Document | Document Title |
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US08445580B2 |
Tire with tread of polybutadiene rubber
Pneumatic rubber tire intended for heavy duty service having a cap/base configured tread with a silica-containing specialized cis 1,4-polybutadiene rubber-rich tread cap rubber layer. |
US08445579B2 |
Use in a paint of a dry-ground calcium carbonate with a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid with an alkoxy or hydroxy polyalkyleneglycol group
Provided is a method of producing a paint involving dry-grinding a calcium carbonate in the presence of a grinding aid agent which is a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid with a monomer containing an alkoxy or hydroxy polyalkyleneglycol group. |
US08445568B2 |
Flame retardant thermoplastic composition and articles formed therefrom
A thermoplastic composition can comprise: polycarbonate, aromatic sulphone sulphonate, aromatic sulphonate, and brominated polycarbonate. In an embodiment, when the composition is formed into a 3 mm thick extruded sheet, the sheet can have a smoke density of less than 200 at an exposure period of 240 seconds in accordance with the smoke density test as set forth in ASTM E662-06, and a burn length of less than 150 mm, a drip flame time of less than 3 seconds, and an overall flame time of less than 15 seconds in accordance with the flammability test as set forth in 14 C.F.R. 25.853, Appendix F, Part I(a)(1)(ii). |
US08445567B2 |
Method for reducing plate-out of solid phosphites in polymers
A process is described which reduces the amount of bloom and/or plate-out of phosphite antioxidants during polymer processing by the addition of at least one polyethylene glycol (or blends thereof) or polycaprolactones (or blends thereof) having an average molecular weight of approximately 1,000 to 20,000, most preferably between 4,000 to 10,000. |
US08445564B2 |
Soy composite materials comprising an amino resin and methods of making the same
The present invention provides composite materials derived from aqueous binder compositions comprising defatted soy flour of no greater than 43 micron mesh particle size, polymer particles of at least one emulsion (co)polymer, one or more amino resin, and, optionally, one or more reducing sugar. Also provided are methods of making and using composite materials containing the binder compositions. |
US08445561B2 |
Use in a hydraulic binder composition of a dry-ground calcium carbonate with a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and an alkoxy or hydroxy polyalkyleneglycol group
Provided are a method of dry-grinding calcium carbonate in the presence of a grinding aid agent which is a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid with a monomer containing an alkoxy or hydroxy polyalkyleneglycol group, and a method of producing a hydraulic binder base including dry grinding a calcium carbonate in the presence of the grinding aid. |
US08445557B2 |
Scratch- and weather-resistant varnish curable by means of actinic radiation or curable by heat and by means of actinic radiation
A coating composition curable with actinic radiation, or thermally and with actinic radiation, comprising (A) at least one unsaturated urethane (meth)acrylate and (B) at least one unsaturated melamine (meth)acrylate, wherein the ratio of the weight fractions of components (A) and (B) is between (A):(B)=1:1 and (A):(B)=1:5. |
US08445555B2 |
Stabilized carbanions as trimerization catalysts
The present invention provides trimerization catalyst compositions having at least one carbanion compound and methods to produce a polyisocyanurate/polyurethane foam using such trimerization catalyst compositions. |
US08445554B2 |
Compressed porous materials suitable for implant
A high strength porous polymeric material manufactured by a compression process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants. |
US08445553B2 |
Devulcanized rubber and methods
Vulcanized rubber is devulcanized by contacting the vulcanized rubber with a terpentine liquid in a reaction mixture in the absence of an alkali metal. |
US08445548B2 |
Process for the preparation of syngas and methanol from organic wastes
The invention is related to the preparation of low-tar syngas from organic wastes and optionally to the preparation of methanol from the syngas or from the separated carbon dioxide. The process is characterized by introducing the secondary raw material comprising preferably solid communal waste, sludge and/or biomass waste into a double-flow one-body generator, comprising an inner pyrolysing, oxidizing and reducing zone and converting the obtained pyrolysis coke, pyrolysis water and tar formed by the aid of the heat content of the gas flowing upwards in the outer gas space by blowing oxygen into the fix-bed, to a raw syngas comprising carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, on the fix bed of the pyrolysis coke and optionally a liquid containing liquid hydrocarbons or a powder of high carbon content are added in order to control the temperature and hydrohalides are removed from the obtained raw syngas on a calcium carbonate bed at 200-700° C., the heat content of the raw syngas is utilized, carbon dioxide is removed by a method known per se, and carbon dioxide is converted to methanol by using an external hydrogen source and optionally the obtained syngas is also converted to methanol by a method known per se. |
US08445547B2 |
Means of processing fuel grade petroleum coke for use in internal combustion engines
Liquefied petroleum coke (LPC) comprises diesel engine fuel grade petroleum coke that is produced by subjecting crude oil refinery feedstock to de-salting, coking, micronization, de-ashing, and slurrification processes to reduce impurities such as metallic components and make the LPC suitable for use in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engine systems. |
US08445544B2 |
Hydrolysable polymeric FMOC-linker
The invention relates to Fmoc (9-fluorenyl-methoxycarbonyl)-based polymeric conjugates. These conjugates are useful for extending the in-vivo circulation of protein and peptide drugs. |
US08445541B2 |
Methods for concomitant administration of colchicine and a second active agent
Methods for concomitant administration of colchicine together with one or more second active agents, e.g., verapamil, are disclosed. Such methods reduce the dangers commonly associated with such concomitant administration and provide additional benefits. Methods of notifying health care practitioners and patients regarding appropriate dosing for concomitant administration of colchicine together with second active agents are also provided. |
US08445538B2 |
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds are disclosed. The compounds are useful for treating type 2 diabetes and related conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also included. |
US08445537B2 |
Compounds that inhibit human DNA ligases and methods of treating cancer
Methods for treating cancer using compounds that inhibit human DNA ligases. Methods for using compounds that inhibit human DNA ligases to provide insights into the reaction mechanisms of human DNA ligases, for example to identify the human DNA ligase involved in different DNA repair pathways. Screening methods for compounds that inhibit human DNA ligases. |
US08445528B2 |
Dendrimer conjugates
The present invention relates to novel therapeutic and diagnostic dendrimers. In particular, the present invention is directed to dendrimer-linker conjugates, methods of synthesizing the same, compositions comprising the conjugates, as well as systems and methods utilizing the conjugates (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in disease (e.g., cancer) diagnosis and/or therapy, pain therapy, etc.)). Accordingly, dendrimer-linker conjugates of the present invention may further comprise one or more components for targeting, imaging, sensing, and/or providing a therapeutic or diagnostic material and/or monitoring response to therapy. |
US08445519B2 |
1-aryl-5-alkyl pyrazole derivative compounds, processes of making and methods of using thereof
Provided are 1-aryl-5-alkyl pyrazole compounds, of formula (I): wherein: R1 is hydrogen, cyano, halogen, R8, formyl, —C(O)R8, —C(O)OR8, —C(O)NR9R10, or —C(S)NH2; R2 is R8 or —S(O)mR11; R3 is methyl, ethyl or C1-C4 haloalkyl; R4, R5 and R7 are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, cyano or nitro; R6 is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyloxy, cyano, nitro, —C(O)R12, —S(O)nR12 or SF5; Z is a nitrogen atom or C—R13; R8 is alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl or halocycloalkyl; R9 is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl or alkoxy; R10 is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl or alkoxy; R11 is alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkynyl or cycloalkyl; R12 is alkyl or haloalkyl; R13 is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy or haloalkoxy; m is 0, 1 or 2; and n is 0, 1 or 2; or a salt thereof, the method of making compounds of formula (I) and the use of these compounds against ectoparasites, endoparasites and pests. |
US08445516B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for promoting angiogenesis
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for promoting angiogenesis, which has an angiogenesis promoting action even in a vascular culturing system without effect of microcirculation. A pharmaceutical composition for promoting angiogenesis of the present invention comprises at least one compound selected from a group consisting of a piperidine compound represented by the general formula (1) or salts thereof: (wherein R represents a benzoyl group which may have, as substituents on the phenyl ring, 1 to 3 groups selected from a group consisting of an amino group, which may have a lower alkanoyl group, and a lower alkyl group; R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; and R2 represents a phenyl lower alkyl group). |
US08445510B2 |
Fused bicyclic kinase inhibitors
Compounds of Formula I, as shown below and defined herein: pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, synthesis, intermediates, formulations, and methods of disease treatment therewith, including treatment of cancers, such as tumors driven at least in part by at least one of RON, MET or ALK. This Abstract is not limiting of the invention. |
US08445508B2 |
Method of restoring the incretin effect
The present invention relates to methods of treating metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherogenic dyslipidemia and/or obesity. The present invention also relates to methods of restoring the incretin effect, to restoring physiologic control of glucagon levels, to restoring first-phase insulin secretion, and to restoring the physiologic glucose-dependent insulin secretion. The methods of the present invention comprise administration of a selective κ-receptor antagonist, such as guanidinylated naltrindole (GNTI), or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof to a subject in need thereof. |
US08445507B2 |
Androgen receptor modulator for the treatment of prostate cancer and androgen receptor-associated diseases
A hydantoin compound useful for the prevention or treatment of hyperproliferative diseases or disorders. |
US08445502B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulations comprising salts of a protein kinase inhibitor and methods of using same
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising the protein kinase inhibitor, MP470, and methods of using same in treating conditions involving undesirable cell proliferation, such as cancer. |
US08445499B2 |
Bipiperidinyl compounds, compositions, containing such compounds and methods of treatment
Bipiperidinyl compounds of the formula: are disclosed as useful for treating or preventing type 2 diabetes and similar conditions. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates are included as well. The compounds are useful as agonists of the g-protein coupled receptor GPR-119. |
US08445496B2 |
Crystalline forms of 4-[(2,4-dichloro-5-methoxyphenyl)amino]-6-methoxy-7-[3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)propoxy]-3-quinolinecarbonitrile and methods of preparing the same
This invention is directed to a crystalline 4-[(2,4-dichloro-5-methoxyphenyl)amino]-6-methoxy-7-[3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)propoxy]-3-quinolinecarbonitrile monohydrate having an x-ray diffraction pattern wherein 2θ angles (°) of significant peaks are at about: 9.19, 11.48, 14.32, 19.16, 19.45, 20.46, 21.29, 22.33, 23.96, 24.95, 25.29, 25.84, 26.55, 27.61, and 29.51, and a transition temperature of about 109° C. to about 115° C. |
US08445491B2 |
Wnt protein signalling inhibitors
The present invention generally relates to protein signalling. In particular, compounds that inhibit the Wnt protein signalling pathway are disclosed. Such compounds may be used in the treatment of Wnt protein signalling-related diseases and conditions such as cancer, degenerative diseases, type II diabetes and osteopetrosis. |
US08445486B2 |
Triazine compounds as PI3 kinase and mTOR inhibitors
Compounds of formula I wherein: R1 is and R2, R4, and R6-9 are defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. These compounds inhibit PI3 kinase and mTOR, and may be used to treat diseases mediated by PI3 kinase and mTOR, such as a variety of cancers. Methods for making and using the compounds of this invention are disclosed. Various compositions containing the compounds of this invention are also disclosed. |
US08445485B2 |
Prodrugs of 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds and their uses
The present disclosure provides prodrugs of biologically active 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds, salts and hydrates of the prodrugs, compositions comprising the prodrugs, intermediates and methods for synthesizing the prodrugs and methods of using the prodrugs in a variety of applications. |
US08445483B1 |
Anti-infective agents against intracellular pathogens
A new class of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1) inhibitors of Formula I: wherein X wherein X is —CF3, Ar is selected from and R is selected from where R′ is L-Lys, D-Lys, β-Ala, L-Lue, L-Ile, Phe, SO2CH2CH2NH2, SO2NH2, Asn, Glu or Gyl, and R″ is methyl, ethyl, allyl, CH2CH2OH, CH2CN, CH2CH2CN, CH2CONH2, |
US08445478B2 |
Azetidine derivatives, their preparation and their application in therapy
The invention relates to azetidine derivatives having the formula (I): Wherein R′, R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, R, Y, A and B are as defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the same and therapeutic use thereof. |
US08445477B2 |
Azetidinyl diamides as monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein Y, Z, R1, and s are defined herein. |
US08445469B2 |
18-methyl-19-nor-17-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactones, as well as pharmaceutical preparations that contain the latter
A 18-Methyl-19-nor-17-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone of general formula I in which Z, R4, R6, R7 are as defined below with the proviso that the compound is not 18-Methyl-15β,16β-methylene-3-oxo-19-nor-17-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone. |
US08445466B2 |
Stable aqueous compositions comprising amide-protected bioactive creatine species and uses thereof
The present invention provides amide-protected creatine molecules and compositions, containing one or more bioactive forms of creatine in aqueous compositions, wherein bioactive forms of creatine do not appreciably degrade into creatinine. Also provided are various beneficial effects of administering aqueous compositions having at least one amide-protected creatine molecule. |
US08445461B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for meniere's disease
The present invention provides pharmaceutical composition for treating Meniere's disease, comprising saccharides or sugar alcohols as an active ingredient and polysaccharides, wherein the ratio by weight of the saccharides or sugar alcohols to the polysaccharides is about 100:2 to 100:50. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may eliminate the cathartic effect caused by saccharides or sugar alcohols to ensure the endolymphatic hydrops decompression effect. Therefore the effect of the therapeutic composition of the present invention is improved. The pharmaceutical composition may provide in gel, powder, granule form or the like. |
US08445460B2 |
Soluble, highly branched glucose polymers for enteral and parenteral nutrition and for peritoneal dialysis
The invention relates to soluble, highly branched glucose polymers which are obtained by enzymatic treatment of starch, having a reducing sugars content of less than 3.5%, exhibiting a proportion of α-1,6-glucosidic linkages of between 20% and 30%, a Mw, determined by light scattering, of between 20·103 and 30·103 daltons, and an osmolality of less than 25 mOsm/kg. The invention likewise relates to a method of obtaining these polymers and to their use in the pharmaceutical and food industries, more particularly in the field of enteral and parenteral nutrition, and in the field of peritoneal dialysis. |
US08445458B2 |
Food composition for prodromal dementia patients
A composition comprising (a) one or more ω-3 fatty acids selected from DHA, DPA and EPA, (b) uridine or its equivalent, and (c) a methyl donor, useful in the treatment of a person having characteristics of a prodromal dementia patient. The characteristics include e.g. a level of more than 350 ng Total-tau per liter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and a weight ratio of abeta-42/Phospho-tau-181 of less than 6.5 in CSF. |
US08445456B2 |
Use of RNA interference for treating or reducing pain
A use of a nucleic acid molecule mediating RNA interference for treating or reducing pain is disclosed. The nucleic acid molecule has a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:4, and is used for effectively inhibiting expression of bradykinin B2 receptor, treating or reducing pain and preparing a pharmaceutical composition for reducing neuropathic pain. |
US08445455B2 |
Stress-responsive induction of a therapeutic agent and methods of use
This invention relates to compositions and methods for selective expression of a heterologous nucleic acid sequence in a targeted tissue, and more particularly to the glucose regulated protein 78 (grp78) stress-responsive promoter and its use in gene therapy and the production of transgenic animals. |
US08445451B2 |
Macrolides and uses of macrolides
Macrolides of Formula (I) or (I-A): and wherein the residues R1, R2, R3, R4, R12, R13 and R14 have certain meanings defined in this application are useful for treating or preventing inflammatory or allergic diseases or, cancer in animals and humans. |
US08445450B2 |
Antithrombotic dual inhibitors comprising a biotin residue
The present invention relates compounds of the formula (I) oligosaccharide-spacer-A (I), wherein the oligosaccharide is a negatively charged oligosaccharide residue comprising two to twenty five monosaccharide units, the charge being compensated by positively charged counterions, and wherein the oligosaccharide residue is derived from an oligosaccharide which has (AT-III mediated) anti-Xa activity per se; the spacer is an essentially pharmacologically inactive flexible linking residue having a chain length of 10 to 70 atoms; A is the residue —CH[NH—SO2—R1][CO—NR2—CH(4-benzamidine)-CO—NR3R4]. |
US08445443B2 |
Cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins, polynucleotides encoding the same, and anticancer composition comprising the same
The present invention discloses cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins where a macromolecule transduction domain (MTD) is fused to a tumor suppressor p18. Also disclosed are polynucleotides encoding the cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins, an expression vector containing the cell permeable p18 recombinant protein, and a pharmaceutical composition for treating p18 deficiency or failure which contains the cell permeable p18 recombinant protein as an effective ingredient. The cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins of the present invention are capable of efficiently introducing a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor p18 into a cell, and thus, can activate cell signaling mechanisms involved in the activation of ATM and p53 that induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA damage or oncogenic signals. Therefore, the cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins of the present invention can be effectively used as an anticancer agent. |
US08445442B2 |
CCL18 and CCL3 methods and compositions for detecting and treating cancer
The invention relates to methods of treating cancer by administering one or more chemokines that are downregulated in cancerous cells. More specifically, the invention provides methods for treating or preventing cancers such as malignant melanoma by administering a chemokine such as CCL18 and/or CCL3. The invention further provides methods for diagnosing cancer such as melanoma. |
US08445439B2 |
Itch suppressant
The present invention provides an itch suppressant containing cholecystokinin 2 receptor agonist such as a peptide having an amino acid sequence homologous with a partial amino acid sequence of at least seven C-terminal amino acids of the peptide having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ:ID No. 1 as an active ingredient as a rapid-acting itch suppressant effective in treating skin illnesses associated with strong itch such as atopic dermatitis having few side effects. [SEQ: ID No. 1] Val-Ser-Gln-Arg-Thr-Asp-Gly-Glu-Ser-Arg-Ala-His- Leu-Gly-Ala-Leu-Leu-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Gln-Ala- Arg-Lys-Ala-Pro-Ser-Gly-Arg-Met-Ser-Ile-Val-Lys- Asn-Leu-Gln-Asn-Leu-Asp-Pro-Ser-His-Arg-Ile-Ser- Asp-Arg-Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2 |
US08445434B2 |
IGF-1 fusion polypeptides and therapeutic uses thereof
A fusion protein comprising at least one IGF1 variant component and a fusion component (F), and, optionally, a signal sequence, exhibits improved stability relative to the native IGF1 or IGF2 polypeptide. The fusion component (F) may be a multimerizing component, such as an immunoglobulin domain, in particular, the Fc domain of IgG or a heavy chain of IgG. IGF1 variants were shown to have improved ability to increase muscle mass in a subject suffering from muscle atrophy caused by cachexia, immobilization, aging, chronic disease, cancer, hereditary condition, an atrophy-causing agent, and the like. IGF1 variants are also effective in decreasing blood glucose in a subject suffering from diabetes or hyperglycemia. |
US08445424B2 |
Fragrance
A method of providing to a fragrance application a musky odor, comprising the addition thereto of at least one compound according to the formula I in which R1 is selected from H and CH3; R2, R3 are selected from the possibilities that (a) both are CH3; and (b) R2 and R3 together form a single bond (as indicated by the broken line); and n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4. The compounds are useful in the complete range of fine and functional fragrance applications. |
US08445420B2 |
Cleaning and purifying compositions and associated method for purifying process water from the refinement of petroleum
A cleaning and purifying composition including at least one solvent, an alkaline agent, a deflocculant, at least one surfactant selected from the group comprising an alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, an alkylamino-polyethoxy-sulfate surfactant, a polyether-phosphate ester surfactant, a surfactant that is a phosphate ester of an ethoxylated alcohol, and a surfactant that is a polyethyleneglycol monoalkyl ether, and a bonding agent. |
US08445416B2 |
Solid stick compositions comprising vinyl ester
A solid stick composition for use on steel surfaces that are in sliding or rolling-sliding contact. The solid stick composition comprises a vinyl ester resin, for example, from about 20 to about 80 weight percent vinyl ester resin, a solid lubricant, for example from about 0 to about 80 weight percent lubricant, and optionally a friction modifier, for example from about 0 to about 40% weight percent friction modifier, or a combination of a solid lubricant and a friction modifier. The solid stick comprises at least one of the lubricant or the friction modifier. A method of controlling friction between a metal surface and a second metal surface by applying the solid stick composition to one or more than one of the metal surfaces is also disclosed as well as a method of reducing lateral force in a rail system comprising applying the solid stick composition onto a wheel or rail surface. |
US08445415B2 |
Grease composition
There is provided a grease composition, including: a base oil; a metal soap thickener formed of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, calcium, magnesium and aluminum and a fatty acid containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group and a carboxylic acid metal salt group in each molecular structure; and nanoparticles formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of oxides, carbides and diamond materials. |
US08445412B2 |
Separation of pyrophosphate release and pyrophosphate detection
The present technology relates to methods and systems for detection of pyrophosphate. As such, disclosed herein are methods and systems that permit improved pyrophosphate detection. Also disclosed herein are methods and systems which utilize improved pyrophosphate detection for nucleotide sequencing. |
US08445409B2 |
Use of 5-benzyloxymethyl-1,2-isoxazoline derivatives as a herbicide
A method of selectively controlling annual bluegrass and/or goosegrass in turf grass, the method includes applying 5-benzyloxymethyl-1,2-isoxazoline derivative compounds, pre-emergence or post-emergence, to goosegrass and/or annual bluegrass in turf grass. |
US08445406B2 |
Stable, concentrated herbicidal compositions
A liquid herbicidal composition is provided, comprising: a. 20 to 35 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a water-soluble herbicidal ingredient; b. a C12-C16 alkyl ether sulfate; c. an organic solvent; and d. an alkyl polyglucoside. The composition is stable; i.e., it occurs in a substantially continuous, single phase at temperatures as low as −20° C. It also has a viscosity of no more than 2000 cps at temperatures as low as 0° C. |
US08445402B2 |
Preferential oxidation catalyst containing platinum, copper and iron
An improved catalyst suitable as a preferential oxidation catalyst is obtained by adding platinum, copper, and iron to a support. |
US08445399B2 |
Hydrocarbon-soluble molybdenum catalyst precursors and methods for making same
Hydrocarbon-soluble molybdenum catalyst precursors include a plurality of molybdenum cations that are each bonded with a plurality of organic anions to form an oil soluble molybdenum salt. A portion of the molybdenum atoms are in the 3+ oxidation state such that the plurality of molybdenum atoms has an average oxidation state of less than 4+, e.g., less than about 3.8+, especially less than about 3.5+. The catalyst precursors can form a hydroprocessing molybdenum sulfide catalyst in heavy oil feedstocks. The oil soluble molybdenum salts are manufactured in the presence of a reducing agent, such as hydrogen gas, to obtain the molybdenum in the desired oxidation state. Preferably the reaction is performed with hydrogen or an organic reducing agent and at a temperature such that the molybdenum atoms are reduced to eliminate substantially all molybdenum oxide species. |
US08445396B2 |
Dielectric ceramic and laminated ceramic capacitor
A laminated ceramic capacitor suitable for intermediate to high voltage applications uses a dielectric ceramic represented by {100(BaTiO3+aBaZrO3)+bR+cMg+dMn+eSi} where R is a rare earth element; 0≦a≦0.2, 8.0≦b≦12.0, 1.0≦c≦10.0, 0.1≦d≦3.0, and 1.0≦e≦10.0, and includes first grains of 0.7 μm or more in grain size and an average first grain size (Aave) and area ratio of the ceramic (SA), and second grains of 0.6 μm or less in grain size and an average second grain size (Bave) and area ratio (SB), 0.8 μm≦Aave≦2.0 μm, 0.1 μm≦Bave≦0.5 μm, Aave/Bave≧3.0, 0.3≦SA≦0.9, 0.1≦SB≦0.7, and 0.8≦SA+SB≦1.0. |
US08445392B2 |
Knitted structure designed to be incorporated in a sheet material
The invention concerns a sheet material, characterized in that it incorporates at least one knitted structure. The invention also concerns a document and a base fabric comprising said sheet material, as well as a method for making said material. The invention further concerns a knitted structure comprising at least one authenticating and/or identifying element, as well as a method for authenticating and/or identifying a document or a knitted structure. |
US08445391B2 |
Leather-like sheet and method of manufacturing the same
A leather-like sheet composed of a microfine-fiber entangled body made of bundles of microfine fibers and an elastic polymer impregnated therein. The bundles of microfine fibers are composed of microfine monofibers having an average cross-sectional area of 0.1 to 30 μm2 and have an average cross-sectional area of 40 to 400 μm2. The bundles of microfine fibers exist in a density of 600 to 4000/mm2 on a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the microfine-fiber entangled body. The elastic polymer contains 30 to 100% by mass of a polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is composed of a soft component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than −5° C., a crosslinkable component, and optionally a hard component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of higher than 50° C. and another component. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is bonded to the microfine fibers in the bundles of microfine fibers. The leather-like sheet has a flexibility and hand such as dense feeling each resembling natural leathers and a high quality appearance. The leather-like sheet is highly stable in quality such as fastness and surface abrasion resistance and excellent in practical performance. |
US08445389B2 |
Etchant treatment processes for substrate surfaces and chamber surfaces
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods for treating a silicon-containing material on a substrate surface and performing a chamber clean process. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a substrate containing a silicon material having a contaminant thereon within a process chamber and exposing the substrate to an etching gas containing chlorine gas and a silicon source gas while removing the contaminant and maintaining a temperature of the substrate within a range from about 500° C. to less than about 800° C. during an etching process. The method further includes exposing the substrate to a deposition gas after the etching process during a deposition process and exposing the process chamber to a chamber clean gas containing chlorine gas and the silicon source gas after the deposition process during a chamber clean process. The chamber clean process limits the etching of quartz and metal surfaces within the process chamber. |
US08445388B2 |
Methods of forming semiconductor devices and devices formed using such methods
Single source precursors are subjected to carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The carbon dioxide may be in a supercritical state. Single source precursors also may be subjected to supercritical fluids other than supercritical carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The methods may be used to form nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form chalcopyrite materials. Devices such as, for example, semiconductor devices may be fabricated that include such particles. Methods of forming semiconductor devices include subjecting single source precursors to carbon dioxide to form particles of semiconductor material, and establishing electrical contact between the particles and an electrode. |
US08445386B2 |
Smoothing method for semiconductor material and wafers produced by same
A smoothing method for semiconductor material and semiconductor wafers produced by the method are disclosed. Semiconductor wafers with reduced atomic steps, as well with reduced scratches and subsurface defects can be produced. Such wafers feature an improved growth surface that can provide for the growth of an epilayer with reduced macroscopic defects and defect densities. A method of smoothing the surface of a wafer according to example embodiments of the invention includes planarizing the surface of a semiconductor wafer, and then oxidizing the wafer to achieve a specified thickness of oxide on the surface of the wafer. The oxide can then be stripped from the surface of the semiconductor wafer. |
US08445382B2 |
Side wall pore sealing for low-k dielectrics
A dual damascene process for forming conductive interconnects on an integrated circuit die. The process includes providing a layer (16) of porous, ultra low-k (ULK) dielectric material in which a via opening (30) is subsequently formed. A thermally degradable polymeric (“porogen”) material (42) is applied to the side wall sidewalls of the opening (30) such that the porogen material penetrates deeply into the porous ULK dielectric material (thereby sealing the pores and increasing the density thereof). Once a conductive material (36) has been provided with the opening (30) and polished back by means of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), the complete structure is subjected to a curing step to cause the porogen material (44) with the ULK dielectric layer (16) to decompose and evaporate, thereby restoring the porosity (and low-k value) of the dielectric layer (16).Attached are a marked-up copy of the originally filed specification and a clean substitute specification in accordance with 37 C.F.R. §§1.121(b)(3) and 1.125(c). Applicant respectfully submits that the substitute specification contains no new matter. |
US08445381B2 |
Oxide-nitride stack gate dielectric
A method of making a semiconductor structure comprises forming an oxide layer on a substrate; forming a silicon nitride layer on the oxide layer; annealing the layers in NO; and annealing the layers in ammonia. The equivalent oxide thickness of the oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer together is at most 25 Angstroms. |
US08445380B2 |
Semiconductor having a high aspect ratio via
The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a via structure and method of manufacturing same. In an example, a method for forming a via structure includes forming a via in a semiconductor substrate, wherein via sidewalls of the via are defined by the semiconductor substrate; forming a dielectric layer on the via sidewalls; removing the dielectric layer from a portion of the via sidewalls; and forming a conductive layer to fill the via, wherein the conductive layer is disposed over the dielectric layer and the portion of the via sidewalls. In an example, the dielectric layer is an oxide layer. |
US08445379B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a plurality of hole patterns is disclosed. The method includes: forming a plurality of first line patterns and a plurality of first space patterns extending in a first direction; forming a plurality of second line patterns and a plurality of second space patterns extending in a second direction, on the plurality of first line patterns and the plurality of first space patterns; forming a plurality of first hole patterns where the plurality of first space patterns and the plurality of second space patterns cross each other; and forming a plurality of second hole patterns where the plurality of first line patterns and the plurality of second line patterns cross each other. |
US08445374B2 |
Soft error rate mitigation by interconnect structure
A method creates a structure that comprises a carrier connected to an integrated circuit chip by pillars and openings. Thus, in this structure, at least one conductive pillar extends a distance or height from the surface of the integrated circuit chip and a barrier surrounds the lower portion of the conductive pillar such that the barrier covers at least some portion of the height of the pillar that is closest to the chip surface. There is at least one opening in the carrier that is large enough to accommodate the conductive pillar and the barrier, and the conductive pillar and the barrier are positioned in opening. A solder is used in the bottom of the opening to connect the conductive pillar to the bottom of the opening. The barrier prevents the solder from contacting the portion of the conductive pillar protected by the barrier. |
US08445373B2 |
Method of enhancing the conductive and optical properties of deposited indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a method of activating an indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film deposited, directly or indirectly, on a substrate. The ITO thin film is baked in a low oxygen environment at a temperature of at least 450 degrees C. for at least 10 minutes so as to provide for (1) a post-baked resistivity of the ITO thin film that is below a resistivity of a corresponding air-baked ITO thin film, (2) a post-baked visible spectrum absorption and transmission of the ITO thin film that respectively are below and above the absorption and transmission of the corresponding air-baked ITO thin film, and (3) a post-baked infrared reflectivity of the ITO thin film that is above the reflectivity of the corresponding air-baked ITO thin film. The substrate with the activated ITO thin film may be used in a photovoltaic device, for example. |
US08445370B2 |
Trench junction barrier controlled Schottky
A method for manufacturing a Schottky diode comprising steps of 1) providing a region with a dopant of a second conductivity type opposite to a first conductivity type to form a top doped region in a semiconductor substrate of said first conductivity type; 2) providing a trench through the top doped region to a predetermined depth and providing a dopant of the second conductivity type to form a bottom dopant region of the second conductivity type; and 3) lining a Schottky barrier metal layer on a sidewall of the trench at least extending from a bottom of the top doped region to a top of the bottom doped region. |
US08445368B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes a trench MOS barrier Schottky diode having an integrated PN diode and a method is for manufacturing same. |
US08445362B2 |
Apparatus and method for programming an electronically programmable semiconductor fuse
An apparatus and method for programming an electronically programmable semiconductor fuse applies a programming current to a fuse link as a series of multiple pulses. Application of the programming current as a series of multiple short pulses provides a level of programming current sufficiently high to ensure reliable and effective electromigration while avoiding exceeding temperature limits of the fuse link. |
US08445361B1 |
Method of dividing a semiconductor wafer having semiconductor and metal layers into separate devices
A method of dividing a semiconductor wafer having a metal layer includes removing all or substantially all of the semiconductor material in scribe streets while the wafer is supported by a support, turning over the wafer and while using a second support to support the wafer, introducing a heat energy flux into the metal layer to remove metal of the metal layer from the scribe streets. |
US08445356B1 |
Integrated circuit having back gating, improved isolation and reduced well resistance and method to fabricate same
Disclosed is a method of forming a structure and a resulting structure. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a first opening to a first depth in the semiconductor substrate; amorphizing semiconductor sidewalls of an upper portion of the first opening leaving unamorphized semiconductor sidewalls in a lower portion of the first opening; enlarging only the lower portion of the first opening using an etch process that is selective to the unamorphized semiconductor sidewalls; filling the first opening with an insulator material to form a deep trench isolation (DTI) structure and implanting a first well region and a second well region into the semiconductor substrate. The first well and the second well are separated from one another by the enlarged lower portion of the first opening. In the structure sidewalls of a top portion of a DTI and sidewalls of an STI are formed of doped, re-crystallized silicon. |
US08445354B2 |
Methods for manufacturing a phase-change memory device
A method of manufacturing a phase-change memory device comprises forming a contact region on a substrate, forming a lower electrode electrically connected to the contact region, forming a phase-change material layer on the lower electrode using a chalcogenide compound target including carbon and metal, or carbon, nitrogen and metal, and forming an upper electrode on the phase-change material layer. |
US08445353B1 |
Method for integrating MIM capacitor and thin film resistor in modular two layer metal process and corresponding device
A method for integrating a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor and a thin film resistor in an integrated circuit is provided that includes depositing a first metal layer outwardly of a semiconductor wafer substrate. A portion of the first metal layer forms a bottom plate for a MIM capacitor. A second metal layer is deposited outwardly of the first metal layer. A first portion of the second metal layer forms a top plate for the MIM capacitor and a second portion of the second metal layer forms contact pads for a thin film resistor. |
US08445351B2 |
Floating-gate nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method of making
The present invention provides a floating-gate non-volatile semiconductor memory device and a method of making the same. The floating-gate non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a source, a drain, a first insulator layer, a first polysilicon layer, a second insulator layer, a second polysilicon layer, a protective layer and sidewalls. The source and drain are disposed on the semiconductor substrate. The first insulator layer is disposed over a region of the semiconductor substrate other than regions corresponding to the source and drain. The first polysilicon layer is disposed over the first insulator layer, forming a floating gate. The second insulator layer is disposed over the first polysilicon layer. The second polysilicon layer is disposed over the second insulator layer, forming a control gate and a wordline. The sidewalls are disposed on two sides of the wordline, and the protective layer is disposed over the second polysilicon layer. A semiconductor junction at a drain region is a P-N junction, while a semiconductor junction at a source region is a metal-semiconductor junction. |
US08445349B2 |
Method of manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes forming a plurality of memory cell transistors and a plurality of selection transistors on a substrate. The method further includes burying first and second insulators successively between memory cell transistors and between a memory cell transistor and a selection transistor, and forming the first and second insulators successively on side surfaces of selection transistors, the side surfaces facing a space between the selection transistors. The method further includes burying third to fifth insulators successively between the selection transistors via the first and second insulators. The method further includes removing the second and fourth insulators by a first etching so that the second and fourth insulators partially remain between the selection transistors. The method further includes removing the second and fourth insulators remaining between the selection transistors by a second etching performed after the first etching. |
US08445345B2 |
CMOS structure having multiple threshold voltage devices
A method of forming a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) structure having multiple threshold voltage devices includes forming a first transistor device and a second transistor device on a semiconductor substrate. The first transistor device and second transistor device initially have sacrificial dummy gate structures. The sacrificial dummy gate structures are removed and a set of vertical oxide spacers are selectively formed for the first transistor device. The set of vertical oxide spacers are in direct contact with a gate dielectric layer of the first transistor device such that the first transistor device has a shifted threshold voltage with respect to the second transistor device. |
US08445343B2 |
Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices including semiconductor layers formed in stacked insulating layers
Methods of fabricating a semiconductor device include alternatingly and repeatedly stacking sacrificial layers and first insulating layers on a substrate, forming an opening penetrating the sacrificial layers and the first insulating layers, and forming a spacer on a sidewall of the opening, wherein a bottom surface of the opening is free of the spacer. A semiconductor layer is formed in the opening. Related devices are also disclosed. |
US08445339B2 |
Conductor structure, pixel structure, and methods of forming the same
A method for forming a conductor structure is provided. The method comprises: (1) providing a substrate; (2) forming a patterned dielectric layer with a first opening which exposes a portion of the substrate; forming a patterned organic material layer on the dielectric layer with a second opening which corresponds to the first opening and expose the exposed portion of the substrate; (3) forming a first barrier layer on the organic material layer and the exposed portion of the substrate; (4) forming a metal layer on the first barrier layer; and (5) removing the organic material layer, the first barrier layer thereon and the metal layer thereon. |
US08445333B2 |
Method of forming polysilicon, thin film transistor using the polysilicon, and method of fabricating the thin film transistor
A method of forming polysilicon, a thin film transistor (TFT) using the polysilicon, and a method of fabricating the TFT are disclosed. The method of forming the polysilicon comprises: forming an insulating layer on a substrate; forming a first electrode and a second electrode on the insulating layer; forming at least one heater layer on the insulating layer so as to connect the first electrode and the second electrode; forming an amorphous material layer containing silicon on the heater layer(s); forming a through-hole under the heater layer(s) by etching the insulating layer; and crystallizing the amorphous material layer into a polysilicon layer by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode so as to heat the heater layer(s). |
US08445331B2 |
Multichip electronic packages and methods of manufacture
A multi-chip electronic package and methods of manufacture are provided. The multi-chip package includes a plurality of chips mounted on a chip carrier. The multi-chip package further includes a lid mounted on the chip carrier using a bonding material or compression seal, and at least one single piston extending from the lid. Each piston covers an entirety of multiple chips of the plurality of chips. |
US08445327B2 |
Light-emitting diode package and wafer-level packaging process of light-emitting diode
A wafer-level packaging process of a light-emitting diode is provided. First, a semiconductor stacked layer is formed on a growth substrate. A plurality of barrier patterns and a plurality of reflective layers are then formed on the semiconductor stacked layer, wherein each reflective layer is surrounded by one of the barrier patterns. A first bonding layer is then formed on the semiconductor stacked layer to cover the barrier patterns and the reflective layers. Thereafter, a carrying substrate having a plurality of second bonding layers and a plurality of conductive plugs electrically insulated from each other is provided, and the first bonding layer is bonded with the second bonding layer. The semiconductor stacked layer is then separated from the growth substrate. Next, the semiconductor stacked layer is patterned to form a plurality of semiconductor stacked patterns. Next, each semiconductor stacked pattern is electrically connected to the conductive plug. |
US08445326B2 |
Method and system for template assisted wafer bonding
A method of fabricating a composite semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate including a plurality of devices and providing a compound semiconductor substrate including a plurality of photonic devices. The method also includes dicing the compound semiconductor substrate to provide a plurality of photonic dies. Each die includes one or more of the plurality of photonics devices. The method further includes providing an assembly substrate, mounting the plurality of photonic dies on predetermined portions of the assembly substrate, aligning the substrate and the assembly substrate, joining the substrate and the assembly substrate to form a composite substrate structure, and removing at least a portion of the assembly substrate from the composite substrate structure. |
US08445323B2 |
Semiconductor package with semiconductor core structure and method of forming same
A semiconductor device includes an IPD structure, a first semiconductor die mounted to the IPD structure with a flipchip interconnect, and a plurality of first conductive posts that are disposed adjacent to the first semiconductor die. The semiconductor device further includes a first molding compound that is disposed over the first conductive posts and first semiconductor die, a core structure bonded to the first conductive posts over the first semiconductor die, and a plurality of conductive TSVs disposed in the core structure. The semiconductor device further includes a plurality of second conductive posts that are disposed over the core structure, a second semiconductor die mounted over the core structure, and a second molding compound disposed over the second conductive posts and the second semiconductor die. The second semiconductor die is electrically connected to the core structure. |
US08445322B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor package
A stacked semiconductor package having a unit package, cover substrates, adhesive members and connection electrodes is presented. The unit package includes a substrate, a first circuit pattern and a second circuit pattern. The first circuit pattern is disposed over an upper face of the substrate. The second circuit pattern is disposed over a lower face of the substrate. The lower and upper faces of the substrate oppose each other. The first and second semiconductor chips are respectively electrically connected to the first and second circuit patterns. The cover substrates are opposed to the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip. The adhesive members are respectively interposed between the unit package and the cover substrates. The connection electrodes pass through the unit package, the cover substrates and the adhesive members and are electrically connected to the first and second circuit patterns. |
US08445321B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes forming a cured film of an insulation resin on a surface of a first semiconductor chip and flip-chip bonding a second semiconductor via a bump on the first semiconductor chip on which the cured film of the insulation resin is formed. The insulation resin can be cured at temperature range from (A−50)° C. to (A+50)° C., wherein “A” is a solidification point of the bump. |
US08445316B2 |
Non-lithographic method of patterning contacts for a photovoltaic device
A dielectric material layer is formed on a front surface of a photovoltaic device. A patterned PMMA-type-material-including layer is formed on the dielectric material layer, and the pattern is transferred into the top portion of the photovoltaic device to form trenches in which contact structures can be formed. In one embodiment, a blanket PMMA-type-material-including layer is deposited on the dielectric material layer, and is patterned by laser ablation that removes ablated portions of PMMA-type-material. The PMMA-type-material-including layer may also include a dye to enhance absorption of the laser beam. In another embodiment, a blanket PMMA-type-material-including layer may be deposited on the dielectric material layer and mechanically patterned to form channels therein. In yet another embodiment, a patterned PMMA-type-material-including layer is stamped on top of the dielectric material layer. |
US08445312B2 |
Method of manufacturing crystalline silicon solar cells using co diffusion of Boron and Phosphorus
A method of manufacturing a crystalline silicon solar cell, subsequently including: providing a crystalline silicon substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; pre-diffusing Phosphorus into a first side of the substrate to render a Phosphorus diffused layer having an initial depth; blocking the first side of the substrate; exposing a second side of the substrate to a Boron diffusion source; heating the substrate for a certain period of time and to a certain temperature so as to diffuse Boron into the second side of the substrate and to simultaneously diffuse the Phosphorus further into the substrate. |
US08445311B2 |
Method of fabricating a differential doped solar cell
A method of fabricating a differential doped solar cell is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a light doped semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a heavy doped layer having the same type of dopant used in step (a) on a front surface of the semiconductor substrate; and (c) forming an emitter layer having a different type of dopant used in step (a) on a surface of the heavy doped layer to constitute a p-n junction with the heavy doped layer. |
US08445310B2 |
Thin film solar cell and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a stacked-layered thin film solar cell and manufacturing method thereof The manufacturing method includes the steps of: providing a substrate, a first electrode layer and a first light-absorbing layer; providing a mask with a plurality of patterns above the first light-absorbing layer; forming an interlayer made of an opaque, highly reflective material by providing the mask on the first light-absorbing layer, wherein the interlayer has a plurality of light transmissive regions corresponding to the patterns, and the light transmissive regions are provided to divide the interlayer into a plurality of units; and then depositing a second light-absorbing layer on the units and a second electrode layer on the second light-absorbing layer. |
US08445307B2 |
Monolithic IC and MEMS microfabrication process
Monolithic IC/MEMS processes are disclosed in which high-stress silicon nitride is used as a mechanical material while amorphous silicon serves as a sacrificial layer. Electronic circuits and micro-electromechanical devices are built on separate areas of a single wafer. The sequence of IC and MEMS process steps is designed to prevent alteration of partially completed circuits and devices by subsequent high process temperatures. |
US08445306B2 |
Hybrid MEMS RF switch and method of fabricating same
Structures having a hybrid MEMS RF switch and method of fabricating such structures using existing wiring layers of a device is provided. The method of manufacturing a MEMS switch includes forming a forcing electrode from a lower wiring layer of a device and forming a lower electrode from an upper wiring layer of the device. The method further includes forming a flexible cantilever arm over the forcing electrode and the lower electrode such that upon application of a voltage to the forcing electrode, the flexible cantilever arm will contact the lower electrode to close the MEMS switch. |
US08445298B2 |
Process of producing liquid discharge head base material
A process includes preparing a base material having a first surface provided with an element generating energy that is used for discharging a liquid and an electrode layer that is connected to the element; forming a hollow on a second surface, which is the surface on the opposite side of the first surface, of the base material, wherein part of the electrode layer serves as the bottom face of the hollow; covering the surface of the base material and the bottom face forming the inner face of the hollow with an insulating film; and partially exposing the electrode layer by removing part of the insulating film covering the bottom face using laser light. |
US08445294B2 |
Resonant magnetic disks for bioanalyte detection
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to ferromagnetic microdisks, methods of detecting target bioanalyte using ferromagnetic microdisks, and kits (such as for using in the laboratory setting) containing the reagents necessary to make, and/or use ferromagnetic microdisks for bioanalyte detection, depending on the user's planned application. The methods and products allow the fabrication of ferromagnetic microdisks, and their use in the detection of biological molecules with high sensitivity, little or no signal decay, improved safety, convenience, and lowered cost for use and disposal. |
US08445292B2 |
Compounds and methods for rapid labeling of N-glycans
The present invention provides compounds and methods for rapid labeling of N-glycans, for example, rapid fluorescent labeling of N-glycans. In one aspect, the present invention provides fluorescent carbamate or thiocarbamate compounds. Upon contacting with N-glycans, the compounds undergo facile reactions with N-glycans to form fluorescent-labeled N-glycans. |
US08445289B2 |
System and method for alkylation process analysis
A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components. A processor captures data from the temperature detector and instruments, using the data with a model of responsivities of various concentrations of the components at various temperatures, to determine a temperature compensated concentration of the components while the liquid mixture flows continuously through the fluid flow path. |
US08445283B2 |
Methods for producing biological substances in enzyme-deficient mutants of Aspergillus niger
The present invention relates to methods of producing a heterologous biological substance, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Aspergillus niger strain in a medium suitable for the production of the heterologous biological substance, wherein (i) the mutant strain comprises a first nucleotide sequence encoding the heterologous biological substance and one or more second nucleotide sequences comprising a modification of glaA and at least one of the genes selected from the group consisting of asa, amyA, amyB, prtT, and oah, and (ii) the mutant strain is deficient in the production of glucoamylase and at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of acid stable alpha-amylase, neutral alpha-amylase A, and neutral alpha-amylase B, protease, and oxalic acid hydrolase compared to the parent Aspergillus niger strain when cultivated under identical conditions; and (b) recovering the heterologous biological substance from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to enzyme-deficient mutants of Aspergillus niger strains and methods for producing such mutants. |
US08445279B2 |
Cultured cell construction containing spheroids of mesenchymal stem cells and utilization thereof
Facing no ethical obstacle and easily to be isolated, multipotent concretely mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most powerful tools in reconstructive medicine. Here the inventors introduced 3D multicelluar spheroids culture construction based on photolithography and micropatterning techniques to improve multipotent differentiation efficiency of MSCs to adult cells. This invention, the 3D spheroid cultured construction for MSCs, leads to great improve of the differentiation efficiency. This invention relates to a cultured cell construct comprising a support; at least one island on the support; a hydrophilic and cytophobic substance applied on the surface of said support so as to encircle the island; and a spheroid which is derived from MSCs, said spheroid being in contact with the island. |
US08445278B2 |
Process for producing decellularized biological tissues
The present invention provides an electrophoretic system, apparatus, and method of use thereof for the preparation of a tissue-derived bioprosthesis. |
US08445275B2 |
Induction of dendritic cell development with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF)
A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF) is provided. M-CSF induces DCs to differentiate into Subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Said differentiation is independent of Fms-like-Tyrosine-Kinase 3-Ligand (FL) and/or Granulocyte-Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF). Induction with M-CSF can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for Cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention. |
US08445271B2 |
Processes and kits for determining multi-drug resistance of cells
This invention relates to multi-drug resistance (MDR) in cells, and the use of certain xanthene compounds for determining drug resistance in cells and the effect of test compounds on cell membrane transport by the membrane transporters MDR1, MRP and BCRP. Processes and kits for making these determinations and measuring these effects are described and provided. |
US08445270B2 |
Immortalized avian cell lines and use thereof
The present invention relates to specific immortalized avian cell lines expressing telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and exhibiting distinct biologics production patterns. More particularly, the present invention relates to immortalized avian cell line capable of either amplifying Flaviviridae but not capable of amplifying Vaccinia virus strain Copenhagen (VV-COP) nor Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), or capable of amplifying both Flaviviridae and Poxviridae. The invention further relates to the use of said immortalized avian cell lines and related methods for producing biologics, including viruses and proteins. |
US08445269B2 |
Method for generating pluripotent stem cells
The present invention relates to a method for generating pluripotent stem cells and to pluripotent stem cells generated from human testis. |
US08445268B2 |
Her-2/neu DNA vaccine having anti-cancer activity
The present invention relates to human Her-2/neu expressing plasmid constructs having anti-cancer activity and a DNA vaccine comprising same for preventing and/or treating cancer. The Her-2/neu DNA vaccines of the present invention can be effectively used as a therapeutic vaccine in reducing metastasis after tumor surgery or as a prophylactic vaccine for people with genetic high risk. |
US08445262B2 |
Method for evaluating analyte
In an analyte evaluation method for evaluating an analyte, AC voltage is applied between a substrate electrode on a substrate and a counter electrode, and signals obtained from a marker provided on an analyte bound to the substrate electrode are observed, wherein the frequency of the AC voltage is changed and the behavior of the average value of the marker signals is observed. A novel, highly-selective, low-noise method of evaluating a object of evaluation is thus achieved. |
US08445256B2 |
Liquid mycorrhiza compositions
The present invention relates to liquid mycorrhiza compositions and to methods for colonizing a plant, grass, tree or shrub with one or more mycorrhizas. |
US08445254B2 |
Regulated expression of antigen and/or regulated attentuation to enhance vaccine immunogenicity and/or safety
The invention relates to compositions and methods for making and using recombinant bacteria that are capable of regulated attenuation and/or regulated expression of one or more antigens of interest. |
US08445248B2 |
Hydrocarbon-forming oxidative decarbonylase enzyme, hydrocarbons produced thereby, and method of use
The present disclosure relates to oxidative decarbonylase enzymes, methods of making hydrocarbons with such enzymes, hydrocarbons produced therefrom and uses thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to isolated polypeptide sequences that are cytochrome P450 enzymes with oxidative decarbonylase activity and methods of their use to generate hydrocarbon products, such as biofuels. |
US08445247B2 |
Stabilization of perhydrolases
Disclosed herein are enzyme powders comprising a spray-dried formulation of at least one CE-7 esterase, at least one oligosaccharide excipient, and optionally at least one surfactant. Also disclosed herein is a process for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters using the aforementioned enzyme powders. Further, disinfectant and laundry care formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided. |
US08445245B2 |
Mutant MT-SP1 proteases with altered substrate specificity or activity
MT-SP1 mutein proteases with altered specificity for the target molecules they cleave can be used to treat human diseases, such as cancer. Cleaving VEGF or VEGFR at certain substrate sequences with wild-type and mutein MT-SP1 proteases can be used to treat pathologies associated with angiogenesis. |
US08445242B2 |
Perhydrolase providing improved specific activity
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications. |
US08445234B2 |
Methods of making VEGF-D polypeptides
Disclosed herein are methods of making a VEGF-D polypeptide comprising the steps of culturing a host cell transformed or transfected with a vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the VEGF-D polypeptide operably associated with a promoter sequence such that the nucleic acid sequence encoding the VEGF-D polypeptide is expressed; and isolating the VEGF-D polypeptide from the host cell or from the growth medium in which said host cell is cultured. |
US08445224B2 |
Method for assaying FTO (2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenase) activity
The present invention provides a method for assaying oxygenase activity, the method comprising monitoring oxygenase activity of FTO. |
US08445221B2 |
Modified glucose dehydrogenase gene
[Object] To provide an FAD-conjugated glucose dehydrogenase having a higher specificity for glucose.[Means for Resolution] A modified glucose dehydrogenase (GLD) which includes a substitution of at least one amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of amino acid residues at positions 37, 69, 72, 73, 76, 78, 102, 217, 228, 240, 356, 407, 424, 437, 527, and 530 in an amino acid sequence of a wild-type FAD-conjugated glucose dehydrogenase (GLD) represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and has a decreased ratio of activity for xylose/activity for glucose as compared with the wild-type GLD; a polynucleotide encoding the modified GLD; a recombinant vector containing the polynucleotide; a transformed cell produced by using the recombinant vector; etc. |
US08445217B2 |
Free solution measurement of molecular interactions by backscattering interferometry
Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatuses for the free solution measurement of molecular interactions by backscattering interferometry (BSI). Molecular interaction can be detected between analytes in free-solution wherein at least one of the analytes is label-free and detection is performed by back-scattering interferometry. Further, molecular interaction can be detected between analytes in free-solution, wherein at least one of the analytes is label-free, wherein one of the analytes is present in a concentration of less than about 5.0×10−7M. Also disclosed are label-free, free-solution, and/or real-time measurements of characteristic properties and/or chemical events using the disclosed techniques. The disclosed methods can have very low detection limits and/or very low sample volume requirements. Also disclosed are various biosensor applications of the disclosed techniques. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. |
US08445207B2 |
Genes based on thalidomide, valproic acid and methotrexate treatment for screening of drug inducing teratogenicity and screening method using thereof
The present invention relates to a screening method using the genes related to teratogenicity, more precisely the genes up- or down-regulated by a drug inducing teratogenicity such as thalidomide, valproic acid, and methotrexate and a method for screening of thalidomide, valproic acid and methotrexate using the genes. The genes of the present invention is based on reactive genes selected by DNA microarray chip, so that it is very effective in risk assessment and monitoring drugs or chemicals having high risk of teratogenicity and at the same time it can be used as a tool to examine mechanism of teratogenicity. |
US08445206B2 |
Set of oligonucleotide probes as well as methods and uses thereto
The present disclosure relates to a set of at least 100 single-stranded oligonucleotide probes directed against (or complementary to) portions of a genomic target sequence of interest. The present disclosure also relates to a method of detecting a genomic target sequence of interest using the set of oligonucleotide probes and a method of generating the set of oligonucleotide probes. Further, the present disclosure relates to a kit comprising the set of oligonucleotide probes and at least one further component. |
US08445202B2 |
Method of detecting colon cancer marker
It is intended to provide a non-invasive and convenient method of detecting a tumor marker for diagnosing colon cancer which is superior in sensitivity and specificity to the existing fecal occult blood test. More specifically speaking, a method of detecting a tumor marker for diagnosing colon cancer which comprises collecting biological sample which is immediately frozen using liquid nitrogen in some cases, homogenizing the sample in the presence of an inhibitor of an RNA digesting enzyme to give a suspension, extracting RNA from the obtained suspension, subjecting the extracted RNA to reverse transcription to give cDNA. amplifying the obtained cDNA and then detecting the thus amplified cDNA. This method is characterized by involving no procedure of separating cell components from the biological sample. |
US08445199B2 |
Method and device for immunoassay using nucleotide conjugates
A composition of matter for use in an immunoassay devices and method comprising a signal antibody, e.g., FAB fragment, covalently linked to a first nucleotide; and one or more signal elements, e.g., signal enzymes such as ALP or fluorescent dyes, each covalently linked to a second nucleotide, wherein the first nucleotide has one or more repeated sequences, and the second nucleotide is bound to one of the one or more repeated sequences on said first nucleotide, and wherein the ratio of the signal antibody to the signal element is controlled by the number of repeated sequences. |
US08445198B2 |
Methods, kits and devices for identifying biomarkers of treatment response and use thereof to predict treatment efficacy
The present invention features methods, kits, and devices for predicting the sensitivity of a patient to a compound or medical treatment. The invention also features methods for identifying gene biomarkers whose expression correlates to treatment sensitivity or resistance within a patient population or subpopulation. |
US08445194B2 |
Single molecule arrays for genetic and chemical analysis
Random arrays of single molecules are provided for carrying out large scale analyses, particularly of biomolecules, such as genomic DNA, cDNAs, proteins, and the like. In one aspect, arrays of the invention comprise concatemers of DNA fragments that are randomly disposed on a regular array of discrete spaced apart regions, such that substantially all such regions contain no more than a single concatemer. Preferably, such regions have areas substantially less than 1 μm2 and have nearest neighbor distances that permit optical resolution of on the order of 109 single molecules per cm2. Many analytical chemistries can be applied to random arrays of the invention, including sequencing by hybridization chemistries, sequencing by synthesis chemistries, SNP detection chemistries, and the like, to greatly expand the scale and potential applications of such techniques. |
US08445193B2 |
Microwell array chip for detecting antigen-specific lymphocytes, method of detecting and method of manufacturing antigen-specific lymphocytes, and method of cloning antigen-specific lymphocyte antigen receptor genes
A microwell array chip that has multiple microwells and is employed to contain a single lymphocyte specimen in each microwell and detect antigen-specific lymphocytes in single units; wherein the microwell array chip is of a shape and of dimensions where only one lymphocyte is contained in each microwell. A method of detecting antigen-specific lymphocytes comprising the steps of adding antigen to each microwell in the above microwell array chip, stimulating the lymphocyte specimen, and detecting lymphocyte specimens reacting with the antigen. |
US08445190B2 |
Method of inhibiting biomaterial-induced procoagulant activity using complement inhibitors
Methods for reducing or eliminating biomaterial-induced procoagulant activity in blood subjected to extracorporeal treatment that exposes the blood to the biomaterial are disclosed. The methods involve treatment of the blood, or the extracorporeal biomaterial, or both, with a complement inhibitor to inhibit C5a/C5aR-mediated tissue factor formation in the blood. |
US08445186B2 |
Recessed portion forming method, method for manufacturing pit-projection product, method for manufacturing light emitting element, and method for manufacturing optical element
A recessed portion forming method for forming a plurality of recessed portions in a thermally deformable heat mode recording material layer is provided, which method includes: a recessed portion forming step of applying condensed light emitted from an optical system including a light source, to the recording material layer to form the recessed portions; an inspection light illumination step of applying inspection light to the recessed portions during or after formation of the recessed portions in the recording material layer; a detection step of detecting a light quantity of the inspection light reflected or diffracted from the recessed portions; and an output regulation step of regulating an output of the light source based upon the light quantity so that the light quantity becomes a predetermined value. Methods for manufacturing a pit-projection product, a light emitting element, and an optical element, using this method are also provided. |
US08445184B2 |
Pattern formation method
A first resist film is irradiated with first exposure light and performing first development, thereby forming a first pattern in a first region including an interconnect trench pattern and forming a dummy pattern in a second region connected to the first region and having a pattern density lower than that of the interconnect trench pattern. Then, the first resist film is hardened, and a second resist film is formed on the hardened first resist film. After that, the second resist film is irradiated with second exposure light and performing second development, thereby forming a second pattern in the first region. When forming the second pattern, an opening made of the first pattern and the second pattern and including the interconnect trench pattern is formed in the first region, whereas in the second region, an opening in the first dummy pattern is filled with the second resist film. |
US08445176B2 |
Lithographic printing plate precursor
A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising an image-recording layer, said image-recording layer being photopolymerizable upon exposure to light having a wavelength of from 300 to 500 nm and containing a mixture of sensitizers. |
US08445174B2 |
Polyol photosensitizers, carrier gas UV laser ablation sensitizers, and other additives and methods for making and using same
Disclosed are photo sensitizers that include a polyol moiety covalently bonded to a fused aromatic moiety. Also disclosed is a method for improving UV laser ablation performance of a coating, such as a cationic UV curable coating, by incorporating an oxalyl-containing additive into the cationic UV curable or other coating. Oxalyl-containing sensitizers having the formula Q-O—C(O)—C(O)—O—R1 wherein Q represents a fused aromatic moiety and R1 is an alkyl or aryl group, are also disclosed, as are oxalyl-containing oxetane resins, oxalyl-containing polyester polyols, and cationic UV curable coating formulations that include oxalyl-containing additives. |
US08445170B2 |
Binder resin for color toners and color toner using the same
Provided is a binder resin for color toners which comprises at least a carboxyl group-containing vinyl resin (C), a glycidyl group-containing vinyl resin (E) and a reaction product thereof, and contains both a tetrahydrofuran (THF) soluble portion and a THF insoluble gel portion, wherein the THF soluble portion has a main peak in the molecular weight region of not less than 10,000 and less than 15,000 in the chromatogram obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), the content of the THF insoluble gel portion is less than 1 mass %, and the softening point is not more than 130 degrees centigrade. |
US08445167B2 |
Metal phthalocyanine dye mixture, curable composition, color filter, and method for producing color filter
The invention aims to provide a metal phthalocyanine dye mixture having excellent solubility in an organic solvent, which can be formed into a thin film. Provided are a metal phthalocyanine dye mixture contains at least phthalonitrile, a compound represented by the following formula (I), a compound represented by the following formula (II), and a metal or a metal compound, and a curable composition containing the metal phthalocyanine dye mixture, a color filter containing the curable composition, and a method for producing the color filter: wherein, in formulae (I) and (II), R1 represents a substituent; n represents an integer of from 0 to 3; X represents —S—, —SO2—, or —SO2N(R4)—; R4 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a heterocyclic ring group; R2 represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a heterocyclic ring group; R3 represents a substituent; m represents an integer of from 0 to 3; and Z represents —SO3M or —(X1-A) group; wherein X1 has the same definition as X; A represents an optionally substituted group having at least one selected from —COOM, —SO3M, —SO2NH—R5, —SO2NHCOR6, —CONHSO2—R7, and —SO2NHSO2—R8; M represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkali metal or organic base group for neutralization of charges; and R5, R6, R7, and R8 each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or a heterocyclic ring group. |
US08445166B2 |
Fabrication method of lithography mask and formation method of fine pattern using the same
There is provided a method of fabricating a lithography mask, the method including: forming a transparent polymer layer on a surface of a first substrate where a convex-concave pattern is formed; separating the transparent polymer layer from the first substrate, the transparent polymer layer having a convex-concave surface formed by the convex-concave pattern of the first substrate transferred thereonto; depositing a metal thin film on the convex-concave surface; forming a viscous film on a second substrate; disposing the transparent polymer layer on the second substrate such that the viscous film and metal thin film are partially bonded together; and separating the transparent polymer layer from the second substrate such that a portion of the metal thin film bonded to the viscous film is removed, wherein a metal thin film pattern having the portion of the metal thin film removed therefrom is formed on the convex-concave surface. |
US08445165B2 |
Pellicle for lithography
A pellicle for lithography is provided that includes a pellicle frame provided with one or more atmospheric pressure adjustment holes having an inner peripheral face with a shape that opens out in going toward the inside of the pellicle frame. There is also provided a process for producing the pellicle for lithography, the process comprising a step of forming the pellicle for lithography and a step of spray-coating a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition from inside the pellicle frame. |
US08445153B2 |
Fuel cell high-potential prevention control system
A fuel cell system capable of providing a suitable power distribution is provided. A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell that generates electric power through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidant gas; a motor that can be driven upon the supply of electric power and can generate regenerative power; a power storage unit which can be charged with power generated from the fuel cell and regenerative power of the motor and can discharge charge power to the motor; an auxiliary apparatus used for operating at least the fuel cell; and a control unit that controls a power distribution between the above components. The control unit determines the power distribution using a power generation command value based on power required to be generated during a normal operation, while the control unit determines the power distribution using a power generation measured value of the fuel cell instead of the power generation command value during a high-potential prevention control that avoids a voltage of the fuel cell becoming equal to or higher than a predetermined high-potential prevention voltage threshold lower than an open circuit voltage of the fuel cell. |
US08445152B2 |
Membrane electrode assembly containing flexible printed circuit board formed on ion exchange membrane support film
Disclosed is an MEA in which a catalyst layer is coated on both sides of an ion exchange membrane. An ion exchange membrane support film is attached on both sides of an edge portion of the ion exchange membrane, and a PCB is mounted on one surface of the ion exchange membrane support film along an outer line of the catalyst layer of the MEA. Furthermore, a PCB terminal is formed on one end of the PCB, and a connector is connected to the PCB terminal to communicate with an external controller. The PCB includes a heating element, a first temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the heating element, a second temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the MEA, a first contact measuring the resistance of unit cells, and a second contact measuring the voltage of the unit cells, formed in a predetermined arrangement to communicate with the PCB terminal. |
US08445150B2 |
Grid frequency-responsive solid oxide fuel cell system
A method for operating a fuel cell system connected to a power grid includes determining a frequency of the power grid, and adjusting the operation of the fuel cell system based on the determined frequency. |
US08445146B2 |
High temperature fuel cell system for operation with low purity ethanol
A fuel purification system includes a fuel cell stack and a fuel purification unit, such as a distillation unit. The fuel cell stack is adapted to provide heat to the fuel purification unit, and the fuel purification unit is adapted to provide a purified fuel to the fuel cell stack. |
US08445143B2 |
Electrode for lithium secondary battery
Disclosed is an electrode comprising an aliphatic nitrile compound, wherein the aliphatic nitrile compound is coated on a surface of the electrode or is incorporated into the electrode active materials. A lithium secondary battery having the electrode is also disclosed. The lithium secondary battery has excellent safety so as to prevent ignition and explosion generated when the internal temperature of the battery is increased due to the heat emission caused by the reaction of an electrolyte with a cathode and the structural collapse of a cathode occurring upon overcharge. Additionally, it is also possible to prevent ignition and explosion when the battery is exposed to high temperature due to an increase in temperature resulting from heating or local short circuit caused by physical impacts. Further, it is possible to solve the problems of an increase in viscosity and degradation in battery performance at a low temperature occurring when an aliphatic nitrile compound is used as an additive for electrolyte. |
US08445137B1 |
Primary battery having sloped voltage decay
The battery includes a cathode and an anode. The anode has a first medium that includes a first active material. The anode also has a second medium including a concentration gradient of a second active material. The battery also includes an electrolytic solution in contact with the cathode and the anode. In some instances, the first medium is positioned so as to protect at least a portion of the second medium from the electrolytic solution. The first medium can also be selected so as to dissipate during discharge of the battery. The first medium can be configured to dissipate enough that one or more of the protected regions of the second medium become exposed to the electrolytic solution during the discharge of the battery. |
US08445135B2 |
Method of manufacturing active material, active material, electrode, and lithium-ion secondary battery
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an active material comprising both α-LiVOPO4 and β-LiVOPO4. The method of manufacturing an active material in accordance with the present invention comprises a hydrothermal synthesis step of heating a mixture containing a lithium source, a phosphate source, a vanadium source, and water and having a pH greater 7 but smaller than 12.7; and a firing step of firing the mixture after being heated under pressure in the hydrothermal synthesis step. |
US08445131B2 |
Holder case for secondary battery and lithium secondary battery using the same
A holder case for secondary battery having an improved longitudinal compression property and a lithium secondary battery using the same in which a case for secondary battery includes a case body and a first rib. The case body includes first and second long-side walls opposite to each other, first and second short-side walls, a bottom wall connected to one end portions of the two long-side walls and the two short-side walls, and an opening positioned at the other end portions of the two long-side walls and the two short-side walls while being opposite to the bottom wall. The first rib is disposed on the case body and extends from a middle portion of the first long-side wall to a middle portion of the second long-side wall via the second short-side wall. |
US08445129B2 |
Cathode active material, method of manufacturing it, cathode, and battery
A cathode active material capable of increasing a capacity and improving high temperature characteristics or cycle characteristics, a method of manufacturing it, a cathode using the cathode active material, and a battery using the cathode active material are provided. In a cathode active material contained in a cathode, a coating layer is provided on at least part of a complex oxide particle containing at least lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co). The coating layer is an oxide which contains lithium (Li) and at least one of nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn). |
US08445124B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack having increased resistance against an external impact by increasing a coupling strength between a bare cell and a case resulting in increased reliability and quality. The battery pack includes a bare cell; a circuit module electrically connected to the bare cell; a frame case surrounding the bare cell and including a channel groove arranged at a region facing the bare cell; and a coupling reinforcement portion arranged in the channel groove to couple the frame case to the bare cell. |
US08445120B2 |
Triphenylene based aromatic compounds and OLEDs utilizing the same
Disclosed is a triphenylene based aromatic compound, wherein a benzene center is substituted with a triphenylene group and another aromatic group such as triphenylenyl, pyrenyl, phenylvinyl, carbazolylphenyl, or arylanthryl in the meta position of the benzene center. The meta-substituted aromatic compound of the invention has better thermal stability (Tg) than the conventional para-substituted aromatic compound. The meta-substituted aromatic compound, served as a hole transporting layer or a host material applied in a light emitting layer in an OLED, is more preferable than the conventional para-substituted aromatic compound. |
US08445118B2 |
Coating liquid, metal compound film formed by coating liquid, and forming method thereof
A coating liquid including one or more of metal complexes selected from a metal complex A represented by Chemical Formula 1, a metal complex B represented by Chemical Formula 2, and a metal complex C represented by Chemical Formula 3. M in Formula 1, 2 and 3 represents a metal ion. Each of X1-X4 in Formula 1, 2 and 3 is one of O, NH, CO2 and S. Each of Y1-Y8 in Formula 1 and Y1-Y4 in Formula 3 is either CH or N. Each of Z1-Z3 in Formula 2 and 3 and Z4-Z6 in Formula 2 is one selected from a group of O, NH and S, and two selected from a group of CH and N. L represents an axial ligand. k represents a valence of each of the metal complexes and is equal to a sum of electric charges of M, X1-X4 and L. |
US08445112B2 |
Film coated glazing having a protective layer of mixed titanium oxide
The present invention relates to essentially transparent glazings comprising a system of films deposited under vacuum by magnetron, and having antisun and/or low-emission properties, comprising as protective surface layer a layer based on titanium oxide and on at least one other metal oxide of high hardness from the group comprising: ZrO2, SiO2, Cr2O3. The glazings according to the invention are of “matchable” type. |
US08445110B2 |
Water-sensitive film containing thermoplastic polyurethanes
A film that contains a thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer is provided. The film is both elastic and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water. The dual attributes of elasticity and water-sensitivity may be achieved by reducing the tendency of the thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer to form separate phases. Namely, phase separation may cause the elastomer to act as a barrier and limit the ability of the water-soluble polymer to contact water and thereby disperse. To minimize such phase separation, a variety of aspects of the film construction may be selectively controlled, such as the nature of the thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer, the relative amount of each component, and so forth. |
US08445109B2 |
Biodegradable polyurethane plastic using phosphorus pentoxide
A biodegradable polyurethane plastic is provided. The biodegradable polyurethane plastic includes biodegradable polyurethane impregnated with a phosphorus-containing additive, wherein the additive includes phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), and the additive is coated with natural oil. The biodegradable polyurethane plastic has excellent physical properties, and can be effectively decomposed in a short period of time because it includes biodegradable polyurethane impregnated with a phosphorus-containing additive. Further, the biodegradable polyurethane plastic can be easily decomposed biologically by synthesizing polyurethane containing phosphorus pentoxide having strong oxidizing action, can be manufactured by directly adding an additive coated with natural oil to the synthesis of polyurethane, can prevent the reaction caused by moisture because it does not come into contact with air, and can prevent a color change. |
US08445106B2 |
Resin-coated metal sheet and resin composition
An object of the present invention is to provide a resin-coated metal sheet which not only is excellent in stamping performance (lubricity of a resin layer) and film removability by alkaline cleaning but also has improved blocking resistance. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a resin composition used for forming a resin layer having such properties on a metal sheet. A resin-coated metal sheet according to the present invention is characterized in that a resin layer containing polyethylene glycol whose number average molecular weight is 18,000 to 500,000 and paraffin wax whose average molecular weight is 400 or less is laminated on one side or both the sides of the metal sheet. |
US08445102B2 |
Thermal interface material with thin transfer film or metallization
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of thermal interface material assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, a thermal interface material assembly generally includes a thermal interface material having a first side and a second side and a dry material having a thickness of about 0.0005 inches or less. The dry material is disposed along at least a portion of the first side of the thermal interface material. |
US08445098B2 |
Reflective article having multiple reflective coatings
A reflective article, such as a solar mirror, includes a highly transparent substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface. At least one reflective coating is formed over at least a portion of one of the surfaces, e.g., the second major surface (or, alternatively, the first major surface). The reflective coating includes at least one metallic layer. An encapsulation structure can be formed over at least a portion of the second reflective coating. |
US08445096B2 |
Vehicle window glass and manufacturing method therefor
A glass substrate is held by a glass substrate holding member in the vertical direction, and a nozzle is used to eject an infrared cutoff liquid onto the upper portion of the glass substrate. The infrared cutoff liquid flows vertically downward so as to be applied onto the glass substrate. The film thickness of the lower portion of an infrared cutoff film is greater than that of the upper portion. The glass substrate is dried for approximately five minutes at room temperature. Then, the glass substrate onto which the infrared cutoff liquid has been applied is placed in an oven preheated to 200° C., heated for ten minutes, and then cooled. The glass substrate having the infrared cutoff film thereon is installed in a railroad vehicle such that the lower portion of the glass substrate is located on the lower side with respect to the railroad vehicle. |
US08445095B2 |
Hot-press sheet
A hot-press sheet (20) comprises a sheet-shaped base material (1) and a release coating film (2) applied to a surface of the base material (1), in which the coating film (2) completely covers an entire surface of the base material (1) to provide air-tightness for the hot-press sheet (20). The coating film (2) comprises a resin composition as a host material, and 5% or more by weight of organic powder and 5% or more by weight of inorganic powder are mixed in 100% by weight of the resin composition which forms the coating film (2), so that the mixture of 5 to 55% by weight of the organic powder and 5 to 55% by weight of the inorganic powder becomes 30 to 60% by weight in total. |
US08445091B2 |
Dual metal optical discs
An optical disc having at least two metal-containing layers with different compositions and partially overlapping areal extents in the plane of the disc and method of forming the disc are described. The optical disc with dual metallization exhibits visually distinct regions suitable for use for identification purposes. |
US08445089B1 |
Polyoxymethylene modified with imidized acrylic resins
Described herein are compositions comprising (a) 92 to 99 weight percent, of polyoxymethylene with number average molecular weight from 65,000 to 250,000 g/mole; and (b) 1 to 8 weight percent of an imidized acrylic resin obtained by treating an acrylic polymer with a monoalkyl amine, wherein the weight percents of a and b are based on their combined weight, and monoalkyl group has from one to five carbon atoms, the degree of imidization is 20% to 100% and the acid level is from 0 to about 2 weight percent of the imidized acrylic resin. The composition has significantly higher heat deflection temperature than the neat polyoxymethylene.Processes of increasing heat deflection temperature of POM compositions are described herein by blending (a) and (b), wherein the resultant melt-mixed composition has a 200% increase or greater in time to 5% creep strain relative to the same melt-mixed composition lacking (b). |
US08445085B2 |
Multi-layer polymeric film
A film according to the present invention, there is provided a multi-layer laminated polymeric film comprising a substrate layer having on one side thereof a heat-sealable peelable layer and having on the opposite side thereof a shrinkable layer, wherein said shrinkable layer has a degree of shrinkage in a first dimension of about 10-80 % over the temperature range 55 to 100° C., and a ratio of shrinkage at 100° C. said first dimension relative to a second, orthogonal dimension in the range of 1:1 to 1:1; a process for making the same; and the use of said film as a lid for a container, particularly a container used for packaging ready-prepared ovenable meals. |
US08445083B2 |
Articles including anticondensation coatings and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to articles including anticondensation coatings that are exposed to an external environment, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the anticondensation coatings may be survivable in an outside environment. The coatings also may have a sufficiently low sheet resistance and hemispherical emissivity such that the glass surface is more likely to retain heat from the interior area, thereby reducing (and sometimes completely eliminating) the presence condensation thereon. The articles of certain example embodiments may be, for example, skylights, vehicle windows or windshields, IG units, VIG units, refrigerator/freezer doors, and/or the like. |
US08445080B2 |
Vertical alignment layer including a polyimide and liquid crystal display including the same
An alignment layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a polyimide, wherein the polyimide is derived from a composition including a dianhydride-based compound, and a compound represented by a Chemical Formula 1: wherein, in the above Chemical Formula 1, X1 and X2 are independently F, Cl, or CN, and R1 is a substituted or non-substituted C1-C12 alkyl group, a substituted or non-substituted C1-C12 alkoxy group, a substituted or non-substituted C1-C12 halogen-containing alkyl group, a substituted or non-substituted C1-C12 halogen-containing alkoxy group, or a combination thereof. |
US08445078B2 |
Low temperature silicon oxide conversion
A method of forming a silicon oxide layer is described. The method first deposits a silicon-nitrogen-and-hydrogen-containing (polysilazane) film by radical-component chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The polysilazane film is converted to silicon oxide by exposing the polysilazane film to humidity at low substrate temperature. The polysilazane film may also be dipped in a liquid having both oxygen and hydrogen, such as water, hydrogen peroxide and or ammonium hydroxide. These conversion techniques may be used separately or in a sequential combination. Conversion techniques described herein hasten conversion, produce manufacturing-worthy films and remove the requirement of a high temperature oxidation treatment. An ozone treatment may precede the conversion technique(s). |
US08445073B2 |
Edge coated roll of tape and method of making same
An article comprising a roll of tape having a coating composition disposed on a first edge face is disclosed herein. A coating composition may be disposed on a second edge face that opposes the first edge face. The coating compositions may be cured. A method for edge coating the roll of tape is also disclosed herein, as well as a method for coating a plurality of articles having different dimensions. |
US08445072B2 |
Method for treating wooden parts
A method of treating wooden parts is described in which a) the wooden parts are impregnated with an aqueous cyanamide solution and subsequently b) the impregnated wooden parts, where appropriate after drying, are subjected to a heat treatment of 130 to 250° C. Here it has surprisingly emerged that impregnation with cyanamide even in small amounts has a significantly positive influence on the performance properties of the treated wooden parts, such as high hardness, low water absorption and very good weathering stability, for example. Moreover, only small amounts of a toxicologically and environmentally unobjectionable impregnating agent are needed in order to obtain these advantageous properties. |
US08445068B2 |
Method and apparatus for pattern-coating
A method for coating a dispersion slurry containing a solid SAP dispersed in a dispersion medium on a surface of a substrate sheet are provided. The method is characterized in that a first region and a second region are formed on the surface of the substrate sheet with a convex-and-concave pattern wherein the first region have the coating layer in thicker thickness and the second region have the coating layer in thinner thickness or does not scarcely have the coating layer, by means of positioning the rotating pattern roll over the substrate sheet via the cover film, of supplying the dispersion slurry between the substrate sheet and the cover film while rotating the rotating pattern roll, and of pushing the coating layer with the rotating pattern roll via the cover film, when the coating layer of the dispersion slurry is formed. |
US08445067B2 |
Method and apparatus for pattern-coating
A method for coating a dispersion slurry containing a solid SAP dispersed in a dispersion medium on a surface of a substrate sheet are provided. The method is characterized in that a first region and a second region are formed on the surface of the substrate sheet with a convex-and-concave pattern wherein the first region have the coating layer in thicker thickness and the second region have the coating layer in thinner thickness or does not scarcely have the coating layer, by means of positioning the rotating pattern roll over the substrate sheet via the cover film, of supplying the dispersion slurry between the substrate sheet and the cover film while rotating the rotating pattern roll, and of pushing the coating layer with the rotating pattern roll via the cover film, when the coating layer of the dispersion slurry is formed. |
US08445065B2 |
Method, printing device, and formulations for decorating glass or ceramic items
A method and a printing device (6) for decorating glass or ceramic items, wherein a pigment layer (3) is sandwiched between two glass frit layers (2, 4), wherein at least the pigment formulation layer (3) and the upper glass frit formulation layer (4) are, or can be, imprinted by an inkjet printing process. |
US08445063B2 |
Method for producing dry metal oxide compositions and coated substrates
The present invention generally relates to a process for making a metal oxide composition. The present invention also relates to a process for making a coated metal oxide substrate. |
US08445062B2 |
Method for producing metal oxide compositions and coated substrates
The present invention generally relates to a process for making a metal oxide composition. The present invention also relates to a process for making a coated metal oxide substrate. |
US08445061B2 |
Metering system for hot melt adhesives with variable adhesive volumes
A method of making an article having a substrate and a material applied thereto includes providing a metered fluid dispensing system having a supply of fluid to be dispensed, an output device having at least one dispensing nozzle, at least two pumps for pumping fluid from the supply to the at least one dispensing nozzle. The pumps are in close proximity to the dispensing nozzle. Output supply passageways interconnect the pumps and the dispensing nozzle, and flow control elements selectively control the passage of the fluid from the pumps to the nozzle. The substrate is conveyed past the fluid dispensing system in a machine direction and fluid is applied to the substrate in a plurality of segments. Each segment has a volume per unit length and is applied in a length in the machine direction to define a pattern. The pattern includes at least some areas in which the fluid is present at a first volume as applied from one of the pumps and at least some areas in which fluid is present at a second volume that is greater than the first volume, as applied from both of the pumps. |
US08445058B2 |
Process for producing wire-grid polarizer
Provided is a process for easily producing a wire grid polarizer showing a high polarization separation ability in the visible light region and having an improved transmittance in a short wavelength region. |
US08445057B2 |
Conductive material for connecting part and method for manufacturing the conductive material
There is provided a conductive material comprising a base material made up of a Cu strip, a Cu—Sn alloy covering layer formed over a surface of the base material, containing Cu in a range of 20 to 70 at. %, and having an average thickness in a range of 0.1 to 3.0 μm, and an Sn covering layer formed over the Cu—Sn alloy covering layer having an average thickness in a range of 0.2 to 5.0 μm, disposed in that order, such that portions of the Cu—Sn alloy covering layer are exposed the surface of the Sn covering layer, and a ratio of an exposed area of the Cu—Sn alloy covering layer to the surface of the Sn covering layer is in a range of 3 to 75%. |
US08445053B2 |
Concentrate derived from a milk product enriched in naturally occuring sialyllactose and a process for preparation thereof
A concentrate derived from milk or a milk product comprising sialyllactose in amounts higher than the normal amounts found in the milk or milk product and a process for preparation of such a concentrate by ultrafiltration and diafiltration using a thin film polyamide based membrane. The concentrate is suited for use in nutritional products. |
US08445047B2 |
Apparatus for preparing a beverage from a capsule
A method for preparing a beverage through a capsule inserted in a beverage machine; the capsule comprising an enclosure containing one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewing fluid is introduced in the enclosure to brew the said one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewed liquid is filtered by a filtering wall and delivered from the capsule, wherein the filtering wall extends from substantially the bottom of the enclosure and said filtering wall is associated to an overflow wall that forces the brewed liquid to traverse at least one overflow aperture. The method is particularly suitable for brewing a tea containing capsule. |
US08445041B1 |
Dehydrated castor oil as an animal feed supplement
The present invention relates to a method for improving the fat firmness and meat quality of a meat animal and/or altering the ratio of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids in meat by administering to a meat animal (e.g., pig) a composition comprising an amount of dehydrated castor oil that is effective to improve the quality indices of the animal's meat. |
US08445039B2 |
Antioxidant cosmetic composition containing extract of processed peony, polygonati rhizoma or lily
The present invention relates to an antioxidant cosmetic composition, and more particularly to an antioxidant cosmetic composition containing, as an active ingredient, either an extract of at least one of peony, Polygonati rhizoma and lily, processed using a medicinal herb processing technique, or a mixture of said extract and an extract of at least one of unprocessed peony, Polygonati rhizoma and lily. |
US08445038B2 |
Compositions for prophylaxis or treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, for improving memory impairment, or for protecting neuronal cells, containing ethanol extract from Aralia elata, Chaenomelis fructus and Glycyrrhizae radix
Disclosed is a composition for preventing or treating cerebral infarction, cerebral edema, cerebral ischemia, or vascular dementia, for improving memory impairments, or for protecting neuronal cells, comprising as active ingredient an ethanol extract from Aralia elata, Chaenomelis Fructus, and Glycyrrhizae Radix. |
US08445036B2 |
Magnolia extract containing compositions
Disclosed is a method of treating telangiectasias on a person's skin comprising topically applying to skin in need of treatment a composition comprising magnolia bark extract. |
US08445035B2 |
Dietary supplements containing extracts of aronia and method of using same to promote weight loss
A dietary supplement composition comprising aronia extract containing at least 20% anthocyanins by dry weight. The aronia extract is derived from the aronia melanocarpa plant. The aronia extract comprises approximately 10%-30% of the dry weight of the composition. A vitamin, weight loss agent, or antioxidant is provided in the composition. The dietary supplement composition is administered orally to promote weight loss. |
US08445034B1 |
Systems and methods for producing organic cannabis tincture
Systems and methods are disclosed for fabricating a medicine by preparing a cannabis plant material and classifying the cannabis plant material into an acid, neutral, or analog form; extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant material by either a reflux process through evaporating and condensing the cannabis plant material or an ultrasonic extraction process of the cannabis plant material with ultrasonic waves; and infusing the cannabinoids with an alternative emulsion. |
US08445028B2 |
Echinoderm-derived extracts, methods of preparation and uses thereof
An Echinozoa tissue or organ extract comprising antioxidant compounds is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for obtaining an Echinozoa tissue or organ extract, as well an extract obtained by this process. Compositions comprising such an extract are also described. Uses of such extracts/compositions, as well as corresponding methods of treatment, for example as an antioxidant or to decrease or inhibit oxidative stress in a cell, tissue or subject are also described. |
US08445024B2 |
Preparations containing hyperbranched polymers
The present invention relates to preparations comprising at least one low molecular weight substance and at least one hyperbranched polymer, wherein the hyperbranched polymer comprises a hydrophilic core having polyester units and hydrophobic end groups, said hyperbranched polymer having a molecular weight greater than or equal to 6000 g/mol and a hydroxyl number in the range from 0 to 200 mg KOH/g, the degree of branching being in the range from 20 to 70%, and said hyperbranched polymer having a melting point of at least 30° C. |
US08445022B2 |
Embolization
Embolization, as well as related particles, compositions, and methods, are disclosed. |
US08445017B2 |
Biodegradable cross-linked cationic multi-block copolymers for gene delivery and methods of making thereof
A biodegradable cross-linked cationic multi-block copolymer of linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) wherein the LPEI blocks are linked together by hydrophilic linkers with a biodegradable disulfide bond and methods of making thereof. The biodegradable cross-linked cationic multi-block copolymer may also contain pendant functional moieties which are preferably receptor ligands, membrane permeating agents, endosomolytic agents, nuclear localization sequences, pH sensitive endosomolytic peptides, chromogenic or fluorescent dyes. |
US08445010B2 |
Abuse potential reduction in abusable substance dosage form
The potential for substance abuse involving residual amounts of abusable substances remaining in used skin-worn patches is reduced by the provision of a system and method for combining the abusable substance with a separate anti-abuse substance agent as part of a removal or disposal procedure. |
US08445008B2 |
Reduction of infection associated with medical device
Anti-infective articles capable of preventing infection associated with implantation of medical devices include low levels of anti-infective agents, may cover only a fraction of the portion of the medical device and be effective, or may rapidly elute anti-infective agent, without sustained elution, and still be effective. |
US08445004B2 |
Administration of agents mimicking dopachrome tautomerase (TRP-2) activity for protecting hair follicle melanocytes
Agents mimicking DOPAchrome tautomerase activity are administered, notably topically applied, to protect and/or regenerate the melanocytes of hair follicles, to promote the cyclic renewal of the follicular pigmentation unit, to prevent and/or limit and/or arrest the development of canities, and to maintain the natural pigmentation of gray or white head hair and/or body hair. |
US08445002B2 |
Dermal delivery compositions comprising active agent-calcium phosphate particle complexes and methods of using the same
Dermal delivery compositions are provided. Aspects of the dermal delivery compositions include the presence of active agent-calcium phosphate particle complexes, where these complexes include uniform, rigid, spherical nanoporous calcium phosphate particles associated with one or more active agents. Also provided are methods of using the compositions in active agent delivery applications. |
US08445001B2 |
Peptides protective against S. pneumoniae and compositions, methods and uses relating thereto
The present invention relates to a protective peptide of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) or a functionally active variant thereof; a composition comprising at least two of such peptides or variants; one or more nucleic acid(s) encoding such peptide or variant; a pharmaceutical composition comprising such peptide or variant, composition, or nucleic acid(s); a method of producing an antibody using such peptide or variant or composition; the use of such peptide or variant and/or composition and/or nucleic acid(s) for the manufacture of a medicament; a method of diagnosing a S. pneumoniae infection using such peptide or variant, composition or a primer and/or probe specific for the nucleic acid(s); a method for identifying a ligand capable of binding to such peptide or variant; and the use of such peptide or variant for the isolation, purification and/or identification of an interaction partner of the peptide. |
US08445000B2 |
Immunogenic compositions of Staphylococcus epidermidis polypeptide antigens
The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions, comprising polypeptides isolated from Staphylococcus epidermidis. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding Staphylococcus epidermidis polypeptides and their use in immunogenic compostions. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response in mammals against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus using immunogenic compostions of the Staphylococcus epidermidis polypeptides and polynucleotides. The invention also relates to methods for detecting Staphylococcus epidermidis in a biological sample. |
US08444998B2 |
Probiotic strain and antimicrobial peptide derived therefrom
A strain of Enterococcus mundtii has probiotic qualities. The strain of E. mundtii (ST4SA) produces an antimicrobial peptide which exhibits antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria. An isolated nucleotide sequence codes for the antimicrobial peptide (peptide ST4SA). A process is also provided for the production of a peptide which comprises cultivating Enterococcus mundtii strain ST4SA in a nutrient medium under micro-aerophilic conditions at a temperature of between 10° C. and 45° C., until a recoverable quantity of the peptide is produced, and recovering the peptide. The isolated peptide may be used as an antimicrobial agent in a liquid formulation or a gel formulation as a topical treatment and may also be used as an antimicrobial agent following encapsulation in a polymer. |
US08444995B2 |
Peptide sequences and compositions
Provided is a polypeptide having no more than 100 amino acids, which polypeptide comprises one or more sequences having at least 60% homology with any of SEQ ID 1-6, or comprises two or more epitopes having 7 amino acids or more, each epitope having at least 60% homology with a sub-sequence of any of SEQ ID 1-6 that has the same length as the epitope: SEQ ID 1 DLEALMEWLKTRPILSPLTKGILGFVFTLTVP SEQ ID 2 LLYCLMVMYLNPGNYSMQVKLGTLCALCEKQASHS SEQ ID 3 DLIFLARSALILRGSVAHKSC SEQ ID 4 PGIADIEDLTLLARSMVVVRP SEQ ID 5 LLIDGTASLSPGMMMGMFNMLSTVLGVSILNLGQ SEQ ID 6 IIGILHLILWILDRLFFKCIYRLF wherein, the polypeptide is immunogenic in a vertebrate expressing a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allele, and wherein the polypeptide is not a complete influenza virus protein. |
US08444994B2 |
Multivalent antihelminthic vaccine
A multivalent anthelmintic vaccine targets both hookworm and schistosomiasis. The vaccine includes, at a minimum, a recombinant third-stage larval hookworm antigen, a recombinant adult stage hookworm antigen, and a recombinant schistosome antigen. Preferably, the hookworm antigens are Necator americanus antigens, although antigens from other hookworm species (e.g. Ancylostoma duodenale) may also be employed. The schistosome antigen is preferably a Schistosoma mansoni or a Schistosoma haematobium antigen although antigens from other schistosome species (e.g. Schistosoma japonicum) may also be employed. In some cases full or partial sequences of schistosome antigens may be fused with full or partial sequences of hookworm {Necator americanus) to produce recombinant chimeric antigens. |
US08444992B2 |
Multiple vaccination including serogroup C meningococcus
Various improvements to vaccines that include a serogroup C meningococcal conjugate antigen, including: (a) co-administration with acellular B. pertussis antigen; (b) co-administration with an inactivated poliovirus antigen; (c) supply in a kit together with a separate pneumococcal conjugate component, which may be in a liquid form; and (d) use in combination with a pneumococcal conjugate antigen but without an aluminium phosphate adjuvant. A kit may have: (a) a first immunogenic component that comprises an aqueous formulation of a conjugated capsular saccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae; and (b) a second immunogenic component that comprises a conjugated capsular saccharide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C. |
US08444984B2 |
TNFα-neutralizing antibodies
The invention provides monoclonal antibodies that neutralize TNFα activity. The monoclonal antibodies may be rabbit monoclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibodies having CDR regions derived from those rabbit monoclonal antibodies. In certain embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies may be humanized. Methods of using the subject antibodies to inhibit TNFα activity, methods of treatment using those antibodies and kits containing the same are also provided. The invention finds use in a variety of research and medical applications. |
US08444982B2 |
Anti-IGF-IR antibodies and uses thereof
The subject invention provides antibodies, or binding fragments thereof, that specifically bind to human IGF-IR. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies and binding fragments of the subject invention and vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acid molecules. The disclosure also provides methods of inhibiting cancer cell growth and metastasis in a mammal using the antibodies described herein, as well as compositions containing the antibodies, nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies, and host cells and vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules. The disclosure also features the use of the polypeptides to detect the presence of IGF-IR in a mammal, and epitopes that can be used as cancer vaccine immunogens. |
US08444980B2 |
Therapeutic use of anti-CS1 antibodies
The present invention is directed to antagonists of CS1 that bind to and neutralize at least one biological activity of CS1. The invention also includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising such antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. The present invention also provides for a method of preventing or treating disease states, including autoimmune disorders and cancer, in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering into said subject an effective amount of such antagonists. |
US08444977B2 |
Assay method for Alzheimer's disease
A diagnostic test for preclinical and clinical Alzheimer's disease is based on plasma levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, their ratio, or their rate of entry following administration of antibodies that sequester Aβ. Alterations of any of these parameters from control values identifies preclinical or clinical Alzheimer's disease. |
US08444976B2 |
Antigen binding polypeptides
The invention relates to a platform technology for production of antigen binding polypeptides having specificity for a desired target antigen which is based on the conventional antibody repertoire of species in the family Camelidae, and to antigen binding polypeptides obtained using this technology platform. In particular, the invention provides an antigen binding polypeptide comprising a VH domain and a VL domain, wherein at least one hypervariable loop or complementarity determining region (CDR) in the VH domain or the VL domain is obtained from a VH or VL domain of a species in the family Camelidae. |
US08444974B2 |
Use of antibodies for the vaccination against cancer
Described is the use of antibodies which are directed against human cellular membrane antigens for the vaccination against cancer diseases. |
US08444965B2 |
Tumor cells from immune privileged sites as base cells for cell-based cancer vaccines
The present invention relates to tumor cell-based vaccines and methods of using same, wherein the vaccines are based on naturally immune privileged tumor cells that have been genetically modified to express MHC-II restricted peptides derived from endogenously encoded tumor antigens, activate CD4+ T-lymphocytes, provide an array of antigens to which the host is not tolerized and/or induce immunity against the originating tumor cells as well as against metastatic tumor cells. |
US08444961B2 |
RNA virus infection inhibitor, method for inhibition of infection by RNA virus, RNA virus infection-inhibiting product, and use as RNA virus infection inhibitor
Disclosed herein is an RNA virus infection inhibitor that is capable of effectively inhibiting humans from being infected with RNA viruses to prevent the occurrence of symptoms or, even when symptoms occur, to relieve the symptoms and is less likely to cause unexpected discoloration or discoloration under normal service conditions. The RNA virus infection inhibitor comprises an RNA virus infection-inhibiting compound comprising a linear polymer having, in its side chain, at least one of substituents having structural formulas represented by general formulas (1) to (3). |
US08444958B2 |
Compositions having anti-dental caries function
The present invention relates to dietary compositions and oral compositions having an anti-dental caries function. The present invention provides dietary compositions and oral compositions having an anti-dental caries function which contain a buffering agent having a pH buffering action in the oral cavity. |
US08444957B2 |
Methods of screening for neoplastic disease states
The present invention provide purified Flt4 receptor tyrosine kinase polypeptides and fragments thereof, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind such polypeptides, and uses therefor. |
US08444954B2 |
Gastrin releasing peptide compounds
New and improved compounds for use in diagnostic imaging or therapy having the formula M-N—O—P-G, wherein M is a metal chelator having the structure: wherein R1-R5 and FG are as defined herein (in the form complexed with a metal radionuclide or not), N—O—P is the linker containing at least one non-alpha amino acid with a cyclic group, at least one substituted bile acid or at least one non-alpha amino acid, and G is the GRP receptor targeting peptide. In the preferred embodiment, M is an Aazta metal chelator or a derivative thereof. Methods for imaging a patient and/or providing radiotherapy or phototherapy to a patient using the compounds of the invention are also provided. Methods and kits for preparing a diagnostic imaging agent from the compound is further provided. Methods and kits for preparing a radiotherapeutic agent are further provided. |
US08444949B2 |
Graphite film and graphite composite film
An object of the present invention is to provide a graphite film, and a graphite composite film both having an excellent thermal diffusivity which can sufficiently manage heat dissipation of electronic instruments, precision instruments and the like, along with an excellent flex resistance which can withstand application to bent portions. Means for Resolution of the present invention is a graphite film exhibiting the number of reciprocal foldings being 10,000 times or more as measured using a rectangular strip test piece having a width of 15 mm until the test piece breaks in a MIT folding endurance test under conditions of: a curvature radius R of the bending clamp being 2 mm; a left-and-right bending angle being 135°; a bending rate being 90 times/min; and a load being 0.98 N. |
US08444946B2 |
Method for preparing talcose compositions comprising synthetic mineral particles containing silicon, germanium and metal
The invention relates to a method for preparing a composition, that is a talcose composition, comprising synthetic mineral particles which contain silicon, germanium and metal, have a crystalline and lamellar structure, and are of formula (SixGe1−x)4M3O10(OH)2, wherein M is at least one divalent metal and is of formula Mgy(1)COy(2)Zny(3)Cuy(4)Mny(5)Fey(6)Niy(7)Cry(8), and x is a real number of the interval [0; 1]. According to said method, a gel containing silicon, germanium and metal, of formula —(SixGe1−x)4M3O11, n′H2O—, in the liquid state, is subjected to a hydrothermal treatment over a defined period of time and at a temperature of between 300° C. and 600° C., said time and temperature being selected according to the desired particle size and structural stability for the mineral particles containing silicon, germanium and metal, to be prepared. |
US08444944B2 |
Method of decomposing N2O using a catalyst based on a cerium lanthanum oxide
A method for decomposing N2O is described. The method uses, as a catalyst, an oxide based on cerium and lanthanum, which further includes at least one oxide of an element chosen from zirconium and rare earths other than cerium and lanthanum. This catalyst is stable, enabling it to be used at high temperatures. |
US08444940B2 |
Reactor for producing C2- to C8- olefins from a material flow containing oxygenate, water vapor and one or more hydrocarbons
A reactor is described for the production of C2 to C8 olefins from gaseous oxygenate and H2O and one or more material flows containing C2 C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 olefin and paraffin at 400° to 470° C., wherein several reaction stages which the material flow can pass through from the top to the bottom, each consisting of a support base with a catalyst layer situated on it, are arranged in a closed, upright container. In order to be able in each case to lower the temperature of the reaction mixture leaving the reaction stages before it enters into the next reaction stage, it is provided that each support base consists of cells which are placed closely next to each other with no gaps and which are securely attached to each other and filled with catalyst, and in the space formed by two neighboring reaction stages, respectively, an assembly of nozzle tubes is installed for spraying a liquid phase containing H2O and DME and/or MEOH, using a water-saturated gas phase containing mainly DME and/or MEOH, in the direction of the following reaction stage downstream. |
US08444932B2 |
D-dimer, troponin, and NT-proBNP for pulmonary embolism
The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in a subject including a) determining the amount of fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products, in particular D-dimer in a sample of the subject; b) determining the amount of a natriuretic peptide in a sample of the subject; c) determining the amount of a cardiac troponin in a sample of the subject; and d) comparing the amounts determined in steps a) to c) to reference amounts, thereby establishing the diagnosis. Included is also a method of deciding on a therapy of a subject diagnosed with PE and a method of monitoring the therapy. |
US08444929B2 |
Adjustable chemical dispenser system
An adjustable device for delivering chemical solutions into a liquid flow, where a saturated chemical solution is created by dissolving solid chemical contained within a chemical dispensing chamber, the device retained within a housing connected into a fluid flow line such that liquid for treatment flows therethrough. The device allows for adjustment or control of the amount of liquid flow into the dispensing chamber, the amount of saturated chemical solution drawn from the dispensing chamber by the main liquid flow, and the amount of main liquid flow through the device. |
US08444926B2 |
Processing chamber with heated chamber liner
A heater liner assembly suitable for covering the interior of a plasma processing chamber is provided. In some embodiments, a liner assembly for a processing chamber can include a heating element embedded in a body. A flange extending outward from an outer diameter of the body includes an upper surface having a sealing surface and at least one pad that extends from the upper surface of the flange to an elevation beyond the sealing surface. The pad contributes to control of the temperature of the liner assembly by maintaining the liner assembly spaced apart from the processing chamber. |
US08444923B2 |
Method and apparatus to achieve formulation and reactive polymerization utilizing a thermally atmospherically controlled feeding system for thermoplastic materials
A continuous process wherein a mechanized and automated feeding system provides precision delivery of thermally and atmospherically conditioned components to a pelletization process including extrusion, pelletization, thermal processing, drying, and post-processing of the polymeric pellets formed. The components can be combined to form solutions, dispersions, emulsions, formulations, and the like. These components can further be reacted and thermally modified to form oligomers, pre-polymers, polymers, copolymers, and many combinations thereof. |
US08444922B2 |
Air purification
The present disclosure relates to purification and/or sterilization techniques and devices. Methods and systems are provided herein for removing contaminants from air using a combination of an ionic liquid and a reactive oxygen species. |
US08444920B2 |
O-ring systems and methods for quantification of multiplex biomarkers in multiple samples
Kits and methods of using O-rings having apertures are provided herein. O-rings are useful for incubating with a sample fluid potentially having one or more biomarkers, in order to detect the presence of the biomarkers. O-rings can be readily organized in a trackable manner prior to and during incubation with the sample fluid. O-rings can also be readily transferred and organized into one or more trackable arrays for detecting the presence of bound biomarkers and measuring the signaling product generated by bound detect molecule-linked enzymes present in a homogeneous solution with a spectrophotometer. |
US08444919B2 |
Space disinfection
A method for disinfecting a volume or surfaces bounding a volume comprising nebulizing a solution comprising a sterilizing agent in a solvent having a lower boiling point than the sterilizing agent to form a nebulant. The nebulant is subjected to energy of a kind and for a duration sufficient to vaporize solvent in preference to sterilizing agent to increase the concentration of the agent in the nebulant particles. Vaporized solvent is removed from the gas stream at or above atmospheric pressure and, if necessary, the nebulant is cooled to below 70° C. The volume or surfaces are exposed to the nebulant for a time sufficient to sterilize said volume or surfaces. Also, apparatus for carrying out the method. |
US08444918B2 |
Water purifier
The disclosed water purifier comprises an outer wall, a RAW water inflow section that allows inflow of RAW water from outside said outer wall, a purifying section, an ultraviolet ray sterilizing section that has an ultraviolet ray source, a purified water outflow section that allows purified water that has been purified in said purifying section and sterilized in said ultraviolet ray sterilizing section to flow to the outside of said outer wall, a condition-detecting unit, and a control unit that controls generation of ultraviolet rays from said ultraviolet ray source according to the detection by said condition-detecting unit. |
US08444915B2 |
Making thermoelectric materials by mechanosynthesis
The invention concerns a method for making a thermoelectric element consisting mainly of a crystalline alloy having a cubic structure, the alloy comprising a first constituent having at least a first element selected among the transition metals, a second constituent having at least one element selected among column XIV, XV or XVI of the periodic table, and a third constituent having at least one constituent selected among rare earths, alkalis, alkaline earths or actinides. The method includes making the alloy in the form of nanopowders by mechanosynthesis. The invention also concerns the thermoelectric material obtained by implementing said method. |
US08444914B2 |
Process for the polishing of metallic dental prostheses
The invention concerns a process for the polishing of metallic dental prostheses, such as frames. In order to reproducibly obtain a defined surface roughness with no need for additional finishing, it is proposed for the dental prosthesis to be polished by means of plasma polishing. |
US08444913B2 |
Method of assembling a member on a support by sintering a mass of conductive powder
In this method, the conductive powder mass is placed on the support, and then the member is placed on the mass and a compression force is applied, urging the member against the mass and the support before heating the mass. The magnitude is increased from an initial value to a first predefined value for agglomerating the mass, which value is less than a plastic deformation threshold of the powder mass. Then, the magnitude is maintained at the first predefined value throughout a predetermined duration for agglomerating the powder mass. Finally, the magnitude is increased from the first value to a second predefined value less than a critical threshold for damaging the member but greater than a minimum threshold for sintering the mass at the predetermined temperature, the second predefined value being greater than the first predefined value. |
US08444912B2 |
Heat treatment furnace
A heat treatment furnace that allows the atmosphere in the heat treatment furnace to be controlled with favorable accuracy includes a second heating zone identified as a reaction chamber, having a floor belt to hold a workpiece, and an atmosphere collect pipe having an opening in the second heating zone to collect an atmosphere in the second heating zone through the opening. The atmosphere collect pipe is installed to allow the distance between the opening and the floor belt to be modified. |
US08444909B2 |
Hot-strip cooling device
A hot-strip cooling device for cooling a hot strip that has been subjected to finish rolling while being conveyed over a run-out table. The device includes a plurality of cooling nozzles that are disposed above a steel strip and eject rod-like flows of coolant at an ejection angle tilted toward the upstream side in a steel-strip traveling direction; and purging means that is disposed on the upstream side with respect to the cooling nozzles and purges the coolant that has been ejected from the cooling nozzles and resides on the steel strip. |
US08444903B2 |
Method of fabricating three dimensional printed part
A method of fabricating a three-dimensional printed part includes injecting a powder layer with an aqueous solution and curing the powder layer by depositing an acid gas on the powder layer to form a rigid structure. |
US08444897B2 |
Blending plastic and cellulose waste products for alternative uses
The present invention relates to methods for reclaiming plastics and cellulose materials for use in a variety of applications, including as alternative fuel sources. According to one embodiment of the invention, waste is received which includes cellulose materials and plastics. Such materials are sorted from other materials and the cellulose and plastic materials are shredded or ground and then blended together. The blended materials can then be fed to an energy converter, such as a combustion unit or a gasifier, where they are burned as fuel source or used to create synthetic gas. In other embodiments, the blended materials are heated or have a binding element added thereto. Such mixture is then compressed to form a desired shape or sized object, and that object can then be packaged, distributed or used. The blended object can be used as a fuel source, or as a building, sound attenuation, or insulation material. |
US08444894B2 |
Procedure for the manufacture of a tube made from flexible materials
Procedure for the manufacture of a tube made of a flexible material and comprising a skirt and a head, in which a unit formed by the skirt and an appendage is disposed or manufactured in an injection procedure, the appendage totally or partially closing one end of the skirt and including the injection point(s), in which the appendage is cut totally or partially, and the cut part is removed, and in which the head over-molded on any area of the part of the unit formed by the skirt and appendage that remains once the cut part has been removed. The appendage offers several advantages, such as improving the finish of the over-molded head or, in the event of the unit being manufactured, easing the removal of the unit from the mound. |
US08444888B2 |
Method for processing a crosslinkable elastomeric composition comprising Silica
A method for processing a crosslinkable elastomeric composition including at least one silica reinforcing filler and at least one sulfur-containing organosilane compound by using at least one processing apparatus having an internal metal surface, includes the following steps: (a) pretreating at least one portion of the internal metal surface of the at least one processing apparatus with at least one sulfur-free organosilane compound having at least one hydrolizable group; (b) feeding the crosslinkable elastomeric composition including silica to the at least one processing apparatus; and (c) processing the crosslinkable elastomeric composition. |
US08444887B2 |
Methods and systems for conversion of molten sulfur to powder sulfur
Methods and systems are provided for converting molten sulfur to powder sulfur by gas cooling of atomized sprays of molten sulfur. Certain embodiments contemplate a vertical tower that allows molten sulfur to produce an atomized spray or mist of molten sulfur descending from the top of the vertical tower. Gas introduced to the bottom of the vertical tower flows upward intimately interfacing with the descending atomized molten sulfur spray. The molten sulfur in the form of an atomized sulfur spray is cooled by the gas to form a sulfur powder. In certain embodiments, the sulfur powder formed is sufficiently small to be suitable for combination with a base fluid for producing a slurry for convenient transport of the sulfur particulates. Advantages of certain embodiments include higher efficiencies, lower cost, and production of much smaller solid sulfur average particulate sizes, which in turn allows for easier sulfur transport. |
US08444884B2 |
Flame-proofed polymer material
The invention relates to a polymer material comprising a halogen-free flame-proofing agent incorporated into the polymer matrix, the flame-proofing agent comprising at least ammonium polyphosphate(s) and/or derivatives thereof and an oligomer or polymer 1,3,5-triazine derivative or mixtures of a plurality thereof and at least one compound selected from phosphates, pyrophosphates, polyphosphates, organic and inorganic phosphonates, organic and inorganic phosphinates, stannates, molybdates or borates of the elements of the main groups II, III, IV or of the sub-group elements Fe, Zn, Ti, Mn, Zr, Mo, pre-condensed melamine derivatives, melamine salts and addition compounds, ethylene diamine phosphate, piperazine phosphate, piperazine polyphosphate, 1,3,5-trihydroxyethyl isocyanurate, 1,3,5-triglycidyl isocyanurate and triallyl isocyanurate. The weight ratio of constituents A to constituents B is 10:1 to 1:1, constituents A and B together amounting to between 60 and 99 wt. % and constituents C and D to between 1 and 40 wt. % of the total weight of constituents A, B, C and D. The polymer material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). |
US08444875B2 |
Burned composite metal oxide and process for producing the same
The burned composite metal oxide of the present invention is a burned composite metal oxide which is porous and particulate and which is obtained by subjecting a slurry comprising at least one metal oxide (a), at least one metal compound (b) and a solvent to spray granulation to obtain granules, and burning the granules, the metal oxide (a) selected from the group consisting of a transition metal oxide and an oxide of a metal belonging to 3B, 4B and 5B of a periodic table, the metal compound (b) selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal compound and an alkali earth metal compound, wherein the metal oxide (a) and the metal compound (b) are sparingly soluble in the solvent; the burning is conducted after a heat-maintaining step of heating the granules obtained by the spray granulation at a temperature in a range of ±200° C. based on the decomposition temperature of the metal compound (b); and the metal compound (b) contains at least a nonmetallic element component desorbed in the heat-maintaining step. |
US08444873B2 |
Refrigerant composition
A composition which comprises or consists of more than 75 to less than 80 wt. % of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125); more than 17 to less than 22.7 wt. % of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a); and more than 2.3 to less than 3.0 wt. % of n-butane (R600). |
US08444866B1 |
Method and system for providing a perpendicular magnetic recording pole with a multi-layer side gap
A method for fabricating a magnetic transducer having a nonmagnetic intermediate layer is described. A trench is provided in the intermediate layer. The trench has a profile and location corresponding to a pole. A first nonmagnetic gap layer is provided. At least part of the first nonmagnetic gap layer resides in the trench. A pole including magnetic material(s) is provided. At least part of the pole resides in the trench and on the part of the nonmagnetic layer in the trench. At least part of the intermediate layer adjacent to the pole is removed and a second nonmagnetic gap layer provided. The second nonmagnetic gap layer is thicker than the first nonmagnetic gap layer. Part of the second nonmagnetic layer and part of the first nonmagnetic layer adjacent to the pole form a side gap. A side shield, a gap, and a top shield are also provided. |
US08444865B2 |
Magnetic recording head coating and method
A method for encapsulating a magnetic recording head including coating at least a portion of a magnetic recording head containing a recording gap with a first layer of at least one coating material, including silicon nitride, the first layer of at least one coating material having a first removal rate, coating at least a portion of the magnetic recording head containing a recording gap and coated with the first layer of at least one coating material with a second layer of at least one coating material, including aluminum oxide, the second layer of at least one coating material having a second removal rate higher than the first removal rate, and removing at least a portion of the second layer of at least one coating material via a removal process, including chemical-mechanical polishing, lapping, or vacuum processing to at least partially planarize the surface of the recording gap. |
US08444859B2 |
Method for reduction of oil, alkalinity and undesirable gases using a mechanical flotation device
A mechanical vessel may effectively and simultaneously displace a first undesired gas from within water with a second desired gas, and remove at least one alkaline species and oily matter from the water. The vessel raises the pH of the water and reduces the lime requirement for subsequent lime softening. The vessel receives the water containing the first gas and passes the water through a series of gasification chambers. Each gasification chamber may have a mechanism that ingests and mixes a second gas into the water thereby physically displacing at least a portion of the first gas into a vapor space at the top of each gasification chamber from which it is subsequently removed. There is an absence of communication between the vapor spaces of adjacent chambers. An acid is added to remove the alkaline species, where the first gas is an optional by-product that is also removed. |
US08444856B2 |
Chromatography of metal complexes
A high performance liquid chromatography method to routinely and reproducibly detect and quantitate metal complexes is provided. The metal complexes used in the method of the invention can be different metal complexes, or they can be stereoisomers of the same metal complexes. The high performance liquid chromatography method of the present invention is suitable for the separation of diastereomers of the same metal complexes. Also provided is a chiral high performance liquid chromatography method to separate enantiomers of metal complexes. Superoxide dismutase mimetic compounds are also provided. |
US08444849B2 |
Devices and processes for deasphalting and/or reducing metals in a crude oil with a desalter unit
This invention relates to devices and processes for removing asphaltenes and/or metals from crude oil to increase refinery processing of heavy materials. The desalters of this invention reduce and/or remove at least a portion of asphaltenes and/or metals form the crude oil. The separation occurs by mixing water with the crude oil to result in an aqueous phase having water and water soluble salts, an interface phase having asphaltenes and/or metals along with water, and a hydrocarbon phase haying desalted, deasphalted and/or reduced metal crude oil. |
US08444847B1 |
Low voltage electrolysis of water
A method is provided for conducting electrolysis at or below 1.23 V. The method comprises filling an electrolysis reactor having an aluminum anode and a copper cathode with a sufficient amount of solution such that at least a portion of the anode and the cathode are immersed in the solution; the solution comprising water, an electrolyte and a catalyst; and applying a voltage across the reactor of less than or equal to 1.23 V. The solution is comprised of water, aluminum sulfate and an ammonium salt. The method allows for total gas to be produced at a rate in excess of the theoretical maximum 1.06 l/min at a current of 93 amps. |
US08444844B1 |
Electrochemical co-production of a glycol and an alkene employing recycled halide
The present disclosure is a method and system for electrochemically co-producing a first product and a second product. The system may include a first electrochemical cell, a first reactor, a second electrochemical cell, at least one second reactor, and at least one third reactor. The method and system for for co-producing a first product and a second product may include co-producing a glycol and an alkene employing a recycled halide. |
US08444843B2 |
Electrocatalytic dissociation of water for hydrodesulfurization of hydrocarbon feedstock
An electrocatalytic process to remove organic sulfur compounds from a mixture of water containing a miscible electrolyte and a hydrocarbon feedstock involving the application of a current of electricity to cause the dissociation of the water which produces hydrogen at a catalytic cathode which reduces the organic sulfur compounds in the hydrocarbon with the evolution of H2S which is separated and collected, and the separation and collection of the treated hydrocarbon. |
US08444830B2 |
Desalination
A desalination process including heating brine in a preheating chamber and transferring the brine to a rotary kiln to be sprayed against the wall structure of the rotary kiln to boil to steam and a residue of salt/impurities, the exiting steam being pressurized in a compressor and passed to an externally powered heater to be heated and then fed to a hollow wall structure of the rotating kiln in which the steam condenses to pure water to be transferred to the preheating chamber to preheat the incoming brine, the rotating kiln being arranged to rotate past a scraper to remove salt/impurities from the wall structure for collection at the base of the kiln. |
US08444829B2 |
Systems, processes and methodologies for producing clean water
Improved methods for carrier-gas humidification/dehumidification [HDH] or dewvaporization enable production of clean water, derived in part from models generated and tested with produced water from the oil and gas industries, which likewise address industrial waste water remediation and generally facilitate the time and cost efficient disposal of waste waters from a plurality of industries ranging from food, wine, and beverage production to novel enhanced efficiencies within the oil and gas industries themselves. High efficiency carrier gas HDH thermal distillation functions without membranes, at ambient or near ambient pressures with no required pre- or post-treatment, and economies of scale to leverage a plastics-based processing platform. Industrial waste water including that generated by the food, wine, and beverage industries, among others, is likewise ameliorated according to the instant teachings. |
US08444826B2 |
Industrial filtration fabric with high center plane resistance
A flat woven industrial filtration fabric comprises three layers of weft yarns. A first set of warp yarns interweaves only with paper side layer weft yarns and intermediate weft yarns, and a second set of warp yarns interweaves only with machine side layer weft yarns and the intermediate yarns, the first warp yarns and the second warp yarns interweaving with the same intermediate weft yarns at common turning points. The first warp yarns comprise groups of intrinsic binder yarns forming a single combined path on the paper side surface, and the second warp yarns are woven as individual yarns or in groups, such as pairs or triplets. The distinct nature of the paper side and machine side layers increases the available combinations of weave patterns to optimize the characteristics for each layer, and the distinct centre planes between the three layers provide improved drainage control. |
US08444825B2 |
Forming sieve for the wet end section of a paper machine
A sieve for the wet-end section of a paper machine is described, in which the sieve has been compressed by at least one of increased temperature, pressure and/or moisture. Such a treatment leads to a sieve which has at least one side wherein the thread floats and knuckles are reshaped and the sieve presents at least one substantially flatter surface for the production of paper. This process does not cause any physical damage to the surface of the sieve, as current techniques of abrasively polishing the surface do, and therefore leads to cloths with improved properties and lifetimes. |
US08444821B2 |
Measuring of web
Optical radiation sources functioning on different optical bands radiate on different optical bands and focus optical radiation on a region in a web surface as pulses in such a manner that illumination areas of the pulses overlap on the plane of the web. At most one optical radiation band is focused on the web from the direction of the normal. The spatial intensity distribution of at least one optical band differs from the uniform distribution and the intensity distributions of at least two different optical bands differ from one another in a predetermined manner. A camera forms still images of the web surface region on each optical radiation band. An image-processing unit determines the surface topography of the web on the basis of the images. In addition, a controller may control the paper manufacturing process on the basis of the determined surface topography. |
US08444818B2 |
Stable and aqueous compositions of polyvinylamines with cationic starch, and utility for papermaking
A stable aqueous composition comprising polyvinylamine and liquid cationic starch in a ratio of from 90 to 55 parts of polyvinylamine on active basis to 10 to 45 parts of liquid cationic starch on active basis is disclosed. The composition can be used in papermaking as a strength or as a drainage aid. |
US08444814B2 |
Paper comprising PIPD floc and process for making the same
The invention concerns a paper comprising polypyridobisimidazole floc having a length of from 1.0 to 15 mm, where the apparent density of the paper is from 0.1 to 0.4 g/cm3 and the tensile strength of the paper in N/cm is at least 0.000052X*Y, where X is the volume portion of polypyridobisimidazole in the total solids of the paper in % and Y is basis weight of the paper in g/m2. |
US08444811B2 |
Process for increasing the basis weight of sheet materials
Sheet-like products are disclosed containing an additive composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive composition is applied to a creping surface. A base sheet is then pressed against the creping surface for contact with the additive composition. The base sheet is then creped from the creping surface causing the additive composition to transfer to the base sheet. In particular, the additive composition is transferred to the base sheet in amounts greater than about 1% by weight, such as from about 2% to about 50% by weight. The additive composition can comprise, for instance, a thermoplastic polymer resin containing an aqueous dispersion, a lotion, a debonder, a softener, or mixtures thereof. |
US08444808B2 |
Process for producing nanofibers
A process for making nanofibers includes preparing a fluid suspension of fibers, shear refining the fibers to create fibrillated fibers, and subsequently closed channel refining or homogenizing the fibrillated fibers to detach nanofibers from the fibrillated fibers. The shear refining of the fibers in the fluid suspension generates fiber cores having attached nanofibers. The closed channel refining or homogenizing of the fibrillated fibers is initially at a first shear rate and, subsequently, at a second, higher shear rate, to detach nanofibers from fiber cores and to create additional nanofibers from the fiber cores. The fiber suspension may flow continuously from the shear refining to the closed channel refining or homogenizing, and include controlling the rate of flow of the fiber suspension from the shear refining to the closed channel refining or homogenizing. |
US08444804B2 |
Heat sealing method
This invention relates to a method for sealing film layers to form a sealed portion and a notch within the sealed portion, comprising: providing film layers between sealing jaws comprising a heat sealing element, with a sealing face having a length and a protrusion extending partly along the length of its sealing face; inducing a temperature gradient along the of sealing face length, wherein the temperature proximate to the protrusion is higher than at a distance from the protrusion; closing the jaws and simultaneously clamping the film at a location adjacent to the sealing face; holding the jaws closed for a period of time; and opening the jaws to release the layers of film. |
US08444802B2 |
Catheter having a readily bondable multilayer soft tip
A balloon catheter having a soft distal tip member having a non-tacky inner (liner) layer material and a soft flexible outer layer material, with both materials being readily thermally bondable to the catheter balloon. |
US08444792B2 |
Method of manufacturing aerogenerator blades
Method of manufacturing aerogenerator blades that avoids or reduces some formation deficiencies existing in the traditional methods of manufacturing aerogenerator blades. The method comprises: positioning at least one support plate (2) on a plug (3) corresponding to a predetermined shape of at least a portion of the blade; removably fixing the support plate (2) to the plug (3); stacking a plurality of layers (1) of at least one material over the support plate (2); stitching the plurality of layers (1) to the support plate (2); displacing the plurality of layers (1) stitched to the support plate (2) into a mold (4), the mold (4) having a shape corresponding to the counter shape of the plug (3). |
US08444791B2 |
Method for manufacturing ceramic capacitor
A method for manufacturing a ceramic capacitor embedded in a wiring substrate, the ceramic capacitor including a capacitor body which has a pair of capacitor main surfaces and a plurality of capacitor side surfaces also has a structure in which a plurality of internal electrodes are alternately layered through a ceramic dielectric layer, the method has (a) laminating ceramic-made green sheets and combining the green sheets into one, to form a multi-device-forming multilayer unit in which a plurality of product areas, each of which becomes the ceramic capacitor, are arranged in longitudinal and lateral directions along a plane direction, (b) forming a groove portion to form a chamfer portion at a boundary portion between at least one of the capacitor main surfaces and the plurality of capacitor side surfaces, (c) sintering the multi-device-forming multilayer unit, and (d) dividing the product areas into each product area along the groove portion. |
US08444788B2 |
Gas blocking, high temperature conductor-insulation adhesive
An adhesive composition includes 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin polymer derived from an olefin monomer copolymerized with at least one co-monomer that is different form the olefin monomer; 1˜100 parts by weight of an adhesion promoting agent comprising a polybutadiene polymer, which has a molecular weight of 1,000˜10,000 and has an anhydride group grafted thereon; 0.1˜5 parts by weight of an antioxidant; and 0.5˜15 parts by weight of a curative agent. An adhesive composition includes 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin polymer derived from an olefin monomer copolymerized with at least one co-monomer that is different form the olefin monomer, where in the polyolefin polymer comprises an anhydride group grafted thereon; 0.1˜5 parts by weight of an antioxidant; and 0.5˜15 parts by weight of a curative agent. |
US08444787B2 |
Methods of and systems for adding a high viscosity gypsum additive to a post-mixer aqueous dispersion of calcined gypsum
Provided are methods and systems for introducing a wet gypsum accelerator or other high viscosity production additive to an aqueous dispersion of calcined gypsum in a discharge apparatus downstream of a stucco mixer in which the dispersion was prepared. These methods and systems are useful in the production of various gypsum products such as board including wallboard and ceiling tiles. |
US08444786B2 |
Solid composite propellants and methods of making propellants
Solid composite propellants are provided that include a matrix comprising an energetic oxidizer and a binder. A multi-layered reactive thin film is provided in the matrix. The reactive thin film includes metal and inorganic oxidizer. Methods of making the solid composite propellants are also provided. |
US08444782B2 |
Manufacturing method of high strength ferritic/martensitic steels
Provided is a method of manufacturing a high strength ferritic/martensitic steel. The method includes melting a ferritic/martensitic steel, hot-working the melted ferritic/martensitic steel, normalizing the hot-worked ferritic/martensitic steel at a temperature of about 1050° C. to about 1200° C., tempering the ferritic/martensitic steel at a temperature of about 600° C. or less, and leaving MX precipitates while preventing a M23C6 precipitate from being precipitated, and cold-working and thermal-treating the ferritic/martensitic steel in a multistage fashion, and precipitating M23C6 precipitates. Through the above described configuration, the high strength ferritic/martensitic steel that prevents a ductility from being deteriorated even in a high-temperature environment may be manufactured. |
US08444779B2 |
Cu—Ni—Si—Co copper alloy for electronic materials and method for manufacturing same
The invention provides Cu—Ni—Si—Co alloys having excellent strength, electrical conductivity, and press-punching properties. In one aspect, the invention is a copper alloy for electronic materials, containing 1.0 to 2.5 mass % of Ni, 0.5 to 2.5 mass % of Co, and 0.30 to 1.2 mass % of Si, the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities, wherein the copper alloy for electronic material has a [Ni+Co+Si] content in which the median value ρ (mass %) satisfies the formula 20 (mass %)≦ρ≦60 (mass %), the standard deviation σ (Ni+Co+Si) satisfies the formula σ (Ni+Co+Si)≦30 (mass %), and the surface area ratio S (%) satisfies the formula 1%≦S≦10%, in relation to the compositional variation and the surface area ratio of second-phase particles size of 0.1 μm or greater and 1 μm or less when observed in a cross section parallel to a rolling direction. |
US08444778B2 |
Low-thermal-expansion Ni-based super-heat-resistant alloy for boiler and having excellent high-temperature strength, and boiler component and boiler component production method using the same
Disclosed is a low-thermal-expansion Ni-based super-heat-resistant alloy for a boiler, which has excellent high-temperature strength. The alloy can be welded without the need of carrying out any aging treatment. The alloy has a Vickers hardness value of 240 or less. The alloy comprises (by mass) C in an amount of 0.2% or less, Si in an amount of 0.5% or less, Mn in an amount of 0.5% or less, Cr in an amount of 10 to 24%, one or both of Mo and W in such an amount satisfying the following formula: Mo+0.5 W=5 to 17%, Al in an amount of 0.5 to 2.0%, Ti in an amount of 1.0 to 3.0%, Fe in an amount of 10% or less, and one or both of B and Zr in an amount of 0.02% or less (excluding 0%) for B and in an amount of 0.2% or less (excluding 0%) for Zr, with the remainder being 48 to 78% of Ni and unavoidable impurities. |
US08444775B2 |
Manufacturing shape memory alloy tubes by drawing
Shape Memory Alloy tube is protected from damage during drawing, caused by galling-type interaction between the tube and high-carbon dies, by forming an oxide surface layer. This invention protects the tube internal diameter from oxidation while allowing the tube outside diameter to be oxidized, by using an oxygen getter located within the tube during the oxidation step. The method yields a higher quality internal diameter and improves productivity. |
US08444773B2 |
Gaspath cleaning system
A system for cleaning a jet engine with a first compressor stage and a second compressor stage comprises a water holding tank, a waterproof cover, and input hose coupled between the water holding tank and the waterproof cover. Further, the system includes a J-hook coupled to the input hose. The J-hook affixes to a front compressor stator of the second compressor stage of the jet engine. To clean the jet engine, fluid from the water holding tank is injected though the input hose and directed through the J-hook inside the engine. |
US08444771B2 |
Method for cleaning and/or deodorizing toilet bowl or urinal using an adhesive agent
Method for cleaning and/or deodorizing a toilet bowl or urinal. In one embodiment, the method involves directly applying an agent to the toilet bowl or urinal. The agent adheres to the toilet bowl or urinal and can be flushed away only after a relatively large number of flushing operations. The agent includes fillers from the group of surfactants and also an adhesion promoter. The viscosity of the agent is at least 30 Pas, measured using a Haake viscometer, plate/plate system, plate diameter 10 mm, at a shear gradient of 2.62 s−1 and 20° C. and the agent is so sticky that it can serve to attach bar-shaped agents to the toilet bowl or urinal, wherein the concentration of the surfactants in the case of an adhesion promoter from the group of polvalkyleneimines is between 7 and 60% by weight. The agent may have associated with it one or more bar-shaped compositions. |
US08444769B2 |
Dishwasher that uses cold water during peak electricity demand and associated method of control
A dishwasher and associated control method are provided wherein a water supply manifold supplies a wash chamber with wash liquid. The supply manifold includes a hot water inlet from an external hot water source and a separate cold water inlet, and is configured to be selectively actuated between the hot water inlet or cold water inlet. A controller is in communication with the supply manifold and is configured to act on a signal that is indicative of an actual or pre-defined high electricity demand period on a power supply to the hot water source. The controller is configured to generate an output control signal to the supply manifold to cause the manifold to direct substantially only cold water from the outlet to the wash chamber during the high electricity demand period. |
US08444768B2 |
Compositions and methods for removing organic substances
Compositions and methods useful for the removal of organic substances from substrates, for example, electronic device substrates such as microelectronic wafers or flat panel displays, are provided. A method is presented which applies a minimum volume of the composition as a coating to the inorganic substrate whereby sufficient heat is added and immediately rinsed with water to achieve complete removal. These compositions and methods are particularly suitable for removing and completely dissolving photoresists of the positive and negative varieties as well as thermoset polymers from electronic devices. |
US08444766B2 |
System and method for recycling a gas used to deposit a semiconductor layer
A system for recycling includes a processing chamber, a reclamation reservoir and a mixing reservoir. The processing chamber is configured to receive a deposition gas deposited onto a semiconductor layer. The processing chamber has an exhaust to discharge an unused portion of the deposition gas as an effluent gas. The reclamation reservoir is in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The reclamation reservoir is configured to receive and store the effluent gas from the processing chamber. The mixing reservoir is in fluid communication with the reclamation reservoir and the processing chamber. The mixing reservoir is configured to mix the effluent gas with a virgin gas to form a recycled deposition gas. The mixing reservoir supplies the recycled deposition gas to the processing chamber to deposit an additional portion of the semiconductor layer. |
US08444761B2 |
Utilization of heavy oil fly ash to improve asphalt binder and asphalt concrete performance
Disclosed herein are an asphalt concrete mixture, an asphalt binder composition, and methods of preparing the related compositions. The asphalt binder compositions include heavy oil fly ash that contains more than about 90 wt. % carbon. The compositions are capable of being performance graded. The binder can be used to modify the asphalt and also as a filler in asphaltic concrete compositions. |
US08444759B2 |
Bio-based adhesive material
A bio-based adhesive and method of making the adhesive replaces or serves as additives for asphalt, sealant, and polymers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene and atactic polypropylene in the manufacture of building or paving materials. The method includes steps of forming a mixture of oil comprising fatty acids group and optionally a powdered material; maintaining the oil-to-powdered-material weight ratio in the mixture between 1 to 0.00001 and 1 to 20; heating the mixture to a reaction temperature greater than 55 degrees Centigrade; maintaining the reaction temperature until the oil is polymerized; and, injecting air into the mixture while polymerizing the oil. The adhesive of this method comprises a renewable polymer and the powdered material. |
US08444754B2 |
Electrostatic control of air flow to the inlet opening of an axial fan
An air moving apparatus includes an axial fan and an electrostatic device. The axial fan has a rotatable shaft defining a central axis of the axial fan, a plurality of blades secured to the shaft, and an air inlet opening. The electrostatic device is disposed immediately upstream of the air inlet opening of the axial fan, and includes a collector and an emitter. In one embodiment, the electrostatic device includes a cylindrical collector coupled to ground and has a central axis aligned with the central axis of the axial fan. The electrostatic device further includes a plurality of emitter wires coupled to a terminal of a direct current source and extending lengthwise within the cylindrical collector. During operation of the axial fan, the application of an electrical potential between an emitter and a collector causes ionic air movement radially outwardly away from a central axis of the axial fan. |
US08444752B2 |
Particulate filters and methods of filtering particulate matter
A particulate filter may comprise an inlet end, an outlet end, and a plurality of parallel channels disposed and configured to flow fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end, the channels being defined by a plurality of porous walls configured to trap particulate matter. The particulate filter may define at least one filtration region including a first group of channels and at least one bypass region including a second group of channels, wherein at least some of the channels in the first group of channels are plugged at an end thereof, wherein the channels in the second group of channels are unplugged, and wherein greater than or equal to about 70% of the plurality of parallel channels are plugged at an end thereof. |
US08444751B2 |
Deaerator and conduit assembly
An example deaerator assembly includes a housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet. A conduit configured to communicate a deaerated coolant is located within the housing. A mixture of coolant and air is deaerated as the mixture is communicated from the housing inlet to the housing outlet within the housing and outside the conduit. |
US08444750B2 |
Removal of CO2, N2, or H2S from gas mixtures by swing adsorption with low mesoporosity adsorbent contactors
The present invention relates to the separation of one or more of CO2, N2, and H2S gas components from a gas mixture containing at least a second gas using a swing adsorption process unit. The adsorbent contactors of the swing adsorption process unit are engineered structured adsorbent contactors having a plurality of flow channels wherein 20 volume percent or less of the open pore volume of the contactors is in the mesopore and macropore range. |
US08444743B2 |
Method for producing a steel melt containing up to 30% manganese
The invention relates to a method for producing a steel melt containing up to 30% of Mn, which additionally may comprise up to 5% Si, up to 1.5% C, up to 22% Al, up to 25% Cr, up to 30% Ni, and up to 5% each of Ti, V, NB, Cu, Sn, Zr, Mo, and W, and up to 1% each of N and P, with the remainder being iron and unavoidable steel companion elements. |
US08444739B2 |
Honeycomb filter
A honeycomb filter including partition walls having a porous partition wall base material and a surface layer provided on only inflow side or both inflow and outflow sides of the partition wall base material, and satisfying the following conditions capable of using as a DPF. The surface layer has a peak pore diameter of from 0.3 μm to 20 μm (exclusive) being equal to or smaller than the average pore diameter of the base material; the porosity of from 60% to 95% (exclusive) when measured by mercury porosimetry being larger than that of the base material; and the thickness L1 of from 0.5% to 30% (exclusive) of the partition wall thickness L2; and mass per filtration area of from 0.01 mg/cm2 to 6 mg/cm2 (exclusive). The base material has an average pore diameter of from 10 μm to 60 μm (exclusive) and a porosity of from 40% to 65% (exclusive). |
US08444731B2 |
Handheld cleaning appliance
A handheld cleaning appliance includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from an airflow in an airflow path leading from the air inlet to the air outlet. The separating apparatus includes a cyclonic separator having at least one first cyclone and a plurality of second cyclones arranged in parallel with one another and located downstream of the first cyclone. By providing a cyclonic separator having a plurality of second cyclones in parallel, the handheld cleaning appliance is capable of separating fine dirt and dust particles without using barriers such as filters or bags which need maintenance to ensure that performance remains high over a period of time. |
US08444723B2 |
Fluidized bed gasification method
Provided is a fluidized bed gasification method wherein an amount of solid particles to be circulated in a fluidized bed combustion furnace is controlled to enhance gasification efficiency in the furnace.It is the fluidized bed gasification method with fluidized bed combustion and gasification furnaces 30 and 43, char and solid particles produced upon gasification of raw material 51 in the gasification furnace 43 being circulated to the combustion furnace 30. A circulated amount of the solid particles in the combustion furnace is controlled by varying the same in a range of 6 to 30 with respect to an air flow rate, thereby facilitating heat transmission to the raw material 51. |
US08444720B2 |
Alkanolamides and their use as fuel additives
The present invention relates to alkanolamide-containing compositions, and more particularly to alkanolamide-containing compositions formed by the reaction of a fatty acid and diethanolamine (DEA) which contain low levels of undesirable by-products. Such compositions are particularly suitable for use as fuel additives. |
US08444715B2 |
Coloring agents and methods of use thereof
Dyes, compositions comprising dyes and methods for using the same are provided. |
US08444711B2 |
Oxidative dyeing compositions comprising an 1-hexyl/heptyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole and a benzene-1,3-diamine and derivatives thereof
A composition for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers comprising (A) a 1-hexyl/heptyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole compound of the general formula (I), a physiologically compatible water-soluble salt thereof, or mixtures thereof, and; (B) a benzene-1,3-diamine compound of the general formula (II), a physiologically compatible water-soluble salt thereof or mixtures thereof, and (C) an oxidizing agent. wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 are as defined herein and a=1 or 2. |
US08444705B2 |
Knee joint prosthesis
A knee joint prosthesis is adapted for interconnecting a prosthetic lower leg and a prosthetic thigh. The knee joint prosthesis includes a knee seat disposed under and connected to the prosthetic thigh, a connecting seat disposed above and connected to the prosthetic lower leg, a link assembly, and an adjusting unit. The link assembly includes a plurality of links each connected pivotally to the knee seat and the connecting seat in such a manner to allow the knee joint prosthesis to change between an elevated position and a flexed position. The adjusting unit is disposed in the knee seat, and is operable to cooperate with the link assembly to adjust difficulty level of changing the knee joint prosthesis between the elevated and flexed positions. |
US08444700B2 |
Medical implant and process for the production thereof
An elongate hollow body (1) comprising crystalline cellulose has on an inside wall a plurality of protuberances (3, 4) which extend into a lumen of the hollow body (1). A process for the production of an elongate hollow body (1) comprising crystalline cellulose comprises the steps: preparation of a hollow mold (12); cultivation of cellulose-forming organisms in an interior space formed by the hollow mold (12), in order to allow the hollow body (1) to grow in the interior space; demolding of the hollow mold (12). In the step of demolding the hollow mold (12), at least part of the hollow mold (12) is irreversibly deformed. |
US08444694B2 |
Methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral space
A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc comprises the steps of: (a) providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; (b) removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; (c) determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (d) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. The step of determining the size of the intradiscal space may be accomplished by expanding a compliant balloon within the intradiscal space using a contrast medium capable of visualization under fluoroscopy. The curable material is sealably introduced through a vented needle inserted through the opening. The curable biomaterial is introduced until a quantity of the material flows into the vent. |
US08444690B2 |
Bronchoscopic repair of air leaks in a lung
Systems and devices for minimally invasively treating an air leak in a lung comprise the steps of detecting an air leak in a lung; locating an airway in fluid communication with the air leak, introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and occluding an airway upstream of the air leak for a period of time. The airway occlusion device is preferably removed after the air leak has substantially permanently healed. The occluding device may be a one-way valve. The occluding device may also comprise strut members and anchors that penetrate an airway wall. |
US08444674B2 |
Surgical instruments
A surgical instrument having an anchor and a plug is capable of anchoring a suture. The suture anchor has an anchor body having a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface, a transverse bore and a well, the well having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner bottom surface. The plug has a post, a head, and a bottom face. The anchor body and the anchor plus form a suture anchor. The suture anchor may be used during surgical procedures and can be used in the re-tensioning of a suture. |
US08444673B2 |
Automatic vascular closure deployment devices and methods
Methods of installing a vascular closure device, the vascular closure device adapted for sealing an opening in biological tissue and comprising an anchor, a compressible plug, a cinch and a suture, the method comprising the steps of providing an insertion sheath, inserting the insertion sheath into the opening in the biological tissue, providing a device sheath having the vascular closure device preloaded therein with a proximal portion of the suture attached to the device sheath, subsequent to the step of inserting the insertion sheath, inserting the device sheath into the insertion sheath, and retracting the insertion sheath and device sheath simultaneously, wherein during the retraction, the insertion sheath and the device sheath are fixed to one another and devices adapted to the methods. |
US08444672B2 |
Methods and devices for attaching connective tissues to bone using a knotless suture anchoring device
A device for attaching connective tissue to bone has a longitudinal axis and comprises an annular toggle member and a body member disposed distally of the toggle member, such that there is an axial space between the toggle member and the body member. The toggle member is movable between an undeployed position wherein the toggle member has a smaller profile in a direction transverse to the axis and a deployed position wherein the toggle member has a larger profile in the direction transverse to the axis. When installed in a desired procedural site, in suitable bone, suturing material extends axially through a center aperture in the annular toggle member, without being secured to or contacting the toggle member. This approach permits a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and which further permit the attachment of suture to the bone anchor without the necessity for tying knots, which is particularly arduous and technically demanding in the case of arthroscopic procedures. |
US08444671B2 |
Hemostasis-enhancing device and method for its use
The present invention advantageously provides devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. In an embodiment, the device for enhancing the hemostasis of a puncture site in a body lumen or tract comprises a catheter having one tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end with one inner lumen extending between at least a longitudinal portion of the catheter tubular member. The one tubular member includes external and internal tubular bodies each having proximal and distal ends. At least one of the external and the internal tubular bodies is longitudinally movable with respect to the other. An expansible member with proximal and distal ends is disposed on the distal end of the one tubular member. The distal end of the expansible member is connected to the distal end of internal tubular body and with its proximal end connected to the distal end of external tubular body. |
US08444670B2 |
Nasal dilator with means to direct resilient properties
A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertical layers each consisting of one or more members or components. The laminated layers form a unitary, or single body, truss featuring horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. When in use the dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. The dilator includes means to direct its resilient properties comprising one or more interior or exterior material separations, or discontinuity of shape of material, formed in at least one region of the truss and extending through at least one layer of the dilator. Said material separation or discontinuity of shape may comprise an opening, relief cut, slit or notch, and which may be configured to separate or vertically protrude, in part, from the truss when the dilator is in use on the nose of a wearer. Said separation or vertical protrusion changes the angle of focused delaminating spring biasing forces generated by the resilient layer, transforming said forces, at least in part, from primarily peel forces into primarily shear forces, and further redistributing or imparting said transformed forces to tissue engaging surface areas extending outward and beyond said material separation. |
US08444668B2 |
Expandable vascular occlusion device
A vascular occlusion device that includes an inner embolic member at least partially covered by an expandable generally tubular mesh. The expandable tubular mesh typically comprises a unitary wall with apertures through the wall to assist in the expansion of the generally tubular mesh. |
US08444667B2 |
Device for closure of a vascular defect and method for treating the same
A device for the non-invasive treatment of a vascular defect. The device includes at least one occlusive member having a first unexpanded configuration and a second expanded configuration and at least one securement member for securing the vaso-occlusive device to a support structure at the location of the vascular defect. |
US08444663B2 |
Ultrasonic surgical shears and tissue pad for same
An ultrasonic-surgical-shears tissue pad has a tissue-pad body including a base material and at least one filler material. An alternate ultrasonic-surgical-shears tissue pad has a tissue-pad body having adjoining first and second regions, wherein the first region includes a first material and wherein the second region includes a second material. An ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade and a clamping arm which is operable to open and close toward the blade and which has a transversely and resiliently flexible distal tip. An alternate ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade, a clamping arm operable to open and close toward the blade, and a tissue pad attached to the clamping arm and having a clamping surface, wherein at least a portion of the tissue pad is resiliently flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the clamping surface. |
US08444662B2 |
Cordless hand-held ultrasonic cautery cutting device
An ultrasonic surgical assembly includes an ultrasonic waveguide and a cordless ultrasonic-movement-generation assembly that has a selectively removable securing connector and an output couple operable to impart ultrasonic movement to the ultrasonic waveguide when the waveguide is connected thereto. The assembly also includes a removable battery and a surgical handle that has a first handle body portion defining therein an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment selectively exposed to the environment, aseptically removably holding therein the battery and electrically connecting the battery therein to the ultrasonic-movement-generation assembly. A second handle body portion is connected to the first handle body portion and has a waveguide attachment dock that is exposed to the environment and has a first couple operable to connect the waveguide thereto and an ultrasonic-movement-generation assembly dock that is exposed to the environment and shaped to removably secure the second handle body portion to the securing connector and connect the ultrasonic waveguide in the attachment dock to the output couple through the second handle body portion. |
US08444659B2 |
Method and apparatus for passing a suture through tissue
An apparatus and method for passing a suture through tissue includes a first jaw member having a retaining structure to support a portion of the suture proximate a first surface of the tissue. A second jaw member is associated with the first jaw member. The second jaw member is selectively configurable in a first configuration to perform a first stitch or in a second configuration to perform a second stitch. |
US08444657B2 |
Apparatus and methods for rapid deployment of tissue anchors
Apparatus and methods for rapid deployment of tissue anchors are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member and has a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member pivotably coupled to the lower jaw member. A reconfigurable launch tube is pivotably coupled to the upper jaw member and is used to urge the jaw members from a low-profile configuration to an open configuration. A needle assembly can be advanced through the launch tube across tissue received between the jaw members of the tissue manipulation assembly. Tissue anchors can be advanced through the needle assembly for securing received tissue. The tissue anchors can be positioned within a reloadable chamber of a control handle disposed outside the patient, then advanced through the needle assembly. |
US08444651B2 |
Patient-specific surgical guidance tool and method of use
Presented is a preoperatively designed guidance tool for intraoperative use during bone or joint surgery wherein the guidance tool is specific to the anatomy of the patient being treated. The guidance tool comprises a body portion, a mating surface provided on the body portion for positioning the guidance tool on a corresponding registration surface of a patient's anatomy. The guidance tool further comprises at least one guide mechanism provided on the body portion for guiding a medical instrument at one or more preoperatively defined trajectories relative to a patient's anatomy. In the event of misalignment, the at least one guide mechanism is adjustable to alter the one or more preoperatively defined trajectories if necessary during intraoperative use. Also presented is a preoperative process for designing the guidance tool. |
US08444649B2 |
System and method for manipulating a spinal construct
A system and device for manipulating a spinal construct is provided. For example, the manipulation device can include a drive member to be disposed within a first surgical sleeve extending from a first vertebra, and a coupling member positioned adjacent a second surgical sleeve. In one embodiment, at least one of the drive member and the coupling member can be releasably engaged to an actuation mechanism. In one aspect, the actuation mechanism can include a floating and/or auto-locking pivot point thereby allowing a user to quickly and easily position the manipulation device relative to the adjacent surgical sleeves. Additionally, a method of manipulating spinal constructs is also provided. |
US08444647B2 |
Surgical sagittal saw blade with a static bar and a pivoting blade head, the bar shaped to facilitate holding the blade to a complementary saw
A surgical sagittal saw blade with a static blade bar and to which a blade head is mounted. Distal from the proximal end of the blade bar, the sides of the bar taper outwardly. These outer taper sides facilitate the coupling of the blade bar to the complementary saw used to actuate the blade. |
US08444644B2 |
Fast adjust external fixation connection rod
The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports, and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments. |
US08444640B2 |
Methods and apparatus for performing a non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen
Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided. |
US08444637B2 |
Steerable ablation device
The invention relates to a flexible assembly for use in a region of a medical or surgical device. In preferred embodiments, the flexible region comprises a set of pull wires for controllably moving a treatment end of the device, and elements to separate the pull wires and maintain the integrity of the shaft of the flexible region in order to improve the operating aspects of the device. The devices and methods can be especially useful in ablation treatments, such as ablation at cardiac or epicardial tissues. |
US08444636B2 |
Medical instrument and method of use
An instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes or for volumetric removal of tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has an interior chamber that includes a diffuser structure for diffusing a biocompatible conductive fluid that is introduced under high pressure. The interior chamber further includes surfaces of opposing polarity electrodes for vaporizing the small cross-section diffused fluid flows created within a diffuser structure. In one embodiment, the diffuser structure includes a negative temperature coefficient of resistance material between the opposing polarity surfaces. The NTCR structure can self-adjust the lengths of current paths between the opposing polarities to insure complete vaporization of the volume of flow of conductive fluid. The non-ionized vapor phase media is ejected from a working surface of the instrument and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. In another embodiment, the instrument provides voltage means for converting the non-ionized vapor phase media into an ionized media or plasma for applying energy to body structure. |
US08444628B2 |
Needleless medical connector
A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal. |
US08444626B2 |
Articulating handle for a deflectable catheter and method therefor
A catheter assembly includes a handle assembly, and a catheter body coupled with the handle assembly, where the catheter body extends to a deflectable distal end portion, and the deflectable distal end is controllable by a flexible element. A lever actuator member is operatively coupled with the flexible element, and movement of the actuator member provides for movement of the flexible element. |
US08444624B2 |
Vascular medical devices with sealing elements and procedures for the treatment of isolated vessel sections
Devices for the isolation of a selected portion of a vessel are described. In some embodiments, the device comprises an introducer sheath and a sealing catheter that are movable relative to each other to create an isolated volume with adjustable size and location. The methods for the treatment of vascular aneurysms using the devices are described. The treatment is achieved through the delivery of an effective amount of stabilization agent to an isolated volume that encompass the aneurysm. The device optionally has an aspiration means to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. |
US08444622B2 |
Device, system, and method for targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory medicaments to a mammalian subject
A device, a system, or a method is described for treating a disease or a condition of one or more joints of articulating bone in a mammalian subject. The device provides one or more medicaments to one or more joints of the mammalian subject. A device is described that includes an enclosure including one or more sensors, a controller, and one or more applicators configured to surround one or more joints of articulating bone of a mammalian subject, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect one or more physiological conditions of the one or more joints of the mammalian subject, and the controller, configured to communicate with the one or more sensors, is configured to activate the one or more applicators, and wherein the one or more applicators are configured to inject one or more medicaments to one or more joint tissues of the mammalian subject. |
US08444619B2 |
Belted absorbent article
A belted absorbent article (10) having an absorbent structure (16) and a pair of opposed belt halves (12, 14) attached to the absorbent structure (16) via a respective joint (50). The joint (50) between each belt half (12, 14) and the absorbent structure (16) is designed such that when each belt half is subjected to a tension force of 35 N acting along the belt half and the direction of applied tension creates an angle (α) to the transverse axis (T) of the absorbent structure, the following minimum average release times (t) of each belt half from the absorbent structure are attained: when α=10°, t>>720 seconds; when α=20°, t>>330 seconds; when α=25°, t>>240 seconds; when α=30°, t>>180 seconds; and when α=40°, t>>75 seconds. |
US08444618B2 |
Absorbent article and absorbent body
An absorbent article adapted to be worn on a body includes an absorbent article main body having a longitudinal direction, a width direction perpendicular thereto, and a thickness direction perpendicular thereto; and an absorbent body overlapping the absorbent article main body along the longitudinal direction. One end section in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body is undetachably joined to the absorbent article main body, and another end section in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body is detachably joined to the absorbent article main body. A section of the absorbent body on a wearer-facing side that is positioned on a body side in use and that does not oppose the absorbent article main body is easier to elongate in the width direction than a section of the absorbent body on an non-wearer-facing side that opposes the absorbent article main body. |
US08444617B2 |
Pant-type absorbent article
A pant-type absorbent article having an absorbent assembly having an absorbent core and a chassis, wherein the front and back portions are joined to each other along two opposite longitudinal side edges to define a waist-opening and a pair of leg-openings, at least one of the front and back portions has an elastic web material, a crotch portion located between the front portion and the back portion in the longitudinal direction of the article, the front portion having a length in the longitudinal direction, the back portion having a length in the longitudinal direction, and the crotch portion having a length in the longitudinal direction, the absorbent assembly overlapping a distance with both the front and back portions, the article having a longitudinal and a transverse direction, wherein the absorbent assembly overlaps no more than 20% of the surface area of each of the front and back portions. |
US08444614B2 |
Methods and devices for applying closed incision negative pressure wound therapy
Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for using such devices and systems for treating incisions and wounds. In an aspect, disclosed is a device having a generally planar tension relief module and a flexible sealant structure sized to cover the tension relief module, the flexible sealant structure comprising a lower adhesive surface. The tension relief module includes a conduit structure having a plurality of support structures on an upper surface of the conduit structure and at least one opening extending through the conduit structure from a lower surface to the upper surface. At least a portion of the conduit structure is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the incision. The tension relief module also includes opposing adhesive structures coupled to the conduit structure. The lower adhesive surface of the flexible sealant structure and the upper surface of the conduit structure form a flow pathway. |
US08444613B2 |
Pump leak monitor for negative pressure wound therapy
A therapeutic device includes a fluid mover for one of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, a therapeutic member operably connected to the fluid mover and actuated thereby, the therapeutic member operably disposably used on a patient in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient as function of actuation of the fluid mover, a controller operably associated with the fluid mover for controlling operation thereof, and a leak, blockage, temperature, voltage or current sensor operably connected to the fluid mover and the controller and to sense a leak, blockage, temperature, voltage or current in the device and send a signal to the controller whereby the controller controls the fluid mover as a function of the sensed signal. |
US08444604B2 |
Patch-like infusion device
A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device (700) which can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface. A push button (780) activation assembly can then be used to remove an interlock (730), allowing a disk or Belleville spring (735) assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly (710). This allows the release of one or more spring-loaded patient needles (760) into the skin surface, and establishes a fluid communication path between the patient needles (760) and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents thereby delivering an infusion into the skin. The push button (780) activation assembly further allows the release of one or more improved safety mechanisms (794) after use. |
US08444602B2 |
Hemostatic valve system
A medical introducer apparatus for use in inserting an interventional device into a body vessel of a patient. The apparatus includes a housing having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a chamber positioned between the proximal and distal openings. A sheath, defining a conduit for the interventional device, extends distally from the housing distal opening. A hemostatic valve system is provided in the housing chamber. The valve system includes a plurality of generally elastomeric valve members axially arranged in the chamber. The valve members each have a generally circular hole extending therethrough, which hole is sized for substantially leak-free passage of the interventional device. The valve members are aligned in the chamber to be sequentially penetrable by the interventional device, such that the hole in one valve member is covered by an adjoining valve member. |
US08444599B2 |
Method and apparatus to indicate prior use of a medical item
The present invention monitors an IV bag injection port and informs the user of prior injections. The present invention employs an object and/or a sealed chamber within a transparent IV fluid bag injection port. In the case of the object, notification of prior use is achieved when the object's or IV fluid's appearance is altered. With respect to the sealed chamber, the chamber's seal is breached to allow fluid to pass between the chamber and the IV bag to change the appearance of the contents of the chamber. Since the injection port and bag walls are at least partially transparent, medical personnel are able to observe the altered appearance of either the object, IV fluid or the sealed chamber. |
US08444592B2 |
Fluid management system with pressure and flow control operating modes
Surgical fluid management systems and methods of operating surgical fluid management systems which may provide one or more functions associated with suction, irrigation, distention, deficit monitoring, infusion, fluid warming, and the like. Some example embodiments may include infra-red lamps arranged to heat fluid flowing through a disposable cartridge. Some example embodiments may provide a three-dimensional fluid path through the cartridge and/or multi-stage heating capabilities. Some example fluid management systems may be selectable between pressure control and flow control modes. |
US08444590B2 |
Tapered tampon applicator with petals and taper ratio
There is provided a tampon applicator having a plunger and a barrel with a tapered insertion, which provides enhanced insertion comfort to a user. The taper of the insertion tip is defined by a ratio of the length of the taper projection along a longitudinal axis of the barrel to the length of the taper projection along a radius of the barrel at a base region of the insertion tip. The insertion end of the barrel preferably has two or more petals for enhanced user comfort. Preferably, the petals have a substantially uniform thickness. The barrel may also have a fingergrip for ease of use of the applicator during insertion, expulsion of the pledget, and removal from the vagina. |
US08444588B2 |
Internal shunt and method for treating glaucoma
A surgical technique and device wherein an indwelling tube is placed in the eye of a patient having glaucoma. The tube diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space from which it is removed by blood flowing in the choroidal and uveal tissues. This decreases the intraocular pressure. |
US08444586B2 |
Degassing device
A device for degassing gas bubbles out of a liquid comprises a housing having a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and a gas bubble outlet. The housing includes a spiral wall defining a spiral flow path for the liquid and a hydrophobic membrane above the spiral wall and between the spiral wall and the gas bubble outlet. The spiral wall forces inward liquid entering the housing through the inlet into a spiral flow along the spiral flow path, and causes an upward flow of the gas bubbles toward the hydrophobic membrane. A method for degassing gas bubbles out of a liquid, e.g., blood, e.g., during hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration, and use of such a degassing device in an extracorporeal circuit for degassing gas bubbles out of liquid, e.g., blood, e.g., during hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration, are disclosed. |
US08444584B2 |
Method and compression hose for relieving heel pressure
A compression hose adapted to be worn to cover at least the calf and foot of a leg of an individual, and a method for medically treating the individual with the compression hose. The compression hose includes connected leg and foot portions formed of an elastic fabric material and adapted to cover, respectively, the calf and foot of the individual. A heel opening is located between the leg and foot portions so as to be located in the compression hose to coincide with the heel of the leg of the individual. The heel opening has a perimeter defined by a stitch that limits stretching and expansion of the heel opening relative to stretching and expansion of the leg and foot portions of the compression hose. |
US08444583B2 |
Ankle foot orthosis
An ankle foot orthosis includes a leg member, a foot member, and a drive member. The drive assembly includes a link member which may be hingedly secured to the foot member at a hinge location adjacent to the posterior end of the foot member. The drive assembly may be operable to selectively impart pivotal movement between the foot member and the link member about a first pivot axis, and pivotal movement between the foot member and the leg member about a second pivot axis at the hinge location. The leg member and the foot member strut may be selectively movable in a medial-lateral direction relative to a base of the foot member and the drive assembly. The inferior-superior location of the second pivot axis may be selectively adjustable for substantially aligning the second pivot axis with an axis of rotation of an ankle joint of the wearer. |
US08444582B2 |
Device for assisting in the selection of a compressive orthosis by simulating its effects upon the hemodynamics of the venous return
A device determines and displays compression values to be exerted by an orthosis upon the surface of a member and produces digital simulation (10) for simulating the action of the compression on the hemodynamics of venous return furnishing values of blood flow and/or of intravenous pressure at a number of points of a digital model representing the venous network of the leg of the member, which display is a value oriented graph containing a number of interconnected arcs, with each arc assigned a corresponding value of blood flow and/or intravenous pressure, and which compression values are furnished by simulation software based on morphological characteristics of the member and on dimensional and rheological characteristics of the orthosis. |
US08444573B2 |
Tissue excision device
A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle. |
US08444571B2 |
Obtaining measurements of muscle reflexes for diagnosis of patient symptoms
A system and method is disclosed for measuring muscle reflexes (e.g., a bulbocavernosus reflex) as a tool for identifying/diagnosing dysfunctions (e.g., spinal cord abnormalities, bladder voiding dysfunction, and sexual organ dysfunction) non-invasively by using mechanical stimulation. The system and method includes a probe having a predetermined patient contacting portion, wherein when the contacting portion is moved into contact with a particular area of the patient (e.g., the patient's genitals), the contact induces a muscle reflex. The probe detects the pressure resulting from the contacting portion being abruptly and forcibly brought into contact with the particular area. Such detection is used to electronically initiate capture of electrical responses from a plurality of electrodes placed on the patient's skin in proximity to the particular area. Such electrical responses are processed to determine characteristics of the patient's reflexes of one or more muscles adjacent to the electrodes. |
US08444567B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for reducing an influence of uneven rotation of a flexible shaft
In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using an ultrasonic probe of a mechanical radial scanning type for intracavity observation, stable Doppler mode images with respect to an ROI or a gate position can be generated by reducing an influence of uneven rotation of a flexible shaft. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit for performing orthogonal detection processing or orthogonal sampling processing on a reception signal to generate a complex baseband signal; a memory for storing the complex baseband signal for at least two frames generated based on ultrasonic echoes received along plural lines; a line selecting unit for selecting one line in each frame from among the plural lines based on the complex baseband signal; and an image signal generating unit for generating an image signal representing information on blood flow based on the complex baseband signal with reference to the line selected in each frame. |
US08444565B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, method of measuring pressure gradient, and method of measuring blood vessel elasticity
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of obtaining information on a pressure gradient in a blood vessel based on only reception signals of ultrasonic echoes reflected within an object. The apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe for outputting reception signals; a measuring unit for measuring an inside radius of a blood vessel within the object and blood flow velocities in plural locations in a radial direction substantially at the same time based on the reception signals; and a computing unit for computing a velocity gradient in the radial direction at an inner wall point of the blood vessel by differentiating the blood flow velocities measured by the measuring unit in the radial direction, and computing a pressure gradient at ends of a predetermined length of the blood vessel based on the computed velocity gradient, the measured inside radius of the blood vessel, and a predetermined viscosity of blood. |
US08444561B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus
An ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus includes: a transducer array 1 composed of arrayed transducer elements T1 to T6 for transmitting ultrasound; driving circuits D1A to D6A each provided for transmission channels for driving each of the transducer elements; a transmission trigger generator 2 for generating a trigger pulse for controlling each of the driving circuits; a parallel reception beam former 3 for processing reception signals from the transducer elements; a signal processor 4 for processing an output signal of the parallel reception beam former; and a control unit 5 for controlling the transmission trigger generator, the parallel reception beam former and the signal processor. The transmission trigger generator controls the width of the trigger pulse independently for each of the transmission channels to cause the driving circuit to output a driving pulse approximating a predetermined weighting value assigned to an output amplitude of each of the transmission channels in a transmission aperture of the transducer array. A circuit for forming a trapezoidal transmission beam for increasing a data acquisition rate by using parallel reception beams can be configured at low cost by using pulse amplifiers. |
US08444559B2 |
Skin impedance matching system and method for skin/electrode interface
The present invention relates to a system for measuring the input impedance of a skin/electrode interface and selectively modifying the input impedance of the monitoring circuit to match the measured input impedance. More particularly, a simplified method for correcting for input impedance mismatch between electronic monitoring circuitry and the skin/electrode interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an input impedance measuring circuit will interface with a microprocessor and a reconfigurable switch network to select the input impedance of the electronic monitoring circuitry, thus eliminating the impedance sensitivity of EMG or EKG instruments. |
US08444556B2 |
Laryngoscope
The present invention is a self-retaining laryngoscope composed of a palate brace or blade, a slider, and a tongue blade. The angulated tongue blade puts less force on the blade, reduces trauma, and is not conducive for mechanical failure. The slider interacts with the tongue blade by widening the opening of the mouth, and acts as a bite block. The fenestrated palate blade provides an unobstructed view of the vocal cords during intubation, and allows removal of the laryngoscope over the endotracheal tube without displacing it. The result is a laryngoscope that requires only one hand to use properly, and has superior retraction due to its shape. |
US08444553B2 |
Endoscope apparatus having a bending driving control section for controlling a motion of a distal of a bending portion
An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, a bendable bending portion provided in a distal end side of the insertion portion, a bending driving section that drives the bending of the bending portion, and a bending driving control section that controls the bending driving section based on an inputted control signal to cause a distal end of the bending portion to make a turning motion with respect to a proximal end thereof. |
US08444552B2 |
Endoscope
An endoscope includes a manipulation unit, and an insertion unit which is disposed in continuation to the manipulation unit. The insertion unit contains a bending portion which has a plurality of articulation wheels coupled in succession, two adjacent ones of the articulation wheels being coupled by a shaft member so as to be relatively turnable around the shaft member which crosses the center axis of the bending portion, the bending portion being bent in such a way that a wire which leads to the manipulation unit via the plurality of articulation wheels is tractively manipulated. The shaft member has a guide part formed with an insertional hole through which the wire is inserted, and at least the guide part of the shaft member is turnable around the center axis of the shaft member, to both the two articulation wheels coupled by the shaft member. |
US08444547B2 |
Medical treatment endoscope
The medical treatment endoscope according to the present invention includes a sheath having a flexibility; at least one arm member having a bending part that projects out from a front end of the sheath and performs bending actions; an open/close mechanism which directs the arm member from a direction along a central axis of the sheath to a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath, and from a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath to a direction along the central axis of the sheath; and a viewing device and an illuminating member that are disposed to the front end side of the sheath. |
US08444539B2 |
Folding score and method and apparatus for forming the same
A folding score having a pair of laterally spaced, parallel scoring grooves which are individually asymmetrical. This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for forming the folding score. |
US08444536B2 |
Weightlifting system for doing arm curls
Weightlifting system for doing arm curls having a frame, a seat mounted on the frame for supporting a person using the system, a pair of posts extending upwardly and rearwardly from the front portion of the frame, an arm rest panel mounted on the posts in front of the seat for engagement by the upper arms of a person on the seat, a pair of weight stands positioned next to the legs in front of the arm rest panel, a bar extending between the weight stands in position to be grasped in the hands of a person sitting on the seat with the backs of the upper arms of the person resting against the arm rest panel, and a plurality of weight plates disposed on each of the stands for selective attachment to the bar. |
US08444533B2 |
Exercise apparatus and training method
A high-intensity interval training method comprises supporting an individual upon an upper body engaging element in a forwardly inclined position while the individual is propelling himself in a forward motion on a non-motorized rotatable endless belt; obtaining a performance feedback by sensing at least one of a rotation of the belt and an impact force exerted upon the upper body engaging element by the individual during the exercise cycles; and using the performance feedback to measure performance of the individual and control the exercise cycles to create an exercise regimen that requires the user to operate at at least about 85% of the individual maximum capacity during the high intensity anaerobic intervals. |
US08444532B1 |
Fitness platform having a plurality of interchangeable surfaces
An exercise apparatus having a plurality of upper and lower interchangeable surfaces. The apparatus includes a plurality of interchangeable upper surfaces sized and shaped to fit on an upper side of the fitness platform and a plurality of interchangeable lower surfaces sized and shaped to fit on a lower side of the fitness platform. A user selects one of the plurality of interchangeable upper surface and affixes the selected upper surface to the upper side of the fitness platform and selects one of the plurality of interchangeable lower surfaces and affixes the selected lower surface to the lower side of the fitness platform. The upper surfaces may include an incline surface, a flat upper surface, and a cushion surface. The lower surfaces may include a stable base, an unstable base, and a surface having a plurality of pivotable wheels. The user selects the upper and lower surfaces for the desired exercise. |
US08444527B2 |
Variable-speed motor-generator accessory drive system
An accessory drive system for a motor vehicle is provided including first and second gear sets having first, second, and third members configured to selectively connect vehicle accessories to an engine and motor/generator. The first member of each gear set is continuously interconnected to the other. The second member of each gear set is continuously interconnected to the other. The motor/generator is configured to drive the accessories at a selectable rate independent of engine speed. A first torque transmitting device is operatively connected to the gear sets to allow the motor/generator to re-start the engine and power the accessories while restarting the engine. A second torque transmitting device is operatively connected to the engine's output shaft to allow the motor/generator to power the accessories while the vehicle is off. |
US08444526B1 |
Multi-ratio planetary gear transmission
A transmission comprising a first compound planetary gear set having a first brake engaged with a sun gear, a second compound planetary gear set having a second brake engaged with a ring gear, the first compound planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set axially engagable through a first clutch and a second clutch, and the transmission input and transmission output disposed coaxially and configured to input and output torque from the same side of the transmission. |
US08444523B2 |
Biasing device
Disclosed is a biasing device comprising a first ramp disc and a second ramp disc, a plurality of ramp contours being formed in one side of an annular surface of each of said ramp discs. Through a slewing of one of the two ramp discs relative to the other, non-slewing ramp disc about an axis, the rolling elements ascend and/or descend along the ramp contours. At least the first ramp disk, the cage and the second ramp disc are inserted into a retaining pot that is connected rotationally fast to a housing through at least one retaining element. For axial guidance, a plurality of rolling elements is arranged between the retaining pot and the non-slewing ramp disc. |
US08444521B2 |
Adjustment fitting
Adjustment fitting, in particular for a vehicle seat, comprising a first fitting part and a second fitting part that can be rotationally adjusted relative to the first fitting part about an axis of rotation. An external gear, which has internal teeth and into which an internal gear that is associated with the second fitting part and has external teeth is inserted like an eccentric gear, is associated with the first fitting part. The internal gear forms an eccentric receiving space towards the axis of rotation. The adjustment fitting further comprises an eccentric member that is rotatably inserted into the eccentric receiving space and is equipped with a drive shaft for driving the eccentric member, and a cap for covering the open receiving space. The cap is eccentrically designed relative to the axis of rotation, penetrates into the eccentric receiving space by means of an axially downward-pulled sealing edge, and seals the receiving space as the sealing edge is preloaded in a radially outward direction. The adjustment fitting is easy to mount, while the cap ensures a secure sealing action regardless of the axial height of the adjustment fitting. |
US08444519B2 |
Hybrid drive train of a motor vehicle
A hybrid drive train of a motor vehicle which comprises a combustion engine, an electric machine which is operable as a motor and a generator and comprises a stator and a rotor, and a multi-stage planetary transmission with input and output shafts. The driveshaft of the combustion engine can be connected to the input shaft of the transmission, the electric machine is coaxially arranged about the input shaft, and the rotor of the electric machine is rigidly connected with the input shaft. To achieve a starting acceleration and climbing capacity on starting, corresponding to those provided by a drive train with an automatic transmission and a hydrodynamic torque converter or a manual gearshift transmission with a converter shifting clutch, the rotor of the electric machine can be connected with the transmission input shaft via an input transmission stage which is formed as a simple planetary gearset and has a high gear ratio. |
US08444517B2 |
Hybrid transmission
A multi-speed hybrid transmission includes a main gearset connected to a vehicle gas combustible engine and providing torque to an output shaft. The transmission also includes an electric drive unit comprising an electric motor that is selectably connectable to the output shaft to provide additional torque to the output shaft. When connected to the output shaft, the electric drive unit improves vehicle performance under certain driving conditions (e.g., high boost in low gear or in upper gears) while also improving fuel efficiency. |
US08444512B2 |
Scent dispersing apparatus
An animal attractant, such as a liquid scent can be dispersed from a frangible housing by attaching the housing to an arrow and firing an arrow in a designated area frequented by animals. The housing has large fins secured about outer periphery of the housing, enlarging the impact surface of the housing and preventing the housing from being embedded in the soil. As a result, the animal attractant is dispersed above the ground and is not lost in the soil. |
US08444509B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems to custom fit golf clubs
The present invention is directed to custom fitting an individual with golf clubs. To accomplish such, a three-dimensional swing display may depict a golf swing prior to impact of a golf ball by a club head of a golf club. The club head may approach the golf ball at a particular attack angle. The attack angle may be defined relative to a horizontal plane that may be substantially parallel to a ground plane and intersect an optimal impact area on a golf ball. The attack angle may be a negative attack angle or a positive attack angle as defined by an angle of approach by a club head to impact the golf ball during a downswing portion of a golf swing. |
US08444503B2 |
Golf club head
A head 2 has a face line 8 having a depth of D1 (mm). In a section line of a surface of the face line 8, a boundary between a land area LA and the face line 8 is defined as a point Pa; a point of which a depth is [D¼] (mm) is defined as a point Pb; a point of which a depth is [D½] (mm) is defined as a point Pc; a point of which a depth is [(D1)×(¾)] (mm) is defined as a point Pd; a radius of a circle CL1 passing through three points of the point Pa, the point Pb, and the point Pc is defined as R3 (mm); a straight line passing through the point Pc and the point Pd is defined as a straight line Lcd; a straight line perpendicular to the land area LA is defined as a straight line Lp; and an angle between the straight line Lcd and the straight line Lp is defined as θm. At that time, the radius R3 is 0.01 (mm) or greater and 0.10 (mm) or less, and the angle θm is 40 degrees or greater and 70 degrees or less. |
US08444502B2 |
Swingweight
To provide a swingweight whose position of the center of gravity is appropriately fine-adjusted depending upon the situation, the swingweight of the present invention has a securing part, a support shaft and a weight, and is mounted to a grip end, and it is possible for the weight to be moved to any position in the axial direction of the support shaft and to be secured. |
US08444500B2 |
Full swing weight training apparatus
A weight training apparatus which develops strength, suppleness and memory in the muscles used for swinging of a sports implement which may be a baseball bat, tennis racquet, golf club or other sporting implement or equipment. More specifically, the trainer provides for normal use of the sport implement by a user to swing and hit an object such as a golf ball while providing shock absorption to reduce vibration and twisting of the implement upon impact with the object. |
US08444497B1 |
Opposed jumping platforms apparatus
An opposed jumping platform apparatus includes a fulcrum base; and an opposed platforms member having an opposed platforms member center pivotally mounted on the fulcrum base and dividing the opposed platforms member into a first jumping platform and an opposing second jumping platform, the first jumping platform having a first user support spaced from the opposed platforms member center extending at least one and one half feet above said first jumping platform, and the second jumping platform having a second user support spaced from the opposed platforms member center extending at least one and one half feet above said second jumping platform. |
US08444494B2 |
Transmission input shaft blade
A flat blade for a transmission input shaft includes a substantially rectangular body portion for insertion in a center bore of the input shaft and at least one radial blade segment extending from the body portion. The radial blade segment is arranged for assembly proximate a distal end of the input shaft and for extending radially beyond the center bore. In an example embodiment, the radial blade segment is substantially rectangular in shape. In an example embodiment, the radial blade segment is a pair of radial blade segments extending in opposing directions. In an example embodiment, the body portion is arranged for press-fitting into the center bore. |
US08444490B2 |
Interactive asynchronous game offline play architecture
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for serving a computer game, comprising (a) receiving, at a server, a request from a client for prior game play data relating to another user's prior live game play; (b) retrieving the prior game play data and transmitting the prior game play data to the client; (c) causing the client to store the prior game play data such that the client can retrieve the prior game play data at a later time; and (d) presenting a multi-player game environment where a live gaming participant using the client can play against and have two-way interactions with an apparently live opponent, the apparently live opponent's interaction being based on the prior game play data. |
US08444488B2 |
Device and method for controlling the movement of a game character
The present invention relates to a device and method for controlling the movement of a games character, which enable character movement of a type in which a character in the game jumps down and falls freely from an elevated height following an action by the games player, or progresses forwards in the direction of movement if another action is performed. The present invention has the advantageous effect that the appeal of a game is maximized as the movement time and the movement distance differ depending on the terrain and updrafts in the game even though the degree of freedom for actions is small. |
US08444486B2 |
Systems and methods for indicating input actions in a rhythm-action game
Systems and methods for displaying cues indicating input actions in a rhythm-action game may include: displaying, to a player of a rhythm-action game, a lane divided into at least two sub-lanes, each sub-lane containing cues indicating a drum input element; and displaying, to the player, an additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes, the additional cue indicating a foot pedal action. In some embodiments, the additional cue may span all the sub-lanes. In some embodiments, each sub-lane may contain cues indicating a drum input element of a set of linearly arranged drum input elements. In other embodiments, each sub-lanes may correspond to a fret button of a simulated guitar and the additional cue may correspond to an open strum. |
US08444485B2 |
Seamless user navigation between high-definition movie and video game in digital medium
Seamless navigation is provided between high-definition audio-video content configured for use with a media player application, and an executable video game packaged with the audio-video content on a digital medium. An API module is distributed to player/consoles. An application provided with the high-definition audio-video content detects the presence of the API module on the player device. In response to detecting the API module, the application provides an interactive feature that uses the API module to load and execute the executable video game in response to user input. |
US08444484B2 |
Game device, control method of game device, and information storage medium
A game device (10) capable of allowing a user to recognize a movement target position candidate for a mobile character at a glance. The game device (10) displays a game screen showing the mobile character moving toward a position designated by the user. A line acquisition unit (76) acquires a line connecting a position of the mobile character and the position designated by the user. A display control unit (78) displays at least a part of the line acquired by the line acquisition unit (76). The line acquisition unit (76) controls a curved manner of the line connecting the position of the mobile character and the position designated by the user based on a positional relationship between the position designated by the user and a movement target position candidate decided by a movement target position candidate decision unit (74). |
US08444479B2 |
Betting against participants in an event
A method of managing bets is provided. The method includes receiving win bets and group bets. Each win bet includes a bet that a participant selected from a set of participants in an event will win the event. Each group bet includes a bet that one of a subset of the set of participants will win the event. Results of the event identifying a winning participant from the set of participants are received. An amount of a win bet payout for at least a portion of the win bets that comprise a bet on the winning participant is determined. An amount of a group bet payout for at least one of the group bets is also determined. In this manner, a bettor may bet on all participants in an event other than a particular participant, such as the favorite participant, and thus effectively bet against the particular participant. |
US08444476B2 |
Method of awarding prizes for jackpot and gaming machines based on amount wagered during a time period
Periodic prize draws are conducted by a jackpot controller in a gaming system having one or more electronic gaming devices. The probability of each electronic gaming device winning a particular prize draw is dependent upon the amount wagered on that gaming machine during a period preceding that prize draw. The prize may be a progressive jackpot which comprises an initial starting value and a contribution from the amounts wagered on the electronic gaming devices. If an electronic gaming device wins a prize draw, its player may be granted a feature game to determine the actual prize. Jackpots are suspended pending the completion of the feature game. The probability that a gaming device will win the prize draw, or the relative win probabilities of the gaming devices, may be displayed graphically. |
US08444465B2 |
Ultimate four of a kind bonus poker
The elegance and simplicity of the present invention is its taking pure electronic video poker in a new direction. This invention, with a portal, takes video poker from a static, single screen playing field with known values to a video poker format with a portal into another playing screen whenever any four of a kind, with maximum coins bet, is made by the player. This invention has a primary playing screen, a portal into an informative secondary screen which moves into a bonus screen. The player becomes interactive with the game on the bonus screen and choices he makes on the touch screen determine the amount of winnings the player will receive. When play has finished on the bonus screen, the primary screen returns and regular play video poker resumes.This innovative invention with a portal into other screens allows the player to be interactive in this game in determining their own winnings. |
US08444462B2 |
Control of exhaust systems
Exhaust capture and containment are enhanced by means of automatic or manual side skirts, a sensitive breach detector based on interference effects, a combination of vertical and horizontal edge jets, and/or corner jets that are directed to the center diagonally from corners. Associated control functions are described. |
US08444457B2 |
Universal abrasive sheet
A universal abrasive sheet is provided for a sanding or polishing machine and includes segments defined by weakened regions that allow portions of the universal abrasive sheet to be removed in order to adapt the abrasive sheet to alternative platent configurations. Each of the different configurations of the universal abrasive sheet can be provided with an individualized tip portion which can be separated from a body portion and either repositioned or replaced in order to change the working point of the tip portion when it becomes worn out. |
US08444456B2 |
Electrode securing platens and electrode polishing assemblies incorporating the same
In one embodiment, an electrode polishing assembly may include an electrode securing platen, a plurality of electrode locating fasteners, and an electrode. Each of the electrode locating fasteners may include an electrode spacing shoulder, a variance cancelling shoulder extending from the electrode spacing shoulder, a threaded platen clamping portion extending from the variance cancelling shoulder, and a threaded nut that engages the threaded platen clamping portion. The electrode locating fasteners clamp the electrode securing platen between the threaded nut and the electrode spacing shoulder. The variance cancelling shoulder is at least partially within one of a plurality of variance cancelling passages of the electrode securing platen. A minimum position stack-up is equal to a minimum passage size minus a maximum shoulder size. A maximum position stack-up is equal to a maximum passage size minus a minimum shoulder size. The maximum position stack-up is greater than the minimum position stack-up. |
US08444454B2 |
Interface pad for use between an abrasive article and a support tool
The present invention relates to an interface pad for use between an abrasive article and a support tool. In one particular embodiment, an interface pad for use between a perforated abrasive article and a support tool is provided. In general, the interface pads described herein contain apertures and at least one channel configured such that an interface pad can be used between an abrasive article having a particular configuration of apertures and a support tool having different configuration of dust collection apertures. In one embodiment, the interface pads described herein contain apertures and at least one channel configured such that the interface pad can be used between any perforated abrasive article and any support tool with dust extraction capabilities. Abrasive tools which include an interface pad and methods for using the interface pads are also described. |
US08444452B2 |
Wireless musical figurines
A method, system, and medium are provided for a wireless musical figurine belonging to a set of wireless musical figurines that play audio files in coordination with one another. One system of the musical figurine includes a wireless transceiver utilized to communicate with one or more musical figurines. The musical figurine also includes a set of master audio files of a first quality level, and a set of slave audio files of a second quality level. An audio player plays an audio file from the set of master audio files or the set of slave audio files. A master audio file is played when the musical figurine is initiated in accordance with a user indication, and a slave audio file is played when the musical figurine is initiated by another musical figurine. The musical figurine may also have movement capabilities which may be coordinated with the playing of an audio file to present a dancing figurine. |
US08444451B2 |
Puppet
A hand operated puppet includes a pair of characters that are interconnected such that when the first character is in a display orientation the other character is in a storage orientation inside the first character. The head of one character is shaped and dimensioned to compressibly store the head of the other character. The head of each character includes an elastic, resilient foam insert shaped and dimensioned to conform to the contour of the face of the character. |
US08444446B2 |
Outboard motor control apparatus
In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine, a transmission, and a trim angle regulation mechanism, where operation of the transmission is controlled to change the gear position from a second speed to a first speed when detected throttle change amount not less than a first predetermined value and operation of the trim angle regulation mechanism is controlled to start the trim-up operation such that the trim angle converges to a predetermined angle, the operation of the trim angle regulation mechanism is controlled such that the trim angle is decreased based on the detected rudder angle when steering of the outboard motor is started, thereby enabling to appropriately prevent cavitation caused by steering of the outboard motor, so that the boat can be smoothly turned. |
US08444443B2 |
Electrical connection terminal
An electrical connection terminal having a clamping spring, a metal part and a housing accommodating the clamping spring and the metal part and having at least one conductor insertion opening, the clamping spring having a clamping leg, an operating leg and a back connecting the two legs to each other, the clamping leg, together with the metal part, forming a clamping point for a stripped conductor, the clamping spring being pivotably mounted in such a way that the clamping spring is movable from a first (open) position to a second (closed) position. An operating element is pivotably mounted in the housing in such a way that the operating element can be moved from a first position to a second position, and that the clamping spring is pivoted out of its first position to its second position when the operating element is pivoted from the first position to the second position. |
US08444441B2 |
Card connector
The card connector, into which an IC card having a plurality of pads arranged in parallel at front and back positions is inserted, includes a plurality of contacts each contacting a corresponding one of the plurality of pads of the IC card and a base member that supports the plurality of contacts. Each of the plurality of contacts has a first and a second elastic piece each having a contact point portion that electrically contacts a pad of the IC card. The first and second elastic pieces are formed such that contact pressures of the respective contact point portions against the pads are different from each other. The plurality of contacts is arranged on the base member in parallel at front and back positions and a first and a second contact piece are arranged in an opposite manner in contacts aligned linearly at front and back positions. |
US08444438B2 |
High-speed card connector having wide power contact
Connectors to connect optional or daughter cards or boards to main or motherboards. One example provides a connector that is capable of supporting high-speed data rates by employing contacts that provide short signal paths and a ground plane to improve signal quality. The space consumed in electronic devices may be reduced by providing a connector having a low profile, while another example may provide a connector having mechanical stability. Another example provides a connector having an increased manufacturability. Other examples include wider contacts for increased current capabilities. |
US08444437B2 |
Electrical connector assembly with EMI gasket
An electrical connector assembly includes a cage having a front end and an internal compartment. The front end is open to the internal compartment of the cage. The internal compartment is configured to receive a pluggable module therein through the front end. An electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket is mounted to the front end of the cage such that the EMI gasket is engaged with an electrically connected to the cage. The EMI gasket includes electrically conductive springs that are configured to engage and electrically connect to the pluggable module when the pluggable module is received within the internal compartment of the cage. The EMI gasket including a flange. A bracket is mounted to the front end of the cage such that the bracket extends at least partially around the EMI gasket. The bracket having a wall that is engaged with the flange of the EMI gasket for holding the EMI gasket on the front end of the cage. |
US08444435B2 |
Male connector and corresponding female connector
A male connector has an insulating housing, multiple signal terminals, and multiple grounding modules. The signal terminals are mounted through the insulating housing. The grounding terminal modules are mounted through the insulating housing. Each grounding terminal module is integrally formed into one piece and has multiple grounding terminals. Adjacent grounding terminals are connected integrally to each other so that the grounding terminals of each grounding terminal module are arranged in a line. The integrally formed ground terminal modules reduce a total tolerance of the grounding terminals and increase the production rate of the male connector. |
US08444433B2 |
Hand tightenable coaxial cable connector
A coaxial cable connector includes a connector body having a forward end and a rearward cable receiving end for receiving a cable and a nut rotatably coupled to the forward end of the connector body. The nut includes a flanged head portion at its forward end and a tubular body portion extending rearwardly from the head portion over the connector body and terminating adjacent the rearward cable receiving end of the connector body. The flanged head portion is radially enlarged, having an outer diameter greater than a maximum outer diameter of the tubular body portion, and the tubular body portion preferably surrounds more than half the length of the connector body. |
US08444431B1 |
Insulation piercing connector assemblies and methods and connections including same
An electrical connector assembly for mechanically and electrically connecting first and second cables each including an elongate electrical conductor covered by an insulation layer includes a housing configured to receive the cables, an electrically conductive bus member in the housing, an electrically conductive first and second blade members in the housing each having an inner end, an outer end and an insulation piercing feature on the outer end. The inner ends are coupled to the bus member and the insulation piercing features each include at least one tooth configured to pierce through the insulation covers of the cables and electrically engage the cable conductor. The bus member provides electrical continuity between the first and second blade members and thereby the conductors of the first and second cables when the conductors are engaged by the insulation piercing feature of the first and second blade members. |
US08444430B2 |
Connector element containing a locking mechanism
A plug element, in particular a so-called small form-factor pluggable connector, has a reliable, effective and easily mountable locking mechanism. To accomplish this, an arrangement of a locking element and an actuating element inside of a housing of the connector element is provided. The locking element contains a detent element for latching and locking with a mating piece, into which the connector element can be inserted to form a lockable plug connection. The actuating element contains a grip part, which is guided through a first opening through the housing to the outside. |
US08444428B2 |
Card-edge connector having a card-latching member with a fastener movable along a passage in an arm of a housing
A card-edge connector is provided for securing and electrically connecting an electronic card to a circuit board. The card-edge connector includes an insulating housing a pair of arms, and a pair of card-latching members. The insulating housing includes a receiving wall defining a slot there within. Each arm extends from ends of the receiving wall. A supporting base is disposed on and extending along a first side of each arm, and a guiding rail disposed on a second side of each arm. Furthermore, a fastener receiving passageway is disposed on each of an upper surface and a lower surface of each of the pair of arms. |
US08444425B2 |
Wire management system for modular electrical systems
A modular electrical system (230) comprises a number of separate components forming a four-wire system (110). The component set (230) includes receptacle junction blocks (130), two-way connectors (232), four-way connectors (236), two-way jumper cable assemblies (234), and three-way jumper cable assemblies (238). The components of the component set (230) include various configurations of male blade terminals (150) and female terminals (200) located on the individual components so that a number of differing system configurations can be achieved. |
US08444422B2 |
Coaxial connector
A coaxial connector includes a lower insulating seat, having a housing cavity recessed from an upper surface thereof, and a receiving slot is located on one side of the housing cavity; a movable terminal, having a retained portion retained in the receiving slot, a pressed portion extended from the retained portion, a first soldering portion bent downwards and extended from the retained portion, and a first strip-connecting portion extended outwards from the retained portion and coplanar with the retained portion; and a fixed terminal, having a fixed portion embedded in the lower insulating seat and coplanar with the retained portion, a pressing portion extended from the fixed portion and urging against the pressed portion, a second soldering portion extended from the fixed portion, and coplanar with the first soldering portion, a second strip-connecting portion extends from the second soldering portion, and in different planes with the first strip-connecting portion. |
US08444420B2 |
Project management guidebook and methodology
A system for project management comprises a guidebook and a series of templates that accept input data from a user and calculate results based on the data. The resultant data is used to operate the system, which comprises the following components: a guidebook comprises the instructions for operating the method and all templates used during the method; standardized templates that are to be used for any project regardless of subject matter; weekly audits of project managers; a project manager certificate program; an auditor training program; a series of performance evaluations for project managers and auditors, and a series of performance analytics designed to correlate hours worked with performance quality to establish optimum task allocation for participants in the system. |
US08444419B2 |
Polygonal device for kinesthetic learners
A polygonal device for teaching students who prefer kinesthetic learning methods is presented in which the polygonal device can represent two-dimensional polygons of varying shapes and sizes. One or more of the sides, or legs, of the polygonal device are extendable, and the angles of the polygonal device may be manipulated to a desired angle. The devices presented include, but are not limited to, triangles, quadrilaterals, parallelograms, rectangles, squares, trapezoids, and kites. In each of these devices, the legs of the device are non-detachable, i.e. the device does not come apart during normal manipulation and operation. |
US08444405B2 |
Overmolded rotor
A fluid device includes a housing and a rotor assembly disposed in the housing. The rotor assembly includes a core and a coating. The core has a first surface, an oppositely disposed second surface and an outer peripheral surface that extends between the first and second surfaces. The core defines a bore that extends through the first and second surfaces. The coating coats at least a portion of the core. The coating is a water-swellable plastic material. |
US08444404B2 |
Hydraulic machine
The invention relates to a hydraulic machine comprising a housing section with a housing, a commutation section and a gear wheel section, the gear wheel section comprising a gear wheel set with an internally toothed gear ring and an externally toothed gear wheel, which engage each other and form working chambers that are connected to at least one inlet connection and at least one outlet connection via the commutation section that comprises a rotary slide valve and a valve plate. It is endeavored to provide such a hydraulic machine that requires only little space. For this purpose, a sealing is arranged between the rotary slide valve and the housing. |
US08444402B2 |
Automatic concentric crank-side compressor valve
To reduce the clearance volume for a crank-side concentric suction and pressure valve, it is proposed to arrange a sealing 20 axially abutting on the suction and pressure valve 2,3, wherein the sealing 20 consists of a number of pressure packings 21a, 21 which are arranged axially one behind the other. |
US08444393B2 |
Rod pump control system including parameter estimator
A rod pump control system includes a parameter estimator that determines from motor data parameters relating to operation of the rod pump and/or downhole dynamometer card without the need for external instrumentation, such as down hole sensors, echo meters, flow sensors, etc. In one embodiment, instantaneous motor current and voltage together with pump parameters are used in determining rod position and load. The rod position and load are used to control the operation of the rod pump to optimize the operation of the pump. Also disclosed in a pump stroke amplifier that is capable of increasing pump stroke without changing the overall pumping speed, or in the alternative, maintaining the well output with decreased overall pumping speed. |
US08444391B2 |
Marine propeller drive
A propeller drive for boats features a transition cone between the gearbox housing and the propeller hub(s). The propeller hub (that is closest to the gearbox housing) is smaller in cross-sectional dimension than the gearbox housing. The dimension of the front end of the transition cone corresponds to the cross-sectional dimension of the gearbox housing, and the dimension of the rear end of the transition cone corresponds to the cross-section dimension of the (closest) propeller hub. The transition cone has a bulging shoulder between the front and rear ends, the largest peripheral cross-sectional dimension of which is greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the front of the transition cone. |
US08444390B2 |
Hollow turbine blade
A blade for a turbine engine made by the diffusion-bonding/superplastic-forming (DB/SPF) process has a hollow skin made of front and back panels 1, 3 and internal reinforcement in the form of webs 5 extending between the two faces or panels at an angle to the plane of the blade. The cavities are filled with viscoelastic damping filler 7. In order to allow the blade to deform more easily so that the filler can take up the strain, the webs are pre-buckled so as to compress at least some of the webs. When the blade is deformed, the webs straighten or buckle further, applying a deformation to the filler as they do so and thus dissipating energy. The blade is thus well reinforced against impact but still capable of damping vibrations. |
US08444389B1 |
Multiple piece turbine rotor blade
A multiple piece turbine rotor blade with a shell having an airfoil shape and secured between a spar and a platform with the spar including a tip end piece. a snap ring fits around the spar and abuts against the spar tip end piece on a top side and abuts against a shell on the bottom side so that the centrifugal loads from the shell is passed through the snap ring and into the spar and not through a tip cap dovetail slot and projection structure. |
US08444385B2 |
Phase adjustment mechanism
A variable transmission is described having a transmission mechanism and a phase adjustment mechanism. The transmission mechanism has supports that are movable toward or away from one another to vary the effective size of an effective cog. The phase adjustment mechanism has a differential type gear arrangement that creates a phase change to adjust the transmission mechanism. Another configuration is described which includes a subassembly with a phase adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pitch of propellers. Counter-rotating elements to control relative gear phase or pitch are provided externally, internally, distally or proximally relative to the source of mechanical torque in various configurations. |
US08444383B1 |
Wind turbine with internal ram air turbine
A wind turbine blade system that includes blades with an internal airflow path that extends within the blade from a location at the tip of the blade to a location near the base or root of the blade. A ram air turbine positioned inside each of the blades, along the airflow path, the ram air turbine being adapted for generate electricity, and thus the current output may then be connected to an electric load, so that air is ingested at the tip of the blade as each blade rotates. |
US08444382B2 |
Rotor hub for use with high-inertia blades
A rotor hub has a yoke with radial arms allowing flapping of connected blades about a flap axis. A grip is rigidly attached to each blade, and a lead-lag bearing connects each grip to one of the arms, the bearing defining a lead-lag axis outboard of the flap axis. Each arm has a pair of straps located on opposite sides of the rotor plane for transferring centrifugal force from the blades to the central portion of the yoke. A pair of lead-lag dampers is provided for each grip, the dampers of each pair being located on opposite sides of the rotor plane and connecting an inboard end portion of the grip to the adjacent strap. In-plane motion of a blade causes rotation of the attached grip about the lead-lag axis, causing opposite motion of an inboard end portion of the grip. The dampers act to oppose rotation of the grip. |
US08444379B2 |
Sealing device for rotary fluid machine, and rotary fluid machine
A sealing device includes a housing rotatably accommodating a rotary shaft, guide parts extending along a radial direction and an axial direction of the rotary shaft, and arranged side-by-side in a circumferential direction of the rotary shaft, a partition part that is a partition between spaces between the guide parts and an outside space, a first seal part that is an annular protrusion, forming a first gap with respect to the rotary shaft or the partition part, and blocking a flow of fluid passing through the outside space, and a second seal part that is an annular protrusion extending in the radial direction, forming a second gap with respect to the rotary shaft or the housing, and blocking a flow of fluid that has passed through the spaces between guide parts and a flow of fluid that has passed through the first seal part. |
US08444378B2 |
Bypass duct of a turbofan engine
In the area of the support struts and/or the aerodynamic fairings downstream of the stator vanes, the cross-section of the bypass duct of a turbofan engine is enlarged such that the pressure variations caused by the stagnation effect of the installations and reacting on the fan are reduced, enabling the fan to be operated with more efficiency and stability and finally the losses of the overall system and the fuel consumption to be reduced. The cross-sectional enlargement is accomplished by modifying the course of the wall in a limited area, actually by gradually enlarging the flow cross-section in the bypass duct in the axial and in the circumferential direction, with this enlargement being confined to the area around the leading edge of the support struts and/or the aerodynamic fairings. |
US08444372B2 |
Passive cooling system for a turbomachine
A turbomachine includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an interior portion. The housing includes a fluid plenum. A rotating member is arranged within the housing. The rotating member includes at least one bucket having a base portion and a tip portion. A stationary member is mounted to the inner surface of the housing adjacent the tip portion of the at least one bucket. At least one fluid passage passes through at least a portion of the stationary member. The at least one fluid passage includes a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the fluid plenum and a fluid outlet exposed to the interior portion. The fluid outlet being configured and disposed to direct a flow of fluid toward the tip portion of the at least one bucket. |
US08444368B2 |
Substrate transport apparatus and control method for substrate transport apparatus
This invention provides a substrate transport apparatus (100) which transports a substrate (W) placed on a hand portion (10) to a processing apparatus or a predetermined storage unit. The substrate transport apparatus (100) includes a moving means (20) for supporting the proximal side (10b) of the hand portion (10) serving as one end of the hand portion (10), and reciprocally moving the hand portion (10) in the direction of its extension, a tilt detection means (30) for detecting the tilt of a distal end (10a) of the hand portion (10) with respect to the horizontal direction, which accompanies flexure of the hand portion (10) upon placing the substrate (W) on the hand portion (10), and a tilt correction means (40) for generating a pitching motion of the hand portion (10) as a whole so as to cancel the tilt of the distal end (10a) of the hand portion (10). |
US08444367B2 |
Locking device for securing a backhoe attachment to a carrier lift arm
A mounting frame for attaching a backhoe or other implement to a lift arm of a vehicle, such as a compact loader, includes an upright arm on the mounting frame that is positioned ahead of and adjacent to a forward portion of a lift arm of the loader. The upright arm carries a pivoting locking handle at a first pivot and a locking link is pivotally supported on the locking handle on a first pivot pin. The locking link has a second pivot pin that can be moved to be supported in an existing pin sleeve or bushing on the lift arm. The pivot pins on the locking link are positioned so that when the locking handle is moved to a locked position, the line between the axes of the pivot pins on the locking link goes over center with respect to the pivot axis of the first pivot locking handle, and a hook end of the link latches onto a locking projection on the upright arm. The mounting frame is held in a fixed position relative to the lift arm. |
US08444366B2 |
Forklift adapter
Improvements in a forklift adapter to offer a way of double-stacking pallets by a single forklift operator, using an existing forklift equipped with single-double forks using existing forklift controls, which is both unique and superior to using two or three people to perform the same task manually. Double-stacking pallets are accomplished by placing a sheet of material on top of a first loaded pallet of material. The blades of the forklifts slide into rectangular tubes on the forklift adapter. Sheet material is gripped by a plurality of pins on the forklift adapter where the depth of the pins is adjustable. The forklift adapter utilizes a spring that provides the gripping force. Using a spring to provide to grip provides consistent force. The spring material, coils, spring force and spring length all have factors that can change the gripping force. |
US08444363B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
Provided is a substrate processing apparatus configured to attain conflicting purposes of high throughput and footprint reduction. The substrate processing apparatus comprises a carrying chamber, and a loadlock chamber and at least two process chambers that are arranged around the carrying chamber. The carrying chamber comprises a substrate carrying unit configured to carry a substrate between the loadlock chamber and the process chambers. The substrate carrying unit comprises a first arm provided with a first finger and a second finger, and leading ends of the first and second fingers extend horizontally in the same direction. Each of the process chambers comprises a first process unit and a second process unit, and the second process unit is disposed at a side of the process chamber distant from the carrying chamber with the first process unit being disposed therebetween. |
US08444362B2 |
Round bale mover
A round bale mover for attachment to either a tractor mounted front-end loader or a tractor three-point hitch for moving a pair of round bales. First and second bale teeth extend from a first end of the bale mover for supporting a first bale thereon. Third and fourth bale teeth extend from a second end of the bale mover for supporting a second bale thereon. The first and second bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the third and fourth bale teeth. The third and fourth bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the first and second bale teeth. The bale mover enables the first and second bales to be moved towards one another and moved away from one another. |
US08444361B1 |
Portable log skidder
A portable log skidder designed for towing with various vehicles comprising a self-contained battery-operated winch is herein disclosed. The skidder comprises a steel frame providing an “L”-shaped configuration. An inverted “U”-shaped structure at a rear location provides an opening and an upper pulley over the open frame. To utilize the log skidder, it is positioned in proximity to a large log. A steel cable is extended from the winch and strapped around one end of the log. Next, the winch is used to raise one (1) end of the log slightly off the ground. The log skidder, along with the log, is then pulled using a vehicle thereto a location where the log can be harvested for firewood, lumber, or other purposes. The log is centered over two (2) pneumatic rubber tires on the frame which carry the weight of the log skidder and the log. The winch is controlled by a tethered remote control unit at a safe distance. |
US08444360B2 |
Self-drilling screw
A self-drilling screw (10) has a thread-carrying shaft (11), a head (15) provided at one of its ends, and a drilling tip (12) provided at another of its ends, opposite the one end thereof, with the drilling tip (12) having first and second cutting edges (21, 22) and first and second chip channels (24, 25) associated with the first and second cutting edges (21, 22), respectively, beginning at first and second start points (26, 27) at the free end (14) of the drilling tip (12), and located on opposite first and second sides of the drilling tip (12), with the first and second start points (26, 27) being spaced from the center (Z) of the drilling tip (12) by a mean distance (X) corresponding to from 0.01 to 0.15 of the drilling tip diameter (D), and being spaced from each other by a maximum distance (Y) corresponding to from 0 to 0.8 of the mean distance (X). |
US08444357B2 |
Providing a counter torque force within a fastening
A washer body bearing hardened balls in apertures in the washer body provides a counter-torque resistance in a fastening. The hardened balls form projections that indent the underside of a fastener head and an adjacent fastening joint surface during tightening of the fastening to prevent rotation of the fastener head while a nut is driven to tighten or loosen the fastening. A reservoir portion of the apertures in the washer around the balls receives the material displaced during indention to allow full contact of the washer with the fastener head and joint surface. The hardened balls provide point loads for ready indentation upon minimal loading to prevent rotation of the fastener, obviating the need for a counter-torque wrench. |
US08444354B2 |
Mounting/assembly element for assembling workpieces, particularly overlapping plates and/or components
A mounting/assembly element rivet bush having a deformable first end for insert through items to be connected and a second end for mounting a nut. A draw tool having a break zone is located in the first end of the rivet bush, and the second end of the rivet bush is provided with a non-cylindrical internal cross section which cooperates with an insertion tool, such as an Allen wrench. When the mounting/assembly element is held fast in the items to be connected, the part of the break zone of the draw tool for the deformation of the rivet bush is lying in the deformable first end of the rivet bush. A counter-hold for torsion forces which arise with the dismounting and remounting of the nut is produced with the insertion tool thereby achieving a considerably greater tightening effect and also ensuring that the mounting/assembly element can be reused. |
US08444345B2 |
Floatation collar for protecting and positioning a sensor package
A floatation collar for a sensor package forming part of a detection array comprises two halves that when joined together act as a protective casing that secures and orients a sensor package in an optimal configuration within a water column. The collar comprises a shell tilled with syntactic foam. The cellar top portion includes a series of projections strategically placed to protecting the sensor package transducers against mechanical damage. The base bottom portion of the collar is conical with an integral thimble to allow the collar to ride down and then emerge under a passing trawl net or other fishing lines or cables by presenting a smooth aspect and a secure means of tethering said unit to a bottom anchor. |
US08444342B2 |
Tensile/tilting connector system
A connector system (12,72) with a connector (11,61,71) of a fastening screw (17,18) and an anchor screw (19), wherein the connector (11, 61, 71) is designed for immobilization in a groove (7) of a first profile (1) which is provided with an undercut (5) formed by a profile bridge (3) and has a connector body (13, 65, 75) which has a first opening (21, 63, 31′) for an anchor screw (19) and at least one second opening (23, 23′, 59A, 59B) which is provided with an internal thread (41) and intended for a fastening screw (17, 18). The connector body (13, 65, 75) extends substantially flat along a connector body plane (15), and the fastening screw (17, 18) at one end has a shaft (27) carrying an external thread (25) and an integrally molded flange (28, 29) which extends radially to the outside from a screw head (31), wherein the anchor screw (19) is provided for placement in the first opening (21, 21′, 63) of the connector (11, 61, 71), and at least one fastening screw (17, 18) is provided for placement in the at least one second opening (23, 59A, 59B). |
US08444341B2 |
Device for the forced locking of two elements oriented orthogonally to one another
A device for the forced locking of two elements oriented orthogonally to one another, especially suitable for steadily connecting and constraining two tubular elements (10), (12) with quadrangular or polygonal section which are partly delimited by a U-shaped band (22) and which have, on at least one face, a plurality of pairs of shaped recesses (14), whereas the band (22) is correspondingly provided with pairs of complementary projections (16) developed projecting on the inner front of the opposite vertical and parallel branches (18) and (20) thereof. The device further includes a bush (32), extending between the branches (18) and (20) of band (22) and fitted, at one end, on a collar (28) which develops projecting along the inner front of branches (18) and (20), whereas the opposite end of bush (32) constitutes the inlet for a screw (30) the end whereof engages in a threaded hole (28′) delimited by the collar (28), bush (32) being extended transversally in the tubular element (10) or (12), provided with aligned holes (38), (40) along two opposite faces, starting from a hole (26) of the band (22). |
US08444339B2 |
Apparatus having a slidable cap
An apparatus comprises a body that extends longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end, an elongate slot disposed in an outer surface of the body and having first and second spaced-apart detents, and a cap disposed coaxially around the body and having a cut therein that defines an elongate arm. The elongate arm has an inwardly-oriented protrusion configured to engage the detents of the slot. The cap is slidable along the body such that the inwardly-oriented protrusion slides along the slot until it detachably engages a detent, thereby retaining the cap in either a closed position that covers the bottom end or an open position in which the bottom end is exposed. |
US08444338B2 |
Housing
An applicator device includes an applicator unit for applying a first cosmetic article to a user and a housing, which includes a cavity for holding a second cosmetic article for use by the user. An activator unit may be used to bring the second cosmetic article in reach of the user. |
US08444330B2 |
In-magazine imaging device enclosure
An enclosure for an imaging device. In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a housing with a transparent window. A shutter mechanism is disposed on the housing and transparent window, and includes an opening formed therein. A shutter covers and uncovers the opening. Further, a gas supplying unit supplies gas to a space between the housing and the shutter mechanism. In another embodiment, the enclosure includes an inner housing with a transparent window, and an outer housing overlapping the inner housing and with an opening formed therein. A driving unit moves the opening along a predetermined path over the transparent window. A gas supplying unit supplies gas to the outer. In yet another embodiment, the enclosure includes inner and outer housings each having an opening formed therein. A rotating unit rotates one of the inner and outer housings, and a gas supplying unit supplies gas to the inner housing. |
US08444324B2 |
Wheel bearing for an aircraft landing gear
A wheel bearing for aircraft. The bearing has a long service life, is very reliable and consists of the lowest possible number of individual parts. The wheel bearing of an aircraft engine has a rim that is rotatably mounted about an axis by a bearing arrangement which has two rolling bearings. An outer bearing housing, designed as one piece, contains the outer running surfaces of the rolling bearings. An integral component of the outer bearing housing forms part of the rim and the outer bearing housing is detachably connected to the remainder of the rim. |
US08444323B2 |
Bearing lock for a motor assembly
A bearing lock is provided that improves upon existing methods of stabilizing a bearing in an electric motor. The bearing is fit between a rotatable shaft and a nonrotating annular support. The bearing has an inner race surrounding the rotatable shaft and has an outer race surrounded by the annular support. The bearing lock has an annular body with a midportion, an inner wall, and an outer wall. Both the inner wall and the outer wall extend generally in a first direction from the midportion and are spaced from one another to define an annular cavity therebetween. The outer wall has circumferentially-spaced integral tabs that extend at least partially toward the inner wall to provide a biasing force to lock the body to the annular support when the annular support is placed in the annular cavity. |
US08444307B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A vehicular lamp includes a lamp unit disposed inside a lamp chamber and an aiming mechanism. The lamp chamber is formed from a lamp body opening forward and a front cover attached to the front opening portion of the lamp body. The aiming mechanism is interposed between the lamp unit and the lamp body. The aiming mechanism performs an optical axis adjustment by tiltably supporting the lamp unit with respect to the lamp body. The aiming mechanism includes a rotational operation portion supported by a lamp body side fixing portion provided on the lamp body; a screw portion threadedly engaged with a lamp unit side fixing portion provided on the lamp unit; and a connection portion that joins the rotational operation portion and the screw portion. At least part of the connection portion has radial flexibility and no axial elasticity. Torque from the rotational operation portion is transmitted to the screw portion to move the lamp unit side fixing portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction. |
US08444304B2 |
Reptile lamp
A reptile lamp for installation in a top side of a reptile tank to provide illumination is disclosed to include a housing equipped with a high-voltage circuit and a LED start control circuit, a LED lamp panel mounted inside the housing and electrically connected to the LED start control circuit and carrying multiple white LEDs and red LEDs for emitting white light or red light subject to the control of the LED start control circuit, and phosphor-coated cold cathode tubes mounted inside the housing and electrically connected to the high-voltage circuit for emitting ultraviolet light. |
US08444299B2 |
Dimmable LED bulb with heatsink having perforated ridges
A light-emitting diode lamp includes a light engine, a power assembly, and a heatsink. The light engine includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and the power assembly includes a socket disposed at one end of the power assembly and a heat spreader plate disposed at another end of the power assembly opposite the socket. The light engine is mounted to the heat spreader plate. The power assembly further includes a power supply circuit that is electrically coupled to the socket and to the light engine. The socket is configured to electrically couple the power supply circuit to an external electrical source. The heatsink encircles the power assembly and is thermally connected to the light engine. The heatsink also includes a plurality of perforations, which are arranged to facilitate a natural convection airflow over and through the heatsink. |
US08444297B2 |
Lighting apparatus using light-emitting diode
Disclosed is a lighting apparatus using light-emitting diodes. The lighting apparatus includes: a housing in which an inner side surface is partitioned into a plurality of mounting surfaces and a plurality of cooling fins is prominently formed on an outer side surface; a plurality of light source blocks provided with a plurality of LED modules on an outer surface of a plurality of angle adjusting blocks having multi-step inclined surfaces, and mounted at positions selectively determined on the plurality of mounting surfaces of the housing so that light emitted from the LED modules can implement a predetermined light distribution type; and a protection cover for covering a lower portion of the housing. |
US08444296B2 |
Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display having the same
A backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display having the same are provided. The backlight assembly includes a plurality of LED packages mounted on a substrate, and a lens unit that seals the LED packages. The lens unit includes a plurality of convex lenses arranged to partially overlap with each other or arranged proximate to each other. Light emitted from LED units in the LED packages is diffused by the interface between the lens unit and another material, such as air, to provide light incident on a light guide plate. |
US08444295B2 |
Optical system for theatrical and stage lighting
Various optical system embodiments produce a narrow beam of focused or unfocused light using a compound parabolic concentrator, lens system, and high flux density solid-state light source. Various system embodiments include a solid state light source configured to emit light, and a compound parabolic concentrator having a smaller opening and a larger opening opposite the smaller opening, wherein the light source and the concentrator are operationally positioned with respect to each other for light from the light source to enter the smaller opening of the concentrator and exit the larger opening of the concentrator as a narrower beam of light. Some embodiments include an imaging stage operationally positioned with respect to the concentrator to receive the narrower beam of light at an image plane and relay an image plane to a far field target. |
US08444290B2 |
Focusable flashlight
A flashlight has a casing extending along an axis and adapted to hold an electric power supply, a light source fixed at a front end of the casing and electrically energizable to emit an axially forwardly directed light beam, an annular head fitted to the casing and axially shiftable thereon. Stops engaged between the head and the casing limit axial travel of the head relative to the casing. A lens is fixed in the head so that the lens and head can be shifted to focus the light beam. Thus the lamp head is captively attached to the casing. This creates an extremely compact structure that can be assembled quickly, thereby allowing manufacturing costs to be reduced. In addition, damaged components can be replaced quickly and easily. |
US08444287B2 |
Lighted flooring
A portable flooring having integral illumination devices. The flooring comprises a panel having channels extending along a front portion of the panel. Light strips in the channels are supported by the back portion of the panel. The light strips have a covering that extends along the length of the light strips. A top surface of the covering and a top surface of the panel are on the same plane. The flooring can support large weighted objects. |
US08444286B2 |
Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus includes a metal mounting fixed to a needed place such as a ceiling or a wall, rod-shaped holding metal fixtures, and a lighting apparatus body constituted by a chassis to which one end portion of each holding metal fixture is loosely fitted, a board which is fixed to the chassis and on which light emitting diodes are mounted as luminous elements, a reflecting panel, a cover (diffusing panel) that covers the light emitting diodes, and so on. By inserting the lock section of the other end portion of each holding metal fixture into an insertion hole and then locking each holding metal fixture on the metal mounting, the lighting apparatus body is held in a state of being separated from the metal mounting. |
US08444285B2 |
Clip light
A clip light includes a light head, a power source, and a mounting arrangement. The light head includes a light housing having a light window, and a light source supported in the light housing to align with the light window. The power source is supported in the light housing to electrically link to the light source for providing electricity to generate light beam from the light source. The mounting arrangement adapted for detachably mounting the light head at a desired object, wherein the mounting arrangement is movably coupling with the light housing to selectively adjust a light projecting orientation of the light source through the light window with respect to the desired object. |
US08444282B2 |
Display device
A display device capable of expressing a particularly superior red color, for example, a red color of the sRGB standard, is provided. A display device 1 is composed of a red fluorescent body in which the red chromaticity point (xR, yR) satisfies xR≧20.640 and yR≦0.330, and a green fluorescent body. |
US08444279B2 |
Security film and process for preparation thereof
Disclosed herein are an anti-counterfeiting film and a process for preparation thereof. The anti-counterfeiting film comprises a protective layer (1), a binder layer (2), a retroreflective layer (3), a photopolymerizable information layer (4) and a reflective layer (5) which are combined in turn. The retroreflective layer (3) is embedded spherically in the binder layer (2), and the photopolymerizable information layer (4) has been recorded with graphics information which can change along with the viewing angle. |
US08444274B1 |
Reciprocating slide animation projector and method of projection
A slide animation projector for the yard comprises a solenoid that forces a translating rod to reciprocate in a spiked motion. An elongated slot in the translating rod seats a slide cartridge having at least two stationary, adjacent images. The slide reciprocates in repeated succession, wherein the adjacent images give an impression of movement. |
US08444271B2 |
System and method for reducing visible speckle in a projection visual display system
The disclosure provides an apparatus for reducing speckle in a projection visual display (PVD) system, a method of reducing visible speckle in a PVD system and a PVD system incorporating the method or apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a diffuser interposable in an optical path of a PVD system and a diffuser actuator having a single drive axis configured to cause the diffuser to travel in a Lissajous curve at least partially transverse to the optical path. |
US08444269B1 |
Digital imaging ophthalmoscope
An ophthalmoscope. Implementations include a handle coupled to a head where the head includes a front section coupled with a diopter wheel and the front section includes a view window. A back section fixedly attached to the front section includes a diopter number viewer, a trigger button, and a digital imaging section. The digital imaging section may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The trigger button may be adjacent to the handle and may be positioned opposite the front section between the handle and the LCD screen. The back section may include a rounded projection rotatably coupled with a central hole in the diopter wheel extending from a diopter surface substantially parallel with and in close proximity to the diopter wheel. The diopter number viewer may extend from the diopter surface away from the diopter wheel and may include an opening configured to expose a diopter number. |
US08444265B2 |
Eyeglass earstem with enhanced performance
An enhanced performance earstem for eyeglasses is provided that can incorporate one or more flex zones or points along the length of the earstem. In some embodiments, the earstem can comprise an elongate body having an anterior end and a posterior end and at least a first segment and a second segment on the body having a first flex zone or point disposed at least partially therebetween. A center of the first flex zone or point can be within a given range from the anterior end. Further, some embodiments can provide differential flexibility along the length of the earstem. For example, the body of the earstem can have plurality of relatively flexible zones, and each flexible zone can be separated from an adjacent flexible zone by a relatively rigid zone. In this regard, the relatively flexible zones can have different stiffnesses. |
US08444263B2 |
Liquid droplet discharging apparatus
The liquid droplet discharging apparatus has an image formation area, a workpiece exchange area, a set table that has a slider and is configured to support a workpiece thereon, and a guide section configured to guide a movement of the set table between the image formation area and the workpiece exchange area by guiding the slider. The guide section is divided into two sections corresponding to the image formation area and the workpiece exchange area. |
US08444259B2 |
Recirculating ink system for inkjet printing
An ink reservoir (10) for an ink recirculating system for supplying ink to an inkjet printhead (14) comprises a first chamber (16) for receiving ink from a main ink supply (12) and having a printhead outlet (24) for supplying ink to a printhead (14); and a second chamber (18) in fluid communication with the first chamber for receiving ink from the first chamber in excess of a predetermined height in the first chamber determined by the position of a transfer outlet (20), the second chamber having a printhead inlet (30) for receiving ink recirculated from the printhead and having a return outlet (40) for returning to the main ink (12) supply ink in excess of a predetermined height in the second chamber determined by the position of the return outlet (40), the transfer outlet (20), in use, being vertically above the return outlet (40). In use of the reservoir, because the transfer outlet (20) of the first chamber is vertically above the return outlet (40) of the second chamber, this produces a pressure differential that causes flow of ink from the first chamber (16) to the printhead (14) via the printhead outlet (24), through the printhead (14), with unused ink returned to the second chamber (18) via the printhead inlet (30). The unused ink is then returned to the main supply (12) for reuse, thus circulating surplus ink through the system. The arrangement thus uses gravity to produce the ink flow through the printhead (14), without the need for pumps, level sensors, valves etc. The ink reservoir is self-regulating, with the ink heights in the first and second chambers, and hence the pressure differential, determined by the relative heights of the two outlets. |
US08444257B2 |
Printhead cartridge for releasable mounting in a printer
A printhead cartridge for releasable mounting in a printer. The printhead cartridge includes a pagewidth printhead and an ink manifold defining multiple fluid flow paths in fluid communication with respective ink channels in the printhead. The ink manifold includes a plurality of openings for detachable connection with conduits in an interface of the printer; a plurality of shut off valves at each of the openings respectively, each shut off valve having a biasing member configured for biasing each shut off valve into an open position; an actuator biased towards a closed position by a resilient element such that the actuator holds all the shut off valves closed when in the closed position. The actuator is configured for engagement with the interface such that movement of the openings into connection with the interface simultaneously moves the actuator to an open position wherein the shut off valves are held open. |
US08444255B2 |
Power distribution in a thermal ink jet printhead
A thermal inkjet printhead may include a substrate and a resistive layer. A thermal resistor may be formed in the resistive layer. A first metal layer may be between the substrate and a resistive layer having a thickness to form a power bus. A dielectric layer may be between the first metal layer and the resistive layer. |
US08444254B2 |
Apparatus and method of protecting inkjet printer head
An apparatus and method to protect an inkjet printer head including a head controller of a printer body and a head chip to drive a heater by using a serial interface, the apparatus including: a clock monitoring unit to monitor a serial clock signal that is used as a reference clock signal supplied to the head chip to control the head chip, and if the serial clock signal is abnormal, to output a signal indicating that the serial clock signal is abnormal; and a heater driving limiting unit to limit energy applied to the heater by using the signal, which is output by the clock monitoring unit, to indicate that the serial clock signal is abnormal. |
US08444253B2 |
Inkjet head and method of manufacturing inkjet head
Provided is an inkjet head, including: a substrate having an energy generating element for generating energy to be used for ejecting liquid; and a liquid flow path forming member, which forms patterns of an ejection orifice for ejecting the liquid and a liquid flow path communicating with the ejection orifice and which has a surface subjected to water-repellent treatment, in which the inkjet head includes, in a surface having the ejection orifice, multiple water-repellent areas subjected to water-repellent treatment, and multiple recesses each having a bottom in the liquid flow path forming member and having a surface not subjected to water-repellent treatment. Also provided is a method of manufacturing an inkjet head. |
US08444252B2 |
Printhead assembly with minimal leakage
A printhead assembly includes an ink manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold bonding surface; one or more printhead integrated circuits, each printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of ink inlets defined in a printhead bonding surface; and an adhesive film sandwiched between said manifold bonding surface and said one or more printhead bonding surfaces, said film having a plurality of ink supply holes defined therein, each ink supply hole being aligned with an ink outlet and an ink inlet. The adhesive film is a laminated film comprising a central polymeric film sandwiched between a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, the first adhesive layer has a melt temperature lower than that of the second adhesive layer. |
US08444250B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus and storage medium storing program
A liquid ejection apparatus including: a liquid-ejection head for ejecting image recording liquid; a sealing mechanism for sealing an ejection space; a humid-air supply mechanism storing humidification liquid; and a liquid-discharge portion for discharging the image recording liquid, wherein a controller controls the humid-air supply mechanism to supply an air humidified by the humidification liquid into the sealed ejection space and then controls the liquid-discharge portion to discharge the image recording liquid prior to the image recording, and wherein, where a remaining amount of the humidification liquid is less than a first value, the controller executes a control such that an amount of the supplied humid air and an amount of the discharged image recording liquid are respectively made small and large as compared with in a case where the remaining amount of the humidification liquid is not smaller than the first value. |
US08444246B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus and calibration method
An apparatus includes: a drying unit to dry a printing medium on which an image was printed using an inkjet head; a humidification unit to humidify the printing medium that was dried by the drying unit so that the moisture content of the printing medium becomes the equilibrium state in the ambient environment; a colorimetric unit to perform colorimetry on the printing medium that was humidified by the humidification unit; and a calibration unit to calibrate printing properties on the basis of the result of colorimetry by the colorimetric unit. |
US08444240B2 |
Data generating apparatus, ink-jet printing apparatus, and data generating method
Processing liquid is ejected by a scan which is as prior as possible to the ink if it is determined that the printing duty of the ink is relatively low. Furthermore, the processing liquid is ejected by a scan which is as posterior as possible to the ink if it is determined that the printing duty of the ink is relatively high. Accordingly, the change of the glossiness can be suppressed regardless of the change of the printing duty of the ink. At the same time, it becomes possible to adjust the glossiness with a minimum necessary amount of processing liquid since the glossiness is adjusted not by varying the amount of the processing liquid depending on the printing duty of the ink, but by varying the printing order. |
US08444239B2 |
Offset weight supporting slide
An appliance is provided that includes a storage compartment with a shelf within the storage compartment. A support apparatus is configured for supporting the shelf. The support apparatus can include a first support, a second support, three track surfaces and three bearings. The first support is configured to be attached to an interior wall of the storage compartment. Each of the track surfaces is located on the first support. The second support is configured to engage the first support by the bearings of the second support being received within a respective track surface located on the first support. The shelf can be attached to the second support of the support apparatus. The shelf and the second support are movable into a plurality of positions relative to the interior wall of the storage compartment by a movement of the shelf with respect to the track surfaces located on the first support. |
US08444231B2 |
Disk brake apparatus
A disk brake apparatus in which a determination is made as to whether a centering operation should be performed, and operation conditions for the centering operation (the length of the interval and the number of the operations) are set, according to a change of deformation of a disk rotor by heat release over time. When the centering operation is performed, a solenoid is actuated to perform the centering operation according to the set operation conditions. The centering operation is an operation of moving a pair of brake pads (2) and (3) into contact with the disk rotor (1) and then separating the pads from the disk rotor during a cooling process while a vehicle is running. |
US08444229B2 |
System and method for controlling a hydraulic system
A method for preventing a valve orifice from switching to the small size when a high build gradient is required includes briefly bleeding off a small amount of fluid at the upstream side of the valve. This momentarily reduces the pressure difference when beginning the pressure build. After the valve is opened with the large orifice, the fluid flow through the valve prevents a high pressure difference. The resulting build with the large orifice has the maximum pressure gradient. |
US08444226B2 |
Leg-rests for passenger seats
Embodiments of the present invention include a leg-rest assembly comprising a leg-rest pan, a first frame, a slider bar, a second frame, and at least one deployment link. In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least two slides that are coupled to the slider bar. In other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes at least two seat diaphragm mounts, wherein the at least two seat diaphragm mounts are coupled the leg-rest assembly to a seat diaphragm. In some embodiments, a cushion is coupled to the leg-rest pan exterior surface. In yet other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes a foot-rest pan and a single frame with at least two foot-rest slides, where the foot-rest pan is coupled to the foot-rest slides. In these embodiments, the leg-rest assembly may also include a foot-rest bar. |
US08444224B2 |
Seat controlling mechanism
A seat controlling mechanism includes motors for actuating a plurality of seat sections, a position detecting apparatus detecting positions of the seat sections and a controlling apparatus controlling the seat sections to move to a predetermined position, wherein an interfering range, an interference avoidable range in which an interference avoidance control is executed and a normal operation range are set in the controlling apparatus, and when at least one of the seat sections positions in the interference avoidable range, the controlling apparatus prohibits the movement of the at least one of the seat sections toward the interfering range. |
US08444222B2 |
Child safety seat attachment belt retractor system
Retractor systems for securing child safety seats in vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a child safety seat includes a web operably coupled to a spool of a web retractor movably positioned under the safety seat. The web can include a first end portion that carries a first anchor connector and a second end portion that carries a second anchor connector. Rotation of the spool in a first direction retracts the first and second end portions of the web toward the retractor. Rotation of the spool in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, allows the first and second end portions to be drawn away from the retractor. |
US08444218B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat can be configured to include a variety of types of cushions. The seat may include primary and secondary cushions that are joined together such that the secondary cushion has a stored position under the seating surface of the primary seat cushion and a deployed position where the secondary seat cushion is positioned adjacent the primary seat cushion. The effective width of the seat may be greater when it is in one position than when it is in the other position. The back cushion may include first and second portions and a third portion intermediate the first and second positions. A vehicle may include left, right, and middle seats, the middle seat being configured to have two positions, the effective width of the middle seat in one position being greater than in the other position. |
US08444215B2 |
Housing for the radiator blind of a motor vehicle
A housing is provided for a radiator blind of a motor vehicle. The housing includes a base section that is configured to accommodate the radiator blind and a prescribed port. The housing also includes an adapter section that is secured to the prescribed port. As a result of this measure, the housing can be used in various installation situations. |
US08444210B2 |
Drag reducing apparatus for a vehicle
The present disclosure provides for drag reduction on a moving object through the atmosphere, thus increasing fuel efficiency. This is accomplished by attaching an inflatable boattail (i.e. drag reducer) to the aft face or rear end of a vehicle or trailer, thus delaying the flow separation to a point further downstream and mitigating the intensity of the negative pressure on the aft face. |
US08444209B2 |
Trim for vehicles and door trim for vehicles
It is an object of the present invention to provide a trim for vehicles capable of reducing the number of parts and thereby reducing the cost when a plurality of shock absorbing portions are required to have different hardnesses from each other. The trim for vehicles according to the present invention is a door trim 20 including a lower board 21, and a pull handle 40 mounted on the lower board 21, further including a plurality of shock absorbing portions with different hardnesses capable of absorbing shock energy, wherein an extension portion 50 of the plurality of shock absorbing portions is formed integrally with the pull handle 40, and the extension portion 50 has a shape extending downward from the pull handle 40. |
US08444207B2 |
Locking apparatus with two-bar linkage for a folding top
A locking apparatus for a folding top of a vehicle includes a housing, a locking hook, a coupling device, and a driving apparatus. The locking hook has a gripping end and a bearing end. The coupling device is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the locking hook. The bearing end is mounted to the coupling device such that the bearing end is movably mounted in the housing to be horizontally adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the locking hook such that the locking hook is movable between closed and opened positions. The driving apparatus is for driving the locking hook to move between the closed and opened positions and includes a first two-bar linkage, a driving arm connected with the two-bar linkage, and an actuating drive for actuating the driving arm. |
US08444206B2 |
Tensioning bow member for a flexible cover system
A cover system for covering an open top of an open-topped container with a flexible cover includes a bail member having a first end pivotally connected to the container and an opposite second end connected to an end of the flexible cover, a hold-down bow member including an end portion pivotally connected to the bail member and an opposite end configured for bearing against the flexible cover, and a spring pack between the bail member and tensioning bow member. |
US08444205B2 |
Molded component and sealing system for a motor vehicle window
A molded component to connect a motor vehicle window with a water box includes a first segment affixable to the vehicle window and a second segment having a detent cavity bounded by a resilient leg and configured to receive a rib of the water box in an insertion direction so as to detachably affix the water box in a frictionally and/or geometrically interlocking manner in the detent cavity. A detent element projects into the detent cavity at an acute angle relative to the insertion direction such that the resilient leg is elastically deformed to a greater extent during an extraction of the rib of the water box from the detent cavity than during an insertion of the rib of the water box into the detent cavity. This facilitates the insertion and presents a greater resistance to the extraction of the rib from the detent cavity. |
US08444203B2 |
Driving position adjusting apparatus for vehicle
A driving position adjusting apparatus for a vehicle comprises a driver's seat provided on a floor panel of a vehicle compartment, an operational pedal, such as an accelerator pedal, which is operated by a driver seated in the driver's seat, an incline-face portion which is provided on the floor panel, on which a heel of the driver operating the operational pedal is placed, the incline-face portion having an upper face which is inclined so that a front portion thereof is located at a higher position than a rear portion thereof, and a heel-placement height adjusting device which adjusts a height position of the driver's heel placed on the incline-face portion at least by moving up or down the incline-face portion. |
US08444202B2 |
Display surround
This disclosure relates to a display surround for protecting a display area and, in particular, to trim elements for surrounds located around dials in automotive instrument panels. A display surround for protecting a display area comprises a perimeter wall for surrounding the display area and a wall capping piece. The wall extends from a base portion of the wall proximate the display area towards an end portion of the wall away from the display area. The end portion includes a top face, and the top face includes a groove. The capping piece has a tongue. The tongue includes a protuberance on opposite sides and the groove includes a recess on opposite sides. The capping piece is secured in place to cap the wall by seating the tongue within the groove and by engaging each protuberance with a corresponding recess. |
US08444199B2 |
Vehicular box structure
An upper cover has an engagement edge, a bottom cover has a receiving edge where the engagement edge is inserted, and the engagement edge is inserted into the receiving edge. The receiving edge has a groove where the leading end of the engagement edge is inserted, the engagement edge has a stopper surface, which serves as a stopper part, on the outer surface toward the basal end side, and the groove has a stopper receiving surface, which serves as a stopper receiving part and catches the stopper surface, on one side internal surface toward the basal end side. As the leading end of the engagement edge is inserted into the groove of the receiving edge and the stopper surface is caught by the stopper receiving surface, the engagement edge of the upper cover and the receiving edge of the bottom cover are joined together without any separation. |
US08444198B2 |
Deployable trunk stowage system for vehicle
A storage bin attached to the upper wall of a vehicle trunk. The storage bin is movable between a stowed position in which the bin is moved upward and is locked against the upper wall of the trunk and a deployed position in which the bin is moved downward and is open for storage of one or more items. When moving between a stowed position and a deployed position, the bin might pivot or sides of the bin might collapse. |
US08444194B2 |
Substrate transport hand and substrate transport robot
This substrate transport hand includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion capable of receiving a first substrate and a second substrate thereon respectively, a third receiving portion supporting the first substrate received on the first receiving portion along with the first receiving portion, and a fourth receiving portion movably provided on a hand body portion for supporting the second substrate received on the second receiving portion along with the second receiving portion when moved to a first position of the hand body portion. |
US08444192B2 |
Pitch adjustable bi-directional shovel
A pitch adjustable bi-directional shovel includes a substantially flat blade including a forward edge and a rearward edge. Each edge of the blade includes a contact surface. A pivot is secured to the blade. A handle is provided including a first end and a second end, the first end being rotatably mounted to the pivot. An adjustable retention assembly is secured to one or more of the pivot, the blade, or the handle, wherein the pivot and the adjustable retention assembly cooperate to alter the pitch of the blade with respect to the handle so as maintain the blade in general parallel orientation with the associated debris laden surface. The contact surface of the forward edge slideably engages the associated debris laden surface when urged in the forward direction and the contact surface of the rearward edge slideably engages the associated debris laden surface when urged in the rearward direction. |
US08444190B2 |
Latching device for multipart housings
A latching device for at least two housing parts, in which a snap-on connection as well as a latching connection between the housing parts is produced by a correspondingly designed rotary knob/pushbutton function. The actuating button preferably is respectively arranged on two opposing sidewalls of an upper housing part, wherein the actuating button respectively acts upon a spring lever that is arranged on the inner wall of the upper housing part.During assembly of the upper housing part and a lower housing part, a forced snap-on connection between the two housing parts is produced and can only be disengaged again by exerting pressure upon the actuating buttons on both sides. |
US08444183B2 |
Barrier seal and assembly incorporating same
A barrier seal includes a bulkhead having a first end, a second end and a surface extending between the first end and the second end. The barrier seal further includes a rib extending radially outwardly from the surface of the bulkhead. The rib defines a first sealing profile extending from a first side of the rib and a second sealing profile extending from a second side of the rib. |
US08444181B2 |
Single-color screen patterns for copy protection
A verifiable/copy-protected document features a combination of nearly identical line-screen patterns for embedding latent images within visually integrated settings. The latent images can be detected for purposes of verification with a matching viewer but are indistinguishable from their visually integrated settings under ordinary viewing conditions. The line-screen patterns, which can be incorporated into document artwork, are printed at certain combinations of line frequencies and print densities so that the line-screen patterns digitally reproduce as a largely undifferentiated solid tint. |
US08444175B2 |
Saddle-type vehicle
A saddle-type vehicle, such as a motorcycle, equipped with an airbag module and an airbag control unit wherein the motorcycle is not increased in width. The motorcycle includes a body frame extending rearwardly from a head pipe with a rider's seat provided on the body frame and on which a rider or riders are to be seated. The airbag module is provided on the body frame and in which an airbag is accommodated. The airbag control unit is provided for controlling the deployment of the airbag. The airbag module is disposed on the front side of the rider seat with the airbag control unit being disposed between the head pipe and the airbag module. |
US08444174B1 |
Collapsible deer blind
A hunting blind is disclosed for use with a utility trailer that includes a rectangular base, each side thereof having a different relative height than the others. The base is adapted for removable attachment with the frame of the utility trailer. Four walls are fixed with the base each with at least one hinge and are selectively fixed together in a deployed position. A roof may be included and fixable with a top edge of at least two of the walls. The walls may be folded down over the trailer in turn to achieve a collapsed configuration suitable for towing. The trailer frame may include both a vehicle platform fixed above the walls when collapsed for transporting an ATV, and a game platform for holding caught game thereon. |
US08444173B1 |
Foldable frame structure for baby trailer
A foldable frame structure for baby trailer includes a bottom frame, which includes two side bars and a retractable front bar and a retractable rear bar, two vertical side frames each having two bottom frame bars respectively pivoted to the side bars and an arched top frame bar pivoted to the bottom frame bars, a transverse top bar detachably connected between the arched top frame bars of the two vertical side frames, a trailer bar pivoted to the front side of one side bar of the bottom frame and selectively locked between an extended position and a received position. The retractable rear bar has two angled end pieces respectively affixed to the side bars to reinforce the structural strength of the side bars so that wheels can be directly pivoted to the side bars, saving the cost. |
US08444171B2 |
Convertible double stroller
A convertible double stroller comprising a pair of cross bars pivotally connected at a common vertex connected to a pair of telescoping rods creating a generally hour-glass shaped frame assembly having a front end and a rear end, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame assembly, a handle bar attached to the frame assembly rear end, and a pair of seat mounts fixedly attached to each of the telescoping rods, wherein the convertible double stroller may be selectively transitioned between three configurations: (a) a seated configuration wherein the frame assembly is in a fully expanded position thereby positioning the seat mounts in a side-by-side placement for seating; (b) a seated configuration wherein the frame assembly is in a moderately expanded position thereby positioning the seat mounts in a front-to-rear placement for seating; and (c) a storage configuration wherein the frame assembly is in a fully collapsed position for storage. |
US08444170B2 |
Foldable stroller
A foldable stroller includes a frame, a seat, and a plurality of wheels. The seat is disposed on the frame. The frame includes two back-frame side rod sections, two rear-leg side rod sections, and two rear-leg connecting members. Each of the back-frame side rod sections is connected pivotally to the corresponding rear-leg side rod section by the corresponding rear-leg connecting member. As such, the back-frame side rod sections are pivotable respectively toward the rear-leg side rod sections to fold the frame. The frame further includes two knuckles disposed respectively on bottom ends of the back-frame side rod sections, and two latch mechanisms disposed respectively on the knuckles. The latch mechanisms are operable to lock the frame in an unfolded or folded state. |
US08444169B1 |
Trailer hitch coupler
A trailer hitch coupler to couple a trailer to a trailer hitch includes a socket adapted for receiving a trailer hitch ball; a clamp associated with the socket and operable for engaging the trailer hitch ball; a sensor operatively connected with the socket and operable for determining a distance between an inner surface of the socket and an outer face of the trailer hitch ball when the trailer hitch ball is positioned within the socket; a clamp prevention device operatively connected with the socket and with the clamp and operable to prevent engagement of the clamp with the trailer hitch ball; and a release mechanism operatively connected with the sensor and the clamp prevention device and operable to release the clamp prevention device to allow the clamp to engage the trailer hitch ball when the sensor communicates a desired hitch condition. |
US08444162B2 |
Bearing mechanism for a transverse leaf spring, mountable in the area of a vehicle axle
A bearing mechanism for a transverse leaf spring that can be mounted near an axle of a vehicle. The bearing mechanism has an outer bearing shell device and insertion devices which have at least some regions encompassed by the outer bearing shell device. Each of the insertion devices comprise at least two layer elements which have different stiffness. In the assembled state, the insertion devices are each disposed between the outer bearing shell device and the transverse leaf spring. The outer bearing shell device comprises a one-piece bearing ring element, and the insertion devices can be operatively connected, at least in a force locking manner, to the bearing ring element and the transverse leaf spring, via tensioning elements. |
US08444160B2 |
Suspension device
A suspension device in which a knuckle for supporting a wheel is supported by arms and a damper is connected to the knuckle. A suspension device (10) is configured in such a manner that the intersection (73) between a line extended from an elastic kingpin axis (68) of a rear wheel (31) and a road surface (72) is located on the rear side, relative to the vehicle, of the ground contact center (74) of the rear wheel. The elastic kingpin axis is tilted forward relative to the vehicle and is disposed below the rotation center (32) of the rear wheel in the vertical direction. A lower connection section (81b) of a damper (18) is provided on a line (33) drawn in substantially the vertical direction from the rotation center of the rear wheel. A damper axis (84) is tilted inward in the width direction of the vehicle and tilted forward relative to the vehicle. |
US08444159B2 |
Stabilizer, and method of producing a stabilizer
In a method of producing a stabilizer for installation in a bearing unit of a motor vehicle, each end portion of a strip-shaped metal element is provided with a closing contour. The metal element is shaped to assume an undulating configuration having a wave portion. After being placed in a tool, a stabilizer bar is pressed against a circumference of the wave portion of the undulating metal element and the wave portion is formed onto the stabilizer bar such that the wave portion has at least one section which is ironed and the ironed section is urged into forced contact with the stabilizer bar. The metal element is then bent to embrace the stabilizer bar, and the end portions of the metal element are connected by engaging the closing contours of the end portions with a defined incline to thereby form a closed limiter ring fixed to the stabilizer bar. |
US08444158B2 |
Knuckle and bushing assembly
A suspension coupling for use in a vehicle suspension system the suspension coupling including a knuckle and bushing assembly wherein the knuckle member is a cast aluminum piece having a passage for receiving a two-piece bushing having a formed, metal inner member and a molded, elastomeric outer member having extension members at each end. The bushing member is press-fit into the knuckle member and exhibits higher stiffness in the radial and axial directions and lower stiffness in the torsional and conical directions. |
US08444157B2 |
Wheel set attachment for floor maintenance equipment
A wheel set attachment is used in combination with floor maintenance equipment, such as buffers, sanders, grinders, cleaners, etc. (“buffer”), which are typically equipped with small diameter wheels which make transport difficult. The wheel set attachment is conducive for conveying the device up flights of stairs, over obstacles, or conveying the device any appreciable distance. The wheel set attachment of the present invention easily attaches to the buffer without the need for tools and is quickly removed. Once installed, the wheel set attachment is stable and provides a pair of wheels which function as though integral to the buffer. |
US08444156B2 |
Modular rough terrain vehicle
A trailer including a plurality of rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of said main frame, each of which includes a tandem with a plurality of wheels mounted thereto; a U-shaped cross member for maintaining said main frame level from side to side; at least one length-adjustable member operatively connected to said main frame and at least one of said plurality of frame arms; selective movement of said length-adjustable member causing said distal end of at least one of said plurality of frame arms to move up or down; and an automatic leveling system for moving each said length-adjustable members and each said corresponding frame arm such that said main frame is maintained in a relatively level orientation when said trailer encounters uneven terrain. |
US08444144B2 |
Electronic amusement device and method for operating a game offering continuous reels
A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player. |
US08444143B2 |
Sheet transport apparatus
In a sheet transport apparatus, coiled springs 82 are fitted in and supported by recess portions 81b at a bottom face 81a of a support frame 81 and recess portions 73c at an upper face 73b of an inner guide 73. In other words, most of the portions of the coiled spring 82 are enclosed inside the recess portions 81b of the support frame 81 and the recess portions 73c of the inner guide 73, and covered and hidden by side walls 81f of the recess portions 81b and side walls 73d of the recess portions 73c. |
US08444142B2 |
Multifeed processing apparatus, multifeed processing method, and multifeed processing program
A multifeed processing apparatus includes a control unit and is connected to a multifeed detecting mechanism and an image reading mechanism. The control unit includes (i) a calculating unit that calculates a shape of a peripheral edge of a medium from any one or both of an output of the image reading mechanism and an image of the medium read by the image reading mechanism, (ii) a detecting unit that detects a change in the shape on a boundary of an overlap detected portion, from the shape calculated by the calculating unit and a position of the overlap detected portion detected by the multifeed detecting mechanism, and (iii) a deciding unit that determines a case where the change in the shape is detected by the detecting unit, as a multifeed. |
US08444141B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A sheet processing apparatus comprises: an first stack portion which temporarily stacks a sheet thereon; a first stack portion which is disposed under the first stack portion and stacks thereon a sheet discharged from the first stack portion; a second stack portion which is disposed above the first stack portion and stacks a sheet thereon; a stack reference wall which serves as an abutment reference at an end of the sheet on the second stack portion; and an alignment reference wall which is disposed more upstream in the sheet conveyance direction than the stack reference wall and serves as an abutment reference at an end of the sheet on the first stack portion; wherein the second stack portion has such a length that an end of the sheet stacked on the first stack portion cannot project from the second stack portion, as viewed from above in a vertical direction. |
US08444138B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming system with air blower device
A sheet feeding apparatus, having: a sheet stacking table to stack sheets; a sheet feeding device to feed the sheets one by one from an upper most section of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking table; an assist air blower device to blow an assist air at a lateral side, a front side or a rear side of the sheet fed from the sheet stacking table so as to assist sheet feeding; a detecting device to detect a behavior of the sheet assisted by the assist air; and a control device to set an amount of the assist air used in image forming to be an optimum air amount based on a detected result which is obtained by detecting the behavior of the sheet when the assist air blower device is operated at a predetermined timing while image forming is not carried out. |
US08444137B2 |
Recording material feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
In a sheet feeding cassette which lifts up and lifts down a bottom plate each time when a paper is fed, a recording material sensor detects that no recording materials exist when the bottom plate rises over a predetermined position. Accordingly, by measuring a period of time when it is detected that no recording materials exist during a sheet feeding operation, a stacking amount of the recording materials in a sheet feeding cassette can be detected. |
US08444133B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus, image forming system, and sheet processing method
A sheet processing apparatus includes a support unit on which sheets are stacked together as a sheet stack, first and second binding units that respectively perform first and second binding processes to bind the sheet stack as first and second sheet stacks, a transporting unit that transports the first and second sheet stacks toward first and second paths, respectively, which are in opposite directions, a reversing-and-transporting unit disposed at the second path to transport the second sheet stack such that upper and lower sides thereof are reversed, a first transported-sheet-stack support unit that is disposed at the first path and on which the first sheet stack transported by the transporting unit is placed, and a second transported-sheet-stack support unit that is disposed at the second path and on which the second sheet stack reversed and transported by the reversing-and-transporting unit is placed. |
US08444131B2 |
Sheet transporting device, cutting device, printing press and corresponding method
The sheet transporting device of the invention includes: a transferring device (64) adapted to transfer a sheet (30), a conveying device (66; 66A) for conveying a sheet transferred from the transferring device (64) onto the conveying device, and a controlling means (76) adapted to control the speed of the conveying device (66; 66A) and defining a transfer cycle (CT). The controlling means (76) is adapted to slow down the conveying device (66) when a sheet is conveyed by the related conveying device and to accelerate the conveying device when no sheet is present on said conveying device. The invention can be used for the cutting devices of rotary printing machines. |
US08444130B2 |
Devices for capping vials useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions
A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing. |
US08444127B2 |
High temperature composite patch tool
A tool comprises a caul plate having at least one suction hole and a vacuum port fluidly coupled to the suction hole for drawing a patch against the caul plate under vacuum. |
US08444125B2 |
Attaching apparatus for load port apparatus
An attaching apparatus for attaching a load port apparatus to an attaching face of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a bogie truck body to be attached to a lower end portion of the load port apparatus. A pair of downwardly projecting positioning protrusions having a circular transverse sectional shape are also attached to the lower end portion of the load port apparatus. A support plate is secured to a lower end portion of the attaching face in such a manner as to project toward the load port apparatus. A pair of positioning recesses are formed on an upper face of the support plate and each has a circular hollow shape, in a plan view, such that said plurality of positioning protrusions may be individually fitted therein. |
US08444120B2 |
Method and apparatus to help promote contact of gas with vaporized material
Vaporizable material is supported within a vessel to promote contact of an introduced gas with the vaporizable material, and produce a product gas including vaporized material. A heating element supplies heat to a wall of the vessel to heat vaporizable material disposed therein. The vessel may comprise an ampoule having a removable top. Multiple containers defining multiple material support surfaces may be stacked disposed within a vessel in thermal communication with the vessel. A tube may be disposed within the vessel and coupled to a gas inlet. Filters, flow meters, and level sensors may be further provided. Product gas resulting from contact of introduced gas with vaporized material may be delivered to atomic layer deposition (ALD) or similar process equipment. At least a portion of source material including a solid may be dissolved in a solvent, followed by removal of solvent to yield source material (e.g., a metal complex) disposed within the vaporizer. |
US08444114B2 |
Anchorage extractor
The present invention is directed to an anchorage extractor. The extractor is used to remove post, anchorage or stake from the ground without using a force generated by a motor. The anchorage extractor comprises a base disposed on the ground to provide a stable support. A lever is connected to a driving wheel that is connected to a rack. The anchorage is attached to the rack and when the lever is actuated, the drive wheel drives the rack upward, removing the anchorage from the ground. An advantage of the present invention is that the direction of the extraction force is parallel to the anchorage axis by adjusting the angle of the extractor. The extractor may be folded on itself or dismantled to be transported. |
US08444113B2 |
Screw in multi-way seat valve
In a screw-in multi-way seat valve V comprising a screw-in housing 1, in which at least one sleeve 21 is positioned axially which sleeve 21 forms a valve seat 20, and a valve member 15 provided inside and having a seat surface 31 with a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the valve seat 20, the sleeve 21 is axially positioned in the screw-in housing 1 by a threaded connection 23 and at the same time is sealed by a press fit zone 24, the press fit zone 24 forming an anti-rotation protection for the threaded connection 23. |
US08444107B2 |
Wrist joint for positioning a test head
An apparatus for supporting a load comprises a pivot apparatus coupled to the load and movable with the load; and a base stationary relative to the pivot apparatus. At least two areas of support are situated between the pivot apparatus and the base. Respectively opposite force components are at the two areas of support. The two areas of support move along a one curved path to tilt the load. |
US08444105B2 |
Umbrella and anchoring device and method for using same
An umbrella anchoring device comprising a support dowel and a generally truncated cone shaped umbrella stop, with two opposing surfaces, an angled wall connecting the outer perimeter of the surfaces, and a hollow passage through the vertical axis thereof which is complementary to the cross section of the support dowel, wherein the umbrella anchoring device is used to support an umbrella with at least a partially hollow shaft. A method of using the anchoring device, where the support dowel is placed generally vertically in the ground, the umbrella stop is placed over the end thereof and slid so that the wider surface is at ground level and the narrower surface is below, and an umbrella is placed over the support dowel, with the end resting on the umbrella stop. |
US08444104B2 |
Secure mechanism of portable accessory device for outdoor umbrella
A portable accessory device includes a housing having a mounting slot, an accessory unit supported in the housing, and two adjustable retainers for adjusting the size of the mounting slot for a shaft of the outdoor umbrella. Each of the adjustable retainer includes a retention arm, having a pusher surface facing towards the mounting slot, slidably mounted at the housing, wherein the pusher surfaces of the retention arms are facing with each other and are arranged for biasing against an outer surface of the shaft of the outdoor umbrella until the shaft thereof being fitted at the mounting slot so as to substantially mount the housing at the shaft of the outdoor umbrella. Therefore, the portable accessory device is adapted to detachably mount at the outdoor umbrella to provide an additional function via the accessory unit for users to have high quality outdoor activities. |
US08444103B2 |
Foldable support frame assembly with scissor-linkages
A foldable support frame assembly includes a row of support units arranged along a first direction. Each of the support units includes two support frames. Each of the support frames includes two parallel braces, a top rail connected fixedly between upper end portions of the linking rods, and a bottom rail connected fixedly between lower end portions of the braces. The braces of each of the support units constitute two first scissor-linkages spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The foldable support frame assembly further includes a plurality of second scissor-linkages arranged alternately with the support units along the first direction, and a positioning mechanism for maintaining each of the first and second scissor-linkages in an unfolded state. |
US08444096B2 |
Apparatus for positioning a device
An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom. |
US08444087B2 |
Composite skin and stringer structure and method for forming the same
Composite stringer and skin structures and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a composite stringer and skin structure includes a polymer-based elongated stringer portion having reinforcing fibers positioned in a plurality of adjacent plies, a first portion of the reinforcing fibers being oriented at a relatively shallow angle relative to a selected reference direction, and a second portion of the reinforcing fibers being oriented at a relatively broad angle relative to the selected reference direction. A polymer-based and fiber reinforced skin member adjoins the stringer portion, and an adhesive material is interposed between the stringer portion and the skin member. |
US08444083B2 |
Auxiliary power unit inlet
An aircraft auxiliary power unit assembly includes an aircraft skin providing a cavity. The aircraft skin is secured to a structure in an assembled condition and provides an opening. An auxiliary power unit is arranged within the cavity and secured to the structure. The aircraft skin substantially covers the auxiliary power unit in the assembled condition. An inlet duct is removably secured within the opening and is selectively connected to the auxiliary power unit between installed and service positions. The installed and service positions are with the aircraft skin in the assembled condition. A method of servicing the auxiliary power unit includes removing the auxiliary power unit inlet duct from the opening in the aircraft skin. The auxiliary power unit that is arranged within the cavity of the aircraft skin is exposed. A portion of the auxiliary power unit is serviced through the opening. |
US08444082B1 |
High performance ‘X’-configuration airplane for storage and launch from a tubular container
An air vehicle can be folded into or unfolded from a compact tubular storage container without assembly or disassembly of the air vehicle. The air vehicle includes a fuselage, two aerodynamic surfaces rotatably mounted on the fuselage along a common axis with at least one pivot mechanism, and at least one spring mechanism configured to deploy the aerodynamic surfaces so they extend outwardly from the body. In a stowed configuration, both aerodynamic surfaces are parallel to the fuselage for stowage of the aircraft in a container. Each aerodynamic surface has a winglet located at an outer edge of the tail portion of the aerodynamic surface, and a rudder on each winglet. The aircraft does not require a vertical stabilizer or rudder system on the fuselage. An outer backward-swept wing portion can be unfolded from the outer edge of each aerodynamic surface to increase the wing aspect ratio. |
US08444075B2 |
Concentrated bi-density eccentric counterweight for cone-type rock crusher
A cone crusher includes a stationary main shaft and an eccentric that rotates about the main shaft to cause gyrational movement of a head assembly to crush rock within a crushing gap. The cone crusher includes a counterweight assembly mounted for rotation with the eccentric. The counterweight assembly includes a counterweight body having a series of tanks. Each tank can receive either a first ballast and a second ballast or a combination thereof. The first ballast is formed from a material having higher density than the second ballast to increase the concentration of weighting in desired locations around the counterweight assembly. |
US08444070B2 |
Electric-actuated control valve of a unit fuel injector
A unit fuel injector (10) has a control valve (40) in which a valve spool (92) is displaceable within a bore (91) of a valve body (90) between a limit of displacement that fully opens an oil outlet port (42) to an oil inlet port (44) while closing an oil drain port (106) to the oil outlet port and a limit of displacement that closes the oil outlet port to the oil inlet port while opening the oil outlet port to the oil drain port. The valve spool has a spool body (96) whose geometry defines an exterior envelope of the valve spool. Permanent magnets (98, 100) are disposed within a bore of the spool body inside of the exterior envelope, and electromagnets (102, 104) are electromagnetically coupled with the permanent magnets for displacing the valve spool within the valve body bore. |
US08444067B2 |
Flow reservoir for a paint spray gun
The invention relates to a flow reservoir for a paint spray gun with a bowl-shaped container (1), a cover (2) that can be set on the container (1), and an attachment part (3) for direct fixing of the flow reservoir to the paint spray gun. The flow reservoir is distinguished in that the attachment part (3) consists of a connector (5) formed directly on the cover (2) with a screw-wedge element (8) for direct quick-connect attachment of the flow reservoir to the paint spray gun. |
US08444065B2 |
Water discharge device
An object is to provide a water discharge device in which a water sprinkling member having water discharge ports can simultaneously achieve both good rotation start-up ability and good rotation stability. A water discharge device FC is configured in such a manner that the center of gravity of a rotor constituted of a tubular body 20 and a head 40 (the water sprinkling member) is positioned near an opening 4 which is located near the center of swing at which a central axis C1 of the tubular body 20 tilted by swinging revolution and a central axis C2 of an inflow chamber 3 intersect in a state where any water is not supplied to a buffer chamber 43 of the head 40, whereas the center of gravity of the rotor is moved to a head 40 side in a state where the water is supplied to the buffer chamber 43 of the head 40. |
US08444062B2 |
Mobile fluid distribution system and method
A fluid distribution system and method for mobile applications. The system includes a power source, a pump driven by the power source, and a motor driven by the pump. The system also includes a spray head with a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a fluid piston disposed in a chamber for controlled access between the inlet and outlet passages and defining a variable orifice, and a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice. The fluid piston and the hydraulic cylinder are aligned with a common longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage is offset from the axis in a direction opposed to the location of the outlet passage. |
US08444060B2 |
Fuel injector with deterioration detection
A fuel injection apparatus with a deterioration detection device that includes a volume changing chamber, the volume of which is determined by fuel pressure inside the injector. After injector nozzle opens, the time for the volume changing chamber to change from an initial volume to a target volume is measured and used for calculating changes in nozzle orifice size. The value of orifice size change can be used for both diagnosing injector deterioration and compensating fuel flow rate in a feedback control. In addition to detecting injector deterioration and failures, the volume changing device also dampens effects of noise in fuel pressure to fuel flow rate control and decreases chances of after-injection and second injection. |
US08444058B2 |
Embedded RFID tags and associated methods and systems
Embedded RFID (radio frequency identification) tags for objects or containers and related systems and methods are disclosed that overcome problems existing with previous RFID tags. The RFID tags are embedded within recesses within the outer surfaces of objects or containers, such as within a metal valve flange for a metal container. The RFID tags can also be shaped and configured to fit within recesses so that the top surfaces of the RFID tags match the outer surfaces of the objects or containers. The embedded RFID tags can also be painted or otherwise disguised so that they are more difficult to identify. In addition, the RFID tags are preferably tamper resistant and can also use PSK (phase shift key) modulation. The embedded RFID tags described herein are particularly useful for tracking of liquid propane gas (LPG) containers and/or other types of containers or objects for holding hazardous materials. |
US08444055B2 |
Detection device and processing system
When a user who has a magnetic substance attached paper enters a gate which generates a magnetic field, steep magnetization reversal is produced in the magnetic substance by the magnetic field. As a result, pulse current flows into a detection coil provided in the gate, and a generated waveform signal indicating a characteristic transient response is output to a terminal device. The terminal device calculates correlation coefficients of this waveform and a plurality of stored reference waveforms, additionally calculates an average of the calculated correlation coefficients, and determines whether or not the average is equal to or more than a threshold. When the average is equal to or more than the threshold, the terminal device instructs an imaging device to image a user. When the average is below the threshold, the imaging device is not allowed to image the user. |
US08444053B2 |
Intelligent credit card system
A new credit card system which enables improved reading and other operations. Reading can be done in the short edge of the credit card thereby shortening the aspect ratio and size of the card reader. The reader can be electrical, reading information via contacts, or can be optical readers. |
US08444049B2 |
Precisely locating and address confirming method
A precisely locating and address confirming method is provided. The method comprises: S1, a printing carrier is divided into several areas with equal interval, and the width of each area is set to be the same with the width of a shelf article depositing unit, and a main bar code containing article depositing position information is printed in the center of each area of the printing carrier; S2, the printing carrier is disposed on the shelf in such a way that each area corresponds to each shelf article depositing unit; S3, the article depositing position information contained in the main bar code is scanned and read when the scanning beam of a manipulator happens to be superposed with the main bar code of the area corresponding to the shelf article depositing unit so as to confirm the address of the article depositing position. The present solution is suitable for an automatic access system for single book, CD, or the similar articles with small size, and the horizontal direction and/or the vertical direction of the article access position is is rapidly, precisely located and the address is confirmed. |
US08444047B2 |
Mug
The present invention relates to a mug, especially a disposable mug, which mug defines an internal space for receiving liquid. It is significant for the mug according to the present invention that the mug contains a flap (10; 110) provided on the inside of the mug, that the flap (10; 110) extends along the inside of the mug in a non-active state, and that the flap (10; 110) reaches out from the inside of the mug in an active state of the flap (10; 110). |
US08444046B2 |
Carton having novel opening features
Cartons have dispensing features that enable containers or other articles to be selectively dispensed from the cartons while preventing inadvertent escape of the articles from the cartons. A carton can have an exiting end panel closing an interior space and a dispenser pattern defining a dispenser having a bottom door extending across the exiting end panel. The dispenser pattern can comprise a plurality of tear lines that define a removable portion comprising at least a portion of the exiting end flap, the top panel, and at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The dispenser pattern further comprises a pivot line in the bottom panel, a first line, and a second line that are for enabling pivoting of the bottom door about the pivot line. |
US08444040B2 |
End effector for forming swept friction stir spot welds
An apparatus includes a connector and is configured to mount to a machine having multiple axes of control. A control signal on the connector determines a path of a rotating tool holder. |
US08444039B2 |
Thermally-insulated vibration welding tool
A welding assembly for forming a weld along a welding interface of a work piece(s) using vibrations includes a welding tool and a thermal barrier. The thermal barrier is at least a chemical and/or mechanical insulating layer positioned adjacent to the welding tool, which minimizes the rate of dissipation of heat generated by the vibrations at or along the welding interface. The welding assembly may also include a wear-resistant layer adjacent to the thermal barrier, which protects the thermal barrier from damage or wear. The welding tool is a portion an anvil assembly and/or a sonotrode assembly. A method of insulating a welding tool includes applying or connecting a thermal barrier to a surface of the welding tool, and minimizing the rate of dissipation of heat generated by the vibrations at or along the welding interface using the thermal barrier, which includes an insulating layer. |
US08444037B2 |
Surgical stapling device with captive anvil
A device for clamping tissue includes a first jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first wing and a second wing. The device also includes a second jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first slot and a second slot, the first slot disposed between a middle structure and a first lateral structure, the second slot disposed between the middle structure and a second lateral structure. The first jaw is rotatably coupleable to the second jaw with the first wing extending into the first slot and the second wing extending into the second slot. |
US08444036B2 |
Motor driven surgical fastener device with mechanisms for adjusting a tissue gap within the end effector
A surgical fastener apparatus having a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector including a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. A cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners, the actuator including a power source and a motor. Means for electrically adjusting the amount of spacing between the jaws when the end effector is in the closed position. |
US08444035B2 |
Pneumatic staple or nail gun with dual trigger mechanism
An improved apparatus for nailing or stapling flooring pneumatically, wherein a pneumatic stapler or nailer is provided with a dual trigger single sequential actuation system by which an operator can reach either trigger with his index finger. In one embodiment, the triggers being interconnected. In a second embodiment, each trigger actuates a valve that communicates with a pneumatic piston which drives the staple. |
US08444034B2 |
UTV gun mount system
A gun mounting apparatus for utility terrain vehicles comprising: a first inverted L-shaped tubular member comprising a first attacher, a second inverted L-shaped tubular member comprising a second attacher, an obliquely oriented tubular member having a first tubular member end and a second tubular member end with a gun grip attached to each tubular member end and a first elastic cord and a second elastic cord. The first and the second inverted L-shaped tubular member may be partially inserted into receiving holes in side walls of a bed-box of a utility terrain vehicle and may be additionally secured to the vehicle via the first and second elastic cord which are attached to the first and second attacher. The gun mounting apparatus for utility terrain vehicles is suitable for transporting at least one weapon securely fastened to the gun grips which are attached to the obliquely oriented tubular member. |
US08444033B2 |
Device for attaching accessories to bars, application to motor vehicle roof rail bars
A device for attaching accessories to a vehicle roof bar, the device comprising, a threaded control rod, two threaded nuts threaded onto the control rod, two guide bodies, wherein each of the guide bodies has one of the threaded nuts positioned within the guide body, a C-shaped rail, wherein each of the guide bodies and each of the threaded nuts are positioned within the C-shaped rail; two jaws, each of the jaws being attached to one of the guide bodies and a first portion of each jaw being located outside the C-shaped rail, whereby rotation of the control rod in a first direction causes the guide bodies to move towards each other thereby allowing a second portion of the jaws to contact the vehicle roof bar, and where further rotation of the control rod in the first direction locks the guide body within the C-shaped rail. |
US08444032B2 |
Collapsible vehicle-mounted equipment carrier
A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a hub portion to which is secured a number of vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging support members. The various support members are each connected to sections of the hub that are movable relative to one another and that include engagement structure to hold the hub sections in desired angular positions with respect to one another. The hub sections can be moved upon disengagement of a clamping mechanism that compresses the hub sections into engagement with one another, and also holds each of the various components of the carrier in connection with one another. |
US08444031B2 |
Prop-supporting harness for a stage performer
A harness for the wearing of at least one stage prop by a stage performer includes a frame with a backrest suitable for supporting the stage prop, and elements forming shoulder supports suitable for positioning and/or maintaining the harness in place on the artist's shoulders. The backrest and the elements forming the shoulder supports are rigid. The elements forming the shoulder supports are coupled to the backrest by a pair of elastic coupling elements. |
US08444028B2 |
Device for ejecting droplets of a fluid having a high temperature
In a jetting device for ejecting droplets of a relatively hot fluid, a fluid chamber body is made of a heat resistant material and an inner surface of the fluid chamber body, the inner surface defining a fluid chamber of the jetting device, is wettable by the fluid. This configuration provides that no additional force needs to be applied for forcing the fluid into an orifice, i.e. a narrow tube leading towards a nozzle. |
US08444022B2 |
Pouring device with deformable spout
A pouring device includes a container, a stiffening member with first and second stiffening portions having respective terminating ends spaced from each other. The first and second stiffening portions are coupled to the container with a deformable region of the container being positioned between the terminating ends of the first and second stiffening portions. The deformable region can be more resilient than the stiffening member to form a pour spout at least in part from the deformable region upon application of a force to the container toward opposing sides of the deformable region. |