Document Document Title
US08404717B2 Methods of treating myelodysplastic syndromes using lenalidomide
Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing myelodysplastic syndromes are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administrations of 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3-dihydro-isoindol-2-yl)-piperidin-2,6-dione in combination with 5-azacytidine.
US08404716B2 Methods of treating myelodysplastic syndromes with a combination therapy using lenalidomide and azacitidine
Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing myelodysplastic syndromes are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administrations of 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3-dihydro-isoindol-2-yl)-piperidin-2,6-dione in combination with 5-azacytidine.
US08404715B2 Methods and compositions using racemic, (R)-, and (S)-fexofenadine in combination with leukotriene inhibitors
Methods and pharmaceutical compositions employing a terfenadine metabolite and a leukotriene inhibitor for the treatment or prevention of inflammation or allergic disorders, such as asthma, or symptoms thereof. Also included are methods and compositions employing a terfenadine metabolite, a leukotriene inhibitor, and a decongestant for the treatment or prevention of inflammation or allergic disorders, such as asthma, or symptoms thereof.
US08404706B2 Opioid and opioid-like compounds and uses thereof
The present invention relates to opioid and opioid-like compounds, and pharmaceutical formulations containing the same and methods of use thereof. Uses of the present invention include, but are not limited to, use for the prevention and treatment of septic shock and other disorders. The compounds described herein can be water soluble and can act through mechanisms mediated through pathways other than opiate receptors.
US08404702B2 Pharmaceutical formulations:salts of 8-[1-3,5-bis-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-ethoxymethyl]-8-phenyl-1,7-diaza-spiro[4.5]decan-2-one and treatment methods using the same
Pharmaceutical formulations containing salts of (5S,8S)-8-[{(1R)-1-(3,5-Bis-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-ethoxy}-methyl]-8-phenyl-1,7-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one, represented by Formula I, are disclosed. Disclosed also are methods of treatment utilizing such dosage forms.
US08404701B2 Use and composition for treating dementia
There is described a method for increasing the maximal tolerated dose and thus the efficacy of an acetyl choline esterase inhibitor (AChEI) in a patient suffering from an Alzheimer type dementia by decreasing concomitant adverse effects by administration of said AChEI in combination with a non-selective, peripheral anticholinergic agent, whereby an enhanced acetyl choline esterase inhibition in the CNS of said patient is achieved and alleviation of the symptoms of Alzheimer type dementia in said patient is thereby improved to a greater extent. The use of a non-selective, peripheral anticholinergic agent (nsPAChA) for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for increasing the maximal tolerated dose and thus the efficacy of an acetyl choline esterase inhibitor (AChEI) in a patient suffering from an Alzheimer type dementia and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a non-selective peripheral anticholinergic agent of formula II as illustrated in the description and an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor are also described.
US08404698B2 Quinazoline derivatives and therapeutic use thereof
Quinazoline derivatives represented by the general formula pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof, and compositions containing such compounds are described. Methods for using the compounds for treatment of hyperproliferative disorders are also disclosed.
US08404697B2 Quinazoline derivatives for the treatment of cancer diseases
The present invention relates to the use of quinazolines of formula (I), wherein the groups Ra to Rd have the meanings given in the claims and specification, in cancer therapy.
US08404696B2 Quinazoline-2,4-dione derivative, and medical compositions for the prophylaxis and treatment of cranial nerve disease containing the same
The present invention relates to a novel quinazoline-2,4-dione derivative of formula (I), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) as an active ingredient for preventing or treating neurological brain disease.
US08404694B2 Aurora kinase modulators and method of use
The present invention relates to chemical compounds having a general formula I wherein A1-5 and 7-8, D′, L1, L2, R1, R3, R6-8, n and o are defined herein, and synthetic intermediates, which are capable of modulating the activity of Aurora kinase proteins and, thereby, influencing various disease states and conditions related to the activities of Aurora kinases. For example, the compounds are capable of influencing the process of cell cycle and cell proliferation to treat cancer and cancer-related diseases. The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions, including the compounds, and methods of treating disease states related to the activity of Aurora kinase.
US08404693B2 Substituted piperidine compounds and methods of their use
3,4-Disubstituted-4-aryl-piperidine compounds are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the 3,4-disubstituted-4-aryl-piperidine compounds and methods of their pharmaceutical uses are also disclosed. The compounds disclosed are useful, inter alia, as antagonists of opioid receptors.
US08404690B2 Piperazine-2-carboxamide derivatives
The present invention is related to piperazine-2-carboxamide derivatives of formula (I) for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of preterm labor, premature birth, dysmenorrhea and for stopping labor prior to cesarean delivery. Wherein A, X, Y, R1 and R2 are as defined in the description.
US08404689B2 Heterocyclic amide compounds useful as kinase inhibitors
A compound of Formula I and enantiomers, diastereomers and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of Formula I, and methods of treating conditions associated with the activity of p38 kinase.
US08404688B2 Nitrone compounds, process of preparation thereof, and use thereof in medicament manufacture
The present invention provides novel nitrones, their preparation and use. The novel compounds have the following formula: I The compounds of the present invention have strong antioxidative activity, and are thrombolytic. These compounds can be used to treat and/or prevent diseases caused by overproduction of free radicals and/or formation of thrombus.
US08404680B2 N-[3-(5-amino-3,3a,7,7a-tetrahydro-1H-2,4-dioxa-6-aza-inden-7-yl)-phenyl]-amides as BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitors
The present invention relates to N-[3-(5-Amino-3,3a,7,7a-tetrahydro-1H-2,4-dioxa-6-aza-inden-7-yl)-phenyl]-amides of formula I having BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitory activity, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutically active substances. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of e.g. Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes.
US08404678B2 Cytotoxic agents comprising new tomaymycin derivatives and their therapeutic use
The invention relates to novel tomaymicine derivatives comprising a linker. It also relates to the conjugate molecules that comprise one or more of said tomaymicine derivatives covalently linked to a cell binding agent through a linking group that is present on the linker of the tomaymycin derivative. It also relates to the preparation of the tomaymicine derivatives and of the conjugate molecules.
US08404670B2 Histamine H3 inverse agonists and antagonists and methods of use thereof
Provided herein are fused imidazolyl compounds, methods of synthesis, and methods of use thereof. The compounds provided herein are useful for the treatment, prevention, and/or management of various disorders, such as neurological disorders and metabolic disorders. Compounds provided herein inhibit the activity of histamine H3 receptors and modulate the release of various neurotransmitters, such as histamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine (e.g. at the synapse). Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compounds and their methods of use are also provided herein.
US08404667B2 Compounds, compositions, kits and methods of use to orally and topically treat acne and other skin conditions by 19-Nor vitamin D analog
Oral and topical pharmaceutical compositions, kits and methods of treatment thereof for treating various skin disorder including acne, psoriasis, ichthyosis, photoaging, photodamaged skin, and, skin cancer. Exemplary vitamin D analogs as active pharmaceutical ingredients include 2-methylene-19-nor-20(S)-1α-hydroxy-bishomopregnacalciferol, 19-nor-26,27-dimethylene-20(S)-2-methylene-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 2-methylene-1α,25-dihydroxy-(17E)-17(20)-dehydro-19-nor-vitamin D3, 2-methylene-19-nor-(24R)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2, 2-methylene-(20R,25S)-19,26-dinor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 2-methylene-19-nor-1α-hydroxy-pregnacalciferol, 1α-hydroxy-2-methylene-19-nor-homopregnacalciferol, (20R)-1α-hydroxy-2-methylene-19-nor-bishomopregnacalciferol, 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1α-hydroxy-trishomopregnacalciferol, 2-methylene-23,23-difluoro-1α-hydroxy-19-nor-bishomopregnacalciferol, 2-methylene-(20S)-23,23-difluoro-1α-hydroxy-19-nor-bishomopregnancalciferol, (2-(3′hydroxypropyl-1′,2′-idene)-19,23,24-trinor-(20S)-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3, 2-methylene-18,19-dinor-(20S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, a stereoisomer thereof, a prodrug thereof in oral compositions, a salt thereof, and/or a solute thereof. Compounds that activate retinoic acid receptors, such as retinoyls and retinoyl esters, include 13-cis-retinoic acid, all-trans-retinoic acid, (2E,4E,6Z,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexeneyl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid, 9-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-3,7-dimethyl-nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid, 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-napthoic acid, 4-[1-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-tetralin-2-yl)ethenyl]benzoic acid, retinobenzoic acid, ethyl 6-[2-(4,4-dimethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl]pyridine-3-carboxylate, retinoyl t-butyrate, retinoyl pinacol, retinoyl cholesterol, an isomer thereof, a prodrug thereof for oral compositions, an ester thereof, a salt thereof, and/or, a solute thereof. Combinations of such active ingredients demonstrate synergistic efficacy.
US08404666B2 2-substituted-1α,25-dihydroxy-19,26,27-trinor vitamin D analogs and uses thereof
Compounds of formula I, II or III are provided where X1, X2 and X3 are independently selected from H and hydroxy protecting groups and R1 and R2 are independently selected from H or straight or branched chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, straight or branched chain alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, straight or branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or straight and branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; and R3 is independently selected from straight or branched chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, straight or branched chain alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, straight or branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or straight and branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Such compounds are used in preparing pharmaceutical compositions and are useful in treating a variety of biological conditions.
US08404660B2 Method of obtaining of 4-N-furfurylcytosine and/or its derivatives, an anti-aging composition and use of 4-N-furfurylcytosine and/or its derivatives in the manufacture of anti-aging composition
The subjects of the present invention are the method of preparation of 4-furfurylcytosine and/or its derivatives, its use in the manufacture of anti-aging compositions and an anti-aging composition. As 4-furfurylcytosine and/or its derivatives possesses a series of biological properties it might be use as a composition having excellent anti-aging effect to prevent the sagging of skin and loss of luster and to improve sufficiently its aesthetic appearance without significantly change the growth rate and the total growth ability of the skin. Optimal methods of manufacturing this compound, while at the same time obtaining the highest possible process efficiency, with particular emphasis on its utility in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are presented.
US08404658B2 RNA interference for the treatment of heart failure
The present invention relates to targeted RNAi for the treatment of heart failure by modulating defective cardiac Ca2+ homeostasis via decreasing expression or activity of phospholamban (PLB) using adeno-associated virus (AAV) transfection of cardiomyocytes. Methods for decreasing ventricular arrhythmias, as well as methods for overall improvement of survival from heart failure in subjects are also disclosed. Further, the present invention provides methods which can be used to diagnose susceptibility to treatment by RNAi, and includes pharmaceutical compositions, kits and vectors including an RNAi sequence.
US08404653B2 Membrane bound stem cell factor therapy for ischemic heart
The present invention relates to the use of stem cell factor (SCF) for the treatment of ischemic injured tissue such as in cardiovascular disease. The method involves administration of a nucleic acid encoding SCF, wherein the nucleic acid is delivered to the site of the injury and is incorporated into cells which then express the SCF.
US08404649B2 Isoxazoline oximes as antiparasitic agents
This invention recites naphthyl isoxazoline oxime derivatives of Formula (1) geometric isomers, stereoisomers thereof, pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salts thereof, compositions thereof, and their use as a parasiticide in animals. The variables, R1a, R1b, R1c, R2, R3, and are as described herein.
US08404648B2 Polypeptides KXK and their use
The invention concerns polypeptides of the general formula (I): A-(Xaa)n-Lys-X-Lys-B wherein: i) A is —NH2, NH3+, or NH-D (D is an acyl group being biotin or an alkyl chain (C2-C22)), H) B is H, O−OR1 or NR2R3 and R1, R2 and R3 independently either: H or an alkyl chain (C1-C24), iii) (Xaa)n is an amino acid chain including any amino acid natural or not, excluding arginine and lysine, iv) “n” is between 0-3, and v) X is either a chain of two any amino acids (Xaa1Xaa2) which may be the same or different, excluding arginine, lysine and excluding Xaa1Xaa2=Thr-Thr, Gly-His and Glu-His, or X is a spacer selected among beta-alanyl, 5-amino-valeroyl, 4-amino-cyclohexanoyl, 4-amino-butyroyl, 6-amino-caproyl and derivatives thereof. More particularly, the invention concerns polypeptides of formula (I) wherein “n” is 0 and with the formula: A-Lys-X-Lys-B; A, X and B being defined herein. Compositions containing at least one of said polypeptides and their use.
US08404647B2 Peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) inhibitors
The invention relates to PAD inhibitors that are suitable to be used as a medicament against an autoimmune disease such as RA.
US08404644B2 Agents with angiogenic and wound healing activity
The invention relates to the use of angiogenic crystallin proteins to promote angiogenesis, wound healing and/or endothelial cell migration. Alpha A crystallin and βB2 crystallin have particular application in these methods. The crystallins will usually be in monomeric form. Typically, truncated form(s) of βB2 crystallin protein are utilized as can be prepared by partial hydrolysis of the protein by a protease enzyme such as elastase I. Methods for the purification of crystallin proteins from eye tissue are also described.
US08404640B2 Method of diagnosing and treating colon cancer
The invention provides a method of diagnosing carcinoma in a patient, the method comprising providing a sample of colorectal cells from a human patient and analyzing the sample for CXCL12 hypermethylation.
US08404635B2 Orally administered peptides synergize statin activity
This invention provides novel peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis. The peptides are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route. The peptides are effective to stimulate the formation and cycling of pre-beta high density lipoprotein-like particles and/or to promote lipid transport and detoxification. This invention also provides a method of tracking a peptide in a mammal. In addition, the peptides inhibit osteoporosis. When administered with a statin, the peptides enhance the activity of the statin permitting the statin to be used at significantly lower dosages and/or cause the statins to be significantly more anti-inflammatory at any given dose.
US08404621B2 Method for immobilization, physiologically active substance-immobilized carrier, carrier for immobilization, carrier, and process for producing carrier
An immobilization method for immobilizing a physiologically active substance on a solid phase carrier, the method including: bringing the solid phase carrier into contact with an acid anhydride functional group-containing silane coupling agent represented by the following Formula (I); and carrying out a process of binding of the physiologically active substance to the acid anhydride functional group while maintaining the solid phase carrier after the contact at a temperature within the range of 0° C. to 60° C.; a physiologically active substance-immobilized carrier, and a carrier for immobilization are provided. Further, a carrier including a porous material treated with an acid anhydride functional group-containing silane coupling agent represented by the following Formula (I), a blocking agent that is immobilized to the porous material; and a method for producing it is provided.
US08404614B2 Oxidation catalyst for maleic anhydride production
A process for preparing a catalyst by selecting an active catalyst and contacting the active catalyst with one or more fluids containing an organic solvent or mixture of organic solvents. In one embodiment, each organic solvent has a dielectric constant within a range of about 5 to about 55 when measured at a temperature of 20° C. to 25° C. The catalyst thus prepared may be used in a process for preparing maleic anhydride.
US08404607B2 Dielectric ceramic and laminated ceramic capacitor
A laminated ceramic capacitor which provides favorable life characteristics, even when a high electric field strength is applied while dielectric ceramic layers are reduced in layer thickness to less than 1 μm, contains a dielectric ceramic a compound represented by: (Ba1-x/100Cax/100)mTiO3 (0≦x≦20) as its main constituent, and as its accessory constituent, aMg-bSi-cMn-dR (R is at least one of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Y, and a, b, c, and d (part by mol) respectively satisfy the conditions of 0.1
US08404603B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device and substrate processing system
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. In the method, an aluminum-containing insulation film is formed on an electrode film of a substrate by alternately repeating a process of supplying an aluminum precursor into a processing chamber in which the substrate is accommodated and exhausting the aluminum precursor from the processing chamber and a process of supplying an oxidizing or nitriding precursor into the processing chamber and exhausting the oxidizing or nitriding precursor from the processing chamber; and a high permittivity insulation film different from the aluminum-containing insulation film is formed on the aluminum-containing insulation film by alternately repeating a process of supplying a precursor into the processing chamber and exhausting the precursor from the processing chamber and a process of supplying an oxidizing precursor into the processing chamber and exhausting the oxidizing precursor from the processing chamber. In addition, heat treatment is performed on the substrate.
US08404599B2 Method for producing photovoltaic cell
The method for producing a photovoltaic cell includes applying, on a partial region of one surface side of a semiconductor substrate, a first n-type diffusion layer forming composition including an n-type impurity-containing glass powder and a dispersion medium; applying, on at least a region other than the partial region on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second n-type diffusion layer forming composition which includes an n-type impurity-containing glass powder and a dispersion medium and in which a concentration of the n-type impurity is lower than that of the first n-type diffusion layer forming composition, where the first n-type diffusion layer forming composition is applied; heat-treating the semiconductor substrate on which the first n-type diffusion layer forming composition and the second n-type diffusion layer forming composition are applied to form an n-type diffusion layer; and forming an electrode on the partial region.
US08404593B2 Semiconductor devices including interlayer conductive contacts and methods of forming the same
In a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same, the semiconductor device comprises: a first insulating layer on an underlying contact region of the semiconductor device, the first insulating layer having an upper surface; a first conductive pattern in a first opening through the first insulating layer, an upper portion of the first conductive pattern being of a first width, an upper surface of the first conductive pattern being recessed relative to the upper surface of the first insulating layer so that the upper surface of the first conductive pattern has a height relative to the underlying contact region that is less than a height of the upper surface of the first insulating layer relative to the underlying contact region; and a second conductive pattern contacting the upper surface of the first conductive pattern, a lower portion of the second conductive pattern being of a second width that is less than the first width.
US08404590B2 Plasma processing method and storage medium
There is provided a plasma processing method performing a plasma etching process on an oxide film of a target substrate through one or more steps by using a processing gas including a CF-based gas and a COS gas. The plasma processing method includes: performing a plasma etching process on the oxide film of the target substrate according to a processing recipe; measuring a concentration of sulfur (S) remaining on the target substrate (residual S concentration) after the plasma etching process is performed according to the processing recipe; adjusting a ratio of a COS gas flow rate with respect to a CF-based gas flow rate (COS/CF ratio) so as to allow the residual S concentration to become equal to or smaller than a predetermined value; and performing an actual plasma etching process according to a modified processing recipe storing the adjusted COS/CF ratio.
US08404589B2 Silicide contact formation
A method for forming a silicide contact includes depositing a metal layer on silicon such that the metal layer intermixes with the silicon to form an intermixed region on the silicon; removing an unintermixed portion of the metal layer from the intermixed region; and annealing the intermixed region to form a silicide contact on the silicon. A semiconductor device comprising a silicide contact located over a silicon layer of the semiconductor device, the silicide contact comprising nickel (Ni) and silicon (Si) and having Ni amount equivalent to a thickness of about 21 angstroms or less.
US08404583B2 Conformality of oxide layers along sidewalls of deep vias
A method for improving conformality of oxide layers along sidewalls of vias in semiconductor substrates includes forming a nitride layer over an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate and forming a via extending through the nitride layer and into the semiconductor substrate. The via may have a depth of at least about 50 μm from a top surface of the nitride layer and an opening of less than about 10 μm at the top surface of the nitride layer. The method also includes forming an oxide layer over the nitride layer and along sidewalls and bottom of the via. The oxide layer may be formed using a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process at a temperature of less than about 450° C., where a thickness of the oxide layer at the bottom of the via is at least about 50% of a thickness of the oxide layer at the top surface of the nitride layer.
US08404575B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes: a semiconductor layer; a gate insulation film provided on the semiconductor layer and including at least one of Hf and Zr; and a gate electrode provided on the gate insulation film and including a carbonitride which includes at least one of Hf and Zr.
US08404573B2 Plasma processing method and apparatus
With the evacuation of an interior of a vacuum chamber halted and with gas supply into the vacuum chamber halted, in a state that a mixed gas of helium gas and diborane gas is sealed in the vacuum chamber, a plasma is generated in a vacuum vessel and simultaneously a high-frequency power is supplied to a sample electrode. By the high-frequency power supplied to the sample electrode, boron is introduced to a proximity to a substrate surface.
US08404565B2 Manufacturing method and structure of a surface-mounting type diode co-constructed from a silicon wafer and a base plate
A manufacturing method and a structure of a surface-mounting type diode co-constructed from a silicon wafer and a base plate, in the method, a diffused wafer is stacked with a high temperature durable high strength base plate to have them sintered and molten together for connecting with each other to form a co-constructure; then the diffused wafer is processed by etching and ditching for filling with insulation material, electrodes of the diffused wafer are metalized and all on an identical plane, then production of all functional lines is completed; and then the co-constructure is cut to form a plurality of separated individuals which each forms a surface-mounting type diode to be applied straight. In comparison with the conventional techniques, manufacturing of the present invention is simplified and economic in reducing working hours, size and cost of production and the wafer is not subjected to breaking during manufacturing.
US08404564B2 Adhesive film for semiconductor, composite sheet, and method for producing semiconductor chip using them
There is provided an adhesive film for a semiconductor, which can be attached to a semiconductor wafer at low temperature and which allows semiconductor chips to be obtained at high yield from the semiconductor wafer while sufficiently inhibiting generation of chip cracks and burrs. The adhesive film for a semiconductor comprises a polyimide resin that can be obtained by reaction between a tetracarboxylic dianhydride containing 4,4′-oxydiphthalic dianhydride represented by chemical formula (I) below and a diamine containing a siloxanediamine represented by the following general formula (II) below, and that can be attached to a semiconductor wafer at 100° C. or below.
US08404562B2 Method for manufacturing a composite wafer having a graphite core, and composite wafer having a graphite core
According to an embodiment, a composite wafer includes a carrier substrate having a graphite core and a monocrystalline semiconductor layer attached to the carrier substrate.
US08404561B2 Method for fabricating an isolation structure
The invention relates to integrated circuit fabrication, and more particularly to an electronic device with an isolation structure made having almost no void. An exemplary method for fabricating an isolation structure, comprising: providing a substrate; forming a trench in the substrate; partially filling the trench with a first silicon oxide; exposing a surface of the first silicon oxide to a vapor mixture comprising NH3 and a fluorine-containing compound; heating the substrate to a temperature between 100° C. to 200° C.; and filling the trench with a second silicon oxide, whereby the isolation structure made has almost no void.
US08404560B2 Devices with gate-to-gate isolation structures and methods of manufacture
Devices having gate-to-gate isolation structures and methods of manufacture are provided. The method includes forming a plurality of isolation structures in a pad film and an underlying substrate. The method further includes protecting at least one of the plurality of isolation structures in order to preserve its height. The method further includes removing portions of unprotected isolation structures such that the unprotected isolation structures are of a different height than the at least one of the plurality isolation structures. The method further includes removing the pad film and protection over the at least one of the plurality isolation structures, wherein the at least one of the plurality of isolation structures extends above the underlying substrate. The method further includes forming at least one gate electrode on the substrate, over the remaining isolation structures and abutting sides of the at least one of the plurality of isolation structures.
US08404558B2 Method for making buried circumferential electrode microcavity plasma device arrays, and electrical interconnects
In a preferred method of formation embodiment, a metal foil or film is obtained or formed with micro-holes. The foil is anodized to form metal oxide. One or more self-patterned metal electrodes are automatically formed and buried in the metal oxide created by the anodization process. The electrodes form in a closed circumference around each microcavity in a plane(s) transverse to the microcavity axis, and can be electrically isolated or connected. Preferred embodiments provide inexpensive microplasma device electrode structures and a fabrication method for realizing microplasma arrays that are lightweight and scalable to large areas. Electrodes buried in metal oxide and complex patterns of electrodes can also be formed without reference to microplasma devices—that is, for general electrical circuitry.
US08404554B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate; forming a first insulator over the first conductor; forming a second insulator, having an etching characteristic different from an etching characteristic of the first insulator, over the first insulator; forming a second conductor on the second insulator, the second conductor being in contact with the second insulator; forming a third insulator, having an etching characteristic different from the etching characteristic of the second insulator, over the second conductor; forming a first contact hole though the third insulator and the second conductor, the first contact hole exposing the second insulator; forming a second contact hole through the third insulator and the first insulator, the second contact hole exposing the first conductor; forming a third conductor in the first contact hole, wherein a side wall of the third conductor is electrically connected to a side wall of the second conductor; forming a fourth conductor in the second contact hole, wherein the fourth conductor is electrically connected to the first conductor.
US08404553B2 Disturb-resistant non-volatile memory device and method
A method of forming a disturb-resistant non volatile memory device. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a surface region and forming a first dielectric material overlying the surface region. A first wiring material overlies the first dielectric material, a doped polysilicon material overlies the first wiring material, and an amorphous silicon switching material overlies the said polysilicon material. The switching material is subjected to a first patterning and etching process to separating a first strip of switching material from a second strip of switching spatially oriented in a first direction. The first strip of switching material, the second strip of switching material, the contact material, and the first wiring material are subjected to a second patterning and etching process to form at least a first switching element from the first strip of switching material and at least a second switching element from the second strip of switching material, and a first wiring structure comprising at least the first wiring material and the contact material. The first wiring structure being is in a second direction at an angle to the first direction.
US08404549B2 Fabricating method of mirror bit memory device having split ONO film with top oxide film formed by oxidation process
A device and method employing a polyoxide-based charge trapping component. A charge trapping component is patterned by etching a layered stack that includes a tunneling layer positioned on a substrate, a charge trapping layer positioned on the tunneling layer, and an amorphous silicon layer positioned on the charge trapping layer. An oxidation process grows a gate oxide layer from the substrate and converts the amorphous silicon layer into a polyoxide layer.
US08404547B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is a manufacturing method for an offset MOS transistor capable of operating safely even under a voltage of 50 V or higher. In the offset MOS transistor which includes a LOCOS oxide film, the LOCOS oxide film formed in a periphery of a drain diffusion layer, in which a high withstanding voltage is required, is etched, and the drain diffusion layer is formed so as to spread into a surface region of a semiconductor substrate located below a region in which the LOCOS oxide film is thinned. As a result, end portions of the drain diffusion layer are covered by an offset diffusion layer, whereby electric field concentration occurring in a region of a lower portion of the drain diffusion layer can be relaxed.
US08404546B2 Source/drain carbon implant and RTA anneal, pre-SiGe deposition
A semiconductor device system, structure, and method of manufacture of a source/drain to retard dopant out-diffusion from a stressor are disclosed. An illustrative embodiment comprises a semiconductor substrate, device, and method to retard sidewall dopant out-diffusion in source/drain regions. A semiconductor substrate is provided with a gate structure, and a source and drain on opposing sides of the gate structure. Recessed regions are etched in a portion of the source and drain. Doped stressors are embedded into the recessed regions. A barrier dopant is incorporated into a remaining portion of the source and drain.
US08404544B1 Fabrication methods of integrated semiconductor structure
A method for manufacturing the integrated circuit device comprises providing a substrate having a first region, a second region, and a third region. A first gate stack, a second gate stack, and a third gate stack are formed over the substrate in the first region, the second region, and the third region, respectively. The first gate stack, the second gate stack, and the third gate stack comprise a sacrificial layer over a first dielectric layer. The first gate stack and the second gate stack are removed and a second dielectric layer is formed in the first region and the second region. The portion of second dielectric layer in the first region is transformed into a third dielectric layer by a treatment.
US08404543B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device with buried gate
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device with a buried gate includes: etching a substrate to form a plurality of trenches; forming a plurality of buried gates that fill lower portions of the trenches; forming a plurality of sealing layers that gap-fill upper portions of the trenches and have protrusions higher than a top surface of the substrate; forming an inter-layer insulation layer over the whole surface of the substrate including the sealing layers; and etching the inter-layer insulation layer to form a contact hole that is aligned with a space between the protrusions of the sealing layers.
US08404540B2 Device and method of reducing junction leakage
A device and method for reducing junction leakage in a semiconductor junction includes forming a faceted raised structure in a source/drain region of the device. Dopants are diffused from the faceted raised structure into a substrate below the faceted raised structure to form source/drain regions. A sprinkle implantation is applied on the faceted raised structure to produce a multi-depth dopant profile in the substrate for the source/drain regions.
US08404534B2 End-to-end gap fill using dielectric film
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of gate structures on a semiconductor substrate. The plurality of gate structures are arranged in a plurality of lines, wherein an end-to-end spacing between the lines is smaller than a line-to-line spacing between the lines. The method further includes forming an etch stop layer over the gate structures, forming an interlayer dielectric over the gate structures, and forming a dielectric film over the gate structures before the interlayer dielectric is formed. The dielectric film merges in end-to-end gaps formed in the end-to-end spacing between the gate structures.
US08404523B2 Method for fabricating stacked semiconductor system with encapsulated through wire interconnects (TWI)
A method for fabricating a stacked semiconductor system with encapsulated through wire interconnects includes providing a substrate having a first side, a second side and a substrate contact; forming a via in the substrate contact and the substrate to the second side; placing a wire in the via; forming a first contact on the wire proximate to the first side and a second contact on the wire proximate to the second side; and forming a polymer layer on the first side leaving the first contact exposed. The method also includes stacking two or more substrates and electrically connecting the through wire interconnects on the substrates.
US08404519B2 Process that includes assembling together first and second substrates the have respective first and second carbon nanotube arrays with geometrically complementary patterns
A carbon nanotube (CNT) array is patterned on a substrate. The substrate can be a microelectronic die or a heat sink for a die. The patterned CNT array is patterned by using a patterned catalyst on the substrate to form the CNT array by growing. The patterned CNT array can also be patterned by using a patterned mask on the substrate to form the CNT array by growing. A computing system that uses the CNT array for heat transfer from the die is also used.
US08404518B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with package stacking and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system including: fabricating a base package substrate having component pads and stacking pads; coupling a base integrated circuit die to the component pads; forming a penetrable encapsulation material for enclosing the base integrated circuit die and the component pads on the base package substrate; and coupling stacked interconnects on the stacking pads adjacent to and not contacting the penetrable encapsulation material.
US08404516B2 Method for producing a MEMS package
A carrier substrate has a mounting location with a number of electrical connection pads on a top side and external contacts connected thereto on an underside. A metal frame encloses the connection pads of the mounting location. A MEMS chip has electrical contacts on an underside. The MEMS chip is placed on the mounting location of the carrier substrate in such a way that the MEMS chip is seated with an edge region of its underside on the metal frame. Using a flip-chip process, the electrical contacts of the MEMS chip are connected to the connection pads of the carrier substrate by means of bumps the metal frame is connected to the MEMS chip such that a closed cavity is formed between MEMS chip and carrier substrate.
US08404514B2 Fabricating current-confining structures in phase change memory switch cells
In one or more embodiments, methods of fabricating current-confining stack structures in a phase-change memory switch (PCMS) cell are provided. One embodiment shows a method of fabricating a PCMS cell with current in an upper chalcogenide confined in the row and column directions. In one embodiment, methods of fabricating a PCMS cell with sub-lithographic critical dimension memory chalcogenide are shown. In another embodiment, methods of fabricating a PCMS cell with sub-lithographic critical dimension middle electrode heaters are disclosed.
US08404512B1 Crystallization methods for preparing group IBIIIAVIA thin film solar absorbers
The present invention provides methods for forming a doped Group IBIIIAVIA absorber layer for a solar cell. The method includes forming precursor layers that include a dopant rich layer and then annealing the precursor layers. The annealing process results in dopants diffusing through the layers to an exterior surface. The annealing process is periodically halted to remove dopants from the exposed surface.
US08404511B2 Method for making a solar cell
Disclosed is a method for making a solar cell. In the method, there are provided first and second substrates each including first and second faces. There are provided first and second coating devices and a joining device. The first coating device is used to form a transparent electrode layer on the first face of the first substrate. The second coating device is used to form an absorbing layer on the first face of the second substrate. The second substrate is selenized by hot pressing. The joining device is used to join together the first and second substrates by joining the transparent electrode layer with the absorbing layer. The transparent electrode layer is joined with the absorbing layer by hot pressing. Thus, the solar cell is not made by coating one layer on another. Time for making the solar cell is reduced.
US08404510B2 Method for forming a CMOS image sensing pixel
A method for forming a CMOS image sensing pixel, which is configured to determine a color, includes providing an n-type substrate that includes a first thickness and a first width. The method also includes forming a p-type layer, the p-type layer overlaying the n-type substrate. The p-type layer includes a second thickness and a second width. The second thickness and the second width are associated with a light characteristic. The method additionally includes forming an n-type layer, the n-type layer overlaying the p-type layer. The n-type layer includes a third thickness and a third width. In addition, the method includes forming a pn junction between the p-type layer and the n-type layer. The pn junction includes a fourth width. The method also includes providing a control circuit. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the n-type substrate.
US08404505B2 Nitride light emitting device of using substrate decomposition prevention layer and manufacturing method of the same
A light-emitting device is provided with a substrate decomposition prevention layer using as a matrix at least one selected from the group consisting of boron nitride (B—N), silicon carbide (Si—C), and silicon carbon nitride (Si—C—N), and patterned into a predetermined shape; an n-type nitride clad layer formed on the substrate decomposition prevention layer; a nitride active layer formed on the n-type nitride clad layer; a p-type nitride clad layer formed on the nitride active layer; a p-type ohmic contact layer formed on the p-type nitride clad layer; a p-type electrode pad formed on the p-type ohmic contact layer; an n-type ohmic contact layer electrically connected to the n-type nitride clad layer by means of a patterned region of the substrate decomposition prevention layer; and an n-type electrode pad formed beneath the n-type ohmic contact layer.
US08404502B2 Water-barrier encapsulation method
The present invention generally relates to organic light emitting diode (OLED) structures and methods for their manufacture. To increase the lifetime of an OLED structure, an encapsulating layer may be deposited over the OLED structure. The encapsulating layer may fully enclose or “encapsulate” the OLED structure. The encapsulating layer may have a substantially planar surface opposite to the interface between the OLED structure and the encapsulating layer. The planar surface permits successive layers to be evenly deposited over the OLED structure. The encapsulating layer reduces any oxygen penetration into the OLED structure and may increase the lifetime of the OLED structure.
US08404499B2 LED substrate processing
Embodiments of the present invention pertain to substrate processing equipment and methods incorporating light emitting diodes (LEDs) for thermally processing substrates. Such light sources offer a variety of advantages including higher efficiency and more rapid response times. Pulse widths are selectable down to under a millisecond but can be for long pulses up to and exceeding a second. LEDs are preferable to tungsten-halogen lamps even in circumstances that allow longer processing times, since LEDs produce light with greater than 50% efficiency and tungsten-halogen lamps operate with less than 5% efficiency.
US08404498B2 Method of inspecting semiconductor thin film by transmission imaging and inspection device for the same
A method of forming a semiconductor thin film includes: a step of forming an amorphous semiconductor thin film over a transparent substrate; a step of forming a crystalline semiconductor thin film by irradiating the amorphous semiconductor thin film with laser light to provide heat treatment and thereby crystallizing the amorphous semiconductor thin film; and an inspection step of inspecting the crystalline semiconductor thin film. The inspection step includes a step of obtaining a transmission image of the crystalline semiconductor thin film by irradiating the crystalline semiconductor thin film with light from a rear side of the transparent substrate and taking an image, and a screening step of performing screening of the crystalline semiconductor thin film based on the obtained transmission image.
US08404497B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A surface mount type semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device has testing lands on a lower surface of a wiring substrate with a semiconductor chip mounted thereon. Lower surface-side lands with solder balls coupled thereto respectively and testing lands with solder balls not coupled thereto are formed on a lower surface of a wiring substrate. To suppress the occurrence of contact imperfection between the testing lands and land contacting contact pins provided in a probe socket, the diameter of each testing land is set larger than the diameter of each lower surface-side land. Even when the wiring substrate is reduced in size, electrical characteristic tests using the testing lands can be done with high accuracy.
US08404496B2 Method of testing a semiconductor device and suctioning a semiconductor device in the wafer state
A semiconductor device has an alignment mark which can be recognized by a conventional wafer prober. A redistribution layer connects electrodes of the semiconductor device to electrode pads located in predetermined positions of the redistribution layer. Metal posts configured to be provided with external connection electrodes are formed on the electrode pads of the redistribution layer. A mark member made of the same material as the metal posts is formed on the redistribution layer. The mark member serves as an alignment mark located in a predetermined positional relationship with the metal posts.
US08404493B2 Multiple analyte immunoassay
Methods for measuring the amount of two or more analytes of interest in a fluid sample, and kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods involve determining a ratio of a detected amount of a single analyte of interest, to the sum of a detected amount of each of the analytes of interest plus a detected amount of a control, wherein the amount of each analyte of interest is directly or inversely related to the ratio for each analyte of interest.
US08404488B2 Method for on-site drug detection in illicit drug samples
The invention is provided for detection of Heroin and Morphine in illicit drug samples, also for their differentiation. A liquid sample from a street sample is prepared and divided into two equal aliquots, one of them being reference sample, another being main sample. Both samples are treated with Hydrochloric acid and Sodium hydroxide, but those substances are added to the samples in the different sequence. After that the measurement of SFS of the reference sample is performed. Further the presence of specific spectral pattern of Morphine in the measured SFS of the reference, sample is detected and the value of SFS intensity at the specific spectral point is fixed (a reference value). After 15 minutes for acidification of the main sample, the analogous measurement and detection of the Morphine in the main sample are performed.
US08404484B2 Active cell culture via shape memory
Substrates for cell culture and tissue engineering bioreactors consisting of polymers that change their shape over time under stimulation by temperature change, hydration, degradation, or other means. A method of controlling cell culture using a biodegradable shape memory polymer, wherein shape changes can transfer stresses, strains, or both to adherent or otherwise connected cells such that the mechanical stimulus impacts cell development and the resulting properties of tissues.
US08404483B2 Paracrine signals from mesenchymal feeder cells and regulating expansion and differentiation of hepatic progenitors using same
A method is provided for controlling the survival, proliferation, and/or differentiation of hepatic progenitors in vitro by using specific types of mesenchymal feeder cells or one of more of the paracrine signals produced by those feeders.
US08404481B2 Hepatocyte precursor cell lines
The present invention is directed to methods for readily generating hepatocyte precursor cell lines that retain hepatocyte-specific functions after extensive in vitro culturing. The methods comprise isolating and culturing hepatocyte precursor cell lines under permissive culture conditions that suppress asymmetric cell kinetics and allow exponential growth of the precursor cells, followed by transferring the hepatocyte precursor cell lines to non-permissive culture conditions that allow expression of asymmetric cell kinetics and induce expression of hepatocyte-specific characteristics.
US08404478B2 Diagnostic test tape for liquid samples
A diagnostic test tape for liquid samples is provided comprising a flexible transport tape and a plurality of test fields applied to the transport tape that are distributed in the longitudinal direction of the tape, where said test fields comprise a detection layer and a spreading net spanning the detection layer for a planar uptake of liquid sample, wherein the spreading net is formed from a lattice-like fabric comprising fabric threads that cross at right angles. In order to prevent the fabric from arching up under tape tension it is proposed that the fabric is oriented obliquely to the transport tape such that all fabric threads run obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the tape.
US08404468B2 Efficient astaxanthin production strains derived from Haematococcus pluvialis
The present invention pertains to a method for the efficient production of carotenoids. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method for producing carotenoid and carotenoid-containing cells, especially astaxanthin and astaxanthin-containing cells, by generating mutant microorganisms belonging to the photoautotrophic algae of the Class Chlorophyceae and culturing same. The present invention further relates to methods of generating microorganisms producing high yields of carotenoids, in particular astaxanthin, products containing said microorganisms or said carotenoids, and the use of said carotenoids produced by the microorganisms according to the present invention and deposited mutant strains generated from said microorganisms.
US08404467B2 Process for producing antiaging agent, vulcanization accelerator or modified natural rubber by means of microorganism
The object of the present invention is to provide processes for producing an antiaging agent, a vulcanization accelerator and a modified natural rubber, which are environmentally friendly and allow to make provision against a decrease of petroleum resources in the future. According to the present invention, glucose is used as carbon neutral resources and is converted into aniline or an aniline derivative by a microorganism. An antiaging agent, a vulcanization accelerator or a modified natural rubber is produced from thus obtained aniline or aniline derivative.
US08404466B2 Metabolically enhanced photoautotrophic ethanol producing host cells, method for producing the host cells, constructs for the transformation of the host cells, and method of producing ethanol using the host cells
One embodiment of the invention provides a metabolically enhanced photoautotrophic, ethanol producing host cell comprising: at least two first metabolic enhancements reducing the enzymatic activity or affinity of at least two endogenous host cell enzymes involved in acetate and lactate fermentation, the first metabolic enhancements resulting in an enhanced level of biosynthesis of acetaldehyde, pyruvate, acetyl-CoA or precursors thereof compared to the respective wild type host cell, at least one second metabolic enhancement different from the first metabolic enhancement comprising an overexpressed enzyme for the formation of ethanol.
US08404465B2 Biological synthesis of 6-aminocaproic acid from carbohydrate feedstocks
Provided herein are methods for the production of difunctional alkanes in microorganisms. Also provided are enzymes and nucleic acids encoding such enzymes, associated with the difunctional alkane production from carbohydrates feedstocks in microorganisms. The invention also provides recombinant microorganisms and metabolic pathways for the production of difunctional alkanes.
US08404464B2 Methods of using stabilized compositions of thermostable DNA polymerase and anionic detergent
The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for protecting thermostable DNA polymerase during amplification reactions conducted at a temperature ranging from about 40° C. to greater than 100° C. The composition comprises a thermostable DNA polymerase and an anionic detergent or zwitterionic detergent.
US08404456B2 Blood group antigens of different types for diagnostic and therapeutic applications
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing antibody mediated graft rejection and blood typing.
US08404452B2 Assay for immunosuppressant drugs
The invention provides immunoassays for immunosuppressant drugs, wherein the assay is carried out under high salt conditions to achieve improved sensitivity. The invention also provides kits that are useful for performing the methods of the invention.
US08404451B2 Mass spectrometric methods and products
The invention involves assays, diagnostics, kits, and assay components for mass spectrometry and other methods to determine levels of glycated CD59 in subjects.
US08404450B2 Fluorescence microscope in a microwave cavity
The present invention relates to an optical imaging system communicatively connected to a microwave energy producing source wherein the combination provides for increases in chemical reaction times and the ability to monitor the reactions in real time with sufficient resolution to view the location of intracellular components labeled with luminescent molecules as well as interaction with other biomolecules and responses to localized environmental variables in living cells and tissues during the application of a microwave field.
US08404449B2 Stochastic sensing through covalent interactions
A system and method for stochastic sensing in which the analyte covalently bonds to the sensor element or an adaptor element. If such bonding is irreversible, the bond may be broken by a chemical reagent. The sensor element may be a protein, such as the engineered PSH type or αHL protein pore. The analyte may be any reactive analyte, including chemical weapons, environmental toxins and pharmaceuticals. The analyte covalently bonds to the sensor element to produce a detectable signal. Possible signals include change in electrical current, change in force, and change in fluorescence. Detection of the signal allows identification of the analyte and determination of its concentration in a sample solution. Multiple analytes present in the same solution may be detected.
US08404446B2 DNA in the presence of gellan
A method is provided for nucleic acid amplification with enhanced sensitivity. The method for enhanced sensitivity involves carrying out the amplification reaction in the presence of gellan. For instance, the method allows for the production of detectable amounts of PCR amplified DNA from at least 10 fold fewer target molecules than a comparable PCR reaction in absence of gellan.
US08404440B2 Device for carrying out cell lysis and nucleic acid extraction
The present invention provides an integrated lab-on-a-chip device for carrying out a nucleic acid extraction process on a fluid sample containing cells and/or particles, the device comprising: (a) a sample inlet (1) for loading of a fluid sample, (b) a lysis unit (4) for lysis of cells and/or particles present in the fluid sample, (c) a reservoir of lysis fluid (7) for the lysis unit, (d) a nucleic acid extraction unit (5) downstream of the lysis unit, and (e) reservoirs of first washing buffer and eluant fluid (8, 9, 10) for the nucleic acid extraction unit, wherein the device further comprises (f) a mixing unit (6) downstream of the nucleic acid extraction unit, and (g) a source of mixing fluid (11) for the mixing unit. The reservoirs of lysis fluid, first washing buffer and eluant fluid may be provided parallel to one anther so that they may be actuated by a single pump.
US08404437B2 MicroRNA as a cancer progression predictor and its use for treating cancer
The present invention is based on the findings that a novel function for miR142-3p in the regulation of Sox2, adenylyl cyclase 9 (AC9), and CD133 expressions, and consequently the overall stemness of recurrent GBM cells as well as CSCs, and that miR142-3p modulated tumor-initiating properties in recurrent GBM. The present invention consequently supports the development of novel miRNA-based strategies for brain tumor treatment.
US08404436B1 Methods of identifying modulators of GPR17
The present invention is related to a method of determining a test compound's ability to modify the biological activity of a GPR17. Said method comprises, among others, the step of contacting the test compound with a GPR17, or a functional GPR17 fragment in the presence of a suitable amount of a GPR17 agonist of formula I.
US08404434B2 Method for determining degree of negative effect of macrophages on vertebrate
The present invention provides a method for determining the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate including a human, the method including assaying diacetylpolyamine contained in a sample collected from the vertebrate. According to the method of the present invention, metabolic conditions of macrophages can be monitored, and the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate (including a human) can be determined. Specifically, the present invention can predict, through assay of diacetylpolyamine, pathological condition which is considered a macrophage-related disease; e.g., recurrence of cancer or malignant tumor, or infiltration or activation of cancer or malignant tumor cells; denaturation or degeneration of neurons associated with Alzheimer's disease; or onset or progression of an autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatism or Crohn's disease) or arteriosclerosis. Therefore, the present invention is very useful for clinical tests.
US08404432B2 Lithography process
A lithography process for manufacturing bit-island storage mediums that results in improved resolution and uniformity between bit-islands. The lithography process includes applying a resist coating polymer to a surface of a substrate. Selected areas of the resist coating polymer are then exposed to an energy source, wherein each selected area is exposed to the energy source multiple times to provide a time-averaged exposure of the selected areas that reduces errors caused by noise associated with the energy source. After exposure of the resist coating to the energy source, a selective developer solution is applied to the resist coating to develop the fully exposed regions of the resist coating while leaving undeveloped the partially exposed regions of the resist coating. A polymer reflow material is applied to the developed resist pattern and heated to a selected temperature. The polymer reflow material and selected temperature induce reflow of the developed resist coating such that such that a circumferential diameter associated with the holes formed in the resist pattern is reduced to a desired value distance. The process of inducing reflow of the resist coating can be repeated as desired to achieve a resist pattern wherein the holes formed in the resist pattern are reduced to a desired size. The resist pattern formed on the substrate is then transferred to a magnetic medium to form the desired pattern of bit-islands.
US08404425B2 Apparatus and method for manufacturing toner
An apparatus for manufacturing toner is provided which includes a pulverizer for pulverizing a material into particles, a classifier for classifying the particles by size, a discharging path for discharging the particles from the pulverizer to the classifier, a returning path for returning relatively coarse particles among the classified particles from the classifier to the pulverizer, and a handling unit for handling particles. A method for manufacturing toner is also provided which includes pulverizing a material into particles in a pulverizer, discharging the particles from the pulverizer to a classifier via a discharging path, classifying the particles by size in the classifier, and returning relatively coarse particles among the classified particles from the classifier to the pulverizer. The handling unit is provided on at least one of the discharging path and the returning path, and includes a mechanism for preventing accumulation of the particles using airflow.
US08404424B2 Security enhanced printed products and methods
Printed products, printing methods and methods for verifying authenticity of a printed product are provided. In one aspect, the printed product has a receiver and an image formed thereon by an electrophotographic process using toner particles, said image having at least one raised portion, wherein at least parts of said raised portion of said image comprise phosphorescent or fluorescent toner particles.
US08404422B2 Photoreceptor outer layer and methods of making the same
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital, apparatuses. Embodiments pertain to an improved electrophotographic imaging member comprising a very thin outer layer on the imaging member surface, where the outer layer comprises healing materials that act as a barrier against moisture and/or surface contaminants. The improved imaging member exhibits improved xerographic performance, such as reduced wear and deletions in high humidity conditions. Embodiments also pertain to methods for making the improved electrophotographic imaging member.
US08404419B2 Electrostatic image developing toner
Provided is an electrostatic image developing toner containing, (i) toner particles containing: a binder resin having a domain-matrix structure; and (ii) a colorant; wherein the toner particles have a volume-based median diameter of 4.3 to 7.0 μm; a domain phase in the binder resin contains a polymer containing a structure unit derived from a diene monomer, the domain phase has a Feret diameter of 50 to 300 nm; and a glass transition temperature of the polymer composing the domain phase is −85 to +35° C.
US08404414B2 Electrophotographic photoconductor and manufacturing method thereof
Electrophotographic photoconductor including a conductive substrate; and a photosensitive layer provided on the conductive substrate and including at least a charge generation material; a charge transport material; and a resin binder including a copolymer polyarylate resin represented by general formula (I) below: and manufacturing method therefore. Good images with less cracking occurrence are obtained during recycling of a photosensitive drum and peripheral members thereof that includes the electrophotographic photoconductor, and also when a liquid development process is employed.
US08404410B2 Method of aligning photomask with base material and method of manufacturing printed circuit board
An exposure system includes an exposure device and an image processing device. The exposure device includes a plurality of cameras. Each of the cameras is configured so as to be selectively set to a full scan mode and a partial scan mode. The camera transmits all of obtained image data in the full scan mode, and extracts part of the obtained image data and transmits the partial image data in the partial scan mode. The image processing device paratactically performs processing using the image data transmitted from the camera and processing using the image data transmitted from the camera.
US08404409B2 Method and structure for fabricating dark-periphery mask for the manufacture of semiconductor wafers
A photo mask blank structure for transferring a mask to an integrated circuit includes a transparent substrate, which has a surface region. The photo mask structure further includes an opaque film overlying the surface region, a negative photoresist material overlying the opaque film, a stop layer overlying the negative photoresist material, and a positive photoresist material overlying the stop layer. The positive photoresist material includes a first opening pattern, and the stop layer includes a second opening pattern that is associated with the first opening pattern of the positive photoresist material. The negative photoresist material includes a third opening pattern that is associated with the first and second opening patterns. The stop layer provides a separation between the negative photoresist material and the positive photoresist material.
US08404406B2 Photomask blank and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a photomask blank in which a light-shielding film consisting of a plurality of layers is provided on a light transmissive substrate, wherein a layer that is provided to be closest to the front surface is made of CrO, CrON, CrN, CrOC or CrOCN, and wherein the atom number density of the front-surface portion of the light-shielding film is 9×1022 to 14×1022 atms/cm3.
US08404400B2 Catalyst-polymer liquid dispersion for fuel cell applications
Catalyst-polymer liquid dispersion (LD) comprising (i) catalyst particles, (ii) polymer particles consisting of at least one (per)fluoro sulfonyl fluoride polymer in the —SO2F form, and (iii) an aqueous suspending medium.Catalyst coated membrane precursor (CCMP), catalyst coated membrane (CCM) and catalytic ionomeric ink (CII) derived therefrom and methods for their manufacture. Catalyst coated membrane (CCM-CII) derived from said (CII).
US08404399B2 Fuel cell
The present invention relates to a fuel cell including: a membrane electrode assembly (2) having a fuel electrode (13), an air electrode (16), and an electrolyte membrane (17) sandwiched therebetween; and a fuel storage unit (4) storing a liquid fuel. The fuel cell is capable of continuously generating electricity for long hours only by being replenished with a fuel, and therefore, attempts have been made to miniaturize the fuel cell to use it as a power source of portable electronic devices. When the membrane electrode assembly and the fuel storage unit in the fuel cell are connected via a flow path, a fuel supply state becomes uneven depending on the shape and the like of the flow path even though a supply amount of the fuel can be adjusted, which causes a problem such as a decrease in an output of the fuel cell. The present invention solves the aforethe problem by providing, in the fuel cell, a fuel distributing mechanism (3) which supplies the fuel to a plurality of places of the fuel electrode, and connecting the fuel distributing mechanism and the fuel storage unit via the flow path (5).
US08404389B2 Electrolytic solution and battery
A battery capable of improving the storage characteristics and the cycle characteristics is provided. The battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution is impregnated in a separator provided between the cathode and the anode. A solvent of the electrolytic solution contains a given sulfone compound such as bis(trimethylsilyl)methanedisulfonate. Compared to a case that a solvent contains other sulfone compound such as bis(methyl)methanedisulfonate, the chemical stability of the electrolytic solution is improved, and the decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is prevented.
US08404388B2 Compliant seal structures for protected active metal anodes
Protected anode architectures have ionically conductive protective membrane architectures that, in conjunction with compliant seal structures and anode backplanes, effectively enclose an active metal anode inside the interior of an anode compartment. This enclosure prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment external to the anode compartment, which may include aqueous, ambient moisture, and/or other materials corrosive to the active metal. The compliant seal structures are substantially impervious to anolytes, catholyes, dissolved species in electrolytes, and moisture and compliant to changes in anode volume such that physical continuity between the anode protective architecture and backplane are maintained. The protected anode architectures can be used in arrays of protected anode architectures and battery cells of various configurations incorporating the protected anode architectures or arrays.
US08404385B2 Mixed carbon material including graphite powder cores and surface carbon material on a surface thereof and negative electrode for nonaqueous secondary battery
The present invention provides a mixed carbon material which comprises carbon material A and carbon material B and which is a carbon material suitable for a negative electrode material which can provide a nonaqueous secondary battery having a low irreversible capacity and having a negative electrode with a high capacity and high charge acceptance. Carbon material A and carbon material B both have cores made of graphite powder and a surface carbon material in the form of at least one of amorphous carbon and turbostratic carbon adhered to or coated on at least a portion of the surface of the graphite powder. The compressed density is 1.80-1.90 g/cm3 for carbon material A alone, 1.45-1.65 g/cm3 for carbon material B alone, and 1.75-1.84 g/cm3 for the mixed carbon material.
US08404383B2 Negative electrode material for nonaqueous secondary cells, negative electrode for nonaqueous secondary cells, and nonaqueous secondary cell
A negative electrode material for a nonaqueous secondary battery capable of realizing a nonaqueous secondary battery having a small charging/discharging irreversible capacity at an initial cycle and exhibiting an excellent high-rate charging/discharging characteristics and an excellent cycle performances is provided. The main component of the material is graphite particles. The median diameter is 5 μm or more, and 40 μm or less in the volume-basis particle size distribution based on the laser diffraction/scattering particle size distribution measurement. The tapping density is 0.7 g/cm3 or more. The specific surface area measured by a BET method is 0.2 m2/g or more, and 8 m2/g or less. The average circularity is 0.83 or more, and 1.00 or less. When an electrode is produced by a predetermined method for manufacturing an electrode and, the resulting electrode is subjected to X-ray diffraction, the graphite crystal orientation ratio I110/I004 on the electrode is 0.08 or more, where I110 represents the wide angle X-ray diffraction peak area of the (110) peak peak in the region of 2θ=76.5 to 78.5 degrees of the graphite particles on the electrode and I004 represents the wide angle X-ray diffraction peak area of the (004) peak peak in the region of 2θ=53.5 to 56 degrees.
US08404379B2 Vehicle with a battery system
A battery system for a vehicle capable of being driven by electric power is disclosed. The vehicle includes at least one motor/generator and a battery system for supplying electrical power to and receiving electrical power from the motor/generator. The battery system includes multiple battery packs, each comprising a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells in each battery pack are electrically connected with one another. Multiple battery pack housings are provided to house the plurality of cells. Each battery pack housing facilitates electrical connection to one or more other battery pack. The system also includes a compartment containing the multiple battery packs in their housings. The compartment facilitates electrical connection to the motor/generator.
US08404378B2 Battery separator for a storage battery
A battery separator for a lead acid (storage) battery is made from a thermoplastic sheet material. The sheet material has a central region flanked by peripheral regions. The central region includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs that are integrally formed from the sheet material. The peripheral regions are free of ribs and may include a densified structure. Also disclosed are a method of producing the foregoing separator, an envelope separator made from the sheet material, and a method of making the envelope separator.
US08404371B2 Biaxially oriented polyester film and magnetic recording tape
A biaxially oriented polyester film which has a Young's modulus (YMD) in the film machine direction (YMD) of 6.5 GPa or more and a Young's modulus in the width direction (YTD) of 8.2 to 9.8 GPa and is used as a base film for magnetic recording tapes of linear recording system, and a magnetic recording tape of linear recording system comprising the same as a base film.There are provided a biaxially oriented polyester film which has excellent dimensional stability, especially dimensional stability in the width direction and is suitable for use as a base film for magnetic recording tapes of linear recording system and a magnetic recording tape comprising the same.
US08404366B2 Surface treating method for cutting tools
In a cutting tool, if the outermost ceramic coating layer is a κ-Al2O3 coating layer, then certain microns of the κ-Al2O3 layer will be transformed into an α-Al2O3 by instantaneous melting, vaporization and solidification. Further, if the outermost coating layer of the ceramic coating layers is an α-Al2O3 coating layer, then the surface roughness will be enhanced since at least a portion of it will be melted, wherein the melted surface will be solidified with its surface flattened by the surface tension provided in a melted state.
US08404362B2 Organic light-emitting element using triazine ring-containing polymer compound
The organic light-emitting element of the present invention is an organic light-emitting element constituted by arranging a light-emitting layer between an anode and a cathode, and is characterized in that the light-emitting layer contains a polymer compound comprising a constitutional unit derived from an electron transport polymerizable compound represented by the following formula (1) and a constitutional unit derived from a phosphorescent polymerizable compound; wherein R1 to R14 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an amino group, an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or the like, R15 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and X1 is a single bond or the like.
US08404357B2 Environmentally-friendly steel sheet for a can or a container as well as laminated and pre-coated steel sheet by using it
Laminated steel sheet for a container material with a small environmental load container material and coating pre-coated steel sheet for a container material characterized by comprising steel sheet having on it a tin layer or iron-tin alloy layer which has on it a tin oxide layer of a thickness measured by an electric stripping method of 0 mC/cm2 to 3.5 mC/cm2 and has further formed on that a foundation layer including a zirconium compound not including fluorine or nitrate nitrogen, having an amount of coating converted to zirconium of 1 mg/m2 to 30 mg/m2, and having an amount of sulfuric acid radicals (SO42−) of 0 mg/m2 to 7 mg/m2.
US08404355B2 Methods and systems for processing lignocellulosic materials and related compositions
A method comprising: (a) providing a lignocellulosic substrate; (b) contacting said lignocellulosic substrate with an extractant comprising a water-soluble organic solvent to form an extracted substrate and a miscella; (c) removing miscella from said extracted substrate; and (d) hydrolyzing said extracted substrate using a chemically catalyzed process.
US08404350B2 Highly transparent impact-resistant glass ceramic
The transparent glass ceramic plate has a thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of −0.05 to −0.1×10−6/K at 30 to 700° C. and a composition, in wt. %, consisting of: Li2O, 3.0-4.5; Al2O3, 18.0-24.0; SiO2, 55.0-70.0; TiO2, 0.01-2.3; ZrO2, 0.01-2.0; Σ TiO2+ZrO2, 0.5-4.3; SnO2, 0-0.2; MgO, 0-0.8; BaO, 0-3; ZnO, 0-2.5; Na2O, 0-1.5; As2O3, 0.3-0.9; and Fe2O3, 0.004 to 0.02. A transparent plate laminate, which is used as armor or in a bullet-proof vest and which contains one or more of this glass ceramic plate together with optional glass and/or plastic plates, and a process for making the glass ceramic plate, are also described.
US08404349B2 Laminate of an acrylic resin composition layer containing triazine based ultra-violet compounds and an organosiloxane resin composition layer
It is an object of the present invention to provide a laminate having excellent weatherability and abrasion resistance as well as adhesion.The present invention relates to a laminate comprising a base, a first layer formed by thermally curing an acrylic resin composition and a second layer formed by thermally curing an organosiloxane resin composition, all of which are formed in the mentioned order, wherein the acrylic resin composition comprises: (A) an acrylic copolymer which contains at least 70 mol % of a recurring unit represented by the following formula (A): wherein X is a hydrogen atom or methyl group, and Y is a methyl group, ethyl group, cycloalkyl group, hydroxyalkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms or triazine-based ultraviolet absorber residue; (B) a blocked polyisocyanate compound; (C) a curing catalyst; and (D) a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber, and the organosiloxane resin composition comprises: (E) colloidal silica and (F) a hydrolysis condensate of an alkoxysilane.
US08404347B2 Method of synthesis of amphiphilic magnetic composite particles
Amphiphilic, magnetic composite particles are comprised of cores and shells. The core contains both hydrophobic vinylic graft copolymer, hydrophobic vinylic homopolymer and magnetic nanoparticles, and the shell to which the hydrophobic vinylic polymer is grafted is a hydrophilic, nitrogen-containing polymer. Typically, the composite particles are made by a process which involves generating radicals on nitrogen atoms of the water-soluble polymer, and then initiating free-radical copolymerization of said vinylic monomer(s) and vinylic-coated magnetic nanoparticles, whereby vinylic polymer(s) undergo(es) phase separation and the vinylic coated magnetic nanoparticles are encapsulated within the vinylic polymer to form a composite latex.
US08404346B2 Porous inorganic/organic hybrid monolith materials for chromatographic separations and process for their preparation
Novel materials for chromatographic separations, processes for their preparation, and separation devices containing the chromatographic materials. In particular, the novel materials are porous inorganic/organic hybrid monolith materials, which desirably may be surface modified, and which offer more efficient chromatographic separations than that known in the art.
US08404341B2 Microcapsules and other containment structures for articles incorporating functional polymeric phase change materials
An article comprises a substrate, a first functional polymeric phase change material, and a plurality of containment structures that contain the first functional polymeric phase change material. The article may further comprise a second phase change material chemically bound to at least one of the plurality of containment structures or the substrate. In certain embodiments, the article further comprises a second phase change material and a binder that contains at least one of the first polymeric phase change material and the second phase change material. The containment structure may be a microcapsule or a particulate confinement material.
US08404339B2 Prepreg containing epoxy resin with improved flexural properties
Prepreg that contains epoxy resin compositions that include an epoxy resin component and a curative powder comprising particles of 4,4′-diaminobenzanilide (DABA) wherein the size of the DABA particles is less than 100 microns and wherein the median particle size is below 20 microns.
US08404338B2 X-ray and/or metal detectable articles and method of making the same
An article and thermoplastic composition including polycarbonate, a polysiloxane-polycarbonate and an x-ray detectable or metal detectable agent having good magnetic permeability and/or electrical conductivity wherein the composition may be used in articles for food preparation. The thermoplastic compositions are useful in forming molds for manufacturing a food product, such as chocolate molds.
US08404333B2 Polymer layer composite for a security and/or valuable document
The invention relates to a method for producing a polymer layer composite that comprises a plurality of polymer layers and at least one polymer layer contains a laser-sensitive component, said method consisting of the following steps: A) first personalized information is applied to at least one of the polymer layers by means of an inkjet printing method as a colored inkjet printed layer, B) the polymer layer with the colored inkjet printed layer is then joined to the other polymer layers, the polymer layer with the colored inkjet printed layer being arranged between two other polymer layers, C) second personalized information is inscribed into the polymer layer composite obtained in step B) by means of laser engraving. The invention also relates to a thus obtained polymer layer composite, a security and/or valuable document comprising a polymer layer composite of said type and to a method for producing a security and/or valuable document of said type.
US08404323B2 Impact-resistant modified polyamide moulding compound and container formed therefrom
Disclosed is an impact-resistant modified polyamide molding compound which is suitable in particular for the production of containers having a good oxygen barrier and low-temperature impact strength. Also disclosed are containers which are produced from the thermoplastic polyamide molding compound. In particular, storage or transport containers for industrial chemicals, agrochemicals, the cosmetic industry, pharmaceutical industry or foodstuffs industry can be produced from the polyamide molding compound of the invention.
US08404320B1 Method, apparatus and kit for attaching artificial flowers to non-blooming live vegetation to simulate blooming thereof
Per TITLE OF INVENTION, there is disclosed methods, apparatus and kits for attaching artificial flowers (particularly flowers formed with means such a passage to frictionally receive an artificial stem in assembly of an artificial flower plant) to a non-blooming live vegetation stem or branch that is not frictionally receivable in the flower passage, whereby a substitute stem that is frictionally receivable in the flower passage may be custom-formed from various commercially-available wire-like elements to provide (a) single or double free-end twist tie means for attachment of such single flowers to such live stems or branches or (b) means for attaching a plurality of such flowers to a non-blooming live bush in the manner of a string of Christmas tree lights.
US08404318B2 Methods and apparatus to produce aligned film of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals
The present invention comprises a device and method for ordering molecules of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals to aligned structure of a dried film. An example of an aligned film may be transparent to visible light but not transparent to polarized light in the ultraviolet and/or infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. A shearing device having a shearing tool and a repelling pad may repel the solvent and provide a shear force to shear the LCLC dissolved in the solvent as a film on the surface of a substrate. A method of making an aligned lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal-based film comprises providing a mixture of a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal material in a solvent for the liquid crystal material, applying the mixture to a substrate, shearing the lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal with a shearing device and removing the solvent to produce an aligned lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal-based film.
US08404313B1 Synthesis of nanocrystalline diamond fibers
Provided herein is a method for the synthesis of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) wires by depositing nanocrystalline diamond on Si nanowires using chemical vapor deposition methods. Seeding the nanowires in solutions containing nanodiamond powers, NCD wires are fabricated in typical CVD growth conditions within a very short time. NCD wires were 0.5-5 μm in diameter, depending on the growth time, with lengths in the range of 20-100 μm. The average elastic modulus determined by nanoindentation is 474.16±13.48 GPa. The unique mechanical properties of the NCD wire make it a potential material for active components of both electronic and electromechanical devices.
US08404312B2 Method and system for edge-coating wood substrates
Engineered wood product edges are protected by applying a two part edge sealing composition to at least one edge surface. The two part edge sealing composition can improve holdout, hide, and water resistance. An edge sealing system and substrates coated with the sealing system are provided.
US08404309B2 Blended fluoropolymer compositions and coatings for flexible substrates
Blended fluoropolymer compositions that may be applied as a coating to a flexible substrate. The compositions include at least one high molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene (HPTFE), at least one a low molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene (LPTFE) and at least one melt processible fluoropolymer (MPF). After being applied to the flexible substrate, optionally over a primer or basecoat and/or midcoat and then cured, the compositions form coatings that demonstrate improvement in one or more of abrasion resistance, release characteristics, translucency/transparency, and impermeability.
US08404305B2 Synthesis of a LiMPO4 compound and use as electrode material in a lithium storage battery
The LiMPO4 compound is synthesized by reacting a compound of general formula XMPO4, nH2O where X represents a radical selected from —NH4 and —H and M is a transition metal selected from Co, Ni and Mn, with a lithium source such as lithium nitrate, at a temperature lower than or equal to 350° C. The XMPO4, nH2O compound further exhibits a particular morphology in the form of platelets that is preserved during the reaction between the two precursors. The LiMPO4 compound thus synthesized is advantageously used as active material of an electrode for a lithium storage battery.
US08404304B2 Aqueous one-component dispersion primer for the adhesion of plastic films by means of dispersion adhesives
The invention relates to the use of a one-component aqueous polyurethane dispersion composition (PD) as a primer for the adhesion of plastic films (KF) by means of an aqueous one-component polyurethane dispersion adhesive (DK). The aqueous polyurethane dispersion composition (PD) comprises a polyurethane (P1) and carbodiimide groups and/or carboxyl groups, and the polyurethane dispersion adhesive (DK) comprises a polyurethane (P2) and carbodiimide groups, and carboxyl groups such that the aqueous polyurethane dispersion composition (PD) and the aqueous polyurethane dispersion adhesive (DK) react with one another in a polyaddition reaction when heated to a temperature of 50° C. or more. The invention also relates to primer-coated plastic films, to composite bodies produced therefrom and to methods for the production thereof.
US08404300B2 Drug releasing coatings for medical devices
The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. The additive has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part and the therapeutic agent is not enclosed in micelles or encapsulated in particles or controlled release carriers.
US08404299B2 Preparation of soy protein isolate using calcium chloride extraction (“S703 CIP”)
A soy protein product having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., prefereably an isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., is formed by a procedure in which soy protein is extracted from a soy source material using an aqueous calcium chloride solution at low pH, generally about 1.5 to about 5, and separating the resulting aqueous soy protein solution from residual soy protein source. The resulting clarified aqueous soy protein solution may be diluted and the pH adjusted with the range of 1.5 to 5.0. the solution may be concentrated by ultrafiltration, diafiltered and the dried to provide the soy protein product. The soy protein product is soluble in acidic medium and produces transparent, heat stable solutions and hence may be used for protein fortification of soft drinks and sports drinks.
US08404298B2 Whole grain flour and products including same
A grain product includes a first fraction including bran and a second fraction including germ. The first fraction is milled to a first particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The second fraction is milled to a second particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The grain product is at least one of: a food product, a nutritional supplement, a dietary supplement, a fiber supplement, a digestive supplement, a functional food, and a medical food.
US08404296B1 Product-by-process for manufacturing preparations having an aroma and taste of grilling, char-grilling, charcoal broiled grilling and woodfired grilling
A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.
US08404295B2 Method and device for processing fermented milk products
The invention concerns a method for processing fermented milk products, in which the milk product passes through processing equipment executed with a plurality of openings from a retentate side toward a permeate side, in which the milk product is forced through the processing equipment with an insert feature preferably moved in a rotating arrangement along a retentate-side boundary surface of the processing equipment.
US08404292B2 Apparatus and method for maintaining cooked food in a ready-to-use condition
A food warming apparatus includes a heating compartment that can hold one or more trays containing previously cooked food portions. A cover for a tray has a horizontal section and a vertical section extending downwardly from one side of the horizontal section. A rack in the heating compartment includes a channel and a stop that blocks the front end of the channel. The vertical section of the cover fits securely in the channel behind the stop such that the rack supports the cover substantially only through the vertical section. When a tray is inserted into the receiving space cooperatively defined by the cover and rack, the cover is lifted up so that the horizontal section rests on the tray and at least partially blocks the open top of the tray, thereby restricting evaporation of liquids from the previously cooked food portions contained in the tray.
US08404291B2 Method for use of a food preparation device
A method for using a novel dense PTFE article in the form of a surface for a food preparation device is described in one embodiment, the surface being fabricated from a sheet of PTFE with a thermal resistance of 1.3° C. in2/W or less and having desirable tensile strength.
US08404289B2 Carrageenan modified by ion-exchange process
A composition comprises an ion-exchanged carrageenan. The carrageenan may be a traditionally extracted or neutrally extracted iota or kappa carrageenan. The ion-exchanged carrageenan has reduced gelling cation contents, reduced gelling temperature, and reduced melting temperature, as compared to its non-ion-exchanged counterpart. The ion-exchanged carrageenan may be mixed with another carrageenan to form a carrageenan product having a unique gelling temperature and melting temperature. Also disclosed is a process for making an ion-exchanged carrageenan composition.
US08404285B2 Guava pulp composition
The present invention discloses a guava pulp (also referred to as pulp composition) of a particle size not greater than 0.25 mm which does not contain seeds and peels from the guava and has a lycopene concentration which is 1 to 2 folds higher than the lycopene concentration in the guavas from which the pulp is obtained. The invention further discloses uses of the pulp composition as starting material for obtaining guava oleoresin and lycopene, and as antioxidant.
US08404284B2 Medicinal and herbal composition and uses thereof
The subject application provides compositions and methods for treating HIV/AIDS and other diseases. The compositions contain herbs or extracts of herbs found in Kenya, and naltrexone.
US08404283B2 Standardized plant extract, process for obtaining the same and uses thereof
The present invention refers to a process for obtaining a standardized extract having antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, from at least one part of a plant of genus Aleurites. Furthermore, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient of a pharmaceutically efficient quantity of standardized extract from at least one part of the plant of genus Aleurites. Finally, the present invention describes a method of treatment and use of the said extract, isolated or in a pharmaceutical composition, for the prevention, control or treatment of painful, inflammatory or febrile affections.
US08404281B2 Formulations
Nanoparticles comprising T3 and their use in treating, e.g., cardiac conditions, for example cardiac arrest, are provided. Such nanoparticles provide improved delivery of T3 and allow for acute treatment and optionally for sustained release of T3 in a patient.
US08404279B2 Method for improving the bud quality of a plant
The present invention relates to the use of a compound, in particular of a derivative of phosphorous acid, especially of fosetyl-Al, for treating plants for the purpose of improving the bud quality thereof.
US08404278B2 Polyimide microparticles
The invention relates to a polyimide microparticles which can be obtained by means of the following steps: a) a polymer solution consisting of at least one polyimide polymer and a solvent or a solvent mixture is produced according to methods known per se, b) microparticles are formed from the polymer solution by spraying or by thermal phase inversion, c) the microparticles obtained in step b) are treated with an aqueous functionalization solution containing an amine-containing modifier at a high temperature, with or without stirring, and d) the modified obtained are washed and optionally dried, according to methods known per se.
US08404276B2 Pulmonary delivery for levodopa
In one aspect, the invention is related to a method of treating a patient with Parkinson's disease, the method including administering to the respiratory tract of the patient particles that include more than about 90 weight percent (wt %) of levodopa. The particles are delivered to the patient's pulmonary system, preferably to the alveoli or the deep lung.
US08404275B2 Combination tablet with chewable outer layer
A pharmaceutical composition in the form of a combination tablet is described. The tablet has a rapidly absorbed component that enters the circulation by traversing the buccal mucosa, oral mucosa and combinations thereof, and a more slowly absorbed component that is swallowed. The therapeutic agent in the swallowed portion is absorbed across the gastric mucosa. The combination tablet may be modified, by varying the specific combinations of excipients, fillers, and the like to effect distinct release rates. In addition, the rapid and slow components may have identical or different therapeutic agents depending on the application to a specific medical condition. One embodiment of the combination tablet includes a prostaglandin inhibitor in the rapidly absorbed component in order to mitigate the side effects of immediate release niacin that is in the slow absorbing component. Such combination compositions will increase patient compliance with various dosing regimens due to the resultant decrease in the number of tablets that a patient would need to take on a daily basis.
US08404274B2 Aseptic combination preparation
There is provided an aseptic combination preparation to be mixed at the time of use, characterized in that the same medicinal ingredients are divided and preserved in two or more chambers. The aseptic combination preparations according to the present invention are a mixing type at the time of their use and are useful as infusions, various dialysis fluids, intraocular perfusion/washing solutions, coronary perfusion solutions, myocardial protective solutions, peritoneal lavage solutions, solutions for organ preservations, etc., which can eliminate adverse effects caused by medical error on a living body.
US08404273B2 Wound care system and bactericidal methods and devices
A variety of article and systems including wound care systems, methods for making the wound care systems, bactericidal, and methods for treating wounds using these systems are disclosed. The wound care systems may include a first material comprising one or more fibers or porous media. The one or more fibers or porous media may be coated with a second material that is capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and killing the bacteria to render the wound care system sterile, increasing the absorbency of the first material, or both upon exposure to light. The first material may be cotton, or any suitable fibrous material, the second material may be TiO2, and the light may be UV or visible light. A variety of methods including ALD may be used to coat the first material.
US08404271B2 Contact drug delivery system
A drug delivery system is disclosed. The drug delivery system includes a recognitive polymeric hydrogel through which a drug is delivered by contacting biological tissue. The recognitive polymeric hydrogel is formed by using a bio-template, which is a drug or is structurally similar to the drug, functionalized monomers, preferably having complexing sites, and cross-linking monomers, which are copolymerized using a suitable initiator. The complexing sites of the recognitive polymeric hydrogel that is formed preferably mimics receptor sites of a target biological tissue, biological recognition, or biological mechanism of action. The system in accordance with an embodiment of the intention is a contact lens for delivering a drug through contact with an eye.
US08404266B2 Method for stabilization of S-nitrosoglutathione and composition prepared by the same
The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions having alkaline pH comprising S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) as active ingredient together with usual additives, optionally with one or more polysaccharide-type polymer(s). Another subject of the invention is a method for stabilizing a solution or non-solid composition containing GSNO wherein the pH of the solution or composition is adjusted to an alkaline value.
US08404264B2 Functionalizing implantable devices with a poly (diol citrate) polymer
The present invention is directed to a novel poly (diol citrates)-based coating for implantable devices. More specifically, the specification describes methods and compositions for making and using implantable devices coated with citric acid copolymers or citric acid copolymers impregnated with therapeutic compositions and/or cells.
US08404260B2 Synergistic pesticide compositions
The present invention relates to compositions that include a combination of one or more pesticides and one or more adjuvants.
US08404257B1 Stabilisation of body-care and household products
A description is given of the use of phenolic antioxidants of formulae (1) and/or (2) and/or (3) for stabilizing body-care and household products.
US08404255B2 System and method for transdermal drug delivery
In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a system for creating micropores in the skin for transdermal drug delivery through the micropores and includes: a chemical that dissolves or breaks down superficial layers of skin; a chemical delivery element that holds and delivers controlled volumes of the chemical to skin, creating micropores; and a base that is able to temporarily couple to skin, contains the chemical delivery elements, and may activate the chemical delivery elements to administer the chemical to skin. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a method for delivering drugs transdermally that includes providing a carrier containing a chemical delivery element with a chemical to break down superficial layers of skin; placing the carrier into contact with skin; activating the chemical delivery element; allowing the chemical to break down superficial layers of skin and creating micropores; and providing a drug to be delivered transdermally through the micropores.
US08404249B2 Compositions and methods for topical application and transdermal delivery of botulinum toxins
A composition for topical application of a botulinum toxin (including botulinum toxin derivatives) comprises a botulinum toxin and a carrier comprising a polymeric backbone comprising a long-chain polypeptide or nonpeptidyl polymer having attached positively charged branching or “efficiency” groups. The invention also relates to methods for reducing muscle paralysis and other conditions that may be treated with a botulinum toxin, particularly paralysis of subcutaneous, and most particularly, facial, muscles, by topically applying an effective amount of the botulinum toxin and carrier, in conjunction, to the subject's skin or epithelium. Kits for administration are also described.
US08404244B2 Papillomavirus L2 N-terminal peptides for the induction of broadly cross-neutralizing antibodies
The invention comprises a method for inducing broadly cross-neutralizing antibodies against cutaneous and mucosal papillomavirus types or against heterologous papillomavirus types in humans comprising administering to a human in need thereof an immunogenic peptide or protein (or polynucleotide encoding therefor), where the immunogenic peptide or protein is: (a) a peptide or protein of at least 10 amino acid residues in length having a sequence corresponding to either a sequence from the N terminal amino acids 1-200 of papillomavirus L2 protein (for cross-neutralizing antibodies against cutaneous and mucosal papillomavirus types) or a sequence from the N terminal amino acids 1-88 of papillomavirus L2 protein (for cross-neutralizing antibodies against heterologous papillomavirus types), (b) a peptide or protein of at least 10 amino acid residues in length with at least 55% identity with the sequence from (a), or (c) a peptide or protein as defined in either (a) or (b) which is conjugated or fused to a protein or peptide other than a papillomavirus L2 protein or peptide.
US08404242B2 Compositions and methods comprising histidyl-tRNA synthetase splice variants having non-canonical biological activities
Isolated histidyl-tRNA synthetase splice variant polynucleotides and polypeptides having non-canonical biological activities are provided, as well as compositions and methods related thereto.
US08404240B2 Fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR-3) inhibitors and methods of treatment
The present invention relates to an isolated antibody or fragment thereof, which specifically binds to human FGFR-3(IIIb) and FGFR-3(IIIc), or mutant forms thereof. Further embodiments include pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibody and methods of using the antibody to treat cancer.
US08404237B2 Antibodies to the NOTCH1 receptor
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding region of the extracellular domain of a human NOTCH receptor and inhibits growth of tumor cells. The present invention further provides a method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding region of the extracellular domain of a human NOTCH receptor protein and inhibits growth of tumor cells.
US08404235B2 Antagonists of IL-6 to raise albumin and/or lower CRP
The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level or a reduced serum albumin level prior to treatment. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's Glasgow Prognostic Score will be increased and survivability will preferably be improved.
US08404234B2 Fixed dosing of HER antibodies
The present invention concerns fixed dosing of HER antibodies, such as Pertuzumab.
US08404228B2 Food containing a probiotic and an isolated β-glucan and methods of use thereof
The invention features a food product containing a probiotic and β-glucan isolated from a natural source, methods of treating a disease or disorder by administering the food product, and a package containing separated components of the food product.
US08404227B2 Bacillus strains useful for animal odor control
A composition is provided that includes Bacillus subtilis 2084 (NRRL B-50013) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of the Bacillus subtilis 2084 (NRRL B-50013), B. subtilis 27 (NRRL B-50105) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of the B. subtilis 27 (NRRL B-50105), and B. licheniformis 21 (NRRL B-50134) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of the B. licheniformis 21 (NRRL B-50134). Animal bedding that includes the Bacillus strains is also provided, as well as a method of making the animal bedding. Also provided are methods of controlling odors from animal waste. A method of making a composition including the Bacillus strains is also provided.
US08404219B2 Composition for hair care
A hair care composition that includes a combination of chemical mixture that includes a perfluororoalkylethyl acrylate/hema copolymer, butyl acetate, and an aliphatic isoparaffin; and further includes an added amount of an aliphatic isoparrafin. Most preferred is 15 wt % to 35 wt % of the chemical mixture that includes the C6-C14 perfluororoalkylethyl acrylate/hema copolymer, and 65 wt % to 85 wt % of added C10-C14 aliphatic isoparaffin.
US08404218B2 Gelled water-in-oil microemulsions for hair treatment
The present invention provides a gelled water-in-oil microemulsion for hair treatment comprising: (a) an oil phase comprising: (i) a first oily component which is one or more glyceride fatty esters, and (ii) a second oily component which is one or more hydrocarbon oils of average carbon chain length less than 20 carbon atoms; (b) a hydrophilic phase comprising: (i) water, (ii) a nonionic emulsifier which is an ethoxylated alcohol having an HLB of at least 6, and (iii) preferably, a hair styling agent or hair conditioning agent, and (c) a gelling agent.
US08404217B2 Formulation for pulmonary administration of antifungal agents, and associated methods of manufacture and use
Formulations are provided for pulmonary administration of an antifungal agent to a patient. Methods of using the formulations in the treatment of antifungal infections are also provided, including treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis with amphotericin B-containing formulations. Methods of manufacturing the formulations to achieve optimum properties are provided as well.
US08404211B2 Method for producing lithium-containing composite oxide and non-aqueous secondary battery
A method for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by General Formula (1): LixMyMe1−yO2+δ  (1) where M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co and Mn, Me represents a metal element that is different from M, 0.95≦x≦1.10 and 0.1≦y≦1. A lithium compound and a compound that contains M and Me are baked. The thus-obtained baked product is washed with a washing solution that contains one or more water-soluble polar aprotic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N′-dimethylimidazolidinone (DMI) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).
US08404208B2 Method for producing carbon fiber
A method for producing a carbon fiber, comprising a step of dissolving or dispersing [I] a compound containing Co element; [II] a compound containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, and Mn; and [III] a compound containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of W and Mo in a solvent to obtain a solution or a fluid dispersion, a step of impregnating a particulate carrier with the solution or the fluid dispersion to prepare a catalyst, and a step of bringing a carbon source into contact with the catalyst in a vapor phase.
US08404203B2 Processes for reducing nitrogen oxides using copper CHA zeolite catalysts
Zeolite catalysts and systems and methods for preparing and using zeolite catalysts having the CHA crystal structure are disclosed. The catalysts can be used to remove nitrogen oxides from a gaseous medium across a broad temperature range and exhibit hydrothermal stable at high reaction temperatures. The zeolite catalysts include a zeolite carrier having a silica to alumina ratio from about 15:1 to about 256:1 and a copper to aluminum ratio from about 0.25:1 to about 1:1.
US08404202B2 Urea-resistant catalytic units and methods of using the same
According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a urea-resistant catalytic unit is provided. In at least one embodiment, the catalytic unit includes a catalyst having a catalyst surface, and a urea-resistant coating in contact with at least a portion of the catalyst surface, wherein the urea-resistant coating effectively reduces urea-induced deactivation of the catalyst. In at least another embodiment, the urea-resistant coating includes at least one oxide from the group consisting of titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, zirconium oxide, molybdenum oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, sulfur oxide, niobium oxide, molybdenum oxide, yttrium oxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, and combinations thereof.
US08404199B2 Fluorine based vanadium boride nanoparticle synthesis
The present disclosure generally relates to Vanadium Boride nanoparticle synthesis. In some examples, a method is described that includes fluorine based Vanadium Boride nanoparticle synthesis. In some examples, the method includes providing Vanadium Boride battery waste products, treating the battery waste products to treat precursors for fluorination, heating the precursors for fluorination to form VF3 and BH3 and heating the VF3 and BH3 to form VB2 nanorods in a liquid mixture, wherein the method is performed at less than approximately 700° C.
US08404198B2 Apparatus for and method of processing biological samples
The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing. Other embodiments include automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods for separation, preparation and purification of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA or fragments thereof, including plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, bacterial DNA, viral DNA and any other DNA, and for automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods for processing, separation and purification of proteins, peptides and the like.
US08404194B2 Blood separation media
Disclosed is a separation media, comprising an upstream layer, comprising fibers, wherein the upstream layer has a mean flow pore size of 8 microns or less; and a downstream layer, comprising fibers. The separation media is designed to separate red blood cells from liquid specimens such as blood and allow a filtrate, such as blood plasma, to flow from said downstream layer. Also provided is a diagnostic test device incorporating the separation media. Further disclosed is a method for separating red blood cells from a liquid specimen.
US08404192B2 Biochips and related automated analyzers and methods
The present invention provides biochips that include: (a) a plurality of cards, each card having a plurality of card apertures extending therethrough, each respective card aperture having one or more cross sectional areas; and (b) a plurality of gaskets, at least one gasket residing intermediate two neighboring cards, each gasket having a plurality of gasket apertures extending therethrough. At least some of the gasket apertures have an area that is greater than that of at least one adjacent card aperture. Different sets of the gasket apertures and card apertures define a plurality of fluidic flow channels. Also provided herein are methods of making and using biochips.
US08404188B2 Heat exchange unit for isothermal chemical reactors
Plate heat exchange unit (12) for isothermal or pseudo-isothermal chemical reactors, for the heat exchange between a fluid circulating inside the plates and an outer flow of reactant gases, wherein the walls (14, 15), of the plates (13) have notches (14s, 15s) surrounded by suitable joining lines (105), obtaining openings (104) passing through the plates (13) themselves, the plates resulting substantially permeable in the transversal direction to the reactant gases.
US08404182B2 Sterilizing method, sterilizing apparatus, and air cleaning method and apparatus using the same
A sterilizing method and apparatus in which neutral atoms and anions are coupled to produce a sterilizing substance which is, in turn, used to remove an object to be removed by sterilization. The sterilizing apparatus includes a cation generator and an anion generator, which are separate from each other. Also disclosed as an air cleaning method and apparatus using the sterilizing method and apparatus.
US08404180B1 Method of descenting hunter's clothing
A method for removing the human scent and any other scent that is not advantageous to the environment you are in from clothing and equipment used by sportsmen by the use of gaseous ozone or hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions. The gas is applied directly or indirectly to the clothing, equipment and body while the hunter is in the field and/or prior to or after the hunt. The method can also be used by fishermen to eliminate fish odor. The method of delivering a gas in compressed/generated form from a container.
US08404179B2 Sports equipment sanitizer
An apparatus for removing mold and mildew from sports equipment includes an ozone generator that supplies ozone to a distribution system that directs ozone at a high velocity to both dry and sanitize sports equipment. The high velocity flow of ozone is directed to the interior portions of the sports equipment to dry and sanitize the equipment. The high speed flow of the ozone provides for drying of the interior surfaces of the equipment while also direction impinging ozone flow on interior surfaces to remove undesirable mold and mildew.
US08404178B2 High-strength pearlitic steel rail having excellent delayed fracture properties
The invention provides a high-strength pearlitic steel rail, which is inexpensive, and has a tensile strength of 1200 MPa or more, and is excellent in delayed fracture properties. Specifically, the rail contains, in mass percent, C of 0.6 to 1.0%, Si of 0.1 to 1.5%, Mn of 0.4 to 2.0%, P of 0.035% or less, S of 0.0005 to 0.010%, and the remainder is Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein tensile strength is 1200 MPa or more, and size of a long side of an A type inclusion is 250 mm or less in at least a cross-section in a longitudinal direction of a rail head, and the number of A type inclusions, each having a size of a long side of 1 mm to 250 mm, is less than 25 per observed area of 1 mm2 in the cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the rail head.
US08404175B2 Method and device for the production of plastic packaging containers
A method and a device for the manufacture of plastic packagings, the same being manufactured by stretch blowing a bottle-like preliminary packaging which is, after completion, treated by means of a laser and thus reshaped to the final packaging. Also, a plastic container manufactured according to this method and with this device.
US08404173B2 Polymer object optical fabrication process
High-volume mass-production and customization of complex three-dimensional polymer and polymer-derived-ceramic microstructures are manufactured in a single step directly from three dimensional computer models. A projection based non-degenerate two-photon induced photopolymerization method overcomes the drawbacks of conventional one and two-photon fabrication methods. The structure includes dual, synchronized, high-peak power, pulsed femtosecond and picosecond lasers combined with spatial light modulation. Applications include high-resolution rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing with an emphasis on fabrication of various Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices, especially in the area of MEMS packaging.
US08404163B2 Method for producing molded article
The present invention provides a method for producing a molded article which enables dissolution of a desired amount of a subject material in a molten resin without any limitation by the solubility of a high-pressure carbon dioxide in the molten resin and which is therefore suitable for commercial production of molded articles. The present invention pertains to a method for producing a molded article by molding a molten resin, and this method is characterized by including steps of supplying a high-pressure carbon dioxide and a subject material dissolved therein, into the molten resin; kneading the molten resin into which the high-pressure carbon dioxide and the subject material have been supplied; and exhausting the high-pressure carbon dioxide from the kneaded molten resin.
US08404149B2 Absorbent article comprising water-absorbing material
The present disclosure relates to an absorbent structure for use in a diaper for babies and infants, a feminine hygiene article and/or an incontinence article, said absorbent structure comprising a water-absorbing material, the water-absorbing material being obtainable by a process comprising the steps of A) treating a particulate, non-surface-crosslinked, water-absorbing polymer with a mixture comprising an aqueous solvent and at least one salt of a transition metal and B) irradiating the polymer treated according to A) with UV radiation, and to a process for its production.
US08404148B2 Composition with a polymer and an oxidation-catalyst
The present invention relates to a polymer composition with an increased rate of oxygen-uptake by the presence of an oxidation catalyst. The invention further relates to a process to increase the rate of oxygen-uptake by a polymer composition. The invention also relates to a process to increase the oxo-biodegradability of a polymer composition and to the use of such a composition for the preparation of a product having a controlled lifetime. The invention further relates to a process to increase the rate of oxygen-scavenging in a composition containing a carbon-containing polymer, the composition obtained by this method and its use in the preparation of an oxygen-scavenging product. The present invention further relates to objects containing an oxygen scavenging layer containing such a composition.
US08404145B2 Method for forming an indium cap layer
An indium cap layer is formed by blanket depositing indium onto a surface of metallic interconnects separated by interlayer dielectric, and then selectively chemically etching the indium located on the interlayer dielectric leaving an indium cap layer. Etchants containing a strong acid are provided for selectively removing the indium.
US08404141B2 Rare earth bonded magnet
A rare earth bonded magnet is provided which is produced such that a mixture which comprises: a rare earth magnet powder; a resin binder comprising a thermosetting resin; an organic phosphorus compound; and a coupling agent is compress-molded, heated and cured, wherein the organic phosphorus compound and the coupling agent are represented by the following respective chemical formulas (structural formulas):
US08404140B2 Conducting fluid containing millimetric magnetic particles
The invention relates to a composite material formed by millimeter-scale particles of magnetic material A and a conductive liquid B. The material is characterized in that the material A is chosen from magnetic compounds and magnetic alloys and is in the form of particles, the mean size of which is between 0.1 and 2 mm, and in that the support fluid B is a conductive fluid chosen from metals, metal alloys and salts that are liquid at temperatures below the Curie temperature of the material A, or from mixtures thereof.
US08404137B2 Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method
A plasma processing apparatus includes a plurality of radio-frequency power supplies for supplying radio-frequency powers having frequencies different from each other, a common feeding line for superposing radio-frequency powers supplied respectively from the plurality of radio-frequency power supplies and feeding the superposed radio-frequency power to a same radio-frequency electrode, a radio-frequency power extracting device for extracting radio-frequency powers having predetermined frequencies from radio-frequency powers fed via the feeding line, and a radio-frequency voltage detector for measuring voltages of the radio-frequency powers having the predetermined frequencies extracted by the radio-frequency power extracting device.
US08404136B2 Method for manufacturing diffractive optical element
There is provided a method for manufacturing a diffractive optical element that can suppress the generation of heat from the inside of an insulative substrate and stabilize an etching rate. A method for manufacturing a diffractive optical element composed of an insulative substrate whose surface has a bumpy structure includes a selecting step of selecting an insulative substrate having an electrical resistivity equal to or higher than a certain value by measuring electrical resistivity of insulative substrates; and an etching step of forming a bumpy structure by dry etching in a surface of the insulative substrate selected in the selecting step.
US08404132B2 Forming a membrane having curved features
Processes for making a membrane having a curved feature are disclosed. A profile-transferring substrate surface having a curved feature is created by vacuum bonding a membrane to a top surface of a substrate, where the top surface has a cavity formed therein. The surface of the membrane is exposed to a fluid pressure such that the membrane deforms and the undersurface of the membrane touches the bottom of the cavity. The curved feature formed in the deformed membrane can be made permanent by annealing the bonding areas between membrane and substrate. A uniform layer of material deposited over the exposed surface of the membrane will include a curved feature at the location where the membrane has bent into the cavity. After at least one layer of material has been uniformed deposited on the membrane, the cavity can be etched open from the bottom to remove the membrane from the underside.
US08404124B2 Alternating self-assembling morphologies of diblock copolymers controlled by variations in surfaces
Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures arrays including openings and linear microchannels utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. In some embodiments, the films can be used as a template or mask to etch openings in an underlying material layer.
US08404122B1 Oil recovery system and method
A system and a method for collecting oil from the surface of a body of water, which includes a vessel for receiving oil being collected; an articulating arm, having a first end secured to the vessel and a second end extending above the body of water; an oil collection portion, comprising a funnel shaped member suspended from the second end of the articulating arm, the funnel shaped member having a large opening at is lower end, and an angulated wall portion terminating in a small apex at the upper end of the funnel shaped member; a pump secured to and communicating with the apex end of the funnel shaped member, having a float switch to activate the pump; a line extending from the pump to the interior of the vessel, so that when the funnel shaped member is lowered into the water, oil floating on the water will become more concentrated as the oil is moved from the large opening of the funnel to the apex of the funnel, and when the oil contacts the float switch the pump pumps the oil from atop the water to the interior of the vessel.
US08404121B2 Method for separating suspended solids from a waste fluid
The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent. The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height. The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g., being continuously operable without interruption and/or operable for extended periods between intermittent cleaning processes) and provides a concentrated solids effluent with solids concentrations higher than those previously attainable in similar separation processes.
US08404114B2 Drinking water filter
A filter cartridge includes, from top to bottom, a main filter comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including tourmaline powder, mica powder, mineral powder, germanite powder, calcite powder, amber powder, agate powder, actinolite powder, crystal powder, and jade powder; a germanite layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including germanite powder and selenium powder; a pearl layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including pearl powder; an ore layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including ore powder capable of emitting far-infrared radiation; a mineral layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including mineral powder and calcite; and a gold layer comprising grains including ceramic soil and a mixture including gold powder.
US08404113B2 Transportable disaster-relief systems
A transportable disaster-relief generating system is a power generated, multi-functional, and compact relief unit with means for providing area lighting via a power generator, purifying and storing potable water from a non-potable water source, and creating ice utilizing purified water. The disaster-relief unit of the present invention may further provide a portable ice storage bin in a knockdown configuration to hold a large quantity of ice. A bladder may be used to hold potable water produced. The equipment is physically protected by the structural framework and base. The device may comprise access doors and suitable paneling on the walls and roof of the device.
US08404112B2 Filter media for use in pool filters
A sand filter for use with swimming pools includes a tank that has a hollow interior space and a top diffuser for allowing spent pool water to enter the tank and for distributing the pool water inside the tank. The sand filter also includes filter media formed as a bed of material on a bottom of the tank and also includes laterals that are located under the filter media and allow filtered pool water to exit the tank and flow back to the pool. The filter media includes a bed of sand that is disposed on the bottom of the tank and a layer of perlite material that is disposed on a top surface of the bed of sand. The perlite material is a high flow rate, low density perlite material that only contains a trace amount of floaters.
US08404111B2 Fluidized membrane bioreactor
A fluidized membrane bioreactor comprising a bioreactor including biochemically active organisms; fluidized particles which is a support media to be attached by the organisms; and membranes which permit treated water to pass through except the organisms, wherein the fluidized particles are in direct contact with the membranes. The membranes are installed internally or externally to the bioreactor. The particles may be granular activated carbon or other suitable materials. The fluidized particles serve not only as support media for microorganisms, but also as media for sorption or otherwise retention of matter that can cause membrane fouling and as an abrasive material for cleaning the membrane surface.
US08404105B2 Process and system for the transfer of a metal catalyst component from one particle to another
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for facilitating a transfer of a metal catalyst component from at least one donor particle to at least one recipient particle in a catalytic naphtha reforming unit. The process can include transferring an effective amount of the metal catalyst component from the at least one donor particle to the at least one recipient particle under conditions to effect such transfer to improve a conversion of a hydrocarbon feed.
US08404103B2 Combination of mild hydrotreating and hydrocracking for making low sulfur diesel and high octane naphtha
Methods are disclosed for the hydrotreating and hydrocracking of highly aromatic distillate feeds such as light cycle oil (LCO) to produce ultra low sulfur gasoline and diesel fuel. Optimization of hydrotreater severity improves the octane quality of the gasoline or naphtha fraction. In particular, the operation of the hydrotreater at reduced severity to allow at least about 20 ppm by weight of organic nitrogen into the hydrocracker feed is shown to lead to these important benefits. Post-treating of the hydrocracker effluent over an additional hydrotreating catalyst bed may be desired to meet specifications for ultra low sulfur fuel components.
US08404098B2 Devices, apparatus, methods and processes for generating hydrogen, oxygen and electricity from chemical compounds without producing undesirable by-products
Devices, apparatus, methods and processes are adapted and arranged to efficiently produce both hydrogen and oxygen, while at the same time producing electricity.Advantageously, virtually no undesirable by-products are produced, thus yielding environmentally friendly sources of fuels and energy. Through the cyclic use and re-use of acidic compounds, and especially sulfuric acid, water is processed to produce hydrogen, oxygen and electricity. One or more of the hydrogen, oxygen and electrical output of the methods, devices and apparatus of the invention can be stored, or can be used in many ways, for example, in a fuel cell to produce additional electricity or other reaction products. Hydrogen and oxygen produced by the invention can be combined in an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, to power a vehicle, while electricity produced simultaneously can be used to power other features of the vehicle, such as radios and communications equipment as well as electrical motors commonly found in hybrid vehicles. The invention is also ideal as an ideal source of power for uses where efficiency and the cyclic use of resources are paramount, such as for providing electricity and fuel for use in homes and industry.
US08404095B2 Preparing electrodes for electroplating
A method of immersing an electrode in an electroplating solution while under vacuum, to substantially eliminate air and/or other gas from microscopic holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. A method of electroplating an electrode in an electroplating solution including the application of a vacuum to the electrode while it is immersed in the electroplating solution to thereby substantially eliminate air and/or other gas from microscopic holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. The electroplating liquid may be applied to only one side of the electrode (“the wet side”) in which case, sufficient time is allowed to pass for the immersion liquid to fill the microscopic through-holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. An enhancement of this mode is to force liquid through the microscopic holes from the wet side. A highly penetrating solvent may be used as an immersion liquid. Alternatively, carbon dioxide can be used as an immersion liquid, in which case the liquid carbon dioxide may be obtained by adjusting the temperature and pressure conditions in a closed container of gaseous carbon dioxide.
US08404093B2 Flow de-ionization using independently controlled voltages
An embodiment is a method and apparatus to provide de-ionization. First and second conductive porous membranes are placed between a feed channel having a feed flow and first and second concentration channels having first and second concentration flows to separate the feed channel from the concentration channels. Cathode and anode electrodes are placed on external sides of the concentration channels. A voltage supply distribution network provides independent voltages across the channels to cause movement of ions in the feed and concentration flows toward the electrodes.
US08404092B1 Method for the reduction of cross talk in multiplex capillary electrophoresis
The invention is a high-throughput multi-capillary system utilizing a 2-dimensional mask onto which the detection windows of the capillaries are lined up in alternating columns and rows. The image of the capillaries is projected onto a 2-dimensional detection system, such as a charge-coupled-detector (CCD) array. Each row and column of the capillary detection windows is imaged in a separate area of the CCD array, which results in reduced cross-talk between capillaries.
US08404091B2 Dialysis treatment devices for removing urea
Dialysis treatment devices and methods for removing urea from dialysis waste streams are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dialysis treatment device including a first cell having a first electrodialysis unit, a second cell having at least one of a urease compartment and a sorbent compartment and in fluid communication with the first cell, and a third cell having a second electrodialysis unit and in fluid communication with the second cell.
US08404089B2 Sputtering method
When sputtering method is performed by disposing a plurality of targets in parallel with each other, and by charging power to the targets through a plurality of bipolar pulsed power supplies, power can be charged with higher accuracy to the targets while being subject to less effect by the switching noises by a simple control. In a sputtering method in which, for each of targets making a pair, power is supplied in a bipolar pulsed mode by switching ON or OFF of each of the switching elements SW1 through SW4 in a bridge circuit that is connected to positive and negative DC output ends from the DC power supply source, and in which each of the targets is sputtered, switching ON or OFF of the switching elements is performed in a short-circuited state of an output-short-circuiting switching element SW0 which is disposed between positive and negative DC outputs from the DC power supply source. The timing of shifting the output-short-circuiting switching element is mutually deviated from bridge circuit to bridge circuit.
US08404088B2 Asymmetric synthesis of rocaglamides via enantioselective photocycloaddition mediated by chiral bronsted acids
The present invention provides a new strategies for the synthesis of compounds of the rocaglamide family and related natural products. The synthetic approach generally involves photochemical generation of an oxidopyrylium species from a 3-hydroxychromone derivative followed by an enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the oxidopyrylium species to a dipolarophile in the presence of a TADDOL derivative. This approach can be used for the formation of adducts containing an aglain core structure. Methods of the conversion of aglain core structures to aglain, rocaglamide and forbaglin ring systems are also provided. The present invention also relates to the use of rocaglamide/aglain/forbaglin derivatives for the manufacture of medicaments for use in the treatment of cancer or cancerous conditions, disorders associated with cellular hyperproliferation, or NF-κB-dependent conditions.
US08404081B2 Web substrate having optimized emboss area
An exemplary through-air-dried web substrate having a surface thereof is described. The surface has a surface area and an emboss pattern disposed thereon. The emboss pattern has a surface area defined by a perimeter circumscribing the emboss pattern. The surface area of the emboss pattern ranges from about 5 percent to about 40 percent of the surface area of the through-air-dried web substrate.
US08404076B2 Methods of manufacturing and temperature calibrating a coriolis mass flow rate sensor
A subassembly of a Coriolis flowmeter is fabricated from a single monolithic piece of elastic polymeric material. The subassembly includes two flow-sensitive members and a base integrally connected to the two flow-sensitive members. The two flow-sensitive members include straight sections, and are substantially similar and parallel to each other. Flow passages are drilled along the straight sections of the two flow-sensitive members, and drilled entrances are sealed using the elastic polymeric material. A temperature sensor is fixedly attached to a flow-sensitive member for measuring a temperature of the flow-sensitive member and communicating the temperature to a metering electronics. The metering electronics determines a calibrated flow rate of fluid flowing through the Coriolis flowmeter that accounts for the temperature.
US08404075B2 Method for thickness-calibrated bonding between at least two substrates
A bonding method between at least two substrates comprises deposition of at least one drop of liquid adhesive on one of the two substrates and bringing the two substrates into contact causing spreading of the liquid adhesive followed by formation of a solidified adhesive layer between the two substrates. One of the two substrates is further provided, at the surface thereof, with at least one salient rim in which at least one slit is formed, designed to remove the excess liquid adhesive when the two substrates are brought into contact. Finally, the volume of liquid adhesive deposited on one of the two substrates is greater than the volume of the bonding space delineated by said rim between the contacted substrates, and the deposited drop of liquid adhesive presents a strictly greater height than the height of the rim. A defect-free solidified adhesive layer of calibrated thickness can thus be obtained.
US08404072B2 Metallized polymeric films
Disclosed herein is an improved, metallized polymer film and method for preparing the same. Such films comprise a) at least one treated polymeric skin layer comprising butylene, and b) a metal layer deposited onto at least one surface of this polymeric skin layer. The polymeric skin layer can comprise a propylene-butylene copolymer or an ethylene-propylene-butylene terpolymer, with this copolymer or terpolymer containing from about 4 wt % to about 12 wt % of butylene. The polymeric skin layer is preferably preconditioned by subjecting an outermost surface thereof to plasma treatment which facilitates the deposition thereon of a strongly adhering metal layer which is preferably aluminum. The resulting multi-layer films exhibit metal adhesion bond strength of at least about 100 grams/25 mm. These films will preferably also exhibit a Water Vapor Transmission Rate of from about 0.05 to about 0.2 g/m2/24 hour, and an Oxygen Transmission Rate of from about 5.0 to about 20 cm3/m2/24 hour.
US08404071B2 Rapid film bonding using pattern printed adhesive
Various processes for the creation of a film to film bond using printed patterns of adhesive traces. In some implementations of the process, control of the process including control of the temperature of the adhesive and film to a temperature approaching the heat distortion temperature for the film will vary the strength of the bond from a frangible bond to a bond the tears the film, (a film-tearing bond). Some implementations of the process may be used to produce bonded films at web speed rates that are significantly higher than commercial rates for heat seal processes.
US08404068B2 Method and apparatus for pre-fabricating a synthetic sports field
A method of prefabricating and installing a synthetic turf field includes providing a controlled manufacturing facility with an open area that allows a plurality of turf strips to be laid out on a floor thereof. Visual markings are placed on the floor to allow the individual strips to be properly aligned on the floor. Once aligned, inlays can be placed into the proper strip and then secured. After the inlays have been secured, the strips can be rolled up and appropriately labeled for subsequent installation. After all the strips that will make up the field have been processed and rolled up, the rolls can be taken to the job site so the field can be installed.
US08404067B2 Recyclable vinyl chloride carpet and process for producing thereof
A production method according to the present invention is characterized in that the method comprises a step of obtaining a vinyl chloride resin paste sol by mixing a plasticizer and a vinyl chloride resin, a granulated material mixing step of mixing a granulated material having a grain size of 300 μm or less obtained by granulating a discarded carpet material containing a vinyl chloride resin with the vinyl chloride resin paste sol, a filling material adding step of obtaining a backing composition by mixing an inorganic filling material with a paste sol obtained at the granulated material mixing step, and a step of integrally laminating the backing composition on a back surface of a surface skin member.
US08404062B2 Device and method for cooling hot strip
A cooling device and a cooling method for a hot strip allow uniform and stable cooling of the strip at a high cooling rate when supplying the coolant to the upper surface of the hot strip. The cooling device includes an upper header unit 21 for supplying a rod-like flow to the upper surface of the strip 10. The upper header unit 21 is formed of the first upper header group including plural first upper headers 21a arranged in a conveying direction and a second upper header group including plural second upper headers 21b arranged in the conveying direction. The cooling device is provided with an ON-OFF mechanism 30 to allow each of the upper headers 21a and 21b of the first and the second upper header groups to independently execute the ON-OFF control (start/end injection control) of an injection (feeding) of the rod-like flow.
US08404061B2 Method for producing a component from an air-hardenable steel and component produced therewith
A component of an air-hardenable steel composed of (contents in mass %): C<0.20; Al<0.08; Si<1.00; Mn 1.20 to <2.50; P<0.020; S<0.015; N<0.0150; Cr 0.30 to <1.5; Mo 0.10 to <0.80; Ti 0.010 to <0.050; V 0.03 to <0.20; B 0.0015 to <0.0060, with the remainder being iron including the usual elements present in steel, is produced by heating a hot- or cold-rolled steel sheet or steel tube section to a temperature of θblank=800 to 1050° C. and then forming the sheet or tube into a component in a forming tool. After removal from the tool, the component is cooled down in air while the component still has a temperature above θremoval=200° C. and below 800° C. The component achieves the required mechanical properties during air-cooling.
US08404056B1 Process control for a sonication cleaning tank
A disk is placed into a sonication cleaning tank containing a liquid. A first flow rate and a first sonication power are applied to the liquid to clean the disk. An opacity count is generated indicative of contaminants and/or bubbles in the liquid. Based at least in part on the opacity count, a second flow rate and a second sonication power are then applied to the liquid.
US08404048B2 Off-angled heating of the underside of a substrate using a lamp assembly
Disclosed are method and apparatus for treating a substrate. The apparatus is a dual-function process chamber that may perform both a material process and a thermal process on a substrate. The chamber has an annular radiant source disposed between a processing location and a transportation location of the chamber. Lift pins have length sufficient to maintain the substrate at the processing location while the substrate support is lowered below the radiant source plane to afford radiant heating of the substrate. A method of processing a substrate having apertures formed in a first surface thereof includes depositing material on the first surface in the apertures and reflowing the material by heating a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface. A second material can then be deposited, filling the apertures partly or completely. Alternately, a cyclical deposition/reflow process may be performed.
US08404046B2 Single crystal silicon pulling apparatus, method for preventing contamination of silicon melt, and device for preventing contamination of silicon melt
A velocity of Ar gas flow passing through between a lower end of a cylindrical body and a thermal shielding body is influenced by arrangement of a pulling path of single crystal silicon, a cylindrical body, and a thermal shielding body. Accordingly, the velocity of the Ar gas flow passing through between a lower end of the cylindrical body and the thermal shielding body is controlled by adjusting a relative position of the pulling path of the single crystal silicon, the cylindrical body, and the thermal shielding body. As described above, dust falling off to silicon melt can be reduced, thereby preventing deterioration in quality of the single crystal silicon.
US08404045B2 Method for manufacturing group III nitride single crystals
An underlying film 2 of a group III nitride is formed on a substrate 1 by vapor phase deposition. The substrate 1 and the underlying film 2 are subjected to heat treatment in the present of hydrogen to remove the underlying film 2 so that the surface of the substrate 1 is roughened. A seed crystal film 4 of a group III nitride single crystal is formed on a surface of a substrate 1A by vapor phase deposition. A group III nitride single crystal 5 is grown on the seed crystal film 4 by flux method.
US08404044B2 Epitaxial growth film formation method
An epitaxial growth film formation method allowing to adequately prevent the sticking phenomenon spreading over both a wafer and a susceptor when a horizontal disc-like susceptor is used to form an epitaxial growth film is provided. The epitaxial growth film formation method is a method of forming a vapor growth film on the wafer by placing the wafer having a diameter smaller than that of the susceptor approximately horizontally in substantially a center section on the horizontal disc-like susceptor, wherein the vapor growth film is formed on the wafer by bringing a circumferential recess step adjacent to a bottom inside from an edge part of the wafer and a convex step provided on a circumference of an upper surface inside from the edge part of the susceptor into contact.
US08404043B2 Process for producing polycrystalline bulk semiconductor
A high-quality polycrystalline bulk semiconductor having a large crystal grain size is produced by the casting method in which growth is regulated so as to proceed in the same plane direction, i.e., the {110}; plane or {112} plane is disclosed. The process, which is for producing a polycrystalline bulk semiconductor, comprises: a step in which a melt of a semiconductor selected among Si, Ge, and SiGe is held in a crucible; a step in which a bottom part of the crucible is cooled to give a temperature gradient and that part of the melt which is located directly on the crucible bottom is rapidly cooled in the beginning of growth to supercool the melt around the crucible bottom; a step in which the crucible is cooled to grow nuclei on the crucible bottom due to the supercooled state of the melt around the crucible bottom and thereby grow dendritic crystals along the crucible bottom; and a step in which a polycrystalline bulk of the semiconductor is then grown on the upper side of the dendritic crystals.
US08404042B2 Group-III nitride crystal composite
III-nitride crystal composites are made up of especially processed crystal slices cut from III-nitride bulk crystal having, ordinarily, a {0001} major surface and disposed adjoining each other sideways, and of III-nitride crystal epitaxially on the bulk-crystal slices. The slices are arranged in such a way that their major surfaces parallel each other, but are not necessarily flush with each other, and so that the [0001] directions in the slices are oriented in the same way.
US08404041B2 Controlled release of chemical admixtures
A method of controlling release of an admixture in a cement-based composition involves intercalating an admixture (e.g. an accelerator, a set retarder, a superplasticizer) for the cement-based composition into a layered double hydroxide or mixture thereof. A cement-based composition prepared in such a manner and containing a cement-based material (e.g. cement, mortar or concrete) has better workability, especially in respect of slump-loss characteristics.
US08404038B2 Compositions and methods to sequester flue gas mercury in concrete
Mercury adsorbed from combustion gas by activated carbon can be sequestered in concrete containing air-entraining admixtures. The activated carbon may be made by providing a carbon char made from coconut shell, wood, or lignite that was activated by a method selected from the group consisting of activating with steam, activating with CO2, activating in an environment containing free oxygen, and combinations thereof to provide an activated carbon with an Acid Blue 80 Index of less than about 30 milligrams per gram of carbon. The activated carbon may be injected into a combustion gas stream containing fly ash and mercury and may then be removed with fly ash from the gas stream. The resulting composition may be used as a partial substitute for cement in air-entrained concretes.
US08404037B2 Adhesion and cohesion modifiers for asphalt
The present invention relates to a bitumen or asphalt formulation for the pavement of road surfaces, said formulation comprising a mixture of bitumen and aggregates, and an additive package evenly distributed therein, said additive package comprising from about i) 10 to 60% by weight of an amine or modified amine surfactant, ii) from about 20 to 90% of an asphalt rheology modifying component.
US08404034B2 Vacuum cleaner and method of controlling the same
A vacuum cleaner and a method of controlling the vacuum cleaner are provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a main body, a dust collection device mounted in the main body, at least one compression member that compresses the dust in the dust collection device, and a driver that drives the compressing member.
US08404031B1 Material and method for the sorption of hydrogen sulfide
The various embodiments of the invention relates to the composition of matter of a hydrogen sulfide sorption material and the related method of manufacture and method of use. The Capture Material is manufactured from steel or iron solubilized with hydrochloric acid. The resulting iron chloride solution is treated with caustic solution to increase the pH, and then further neutralized with lime. Prior to filtration, a flocculent is used to aid in the separation of the Capture Material. After filtration, the Capture Material is dried, crushed, and screened to an appropriate mesh size and packaged. The Capture Material is used by charging standard sorption towers and allowing hydrogen sulfide laden gas or vapor to flow through a bed of the Capture Material. The Capture Material thereby chemically and physically sorbs the hydrogen sulfide and removing the hydrogen sulfide from the gas or vapor exiting the sorption tower.
US08404029B2 Crankcase ventilation filter arrangments; components; and, methods
A crankcase ventilation filter assembly and components therefor, are described. In an example arrangement, the crankcase ventilation filter assembly is configured to be serviced from either the top or the bottom. A rotational indexing arrangement is to ensure appropriate orientation of an internally received filter cartridge, and other components of the arrangement are provided. Methods of assembly, servicing and use are described.
US08404025B2 Systems and methods for biomethane cleaning and distribution
Systems and methods are disclosed herein which produce renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by transforming biomethane gas into a mobile and renewable energy source. Biomethane gas, in this process, is generated from the anaerobic degradation process that occurs in landfills or other biomethane sources. The biomethane gas, after it has gone through a specialized cleaning system at the biomethane source sites and subsequently transported to gas consumer's customer site or natural gas pipeline, can be used as a substitute for natural gas for use in power generation units, fuel cells, vehicle fuels, and/or other applications.
US08404023B1 Air handling filtration equipment with adjustable media bed and method of use
A method of transferring filter media between a media bed of a dry scrubber and a filter media container, comprising placing the media bed in flow communication with the filter media container, obstructing a majority of an airflow path of the media bed, the airflow path extending from an unfiltered air input opening of the dry scrubber, through the media bed of the dry bed scrubber, to a filtered air output opening of said dry bed scrubber, powering a blower in the airflow path of the media bed when the airflow path is obstructed and the media bed is in flow communication with the filter media container, whereby the filter media is transferred between the media bed and the filter media container.
US08404022B2 Method of concentrating ozone gas and apparatus therefor
A method of concentrating ozone gas in which, although the apparatus configuration is simple, ozone gas of a predetermined concentration can be efficiently taken out, and an apparatus therefor are provided. In a method of concentrating ozone gas in which an ozone-oxygen mixture gas is acted in an adsorbing column that is filled with an adsorbent, to cause the adsorbent to selectively adsorb the ozone gas, and the selectively adsorbed ozone gas is desorbed, thereby concentrating and purifying the ozone gas, the ozone-oxygen mixture gas is acted on the adsorbent in a non-cooled state to cause the ozone gas to be selectively adsorbed to the adsorbent, the adsorbing column is vacuumed when performing an operation desorbing of the ozone gas, thereby desorbing the ozone gas from the adsorbent, and an initial amount of the leading out of the desorbed ozone gas is not recovered, thereby obtaining high-concentration ozone gas.
US08404016B2 Method for refining metal
A method for refining a metal such that, after a base material derived from the metal is melted by being irradiated with an electron beam, the base material is refined by solidifying the base material which was melted, the method including: a step melting all of the base material by irradiating the electron beam over an entire surface of the base material loaded inside a water-cooled crucible placed inside a high vacuum atmosphere; a step gradually solidifying the base material which was melted from a molten metal bottom part of the base material which was melted toward a molten metal surface part at a side being irradiated by the electron beam by gradually weakening an output of the electron beam while maintaining a condition in which the base material which was melted is irradiated with the electron beam; and a step removing a molten metal part which is not solidified, after the base material which was melted is solidified to a certain percentage.
US08404015B2 Filter arrangement
The invention relates to a filter arrangement (1) for filtering a fluid, e.g. combustion air for a combustion engine. Said filter arrangement has several tubular sections or segments (2, 3). At least part of a wall (4) of at least one tubular section (2) comprises a filter material (4B). At least one tubular section (3) is designed in a bendable manner like a folding joint (5A).
US08404013B2 Fuel gas conditioning system with cross heat exchanger
A feed gas conditioner can include embodiments having a cross heat exchanger. In embodiments, the cross heat exchanger can have a housing defining a flow passage in a first direction and a flow passage in a second direction. Heating elements in the flow passage in the first direction can heat fluidic materials. In embodiments, the feed gas conditioner can remove particles from the fluidic materials.
US08404011B2 Method and device for the regeneration of a particle filter arranged in the exhaust gas tract of an internal combustion engine
A method and to a device for the regeneration of a particle arranged in the exhaust gas train of an internal combustion engine. An exhaust gas stream to be cleaned is supplied to the at least one particle filter. At least in a regeneration mode, a predetermined amount of an exhaust gas stream to be heated is branched off from the exhaust gas stream upstream of an exhaust gas turbine of an exhaust gas turbocharger which branched-off stream, after it has been heated by a heater is mixed in the form of a heated exhaust gas stream at a point upstream of the at least one particle filter back into the residual gas stream which is coming from the exhaust gas turbine and which is at a lower temperature than that of the other stream.
US08404008B2 Systems and methods for supercritical water reformation of fuels and generation of hydrogen using supercritical water
A system for reforming diesel fuel into hydrogen including feeds for water and diesel fuel, a supercritical water (SCW) reactor in fluid communication with the water feed and the diesel fuel, at least one pre-heater in thermal communication with the water feed, the diesel fuel feed that is configured to heat water from the water feed and diesel fuel from the diesel fuel feed to a predetermined temperature equal to or greater than the critical temperature of water before the water and the diesel fuel are mixed, a water-gas shift (WGS) reactor, and a hydrogen capturing system, where the SCW reactor reforms the diesel fuel into a synthesis gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and outputs the synthesis gas, the synthesis gas output by the SCW reactor is fed into the WGS reactor which converts the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrogen and outputs an output gas including a higher percentage of hydrogen to carbon monoxide compared to the synthesis gas, and the hydrogen in the output gas is captured by the hydrogen capturing system.
US08404007B2 Reforming apparatus and method of operating the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a reforming apparatus and the like capable of uniformly mixing water (steam) and a raw material together, of preventing the precipitation of carbon without using a temperature controller, and of efficiently heating the water and the mixture by heating gas. Accordingly, the reforming apparatus has the following configuration. The reforming apparatus includes: a first vaporizer (05) that is cylindrically shaped and includes a first flow passage; a second vaporizer (06) that is cylindrically shaped and includes a second flow passage; a duct (027) that connects an outlet of the first flow passage to an inlet of the second flow passage; a raw-material mixing portion (028) formed at a certain point of the duct. The first vaporizer and the second vaporizer are concentrically disposed. An interstice between the first vaporizer and the second vaporizer serves as a heating-gas flow passage (024). In the first vaporizer, water (021) flowing through the first flow passage is heated by heating gas, and thereby is turned into steam. In the raw-material mixing portion, a mixture is obtained by mixing a raw material with the steam. In the second vaporizer, the mixture flowing through the second flow passage is heated by the heating gas and thereby is turned into superheated steam. The superheated steam flows through a reforming-catalyst layer (03).
US08404006B2 Self-propelled harvesting vehicle including a thermochemical reactor for carbonizing harvested crop material
A self-propelled harvesting vehicle includes a crop material pick-up device, a fragmentation unit for fragmentizing the crop material, and a mechanical dehydration device which is used to remove an aqueous portion of the crop material, and which is divided into a first dehydration unit that takes place upstream of the fragmentation unit, and a second dehydration unit that takes place downstream of the fragmentation unit; and a method of harvesting is performed by the thusly arranged units.
US08404004B2 Process of producing oil from algae using biological rupturing
A process for production of biofuels from algae can include cultivating an oil-producing algae, extracting the algal oil, and converting the algal oil to form biodiesel. Extracting the algal oil from the oil-producing algae can include biologically rupturing cell wall and oil vesicles of the oil-producing algae using at least one enzyme such as a cellulose or glycoproteinase, a structured enzyme system such as a cellulosome, a virus, or combination of these materials.
US08404000B2 Organic dye, composite dye and dye-sensitized solar cells using the same
The invention provides an organic dye, a composite dye and dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. The organic dye has Formula (I): wherein L is a linker group and comprises a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C20 aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted carboncyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group or combinations thereof, and A is an electron acceptor group.
US08403999B2 Dyeing and/or bleaching composition comprising a polycondensate of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide
Disclosed herein is a device having one or more compartments, for dyeing keratin fibers, wherein a first compartment contains a dye composition free of oxidizing agent, comprising at least one hair dye and at least one polycondensate of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and optionally a second compartment contains an oxidizing composition. Also disclosed is an agent for dyeing and/or bleaching keratin fibers, obtained by mixing a composition A comprising at least one alkaline agent with a composition B comprising at least one oxidizing agent, compositions A and/or B comprising at least one fatty substance free of carboxylic acid groups, at least one polycondensate of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and a system of nonionic surfactants, with a weighted HLB of greater than or equal to 8, the amount of fatty substance being greater than 20% of the total weight of the dyeing and/or bleaching agent.
US08403997B2 Lower limb prosthesis and control unit
A self-teaching lower limb prosthesis, for an above-knee amputee, including a dynamically adjustable joint movement control unit arranged to control operation of the joint automatically. A control unit electrically stores a target relationship between a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion and walking speed. The relationship defines a number of values of the parameter associated with different walking speeds. The control unit generates monitoring signals representative of walking speed values and values of the parameter occurring at different walking speeds. An adjustment system adjusts the control unit automatically when the monitoring signals indicate deviation from the target relationship so as to bring the parameters close to that defined by the target relationship.
US08403992B2 High performance knee prostheses
Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes. Other surfaces can also be specially shaped to achieve similar results, preferably using iterative automated techniques that allow testing and iterative design taking into account a manageable set of major forces acting on the knee during normal functioning, together with information that is known about natural knee joint kinetics and kinematics.
US08403989B2 Physologically movable intervertebral disc prosthesis for the lumbar and cervical spine
Disclosed is an intervertebral disc prosthesis for the total replacement of a natural intervertebral disc within the lumbar and cervical spine, comprising of articulating sliding partners. The upper sliding partner has means for a firm assembly to an upper vertebral body and the lower sliding partner has means for a firm assembly to a lower vertebral body. At least one sliding surface is between two sliding partners. Two- and three-part functional designs are planned and both having in common, that, as a result of the shape of the articulating surface(s), the laterolateral and dorsoventral motion amplitudes differ. The resulting angles including the rotation around a fictitious vertical axis can be defined to a desired extent.
US08403985B2 Joint spacer implant
A spacer implant designed for placement between the bones of a joint, which includes soft tissue components. The spacer includes a spacer body positionable between the bones and defined by an outer periphery. The spacer also includes at least one tether. Each of the tethers has a first end fixed to the spacer body and a second end extending outwardly from the outer periphery of the spacer body. The second end of each of the tethers is adapted to be fastened to any of the bones or the soft tissue components of the joint.
US08403984B2 Apparatus and methods for compacting an intraocular lens
Disclosed are apparatus for delivering an accommodating intraocular lens to an eye. One apparatus includes an injector with a longitudinal injection passage that has a longitudinal injection axis. The apparatus also includes an accommodating intraocular lens having two interconnected viewing elements. The injector has a member for moving the lens into the injection passage of the apparatus. The accommodating intraocular lens has a longitudinal bisection axis and is initially disposed within the injector with the longitudinal bisection axis at an angle which is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the injection axis. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed as well.
US08403982B2 Device for the in situ delivery of heart valves
A device for deploying a cardiac valve prosthesis includes at least one constraint member for radially constraining radially expandable annular portions of the valve. The constraint member is actuatable to release the annular formations constrained thereby and permit radial expansion of these annular formations. The constraint member has associated a first, slow-acting actuating mechanism and a second, fast-acting mechanism, adapted to produce relatively slow and fast release of the annular formations constrained thereby. The device may include a first constraint member and second constraint member in the form of telescoping sleeves. The slow-acting actuating mechanism will thus act on the outer sleeve, while the fast-acting mechanism will act on the inner sleeve to produce, respectively, slow and fast release of the annular formations.
US08403981B2 Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthetics
Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
US08403980B2 Metal alloy for medical devices and implants
The present invention relates to a medical device or implant made at least in part of a high strength, low modulus metal alloy comprising Niobium, Tantalum, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zirconium, Tungsten, and Molybdenum. The medical devices according to the present invention provide superior characteristics with regard to bio-compatibility, radio-opacity and MRI compatibility.
US08403979B2 Monocuspid prosthetic valve having a partial sinus
The disclosure relates to an expandable valve prosthesis for regulating flow through a body vessel. The prosthesis comprises a frame configured to form a laterally asymmetric partial sinus and a valve member.
US08403972B2 Thread-forming screw
A thread-forming screw includes a screw end, a shank, and a thread-free head, wherein the shank is provided at least partly with a thread and has a pre-forming region, an intermediate region, which is arranged to follow the pre-forming region, and an anchoring region, which is arranged so as to adjoin the intermediate region and below the head, wherein the pre-forming region is arranged so as to directly adjoin the screw end.
US08403963B2 Method and apparatus for spinal fixation using minimally invasive surgical techniques
An improved method and guide wire assembly used in a system, set of instrumentation and method comprising the combination and use of plural pedicle screws, a rod for connecting pedicle screws in a relatively rigid manner, and instrumentation to optimize insertion of the rod into the pedicle screws, the assembly having a guide wire and instrumentation to grasp a medial portion of the guide wire to pull the medial portion through all the pedicle screws and connecting the loop to the end of a fixation rod, whereby one end of the guide wire is mounted to a pedicle screw, all the screws are implanted into the vertebrae, and the rod subsequently guided into the pedicle screws by pulling the guide wire loop back through the pedicle screws, all using minimally invasive surgical incisions.
US08403960B2 Distance-keeping inter-process implant
The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body ending in its posterior part with two opposite-situated resistance protrusions. In the anterior part of the body there are situated at least two wings, at least one of which is a mobile wing connected with the body by an articulated joint. Each wing is provided with at least one guide of the tensioning band. The articulated joint between the mobile wing and the body is formed by the mutually collaborating shaped surface of the. wing (and the shaped surface of the body and is usefully secured by the pin that constitutes the axis of rotation of the mobile wing. In an alternative version of the implementation of the implant, the mobile wing connected with the body is provided with at least one arm situated with respect to the wing at the angle α amounting to from 30° to 150°.
US08403953B2 Balloon with rigid tube for occluding the uterine artery
Apparatus is provided for use with a subject's body, vagina, vaginal fornix, uterus, and uterine artery. A fornix-engaging structure is inserted into the vagina and engages the vaginal fornix. A rod is inserted into the subject's body via the fornix-engaging structure, such that a distal end of the rod passes through vaginal tissue at a first vaginal site until the distal end of the rod is at a first extrauterine site outside of the uterine artery, but in a vicinity of a portion of the uterine artery that supplies a uterine fibroid. A rod-guide is coupled to the fornix-engaging structure, and guides the distal end of the rod to the first extrauterine site. A uterine artery compression device is disposed on the distal end of the rod. Other embodiments are also described.
US08403949B2 Cordless hand-held ultrasonic cautery cutting device
An ultrasonic assembly that is removably connectable to an ultrasonic waveguide of an ultrasonic surgical handle includes a cordless ultrasonic-movement-generation assembly having an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic transducer electrically coupled to the generator and having an output couple, a shell housing therein the ultrasonic-movement-generation assembly and having a securing connection shaped to removably connect to the ultrasonic surgical handle. The output couple is operable to impart ultrasonic movement to the ultrasonic waveguide when the securing connection is connected to the ultrasonic surgical handle and the waveguide is connected to the output couple.
US08403948B2 Cordless hand-held ultrasonic cautery cutting device
A disposable ultrasonic surgical handle includes a disposable handle body that has a first handle body portion defining a handgrip and a second handle body portion connected to the first handle body portion, where the second handle body portion has a waveguide attachment dock exposed to the environment and having a first couple operable to connect an ultrasonic waveguide thereto and an aseptically sealable powered-ultrasonic-motion-generator assembly dock shaped to connect the ultrasonic waveguide in the attachment dock to an assembly within the assembly dock through the second handle body portion. The disposable ultrasonic surgical handle also includes a disposable compartment door movably connected to the second handle body portion to selectively expose the assembly dock to the environment, where the handle has an open position exposing the assembly dock to the environment and permitting entry and removal of the powered-ultrasonic-motion-generator assembly respectively into and from the assembly dock and a closed position aseptically sealing the assembly dock from the environment.
US08403941B2 Intraocular lens and cartridge packaging with lens-loading function
A lens and cartridge packaging system and method of use which simplify the removal and transfer of an IOL to an IOL insertion device is disclosed. The packaging system enables a user to easily load an IOL into a cartridge without the use of forceps. In addition, the packaging system also allows a user to fold and insert the IOL into a cartridge without damaging the IOL and/or compromising IOL sterility. In addition, the related methods of use minimize and/or eliminate damage to the IOL during unpackaging, folding, transfer and loading procedures.
US08403940B2 Tool to dissect or compress and measure a vertebral body segment
The present invention provides tools to distract, compress, and measure a vertebral body segment. In one aspect of the invention, a tool includes a handle assembly and a locking mechanism operable between a first condition in which handle portions can translate and pivot relative to one another and a second condition in which the handle portions are fixed translatably. In another aspect of the invention, a tool for distracting and compressing a vertebral body segment includes a measuring device to simultaneously indicate the length of a connecting element for coupling the fasteners. In another aspect of the invention, a measurement device includes indicia defined by a locus of points corresponding to a particular connecting element length. In another aspect of the invention, a method of coupling a first fastener engaged with a first vertebrae to a second fastener engaged with a second vertebrae is provided.
US08403938B2 Method and device for producing an anchorage in human or animal tissue
An anchorage in tissue is produced by holding a vibrating element and a counter element against each other such that their contact faces are in contact with each other, wherein at least one of the contact faces comprises a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. While holding and then moving the two elements against each other, the vibrating element is vibrated and due to the vibration the thermoplastic material is liquefied between the contract faces, and due to the relative movement is made to flow from between the contact faces and to penetrate tissue located adjacent to outer edges of the contact faces. For liquefaction of the thermoplastic material and for displacing it from between the contact faces no force needs to act on the tissue surface which is to be penetrated by the liquefied material. For this reason anchorage in tissue which has little mechanical stability is possible.
US08403937B2 Apparatus and method for medical procedures within a spine
Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a spine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes expanding an expandable member to move a tissue portion and form a cavity within an interior of a bone-related structure. At least a portion of the cavity is filled with a filler material while simultaneously withdrawing a medium from the expandable member at a predefined ratio such that the tissue portion substantially maintains its moved position. In some embodiments, the predefined ratio is 1:1. In another embodiment, a method includes expanding an expandable member to move a tissue portion and form a cavity within an interior of an intervertebral disc. At least a portion of the cavity is filled with a filler material while substantially maintaining the moved position of the tissue portion.
US08403929B2 Implant for securing neighboring bone plates
To provide an implant for securing neighboring bone plates, especially neighboring cranial bone plates, wherein the bone plates each have an inner face and an outer face, comprising an inner contact element that is adapted to rest on the inner faces of the neighboring bone plates, an outer contact element that is adapted to rest on the outer faces of the neighboring bone plates, and an in a linear manner flexible tensioning element for connecting the inner contact element and the outer contact element in such a manner that they can no longer be separated from one another, with improved properties, the outer contact element comprises at least one recess for at least partially accommodating a connection region between free strands of the tensioning element or for feeding the connection region through into a separation gap between the neighboring bone plates.
US08403923B2 Injection of fibrin sealant in the absence of corticosteroids in spinal applications
A method and kit for treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.
US08403920B2 Laser trabeculectomy with energy dissipating injection
A method to perform high resolution tissue ablation including the steps of forming a beam to deliver optical energy and providing an energy dissipating material is provided. The steps of selecting an area of interest in a target tissue and placing the energy dissipating material adjacent to the area of interest may be included. The steps of directing the beam to the area of interest and scanning the beam across the area of interest to ablate the target tissue may be further included. Also provided is an apparatus and a system for high resolution tissue ablation including a beam to provide optical energy and an injector for placing an energy dissipating material adjacent to an area of interest. Further, the apparatus and system may include at least a mirror and a lens for directing the beam to the area of interest and scanning the beam to ablate target tissue.
US08403918B2 Automated non-invasive capsulectomy and anterior segment surgical apparatus and method
An economical computer-controlled non-invasive laser apparatus and method to perform anterior segment surgery in an eye are disclosed. The laser source may include a pumping laser, a Nd:YAG laser cavity gain media, a stimulated Raman converter crystal, intracavity beam diameter-reducing optics, and an intracavity Q-switching crystal. The laser pulses have a selected wavelength for anterior segment surgery. A laser pulse delivery and treatment control mechanism and method for the practicing surgeon are also provided. The laser pulses and delivery system may be used in anterior segment surgery for cataracts, where the laser pulses may be used to form the capsulotomy, to form the corneal incision or to disintegrate contents of the capsule before removal. The laser and delivery system may also the used to treat a capsule and lens for correcting or preventing presbyopia and to treat a cornea to correct visual deficiencies in an eye.
US08403915B2 Multi-opening reservoir devices for controlled release or exposure of reservoir contents
Devices, such as medical devices, are provided which include a body portion having at least one reservoir which has two or more openings, the two or more openings being defined in part by a reservoir cap support; reservoir contents, such as a drug formulation or sensor, disposed inside the reservoir; and a reservoir cap which closes off the two or more reservoir openings. The reservoir cap, which can be ruptured, controls release or exposure of the reservoir contents. In one embodiment, the device is an implantable medical device and provides for the controlled release of drug or exposure of a sensor.
US08403911B2 Systems and methods for improving catheter hole array efficiency
A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°.
US08403910B2 Drug releasing coatings for medical devices
The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. The additive has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part and the therapeutic agent is not enclosed in micelles or encapsulated in particles or controlled release carriers.
US08403908B2 Differential pressure based flow sensor assembly for medication delivery monitoring and method of using the same
A differential pressure based flow sensor assembly and method of using the same to determine the rate of fluid flow in a fluid system. The sensor assembly comprises a disposable portion, and a reusable portion. A flow restricting element is positioned along a fluid flow passage between an inlet and an outlet. The disposable portion further has an upstream fluid pressure membrane and a downstream fluid pressure membrane. The reusable portion has an upstream fluid pressure sensor and a downstream fluid pressure sensor. The upstream fluid pressure sensor senses the upstream fluid pressure at a location within the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the flow restricting element. The downstream fluid pressure sensor senses the downstream fluid pressure at a location within the fluid flow passage between the flow restricting element and the outlet. The process utilizes output of the sensors to calculate the flow rate of the fluid.
US08403904B2 Superabsorbent polymer having a capacity increase
The present invention relates to a particulate superabsorbent polymer comprising a monomer and an internal crosslinker agent wherein the particulate superabsorbent polymer has a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase of 2 g/g or more as set forth herein in the Centrifuge Retention Capacity Increase Test. The present invention further relates to a superabsorbent polymer comprising an internal crosslinker agent comprising a silane compound comprising at least one vinyl group or one allyl group attached to a silicon atom, and at least one Si—O bond. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article that includes such particulate superabsorbent polymers.
US08403896B2 Apparatus and methods for making coated liners and tubular devices including such liners
A medical device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes an inner liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, a reinforcing layer surrounding at least a portion of the liner; and an outer layer surrounding the reinforcing layer and inner liner. The liner and outer layer may include multiple sections having different properties than one another, adjacent sections attached together by seams, which may be offset from one another. Apparatus and methods for making tubular devices with coated liners are also provided.
US08403892B2 Constricting mechanism for use with a surgical access assembly
The present disclosure relates to a surgical access member for establishing percutaneous access to a surgical worksite within tissue. The surgical access member includes a constricting mechanism that is adapted to removably receive a surgical instrument and resiliently transition between an open state and a constricted state. In the open state, insertion of the surgical instrument through the constricting mechanism is substantially uninhibited. In the constricted state, the constricting mechanism substantially limits transverse movement of the surgical instrument, and may facilitate the creation of a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith.
US08403887B2 Fluid dispenser
A dispensing device for dispensing pain management medicaments to a patient comprises first and second threadably interconnectable sub-assemblies. The first of these sub-assemblies houses a fluid reservoir defining component while the second comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the first sub-assembly toward the patient via strategically formed flow control passageways.
US08403882B2 Applicator device for applying a multi-component fluid
Disclosed is an applicator device (10) for applying a multi-component fluid, especially a multi-component tissue glue, comprising a plurality of substantially cylindrical supply containers (12) for respectively one component of the fluid to be applied, each supply container (12) having a front end (16) with an outlet opening (18), a rear end (22) opposite to the front end (16), and a slidably displaceable piston (24) arranged within the supply container (12) and having a piston rod (26) extending out of the rear end (22) for operating the piston (24). Moreover, the applicator device includes a manifold (72) having terminal ends (50,58) with a first port for fluid connection with the front ends (16) of the supply containers (12), the manifold (72) further having internal channels (62) extending from the first ports of the terminal ends (50,58) to an outlet site. Finally, also a holding element (38) for holding the supply containers (12), and a coupling element (74) extending from the holding element (38) and having a connection end (76) connected to the manifold (72) are provided, wherein the connection end (76) of the coupling element (74) is bonded to the manifold (72).
US08403881B2 Circulatory monitoring systems and methods
Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects. Some involve implementing or deploying therapeutic administration systems, for example, for obtaining a flow-change-indicative measurement and signaling a decision whether to administer one or more clot-reducing agents at least partly based on the flow-change-indicative measurement.
US08403878B2 Subdural drainage catheter with flow restoration mechanism
A subdural drainage system includes (a) a subdural drainage device having an opening formed therethrough, said subdural drainage device having an upper portion, a body portion, and a lower portion; (b) a housing having an upper portion and lower portion, with said housing connected to said subdural drainage device; said housing movable between (i) a first configuration and (ii) a second configuration; and (c) a stylet positioned inside said housing, said stylet having an upper portion and a lower portion and configured such that said stylet is moved between (i) a withdrawn position with said stylet withdrawn from a portion of said subdural evacuation port device, and (ii) an extended position with said stylet extending through said subdural drainage device such that blockages are disrupted in the subdural drainage device when said housing is moved between said first and second housing configurations; and (e) an external drain opening formed on either said subdural drainage device or said housing.
US08403876B2 Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
US08403869B2 Side-deployed medical guidewire torquer
A side-deployable medical guidewire or guide wire torquer, torque device or wire manipulator. The torquer comprises an elongate body comprising first and second halves having an outer surface and inner surfaces, wherein the first and second halves are coupled to one another such that the inner surfaces to mate with one another, and wherein the mated surfaces are substantially parallel to the longitudinally axis of the body; a plurality of wire retainers disposed on the inner surfaces of one or more of the first and second halves configured to engage a guidewire positioned between the halves; and a releasable lock mechanism configured to mechanical secure the first and second halves in the mated configuration.
US08403867B2 Concentric guidewire assembly
A concentric guidewire assembly includes a unitary first coil spring, a second coil spring joined to the first coil spring, and a core wire extending through the first and second coil springs. The first coil spring has a longitudinal axis, a first spring portion, a second diameter spring portion adjacent the first spring portion, and a third spring portion adjacent the second spring portion, the inner diameter of the second spring portion being smaller than the inner diameters of the first and third spring portions to fit with the core wire and maintain concentricity between the first coil spring and the core wire. The second coil spring has an inner diameter sized to receive the third spring portion.
US08403866B2 Guide catheters for accessing cardiac sites
A method and apparatus for introducing a cardiac lead to an implantation site that includes a catheter body having an outer wall and a distal leader and having a proximal portion extending from the first proximal end to a second distal end. An inner member is positioned within an outer lumen of the catheter body and is spaced from the outer wall to form a first inner lumen for receiving a guide tool inserted therein and a second lumen for receiving the cardiac lead while the guide tool is positioned within the first inner lumen. A distal end of the inner member forms a first opening at a distal end of the first inner lumen and a second opening at a distal end of the second inner lumen, the first opening and the second opening positioned proximal the distal leader.
US08403865B2 Prediction and monitoring of clinical episodes
A method is provided for predicting an onset of an asthma attack. The method includes sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the asthma attack at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Also provided is a method for predicting an onset of an episode associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), including sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other embodiments are also described.
US08403858B2 Image guided catheters and methods of use
An interventional medical device that incorporates an imaging system may be minimally invasive and equipped with an anchoring portion at a proximal end for securing the device to a human body. A luer lock may be utilized at the proximal end, for example, for introducing a syringe. The medical device can be in the form of sheaths, catheters, and interventional devices, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive procedures in the pericardium. The imaging system comprises one or more ultrasound transducers and can be used to guide the device to a target area and to perform a procedure and/or provide access to a target area for performing a procedure via a plurality of lumen. In one embodiment, a micro-electro-mechanical system may be utilized to monitor pressure within a human body.
US08403855B2 Ultrasound system and signal processing unit configured for time gain and lateral gain compensation
The present invention provides an ultrasound system, which comprises: a signal acquiring unit to transmit an ultrasound signal to an object and acquire an echo signal reflected from the object; a signal processing unit to control TGC (Time Gain Compensation) and LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) of the echo signal; a TGC/LGC setup unit adapted to set TGC and LGC values based on TGC and LGC curves inputted by a user; and an image producing unit adapted to produce an ultrasound image of the object based on the echo signal. The signal processing unit is further adapted to control the TGC and the LGC of the echo signal based on the TGC and LGC values set by the TGC/LGC setup unit.
US08403854B2 Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and method for acquiring 3-D images
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and a 3-D image data scan method that can continuously display 3-D image data in both a pre-scan mode and a triggered entire volume mode by collecting the volume data of a plurality of volume scan regions of an object from the start of the scan. In the pre-scan mode, a plurality of 3-D sub-regions are set by dividing an object scan region along a direction vertical to the reference scan plane. In a triggered volume mode for collecting volume data, a 3-D scan of a 3-D sub-region including the reference scan plane is performed in preference to other 3-D sub-regions in order to continuously display 2-D image data acquired on the reference scan plane in the pre-scan mode and MPR image data acquired in the entire triggered volume mode from an initial scan time.
US08403850B2 Rapid two/three-dimensional sector strain imaging
An elastographic imaging system providing for axial, lateral and elevational strain measurements employs a series of one-dimensional axial measurements to deduce a coarse axial, lateral and/or elevational displacement that is used to guide one or more, two- or three-dimensional cross-correlations of smaller kernels providing improved image resolution.
US08403844B2 Methods for interventions
Methods and systems for monitoring interventions and/or a subject, such as a human patient. One exemplary embodiment of a method includes measuring at least one biological parameter of a subject, determining a biological state from the measuring, administering (after the measuring) an intervention which includes a caloric restriction (CR) mimetic to the subject and measuring, after the administering, the at least one biological parameter and determining a later biological state from the measuring after the administering.
US08403843B2 Attachable portable illumination apparatus for surgical instruments
An illumination apparatus is attachable to surgical instruments, and provides illumination of the operating field, particularly those requiring good illumination of normally poorly illuminated organ cavities, during surgical procedures. The illumination apparatus includes a light source (1) connected to a power supply (2). The light source (1) and part or all of the power supply source are housed in a casing (3) that has at least one attaching means (5) on its outer surface which is suitable for removably attaching the illumination apparatus to a surgical instrument, and desirably, to several different surgical instruments at various times during a particular surgical procedure. Due to its weight, design and size, the illumination apparatus allows for easy shifting of the illumination apparatus along the surgical instrument without interfering with the normal use of the surgical instruments.
US08403837B2 Deployable jaws retraction device
A deployable jaws retraction device is provided for retracting a body organ away from an operative site without occupying an incision or surgical access port during the surgical procedure. The deployable jaws retraction device includes a jaw assembly having two or more jaws joined at one end and a retention device to maintain the jaws of the closed condition about a target body organ. The deployable jaws retraction device additionally includes an anchoring assembly for securing the jaw assembly and body organ away from the operative site during the surgical procedure. The anchoring assembly includes a needle having a tissue penetrating tip and a length of suture material connecting the needle to the jaw assembly. There is also provided an applicator instrument for applying the deployable jaws retraction device onto a target body organ.
US08403830B2 Rhythm discrimination enhancement—AV drive
An apparatus comprises an implantable cardiac signal sensing circuit and a controller circuit. The implantable cardiac signal sensing circuit provides a sensed depolarization signal from a ventricle and a sensed depolarization signal from an atrium. The controller circuit includes a one-to-one detector circuit and a tachyarrhythmia discrimination circuit. The one-to-one detector circuit measures cardiac depolarization intervals of the atrium and the ventricle and determines whether a relationship of atrial depolarizations to ventricular depolarizations is substantially one-to-one. The tachyarrhythmia discrimination circuit increments a counter when detecting a shortening or prolonging of a V-V interval that immediately precedes the same shortening or prolonging of an A-A interval, classifies the episode as VT according to the counter, and provides the classification of the tachyarrhythmia episode to a user or process.
US08403829B2 Endoscopic form detection device and form detecting method of insertion section of endoscope
An endoscopic form detection device includes a sensor tentative position detecting section configured to detect a tentative position of each sensor unit on the assumption that a portion between the respective sensor units is a linear tentative link whose dimension is equal to an inter-sensor dimension. The endoscopic form detection device includes a sensor position correcting section configured to correct a position of each sensor unit from the tentative position to a final position based on an absolute value of a difference between an arc length of each tentative arc and the inter-sensor dimension, and a final curve form detecting section configured to perform curve interpolation between the final positions of the respective sensor units by using a final arc to detect a final curve form of an inserting section.
US08403828B2 Ophthalmic orbital surgery apparatus and method and image-guide navigation system
A flexible endoscope for ophthalmic orbital surgery includes a flexible probe housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The endoscope also includes an image fiber disposed in the lumen that communicates image information from the distal end of the flexible probe, a purge fluid/gas port disposed at the proximal end of the flexible probe that accepts purge fluid/gas and a purge fluid/gas conduit disposed in the lumen and in fluid communication with the purge fluid/gas port. The fluid/gas conduit delivers purge fluid/gas to the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope also includes an access conduit disposed in the lumen that receives one of an ablation instrument, a coagulating instrument and a medication delivery instrument.
US08403824B2 Heart assist apparatus
The apparatus is a ventricular assist device comprising: a pump with a housing having therein radial a impeller, and a rotor for driving the impeller, both the rotor and the impeller being hydrodynamically suspended within the housing in us, the pump further including a stator for driving the rotor; an inlet cannula section arranged to extend from an internal part of the ventricle to straddle the wall of the ventricle, the stator being within the inlet cannula section to be located in the internal part of the ventricle; and an outlet for blood driven by the impeller such that the pump is a radial pump. Both the outlet and the impeller are arranged to reside outside of the heart.
US08403818B1 Exercise resistance system
The present invention provides for an improved exercise resistance system to conduct numerous total body exercises. An adjustable elastic resistance cord or flat band may be combined with weights, or each type of resistance may be used alone, in order to vary the means of creating resistance during exercise. The length of the elastic resistance cord or flat band may be adjusted by means of a slip free, length quick adjustment device. The elastic resistance cord or flat band may be passed through the length quick adjustment device which may be secured at various points along the length of the elastic resistance cord or flat band, to change its effective usable length and thus change the level of strength, and range of motion. The length quick adjustment device may be secured by pulling an elastic resistance cord or flat band in one direction, and released by pulling the elastic resistance cord or flat band in the opposite direction.One end of the elastic resistance cord or flat band is attached to any hand engagement structure, preferably a cord handle/grip, a dumbbell handle/grip, a bar, or a glove. The other end of the elastic resistance cord or flat band is secured to any anchor structure, preferably a movable structure, such as a flat board, pad, aerobic step, workout bench, or TV interactive exercise structure.
US08403817B2 Portable foot and ankle exercise apparatus and associated methods
A foot, toe, and ankle exercise device provides variable resistance to movements of the foot, ankle and toes in multiple directions. Embodiments of the device comprise a flexible forefoot support to allow for full toe and foot range of motion. Resistance is provided by resistance members that may comprise elastic banding or tubing. The forefoot support may be suspended by the resistance members.
US08403810B2 Method including a system for controlling the torque transferable by a mechanical drive employing an oil-bath clutch
A system and method for controlling the torque transferable by a mechanical drive between an engine and a shaft of a vehicle includes a first actuator which acts on a variable-speed drive, a second actuator which acts on a clutch to determine the degree of engagement/release of the clutch; and a measuring device for measuring the torque to or from the variable-speed drive. The first and second actuators and the measuring device are controlled by an electronic central control unit to protect the variable-speed drive and/or the clutch from mechanical overloading of the mechanical drive.
US08403809B2 Continuously variable transmission and control method thereof
The transmission controller changes the gear position of the subtransmission mechanism and varies the speed ratio of the variator in an opposite direction to a speed ratio variation direction of the subtransmission mechanism when the actual through speed ratio passes a predetermined mode switch line. When the improvement in the shift response of the continuously variable transmission is determined to be required and the actual through speed ratio passes the mode switch line from a Low side to the High side, the transmission controller increases a shift speed of the subtransmission mechanism compared with a normal coordinated shift.
US08403798B2 Final drive mechanism for a transmission
A final drive mechanism includes a pinion, a gear meshing with the pinion, a differential mechanism, and a first gearset including an input driveably connected to the gear, and an output driveably connected to the differential, rotating slower than a speed of the gear, and rotating in a direction opposite the direction of the gear.
US08403796B2 Drive force adjustment apparatus
A drive force adjustment apparatus includes a differential gear, a motor, a first gear mechanism and a second gear mechanism. The input element, the first output element, the second output element, the motor input element, the fixed element, and the connecting element are expressed as points I, R, L, M, F and C on a graph, an ordinate of which shows the number of revolutions and a abscissa of which shows relative ratios of the number of revolutions of the elements. In one example, length of L-I is equal to length of R-I, I is located between L and R on a straight line L-R, C is located between L and M on a straight line L-M, and C is located between F and I on a straight line F-I.
US08403791B2 Manual valve control for multi-speed planetary transmission
A manual valve control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. Electronic and hydraulic components are provided, including trim valve systems that are multiplexed by a shift valve and a manual valve. The trim valves and shift valve are self-diagnosing via a plurality of multiplexed pressure switches. The control enables single and double range shifts among the multiple forward speed ratios, including shifts to and from sixth and higher forward ratios, reverse and neutral. The control also includes a reduced engine load at stop feature. In addition, a power off/limp home feature provides a plurality of failure modes, including a failure mode for sixth and higher forward speed ratios.
US08403790B2 Motor transmission apparatus
A motor transmission apparatus is provided between a transmission output shaft coupled to a drive wheel and a motor shaft coupled to a motor/generator. The motor transmission apparatus includes a first power transmission path that is switched to a power transmission condition by a high clutch having a clutch oil chamber, and a second power transmission path that is switched to a power transmission condition by a low brake having a brake oil chamber. Working oil discharged from an oil pump is guided to an oil passage switching valve via an output control valve. The working oil is distributed to one of the clutch oil chamber and the brake oil chamber by the oil passage switching valve, and therefore interlocking, in which the high clutch and the low brake are engaged simultaneously, can be avoided.
US08403788B2 Front support for transmission gear box
A transmission includes a case containing a torque converter that includes a stator, a gearset including a carrier, a second gearset, friction elements for controlling operation of the second gearset, and a support secured against rotation, including passages that communicate hydraulic fluid and pressure to the control elements and torque converter.
US08403786B2 Wind turbine with a drive train
A wind turbine with a drive train placed partly or entirely in a nacelle of the wind turbine is provided. The drive train includes an epicyclical gearbox including at least one gear stage having a plurality of planet gears meshing with a sun gear and an annulus gear. The gearbox is used to transfer and speed-up the rotation of a rotor of the wind turbine, as applied to at least one generator of the wind turbine. The drive train further includes at least one locally radial self tracking bearing for enabling the rotation of the rotor in relation to a nacelle structure of the nacelle. The self tracking bearing includes bearing elements for locally transferring loads in both radial directions between one or more bearing rings.
US08403782B2 Adjusting device and printing apparatus with adjusting device
A printing apparatus comprises a print head moving module comprising a mounting plate, a first wheel, a second wheel, an endless belt, a retaining member of the mounting plate to clamp with the second wheel; an adjusting device comprising a positioning member of the mounting plate, a driving member of the positioning member comprising an indicating block, a moveable member of the positioning member abutting the retaining member, the moveable member comprises a receiving portion having graduations; the indicating block is through the positioning member in the receiving portion; a resilient member in the receiving portion between the driving and the moveable members; wherein the driving member drives the moveable and the retaining members from a first to a second position, in the first position, the indicating block is away from a predetermined graduation; in the second position, resilient member deformed, the indicating block is at the predetermined graduation.
US08403781B2 Tensioning apparatus with a blocking device
The present invention provides a tensioning device, in particular for a timing chain of an internal combustion engine, having a housing, a tensioning piston guided in a piston bore of the housing, and a locking means for limiting the retraction motion of the tensioning piston into the piston bore of the housing. The locking means comprises a locking ring arranged on the tensioning piston. Furthermore, the locking means comprises a separate locking sleeve that can be reversibly radially expanded and is arranged at one tensioning end of the housing to introduce the locking ring into the locking means in the retraction direction of the tensioning piston and to retain the locking ring in the locking means in the tensioning direction of the tensioning piston.
US08403778B2 Game ball having a beverage receptacle and raised symbol gripping aspect
A game ball as provided having a central passage capable of holding a beverage container and an elongated raised symbol gripping portion. The central passage is circular in shape and uniform in diameter and shares a longitudinal axis with the game ball. In one aspect of the invention, the game ball may be used as an insulated beverage container receptacle and is comprised of central fins that define the base for which the container may rest. The raised symbol gripping portion allows a user to impart rotational movement, or spiral action, when a ball is thrown.
US08403776B1 Unbreakable golf tee with flexible shaft
A golf tee made from durable materials with an upper portion flexible shaft of the tee providing a method for the tee to flex freely when struck and return to its normal position without wear or damage. The insertion height of the tee is controlled with a height disk formed in the center of the tee that allows pushing the tee into the ground consistently each time. A fluted bottom post of the tee provides stabilizing ribs and increased surface area to contact the ground, thus holding the tee in place more securely than the tradition round tees. A 120 degree angled tri-post ball seat creates a self-centering method for teeing the ball easily and consistently. The durable material the tee is constructed from provides durability allowing the tee to be used repeatedly without wear or breaking.
US08403775B2 Golf ball with polygonal dimple groupings
The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimple groupings comprised of multiple angular spiral shaped arms that are arrayed to form polygonal perimeters, wherein the number of arms equals the number of perimeter sides. This allows greater symmetry about the dimple grouping center, thereby improving the consistency of the aerodynamic performance of the ball. In another unique feature of the present invention, the angular shape of the arms facilitates the formation of polygonal shaped dimple groupings, which can fit closely together to cover a greater proportion of the ball's surface, preferably more than about 85% surface coverage, thereby further enhancing aerodynamic performance.
US08403768B2 Golf putting practice ball
A golf putting practice ball having visually contrasting lighter and darker sections and a visually contrasting aiming line going across a lighter color section in a 90 degree angle to the borderline of the lighter and darker color sections, and a visually contrasting mark located on the border of the different color sections of the ball, at a location 90° away from the midpoint of the aiming line, and a weight located in an asymmetric position in relation to the internal center of the ball.
US08403764B2 Constant velocity universal joint
A constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having an inner surface with a plurality of track grooves, an inner joint member having an outer surface with a plurality of track grooves which are paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member, and an inner surface having a shaft hole with a spline, a plurality of balls interposed between the track grooves of the outer joint member and the track grooves of the inner joint member so as to transmit torque, and a cage interposed between the inner surface of the outer joint member and the outer surface of the inner joint member so as to retain the balls, in which the inner joint member includes an axial step portion between an inlet-side end surface thereof and a spline end portion of the shaft hole so as to form a recessed end surface.
US08403763B2 Universal joint
A universal joint includes a rotating member having a pivotal portion received in a compartment defined by a peripheral wall at an end of a base. The rotating member includes a coupling portion and an interconnecting portion between the pivotal portion and the coupling portion. The interconnecting portion has a minimum diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the pivotal portion but not smaller than a width of the coupling portion. A groove extends through the pivotal portion. A pin is extended through the peripheral wall of the base and the groove. The pivotal portion is pivotable relative to the base through an angle in the order of 90°.
US08403757B2 Method and apparatus for providing gaming services and for handling video content
The present invention relates to systems and apparatus for providing gaming services (for example, gaming services provided via a computer network) and to systems and apparatus for encoding and/or transmitting and/or decoding electronic video content. Some presently disclosed techniques may be particularly useful for reducing and/or eliminating gaming latency.
US08403755B2 Biometric broadband gaming system and method
A wireless broadband gaming system and method is described. The wireless broadband gaming system includes a wireless network access device and a gaming system. The gaming system includes a registration database, a verification system, a video server and a gaming server. The video server stores images corresponding to at least one particular game outcome. The gaming server generates a random game output that associates the random game output with at least one particular game outcome. The gaming server communicates the images corresponding to the particular game outcome to the wireless network access device after verifying the wireless network device is a secure device and after verifying the user has registered.
US08403753B2 Computer-readable storage medium storing game program, game apparatus, and processing method
First, based on the position of a target in a taken image included in imaging information, a pointing position which an operating device points to is calculated. Next, a change amount of the pointing position within a predetermined time is calculated. Then, whether or not the change amount of the pointing position satisfies a first condition is determined. As a result, when it is determined that the change amount of the pointing position satisfies the first condition, predetermined processing is executed in which the pointing position within the predetermined time or a position calculated based on pointing positions within the predetermined time is set as a start point.
US08403752B2 Game device and game system
A technique which easily removes the motion element of a game controller which is attributed to the vibrating motion of a vibrator from the output data of an acceleration sensor or reduces the element is provided. In a game device, a wireless communication module receives an acceleration sensor output data, which has been analog-to-digital converted, in a game controller. A sensor output correction unit corrects the received acceleration sensor output data and provides the corrected acceleration sensor output data to the application processor. In the sensor output correction unit, a masking processing unit performs the masking process on the acceleration sensor output data within the predetermined range of masking. The masking processing unit corrects the acceleration sensor output data within the range of masking including zero acceleration to have zero acceleration.
US08403751B2 Apparatuses and methods for use in creating an audio scene
An audio scene is created for an avatar in a virtual environment of multiple avatars. A link structure is created between the avatars. An audio scene is created for each avatar, based on an avatar's associations with other linked avatars.
US08403750B2 Audio management in a wireless wagering game
A wireless networked computerized wagering game system comprises a gaming module operable to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, a wireless network module operable to connect the wagering game system to at least one other networked device via a wireless network connection, and an audio module operable to manage an audio function of the wagering game system. In another embodiment the audio module is operable to present environmental sounds to a wagering game player.
US08403747B2 Storage medium storing game program for providing play-against-type game in which multiple players can participate, game device, and game system
When a game is started, at least two types of pieces obtained based on random extraction from prepared types of pieces are set in advance for each player as his/her own assigned pieces (assigned objects). When the game ends as a prescribed condition is satisfied, an evaluation value of each player is calculated based on a cumulative value at that time point of the assigned pieces set for that player. The assigned piece defines the type of the piece to be evaluated for each player. Here, as a difference between a cumulative value of one assigned piece and a cumulative value of the other assigned piece is greater, a higher evaluation value is calculated. Typically, the difference (absolute value) between the cumulative values of the respective assigned pieces is calculated as the evaluation value.
US08403745B2 System controlled player-related bonuses in gaming machines
The present invention integrates the concepts of interactive player based promotions, games, and bonusing that utilize a touch screen display on a gaming system associated with a remote player tracking system. The promotions are configured at a remote configuration workstation by selecting system criteria defining the particular bonus promotion to thereby create a “bonus rule.” Promotions have four primary criteria. The first is the “Trigger” which is the criterion that determines when the bonus screen is activated to display a promotion. The second is the “Interface” that determines what will be displayed on the bonus screen. The third is the “Award” in which the nature of the bonus payment, including the method of choosing the value to award and the required player interaction to receive the promotion, is determined. And finally, the “Currency” system determines the method of payment to the player for earning or receiving the promotion.
US08403744B2 Method and apparatus for determining a game series comprising a plurality of individually selectable wagering games
A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.
US08403741B2 SMS messaging system accommodating variable entries for lotteries
A SMS lottery gateway server obtains one SMS message from a mobile phone via a base station over a wide area network and parses the one SMS message to identify therein a plurality of game entries including one or more associated picks. A lottery server receives the game entries and associated picks from the SMS lottery gateway server and plays lottery games based thereon. The SMS lottery gateway server can send one SMS message to the mobile phone acknowledging the identified plurality of lottery game entries. The SMS lottery gateway server can parse the SMS message in various ways such as looking for a number and an associated pick, the number indicating a quantity of the plurality of entries.
US08403739B2 Multiplay poker wagering game with payout differentiating display of probabilities
A method of operating a gaming system including, receiving an initial wager of a quantity of credits from a player to play a quantity of at least two poker hands, for each of the quantity of poker hands, displaying face-up a partial poker hand, automatically applying a first amount from the initial wager to each of the partial poker hands, wherein the sum of the first amounts of credits is less than the quantity of the initial wager, after displaying the partial poker hands face-up, enabling the player to select one of the partial poker hands, automatically applying a second amount from the initial wager to the player selected partial poker hand, wherein the second amount is equal to the initial wager minus the sum of the first amounts, and for each poker hand, determine and display a result and provide any awards associated with said displayed results.
US08403737B1 Royal re-draw video poker side bet
A video poker game which can offer an optional side wager. The side wager will automatically play out a copy of the initial deal with optimal draw strategy for achieving a royal flush after the draw. If the player obtains a royal flush on the copy hand then the player wins a large bonus payout.
US08403734B2 Vent control system
The invention relates to an HVAC vent control system. There is a need for a mechanism by which an operator can easily adjust HVAC vent controls for vents remote from the operator. A roof panel forms a set of air vents and ports. A vent control unit includes left and right door units mounted for rotation on the panel. Each door unit has a louver door and a gear piece connected thereto. The louver doors are movable to control airflow through the ports. The gear pieces are in meshing engagement with the other so that the door units operate symmetrically with respect to each other. A control knob is coupled to the one of the gear pieces so that rotation of the knob causes rotation of the first and second gear pieces and corresponding movement of the left and right louver doors.
US08403732B2 Inclination angle adjusting device and workpiece attaching device
To facilitate with high accuracy adjustment of a minute angle degree and also to sufficiently secure the rigidity of a whole device after the adjustment. Provided are a workpiece attaching body 24 having a workpiece attaching surface 4 and a rotating body 7 for rotatably supporting the workpiece attaching body 24, the rotating body 7 has an inclination angle adjusting surface 8 inclined relative to an axis of the rotating body, and opposite to the workpiece attaching surface 4, the workpiece attaching body 24 includes an inclination angle adjusting surface 9 which is inclined relative to the workpiece attaching surface 4 and which comes in surface contact with the inclination angle adjusting surface 8 of the rotating body 7, the rotating body 7 is arranged therein with an inclination angle adjusting shaft 36, protruding toward a side of the workpiece attaching body 24 substantially vertically to the inclination angle adjusting surfaces 8 and 9, for relatively rotatably supporting the workpiece attaching body 24, and coupling means 14 for coupling the rotating body 7 and the workpiece attaching body 24 in a manner to enable rotation adjustment about the inclination angle adjusting shaft 36 is provided, whereby the rotating body 7 and the workpiece attaching body 24 are relatively rotated about the inclination angle adjusting shaft 36 along the inclination angle adjusting surface 8 and 9 so as to adjust the inclination angle of the workpiece attaching surface 4.
US08403727B1 Pre-planarization system and method
A method for producing a normalized surface on a substrate for a chemical mechanical planarization process is provided. The method initiates with grinding a surface of the substrate with a first surface associated with a first planarization length. The method includes planarizing the surface of the substrate with a second surface associated with a second planarization length. Here, the second planarization length being less than the first planarization length. A system for processing a semiconductor substrate is also provided.
US08403725B2 Method and device for machining workpieces
An apparatus and method for machining workpieces is provided, in particular, for grinding the surface of non-round workpieces. The workpiece is clamped within a machining unit and the surface of this workpiece is contactlessly measured by means of a measuring device while the workpiece is clamped within the machine.
US08403719B2 Flotation vest for body surfing
A sleeveless, torso-encircling vest having an open front to facilitate donning the vest useful for body surfing. Closures, for example a hook-and-loop fastening system, secure the two front portions of the vest to one another after the vest is in place on a wearer's body. Flotation material is placed only in a back panel of the vest to help properly orient a wearer while body surfing. The garment is lightweight, easy to put on, and streamlined in the water when on the wearer's body. The hook-and-loop closure system provides adjustability so that a single size vest properly fits a large range of body sizes. However, the vest may be provided in different sizes such as adult and child sizes.
US08403715B1 Marine jet drive
A marine jet drive, for a boat having a transom and a drive shaft extending through the transom, the boat afloat in a water body, includes a support casing disposed aft of the transom and a pump shaft within the support casing, the pump shaft having an end connectable to the drive shaft. The jet drive includes a jet pump having a chamber and a blade coupled to a portion of the pump shaft extending into the chamber. The chamber is attached to and supported by the support casing aft of the support casing. The chamber has an inlet for receiving water into the chamber and an outlet. The blade is coupled to the portion of the pump shaft for co acting with the chamber to draw water into the chamber inlet and discharge water in a reactive jet out the chamber outlet to reactively propel the boat.
US08403711B2 Background of the invention
A PV (photovoltaic) junction box comprises a case, a lid covering the case and a plurality of terminals received within the case. The case has a bottom wall and defines a positive input port and a negative output port, and each terminal having a planar main body retained to the main body. The terminals comprise a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal, and the main bodies of the terminals are different.
US08403710B2 Fool-proof electric connector
An electric connector includes a socket and a plug. The socket includes a first insulating block and a first terminal and the first insulating block has a positioning notch and a positioning hole. The plug includes a second insulating block and a second terminal, and the second insulating block has a plug end and a fool-proof block protruded from the plug end and extended towards the socket. The second insulating block includes a positioning hook arm formed on the other opposite side. When the second insulating block is plugged into the first insulating block, the fool-proof block is stopped at the positioning notch, and the positioning hook arm is latched into the positioning hole, such that the first terminals are electrically coupled to the second terminals, so as to assure a proper connection of the electric connectors and prevent damages caused by improper connection of the electric connectors.
US08403709B2 Telecommunications device
The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications jack including a housing having a port for receiving a plug. The jack also includes a plurality of contact springs adapted to make electrical contact with the plug when the plug is inserted into the port of the housing, and a plurality of wire termination contacts for terminating wires to the jack. The jack further includes a circuit board that electrically connects the contact springs to the wire termination contacts. The circuit board includes a multi-zone crosstalk compensation arrangement for reducing crosstalk at the jack.
US08403707B2 Power connector with improved retaining member for being flexibly assembled to power contact
A power connector includes an insulative housing, a number of power contacts secured in the insulative housing and a retaining member. The insulative housing includes a receiving space recessed from a mating surface for accommodating a complementary connector, and a mounting space in communication with the receiving space. Each power contact includes a mounting portion residing in the mounting space and a contact portion protruding into the receiving space. The retaining member is combined to the mounting portion and then received in the mounting space. The retaining member is separable relative to the mounting portion in a non-destructive manner so that both the retaining member and the power contact are easily disassembled and replaced.
US08403704B2 Electronic connection device with grounding feature
A connection device includes a male connector furnished with several identical male contact pins and a female connector comprising a body in which reception sockets are formed designed to receive male contact pins. The body of the female connector is cased in an outer shielding element, and at least one of the identical male contact pins, called the ground pin, is arranged so as to be in contact with at least one flexible strip of the shielding element.
US08403703B2 Electrical connector having a housing with different colors
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a base portion defining a receiving cavity therein and a mating portion unitarily formed with the base portion and protruding outwardly from a front face of the base portion so as to define an insertion opening in communication with the receiving cavity. A plurality of terminals are received in the receiving cavity, each of which has a contacting portion extending rearwardly and upwardly from a position adjacent to the insertion opening. A rear cover is assembled on a rear section of the base portion and severs as a rear wall of the base portion. The insulative housing is formed by a double-colored-injection method and the mating portion and the base portion are configured as different colors. The double-colored-injection method can save an assembling process for the electrical connector, which is helpful for reducing the manufacturing cost.
US08403698B2 Cable assembly with an improved grounding device
A cable assembly, comprising a housing, a plurality of conductive terminals received in the housing; a metal shell enclosing the housing; a cable electrically connected to the conductive terminals and a foil. The cable has a number of wires, a braided layer enclosing the wires and an outer insulative pin enclosing the braided layer, each wire has a conductor and an inner insulative pin enclosing the conductor, the braided layer is turned back and encloses a surface of the outer insulative pin. The foil encloses the braided layer which is turned back, and is sandwiched in the metal shell.
US08403697B2 Space efficient lever connector
A lever connector that exhibits excellent space efficiency is provided. The lever connector includes female and male housings that are engageable with each other. A lever is mounted displaceably on the male housing and can be moved between an initial position and a fitting position. A cam groove is formed on the lever, and a cam follower is formed on the female housing. An entrance of the cam groove is aligned in a direction that intersects the fitting direction of the housings when the lever is at the initial position, and the female housing is assembled into a hood along the same direction.
US08403694B2 Socket connector provided with cover rotatably mounted on base
A socket connector for electrically connecting a PGA package comprises a base having at least one passageway therein, at least one contact received in the at least one passageway and a cover rotatably mounted on the base and having at least one through hole corresponding to the passageway. The socket connector has a simple structure.
US08403688B2 Electronic device for receiving USB device
An electronic device includes an enclosure, and an operation device. The enclosure includes a first sidewall, and a second sidewall connected to a rear end of the first sidewall. A receiving recess is defined in the first sidewall and extends through the second sidewall, to receive a universal serial bus (USB) device. A USB port is installed in receiving recess away from the second sidewall, to be connected to the USB device. The operation device is pivotably connected to the receiving recess and includes two spaced arms to sandwich the USB device when the USB device is connected to the USB port. When the operation device is rotated in a predetermined direction, the arms move toward the second sidewall, to push the connected USB device to disengage from the USB port.
US08403683B2 Card edge connector with improved cover
A card edge connector comprises an insulative housing defining a front mating face and a central slot recessed rearwardly from the mating face. A plurality of contacts each has a contact portion exposed into the central for mating with a complementary connector and a solder tail exposed to outside of the housing. A cover is assembled to a rear side of the housing. A spacer sandwiched between the housing and the cover along a front-to-rear direction. The spacer defines a plurality of through holes through which the solder tails of the contacts passing.
US08403682B2 Electronic control device
An electronic control device including a plurality of terminal pins each including a first circuit board side connecting portion connected to a first circuit board, a second circuit board side connecting portion connected to a second circuit board, and an intermediate connecting portion disposed between the first and second circuit board side connecting portions and extending in an overlapping direction in which the first and second circuit boards overlap with each other, the intermediate connecting portions being aligned in a row along a predetermined alignment direction, and the terminal pins at least partially including adjacent two terminal pins formed into a bent shape such that the first circuit board side connecting portion of one of the adjacent two terminal pins is offset relative to the first circuit board side connecting portion of the other adjacent two terminal pins in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined alignment direction.
US08403678B2 Method and apparatus for educating and influencing an individual
A method and apparatus for influencing a person to develop, accept and/or understand a concept, position or idea using questioning, including a technique sometimes known as the Socratic Method. A universe of question and answer subsets comprising questions and respective multiple choice answers to each question designed in advance, arranged and inter-connected on a stand-alone computer, a computer on a local area network or computer network, or any computer network and displayed in such a way as to allow the participant to follow the individual's own path by selecting answers he accepts, which tend to logically lead the individual toward agreement and or understanding on the subject.
US08403677B2 Interactive teaching and learning device
The invention relates to a device which allows to preferably explain and demonstrate three-dimensional objects, such as anatomic models or also models and exhibits for museums and fairs. According to the invention the model 1 is fastened to the adjacencies by at least one multiple-component force-torque measurement device 2, includes an electronic storage and evaluation unit and an optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device. The force-torque measurement device 2 converts the forces and moments arising when the model 1 is touched into electrical measurement signals to be leaded to the electronic storage and evaluation unit, and in the electronic storage and evaluation unit the contact zone is calculated from the forces and torques detected as a result of the touch, and is communicated to the operator as a signal by means of the optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device.
US08403670B2 Method for creating three-dimensional data of position of outer periphery at occlusal surface side of keeper with respect to abutment for implant
A method for creating three-dimensional data of a position of an outer periphery at the occlusal surface side of a keeper includes steps of placing a keeper analog having a reference plane in same shape as and in parallel to a surface at the occlusal surface side of a keeper to be embedded projectingly on an abutment model, three-dimensionally measuring an outside shape of the abutment model having the keeper analog, acquiring a normal vector and an outer periphery of the reference plane based on the measured three-dimensional data, moving the outer periphery to a position at the abutment model side by a height of the keeper analog from the reference plane along the normal vector and acquiring three-dimensional data of the outer periphery based on the position.
US08403669B2 Artificial tooth
Artificial teeth of upper and lower jaws, allowing easy operation by clarifying the three-dimensional positional relation of cusp tips and pits to contact with each other in occlusion. Each pair of artificial teeth may include cusp tips and pits, and the positional relation of the cusp tips and pits are set appropriately.
US08403663B2 Direct placement system for tooth extrusion
An orthodontic apparatus for direct placement of a ligature for tooth extruding. The apparatus has a body having a first end and a second end. The first end has a reservoir for receiving adhesive and a ligature having a first end and a second end. The first end is releasably embedded in the reservoir and the second end extends through the body.
US08403660B2 Blow mold
A blow mold with a stationary mold half and another mold half movable relative to the stationary mold half between closed and open positions, and having a bottom mold comprising a bottom mold axis essentially perpendicular to the moving direction of the other mold half which can be moved relative to the mold halves between an engaged position and a removal position, and which can be at least positively locked with the mold halves in the engaged position and the closed position of the other mold half by at least one collar-like engaging element at the bottom mold, and a ring groove-like counterengagement structure in the mold halves, the engaging element and at least the counterengagement structure form a bayonet catch in the stationary mold half which can be actuated by relative rotary motions of the engaging element about the bottom mold axis and only linear relative movements in the direction of the bottom mold axis.
US08403655B2 Scroll compressor having an allowable angle of rotation
A scroll compressor that suffers no decrease in compression performance due to leakage resulting from a twisting assembly error is provided. This scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll, each including a spiral wrap protruding from an end plate and having the same tooth thickness (Tr) and the same base-circle radius (b) defining an involute surface. The fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll are offset from each other by an orbiting radius (ρ) and mesh such that the respective wraps face each other with a phase shift of 180°. The orbiting scroll revolves/orbits along a circular orbit with the orbiting radius (ρ) to compress a gas while a rotation-preventing mechanism prevents rotation of the orbiting scroll.
US08403654B2 Low fuel permeation primer bulb
A fuel primer is disclosed. The primer includes a rigid valve body having first and second ends with first and second check valves therein. The pump also includes an elastic and substantially fuel impermeable bulb substantially encasing the rigid valve body and sealing to the valve body proximate the first and second check valves.
US08403648B2 Compressor control device and method for controlling a compressor
A compressor control device includes a driving circuit, for controllably supplying a coil of an electric motor of a compressor. A temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the driving circuit and provides a temperature sensing signal correlated to a temperature in the driving circuit. A control stage, coupled to the driving circuit and to the temperature sensor, selectively prevents the driving circuit from supplying the coil, in response to a minimum temperature increment being detected by the temperature sensor within a pre-determined control time window.
US08403647B2 Shower waste pump control device
A control device for controlling a shower waste pump, includes a housing, a pump setting, and an over-run setting. The pump setting, by way of a control element, preferably a manually adjustable potentiometer, allows selective setting of a maximum pumping capacity of the waste pump. The over-run setting, also by way of a control element, allows selective setting of an over-run period from a predetermined range during which the waste pump continues to operate after fluid flow through the waste pump has ceased or substantially ceased. The over-run setting and the pump setting together optimize operation of the waste pump, so that the over-run period of the waste pump can be set based on the selected maximum pumping capacity.
US08403646B2 Oil pump system for vehicle
An oil pump system for a vehicle includes: a vane pump having a plurality of vanes which respectively project retractably from a plurality of vane accommodating grooves provided in a rotor so as to be brought into sliding contact with a cam surface, the vane pump being adapted to supply a hydraulic fluid to an automatic transmission; an electric power-driven oil pump for assisting the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid during an idling stop of the automobile; and an ECU for controlling its operation. During an idling stop, the hydraulic fluid is fed to the automatic transmission by the operation of the electric power-driven oil pump to assist the hydraulic pressure, while the hydraulic fluid is fed with pressure also to the vane accommodating grooves to press the vanes against the cam surface.
US08403644B2 Power generating apparatus of renewable energy type
A power generating apparatus of renewable energy type in which a hydraulic pipe between a hydraulic pump installed inside a nacelle and a hydraulic motor installed near a bottom part of a tower can handle the turning motion of the nacelle. In the power generating apparatus of renewable energy type, a hydraulic pump inside the nacelle and a hydraulic motor near a base end part of a tower are connected by a first double pipe and a second double pipe. The first double pipe is rotatably connected to the second double pipe. The first double pipe includes a first inner pipe and a first outer pipe. The second double pipe includes a second inner pipe and a second outer pipe. The first and second inner pipes communicate with each other to form an inner passage. The first and second outer pipes communicate with each other to form an outer passage.
US08403642B2 Wind turbine rotor blade assembly with root curtain
A wind turbine rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. An edge extension is attached along either or both of the leading edge or trailing edge in a generally span-wise direction from adjacent the root towards the blade tip, with the edge extension having a contoured outer surface that defines a generally continuous aerodynamic surface. The edge extension has a terminal end that is spaced from root. A curtain is attached to the edge extension and extends in a span-wise direction from the terminal end t to the root. The curtain is formed from a pliant, flexible material that accommodates connection of the root to a rotor hub, as well as pitch movement of the rotor blade relative to the hub.
US08403639B2 Pump
A pump, in particular a centrifugal pump, includes at least one flow-leading part with an at least regional surface layer (50) of an elastomer. The flow-leading part with the surface layer (50) is formed as a multi-component injection molded part, with a base structure (55) made of plastic as a first component, and with the elastomer as a second component.
US08403630B2 Blade shroud with fluid barrier jet generation
A fluid flow machine has a main flow path, in which at least one row of blades (1) is arranged, and a shroud (2), which is embedded in a recess (3) of a component, with the component and the blades (1) being in relative rotational movement to each other. The assembly forming the shroud includes at least one internal chamber (7) which is suppliable with fluid from a source. The at least one internal chamber (7) is connected to the main flow path surrounding the blades (1) or to a cavity (9) surrounding the shroud (2) via at least one outlet (8) which is arranged on one side of the shroud (2). The shape of the outlet (8) and the shape of the outlet opening are such that a fluid barrier jet is generated at the outlet (8), which stops recirculation of fluid through the shroud cavity (9).
US08403629B2 Stator for a jet engine, a jet engine comprising such a stator, and an aircraft comprising the jet engine
A stator for installation in a rear section of a jet engine includes a plurality of guide vanes which extend in the radial direction of the stator and between them define ducts for leading a gas. A first side of the stator in its axial direction defines an inlet for the gas and a second side, opposite the first side, defines an outlet for the gas. The guide vanes have such a shape that together they at least substantially cover the gas inlet viewed in the axial direction of the stator from the outlet side thereof.
US08403627B2 Water pump for pumping coolant in a low temperature and in a high temperature circuit
In a water pump for pumping coolant in a low temperature and a high temperature circuit with low temperature and high temperature housings each including a spiral flow guide structure, and a single rotor disposed in the joined housings and having a low temperature rotor part for pumping coolant through the low temperature circuit and a high temperature rotor part for pumping coolant through the high temperature circuit, the housings are joined with a heat isolating structure disposed between the flow guide structures of the high temperature and the low temperature housings to limit heat transfer from the high temperature coolant pumped through the high temperature housing to the low temperature coolant pumped through the low temperature housing.
US08403625B2 Pitot tube pump
A pitot tube pump having a hydraulic chamber, a fluid supply line, a fluid discharge line, and a drive, in which the supply line, the discharge line and the drive are all arranged on the same side of the hydraulic chamber. A pitot tube preferably is mounted in the hydraulic chamber on a shoulder of a fixed shaft in communication with the discharge line. The drive is preferably an electric motor with a stator which is connected in a rotationally secure manner to the fixed shaft, and a rotor which forms a part of the hydraulic chamber or which is connected in a rotationally secure manner to the hydraulic chamber.
US08403624B2 Composite containment casings having an integral fragment catcher
Composite containment casings including a body having an interior and a fragment catcher integrally joined to the interior of the body of the containment casing.
US08403619B2 High speed substrate aligner apparatus
In accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed embodiments, a substrate aligner apparatus is presented, the substrate aligner apparatus having a frame adapted to allow a substrate transporter to transport a substrate to and from the aligner apparatus, an inverted chuck capable of holding the substrate and movably connected to the frame by a chuck driveshaft engaged to the inverted chuck for moving the inverted chuck relative to the frame and effecting alignment of the substrate, a sensing device located between the chuck and chuck driveshaft for detecting a position determining feature of the substrate, and a substrate transfer mechanism movably connected to the frame and located inside the frame below the inverted chuck for moving the substrate from the inverted chuck to the substrate transporter.
US08403618B2 Lift truck load handler
A fork positioner, usable alternatively either as an attachment to an existing load-lifting carriage with forks, or as part of the original equipment of a load-lifting carriage, has a pair of elongate hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies mountable in an interconnected parallel relationship between an upper transverse fork-supporting member and a lower transverse member of the carriage. Each of a pair of fork-positioning guide members has a fork-engagement surface movable by a respective piston and cylinder assembly and connectable thereto so that the fork-engaging surfaces face substantially perpendicularly away from an imaginary plane containing the respective longitudinal axes of the piston and cylinder assemblies. An exemplary carriage mounting the fork positioner is also disclosed, together with a wireless hydraulic function control system for use with the fork positioner or other multi-function load handlers.
US08403614B2 Robotic automated storage and retrieval system mixed pallet build system
A robotic automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) mixed pallet build system includes a rack that includes two or more verticals levels upon which items are stored. The mixed pallet build system further includes a three-dimensional robotic AS/RS that includes a carriage, robot arm, vertical lift, and horizontal propulsion system. The items from the rack are loaded upon the carriage to create a pallet. The carriage has a length that is shorter than the length of the rack. The robot arm is configured to stack the items from the racks onto the pallet. The vertical lift is configured to move the carriage vertically between the vertical levels of the racks. The horizontal propulsion system is configured to move the carriage horizontally along the rack so that the carriage is able to service the entire length of the rack. The three-dimensional robotic AS/RS also includes a stretch wrapper that progressively secures the layers of items on the pallet to prevent the items from falling off the pallet.
US08403612B2 Fastener assembly
A fastener assembly for attaching a fastener to an opening of a sheet material is disclosed. The sheet material is typically located adjacent to a base structure and the fastener assembly affords radial movement of the fastener relative to the opening of the sheet material. The radial movement allows the fastener to be aligned with a desired location on the base structure, e.g. a threaded aperture—after being attached to the sheet material. In this manner, the fastener assembly provides for the placement of the fastener in difficult to reach and/or see locations until it can be attached to the base structure.
US08403599B2 Apparatus for lifting heavy structures
An apparatus for lifting, stabilizing or enhancing load capacity of heavy objects, such as a building foundation and the like, is disclosed in which a bracket attaches to the object to be lifted and the bracket is then lifted using the apparatus which is supported by a pier or pile on an object or surface suitable for withstanding the weight of the object being lifted. The bracket includes side plates with interlocking side track pieces fitted therein to provide adequate support when under strain and also to assist in guiding the bracket in close cooperation with the pier during the lifting process.
US08403597B2 Cover system for waste sites
A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.
US08403596B2 Groundwater control system and method
A groundwater control system and method for regulating the level of groundwater in an agricultural field according to selected criteria including a drainage tile line having a water flow regulator that is computer controlled through a communications link in response to the selected criteria to provide a water table profile for the field.
US08403594B2 Aggregate-spreading device
An aggregate-spreading device is disclosed for widening roads, filling trenches, spreading any kind of road construction material, and creating shoulders on the side of roads at a controllable, quick, and steady pace. The aggregate-spreading device may be controlled by electronic motors and electronic actuators. The aggregate-spreading device is equipped with a skeletal frame, either a first and a second adjustable spreader assembly attached on opposing ends of the skeletal frame, or a single spreader assembly for allowing an operator precise control over placement of an aggregate. The aggregate may be supplied to the first or second adjustable spreader assemblies by adjusting the rotation of a reversible conveyor system. The skeletal frame simplifies manufacturing of the aggregate-spreading device and allows for easy repairs and maintenance. The electronic motors and electronic actuators eliminate the need for hydraulics, allowing an operator to control the device from a remote location with a controller.
US08403591B2 Interchangeable-core adjuster assembly for optical mounts
The interchangeable-core adjuster assembly for optical mounts comprises a carrier bushing and an internally-threaded core bushing that fits snuggly inside the carrier bushing. The carrier bushing is fixedly fitted into the hole the stage plate of the optical mount, and the core bushing slides inside it. The core bushing is irrotatably locked into position within the carrier bushing by conjugate key-keyway structures on carrier and core bushings. While the carrier bushing remains in the stage plate of the optical mount, the core bushing can be removed and replaced with another core bushing having a different pitch. In this way, the same mount may be used with either fine adjuster screw or ultra-fine adjuster screws by simply interchanging core bushings having the corresponding pitches.
US08403590B2 Coupler
A coupler for an excavator has first and second recesses for receiving first and second pins, respectively, of an attachment. A latching member is movable into and out of a latching state in which it closes the second pin-receiving recess. A blocking member is movable into and out of a blocking state in which it closes the first pin-receiving recess. An actuator is provided for moving the first latching member into and out of the latching state, the actuator acting indirectly upon the blocking member to move the blocking member into and out of its blocking state as the latching member is moved into and out of its latching state. Preferably the actuator acts upon the blocking member via a resiliently deformable member acting between the actuator and the blocking member whereby the resilient member can deflect should the blocking member be obstructed to avoid excessive loading on the actuator.
US08403589B2 Ball lock mounting arrangement
A paint gun assembly including a spray head and a connecting manifold. The spray head includes a bore terminating in a radially extending space of gradually increasing radius. The bore receives a shaft that has an axially extending bore which connects with radially extending bores in which balls are contained. The shaft also contains a plunger with a rounded end, engaging the balls. When forced into the axial bore, the plunger forces the balls into the radially extending bores and out into the tapered, radially extending space. The plunger engages a cam which is exposed at a surface of the manifold body and includes a hexagon drive to adjust the angular rotation of the cam using a suitable key. The manifold body provides a recess for receiving a retaining pin, whose end is received in the cam guide profile. Axial movement of the cam is resisted by a compression spring.
US08403585B2 Miter joint bracket and method of using
A miter joint bracket and method of using comprised of a base-plate having an oblate-hexagonal shape, a flat-roofed dome rising vertically from the base-plate, apertures drilled into the dome's flat roof to accommodate fasteners drilled or nailed through the apertures and into both sides of the miter joint of the frame to which the bracket is attached. The upper edges of the miter joint are drawn up into the space underneath the dome which pulls the upper edges slightly apart but forces the lower edges of the miter joint closer together thereby creating a tighter and more aesthetically appealing joint on the view-side of the shutter or frame to which the bracket is attached.
US08403583B2 Stethoscope cleaning assembly
An assembly structured to clean the head portion of a stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes during cleaning. A supply of cleaning fluid associated with a dispenser assembly is cooperatively disposed relative to an activating assembly. The activating assembly is operated in moveable engagement with the head portion, and activates the dispenser assembly when engaged by the head portion as it passes along the path of travel. The dispenser assembly delivers the cleaning fluid to an applicator assembly which distributes the cleaning fluid to the head portion and facilitates the cleaning thereof and removal of excess cleaning fluid there from. At least one disinfectant agent is dispersed within or comprises a portion of the housing and is formulated to be destructively effective against pathogenic bacteria, such as in the spore form, which is generally not affected by the cleaning fluid.
US08403582B2 Apparatus for treating a stain in clothing
A package for treating a stained fabric. The package has a contact substrate having a first color and a backing layer having a second color. More than about 25% of each of the widthwise edges of the contact substrate abuts a portion of the backing layer having the second color when the package is in a generally flat position.
US08403578B2 Portable dishwashing apparatus
A portable dishwashing apparatus is easily transportable, requires a minimal amount of water, and allows for quick and easy cleansing of dishes and utensils. A base unit in communication with a water source encases both a water heater unit and a soap mixture tank. In one embodiment, the water source is a portable water holding tank. A hand unit in connection with the base unit includes a handle having a rinse extension bar and a cleaning head extension bar extending outwardly. A soap mixture exits the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar onto a cleaning head, which is used to scrub dishes. A trigger located on the hand unit controls the flow of water from the distal end of the rinse extension bar and the distal end of the cleaning head extension bar. A portable sink unit supports the base unit and water holding tank, and further includes a drain for transporting excess soap and water run-off to a used water holding tank.
US08403577B2 Multicolor writing and painting instruments with multiple, bundled, hard, wear-resistant nibs
A multicolor writing and painting instrument may include a plurality of hard, wear-resistant nibs at an end of the tubular housing. Each nib may have a tip. The nibs may be bundled together such that the tips of the nibs lie in substantially the same plane and approximately on the circumference of a common circle. The instrument may include an ink reservoir for each of the nibs within the tubular housing. Each ink reservoir may be configured to hold a colored ink. The instrument may include a single, hard, wear-resistant nib at an end of the tubular housing. The nib may have a writing surface. A plurality of tubes may each lead to the writing surface of the nib. The tubes may form a plurality of openings on the writing surface. The openings may be arranged in clusters of one or more openings. Each cluster of openings may lie approximately along a circumference of a common circle. There may be a separate ink reservoir within the tubular housing for each cluster of openings.
US08403569B2 Termination system for fiber optic connection
Termination systems and devices disclosed herein use a handler that attaches to the optical fiber or cable and cooperates with other components for preparing the optical fiber and/or making the optical connection, thereby providing a simple, reliable, and easy termination for the optical fiber. For instance, the handler may cooperate with one or more of the following a strip tool, strip/clean tool, cleave tool for preparing the end of the optical fiber(s), and/or a connector-to-handler adapter for making the optical connection.
US08403567B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a female connector and a male connector. The female connector includes a first main body and a first lens portion. The first main includes at least one positioning slit and at least one recess defined in an inner surface of the first main body in the at least one positioning slit. The male connector is used for engagement with the female connector, and includes a second main body and a second lens portion for optically coupling with the first lens portion. The second main body includes at least one positioning post configured for insertion into the corresponding at least one positioning slit and at least one protrusion protruding from the at least one positioning post configured for insertion into the corresponding at least one recess.
US08403565B2 Fluid dynamic bearing device
An oil film is formed in a radial bearing clearance of a first radial bearing portion (R1) and a second radial bearing portion (R2) so as to rotatably support a shaft member (2). A bearing sleeve (8) and the shaft member (2) are accommodated in a housing (7), and the housing (7) has an inner space filled with a lubricant oil and has an opening sealed by a seal member (9). A first seal space (S1) is formed by means of an inner peripheral surface (9a2) of the seal member (9). The housing (7) and the seal member (9) are formed through injection molding of a resin.
US08403562B2 Linear motion guide system with wiper seal
A wiper seal is less in sliding resistance that is encountered when the seal slides over a raceway surface of a guide rail, better in wear-proof quality, rich in durability, and further easy to steadily install it to a slider. The wiper seal is installed on one end of the slider in a linear motion guide system to wipe away foreign materials adhered on the guide rail. The wiper seal is made of polyester polyurethane foam having a reticular skeleton texture of three-dimensional construction including open-cells therein, the polyester polyurethane foam being squeezed or compressed into from ¼ to 1/20 in thickness to form a compact blank of three-dimensional construction having porosity therein. The wiper seal is set to come into sliding contact with the guide rail 1 to exert a positive interference of from 0.1 mm to 0.05 mm.
US08403556B2 Blender lid safety protection device
A blender lid safety protection device includes a latch cover mechanism installed outside a mixing cup, such that after a lid is covered vertically onto the mixing cup, the lid is latched and fixed to the latch cover mechanism. A link rod has a compression spring coupled to the bottom of the link rod for propping the bottom of the link rod to a certain distance from one of the control switches of a power circuit control switch. After the blender lid is pressed down, the top end of the link rod drives the compression spring at the bottom of the link rod to move downward to trigger a control switch. Only after the blender lid is covered onto the mixing cup, the control switch of one of the power circuit switches will be electrically conducted, to provide a safety protection.
US08403555B2 High-speed blending, heating and temperature sensing structure of electric blender
The present invention provides a high-speed blending, heating and temperature sensing structure of an electric blender. The blender includes a temperature transducer installed at the bottom of a mixing cup, and the temperature transducer has a temperature sensing head extended into the mixing cup and an upper connector coupled to the bottom of the temperature transducer and installed at the bottom of the mixing cup, and a temperature sensing signal is coupled between the temperature sensing head and the upper connector. A hidden temperature sensing connector seat is disposed at the top of the base and has a lower connector corresponding to the upper connector at the bottom of the mixing cup, and both upper and lower connectors are coupled with each other when the mixing cup and the base are combined, and the lower connector is coupled to a display screen and a touch control switch on the base through a signal line. Therefore, the temperature of a food material in the mixing cup of the blender mixing cup can be displayed on the display screen by coupling the upper and lower connectors, and the touch control switch is provided for setting the temperature of heating the food material in the mixing cup.
US08403551B2 Lighting device
A lighting device includes: a light guide plate having a light incident part in an end face and a light radiation part in a flat plate surface; a light source part opposed to the light incident part; a light shield member with which an area near the light incident part on the flat plate surface of the light guide plate is covered; and a switch part including a switch main body, a switch knob and a pressing member connected to the switch knob to press the switch main body by pressing down the switch knob. An end part of the switch knob opposed to a center of the flat plate surface of the light guide plate is located on the light shield member, and the end face of the light guide plate is located between a first virtual line passing the end part of the switch knob and perpendicular to the flat plate surface of the light guide plate and a second virtual line passing the center of the switch main body and perpendicular to the flat plate surface of the light guide plate.
US08403550B2 Surface light source device
A surface light source device can be configured to increase front luminance as compared to certain conventional light sources. The surface light source device can include a light guiding plate having a first end surface and a second end surface, a light exiting surface formed to have a light exiting portion and a tapered surface disposed opposite to the light exiting surface. A light source can be disposed along the first end surface of the light guiding plate, and a reflection sheet can be disposed on the tapered surface of the light guiding plate. A prism sheet having a prism surface can face toward the light exiting portion of the light guiding plate. The light exiting portion can be disposed a predetermined entrance length away from the first end surface along the light exiting surface so that the light exiting surface can form a predetermined taper angle with the tapered surface.
US08403545B2 Illumination device and electronic device using the same
An illumination device includes a shell, a hub, a conductive cable, a partition plate, a resilient member, a cover, and a lamp. The hub is rotatably secured within the shell. The conductive cable is wound around the hub. The partition plate is fastened to and rotatable together with the hub. The cover covers the shell. The resilient member is latched between the partition plate and the cover. The lamp connects with the conductive cable.
US08403542B2 LED lamp with improved heat sink
An LED lamp includes a rectifier; an inverted cup shaped heat sink comprising spaced heat radiating members projecting upward, and spaced hollow cylindrical heat radiating elements arranged around the heat radiating members; a mounting plate fastened between the rectifier and the heat radiating members; L-shaped heat conduction members each having a longitudinal part inserted through the heat radiating element and a lateral part engaged with bottom of the heat sink; and a circuit board secured to the bottom of the heat sink to fasten the lateral parts of the heat conduction members, the circuit board comprising LEDs each electrically connected to the rectifier and being in contact with the lateral parts of the heat conduction members. The heat sink further includes first, second, and third heat radiating plates arranged around the heat radiating element.
US08403540B2 Lighting device
A lighting device includes a housing, and a light-emitting module mounted in an accommodation chamber inside the housing and carrying a set of light-emitting devices on a circuit board thereof for emitting light, a plurality of refracting prisms for refracting a part of the light emitted by the light-emitting devices horizontally toward two opposing sides through the light transmissive peripheral wall of the top cover shell of the housing and two opposing double-beveled reflectors for reflecting the other part of the light emitted by the light-emitting devices toward the outside through the light transmissive peripheral wall of the top cover shell of the housing in the same opposing directions. Thus, the invention extends the luminous range of the light-emitting devices, enhances the luminance and reduces light loss.
US08403539B2 Light guide for improving device lighting
A light guide guides light from a light emitter that is adjacent to an aperture of an electronic device. The light is eventually emitted from the aperture, to thereby provide lighting. The light guide can include a plurality of prisms which can thereby permit reduction in the overall thickness of the electronic device.
US08403532B2 LED module and LED light source apparatus
An LED module comprises: an insulating substrate in plate form; first main and sub terminals for connection to an external circuit formed near the first side of the insulating substrate; second main and sub terminals for connection to an external circuit formed near the second side opposite to the first side; three or more connecting wires formed on the insulating substrate for connecting LEDs continuously aligned at a distance from each other in series; LEDs individually connected between the connecting wires adjacent to each other and connected in series in a same direction; and a first passing wire formed on the insulating substrate for electrically connecting the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal, wherein a first connecting wire located on one side is electrically connected to the first main terminal, and a second connecting wire located on the other side is electrically connected to the second main terminal.
US08403529B2 LED-based illumination module with preferentially illuminated color converting surfaces
An illumination module includes a color conversion cavity with multiple interior surfaces, such as sidewalls and an output window. A shaped reflector is disposed above a mounting board upon which are mounted LEDs. The shaped reflector includes a first plurality of reflective surfaces that preferentially direct light emitted from a first LED to a first interior surface of the color conversion cavity and a second plurality of reflective surfaces that preferentially direct light emitted from a second LED to a second interior surface. The illumination module may further include a second color conversion cavity.
US08403528B2 LED area light fixture
An LED area light fixture for street, roadway or large area illumination including upper and lower, elongated, substantially semi-cylindrical, metallic shells spaced from and attached to each other wherein the upper shell is configured from a plurality of elongated, rectangular, angled strips with a plurality of elongated, rectangular PCB strips attached thereto and a plurality of linearly spaced high intensity LEDs embedded in each of the PCB strips and wherein the lower shell has a plurality of openings therein. A plurality of light diffusing lenses and light focusing cones are positioned in alignment with and between the LEDs and openings in the lower shell for providing uniform illumination below the LED light fixture. A heat conductive means is made integral with the PCB strips and the metallic upper shell in order to dissipate the heat generated by the high intensity LEDs during operation of the LED area light fixture.
US08403525B2 Lighting system for vehicle maintenance platform
A lighting system for a vehicle maintenance platform includes a support frame structure, a plurality of light sources and a rechargeable power source. The plurality of light sources is disposed on or within the frame structure and is configured to illuminate a target region underneath a vehicle. The rechargeable power source is contained within the frame structure and is electrically connected to the plurality of light sources. The rechargeable power source provides electrical power to the plurality of light sources. A vehicle maintenance apparatus including the lighting system and the vehicle maintenance platform is also provided.
US08403524B2 Lighting system for vehicle maintenance platform
A lighting system for a vehicle maintenance platform includes a frame structure, a plurality of light sources and a rechargeable power source. The frame structure is capable of being detachably coupled to the vehicle maintenance platform. The plurality of light sources is disposed on the frame structure and is configured to illuminate a target region underneath a vehicle. The rechargeable power source is coupled to the frame structure and is electrically connected to the plurality of light sources. The rechargeable power source provides electrical power to the plurality of light sources. Further, a vehicle maintenance apparatus including the lighting system and the vehicle maintenance platform is also provided.
US08403523B2 Methods, luminaires and systems for matching a composite light spectrum to a target light spectrum
Methods, luminaires and systems for matching a composite light spectrum to a target light spectrum are disclosed. Method embodiments may be optimized for simultaneously maximizing luminous output with minimal chromaticity error. Method embodiments may further be optimized for simultaneously minimizing both chromaticity and spectral error. Embodiments of the present invention may be used with composite light sources having four or more distinct dominant colors within the visible spectrum.
US08403522B2 LED lamp
An exemplary LED lamp includes a heat dissipation module, a light source mounted on the heat dissipation module, a cover engaging the heat dissipation module and covering the light source, a reflective layer mounted on the cover, and two connectors secured at two corresponding ends of the cover and the heat dissipation module. The cover has an inner surface and a convex outer surface. The inner surface includes a first concave surface and two second concave surfaces at lateral sides of the first concave surface. The second concave surfaces face the LEDs and configured as light incident surfaces; light emitted by the LEDs incidents onto the second concave surfaces and travels through the cover to an outside for lightening. A part of the light is reflected by the reflective layer before travelling to the outside.
US08403516B2 Solar shutter
A solar shutter includes a frame, a plurality of slats pivotably attached within the frame, a plurality of solar cells mounted on the slats and multiple LEDs. The frame has a power storage apparatus for storing power absorbed by the solar cells. Each slat includes a base and a light pervious cover fixed on the base. In an embodiment, the LEDs are mounted on the frame to face opposite ends of the cover. In a further embodiment, the LEDs are mounted on the bases within the slats. The light emitted from the LEDs is radiated into an inside of a building through the covers.
US08403514B2 Lighting cup
An exemplary lighting cup includes a cup body, a lighting module, and a power module. The cup body is for containing drink therein. The lighting module is mounted on the cup body and includes lighting elements. The power module supports the cup body and electrically connects with the lighting module to drive the lighting elements to emit light.
US08403509B2 LED lamp whose lighting direction can be adjusted easily and quickly
An LED lamp includes a housing, a conducting ring mounted on the housing, a shade swivelably mounted on the housing, an LED module mounted on the shade, and two conducting pins each electrically connected with the LED module and each electrically connected with the conducting ring. Thus, when the LED module is moved in concert with the shade, each of the two conducting pins is slidably in contact with the conducting ring to connect the LED module electrically with the conducting ring and to connect the LED module electrically with the metallic base and the power contact plate through the conducting ring so as to form an electrical circuit so that the LED module can be rotated through three hundred and sixty degrees (360°) so as to change the lighting direction of the LED module.
US08403508B2 Keypad with a light guide pad
The present disclosure relates to a keypad, wherein the keypad includes a light guide pad, a light source allowing light to be incident on the light guide pad, a sensor detecting quantity of light having passed the light guide pad, and a light quantity changer changing the quantity of light having passed the light guide pad.
US08403507B2 Rear-view mirror for improving a driver's vision in a car or motor vehicle
The invention relates to a rear-view mirror for improving a driver's vision in a car or motor vehicle. As with standard rear-view mirrors, the inventive dual rear-view mirror, which is positioned inside the vehicle, displays an image of the area to the rear of the vehicle in terms of real distance. According to the invention, the rear-view mirror is articulated with the left mirror which displays the real distance of the external right-hand side area, thereby ensuring safety. It is important to note that the technical-industrial process used to develop the aforementioned dual mirror retains the same technical production principles used in the automotive field since the invention makes use of PVC injection and molding processes and the huge variety of features offered by plastic materials in this sector for use in structures and joints which are pressure mounted for the above purpose.
US08403505B2 Projector for adjusting projection direction
A projector includes a main body and an optical assembly. The main body forms an image and projects the image to a first screen through a lens of the main body. The optical assembly is detachable from the light path of the lens, and is used for reflecting light beams emitted from the lens to project an image on a second screen when the optical assembly is in the light path of the lens. When the optical assembly is detached from the light path of the lens, the optical assembly projects the image on the first screen. The first screen and the second screen are on two adjacent perpendicular surfaces, such as a wall and a ceiling.
US08403503B1 Freeform optical device and short standoff image projection
A freeform optical device is disclosed which has an at least partially curved surface with a surface geometry. Surface normals at multiple locations on the surface geometry can be computed to define the surface geometry with respect to multiple focal points corresponding to the surface normals at the locations in order to correct optical aberrations otherwise occurring at the focal points.
US08403501B2 Motion responsive devices and systems
The present disclosure relates to motion responsive devices and systems that may be configured for projection.
US08403498B2 Projector, and its filter renewal control method
A housing (17) that accommodates a light source (1), a display device (3), etc. has an intake aperture (18) and an exhaust aperture (24). A blowing unit (16, 23) sucks air in through the intake aperture and expels air out through the exhaust aperture. A filter unit (19) is disposed so that a filter (20) faces the intake aperture in a predetermined area between a rolling shaft (31a) and a take-up shaft (31b). A part of the filter facing the intake aperture is renewed by taking-up the filter from the rolling shaft onto the take-up shaft. A control unit (36) performs control so as to renew the filter for a range that is smaller than an opening area of the intake aperture, when a predetermined renewal condition is determined to be satisfied, based on the output of a detection unit (38, 39a, 39b) that detects a specific factor value relating to contamination of the filter, such as a cumulative display time, a temperature, an air pressure, etc. This reduces a noise occurring during the driving of a fan or a change in the rotational speed of the fan, which are associated with automatic filter renewal.
US08403495B2 Modular LED illumination system and method
The present invention is directed to an illumination system. The illumination system comprises a plurality of modules such that each module comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) adapted to emit light. The illumination system further comprises a plurality of lens elements disposed subsequent to the LEDs. Further, a number of the lens elements corresponds to a number of LEDs; such that the plurality of lens elements is adapted to redirect the light emitted by the LEDs on a plurality lenses. The illumination system further comprises a plurality of imagers disposed subsequent to the plurality of lenses, such that each of the imagers forms an image from the light provided by each of the lenses, respectively. Further, the images formed by the plurality of imagers are combined by a device, such as an X-cube, to form a single image that is further provided to a light pipe of a display system.
US08403489B2 Spectral separation filters for 3D stereoscopic D-cinema presentation
Spectral separation filters for channels of a 3D image projection incorporate passbands of primary colors. In at least one of the filters, passbands are present in more than 3 primary colors. A set of two filters include a first filter having passbands of low blue, high blue, low green, high green, and red, and a second filter having passbands of blue, green, and red. The additional primary passbands of the first filter allow for an increased color space in projections through the filters compared to filters only having red, green, and blue primaries. The added flexibility of the increased color space is utilized to more closely match a color space and white point of a projector in which the filters are used.
US08403484B2 Laser control with phase plate feedback
An ophthalmic imaging system includes a light source, focusing optics, compensating optics, and a computer that coordinates both of the optics to optimize the Diffraction Limited Point Spread Function (DL-PSF) of the imaging light beam. In detail, the compensating optics includes a customized phase plate that provides substantially complete compensation for static aberrations introduced by an eye into the imaging light beam. Further, the computer measures an operational error signal that results from dynamic aberrations. The computer then uses the error signal to control the compensating optics and thereby optimize the DL-PSF by compensating for both static and dynamic aberrations. For an alternate embodiment, an active mirror can be included in the compensating optics to provide additional compensation for the dynamic aberrations.
US08403480B2 Adaptive photoscreening system
Briefly described, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a computer control system and an environmental light source that is controlled by the computer control system such that an amount of light provided by the environmental light source is adjusted by the computer control so that ocular parameters of an examinee are within a targeted range. Further, the system includes an irradiation system that provides multiple angle and axial eccentricity illuminations and selective wavelength irradiation based upon instructions received from the computer control system, wherein the computer control system instructs the irradiation system to provide different irradiation characteristics for different screening procedures. Also, the system includes an image detection system that captures ocular images of the examinee, wherein the computer control system analyzes captured images and provides results of in-situ analysis. The system can further include a device, for example a lens or lens system, positioned in the system to be between the eye of the examinee and the image detection system during photoscreening for shifting the neutralization of the system to a desired region for a specific population of examinees. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US08403478B2 Ophthalmic lens to preserve macular integrity
An improved lens with Rugate filter specifically designed to be worn in prescription and non-prescription glasses, contact lenses, intraocular lenses and sunglasses, and to provide protection against macular degeneration by reducing harmful visible blue light transmission and ocular photochemical damage. The lens at least includes a single lens layer with a Rugate filter deposited thereon to selectively block visible blue light. Other layers may be added including a polarizing layer, dielectric layer and/or color tint in a lens sandwich configuration, to additionally give a high degree of UVA and UVB protection, color contrast, and glare reduction. The Rugate filter is a stop band which yields an exceptional light transmission profile under all light conditions, thereby maximizing protection as well as clarity of vision. In the multi-layer embodiment, all of the lens layers provide comprehensive protection for preventing macular degeneration, cataracts and other ocular injuries, yet maintain a balanced light transmission profile for visual acuity.
US08403476B2 Image forming apparatus and method for controlling the same
An image forming apparatus includes a first sheet discharge unit, a second sheet discharge unit, a switching unit configured to cause a sheet discharge destination to switch between the first sheet discharge unit and the second sheet discharge unit, a memory unit configured to store information about drying time of a print medium, a timer unit configured to determine elapse of the drying time of the printed print medium based on the information stored in the memory unit, and a control unit configured to control the switching unit to set the first sheet discharge unit to be the sheet discharge destination based on a determination of the timer unit that a drying time of a print medium discharged to the first sheet discharge unit has elapsed.
US08403474B2 Pretreatment agent for ink jet ink, cloth treated by pretreatment agent, and ink jet printing method
A pretreatment agent for ink jet printing employing an acid dye includes hydroxyethyl cellulose; ammonium salt; a hydrotropic agent; and water, wherein the content of the hydroxyethyl cellulose is in the range of 1 to 5 wt % and the content of ammonium salt is in the range of 1 to 6 wt %.
US08403472B2 Inkjet image forming method
An inkjet image forming method includes: applying, onto a recording medium which is held by suction on a support base, an ink composition including a pigment and a polymerizable compound using an inkjet; applying, onto the recording medium, a treatment liquid that includes an aggregating agent that is capable of aggregating components in the ink composition and that has a viscosity of 2 mPa·s to 5 mPa·s at 20° C. and a surface tension of 25 mN/m to 45 mN/m at 25° C.; and irradiating the ink composition applied to the recording medium with an active energy ray, thereby performing polymerization.
US08403469B2 Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus that is a vertical installation type apparatus having a height direction dimension that is larger than at least one of a width direction dimension and a length direction dimension when the printing apparatus is installed, includes an ink cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a printing apparatus body, and an attachment section to which the ink cartridge is attached. The ink cartridge can be attached to and detached from the attachment section from a top surface side of the printing apparatus. The thus-structured printing apparatus allows a user to easily reach the attachment section for the ink cartridge regardless of which face of the printing apparatus is facing the user.
US08403468B2 Modular ink cartridge refilling system
An inkjet printer cartridge refilling system is described. The system may include a plurality of fixtures or adapters that are configured to hold inkjet printer cartridges. The adapters allow a variety of different configurations of inkjet printer cartridges to be refilled and cleaned by mating the cartridges to universal stations on the refilling system.
US08403463B2 Continuous stream ink jet printhead
A continuous stream ink jet print head comprising: a droplet generator (1) for generating a continuous stream of ink droplets; a charging electrode (40) for selectively charging the ink droplets; deflection electrodes (4) for deflecting the charged ink droplets; and a catcher (7) for collecting uncharged ink droplets, wherein the deflection electrodes are contained within a surrounding structure (2) that both (i) provides surfaces (41) which are contoured to the shape of the main bodies of the deflection electrodes such that the main bodies may be mounted against the surfaces to correctly position the deflection electrodes within the print head, and (ii) serves as a manifold for fluid in operation of the print head, wherein the print head includes a cover (10) for the surrounding structure, the cover forming a wall of the space between the deflection electrodes, the wall extending along the stream of ink droplets.
US08403459B2 Attachment and attachment system
An attachment is mountable on a carriage in place of a liquid container that contains liquid and that is mounted on the carriage having a liquid jet head for jetting liquid, so that the attachment can supply liquid introduced from outside to the liquid jet head. The attachment has a pressure control means provided in a flow passage which is formed in an attachment body and through which the liquid introduced from the outside is supplied to the liquid jet head.
US08403455B2 Fluid ejecting apparatus
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a fluid ejecting head having nozzle rows formed by a plurality of nozzles, in which a fluid is ejected from the nozzle rows. The fluid ejecting apparatus includes an absorbing member which extends along the nozzle rows in a movable manner, a moving mechanism which moves the absorbing member in a direction intersecting the nozzle rows, and a running mechanism which runs the absorbing member. The moving mechanism includes a moving member movably provided, a positioning member movably provided on the moving member and having the absorbing member in a movable manner, and a first biasing member for biasing the positioning member in a predetermined direction. A tension applying mechanism apply a tension to the absorbing member is provided.
US08403451B2 Cleaning apparatus and printing apparatus
A cleaning apparatus, which cleans a print head of a printing apparatus in response to a start trigger for regular cleaning, includes a sound sensor that detects a sound of the operational environment of the printing apparatus, a determination unit that determines whether the operational environment is quiet or not based on a comparison result between detected sound of the sound sensor and a threshold value, and a controller that delays the start of the regular cleaning by holding the start trigger until the operational environment becomes quiet based on a determination result of the determination unit when the start trigger for the regular cleaning has occurred.
US08403450B2 Liquid ejection head with nozzle plate heater
A liquid ejection head including: a flow channel unit including a nozzle plate, and a flow-channel-containing substrate (FCC), the nozzle plate and the FCC being laminated, a head case formed with a common liquid flow channel configured to supply the liquid to the reservoir and joined to the FCC on the side opposite from the nozzle plate; a heater configured to heat the nozzle plate; a head cover heated by the heater and formed with a bottom surface portion opposing the nozzle plate on the side opposite from the head case, wherein a distal end of the head cover comes into abutment with a portion between an area of the nozzle plate corresponding to the reservoir and an area formed with the nozzle row, and a void is formed between the area of the nozzle plate corresponding to the reservoir and the head cover.
US08403448B2 Medium transport device, control program for medium transport device and control method for medium transport device
A medium transport device includes a sensor unit, a timing data collection unit, and a sampling resolution changing unit. The sensor unit is provided in a transport path of a print recording medium to detect a transport timing of the print recording medium. A timing data collection unit receives an output from the sensor unit and samples the output at a sampling interval as timing data. A sampling resolution changing unit changes the sampling interval.
US08403436B2 Slide rail assembly
A slide rail assembly includes an outer rail, an intermediate rail, an inner rail, and a latch member pivotably mounted to the intermediate rail. The outer rail includes a support bar and a holding portion. The inner rail includes a stop portion. The latch member includes a first lock tongue and a second lock tongue. When the support bar supports the first lock tongue of the latch member to keep the latch member at a locking position, the second lock tongue of the latch member abuts against the stop portion, to enable the intermediate rail to slide in synchronization with the inner rail. When the latch member slides along the support bar to engage with the holding portion of the outer rail, the latch member is biased to pivot to an unlocking position, the second lock tongue of the latch member disengages from the stop portion.
US08403435B2 Sliding apparatus and sliding structure
A sliding apparatus in which a first extension member and a second extension member are relatively movable in a longitudinal direction includes a restriction portion for restricting a movement range that allows the relative movement. The restriction portion includes: a projection portion that is formed integrally with the first extension member; and an engaging portion that is formed integrally with the second extension member. The projection portion has: a support portion; and a protrusion portion that is provided on a tip side of the support portion and is protruded toward the second extension member. The engaging portion has: a guide portion that guides the protrusion portion of the projection portion; and an abutting portion that abuts the protrusion portion. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sliding apparatus and a sliding structure that have a small number of parts, require no additional steps, significantly improve workability and productivity, and are capable of being disassembled in a simple manner and in a short time even after assembly.
US08403434B2 Mounting apparatus for slide rail
A mounting apparatus for mounting a slide rail to a bracket with through holes includes a retaining member and a locking member fixed to the retaining member. The retaining member includes a positioning portion, and defines a through slot. The locking member includes an engaging portion and an operating portion extending through the through slot. The positioning portion engages in a through hole of the bracket from a first side of the bracket, the engaging portion engages with a second side of the bracket. When releasing the slide rail from the bracket, the operating portion is operated to deform the locking member to make the engaging portion be disengaged from the second side of the bracket, and the positioning portion is readily released from the through hole of the bracket, to release the retaining member from the bracket.
US08403433B2 Slide assembly with quick-mount system
A slide assembly with quick-mount system includes an outer rail, an intermediate rail, an inner rail and a ball bearing retainer. The intermediate rail has a notch. The inner rail has a first slot and a second slot to accommodate first and second mounts of an installed member. The ball bearing retainer has an upper member and a bottom member. The upper and bottom members each have retaining sections. Each retaining section has a ball bearing. The distance between adjacent retaining sections is larger than the diameter of the first mount. When the inner rail is pulled out relative to the intermediate rail, the first slot is located corresponding to the notch and between any two of the retaining sections, the first mount extends through the notch and enters into the first slot to be positioned. The second mount is engaged with the second slot of the inner rail.
US08403432B2 Latch and release device for slide assembly
A latch and release device for a slide assembly includes first and second rails slidably movable relative to each other. An engaging member includes a resilient arm and an engaging portion is connected to the resilient arm and faces the first rail. The engaging portion can be engaged with a latch which is fixed to the second rail to restrict the second rail to move relative to the first rail. An operation member includes a first end, a second end and a body which is pivotably connected to the second rail and the first end of the operation member contacts the resilient arm. When the second end of the operation member is shifted, the resilient arm is moved by the first end of the operation member to disengage from the latch.
US08403431B2 Telecommunications enclosures
A telecommunications enclosure includes a frame having a plurality of frame members defining at least one opening. At least one frame member that defines the opening includes a gasket channel positioned on an inner surface of said frame member. The enclosure includes a gasket disposed in the gasket channel and at least one panel coupled to the frame with a retainer. The panel covers the opening in the inner of the enclosure and overlaps an inner surface of the gasket.
US08403428B2 Check valve and brake hydraulic pressure control device using the same
A check valve having a spherical valve body received in a valve chamber, a valve seat for blocking the flow of fluid from the valve chamber toward an inflow port when having the spherical valve body seated thereon, and a plate-like resilient member arranged across the valve chamber. The resilient member has an annular fixed portion fixed on a circumferential wall of the valve chamber and a tongue piece portion radially extending from a radial one side of the annular fixed portion to extend an end thereof beyond an inner edge on a radial other side of the annular fixed portion. The tongue piece portion is formed to be deflected toward the valve seat side from the fixed portion and is resiliently contacted with the spherical valve body at a center part thereof for disengageably pressing the spherical valve body against the valve seat.
US08403427B2 Vehicle air supply system
The invention relates to a vehicle air supply system adaptable to occasionally supply large volumes of air at relatively low pressure for purposes such as tire inflation. The system has a compressor, an air dryer, a reservoir adapted to receive air from the compressor via the air dryer, and a controller operable to cause a standard regeneration of the air dryer when a predetermined system condition is met. The controller is also operable to cause an intermediate regeneration of the air dryer in advance of the predetermined system condition being met. The controller is further operable to inhibit the intermediate regeneration. The controller is operable so as to prevent saturation of an air dryer desiccant in circumstances where the compressor is on load for an extended period of time and likely to be pumping a large volume.
US08403424B2 Vehicle part adjusting device
The invention relates to a vehicle part adjusting device (10), especially a belt buckle presenter or belt presenter, comprising a first elongated flexible push member (12), a second elongated flexible push member (14) and a connecting and separating means (16) for the push members (12, 14) which is designed so that it detachably connects the push members (12, 14) upon an adjusting movement of the push members (12, 14) in a first longitudinal direction (X1) to form a bending-resistant interconnected part (18) and separates them upon an adjusting movement of the push members (12, 14) in an opposed second longitudinal direction (X2), wherein the push members (12, 14) are connected and separated in a reversible manner.
US08403423B2 Method of limiting a load applied on a seat belt in an emergency
A method of limiting a load applied on a seat belt in an emergency, includes obtaining information, judging if the emergency situation is in a first situation wherein a predetermined condition for controlling one seat belt load limiting mechanism is not satisfied based on the information, or in a second situation wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied; and in the first situation, the method further performs actuating a driving member not to operate the one seat belt load limiting mechanism, winding the seat belt to remove a slack of the seat belt with actuating the driving member, and operating another seat belt load limiting mechanism to prevent withdrawing the seat belt; and in the second situation, the method further performs winding the seat belt without actuating the driving member, and operating the one and another seat belt load limiting mechanisms to prevent withdrawing the seat belt.
US08403418B2 Multi function chair with adjustable armrest
A chair, includes a seat structure and a backrest structure arranged pivotally to the seat structure. An armrest is arranged pivotally to the backrest structure through a pivotal connection, and a link mechanism is journalled to the structures of the seat and the backrest, respectively, the link mechanism actuating and controlling the armrest to maintain its pivotal orientation in any pivotal position of the backrest relative to the seat. The armrest is adjustable in the length direction of the backrest through the pivotal connection which is arranged displaceable on the backrest structure, and the pivotal orientation of the armrest is controlled via a sliding engagement between a lever arm, adjoining the armrest at an angle thereto, and an actuator link included in the link mechanism and displaceable thereby with respect to the backrest so as to extend substantially in the length direction of the backrest in all its positions of displacement.
US08403416B2 Adjustable armrest with push button
The present invention provides for a vehicle armrest assembly mounted to a vehicle seat back movable from a stowed position to a functioning position. The armrest assembly includes an armrest housing having a gas shock disposed within the armrest housing. A pivot bracket is mounted within the armrest housing and in line with the gas shock. The pivot bracket has a first end and a second end. The first end of the pivot bracket abuts the gas shock so as to actuate a nozzle on the gas shock. The second end of the pivot bracket abuts a button. When the button is pressed, the button pushes the pivot bracket, transfers energy through the pivot bracket to the nozzle of the gas shock, and actuates the nozzle of the gas shock thereby permitting movement of the armrest assembly.
US08403415B2 Aircraft passenger seat recline mechanism
An adjustable passenger seat having a seat recline mechanism and including a seat base having first and second non-intersecting seat path guide slots for guiding the travel of a translation guide assembly interconnected to a linear translating seat pan drive rail through the seat pan such that translational movement of the drive rail with respect to the seat base causes movement of the seat pan and the seat back between upright and flat seating positions.
US08403412B2 Method for enhancing passenger comfort on a vehicle
A seating pad assembly is provided for use by travelers to increase the comfort for a seat on a public transportation vehicle or at a public transit terminal. A system and method for ordering the seating pad assembly for a transportation seat includes at least one terminal configured for entering an identifier indicative of a type of transportation seat purchased, e.g., a class of service; a server configured for receiving the identifier, determining dimensions of the seating pad assembly based on the identifier, and generating an order to acquire the determined seating pad assembly; and a communications network for coupling the at least one terminal and the server. The terminal may be configured in the form of a computer, a kiosk or a mobile terminal. The system will allow a purchaser of a transportation seat to either purchase or rent the seating pad assembly.
US08403411B2 Detachable seat mounted audio-visual entertainment system with locally storable, selectable, and updatable content
A detachable seat mounted audio-visual entertainment system. The system has locally storable, selectable, and updatable content. The passenger in-flight entertainment device terminal has passenger selectable controls, a video display, an audio output, storage media such as a magnetic or “hard disc”, and a payment interface device such as a card swipe, all located in a seat which has been wired with power, local network, and audio wiring. A local, transport vehicle mounted local host computer provides supports the local network, and may be used to collect revenue slips resulting from passenger input to the payment interface device. Revenue slips may be posted to a remote server during a trip segment via satellite or direct radio frequency communication to receiving facilities providing connection to the internet, or alternately collected and posted batch wise.
US08403410B1 Vehicle seat assembly with occupant pack support
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat bottom, seat back, and occupant pack support. The seat bottom is adapted for use in a substantially horizontal position. The seat back resides adjacent the seat bottom, and comprises a back support surface adapted for use in a substantially upright position. The occupant pack support resides adjacent the back support surface of the seat back, and defines a generally flat inwardly-projecting shelf for vertically supporting an equipment pack carried on a back of an occupant seated in the assembly.
US08403408B2 Personal support device
A personal support device includes a single elongated non-linear shaft having a support attached to a top end thereof and a tip attached to a bottom end thereof. The shaft is arced or includes a bend that defines upper and lower portions of the shaft which are angularly offset from one another. The support is configured to be at least partially disposed below the pelvis and extend between the legs of the individual supported by the device, with the shaft extending to a support surface either in front of or behind the individual.
US08403396B2 Roller carriage for a sliding bow roof for a truck or truck trailer
The invention relates to a roller carriage for a sliding bow roof for a truck or truck trailer. The roof encompasses guidance and runner rails, extending on the cargo surface of the truck along the longitudinal sides of the cargo surface. Roller carriages, which comprise rollers and on which retaining bows, embodied in gantry fashion and having a roof tarpaulin mounted thereon, are displaceably guided. At least one roller carriage is equipped with a securing device for preventing inadvertent shifting of the roller carriage along the rails. The securing device encompasses a wedge element associated with a roller, which element is shiftable between a release position and a secured position. In its release position it has no contact with the roller. In its secured position a portion of the wedge element is between the roller and the corresponding guidance and runner rail.
US08403394B2 Pickup truck tailgate accessory drill-less adapter
A tailgate accessory drill-less adapter for connecting a tailgate accessory to a tailgate portion of a pick-up truck includes an elongated body having a first side, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the first side edge having a tailgate latch bolt slot transverse to the first side edge and through the elongated body, the slot positioned a predefined distance from the bottom edge, and an offset hook anchor having a hook portion and a hook body portion, the offset hook anchor connected to the first side adjacent to but spaced from the second side edge where the hook portion is adjustably extendable.
US08403391B2 Fender structure assemblies for vehicles
An attachment bracket for mounting a fender of a vehicle to a side structural member includes a top portion that connects to the fender. A first vertical leg connects to the side structural member. The first vertical leg extends downwardly from an edge of the top portion. A second vertical leg connects to the side structural member. The second vertical leg extends downwardly from an opposite edge of the top portion. The first vertical leg includes a bend separating the first vertical leg into an upper portion and a lower portion. The first vertical leg has a central opening at the bend that is spaced vertically from the top portion and a bottom end of the first vertical leg.
US08403381B2 Horse stall door latch
The present invention relates to a latch mechanism for securing a movable panel member such as a door to a stationary panel member such as a wall. The latch mechanism has a receiver member attached to one of the panels and a latch member attached to the other pane and which engages the receiver member to secure the two panels together.
US08403377B2 Cab front window locking device
A locking device includes a lock body that includes an engagement groove with or from which the closing-side and opening-side lock receivers are engaged or disengaged, the lock body being variable between a neutral posture in which the closing-side and opening-side lock receivers are allowed to be engaged with or disengaged from the engagement groove; a closing-side locking posture in which the closing-side lock receiver that is engaged with the engagement groove is regulated so as not to be disengaged from the engagement groove; or an opening-side locking posture in which the opening-side lock receiver that is engaged with the engagement groove is regulated so as not to be disengaged from the engagement groove; a holding member and a release operation lever.
US08403372B2 Reinforcing ring for a plastic fitting and plastic fitting incorporating a reinforcing ring
A reinforcing ring and a plastic fitting incorporating such a reinforcing ring are disclosed. The reinforcing ring and plastic fitting have particular utility with respect to fire sprinkler heads in buildings. The reinforcing ring has a single starter thread which is integrally formed with a guide portion which guides a male part to be axially in line with the female fitting.
US08403362B2 Restraint system with closeable air flow openings
A restraint system having support elements can be transferred from a storage position to a restraint position. Flexible casing elements are disposed between the support elements and have air flow openings, such that the support elements having the flexible casing elements enclose a restraint volume in the restraint position. A resistance element is disposed at each of the air flow openings in order to impede or prevent the escape of air from the restraint volume compared to the inflow at the respective air flow opening. Such resistance elements may be formed by a second layer, displaced fabric threads, flexible fabric web sections and other elements such that a check valve function is provided.
US08403360B2 Occupant classification system
An occupant classification system for a vehicle comprises a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter unit, which includes a transmission RF antenna and an RF generator operatively connected to the transmission RF antenna. The RF generator and the transmission RF antenna are configured for generating radio waves at a certain fixed RF frequency in the Very High Frequency (VHF) range or the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) range. During operation of the RF transmitter unit, the generated radio waves propagate from the transmission RF antenna. The occupant classification system further comprises an RF detector for detecting, at the fixed RF frequency, an influence of an occupant on the radio waves propagating from the transmission RF antenna.
US08403355B2 Golf bag cart foldable device
A golf bag cart foldable device includes a bottom cart stand having a link segment. The bottom cart stand is provided with a channel, for sliding by a slider. The bottom cart stand joins a front wheel. An upper cart stand is in pinned connection with the link segment. A rear wheel frame is in pinned connection with the link segment and to a rear wheel. A linkage is connected between the slider and the upper cart stand. A strut bar is connected between the slider and the rear wheel frame. An interlocking mechanism includes a pull handle and a clamping rod having two ends lodged in the long trough. A connection member has two ends connected to the two ends of the clamping rod. A spring is joined to the clamping rod and the upper cart stand.
US08403346B2 Adjustable run height lift axle suspension system
An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights.
US08403345B2 Apparatus with wire cart for moving, storing and dispensing spooled material
The present invention is a unique cart for transporting and dispensing spooled or reeled materials such as wire, carpet, or cable. The apparatus allows a user to elevate a spool of material off the ground into a suspended position where the material can be unreeled, without the user having to manually lift the spool. The apparatus also allows the user to transport or move the elevated material from place to place while still in the cart. The apparatus also contains a feature for transport, storage, and unreeling of multiple spools of material.
US08403344B2 Dolly
The present invention provides a dolly (10) having a deck (12) including a plurality of rotatable members (14) secured thereto to support the deck (12) relative to a support surface (16) and enable the dolly (10) to move on the support surface (16). Each rotatable member (14) has a skirt element (24) located adjacent thereto. The or each skirt element (24) is movable relative to the deck (12) between a first position in which each rotatable member (14) is exposed beyond the adjacent skirt element (24) to a first extent and a second position in which each rotatable member (14) is exposed beyond the adjacent skirt element (24) to a second extent. The second extent is less than the first extent. Movement of the or each skirt element (24) between the first and second positions selectively engages a brake (50) to inhibit movement of the dolly (10) relative to the support surface (16).
US08403340B2 System for the rapid change of head on operating machines
A system is disclosed for the rapid change of heads in operating machines, such as equipment for the cut and/or decoration of passe-partout, or of items made of cardboard, glass, ceramic or the like. A system according to the present invention couples the head of the machine with a machine arm through a connecting element that contains one or more magnets. Said magnets retain the head connected to the connecting device by attraction, but also allow the head to be easily removed with just one hand.
US08403339B2 Self tightening chuck with an axial lock
A chuck with a generally cylindrical body having a tail section configured to receive a drive shaft of a driver and a nose section having an axial bore formed therein. A plurality of jaws is movably disposed with respect to the body. A threaded spindle is rotatably connected to the body and operatively engages the jaws. A first ring is fixedly mounted about the body and has a first plurality of teeth. An inner sleeve is rotatably mounted about the tail section and has an open portion. A second ring that has at least one protrusion that mates with the corresponding open portion and extends outwardly from the inner sleeve and the ring has a second plurality of teeth. An outer sleeve is placed concentrically around the inner sleeve and contains a lock groove that the protrusion of the second ring is situated inside the lock groove.
US08403330B2 Ball net of box type with raised front top
A ball net of box type comprises a front loop, a rear loop, and first and second side loops. The enclosing net portion are for covering a top hole formed by top portions of the loops, two side holes formed by the side loops, and a rear hole formed by the rear loop, so as to enclose the box-type space from four sides. The vertical side straight portions of neighboring loops are hold together by fabric holder portions. The top curved portion of the front loop protrudes above the top straight portions of the other loops, such that a front opening defined by the front loop provides a receiving area larger than the other holes defined by the other loops especially in a upper portion of the receiving area. The front loop has a larger area than the other loops in a lower portion of the receiving area.
US08403329B2 Gaming device for pellet guns
A Gaming Device for Pellet Guns is a portable, all mechanical, target apparatus used by one or more players. The device subassemblies may include a multiple silhouette targets housed in a pellet trap, a dispenser, and a score counter. The silhouette targets are mounted on pivoting posts. Its surface areas and shapes are consequential to the targeting challenge. The dispenser is designed to eject a ball from the magazine stack every time the target is hit. The ball color or its markings reflect the number of points scored. The score counter subassembly keeps a tally by stacking ejected balls into the score bar. The gaming device can take on various aesthetic themes that include a safari adventure, commando, space wars, the old west, and monsters. The unit can be built using variety of material including plastic, wood, or sheet metal. The construction methods may vary upon manufacturing.
US08403327B2 Collapsible game
A collapsible game is disclosed. In one embodiment, the game includes a divider and multiple outlets to obtain random distribution of objects in the game. The game also includes a movably coupled lid that can be moved relative to the opening of the game. The lid includes a finger recess that facilitates movement of the lid.
US08403322B2 Sheet feed device
A sheet feed device includes: a sheet accommodation unit; a separation roller that applies conveyance force to sheets; and a separation resistance body including a friction portion facing the separation roller for separating the sheets one at a time. The sheet accommodation unit includes a guide portion provided at an upstream of the separation roller in a sheet feed direction for guiding the sheet. The separation resistance body includes an extension portion, which is pressed toward the separation roller while being supported to be contacted/separated to/from the separation roller, and which is extended upstream in the sheet feed direction from an upstream end portion of the separation resistance body. The guide portion and the extension portion are arranged in a line in a width direction. An upstream end portion of the extension portion is retreated with regard to a guide surface of the guide portion when feeding the sheets.
US08403317B2 Sheet conveyance device and image forming apparatus employing same
A sheet conveyance device comprises first and second sheet parallel conveyance paths each having first and second conveyance roller units each to receive and convey a sheet and first and second skew correctors each to correct skew of a sheet therein. A third conveyance path is disposed downstream of the first sheet conveyance path and the second sheet conveyance path, in which those sheet conveyance paths flow into each other. The sheet conveyance device alternately conveys the sheet to first sheet conveyance path and the second sheet conveyance path. One of the first pair of sheet conveyance rollers is one of the second pair of sheet conveyance rollers as a common roller.
US08403314B2 Dog hole layout for a workbench system
A workbench system is disclosed which may include a work surface with a first dog hole, a second dog hole spaced apart from the first dog hole and a plurality of dogs, each of the plurality of dogs including a body defining a first and second securing portion, and a stem portion extending away from the body and configured to fit into the first and second dog holes such that the first securing portions of the first and the second of the plurality of dogs are spaced apart with respect to an axis extending along the first work surface portion at a distance corresponding to a first commonly sized work piece width and the second securing portions of the first and the second of the plurality of dogs are spaced apart with respect to the axis at a distance corresponding to a second commonly sized work piece width.
US08403308B2 Tailgate stabilizer
A counterbalance for use in a motor vehicle that is connected to a tailgate to at least partially control the movement of the tailgate. The counterbalance is made of a spring that counters the load applied to the tailgate, a flexible material strap that provides a stop for the counterbalance, a protective housing that covers the spring, and a flexible material strap. The counterbalance has a fully extended length that is greater than twice the length of the counterbalance when non-extended.
US08403306B2 Device for foaming liquid foods in a container
A device for foaming liquid foods in a container, particularly milk, is provided having a vapor generator for generating vapors, particularly steam, and a vapor lance to be at least partially inserted into the container, with the vapor lance being connected to the vapor generator in a fluid-guiding fashion and including at least one vapor outlet opening such that steam can be discharged from the vapor generator via the vapor lance out of the vapor outlet opening. The device further includes at least one motion element which is connected to the vapor lance and/or a holder for the container such that the vapor lance and the container are movable relative to each other via the motion element.
US08403305B2 Gas/liquid mixing device
The present invention provides an ozonated water generator which can generate highly soluble and highly concentrated ozonated water in an efficient and simple manner. In an ozonated water generator comprising a supply tube for transmitting a treated liquid, a gas/liquid mixing device provided in the path of the supply tube, and an ozone supply structure for supplying ozone to the gas/liquid mixing device. The gas/liquid mixing device is provided with a magnet for creating magnetic force in the interior. Creating magnetic force in both the treated liquid and the ozone makes it possible to generate highly soluble and highly concentrated ozonated water in an efficient and simple manner.
US08403301B2 Fastener for strap
A fastener includes a frame; a rotary shaft mounted to the frame and having a passage running through a center thereof; two ratchet wheels, a first lock member; a handle pivoted to the rotary shaft; a second lock member movably mounted to the handle and having an operation portion for a user's hand to operate to force the second lock member to disengage from the ratchet wheels; a rewinding member mounted to the handle and having a reel, a spring coil, and a shell; and a strap having two ends, one of which is mounted to the rewinding member and the other passes through the passage, and are wound around the rewinding member. Accordingly, the fastener allows the user to conveniently rewind the strap to enhance the user's operational hand feel.
US08403300B2 Device and method for lifting sheet piles
A device enables a sheet pile to be lifted from a horizontal position on the ground to a vertical position in the air, where it can be attached to a vibratory hammer. The device comprises two members, one of which attaches to the sheet pile and the other to the vibratory hammer. The two members are rotatably connected by a spindle, and they can be alternately locked into an extended (straight vertical) or bent (perpendicular) orientation by a lever-actuated spring-loaded key in the lower member that engages one or more slots in the upper member.
US08403299B2 Lifting assist device
A device for lifting an article comprises a housing having a leading edge region in fluid communication with an inner chamber. The leading edge region is arranged to engage a region between an article and a support surface beneath the article. An elongate tubular member, closed at one end, and at the other end, in fluid communication with the leading edge region and the inner chamber. The housing is arranged to provide a retracted position in which the elongate tubular member is held relative to the leading edge region and responsive to an operative pressure within the inner chamber so as to unfurl beyond the leading edge region where the elongate tubular member migrates along the access region toward a deployed position in which the tubular member extends a distance such that opposed ends of the tubular member may be used in lifting the article from the support surface.
US08403298B2 Gate valve with integrated support members
A gate valve has support members that are attached to a main body structure of the gate valve adjacent to the valve gate opening. These support members are affixed on both sides of the valve gate opening radially around a gate sleeve.
US08403295B1 Electromagnetic water supply valve
An electromagnetic valve. A body includes a valve chest disposed between an inlet and an outlet. A valve seat is opened and closed by a movable core. A lock ring is fitted into the inlet. A finishing member closes the outer end of the inlet, and in cooperation with the stator, forcibly fixes the lock ring and guides the tube to be inserted. A chamber is defined by an extension of the finishing member in the direction away from the inlet. A latch element adjacent to the lock ring limits the deformation of the lock ring in response to changes in the pressure of water. A support element protrudes from the outer circumference of the tube to support the rear end of the latch element. The locking ring is prevented from being deformed, so that the coupling of the tube becomes more structurally stable and secure.
US08403292B2 Microvalve having magnetic wax plug and flux control method using magnetic wax
Provided is a microvalve having a magnetic wax plug which includes a micro fluidic structure having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a magnetic wax plug provided at a predetermined 5 section where the inlet portion and the outlet portion meet, existing in a solid state, melted at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, and reversibly moving along a magnetic field, so as to control flux of a fluid through the micro fluidic structure, a heating portion provided corresponding to the section and heating the magnetic wax plug to be melted, and a magnetic field 10 application portion selectively applying a magnetic field to a position where the melted magnetic wax plug arrives.
US08403288B2 Supporting mechanism and device using the same
A supporting mechanism for supporting a device includes a rotating member rotatably coupled to the device, and a supporting member rotatably coupled to the rotating member and being foldable on the device. The rotating member is capable of being rotated from a first position to a second position. When the rotating member is rotated to a first position, the unfolded supporting member supports the device in a first orientation; when the rotating member is rotated to a second position, the supporting member supports the device in a second orientation different from the first orientation. A device having the supporting mechanism is also provided.
US08403286B2 Three-dimensional printing device
A three-dimensional printing device includes a top bracket, a side bracket, and a pivoting member. The top bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The side bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive the top bracket. The pivoting member includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The pivoting member is rotatably mounted in the receiving space of the side bracket.
US08403284B2 Pallet assembly
A pallet assembly and a method for disassembling a pallet assembly into smaller, easy-to-store pieces. In one example implementation, a pallet assembly may be disassembled and re-assembled as equipment having an alternative function. In an example implementation, a pallet assembly having a pallet support structure formed by beam members connected to transverse members and a plurality of pallet surface components attached to intersecting areas of the transverse members and the beam members is disassembled by detaching the pallet surface components from the intersecting areas. The extension members may be attached to conversion enabling structure on the pallet surface components to assemble a selected piece of equipment. The pieces of equipment may be any type of equipment including furniture (tables, chairs, shelving units, bar stools, etc.).
US08403282B2 Clamp device
A clamp device includes a frame including a supporting portion formed on one end thereof. The supporting portion is adapted for abutting against a handle tube. A clamping unit includes two clamping elements. Each clamping element has a connecting portion on one end, a coupling portion on the other end opposite to the connecting portion, and a curved portion between the connecting portion and the coupling portion. The clamping unit is pivotally moved between an open position and a clamping position. The clamping elements are detached from each other in the open position, and the clamping elements are close to each other in the clamping position.
US08403281B2 Mounting device for securing plate-shaped elements
A mounting device for securing plate-shaped elements (5) on a mounting rail (6) includes first (12; 52; 72) and second holding members (17; 57; 77) forming, together a space (16; 42) for receiving a plate-shaped element (5), a fastening member (27; 60) extending through the first (12; 52; 72) and the second (17; 57; 77) holding member and connectable with an anchoring element (23) provided on the mounting rail (6) for securing the mounting device (11; 41; 51; 71) on the mounting rail (6), and at least one resilient element (32; 46; 62; 92) provided between the first holding member (12; 52; 72), which is displaceable relative to the second holding member, and the second holding member (17; 57; 77) for spacing the first and second holding members (12, 17; 52, 57; 72, 77) from each other.
US08403280B2 Microphone mounting apparatus
A microphone is mounted to apparatus in order to receive sound from a sound source. The apparatus has a microphone clamp to secure different microphones to a variety of musical instruments and other sound sources and may be used to directly mount a microphone to a variety of clamping surfaces. The mounting apparatus incorporates a dual jaw design to allow for easy, fast, and secure mounting to the clamping surface. The apparatus supports a quick release mechanism for easy and fast engagement and disengagement of the dual jaws, consequently reducing time needed to securely clamp and remove the mounting apparatus with the clamping surface. The release mechanism may include a dowel release having a hole through which the jaw stud is situated. The hole has two curved surfaces so that one of jaws may be moved without turning the jaw stud when the dowel release is depressed.
US08403277B2 Electrical box mounting bracket
A bracket is disclosed for mounting an electrical box on a mounting bar. The bracket comprises a front jaw and a rear jaw. The jaws are movable toward an open position for allowing movement of the bracket relative to the mounting bar and toward a closed position for gripping the mounting bar at a selected position along the mounting bar. The jaws are biased toward the closed position. An electrical box is attached to the front jaw. In one embodiment, the front jaw, rear jaw and a spring for urging the jaws closed are integrally formed from a single piece of sheet metal.
US08403276B2 Vertical support system for musical instruments
The present invention relates generally to a vertical instrument support system for musical instruments.
US08403269B2 Orbit debris removal and asset protection assembly
An orbital debris removal assembly is provided. The orbital debris removal and asset protection assembly includes a plurality of spaced layers of netting. Each netting layer includes a plurality of sub-layers of meshed composite fibers that are configured and arranged to break up debris that comes in contact with the assembly.
US08403266B2 Attachment structure for affixing interior equipment components of an aircraft passenger cabin
An attachment structure is provided by which interior equipment components of an aircraft passenger cabin can conveniently be affixed. The attachment structure includes, but is not limited to at least one system support that above the cabin floor extends at least along the spacing of two frame elements. The system support has a longitudinal extension along which it comprises a plurality of attachment means, evenly spaced apart from each other, for affixing interior equipment components, wherein the spacing of the attachment means is smaller than the spacing of the frame elements.
US08403265B2 Aircraft cabin door pressure vent system
Disclosed is an aircraft door including a handle-activated pressure relief system that avoids potentially dangerous pressure differences between the cabin and the atmosphere outside the aircraft. A flow path is created between the inboard and outboard handles on the door. A pressure vent door is located in the flow path. The vent door being is opened when either of the inboard and outboard handle assemblies are activated. Once either handle is rotated beyond a particular point, a spring in the supporting mechanics becomes over-center. At the same time, the vent door comes under the influence of a magnet, snapping the vent open. After the door has been opened, it can be relatched by operating the handles in the reverse direction. The magnet and spring hold the vent door open until the aircraft door is fully latched, sealed, and secured. Only then does the vent door sealingly close.
US08403264B2 Air inlet valve for an airplane and manufacturing method for an air inlet valve
The present invention provides an air intake valve for an aircraft and a method for the production of an air intake valve. The air intake valve has an opening region for letting ambient air through into a fuselage inner region of the aircraft and a flap for opening and closing the opening region, the opening region and the flap each having a shape which is capable of forming air vortices on edges of the opening region when ambient air flows through the air intake valve.
US08403263B2 Composite and structure, particularly in the aerospace sector
The present invention provides a composite, in particular in the field of aviation and aerospace, comprising an omega-stringer that comprises a comb portion, and a connecting member that is connected at one end to the comb portion of the omega-stringer and can be connected at its other end to a standard coupling member. The idea underlying the present invention consists in forming omega-stringers with a connection zone that, on the one hand, is coupled to the comb portion of the omega-stringer and therefore makes it possible to transfer comparatively high loads and, on the other hand, can be connected to a standard coupling member so as to utilize the advantages of standard coupling members of this type when connecting omega-stringers to other stringers, for example T-stringers or other omega-stringers.
US08403260B2 Airship handling devices and associated systems and methods
Airship handling devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. An airship handling device in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, for example, can include a first support member mountable to a ground vehicle. The device can also include a second support member operably coupled to the first support member and configured to rotatably move relative to the first support member about a support member axis. The second support member is out of contact with the ground vehicle. The device can further include a line attachment portion carried by the second support member and positioned to releasably couple a flexible handling line from an airship to the second support member. The handling line is not coupled to a winch.
US08403258B2 Power regulating device for an aircraft
A power regulator and a process regulator, or a power regulating device for regulating hybrid energy sources are provided for an aircraft. The power regulator and process regulator is equipped such that the requirement of a required means of a consumer is measurable. In this arrangement the power regulating device is equipped such that a first operating characteristic of a first energy source and a second operating characteristic of a second energy source are determinable. By means of the first energy source a first requirement share can be generated, and by means of the second energy source a second requirement share of the required means can be generated. The power regulating device can regulate the first energy source and the second energy source such that depending on the first operating characteristic and on the second operating characteristic the first requirement share and the second requirement share of the required means can be provided to the consumer.
US08403256B1 Swept-wing powered-lift aircraft
Apparatus and methods provide for a swept-wing powered-lift aircraft. Aspects of the disclosure provide a powered-lift aircraft that utilizes the engine exhaust flow over upper surface blown flaps to increase lift during various flight operations. The powered-lift aircraft has wings with inboard portions and outboard portions. The adjacent inboard and outboard portions share a swept leading edge. The leading edge is swept to a degree that shifts the outboard portion rearward to a position in which the aircraft center of lift has little to no variance upon the activation or deactivation of a powered-lift system.
US08403255B2 Compound aircraft with autorotation
A compound aircraft features variable incidence wings, a thruster, a rotor and a clutch connecting the engines to the rotor. Upon reaching a suitable forward speed, the control system of the compound aircraft unloads the rotor and disengages the clutch, disconnecting the rotor from the engines. The control system configures the cyclic and collective pitch effectors to cause the rotor to autorotate. The control system selects an autorotation rotational speed that is adequately rapid to prevent excessive deformation of the rotor blades due to aerodynamic forces acting on the blade and that is adequately slow to prevent excessive compressibility effects.
US08403249B2 System and method for storage and temporary installation of secondary flooring surface
Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile polyethylene turf, are provided. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as roller adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the front roller. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.
US08403246B2 Shredder and method of shredding paper
Provided is a paper shredder. The paper shredder includes a paper support part including a first paper support part having a first length, a second paper support part having a second length greater than the first length, and a paper feed slot between the first paper support part and the second paper support part, a first roller in which a portion thereof is exposed upward from the second paper support part through an opening defined in the second paper support part, a second roller in which a portion thereof is exposed upward from the first paper support part through an opening defined in the first paper support part, a cutter disposed below the paper feed slot to shred an introduced paper, and a motor operating the first roller, the second roller, and the cutter. The first paper support part and the second paper support part are reduced in height as being adjacent to the paper feed slot.
US08403244B2 Mobile system and method for crushing rock while isolating electronic components from excessive vibration
A mobile rock crushing vehicle with a detachable electronic control box which can be automatically lifted, by a pair of hydraulic pivoting arms, off the vehicle, lowered and set upon any vibration damping and isolating mass, such as the earth, all by moving a hydraulic lever. The pair of pivoting arms further automatically configures a reduced-vibration transmitting connection when the electronic control box is set upon the ground.
US08403238B2 Portable decorative waterfall feature
A portable waterfall feature is provided for use on a fireplace having a mantle and a fireplace opening, and includes a water reservoir; tubing connectors and connectable tubing pieces, which may be assembled to extend upward from the water reservoir when the reservoir is placed at the bottom of the fireplace opening and around the one end of the mantle to be connected to a dispensing tubing piece connectable at the top of the mantle. A flexible curtain hangs down over the front of the mantle and in front of the fireplace opening over the water reservoir so that water that is pumped from the water reservoir flows upward through the assembled tubing pieces, is dispensed from the dispensing tubing piece along the top side of the flexible curtain; and flows down the flexible curtain and back into the reservoir.
US08403234B2 Hydronic space and water heater
A compact hydronic space and water heating apparatus and system is disclosed for use in a recreational vehicle. A liquid heating medium, stored within a low pressure tank, is recirculated through a gas fired heater thereby maintaining a desired set point temperature. The liquid heating medium is further circulated through the vehicles hydronic space heaters to heat the interior of the vehicle. Further fresh domestic water is passed through a heat transfer coil within the tank whereby hot domestic water may be provided. An auxiliary heating device is attached to the tank whereby hot combustion engine coolant may assist in maintaining the temperature of the liquid heating medium within the tank and/or reversed to pre heat the combustion engine if and when needed.
US08403231B2 Semiconductor device and driving method thereof
To provide a semiconductor device, which is capable of supplying a stable voltage to a memory and communicating wirelessly in writing data into a memory, and a driving method thereof. The semiconductor device is operated with periods which are divided into a period for receiving a signal wirelessly from a reader/writer, and a period for boosting up electric power received wirelessly from the reader/writer before being supplied to the memory. The signals transmitted from the reader/writer include timing for completion of signal transmission as information. The timing for completion of signal transmission is known by receiving the signals. After completion of signal transmission from the reader/writer, electric power received from the reader/writer starts to be boosted up, and then it is supplied to the memory in the semiconductor device.
US08403225B2 Vehicle license plate indicia scanning
A method of reading information bearing indicia comprising the steps of: scanning indicia on a vehicular license plate utilizing an indicia reader; decoding the data; and, utilizing the decoded data to retrieve information regarding the vehicle and/or vehicle operator from a remote database.
US08403221B2 Method and apparatus for reading barcode information
Provided is a method and an apparatus for reading barcode information; the method and apparatus being able to read barcode information correctly without being influenced by the environmental conditions at the time of reading the barcode information. When a reading method according to a prescribed rule could not read a character, each element width is judged again to be either thin or thick according to structural characteristics of characters to convert again an element width matrix into a bit pattern, and then a character corresponding to the bit pattern as a result of the re-conversion is determined.
US08403218B1 Method and apparatus for ultrasonic data transmission and locationing
A method and apparatus for transmitting data from an ultrasonic tag to an ultrasonic reader. The method comprises generating and transmitting an ultrasonic sound pressure wave, receiving the ultrasonic sound pressure wave at a first ultrasonic repeater, determining that the received ultrasonic sound pressure wave was not processed at the ultrasonic reader, retransmitting the ultrasonic sound pressure wave from the first ultrasonic repeater, and processing the retransmitted ultrasonic sound pressure wave at the ultrasonic reader.
US08403216B2 Code reading apparatus, sales registration processing apparatus, and code reading method
According to one embodiment, a code reading apparatus includes an image capturing unit, a first reading unit, a second reading unit and an information output unit. The image capturing unit captures an image picked up by an imaging unit. The first reading unit detects one of an image of a code symbol and an image of benefit indication from the image captured by the image capturing unit and reads commodity information corresponding to the code symbol or benefit information corresponding to the benefit indication from the detected image. The second reading unit causes, for a predetermined time after the first reading unit reads the information, until the first reading unit detects the other image not detected yet, the image capturing unit to capture the image and reads, if the first reading unit detects the other image, one of the commodity information and the benefit information from the detected other image. The information output unit outputs the information read by the second reading unit together with the information read by the first reading unit.
US08403214B2 Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security check, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users.
US08403210B2 Installation-free chip card reader for secure online banking
In order to use a mobile smartcard reader that can address commercial smartcards conforming to the EMV standard in a simple manner, the invention provides a method for controlling a chip card reader (3) by a computer system (4) connectable to smartcard reader (3), comprising the connection of chip card reader (3) to computer system (4) via an interface (8) designed for data communication on the basis of a protocol provided on a standard basis in operating system (11) of computer system (4); the provision of a control program (7a, 7b) for controlling the functions of chip card reader (3), wherein control program (7a, 7b) is provided as a plug-in; and the controlling of chip card reader (3) by executing control program (7b) on computer system (4). The invention further provides a chip card reader (3) as well as a control program (7a, 7b) for performing the method.
US08403206B2 Processing device for documents of value
An apparatus for processing documents of value has a checking device for checking at least one property of a document of value in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion with a sensor device, a storage-area housing including a securable storage area in which documents of value recognized as authentic are storable, and has a first opening through which the documents of value can be transported from the processing area to the storage area, a transport device for the singled transport of documents of value along a transport path to the checking device and from there to the storage area, and a processing-area cover has a cover element which can be moved between a close position, in which the processing area is covered by the processing-area cover, and an open position, in which an operator is enabled to access the transport path.
US08403202B1 Method for soldering surface mounting LED to circuit board
A method for soldering an LED to a circuit board includes firstly providing a solder-applying pattern overlaying the circuit board. First holes and second holes are defined in the solder-applying patter. Then, solder pastes are filled in the first holes and the second holes. The solder-applying pattern is removed and a plurality of first solder poles and second solder poles are remained on the circuit board. An LED is then put on the first solder poles and the second solder poles. The first solder poles and the second solder poles are heated to form a first solder ball and a second solder ball respectively after the heated first and second solder poles are cooled. The first and second solder balls electrically connect positive and second electrodes of the LED with the circuit board.
US08403201B2 Method, apparatus and plant for manufacturing shell structures
According to the invention, a shell handling carriage (19) is provided with grippers (194) which grip the end edges of a shell (2) made of composite material still fixed to a molding drum (11). An expeller strut (13) prevents the drum (11) from moving while the carriage (19) translating 5 removes the shell (2) from the drum (11). The shell (2) is then transported by the carriage (19) to a working station in which robots rivet the transversal ribs on it. The transversal ribs reach the robot working position orderly arranged on a self-moving rib store, which is inserted in the shell (2) itself.
US08403197B2 Surgical instrument having an articulated jaw structure and a detachable knife
A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure includes a frame and two jaws. The jaws have proximal portions that are mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the jaws are closer together. Preferably, the jaws are in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least of the jaws is located in an extended position and are in the approximated position when the distal portion of the extended jaw or jaws is located in a retracted position. The surgical instrument may further include a detachable knife assembly and knife actuating mechanism.
US08403189B2 Baby carrier
A baby carrier has a harness and a harness-carried front piece which forms a baby-carrying pouch. The front piece includes two laterally separated parts at a variable spacing relative to one another. The laterally separated parts of the front piece are mutually connected to a strip-like piece of material whose lateral stretchability is much greater than the lateral stretchability of the separated parts of the front piece.
US08403187B2 Production of an inert blanket in a furnace
A system for delivering a fluid into a container includes a housing configured to be secured to the container. The housing includes a reservoir to receive and retain a fluid as a liquid, and the housing further includes an opening that provides fluid communication between the reservoir and an interior within the container so as to facilitate a flow of inert gas which is formed from vaporization of the liquid within the reservoir into the container interior.
US08403184B2 Cap for an aerosol can or a spray can, with an acoustic seal
For acoustic sealing of a spray cap (7) for an aerosol can or spray can, the spray cap includes a push button (6) and a nap body (7a) and is provided with an acoustic seal (49) between the push button (6) and the cap body (7a). The acoustic seal (49) includes a sealing lip (8) on a rim (7b) of the cap body (7a) and another sealing lip (9) on an adjacent rim (6a) of the push button (6). A pleasing sound is produced when product is discharged from the aerosol or spray can by manually actuating the push button, since the push button (6) is configured integral with a spray channel (10) connecting a valve stem (11) with a discharge opening (3) provided in the cap body (7).
US08403183B2 Device for attaching a dip tube to a fluid container
A device for that places a fluid container in fluid communication with a sprayer is disclosed. The device includes a container adapter that allows a dip tube to be attached to the fluid container rather than the sprayer. When the sprayer is removed from the fluid container, the dip tube stays in the fluid container. Refill fluid containers may come with the container adapter and dip tube installed. When the sprayer is attached to the fluid container, the adapter seals against the sprayer allowing fluid to be pumped from the fluid container by the sprayer. A sprayer connector with geometry that matches an inner or outer shape of the adapter is attached to and/or built into the sprayer. The sprayer connector is constructed to allow easy alignment of the sprayer to the fluid container. The sprayer connector and the container adapter also provide a unique attachment geometry to insure only containers with formulae compatible to the sprayer are pumped through the sprayer.
US08403178B2 Container assembly
A container assembly has a first container that operably houses a second container. The first container is configured to hold a first flowable substance, and the second container is configured to hold a second flowable substance. The second container is rupturable, preferably by manipulation through the first container, wherein the second flowable substance can mix with the first flowable substance to form a mixture. The first container is also rupturable to dispense the mixture therefrom.
US08403174B2 Snap resealing closure for a container
A overcap is provided which covers the opening of a container. The overcap, in one form, engages an exterior of the container around the rim and along an inwardly directed flange which defines an opening of the container. The overcap snappingly engages with the container to produce an audible indication that the overcap is firmly attached to the container and that air is being expelled from inside the container. In another form, the overcap includes an invertible dome which is transformable between an upward convex position and an upward concave position.