor multilayer structure 20 that has been formed on the m-plane 12 of the GaN-based substrate 10, and an electrode 30 arranged on the semiconductor multilayer structure 20. The electrode 30 includes an Mg alloy layer 32 which is formed of Mg and a metal selected from a group consisting of Pt, Mo, and Pd. The Mg alloy layer 32 is in contact with a surface of a p-type semiconductor region of the semiconductor multilayer structure 20. |
| US08357606B2 |
Resist feature and removable spacer pitch doubling patterning method for pillar structures
A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a layer over a substrate, forming a plurality of spaced apart features of imagable material over the layer, forming sidewall spacers on the plurality of features and filling a space between a first sidewall spacer on a first feature and a second sidewall spacer on a second feature with a filler feature. The method also includes removing the sidewall spacers to leave the first feature, the filler feature and the second feature spaced apart from each other, and etching the layer using the first feature, the filler feature and the second feature as a mask. |
| US08357600B2 |
Method for fabricating buried gate using pre landing plugs
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided, the method includes forming a plug conductive layer over an entire surface of a substrate, etching the plug conductive layer to form landing plugs, etching the substrate between the landing plugs to form a trench, forming a gate insulation layer over a surface of the trench and forming a buried gate partially filling the trench over the gate insulation layer. |
| US08357595B2 |
Semiconductor substrate with solid phase epitaxial regrowth with reduced depth of doping profile and method of producing same
Method of producing a semiconductor device, comprising: a) providing a semiconductor substrate, b) providing an insulating layer on a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, c) making an amorphous layer in a top layer of said semiconductor substrate by a suitable implant, d) implanting a dopant into said semiconductor substrate through said insulating layer to provide said amorphous layer with a predetermined doping profile, said implant being performed such that said doping profile has a peak value located within said insulating layer, e) applying a solid phase epitaxial regrowth action to regrow said amorphous layer and activate said dopant. |
| US08357591B2 |
Method of processing a wafer by using and reusing photolithographic masks
A method of processing a wafer includes establishing a fine of symmetry defining left and right die areas on a front side of the wafer and left and right die areas on a back side. A first mask is used to form a first interconnection layer on the left and right die areas comprising a first portion on the left die area and second portion different than the first portion on the right die area. A second mask is used to form a second interconnection layer on the left and right die areas comprising a third portion on the left die area and fourth portion different than the third portion on the right die area. The first mask is reused to form a third interconnection layer on the left and right die areas on a back side, and the second mask to form a fourth interconnection layer on the left and right die areas on a back side. |
| US08357590B2 |
Method for producing semiconductor wafers composed of silicon having a diameter of at least 450 mm, and semiconductor wafer composed of silicon having a diameter of 450 mm
Silicon semiconductor wafers are produced by: pulling a single crystal with a conical section and an adjoining cylindrical section having a diameter ≧450 mm and a length of ≧800 mm from a melt in a crucible, wherein in pulling the transition from the conical section to the cylindrical section, the pulling rate is at least 1.8 times higher than the average pulling rate during the pulling of the cylindrical section; cooling the growing single crystal with a cooling power of at least 20 kW; feeding heat from the side wall of the crucible to the single crystal, wherein a gap having a height of ≧70 mm is present between a heat shield surrounding the single crystal and the melt surface. |
| US08357588B2 |
Method for machining a workpiece on a workpiece support
A workpiece machining method includes attaching a workpiece to a workpiece support with the aid of joining means. The workpiece and the workpiece support are joined to one another by an annular joining means. The composite produced is machined. The machined workpiece is separated from the workpiece support. |
| US08357586B2 |
Method for manufacturing SOI wafer
Provided is a method for manufacturing an SOI wafer, which is capable of: efficiently removing an ion-implanted defect layer existing in an ion implanted layer in the vicinity of a peeled surface peeled by an ion implantation peeling method; ensuring the in-plane uniformity of a substrate; and also achieving cost reduction and higher throughput. The method for manufacturing an SOI wafer includes at least the steps of: bonding a silicon wafer with or without an oxide film onto a handle wafer to prepare a bonded substrate, wherein the silicon wafer has an ion implanted layer formed by implanting hydrogen ions and/or rare gas ions into the silicon wafer; peeling the silicon wafer along the ion implanted layer, thereby transferring the silicon wafer onto the handle wafer to produce a post-peeling SOI wafer; immersing the post-peeling SOI wafer in an aqueous ammonia-hydrogen peroxide solution; and performing a heat treatment at a temperature of 900° C. or higher on the immersed post-peeling SOI wafer, and/or polishing a silicon film layer of the immersed post-peeling SOI wafer, through CMP polishing by 10 to 50 nm. |
| US08357585B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An FeRAM is produced by a method including the steps of forming a lower electrode layer (24), forming a first ferroelectric film (25a) on the lower electrode layer (24), forming on the first ferroelectric film (25a) a second ferroelectric film (25b) in an amorphous state containing iridium inside, thermally treating the second ferroelectric film (25b) in an oxidizing atmosphere to crystallize the second ferroelectric film (25b) and to cause iridium in the second ferroelectric film (25b) to diffuse into the first ferroelectric film (25a), forming an upper electrode layer (26) on the second ferroelectric film (25b), and processing each of the upper electrode layer (26), the second ferroelectric film (25b), the first ferroelectric film (25a), and the lower electrode layer (24) to form the capacitor structure. With such a structure, the inversion charge amount in a ferroelectric capacitor structure (30) is improved without increasing the leak current pointlessly, and a high yield can be assured, thereby realizing a highly reliable FeRAM. |
| US08357583B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes at least forming a lower electrode comprising titanium nitride on a semiconductor substrate, forming a dielectric film comprising zirconium oxide as a primary constituent on the lower electrode, forming a first protective film comprising a titanium compound on the dielectric film, and forming an upper electrode comprising titanium nitride on the first protective film. The method can include a step of forming a second protective film on the lower electrode before the step of forming the dielectric film on the lower electrode. |
| US08357581B2 |
Transistor performance improving method with metal gate
The present disclosure provides a method for making a semiconductor device having metal gate stacks. The method includes forming a high k dielectric material layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming a first metal layer on the high k dielectric material layer; forming a silicon layer on the first metal layer; patterning the silicon layer, the first metal layer and the high k dielectric material layer to form a gate stack; and performing a silicidation process to fully change the silicon layer into a silicide electrode. |
| US08357579B2 |
Methods of forming integrated circuits
A method of forming an integrated circuit includes forming a gate structure over a substrate. Portions of the substrate are removed to form recesses adjacent to the gate structure. A dopant-rich layer having first type dopants is formed on a sidewall and a bottom of each of the recesses. A silicon-containing material structure is formed in each of the recesses. The silicon-containing material structure has second type dopants. The second type dopants are opposite to the first type dopants. |
| US08357577B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device having vertical type transistor
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming an insulating pillar on the main surface of a silicon substrate; forming a protective film on the side surface of the insulating pillar; forming a silicon pillar on the main surface of the silicon substrate; forming a gate insulating film on the side surface of the silicon pillar; and forming first and second gate electrodes so as to contact each other and so as to cover the side surfaces of the silicon pillar and insulating pillar, respectively. According to the present manufacturing method, the protective film is formed on the side surface of the insulating pillar as a dummy pillar, thus preventing the dummy pillar from being eroded when the silicon pillar for channel is processed into a transistor. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a probability of occurrence of gate electrode disconnection. |
| US08357576B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method including providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate pattern on the semiconductor substrate such that the gate pattern includes a gate dielectric layer and a sacrificial gate electrode; forming an etch stop layer and a dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate and the gate pattern; removing portions of the dielectric layer to expose the etch stop layer; performing an etch-back process on the etch stop layer to expose the sacrificial gate electrode; removing the sacrificial gate electrode to form a trench; forming a metal layer on the semiconductor substrate including the trench; removing portions of the metal layer to expose the dielectric layer; and performing an etch-back process on the metal layer to a predetermined target. |
| US08357575B2 |
Technique for exposing a placeholder material in a replacement gate approach by modifying a removal rate of stressed dielectric overlayers
In a replacement gate approach, the sacrificial gate material is exposed on the basis of enhanced process uniformity, for instance during a wet chemical etch step or a CMP process, by forming a modified portion in the interlayer dielectric material by ion implantation. Consequently, the damaged portion may be removed with an increased removal rate while avoiding the creation of polymer contaminants when applying an etch process or avoiding over-polish time when applying a CMP process. |
| US08357571B2 |
Methods of forming semiconductor contacts
Methods of forming semiconductor devices having customized contacts are provided including providing a first insulator layer and patterning the first insulator layer such that the first insulator layer defines at least one contact window. A second insulator layer is provided on the first insulator layer and in the at least one contact window such that the second insulator layer at least partially fills the at least one contact window. A first portion of the second insulator layer is etched such that a second portion of the second insulator layer remains in the at least one contact window to provide at least one modified contact window having dimensions that are different than dimensions of the at least one contact window. Related methods and devices are also provided. |
| US08357570B2 |
Pixel structure and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a pixel structure includes providing a substrate having a pixel area. A first metal layer, a gate insulator and a semiconductor layer are formed on the substrate and patterned by using a first half-tone mask or a gray-tone mask to form a transistor pattern, a lower capacitance pattern and a lower circuit pattern. Next, a dielectric layer and an electrode layer both covering the three patterns are sequentially formed and patterned to expose a part of the lower circuit pattern, a part of the lower capacitance pattern and a source/drain region of the transistor pattern. A second metal layer formed on the electrode layer and the electrode layer are patterned by using a second half-tone mask or the gray-tone mask to form an upper circuit pattern, a source/drain pattern and an upper capacitance pattern. A portion of the electrode layer constructs a pixel electrode. |
| US08357560B2 |
Package of MEMS device and method for fabricating the same
A package of a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device includes a cap wafer, a plurality of bonding bumps formed over the cap wafer, a plurality of array bumps arrayed on an outer side of the bonding bumps, and an MEMS device wafer over which a plurality of first outer pads are formed corresponding to the array bumps, wherein the array bumps are bonded to the respective outer pads when the cap wafer and the MEMS device wafer are bonded together. |
| US08357558B2 |
Method of making semiconductor light-emitting device
A method of making a semiconductor light-emitting device involves the steps of selecting at least one tilt angle for a primary surface of a substrate to evaluate the direction of piezoelectric polarization in a light-emitting layer, the substrate comprising a group III nitride semiconductor; preparing a substrate having the primary surface, the primary surface having the selected tilt angle, and the primary surface comprising the group III nitride semiconductor; forming a quantum well structure and p- and n-type gallium nitride semiconductor layers for the light-emitting layer at the selected tilt angle to prepare a substrate product; measuring photoluminescence of the substrate product while applying a bias to the substrate product, to determine bias dependence of the photoluminescence; evaluating the direction of the piezoelectric polarization in the light-emitting layer at the selected tilt angle on the primary surface of the substrate by the determined bias dependence; determining which of the primary surface or the back surface of the substrate is to be used, based on the evaluation to select a plane orientation of a growth substrate for making the semiconductor light-emitting device; and forming a semiconductor laminate for the semiconductor light-emitting device on the primary surface of the growth substrate. The tilt angle is defined by the primary surface of the substrate and the (0001) plane of the group III nitride semiconductor. Each of the well layer and the barrier layer of the light-emitting layer extends along a reference plane tilting from a plane perpendicular to a reference axis extending along the c-axis of the group III nitride semiconductor. |
| US08357552B2 |
Light emitting diode chip, and methods for manufacturing and packaging the same
A light emitting diode chip includes a substrate, an epitaxial layer, two inclined plane units, and two electrode units. The substrate has top and bottom surfaces. The epitaxial layer is disposed on the top surface of the substrate. Each of the inclined plane units is inclined downwardly and outwardly from the epitaxial layer toward the bottom surface of the substrate, and includes an inclined sidewall formed on the epitaxial layer, and a substrate inclined wall formed on the substrate. Each of the electrode units includes an electrode disposed on the epitaxial layer, and a conductive portion extending from the electrode to the substrate inclined wall along corresponding one of the inclined plane units. |
| US08357549B2 |
Method for identifying an incorrect position of a semiconductor wafer during a thermal treatment
An incorrect position of a semiconductor wafer during thermal treatment in a process chamber heated by means of infrared emitters and transmissive to infrared radiation is identified, wherein the semiconductor wafer lies in a circular pocket of a rotating susceptor and is held at a predetermined temperature with the aid of the infrared emitters and a control system, and wherein thermal radiation is measured by a pyrometer, an amplitude of the fluctuations of the measurement signal is determined and an incorrect position of the semiconductor wafer is assumed if the amplitude exceeds a predetermined maximum value. The pyrometer is oriented such that the measurement spot detected by the pyrometer lies partly on the semiconductor wafer and partly outside the semiconductor wafer on the susceptor so that it is possible to identify an eccentric position of the semiconductor wafer within the pocket of the susceptor. |
| US08357548B2 |
Semiconductor wafer metrology apparatus and method
A semiconductor wafer metrology technique comprising performing atmospheric buoyancy compensated weighing of a wafer, in which the wafer is weighed in a substantially upright condition. A vertical or near vertical wafer orientation causes the surface area in the direction of a force (weight) sensor to be reduced compared with a horizontal wafer orientation. Hence, the electrostatic force components acting in the same direction as the wafer weight force component is reduced. |
| US08357545B2 |
Hybrid nanoparticles with Ln2O3 core and carrying biological ligands, and method of preparation thereof
The invention concerns hybrid nanoparticles containing: a nanosphere, of mean diameter included in the range from 2 to 9 nm, of which at least 90% by weight consists of Ln2O3 where Ln represents a rare earth, optionally doped with a rare earth or an actinide, or a mixture of rare earths, or a rare earth and actinide mixture, in which at least 50% of the metal ions are rare earth ions, a coating around the nanosphere chiefly consisting of functionalized polysiloxane, having a mean thickness included in the range from 0.5 to 10 nm, preferably greater than 2 nm and no more than 10 nm, and at least one biological ligand grafted by covalent bonding to the polysiloxane coating and their method of preparation. |
| US08357538B2 |
Automated assay and system
An automated assay processing method including transferring a first number of samples from respective sample containers to a first intermediary vessel, determining the testing adequacy of a second number of samples in a second intermediary vessel, preparing a third number of samples in a third intermediary vessel for downstream testing; and transferring a fourth number of samples from a fourth intermediary vessel to an output sample tray. These steps are all performed essentially simultaneously within the duration of a single clock cycle and are repeated during one or more subsequent clock cycles. The clock cycle may be relative to each intermediary vessel. The clock cycle also may be universal to the first, second, third and fourth intermediary vessels. |
| US08357534B2 |
Isolation of human articular cartilage stem cells
The invention concerns a human stem cell isolated from the full depth of human cartilage tissue and/or isolated from aged human cartilage; and uses thereof. |
| US08357532B2 |
Expanding the eukaryotic genetic code
This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in eukaryotic cells. The components include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells are also provided. |
| US08357526B2 |
Identification, characterization, and application of Pseudomonas stutzeri (LH4:15), useful in microbially enhanced oil release
The present disclosure relates to isolation and identification of unique Pseudomonas stutzeri strains that can grow on crude oil under denitrifying conditions and are useful in oil recovery. |
| US08357524B2 |
Chemically modified mutant serine hydrolases show improved catalytic activity and chiral selectivity
This invention provides novel chemically modified mutant serine hydrolases that catalyze a transamidation and/or a transpeptidation and/or a transesterification reaction. The modified serine hydrolases have one or more amino acid residues in a subsite replaced with a cysteine, wherein the cysteine is modified by replacing the thiol hydrogen in the cysteine with a substituent group providing a thiol side chain comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of a polar aromatic substituent, an alkyl amino group with a positive charge, and a glycoside. In particularly preferred embodiments, the substitutents include an oxazolidinone, a C1 to C15 alkyl amino group with a positive charge, or a glycoside. |
| US08357522B2 |
Separating material and method for collecting cell or the like using the same
The present invention provides a novel material useful for selectively isolating a cell such as monocyte and the like or a protein from a body fluid and a production method thereof, a physiological material using the material and an isolation material using the physiological material, as well as a method of harvesting a cell such as monocyte and the like using the isolation material, a method of harvesting a protein and a method of preparing a dendritic cell. |
| US08357520B2 |
Compositions and methods for the biosynthesis of 1,4-butanediol and its precursors
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial biocatalyst including a microbial organism having a 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB) biosynthetic pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding 4-hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, CoA-dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, or α-ketoglutarate decarboxylase, wherein the exogenous nucleic acid is expressed in sufficient amounts to produce monomeric 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB). Also provided is a non-naturally occurring microbial biocatalyst including a microbial organism having 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) biosynthetic pathways, the pathways include at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding 4-hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, CoA-dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, 4-hydroxybutyrate:CoA transferase, 4-butyrate kinase, phosphotransbutyrylase, α-ketoglutarate decarboxylase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase or an aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase, wherein the exogenous nucleic acid is expressed in sufficient amounts to produce 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Additionally provided are methods for the production of 4-HB and BDO. |
| US08357519B2 |
Methods and processes for producing esters
Methods are provided for producing esters. The methods comprise converting a fermentable carbon source to organic acids by fermentation with organic acid producing microorganisms, followed by catalytic esterification. The methods comprise integrated fermentation, extraction, and esterification reactions wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation are extracted into an extraction solvent and then directly reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters. Methods of producing esters are also provided wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation and extracted into the extraction solvent are stripped from the extraction solvent prior to being reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters. |
| US08357518B2 |
Thermostable enzymes for the hydrolysis of mannan-containing polysaccharides
The present disclosure relates to hydrolysis of mannan-containing poly- or oligo-saccharides by use of a polypeptide having endo-β-mannanase activity. In particular the present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a bacterial endo-β-mannanase, polynucleotides encoding the endo-β-mannanase, and methods of use thereof. |
| US08357517B2 |
Genetic analyses predictive of asthma
The present invention is directed to genetic sequence variations that can be used to predict whether a person will develop asthma. Disease is likely to occur if certain polymorphic forms the CCL11 gene, the CCL2 gene and the TLR7 gene are present. |
| US08357516B2 |
Primer set for amplification of UGT1A1 gene, reagent for amplification of UGT1A1 gene containing the same, and the uses thereof
Primer sets for amplifying target regions containing sites to be detected in the UGT1A1 gene by a gene amplification method are provided, wherein the primer sets can amplify the regions specifically. Three pairs of primer sets are used including forward primers consisting of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 4 or 81, 21, and 42 as well as reverse primers consisting of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 13 or 91, 29 and 48, respectively. The use of these primer sets makes it possible to amplify three target regions including parts where three types of polymorphisms (UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*27, and UGT1A1*28) of the UGT1A1 gene are generated, respectively, in the same reaction solution at the same time. |
| US08357510B2 |
Process for obtaining lutein from algae
A process of obtaining lutein in a high yield from green algae is described. Lutein and lutein-enriched products obtained by the process, which are suitable for use as dietary supplements and/or food additives, or cosmetic or pharmaceutical raw materials, are also described. |
| US08357507B2 |
Water soluble fluorescent quantum carbon dots
The present invention relates to the water soluble self fluorescent quantum carbon dots (C-dots). These C-dots are isolated from carbon soot in one embodiment a wax soot solvent washed and isolated from other larger material by filtration such as by membrane filtration. The C-dots can be varied in their color by change of their size and by the amount of oxidative groups' position on each C-dot. |
| US08357501B2 |
Tissue protective erythropoietin receptor (NEPOR) and methods of use
There is disclosed a molecular composition(s) of a novel tissue protective erythropoietin (EPO) binding receptor protein complex, termed NEPOR. Presence of NEPOR components on a tumor allows EPO to impinge on the survival of associated cells thereby enhancing tumor progression and negatively effecting patient survival. Presence of NEPOR represents a prognostic biomarker for poorer patient outcome. Thus, methods are provided for stratifying patients having a tumor as suitable (i.e. NEPOR not present) or non-suitable (i.e., NEPOR present) for EPO treatment, comprising: (a) isolating a tissue sample from an individual who is receiving or is a candidate for receiving erythropoietin, (b) determining the level of expression of the NEPOR gene(s) (mRNA) and/or the presence of the NEPOR gene product (protein) from the isolated tissue, and (c) correlating the presence of an NEPOR gene expression product or the presence of NEPOR protein to a physiological response to the treatment with erythropoietin. Furthermore, by disclosing the molecular compositions of NEPOR species, there are disclosed methods for rationally identifying/designing NEPOR modulating therapeutics. Methods also are provided for treating neurological insults such as stroke (via enhancement of NEPOR activity) and cancer (via down-regulation of cyto-protective signaling from NEPOR). |
| US08357499B2 |
Expression of functional human olfactory cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channel in recombinant host cells and use thereof in cell based assays to identify smell modulators
The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences that encode human olfactory cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channel subunits, and the corresponding polypeptides. The invention further relates to the use of human CNG channels to profile, screen for, and identify compounds that modulate the human olfactory CNG channel. More specifically, the invention relates to the expression of the human olfactory CNG channel in cells, preferably mammalian cells, and the use of these cells in high throughput cell-based assays to identify compounds that enhance or block human olfactory CNG function. Compounds that activate the olfactory CNG channel will enhance smell and can be used to make foods more palatable for individuals with attenuated olfactory function. Conversely, compounds that inhibit the olfactory CNG channel will inhibit smell and can be use to block malodors. Additionally, the invention relates to the use of cell-based olfactory CNG channel assays to identify modulates of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCRs) and other proteins that regulate cyclic nucleotide levels. |
| US08357491B2 |
Isolation and use of solid tumor stem cells
A small percentage of cells within an established solid tumor have the properties of stem cells. These solid tumor stem cells give rise to both more tumor stem cells and to the majority of cells in the tumor that have lost the capacity for extensive proliferation and the ability to give rise to new tumors. Thus, solid tumor heterogeneity reflects the presence of tumor cell progeny arising from a solid tumor stem cell.We have developed a xenograft model in which we have been able to establish tumors from primary tumors via injection of tumors in the mammary gland of severely immunodeficient mice. These xenograft assay have allowed us to do biological and molecular assays to characterize clonogenic solid tumor stem cells.We have also developed evidence that strongly implicates the Notch pathway, especially Notch 4, as playing a central pathway in carcinogenesis. |
| US08357490B2 |
Integrated instrument performing synthesis and amplification, and a system and method thereof
An integrated instrument for oligonucleotide synthesis and PCR, and a system and method thereof are disclosed. The integrated instrument is basically composed of two independent modules. The first module is a unit for chemical de novo synthesis of oligonucleotides such as oligonucleotide primers and/or oligonucleotide hybridization probes. The second module is a unit for performing an analytical polymerase chain reaction amplification in real time, i.e. a qPCR. The two modules are operatively linked to each other in such a way that a user can load a nucleic sample to be analyzed into the integrated instrument and perform a PCR reaction by programming the instrument without a previous external synthesis of oligonucleotide amplification primers. |
| US08357483B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition comprising a polymer prepared by using macromonomer as alkali soluble resin
The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition that includes a polymer prepared by using a macromonomer as an alkali soluble resin. The photosensitive resin composition is used for various types of purposes such as a photoresist for preparing a color filter, an overcoat photoresist, a column spacer, and an insulating material having a light blocking property, and improves physical properties such as residue or not, chemical resistance, and heat resistance of the photoresist. |
| US08357480B2 |
Carrier, developer, developing apparatus and image forming apparatus
There are provided a carrier which enables stable charging of toner and formation of a stable, high-definition and high-quality image which has very few image defects such as a fog, as well as a developer, a developing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus. A carrier is obtained by including a carrier core and a coating layer with which a surface of the carrier core is coated, the coating layer being obtained by curing a resin composition for coating that includes a crosslinked silicone-modified acrylic resin containing a macromonomer represented by the following general formula (1). A developer is obtained by such a carrier and a toner. |
| US08357479B2 |
Toner and method for manufacturing the same
A toner comprising: a component consisting of a thermoplastic resin containing an amorphous plant-derived resin having a carboxyl group; a component consisting of a crystalline epoxy resin having a glycidyl group; a component consisting of a cross-linked resin generated through a reaction between the carboxyl group of the plant-derived resin and the glycidyl group of the crystalline epoxy resin; and a colorant. |
| US08357473B2 |
Fuel cell system
When a stop trigger of a fuel cell system (100) is turned on, air humidified by a humidifier (3) which air having a humidity quantity lower than a humidity quantity at a normal operation is supplied to a fuel cell stack (11). Thereby, a takeout quantity Qm of a moisture generated in the fuel cell stack (1) is increased, then, a power generation of the fuel cell stack (1) is continued for a certain time Pg. Then, the power generation is stopped, and a cathode side of the fuel cell stack (1) is purged with the air for a certain time Pp. |
| US08357469B2 |
Bipolar battery assembly
A bipolar battery construction is disclosed comprising a substrate, openings in the substrate, an electrically conductive material placed within the openings, a negative and positive current collector foil placed on opposing sides of the substrate and negative and positive pasting frame members. The electrically conductive material may have a melting point below the thermal degradation temperature of the substrate. |
| US08357465B2 |
Galvanic element with a high capacity
A button cell includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator arranged in a housing comprising a cell cup and a cell lid insulated from one another by a seal, wherein the negative electrode is tablet-shaped pressed body having a self-supporting structure. |
| US08357462B2 |
Battery safety vent and battery with the same
The present invention disclosed a battery safety vent comprising: an explosion-proof film fixed on a battery cover plate, a safety vent cover covering the explosion-proof film and having a pressure release aperture, and an explosion-proof pin disposed on top of the safety vent cover, in which a free head of the pin is blunt and points to the explosion-proof film. The present invention further disclosed a battery having the above battery safety vent. |
| US08357458B2 |
Coated article with low-E coating including tin oxide interlayer
A coated article is provided which may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) in certain instances. In certain example embodiments, an interlayer of or including a metal oxide such as tin oxide is provided under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer so as to be located between respective layers comprising silicon nitride and zinc oxide. It has been found that the use of such a tin oxide inclusive interlayer results in significantly improved mechanical durability, thermal stability and/or haze characteristics. |
| US08357457B2 |
Reinforced wood for overcoming interlaminate shear failure
A wood composite including a reinforced laminate for overcoming interlaminate shear failure includes the use of an adhesive to form a strong mechanical bond between the adhesive and the wood and a strong chemical bond between the adhesive and the reinforced laminate. The reinforcement is a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite comprising a thermoset polyurethane resin matrix. An emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI) adhesive is used to bond the FRP composite to wood. |
| US08357456B2 |
Rapid drying lacquers
Disclosed is a solventborne coating composition that provides a high quality basecoat especially for automotive substrates, methods for forming a layer of the solventborne coating composition and substrates coated with the coating composition. The coating composition contains an acrylic polymer that has both acid functional groups and polyether functional groups. |
| US08357449B2 |
Multi-ply self-adhesive tape
Self-adhesive tape comprising a laminate composed of at least two pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layers A and B laminated directly to one another, one or both of the surfaces to be laminated to one another of the PSA layers A and B having been chemically and/or physically pretreated prior to lamination, and the shear strength tSA/B of the self-adhesive tape at 25° C., 40° C. and 70° C. under a weight load of 1000 g being at least 80% of the shear strength tSo of the PSA layer A and/or of the PSA layer B, where tSo represents the shear strength of the PSA layer having the lower shear strength. |
| US08357446B2 |
Hollow polymeric-silicate composite
The invention provides a plurality of polymeric particles embedded with silicate that include gas-filled polymeric microelements. The gas-filled polymeric microelements have a shell and a density of 5 g/liter to 200 g/liter. The shell having an outer surface and a diameter of 5 μm to 200 μm with silicate particles embedded in the polymer. The silicate particles have an average particle size of 0.01 to 3 μm. The silicate-containing regions are spaced to coat less than 50 percent of the outer surface of the polymeric microelements; and less than 0.1 weight percent total of the polymeric microelements is associated with i) silicate particles having a particle size of greater than 5 μm; ii) silicate-containing regions covering greater than 50 percent of the outer surface of the polymeric microelements; and iii) polymeric micro elements agglomerated with silicate particles to an average cluster size of greater than 120 μm. |
| US08357442B2 |
Heat shrink wire marker carrier
A wire marker is provided. A carrier strip includes a first layer having at least one opening, two bands applied to opposite edges of the first layer, the bands including an adhesive on at least one side, and a label secured into the opening and attached to the adhesive. At least one access perforation may be located on the first layer that is horizontal and adjacent to one side of the opening. The access perforation facilitates removal of the label from the carrier and allows for insertion of a cable through the label. A plurality of horizontal carrier perforations may further be located between each opening on the first layer to facilitate removal of the carrier strip from a printer. |
| US08357441B2 |
Ignition resistant carbonate polymer composition
The present invention is an ignition resistant carbonate polymer composition, a method to make said composition and fabricated articles made therefrom. The ignition resistant carbonate polymer composition comprises: (i) an aromatic polycarbonate or an aromatic polyester carbonate, (ii) a graft polymer, (iii) optionally one or more thermoplastic vinyl (co)polymer, (iv) optionally one or more thermoplastic polyester polymer, (v) an aromatic phosphate compound, and (vi) a mixture of a fibril forming polytetrafluoroethylene polymer and a fluorothermoplast. |
| US08357439B2 |
Web and method for making fluid filled units
A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. In one embodiment, the web is configured such that a gap forms between each pair of adjacent pouches when the pouches are inflated. In one embodiment, an inflation edge of the web comprises a frangible connection that allows the inflation edge to be broken by an unsharpened object. |
| US08357432B2 |
Mixed solvent process for preparing structured organic films
A mixed solvent process for preparing structured organic film comprising a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, wherein the structured organic film may be a multi-segment thick structured organic film. |
| US08357431B2 |
Use of amine-modified siloxanes as protecting agents for coatings and workpieces
The present invention relates to the use of certain amine-modified siloxanes, exhibiting at least one molecular unit with an amine-modified radical and at least one molecular unit with a hydrophilic radical, as protecting agents. These protecting agents are suitable for protecting materials, such as wood and other substances based on cellulose and/or lignin, but also other materials, such as plastics, minerals, and metals, from infestation by and spread of harmful microorganisms, such as fungi. The present invention further relates to a method of enhancing surfaces and workpieces, comprising the application and/or incorporation of the protecting agent of the invention to the surfaces and/or into the workpieces. |
| US08357428B2 |
Method for producing porous film
After a second liquid is applied to a support and dried, a first liquid is applied thereon. On a film of the first liquid, a third liquid (water) is supplied in droplets using an inkjet-type liquid supply unit. An area supplied with the droplets is referred to as porous area. Next, an organic solvent is evaporated from the film and the droplets are evaporated from the porous area. Thus, a porous film is obtained. The porous film has the porous areas in which a plurality of pores are arranged. Since the droplets are directly formed by an inkjet printing method, a condensation process and a droplet growing process are unnecessary. Thus, the porous film is produced efficiently. Shapes of the porous areas can be changed easily. The porous areas can be formed on the porous film in various patterns. |
| US08357426B2 |
Single step milling and surface coating process for preparing stable nanodispersions
A single step milling and surface coating process allows for production of a stable dispersion of surface coated nanoparticles in an efficient manner. The process comprises providing feed particles, providing a coating agent, and generating the stable dispersion of surface coated nanoparticles by milling the feed particles in an aqueous medium containing the coating agent such that the coating agent bonds to surfaces of the feed particles as the feed particles are milled to an average particle size of less than about 100 nm. |
| US08357425B2 |
Process of making a coated substrate by crosslinking nanoparticles
Methods for crosslinking nanoparticles and coated substrates made according to the methods are described. The crosslinked nanoparticles on substrates can be used in electrochromic devices and/or photovoltaic devices. |
| US08357422B2 |
Dietary supplement
The technology provides a multi-purpose dietary supplement that includes, in nutritionally effective amounts for humans, an orally ingestible combination of antioxidants, naturally-occurring substances and extracts of naturally-occurring substances. The naturally-occurring substances and extracts of naturally-occurring substances include at least: finely divided silica hydride; a polyphenol; ginkgo biloba leaf extract; rhodiola rosea root; bacopa monniera extract; a glutathione precursor; a phytoalexin; a bioflavonoids; CoQ10 and a phospholipid. |
| US08357420B2 |
Oil-in-water emulsion
An oil-in-water emulsion comprising hydrophobin and oil wherein the oil phase has an iodine value of greater than 40 characterised in that the ratio of hydrophobin to oil is greater than 30 g/liter and less than 140 g/liter is provided. A product comprising such an oil-in-water emulsion is also provided. |
| US08357417B2 |
Low calorie composite sweetener as sugar alternative and methods for producing the same
The invention provides a process for producing a low calorie composite sweetener as a sugar alternative. The invention further provides a low calorie composite sweetener that can be used in many products. The low calorie composite sweetener is useful as non-caloric sweeteners in edible and chewable compositions such as any beverages, confectionaries, bakeries, cookies, chewing gums, and alike. |
| US08357414B2 |
Package with on-demand product elevation
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to packaging for products (such as fresh red meat) that are enclosed between a support member and a lid (i.e., a film). More specifically, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to packaging comprising an elevation unit that raises the profile of the packaged product to contact the lid at any desired time, such as at the time of retail display. |
| US08357410B2 |
Frozen dumplings
A frozen dumpling is obtained by applying to a dumpling, a first layer of a batter, and a second layer of water or a seasoning solution, wherein the first layer is present in an amount of 5 to 30% by weight relative to the dumpling, and the second layer is present in an amount of 20 to 100% by weight relative to the dumpling, and then freezing the dumpling. Tray-packed frozen dumplings are obtained by placing the dumplings on a tray, and contacting the dumplings with a first layer of batter, and a second layer of water or a seasoning solution, and freezing the dumplings, wherein the first layer is present in an amount of 5 to 30% by weight relative to the dumpling, and the second layer is present in an amount of 20 to 100% by weight relative to the dumpling. |
| US08357409B2 |
Crispy chip garnish sandwich
A sandwich-sized crispy chip garnish is provided with desired color, flavor and surface presentations for use in a crispy chip sandwich. |
| US08357402B2 |
Flowable wound matrix and its preparation and use
This invention relates to a flowable collagen/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) material including particles of collagen/GAG matrix that, when hydrated, can be effectively delivered to wounds having varying depths and geometries. The flowable collagen/GAG matrix allows a more intimate contact between the wound matrix and the wound bed, and provides a structural framework that serves as a scaffold for cell ingrowth. |
| US08357400B2 |
Stimuli-responsive systems for controlled drug delivery
A method of delivering a therapeutic agent by providing a cross-linked polymer encapsulating the therapeutic agent to a site in a patient. The degradation rate of the cross-linked polymer is correlated with a local concentration of an indicator, and the therapeutic agent is released as the cross-linked polymer degrades. |
| US08357398B2 |
Benzonatate compositions and methods of use
Oral dosage forms of benzonatate useful for anti-tussive and anti-tussive/combination applications. |
| US08357397B2 |
Controlled release composition comprising a recombinant gelatin
The invention relates to the field of pharmacology. More specific, the invention relates to a controlled release composition. In one of the embodiments, the invention provides a method for preparing a controlled release composition comprising the steps of: providing a mixture of a recombinant gelatin and a pharmaceutical chemically cross-linking said recombinant gelatin to obtain a three dimensional network structure. |
| US08357395B2 |
Manufacture of tablet
The present invention features a method of manufacturing a tablet containing a pharmaceutically active agent by the steps of: (a) adding a powder containing a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier to a die cavity; (b) injecting a liquid drug composition containing the pharmaceutically active agent into the die cavity such that the liquid drug composition contacts the powder; (c) compressing the combination of the powder and the liquid drug composition within the die cavity to form the tablet; and (d) removing the tablet from the die cavity. |
| US08357394B2 |
Compositions and methods for improved efficacy of penicillin-type antibiotics
Disclosed are once-a-day penicillin-type antibiotic products comprising at least one modified release dosage form comprising penicillin-type antibiotics and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, which compositions provide T>MIC90 in the serum for at least 5 hours (preferably for at least five consecutive hours), within a 24-hour dosing interval, for a given bacterial pathogen's MIC90, while providing a total dosage of the penicillin-type antibiotic for a 24-hour dosing interval. |
| US08357393B2 |
Transdermal delivery rate control using amorphous pharmaceutical compositions
A pharmaceutical composition for transdermal delivery comprising one or more physiologically active agents; one or more dermal penetration enhancers; and a volatile pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprising a volatile solvent; and wherein the physiologically active agent and dermal penetration enhancer form an amorphous deposit upon evaporation of the volatile carrier, said amorphous deposit forming a reservoir within the stratum corneum; and (A) wherein the composition has a release rate profile of physiologically active agent so as to provide a ratio of the maximum concentration (Cmax) to the average concentration (Cavg) for the physiologically active agent over the dosage interval within the range of 1 to 10. |
| US08357387B2 |
Capping bioprosthetic tissue to reduce calcification
A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization. |
| US08357382B1 |
Cosmetic formulations
The invention relates to cosmetic formulations. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to cosmetic formulations for use on the skin (e.g., the skin of the face). |
| US08357381B2 |
Dispersions comprising acylglutamates
The invention relates to dispersions comprising water, lipophilic phase and emulsifier, characterized in that the emulsifier is preferably present in an amount of less than or equal to about 3% by weight based on the total weight of the dispersion, and in that the emulsifier comprises at least one acylglutamate. Preferred dispersions of the invention are suitable for cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations. |
| US08357380B2 |
Coenzyme Q10-containing composition
The coenzyme Q10-containing liquid composition is obtained by dispersing and emulsifying coenzyme Q10 in an aqueous liquid containing a water-soluble substance consisting of octenylsuccinate starch and dextrin, and glycerin. The liquid composition may be dried to prepare a coenzyme Q10-containing solid composition. |
| US08357379B2 |
High concentration baclofen preparations
Stable aqueous solutions comprising concentrations of baclofen in the range of greater than 2.0 mg/mL up to about 10 mg/mL are disclosed. These solutions can be used as pharmaceuticals for parenteral or oral administration. The invention also provides methods of preparing said stable aqueous baclofen solutions. |
| US08357378B2 |
Fragmented polymeric compositions and methods for their use
Cross-linked hydrogels comprise a variety of biologic and non-biologic polymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers. Such hydrogels preferably have no free aqueous phase and may be applied to target sites in a patient's body by extruding the hydrogel through an orifice at the target site. Alternatively, the hydrogels may be mechanically disrupted and used in implantable articles, such as breast implants. When used in vivo, the compositions are useful for controlled release drug delivery, for inhibiting post-surgical spinal and other tissue adhesions, for filling tissue divots, tissue tracts, body cavities, surgical defects, and the like. |
| US08357374B2 |
Conjugates of synthetic TLR agonists and uses therefor
The invention provides TLR agonists and conjugates thereof useful in vaccines and to prevent, inhibit or treat a variety of disorders including pathogen infection and asthma. |
| US08357373B2 |
Methods for stimulating an immune response using bacterial antigen delivery system
The invention relates to the use of the type III secretion system of bacteria to stimulate immune responses against tumor antigen(s) for treating antigen-loss variant tumors. Methods are provided for stimulating and/or increasing an immune response against tumor antigens. The invention also relates to the preparation of antigen presenting cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using bacteria having a type III secretion system. |
| US08357369B2 |
Genetic markers for predicting responsiveness to combination therapy
The invention provides compositions and methods for determining the likelihood of successful treatment with an effective amount of an anti-VEGF antibody or equivalent thereof, in combination with anti-EGFR antibody or equivalent thereof, and, in some aspects in combination with a topoisomerase inhibitor. The methods comprise determining the identity of a gene of interest in a patient sample and correlating the patient's genotype with the predictive response. Patients identified as responsive are then treated with the appropriate therapy. |
| US08357368B2 |
Methods of treating pancreatic or liver cancer using hedgehog antagonists
The present application is directed to compositions and methods for inhibiting angiogenesis and treating or preventing unwanted cell proliferation, including tumors, by inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, e.g., with an antagonist of the hedgehog pathway such as those disclosed herein. |
| US08357367B2 |
Antibodies that bind PAR-2
The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to or derived from anti-PAR-2 antibodies. In particular embodiments, the invention provides human antibodies that bind PAR-2, PAR-2-binding fragments and derivatives of such antibodies, and PAR-2-binding polypeptides comprising such fragments. Other embodiments provide nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, cells comprising such polynucleotides, methods of making such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, and methods of using such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, including methods of treating or diagnosing subjects having PAR-2-related disorders or conditions. |
| US08357362B2 |
Treating non-hematopoietic cancer with interleukin 6
Use of IL-6 for treating non-hematopoietic cancers, e.g., gp130-negative cancers. Also disclosed is a method for identifying a cancer patient suitable for the IL-6 treatment. |
| US08357360B2 |
Cosmetic compositions containing an aqueous dispersion of silicone elastomers and methods of use
An anti-aging composition comprising more than 30% by weight of an aqueously dispersed silicone elastomer and an emollient system and methods of use thereof for improving skin condition. |
| US08357357B2 |
3.2.1-bicyclo-octene and -octane compounds
The present invention relates to novel compounds and their use in fragrance compositions. Novel 3.2.1-bicyclo-octene and -octane compounds of the present invention are represented by formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acetate, carbonate monomethyl ester, and allyloxy; and wherein the broken line represents a single or double bond. |
| US08357356B2 |
Stabilized hydrogen peroxide compositions and methods
A hydrogen peroxide-containing composition comprising at least one antioxidant and at least one free radical scavenger operable to neutralize reactive oxygen species generated by the hydrogen peroxide and a method for stabilizing hydrogen peroxide containing compositions. |
| US08357354B2 |
Composition containing a tackifying resin and a combination of particular oils
A composition having at least one fatty phase containing at least one resin having a number-average molecular weight of less than or equal to 10 000 g/mol chosen from rosin, rosin derivatives and hydrocarbon-based resins, and mixtures thereof, at least one volatile oil, and at least one phenyl silicone oil. The composition according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a homogeneous and comfortable deposit on the lips or the skin, which has in particular improved properties of staying power of the colour and of the gloss. |
| US08357351B2 |
Nano-scale contrast agents and methods of use
Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution. |
| US08357348B2 |
Method for preparing uniform anatase-type titanium dioxide nanoparticles
The present invention relates to a method for preparing anatase-type titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, the method comprising the steps of: uniformly mixing titanium n-butoxide and cetyltrimethyl ammonium salt (CTAS) in water; subjecting the mixture to hydrothermal treatment at a temperature of 60˜120° C.; and collecting anatase-type titanium dioxide nanoparticles produced by the hydrothermal treatment and drying the collected nanoparticles. According to the present invention, anatase-type titanium dioxide nanoparticles having excellent crystallinity can be easily prepared in large amounts by a simple process without needing heat treatment. |
| US08357345B1 |
Method for removing oxygen from aluminum nitride by carbon
Disclosed is a method for removing oxygen from aluminum nitride by carbon. At first, an oven is provided. An aluminum nitride substrate is located in the oven. Nitrogen is introduced into the oven to form an atmosphere of nitrogen. The temperature is increased to the transformation point of the aluminum nitride substrate in the oven. Then, the heating is stopped and quenching is conducted in the oven. Carbon is introduced into the oven in the quenching. Thus, oxygen included in the aluminum nitride substrate reacts with the carbon to produce carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The carbon monoxide or carbon is released from the oven as well as the nitrogen. Thus, the aluminum nitride substrate is purified. |
| US08357344B2 |
Gas deacidizing method using an absorbent solution with vaporization and/or purification of a fraction of the regenerated absorbent solution
The gaseous effluent to be treated is contacted in column C1 with an absorbent solution selected for its property of forming two separable phases when it is heated. The regenerated absorbent solution is separated into two phases in drum B1; a fraction rich in water and a fraction rich in reactive compounds.Separation allows to optimize the operations performed on the regenerated absorbent solution. On the one hand, separation allows to carry out vaporization, through reboiler R1, of a fraction of the absorbent solution, preferably containing a limited reactive compound concentration in relation to the absorbent solution, thus limiting their degradation. On the other hand, separation of the phases allows to reduce the amount of solution to be treated in order to remove the non-regeneratable salts and thus to reduce the costs linked with their elimination. Finally, separation allows to eliminate the degradation products by carrying out a specific and suitable purification for each phase.The method can be applied to combustion fumes decarbonation and to natural gas or synthesis gas deacidizing. |
| US08357341B2 |
Carbon monoxide removal method, operating method for fuel reforming system, carbon monoxide remover, fuel removal system having the carbon monoxide remover, and filter
In operating the carbon monoxide removal reactor or the fuel reforming system, there is provided a technique for removing carbon monoxide in a stable manner for an extended period of time. In a method of removing carbon monoxide including an introducing step of introducing a reactant gas including mixture gas and an oxidizer added thereto to a carbon monoxide removal reactor forming in its casing a catalyst layer comprising a carbon monoxide removal catalyst for removing carbon monoxide contained in the mixture gas and a removing step of removing the carbon monoxide by causing the oxidizer to react with the mixture gas on the carbon monoxide removal catalyst, in said introducing step, the reactant gas of 100° C. or lower is introduced to the carbon monoxide removal reactor. |
| US08357340B2 |
Materials analysis
A materials analysis device (2) comprises an inner receptacle (4), incorporating a filter (5) at its lower end, within an outer receptacle (6). Gas inlet/outlet ports (8, 10) are arranged to provide a means whereby solvent can be caused to pass between the receptacles (4, 6) via filter (5). Solvent in the receptacles (4, 6) is arranged to be heated and its temperature assessed. In use in one embodiment, a solute material to be analyzed is introduced into outer receptacle (6) and a solvent is introduced into inner receptacle (4). The solvent is caused to pass back and (15) forth between the receptacles (4, 6) via the filter (5) until a saturated solution of the solute is present in inner receptacle (4). This may be removed for analysis. By undertaking the process described at a range of temperatures, a solubility profile for the solute can be determined. |
| US08357339B2 |
Device for decantation deposition of cells on an analysis plate
A device includes a reception chamber (5) for a cell suspension having an open bottom (6) extending opposite a cell deposition area (7) of the analysis plate (1), the bottom (6) of the chamber (5) being in fluid communication with an absorption material (14) for cell preservation liquid for absorbing the latter and enabling a homogeneous decantation deposition on the deposition area (7), the absorption material (14) being provided about the cell deposition area (7). The absorption material (14) includes a compressed area (16) extending between the bottom (6) of the reception chamber (5) and the analysis plate (1) about the cell deposition area (7), and a non-compressed area (17) extending about the compressed area (16). |
| US08357338B2 |
Apparatus for generating a multi-component compound
The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a multi-component compound, in particular for dental purposes, comprising: —At least two cartridges (3), each cartridge (3) adapted for containing a component (4) of the multi-component compound and having a plunger (2) adapted for pressing out its component (4) from the cartridge (3); and—a driving device for said plungers (2) in which the driving speed is adjustable, wherein the driving device comprises a stepping motor (1), and a detector associated with the stepping motor for detecting at least one of a) the steps of the stepping motor and b) The load on the stepping motor. At low revolutions per minute, the stepping motor (1) offers higher torque as compared with the known DC motors, whereas it also offers high revolutions per minute, although with comparatively low torque, sufficient for rapid advance and retraction of the plungers (2). |
| US08357335B1 |
Colorimetric assay for the determination of hydrolysis activity from HD and other halogenated organics
An assay for screening potential hydrolysis enhancing agents capable of facilitating the hydrolysis of a substantially water insoluble halogenated compound such as mustard gas (HD) in an aqueous reaction mixture is disclosed. The assay includes at least one chamber adapted for receiving and retaining the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound and a potential hydrolysis agent in an aqueous reaction mixture, and a pH indicating agent adapted to produce a visible color change corresponding to the amount of the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound hydrolyzed in the aqueous reaction mixture wherein the rate of hydrolysis can be established by measuring the change in the detectable signal over time. |
| US08357333B2 |
Honeycomb structural body and exhaust gas converting apparatus
A honeycomb structural body includes a honeycomb unit having a plurality of through holes defined by cell walls and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit. The honeycomb unit includes an inorganic binder, a first zeolite, and second zeolite. The first zeolite includes at least one of a β type zeolite and a ZSM-5 type zeolite, and primary particles having an average particle diameter of approximately 0.01 μm or more and approximately 0.1 μm or less. The second zeolite includes a phosphate group zeolite and primary particles having an average particle diameter of approximately 0.5 μm or more and approximately 5 μm or less. A ratio between a mass of the first zeolite and a total mass of the first and second zeolites is approximately 0.1 or more and approximately 0.5 or less. |
| US08357325B2 |
Moulds with integrated heating and methods of making the same
The present invention provides a method of fabricating a mold and the mold fabricated by such method. The mold is fabricated by providing a support structure having a predefined shape; applying a heat distribution layer on the support structure; applying a heating element network upon the heat distribution layer; applying at least one glass composition layer upon the heating element network; applying a resin composition to each of the heating element network and the at least one glass composition layer; and integrating the heat distribution layer, heating element network, the at least one glass composition layer and the resin composition to form a mold unit. |
| US08357324B2 |
Rotomolding process for polyethylene articles
The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyethylene hollow articles, which process comprises charging the polyethylene with one or more NO-acyl hindered amine additives containing one or more groups of formula (I), filling this mixture into a mold, heating this mold in an oven to above 280° C., such that the additized polyethylene melts, rotating the mold around at least 2 axes, the additized polyethylene spreading to the walls, cooling the mold while still rotating, opening it, and taking the resultant hollow article out, where the group of formula (I) is where Ra is a monoacyl or diacyl radical; R1-R4 are each C1-C6alkyl; and R5 and R6 are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl or C6-C10aryl; or R5 and R6 are together oxygen. |
| US08357320B2 |
Process for the impregnation of carbon fiber bundles, resin-impregnated carbon fiber bundle, shaped body and intermediate body for silicization
A process for the impregnation of carbon fiber bundles enables the carbon fiber bundles to be impregnated with a curable liquid resin without the impregnated fiber bundles sticking together. The fiber bundles are present in a mechanically generated fluidized bed during the impregnation and are held in the fluidized bed until the resin has been cured or at least dried. A resin-impregnated carbon fiber bundle, a shaped body and an intermediate body for silicization are also provided. |
| US08357317B2 |
Fabrication of optically smooth light guide
Embodiments related to the fabrication of a light guide are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises extruding a thermoplastic polymer through a die to form an extrusion, machining the extrusion to one or more fixed dimensions, and maintaining a face of the extrusion in contact with a heated mold surface to soften or melt the face of the extrusion while applying pressure to the extrusion. |
| US08357315B2 |
Cathode active material, cathode including the same and lithium battery including cathode
A cathode active material, a cathode including the cathode active material, and a lithium battery including the cathode. A lithium manganese phosphate cathode active material having an olivine structure represented by LixMn1-y-zM′yM″zPO4, where 0.6≦x≦1.0, 0 |
| US08357313B2 |
Luminescent substances
The invention relates to a new class of luminescent substances (phosphorous) based on an universally dopable matrix made of an amorphous, at the most partially crystalline network of the elements P, Si, B, Al and N, preferably the composition Si3B3N7. Optical excitation and emission can be varied in this system over the entire practically relevant field by incorporation of any cationic activators, alone or in combination, but also by incorporation of oxygen as anionic component. This opens up the entire spectrum of use of luminescent substances, such as illumination systems or electronic screens. |
| US08357310B2 |
Aqueous based cooling of components having high surface area levels of aluminum or nickel
An aqueous-based coolant for cooling and reducing corrosion potential in applications having high aluminum or nickel surface area to coolant volume ratios has a pH between 8 and 9 and includes about 35 weight % to about 65 weight % propylene glycol, about 1.0 weight % to about 4.0 weight % 2-ethylhexanoic acid, about 0.25 weight % to about 1.0 weight % sebacic acid, about 0.25 weight % to about 1.0 weight % benzoic acid and about 0.03 weight % to about 0.1 weight % molybdate oxyanion. A cooling system includes an aluminum or nickel surface and the aqueous-based coolant. A method of cooling a component surface containing aluminum or nickel includes delivering the aqueous-based coolant to the component surface and cooling the component surface with the aqueous-based coolant. |
| US08357309B2 |
Class of ferromagnetic semiconductors
Single crystal and polycrystal oxoruthenates having the generalized compositions (Baz,Sr1−z)FexCoyRu6−(x+y)O11 (1≦(x+y)≦5; 0≦z≦1) and (Ba,Sr)M2±xRu4∓xO11 (M=Fe,Co) belong to a novel class of ferromagnetic semiconductors with applications in spin-based field effect transistors, spin-based light emitting diodes, and magnetic random access memories. |
| US08357306B2 |
Non-nitrogen sulfide sweeteners
A process for removing a sulfur species from a stream selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon stream, an aqueous stream, and mixtures thereof is disclosed herein, which may include introducing a treating mixture into the stream. The treating mixture may include a compound of the general formula selected from the group consisting of: or combinations of compound (I) or compound (II). R1 may be a C1-C30 hydrocarbyl group that is saturated, unsaturated, cyclic or branched, or may contain a heteroatom. ‘A’ may be an oxygen atom or a methylene group. R2 may be a C1-C30 hydrocarbyl group that may be saturated, unsaturated, cyclic or branched, or may contain a heteroatom(s) other than C and H. The treating mixture may reduce the reactive sulfur species in the stream. The sulfur species reduced from the stream may be hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, polysulfides, or combinations thereof. |
| US08357296B2 |
Centrifugal filter
Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device. The two-panel configuration also maintains more available membrane area in use during the last stages of filtration than a one-panel configuration. |
| US08357294B2 |
Device for separating ferromagnetic particles from a suspension
Ferromagnetic particles are separated from a suspension using a tubular reactor having at least one magnet, where a suspension is able to flow through the reactor. A displacer is arranged inside the reactor. |
| US08357285B2 |
Acidic gold alloy plating solution
A gold alloy plating solution and plating method thereof that provides a gold plating solution with high deposition selectivity by using a gold plating solution that contains gold cyanide, cobalt ions, hexamethylene tetramine, and specific glossing agents. |
| US08357284B2 |
Method for forming metal film
A metal film-forming method is capable of forming a metal film on a surface of a base metal film, formed on a surface of a substrate, with sufficient adhesion to the base metal film even when a natural oxide film is formed on the surface of the base metal film. The metal film-forming method includes: preparing a substrate having a base metal film formed on a surface; and carrying out electroplating of the substrate using the base metal film as a cathode and another metal as an anode while immersing the substrate in a solution containing a metal complex and a reducing material, both dissolved in a solvent, to form a metal film, deriving from a metal contained in the metal complex, on the surface of the base metal film. |
| US08357282B2 |
Optoelectronic separation of biomolecules
The present teachings relate to systems and methods for separation of substances such as cells, nucleic acids, and carbon nanotubes. The substances are combined with a separation medium in a liquid sample cavity, for example a microchannel, and transit through the separation by optically activated dielectrophoretic forces. The substances are advantageously labeled and visualized using a microscope and camera. |
| US08357278B2 |
Electrotransfer cassette with integrated electrical contacts and locking mechanism
An electrotransfer cassette is formed in two parts that are releasably joined by a manually operated locking mechanism. The joined parts have electrical contact areas extending from the electrodes in the two parts of the cassette, the contact areas being exposed on an outer edge of the resulting cassette to form electrical connections to a power supply upon the simple insertion of the cassette into an instrument. |
| US08357277B2 |
Enhanced method for detecting and/or quantifying an analyte in a sample
The invention relates to an enhanced method of detecting and/or quantifying at least one analyte in a sample. |
| US08357276B2 |
Small volume test strips with large sample fill ports, supported test strips, and methods of making and using same
The present disclosure provides small volume analyte sensors having large sample fill ports, supported analyte sensors, analyte sensors having supported tip protrusions and methods of making and using same. |
| US08357274B2 |
Electrochemical biosensor analysis system
An electrochemical biosensor analysis system is provided for analyzing a sample liquid, comprising a biosensor having an electrode structure made of at least two electrodes, a test field, covering the electrode structure and capable of absorbing the sample liquid, and a defined sample application surface on the top side of the test field. The system also includes an analysis instrument comprising an evaluation unit for determining the desired analysis data. The analysis instrument comprises an AC resistance measuring device for measuring an AC resistance value between two electrodes of the electrode structure by means of an area compensation measurement. The measured AC resistance value is used, in the determination of the analysis data, as a measure of the partial area of the effective electrode structure area wetted by the sample liquid. |
| US08357273B2 |
Analyzer
The present invention relates to an analyzer (1) to be used with an analytical tool (2) mounted thereto and used for analyzing a particular component contained in a sample supplied to the analytical tool (2). The analyzer (1) includes at least one detection terminal pair (11, 12) including a first and a second detection terminals (11A, 11B, 12A, 12B) which are capable of selecting a mutually contacting state and a non-contacting state, a detector (15) for detecting the state of contact of the first and the second detection terminals (11A, 11B, 12A, 12B), and an abnormality detector (16) for detecting an abnormality of the at least one detection terminal pair (11, 12) based on the detection result by the detector (15). |
| US08357271B2 |
Anode for use in zinc and cobalt electrowinning and electrowinning method
The present invention aims to provide a zinc electrowinning anode capable of inhibiting manganese compound deposition on the anode and a cobalt electrowinning anode capable of inhibiting cobalt oxyhydroxide deposition on the anode.The zinc electrowinning anode according to the present invention is a zinc electrowinning anode having an amorphous iridium oxide-containing catalytic layer formed on a conductive substrate, and the zinc electrowinning method according to the present invention is an electrowinning method using that electrowinning anode. Also, the cobalt electrowinning anode according to the present invention is an electrowinning anode having an amorphous iridium oxide or ruthenium oxide-containing catalytic layer formed on a conductive substrate, and the cobalt electrowinning method according to the present invention is an electrowinning method using that electrowinning anode. |
| US08357270B2 |
CO2 utilization in electrochemical systems
A low-voltage, low-energy electrochemical system and method of removing protons and/or producing a base solution comprising hydroxide and carbonate/bicarbonate ions, utilizing carbon dioxide in a cathode compartment that is partitioned into a first cathode electrolyte compartment and a second cathode electrolyte compartment such that liquid flow between the cathode electrolyte compartments is possible, but wherein gaseous communication between the cathode electrolyte compartments is restricted. Carbon dioxide gas in one cathode electrolyte compartment is utilized with the cathode electrolyte in both compartments to produce the base solution with less that 3V applied across the electrodes. |
| US08357265B2 |
Cleaning method and a vacuum processing apparatus
To provide a technique which cleans an attracting face of a mechanism for electrostatically attracting an object to be processed inside a vacuum processing apparatus and keeps its attracting force constant. The method of the present invention is for cleaning an attracting face of a hot plate which holds the object to be processed inside a vacuum processing chamber through electrostatic attraction. The invention method includes a step of cleaning the attracting face of the hot plate by applying a high-frequency electric power of 13.56 MHz to a metallic base arranged under and near the hot plate in a state in which a cleaning gas is introduced into the vacuum processing chamber. |
| US08357262B2 |
Corrosion-resistant member, treatment apparatus and sample treatment method using the member, and method for manufacture of corrosion-resistant member
Disclosed is a corrosion resistant member comprising a sintered material having an α-Al2O3 crystal and an YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) crystal. The corrosion resistant member contains metal elements, 70 to 98% by mass (inclusive) of Al in terms of Al2O3 and 2 to 30% by mass of Y in terms of Y2O3. The corrosion resistant member has a peak intensity ratio I116/I104 within the range from 0.94 to 1.98, preferably. 2.21 or higher, wherein I116 and I104 represent peak intensities attributed to the (116) face and the (104) face, respectively, of an α-Al2O3 crystal as measured by X-ray diffractometry on its surface layer. |
| US08357261B2 |
Adhesive mainly composed of polyorganosiloxane compound
Disclosed is an adhesive characterized by containing a ladder polysilsesquioxane having a repeating unit represented by formula (I) in a molecule. The adhesive contains a specific ladder polysilsesquioxane, and exhibits good adhesion to metals or synthetic resins. (In the formula, A represents a single bond or a linking group; R1 represents a hydrogen atom or the like; X0 represents a halogen atom, a group represented by the following formula: OG (wherein G represents a protecting group of a hydroxy group) or a cyano group; R2 represents an optionally substituted phenyl group, a C1-20 alkyl group which may have a substituent (excluding a halogen atom, a group represented by the formula: OG and a cyano group) or the like; and l, m and n each represents 0 or a natural number, provided that l and n are not 0 at the same time.) |
| US08357260B2 |
Partially crosslinked adhesive-supported porous film for battery separator and its use
A partially crosslinked adhesive-supported porous film for battery separator, which in producing a battery, can effectively produce a battery as an electrode/separator laminate in which an electrode and a separator are temporarily bonded to each other without causing mutual slip movement between the electrode and the separator and which after producing a battery, functions itself as a separator having a small heat shrinkage factor even at high temperatures, and a process of producing a battery using such a partially crosslinked adhesive-supported porous film. The partially crosslinked adhesive-supported porous film for battery separator, includes a porous film substrate having supported thereon a partially crosslinked adhesive that is partially crosslinked by preparing a reactive polymer having a functional group in the molecule and capable of being crosslinked upon reaction with a polyfunctional compound having reactivity with the functional group and then reacting the reactive polymer with a polyfunctional compound. |
| US08357257B2 |
Magnetic sheet and production method thereof
A magnetic sheet, which contains: a magnetic layer including a magnetic powder and a resin composition containing the magnetic powder therein; and a convex-concave forming layer, in which the convex-concave forming layer has Bekk smoothness of 70 sec/mL or less. A method for producing a magnetic sheet, which contains: adding a magnetic powder to a resin composition to prepare a magnetic composition, and giving the magnetic composition a shape to form a magnetic layer; and placing and stacking a convex-concave forming layer and a pattern transferring material on a surface of the magnetic layer in this order, and hot pressing the stacked layers so as to bond the convex-concave forming layer with the magnetic layer to form a laminate, as well as to transfer a surface configuration of the pattern transferring material to a surface of the laminate of the convex-concave forming layer and the magnetic layer. |
| US08357247B2 |
Martensitic stainless steel for disk brakes
A martensitic stainless steel, having high temper softening resistance, for disc brakes is provided. The martensitic stainless steel is not seriously softened by maintaining the steel at more than 600° C. The steel has a hardness of 32 or more or a hardness of 30 or more in HRC after the steel is tempered at 650° C. for one hour or tempered at 670° C. for one hour, respectively. In particular, the martensitic stainless steel for disc brakes contains less than 0.050 mass % carbon, 1.0 mass % or less silicon, 2.0 mass % or less manganese, 0.04 mass % or less phosphorus, 0.010 mass % or less sulfur, 0.2 mass % or less aluminum, more than 11.5 mass % to 15.0 mass % chromium, 0.5 mass % to 2.0 mass % nickel, more than 0.50 mass % to 4.0 mass %. copper, more than 0.08 mass % to 0.6 mass % niobium, and less than 0.09 mass % nitrogen, the remainder being iron and unavoidable impurities. The carbon content, the nitrogen content, the niobium content, the chromium content, the silicon content, the nickel content, the manganese content, and the copper content satisfy the following inequalities (1) and (2): 0.03≦[C]+[N]−13/93×[Nb]≦0.09 (1) 5×[Cr]+10×[Si]+30×[Nb]−9×[Ni]−5×[Mn]−3×[Cu]−225×[N]−270×[C]≦40 (2). |
| US08357246B2 |
Obstacle sensing spray arm for a dishwashing machine
A method of controlling the rotation of a spray arm for a dishwasher having a washing chamber, in which the spray arm is located, by rotating the spray arm with of a motor operably coupled to the spray arm. |
| US08357243B2 |
Method for testing group III-nitride wafers and group III-nitride wafers with test data
The present invention discloses a new testing method of group III-nitride wafers. By utilizing the ammonothermal method, GaN or other Group III-nitride wafers can be obtained by slicing the bulk GaN ingots. Since these wafers originate from the same ingot, these wafers have similar properties/qualities. Therefore, properties of wafers sliced from an ingot can be estimated from measurement data obtained from selected number of wafers sliced from the same ingot or an ingot before slicing. These estimated properties can be used for product certificate of untested wafers. This scheme can reduce a significant amount of time, labor and cost related to quality control. |
| US08357238B2 |
Rapid curing water resistant composition for grouts, fillers and thick coatings
A premixed composition is formed from modified polyacrylate polymer, silicone emulsion, one or more amine compounds, and silane, that cures rapidly to form a composition that can be used as a grout or coating. The premixed composition includes a latex resin including an acrylic-based polymer, a silicone emulsion, one or more amine compounds, and a silane, and optionally various fillers, pigments, and adjuvants. These components in the proper proportions form a stable viscous suspension that can be floated into tile joints, and cleaned from an adjacent tile surface. The composition rapidly cures to form a hard mass that is resistant to abrasion, in both dry and wet conditions, is color consistent, and is resistant to staining. |
| US08357235B2 |
Inkjet ink composition and inkjet recording method
An inkjet ink composition includes a sulfoxide compound, a water-soluble dye having an aromatic heterocycle in a molecule, water and a water-soluble organic solvent, wherein the sulfoxide compound has a content of from 1% by weight to less than 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. An inkjet recording method includes using an inkjet printer having a silicon oxide layer or a silane coupling layer in at least part of a component with which ink is brought into contact, and ejecting an inkjet ink composition from the inkjet printer to record an image on an inkjet recording medium, wherein the inkjet ink composition contains a sulfoxide compound, a water-soluble dye, and the sulfoxide compound has a content of from 1% by weight to less than 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. |
| US08357234B2 |
Apparatus and method for rapid separation and detection of hydrocarbon fractions in a fluid stream
An apparatus and method for rapid fractionation of hydrocarbon phases in a sample fluid stream are disclosed. Examples of the disclosed apparatus and method include an assembly of elements in fluid communication with one another including one or more valves and at least one sorbent chamber for removing certain classifications of hydrocarbons and detecting the remaining fractions using a detector. The respective ratios of hydrocarbons are determined by comparison with a non separated fluid stream. |
| US08357232B1 |
System and method for gas separation
The present invention relates to a system and method for the separation of gaseous components from gaseous mixtures in order to control emissions and treatment of the gaseous components. In one embodiment, the system makes use of a fan or gas moving device to first impose centrifugal forces on gas streams as the gas moves from the center of the fan toward the periphery of the fan housing. Heavier gases are forced to the outer regions of the fan housing while lighter gases remain closer to the fan axis. The heavier gases and lighter gases exiting the fan housing flow into a duct at different flow rates, and the heavier gases are diverted from the larger volume gas streams and then processed. |
| US08357231B2 |
Device and method for recovering moisture in the atmosphere
The invention relates to a device for recovering moisture present in the atmosphere. The device comprises a collection structure with a water recovery surface which during use at least partly makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. Further, the collection structure is detachably couplable to a reservoir for storing the recovered moisture. In addition, the collection structure is nestable. |
| US08357230B2 |
Process and apparatus for separating metal carbonyls from synthesis gas
The invention relates to a process for purifying crude synthesis gas (1) containing metal carbonyls, in which undesirable substances such as sulphur components and/or carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or hydrocyanic acid (HCN) are scrubbed out by scrubbing with a physically acting scrubbing medium in at least one process step (main scrub (H)), and also an apparatus for carrying out the process. The crude synthesis gas (1) before introduction into the main scrub (H) is subjected to a gas scrub (carbonyl scrub (C)) in which a partial amount (4) of the laden scrubbing medium (2) taken off from the main scrub is used as scrubbing medium, with the partial amount (4) being chosen so that the metal carbonyls are (selectively) separated off from the crude synthesis gas (1) in the carbonyl scrub (C) largely independently of the other gas components. |
| US08357229B2 |
Process for the production of oxygen at high temperature with materials of the manganese oxides type having a lamellar structure
The present invention relates to a process for separating oxygen at high temperature by means of a material comprising at least one compound according to the formula AxBO2-δ.yH2O with a lamellar structure composed of sheets generated by the sequence of octahedra connected to one another by the edges, whereby A is at least one of the elements IA or IIA of the periodic classification of elements, B is at least one of the elements IIIB to IIB of the periodic classification of the elements, 0 |
| US08357227B2 |
Method for the purification of copper chloride solution
The invention relates to a method for the removal of metal impurities in chloride-based copper recovery processes. The amount of impurities in a strong chloride solution of monovalent copper can be reduced according to the method down to very low levels by using ion exchange as at least one purification stage. |
| US08357224B2 |
Method of iron smelting in blast furnace with high temperature coal Gas
A method of iron smelting in blast furnace with high temperature coal gas comprises the following steps: (1) charging raw materials consisting of pellets, basic sintered ore, coke and limestone into a blast furnace from top of the furnace, in which the amount of the coke is 125-210 kg per ton of molten iron, raw materials containing iron is composed of 90% pellets and 10% basic sintered ore, and ore grade is above 62%; (2) preheating coal gas to 1250-1450° C. with an horizontal high temperature blast heater, blowing the preheated coal gas having a thermal value of 11.7-12.5 mj/m3 into the blast furnace from top of the furnace at an amount of 1000 m3 per ton of molten iron and a pressure of 0.1-0.6 MPa; blowing air preheated to higher than 1250-1450° C. at an amount of 300-400 n m3 per ton of molten iron. The coal gas used in the method acts as a reducer and fuel, as a result the coke consumption would be reduced. |
| US08357221B2 |
Slow-release fertilizer and method of making and using same
There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed. |
| US08357219B2 |
Air filter arrangement; assembly and methods
An air filter media construction or arrangement is disclosed. The air filter media construction or arrangement includes strips of media comprising corrugated sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one another in a stack. A preferred projection/receiver arrangement is described. Methods of assembly and use are also provided. |
| US08357218B2 |
Filter element with percussion band
A filter element has a reinforcement band or ring along at least a portion of the perimeter thereof and performing a support function thereat preventing or minimizing damage upon attempted percussive cleaning of the filter element by service personnel striking the perimeter against an impact surface. Alternatively, a failure band or ring is provided along at least a portion of the perimeter and performs a designated failure function to a failure condition thereat upon attempted percussive cleaning, with the failure condition providing at least one of: a) an indication to service personnel that the filter element has been damaged and should not be re-installed; and b) a deformed condition preventing re-installation. |
| US08357214B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for generating a gas from solid reactant pouches
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for generating a gas. One or more liquid permeable pouches each define a cavity that contains a solid anhydrous reactant, such as a chemical hydride. A reaction chamber made of a heat, chemical and/or pressure resistant material receives the one or more pouches from a pouch feeder that transfers the one or more pouches into the reaction chamber successively at a feed rate. One or more liquid sources inject a liquid reactant into the reaction chamber so that the liquid reactant contacts a portion of the one or more pouches. The one or more liquid sources inject the liquid reactant at an injection rate that corresponds to the feed rate. A gas outlet releases a gas, such as hydrogen, oxygen, ammonia, borazine, nitrogen, or a hydrocarbon, that is produced by a reaction between the solid reactant and the liquid reactant. |
| US08357209B2 |
Use of alkanolamines for thickening oxidative colouring emulsion
The present invention relates to the use of alkanolamines for thickening oxidative coloring compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of alkanolamines for thickening ready to use oxidative coloring composition based on mixing two compositions wherein one comprises at least one oxidative dyeing precursor and the other comprises as least one oxidizing agent. |
| US08357200B2 |
Hinged artificial spinal disk device
An artificial spinal disk prosthesis comprised of an artificial disk (101), mounting bracket (105) assembly that secures the disk to at least one vertebrae and a sliding rod (104) that connects the two whereby the shape of the components determines the range of motion of the disk, thus allowing desirable motions of the disk consistent with normal body motions and preventing undesirable motions of the artificial disk. In the preferred embodiment, the angular motion of the disk is controlled by a hinge that is on the side of the artificial disk. In the preferred embodiment, the artificial disc is connected to the spine via one vertebra. |
| US08357198B2 |
Percutaneous spinal stabilization device and method
A stabilization device for use with a system for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebrae includes an elongated body having a radius of curvature, a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the trailing end is shaped and dimensioned to protrude from a pedicle surface once it is properly introduced within a vertebral body. It also an object of the present invention to a method for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebral bodies. The method includes inserting first and second elongated stabilization devices within the vertebrae such that they extend between adjacent vertebral bodies to securely stabilize the adjacent vertebral bodies, wherein the trailing ends of the first and second stabilization devices protrude from a pedicle surface once inserted within the vertebrae. |
| US08357197B2 |
Percutaneous spinal stabilization device and method
A system for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebrae includes a plurality of elongated stabilization devices. Each stabilization device includes a radius of curvature. Each stabilization device further includes a leading end and a trailing end wherein the leading end is pointed for penetration through a vertebral body. |
| US08357193B2 |
Apparatus and method for deploying stent across adjacent tissue layers
Transluminal access system includes a stent delivery catheter having a handle control mechanism. The catheter comprises a number of components for establishing an initial penetration between adjacent body lumens and subsequently implanting a stent or other luminal anchor therebetween. Manipulation of the stent components is achieved using control mechanisms on the handle while the handle is attached to an endoscope which provides access to a first body lumen. |
| US08357191B2 |
Catheter having an applicator device for liquid active substances
The invention relates to a catheter, in particular an endovascular catheter, having an applicator device for liquid active substances for applying same to an active substance storage zone mounted on the catheter. |
| US08357186B2 |
Bone bolt assembly for attaching supporting implants to bones, for holding multiple bones in relative positions, and for holding together fractured bone fragments
A bone bolt assembly is designed for attaching supporting implants between adjacent bones, for holding adjacent bones relative to each other, and for holding together fractured bone fragments. The functions performed by the bone bolt assembly are achieved without the use of bone screws that are implanted into the bone. |
| US08357184B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing spinal surgery
Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine. |
| US08357183B2 |
Semi-constrained anchoring system
Systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column. |
| US08357179B2 |
Vascular and bodily duct treatment devices and methods
Devices including a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member to form first and second peripheral rails that vary in width along their lengths. |
| US08357176B2 |
Fibroid treatment apparatus and method
Apparatus is provided, including a tube (22) that is configured to pass into a patient's vagina (26) and to penetrate vaginal tissue (24) until a distal tip (36) of the tube is outside of a uterine artery (28) of the patient, but in a vicinity of a portion (38) of the uterine artery that supplies a uterine fibroid (30). A balloon (40), disposed at the distal tip, is inflated to cause local squeezing of the portion of the uterine artery to an extent sufficient to occlude the uterine artery. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08357173B2 |
Anastomosis device
An anastomosis device (11) for use in coupling two ends of tubular stumps (13). The device comprises two hollow tubular members (21), adapted to be placed over said tubular stumps. The hollow tubular members are further capable of radially expanding from a first inner diameter to a second, larger inner diameter. Each hollow tubular member, while having the first inner diameter, being further adapted to allow everting of the stump proximal end over the tubular member proximal end. The device further comprises an elastic sleeve (31), adapted to be put on said tubular member proximal ends with the everted ends of said stumps, the sleeve further being adaptable to maintain said everted ends in a predetermined distance. |
| US08357170B2 |
Devices and methods for placing occlusion fasteners
Methods and devices are provided for placing occlusion fasteners. In general, a surgical instrument is provided having a shaft configured to be introduced into a body through a scoping device and to deliver a ligating clip to occlude tissue in the body. The scoping device and the shaft can each be flexible, with the shaft configured to be advanced through a working channel of the scoping device. The shaft can have a size configured to allow a plurality of surgical instruments to be concurrently disposed in the scoping device's working channel and for one or more of the surgical instruments to extend beyond a distal end of the scoping device. |
| US08357159B2 |
Open vessel sealing instrument with pivot assembly
An open electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at its distal end. The jaw members are movable about a pivot assembly from an open position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface for communicating electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue. One or both of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along its length. The pivot assembly includes a knife slot and is configured to prevent reciprocation of a cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the open position and to permit reciprocation of the cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the closed position. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position to at least one subsequent position. |
| US08357157B2 |
Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures
An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry. |
| US08357155B2 |
Multielectrode electrosurgical blade
An electrosurgical instrument blade includes a body having more than two electrodes with at least two electrodes having alternating current power supplied to them provide a bipolar alternating current configuration and employ a means other than electrode spacing for reducing or preventing accumulation of eschar. The electrodes are separated from each other using electrically insulating materials such that electric current does not flow between at least two of the bipolar alternating current electrodes unless they contact at least one other electrically conductive medium, such as patient tissue. The conductor edge portion and insulation layer each have geometric shapes and composition to reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage. The outer profile of the insulation layer and conductive element are configured to facilitate the flow of electrosurgical decomposition products away from the conductor edge where they are formed. |
| US08357154B2 |
Multielectrode electrosurgical instrument
An improved electrosurgical instrument includes a body having more than two electrodes with at least two electrodes having alternating current power supplied to them provide a bipolar alternating current configuration and employ a means other than electrode spacing for reducing or preventing accumulation of eschar. The electrodes are separated from each other using electrically insulating materials such that electric current does not flow between at least two of the bipolar alternating current electrodes unless they contact at least one other electrically conductive medium, such as patient tissue. The conductor edge portion and insulation layer each have geometric shapes and composition to reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage. The outer profile of the insulation layer and conductive element are configured to facilitate the flow of electrosurgical decomposition products away from the conductor edge where they are formed. |
| US08357153B2 |
Apparatus for administering therapy at a remote location in the body
Devices suitable for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure within a patient for the purpose of ablating tissue within or surrounding the hollow structure so as to induce occlusion of the hollow structure are provided. The devices are in the form of guidewires with functional tips, that comprise at least one heating module, at their distal ends. The devices of the invention are suitable for occluding hollow anatomical structures selected from vasculature or from non-vascular ducts and tubes, via percutaneous, laparoscopic or endoscopic routes of access. Methods of using the devices in the treatment of patients are also described. |
| US08357152B2 |
Catheter with pressure sensing
A medical probe includes a flexible insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, and a distal tip, which is disposed at the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to be brought into contact with tissue in the body cavity. A resilient member couples the distal tip to the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to deform in response to pressure exerted on the distal tip when the distal tip engages the tissue. A position sensor within the probe senses a position of the distal tip relative to the distal end of the insertion tube, which changes in response to deformation of the resilient member. |
| US08357151B2 |
Tissue ablation using pulse modulated radio frequency energy
Tissue ablation systems and methods are provided. Ablation energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) is delivered to the tissue and a physiological parameter (e.g., impedance and/or temperature) indicative of a change in moisture concentration of the tissue is sensed. The ablation energy is alternately pulsed on and off to generate an energy pulse train, with the ablation energy being pulsed on if the sensed physiological parameter crosses a threshold value indicative of an increase in the moisture concentration, and being pulsed off if the sensed physiological parameter crosses a threshold value indicative of a decrease in the moisture concentration. |
| US08357150B2 |
Method and apparatus for fractional skin treatment
RF skin treatment is provided by applying to the skin an applicator that includes a tip populated by at least one voltage to skin delivering element and an isolating transformer located proximate to the tip to reduce ground currents through parasitic capacitance. The skin impedance is monitored during an RF treatment pulse to ensure that a sufficient amount of energy is delivered to the skin to cause a desired effect. The pulse energy can be increased if the skin impedance is too low. In addition, pain can be alleviated by cutting off the RF pulse if the skin impedance is too high. Further, inefficient RF pulses can be excluded by cutting off the RF energy supply if the skin impedance is too low. |
| US08357149B2 |
Filter for simultaneous pacing and ablation
Medical apparatus includes a pacing generator, which has first active and indifferent outputs and is configured to generate electrical pacing pulses between the first active and indifferent outputs for pacing a heart of a subject. A radio frequency (RF) generator has second active and indifferent outputs and is configured to generate RF electrical energy of a predetermined frequency between the second active and indifferent outputs for application to the heart of the subject simultaneously with the pacing pulses. A filter includes a first branch connected between the first and second active outputs and a second branch connected between the first and second indifferent outputs, each of the first and second branches including one or more notch filters having a high impedance in a vicinity of the frequency of the RF electrical energy. |
| US08357138B2 |
Angioplasty method and means for performing angioplasty
An angioplasty catheter assembly having an anchoring catheter within a guide catheter such that the anchoring catheter anchors to the guide catheter and the inner wall of a coronary artery; the anchoring catheter has an opening in its tubular wall such that a guide wire and balloon dilatation catheter can be disposed therethrough and extending through the length of the anchoring catheter. |
| US08357137B2 |
Bung assembly for anti vacuum lock medical vials
Anti-vacuum-lock assemblies for preventing vacuum lock when withdrawing medicinal fluid from a vial comprising a multi-finger bung-type stopper in which the fingers are of sufficient length to protect a collapsing or expanding bladder in the vial from being punctured by the hypodermic needle. In a first embodiment the vial includes one or more side or bottom wall holes to permit ambient air to enter in the space between an internal bladder containing a medicinal fluid and the inner wall of the vial. In another embodiment, an expanding bladder in communication with the exterior expands as fluid is withdrawn from the vial. In a third embodiment a fluted collar is inserted in the vial neck to provide air passages into the space between the medicinal fluid-containing bladder and the interior wall of the vial. The collapse of the medicinal bladder or expansion of the compensation bellows or bladder prevents vacuum lock. |
| US08357133B2 |
Garment for use with an absorbent structure and its method of manufacture
A garment such as a diaper, training pant, pull-up diaper, adult incontinence pant and diaper holder. The garment includes a chassis for receiving the absorbent structure. The chassis includes a first lateral margin and a second lateral margin. The first and second lateral margins are joined to a central structure along a first line of joinder and a second line of joinder, respectively, the first and second lines of joinder extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first and second lateral margins have a first end region, a second end region and a central region. The first and second lateral margins has a material which is elastically extensible in at least the longitudinal direction in the central region and elastically extensible in at least one of the first and second end regions in at least the transverse direction. A method of manufacturing a garment is also disclosed. |
| US08357132B1 |
Urine capturing assembly
A urine capturing assembly includes a sleeve that has an upper edge, a lower edge and a perimeter wall extending between the upper and lower edges. The upper and lower edges define openings in the sleeve. A penis is positionable in the sleeve to direct urine from the penis toward the lower edge. A pouch has an open top end. The pouch is integrally coupled to the perimeter wall and the top end is positioned adjacent to the upper edge of the sleeve. A scrotum is positionable in pouch through the top end. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between the sleeve and the pouch to direct urine held in the pouch into the sleeve. A collection bag is fluidly couplable to the lower edge of the sleeve to collect and retain urine. |
| US08357128B2 |
Portable eye-wiping device
A portable heater with ovoid receptacle is disclosed. The portable heater comprises a top member comprising a semi-ovoid cavity, a bottom member comprising a semi-ovoid cavity, a hinge operatively connected to the top and bottom members, and a heating mechanism. |
| US08357127B2 |
Pre-molded bifurcation insert
A catheter assembly including a coaxial catheter and insert, and method of making. The catheter assembly includes a coaxial catheter, an insert, and a hub. The coaxial catheter includes an inner lumen and an outer lumen. The insert includes first and second passageways, the first passageway defined from a first opening on a distal end of the insert to a second opening on a proximal end of the insert, the second passageway branching from the first passageway to a third opening. A portion of the insert distal end is received in a proximal opening of the outer lumen, and a proximal section of the inner lumen extends through the first passageway. The hub is molded over the insert and a proximal section of the outer lumen. |
| US08357123B2 |
Surgical portal with gel and fabric seal assembly
A surgical portal assembly provides access to underlying tissue. The surgical portal has a seal which includes a gel layer and a fabric layer. The seal includes internal surfaces defining a passage for reception and passage of a surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith. |
| US08357121B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a safety integrated catheter with universal grip
A universal gripping surface is provided on an intravenous catheter assembly. The universal gripping surface provides a plurality of surfaces whereby a user may grip the catheter assembly in a desired gripping configuration for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the universal gripping surface includes a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable “over the bevel” condition. |
| US08357119B2 |
Catheter assembly and pierced septum valve
A septum activator is disclosed herein. The septum activator has an outer tubular body and an inner tubular body. The outer tubular body and the inner tubular body each have a plurality of openings therein. The inner tubular body has a first position relative to the outer tubular body and a second position relative to outer tubular body. In the first position, the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body do not overlap with the plurality of openings in the outer tubular body. In the second position, the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body overlap with the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body. |
| US08357118B2 |
Balloon catheters having a plurality of needles for the injection of one or more therapeutic agents
There are disclosed apparatus and methods for treating tissue by delivering at least one therapeutic agent into the tissue. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a catheter (30, 40) and a balloon member (150) disposed on a distal region of the catheter. A plurality of pockets (164) are disposed on the balloon member (150), and a plurality of needles (180) are associated with each of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of needles (180) are configured to engage tissue when the balloon (150) is in the inflated state, and further are configured to disperse a therapeutic agent from an associated pocket (164) into the tissue when the balloon (150) is in the inflated state. A first needle (180a) of the plurality of needles may comprise a length that is different than a second needle (180b), permitting the delivery of first and second therapeutic agents to different depths within the tissue. |
| US08357117B2 |
Device and method for delivering an agent into breast milk while breastfeeding
A device for delivering an agent into breast milk while breastfeeding. In one embodiment, the device includes a breast shield modified to engage a non-woven material which has been impregnated with a milk soluble active agent such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A lactating animal, e.g. a woman, uses this agent-delivering breast shield during breastfeeding to administer prophylactic or therapeutic agents to a suckling infant. The inventions are particularly well suited to preventing transmission of HIV virus from mother to child. Alternatively, the agent-laden material could be used with a baby bottle nipple or pacifier. |
| US08357116B2 |
Bag attachment device for breastpump
An attachment arrangement is disclosed for attaching a milk collecting bag to a breastpump assembly. In one form this includes an adaptor having mounting ears upon which portions of a bag with apertures therein are hung to suspend the bag in place below the breastpump assembly. |
| US08357113B2 |
Systems and methods for performing peritoneal dialysis
A regenerative peritoneal dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid loop; a filter located in the dialysis fluid loop, a first portion of the dialysis fluid sent to the filter rejected by the filter and returned upstream of the filter, a second portion of the dialysis fluid sent to the filter forming permeate, the permeate being rich in urea; and a urea removing apparatus located in the dialysis fluid loop downstream from the filter to receive the permeate and absorb urea from the permeate. |
| US08357112B2 |
Method of controlling a release of a material carried by ultrasound sensitive particles
This invention relates to a method and an apparatus of controlling a release of a material carried by ultrasound sensitive particles, the release being caused by irradiating the ultrasound sensitive particles with an ultrasonic pulse having acoustic properties selected so as to interact with the ultrasound sensitive particles and thus causing the release of the material. The ultrasound sensitive particles comprise sub-groups of ultrasound sensitive particles, the ultrasound sensitive particles within the same sub-group having their respective acoustic property causing each respective sub-group to interact independently with the sound wave. |
| US08357104B2 |
Active stylet safety shield
A bone needle assembly has a cannula and a stylet including a shaft received in a cannula shaft. A stylet safety shield is carried by the stylet to cover a sharp tip of the stylet shaft when removed from the cannula shaft after the bone is penetrated. The stylet includes a shield release device that moves the shield somewhat out of a handle member of the stylet when the stylet is released from the cannula, so that the safety shield can be more easily grasped. |
| US08357098B2 |
Electronic device and pulse rate calculating method
In an electronic device, a pulse rate measuring unit measures user's pulse rate. For example, the pulse rate measuring unit obtains a change in blood flow from a light passing through a user's fingertip, and measures user's current pulse rate based on it. A pulse rate memory unit has previously stored user's previous pulse rate. A pulse rate calculator calculates the user's pulse rate while changing a ratio of the user's current pulse rate measured by the pulse rate measuring unit to the user's previous pulse rate previously stored in the pulse rate memory unit after starting to measure the user's pulse rate. The user's pulse rate calculated by the pulse rate calculator is displayed as the user's pulse rate on a display unit. |
| US08357096B2 |
Noise reduction and aliasing compensation in a doppler mode image
The present invention relates to an ultrasound system and a method of forming a Doppler mode image. The ultrasound system comprises a transmission/reception unit operable to transmit/receive ultrasound signals at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) to form an n number of Doppler signals. The ultrasound system further comprises a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit computes a first mean frequency based on an nth Doppler signal and an (n−1)th Doppler signal and a second mean frequency based on an nth Doppler signal and an (n−k)th Doppler signal, wherein k is a positive integer equal to or greater than 2. The signal processing unit estimates a Doppler frequency and compensate for aliasing of the Doppler signal based on the first and second mean frequencies to produce Doppler signal with the aliasing compensated. An image processing unit operable to form a Doppler mode image based on the Doppler signals produced by the signal processing unit. |
| US08357093B2 |
Medical diagnostic imaging with real-time scan conversion
Display or pixel values are scan converted from ultrasound data on the fly. As each pixel is to receive display values, the display value is determined. Scan conversion is performed sequentially, with each new value being determined in synchronization with reading display values out to the display. Rather than storage in a raster buffer, scan converted display values are output to the display while other display values for a same image are being converted. |
| US08357088B2 |
Methods and devices for providing access into a body cavity
Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgical access device to be securely positioned within an opening in tissue to provide access to a body cavity underlying the tissue. An actuator can be rotatably disposed on or in a housing of a surgical access device such that rotation of the actuator relative to the housing is effective to move a cannula of the surgical access device between an insertion configuration in which the cannula has a reduced profile enabling it to easily be inserted into a tissue opening, and an expanded profile enabling it to form an anchor against and/or within the tissue opening. |
| US08357084B2 |
Structure for probe insertion
An insert structure is proposed for insertion into an orifice, a canal, a tube and the like of a human or animal creature such as an ear canal, an intestinal tract, a gullet, etc. The insert structure comprises at least one longitudinally extending insert member (3) and a plurality of at least nearly perpendicularly extending further members (5, 7, 9), placed longitudinally at a distance to each other along the insert member, the further members (5, 7, 9) being at least of a flexible and/or soft material. |
| US08357083B2 |
Sterilization confirmation tester and test pack
The present invention provides a sterilization confirmation tester and a test pack which enables effective sterilization to be confirmed in a simple and sure manner by providing a simulation of the structure of an endoscope and so forth. The sterilization confirmation tester according to the present invention has a function of confirming effective sterilization treatment after sterilization performed by a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization confirmation tester includes a structure corresponding to at least one of the components which form the endoscope. |
| US08357082B2 |
Endoscopic attachment, endoscopic treatment instrument, and endoscope system
An endoscope system has an endoscope; an attachment for the endoscope, having a non-circular irregularly shaped hole that communicates with an opening of a channel of the endoscope and attached to a forward end of an insertion section of the endoscope; and a treatment instrument for the endoscope, having a flexible tube and a treatment section. An extension/retraction section having a non-circular cross section corresponding to the shape of an opening of the irregularly shaped holes is provided at a forward end of the flexible tube, and the irregularly shaped hole restricts rotation of the flexible tube. Further, the treatment section has directivity about its axis relative to the flexible tube and its rotation is restricted. |
| US08357081B2 |
Method and apparatus for gastric restriction of the stomach to treat obesity
The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to treat obesity. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention relates to tucking a portion of the greater curvature of the stomach inwards, and covering the stomach around the greater curvature and lesser curvature with a silicone skirt to induce satiety and reduce the volume of the stomach body. |
| US08357078B2 |
Sheet folding apparatus, sheet finishing apparatus having the same and sheet folding method
According to an embodiment, a sheet folding apparatus includes: a conveying roller pair configured to convey a sheet; a conveying path provided on a downstream side of the conveying roller pair, an opening being formed in a part of the conveying path if the sheet is triple-folded and being closed if the sheet is double-folded; a retracting conveying path, an inlet of which is opened to the opening of the conveying path and an outlet of which is closed by a stopper, the retracting conveying path leading the front end of the sheet, which is conveyed through the conveying path, from the inlet to the stopper and temporarily retracting the front of the sheet if the sheet is triple-folded; a first folding roller pair disposed near the inlet of the retracting conveying path, the first folding roller pair nipping, if the sheet is triple-folded, a bend caused by pushing of the sheet led by the conveying rollers into the retracting conveying path to form a first fold and nipping, if the sheet is double-folded, the front end of the sheet, which is conveyed through the closed conveying path, and conveying the sheet further downstream; and a second folding roller pair configured to further form a second fold in the sheet on which the first fold is formed to triple-fold the sheet, and form only the second fold in the sheet on which the first fold is not formed to double-fold the sheet. |
| US08357077B2 |
Physical fitness and rehabilitation apparatus
A physical fitness and rehabilitation apparatus is provided for use in combination with an inflatable exercise ball. The apparatus may include a plurality of handles. In use, a user may rest against the ball and the platform while gripping the plurality of handles to improve the user's strength, balance, flexibility, and/or joint stabilization. |
| US08357074B2 |
Electro-mechanical transmission control system
A system for robust fault detection in an electrically variable, hydraulically controlled transmission includes independently monitoring hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control circuit and electric machine rotation for detecting clutch state faults. |
| US08357073B2 |
Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle power transmitting system
A control apparatus for a power transmitting system of a hybrid vehicle including (a) a differential portion which has a differential mechanism operatively connected to an engine and a first electric operatively connected to the differential mechanism, and a differential state of which is controlled by controlling an operating state of the first electric motor, and (b) a differential-state switching device which is incorporated in the differential mechanism and which is operable according to a differential-state switching condition, to switch the differential mechanism between a differential state in which the differential mechanism is operable to perform a differential function and a non-differential state in which the differential mechanism is not operable to perform the differential function, the control apparatus including a differential-state-switching-condition changing portion operable to change a differential-state switching condition for switching the differential-state switching device to switch the differential mechanism between the differential and non-differential states, when a temperature of the power transmitting system is lower than a predetermined threshold value. |
| US08357070B2 |
Method of compensating gear carrier bearing misalignment under load
A method of compensating for load-induced twisting of a gear assembly under load that includes a gear on a gear shaft, bearings on each side of the gear that support the gear shaft and a carrier fastened to a stationary support surface that mounts a proximal one of the bearings near the stationary support surface and mounts a distal one of the bearings away from the stationary support surface. The method includes the steps of determining the twisting deflection of a distal bearing axis of rotation for the distal bearing relative to a proximal bearing axis of rotation for the proximal bearing and offsetting the position of the distal bearing axis of rotation relative to the proximal bearing axis of rotation in the carrier opposite the determined deflection under no gear loading. |
| US08357066B2 |
Drive mechanism
A drive mechanism includes a housing, a stationary shaft, at least one acceleration gear assembly, a rotation plate, and at least two centrifugal blades. The acceleration gear assembly having a plurality of acceleration gears is disposed inside the housing and pivots on the stationary shaft, and skewed teeth of the housing engage with the acceleration gears to force the acceleration gears to rotate as the housing rotates. The rotation plate is disposed inside the housing and pivots on the stationary shaft, and is actuated by the acceleration gear assembly and has a first end surface, a second end surface, and a first annular surface connected with the first and the second end surfaces. The centrifugal blades are disposed on the second end surface, and one side of the centrifugal blades has a unidirectional rotatable element engaging with the skewed teeth when the rotation direction of the housing reverses. |
| US08357064B1 |
Drive-train sprocket
Drive-train sprockets engage chains having a plurality of links joined by a corresponding plurality of pinned connections spaced longitudinally of each other along the chain. In a specific example, the links have a clevis-like portion and an arcuate segment defining a drive-surface with a characteristic outer diameter, and the arcuate segment of the first link pivotally engages the clevis-like portion of the second link to form the pinned connection. The arcuate segment extends circumferentially about only a portion of the pivot axis by an angle. The drive-train sprockets have a body having a root diameter corresponding to at least a characteristic outer diameter of the arcuate segment and the angle by which each arcuate segment extends circumferentially about the corresponding pivot axis. |
| US08357058B2 |
Golf club head
The present invention is a unique golf club head characterized by a long blade length with a long heel blade length section, while having a small club moment arm and a low center of gravity, and all the benefits afforded therefrom. |
| US08357054B2 |
Child swing and jumper apparatus and methods of operating the same
A child entertainment apparatus is convertible between a swing mode and a jumper mode. An example apparatus includes a frame, and a seat. The seat is coupled to the frame by a substantially rigid support when the apparatus is in the swing mode, and the seat is coupled to the frame through a substantially flexible support when the apparatus is in the jumper mode. |
| US08357053B1 |
Metal steering coupling support device
A steering coupling support device for use in combination with a standard elastic steering coupling in a vehicle. The device features a generally flat disc having a top surface and a bottom surface. A center aperture is disposed in a center of the disc, and four outer apertures are disposed in the disk outside the center aperture in a symmetrical manner. The steering coupling support device is constructed from a metal. |
| US08357051B2 |
Torsionally elastic shaft coupling comprising a bridgeable elastomer member
A torsionally elastic shaft coupling has an input flange and an output flange which are each used for connecting the shaft coupling to adjacent machine elements. There are two serially connected, elastic elastomer members, and an intermediate member that is connected to the input flange via the first elastomer member and to the output flange via the second elastomer member in such a way that torque can be transmitted from the input flange to the intermediate member via the first, softer elastomer member and from the intermediate member to the output flange via the second, harder elastomer member. A stop which limits the torsional angle between the input flange and the intermediate member is located between the intermediate member and the input flange. The shaft coupling is designed in a particularly compact fashion in that the second, hard elastomer member surrounds the first, soft elastomer member. |
| US08357049B2 |
Fluid transfer tube
A torque-transfer assembly includes a fluid transfer tube located within a bore of a shaft. The fluid transfer tube seals to the shaft and includes at least one fluid groove that communicates between a plurality of fluid ports located in the shaft. The fluid groove is defined by an outer surface of the fluid transfer tube. |
| US08357047B2 |
Recovering a persistent storage unit in a wagering game system
Systems and methods include detecting the failure or imminent failure of a persistent storage unit for a wagering game machine. Upon detection of the failure, a flag is set to indicate that failed persistent storage unit is being replaced. After replacement, the wagering game machine is restarted. The flag indicating persistent storage unit replacement is read and wagering game machine software assets are automatically loaded onto the replacement persistent storage unit. The software assets to be loaded may be determined from an asset list maintained on the wagering game machine or on a server communicably coupled to the wagering game machine. |
| US08357046B2 |
Method, system and program product for monitoring an online card game to provide a summary view and/or real-time notifications
A method, system and program product for monitoring an online card game, such as poker. A table view is displayed at a client that summarizes recently played hands, raises, and table conditions, and also includes scaled player classifications (tight or loose; passive or aggressive), counts of notifications of plays of interest, win/loss history, and links to player statistics and player performance graphs. Scaled player classifications are automatically configured. Notification details are displayed via links on the table view. Summaries of known hands based on predefined conditions are displayed. Summary displays of pre-flop hands and hands on flop, turn or river are also provided. |
| US08357045B2 |
Interactive asynchronous computer game infrastructure
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer program product embodied in a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computers, receives a request for game play, and in response to the request, causing prior game play data to be retrieved, where the prior game play data was stored in response to prior game play of another user. Further, an asynchronous game play environment may be provided where an active participant, who made the request, is able to play against and interact with an apparently live participant based on the prior game play data. |
| US08357044B2 |
Real-time display of fantasy sports player transaction data
An apparatus and method for providing up-to-date statistical information about fantasy sports players is disclosed herein. The volume and type of transactions made by a plurality of users regarding the fantasy sports players are used to generate at least one statistical value for respective players. The statistical values for respective players are provided in an online interface, providing ease of viewing of transaction activity regarding the players and/or facilitating a user's next transactions relative to the transaction activity of the plurality of users. |
| US08357039B2 |
Configuring and controlling wagering game compatibility
A wagering game system is herein. In embodiments, the system's operations can include presenting a primary wagering game and receiving a request to present a secondary game in connection with the primary wagering game. The primary wagering game and the secondary game can be separate applications that require interactivity with each other (e.g., provide required functionality and communicate shared data, etc.). The operations can further include determining that an API provides the required interactivity, so that the secondary game can function in conjunction with the primary wagering game (e.g., can successfully plug-in to the primary wagering game). The operations can further determine optional and non-optional requirements and determine compatibilities based on the optional and non-optional requirements. Further, the operations can add functionality to the primary wagering game, the secondary game, or the API, to enable compatibility. |
| US08357037B2 |
Amusement devices and games including means for processing electronic data where ultimate outcome of the game is dependent on odds
In some embodiments, a player may be provided with information identifying a characteristic of a true outcome of a set of possible outcomes of an event, the set consisting of a first and second subset, the second subset comprising a second possible outcome. Next, the player may submit a first wager on a first of the possible outcomes. Next, the system may reveal to the player that a the first subset may not comprise (or may be at least substantially unlikely to comprise) the true outcome. The second subset may comprise (or may be at least substantially likely to comprise) the true outcome. The player may be provided with an opportunity to change from the first wager to a second wager on the second possible outcome, e.g., only if the second subset of possible outcomes comprises the first possible outcome. |
| US08357036B1 |
Player attraction game and method of play for leased gaming machines
An attraction game commencing play for a number of successive wagers in a leased gaming machine. For leased gaming machines, the attraction game provides trial game play based on actual wagers with information on each outcome, but with all wagers returned to the player. For idle gaming machines, the attraction game is hidden from the player and the owner of the gaming machine may invest a fixed amount of money so that the player receives all money wagered plus the invested amount. Each attraction game outcome corresponds to a base game outcome having a low value base game award. |
| US08357033B2 |
Realistic video reels
Described herein is a gaming machine configured to output video data that simulates mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical slot machine. Embodiments detailed herein contribute to the emulation and perception of a mechanical machine by providing video data adaptations that each simulate a realistic visual attribute of a mechanical reel gaming machine. |
| US08357030B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing abrasive tools
A compression molding apparatus and method for the manufacture of abrasive layers for abrasive tooling which provides a compression mold space defined between an inflexible wall surface and a flexible wall surface. The apparatus and method of the present invention is particularly well suited to making annular or hollow cylindrical shaped abrasive layers of novel configurations during a single mold cycle useful for grinding wheel and the like, as well as other shapes such as laps, wherein the flexible wall expanded with fluid pressure provides a highly uniform distribution of pressure against the surface of the mold composition being formed. In an annular configuration, the flexible wall is used to radially direct pressure against a molding composition disposed in an annular configuration wherein the axial length of the annular mold shape formed may be many times greater than priorly obtained by the prior art means. |
| US08357029B2 |
Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer to a flat mirror finish. The polishing apparatus includes a polishing table (100) having a polishing surface (101a), a top ring body (2) configured to hold and press a substrate against the polishing surface (101a), and a retainer ring (3) provided at an outer peripheral portion of the top ring body (2) and configured to press the polishing surface (101a). A fulcrum for receiving a lateral force applied from the substrate to the retainer ring (3) during polishing of the substrate is located above a central portion of the substrate. |
| US08357025B2 |
Object for covering bra and bikini clasps, and mechanism for fastening same
A decorative clasp for mounting to the fabric covered rear closure a bra or bikini top includes a decorative object having a front surface and opposite back surface. The front surface has mounted thereto decorative elements so as to adorn the decorative object. The back surface has a clamp mounted thereto having a base leg and a cooperating covering leg. The two legs cooperate so as to releasably clamp the rear closure of a bra or bikini top therebetween. A plurality of fabric penetrating protrusions are formed or mounted on at least one interior surface of the legs so that the fabric penetrating protrusions penetratingly engage with the threads or nap of the fabric of the rear closure. |
| US08357021B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method of the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a display device in which unevenness generated under a light-emitting element does not impart an adverse effect on the light-emitting element. It is another object of the invention to provide a method for manufacturing a display device in which penetration of water into the inside of the display device through a film having high moisture permeability can be suppressed without increasing processing steps considerably. A display device of the present invention comprises a thin film transistor and a light-emitting element, the light-emitting element including a light-emitting laminated body interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode; wherein the first electrode is formed over an insulating film formed over the thin film transistor; and wherein a planarizing film is formed in response to the first electrode between the first electrode and the insulating film. |
| US08357019B2 |
Propulsion chain
A propulsion chain (8) for a ship (6) including a main heat engine (18); at least one secondary electrical power house (26) powering a distribution panel (34); at least one transmission line (16) provided with an end propeller (14) and mechanically coupled to the main heat engine (18) to drive the latter; at least one rotating electrical machine (22) mechanically coupled to the transmission line (16) and powered from the distribution panel (34), a mechanical coupler (20) able to be freed from the main heat engine (18) and the rotating electrical machine (22) arranged on the transmission line (16), between the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18). A synchronizer (60) for synchronizing the speeds of the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18) before coupling of the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18), and an engager for engaging the mechanical coupler when the speeds of the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18) are essentially equal, i.e. correspond. |
| US08357017B2 |
Electrical connector with improved contacts
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing having a mating cavity and at least a contact retained in the housing. The contact defines a retaining portion, a resilient arm extending forwards from a front edge of the retaining portion and a soldering portion extending out of the housing. The resilient arm defines a contacting portion projecting into the mating cavity at a front end thereof and a skirt bending from a side edge of the resilient arm and angled with the resilient arm. The skirt provided in the resilient arm can enhance the rigidity of the contact. |
| US08357014B2 |
Multistage capacitive crosstalk compensation arrangement
Methods and systems for providing crosstalk compensation in a jack are disclosed. According to one method, the crosstalk compensation is adapted to compensate for undesired crosstalk generated at a capacitive coupling located at a plug inserted within the jack. The method includes positioning a first capacitive coupling a first time delay away from the capacitive coupling of the plug, the first capacitive coupling having a greater magnitude and an opposite polarity as compared to the capacitive coupling of the plug. The method also includes positioning a second capacitive coupling at a second time delay from the first capacitive coupling, the second time delay corresponding to an average time delay that optimizes near end crosstalk. The second capacitive coupling has generally the same overall magnitude but an opposite polarity as compared to the first capacitive coupling, and includes two capacitive elements spaced at different time delays from the first capacitive coupling. |
| US08357009B2 |
Receptacle connector for mounting on a printed circuit
A receptacle connector is provided for mounting on a printed circuit having opposite sides and an edge surface intersecting the sides. The connector includes a shell having a mount configured to be mounted on at least one of the sides of the printed circuit. The shell includes a receptacle for receiving a mating connector therein. A housing extends at least partially within the receptacle of the shell. An electrical contact is held by the housing. The electrical contact includes a mounting segment configured to be mounted on the printed circuit. The electrical contact includes a transition segment that extends outwardly from the mounting segment and projects beyond the edge surface of the printed circuit when the electrical contact is mounted on the printed circuit. The electrical contact includes a mating segment that extends outwardly from the transition segment and within the receptacle of the shell. The mating segment includes a mating surface that extends a length that is aligned with a plane that intersects the edge surface of the printed circuit when the electrical contact is mounted on the printed circuit. |
| US08357005B2 |
Hair curler connector
The present invention a hair curler connector, which includes a locking assembly and a buckle, the locking assembly including a lock and a spring assembly, with the lock being equipped with hooks engaged with the buckle. The hair curler connector has simple structure, and it is easy to operate, adapting for different heating components for the convenience of changing. |
| US08357001B2 |
Plug locking device
A locking device that locks a power feeding plug to an inlet of an plug-in vehicle to restrict removal of the power feeding plug from the inlet. The locking device includes a housing coupled to the inlet. The housing covers a peripheral portion of the inlet and includes a hook port that receives the hook when the power feeding plug is inserted into the inlet. A lock bar, which is arranged in the housing, moves between a lock position, in which the lock bar locks the hook to the inlet, and an unlock position, in which the lock bar permits the hook to move relative to the inlet. The lock bar, when located at the lock position, blocks the hook, which is hooked to the inlet, to restrict removal of the housing from the inlet. |
| US08357000B1 |
Fluid-isolating, self-aligning make-break electrical connection
An electrical make-break connection for an apparatus having a recoiling portion and a non-recoiling portion may include a non-recoiling assembly fixed to the non-recoiling portion and a recoiling assembly fixed to the recoiling portion. Each of the non-recoiling and recoiling assemblies may include a mounting bracket and an electrical contact assembly disposed in the mounting bracket. Each contact assembly may include one or more electrical conductors. The non-recoiling contact assembly may float in its mounting bracket. Part of the mating surface of the recoiling contact assembly may be more elastic than part of the mating surface of the non-recoiling contact assembly. Elastic deformation of the recoiling mating surface by the non-recoiling mating surface may provide a fluid seal for the make-break connection. |
| US08356999B2 |
Lever-type connector
A lever-type connector has a female housing (30) that can be connected with and separated from a male housing (10) as a lever (50) is rotated. The lever-type connector has first and second cam pins (32, 33). A first gear (51) is rotated as the lever (50) is rotated and has a first cam groove (54) engageable with the first cam pin (32). A second gear (61) is rotated as the first gear (51) is rotated and has a second cam groove (64) engageable with the second cam pin (33). A width of the first cam groove (54) in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the first cam pin (32) exceeds the outer diameter of the first cam pin (32) in conformity with a backlash (S) between the two gears (51, 61). A width of the second cam groove (64) in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the second cam pin (33) is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the second cam pin (33). |
| US08356996B2 |
Motion and orientation simulator
The invention relates to a motion and orientation simulator with a cardanic suspension (4) for a cabin (5) that is carried by a heave carriage (3) that can be moved in a straight line in a carriage cage (2), characterized in that the carriage cage (2) is rotatable and that a cable drive is provided for the straight-line movement of the carriage (3) in the carriage cage (2). |
| US08356993B1 |
Orthodontic appliance system
A removable orthodontic appliance of discrete plastic sleeves, each being receivable over a corresponding tooth of a patient. Lingual clips are fastened to the corresponding tooth and which are engageable with corresponding structure of the sleeves for removably retaining each of said plastic sleeves to the corresponding tooth of the patient. Buccal brackets are fixably carried on a side of each of the sleeves positionally corresponding to a buccal surface of the corresponding tooth to which each of the sleeves is receivable. An arch wire is ligated to each of the buccal brackets to extend therebetween. The system can be conveniently removed for cleaning and adjustment. |
| US08356989B2 |
Double bag vacuum infusion process and system for low cost, advanced composite fabrication
Boeing is actively engaged in the production of lightweight composite airframes for both military and commercial applications. The double bag vacuum infusion process of the present invention provides a low cost, method for producing complex composite assemblies without an autoclave. It also enables the production of highly innovative structures. The quality of the composites produced using such an infusion process are comparable to composites made using prepregs, hand layup or fiber placement and autoclave curing. |
| US08356987B2 |
Compressor with retaining mechanism
A compressor may include a shell and a housing fixed within the shell. A compression mechanism may be supported by the housing and may include an orbiting scroll member and a non-orbiting scroll member that are meshingly engaged to form a series of compression pockets. A retaining assembly may include an axial retention member and a rotational retention member, each of which is engaged with the non-orbiting scroll member to limit axial translation and rotation of the non-orbiting scroll member relative to the housing. |
| US08356985B2 |
Safe over-center pump/motor
A fail-safe system for a hybrid vehicle employing an over-center variable-displacement hydraulic motor includes an actuator configured to stroke the motor to a zero angle if each of two control ports is supplied with fluid at an equal pressure. A control valve is configured, in the event of loss of power to the valve, to default to a position in which high-pressure fluid is supplied to both control ports. A pilot-controlled check valve is coupled between high- and low-pressure ports of the motor such that, during normal operation, passage of fluid through the check valve from the high-pressure port to the low-pressure port is checked, while passage of fluid through the check valve from the second port to the first port is enabled. When the pilot control is activated, passage of fluid in the opposite direction is also enabled. |
| US08356979B2 |
Fan blade mounting system
A ceiling fan (10) has an electric motor (13) which rotatably drives an annular array of blade irons (14) coupled to blades (15). Each blade has a fastener mounting hole (18) and an end notch (19). Each blade iron (14) has a blade mounting portion (23) with a blade fastener (24) configured to pass through the fastener mounting hole, and a releasable spring biased catch (27). The fastener has main post (30) and stops (25) configured to overlay the top surface of the blade once the blade is coupled to the blade iron. The catch has a moveable flat spring (28) straddled by two L-shaped guides (29) having an upright wall portion (31) and a horizontal top portion (32). The horizontal top portion is spaced a select distance from the blade iron top surface (26) through the height of the vertical wall portion so as to catch the blade therebetween. The flat spring has a hand gripping portion (34) extending above the top surface of the blade. |
| US08356978B2 |
Turbine airfoil platform cooling core
A gas turbine engine component has a platform and an airfoil extending from the platform. The platform has a pressure side and a suction side. A cooling passage is formed within the platform, and extends along a pressure side of the platform. Air leaves the passage through an air outlet on a suction side of the platform. |
| US08356976B2 |
Mounting apparatus for fan
A mounting apparatus for a fan includes a plate and a frame. The plate includes a venting portion. A number of locking holes and an engaging hole are defined in the plate, surrounding the venting portion. The frame includes a main body and a resilient portion extending from a side of the main body. An airflow opening is defined in the main body aligned with the venting portion of the plate. A number of hooks extend from the main body, around the airflow opening, to be engaged in the corresponding locking holes of the plate. A bulge protrudes out from the resilient portion to be engaged in the engaging hole. |
| US08356973B2 |
Turbocharger
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable geometry turbine comprising: a turbine wheel mounted on a turbine shaft within a housing assembly for rotation about a turbine axis, the housing assembly defining a gas flow inlet passage upstream of the turbine wheel; an annular wall member defining a wall of the inlet passage and which is displaceable in a direction substantially parallel to the turbine axis to control gas flow through the inlet passage; at least one moveable rod operably connected via a first end of the rod to the annular wall member, the rod being moveable to control displacement of the annular wall member, the rod extending in a direction substantially parallel to the turbine axis, the rod being connected to the annular wall member via a first arm and a second arm, a first end of the first arm and a first end of the second arm being attached to the rod, and a second end of the first arm being attached to the annular wall member at a first circumferential position, and a second end of the second arm being attached to the annular wall member at a second, different circumferential position, the first arm and the second arm being resilient in order to allow relative movement between the first end of the rod and the annular wall member during expansion of the annular wall member. |
| US08356968B2 |
Methods and apparatus for an efficient handshake between material handling and material processing devices for safe material transfer
Methods and systems are provided. The invention includes performing a handshake directly between a load port associated with process equipment and material handling equipment; and transferring a carrier between the material handling equipment and the load port based on the handshake. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08356966B2 |
Mobile oil field rig with air bearing transport
A rig transport system provides an air bearing subsystem supporting a drilling and workover rig. The transport system moves the entire rig without having to disassemble the rig, including leaving the derrick in a vertical standing position, along one of a pair of parallel tracks. The air bearing subsystem distributes the rig load over a large footprint to reduce ground bearing pressure. The air bearings lift the load so that the entire rig rides on a film of air, thereby reducing moving friction by up to about 96%. |
| US08356964B2 |
Retaining pin with self biasing keeping means
A retaining pin with self biasing keeping means has a head and a tubular pin that has a plurality of detent fingers on its end. The detent fingers are formed by slitting and deforming the ends of the pin. The detent fingers are bent to extend beyond the outside diameter of the pin with the forward ends terminating in a diameter smaller than that diameter. As the pin is inserted in a matched opening, the detent fingers compress to allow the pin to penetrate the opening and then return to their original position to retain them therein. To remove the pin, the process is reversed. The instant retaining pin with self biasing keeping means is conducive to modern mass production methods of production such as cold heading. |
| US08356960B2 |
Cutting tool and cutting insert therefor
A cutting tool includes at least one cutting portion, having an insert pocket, releasably retaining a single-sided cutting insert therein. The cutting portion has a tangential screwing element to clamp the cutting insert in the insert pocket. The screwing element, which comprises a screw, allows releasing and clamping of the cutting insert without having to completely remove the screwing element from the insert pocket. The cutting insert has a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral side surface; a recess is formed in the bottom surface. The screwing element is inserted into the recess via the bottom surface. Upon fastening of the screw, a protruding portion of the screwing element clamps the cutting insert in its insert pocket. The cutting insert and protruding portion may have respective geometries allowing them to abut one another at at least two distinct abutment sub-regions. |
| US08356959B2 |
System for mitigating marine bio-fouling of an underwater structure
A biomimetic system for mitigating marine bio-fouling is disclosed which is based upon the sacrificial skin mechanism found in the pilot whale species. The anti-bio-fouling system is characterized by the continuous in-situ underwater formation of a conformal protective skin around a submerged object or structure and employs a circulatory system embedded in a diffuser layer conformably fitted and secured to the structure to controllably deliver a sacrificial skin-forming material to the structural surface. The system advantageously utilizes the unique chemical properties of the skin-forming material to alter the material's viscosity in response to contact with sea water such that the material is uniformly distributed over the structure surface by a self-diffusion process, notwithstanding structural configuration or gravitational orientation, thus forming a stabilized waterproof layer or sacrificial skin. The sacrificial skin controllably self-dissolves and is shed in response to continuous contact with sea water, thereby carrying away the marine bio-fouling material. |
| US08356953B2 |
Rotary fitting for a corner cupboard
A rotary fitting for a corner cupboard comprises a supporting column; fastening members for the supporting column; an article-carrying member rotating about the supporting column; and a rotary bearing between the supporting column and the article-carrying member. The rotary bearing has a first component mounted on the supporting column and having an upper side with at least three circular tracks that extend round the supporting column, and comprise two opposite sloping regions arranged between a lower portion and an upper portion of the track each, the sloping regions which slope in the same direction of all circular tracks being distributed around the supporting column; and a second component mounted on the article-carrying member and having an underside on which one complementary circular track having lower and upper portions and opposite sloping regions is provided per each circular track on the upper side of the first component. |
| US08356952B2 |
Compact container for liquid cosmetic
A container for supporting and dispensing a liquid material is disclosed. The container includes a base defining a cavity for supporting a liquid material and an applicator (e.g., a roller ball, etc.) movably supported at the base for allowing a user to selectively dispense the liquid material from the cavity. The applicator has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be exposed to the liquid material when the second portion is exposed to the user. The container also includes a cover coupled to the base for covering the applicator. The cover is selectively movable between a closed position and an open position. The applicator is configured to be manipulated by user in a manner that allows the first portion to become exposed to the user and the second portion to become exposed to the liquid material. |
| US08356948B2 |
Structure for mounting camera on vehicle
According to one embodiment, there is provided a structure for mounting a camera on a vehicle, including: a base fixed to a vehicle body; a camera; a slide mechanism configured to allow the camera to slide in a sliding direction so as to be detachably engaged with the base; and a spring member configured to generate a pressing force in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction between the base and the camera in an engaged state, thereby holding the camera with respect to the base. |
| US08356944B2 |
Tapered roller bearing with displaceable rib
A bearing system (A) that supports a shaft (4) in a housing (2) includes two single row tapered roller bearings (6, 8) mounted in opposition. One of the bearings (8) compensates for thermal variations that would otherwise produce excessive preload in the system. It has a conventional cup (48) in the housing and tapered rollers (52) arranged in a single row along the raceway (54) of the cup. It also has a compensating assembly (50, 100, 110, 120, 130) on the shaft, and it includes a ribless cone (60) having a raceway (70) around which the rollers are organized, an axially displaceable rib ring (64) for positioning the rollers, a spring (66) for urging the rib ring against a stop surface (74) on the cone, and a compensating ring (68) formed from a material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion for displacing the rib ring against the force exerted by the spring when the temperature of the compensating assembly exceeds a prescribed set point temperature so as to reduce preload in the bearing system. |
| US08356940B2 |
Wheel bearing apparatus incorporated with a rotational speed detecting apparatus
A wheel bearing apparatus incorporating a rotational speed detecting apparatus has an outer member, an inner member and double row rolling elements contained between inner and outer raceway surfaces of the inner and outer members. A pulser ring is fit onto the outer circumference of the inner ring. A cylindrical sensor cap is fit into the inner circumference of the inner-side end of the outer member. A mounting portion axially projects from a radially outer portion of the sensor cap. An inserting bore is formed in the mounting portion so that it axially extends at a position corresponding to the pulser ring. A sensor unit is mounted in the inserting bore. A rotational speed sensor is embedded in the sensor unit to oppose the pulser ring, via a predetermined axial air gap. The position of a gate of a mold is set on the mounting portion of the sensor cap. |
| US08356938B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing apparatus
A fluid dynamic bearing apparatus includes shaft member 2, housing 7, sleeve portion 8, and sealing portions 9, 10. The housing 7 includes a straight cylindrical inner circumferential surface with a constant diameter and openings at both axial ends thereof. The sleeve portion 8 is provided separately from the housing 7 and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 7. A radial bearing gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface 8a of the sleeve portion 8 and the outer circumferential surface 2a of the shaft member 2 , and thrust bearing gaps are formed between the end faces 9b, 10b of the sealing portions 9, 10 and the end faces 8b, 8c of the sleeve portion 8 opposing these to support the shaft member 2 in a non-contact manner in the radial direction and in the thrust direction by the hydrodynamic effect of a lubricating oil produced in each bearing gap. |
| US08356936B2 |
Substrate with applied coating and production method
There is described a substrate with a coating; the coating contains a coating matrix in whose matrix structure multilayered and/or encapsulated nanoparticles are arranged and release a dye when a limit temperature is exceeded the first time and/or trigger a color reaction which causes the color of the coating to change irreversibly. |
| US08356926B1 |
Inflatable externally lighted decoration
An inflatable externally lighted decoration includes an inflatable body and lights configured to externally illuminate the decoration. A plurality of attachment points on the body retain lights along the outer surface of the body. In some embodiments, the attachment points are wire retainers. A wire separator may be positioned on the body to fan the lights across the body. An attachment ring may be affixed to the body to suspend and/or retrieve the decoration from a structure. |
| US08356923B2 |
Safe lighting system
A lighting system comprising a light source, a fiber rope into which light emitted from the light source is coupled, and a control unit for controlling the optical power of light emitted by the light source to maintain the fiber rope at or below a predetermined upper temperature even if the fiber is partially or fully severed. |
| US08356920B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device is disclosed. The lighting device can include a base, a first light source housing, and a second light source housing. The first and second light source housings each can include a lighting element (e.g., a light-emitting diode). The first and second light source housings can be independently moveable relative to the base. For example, the first light source housing can be rotatable relative to the base around a first axis and a second axis, the first axis being substantially perpendicular to the second axis. Similarly, the second light source housing can be rotatable relative to the base around a third axis and a fourth axis, the third axis being substantially perpendicular to the fourth axis. The base can include a battery compartment and wires electrically connecting the battery compartment to the first and second light source housings. |
| US08356918B2 |
Compact beam former for induction HID lamp
A light distribution assembly includes an electrodeless HID light source providing emitted light along substantially first and second hemispherical zones. A first optical element redirects a portion of light from the first hemispherical zone into a first desired direction in the second hemispherical zone. A second optical element redirects at least a portion of light within the second hemispherical zone. Other optical elements may be added to tailor the light distribution. Various combinations of these components may be used to create the desired illumination pattern. |
| US08356917B2 |
Light source
An embodiment of a light source comprises a first lead and a second lead. The first lead comprises a first mounting surface wherein a first light emitter is connectable to the first mounting surface, a support member attached to the first mounting surface, a conductor portion attached to the support member, and at least one tab extending from the first mounting surface, the at least one tab being used to hold the first lead during fabrication. The second lead is second lead located adjacent the first lead and comprises a second mounting surface wherein a second light emitter is connectable to the second mounting surface, at least two support members attached to the second mounting surface, and a conductor portion attached to each of the support members. |
| US08356916B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for highly controlled light distribution from light fixture using multiple light sources (LEDS)
An apparatus, method, or system of lighting units comprising a plurality of lighting elements, such as one or more LEDs, each element having an associated optic which is individually positionable. In embodiments of the present invention, one or more optics are developed using optimization techniques that allow for lighting different target areas in an effective manner by rotating or otherwise positioning the reflectors, refractive lenses, TIR lenses, or other lens types to create a composite beam. The apparatus, method, or system of lighting herein makes it possible to widely vary the types of beams from an available fixture using a small number of inventoried optics and fixtures. In some cases, by using a combination of individual beam patterns, a small set of individual optics would be sufficient to create a majority of the typical and specialized composite beams needed to meet the needs of most lighting projects and target areas. |
| US08356912B2 |
Lighting fixture using semiconductor coupled with a reflector having reflective surface with a phosphor material
To improve semiconductor-based systems for generating white light, a phosphor is integrated with an external structure, such as a reflector. A disclosed exemplary system, for illumination applications, utilizes one or more semiconductor devices for emitting radiant energy of a first wavelength. A reflector outside the package of the LED or other semiconductor device has a reflective surface arranged to receive radiant energy from the energy source. At least some of the received radiant energy of the first wavelength excites one or more phosphors associated with an external light processing element, for example, located along the surface of the reflector, to emit light, including visible light energy of at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength. In the examples, at least some of visible light emitted by the phosphor is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector and directed to facilitate the particular humanly perceptible luminance or illumination application. |
| US08356910B2 |
Rechargeable flashlight, battery and charger adapter and protector therefor
An adapter for replacing an original battery, light or battery powered device utilizing a battery of a first type with a replacement battery light or battery powered device utilizing a battery of a second and different type may comprise first terminals configured similarly to terminals of an original battery, light or battery powered device, second terminals for connecting to a replacement battery, light or battery powered device, and an electronic circuit for controlling charging of the battery of the replacement battery, light or battery powered device connected to the second terminals when a battery charging device for a battery of the first type is connected to the first terminals. |
| US08356909B2 |
Illuminated tiling system
The invention relates to an illuminated tiling system (100) which comprises back panels (10) with at least one electrically conductive layer (12, 13), plugs (20) with projections (21, 23) that electrically contact the conductive layer(s) (12, 13), and light-tiles (30) with (O)LEDs that can be fixed to the plugs. For an easy tiling, dummy-tiles can first be tiled together with conventional tiles (2) and later be replaced with the light-tiles (30). |
| US08356908B1 |
Rotatable dual magnification mirror with internal hoop illuminator and movable reflector ring
A mirror includes a frame holding back-to-back a pair of reflective mirror plates having different magnification factors, each plate having a reflective central area and an outer concentric light-transmissive window area. Rotatable pivot joints supporting the frame between opposed arms of a support yoke and enable the frame to be rotated to orient a selected plate in a forward-facing use position. A hoop-shaped printed circuit board having circumferentially spaced apart light emitting diodes (LED's) protruding therefrom is located between inner facing surfaces of the mirror plates. Objects in front of a mirror plates are illuminated by direct LED rays emitted forwardly through the window areas and by indirect LED rays reflected from reflective inner facing surfaces of the mirror plates, and from the forward facing surface of a movable reflector ring within the frame which falls rearward when the frame is rotated. |
| US08356907B2 |
Host computer with a projector
A host computer includes a host machine and a projector. The host machine has a keyboard. The projector is positioned about the keyboard and includes a projection lens. A using position of the projection lens is higher than a received position of the projection lens. |
| US08356906B2 |
Screen unit and projection display apparatus
A screen unit includes an upper horizontal rim, lateral vertical rims, and a lower horizontal rim U-shaped in cross section that cover four side outer peripheries of a laminated body including a thin sheet glass, a Fresnel lens sheet that is a part of a cylindrical surface with an axis line extending in a first direction parallel to the thin sheet glass and is warped in a shape convex toward a side of the thin sheet glass, and a lenticular lens sheet that is a part of a cylindrical surface with an axis line extending in a direction parallel to the thin sheet glass and perpendicular to the first direction, is warped in a shape convex toward a side of the thin sheet glass, and sandwiches the thin sheet glass with the Fresnel lens sheet. |
| US08356900B2 |
Large diopter range real time sequential wavefront sensor
Example embodiments of a large dynamic range sequential wavefront sensor for vision correction or assessment procedures are disclosed. An example embodiment optically relays a wavefront from an eye pupil or corneal plane to a wavefront sampling plane in such a manner that somewhere in the relaying process, the wavefront beam from the eye within a large eye diopter range is made to reside within a desired physical dimension over a certain axial distance range in a wavefront image space and/or a Fourier transform space. As a result, a wavefront beam shifting device can be disposed there to fully intercept and hence shift the whole beam to transversely shift the relayed wavefront. |
| US08356892B2 |
Inkjet inks for printing on both plain and photo-glossy papers
An aqueous inkjet ink suitable for priming photo-images on both photo-glossy receivers and plain papers, said ink including at least 50% by weight water, between 0.5% and 8% by weight of 1,2-pentanediol, a humectant distinct from said 1,2-pentanediol, and between 0.2 and 5% by weight of a dispersed pigment colorant, said dispersed pigment colorant exhibiting an average volume weighted 50th percentile particle size of between 0.001 and 0.075 microns. |
| US08356891B2 |
Damper, head unit, liquid jetting apparatus, and air-discharge method of damper
A damper includes a reservoir which stores a liquid and damps a pressure fluctuation in the liquid and includes a gas-liquid separation membrane which demarcates an upper portion of the reservoir, and a flexible damper film which demarcates the reservoir at a lower side of the gas-liquid separation membrane. Accordingly, there is provided a damper which is capable of improving an air-discharge efficiency while suppressing an increase in the size, and moreover improving a pressure relaxation efficiency. |
| US08356889B2 |
Print engine with ink supply conduits extending from a long side of elongate printhead carriage
A print engine for an inkjet printer which has a media path extending past a printhead assembly along a paper axis, has an elongate printhead carriage extending transverse to the paper axis, a series of interfaces for supplying ink to respective printhead modules spaced along the printhead carriage such that during use, the printhead modules span the media path and ink conduits connected to the interfaces for feeding ink to the printhead modules. The printhead carriage has a series formations to position the ink conduits such that they all extend away from the interfaces in a direction transverse to the long axis to a common side of the printhead carriage. |
| US08356888B2 |
Channel forming method, channel forming body, and assembly parts of the channel forming body
A channel forming method includes: forming a first member having a fitting groove and a second member which is to be fitted into the fitting groove; fitting the second member into the fitting groove; and joining joint peripheral portions of the first member and the second member by heating from outside the fitted second member, and a channel is foamed by channel grooves formed in a bottom portion of the fitting groove and a facing surface of the second member facing the bottom portion. |
| US08356886B2 |
Liquid ejection head and ink-jet printer
A liquid ejection head may include a first flow channel member and a second flow channel member, wherein the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member are disposed to form a liquid supply flow channel configured to supply liquid to an ejection port, a supply and discharge flow channel communicated with a supply port and a discharge port, and a communicating flow channel configured to communicate the supply and discharge flow channel to the liquid supply flow channel. The liquid ejection head may also include a seal member which constitutes a part of the supply and discharge flow channel and connects the first flow channel member to the second flow channel member in a water-tight manner. The communicating flow channel may be communicated with the supply and discharge flow channel via a filter disposed in the interior of the second flow channel member. |
| US08356884B2 |
Printhead integrated circuit having common conductive track fused to nozzle plate
An inkjet printhead integrated circuit (IC) includes: a substrate having a drive circuitry layer; a plurality of nozzle assemblies disposed on an upper surface of the substrate and arranged in one or more nozzle rows extending longitudinally along the printhead IC; a nozzle plate extending across the printhead IC; and a conductive track fused to the nozzle plate which extends longitudinally along the printhead IC and parallel with the nozzle rows. The conductive track is connected to a common reference plane in the drive circuitry layer via a plurality of conductor posts extending between the drive circuitry layer and the conductive track. |
| US08356883B2 |
Inkjet printing method for colorless ink using colorless ink printhead masks dependent on colored ink printing
A printing method includes applying at least one of a plurality of pigmented colored inks to a receiving surface. A colorless ink is applied to the receiving surface. A majority of the colorless ink is ejected from of first nozzles on a printhead used for ejecting the colorless ink. At least 30% of an area on the receiving surface, which is passed over by the first nozzles, is covered with the colorless ink during a single pass of the printhead over the area. |
| US08356882B2 |
Dot printing system, dot printing method and computer program
A printing apparatus includes an omitting processor that performs an omitting process in which dots are not printed at one or more of the main scanning passes. The omitting processor performs the omitting process by selecting a combination of the first and second main scanning passes such that a difference between the first main scanning pass number and the second main scanning pass number is lower than for other possible combinations of the first and second main scanning pass numbers; utilizing the selected combination of the first and second main scanning passes to print the dots; and omitting at least one other possible first or second main scanning pass. Also disclosed are a printing method and computer program product. |
| US08356881B2 |
Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer includes a media supporter, a head device, and an ink mist removal mechanism. The media supporter is configured to support a printing medium. The head device includes an inkjet head from which ink is configured to be discharged to print on the printing medium supported by the media supporter while the head device relatively moves with respect to the printing medium. The ink mist removal mechanism is arranged in the head device and faces the printing medium. The ink mist removal mechanism is configured to generate an air current that flows through a space between the head device and the printing medium. The ink mist removal mechanism is configured to discharge the air current to outside thereby removing ink mist generated due to ink discharge from the inkjet heads. |
| US08356880B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus and method for controlling it
In order to efficiently perform preliminary ejection of ink at a bend of an ink circulation passage, the number of preliminary ejections of a nozzle group located on the outer side of the bend is set larger than the number of preliminary ejections of a nozzle group located in the middle of the bend. |
| US08356876B2 |
Maintenance method for liquid ejecting apparatus
There is a first process of pressurizing the liquid introduced into the discharge pipe by driving a pump device and transferring the liquid to one end side of the discharge pipe; a second process of applying an electric field between a liquid reception unit, which is disposed to face the surface of the nozzle openings of the liquid ejecting head in a non-contact state, communicates with the other end side of the discharge pipe and is ejected with liquid from the nozzles, and the surface of the nozzle openings; a third process of detecting a change in voltage based on electrostatic induction when the pressurizing of the liquid in the discharge pipe due to the pump device is released; and a fourth process of detecting the discharge state of the liquid from the discharge pipe on the basis of detection result of the change in voltage. |
| US08356874B2 |
Apparatus and method for precision application and metering of a two-part (binary) imaging solution in an ink jet printer
A multi-color ink jet printing system uses a two-part (Binary) imaging solution, where the precise mixture of the multiple fluid parts (Colorant(s) and Reactant) is controlled with the use of multiple drop size (Grey Scale) ink jet print heads. The precise mixture of colorant(s) and reactant initiates a chemical reaction, which cures the imaging solution into a solid or nearly solid compound that ensures proper drop location. |
| US08356871B2 |
Inkjet printer, inkjet printing method and program
An inkjet printing apparatus includes a print head that scans a same area of a printing medium plural times and ejects plural kinds of ink and a treatment liquid thereon to form an image, and an ejection data generating unit for generating ejection data for ejecting the plural kinds of ink and the treatment liquid to each predetermined area of the printing medium in a predetermined order from the print head. The plural kinds of ink are classified in plurality based upon a minimum application amount of the treatment liquid per a predetermined area required for realizing an effect of the treatment liquid, and the ejection data generating unit generates the ejection data in such a manner as to eject the plural kinds of ink and the treatment liquid from the print head according to the order determined in accordance with the classification of the ink ejected within the predetermined area. |
| US08356867B2 |
Inkjet image forming apparatus and method of controlling ink flow
An inkjet image forming apparatus includes a print head, an ink tank to store ink, an ink feeding path to feed the ink from the ink tank to the print head, a filter disposed on the ink feeding path, and a press unit disposed on the ink feeding path between the filter and the print head, to press the ink present in the ink feeding path toward the ink tank. The press unit repeats a first operation to press the ink in the ink feeding path toward the ink tank, and a second operation to suck the ink in the ink feeding path. |
| US08356860B2 |
Seat device for vehicle
A seat device for a vehicle comprises a seat for a passenger including seatbacks to support a passenger's back portion, reinforcing structure bodies provided inside the seatbacks along an outer periphery of the seatbacks, headrests provided at upper portions of the reinforcing structure bodies to support a passenger's head portion, connection support portions provided beside the reinforcing structure bodies to connect the reinforcing structure bodies to a vehicle-body member, and move-allowance portions to allow lower portions of the reinforcing structure bodies to move rearwardly in a vehicle rear collision so that the headrests move forwardly or upwardly. Accordingly, a passenger's head portion can be protected effectively with a simple structure. |
| US08356859B2 |
Reinforcement assembly
The present invention relates to a reinforcement assembly for a beam. In at least one embodiment, the reinforcement assembly comprises a carrier member having a front side and a back side, a plurality of mass support sections, and at least one bendable portion disposed between adjacent mass support sections. Each mass support section has an opening extending from the front side to the back side, and a plurality of heat activated expandable masses supported on both the front side and the back side of the carrier member. Each heat activated expandable mass is positioned over a mass support section and each heat activated expandable mass is disposed on the front side being connected through the opening to a corresponding heat activated expandable mass on the back side. |
| US08356855B2 |
Weather enclosures for golf carts
Golf cart weather enclosures have roll-up doors, which coil on spools for storage. The roll-up doors are configured of panels joined by hinges or are configured from sheets of transparent plastic. Each roll-up door has side edges which are received in a pair of spaced vertical tracks extending from the floor to the roof of the golf cart to stabilize the roll-up doors. The spools are rotated either by electric motors and/or springs in a first direction to close the roll-up doors and rotated in the opposite direction to open and store the roll-up doors in the roof. |
| US08356849B2 |
Pellicle handling tool
A handling tool for handling a pellicle which is used in the lithography carried out in a manufacturing process of semiconductor devices, comprising a handle, a main shaft connected with a fore-end of the handle to form a T-shaped part, two parallel arms protruding forward from the both ends of the said main shaft orthogonally to form a U-shaped part, and four pellicle frame holders of which two are each provided on the inward side surface of each arm respectively, wherein the arms are designed in a manner such that they are both capable of moving towards and away from each other so as to be able to adjust the arm-to-arm distance, and the said holders are provided so that they can grasp the frame's side surfaces at the four corners of the pellicle frame when the said arms are closed. |
| US08356848B2 |
Clamp for holding a container by the neck
Clamp (1) for holding a container (2) by a neck (3) in a container handling machine, said clamp (1) comprising a pair of resilient arms (5) and a pair of neck grippers (7) provided at respective ends (6) of the arms (5), said arms (5) and said neck grippers (7) being configured to allow the container neck (3) to be laterally engaged between the neck grippers (7), each neck gripper (7) being pivotally mounted on the corresponding arm (5) about a rotation axis (8), and having at least two gripping jaws (9a, 9b) of different dimensions, configured to cooperate with container necks (3a, 3b) of different sizes. |
| US08356844B2 |
Flush latch with positive lock
An aircraft panel latch comprises an upper latch member comprising a rotatable lock member, a lock member movement means, and a lock position visual indicator. The lower latch member is mounted to a support structure. The lower latch and the upper latch members are pivotally connected. The lower latch member comprises a lock member retention structure. The visual indicator can comprise color coded indicia, where the alignment of a first color set indicates an unlocked position and the alignment of a second color set indicates a locked position. The visual indicator can comprise the physical location of the lock member movement means relative to the lock member. The visual indicator can comprise the physical location of the lock member movement means in combination with the colored indicia. The lock member retention structure can further comprise a ramp, a spring, or both a ramp and spring. The latch can be locked and unlocked using a hex tool. |
| US08356843B2 |
Refrigeration system connection fitting
A disclosed connector assembly for a refrigerant system mounted within an aircraft includes a metal seal disposed within a seal bore of a connector and compressed against a seal face of a nipple secured to the connector by a threaded member. The connector includes a seal bore that receives the metal seal with the inner portion of the seal bore open to the bore. In one example, the connector and nut are formed from aluminum and the nipple is formed from stainless steel and includes an aluminum coating applied to surfaces in contact with the metal seal and the connector. |
| US08356834B1 |
Airbag with bent head portion and a repeated sealing and filling effect
An airbag with a bent head portion and a repeated sealing and filling effect comprises a bag body formed of buffer air columns, and heat-sealing nodes formed on the air column, such that the air column is bent when passing the node. A containing groove is formed in the bag body, and the bag body includes a bag mouth interconnected to the containing groove; a plurality of inflatable extended-section air columns arranged on a side of the external periphery of the bag mouth, and a non-inflatable protruding plate is arranged at an edge of the extended-section air column; an extended-section plate, disposed on the other side of the bag mouth, and a disposing entrance is formed between the extended-section plate and the protruding plate for a repeated use of the airbag. The airbag and its manufacturing method overcome the problem of the conventional packaging bag that cannot be used repeatedly. |
| US08356831B2 |
Adjustable trailer hitch
The adjustable trailer hitch assembly of the present invention is designed for attachment to the head of most commercially available trailers. The adjustable trailer hitch assembly includes a first weldment member pivotally attachable to a head of a trailer, and a second weldment member operably connected to the first weldment member for lateral movement between extended and locked positions. Collapsible extension arms operably connect the first and second weldment members providing movement between the extended and locked positions. The collapsible extension arms are positionable between a first collapsed position with the first and second weldment members adjacent one another defining the locked position, and a second extended position with the first and second weldment members separated from one another defining the extended position. A vehicle connection element is operably connected to the second member, with the vehicle connection element moveable along a vertical length of the second member for connection to a tow vehicle. |
| US08356830B2 |
Adjustable platform assembly for a trailer
A platform assembly for a trailer includes a first bracket and a platform. The first bracket is configured to be fixed to the trailer. The platform is coupled to the first bracket and rotatable about a lateral axis of the trailer when the first bracket is fixed to the trailer. |
| US08356825B2 |
Stabilizer device and process for production thereof
A stabilizer device having high reliability and light weight is provided. The stabilizer device has a stabilizer consisting of a torsion part and arm parts each extending from both ends of the torsion part and having an overall shape of a square bracket, a “]” shape, a bushing for fixing the stabilizer to an automobile body arranged at both ends of the torsion part, and a resin misalignment preventing member which has a contacting part contacting with the bushing, which is arranged neighboring the bushing, and which is integrally formed with the torsion part and covering all therearound in a predetermined range of axial direction of the torsion part. |
| US08356821B2 |
Shaft seal assembly for hydrogen cooled turbine generator
A seal assembly forming a seal with a rotatable shaft of a hydrogen-cooled generator is provided. The seal assembly includes a ring assembly disposed about the rotatable shaft. The ring assembly includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A hydrogen side ring is coupled to a generator frame of the generator. An insulating structure is positioned between the hydrogen side ring and the generator frame to provide electrical insulation between the hydrogen side ring and the generator frame. An air side ring is disposed adjacent to the hydrogen side ring and the seal structure is coupled to the air side ring. Structure for supplying oil to the ring assembly is provided, such that the oil flows through the ring assembly to an interface between the rotatable shaft and the seal structure so as to substantially limit direct contact between the rotatable shaft and the seal structure. |
| US08356820B2 |
Piston ring
The invention relates to a piston ring, having a base body, which comprises a running surface provided with a chamber, an upper and a lower flank surface, and an inner circumferential surface, wherein at least the chamber is provided with at least one wear protection layer, and a PVD cover layer is applied to the running surface at least in some regions such that the base body has the PVD cover layer only in the edge regions, which is to say outside of the chamber, in the finished state. |
| US08356817B1 |
Card game with card exchange feature
A card game includes a card exchange feature. In a poker variation, a dealer is dealt an initial hand and a player is dealt an initial hand. The player is permitted to elect to exchange none, one or more or all of the cards in their hand with cards from the dealer's hand. Elected cards are then exchanged with the dealer's hand and a final player and a final dealer hand are formed from the original hands as modified by any exchanged cards. The rank of the player's final hand is then compared to the rank of the dealer's final hand and the player's hand is declared to be the winner if it outranks the dealer's hand. |
| US08356813B2 |
Paper feeder assembly for image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus incorporating the same
A paper feeder assembly for an image forming apparatus is configured to sandwich a sheet of paper between a roller and an opposing pressing member and feed the sheet of paper by the roller being rotated. The paper feeder assembly includes a pressure variable member for varying pressurized contact force between the roller and the pressing member. In conjunction with ON/OFF action of a power supply switch provided in a main body of the image forming apparatus, the pressure variable member ensures pressurized contact force enough to fix an image when the power supply switch is turned on, whereas the pressure variable member operates to separate the roller and the pressing member from each other when the power supply switch is turned off. |
| US08356812B2 |
Apparatus for correcting the position of sheets
In an apparatus for correcting a position of a sheet which is transported in the grip of grippers on a feed drum of a sheet processing machine, in particular a sheetfed rotary printing press, provision is made for a gripper device of the drum to be mounted in independently rotatable arranged supports and for it to be possible for each support to be driven by a step-up gear mechanism. |
| US08356807B2 |
Dual rate shock absorbing apparatus for a suspension system of a heavy off-road vehicle
A dual rate shock absorbing apparatus for a suspension system of a heavy off-road vehicle including a housing having two axially elongated members. A dual rate spring package is disposed in the housing. Such spring package includes a first spring assembly for absorbing, dissipating and returning a first predetermined level of energy imparted to the shock absorbing apparatus. One end of the first spring assembly acts against a closed end of the housing and a second end acts against a spring seat. A second spring assembly absorbs, dissipates and returns a second predetermined level of energy. One end of the second spring assembly acts against an opposed closed end of the housing and a second end acts against the spring seat. An axially elongated guide assembly, extending substantially the cumulative length of the first and second spring assemblies, controls axial compression of the first and second spring assemblies. An operable length of the guide assembly is automatically adjustable to the length of the housing during operation of the shock absorbing apparatus. An apparatus for monitoring loads applied to the shock absorbing apparatus is also provided. |
| US08356801B2 |
Partially pre-assembled fence assembly and mutli-element rail
A fence panel, a method of erecting the same, and a corresponding fence panel kit having a plurality of pickets and a plurality of multi-element rails. The rails include anchor strips that are pivotally pre-attached to the plurality of pickets, resulting in a subassembly that can be folded to an initial compact, folded configuration of the pickets and anchor strips. The subassembly can be unfolded, allowing elongate picket positioning strips to be mounted onto the pickets and the anchor strips. Locking strips are then mounted onto the anchor strips, securing the picket positioning strips in place and completing the assembly of the multi-element rail. |
| US08356798B2 |
Method for manufacturing aggregated resin particles
A method for manufacturing aggregated resin particles, includes: preparing a microreactor that includes a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a confluent flow channel, to which the first flow channel and the second flow channel merge; introducing a first fluid that contains resin particles dispersed therein into the first flow channel; introducing a second fluid that contains an aggregating agent into the second flow channel; feeding the first and second fluids so that a feed amount per unit time of the second fluid is greater than a feed amount per unit time of the first fluid, so as to form a laminar flow, in which the first fluid and the second fluid are merged, in the confluent flow channel; and forming aggregated resin particles by aggregating the resin particles. |
| US08356792B2 |
Sub sea actuator
A sub sea actuator including an actuator housing. An activating element is movably arranged between activating and deactivating positions, respectively. A return spring is supported in the actuator housing to move the activating element into the deactivating position. The sub sea actuator includes an SMA element supported in the actuator housing and arranged with a temperature elevator configured to control a temperature of the SMA element. The SMA element acts on the activating element to move the activating element into the activating position against the force of the return spring in result of a rise in the temperature of the SMA element. |
| US08356790B2 |
Stand and electronic device using the same
A stand is provided. The stand is connected to a back cover of an object, and comprises a holding element; a positioning element disposed on the holding element; an elastic element having a hole and a first positioning portion, wherein the first positioning portion is engaged with a positioning slot of the back cover; and a fixing element fixing the elastic element to the holding element through the hole. |
| US08356789B2 |
Universal accessory mounting system for golf cars and utility vehicles
A golf accessory for attaching to an accessory mounting system of a golf car. The accessory mounting system including a bracket that is configured to connectably receive the golf accessory and a mount for attachment to the golf car and configured to connectably receive the bracket. The mount including a base that has a generally vertical surface, an aperture extending generally horizontally into the base from the vertical surface and configured to receive a portion of a fastener coupled with the bracket, and a slotted opening extending into the base and configured to receive a portion of the bracket. The base including a generally horizontal surface and the slotted opening extends generally vertically into the base from the horizontal surface. The golf accessory including a golf-related item, and means for connecting the golf-related item to the bracket. |
| US08356782B2 |
Hanging device
A device is disclosed for supporting an object, such as a picture frame, on a wall. The device includes an arcuate member having a penetration end that terminates in at least one point. The arcuate member further includes a support end, opposite the penetration end, that has a support hook. A pressure disk may be slidably retained at an aperture therethrough on the arcuate member. A plurality of different support accessories may be included, the support hook being adapted to support each support accessory thereon. In use, with the penetration end of the arcuate member contacting the front surface of the wall, pressure is applied to the pressure disk that binds against the arcuate member to force the penetration end of the arcuate member through the wall. The arcuate member is curved such that when the support hook contacts the front surface of the wall the penetration means contacts the rear surface of the wall to retain the device firmly in the wall and to support the object. |
| US08356779B2 |
Fixed flat panel monitor mounting system
An adjustable flat panel monitor mounting system designed for strength and security is provided. The mounting system allows any VESA compliant flat panel display to be securely mounted to any work-surface. The height can be adjusted from sub-surface to super-surface upon installation and fixed in place with security screws. The user of the display would be able to adjust the angle of the display. The mount of the invention is fixed in place and can not be removed without special tools. The monitor is not able to be knocked off the work surface, and a bar is provided as a channel for wire management. The monitor can be used in the semi-recessed and subsurface configurations. |
| US08356778B2 |
Modular rooftop pipe support
An extruded or molded elastomeric (e.g., rubber) or polymeric multi-piece (e.g., two-piece) modular pipe support system utilizes a wide base with protrusions and/or recesses, and a separate top with recesses and/or protrusions that engage the protrusions and/or recesses of the top. The tops are configured to securely capture a pipe/conduit without any additional parts, straps, etc. The top may have one or more pipe-receiving recesses for receiving the pipes (conduits). |
| US08356776B2 |
Automatic control of a high lift system of an aircraft
A device for automatically controlling a system of high-lift elements of an aircraft, which high-lift elements can be set to a retracted and to several extended configurations for cruising, holding flight, takeoff or landing; comprising a flap control unit that by way of a control connection is connected, so as to be functionally effective, to a drive system of the high-lift elements; and an operating unit, connected to the flap control unit, for entering operating instructions that influence the setting of the high-lift elements, where the flap control unit is provided for calculating switching speeds that are associated with the respective configurations of the high-lift elements, where the direction of the configuration change and the operating modes of the automatic system for adjusting the high-lift elements, depending on flight state data and further flight-operation-relevant data; and where, in addition, the flap control unit can also automatically carry out switchover of the operating modes for takeoff or for the landing approach and is provided to automatically generate the instructions that instruct the configuration change, depending on the flight speed. |
| US08356769B2 |
Aircraft engine assembly comprising a fan cowl-supporting cradle mounted on two separate elements
An aircraft engine assembly including an engine, an engine mounting structure, and a nacelle surrounding the engine and including fan cowls. The mounting structure includes a rigid structure and a forward aerodynamic structure on which the fan cowls are hinged, the forward aerodynamic structure including a cradle provided with an aft mounting mechanism mounted on the rigid structure. The cradle also includes a forward mounting mechanism mounted on a fan case of the engine. |
| US08356768B2 |
Multiple drive-path transmission with torque-splitting differential mechanism
A transmission for a rotary-wing aircraft has a differential torque-splitting mechanism associated with an input shaft. The differential has a drive disk coaxial with the shaft and integral in rotation with the shaft, a first driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk, and a second driven member coaxial with the shaft and generally adjacent the drive disk. At least one pin engages each of the drive disk, the first driven member, and the second driven member. The first driven member is configured to drive a first transfer gear, and the second driven member is configured to drive a second transfer gear for supplying torque to a bull gear associated with a rotor mast. |
| US08356765B2 |
Positive yarn feeder with tension limiter
A motorized yarn-winding drum holds a plurality of loops of yarn wound thereon and is driven to rotate for drawing said yarn from a reel and feeding it to a general downstream machine. A movable guiding member is biased to slideably engage the yarn unwinding from the drum and to deviate its path, by a spring acting in contrast to the tension of the yarn, thereby generating a reserve releasable in response to tension peaks on the yarn. The stroke of the guiding member is limited by a stop defining a position of maximum deviation of the yarn. The spring has one end operatively connected to the guiding member and one opposite end connected to driving elements operable for applying a load to the spring, with the guiding member abutting against said stop. The driving elements are controlled by a control unit which is programmed to adjust the load as a function of a desired feeding tension. |
| US08356763B2 |
Mechanical lysis arrangements and methods
Methods and arrangements to lyse a biological sample are described. The arrangements comprise a lysis tube containing the sample, one or more electromagnets generating a magnetic field, and one or more permanent magnets inside the lysis tube. The permanent magnets move and lyse the sample when a magnetic field is generated by the electromagnets. |
| US08356758B1 |
Making storage system having modifiable conductor and memory
An electronic storage system includes a substrate with a state region, a transceiver with memory and a controller, and a code circuit disposed over the substrate separate from the transceiver and electrically connected thereto. The code circuit includes a conductor whose electrical or mechanical state can be externally altered. At intervals, the transceiver electrically excites the code circuit and detects the electrical state of an input pad connected to the code circuit. The electrical state corresponds to the excitation and to the electrical or mechanical state of the conductor. The controller stores the detected state or a representation thereof in the memory. In response to a downlink signal, the transceiver transmits an uplink signal representing the stored detected electrical state(s) of the input pad, or the stored representations thereof. |
| US08356757B2 |
RFID tag and manufacturing method thereof, impedance-adjusting method and resin sheet and manufacturing method therefor
An RFID tag has an antenna element including an antenna substrate equipped with an IC chip and a conductor pattern, an artificial medium, and a first insulation layer sandwiched between the antenna element and the artificial medium. The artificial medium has a single first conductive element placed on an upper surface of a dielectric layer and a single second conductive element placed on a lower surface of the dielectric layer. |
| US08356755B2 |
Card loading assembly for electronic device
An electronic device includes a chip card, a controlling unit, a transport mechanism, and a positioning module. The transport mechanism is electrically connected to the controlling unit and transports the chip card under the control of the controlling unit. The positioning module is electrically connected to the controlling unit and is for pushing the chip card to remove the chip card. |
| US08356752B2 |
Electronic inks and displays and image displaying methods
An electronic ink containing charged particles includes a combination of resin particles, a pigment, and a charge director. The resin particles exhibit an average particle size less than 1.0 micron and contain a resin that exhibits a molecular weight of 500 to 20,000. The pigment is loaded on the resin particles. The charge director can physically associate with the resin particles. The charged particles may be negative or positive. |
| US08356751B2 |
System, method and apparatus for tracking origins of produce
An application for a system for tracking produce delivered to a consumer includes a source of produce and several end-customer containers for delivering the produce to the customer. The end-customer containers are filled with the produce and there is a mechanism for affixing a unique code on each of the end-customer containers. The unique codes are sequentially related to each other. There is a facility for capturing a first unique code and a last unique code and for relating the unique codes between and including the first unique code through to the last unique code with a produce origin and date of picking. |
| US08356749B2 |
Imaging scanner-scale with low vertical profile
An integrated scanner and scale is provided having a thin profile and incorporating imaging technology to scan and read optical codes. The scanner-scale is sufficiently thin to allow a cash drawer to fit beneath the scanner-scale in a check stand. Side imagers are positioned and configured to scan multiple sides of an item. The field of view (FOV) of each imager defines at least a portion of a scan volume, wherein scanning is nearest to optimal. One or more imagers can be positioned on the checker side and the customer side, such that an optical path (or a portion thereof) from the scan volume to the one or more imagers is positioned entirely above a platter of the scanner. Mirrors fold and direct the optical path to direct the FOV of a bottom imager such that the bottom imager is positioned sufficiently close to the platter to allow the scanner-scale to have a thin profile. |
| US08356748B2 |
Banking transaction machine that operates responsive to data bearing records
A cash dispensing banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that reads identifying data from a user card. The machine dispenses cash from a cash dispenser for a financial account without causing the card reader device to read data from a card corresponding to the financial account, when a determination indicates that a voice of the user corresponds to a particular recognized user stored in a data store in correlated relation with the financial account. |
| US08356746B2 |
Electronic parking validation
A method and system are disclosed for providing electronic parking validations. The method and system involve providing a parking ticket with a unique identifier to a patron upon arrival to a parking facility, where the unique identifier is associated with parking information. The method and system further involve using a web-based electronic parking validation system to confirm the parking ticket parking information with electronically stored parking information and to provide an electronic parking validation for the parking ticket. In order to confirm the parking ticket information with the electronically stored parking information and to provide an electronic parking validation for the parking ticket, a validator inputs into the web-based electronic parking validation system the unique identifier that is associated with the parking ticket. In some embodiments, the validator uses an electronic bar code scanner to scan electronically the unique identifier into the system. |
| US08356741B2 |
Method for producing a blade plating on a blade for a turbomachine
The invention relates to a method for producing a blade tip plating (20) on a blade (10) for a turbomachine, in particular on a high-pressure rotating compressor blade for a gas turbine, comprising the following steps: —producing a particle composite material (24) having embedded hard material particles (18); —placing the panicle composite material (24) on a solder (30) applied to the blade tip (16); and—healing the solder (30). |
| US08356738B2 |
Staple feeding apparatus for spring powered staplers
This invention provides a safety apparatus for a stapler, the safety apparatus comprises a first plate having a hook and a first opening, wherein when the first plate is in a first position, the hook engages a driving blade for preventing the same from driving out a staple, a second plate substantially parallel to the first plate and having a second opening, a pin having a first and second end, and a first spring urging the pin downward with the first end of the pin protruding from a bottom of a housing body of the stapler and the second end of the pin below the second plate, wherein when the housing body is pressed against an object, the first end of the pin is pushed into the housing body, and the second end of the pin is inserted into both the first and second openings. |
| US08356733B2 |
Method for dispensing fluids
A method for storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of the stored fluid uses a container defining a variable-volume storage chamber; a dispensing valve including a valve inlet coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber, and an elastic valve member in fluid communication with the valve inlet and defining a normally-closed valve opening; a manually engageable actuator; and a pump including a compressible member defining a compression chamber coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber. Multiple portions of the stored fluid are hermetically sealed in the variable-volume storage chamber. The actuator is manually engageable and movable between (i) a first position wherein the compression chamber defines a first volume, and (ii) a second position wherein the compression chamber defines a second volume less than the first volume. In the second position the fluid in the compression chamber exceeds a valve opening pressure and, in turn, moves the elastic valve member between (i) a normally closed position hermetically sealing the one-way valve and variable-volume storage chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere, and (ii) an open position permitting fluid flow through the valve opening. |
| US08356732B2 |
Dispensing device
The present invention relates to a dispensing device comprising: —a container (2) for holding a liquid having an opening, and—a dispensing assembly (4) mountable on or in said opening, said dispensing assembly comprising: —a pump (5) having a pump chamber (7) and a pump inlet (6) comprising an inlet valve (9) and a pump outlet (8) comprising an outlet valve (10), and—a liquid supply channel (16), one end of said channel (16) being in fluid communication with said inlet (6), the other end being arranged in a bottom portion of said container (2), wherein a one-way valve (20) is arranged in said channel (16), and wherein an air inlet opening (17) is provided between said inlet valve (9) and said one-way valve. |
| US08356731B2 |
Energy saving baffle for water cooler
A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, including an energy-saving baffle, which may take the form of a conventional or bottom load water cooler. Additionally, various other, alternative features may be included, such as: a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and various programmable dispensing and visual display modes. |
| US08356729B2 |
Material metering system
A material metering method which is executed by way of multistage metering including a memory in which a target metering time for the each stage of metering except for a first stage of metering is memorized, each of the target time including unstable metering time for drop amount of material whose drop amount per unit time after changed from prior stage of the metering is unstable; a metering time measuring unit for measuring an actual metering time at the each stage of metering; and a set value correction unit for correcting the supply mass switch value at each stage of the metering except for the first stage of metering based on the target metering time and the actual metering time after performing one batch metering, whereby the entire metering time for subsequent batch metering to be performed is more reduced than one batch metering performed. |
| US08356724B2 |
Expansion tank
An expansion tank (28) comprising a passage (34) with a an inlet aperture (34a) for liquid replenishment of the expansion tank (28), a cover (32) which in a non-fitted state leaves the passage (34) clear and in a fitted state closes the passage (34), and a first expansion chamber (29) for receiving liquid which circulates in a first system (A). The expansion tank (28) includes a second expansion chamber (30) for receiving liquid which circulates in a second system (B) and said passage (34) divides, at a distance from the inlet aperture (34a), into a first branch (34b) which leads liquid to the first expansion chamber (29) and a second branch (34c) which leads liquid to the second expansion chamber (30). |
| US08356722B2 |
Container, particularly a beverage bottle
A container, particularly a beverage bottle, can be closed in a bottle opening of a bottle body with a closure made of a plastic material or glass. A fixing element is detachable fastened to the bottle body and holds the closure in the bottle opening. Such a bottle closure solves the problems involving, in particular, wine bottles and which arise when otherwise common bottle cork stoppers are used. |
| US08356717B2 |
Hydrophilic porous substrates
Hydrophilic porous substrates, methods of making hydrophilic porous substrates from hydrophobic polymers are disclosed. |
| US08356715B2 |
Apparatus and method for sorting material
An apparatus for sorting material, includes a frame, at least one first shaft rotatably mounted onto the frame, and at least one second shaft rotatably mounted onto the frame in a substantially adjacent and parallel relationship with respect to the at least one first shaft. The first and second shafts define a conveying surface along which material to be sorted is intended to travel via a rotation of the shafts. At least one single disc is mounted in a substantially transverse relationship with respect to the at least one first shaft. At least one compound disc is mounted in a substantially transverse relationship with respect to the at least one second shaft, each compound disc having a main disc and an associated secondary disc, each main disc having an outside perimeter greater than that of the associated secondary disc, each secondary disc being in alignment with the at least one single disc of an adjacent first shaft. Such a simplified disc arrangement provides a zigzagging pattern of spacings, while enabling an easier interchangeably of components which is advantageous in reducing assembling, operating, maintenance and/or repair costs, as well as in improving sorting capability. |
| US08356711B2 |
Hermetic closing system, additive dispenser, for containers and/or bottles
A system for closing containers of the bottle and/or jar type, which also dispenses active formulas from an airtight tubular space in its interior, into liquid or other content of a container when a mix is required. The system includes a movable push-cut carriage that is driven mechanically by an external puller to cut the seals of the tubular space and push the active formulas towards the interior of a bottle or jar. The closing system can be used for the incorporation of elements such as vitamins or minerals, which need to be stored separately from the content of the container in order to increase their useful life and improve their effectiveness, and in medical and/or pharmacological applications, to form mixtures of active formulas when they are required, thereby avoiding the rapid degradation of the final composition. |
| US08356709B2 |
End protector link
A nested end protector link for capturing first and second elongate link pins of a multi-link conveyor chain that includes a first link segment having an outer wall in a first vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing convex face, and a rearward-facing concave face and a first pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing convex face and the rearward-facing concave face. A second link segment is integrally-formed with the first link segment and has an outer wall in a second vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing concave face. A rearward-facing convex face is provided and has a second pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing concave face and the rearward-facing convex face. |
| US08356702B2 |
Oscillation damper for a hand-held power tool
An oscillation damper (3) which is designed for being mounted on a housing (2) of a hand-held power tool (1) and includes an oscillating damping mass (4); and at least one spring (5) located completely, with respect to its axial length, within the damping mass (4) for axially compressively preloading the damping mass (4) against the housing (2) of the power tool (1). |
| US08356701B2 |
Drum-in-hat disc brake assembly
A drum-in-hat (DIH) disc brake assembly has a disc service brake, a DIH parking and emergency brake, and a parking brake anchor. A backing plate, an axle flange, and a caliper bracket each have at least two mounting apertures formed therethrough. The parking brake anchor includes a bracket portion having a pair of studs extending axially outwardly therefrom. The studs are structured and configured to extend through the respective mounting apertures of the backing plate, the axle flange, and the caliper bracket for securing the caliper bracket, parking brake anchor, and the backing plate to the axle flange. |
| US08356700B2 |
Electro-mechanical actuator equipped with a mechanical brake of coil spring type
An actuator having a frame which is fixed to an electric motor; a gear drive for transmitting motion from the motor to a drive shaft between two predetermined positions, and a brake consisting of a coil spring, having, when relaxed, an inside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of a support shaft that is fixed relative to the gear drive, and around which the spring is coiled, each of the two free ends of the spring being arranged in a respective slot, formed in the frame. |
| US08356698B2 |
Wireless elevator hall fixtures integral with hall door frame
Fixtures (22, 27) at a doorway (13) of a landing (14) are formed integrally with a door frame (17, 17a). The fixtures include electronic modules (42, 46, 54) and energy storage devices (43, 47, 55). Power may be supplied by a generator (32) rotated by a pinion (34) in response to a rack (35) on a hoistway door (20), or by electrical contacts (58) disposed on the hoistway side of the door frame which touch contacts (65) on an elevator car door (63) when the door is open, thereby receiving power over a line (66) from the elevator car; or power may be provided by an inductive coupler (70). The fixtures (22, 27) may be within the profile of the door frame (17), or extend outwardly from the profile of the door frame (17a). |
| US08356697B2 |
Elevator safety system and method
An elevator safety system (10) includes a limit switch (32) coupled to a first elevator car (14) and an actuator plate (30) coupled to a governor rope (24) of a second elevator car (16). The actuator plate trips (30) the limit switch (32) when a distance between the first elevator car (14) and the second elevator car (16) goes below a safety threshold distance to stop the first and second elevator cars (14, 16). |
| US08356695B2 |
Method and apparatus for oiling splines in a bevel gearbox
A method and apparatus for providing improved lubrication of a spline connection between a PTO driver and a bevel gearbox in which lubricant from the bevel gear housing is directed to a location above and radially outwardly from the splined connection and the apparatus then directs the lubricant flow toward the splined connection by force of gravity. The apparatus is configured to be self-aligning when installed in an existing receptacle in the gearbox housing thereby enabling the apparatus to be conveniently installed in a housing designed to utilize gearbox lubricant to lubricate the splines. |
| US08356694B2 |
Recirculating lubrication system with sealed lubrication oil storage
A recirculating lubrication system for a gas turbine engine comprises: a storage reservoir for storing a quantity of lubrication oil for the engine; an operating reservoir for supplying lubrication oil for the engine; a transfer valve with an inlet coupled to an outlet of the storage reservoir and an outlet coupled to an inlet of the operating reservoir to transfer the quantity of lubrication oil from the storage reservoir to the operating reservoir before starting the engine; and a pump for circulating the transferred lubrication oil through at least one engine bearing and back to the operating reservoir. |
| US08356692B1 |
Release mechanism for harness system
A harness system includes a waist belt assembly, a first releasable retainer attached to the waist belt assembly, shoulder straps, a back plate connected to the shoulder straps, and a release system including at least a first release strap connected to and extending from the back plate. The first release strap includes at least a first releasable connector in operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that actuation of the first release strap causes disconnection of the first releasable connector from operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that the first releasable retainer becomes disconnected from connection with the back plate and the back plate can be removed by a user while the waist belt assembly remains worn by the user. |