Document Document Title
US08476217B2 Nonionic surfactant and surfactant composition comprising the same
The present invention provides the nonionic surfactant represented by the formula (1): R—O—(PO)m-(EO)n—H  (1) wherein, R represents a saturated linear-chain hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and n-octyl groups are 20 to 80% by mole of the saturated linear-chain hydrocarbon groups, n-decyl groups are 0 to 10% by mole of the saturated linear-chain hydrocarbon groups, and saturated linear-chain hydrocarbon groups having 12 to 18 carbon atoms are 20 to 80% by mole of the saturated linear-chain hydrocarbon groups; PO represents a propyleneoxy group; EO represents an ethyleneoxy group; m represents an average addition mole number of propyleneoxy groups ranging from 0.1 to 5; n represents an average addition mole number of ethyleneoxy groups ranging from 0.5 to 20; and (PO)m and (EO)n are bonded as blocks in this order.
US08476212B2 Detergent cosmetic compositions comprising at least one amino silicone, and uses thereof
The disclosure relates to novel detergent compositions comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one sulfate or sulfonate anionic surfactant, at least one amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant and at least one particular amino silicone, the (amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant)/(sulfate or sulfonate anionic surfactant) weight ratio ranging from 1:1 to 2:1, the total amount of surfactants representing from 4% to 35% by weight relative to the total weight of the final composition. The disclosure also relates to the use of the composition for protecting the coloration of, for example, artificially dyed hair.
US08476206B1 Nanoparticle macro-compositions
Embodiments of the present invention may include a macro-composition with a special structure. The structure includes a layered macro-composition made of a nanoparticle as an inner nucleus, an intermediate layer around the nucleus, and an outer layer intercalated with the nucleus or encapsulating the nucleus and the intermediate layer. A plurality of the layered macro-compositions is bonded together by bonds, so that each layered macro-composition is bonded to at least one other such layered macro-composition. Embodiments include a macro-composition made of three 3-layered macro-compositions joined in a chain by two bonds. These macro-composition assemblies may take the shape of layered macro-compositions bonded together in chains, or forming other shapes, such as rings. Embodiments may be added to lubricants such as oil or grease, to increase their performance.
US08476203B2 Cement compositions comprising sub-micron alumina and associated methods
Methods and compositions that comprise sub-micron alumina for accelerating setting of a cement composition. An embodiment includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. The method may comprise introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises hydraulic cement, sub-micron alumina, and water. The method further may comprise allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a cement composition that may comprise hydraulic cement, sub-micron alumina, and water.
US08476198B2 Fungicidal composition
A treatment of N-(phenylethyl)succinamic acid or its salts provides enhancement of fungicide activity of a fungicide azole compound, and thus, a fungicidal composition comprising a fungicide azole compound and N-(phenylethyl)succinamic acid or its salts is effective for controlling plant diseases and may also enhance plant growth.
US08476197B2 Aminopropenoates as fungicides
The present invention relates to aminopropenoate derivatives, the process of their preparation, intermediate compounds, their use as fungicide active agents, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions, and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants and in material protection, using these compounds or compositions.
US08476194B2 Fungicidal compositions including hydrazone derivatives and copper
The present invention relates to the use of hydrazone compounds and copper for controlling the growth of fungi.
US08476191B2 Heat-sensitive recording body and method for producing same
The present invention relates to a heat-sensitive recording material comprising one or more heat-sensitive recording layers, an intermediate layer and a protective layer that are formed on one side of a transparent support, and the present inventions provide a heat-sensitive recording material and a process for providing the heat-sensitive recording material, wherein the one or more heat-sensitive recording layers are formed from one or more heat-sensitive recording layer coating compositions that each contain a leuco dye and a developer, the intermediate layer is formed from an intermediate layer coating composition that contains a hydrazine-based compound and an oxazoline group-containing compound, and the protective layer is formed from a protective layer coating composition that contains a modified polyvinyl alcohol.
US08476190B2 Composite particles
In the present invention a composite particle including: a first polymeric particle having a diameter of from 100 nm to 3.5 microns including a core and a shell: the core including, when dry, at least one void; and the shell polymer having a calculated glass transition temperature (“Tg”) greater than 50° C.; and a second polymeric particle disposed on the surface of the first polymeric particle, the second polymeric particle having a minimum film-forming temperature of greater than 20° C.; wherein the ratio of the diameter of the first polymeric particle to the diameter of the second polymeric particle is from 1 to 50; and wherein the ratio of the weight of the first polymeric particle to the weight of the second polymeric particle is from 0.1 to 40, is provided.
US08476186B2 Selective hydrogenation catalyst and process for its preparation
The invention concerns a catalyst comprising palladium on an oxide of aluminum support. In the calcined state, the oxide of aluminum support has a diffractogram obtained by X ray diffraction comprising peaks which correspond to the following interplanar spacings and relative intensities: Interplanar spacings d (10−10 m)Relative intensities ±5 × 10−3 dI/I0 (%) 4.54  3-10 2.70-2.75 5-25 2.41 35-45 2.28 15-30 2.10  0-10 1.98730-50 1.95830-50 1.6420-5 1.51910-20 1.394100
US08476183B2 Catalyst for polyester polycondensation and method for producing polyester resin using the same
The invention provides: a polycondensation catalyst for polyester production, which contains titanium atoms, alkaline earth metal atoms and phosphorus atoms, has high reactivity and excellent long-term storage stability, can be easily produced industrially, and has an advantage in cost; a polyester resin obtained with the catalyst; and a molded article. These are: a polymerization catalyst for polyester production containing titanium atoms, alkaline earth metal atoms and phosphorus atoms and having a specific constitution; a polyester resin obtained with the catalyst; and a molded article.
US08476182B2 Process for making a catalyst suitable for direct coal liquefaction and the catalyst thereof
A method to obtain a catalyst of transition metals supported on a carbonaceous material, via impregnation, with a solution of metal-thiourea complex, obtained from precursor salts. The formation of the sulfur on the surface of the support occurs through the thermal decomposition of the complex. The obtained catalysts are applicable toward the direct liquefaction of coal.
US08476181B2 Catalyst systems for the oligomerization of olefin monomers
The present invention relates to catalyst systems and a process for the simultaneous trimerization and tetramerization of olefinic monomers using those ligands.
US08476180B2 Regenerating molecular sieve absorbents used for alcohol dehydration
A process for regenerating a molecular sieve absorbent bed used for dehydrating an organic solvent is disclosed. The process is illustrated by regenerating a molecular sieve bed used for dehydrating ethanol, which includes a dehydrating cycle where an ethanol/water vapor mixture is loaded onto the molecular sieve bed at a first temperature to absorb water and recover a substantially dehydrated ethanol vapor effluent. In a regeneration cycle, the bed is subjected to a temperature swing technique whereby a dried gas, such as dried CO2, heated to at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, is passed over the molecular sieve bed, optimally in a counter current directional flow with respect to the dehydrating cycle. The process obviates the need for applying a vacuum pressure swing to regenerate the molecular sieve bed. Water and residual ethanol are removed with the CO2 effluent and can optionally be condensed and combined with a feed input for a subsequent dehydrating cycle.
US08476178B2 Optical glass
An optical glass comprising, by mass %, 12 to 40% of SiO2, 15% or more but less than 42% of Nb2O5, 2% or more but less than 18% of TiO2, (provided that Nb2O5/TiO2 is over 0.6), 0.1 to 20% of Li2O, 0.1 to 15% of Na2O, and 0.1 to 25% of K2O, and having an Abbe's number νd of 20 to 30, a ΔPg,F of 0.016 or less and a liquidus temperature of 1,200° C. or lower.
US08476175B2 Glass strands and composites having an organic and/or inorganic matrix containing said strands
The invention relates to glass strands especially for the production of composites having an organic and/or inorganic matrix, the composition of which strands comprises the following constituents in the limits defined below, expressed as percentages by weight: SiO250-65% Al2O312-23% SiO2 + Al2O3  >79% CaO 1-10% MgO 6-12% Li2O 1-3%, preferably 1-2% BaO + SrO 0-3% B2O3 0-3% TiO2 0-3% Na2O + K2O  <2% F2 0-1% Fe2O3  <1%. These strands are made of a glass offering an excellent compromise between its mechanical properties, represented by the specific Young's modulus, and its melting and fiberizing conditions.
US08476169B2 Method of making strained silicon channel semiconductor structure
A method for fabricating a strained channel semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate, forming at least one gate structure on said substrate, performing an etching process to form two recesses in said substrate at opposites sides of said gate structure, the sidewall of said recess being concaved in the direction to said gate structure and forming an included angle with respect to horizontal plane, and performing a pre-bake process to modify the recess such that said included angle between the sidewall of said recess and the horizontal plane is increased.
US08476168B2 Non-conformal hardmask deposition for through silicon etch
The present invention provides a method to form deep features in a stacked semiconductor structure. Deposition of a non-conformal hardmask onto a patterned topography can form a hardmask to protect all but recessed areas with minimal integration steps. The invention enables etching deep features, even through multiple BEOL layers, without multiple additional process steps.
US08476166B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes: forming step of forming an etching mask on a second main face of a substrate, the etching mask being made of Cu or Cu alloy and having an opening, the second main face being on an opposite side of a first main face of the substrate where a nitride semiconductor layer is provided; a first etching step of applying a dry etching to the second main face of the substrate with use of the etching mask so that all of or a part of the nitride semiconductor layer is left; a removing step of removing the etching mask after the first etching step; and a second etching step of dry-etching the left nitride semiconductor layer after the removing step.
US08476165B2 Method for thinning a bonding wafer
A method is provided for thinning a wafer, for example a wafer containing Through Silicon Vias (TSV). The method includes providing a bonding wafer coupled to a handling wafer, and performing a wafer edge trimming process that forms a trimmed bonding wafer, where the wafer edge trimming process removes an edge portion of the bonding wafer and exposes an upper surface of the handling wafer. The method further includes forming a protective mask on the trimmed bonding wafer and on the exposed upper surface of the handling wafer, planarizing the protective mask and the trimmed bonding wafer, and selectively removing the planarized protective mask by an etching process. In one embodiment, the removing includes performing a first wet etching process that selectively removes a portion of the planarized trimmed bonding wafer relative to the planarized protective mask, and performing a second wet etching process that selectively removes the planarized protective mask.
US08476161B2 Method for forming Cu electrical interconnection film
Provided is a Cu electrical interconnection film forming method, wherein an adhesive layer (base film) having improved adhesiveness with a Cu electrical interconnection film is used, in a semiconductor device manufacturing process. After forming a barrier film on a substrate whereupon a hole or the like is formed, a PVD-Co film or a CVD-Co film or an ALD-Co film is formed on the barrier film. Then, after filling up or burying the hole or the like, which has the Co film formed on the surface, with a CVD-Cu film or a PVD-Cu film, heat treatment is performed at a temperature of 350° C. or below, and the Cu electrical interconnection film is formed.
US08476157B2 Buried bit line anti-fuse one-time-programmable nonvolatile memory
An anti-fuse one-time-programmable (OTP) nonvolatile memory cell has a P well substrate with two P.sup.−doped regions. Another N.sup.+doped region, functioning as a bit line, is positioned adjacent and between the two P.sup.−doped regions on the substrate. An anti-fuse is defined over the N.sup.+doped region. Two insulator regions are deposited over the two P.sup.−doped regions. An impurity doped polysilicon layer is defined over the two insulator regions and the anti-fuse. A polycide layer is defined over the impurity doped polysilicon layer. The polycide layer and the polysilicon layer function as a word line. A programmed region, i.e., a link, functioning as a diode, is formed on the anti-fuse after the anti-fuse OTP nonvolatile memory cell is programmed. The array structure of anti-fuse OTP nonvolatile memory cells and methods for programming, reading, and fabricating such a cell are also disclosed.
US08476156B1 Manufacturing method of flash memory structure with stress area
In a manufacturing method of a flash memory structure with a stress area, a better stress effect can be achieved by controlling the manufacturing process of a tunneling oxide layer formed in a gate structure and contacted with a silicon substrate, so that an L-shaped spacer (or a first stress area) and a contact etch stop layer (or a second stress area) of each L-shaped spacer are formed between two gate structures and aligned towards each other to enhance the carrier mobility of the gate structure, so as to achieve the effects of improving a read current, obtaining the required read current by using a lower read voltage, reducing the possibility of having a stress-induced leakage current, and enhancing the data preservation of the flash memory.
US08476155B1 Formation of a high-K crystalline dielectric composition
Provided are a method of forming a dielectric and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a preliminary dielectric including Hf, O and an “A” element on an underlying layer. The preliminary dielectric is formed in an amorphous structure or a mixed structure of an amorphous structure and an “M” crystalline structure. The “A” element about 1 at % to about 5 at % of the total content of the “A” element and Hf in the preliminary dielectric. Through a nitridation process, nitrogen is added to the preliminary dielectric. The nitrogen-containing dielectric is changed into a dielectric having a “T” crystalline structure through a phase transition process, wherein the “T” crystalline structure is different from the “M” crystalline structure. An upper layer is formed on the “T” crystalline dielectric.
US08476154B2 Method of making a charge trapping non-volatile semiconductor memory device
The present invention provides a charge trapping non-volatile semiconductor memory device and a method of making the device. The charge trapping non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a source region, a drain region, and, consecutively formed over the semiconductor substrate, a channel insulation layer, a charge trapping layer, a blocking insulation layer, and a gate electrode. The drain region includes a P-N junction, and the source region includes a metal-semiconductor junction formed between the semiconductor substrate and a metal including titanium, cobalt, nickel, platinum or one of their various combinations. The charge trapping non-volatile semiconductor memory device according to the present disclosure has low programming voltage, fast programming speed, low energy consumption, and relatively high device reliability.
US08476153B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes a semiconductor substrate is provided. The method includes: exposing a photoresist coated on the semiconductor substrate using a photomask including a plurality of regions having different light transmittances; developing the photoresist to form a resist pattern including a plurality of regions having different thicknesses that depend on an exposure amount of the photoresist; and implanting impurity ions into the semiconductor substrate through the plurality of regions of the resist pattern having different thicknesses to form a plurality of impurity regions whose depths from a surface of the semiconductor substrate to peak positions are different from each other. The depths to the peak positions depend on the thickness of the resist pattern through which the implanted impurity ions pass.
US08476148B2 Method for transferring a layer from a donor substrate onto a handle substrate
The invention relates to a method for transferring a layer from a donor substrate onto a handle substrate wherein, after detachment, the remainder of the donor substrate is reused. To get rid of undesired protruding edge regions which are due to the chamfered geometry of the substrates, the invention proposes to carry out an additional etching process before detachment occurs.
US08476143B2 Deep contacts of integrated electronic devices based on regions implanted through trenches
An embodiment of an integrated circuit includes first and second semiconductor layers and a contact region disposed in the second layer. The first semiconductor layer is of a first conductivity, and the second semiconductor layer is disposed over the first layer and has a surface. The contact region is contiguous with the surface, contacts the first layer, includes a first inner conductive portion, and includes an outer conductive portion of the first conductivity. The contact region may extend deeper than conventional contact regions, because where the inner conductive portion is formed from a trench, doping the outer conductive portion via the trench may allow one to implant the dopants more deeply than conventional techniques allow.
US08476139B2 High performance MOSFET
A semiconductor structure which exhibits high device performance and improved short channel effects is provided. In particular, a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOFET) is provided that includes a low dopant concentration within an inversion layer of the structure; the inversion layer is an epitaxial semiconductor layer that is formed atop a portion of the semiconductor substrate. The structure also includes a well region of a first conductivity type beneath the inversion layer, wherein the well region has a central portion and two horizontally abutting end portions. The central portion has a higher concentration of a first conductivity type dopant than the two horizontally abutting end portions.
US08476137B1 Methods of FinFET height control
Disclosed herein are methods for better variable height control of FinFET patterned fins. In one example, the method includes forming a layer on a substrate, patterning that layer to create trenches, and forming a common stack material in the trenches. Next, a pFET masking material is formed over a portion of the structure, and an nFET channel material is formed in the unmasked trenches. The pFET masking material is removed and an nFET masking material is formed over the portion of the structure that includes the nFET channel material, and a pFET channel material is formed in the unmasked trenches. Next, the unmasked patterned material is made flush with the pFET channel material, thereby creating a difference in height with the masked pattern material. Finally, the nFET masking material is removed and the patterned layer is recessed to expose pFET and nFET channel material fin structures of differing heights.
US08476130B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having a memory block and a logic block defined therein, forming a dummy gate pattern on the memory block; forming a first region of a first conductivity type at one side of the dummy gate pattern and a second region of a second conductivity type at the other side of the dummy gate pattern, and forming a nonvolatile memory device electrically connected to the first region.
US08476129B1 Method and structure of sensors and MEMS devices using vertical mounting with interconnections
A method and structure for fabricating sensor(s) or electronic device(s) using vertical mounting with interconnections. The method includes providing a resulting device including at least one sensor or electronic device, formed on a die member, having contact region(s) with one or more conductive materials formed thereon. The resulting device can then be singulated within a vicinity of the contact region(s) to form one or more singulated dies, each having a singulated surface region. The singulated die(s) can be coupled to a substrate member, having a first surface region, such that the singulated surface region(s) of the singulated die(s) are coupled to a portion of the first surface region. Interconnections can be formed between the die(s) and the substrate member with conductive adhesives, solder processes, or other conductive bonding processes.
US08476127B2 Integrated lateral high voltage MOSFET
An integrated circuit containing a dual drift layer extended drain MOS transistor with an upper drift layer contacting a lower drift layer along at least 75 percent of a common length of the two drift layers. An average doping density in the lower drift layer is between 2 and 10 times an average doping density in the upper drift layer. A process of forming an integrated circuit containing a dual drift layer extended drain MOS transistor with a lower drift extension under the body region and an isolation link which electrically isolates the body region, using an epitaxial process. A process of forming an integrated circuit containing a dual drift layer extended drain MOS transistor with a lower drift extension under the body region and an isolation link which electrically isolates the body region, on a monolithic substrate.
US08476126B2 Gate stack for high-K/metal gate last process
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit device is disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a substrate; forming a high-k dielectric layer over the substrate; forming a first capping layer over the high-k dielectric layer; forming a second capping layer over the first capping layer; forming a dummy gate layer over the second capping layer; performing a patterning process to form a gate stack including the high-k dielectric layer, first and second capping layers, and dummy gate layer; removing the dummy gate layer from the gate stack, thereby forming an opening that exposes the second capping layer; and filling the opening with a first metal layer over the exposed second capping layer and a second metal layer over the first metal layer, wherein the first metal layer is different from the second metal layer and has a work function suitable to the semiconductor device.
US08476125B2 Fabrication technique for high frequency, high power group III nitride electronic devices
Fabrication methods of a high frequency (sub-micron gate length) operation of AlInGaN/InGaN/GaN MOS-DHFET, and the HFET device resulting from the fabrication methods, are generally disclosed. The method of forming the HFET device generally includes a novel double-recess etching and a pulsed deposition of an ultra-thin, high-quality silicon dioxide layer as the active gate-insulator. The methods of the present invention can be utilized to form any suitable field effect transistor (FET), and are particular suited for forming high electron mobility transistors (HEMT).
US08476124B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The method of manufacturing the semiconductor device includes amorphizing a first region and a second region of a semiconductor substrate by an ion implantation, implanting a first impurity and a second impurity respectively in the first region and the second region, activating the implanted impurities to form a first impurity layer and a second impurity layer, epitaxially growing a semiconductor layer above the semiconductor substrate with the impurity layers formed on, growing a gate insulating film above the first region and the second region, and forming a first gate electrode above the gate insulating film in the first region and the second gate electrode above the gate insulating film in the second region.
US08476122B2 Etching method and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device with high electric characteristics is provided. Part of a stacked semiconductor film in which an amorphous semiconductor film is provided on a crystalline semiconductor film is etched using a mixed gas including an HBr gas, a CF4 gas, and an oxygen gas, so that part of the crystalline semiconductor film provided in the stacked semiconductor film is exposed. Etching for forming a back channel portion of a thin film transistor is performed with the method for etching, whereby high electric characteristics can be provided for the thin film transistor.
US08476119B2 Encapsulation methods and dielectric layers for organic electrical devices
The disclosure provides methods and materials suitable for use as encapsulation barriers and dielectric layers in electronic devices. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided an electroluminescent device or other electronic device with a dielectric layer comprising alternating layers of a silicon-containing bonding material and a ceramic material. The methods provide, for example, electronic devices with increased stability and shelf-life. The invention is useful, for example, in the field of microelectronic devices.
US08476118B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication mehtod of the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device and a fabrication method of the semiconductor device, the semiconductor device including: a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode which are placed on a first surface of a substrate, and have a plurality of fingers; a gate terminal electrode, a source terminal electrode, and the drain terminal electrode which governed and formed a plurality of fingers for every the gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode; an active area placed on an underneath part of the gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode, on the substrate between the gate electrode and source electrode, and on the substrate between the gate electrode and the drain electrode; a sealing layer which is placed on the active area, the gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode through a cavity part, and performs a hermetic seal of the active area, the gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode. Accordingly, the semiconductor element itself can have air-tightness, it is not necessary to cover the gate electrode surface with a damp-proof protective film, gate capacitance of the semiconductor element is reduced, and high frequency characteristics and gain of the semiconductor element improve.
US08476116B2 Reduction of etch microloading for through silicon vias
A method of making a support structure is provided. The method includes depositing a photoresist layer on a substrate of the support structure and patterning the photoresist layer. The method further includes etching the patterned photoresist layer. Etching the patterned photoresist includes forming a first group of through silicon vias (TSVs) configured to electrically connect a first surface of the substrate to a first electrical interface adjacent an opposite second surface of the substrate. Etching the patterned photoresist further includes forming a second group of TSVs configured to conduct thermal energy from the first surface of the substrate to a thermal interface adjacent the second surface of the substrate. A difference in cross-sectional area between TSVs in the first group of TSVs and TSVs in the second group of TSVs is less than 10%, and the first electrical interface is separated from the thermal interface.
US08476113B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
When chip-scale molding system is employed for QFP, the number of semiconductor devices available from a leadframe decreases because cavities each requires a runner portion. This problem can be overcome by employing MAP system, but use of a laminate tape increases the production cost. In through mold system, each cavity needs an ejector pin, which however makes it difficult to place a support pillar. The present application provides a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device by filling, while sandwiching a leadframe between mold dies having a matrix-state cavity group in which cavity columns obtained by linking mold cavities in series via a through gate have been placed in rows, a sealing resin in the cavities. In this method, the matrix-state cavity group has, at the cavity corner portions thereof, a support pillar having a cross-section striding over all the cavities adjacent to the cavity corner portions when viewed planarly.
US08476112B2 Optimized semiconductor packaging in a three-dimensional stack
A mechanism is provided for optimizing semiconductor packing in a three-dimensional (3D) very-large-scale integration (VLSI) device. The 3D VLSI device comprises a processor layer coupled, via a first set of coupling devices, to at least one signaling and input/output (I/O) layer. The 3D VLSI device further comprises a power delivery layer coupled, via a second set of coupling devices, to the processor layer. In the 3D VLSI device the power delivery layer is dedicated to only delivering power and does not provide data communication signals to the elements of the three-dimensional VLSI device, and the at least one signaling and input/output (I/O) layer is dedicated to only transmitting the data communication signals to and receiving the data communications signals from the processor layer and does not provide power to the elements of the processor layer.
US08476110B2 Method of manufacturing storage apparatus
A storage apparatus including a circuit board, a control circuit element, a terminal module and a storage circuit element is provided. The circuit board includes a first surface, a second surface, a connect part, openings, metal contacts and metal units. The openings pass through the circuit board from the first surface to the second surface and the metal contacts are exposed on the first surface. The terminal module is disposed on the first surface and has elastic terminals and each of the elastic terminals has a first contact part and a second contact part. The first contact parts respectively contact with the metal contacts and the second contact parts respectively pass through the openings to protrude from the second surface. The metal units are disposed on the second surface and located between the openings and the connect part. Accordingly, the volume of the storage apparatus can be reduced.
US08476107B2 Methods for forming resistive switching memory elements
Resistive switching memory elements are provided that may contain electroless metal electrodes and metal oxides formed from electroless metal. The resistive switching memory elements may exhibit bistability and may be used in high-density multi-layer memory integrated circuits. Electroless conductive materials such as nickel-based materials may be selectively deposited on a conductor on a silicon wafer or other suitable substrate. The electroless conductive materials can be oxidized to form a metal oxide for a resistive switching memory element. Multiple layers of conductive materials can be deposited each of which has a different oxidation rate. The differential oxidization rates of the conductive layers can be exploited to ensure that metal oxide layers of desired thicknesses are formed during fabrication.
US08476106B2 Transparent nonvolatile memory thin film transistor and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a transparent nonvolatile memory thin film transistor (TFT) and a method of manufacturing the same. The memory TFT includes source and drain electrodes disposed on a transparent substrate. A transparent semiconductor thin layer is disposed on the source and drain electrodes and the transparent substrate interposed between the source and drain electrodes. An organic ferroelectric thin layer is disposed on the transparent semiconductor thin layer. A gate electrode is disposed on the organic ferroelectric thin layer in alignment with the transparent semiconductor thin layer. Thus, the transparent nonvolatile memory TFT employs the organic ferroelectric thin layer, the oxide semiconductor thin layer, and auxiliary insulating layers disposed above and below the organic ferroelectric thin layer, thereby enabling low-cost manufacture of a transparent nonvolatile memory device capable of a low-temperature process.
US08476105B2 Method of making a transparent conductive oxide layer and a photovoltaic device
In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided. The method includes disposing a substantially amorphous cadmium tin oxide layer on a support; and thermally processing the substantially amorphous cadmium tin oxide layer in an atmosphere substantially free of cadmium from an external source to form a transparent layer, wherein the transparent layer has an electrical resistivity less than about 2×10−4 Ohm-cm. Method of making a photovoltaic device is also provided.
US08476102B2 Solid state image pickup device and method for manufacturing solid state image pickup device
A method for manufacturing a solid state image pickup device including a first active region provided with a first conversion unit, a second active region provided with a second conversion unit, and a third active region adjoining the first and the second active regions with a field region therebetween and being provided with a pixel transistor, the method including the steps of ion-implanting first conductivity type impurity ions to form a semiconductor region serving as a potential barrier against the signal carriers at a predetermined depth in the third active region and ion-implanting second conductivity type impurity ions into the third active region with energy lower than the above-described ion-implantation energy.
US08476096B2 Packaging for micro electro-mechanical systems and methods of fabricating thereof
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for producing micro electro-mechanical device packages. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, includes a micro electro-mechanical device formed on a substrate layer; and a thermally decomposable sacrificial structure protecting at least a portion of the micro electro-mechanical device, where the sacrificial structure is formed on the substrate layer and surrounds a gas cavity enclosing an active surface of the micro electro-mechanical device. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US08476087B2 Methods for fabricating sensor device package using a sealing structure
Fabrication methods are provided for a sensor device packages. An exemplary fabrication method involves bonding a sensor structure and another structure using a sealing structure. The sealing structure surrounds a diaphragm region of the sensor structure and provides an airtight seal between the sensor structure and the other structure to establish a fixed reference pressure on one side of the diaphragm region.
US08476084B1 Method and structure of sensors or electronic devices using vertical mounting
A method and structure for fabricating sensor(s) or electronic device(s) using vertical mounting is presented. The method includes providing a substrate having a surface region and forming sensor(s) or electronic device(s) on a first region overlying the surface region. At least one bond pad structure can be formed from at least one trench structure. The resulting device can then be singulated within a vicinity of the bond pad structure(s) to form at least one integrated sensor or electronic devices having at least one vertical bond pad. At least one singulated device(s) can be coupled to a package, having a package surface region, such that the vertical bond pad(s) are configured horizontally, and at least one interconnection can be formed between the vertical bond pad(s) and at least one portion of the package surface region.
US08476083B1 Spectro-temporal optical encoding of information using a time-gated fluorescence resonance transfer (FRET)
Described herein is a time-gated, two-step FRET relay effective to provide temporal transference of a prompt FRET pathway, or provide spectro-temporal encoding analytical signals and other information. A FRET relay assembly includes a long lifetime FRET donor (for example, a lanthanide complex), a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) configured as an intermediate acceptor/donor in FRET, and a fluorescent dye configured as a terminal FRET acceptor, wherein the long lifetime FRET donor has an excited state lifetime of at least one microsecond and the QD and fluorescent dye each have excited state lifetimes of less than 100 nanoseconds.
US08476082B2 Device for detection of target molecules and uses thereof
Devices and methods for the detection of target molecules are disclosed. Devices and methods for detecting food-borne target molecules are also disclosed.
US08476076B2 Chromatography of polyolefin polymers
A method and apparatus for chromatography of a polyolefin polymer by flowing a solution of the polyolefin polymer through liquid flowing through a graphitic carbon liquid chromatography stationary phase. The method can be used to determine the monomer to comonomer ratio of a polyolefin copolymer such as a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene or a copolymer of propylene and ethylene.
US08476074B1 Specific gene polymorphisms in breast cancer diagnosis, prevention and treatment
A method for detecting a predisposition to breast cancer in a subject is provided. The method includes detecting in a biological sample from the subject one or more polymorphisms in the sequence of CD44 gene. The presence of one or more polymorphisms in the sequence of CD44 gene indicates that the subject has a predisposition for developing breast cancer.
US08476072B2 Meganuclease recombination system
The invention relates to a set of genetic constructs which allow the efficient and reproducible introduction of a specific nucleotide sequence at a fixed position in the genome by generating a double strand break at a specific position in the genome using a meganuclease and so stimulating a homologous recombination event at this locus between the genomic site and a transfected donor sequence. The present invention also relates to methods using these constructs and to these materials in the form of a kit.
US08476071B2 Methods and compositions for stem cell self-renewal
The present invention relates to methods for expanding a stem cell population. More particularly, the invention relates, inter alia, to methods and compositions for expanding a stem cell population, particularly a hematopoietic stem cell population.
US08476068B2 Cells useful for immuno-based botulinum toxin serotype A activity assays
The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.
US08476067B2 Photobioreactor and method for processing polluted air
A photobioreactor (100) for use in treating polluted air and producing biomass may comprise, at least in part, a generally vertical tube or fluidic pathway (102), a generally vertical helical tube or fluidic pathway (104) having a light source (106) partially positioned within the helical fluidic pathway (104), a head cap assembly (108), and a base assembly (110). In one illustrative example, the light source (106) may be a light emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). By one approach, a gas diffusion apparatus (112) is located at the base assembly (110) adjacent the generally vertical fluidic pathway (102).
US08476066B2 Bacteria analyzer, bacteria analyzing method and computer program product
The present invention is to present a bacteria analyzer comprising: a detector comprising: a light source for irradiating light on a measurement sample prepared from a specimen and a reagent; and a light receiving unit for receiving light generated by irradiating the light on the measurement sample from the light source; a scattergram data acquirer for acquiring scattergram data for generating a scattergram having information related to size of the bacteria contained in the specimen and fluorescence information generated by the bacteria as parameters; a bacteria number acquirer for acquiring number of bacteria contained in a plurality of regions on the scattergram for each region; and a form determiner for determining a form of the bacteria contained in the specimen.
US08476065B2 Device for measuring nanometer level pattern-dependent binding reactions
The present invention is directed to a device comprising (a) a substrate having a surface and (b) an ordered array of posts over the surface, wherein the posts are capable of binding a protein or small molecule ligand, and wherein the pitch between adjacent posts is less than about 100 nm. The invention is also directed to methods for identifying the presence of an analyte in a fluid and to methods for measuring relative binding specificity or affinity between an analyte in a fluid and the posts, using the device of the present invention.
US08476060B2 Process for separating lipids from a biomass
A novel low cost separation process for separating lipid oil from an algal biomass for biofuel production is described herein. The process of the present invention comprises of two steps: (i) breaking the algae cells and (ii) separation of the lipid oils from the broken cells. The separated lipids are extracted by conventional techniques followed by conversion to a biofuel.
US08476055B2 Method for preparing metal nanoparticle using metal binding protein
The present invention relates to a method of preparing heavy metal nanoparticles using a heavy metal-binding protein. More specifically, relates to a method for preparing heavy metal structures, comprising the steps of: culturing a microorganism transformed with a gene encoding a heavy metal-binding protein, in a heavy metal ion-containing medium, to produce heavy metal structures in the microorganism; and collecting the produced heavy metal structures, as well as nanoparticles of heavy metal structures prepared according to said method. Unlike prior methods of preparing quantum dots by physically binding metal materials, the quantum dots disclosed herein can be efficiently produced by expressing the heavy metal-binding protein in cells. In addition, the quantum dots are useful because they can solve an optical stability problem that is the shortcoming of organic fluorophores.
US08476051B2 Thermostable alcohol dehydrogenase derived from Thermococcus guaymasensis
An alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus guaymasensis was purified to homogeneity and was found to be a homotetramer with a subunit size of 40±1 kDa. The gene encoding the enzyme was cloned and sequenced, and found to have significant sequence homology to known zinc-containing ADHs and L-threonine dehydrogenases with both binding motifs of catalytic zinc and NADP+. The wild-type enzyme is a primary-secondary ADH that exhibits a substrate preference for secondary alcohols and corresponding ketones, and exhibits unusual stereoselectivity. The wild-type enzyme was found to have outstanding thermostability, demonstrating 60% activity after incubation at 80° C. for 40 hours. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to substitute the cyteine residue at position 56 with a serine, to provide the TgADH(C56S) mutant. In the assays that we carried out, we found virtually no difference in enzyme activity and oxygen-sensitivity between the mutant TgADH (C56S) and wild type TgADH.
US08476049B2 Conversion of prenyl derivatives to isoprene
The present invention provides methods for producing derivatives from cultured cells. In addition, the present invention provides methods for conversion of prenyl deerivatives, obtained from biological or petrochemical sources, to isoprene by employing chemical or biological catalysts. The present invention also provides compositions that include the cultured cells or isoprene or prenyl derivatives produced there from.
US08476044B2 Method of nucleic acid amplification
A nucleic acid molecule can be annealed to an appropriate immobilized primer. The primer can then be extended and the molecule and the primer can be separated from one another. The extended primer can then be annealed to another immobilized primer and the other primer can be extended. Both extended primers can then be separated from one another and can be used to provided further extended primers. The process can be repeated to provide amplified, immobilized nucleic acid molecules. These can be used for many different purposes, including sequencing, screening, diagnosis, in situ nucleic acid synthesis, monitoring gene expression, nucleic acid fingerprinting, etc.
US08476038B1 Method for determining capability of a compound for inhibiting a receptor using codon-optimized nucleic acid
A method for determining a capability of a compound for inhibiting a receptor through a change of intracellular calcium ion when the receptor is activated is provided. Contacting a host cell genetically engineered to express an apo-clytin-II protein generated from a codon-optimized nucleic acid with a test compound, and then determining an amount of light generated. The intracellular calcium ion can be detected much more easily.
US08476036B2 Nonluminogenic assay for living cells
A method to detect the presence or amount of at least one molecule for an enzyme-mediated reaction in a multiplex luminogenic/nonluminogenic assay is provided.
US08476035B2 Agent that modulates physiological condition of pests, involved in insect choline acetyltransferase activity
The present invention provides an agent that modulates physiological condition of pests, wherein the agent has an ability to modulate the activity of an insect choline acetyltransferase; a method for assaying pesticidal activity of a test substance, which comprises measuring the activity of a choline acetyltransferase in a reaction system in which the choline acetyltransferase contacts with a test substance, and the like.
US08476030B2 Agents and methods related to reducing resistance to apoptosis-inducing death receptor agonists
Provided herein is a method of reversing or preventing a target cell's resistance to a death receptor agonist. Also provided are methods of screening for biomarkers resistance of and monitoring resistance to death receptor agonists. Also provided are methods of selectively inducing apoptosis in a target cell, treating a subject with cancer, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, comprising administering compositions provided herein. Further provided are compositions comprising agents that modulate CARD containing proteins.
US08476028B2 Sepsis test
There is provided a method for determining whether a subject has a bacterial infection comprising: identifying an abnormal expression of one or more of CD49e, CD 14, CD11c, CD49f, and CD29 on leucocytes in a sample obtained from the subject; wherein an abnormal expression of CD49e, CD 14, CD11c, CD49f or CD29 is indicative of the subject having a bacterial infection.
US08476027B2 Detection of cannabis use
A binding partner, especially an antibody fragment that specifically recognizes an antigen-antibody immune complex between anti-THC and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is disclosed. The binding partner facilitates a non-competitive homogenous immunoassay for detection of cannabis use. A test kit comprising the binding partner is also described. Preferably the immunoassay is applied for roadside testing of saliva from suspected drivers.
US08476025B2 ATM-dependent phosphorylation of Sp1 is involved in the cellular response to DNA damage and enhances cellular survival after DNA damage
The present invention is related to the discovery that phosphorylation of SP1 (SEQ ID NO.: 2) at serine residue 101 (known herein as phosphoserine101 Sp1) is an important part of a cell's response to DNA damage. This phosphorylation event is important for subsequent Sp1 localization to a site of DNA damage and is correlated with increased cellular viability in response to DNA damage.
US08476021B2 Soybean event 3560.4.3.5 and compositions and methods for the identification and detection thereof
Compositions and methods related to transgenic glyphosate/ALS inhibitor-tolerant soybean plants are provided. Specifically, soybean plants having a 3560.4.3.5 event which imparts tolerance to glyphosate and at least one ALS-inhibiting herbicide are provided. The soybean plant harboring the 3560.4.3.5 event at the recited chromosomal location comprises genomic/transgene junctions having at least the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:10 and/or 11. The characterization of the genomic insertion site of the 3560.4.3.5 event provides for an enhanced breeding efficiency and enables the use of molecular markers to track the transgene insert in the breeding populations and progeny thereof. Various methods and compositions for the identification, detection, and use of the soybean 3560.4.3.5 events are provided.
US08476018B2 Methods and compositions for tagging and identifying polynucleotides
The invention provides methods and compositions for attaching oligonucleotide tags to polynucleotides for the purpose of carrying out analytical assays in parallel and for decoding the oligonucleotide tags of polynucleotides selected in such assays. Words, or subunits, of oligonucleotide tags index submixtures in successively more complex sets of submixtures (referred to herein as “tiers” of submixtures) that a polynucleotide goes through while successive words are added to a growing tag. By identifying each word of an oligonucleotide tag, a series of submixtures is identified including the first submixture that contains only a single polynucleotide, thereby providing the identity of the selected polynucleotide. The analysis of the words of an oligonucleotide tag can be carried out in parallel, e.g. by specific hybridization of the oligonucleotide tag to its tag complement on an addressable array; or such analysis can be carried out serially by successive specific hybridizations of labeled word complements, or the like.
US08476017B2 Microvesicle-based compositions and methods
Methods and compositions for diagnosis and/or analysis of a condition in a mammal are disclosed in which RNA from microvesicles is enriched and differentiated to so obtain a result that is indicative of the condition of tissue or organ from which the microvesicle originated. In especially preferred embodiments, the condition is a neoplastic disease of a human and can be identified and staged by differential analysis of one or more distinct RNAs, optionally together with identification and analysis of a non-RNA component of the microvesicle.
US08476016B2 Databases for rRNA gene profiling of microbial communities
The present invention relates to methods for performing surveys of the genetic diversity of a population. The invention also relates to methods for performing genetic analyses of a population. The invention further relates to methods for the creation of databases comprising the survey information and the databases created by these methods. The invention also relates to methods for analyzing the information to correlate the presence of nucleic acid markers with desired parameters in a sample. These methods have application in the fields of geochemical exploration, agriculture, bioremediation, environmental analysis, clinical microbiology, forensic science and medicine.
US08476008B2 Methods for detecting pre-diabetes and diabetes
Non-invasive methods are provided herein for the diagnosis of pre-diabetes and diabetes using biomarkers identified in a biological fluid, such as saliva. These biomarkers can be identified using proteomic methods, including but not limited to antibody based methods, such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), a radioimmunoassay (RIA), or a lateral flow immunoassay.
US08476007B2 Optical fiber probe
A biosensor having an optical fiber having at least one curved portion configured to enhance penetration of evanescent waves; and one or more nanoparticles associated with the optical fiber, and configured to enhance localized surface plasmon resonance.
US08476006B2 Store-operated calcium cellular assay
The present technology provides a cell based assay for identifying compounds that modulate store-operated ionic calcium levels using itpr mutant cell lines, such as itpr-ku cells, which have abnormal ionic calcium levels.
US08475994B2 Toner compositions
A toner having charge control agents which impart excellent triboelectric charging characteristics. In embodiments, the toner particles are washed with a solution containing metal ions that impart desirable charging characteristics to the toner particles.
US08475990B2 Image forming method and method of suppressing fogging in an image forming apparatus
An image forming method includes using a charging device to charge a surface of a monolayer-type electrophotographic photoconductor that contains a specific amine compound, setting a projection area of the charging device per time relative to the photo sensitive layer surface of the electrophotographic photoconductor to be S (cm2), applying a current value to the charging device to be ICC (μA) and setting an inflow current value represented by ICC/S (μA/cm2) to a value within the range of from 5 to 25 μA/cm2.
US08475985B2 Magnetic compositions
Compositions including carbon nanofoam are suitable for printing and magnetic ink.
US08475984B1 Image holding member for image forming apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An image holding member for an image forming apparatus includes a support and a photosensitive layer disposed on the support and containing a compound represented by following formula (I), wherein R1s each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; Ar's each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon group having two aromatic rings, a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent condensed aromatic hydrocarbon group having two or three aromatic rings, or a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group; and n's each independently represent a number of from 0 to 7.
US08475982B2 Charge-transporting compound, electrophotographic photoreceptor, image-forming apparatus, and process cartridge
An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising: a conductive support; and a photosensitive layer, wherein the photosensitive layer comprises a functional layer that comprises at least one of a first compound represented by formula (I); and a second compound derived from the first compound: wherein F represents a hole-transporting, n-valent organic group; R independently represents an organic group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; T represents a divalent group; m indicates 0 or 1; and n indicates an integer of from 1 to 4.
US08475981B2 Image holding member for image forming apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An image holding member for an image forming apparatus is disclosed which the image holding member includes a support and a photosensitive layer disposed on or above the support, the photosensitive layer including a compound including a partial structure represented by the following Formula (A), wherein Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 10 aromatic rings, a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent condensed aromatic hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 10 aromatic rings, or a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group; q represents 0 or 1; and Each n each independently represent an integer of from 0 to 7.
US08475979B2 Method of manufacturing color filter substrate
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a color filter substrate, comprising: forming a black matrix on a base substrate; and forming color filter patterns having at least two colors on the base substrate on which the black matrix is formed, wherein forming a color filter pattern having one color of the at least two colors, comprising: forming a color filter resin layer having the one color on the base substrate on which the black matrix is formed; radiating the color filter resin layer from a side of the base substrate which is opposite to a side on which the black matrix is formed by using a mask to expose the color filter resin layer so as to form the color filter pattern, wherein light transmitting regions of the mask at least correspond to the color filter pattern to be formed.
US08475978B2 Photomask blank and making method, photomask, light pattern exposure method, and design method of transition metal/silicon base material film
A photomask blank has a film of a transition metal/silicon base material comprising a transition metal, silicon, oxygen and nitrogen, having an oxygen content of at least 3 atom %, and satisfying the formula: 4×CSi/100−6×CM/100>1 wherein CSi is a silicon content in atom % and CM is a transition metal content in atom %.
US08475977B2 Protective cap for extreme ultraviolet lithography masks
An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography mask is provided. The EUV lithography mask includes a reflective layer and an absorptive layer deposited over the reflective layer. The absorptive layer is patterned so as to define absorptive regions of the mask for absorbing EUV radiation and reflective regions of the mask for reflecting EUV radiation. The EUV lithography mask further includes a protective capping layer which is deposited over both the absorptive regions and the reflective regions of the mask.
US08475976B2 Method of fabricating integrated circuit using alternating phase-shift mask and phase-shift trim mask
An integrated circuit is fabricated using photolithography by selectively exposing a photoresist layer to pattern a coarse line region of a wafer layer using a trim mask, and to pattern a fine line region of the wafer layer using an alternating phase-shift mask. The trim mask includes transparent, attenuated phase-shift and opaque regions. The phase-shifted attenuated light region patterns the coarse line region and the opaque region keeps light from exposing the fine line region. The alternating phase-shift mask patterns only the fine line region and includes one or more alternating phase-shift regions that each overlaps at least a portion of the opaque region but does not overlap the attenuated phase-shift region. The alternating phase-shift mask may be used to pattern the trim mask.
US08475969B2 High power density, ultra-light power generator
High power density generators are formed with a flexible multi-layered structure. The structure includes a fuel layer with a separate fuel cell stack adjacent to each side of the fuel layer. The structure can be flexible and formed into a variety of shapes.
US08475968B2 Direct liquid fuel cell having hydrazine or derivatives thereof as fuel
A fueled cell system comprising: an anode compartment comprising a compound having the formula R1R2N—NR3R4, a salt, a hydrate or a solvate thereof, as fuel, and a catalyst layer which comprises copper or a copper alloy; a cathode compartment comprising an oxidant; and a separator interposed between said cathode and said anode compartments, wherein each of R1-R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalicyclic, alkoxy, carboxy, ketone, amide, hydrazide and amine, provided that at least one of R1-R4 is hydrogen.
US08475962B2 Composition for manufacture of electrodes and electrodes and batteries resulting therefrom
Composition for the manufacture of composite electrodes usable in electrochemical devices and comprising at least: (i) one lithium insertion material; (ii) one electronic conducting material; (iii) one amino-functional cationic polyelectrolyte; (iv) water.
US08475961B2 High performance energy storage and collection devices containing exfoliated microtubules and spatially controlled attached nanoscale particles and layers
The present disclosure relates to energy storage or collection devices and methods for making such devices having electrode materials containing exfoliated nanotubes with attached electro- or photoactive nanoscale particles or layers.The exfoliated nanotubes and attached nanoscale particles or layers may be easily fabricated by methods such as coating, solution or casting or melt extrusion to form electrodes. Electrolytes may also be used for dispersing nanotubes and also in a polymeric form to allow melt fabrication methods.
US08475955B2 Thin film battery with electrical connector connecting battery cells
A thin film battery comprises a substrate having a surface, and a plurality of battery cells on the substrate surface. Each battery cell comprises an electrolyte having opposing surfaces, and a plurality of conductors in electrical contact with at least one of the opposing surfaces of the electrolyte, the plurality of conductors including a first conductor in electrical contact with a surface of the electrolyte and a second conductor in electrical contact with the opposing surface of the electrolyte. At least one electrical connector strip connects a conductor of a first battery cell to a conductor of a second battery cell to electrically couple the first and second battery cells to one another.
US08475950B2 Secondary battery
There is provided a secondary battery enabling an electrode terminal to be deformed in an internal direction of a can by preventing the upper plate of the can from being deformed in an internal direction of the can when a compression is applied in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, a secondary battery includes a can having one opened portion to accommodate an electrode assembly. An upper plate is positioned at the opened portion of the can and has a pair of short side portions and a pair of long side portions connected both sides of the short side portions. In the secondary battery, a short circuit preventing portion formed thinner than other regions while crossing between the long side portions is further formed at a central portion of the bottom surface of the upper plate. Accordingly, the stability of the secondary battery can be improved.
US08475946B1 Ceramic article and method of manufacture
The present invention includes a method of preparing a ceramic precursor article, the ceramic precursor made thereby, a method of making a ceramic article and an article made by that method. It also includes a method of replicating a ceramic shape.
US08475944B2 Coated ceramic cutting insert and method for making the same
A coated ceramic cutting insert for removing material from a workpiece, as well as a method for making the same, that includes a ceramic substrate with a rake surface and at least one flank surface wherein a cutting edge is at the juncture therebetween. A wear-resistant coating scheme that includes an alumina-containing base coating layer region, which has at least one exposed alumina coating layer, deposited by chemical vapor deposition on the substantially all of the surfaces of the ceramic substrate that experience wear during removal of material from the workpiece. The exposed alumina coating layer exhibits a blasted stress condition ranging between about 50 MPa (tensile stress) and about −2 GPa (compressive) as measured by XRD using the Psi tilt method and the (024) reflection of alumina. The exposed alumina coating layer is the result of wet blasting a titanium-containing outer coating layer region from the surface of the alumina-containing base coating layer region.
US08475943B2 Coated article having yttrium-containing coatings applied by physical vapor deposition and method for making the same
A coated article has a substrate and a coating scheme, which has a PVD coating region. The PVD coating region contains aluminum, yttrium, nitrogen and at least one element selected from the group of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten and silicon. The sum of the aluminum and yttrium contents is between about 3 atomic percent and about 55 atomic percent of the sum of aluminum, yttrium and the other elements. The yttrium content is between about 0.5 atomic percent and about 5 atomic percent of the sum of aluminum, yttrium and the other elements. There is also a method of making the coated article that includes steps of providing the substrate and depositing the above coating scheme with the PVD coating region.
US08475941B2 Hard film, plastic working die, plastic working method, and target for hard film
There is provided a hard film excellent in wear resistance. The hard film in accordance with the present invention includes (TiaCrbAlcLd)(BxCyNz) in terms of composition, in which the L is at least one of Si and Y, and the a, b, c, d, x, y, and z each denote the atomic ratio, and satisfy: 0.1≦a<0.3; 0.3
US08475939B2 m-terphenyl compound derivatives and application for organic light emitting diode
An m-terphenyl derivative has a structure of formula (I) or (II): wherein A and B are five-membered heterocyclic compounds selected from the group consisting of pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 1,2,3,4-tetrazole, 1,2-thiazole, 1,3-thiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole, each of substituents R, R1 and R2 is a member independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, cyano, trifluoromethyl, amino, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkenyl, C1-C20 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C20 heterocycloalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl. The compound of the present invention may have advantages in good electron affinity, low HOMO and thereby achieving hole blocking and may be used for electron transport material and/or electron injection material.
US08475938B2 Organic electroluminescent element, lighting device and display device
Disclosed is an organic EL device element having high external quantum efficiency and long life time. A lighting device and a display device each using the organic EL device element are also disclosed. The organic EL element comprises plural organic compound layers including a light-emitting layer and at least one hole transport layer, interposed between an anode and a cathode, and a phosphorescent light-emitting compound contained in the light-emitting layer emits light. The organic EL device is characterized in that at least one hole-transport layer contains two or more polymerizable compounds represented by general Formula (1) or two or more polymer compounds having a structural unit derived from a compound.In the Formula (1) L1 represents a divalent bonding group, Ar1 through Ar4 represent an aromatic group, provided that at least one of Ar1 through Ar4 represents a polymerizable group as a substituent.
US08475937B2 Silicone composition and organic light-emitting diode
A silicone composition comprising (A) a hydrolysis product prepared by reacting at least one thiophenyl-substituted silane and a cross-linking agent with water in the presence of an organic solvent to form an organic phase containing the hydrolysis product and an aqueous phase, and separating the organic phase from the aqueous phase, and (B) an organic solvent; and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) containing a hole-transport/hole-injection layer comprising a cured polysiloxane prepared by applying the aforementioned silicone composition to form a film and curing the film.
US08475936B2 Organic compound and organic electroluminescence device employing the same
Organic compounds and organic electroluminescence devices employing the same are provided. The organic compound has a chemical structure represented as follows: wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are each independently an H, C1-8 alkyl group, C1-8 alkoxy group, C1-8 halo-alkyl group, aryl group, heteroaryl group, cycloalkyl group, hetero-cycloalkyl group, or cycloaliphatic group; Z is independently and R8 and R9 are each independent an aryl group, heteroaryl group, cycloalkyl group, hetero-cycloalkyl, or cycloaliphatic group.
US08475928B2 Rock sheet and plate mix based on volcanic rock particles useful for building and decoration
The present invention relates to a mix to manufacture a rock sheet on a solid base useful for decorating purposes. The mix includes a binding composition of an agglutinating agent comprising volcanic rock particles having a particle size of 1 to 5 microns and a polymer mixture in a combined amount sufficient to act as a binder for other components of the laminate; a silicate compound in an amount sufficient to stabilize the composition; and water in an amount to moisten and fluidize the composition. The mix can contain other components for forming laminates or shapes, and can be formed as or on a plate useful for building and decorating buildings made-up by a rock sheet manufactured with the aforementioned mix and a solid base. The methods for preparing the aforementioned mix and plates useful for the construction and decoration of construction surfaces are also disclosed.
US08475925B2 PBI/epoxy coatings
A coating is a mixture of polybenzimidazole polymer and an epoxy. The coating may further include a primer underlying the coating. The coating may further include an adhesion promoter. A solution includes a polybenzimidazole polymer, an epoxy resin, an initiator, and a carrier solvent. The solution may further include a stabilizer and/or an adhesion promoter.
US08475924B2 Compositions and methods for creating electronic circuitry
The present invention is directed to non-lithographic patterning by laser (or similar-type energy beam) ablation, where the ablation system ultimately results in circuitry features that are relative free from debris induced over-plating defects (debris relating to the ablation process) and fully additive plating induced over-plating defects. Compositions of the invention include a circuit board precursor having an insulating substrate and a cover layer. The insulating substrate is made from a dielectric material and also a metal oxide activatable filler. The cover layer can be sacrificial or non-sacrificial and is used to remediate unwanted debris arising from the ablation process.
US08475922B2 Nanoparticle composite material and antenna device and electromagnetic wave absorber using the same
According to one embodiment, there is provided a nanoparticle composite material, including nanoparticle aggregates in a shape having an average height of 20 nm or more and 2 μm or less and having an average aspect ratio of 5 or more, the nanoparticle aggregates including metal nanoparticles having an average diameter of 1 nm or more and 20 nm or less and containing at least one magnetic metals selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Ni and binder existing between the nanoparticle aggregates.
US08475920B2 Cable with environmental stress cracking resistance
Cable including at least one core comprising at least one transmissive element and at least one coating layer made of a coating material, wherein said coating material comprises: —at least one polyethylene; —at least one non-ionic surfactant having the following general formula (I): wherein: —Q is a p-functional group; —R is a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl group; —R1 is a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen atom; —n is an integer from 2 to 5 inclusive, preferably 2; —x is an integer from 5 to 500 inclusive, preferably from 10 to 300 inclusive; —y is an integer from 0 to 500 inclusive, preferably from 10 to 300 inclusive; —z is an integer from 0 to 500 inclusive, preferably from 10 to 300 inclusive; —y+z is not lower than 2; —p is an integer from 1 to 4 inclusive, preferably 1 or 4; provided that, when the transmissive element is an electrical energy transmissive element, said at least one coating layer is an external sheathing layer. Preferably, said coating layer is an external sheathing layer having a protective function.
US08475919B2 Wool and aramid fiber blends for multifunctional protective clothing
A fiber blend for yarns and fabrics for use in military, fire-fighting, industrial work wear, and first responder protective clothing to provide multifunctional protection to the wearer, the fiber blend including an aramid fiber blend, wool fibers, and electrostatic dissipative fibers, wherein the aramid fiber blend includes meta-aramid fibers, para-aramid fibers and electrostatic dissipative fibers.
US08475918B2 Polycrystalline tables having polycrystalline microstructures and cutting elements including polycrystalline tables
Cutting elements comprise a substrate and an unleached polycrystalline table attached on an end of the substrate. The polycrystalline table comprises a plurality of continuously inter-bonded grains of a superhard material and a quantity of catalyst material disposed in interstitial spaces between grains of the plurality of continuously inter-bonded grains of a superhard material. A mean grain size of the plurality of continuously inter-bonded grains is at least substantially uniform throughout the polycrystalline table and the quantity of catalyst material varies across the polycrystalline table in a direction parallel to a central axis of the polycrystalline table.
US08475915B2 Methacrylic composition for obtaining a coating having a rough texture and a matt appearance
The invention relates to a methacrylic composition comprising (100-x-y) parts of at least one methacrylic polymer comprising a MMA homo- or copolymer containing dispersed therein: x parts of particles of a thermoplastic polymer A containing MMA as a majority monomer which is crosslinked or has a weight-average mass Mw>300,000 g/mol, (in relation to a PMMA standard), with a weight-average diameter (ASTM D1921)>100 μm, and <500 μm; and y parts of particles of a crosslinked thermoplastic polymer comprising MMA as a majority monomer, with a weight-average diameter (ASTM D1921) ranging from 15 to 70 μm; such that x varies between 2 to 20 and y varies between 10 to 25. Preferably, x+y<33. The invention also relates to a multilayer structure consisting of: a layer (I) comprising the inventive methacrylic composition; a layer (II) comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, and an optional intermediate layer between layers (I) and (II).
US08475914B2 Thick, printable labels suitable for use in a thermal transfer printer
Thick, compressible, multilayer labels with the appearance and feel of hard plastic identification shields comprise: A. A printable film having first and second opposing facial surfaces; B. A first adhesive having first and second opposing facial surfaces, the first facial surface of the adhesive in intimate contact with the second facial surface of the film; and C. Foam having first and second opposing facial surfaces, the first facial surface of the foam in intimate contact with the second facial surface of the first adhesive. In certain embodiments of the invention, the labels include one or more of a printable coating on the first facial surface of the film, a second adhesive in intimate contact with the second facial surface of the foam, and a release liner in contact with the second adhesive.
US08475909B2 Three-dimensional reverse tanking membranes
Shaped waterproofing membranes having three-dimensional contours are useful for the “reverse tanking” waterproofing of detail areas such as those presented by “tiebacks,” pipes, pile caps, and other irregularities that occur on concrete formworks and other civil construction or building surfaces. A preferred method for making such membranes is to thermoform a membrane laminate, having a carrier support sheet, waterproofing adhesive, and optionally a protective coating layer, as a single unit.
US08475907B2 Silicon carbide-based porous body
There is provided a silicon carbide-based porous body which can avoid excessive temperature elevation when it is used as a filter and the captured particulate matter (PM) is burnt for removal and which is low in strength reduction caused by heat cycle. The silicon carbide-based porous body comprises a plurality of silicon carbide (SiC) particles as an aggregate and a plurality of binding phases which bind the silicon carbide particles to each other, wherein of the binding phases, the phase having the largest volume is either of a Si phase and a phase (a metal silicide phase) made of at least one member selected from the group consisting of a Ti silicide, a Zr silicide, a Mo silicide and a W silicide, all having a linear thermal expansion coefficient at 40 to 800° C., higher than that of Si by at least 3×10−6 (° C.−1) and the phase having the next largest volume is the remainder of the Si phase and the metal silicide phase, and the binding phases contain the Si phase by 20 to 80% by volume of the total binding phases.
US08475906B2 Silicon carbide based porous material and method for preparation thereof
A silicon carbide based porous material, which contains a metal silicide in an amount of 1 to 30% by mass and having a porosity of 38 to 80%, is provided.
US08475905B2 Sublimation dye printed textile
The present invention is directed to an unstitched design having the appearance of being stitched or embroidered. A stitched design is digitally imaged, and the digital image used to control dye sublimation printing of a representation of the image onto a desired surface. In one configuration, the surface is a woven textile.
US08475900B2 Container prepared from PCR HDPE resin blend
The invention relates to a container prepared from a PCR HDPE blend comprising PCR HDPE and an effective amount of an impact modifier to provide acceptable ESCR results.
US08475897B2 Laminate and composite layer comprising a substrate and a coating, and a process and apparatus for preparation thereof
The invention relates to a laminate comprising two plastic films and in between a metal or metaloxide layer and a crystalline triazine layer, the laminate having a lamination strength of about 2 N/inch or more as measured in a 90 degree tensile testing at 30 mm/min. The invention further relates to a composite layer, comprising a metal or metal oxide, and a triazine layer comprising a triazine compound suitable for said laminate. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of a composite layer, comprising the step of applying a triazine layer on a substrate with a metal or metal oxide layer by vapor deposition of the triazine compound, wherein the process comprises (a) applying to the metal or metal oxide layer a compound other than a triazine compound, (b) vapor depositing the triazine compound on the metal or metal oxide layer while the compound is at least in part in a liquid state.
US08475896B2 Multilayer film
A film comprising a core layer (5), first and second outer layers (3, 4), first and second intermediate layers (1, 2). The core layer (5) contains at least 50% by weight of a ULDPE. At least one of the outer layers (3, 4) contains at least 50% by weight of a LLDPE. The first and/or second intermediate layer (1, 2) is made of a first composition based on EVA and on a copolymer of ethylene and of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the linear alkenes of order C greater than ethylene, dienes and cyclic alkenes.
US08475895B2 Articles comprising composite structures having mounting flanges
Articles including a primary composite structure having a circumference, at least one mounting flange operably connected to the primary composite structure about the circumference, the mounting flange having at least one circumferentially oriented core fiber.
US08475893B2 Vacuum insulation panel
A vacuum insulation panel (VIP) in an example comprises first and second walls and a plurality of tensile elements. The first and second walls are structurally coupled to allow formation of a vacuum cavity between the first and second walls. The plurality of tensile elements structurally supports the first and second walls against external pressure contemporaneous with tension on the plurality of tensile elements. The plurality of tensile elements is located in the vacuum cavity between the first and second walls.
US08475892B2 Transfer film and method of manufacturing same
A transfer film includes a substrate, a decorative layer, and an adhering layer. The decorative layer is positioned by solidifying ultraviolet curing ink on the substrate. The adhering layer is positioned on the decorative layer.
US08475888B2 Five-ring liquid crystal compound having a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal compound having general physical properties necessary for a compound, stability to heat, light or the like, a wide liquid crystal phase temperature range, a high clearing point, an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a large refractive index anisotropy and a large dielectric anisotropy. Provided are a liquid crystal composition including the liquid crystal compound, and a liquid crystal display device containing the liquid crystal composition.The compound is represented by formula (1): wherein, for example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 20 carbons; at least one of the rings A1 to A6 is pyrimidine-2,5-diyl or pyridine-2,5-diyl and the others are 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z1 to Z6 are a single bond; L1 to L4 is hydrogen or halogen; X1 is hydrogen, halogen, —C≡N or alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons; and l, m, n, o, p and q are 0 or 1 and l+m+n+o+p+q=3.
US08475883B2 Corrosion-protection agent forming a layer of paint and method for current-free application thereof
The invention relates to an aqueous coating material for metallic substrates, comprising a water-dispersible and/or water-soluble polymer P with covalently bonded ligands A, which form chelates with the metal ions released during the corrosion of the substrate and/or with the substrate surface, and having crosslinking functional groups B, which with themselves, with further complementary functional groups B′ of the polymer P and/or with further functional groups B and/or B′ are able to form covalent bonds to crosslinkers V.
US08475882B2 Titanium aluminide application process and article with titanium aluminide surface
A titanium aluminide application process and article with a titanium aluminide surface are disclosed. The process includes cold spraying titanium aluminide onto an article within a treatment region to form a titanium aluminide surface. The titanium aluminide surface includes a refined gamma/alpha2 structure and/or the titanium aluminide is cold sprayed from a solid feedstock of a pre-alloyed powder.
US08475881B1 Golf ball adhesion promoter
The present invention is a method for forming a golf ball, the method comprising mixing an aqueous polyurethane dispersion with an azridine to form an aqueous polyurethane dispersion/aziridine mixture. Then, adding the aqueous polyurethane dispersion/aziridine mixture to a water tank, to form a PUD/aziridine solution and dipping a polybutadiene core in the PUD/aziridine solution. The PUD/aziridine solution comprises 0.4 percent aziridine, 4 percent aqueous polyurethane dispersion, and 95.6 percent de-ionized water, which forms a dipped polybutadiene core. The dipped polybutadiene core is then dried at room temperature.
US08475880B2 Process and apparatus for the heat treatment of a wood product and treated wood product
A process and apparatus for treatment of wood, typically moist wood, using a heated bioester derived from vegetable oil or animal fat. The bioester exhibits a decreased viscosity versus other methods of heated oil treatment thereby providing for deep penetration of the heated bioester into the wood.
US08475878B2 Polyolefin dispersion technology used for porous substrates
A method of forming an article that includes applying an aqueous dispersion to a porous substrate, wherein the aqueous dispersion includes a thermoplastic polymer, a dispersing agent, and water. The method includes removing at least a portion of the water, to result in an article formed that is breathable.
US08475876B2 Apparatus for applying electrode mixture paste with homogeneous distribution of coating amount of electrode mixture paste
An electrode mixture paste is applied on both sides of a strip of core material as it runs along its lengthwise direction, and the coating thickness of the paste is adjusted as the core material coated with the paste passes through a gap between a pair of scraper tools. Tips provided to the scraper tools scrape off the paste to form a paste-coated portion of a predetermined width. The electrode mixture paste scraped off with the tips is returned through recesses on the upstream side of the tips in the running direction of the core material, so as to prevent the phenomenon where the coating thickness is increased at both side edges of the paste-coated portion. Thus, a method for applying electrode mixture paste is realized that can prevent the phenomenon where the coating thickness is increased at both side edges of the paste-coated portion.
US08475875B2 System and method for using a force model to control process configurations for the encapsulation of a web
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing a treated web. The subject methods and apparatus involve the control of numerous variables, including, without limitation, web tension (both overall web tension as well as the web tension immediately before and after each individual blade), angle of entry of web into each blade, blade angle in relation to horizontal reference point, blade pressure against moving web, angle of exit of web from each blade, web speed, number of blades, the pressure of the leading nip rolls, the pressure of the trailing nip rolls, static control, thickness of each blade, bevel on each blade, oven cure temperature, oven cure dwell time, blade temperature and blade surfaces and edge conditions and blade finish.
US08475873B2 Method for coating a tin-free silicon composition on a flexible medium
A method is described for coating a flexible medium made from fabric, paper, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, polyurethane, non-woven fibreglass fabrics, or polyethylene terephthalate with a tin-free elastomer silicon composition that can be cross-linked by polycondensation.
US08475871B2 Building board and method for production
A building board, in particular of wooden material, plastic or a mixture of wooden material and plastic, with a top side and an underside and side edges. A polyurethane layer is applied at least on the top side. A decorative layer imitating a natural material is applied onto the polyurethane layer.
US08475870B2 Resin layer formation method, resin layer formation device, disk and disk manufacturing method
A resin layer formation method and device for making a resin layer uniform on a substrate before lamination or on a substrate is provided. Adhesive is coated at an inner circumference side while rotating a substrate at low speed. A first adhesive layer is formed on the surface of the substrate by rotating at high speed. A step difference section is formed around a rotation center of the substrate by irradiating ultraviolet on an area in the inner circumference side of the first adhesive layer to hardening the area. Adhesive is coated at the rotation center side from the step difference section on the substrate, and a second adhesive layer is formed on the first adhesive layer by rotating the substrate at high speed. The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are integrated to form a uniform adhesive layer.
US08475866B2 Method for manufacturing ceramic electronic component
A method for manufacturing a ceramic electronic component capable of preventing degradation of the self alignment property and product characteristics due to absorption of flux into pores of a ceramic element assembly during soldering in mounting and a ceramic electronic component. In the method, a ceramic element assembly is subjected to an oil-repellent treatment by using an oil-repellent agent containing a polyfluoropolyether compound as a primary component and hydrofluoroether as a solvent, so as to avoid absorption of the flux by the ceramic element assembly.
US08475863B2 Confectionery meringue
A dried confectionery meringue formed from a meringue mixture having a pre-drying moisture level of between about 18% and about 30%, said mixture including a protein foaming agent, sucrose and at least one monosaccharide.
US08475858B2 Methods for automatically making large quantities of pre-cooked eggs having a natural appearance
The present invention includes methods and devices for mass producing cooked, cooled egg products having a grill fried egg appearance. One device includes a portion for positioning whole, intact, shelled eggs positioned laterally across and above a cooking mold conveyor, and a portion for cracking the eggshells and depositing the eggs into cooking molds on the conveyor. Some devices and methods include an egg yolk splitter for rupturing the egg yolk sac to deposit a whole egg having a ruptured egg yolk into each mold. Other devices and methods include irregular shaped egg molds for providing a mass produced cooked egg having a natural, irregular shaped outlines and/or surfaces. Devices and methods according to the present invention can be used to produce irregular, outlined shaped cooked egg products including whole eggs, formulated eggs, or eggs made from scrambled egg mixes. The pre-cooked eggs can be delivered pathogen free to fast food establishments and reheated for consumers in less time than required to cook the egg.
US08475852B2 Topical therapeautic composition and palliative treatment method
Disclosed herein is a topical therapeutic composition and method for the palliative treatment of irritated or inflamed perianal tissue. The therapeutic composition comprises olive oil and tea tree oil. The palliative treatment of the invention involves application of the composition to irritated or inflamed perianal tissue. The composition and method of the invention can be employed in the palliative treatment of such human maladies as hemorrhoids, fissures and pruritis ani.
US08475850B2 Methods and compositions for heavy metal detoxification
Compositions and methods for enhancing heavy metal detoxification are described. The compositions and methods described provide enhanced activity of key detoxification systems including that the induction of phase II detoxification enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and NADPH quinone reductase (NQO1) activity.
US08475849B2 Formulations and treatments for well-being
A formulation for well-being in humans including: extracts from the herbal varieties, Polygonum multiflorum, Panax quinquefolium, Gingko biloba, and Equisetum arvense; beta sitosterol methyl sulfonyl methane; soy isoflavones; levo-arginine; inositol; niacin; pantothenic acid or salts thereof; alpha-tocopherol; biotin; pyridoxine hydrochloride zinc (or amino acid chelate thereof); and colostrum.
US08475848B2 Cosmetic composition having anti-radical properties and corresponding application method
The invention provides a cosmetic composition for topical use having anti-radical properties and including at least one plant extract of natural origin in a cosmetically acceptable medium, the composition being characterized in that said at least one plant extract of natural origin is insoluble.
US08475847B2 Desensitising and remineralising dental composition as well as dental particles for the composition
The invention relates to a dental, particularly a remineralizing composition, effective for pain sensitive teeth, such as toothpaste, tooth powder, mouth wash, chewing gum, dental formulations or the like, comprising spherical dental particles having a particle size between 0.1 and 2 μm made of silica gel in an one-part combination, comprising at least one combination agent selected from at least a phosphate, a oxide, a further oxygen-containing compound, a hydroxide, hydrogen carbonate or carbonate of the metals of groups II and III of the periodic system, as well as zinc or tin, wherein the dental particles are present in an amount such that the SiO2 amount resulting from the silica gel is less than 1 wt. %.
US08475842B2 Immediate release pharmaceutical formulation of 4-[3-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-4-fluoro-benzyl]-2H-phthalazin-1-one
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the drug 4-[3-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-4-fluoro-benzyl]-2H-phthalazin-1-one in a solid dispersion with a matrix polymer that exhibits low hygroscopicity and high softening temperature, such as copovidone. The invention also relates to a daily pharmaceutical dose of the drug provided by such a formulation. In addition, the invention relates to the use of a matrix polymer that exhibits low hygroscopicity and high softening temperature in solid dispersion with 4-[3-(4-cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperazine-1 -carbonyl)-4-fluoro-benzyl]-2H-phthalazin-1-one for increasing the bioavailability of the drug.
US08475840B2 Sustained release formulation for oral administration of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and method for the preparation thereof
The sustained release formulation for oral administration of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor of the present invention can be easily and economically prepared and is capable of maintaining a constant drug level in blood by slowly releasing the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor at a uniform rate for 24 hrs. Accordingly, the sustained release formulation of the present invention can be effectively used for lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
US08475839B2 Solid dosage forms of valsartan, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide and method of making the same
Monolayer, bilayer and trilayer solid dosage forms of a combination of valsartan, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide are made.
US08475838B2 Rapidly-dissolving pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting ovulation
A rapidly-dissolving oral dosage pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting ovulation in a mammal, said composition comprising drospirenone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, optionally ethinyl estradiol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or ether thereof, a surfactant and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the drospirenone has a surface area of less than 10,000 cm2/g.
US08475832B2 Sublingual and buccal film compositions
The present invention relates to products and methods for treatment of narcotic dependence in a user. The invention more particularly relates to self-supporting dosage forms which provide an active agent for treating narcotic dependence while providing sufficient buccal adhesion of the dosage form.
US08475830B2 Implants for the treatment of dopamine associated states
Biodegradable implants comprising dopamine modulating compounds are described.
US08475824B2 Resorbable matrix having elongated particles
Compression resistant matrices and methods are provided that have elongated particles embedded therein. The compression resistant matrices provide improved stability and mechanical strength and resists shifting, extrusion and rotation after implantation. In some embodiments, the matrices provided reduce or prevent surface compression of the implantable matrix which will cause unwanted increased amounts of growth factor (e.g., bone morphogenic protein) to leak from the matrix.
US08475817B2 Cleansing articles for skin or hair
The present invention relates to substantially dry personal cleansing articles useful for cleansing the skin or hair. These articles are used by the consumer by wetting the substantially dry article with water and then rubbing the article against the skin or hair. The article comprises a water-insoluble substrate having non-fibrous polymeric raised areas on at least one surface of said water insoluble substrate that are formed of a polymeric material having a Shore A hardness of no more than about 80, and a lathering surfactant releasably associated with the substrate. Preferably, the articles of the present invention further comprise a conditioning component.
US08475814B2 Prevention and treatment of breast cancer with 4-hydroxy tamoxifen
Pharmaceutical compositions of 4-hydroxy tamoxifen, particularly compositions suitable for percutaneous administration, are useful in methods for treating and preventing breast cancer. When percutaneously administered to a patient's breasts, 4-hydroxy tamoxifen concentrates locally, and exerts an anti-estrogenic effect. In patients with breast cancer, this effect reduces tumor tissue proliferation. In patients at risk for developing breast cancer, the anti-estrogenic effect prevents breast tumor formation.
US08475811B2 Premixed biological hydraulic cement paste composition and using the same
A premixed cement paste for use in medical or dental applications. The premixed cement paste remains fluid when stored in a hermetically sealed condition, but hydrates and hardens to set when placed in a physiological environment. The cement paste includes at least one calcium silicate compound and at least one substantially water-free liquid carrier mixed with the at least one calcium silicate compound; the substantially water-free liquid carrier avoids hydration of the mixture during storage, but undergoes exchange with aqueous physiological solutions so that the cement past hydrates and hardens to set when placed in a physiological environment. The paste may be placed in the physiological environment by injection, for example. The at least one calcium silicate compound may be, for example, calcium silicate, dicalcium silicate, tricalcium silicate, or mixtures thereof. The substantially water-free liquid may be, for example, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, liquid glycerol, glycerin, ethyl alcohol, vegetable oil, animal oil, silicon oil, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or mixtures thereof. The substantially water-free liquid carrier preferably includes water in an amount less than about 20% by weight percent of the paste. The paste may include a secondary phase for enhanced properties, such as, for example, a fibrous or particulate material for enhanced mechanical properties, biodegradable or soluble materials that provide room for bone in-growth, bioactive materials such as antibiotics that elute into the physiological environment from the set cement, and radio-opaque materials that enhance X-ray imaging of the cement.
US08475806B2 High titer recombinant influenza viruses for vaccines and gene therapy
The invention provides a composition useful to prepare high titer influenza viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus, which includes a sequence from a high titer influenza virus isolate.
US08475803B2 Assays for diagnosis of tuberculosis and uses thereof
The invention relates to the identification of mycobacterial antigens which are highly immunogenic and which may be used in assays and methods for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and the discrimination between infected animals and animals previously exposed to vaccines.
US08475797B2 Interferon alpha antibodies and their uses
The present invention provides isolated anti-interferon alpha monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that inhibit the biological activity of multiple interferon (IFN) alpha subtypes but do not substantially inhibit the biological activity of IFN alpha 21 or the biological activity of either IFN beta or IFN omega. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting the biological activity of IFN alpha using the antibodies of the invention, as well as methods of treating disease or disorders mediated by IFN alpha, such as autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection and graft versus host disease, by administering the antibodies of the invention.
US08475796B2 Method of treating pain using an antagonist of GM-CSF
The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment and prophylaxis of pain. In accordance with the present invention, it is proposed that antagonists of GM-CSF are effective in the treatment of pain. Antagonists of GM-CSF include, but are not limited to, antibodies which are specific for GM-CSF or the GM-CSF receptor. The present invention further provides transgenic animals, such as a GM-CSF knock-out mouse, useful for testing antagonists in certain disease models.
US08475793B2 Engineered anti-TSLPR antibodies
The invention relates to binding compounds that specifically bind to human TSLPR, as well as uses thereof, e.g., in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
US08475791B2 Anti-IL-TIF antibodies and methods of use
The present invention relates to ZCYTO18 polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules. The ZCYTO18 is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.
US08475790B2 Combination of CD137 antibody and CTLA-4 antibody for the treatment of proliferative diseases
Compositions and methods are disclosed which are useful of the treatment and prevention of proliferative disorders.
US08475786B2 Long-lasting absorption of flavonoids
The present invention relates to methods for a long-term and sustained release of flavonoids, in particular rhamnose-containing flavonoids, and for prolonging the uptake of said flavonoids in the gastro-intestinal tract. It further relates to compositions comprising said flavonoid and α-rhamnosidase. It also encompasses compositions comprising hesperidin and hesperetin-7-glucoside.
US08475784B2 IL-21 variants
IL-21 variants are provided wherein amino acids have been deleted in the region consisting of amino acid residues no. 65 to 98.
US08475782B2 Method for treating surfaces with copolymers
The present invention relates to a method for treating at least a surface of a substrate containing labile hydrogen atoms to confer to it cytotoxic properties or cell-adhesion properties, characterized in that it comprises at least a step consisting of exposing, within a liquid medium, said substrate or a surface thereof with at least a copolymer, said copolymer containing at least a monomer unit of type A including at least a reactive site able to attach to said substrate or said surface by covalent bonds and at least a monomer unit of type B including at least one molecule able to confer antimicrobial, antiviricidal and/or antifungicidal or cell-adhesion properties to said substrate or said surface, said step being carried out in efficient conditions to promote the covalent grafting of said copolymer to said substrate or a surface thereof.
US08475779B2 Methods of treating disease with random copolymers
The invention relates to novel methods and kits for treating or preventing disease through the administration of random copolymers comprising amino acids tyrosine (Y), phenylalanine (F), alanine (A), and lysine (K). The invention also relates to the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, and to the administration of random copolymers in treatment regimen comprising formulations that are administered at intervals greater than 24 hours, or to sustained release formulations which administer the copolymer over a period greater than 24 hours. The invention further relates to methods for conducting a pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distributing kits containing or relating to the formulations or dosing regimens of random copolymer described herein.
US08475778B2 Aqueous polyamine-containing anti-frizz composition for hair
The present invention is drawn to a composition and process for inhibiting hair from becoming frizzy when exposed to high and/or low humidity, the composition containing: (a) at least one fatty quaternary amine; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one anionic silicone; (d) at least one water-insoluble material; (e) at least one cationic polymer; and (f) at least one film former, different from (e).
US08475776B2 Compositions and methods to treat diseases characterized by cellular proliferation and angiogenesis
Described herein are compositions and methods for preventing and/or treating diseases involving aberrant angiogenesis employing one or more benzo[c]chromen-6-one derivatives.
US08475771B2 Dentifrice containing functional film flakes
A dentifrice composition comprising an orally acceptable vehicle having distributed therein a water hydratable film flakes having a matrix comprised of a water soluble hydroxy alkyl cellulose polymer and a starch, and having entrained therein a constituent selected from therapeutic cosmetic and decorative materials.
US08475769B2 Aerosol composition with enhanced dispersion effects
A stable, high VOC, single phase, non-aqueous liquid aerosol composition having enhanced dispersion based on reduced particle size and increased evaporation rate to result in improved active ingredient dispersion, slower settling in air and less residue on surfaces. The composition includes at least one hydrocarbon propellant, at least one active ingredient and a solvent blend. The solvent blend includes at least one low volatility solvent and at least one high volatility solvent wherein each has a defined vapor pressure and Hansen solubility parameter. The composition upon dispersion as a spray has an aerosol particle size of less than 30 microns.
US08475761B2 Method for producing carbon nanocoils
The present invention discloses a method for producing carbon nanocoils, which comprises: providing a metal substrate; depositing a tin precursor on the substrate; heating the substrate with the precursor to a predetermined temperature to form a catalyst on the substrate; placing the substrate in a quartz tube furnace; and introducing carbon source gas and protective gas into the quartz tube furnace to allow carbon nanocoils to grow on the surface of the catalyst. Another method for producing carbon nanocoils is also disclosed, which includes: depositing a mixed solution of iron acetate and tin acetate on a substrate; heating the substrate with the mixing solution to a predetermined temperature to form a catalyst on the substrate; placing the substrate in a quartz tube furnace; and introducing carbon source gas and protective gas into the quartz tube furnace to allow carbon nanocoils to grow on the surface of the catalyst.
US08475760B2 Device and method for producing nanotubes
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing nanotubes, the apparatus being adapted to produce doped and/or undoped single-walled or multi-walled nanotubes, the apparatus comprising at least a thermal reactor. In accordance with the invention, the reactor is at least of the hottest part thereof and at least partly manufactured from a material that is at least partly sublimed into the thermal reactor as a result of the thermal reactor being heated, and the sublimed material at least partly participates in the growth of the nanotubes.
US08475758B2 Low cost routes to high purity silicon and derivatives thereof
The present invention is directed to a method for providing an agricultural waste product having amorphous silica, carbon, and impurities; extracting from the agricultural waste product an amount of the impurities; changing the ratio of carbon to silica; and reducing the silica to a high purity silicon (e.g., to photovoltaic silicon).
US08475755B2 Oxidation catalyst and method for destruction of CO, VOC and halogenated VOC
An oxidation catalyst deposited on a substrate is described for the destruction of CO and volatile organic compounds, in particular halogenated organic compounds, from an emissions stream at temperatures from 250° C. to 450° C. The oxidation catalyst includes at least two platinum group metals, one of which is either platinum or ruthenium, supported on refractory oxides, such as a solid solution of CeO2 and ZrO2, and tin oxide and/or silica.
US08475751B2 Catalytic smog reduction
A device, method of making, and method of using, illustratively wherein a container includes an inlet and an outlet; a catalytic converter intermediate in a path between the inlet and the outlet; at least one surface arranged to ensure at least a majority of gas received from the inlet traverses a first portion of the path from the inlet to the catalytic converter and communicates heat from the catalytic converter to the container; and an optical means arranged to transport visible light, emitted from the catalytic converter during reduction of the smog-generating chemical in the gas, to a location outside the container to indicate whether the catalytic converter is functioning properly.
US08475750B2 Air pollution control system and air pollution control method
An air pollution control system 10A includes a boiler 11 that burns fuel, an air heater 13 that recovers heat of flue gas 17 from the boiler 11, and a desulfurizer 15 that reduces sulfur oxides contained in the flue gas 17 after heat recovery by an absorbent, and waste-water supplying units P0 to P5 that supply desulfurized waste water 28 discharged from the desulfurizer 15 to at least one of a path for supplying fuel to the boiler 11, inside of a furnace of the boiler 11, and the inside of a flue gas duct between the boiler 11 and the air heater 13 are installed. With this configuration, an amount of desulfurized waste water to be returned into the flue gas duct per unit time can be increased as compared to conventional systems, without increasing the size of the entire air pollution control system.
US08475747B1 Processing fissile material mixtures containing zirconium and/or carbon
A method of processing spent TRIZO-coated nuclear fuel may include adding fluoride to complex zirconium present in a dissolved TRIZO-coated fuel. Complexing the zirconium with fluoride may reduce or eliminate the potential for zirconium to interfere with the extraction of uranium and/or transuranics from fission materials in the spent nuclear fuel.
US08475743B2 Multilevel microfluidic systems and methods
Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.
US08475742B2 Blood serum or blood plasma separating material and blood-collecting tube using same
The present invention relates to a serum or plasma separating material including a moisture curing component having a specific gravity of from 1.03 to 1.09, and a blood collection tube including the serum or plasma separating material. The present invention provides a serum or plasma separating material which is allowed to be present in a cured state between serum or plasma and a blood cell-containing component obtained after centrifugal separation when separating the serum or plasma component in a collection tube, exhibits a good storage stability capable of keeping the serum or the like and the cell-containing component in a separated state in the collection tube for a long period of time, is excellent in stability upon freezing or thawing and upon handling of a sample, and can be cured without need of irradiation with ultraviolet ray or the like, as well as a method of separating serum or plasma using the separating material.
US08475741B2 Droplet discharging device
Provided is a droplet discharging device that can precisely dispense large flow rate of droplets and small flow rate of droplets selectively. The droplet discharging device according to the present invention includes a pneumatic discharger for discharging a droplet having a first flow rate, and an electronic pipette for discharging or sucking a droplet having a second flow rate equal to or smaller than the first flow rate. The pneumatic discharger includes, i) a storage chamber for storing a liquid, ii) an air tank connected to the storage chamber through a first air pipe and supplying compressed air to the storage chamber to push the liquid of the storage chamber outside, and iii) a first nozzle connected to the storage chamber through the liquid pipe and receiving the liquid pushed out of the storage chamber to discharge droplets.
US08475737B2 Fluidic connectors and microfluidic systems
Fluidic connectors, methods, and devices for performing analyses (e.g., immunoassays) in microfluidic systems are provided. In some embodiments, a fluidic connector having a fluid path is used to connect two independent channels formed in a substrate so as to allow fluid communication between the two independent channels. One or both of the independent channels may be pre-filled with reagents (e.g., antibody solutions, washing buffers and amplification reagents), which can be used to perform the analysis. These reagents may be stored in the channels of the substrate for long periods amounts of time (e.g., 1 year) prior to use.
US08475736B2 Microfluidic device and method of manufacturing the same and sensor incorporating the same
The present invention provides a microfluidic device, for instance for molecular sieving or for detecting a target substance in a sample fluid. The device comprises a first substrate (120) having a substantially flat first surface that is provided with first recesses (124), and a second substrate (128) having a substantially flat second surface that is provided with second recesses (130). At least some of the first recesses are filled with a porous material (114). Alternate first recesses and second recesses form a meandering channel for a sample fluid. The second recesses may be filled with a further porous material. In an embodiment, a capture substance for binding a target substance is arranged in or on the porous material.
US08475733B2 Hand-held test meter and analytical test strip cartridge assembly with desiccant vial
A hand-held test meter and analytical test strip cartridge assembly combination includes a hand-held test meter with a test meter housing and an extractor with a test strip engagement feature, while the analytical test strip cartridge assembly includes a desiccant vial and an analytical test strip cartridge with a cartridge housing, a test strip presentation mechanism disposed within the cartridge housing, and a plurality of analytical test strips (each with at least one extractor engagement feature) disposed in the cartridge housing. The test meter housing is configured for operative engagement with the cartridge housing and the test strip presentation mechanism is configured to present a single analytical test strip from the plurality of analytical test strips for engagement with the extractor. Moreover, the analytical test strip cartridge is configured for operative disposition in the desiccant vial.
US08475731B2 Lateral flow assay reader with transparent barrier in insert
An assay reader system incorporating a conventional assay reader, for example a lateral flow reader, and an insert aligned with the reader's sensor to detect an assay result. The insert may include a housing which defines a cavity to receive a removable barrier, wherein the removable barrier can be aligned between the sensor and the test strip. The barrier may include an optical window, and may be cleanable and/or disposable to maintain the accuracy of the reader. Test strips are introduced into the reader through a receiving port within the insert's housing. An air inlet on the insert further maintains the reader's accuracy by allowing air to be tunneled over the housing to remove excess dust, debris, or the like.
US08475723B2 Dielectric barrier discharge cell with hermetically sealed electrodes and automatic washing of electrodes during operation of the cell
A Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Generation Cell (DBDPGC) includes a plurality of hot electrodes interspersed with a plurality of ground electrodes whereby a power supply connected between the hot and ground electrodes creates a non-thermal plasma between the electrodes. The hot electrodes are hermetically sealed. A cleaning solution is applied to the electrodes to wash gas stream contaminants and/or reaction by products off the electrodes at times during operation of the cell when desired to clean the electrodes to maintain cell efficiency. A catalyst solution can be applied to the electrodes after cleaning. Where a plurality of cells are electrically connected in parallel, shorts in a cell can be detected by sensing the difference in currents feed to each of the plurality of cells.
US08475715B2 Resonant sensor systems and methods with reduced gas interference
A system having reduced gas interference that includes a fluid chamber and a resonant sensor device in fluid communication with a fluid in the fluid chamber. The system includes a fluid control device adapted to change at least one of the fluid flow or pressure within the fluid chamber to achieve substantial wetting of surfaces in proximity to the resonant sensor device. Fluid surfaces of the system can include a material to increase the wettability (e.g., hydrophilicity) of the fluid surfaces.
US08475713B2 Reduced temperature sterilization of stents
Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.
US08475711B2 Processing of nickel-titanium alloys
Processes for producing a nickel-titanium alloy are disclosed. The processes are characterized by the production of nickel-titanium alloy articles having improved microstructure. A pre-alloyed nickel-titanium alloy is melted and atomized to form molten nickel-titanium alloy particles. The molten nickel-titanium alloy particles are cooled to form nickel-titanium alloy powder. The nickel-titanium alloy powder is consolidated to form a fully-densified nickel-titanium alloy preform that is hot worked to form a nickel-titanium alloy article. Any second phases present in the nickel-titanium alloy article have a mean size of less than 10 micrometers measured according to ASTM E1245-03 (2008) or an equivalent method.
US08475706B2 Method of making mixed metal oxide ceramics
A method of making dielectric ceramics containing mixed metal oxides is provided. The method comprises the steps of at least partially coating a metal oxide powder with a metal hydroxide or metal oxide, compacting the coated powder with one or more additional metal compounds or metal compound precursors, and directly sintering the compact in a single step. The method of the invention may be used to avoid occurrence of significant quantities of one or more undesired but thermodynamically or kinetically favored side products. The method of the invention may also be used to synthesize perovskites, in particular lead-magnesium-niobium (PMN), lead-magnesium-niobium-lead-titanium (PMN-PT) perovskites, or lead zirconate titanate (PZT).
US08475705B1 Bulk low cost interface-defined laminated metallic and ceramic energy barrier materials and their method of fabrication
This invention describes a unique of class of nano-scale materials for use as protective coatings or barriers against heat as well as material loss due to processes such as corrosion, ablation, erosion, or oxidation. These nano-scale laminated materials are also useful as free-standing components and as substrates, especially for high temperature oxidation-resistant applications. The novel materials of this invention are known as interface-defined nano-laminates (IDnLs), and are fabricated by a new method from ceramic, metallic, and other powders. The laminate layer thickness in an IDnL is smaller than that of ordinary laminates but greater than that of superlattices. Interface-defined nano-laminates are fundamentally different from ordinary laminates in that their properties are defined by interfaces, and not by the properties of the bulk materials comprising individual layers.
US08475701B2 Silicone rubber formed product and method for production thereof
A silicone rubber molding, which contains 1-50 wt % of a thermoplastic resin powder and whose silicone rubber surface possesses thermoplasticity and irregularities, and a method for manufacturing a silicone rubber molding, wherein an embossing die having surface irregularities is pressed into the surface of silicone rubber containing 1-50 wt % of a thermoplastic resin powder at a temperature that is not less than the softening point of said thermoplastic resin powder so as to transfer the irregularities of the embossing die thereto.
US08475698B2 Methods of making carbon nanopipes and ductwork with nanometric walls
A method of making a carbon nanopipe and ensemble of carbon nanopipes, comprising the steps of flowing a carbon precursor over silica fibers and thereby depositing a durable graphitizable carbon coating of tunable thickness of about 10-500 nm onto the silica fibers and etching away the silica fibers to yield a three-dimensional mat of electronically networked, hollow carbon tubules. A carbon nanopipe comprising a durable graphitizable carbon wall of tunable thickness of about 10-500 nm formed by exposing a silica fiber network to a carbon precursor vapor and thereby depositing a carbon film onto the silica fiber network at a temperature suitable for complete pyrolysis of the carbon precursor and removing the silica fibers.
US08475694B2 Shaped expandable material
An expandable material is shaped to form a part that can provide functional attributes such as reinforcement to a structure of article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle.
US08475692B2 Nanofiber manufacturing apparatus and nanofiber manufacturing method
Nanofibers are manufactured while preventing explosions from occurring due to solvent evaporation. An effusing unit (201) which effuses solution (300) into a space, a first charging unit (202) which electrically charges the solution (300) by applying an electric charge to the solution (300), a guiding unit (206) which forms an air channel for guiding the manufactured nanofibers (301), a gas flow generating unit (203) which generates, inside the guiding unit (206), gas flow for transporting the nanofibers, a diffusing unit (240) which diffusing the nanofibers (301) guided by the guiding unit (206), a collecting apparatus which electrically attracts and collects the nanofibers (301), and a drawing unit (102) which draws the gas flow together with the evaporated component evaporated from the solution (300) are included.
US08475686B2 Bridged pyridoquinazoline or phenanthroline compounds and organic semiconducting material comprising that compound
The present invention relates to bridged pyridoquinazoline and phenanthroline compounds, and organic semiconducting materials containing these compounds.The invention also relates to devices containing these compounds, including electronic, optoelectronic, or electroluminescent elements, such as organic light-emitting diodes, field effect transistors, photo detectors, and organic solar cells.
US08475685B2 Particle and near-field optical waveguide
A particle includes: a metal; and a compound containing a hydrogen-bonding forming group, an absorption group different from the hydrogen-bonding forming group, and an aromatic ring, M representing the metal, A representing the absorption group, B representing the hydrogen-bonding forming group, a representing an integer of 0 or greater, b representing an integer of 0 or greater, c representing an integer of 1 or greater, R1 representing an aromatic ring (a planar ring up to a pi-electron number of 24) and a derivative of the aromatic ring, R2 through R5 representing a hydrogen atom, saturated hydrocarbon, unsaturated hydrocarbon, an ether bond, an ester bond, a cyano group, or derivatives of the substances and bonds, and the compound having a structure expressed by the following chemical formula.
US08475682B2 Phosphor and manufacturing method therefore, and light emission device using the phosphor
To provide a phosphor for manufacturing an one chip type LED illumination, etc, by combining a near ultraviolet/ultraviolet LED and a blue LED, and having an excellent emission efficiency including luminance. The phosphor is given as a general composition formula expressed by MmAaBbOoNn:Z, (where element M is one or more kinds of elements having bivalent valency, element A is one or more kinds of elements having tervalent valency, element B is one or more kinds of elements having tetravalent valency, O is oxygen, N is nitrogen, and element Z is one or more kinds of elements acting as an activator.), satisfying a=(1+x)×m, b=(4−x)×m, o=x×m, n=(7−x)×m, 0≦x≦1, wherein when excited by light in a wavelength range from 300 nm to 500 nm, the phosphor has an emission spectrum with a peak wavelength in a range from 500 nm to 620 nm.
US08475678B2 Method of using solid-layered bleach compositions
The present invention provides a method of using a solid-layered composition having at least two parts. The first past comprises a) calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof, b) a builder, c) a water-soluble polymer, d) an acid, and e) wherein the first part does not contain sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof. The second part comprises a) a surfactant, b) a builder, c) an acid, and d) wherein the second part does not contain any oxidant.
US08475676B2 Electrolyte
Electrolyte for use in an energy storage device such as a capacitor or supercapacitor which comprises a solvent (preferably propionitrile) and an ionic species (preferably methyltriethylammonium tetrafluoroborate). The electrolytes provide a low ESR rise rate, a high voltage and permit operation over a wide range of temperatures, which makes them beneficial for use in a range of energy storage devices such as digital wireless devices, wireless LAN devices, mobile telephones, computers, electrical or hybrid electrical vehicles.
US08475671B2 Method for local etching of the surface of a substrate
The invention relates to a method for the local etching of the surface of a substrate, characterized in that it comprises: a) making a gas-pervious polymer pad that comprises three-dimensional patterns on one surface thereof; b) contacting the surface including the pad patterns with the substrate; c) submitting the pad/substrate assembly to a plasma so that the species present in the plasma are accelerated and diffused through the pad until they reach the substrate.
US08475667B2 Method of patterning photosensitive material on a substrate containing a latent acid generator
The present disclosure relates to a method of patterning a photosensitive material on a polymeric fill matrix comprising at least one latent photoacid generator; and a structure prepared according to said method. The method comprises: a. depositing a polymeric fill matrix comprising at least one latent photoacid generator; b. curing the polymeric fill matrix; c. depositing a layer of photosensitive material directly onto the cured polymeric fill matrix; and d. forming a pattern with at least one opening in the layer of photosensitive material with lithography.
US08475666B2 Method for making toughening agent materials
A toughening agent composition for increasing the hydrophobicity of an organosilicate glass dielectric film when applied to said film. It includes a component capable of alkylating or arylating silanol moieties of the organosilicate glass dielectric film via silylation, and an activating agent selected from the group consisting of an amine, an onium compound and an alkali metal hydroxide.
US08475664B2 Control method for hydrocarbon hydrocyclones
The overflow and underflow effluents of a conventional hydrocyclone are discharged into enclosed vessels, so that the operating pressure may be manipulated for each effluent independently of other operating parameters. Each of the effluent vessels is equipped with a source of pressurized gas to form a gas blanket over the effluent at a controllable pressure. Such variable pressures in each vessel, in combination with the pressure of the incoming feed stream, provide the necessary parameters to implement pressure-differential-ratio control, thereby improving the efficiency of separation.
US08475660B2 Extraction of polar lipids by a two solvent method
A method for separating polar lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting polar lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal polar lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. These polar lipids are high value products which can be used as surfactants, detergents, and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of polar lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08475655B2 Filter insert for curb inlet drain
The curb inlet filter includes a filter bag having an opening at an upper end leading into an interior of the filter bag and a support bar coupled to one side of the upper end of the filter bag. The support bar is configured to rest outside of the basin against curb face sides bounding the opening in the street level curb face. A support frame is coupled to a second side of the upper end of the filter bag and is configured to engage with the support bar to suspend the support frame substantially at grade within an interior of the basis and define a rigid opening into the filter bag. The remainder of the filter bag hangs below grade within the curb side drain basin.
US08475648B2 Catalytic processes and systems for base oil production from heavy feedstock
Processes and catalyst systems are provided for dewaxing a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock to form a lubricant base oil. A layered catalyst system of the present invention may comprise a first hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst disposed upstream from a second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst. Each of the first and second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalysts may be selective for the isomerization of n-paraffins. The first hydroisomerization catalyst has a first level of selectivity for the isomerization of n-paraffins, the second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst has a second level of selectivity for the isomerization of n-paraffins, and a layered catalyst system comprising the first and second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalysts has a third level of selectivity for the isomerization of n-paraffins. The third level of selectivity may be higher than each of the first level of selectivity and the second level of selectivity.
US08475647B2 Diesel fuel and a method of operating a diesel engine
A diesel fuel based on a blend of a diesel fuel derived from a Fischer-Tropsch process, and a mineral oil based diesel fuel having a sulfur content of less than 100 ppmw; and a method of operating a diesel engine, which method involves combusting such diesel fuel in the diesel engine.
US08475644B2 Method and apparatus for electroplating
An apparatus for electroplating a layer of metal onto the surface of a wafer includes an ionically resistive ionically permeable element located in close proximity of the wafer and an auxiliary cathode located between the anode and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element. The ionically resistive ionically permeable element serves to modulate ionic current at the wafer surface. The auxiliary cathode is configured to shape the current distribution from the anode. The provided configuration effectively redistributes ionic current in the plating system allowing plating of uniform metal layers and mitigating the terminal effect.
US08475641B2 Methods and apparatus for particle introduction and recovery
Particles may be injected into a matrix for concentration by scodaphoresis using a quadrupole injection field. Particles may be injected from two or more sample chambers simultaneously. Particle injection may be performed simultaneously with performing scodaphoresis. In some embodiments the particles are concentrated into a well containing fluid. The well can extend out of a plane of the matrix. Altering the relative phases of components of a scodaphoresis field permits concentration of selected particles and exclusion of other particles. Scodaphoresis methods may be applied to DNA, other bio-molecules and other particles.
US08475623B2 Substrate processing method, system and program
A substrate processing method is used for a substrate processing system having a substrate processing device and a substrate transfer device. The substrate processing method includes a substrate transfer step of transferring a substrate and a substrate processing step of performing a predetermined process on the substrate. The substrate transfer step and the substrate processing step include a plurality of operations, and at least two operations among the plurality of the operations are performed simultaneously. Preferably, the substrate processing device includes an accommodating chamber, a mounting table placed in the accommodating chamber to be mounted thereon the substrate, and a heat transfer gas supply line for supplying a heat transfer gas to a space between the substrate mounted on the mounting table and the mounting table.
US08475622B2 Method of reusing a consumable part for use in a plasma processing apparatus
A method of reusing a consumable part for use in a plasma processing apparatus includes cleaning a surface of the consumable part made of SiC that has been eroded by a first plasma process performed for a specific period of time. The method further includes depositing SiC on the cleaned surface of the eroded consumable part by CVD. The method also includes remanufacturing a consumable part having a predetermined shape by machining the eroded consumable part on which the SiC is deposited for performing a second plasma process on a substrate by using the remanufactured consumable part.
US08475613B2 Bonding agent, aluminum nitride composite body, and manufacturing method of the same
A bonding agent is provided which includes a flux containing either calcium aluminate or calcium oxide and aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride powder.
US08475606B2 In-situ oxidized thermally applied ceramic coating
Rendering a refractory coating on a metal substrate impenetrable by molten metal.
US08475604B2 Tank cleaning device and method
A tank cleaning device is provided, comprising a base member; a conduit attached to the base member having an inlet, an upper outlet, and a lower outlet; and a plurality of adjustable legs connected to and extending below the base member. The inlet of the conduit accepts a cleaning fluid, and a cleaning nozzle is attached to either the upper outlet or the lower outlet. A method of cleaning the tank is also provided, comprising placing the mounting device at a first location, spraying the tank with the cleaning fluid until a selected portion of the tank is cleaned, discontinuing the supply of cleaning fluid, and then repositioning the mounting device to a second location within the tank and resuming the supply of cleaning fluid. Multiple mounting devices may be employed and periodically repositioned within the tank to achieve quick and effective cleaning.
US08475595B2 Coating system
A coating system includes a housing, a coating umbrella, a rotatable assembly, a lift driver, a solvent storage chamber, and a jet device. The housing includes a block dividing the housing into a coating chamber and a painting chamber. The coating umbrella is configured for receiving a number of workpieces. The rotatable assembly is connected to the coating umbrella to drive the rotatable assembly to rotate. The lift driver lifts the rotatable assembly to switch the position of the coating umbrella between the coating chamber and the spray painting chamber. The solvent storage chamber is configured for storing paint solvent. The solvent storage chamber communicates with the painting chamber. The jet device is received in the solvent storage chamber, and communicated with the painting chamber to spray the paint solvent onto the workpieces.
US08475589B2 Method for evaluating metal contamination of silicon single crystal
When a silicon single crystal is grown by the CZ method using a pulling apparatus in which a voltage can be applied between a crystal suspending member and a crucible, the voltage is applied under the condition that the crystal suspending member is set as a negative electrode while the crucible is set as a positive electrode in a process for growing a lower end portion of a cylindrical portion or a tail portion which is of a non-convertible portion of the silicon single crystal. A sample wafer is collected from the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion or the tail portion, which is grown in association with the voltage application, and the metal contamination of the sample wafer is evaluated. The sample wafer has enough metal impurity concentration to evaluate the metal contamination. The metal contamination is evaluated for each of the sequentially grown silicon single crystals, so that a metal impurity generation behavior in a pulling apparatus, which is a factor in silicon single crystal metal contamination, can assuredly be grasped.
US08475584B1 Zinc clays, zinc organoclays, methods for making the same, and compositions containing the same
Zinc clays, methods for preparation of zinc clays, and compositions containing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise mixing a clay with a zinc ammonia complex solution to prepare the zinc clays. Zinc clays according to the present invention may further comprise quaternary ammonium salts. The present clays may be used in compositions and/or as additives in rubber and plastic formulations and products, as nutrient delivery agents, and in catalyst formulations.
US08475577B2 Omnidirectional aerosol sampling intake
An aerosol sampling intake configured to exclude particles generally greater than 20 microns AD and capture particles of less than about 10 microns AD with high efficiency, independent of weather conditions, through which air is sampled by suction. The intake combines an omnidirectional horizontal segment with diffuser and elbow, the elbow transitioning flow to a vertical segment, the vertical segment with overhanging lip, the centrifugal impactor for self-cleaning operation, thus relieving the dual problems of re-entrainment of particles bouncing from the impactor surface and fouling by particles sticking to the impactor surface. The device is adapted for use on moving vehicles, for sampling at increased windspeeds, or for sampling in rain.
US08475575B2 Vent filter
An object is to provide a vent plug making liquid unlikely to accumulate therein, while preventing an air-permeable membrane from breaking by means of at least one convex part. The vent plug of the present invention includes a cylindrical member 1 having a through-hole 1a, and an air-permeable membrane 2 attached around the cylindrical member 1, wherein the air-permeable membrane 2 has a circumferential attachment region which is in contact with the cylindrical member 1, and an air-permeable region facing the through-hole 1a, the cylindrical member 1 is provided with at least one convex part 1b which projects beyond the plane including the air-permeable region, and the circumferential attachment region of the air-permeable membrane 2 has a shape following a part or the entire of the convex part 1b.
US08475574B2 Electric heater and control system and method for electrically heated particulate filters
An exhaust treatment system comprises a particulate matter filter, a first heater element, and a second heater element. The particulate matter (PM) filter filters PM from exhaust gas and includes N zones. Each of the N zones includes an inlet area that receives a portion of the exhaust gas. N is an integer greater than one. The first heater element includes a contact area that heats exhaust gas input to an inlet area of a first one of the N zones. The second heater element includes a second contact area that heats exhaust gas input to an inlet area of a second one of the N zones. A ratio of the contact area of the first heater element to the inlet area of the first zone is greater than a ratio of the contact area of the second heater element to the inlet area of the second zone.
US08475569B2 Hydrocarbon emission scavenger and method for making
A hydrocarbon adsorber and a thermoplastic resin combined and formed to a porous scavenger for insertion into the air intake system of a motor vehicle engine. The resulting porous scavenger adsorbs volatile hydrocarbon molecules from raw fuel remaining in the air intake when the engine is shout off. The adsorbed molecules are then stripped or purged from the scavenger and reintroduced into the air intake when the engine is next started.
US08475566B2 Method for recovery of carbon dioxide from a gas
The present invention relates to a method for recovery of carbon dioxide from a gas stream. The method is a two-step method in which carbon dioxide is compressed in the first step, while the residual carbon dioxide is recovered by an absorption process in a subsequent step. The present invention also relates to the use of the method for the recovery of carbon dioxide and a plant for recovery of carbon dioxide.
US08475564B2 Biomass dryer/burner system
The present invention provides a biomass dryer/burner having an air cleaning apparatus adapted to accept emissions from the biomass dryer/burner and to convert said emissions to clean air to meet government emission standards. The biomass dryer/burner unit includes a dryer adapted to dry biomass, such as demolition waste or cut trees. The biomass dryer/burner unit optionally including a burner adapted to burn biomass. The biomass dryer/burner further producing emissions requiring cleaning before exhausting to the atmosphere. The air cleaning apparatus including a spray scrubber fluidly connected to the biomass dryer/burner adapted to moisten emissions, a recirculation tank in fluid communication with a collection tank, and the recirculation tank further having a sensor adapted to measure contaminant levels contained within the recirculation air filtration system. The sensor contained within the recirculation tank measures levels of carbon monoxide. If the air contained within the recirculation air filtration system measures above a predetermined contaminant level, then the air contained within the recirculation air filtration system is directed back into the spray scrubber. If the air contained within the recirculation air filtration system is below a predetermined level, then the air is exhausted into the atmosphere.
US08475563B2 Method of treating a gas system
In a method of treating a gas stream, an aqueous scrubbing liquor is circulated through an essentially closed loop (20) comprising an electrochemical unit (48) for reducing the acidity of the liquor. A portion of the circulating liquor is diverted away from the closed loop (20) to a gas scrubbing unit (10). The gas stream enters the scrubbing unit (10), wherein an acid, for example HF and solid particulates, for example SiO2 particulates, within the gas stream dissolve in the diverted liquor. The diverted liquor is subsequently returned to the closed loop (20), and is replenished in the scrubbing unit (10) by fresh liquor diverted from the closed loop (20). A device (46) is provided for monitoring the acidity of the liquor at a location within the closed loop (20). The reduction in the acidity of the liquor by the electrochemical cell (48) is controlled depending on the monitored concentration. By controlling the acidity of the liquor, the solubility of the solid particulates within the diverted portion of the liquor may be optimised. This can increase the lifetime of one or more filter cartridges (42) located in the closed loop (20) upstream from the electrochemical unit (48).
US08475561B2 Method for producing molten iron
A method for producing molten iron by melting an iron source material using an iron bath-type melting furnace comprising a top-blowing lance at an upper part of the furnace, a bottom-blowing tuyere in the bottom of the furnace and a tap hole at a lower part on the side of the furnace, the method comprising: a melting process of melting the iron source material, wherein the melting process has at least one tapping process of discharging the molten iron and the slag through the tap hole while holding a position of the furnace in generating the molten iron, and the tapping process continues or interrupts generation of the molten iron and continues top-blowing of the oxygen-containing gas to thereby keep a temperature of the molten iron in the furnace at or above a pre-set lowest temperature of the molten iron.
US08475560B2 Method for producing silver nanofilaments
A method of producing silver nanofilaments that is relatively fast and may be carried out at normal room temperatures (e.g., from about 10° C. to about 25° C.). The method of producing silver nanofilaments includes the steps of adding a solid silver salt to liquid ether to form a mixture, adding a liquid fatty acid to the mixture, adding a reducing agent to the mixture, allowing the ingredients to react, and recovering silver nanofilaments.
US08475556B2 Filter cartridge system
A secondary filter cartridge radially nested within and radially supported by a main filter cartridge. The secondary cartridge has a flexible multi-leg crown “with slits” which engage a receptacle of the main filter element for radial support and a central pin projection interior to the crown extending outwards to protect the crown from impact damage. The main filter cartridge bottom end disk has axially extending, spaced apart projections engaged into matching pockets or gaps provided between engaging inward projections on an interior end face of the filter housing, rotationally fixing or locking the filter housing and the main filter cartridge. The main filter cartridge includes an anti-rotation housing engagement member extending through a filter housing wall to the exterior indicating presence of a properly installed filter cartridge and rotatably locking position of the housing and main filter cartridge.
US08475555B2 Cyclonic fluid separator
A cyclonic fluid separator has a tubular housing (10) in which the fluid is accelerated and swirl imparting means (2) for inducing the fluid to swirl through an annular space between the housing and a central body (1) mounted within the housing (10), wherein a low pressure fluid (80) is injected through a central opening (82) in the central body (1).
US08475553B2 Abrasive tools having a permeable structure
A bonded abrasive tool comprises a blend of abrasive grains and a bond component. The blend of abrasive grains comprises a filamentary sol-gel alumina abrasive grain and agglomerated abrasive grain granules. A bonded abrasive tool comprising an agglomerate of filamentary sol-gel alumina abrasive and non-filamentary abrasive grains, and a bond component is also disclosed. The filamentary sol-gel alumina abrasive grain has a length-to-cross-sectional-width aspect ratio of greater than 1.0. The agglomerated abrasive grain granules comprise a plurality of abrasive grains held in a three-dimensional shape by a binding material. A method of making such a bonded abrasive tool as described above is also disclosed.
US08475548B2 Entrained-flow gasifier with cooling screen and bellows compensator
In a reactor for the gasification of solid and liquid fuels in the entrained flow at temperatures between 1200 and 1900° C. and pressures between ambient pressure and 10 MPa with an oxidizing agent containing free oxygen, the cooling screen is connected in a gas-tight manner to the pressure shell via a bellows compensator to accommodate linear deformation. Continuous sweeping by gas of the annular gap between pressure shell and cooling screen is unnecessary and backflow by producer gas is prevented.
US08475546B2 Reactor for preparing syngas
A reactor vessel includes a dipleg connecting a tubular syngas collection chamber and a quench chamber. The collection chamber connects to the dipleg via a slag tap having a frusto-conical part starting from the lower end of the collection chamber and diverging to an opening connected to an interior of the dipleg. The slag tap has a first tubular part connected to the opening of the frusto-conical part and extending in the direction of the dipleg. A second tubular part connects to the frusto-conical part or to the tubular part and extends toward the dipleg. The second tubular part is spaced away from the dipleg to provide an annular space having a discharge conduit. The discharge conduit has a discharge opening located to direct water along the inner wall of the dipleg. At least half of the vertical length of the first tubular part extends below the discharge opening.
US08475542B2 Biodiesel production using ultra low catalyst concentrations in a membrane reactor
A method for producing a fuel or fuel additive comprising providing a reaction mixture comprising oil and an alcohol in an oil-in-alcohol emulsion and a catalyst for converting the oil to the fuel or the fuel additive. The oil and the alcohol are reacted in the presence of the catalyst, at a concentration below that used in a conventional batch process, to produce the fuel or fuel additive. This low level of catalyst reduces the formation of diols and oxidation products that can diminish the quality of the fuel or fuel additive. The fuel or fuel additive produced is continuously removed during the reaction, effectively de-coupling the concentration of catalyst used from the rate of the two phase reaction.
US08475540B2 Multi-stage system for reaction and melt coalescence and separation
In one embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a multi-stage system for performing melt coalescence and separation, the multi-stage system. In one embodiment, the multi-stage system includes a first container for mixing a powder with a salt, the first container having an opening, a heating means coupled to the first container for heating the first container and a second container coupled to the first container.
US08475538B2 Method for gently aftertreating dyed textiles
A process for aftertreating dyed and/or printed textiles to remove excess portions of colorants comprises utilizing an aqueous formulation comprising at least one graft copolymer having a hydrophilic main chain and also surfactants.
US08475533B1 System and stabilizer for spinal implant and methods of assisting stabilization of spinal implant
A system, stabilizer and method for assisting the inhibition of the inward advancement of the surgically implanted spinal implant. The current system, stabilizer and method are particularly useful with spinal cages or other implants having one or more apertures about their perimeters.
US08475529B2 Accommodating intraocular lens
An accommodating intraocular lens, for use in an eye, is made from flexible, optionally elastic, bio-compatible lens body material surrounding a closed and sealed lens cavity. One or more compressible struts is in the cavity. The cavity is filled with bio-compatible optical liquid. The optical liquid has a refractive index sufficiently high to, in cooperation with the ciliary muscle and the compressible strut, focus light, incident on the eye, on the retina, thus to provide accommodation. The curvature of the surface of the lens is deformable, by the forces expressed by the ciliary body and the strut, thus to change the radius of curvature of the anterior body member and/or the posterior body member, thus providing focusing, including from relatively farther distance in the relaxed state to relatively nearer distance in the accommodative state.
US08475528B2 Intraocular lens insertion device
An intraocular lens insertion device capable of folding an intraocular lens into a predetermined shape without giving a local stress to the intraocular lens. The intraocular lens insertion device 2 includes a lens disposing part 15 for disposing an intraocular lens 4, a slider 7 for pushing out the intraocular lens 4, a plunger 8 for further pushing out the intraocular lens pushed out by the slider 7, a transition part 31 for deforming the intraocular lens 4 pushed out by the slider and the plunger, and a nozzle 32 for ejecting out the deformed intraocular lens 4. The slider 7 includes a lens push-out part 47 having a larger contact area than the plunger 8 and a lens holder 52 holding one face of an optical part 4b of the intraocular lens 4 in one direction. The transition part 31 deforms a portion of an outer edge of the intraocular lens 4 parallel to the lens traveling direction in an other direction opposite to the one direction.
US08475527B2 Intraocular lens and cartridge packaging with lens-loading function
A lens and cartridge packaging system and method of use which simplify the removal and transfer of an IOL to an IOL insertion device is disclosed. The packaging system enables a user to easily load an IOL into a cartridge without the use of forceps. In addition, the packaging system also allows a user to fold and insert the IOL into a cartridge without damaging the IOL and/or compromising IOL sterility. In addition, the related methods of use minimize and/or eliminate damage to the IOL during unpackaging, folding, transfer and loading procedures.
US08475515B2 Trans-luminal surgical device
A device for trans-luminal delivery of a self-expanding stent or other surgical device and which is designed for rapid exchange over a guidewire has a guidewire lumen that adjacent its proximal exit port lies side-by-side with the line of the shaft of the device. A sleeve which surrounds and confines the stent has a proximal end that is shaped around the guidewire exit port to show in profile a shape reminiscent of the nose of a dolphin. In preferred embodiments, the sleeve also has a tapered distal tip that is withdrawn proximally over the length of the stent to release it, progressively, from its distal end. The configuration delivers simplicity of design, enhanced performance and reliability in use.
US08475513B2 Stent graft apparatus and method
An apparatus and associated surgical method for repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second stent grafts made from a metal form structure in combination with a flexible fabric, and a flexible guidewire detachably attached to the first stent graft. The first stent graft has an upper tubular body which defines an inlet, and a lower bifurcation which includes a first tubular leg defining a first outlet, and a second tubular leg defining a second outlet. The method includes advancing the first stent graft through one iliac artery and deploying it in the aorta, advancing a guidewire engagement device distally through the other iliac artery and pulling the flexible guidewire into the other iliac artery, advancing a guide catheter over the flexible guidewire into the second tubular leg of the first stent graft, replacing the flexible guide wire with a stiffer guide wire through the guide catheter, and advancing a catheter delivery system provided with a second stent graft over the stiffer guide wire into the second tubular leg of the first stent graft.
US08475502B2 Load distribution crown
An apparatus for distributing the load caused by the insertion of a fastening device into bony tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a crown having a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions may have any desired physical properties, and function to obtain purchase in the bony tissue. Preferably, the crown includes an opening that is selectively engageable with a spherical head of the fastening device. The opening preferably comprises a spherical curvature that allows the surfaces of the spherical head and the opening to maintain flush contact, even when the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue at a non-orthogonal angle. When the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue, the crown distributes the load over a wider section of the bone, allowing the bone to maintain its structural integrity.
US08475498B2 Dynamic stabilization connecting member with cord connection
A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. In a first embodiment, the transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having apertures therein for tying or otherwise attaching the rigid length to a second rigid length or to a flexible cord. Slender ties or cords extend through a plurality of apertures in the rigid lengths or are threaded, tied or plaited to the larger flexible cord or cable. In a second embodiment, a transition portion includes slender ties of a cord that are imbedded in a molded plastic of a more rigid member. The outer sleeve may include compression grooves. The sleeve surrounds the transition portion and extends between the pair of bone anchors, the sleeve being compressible in a longitudinal direction between the bone anchors.
US08475490B2 Methods and devices for providing access through tissue to a surgical site
Methods and devices are provided for providing access through tissue to a surgical site. A surgical access device can be configured to be positioned in tissue to provide access through a working channel of the access device to a body cavity underlying the tissue. The access device can include a sealing element positioned at least partially within the working channel. The sealing element can be formed of a puncturable self-sealing material such as a gel and/or a foam configured to provide a channel seal that seals the working channel when no instrument is inserted through the sealing element and configured to provide an instrument seal that provides a seal around one or more surgical instruments inserted through the sealing element.
US08475481B2 Surgical cutting accessory with an inlet port into which irrigating fluid is flowed
A surgical cutting accessory that includes inner and outer tubes. A cutting feature is attached to the inner tube. The proximal end of the inner tube is connected to an inner hub. The inner hub has features for engaging a drive shaft integral with a handpiece to which the accessory is attached. The outer hub has features that facilitate the removable coupling of the hub to the handpiece. The outer hub is formed with a bore through which the inner tube extends. The outer hub also has an inlet port that extends from an outer surface of the hub to the main bore. Irrigation fluid can be flowed through this port into the annular space between the inner and outer tubes. A seal is located adjacent the inlet port.
US08475478B2 Cleaning apparatus and method for high-speed rotational atherectomy devices
Apparatus and method for maximizing efficiency of tissue removal from body passageways is provided. A rotational atherectomy device comprises, inter alia, an elongated, flexible and rotatable drive shaft with an enlarged cutting surface disposed thereon, guide wire and catheter. The distal end of catheter may have a cutting surface cleaner, either attached thereto or integrated therein. The cleaner may be outwardly radially flexible and biased against the drive shaft. The cleaner may be opened to accommodate the enlarged cutting surface for cleaning particles trapped therein as a consequence of abrading as it is either advanced distally over the drive shaft and/or the drive shaft is retracted proximally toward the cleaner to accommodate the diameter of the enlarged cutting section. The cleaner comprises an inner surface having an abrasive surface for mechanically scraping and dislodging material trapped in the enlarged cutting head tissue removing surface.
US08475474B2 Anastomosis method utilizing tool with fluid-driven actuator
A method of performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel, each having a circumferential wall and a lumen therethrough, may include providing an anastomosis tool including a tissue effector and a fluid-driven actuator operationally connected to that tissue effector; connecting the fluid-driven actuator to an energy source; placing an end of the graft vessel in proximity to the side of the target vessel; and actuating the fluid-driven actuator to connect the end of the graft vessel to the side of the target vessel.
US08475466B2 Calibrated mechanical orthopedic driver with wear-compensated torque-limiting mechanism
A torque-limiting driver for orthopedic surgical use is described. The torque-limiting driver has a housing to which a torque force may be applied and transferred to a driver output shaft. The housing encloses a cam bearing assembly having a ball cage disposed so that balls of the ball cage move along a first vector path (Vr) radial to the axis of rotation. The bearing assembly also has an inner race abutting the ball. The inner race travels along a second vector path (F) parallel to the axis of rotation. The first vector path (Vr) and the second vector path (F) are not co-axial. A bearing load assembly applies a bias force (F) to the inner race of the cam bearing assembly to set the calibrated maximum amount of torque that can be transmitted via the housing through the cam bearing assembly to the output shaft of the torque-limiting driver.
US08475464B2 Cannula
A cannula (1) comprising A) a central axis (2), a front end (3), a rear end (4) and a channel (5) coaxial or parallel to said central axis (2) and defining a peripheral wall (12) of said cannula (1); B) referencing means (15) at said rear end (4), so that said cannula (1) can be brought in a desired position relative to a cavity (120) in a bone; wherein C) said cannula (1) further comprises at least two perforations (8) penetrating said peripheral wall (12) transversely to said central axis (2); and D) said at least two perforations (8) are arranged in a portion (16) of said peripheral wall (12) which extends over an arc (18) orthogonal to said central axis (2) with a central angle α<270°. A method for applying bone cement into a bone structure comprising the steps of: A) selecting at least one region in a bone where the trabecular bone structure is to be augmented; B) producing at least one cavity (120) communicating with said at least one bone region; C) applying a fluid jet lavage towards said at least one bone region, and D) providing bone cement to said at least one bone region.
US08475463B2 Systems and instrumentalities for use in total ankle replacement surgery
Custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guide system and instrumentalities including a tibial cutting guide position verification device is disclosed. A computer-based system and method for making the custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guides is also disclosed. Further disclosed is an adjustable tibial reaming guide positioning system for allowing a position for reaming of a distal tibia to be adjusted during total ankle replacement surgery and, particularly, during total ankle arthroplasty for prostheses with an intramedullary stem.
US08475461B2 Instruments for installing multi-section intervertebral spinal implants
Instruments are provided for delivering and installing a multi-section spinal implant in-situ one section at a time by sequential deployment and assembling of the multi-section spinal implant sections into an intervertebral space. An advancement mechanism provides controlled deployment of individual implant sections from the instrument. Each instrument accepts a plurality of implant sections that are stacked on a deployment rod. Activation of the advancement mechanism advances a pusher against a rearward implant section of the implant section stack. This, in turn, advances all or some of the implant sections such that the forward most implant section exits the instrument. As the advancement mechanism is further activated, additional implant sections are deployed from the instrument. In this manner, a multi-section spinal implant of any number of implant sections may be delivered and assembled in situ. In one form, the advancement mechanism comprises an indexing mechanism. In another form, the advancement mechanism comprises a ratchet device provided on and between a trigger and an advancement tube.
US08475459B2 Drill bit and method for producing a drill bit
A drill bit including a shaft which has a pyramidal shaped end defining a drill tip with a plurality of edges defining the pyramidal shape.One or more recesses are provided for directing away debris produced whilst drilling, the at least one recess having a first portion extending along the shaft and a second portion having a first portion extending along the shaft and a second portion which extends along the drill tip; wherein the. The second portion which extends along the drill tip. The second portion of the at least one recess extends along an edge of the drill tip.
US08475457B2 Clip-like implant for osteosynthesis
The invention relates to a clip-like implant for osteosynthesis of at least two repositioned bone fragments, with at least two retainer web sections and with one connection web section connecting the retainer web sections, wherein the free ends of the at least two retainer web sections can be at least partially fixed in a respective one of the two repositioned bone fragments. Advantageously the clip-like implant has a C-shaped cross section, in which the first and second retainer web sections each enclose with the connection web section an angle (w, w′) between 75° and 90°, and the free ends of the at least two retainer web sections are designed as inwardly directed points.
US08475453B2 Endoscopic vessel sealer and divider having a flexible articulating shaft
An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof to move the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation to one another to a second position closer to one another for engaging tissue. A second actuator is disposed on the housing and is actuatable to articulate the shaft.
US08475452B2 Instruments and methods for thermal tissue treatment
Disclosed herein are high efficiency surgical devices and methods of using same using radio frequency (RF) electrical power and/or electrically heated filaments to destroy tumors, form lesions, denaturize, desiccate, coagulate and ablate soft tissues, as well as to drill, cut, resect and vaporize soft tissues. According to the principles of this invention, the electrosurgical instruments can be used with externally supplied conductive or non-conductive liquids, as well as without externally supplied liquids, a mode of operation often referred to as “dry field” environment.
US08475451B2 Medical plasma generator and endoscope using the same
A medical plasma generator and its application are provided. In the medical plasma generator, a gas supply tube supplies a gas required for the generation of plasma. An internal electrode in a tube shape has a joined part joined to the end of the gas supply tube, and an extended part extended from the joined part. The extended part has a smaller diameter than the joined part, thereby allowing the gas to jet out with an increased speed when the gas passes through the internal electrode. A high voltage is applied to the internal electrode. A glass tube encloses the extended part of the internal electrode and protruding from the internal electrode. A ground electrode is formed on an outer surface of a protruding part of the glass tube. Interaction between the ground electrode and the internal electrode leads to ionization and discharge of the gas passing through the internal electrode, thereby generating plasma. A tubular cover covers the glass tube and is extended beyond the glass tube. The medical plasma generator may be used alone or in combination with medical equipment such as en endoscope.
US08475450B2 Dual-purpose lasso catheter with irrigation
Cardiac catheters, including a lasso catheter, are provided for use in a system for electrical mapping of the heart has an array of raised, perforated electrodes, which are in fluid communication with an irrigating lumen. There are position sensors on a distal loop section and on a proximal base section of the catheter. The electrodes are sensing electrodes that may be adapted for pacing or ablation. The raised electrodes securely contact cardiac tissue, forming electrical connections having little resistance.
US08475449B2 RF energy delivery system and method
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. A steerable ablation catheter can include one or more ablation elements at its distal end and one or more ablation elements fixedly attached to its shaft. The distal end of the ablation catheter can be deflected to assume a number of different deflection geometries in at least one direction along the shaft. One feature of the ablation catheter is that its shaft can comprise materials of differing durometers or stiffnesses attached together at a joint. Methods associated with use of the ablation catheter are also covered.
US08475446B2 Electrosurgical medical system and method
A method for mitigating leakage in an RF electrosurgical generator includes delivering an RF signal from an RF electrosurgical generator to an electrosurgical electrode by way of a patient box; providing a balanced and symmetrical shielded transmission line coupling said electrosurgical generator disposed in a first housing to said patient box disposed in a second, different housing; providing a common mode choke in said patient box, said common mode choke including an output winding and a return winding, said output winding and said return winding spaced apart and in parallel to maintain a desired impedance, said output winding comprising a wire carrying said RF signal as an output signal and said return winding carrying a return signal from a return electrode; and directing a common mode signal from said RF signal to said common mode choke thereby blocking said common mode signal.
US08475443B2 Heating type balloon catheter device, and elastic tube device and vibrator device for the catheter device
A heating-type balloon catheter device is provided. The catheter device may include a heating-type balloon at a top end portion of a catheter main body and a vibration imparting device connected to a base end portion of the catheter main body. The vibration imparting device may impart vibration to a liquid for heating in the heating-type balloon and include an elastic tube with a base end portion connected to the catheter main body and with a top end portion thereof closed. The elastic tube may be filled with a liquid for heating. A vibrator device having a roller rotating about a rotary shaft at a position offset to the rotary shaft may be provided. The elastic tube may be set to such a vibrator device so that a predetermined direction of rotation of the roller extends from the side of the base end portion of the elastic tube to the side of the top end portion thereof and a margin volume part which is not pressed with the roller is provided on the side of the top end portion of the elastic tube.
US08475442B2 Ultrasonic assembly with adjustable fluid lens
An ultrasonic assembly suited for attachment to a catheter, e.g. for medical treatment. The ultrasonic assembly includes an adjustable ultrasonic focus mechanism arranged in connection with the ultrasonic transducer to adjust focus of ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer. The ultrasonic focus mechanism includes a fluid focus lens with at least two fluids separated by an interface such that ultrasonic waves are substantially reflected at the interface. At least two electrodes are arranged in connection with the fluid focus lens so as to allow adjustment of the interface shape, e.g. a curvature of the interface, when a voltage is applied to the electrodes. In preferred embodiments the electrodes are arranged so as to allow adjustment of the fluid focus lens in an elevation direction as well as in a radial direction. In simple embodiments with rotational symmetric geometry with the transducer positioned in the center of the fluid focus lens, ultrasonic waves can be focused in an annular ring. This is e.g. suitable for ablative or coagulative necrotic treatment of human tissue, e.g. for atrial fibrillation treatment. In some embodiments, the assembly has a number of separate individually adjustable fluid focus lens compartments allowing a more detailed control of the ultrasonic focus pattern.
US08475433B2 Apparatus for coupling an element to the eye
The invention relates to a suction ring (2) for ophthalmic surgery, with a first suction region (4), which is designed to suck the suction ring onto an eye (18), and with a second suction region (10), which is designed to aspirate a functional element (12). The functional element and/or the suction ring may exhibit measuring means. The functional element may be formed in the manner of a container, so that it can receive a liquid which in operation is located between the cornea of the eye and a lens.
US08475432B2 Infusion medium delivery system, device and method with needle inserter and needle inserter device and method
An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.
US08475429B2 Method of applying shear stress to treat brain disorders
A system for applying shear stress ex-situ to a fluid. A method of preparing a fluid for intravenous administration to a patient. In some embodiments, the system comprises a shear device; and at least one device configured for intravenous administration of the fluid to a patient, the devices defining a fluid passage configured to be sterilized and maintained sterile during use, the fluid comprising at least one therapeutic fluid, blood, or a combination thereof. The shear device of the system is in fluid communication with the at least one device configured for intravenous administration of the fluid to a patient.
US08475423B2 Absorbent garment characteristics for droop elimination
An absorbent garment, such as a diaper, designed to reduce or eliminate any tendency of the garment to droop when loaded. The absorbent garment includes an absorbent chassis that defines a waist opening and two leg openings. Based on dimensions of the garment, the absorbent chassis suitably has a diaper length ratio of about 0.85 or less, a droop design ratio of about 150 millimeters or less, and/or an absorbent length design ratio of about 280 millimeters or less.
US08475422B2 Sperm collector with squeezing function
The present invention is a sperm collector with squeezing function. It includes a soft rubber body provided with a penis insertion passage and a container body provided with at least a top end cover and receives the soft rubber body. When the top end cover and the container body are engaged, the soft rubber body is confined within a cavity formed by the top end cover and the container body. When the top end cover is disengaged, a front end portion of the soft rubber body protrudes out of an opening of the container body. A pressing means is provided at a middle lower portion of the container body. When using the present invention, the user could press the pressing means to squeeze the penis insertion passage of the sperm collector. Accordingly, stimulation to penis is increased and better effect of sperm collection is achieved. In particular, since the present invention is also provided with a heating rod, lubricant pockets and electrical vibrators, which enable the user to reach a climax as quick as possible, thereby further enhancing the effect of sperm collection.
US08475420B2 Arrangement for connecting fecal receiving bags together
An arrangement for connecting fecal receiving bags together provides for a simple coupling arrangement, which provides fluid communication between the bags while preventing odor and fluid to leak from the coupling. Such a coupling arrangement between two receiving devices or bags is discreet and comfortable to wear as the coupling members follow the extent of the receiving devices. The coupling members are furthermore capable of extending parallel to the first and second plane of the receiving devices and thereby reduce the extent to which the coupling members bulge out. A method for connecting fecal receiving bags into a coupling arrangement employs the coupling members.
US08475413B2 Drive device and method for advancing an advancing element
A drive device for advancing an advancing element (2; 33) relative to a housing (1; 30) over a entire advancing distance (G) comprises a tensioning device having a tensioning element (3; 39) for tensioning a spring device (4). A predetermined distance (A) between the tensioning element (39) and the advancing element (33) or between the counter element (7) and the tensioning element (3) that engages with advancing element can be set according to the advancing of the advancing element (2; 33) by a partial advancing distance that is less than the entire advancing distance (G). According to a method for discharging a fluid product from a container (16) via an outlet (17), a plunger (18) is displaced inside the container (16) by means of a drive device provided with an advancing element (2; 33) and with a spring device (4), whereby the spring device (4) is tensioned by a tensioning device according to the advancing of the advancing element (2; 33) by a partial advancing distance.
US08475408B2 Infusion pump system
An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.
US08475407B2 Method and apparatus for guiding an external needle to an implantable device
A support tool for a supply assembly delivers a functional fluid to an implantable medical device. The supply assembly defines a supply axis. The support tool includes a support member defining an opening. The opening has a support axis, and the opening is configured to receive the supply assembly. The support member includes a three dimensionally contoured nesting surface that conforms to a corresponding three dimensionally contoured surface of the supply assembly. The corresponding surface of the supply assembly nests against the nesting surface to support the supply assembly such that the supply axis remains substantially fixed relative to and aligned with the support axis.
US08475406B2 Inflatable retention system for enteral feeding device
An inflatable retention system for an enteral feeding tube having a base deployed outside the human body and an indwelling retainer which is deployed within a lumen or cavity of the body by insertion through a stoma from outside the body. The retention system includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an external tube diameter, and tube walls defining a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen. The retention system also includes an inflatable balloon located at a distal end of the tube in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, the balloon having thin, flexible walls, a predetermined spheroid shape, and a volume at which a fluid in the balloon is under no pressure such that upon inflation with a fluid to pressurize fluid in the balloon, the balloon assumes a stable spheroid shape and exhibits a substantially linear pressure versus volume curve.
US08475405B2 Esophageal balloon catheter with asymmetrical balloon
A balloon catheter for use with an endoscope may have a flexible shaft extending between a proximal and distal end, with a hub affixed to the proximal end, and a balloon that is longitudinally asymmetrical. A balloon may have a central or cylindrical working portion, flanked by proximal and distal tapering portions, which are in turn flanked by proximal and distal balloon legs, which are affixed to the catheter shaft. In more specific detail, a longitudinally asymmetrical balloon may have proximal and distal tapering portions that have a relatively steep and a relatively shallow tapering angle, respectively. An optional additional feature of such a balloon catheter is that the catheter shaft may have a high pull strength and low longitudinal elongation, by including some type of reinforcement.
US08475400B2 Osmotic devices and methods for diuretic therapy
Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for modulating renal function, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of modulating renal function in a patient including implanting an occlusive device in the patient, the occlusive device comprising a semi-permeable membrane and configured to expand or contract based on the passage of a fluid across the semi-permeable membrane. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US08475398B2 Extracorporeal blood treatment and system having reversible blood pumps
An extracorporeal blood processing method using a blood circuit comprising a pair of blood passages attached to opposite flow ends of a blood treatment device and said blood circuit is mounted on a blood pump console, the method includes: withdrawing blood from a vascular system of a human patient and drawing the blood into the blood circuit; pumping the withdrawn blood through one of the pair of blood passages using a first blood pump of the console and into the blood treatment device; pumping the treated blood from the treatment device through the other of the pair of blood passages using a second blood pump of the console; infusing the treated blood from the other blood passage and into the vascular system of the patient, and periodically reversing a flow direction of blood through the pair of blood passages and blood treatment device.
US08475395B2 Painless blood-collecting method
A method is provided for collecting a small blood sample by painlessly puncturing a finger. When the skin of a human being is punctured by a needle or another device at the depth that does not exceed 0.5 mm, pain accompanying the puncture is diminished or decreased. Regardless of an error in the depth of the puncture, the depth of puncture must not exceed this depth. The puncture site is located on the dorsal surface of a finger, in the area from the finger joint (IP joint of thumb, DIP joint of fingers other than thumb) to the proximal nail wall and the area extending from the proximal nail wall to the lateral nail wall.
US08475393B1 Methods and devices for obtaining biopsy samples
Methods and devices for obtaining biopsy samples are described. In one embodiment, a capture tube with capture arms slides over a core tube to grasp and/or cut a tissue sample. Forceps with jaws may be used to hold the tissue before the capture tube is used to obtain the tissue sample. In another embodiment, a core tube includes needle channels in which capture needles are advanced to grasp and/or penetrate a tissue sample. In yet another embodiment, a capture tube includes grasping arms which close through slots in a core tube to grasp and/or cut a tissue sample.
US08475389B2 Methods and devices for assessment of pneumostoma function
A pneumostoma assessment and treatment system includes methods and devices for aftercare of a pneumostoma. In particular, methods and devices are provided for standardized monitoring and assessment of pneumostoma patency thereby facilitating the establishment of standards-based protocols for pneumostoma management. Methods of standardized pneumostoma patency assessment includes the use of devices for raising alveolar pressure to a controlled repeatable pressure above ambient while analyzing gas flow through the pneumostoma. In response to an assessment the functionality of the pneumostoma, the tissues of the pneumostoma may be treated with a treatment device utilizing one or more different modalities to preserve or enhance the health and function of the pneumostoma.
US08475388B2 Detection of disordered breathing
Devices and methods for detecting disordered breathing involve determining that the patient is asleep and sensing one or more signals associated with disordered breathing indicative of sleep-disordered breathing while the patient is asleep. Sleep-disordered breathing is detected using the sensed signals associated with disordered breathing. The sensed signals associated with disordered breathing may also be used to acquire a respiration pattern of one or more respiration cycles. Characteristics of the respiration pattern are determined. The respiration pattern is classified as a disordered breathing episode based on the characteristics of the respiration pattern. One or more processes involved in the detection of disordered breathing are performed using an implantable device.
US08475386B2 Systems, methods and devices for maintenance, guidance and/or control
Methods, systems, devices and computer program products for providing maintenance, guidance and/or control of certain systems are disclosed. Typically, in some aspects the systems are complex. Also disclosed are methods, systems, devices and computer program products for providing therapeutic guidance for controlling a subject's circulation. One such method comprises the steps of: (i) determining the subject's present and desired circulatory states as a function of at least mean systemic filling pressure (Pms), heart efficiency (EH) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR); (ii) determining a target direction of a trajectory from the subject's present circulatory state to said subject's desired circulatory state, wherein treatment of the subject so as to traverse the trajectory will cause the subject's circulatory state to move towards a desired circulatory state; and (iii) visually representing the target direction of the trajectory.
US08475385B2 Method and apparatus for physiological monitoring
Blood pressure measurements are represented aurally. An audio synthesizer (15) receives a signal representative of blood pressure information, and synthesizes an audio output from the signal. Both the duration and pitch of the synthesized audio output are dependent on the value of the blood pressure information, according to a linear scale or a non-linear scale such as stepped scale. The blood pressure information includes at least one of arterial or pulmonary arterial systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure measurements, and the audio output includes an earcon comprising a tone or sequence of tones, the tone(s) being representative of a respective type of blood pressure measurement. The earcon may also include one or more static or dynamic beacons.
US08475384B2 Three dimensional imaging ultrasound probe
An ultrasound probe includes a transducer array which is moved back and forth to sweep the image plane of the array through a volumetric region for 3D scanning. The transducer array is mounted on a carriage assembly which moves back and forth on a pair of rails inside a fluid compartment in the probe. The rails are preferentially arcuately curved to provide an elevationally divergent scan with a relatively wide aperture in the near field. A cam is provided for a motor-driven cable drive for the carriage assembly which provides relatively linear motion through the path of travel of the transducer array.
US08475382B2 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and method for tracing movement of tissue
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits an ultrasound wave to a target object and receives the ultrasound wave as ultrasound data reflected from the target object including a long axis direction blood vessel. An image generation unit generates an ultrasound image as a sectional image of the blood vessel. A region of interest (ROI) setting unit sets a first ROI on a vertical straight line at a right angle to the long axis direction and a second ROI on a wall of the blood vessel displayed at a designated time. A tracing unit traces movement of tissue in the target object corresponding to the first and second ROIs from the designated time to sequentially following thereafter by a gradient method using a spatial brightness gradient. A second memory unit stores information of the movement of the tissue for a predetermined duration.
US08475374B2 Intra-occular pressure sensor
A system is provided for monitoring intraocular pressure, the system comprising: a sensor package configured to be disposed in the suprachoroidal space of a patient's eye; a pressure sensor; a wireless transceiver disposed within the sensor package and coupled to the pressure sensor; an external transceiver, the external receiver being wirelessly coupled to the wireless transceiver when the transceiver is disposed proximate to the patient's eye.
US08475372B2 Implantable medical sensor and fixation system
An implantable medical device, such as a sensor for monitoring a selected internally detectable physiological parameter of a patient, is attached to a fixation member that is deployable within the patient to position and orient the sensor to enable it to perform its function. The fixation member may be configured to lie in a single plane when deployed or may be tubular in shape. The attachment of the housing and fixation member includes providing the fixation member with a linear attachment strut that is non-circular in cross section and providing the housing with external members that define an elongate channel, non-circular in cross section and receptive to the attachment strut. The attachment strut can be inserted transversely into the channel and the external member can be crimped over the strut to secure the housing and fixation member together.
US08475371B2 Physiological monitoring garment
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for monitoring characteristics of a subject. A system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a sensor subsystem including at least one respiratory sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a respiratory characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one respiratory signal representing the respiratory characteristic, and at least one physiological sensor disposed proximate to the subject and configured to detect a physiological characteristic of the subject, wherein the sensor subsystem is configured to generate and transmit at least one physiological signal representing the physiological characteristic, and a processor subsystem in communication with the sensor subsystem, the processor subsystem being configured to receive at least one of the at least one respiratory signal and the at least one physiological signal.
US08475369B2 Integrated pressure and temperature cannula
The invention is an integrated thermal and pressure device and method for detecting breathing patterns. The device has a manifold, two parallel nasal cannulas stemming from the manifold, and at least one flexible tube. The flexible tube stems from the manifold and provides an airtight connection with the manifold and a pressure transducer apparatus. The device also includes at least a first temperature sensor for detecting temperatures of air flowing from one cannula to the other cannula. The device can include a second temperature sensor for sensing oral air flow temperatures.
US08475362B2 Surgical apparatus for transanal endoscopic microsurgery
Provided is a surgical apparatus for transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in which a thin and long endoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through a natural orifice of a human body and the endoscope and surgical instruments are conveyed to the operation area in the body to perform the operation area in the body. According to the surgical apparatus for TEM, a rotation function is added to a barrel of the surgical apparatus for TEM to enable manual rotation of the barrel to a required extent and adjustment of an operation area, without separation of the surgical apparatus for TEM from a fixing frame during an operation. In addition, since the endoscope is disposed outside the barrel, it is possible to reduce the outer diameter of the barrel and uniformly maintain a visual direction of the endoscope even when the barrel is rotated. Further, since the rotation function is added to both the barrel and the surgical instrument insertion hole, more convenient operation is possible.
US08475361B2 Percutaneous or natural-orifice medical procedure and system therefor
A medical procedure and a system are provided so that two visions are obtainable through natural orifices by means of two observational apparatuses, or one the two visions is selectable. The medical procedure through a natural orifice comprises: forming an orifice in a hollow organ by using a device inserted into the hollow organ from a natural orifice of a patient; introducing a first observation device from said orifice formed in said hollow organ into an abdominal cavity; introducing a second observation device from said orifice formed in said hollow organ into the abdominal cavity; arranging said second observation device in a position different from that of said first observation device; simultaneously or selectively displaying an image obtained from said first observation device and an image obtained from said second observation device; and performing a desired procedure in the abdominal cavity while confirming the images.
US08475360B2 Endoscopic apparatus having an expandable balloon delivery system
An apparatus cooperable with a grasping slot of an elevator for an endoscope is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an expandable balloon disposable through the endoscope for dilitating a stricture in the body duct. The apparatus further comprises a catheter disposable about the expandable balloon and through the endoscope. The catheter comprises proximal and distal portions along a longitudinal axis thereof. At least the proximal portion comprises a splittable portion formed therealong to define first and second sections separable from each other for securing the catheter while protecting and maintaining the expandable balloon at the stricture.
US08475358B2 Sexual enhancement lubrication powder
Provided is a dry, edible, sexual enhancement lubricant powder. The powder comprises a powdered sweetening agent which is also a sialogogue; a powdered thickening agent, which is combined with the sweetening agent/sialogogue; and a powdered flavoring agent, which is combined with the sweetening agent/sialogogue and thickening agent. Human saliva, when added to the dry powdered composition, effectuates the transformation of the composition into a gel-like lubricant useable for sexual enhancement. Also provided is a method of sexual enhancement using the sexual enhancement lubrication powder.
US08475352B2 Solids discharge centrifugal separator with disposable contact elements
A hermetically sealed solids discharge centrifugal separator having a separator bowl with a cylindrical upper portion and a conical lower portion, an inlet port at the bottom of the bowl and an outlet port at the top of the bowl. A disposable liner assembly includes a bowl liner having a cylindrical upper portion and conical lower portion, such that the bowl liner can conform to the interior surface of the separator bowl. The liner assembly further includes a piston within the bowl liner, the piston having an upper portion that conforms to the bowl liner cylindrical upper portion and a lower portion that conforms to the bowl liner conical lower portion. A fluid pathway extends through the piston, with a shuttle valve disposed within the fluid pathway.
US08475346B2 Storable exercise apparatus for professional and home use
A storable exercise apparatus for home use. The apparatus includes an upright tower, a base structure, a bench frame, and a bench attached to the bench frame. A set of flexible pull lines coupled to a resilient spring system are carried within the tower structure. The user exercises by pulling the pull lines against the bias of the spring system. The grips for the pull lines are mounted at the top of the tower and generate significant tipping force on the tower when the apparatus is in use. To prevent tipping, the bench frame has pivotal and load-transmitting connections with the tower structure; the tower is stabilized by the weight of the user on the bench. The bench may be placed in either a raised or lowered position, and can be stored by collapsing and pivoting it so that it abuts the tower vertically.
US08475345B2 Exercise-cord anchored device
An exercise-cord anchored device is used to detachably secure an anchoring end of an elastic cord, and includes an anchored mount, a biasing member, and a tubular insert. The anchored mount has an inner tubular wall defining an insert opening and having an inserting route, a seat, and a rest wall. The biasing member is disposed in the insert opening. The tubular insert is coupled to the elastic cord, is insertable into the insert opening and is manually movable against the biasing force of the biasing member, and has a protuberance configured to be guided along the inserting route. When the mounting end is pushed manually to permit the protuberance to extend beyond the seat, the protuberance is turned angularly over the seat so as to abut against the rest wall, thereby retaining the tubular insert to the anchored mount.
US08475343B2 Push-up / chin-up exercise assembly
An exercise assembly includes an exercise handle with a grip base suitable for resting on a floor, and a grip elevated above the grip base. A user can situate the grip bases of a pair of the exercise handles on the floor, grasp their grips, and then perform push-ups. The grip bases can also be mounted to the top of a door or to other overhead structure, and the user can then grasp their grips to perform chin-ups. Preferably, this is done by providing a cradle which mounts to the door or other overhead structure, wherein the exercise handles may be firmly (but removably) nested into the cradles to mount them to the structure. The exercise handles may also bear passages or attachments for receiving elastic (or inelastic) cables for use in performing further exercises.
US08475341B1 Arm and leg exercising machine
The arm and leg-exercising machine is an apparatus that targets both the upper body and lower body to provide a full body workout. The upper and lower body workouts can be performed separately or simultaneously. The machine includes a generally U-shaped frame fixed to a base. Pedals and lateral handlebars are provided on the frame for respective leg (lower body) and arm (upper body) exercises. A three-drive mechanism including a plurality of pulleys or sprockets is coupled to the pedals and lateral handlebars and joined by bevel gears. A seat is mounted on the frame for strategically positioning an operator to employ the pedals and lateral handlebars.
US08475329B2 Simultaneous auto-start and asynchronous shift for a hybrid vehicle
A vehicle includes an engine, a first motor, a second motor, and a gearbox. An oncoming clutch is configured to engage during a transition to a target operating mode to transfer an engine torque to the gearbox during the target operating mode. An off-going clutch is configured to transfer a reactive torque to the gearbox during the transition to the target operating mode. The off-going clutch is configured to be disengaged during at least a portion of the target operating mode. A controller is configured to simultaneously control the off-going clutch and the oncoming clutch during the transition. The controller is configured to control the reactive torque of the off-going clutch using a clutch torque profile associate with the target operating mode and the engagement of the oncoming clutch using a shift profile associated with target operating mode.
US08475328B2 Micro-hybrid system for motor vehicle incorporating piloting strategies module
The micro-hybrid system for a transport vehicle comprises a rotary electric machine suitable for being coupled mechanically to an engine of the vehicle, an AC-to-DC converter, a DC-to-DC converter, first and second electrical energy reservoirs suitable for storing an electrical energy produced by the rotary machine and for returning the electrical energy to consumer devices equipping the vehicle, and a controller for controlling the operation of the micro-hybrid system. The controller comprises piloting strategies module suitable for autonomously piloting the operating modes of the micro-hybrid system according to a plurality of strategies depending on information provided to said piloting means regarding an internal state of the micro-hybrid system and of a state of the vehicle.
US08475325B2 Gearset carrier and servo cylinder assembly
A carrier assembly includes a first plate, a second plate spaced from the first plate and formed with a cylinder, pinions supported on the first and second plates; and a piston located in the cylinder for displacement along an axis of the cylinder.
US08475320B2 Bearing preload adjuster
A bearing preload adjuster assembly can include a first annular member defining a first outer wall having a threaded region and a first inner wall having a plurality of first ramped surfaces formed thereon. The first outer wall can threadably engage a corresponding threaded region of an axle assembly. A second annular member can define a second outer wall having a plurality of second ramped surfaces formed thereon and can be received in the first annular member such that the second outer wall faces the first inner wall. A biasing member can bias the second annular member in a first axial direction such that the plurality of second ramped surfaces are in selective meshed engagement with the plurality of first ramped surfaces. A retaining member can be coupled to the first inner wall and can retain the biasing member and second annular member within the first annular member.
US08475319B2 Final drive comprising a lubrication system
A final drive comprising a lubrication system is provided. The final drive comprises a differential housing and a reaction plate, wherein the reaction plate is mounted to the differential plate. The final drive also comprises a shaft and a friction disc. The shaft is rotatably disposed with differential housing, and the friction disc, which has a lubrication hole, is mounted about the shaft. The lubrication system comprises a differential supply passage positioned in the differential housing, and it also comprises a plate passage positioned in the reaction plate. The plate passage is in fluid communication with the differential supply passage, and the plate passage is in intermittent fluid communication with the lubrication hole.
US08475318B2 Planetary gear transmission mechanism
A planetary gear transmission mechanism includes an input shaft, an input bevel gear connecting to the input shaft, four planetary bevel gears meshed with the input bevel gear, an output gear driven by the planetary bevel gears, a stationary bevel gear meshed with the planetary bevel gears, and four bearing modules. The output gear evenly defines four through holes along one axis. Each planetary bevel gear is received in one through hole and rotatably connected to the output gear. The rotation axis of each planetary bevel gear is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the output gear. The stationary bevel gear meshes with the planetary bevel gears. The input bevel gear and the stationary bevel gear are positioned on opposite sides of the output gear respectively. The bearing modules are received in the through holes respectively, and each bearing module rotatably supports one planetary bevel gear.
US08475316B2 Accessory drive and engine restarting system
A drive system includes a pulley, an engine, a variator including an input and an output, for varying a ratio of output speed and input speed, and a gearset drivably interconnecting the input, the output, the engine and pulley.
US08475311B2 Hybrid power driving system and gear position operation method thereof
A hybrid power driving system for a vehicle comprises an internal-combustion engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a planetary coupling mechanism, a speed-reduction mechanism and a differential mechanism. An output shaft of the internal-combustion engine is connected with an input shaft of the first electric motor, and an output shaft of the first electric motor is connected with an output shaft of the second electric motor via a first clutch. The output shaft of the second electric motor is connected with one of a sun gear and a ring gear of the planetary coupling mechanism at a position of the output shaft along its axial direction. And the output shaft of the second electric motor is connected with the other one of a sun gear and a ring gear at another position of the output shaft along the axial direction via a second clutch.
US08475308B2 Belt tensioner and method for making a belt-tensioner arm and a spring case
A belt tensioner includes an arm, a spring case, and a helical spring having inwardly projecting first and second end portions. Another belt tensioner includes a spring, an arm, a spring case, and a pivot bushing surrounding the spring. An additional belt tensioner includes an idler pulley having a bearing with a mounting hole and includes an arm having a post. The post is positioned in the mounting hole, and an annular rim of the post is deformed radially outward and over the bearing. A method for manufacturing an arm and a spring case of a belt-tensioner includes obtaining a belt-tensioner-arm casting mold including a first section and a second section and obtaining a belt-tensioner-spring-case casting mold including a first segment and a second segment.
US08475307B2 Tensioning rail for a chain drive with a bridging guide channel section as a pressing region
The invention relates to a tensioning rail for a chain drive with a support body which is pivotable about a center of rotation and which has a guide channel, which can be placed in contact with a chain, and a pressing region which can be acted on with pressure by a tensioning piston, wherein the pressing region bridges the guide channel at least in regions by forming a peripherally closed guide channel section, wherein the pressing region is formed in one piece with the support body.
US08475306B2 Chain transmission
There is disclosed a chain transmission comprising a driving shaft provided with one or more sprockets and a driven shaft provided with complementary sprockets, which is coupled to the driving shaft via a chain. Preferably, two chain-moving elements are provided between the driving shaft and the driven shaft, near the sprockets, by means of which a desired transmission ratio can be set via axial movement of the chain. The chain-moving elements are movable over respective gear-shifting elements upon rotation of said elements, making it possible to shift from one sprocket combination to another with a reduced risk of malfunctions. The transmission is accommodated in a closed, self-supporting casing built up of interconnected casing members, in which the shafts in question are supported.
US08475305B2 Method and apparatus for shifting a bicycle transmission
A computer-controlled apparatus for setting destination speed stages of a bicycle transmission comprises a shift command unit and a transmission control unit. The shift command unit generates shift commands, and the transmission control unit receives the shift commands and generates transmission command signals for causing the bicycle transmission to move to a destination speed stage. When the shift command unit is operated for a first time interval, the transmission control unit generates a first transmission command signal for causing the bicycle transmission to move through one speed stage to a first destination speed stage. When the shift command unit is operated for a second time interval greater than the first time interval, the transmission control unit generates a second transmission command signal for causing the bicycle transmission to move through a plurality of speed stages to a second destination speed stage.
US08475304B2 Stitchingless baseball, softball or the like and manufacturing method thereof
A baseball, softball or the like includes a ball core and a plurality of carcass panels attaching on the outer surface of the ball core. Each of the carcass panels, which is cut into a predetermined shape, has a main portion and an edge portion formed along a peripheral edge of the main portion, wherein each of the carcass panels is attached on the outer surface of the ball core without stitching with other the carcass panels at a position that the carcass panels are attached in an edge-to-edge manner, such that the carcass panels form an outer shell at the ball core in a thread-less manner.
US08475303B2 Arrow tip mounting apparatus and method
An interface component for engaging an arrow tip to the leading end of an arrow shaft. The device directs impact forces axially and eliminates the shearing and wall collapse of arrow shafts caused by conventional collared arrow head engagement devices which tend to collapse and cut the leading edge of arrow shafts on hard impacts. Engagement to the arrow shaft leading end is provided by an elongated member axially engaged with the bore of the arrow shaft. The exterior surface of the device can be surfaced to interact with passing air during flight of the arrow and increase spin for better accuracy.
US08475300B2 Method of evaluating a golf club
A method of evaluating a golf club is disclosed. The method includes a step (St1) of determining motions of the golf club during a swinging motion of a golf player including a period ranging from a time (Ts) to a time (Tf); a step (St2) of obtaining in a time series power index values (Pw) during the period ranging from the time (Ts) to the time (Tf), based on the result of the determination; a step (St3) of obtaining a power integration value (Sp) by integrating the power index values (Pw) during the period ranging from the time (Ts) to the time (Tf); a step (St4) of calculating club energy (Eg) of the golf club at the time (Tf); and a step (St5) of quantitatively evaluating club suitability based on the power integration value (Sp) and the club energy (Eg). Each of the power index values (Pw) is a value which is correlated to a power of a work provided from the golf player to the golf club.
US08475298B2 Golf ball having dual core deflection differential
A golf ball comprising a core comprising an inner core center and an outer core layer disposed over the inner core center. The inner core center has a deflection of greater than 0.210 inch under a load of 220 pounds and the core has a deflection ranging from 0.120 inch to 0.080 inch under a load of 220 pounds. An inner mantle layer is disposed over the core, an outer mantle is disposed over the inner mantle layer, and a cover is disposed over the outer mantle.
US08475292B2 Wood-type golf clubs with tubing and weights
Wood-type golf clubs as described herein may include: (a) a hosel to receive a golf club shaft; (b) a club head; and (c) a ball striking face. The club head include may include: a plurality of weights, a plurality of tubes, and an exterior cover structure (e.g., an exterior skin) that covers at least a portion of the plurality of weights and at least a portion of the plurality of tubes, and wherein the exterior cover structure defines the shape of the club head. Additionally, the ball striking face may be engaged with at least two of the plurality of weights and/or at least two of the tubes. The plurality of weights may include a first weight, a second weight, a third weight, and a fourth weight that are all engaged with the striking face.
US08475291B2 Multiple flex shaft method and system for golf clubs
Embodiments of multiple flex shaft systems are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also presented herein.
US08475288B2 Snow and water sliding carrier for amusement center
A snow and water sliding carrier for amusement center has a body having a general shape of a torus having a central opening, a floor member that closes the central opening, and has an opposite side defining a bottom member, such that the floor member is concave and the bottom member is convex. The bottom member extends beyond the floor member and is co-joined with the outside wall, and includes a plurality of threaded receptacles adapted to receive respective threaded nipples, wherein each threaded nipple is adapted to be threaded into a respective receptacle in varying amounts, such that a predetermined rotation of the sliding carrier is induced and controlled.
US08475287B2 System and method for automatically altering a theme associated with a room or similar space
A method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.
US08475286B2 Articulation stop
A joint apparatus includes an outer joint portion having an opening end, an outer joint axis, and an outer joint inside surface defining, at least in part, an internal vault. The joint apparatus also includes an inner joint portion including a spider interposed within the outer joint portion and a shaft extending through the opening end. The spider includes a trunnion. The trunnion is at least partially interposed within the vault. The shaft defines a shaft axis. The inner joint portion includes an angular range of motion limiting device that selectively restricts the articulation of the shaft relative to the outer joint to prevent the shaft from contacting the outer joint.
US08475279B2 Use of online messaging to facilitate selection of participants in game play
A method and system facilitating selection of participants in multiplayer online electronic games. The method provides an efficient procedure for players to host and join new instances of multiplayer online electronic games, as well as providing a scheme that enables players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The method is implemented through a gaming utility that runs on each player's electronic device (e.g. PC) and interacts behind the scenes with an online messaging service. Player hosts are enabled to select players from a list of contacts provided by the online messaging service who they want to invite to join a chat session. A selected multiplayer online electronic game is selectively launched on all of the player's computers through a single command issued by the host. Additionally, the gaming utility provides players with a list of existing chat sessions being hosted by other players so as to enable the players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The system includes a plurality of electronic devices linked in communication across a communications network, such as a LAN or the Internet. Each electronic device is operatively coupled to a headset having a pair of headphones and a microphone. The headset is worn by a player, enabling the players to verbally communicate with others in a verbal chat session.
US08475278B2 Terminal device, game control method, information recording medium, and program
In a network match game such as a ball game, to naturally reflect an intension of a user such as a player in the operation of an operation object such as a character, a storage unit (501) of a terminal device (401) stores positions and velocities of a mobile body and each control object; on the basis of instruction input received by an instruction input reception unit (502), a local position updating unit (503) updates a position and a velocity of a control object assigned to the terminal device (401); in a terminal device (401) in a parent device mode, a parent mobile body updating unit (509) updates the position and the velocity of the mobile body, whereas in a terminal device (401) in a child mode, a child mobile body updating unit (511) updates the position and the velocity of the mobile body on the basis of information transmitted from the parent device; and a parent transfer unit (507) estimates a control object that is to collide with the mobile body, and sets a mode of a terminal device (401) assigned to the estimated control object to correspond to the parent device.
US08475277B2 Systems and/or methods for player-controlled participation in random rewards
Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and/or table games having interfaces provided thereto so as to allow players to control their participation in base games and random rewards scenarios. More particularly, an interface provided to the gaming machines and/or table games enables separate and/or separable credit meters to be maintained such that players may determine whether, and to what extent, to allocate credits to base games and one or more random rewards scenarios. This advantageously provides players with further control over their gaming opportunities. Also, certain exemplary embodiments may enable players to wager credits in excess of those capped by a particular gaming machine or table game. This advantageously provides additional revenue possibilities for gaming operators.
US08475274B2 Method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting game or other simulation difficulty
A method for use with a simulation includes running the simulation, receiving information from a control interface used by a user to interact with the simulation, analyzing the received information, forming at least an indication of the user's level of skill based on the analysis of the received information, and adjusting a difficulty level of the simulation based on the indication of the user's level of skill. A storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system and an apparatus for use with a simulation are also disclosed.
US08475268B2 Linear scatter jackpot method and system
A method for awarding a jackpot, and a corresponding gaming machine and system. The jackpot is awarded based upon a presence of scatter symbols appearing in a game outcome in a predefined manner. The jackpot is preferably linked across multiple machines. In a preferred form, scatter symbols on one reel may be in an active or inactive state, the jackpot is awarded only if they are in the active state, and the probability of them being in an active state is dependent upon the size of the player's wager, so as to provide linear returns to players.
US08475267B1 Systems, devices and methods for electronic sports book wagering with a wager sell back option
An electronic sports book wagering system provides a bettor with an opportunity to purchase a sports book ticket sell back option when placing a bet on the outcome of an event. An option may be purchased by a bettor to be exercised at will by the bettor during a break in play or during an indicated period of the event for the bettor to potentially receive compensation to cancel the wager (e.g., at half time during a football game on which the wager was placed). The amount of compensation or refund provided to the bettor upon exercise of the option may be determined based on a current probability at the break in play or indicated period of whether the bettor will win the bet for which the wager was made. The bettor may be guaranteed a minimum refund amount of the original wager upon exercising the option.
US08475265B2 Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player persistent game
A gaming system including a multiple player persistent game, such as an ongoing community game. This ongoing community game includes a community game matrix which is continuously displayed to at least each of the players. The community game matrix includes a plurality of displayed positions which may be associated with an award or an award opportunity. In operation, at least each of the players playing the gaming devices of the gaming system are associated with a displayed participant that moves (either randomly or based on the player's control) to different of the displayed positions of the community game matrix. If a player moves their associated participant to a displayed position that is associated with an award or an award opportunity, the gaming system provides the player any associated award or enables the player to participate in any associated award opportunity to potentially win an award.
US08475261B2 Electronic system for playing of reel-type games
There is disclosed an electronic gaming system (100) comprising one or more player interfaces (6, 7, 17), and a main video display screen (1). The system enables players to simultaneously play a plurality of reel-type games and to place bets on lines of the games. The system displays a plurality of display windows on the main display screen, each window being associated with a respective one of the simultaneously played games and displaying the reels of that game, each reel displaying reel indicia. The system is configured for any one of the games to enter a feature phase when a feature-triggering event occurs. At the start of the feature phase, all the display windows on the main screen, except the particular display window associated with the feature phase, reduce in size or disappear, while the size of the feature game's display window increases, and the other games are also suspended, until the feature phase is completed.
US08475259B2 Reel add-on symbols for simultaneously playing two games
A reel-type secondary game is played simultaneously with a conventional reel-type main game on a gaming machine. The secondary game is initiated only after the player meets certain criteria, such as betting additional credits. Once the secondary game is initiated, one or more special symbols are added to the leftmost reel and the rightmost reel used in the main game, but not the reels in-between. The added special symbols do not affect the symbols used in the main game. All the reels containing the symbols used in the main game and the one or more special symbols are rotated and randomly stopped. Awards are granted for winning symbol combinations obtained in the main game. If the special symbols align with a certain stop position, a special bonus game is played or the player wins a progressive jackpot.
US08475254B2 Linked game play on gaming devices
Embodiments of the present concept provide gaming devices configured for linked game play. First and second gaming devices that are separately playable by first and second players are electronically linked so that a gaming event being played at the first gaming device may also be being played at the second gaming device. Also provided is a method of sharing game play across multiple gaming devices, where the method includes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming device, receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming device, initiating a gaming event that is displayed at the first and second gaming devices, and awarding prizes associated with gaming outcomes displayed at the first and second gaming devices. These and other arrangements of the present concept may allow cooperative or competitive game play between the first and second player.
US08475253B1 Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a card game having a discarded card re-insertion feature
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a card game having a discarded card re-insertion feature. Upon receiving a primary wager, the gaming system provides a play of a card game in which the gaming system enables the player to select one or more cards in a player's hand to discard and in which, if the gaming system discards any of the cards in the player's hand, the gaming system replaces at least one of the discarded cards with a replacement card. The gaming system enables the player to place an optional secondary wager to cause the gaming system to activate the discarded card re-insertion feature. If the discarded card re-insertion feature is active, the gaming system enables the player to cause zero or at least one of any discarded cards to be re-inserted into the player's hand.
US08475251B2 Systems and methods for coding competitions
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a coding competition. In one embodiment, a method for providing a coding competition includes transmitting a coding problem to contestants, receiving computer code created by a contestant, determining a response of the computer code to test data, and evaluating the response of the computer code to the test data. In another embodiment, a method for evaluating a skill level of a contestant includes electronically communicating a coding problem to contestants, electronically receiving a software program in response to the coding problem from one of the contestants, evaluating the received software program, awarding points to the contestant based on the received software program, and determining a rating for the contestant for the competition based on the number of points awarded to the contestant.
US08475250B2 Game device, method for controlling game device, program, and information storage medium
To provide a game device for allowing a user to concentrate on an operation of one or more specific player characters and also capable of reducing a period of time with the user being left rarely able to be useful in a match. According to the present invention, a game of a sport match carried out between a first team operated by the user and a second team is carried out. A participating player selecting section (86) selects a plurality of player characters as operation target candidates from among a plurality of player characters belonging to the first team and participating in a match, based on an operation of a user. An operation target player switching section (88) switches, in the match, a user's operation target among the plurality of player characters selected by the operation target candidate player selecting section (86). A player control section (90) causes, in the match, a player character which is the user's operation target to act, based on an operation by the user.
US08475248B2 Air curtain discharge protection for an agricultural harvester
A discharge system for an agricultural harvester provides an air curtain that shields straw, chaff and other crop residue from the wind. The system includes a blower adapted for mounting to an agricultural harvester and having an intake side and a discharge side and a plenum fluidly connected to the discharge side of the blower. The plenum is arranged and disposed to distribute air exiting the discharge side of the blower to form an air curtain according to a predetermined profile at a location adjacent discharge that exits a rear door of the agricultural harvester as a windrow.
US08475246B2 Airflow damper that accommodates a device
An airflow damper is provided, the airflow damper includes a resilient body having a fixed end and a free end. In a default state, the free end extends to restrict airflow. In a device accommodation state, the free end flattens to accommodate a device.
US08475245B2 Vehicle air duct including strength rib
A vehicle air duct includes a plurality of walls that are connected and define an interior air space. The plurality of walls includes inner and outer surfaces. The air duct extends from a first end to a second end where the first end includes a connection opening. At least one of the plurality of walls includes at least one rib in a region corresponding to the connection opening. The rib extends outward from the outer surface of the at least one wall for maintaining the shape of the vehicle air duct.
US08475244B2 Fume hood having V-shaped baffle
An elongated, cantilever baffle for a fume hood is provided. The baffle has a V-shaped bottom, including a right bottom portion and a left bottom portion that form a substantially horizontal edge. The baffle also has a substantially vertical left wall and a substantially vertical right wall. The substantially vertical left wall has a top edge and a bottom connected to the left bottom portion of the V-shaped bottom. The substantially vertical right wall has a top edge and a bottom connected to the right bottom portion of the V-shaped bottom.
US08475238B2 Polishing pads including sidewalls and related polishing apparatuses
A polishing pad may include a base and a plurality of polishing protrusions on a surface of the base. Each polishing protrusion may include a sidewall defining an opening in a surface of the polishing protrusion opposite the base. In addition, portions of the sidewall opposite the base may define a contact surface.
US08475236B2 Sander having a damping element
A sander according to the present invention having a housing, a motor mounted in the housing, wherein the housing comprises an upper housing section and a lower housing section, the upper housing section includes an inner surface, the lower housing section includes a motor housing, the lower housing section at least partially overlapped by the upper housing section, and a grip portion formed on the upper housing section. The upper housing section is connected with the lower housing section through a damping means including at least a damping element positioned on the inner surface the upper housing section and on the periphery of the motor housing section, the damping element engaged with engagement member. The arrangement of the damping means simplifies the connection between the upper and lower housing sections, while effectively reducing the vibrations in the horizontal and vertical directions when the sander is in use.
US08475235B2 Grinding holder in a machining device
The invention relates to a grinding holder (10) for connecting a rotary driven tool (20) to a device (30) for machining floor and road surfaces, comprising a first plate member (40) for detachable attachment of the tool (20), and a second plate member (50) for detachable attachment to the machining device (30).
US08475230B2 Method and apparatus for jet-assisted drilling or cutting
An abrasive cutting or drilling system, apparatus and method, which includes an upstream supercritical fluid and/or liquid carrier fluid, abrasive particles, a nozzle and a gaseous or low-density supercritical fluid exhaust abrasive stream. The nozzle includes a throat section and, optionally, a converging inlet section, a divergent discharge section, and a feed section.
US08475228B2 Polishing pad with partially recessed window
A polishing pad has an opaque polishing layer with an aperture therethrough and a polishing surface, and a solid light-transmissive window in the aperture. The solid light-transmissive window includes an outer portion secured to the polishing layer and an inner portion secured to the outer portion. The outer portion has a upper surface recessed relative to the polishing surface, whereas the inner portion has an upper surface that is substantially co-planar with the polishing surface.
US08475227B2 Bee feeder assembly; components; and, methods
A bee feeder assembly is provided, including a receptacle, a cover member and a ladder arrangement. The ladder arrangement includes at least one ladder member comprising a porous member depending downwardly from the cover member. Methods of assembly and use are described.
US08475226B2 Interconnecting modular pathway apparatus
The present invention provides for a plurality of interconnectable modular members that may create a pathway system with multiple entrances into the upper portion of each member and at least one exit from the lower portion of each member, thereby providing for a variety of convergence and divergence possibilities. The pathway system is suitable for receiving and transporting marbles and other spherical objects from one member to another. The modular members may be interlinked via male/female connectors to create a variety of configurations.
US08475225B2 Construction kit
Construction kit with two- and/or three-dimensional construction elements (1, 9) with magnetic elements (4) in the corners and/or sides and ferromagnetic spheres (11), which can be placed between the magnetic elements (4) of adjacent construction elements (1, 9) to connect the construction elements (1, 9) together using a magnetic bond so that they can be detached.
US08475224B2 Compact fluorescent lamp and method for manufacturing
This compact fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube arrangement with at least one discharge tube formed of glass and enclosing a discharge volume filled with a discharge gas. A ballast circuit is connected to the electrodes disposed at each end of a continuous arc path for controlling the current in the tube. A substantially spherical portion of an outer envelope encloses the tube arrangement and an elongated end portion encloses the ballast circuit. The end portion of the outer envelope is closed and sealed by a seal formed of the same material as the material of the outer envelope.In the associated method of manufacture, the envelope is separated by cutting along a circumferential line into an upper part and a lower part, the ballast circuit introduced into the lower part and respective lead-in wires and the lead-out wires are short and need not be insulated. The ballast circuit and the discharge tube arrangement are held and supported in the outer envelope by the connecting wires and fixing means.
US08475222B2 Outboard engine
An outboard engine is disclosed that includes an idling chamber that communicates with a guiding outlet of a first exhaust path and that is open to the atmosphere. The idling chamber includes a cooling water communicating path that communicates with a cooling water supplying path, and a pressure adjusting valve that opens the cooling water communicating path when the value of the water pressure in the cooling water supplying path reaches a threshold value. When the value of the water pressure in the cooling water supplying path reaches the threshold value, the pressure adjusting valve opens and a portion of cooling water is guided to the idling chamber through the cooling water communicating path.
US08475220B2 Power terminal
An electrical connector formed to have at least one or more pairs of opposing legs extending from a body portion where each leg extends to a contact point where an inner surface of each opposing leg contact. A spring clip can be positioned over one or more of the opposing legs to increase a compressive force. The spring clip may include an alignment feature to limit clip rotating and/or pitching.
US08475217B2 Electrical connector with improved housing
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a base with two opposite sides and a tongue extending forwardly from the base, a first insulator attached to one side of the base, a second insulator attached to the other side of the base, and a plurality of contacts including a first set of contacts sandwiched between the base and the first insulator, and a second set of contacts sandwiched between the base and the second insulator. The contacts each has a contact portion arranged on the tongue for mating with a corresponding plug.
US08475216B2 Electrical connector having mating interface configured by composite tongue member
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing defining a receiving cavity thereof, a tongue member retained to the receiving cavity, and a shell surrounding the housing. The tongue member includes first and second tongue modules interlocked with each other, the first tongue module retains a plurality of first contacts thereof and the second tongue module retains a plurality of second contacts thereof. The first tongue module defines a retaining slot at a front portion thereof and a blocking plate surrounding the retaining slot, the second tongue module defines at least one retaining portion received in the retaining slot and supported by the blocking plate.
US08475213B2 Electrical connector having a magnetic module mounted on a paddle board with a gap between the module and the paddle board
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (2) and a contact module (4) assembled to the insulative housing. The contact module includes a paddle board (42), a number of mating terminals (43) assembled to the paddle board, and a magnetic module (41) including a cage (410) mounted on the paddle board directly and a magnetic assembly received in the cage. The magnetic assembly has at least a magnetic core (46) and a number of wires (47) winding around the magnetic core and electrically connecting with the paddle board directly.
US08475211B2 Electrical connector adapted for plural different mating connectors
An electrical connector adapted for at least two different mating connectors, comprises an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts retained on the housing. The insulative housing has a base and a tongue forwardly extending from the base. Each contact has a retaining portion retained in the base, a contact portion extending to the tongue from one end of the retaining portion, and at least one soldering portion extending out of the insulative housing from another end of the retaining portion. The contacts comprise two pairs of outer contacts at two sides thereof and at least one middle contact between said two pairs of outer contacts to connect with one contact of one mating connector or two contacts of another mating connector.
US08475210B2 Electrical connector assembly with high signal density
An electrical connector comprises a PCB (220) having a front edge to be inserted into a mating receptacle. The PCB comprises a top face having a row of first mating pads (242), and an opposite bottom face having a row of second mating pads (262) and a row of third mating pads (264) behind the second row of mating pads. The first and second mating pads are compatibly fit with an SFP receptacle (120). The PCB comprises a first sub-PCB (540) having a first outer layer containing the first mating pads and an opposite second outer layer containing the second mating pads, and a second sub-PCB (560) attached to the second outer layer on an area behind the second mating pads, the second sub-PCB having a second outer layer containing the third mating pads.
US08475209B1 Receptacle assembly
A receptacle assembly includes a front housing having a mating end and a loading end. The front housing has pockets at the loading end separated by separating walls having slots therethrough open at rears thereof. The front housing receives contact modules in corresponding pockets each having a holder holding a plurality of contacts between first and second side walls. The holders have embossments extending from the first side walls proximate to the fronts of the holders. The embossments are loaded into corresponding slots through the rears of the separating walls to control positions of the contact modules with respect to the front housing.
US08475207B2 Electrical connector with contact retention latch
A connector includes a contact, a housing having a cavity into which the contact may be inserted formed therein, the housing retaining the contact inserted into the cavity, and a retainer piece that may be inserted into the cavity in the direction opposite to an insertion direction. The housing includes a pressing piece that moves the contact inserted into the cavity in the moving direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction, an abut part that the contact abuts due to the movement by the pressing piece, and a locking member that locks the contact abutted to the abut part. The retainer piece is inserted into a back-side gap formed between the contact and an inner wall surface of the housing due to the movement by the pressing piece.
US08475205B2 Continuity maintaining biasing member
A post having a first end, a second end, and a flange proximate the second end, wherein the post is configured to receive a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric of a coaxial cable, a connector body attached to the post, a coupling element attached to the post, the coupling element having a first end a second end, and a biasing member disposed within a cavity formed between the first end of the coupling element and the connector body to bias the coupling element against the post is provided. Moreover, a connector body having a biasing element, wherein the biasing element biases the coupling element against the post, is further provided. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided.
US08475201B2 Insulation displacement connector system
A mechanical insulation displacement connection system which creates an electrical connection between an enamel insulated wire and a terminal inserted in a special seat or pocket. The enamel insulated wire is wound at the beginning and end of the winding onto a central pin in the seat. The terminal is provided with two, sufficiently flexible inner tabs which, during insertion of the terminal in the seat, slide over the enamel insulated wire removing the enamel and permitting electrical contact with the copper wire. Once in position, the tabs press the wire against the central pin to ensure constant electrical contact over time.
US08475197B2 Electrical connector including latch assembly
An electrical connector includes a connector housing and at least one electrical contact supported by the connector housing, the at least one electrical contact configured to mate with a complementary electrical contact of a complementary electrical connector. The electrical connector further includes a latch assembly that includes an actuator and a latch body. The actuator has an actuator portion and at least one arm extending from the actuator portion. The arm includes a proximal end connected to the actuator portion, an opposed distal end, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is retained by the connector housing at a location below the distal end. The latch body is connected to the connector housing so as to rotate about a pivot axis. The latch body includes a latch member at one side of the pivot axis, and a spring disposed at a second opposite side of the pivot axis. The spring provides a spring force that biases the latch member toward a latched position. The distal end of the at least one arm is attached to the latch body at the second opposite side of the pivot axis, such that an actuation force applied to the actuator causes the latch body to pivot against the spring force so as to urge the latch member to an unlatched position.
US08475194B2 Reticulated flash prevention plug
A connector for introducing fluid to an electrical cable affixed in a chamber internal to the connector, the connector comprising an injection port exposed to at least one exterior surface of the cable connector, wherein the injection port is in fluidic communication with the chamber, and a reticulated plug is positioned within an insulated segment of the injection port and sized to fill at least a portion thereof. The reticulated plug may be used in combination with various types of conventional injection connectors to allow swapping of an insulative permanent plug for an injection plug after a dielectric enhancement fluid has been introduced into the interior of a cable using the reticulated plug, wherein the cable is energized during the swapping operation.
US08475193B2 Electrical cable connector and electrical cable connector assembled member
A cable connecting configuration electrically connects cables with a terminal attached to one end of each of the cables. The cable connecting configuration has a contact section having a contact surface parallel to a longitudinal direction of the cables. In a state that the cables are connected to each other, the contact section of each of the terminals is provided to face each other having an overlapping range in the longitudinal direction, with the facing direction being a direction perpendicular to the contact surface of the contact section. Between the contact surfaces, there is a metal elastic member, which can be elastically displaced in the facing direction within the overlapping range. The terminal is held by the housing such that the contact sections tightly press the elastic member in the facing direction, and thereby the terminals are electrically connected via the elastic member.
US08475190B2 Connection unit for fluorescent tubes
A connection unit for fluorescent tubes includes a base having an extension which has an opening and an engaging portion is defined along an inner periphery of the opening, a cover is removably mounted to the base and a rotatable member is located in the cover, the cover has a terminal entrance defined in the base portion thereof so that terminals of a fluorescent tube are inserted into the terminal entrance, a shank extends from the base portion and a disk is connected to a distal end of the shank, the disk is engaged with the engaging portion of the base, the extension of the base and the cover position the disk so that the rotatable member is secured when being rotated.
US08475184B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a housing and a plurality of terminals. Each of the terminals is formed of a sheet metal and held by the housing. Each of the terminals has a contact section to contact with a mating terminal and a connecting section to be connected to a circuit board each forming a continuous flat sheet surface. The contact section has a contact surface that slidably contacts with the mating terminal so as to extend in a connector fitting direction, and the plurality of terminals is arranged so that adjacent terminals have the contact surfaces parallel to each other.
US08475181B2 Capacitively coupled connector for flexible printed circuit applications
A FPC connector has an insulative housing with a general U-shape that defines an opening that receives a free end of a length of FPC. The housing has a base and two leg portions and the leg portions have engagement arms that hold engage the FPC free end when inserted into the connector housing opening. A cover of the connector housing has press members that press the FPC and dielectric barriers thereon into contact with contacts on a circuit board.
US08475178B2 Electrical connector having improved insulative housing
An electrical connector includes a substrate, an upper plate, a lower plate, and a number of contacts. The substrate has a number of passageways. The upper plate and the lower plate are mounted upon and below the substrate, respectively. The upper plate and the lower plate both have a number of apertures corresponding to the passageways and a recess to receive the substrate. The contacts are received in the passageways and the apertures.
US08475171B2 Object recognition testing tools and techniques for measuring cognitive ability and cognitive impairment
Techniques and tools for measuring cognitive ability and/or detecting cognitive impairment or decline. For example, techniques and tools are described that can be used to diagnose or test susceptibility to cognitive impairments in children or in elderly people (such as cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer's Disease). Techniques and tools are described that can be used to evaluate treatment effects and/or measure cognitive decline over time.
US08475168B2 Personnel casualty simulator
A system and method uses three-dimensional, visual feedback for simulated weapons fire during training of a soldier in a combat exercise. In the system, the soldier is provided with a weapon equipped with a laser transmitter that simulates the firing of actual rounds. Further, sensors are positioned on a human target. Also, discharge members are located on the human target. When a signal is received by a sensor, selected discharge members are activated to immediately expel a plume of dust. As a result, the plume of expelled dust provides three-dimensional, visual feedback to the soldier in real-time.
US08475162B2 Smart gas burner system for cooking appliance
A cooking appliance having a gas burner operable to generate a quantity of heat is disclosed. The cooking appliance also includes a pressure sensor operable to measure the pressure of gas supplied to the gas burner from a gas valve. The gas valve is programmed to adjust the supply of gas to the gas burner based on the measured pressure of the gas.
US08475160B2 Low emissions combustion apparatus and method
Clean combustion and equilibration equipment and methods are provided to progressively deliver, combust and equilibrate mixtures of fuel, oxidant and aqueous diluent in a plurality of combustion regions and in one or more equilibration regions to further progress oxidation of products of incomplete combustion, in a manner that sustains combustion while controlling temperatures and residence times sufficiently to reduce CO and NOx emissions to below 25 ppmvd, and preferably to below 3 ppmvd at 15% O2.
US08475153B2 Method for forming strips of containers
Strips containers are formed using two continuous webs in thermoformable and heat-sealable material facing each other. The webs are indexed along a feed line through different operating stations that transform the webs into a continuous strip of containers, each one of which is provided with a mouth. The containers are arranged according to two parallel rows that are opposed to a longitudinal median zone. The mouths of the containers of the upper row are arranged on the upper longitudinal edge of the strip and face upwards, whilst the mouths of the containers of the lower row are arranged on the lower longitudinal edge and face downwards. The method enables productivity to be increased and waste to be reduced.
US08475152B2 Apparatus for producing three-dimensional shaped product
An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional shaped product capable of decreasing thermal dissipation due to thermal conduction of a heating device or a cooling device loading a base plate, in which powder is sequentially sintered on a table and a base plate inside a shaping tank, wherein a space of vertical direction is formed on the table or the space is formed and a heat insulating material is filled into the thus formed region, a heating device or a cooling device which loads the base plate supporting the sintered layer is firmly fixed.
US08475148B2 Scroll compressor having through holes with a set depth
There is disclosed a scroll compressor which can lower the noise level of a harsh frequency without taking a lot of troubles. In a sealed container, a scroll compression element and an electromotive element are provided. The scroll compression element is constituted of a fixed scroll including a vertically provided spiral lap, and a swingable scroll including a vertically provided spiral lap and swiveled by a rotary shaft of the electromotive element with respect to the fixed scroll. A refrigerant compressed by gradually reducing, from the outside to the inside, a plurality of compression spaces formed by engaging both the laps with each other is discharged to a discharge pressure space in the sealed container.
US08475144B2 Check valve diaphragm micropump
A micropump device including a first wafer and a second wafer attached to the first wafer. The first and second wafers are configured to define a chamber therebetween having a predetermined volume. A third wafer is attached to the second wafer to define an inlet section and an outlet section in fluid communication with the chamber. At least one of the second and third wafers are formed to define a moveable diaphragm configured to change the predetermined volume of the chamber for pumping a fluid between the inlet section and the outlet section.
US08475141B2 Pump assembly for high pressure cleaners
A pump assembly 10 for high pressure cleaners having a pump body 12 encasing the free end 14 of a motor shaft provided with a keyed-on wobble plate 16 which moves one or more than one axial pistons 18 that are elastically tensioned by helical springs 20. The pump assembly also includes a pump head 32 fixed to the pump body 12 provided with fluid inlet and outlet conduits and relative valves, and an intermediate housing 34 for receiving and guiding the piston 18. The intermediate housing 34 has a frustoconical-shaped body with its larger diametered bottom section facing the same-diametered pump body 12 and being secured thereto by screws 36.
US08475138B2 Self-adaptive piston blood pump
A self-adjusting fluid pump that includes a piston pump containing at least one piston with a pressure sensor. The fluid pump including at least one fluid-containing pump chamber within the piston pump, adjacent to said piston, wherein advancing the piston causes fluid flow from the pump chamber to a biological destination, and retracting the piston causes fluid to passively till the pump chamber. A microprocessor, senses piston pressure to calculate the rate of fluid input flow into the pump chamber for each pump cycle. If the output flow rate deviates from the input flow rate by a pre-specified value range, the microprocessor adjusts the piston pump to match the output flow rate with the input flow rate by increasing or decreasing stroke rate (piston velocity), stroke volume, or a combination of both.
US08475129B2 Systems and methods for assembling an air distribution system for use in a rotor blade of a wind turbine
A method of assembling an air distribution system for use in a rotor blade of a wind turbine. The rotor blade includes a sidewall at least partially defining a cavity extending from a blade root towards a blade tip. The method includes positioning at least a portion of a manifold within the cavity and coupling the manifold to the sidewall. The manifold extends from the blade root towards the blade tip and has a root end and an opposing tip end. A passage is defined from the root end to the tip end. A flow control device is coupled to the manifold root end and configured to channel air through the manifold. A bypass flow assembly is coupled to the manifold and configured to channel air through the air distribution system with the flow control device in a non-operating configuration.
US08475128B2 Fairing for wind turbine blade
The invention relates to a fairing adapted to be mounted on a wind turbine blade (2), wherein the outer surface of said fairing is arranged so as to reduce, when mounted on the blade, the aerodynamic drag in a flapwise (z) direction of the blade. In this way a reduction of the exciter power required in a flatwise fatigue test of the blade is achieved.
US08475126B2 Housing assembly for use in fan unit and fan unit including the same
A housing assembly for a fan unit includes an upper housing having a lower engaging portion adjacent to its lower end surface and a lower housing having an upper engaging portion adjacent to its upper end surface. When one of the upper and lower housings rotates relative to the other about a center axis of the housings in a first direction with the opposing end surfaces of the housings in axial contact, the lower and upper engaging portions engage with each other. While the lower and upper engaging portions are in engagement, one of the lower and upper engaging portions presses the other in both axial directions to cause elastic axial deformation of the other; and one of the lower and upper engaging portions presses the other toward both the first direction and a second direction opposite thereto to cause elastic circumferential deformation of the other.
US08475125B2 Shroud vortex remover
Tip shrouds on last stage buckets for condensing steam turbines may create significant blockage and form a vortex at the wall of the steam guide of the diffuser, causing the steam flow to separate from the wall of the steam guide. Vortex formation reduces the effective flow area for the remaining fluid to diffuse, causing poor recovery. An inward radial depression is provided of a predetermined depth and distance along an outer steam guide, which redirects the tip leakage flows slightly downward, reducing a shroud blockage effect. This deflection assists the main flow in rejoining the steam guide, thereby making the diffuser more effective.
US08475124B2 Exhaust hood for a turbine and methods of assembling the same
A method for assembling an exhaust hood for a turbine is provided. The method includes providing a bearing cone that substantially circumscribes a rotor of the turbine; and positioning a guide radially outward from the bearing cone. The guide and the bearing cone are configured to channel fluid from the turbine. The method also includes extending a guide cap from the guide. The guide cap is oriented to facilitate preventing the generation of fluid vortexes within the exhaust hood.
US08475119B2 Airflow shielding device and computer system employing the airflow shielding device
An airflow shielding device is configured for being secured to fan and includes a first member, a second member, and a plurality of shielding pieces. The first member defines a first through opening. The second member defines a second through opening corresponding to the first through opening. The shielding pieces are rotatably secured between the first member and the second member and rotate between a closed position, where the shielding pieces cover the first through opening, and an open position, where the shielding pieces are located so that air can flow through the first and second through openings.
US08475114B2 Air cycle machine air bearing shaft
An air cycle machine includes a shaft formed from end sections attached to a center section. The center section includes a first diameter that is supported on bearings within the air cycle machine and a second diameter that forms a part of an interface with a corresponding end section. The second diameter is less than the first diameter and extends an axial distance from an end of the center section and provides for the weld beam to be directed normal to the interface location such that weld quality and manufacturing efficiencies are improved.
US08475112B1 Multiple staged compressor with last stage airfoil cooling
A high compression ratio compressor having multiple stages of airfoils to produce the high pressure rations, where the last stage airfoils are cooled by drawing heat away from the airfoils using a heat pipe, and then passing cooling air through a heat exchanger associated with the heat pipe to draw heat away from the heat pipe. The cooling air used for cooling the airfoils is bled off from an earlier stage than the last stage and then discharged into a stage upstream from the bleed off location.
US08475109B2 Modular dolly
The modular dolly is a manually operated device facilitating the transport of large, heavy, and/or bulky objects. The dolly includes four smaller wheels and two larger diameter wheel and brake assemblies for temporary installation to the sides of the dolly platform for movement over soft, rough, and/or uneven surfaces. A ramp is removably attachable to the loading end of the platform coplanar therewith to facilitate loading the dolly. The ramp also attaches removably to the opposite anchor end of the platform and normal thereto, to serve as a backstop or anchor for a load placed on the platform. A smaller secondary panel may be installed in the anchor end when the ramp is in use during loading, or may be assembled coplanar to the ramp or platform to lengthen the ramp or platform. The dolly may also be used with a stair-climbing hand truck, forklift, pallet jack, or the like.
US08475085B2 ROV friendly vortex induced vibration inhibitor and method of use
The present invention discloses a vortex induced vibration inhibitor (“VIVI”) comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having an elongated opening defined by locking edges. The housing is operable between an open and a closed position. Connecting assemblies include barbed connector pins received in grooved housings. Connector slots are provided in the connector and receptor housings. Retainer pins provide for release of connecting assemblies. Spacers are provided to limit movement of the housing in relation to the surrounded structure. An alignment stub is provided.
US08475078B2 Containment device, method and system
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, methods and devices for containing a substance within a region. In some embodiments, one or more hollow structures are positioned around the region and the structures are at least partly filled (e.g., through fill openings) with a weighting material. Some embodiments relate to a curved device comprising steps, such that a first cross-section of the device comprises a round shape and a second cross-section comprises a plurality of substantially linear segments. Some embodiments relate to a tank connection device comprising a sleeve extending through a curved device.
US08475076B2 Socket wrench
A socket wrench in which a supporting hole is formed in a drive disposed at an operating handle, and a steel ball pressed by a coiled spring is movably engaged with the supporting hole. A recess part for allowing the steel ball to partly engage therein is formed in an inner wall of an assembling hole of a wrench body for allowing the drive to engage therein. A connecting hole engageable with a polygonal head part of a bolt to be operated is formed in the wrench body in such a manner as to be coaxial with the drive. The recess part has a pair of contacting walls for the steel ball to contact therewith, the pair of contacting walls being disposed in mutually intersecting directions.
US08475072B1 Scraping apparatus for integration with pressure washing wand
A scraping apparatus (350), which secures to a wand (142) of a pressure sprayer. The scraping apparatus (350) includes a scraping blade (120), which is fastened to a spacing block (352). The assembly is secured to the wand (142) via a clamping mechanism (354). The clamping mechanism (354) can be of a quick release design. The rotating blade (152) can be pivotally assembled to the block (352) and held in position by any of a variety of designs.
US08475069B2 Printer unit
In a portable small size printer unit 1, when a pickup roller is replaced, user grips a roller main body and slides it resisting a bias force of a spring. Consequently, when the roller main body is slid, the entire length of the pickup roller is shortened, so that a first convex portion is removed from a first concave portion. After that, the front end of a slide shaft member is removed from a shaft mounting portion by tilting the roller main body and then, the pickup roller is removed from the printing mechanism unit. By sliding the slide shaft member outward of the roller main body, the roller main body is taken out of the slide shaft member and the like so as to replace only the roller main body.
US08475068B2 Printer selectively having configurations for receipt printer and for ticket printer
A printer according to the present invention selectively comprises, a cutting configuration for a receipt printer for printing a receipt and a cutting configuration for a ticket printer for printing a ticket, as a cutting configuration for cutting a printed part of the paper roll. The cutting configuration for the receipt printer includes a fixed blade mounted to the upper frame and a movable cutter unit mounted on the lower frame to oppose the fixed blade through the paper roll to be driven by a driving source to cut the paper roll. The cutting configuration for the ticket printer includes a hand cutter mounted to at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame.
US08475059B2 Image capturing device with lens cover and folding support
An image capturing device includes a camera housing configured to house a set of electronic modules for generating a video stream from captured light. The camera housing includes a camera opening configured to let light enter the camera housing to be captured by the set of electronic modules. The webcam further includes a camera-housing base rotationally coupled to the camera housing, and includes a mounting base rotationally coupled to the camera-housing base. The camera housing is configured to rotate with respect to the camera-housing base to face the camera opening toward the mounting base or face the camera housing opening away from the mounting base. The webcam further includes a first hinge rotationally coupling the mounting base to the camera-housing base. With the camera opening facing toward the mounting base, the first hinge is configured such that the mounting base is foldable onto the camera opening to cover the camera opening.
US08475055B2 Hybrid connector
The disclosure relates to a connector for simultaneously connecting optical fibers and copper conductors, comprising two connector parts (11, 12) which can be fitted together, a first connector part (11) being assigned to a tether cable (13), in which first optical fibers, branched off from a riser cable (14) by means of a furcation adapter, and first copper conductors, likewise branched off from a riser cable (14), are run, a second connector part (12) being assigned to a distribution cable (15), in which second optical fibers and second copper conductors are run, it being possible for the first optical fibers and the second optical fibers as well as the first copper conductors and the second copper conductors to be connected by fitting the two connector parts (11, 12) together, and a hollow-like cutout with a contour that is adapted to the contour of the riser cable (14) being respectively formed both on an underside of a housing of the first connector part (11) and on an underside of a housing of the second connector part (12).
US08475053B2 Inner ring and outer ring, and ball bearing
A first fit portion and a second fit portion of an inner ring according to the invention have a spring property. Therefore, the first and second fit portions may be flexed radially outward by elasticity thereof and then fitted to a shaft. Thus, the inner ring is tightly fitted to the shaft with a set interference with respect to the shaft. Accordingly, it is easy to fit/remove the inner ring to/from the shaft. Therefore, an outer peripheral face of the shaft is pushed radially inward by elasticity of the first and second fit portions, that is, the inner ring is tightly fitted to the shaft, without reducing the ease of fitting/removing the inner ring to/from the shaft. As a result, it is possible to minimize generation of creep.
US08475052B2 Shaft support assembly
A shaft support assembly that may include a mounting bracket, a dampener, a bearing retainer, a bearing, and a deflector. The deflector may be spaced apart from the dampener and may include a seal that engages the bearing retainer to inhibit contamination of the bearing.
US08475050B2 System and method for obstacle detection using fusion of color space information
A method comprises receiving an image of the area, the image representing the area in a first color space; converting the received image to at least one second color space to produce a plurality of converted images, each converted image corresponding to one of a plurality of color sub-spaces in the at least one second color space; calculating upper and lower thresholds for at least two of the plurality of color sub-spaces; applying the calculated upper and lower thresholds to the converted images corresponding to the at least two color sub-spaces to segment the corresponding converted images; fusing the segmented converted images corresponding to the at least two color sub-spaces to segment the received image; and updating the segmentation of the received image based on edge density data in the received image.
US08475048B2 Dynamic foil gas bearing
A dynamic foil gas bearing includes a foil group comprising a corrugated-sheet-like bump foil, a flat-sheet-like middle foil, and a flat-sheet-like top foil which are arranged successively toward the center axis of a bearing case. The top foil includes a second linkage surface joined to a second fixed surface fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the bearing case and also joined to a second rotatable shaft holding surface. The second linkage surface is provided by a curved portion of the top foil which is convex toward the center axis of the bearing case. The middle foil includes a first linkage surface joined to a first fixed surface fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the bearing case and also joined to a first rotatable shaft holding surface. The first linkage surface is provided by a bent straight portion of the middle foil.
US08475047B2 Sliding mechanism
A sliding mechanism includes a first plate, a second plate, a fixing structure and a sliding member. The second plate includes a sliding slot and a guiding part. The fixing structure has a perforation. The sliding member includes a sliding piece and an elastic element. The fixing structure is penetrated through the sliding slot of said second plate. A first end of the sliding piece is sustained against the guiding part. A second end of the sliding piece is penetrated through the perforation. When the second plate is slid with respect to the first plate for a first predetermined distance, the elastic element generates elastic potential energy. Whereas, when the second plate is slid with respect to the first plate for a second predetermined distance, the elastic element releases the elastic potential energy to have the second plate automatically slide with respect to the first plate.
US08475044B2 Analyzing apparatus
An analyzing apparatus of the present invention includes a cassette unit (20) for generating a cassette identification signal identifying a type of a cassette (21), a sample holder (8) having an insertion hole (83) and a ring shaped pedestal (82), a transport section (23) for transporting the sample (S), a sample holder identifying section (35) for generating a sample holder identification signal identifying the type of the sample holder appropriate to the diameter of the sample to be placed, and a determining section (40) for determining, based on the cassette identification signal and the sample holder identification signal, whether or not the diameter of the sample to be accommodated in the cassette (21) and the diameter of the sample to be placed on the pedestal of the sample holder (8) match with each other.
US08475039B2 Providing linear relationship between temperature and digital code
Mechanisms for providing linear relationship between temperatures and digital codes are disclosed. In one method, at a particular temperature, a circuit in the sensor provides a temperature dependent reference voltage, and a compared voltage, to a comparator. The temperature dependent reference voltage depends on temperature in complement to absolute temperature or alternatively depends on temperature in proportion to absolute temperature. The compared voltage is generated corresponding to digital analog converter (DAC) codes as inputs. Another circuit varies the DAC codes until the temperature dependent reference voltage and the compared voltage are equal so that the dependent reference voltage corresponds to a DAC code. The various temperatures experienced by the temperature sensing circuit and the DAC codes are substantially linearly related.
US08475038B2 Temperature sensor and method of compensating for change in output characteristic due to varying temperature
Described is a method and apparatus for compensating for a change in an output characteristic of a temperature sensor due to varying temperature. The temperature sensor includes a temperature sensing core, an analog-to-digital converter, a counter, and a temperature compensating circuit. The temperature sensing core generates a sense voltage corresponding to a sensed temperature. The analog-to-digital converter converts the sense voltage into a digital signal and generates a conversion signal. The temperature compensating circuit generates a counter clock signal that varies according to a temperature change. The counter counts the number of pulses of the counter clock signal according to the conversion signal.
US08475037B2 Moving object thermometer
A moving object thermometer is provided which can precisely measure the surface temperature of a moving (travelling) measurement object, particularly, a small-diameter conductive wire. A first metallic wire 1 and a second metallic wire 2 constituting a thermocouple are disposed on the outer circumferential surface 13 of the disk 11 in the rotary section 10 so as to be inclined toward the shaft center. A thermoelectric force resulting from contact of the metallic wires with a measurement object is converted into an electric signal, which is transmitted through the light emitting diode 31 and passed to the photodiode 32 provided at the stationary section 20 in a non-contact manner. Application of a high frequency current to the stationary side coil 42 provided at the stationary section 20 causes electric power to be supplied in a non-contact manner to the rotary side coil 41 provided so as to be opposed to the stationary side coil 42.
US08475036B2 Timepiece face and timepiece
To provide a timepiece face created by bonding a plurality of substrates configured primarily from polycarbonate, excellent bonding strength being achieved between substrates and air bubbles being effectively prevented from forming in the bond layer, and a timepiece including the timepiece face, a timepiece face according to the invention includes a first substrate configured primarily from polycarbonate; a second substrate configured primarily from polycarbonate; and a bond layer for bonding the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08475034B2 Enhanced compound pendulums and systems
Enhanced compound pendulums provide thermal compensation and/or barometric compensation, such as for a mechanical clock system. The enhanced compound pendulums are simple to construct, and can be more easily compensated than conventional, single-bob pendulums. The enhanced compound pendulums typically comprise material that is added above the point of rotation. Thermal expansion factors for components of the enhanced compound pendulums may preferably be chosen to provide thermal compensation to the first order. In some embodiments of enhanced compound pendulums, volume is added above the pivot to provide barometric compensation, such as by equalizing the moments above and below the pivot, or by providing geometric symmetry above and below the pivot, with a lower density above the pivot.
US08475033B2 Luminescent object comprising aligned polymers having a specific pretilt angle
A first aspect of the invention relates to a luminescent object comprising an aligned polymer that contains an oriented photoluminescent material, said aligned polymer having a pretilt angle of 10-90°. The luminescent object according to the present invention may advantageously be employed in luminescent solar concentrator systems as it enables highly efficient transportation of radiation emitted by the photoluminescent material following exposure to incident solar light. Another aspect of the invention concerns a photovoltaic device comprising an electromagnetic radiation collection medium containing the aforementioned luminescent object and a photovoltaic cell capable of converting optical radiation to electrical energy which is optically coupled to the luminescent object. Further aspects of the invention include a fluorescent light activated display and a room lighting system comprising the aforementioned luminescent object.
US08475029B2 Backlight module and liquid crystal device using the same
A backlight module includes a light guide plate with a main body and a light source with a circuit board and a plurality of light bars. The main body has a light incidence surface and a light emitting surface. The light incidence surface has a plurality of accommodating grooves and the light emitting surface or the light incidence surface has a plurality of light-separation grooves which are perpendicular to the accommodating grooves. The accommodating groove has a first and a second light incidence parts. A reflecting layer is disposed on the surface of the circuit board being located between each two light bars. The light source is disposed on the light incidence surface and light bars are disposed for the accommodating grooves so as a predetermined distance located between the light bar and the second light incidence part is formed a light mixing space to reduce the production of bright lines.
US08475028B1 LED night vision imaging system lens and backlight assembly
A light emitting diode (LED) night vision imaging system (NVIS) lens apparatus for use in filtering of a plurality of night-mode LEDs is provided. The lens apparatus includes an optical carrier material having a plurality of apertures disposed and arranged such that, when the lens apparatus is coupled to an LED backlight, each of the plurality of apertures allows light from a corresponding day-mode LED to be transmitted therethrough without filtering. The lens apparatus also includes filter material coupled to and supported by the optical carrier material. The filter material is disposed and arranged on the optical carrier material such that, when the lens apparatus is coupled to the LED backlight, light from each of a plurality of night-mode LEDs is filtered by the filter material. Backlight assemblies and displays are also provided.
US08475027B2 Backlight assembly and display device having the same
Provided are a backlight assembly and a display device having the same. The backlight assembly includes; a light guide plate (“LGP”) having a light incident portion upon which light is incident and an opposite portion which is disposed substantially opposite to the light incident portion, a lower housing which accommodates the LGP therein, and at least one LGP fixing tape which fixes the LGP into the lower housing, wherein the at least one LGP fixing tape is interposed between the lower housing and lower surfaces of two opposite ends of the light incident portion of the LGP.
US08475026B2 Light emitting tufted carpet
The invention provides amongst others a light emitting tufted carpet with a primary backing layer permeable to light, an optional adhesive layer, a waveguide comprising a light out-coupling site, and an optional secondary backing layer. The primary backing layer is provided with tufts. The waveguide is arranged to couple light source light of a light source in as waveguide light, and arranged to couple waveguide light out at the waveguide light out-coupling site to provide carpet light. The waveguide light out-coupling site is below the primary backing layer.
US08475023B2 Light emitting module and automotive lamp
A light emitting module includes: a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements; a substrate by which the arranged plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are supported; and a plate-shaped light wavelength conversion component that is provided so as to face the light emitting surfaces of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements and that converts the wavelength of the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting element. A phosphor layer has a shielding portion formed in the boundary between respective areas facing the respective light emitting surfaces of the adjacent semiconductor light emitting elements.
US08475020B2 Vehicle signalling device with a three-dimensional optical effect
A light signalling device, particularly designed for motor vehicles. The device has a reflector with a reflecting surface and a screen arranged opposite the reflector and having a semi-reflecting zone. The screen being arranged away from the reflector and forming a cavity with the reflector. The light rays of the source penetrate the cavity; and some of these rays are transmitted by the semi-reflecting zone, and others of these rays are reflected by the semi-reflecting zone, then by the reflector into the cavity in such a way as to generate a repetitive visual or three-dimensional effect of depth.The screen is configured and arranged in relation to the direction of emission of the light source in such a way that another part of the light rays leaves the cavity at the level of the screen without meeting the semi-reflecting zone.
US08475018B2 Light guide for automotive use
A rear view mirror with a turn signal indicator is proposed wherein the turn signal indicator has a light guide design and a recess for the light source. The position of the recess is optimized to fulfil legal regulations and to achieve the design requests.
US08475017B2 Hidden lamp manufacture process
A method for making a vehicle interior panel including positioning a slipsheet on a film or fabric liner. The liner is placed on a substrate board. The liner and substrate board are formed into an interior panel. A cavity is formed by removing a portion of the substrate board from the interior panel adjacent to the slipsheet position. A lamp is positioned in the cavity.
US08475014B2 T-bar mounting system
A T-bar mounting bracket assembly for a luminaire fixture frame having a bracket, a clip vertically adjustable relative to the bracket, the clip extending through an opening in the bracket, a fastener extending through the bracket and the clip and, the fastener spaced from a location where the clip passes through the opening.
US08475010B2 Illumination device comprising a collimator
The invention provides an illumination device (1) comprising a lighting unit (2). The lighting unit (2) comprises a light source (100) and a substantially flat collimator (200), arranged to collimate light source light (111). The collimator (200) has an entrance window (210), an edge window (220), a top collimator surface (201), a bottom collimator surface (202), a first collimating side edge (230) and a second collimating side edge (240). The lighting unit has an optical axis (O). One or more of the top collimator surface (201), the bottom collimator surface (202), the first collimating side edge (230) and the second collimating side edge (240) comprise n*½ grooves (300), wherein n is a positive integer number, and wherein the grooves (300) independently have a longitudinal axis (301) having a groove direction angle (ω) with the optical axis (O) ≧0° and & and <90°.
US08474999B2 Light emitting diode lamp
A light emitting diode (LED) lamp includes a lamp holder, an optical module, a thermal pad, and a fixing ring. The lamp holder has a first recess in which the optical module is configured. The thermal pad is configured in the first recess and between the optical module and the lamp holder, so as to separate the optical module from the lamp holder. The fixing ring is locked to the lamp holder, so as to fix the optical module into the lamp holder. The optical module includes a first fixing element, an LED board, and a lens. The first fixing element has an accommodating opening in which the LED board is configured. The LED board includes a circuit board and LEDs, and the LEDs are configured on the circuit board. The lens is fixed to the first fixing element and covers the LEDs.
US08474997B2 High brightness illumination device using double-sided excitation of wavelength conversion materials
An illumination devices using excitation light and a wavelength conversion material to generated converted light for illumination, where the wavelength conversion material is excited by multiple excitation lights from both sides to achieve increased brightness. The excitation lights incident on the two sides of the wavelength conversion material may have the same color or different colors. Light separation structures are provided on both sides of the wavelength conversion material to separate the excitation light and the converted light. Light separation may be based on color difference or etendue difference of the excitation light and converted light. In one particular example, wavelength conversion material is formed on a surface of an LED which acts as the first excitation light source, and a second excitation light is delivered through a light separation structure onto the other side of the wavelength conversion material.
US08474996B2 LED illumination apparatus
An LED illumination apparatus includes a body, a light source module, a shell, and a driver. The light source module includes a substrate and an LED chip. The light source module is arranged on the body. The shell is made of transparent material and covers the light source module. The driver drives the light source module. A plurality of fins extends on one side of the body away from the light source module. The fins are integrally formed on the body by extrusion technology.
US08474995B2 Clip light
A clip light includes a light head including a light housing having a light window, and a LED light source supported in the light housing to align with the light window; a power source supported in the light housing; and a mounting arrangement which includes a clipping unit pivotally coupling with the light housing, wherein the light housing is selectively moved to adjust a light projecting orientation of the light source via the clipping unit when the clipping unit is coupled at the desired object.
US08474993B2 Storm door and entrance door hardware illumination system
Certain people may at times find that life events cause absences from their residence. Due to the configuration of a residence entrance there are times of darkness when there is low or no ambient light to illuminate the entrance door hardware. Some people would not leave their porch light on for several hours. Some people may be uncomfortable with leaving the standard porch light on during their absence to avoid the expense of the utility power used by the lighting. A situation for the need to illuminate the hardware may include the unexpected prolonged time of being away from home. The present invention is a sustainable option to illuminate the storm door and exterior entrance door of a residence. This invention provides illumination of the doors hardware on demand.
US08474992B2 Lighting device, and display apparatus providing lighting device
A lighting device comprising: a light emitting module including a plurality of electrically connected light emitting bars each having a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices; a chassis for containing the light emitting module and having a discharge opening; a reflection sheet arranged in the chassis; and a brightness nonuniformity reduction unit, wherein the light emitting bar includes: a band plate-shaped substrate; a wiring formed on one surface of the substrate; the plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices; and first and second connectors formed in proximity to opposing shorter sides on the one surface of the substrate, wherein the reflection sheet has at least a plurality of corresponding holes through which the plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices are inserted, and wherein the brightness nonuniformity reduction unit is arranged in proximity to a position of the first and second connectors of each light emitting bar.
US08474989B1 Target assembly system and method
A target system and method for photogrammetry using a target holder with an aperture at least partially therethrough to precisely position a target assembly therein for use in determining geometric properties of an object.
US08474986B2 Drive for light forming means
A drive, primarily for an optical light forming device, which light forming device can be used in a projector, which light forming device comprises an at least partly open area for light, where at least two light forming devices cooperate in a light path for forming the light, which light forming devices are rotated around a common axis in and out of the light path. To achieve opposite synchronous movement of light forming means, the light forming devices are rotated equal in opposite directions around the common axis by a common motor. Hereby, it can be achieved that the two light forming devices are rotated synchronously, but opposite in relation to each other. The opposite synchronous movement is very important if the light fainting devices are part of a modern computer controlled projector using step motors.
US08474978B2 Pattern analysis of retinal maps for the diagnosis of optic nerve diseases by optical coherence tomography
Methods for analyzing retinal tomography maps to detect patterns of optic nerve diseases such as glaucoma, optic neuritis, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy are disclosed in this invention. The areas of mapping include the macula centered on the fovea, and the region centered on the optic nerve head. The retinal layers that are analyzed include the nerve fiber, ganglion cell, inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers and their combinations. The overall retinal thickness can also be analyzed. Pattern analysis are applied to the maps to create single parameter for diagnosis and progression analysis of glaucoma and optic neuropathy.
US08474975B2 Spectacle lens evaluating method, spectacle lens designing method using same, spectacle lens manufacturing method, spectacle lens manufacturing system, and spectacle lens
More appropriate evaluation, design, and manufacture are made feasible by taking visual functions into consideration more appropriately. In order to achieve this object, in the present invention, provided is a spectacle lens evaluation method for evaluating spectacle lenses using a visual acuity function, characterized in that the visual acuity function includes relative accommodation power as a factor, the relative accommodation power referring to the range expressed in terms of diopter in which distinct vision is achieved while maintaining convergence of a gaze point.
US08474971B2 Transport apparatus, recording apparatus, and method of loading a recording medium
A transport apparatus transports a recording medium fed from a feeding roll and wound up onto a take-up roll. A transport roller is arranged in a path between the feeding roll and the take-up roll. A first tension bar is arranged in a path between the transport roller and the take-up roll to apply tension to the recording medium in a first direction different from a transport direction of the recording medium. A second tension bar is arranged in a path between the first tension bar and the take-up roll to apply tension to the recording medium in a second direction different from the first direction. The first and second tension bars apply tension to the recording medium in the first and second directions so that the recording medium is tightened by the first and second tension bars and the tightened recording medium is wound up onto the take-up roll.
US08474970B2 Recording medium conveyance method and apparatus, and image forming apparatus
The recording medium conveyance method of conveying a cut sheet of a recording medium, includes the steps of: holding the cut sheet on a circumferential surface of a conveyance body and conveying the cut sheet in a conveyance direction by rotating the conveyance body, the conveyance body being one of a drum and a belt, a back surface of the cut sheet being in contact with the circumferential surface of the conveyance body; and pressing a pressing member to a front surface of the cut sheet held on the circumferential surface of the conveyance body, to apply pressing force to the cut sheet to make the cut sheet close contact with the circumferential surface of the conveyance body, while controlling the pressing force so as to decrease the pressing force from a leading end of the cut sheet toward a trailing end of the cut sheet in terms of the conveyance direction.
US08474966B2 Ink jet recording process
Recording onto a non-ink-absorbing or low-ink-absorbing recording medium is performed using an aqueous ink composition containing a first solvent composed of a glycol diether having a boiling point of 150 to 220° C., a second solvent composed of at least one selected from 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-pentanediol, and a third solvent composed of a glycol having a boiling point of 170 to 220° C. and conducting two drying steps at different heating conditions.
US08474956B2 Printing apparatus and ink supply method thereof
A printing apparatus, including a print head having a discharge port, a stirring portion configured to stir ink in an ink tank, a valve disposed on a supply path, a cap for capping the discharge port, and a pressure reducing unit configured to reduce pressure in the cap, executes, in parallel, a stirring operation for stirring ink in the ink tank by the stirring portion and a pressure reducing operation for reducing pressure on the print head side from the valve in the supply path by the pressure reducing unit with the valve closed.
US08474955B2 Multi-channel valve apparatus for printhead
A multi-channel valve apparatus for a multi-channel printhead is provided having ink ports and gas ports defined through a body, first and second pinch elements, and a pinch drive arrangement for selectively moving the first and second pinch elements. Each ink port is configured to receive therethrough a respective one of ink tubes interconnecting ink containers with the printhead. Each gas port is configured to receive therethrough a respective one of gas tubes interconnecting gas vents with the printhead. The first pinch element is moved into and out of pinching contact with the ink tubes so as to respectively block and allow fluid flow through the ink tubes. The second pinch element is moved into and out of pinching contact with the gas tubes so as to respectively block and allow fluid flow through the gas tubes.
US08474954B2 System and a method for pharmaceutical dosage preparation using jettable microemulsions
A jettable solution includes an oil, the oil being one of a naturally occurring oil, an edible oil, or a removable oil, an edible surfactant, an edible aqueous solution, and a pharmaceutical solubilized into the naturally occurring oil, in which the naturally occurring oil, the pharmaceutical, the surfactant, and the aqueous solution form a microemulsion.
US08474953B2 Droplet ejecting apparatus
A droplet ejecting apparatus, including: a head having a cavity unit with pressure chambers and a piezoelectric actuator; and a voltage application device, the actuator including: first and second active portions; a first potential electrode; a second potential electrode including a second trunk portion; and individual electrodes each having a connection portion, wherein the connection portion is disposed to overlap the second trunk portion as seen in a superposition direction of the cavity unit and the actuator, wherein the individual electrodes are arranged in rows to correspond to rows of the pressure chambers, and all connecting portions belonging to any one row are disposed on the same side in a direction of arrangement of the rows, and wherein the connecting portions of the individual electrodes that belong to one and the other of any adjacent two rows are disposed on mutually opposite sides with respect to the corresponding pressure chambers.
US08474947B2 Printhead assembly having grooves externally exposing printhead die
An inkjet printing device printhead assembly includes a housing. The housing has a surface. A well is defined within the surface of the housing and is adapted to disposal of a printhead die therewithin. The surface of the housing has one or more grooves. The grooves have ends. Some of the ends are adjacent to the wall. The grooves externally expose the printhead die.
US08474944B2 Matching imaging data to flexographic plate surface
An imaging apparatus for forming an image on a flexible media includes a carriage which moves relative to the flexible media. An optical displacement sensor (ODS) is mounted on the carriage for scanning a surface of the flexible media to form scanned data wherein the scanned data represents the surface of the flexible media. A digital front end is adapted to analyze the scanned data to detect and locate defects on the flexible media. An imaging head mounted on the carriage for writing an image on the flexible media wherein the location of imaging on the flexible media is adjusted to avoid the location of the defects detected on the flexible media.
US08474939B2 Printing control device and printing control program
The information expressed by an original color image can be visually recognized even if the recording medium on which the color image has been recorded in dye ink is wetted with water. With a printing device equipped with pigment ink and dye ink, in the printing of a color image, the pigment ink corresponding to an image characteristic amount included in the color image is also injected along with the dye ink, so an image expressing the image characteristic amount included in the color image is recorded with the pigment ink, which has excellent water resistance, over the color image printed with the dye ink on the printing medium. Accordingly, in the event that the recording medium becomes wet and the dye ink bleed, the user can still make out the content of the information expressed by the original color image from the image printed in the pigment ink.
US08474938B2 Replaceable printing component
A replaceable printing component is provided, including a fluid reservoir, an electrical storage device mounted on the fluid reservoir, and an identifier stored on the information storage device, wherein the identifier is fixed based on an initial volume of fluid stored in the fluid reservoir.
US08474937B2 Apparatus for and method of controlling jetting of ink in inkjet printer
Provided are an apparatus and method of controlling jetting of ink of an inkjet printer. The apparatus includes at least one print head chip, which includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the print head chip and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) for converting the sensed temperature to a frequency component. The apparatus may also include a counter, which converts the frequency component to a code information using a reference frequency component, and a controller, which controls the ink jetting operation of the at least one print head chip based on the code information and/or the frequency component.
US08474934B1 Method for improving gloss of a print
A method for improving gloss of a print includes configuring a printing system to deposit ink drops from a plurality of inks in an ink set onto a print surface. During the depositing, the printing system is further configured to control micro-coalescence of the ink drops. The micro-coalescence is controlled by i) depositing the ink drops onto the print surface according to a predefined order of color based upon solids content, ii) adjusting a number of printing passes, iii) adjusting a delay time between the printing passes, and/or iv) depositing different amounts of the ink drops onto the print surface during different printing passes.
US08474931B2 Printing apparatus and pigment ink stirring method
This invention is directed to a system for stirring pigment ink whose pigment particles in a container subside without moving the container containing pigment ink, and detecting that pigment particles have been stirred satisfactorily. To achieve this, a pair of electrodes greatly different in surface area and at least one of which has an inconstant width are arranged outside a container containing pigment ink whose pigment particles subside. An AC power supply is connected to the electrodes and applies an AC voltage to them. Then, an electric field generated between the electrodes causes induced polarization in pigment particles which subside in the container. The pigment particles are attracted to a portion having high electric field intensity. Convection occurs in the container, stirring the subsiding pigment particles. Based on a voltage detected by an interelectrode voltage detector, it is detected that pigment particles are dispersed sufficiently.
US08474930B2 Inkjet printer ink delivery system
An ink delivery system is provided for an inkjet printer. The ink delivery system includes a supply of ink and an inkjet printhead having a first port, second port and an ink ejection nozzle. The inkjet printhead is connected to the ink supply tank by a first fluid supply path. The first fluid supply path includes first and second check valves which permit ink to flow from the ink supply tank to the inkjet printhead, but prevent fluid flow in the opposite direction. The ink delivery system includes a second fluid supply path which is connected at one end to the first fluid supply path between the respective first and second check valves. The second fluid supply path is connected at its opposite end to the inkjet printhead's second port. The second fluid supply path further includes a bidirectional pump so as to direct fluid flow in either direction through the second fluid supply path. The delivery system operates in various modes including a re-circulate mode, pressure purge mode, maintenance mode and normal print mode.
US08474929B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a first path through which liquid is supplied to a recording head; a second path connected to a liquid tank; a pressure-adjustment valve connecting the first path with the second path, wherein resistance inside the pressure-adjustment valve changes according to a flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first path; a third path connecting the second path with the pressure-adjustment valve, wherein the third path includes a pump; a fourth path that connects the recording head with the liquid tank and bypasses the pressure-adjustment valve; and an opening/closing valve that opens/closes the fourth path. When an environmental temperature exceeds a threshold, liquid is supplied to the recording head by operating the pump and opening the fourth path. When the environmental temperature is less than the threshold, liquid is supplied to the recording head by operating the pump and closing the fourth path.
US08474927B2 Enclosure having detachable nuts
An enclosure includes a sidewall and a nut assembly. The sidewall defines a through hole therein. The nut assembly is detachably positioned on the sidewall. The nut assembly includes a nut and a resilient tab. The nut includes a base and a post extending from the base. The post extends through the through hole. The tab is secured on the post. The sidewall is sandwiched between the base and the tab.
US08474926B2 Telescopic guide for drawers and similar furniture components extendable from a body of furniture
A fully extendable telescopic drawer guide for furniture components that can be extended from the body of an item of furniture, with a guide rail facing the body, a running rail associated with the extendable furniture component, and an intermediate rail arranged between these two rails. Rolling elements are provided which are supported in cages and transfer the load of the extendable furniture component by way of rolling surfaces disposed on the rails. At least one rotatably supported supporting roller for the running rail is provided on the front end of the intermediate rail. The intermediate rail is implemented as a profile rail which encompasses the region of the guide rail provided with the rolling surfaces and which has on the bottom side an elongated opening for insertion of the support region of the guide rail to be secured to the body wall of an associated item of furniture.
US08474920B2 Protective cap for a vehicle wheel hub
A protective cap is installed in a wheel hub to protect a wheel speed sensor and bearing assembly from intrusion of dirt. The hub has inner and outer end faces, and a central bore having splines for engagement by a splined driveshaft. The speed sensor system has a segmented disc rotating with the hub and a sensor mounted on a housing and extending into proximity with the segmented disc. The protective cap includes a stem for insertion through the central bore and a head having an under face for engaging with the inner end face of the hub. The head has a distal rim portion overlapping the housing to allow rotation of the protective cap relative the housing to prevent entry of dirt to the speed sensor system and bearing. The stem has yieldable retainers for engaging with the outer end face of the hub to retain the protective cap.
US08474916B2 Selectively configurable chair system
A stowable chair system having a base assembly and a back pivotably connected to the base assembly. A first leg retention assembly operatively coupled to the base assembly to selectively retain and position legs in a seating configuration. A second leg retention assembly separate from the first leg retention assembly to selectively retain and position the legs in a stowing configuration.
US08474915B2 Adjustable ergonomic chair
An ergonomic task chair having a front and a rear, including a laterally extending seat having a front and a rear, a back brace disposed above the rear of the seat, and a knee support disposed in the front of the chair, wherein the back brace and the knee support have a first position where there is a first minimum distance between the back brace and the knee support and a second position where there is a second minimum distance between the back brace and the knee support, the second minimum distance being less than the first minimum distance, wherein movement from the first minimum distance to the second minimum distance is triggered by a downward movement of the seat.
US08474914B2 Armrest adjustment device
An armrest adjustment device includes an armrest arranged at a top surface of an armrest support. The lower part of the armrest support is connected to a chair seat. The armrest can be adjusted to move forward and backward in relation to the chair seat. A first component is mounted in the armrest. The first component is assembled with and fixed on the armrest support so that the armrest can be moved forward and backward in relation to the first component. Moreover, a second component is arranged between the armrest and the armrest support. Instead of the first component, the second component is assembled with and fixed on the armrest support. Thus the armrest is moved in the left/right direction in relation to the second component.
US08474907B2 Car seat installation and recline mechanism
A car seat has a base for placement on a vehicle seat and a seat shell attachable to and detachable from the base. A latch mechanism is biased to a latched arrangement attaching the shell to the base. A release actuator is connected to the latch mechanism and can move the latch mechanism to a released arrangement, detaching the shell from the base permitting its removal from the base. The shell can be optionally adjustable on the base between at least two different recline positions. The latch mechanism in the latched arrangement can then also retain the shell in one of the recline positions. A recline actuator can be connected to the latch mechanism and can move the latch mechanism allowing adjustment of the shell recline position but not permitting removal from the base.
US08474901B2 Cowl-top cover
A cowl-top cover arranged across a lower end part of a front window panel, a rear end part of a front hood, and an upper end part of a dash panel, of a vehicle. The cover is formed by a seal loading portion supporting the rear end part of the front hood with a sealing member, a longitudinal wall portion extending downwardly LWR from a rear end part of the seal loading portion, and a panel loading portion supported at the upper end part of the dash panel. The longitudinal wall portion includes a first oblique face portion formed at a predetermined angle θ1 at a rear portion side PR on the basis of a perpendicular line with the rear end part of the seal loading portion being a start point; and a second oblique face portion bent and formed at a front side FR of the first oblique face portion.
US08474896B2 Vehcile topper that encloses the cargo bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck, yet provides convenient open access thereto
A vehicle topper provides an enclosed compartment when coupled with a cargo bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. Convenient open access is provided to the bed of the vehicle by employing a rolling door that is supported by a frame within two parallel guide tracks. When the rolling door is in a completely closed position, the vehicle topper creates an enclosed and lockable compartment in conjunction with the cargo bed and the vehicle's cargo box. When the rolling door is moved through the guide tracks to a completely open position, the door is substantially disposed within a sub-floor space between a floor supported by the frame of the vehicle topper, and the vehicle's cargo bed. The rolling door can be caused to bypass the completely closed position and to open in a reverse direction. An outer frame is included to secure the vehicle topper to the walls of the cargo box.
US08474892B1 Lifting apparatus and method
There is provided an assembly for hoisting and transporting objects having support receptacles affixed to its outer surface and for moving the objects into a desired close alignment in a predetermined location. The assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to mechanically engage with a lifting end of a crane and at least a pair of lifting plates pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket. The lifting plates have opposed non-parallel sides that are angled to engage the support receptacles during lifting of the object and during transportation of the object. When the crane moves the object to its desired location, the crane operator may pivot the assembly to facilitate aligning the object. Upon completion of alignment, the object is put down, and the lifting plates disengage from the support receptacles by sliding out of the slots of the support receptacles.
US08474885B2 Fire door lock structure and latch assembly thereof
A fire door lock structure includes a stopper disposed at a door frame and a latch assembly disposed at a fire door, wherein the latch assembly comprises a lock base, a latch unit, a blocking member, a pair of male and female means and a linking set. The latch unit includes a latch bolt. The latch unit and the blocking member are swingably disposed at an accommodating slot of the lock base. The blocking member is fastened at the stopper by the pair of male and female means, wherein the male means comprises a fastener formed at the blocking member. In the locked state, the fastener of the male means can be fastened at the stopper to prevent the stopper from being unable to block the latch bolt caused by a deformed fire door or deformed door frame under a fire condition.
US08474880B2 Pipe coupling including arcuate snap couplers
Pipe ends having radial flanges may be easily attached by an arcuate snap coupler having a channel for receiving portions of spaced face to face flanges on respective pipe end portions to be connected. The flanges may be formed directly on the pipe end portions, or may be formed by coupler body pieces attached to the pipe end portions. The arcuate snap coupler includes an open channel portion having two parallel side walls spaced apart a distance equal to the maximum desired distance over the face to face flanges when the two pipe end portions are joined together, a first hinge portion for rotatable attachment to a first fastener bolt extending between the flanges, and a second hinge portion for attachment to a second fastener bolt extending between the flanges after rotation of the coupler to receive the flange portions in the channel.
US08474876B2 Cam style anti-rotation key for tubular connections
An anti-rotation key inserts into a pocket formed on an outer surface of a male threaded connector. The key has a lower inner side portion for contact with the base of the pocket. An array of teeth on a lower outer side portion of the key bite into an inner wall of a female threaded connector as the key is forced into the pocket. One of the edges of the key is configured such that a line tangent to the first side edge where it intersects the lower outer side portion will intersect a line tangent to a central portion of the lower inner side portion at an angle less than 90 degrees. Relative motion between the male and female threaded connectors in a loosening direction causes the key to pivot about an engagement of the first side edge with the first side wall and bite more deeply into the inner wall of the female threaded connector.
US08474868B2 Active bolster with hermetic seal
An active bolster for an automotive vehicle has base wall for mounting against a rigid structure of the vehicle. A front wall overlies the base wall and forms an interior trim piece of the vehicle. The base wall has a first surface facing the front wall, and the front wall has a second surface facing the base wall. The base wall and front wall are joined around a closed perimeter to form an inflatable bladder with an initial open space between the first and second surfaces. The base wall includes a wide rib projecting from the first surface continuously along the closed perimeter, the wide rib having a minimum radial width along the closed perimeter equal to a first predetermined radial width. The front wall includes a plurality of narrow ribs projecting concentrically from the second surface continuously along the closed perimeter. Each narrow rib is welded to the wide rib, and each narrow rib has a respective radial width at each respective location along the closed perimeter less than half the radial width of the wide rib at the respective location.
US08474864B2 Airbag device
An inflator that supplies gas in the event of a vehicle emergency and a curtain airbag that is inflated and deployed by gas introduction from the inflator are included. The curtain airbag includes an airbag body obtained by sewing a pair of base cloths together. The airbag body has, in the portion in which the gas is introduced from the inflator, a sewn part obtained by sewing a pair of edges of the base cloths. The airbag body further includes a protective cloth sewn to each of the pair of edges along the sewn part such that the sewn part is covered from the inside of the airbag body.
US08474862B2 Motor vehicle seat arrangement and method for protecting a vehicle occupant
A motor vehicle seat arrangement for a motor vehicle. The seat arrangement comprising a vehicle seat, at least one inflatable element, means for inflating the inflatable element which inflate the inflatable element depending on a control signal. The vehicle seat arrangement is arranged in the vehicle and the inflatable element is designed and arranged in or on a side wall of a backrest of the vehicle seat in a way that it exerts a momentum on the upper part of the body of the vehicle occupant while it is inflated in answer to the control signal, so that the whole vehicle occupant is moved away from a collision section of the vehicle that collides or is going to collide with the object or that the thorax region of the upper part of the body of the vehicle occupant performs a tilting movement away from the collision section of the vehicle.
US08474860B2 Display apparatus for vehicle
A display apparatus for a vehicle provided in an interior member of the vehicle that covers an airbag device and has specified movable areas that, when a bag portion is expanded and inflated, swing and open so as to form an area through which the bag portion passes. The display apparatus for a vehicle includes displays that have a flexible sheet-like shape and that are mounted on surfaces of the respective movable areas, display control devices that are disposed at positions away from the movable areas and drive the displays in order to cause the displays to display images, and flexible wiring portions that connect the displays to the display control devices and that has flexibility so as to be able to bend when the movable areas swing.
US08474858B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided. A seat back of the vehicle seat includes: a cover member having a cleavage part; an airbag provided in the seat back; a bracket; and a reinforced cloth that is fixed to the frame member via the bracket, and that reinforces a part of the cover member different from the cleavage part. The airbag is caused to inflate from the cleavage part to protect an occupant's body in a range from an occupant's chest to waist. The reinforced cloth includes a first regulating part that covers a part of the airbag to be inflated toward the occupant's chest and a second regulating part that covers a part of the airbag to be inflated toward the occupant's waist. An attachment portion of the first regulating part and an attachment portion of the second regulating part are attached to the frame member at separate positions.
US08474855B2 Wheelbarrow
One aspect is wheelbarrow including a tub and a first frame portion coupled to, and providing support for, the tub. A wheel is supported below the first frame portion. A second frame portion is releasably coupled to the first frame portion and configured with a handle for gripping by a user. A trigger is adjacent the handle configured to release the first frame portion from the second frame portion when the trigger is actuated such that the tub is readily dumped.
US08474854B2 Foldable stroller and fold interlock mechanism
A foldable stroller has a frame assembly with a frame fold joint and is reconfigurable between an in-use configuration and a folded configuration. A child support structure is repositionable between a usable state on the frame assembly in the in-use configuration and an unusable state not suitable to support a child on the frame assembly. An interlock mechanism cooperates with the child support structure and is movable between a locked state preventing the frame assembly from being folded from the in-use configuration to the folded configuration and an unlocked state permitting the frame assembly to be folded. With the frame assembly in the in-use configuration and the child support structure on the frame assembly in the usable state, the interlock mechanism is retained in the locked state. The interlock mechanism is unlocked when the child support structure is moved to the unusable state.
US08474853B2 Apparatus for attaching climbing skins
An apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a ski or snowboard is provided as are kits and climbing skins joined to such apparatus. Included is an apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a front portion of a ski or snowboard, the front portion including ski sides which converge toward a front end of the ski or snowboard, the apparatus including: (i) opposing first and second holders, each holder being configured to receive one of the converging ski sides; and (ii) a connector between the first and second holders which includes at least one hinge. Also included is a kit including the apparatus and a climbing skin. Also included is a climbing skin having a fastener, the fastener including a portion which is retained between layers of the skin and one or more portions which extend from the skin for attachment of the skin to a ski or snowboard.
US08474850B2 Lubricated guide unit for a motorcycle fork tube
A lubricated guide unit is for a motorcycle fork tube that includes an outer tube and an inner tube telescopically slidable within the outer tube. The guide unit includes upper and lower sliding bushings axially spaced apart and disposed within a cavity of the outer tube and guide sliding movement of the inner tube. A first sealing device is mounted at an open end of the outer tube and seals against the outer surface of the inner tube. A second sealing device is mounted in the outer tube and seals against the outer surface of the inner tube. The second sealing device is axially spaced from the first sealing device such that a sealed, lubrication chamber is defined between the two sealing devices and the facing circumferential surfaces of the inner and outer tubes, the two bushings being disposed within the chamber.
US08474848B2 Personal mobility vehicle with tiltable seat
The vehicle comprises a base and a seat moveable along a curve having a focal point. The vehicle is adjustable to position an occupant in the seat to achieve a desired position for the center of gravity of the occupant relative to the focal point of the curve. A method for minimizing effort required to tilt the seat of a personal mobility vehicle comprises the steps of providing a personal mobility vehicle having a seat that is adapted to move along an arc having a center of curvature, positioning the seat substantially horizontally, providing an occupant in the seat, and adjusting the position of the vehicle occupant's center of gravity so that the center of gravity is substantially equal to or below the center of curvature of the arc.
US08474847B1 Running boards for three wheel motorcycles
A running board assembly for a three wheel motorcycle including independent first and second support frame members. Each of the support frame members further includes: i) a substantially U-shaped configuration having a rear lateral section, a longitudinal section, and a front lateral section; ii) a connector on the rear lateral section adapted for connection to a motorcycle frame; and iii) a connector on the front lateral section adapted for connection to a motorcycle engine block. A running board member is connected to each of the support frame members.
US08474842B2 Vehicle steering apparatus and setting apparatus thereof
There are provided left and right arm mechanisms that connect an arm attachment portion as a part of a vehicle body to vehicle wheel attachment portions attached with front wheels via a front arm and a rear arm disposed in a front-rear direction of a vehicle and having plural links; and servo motors that independently drive the left and right arm mechanisms so that each link angle corresponding to a turning angle is determined. The setting position of the imaginary kingpin axis may be changed. Each link angle changes within a range of maintaining a correlation in which the turning angle increases in accordance with an increase in the steering operation amount when controlling the servo motors so as to obtain the turning angle corresponding to the steering operation amount of a steering wheel.
US08474839B2 Convertible wagon changing table
A convertible wagon changing table includes a wheeled section, a storage section, and a body section. The wheeled section includes at least one wheel. The storage section defines a storage volume, and is connectable to the wheeled section at a first end. The body section includes a support surface and is connectable to the storage section at the second end. The wheeled section and the body section are also detachable from the storage section and connectable together to form a wagon separate from the storage section.
US08474837B2 Apparatus for adjusting camber and/or toe of motor vehicle wheels
An apparatus for adjusting the camber and/or toe of a motor vehicle wheel includes a wheel carrier, on which the wheel is rotatably mounted. The wheel carrier is divided into a carrier member receiving the wheel via a wheel bearing, an axle-side guide member, and a bearing assembly arranged therebetween. The bearing assembly includes rotary parts which can be rotated relative to each other and relative to both the carrier member and the guide member and which interact with confronting inclined faces. The wheel bearing includes a radially outer bearing housing, which is clamped by the bearing assembly formed from the rotary parts into a plug-and-socket connection with the carrier member.
US08474836B2 Stroller and handle height adjusting mechanism thereof
A handle height adjusting mechanism includes: a coupling member disposed on a handle tube of a stroller; an actuating member disposed movably on the handle tube, and coupled to the coupling member for driving movement thereof; an engaging member connected to the coupling member; and a resilient member coupled to the coupling member for biasing the coupling member to a first position, where the engaging member engages the selected positioning hole to arrest movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube. The actuating member is operable to move the coupling member to a second position against biasing action of the resilient member, such that the engaging member is removed from the selected positioning hole so as to permit movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube.
US08474835B1 Mobile support cart for adjustable holding equipment
A mobile support cart has one or more extendable and foldable arms to position one or more monitors or devices mounted to the extendable arm. The arm is mounted to a vertical column that is supported by a linear rail system providing vertical guidance. An adjustable counterweight carriage rides on a second rail set and is connected to each column through a chain and pulley. Each chain and pulley is fully redundant with two chains attached to discrete mounting points on each counterweight carriage and to each column. The amount of counterweight applied can be adjusted within a given load range by adding additional plates/ballast to the counterweight carriage. When the load on the arm(s) are fully offset by ballast on the counter weight carriage the arms and payloads reach a “neutral buoyancy” condition. The system maintains the position once an operator has released them.
US08474828B2 Mounting guard ring
A mounting guard ring for a sealing ring with at least one sealing lip, surrounding a sleeve-shaped protective ring with a supporting surface for the sealing lip disposed at the outer periphery and a holding device shaped as a grip, the protective ring being provided in at least one peripheral region with a first predetermined breaking site and being capable of being severed along the first predetermined breaking site by pulling on the holding device, the protective ring being closed off in sealing manner by a disk-shaped lid.
US08474826B2 Hydrodynamic magnetic seal
A hydrodynamic magnetic seal includes a magnetic mating ring and a sealing ring attracted to the magnetic mating ring. The magnetic mating ring and/or the sealing ring include hydrodynamic grooves configured to create a separation film between the magnetic mating ring and the sealing ring to reduce friction.
US08474823B2 System and method for generating, funding, and distributing multiple jackpots
A method and system of generating, funding, and distributing multiple jackpots in a game such as poker, specifically such as Texas Hold 'Em. The jackpots may be separate, independent bad beat jackpots that pay out at different intervals due to having independent triggering conditions that have different odds of occurring. Preferably, the triggering condition for each jackpot may be a losing player's hand strength. The specific values for the triggering conditions may be chosen by random, may be generally evenly distributed over the number of jackpots, may be determined by an algorithm, e.g., one that relies on the odds of each hand occurring, or by another method. The jackpots may be funded from rakes collected from substantially every hand that is played—subject to certain prerequisites being established—such that each jackpot may be considered progressive in that it grows over time.
US08474819B2 System and method for managing calculated odds bets in a blackjack game
A method of managing a blackjack game is provided. A blackjack game bet comprising a bet against a house entity on a blackjack hand is received from a player. A pair of cards is determined for a hand for the house entity, and another pair of cards is determined for a hand for the player. The odds of the occurrence of one or more subsequent events are determined based at least in part on one or more of the pair of cards selected for the house entity's hand and one or more of the pair of cards selected for the player's hand. The odds for an additional bet are determined based at least on the determined odds for the one or more subsequent events, and the additional bet is offered to the player at the determined odds for the additional bet.
US08474817B2 Paper sheet processing device
A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing a paper sheet from being drawn out by an unauthorized action. The bill processing device includes: an insertion slot into which a bill is inserted; a bill conveyance mechanism capable of conveying the bill having been inserted from the insertion slot; a bill reader reading the bill conveyed by the bill conveyance mechanism; an authenticity judging mechanism judging an authenticity of the bill read by the bill reader; and a pulse output part driving a motor for controlling conveyance speed of the bill by a motor of the bill conveyance mechanism. The pulse output part controls the conveyance speed by the bill conveyance mechanism after the completion of reading by the bill reader.
US08474816B2 Sheet conveying device, image forming apparatus, sheet conveying motor control system, and storage medium
A sheet conveying device includes a first rotator, a second rotator, and a third rotator, at least one of which is configured to convey a sheet medium; a first detection unit configured to detect a first control factor for controlling a first motor that rotates the first rotator; a second detection unit configured to detect a second control factor for controlling a second motor that rotates the second rotator; a motor control unit configured to control a rotational speed of a third motor that rotates the third rotator; and a speed control unit configured to request the motor control unit to change the rotational speed of the third motor based on the sum of the first control factor and the second control factor.
US08474814B2 Sheet supplying unit and sheet width detecting unit
A sheet supplying unit having no need to place a great many skew sensors and enabling printing apparatus to simplify structure and to reduce cost. The sheet supplying unit moves a skew sensor to a most left sensor position in which the table sensor detected that the print medium exists, detects the upper edge of print medium, and executes a skew detection; in the case that the print medium is narrow, moves a skew sensor, detects the upper edge of print medium, and executes a skew detection; in the case that a position of skew sensor does not place at a position keeping a predetermined margin at the inside of the print medium, moves skew sensor to the inside of the print medium and executes again an inclination detection; or according to print medium width and skew sensor width, changes a skew judgment quantity.
US08474812B1 Manually translatable pick mechanism for feeding sheets of media of different widths
A system for manual adjustment of a pick mechanism between multiple positions transverse to a media feed direction associated with different widths of media such that pick forces are substantially balanced about the centerline of a media sheet to be picked. The system includes a shaft for receiving torque, a pick mechanism having a pick arm, and a pick arm adjustment mechanism coupled to the pick mechanism during translating of the pick arm. The pick arm is rotatably and slidably mounted at a first end thereof on the shaft. The pick arm adjustment mechanism comprises a translating member rotatably and slidably mounted on the shaft and coupled to a portion of the first end of the pick arm allowing the pick mechanism to be lifted from a topmost media sheet and allow manual translation of the translating member and pick arm to one of the plurality of predetermined positions.
US08474806B2 Pipe gripping apparatus
A pipe gripping apparatus has a first jaw with a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a second jaw having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, a tongue having a pipe-contacting surface at one end thereof, and an actuator connected to the first and second jaws and to the tongue. The actuator serves to move the first and second jaws and the tongue such that the pipe-contacting surfaces thereof move radially inwardly simultaneously for a substantially identical distance. A first link pivotally connects the tongue with the first jaw. A second link pivotally connects the tongue with the second jaw. The first and second links extend angularly outwardly from the tongue. The first and second pivot points of each jaw have a distance unequal to a distance between the first pivot point and pipe-contacting surface of each jaw. The pipe-contacting surfaces can be elastomeric pads, toothed dies, or rollers.
US08474804B2 Elastomeric pin isolator
An elastomeric pin isolator assembly is provided, including an elastomeric material, configured to engage a first support structure or mass, and a pin member, engaged with the elastomeric material, the pin member configured to slidably at least one of a second support structure or mass and the elastomeric material, and further wherein at least a portion of the elastomeric member is disposed between the first and second support structures or masses such that the first and second support structures or masses do not directly contact.
US08474801B2 Solenoid driving device and active vibration isolating support device equipped with the same
A solenoid driving device with excellent electric power efficiency which drives and controls an actuator including a solenoid and an active vibration isolating support device which includes the solenoid driving device are disclosed. The solenoid driving device includes a booster circuit which boosts a battery voltage, and driving circuits which an actuator with the electric power supplied and boosted by the booster circuit. ACM_ECU200A including a micro computer calculates the magnitude of the vibration of the engine, an engine vibration cycle and a phase lag to obtain the drive frequency of the actuator in the vibration state estimating unit and the phase detecting unit. A booster circuit controlling unit of the micro computer determines the target voltage based on the drive frequency. The target voltage is input to the booster circuit, and the booster circuit supplies the required electric power to the driving circuits at the target voltage.
US08474798B2 Air spring for vehicle
An air spring has at least one working space which is filled with compressed air and which is delimited at least partially by a rolling bellows which is fastened at its ends to connecting parts. At least one of its ends, the air spring has a wall which is thicker in relation to the rest of the rolling bellows body, wherein the rolling bellows has, at least one of its thickened ends, a continuously vulcanized layer cover which is folded back to such a length that, after the assembly of the air spring, at least one region of the rolling bellows which is highly loaded by chassis forces falls into the region of the layer cover.
US08474797B2 Air spring system
An air spring system is disclosed. The air spring system has a compressor, which has a suction side and a delivery side, a pressure reservoir, a first valve device and a second valve device. Each valve device is connected between the compressor and the pressure reservoir. In order to provide the air spring system, which is of simple construction and can be produced economically, the first valve device and the second valve device are each embodied as 3/2-way valves.
US08474795B2 Pulling device and method therefor
A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.
US08474790B2 Valve drive apparatus in which a shaft is driven through a speed reducing mechanism to rotate a valve
A final gear of a speed reducing mechanism and a magnet of a valve opening degree sensor are separately joined to a shaft, which is rotated integrally with a valve. The final gear and the magnet are arranged to satisfy at least one of θa>Θ-θswo and θb>θswc, where θa denotes a valve open side clearance that is a circumferential gap angle circumferentially measured between the magnet and an open side end part of the final gear, θb denotes a valve close side clearance that is a circumferential gap angle, which is circumferentially measured between the magnet and a close side end part of the final gear, Θ denotes a full open degree of the valve, θswo denotes a valve open sensing degree, and θswc denotes a valve close sensing degree.
US08474787B2 Valve cartridge for a solenoid valve, and associated solenoid valve
The invention relates to a valve cartridge for a solenoid valve, having a capsule, a valve insert that is inserted by a first end into the capsule and on its other end receives a valve body with a main valve seat. A lower valve part is axially braced on the valve insert, and a flat filter for filtering out dirt particles is connected via a retaining element to the lower valve part. According to the invention, the retaining element includes at least one component on the flat filter side and at least one corresponding component on the lower valve part side, which makes at least one partial clamping connection between the flat filter and the lower valve part. The invention further relates to a solenoid valve having such a valve cartridge.
US08474785B2 Valve assembly comprising a torque limiter
A valve assembly (1) comprising a valve housing (2), a stem (4) that is disposed perpendicular to the direction of flow within the valve housing (2), and a blocking member (3) which can be movably connected to the stem (4). The stem (4) is provided with a device (5) for limiting torque.
US08474781B2 Shelf item display accessory
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for displaying items of goods on shelving systems. A shelf display accessory unit can include a top panel with a top surface configured for displaying an item of goods, and a bottom surface which is opposite the top surface, that includes a module that houses a cable. The shelf display accessory unit further can include a front panel having a display surface that is configured to display a label, and a back panel having a supporting surface that includes means for coupling the shelf display accessory unit to a front portion of a shelf. In embodiments, the shelf display accessory unit can include a cable that has one end anchored to the module and the other end connected to the item of goods. In embodiments, the shelf display accessory unit further can include a flap coupled to the front panel and configured to secure a label to the front panel of the shelf display accessory unit.
US08474777B2 Seat slide apparatus for vehicle
A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a first rail, a second rail, a lock member, a memory member, a first holding member holding the memory member to move integrally with the second rail in a state where a restriction of the relative movement between the first rail and the second rail is released on a basis of an operation handle, and a second holding member holding the memory member so that the engagement of the memory member with the first rail is maintained in a state where the restriction of the relative movement is released in association with a forward folding operation of a seat back. The first holding member integrally includes a body portion and a memory member holding portion so as to sandwich the memory member in a state where the body portion engages with the front end portion of the memory member.
US08474775B2 Foldable and adjustable supporting apparatus for portable devices
A foldable and adjustable supporting apparatus is provided, including a base, an adjusting element, a receiving element and a positioning unit. The apparatus provides support to an object, such as, portable electronic device, to stand in various tilt angles. The receiving element is coupled to the base, and can rotate more than 270°. The adjusting element and positioning element located on the base are responsible for maintaining the tilt angle of the rotated receiving element. The apparatus, when not in use, can be folded into a box-like appearance. When in use, the apparatus can be expanded to provide support to portable electronic device to remain in standing position.
US08474773B2 Stackable beverage container holder
The present invention includes two embodiments of stackable beverage container holders. In each, the beverage container holder comprises an upper cup-like receptacle for receiving a beverage container and one or more lower ground-penetrating members, for being inserted into sand, earth, or turf and thus retaining the product upright, supporting the beverage container. The product is intended to be molded as a single integral piece. The generally cylindrical receptacle may have a slot formed in it to allow reception of a beverage container having a handle, e.g., a coffee mug.
US08474772B2 Telescoping cup holder
A cup holder is deployed from a recess in a substantially vertical panel behind a substantially planar fold-down door which is pivotable adjacent to a bottom edge. A substantially planar tray member is slidably mounted to a guide frame to move between a collapsed position and an expanded position at respective distances from the inside surface of the fold-down door. A telescoping holder unit with substantially cylindrical sleeve elements slides from a collapsed state to an expanded state in response to movement of the tray member. A top rim of the holder unit is fixed with respect to a cylindrical sleeve element having a largest diameter and is coupled to the tray member. A bottom plate of the holder unit is coupled to the fold-down door. The holder unit accommodates various beverage containers.
US08474768B2 Device for supporting a part
A device for supporting a part has a mounting element with a pocket-shaped receptacle and a suction element which supports the part and can be received in the pocket-shaped receptacle or removed from it and directly attached to the surface, so that in both cases the part is supported on the surface, either through the suction element and the mounting element or through the suction element only, and a width of at least a portion of the suction element is smaller than a width of the pocket-shaped receptacle of the mounting element, so that when the portion of the suction element is inserted into the pocket-shaped receptacle of the mounting element, it is compressed and thereby tightly retained in it.
US08474761B2 Method of piloting a rotary wing drone having multiple rotors
This method implements a transition from i) moving state in which the drone is flying at speed and tilt angle that are not zero to ii) hovering state in which the drone has speed and tilt angle that are both zero. The method comprises: a) measuring horizontal linear speed, tilt angles, and angular speeds at the initial instant; b) setting stopping time value; c) on the basis of initial measurements and set stopping time, parameterizing a predetermined predictive function that models optimum continuous decreasing variation of horizontal linear speed as a function of time; d) applying setpoint values to a loop for controlling motors of the drone, which values correspond to target horizontal linear speed precalculated from said parameterized predictive function; and e) once hovering state has been reached, activating a hovering flight control loop for maintaining drone at speed and tilt angle that are zero relative to the ground.
US08474758B2 Aircraft component assembly system
An aircraft component assembly system for the assembly of an interior component, a pipe or an electric line in an aircraft includes at least one arc-shaped frame element, a connection element that extends between a first and a second end of the frame element, and a fastening apparatus for fastening the interior component, the pipe or the electric line to the frame element or the connection element. The system also includes a first guide device that is provided on the frame element or the connection element and is devised to interact with a second guide device, which is complementary to the first guide device and provided on an aircraft structure, in such a way that the aircraft component assembly system is connectable to the aircraft structure in a manner displaceable relative to the aircraft structure.
US08474755B2 Supply unit for flexible supply channels
According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a service unit for being installed on a service channel of an aircraft is disclosed, wherein said service unit features a mounting device and a connecting device. These two devices cooperate in such a way that the mounting and the automatic connecting are realized in one step when the service unit is moved into the installation position.
US08474753B2 Aircraft occupant protection system
A crash attenuation system for an aircraft includes an airbag carried by the aircraft that is inflatable generally adjacent an exterior of the aircraft. The airbag is in fluid communication with at least one vent passage for channeling gas from within the interior of the airbag to a region external to the airbag that allows the gas to escape without being obstructed by the airbag. A gas source is in fluid communication with the interior of the airbag for inflating the airbag. A vent valve is provided within the vent passage for controlling a flow of gas through the vent passage, thereby controlling deflation of the airbag. The vent valve is continuously adjustable to and between an open state, a closed state, and any number of partially open states.
US08474752B2 Actuator force equalization controller
An actuation system including a plurality of actuators; a plurality of position sensors coupled to the actuators, the plurality of position sensors providing rate feedback signals proportional to an actuator rate; a plurality of force sensors coupled to the actuators, the plurality of force sensors providing delta pressure signals; and a feedback control loop configured to receive the rate feedback signals and delta pressure signals and compute a difference in actual actuator rates and sum the difference with a computed difference in actuator forces to generate actuator positioning commands that equalize the actuator forces on a control surface.
US08474751B2 Device for fastening a turboprop, preferably under an aircraft wing
The present invention relates to an engine assembly for an aircraft comprising an attachment means, a turboprop on an attachment mast, this means including a plurality of front engine attachments (16) each having an engine vibration insulation system (20) including a housing (22), a stress transmitting member (24) extending along a first axis (26) parallel to an axis of rotation of the propeller and a hollow member (28) integrated in the housing and extending along a second axis (30) orthogonal to and intersecting the first axis. According to the invention, a support means for supporting the system (20) is formed by a plurality of clevises (32a, 32b) each having a middle plane parallel to its clevis heads, integrating one of the first and second axes and orthogonal to the other of said axes.
US08474750B2 Engine attachment pylon comprising means of fastening spars and panels located outside the inner space in the box
An engine attachment pylon for an aircraft including a rigid structure including a box including an upper spar and a lower spar, connected to each other through two lateral panels. At least one of the upper and lower ends of the web of at least one of the two lateral panels includes at least one assembly cleat projecting sideways from the web towards the outside of the box, and assembled to the spar on which it bears through an attachment mechanism located outside the inner space in the box.
US08474749B2 Aircraft including an undercarriage motor
The aircraft includes at least one engine suitable for propelling the aircraft in flight, at least one motor of an undercarriage, and automatic means arranged to cause the aircraft to taxi under drive directly from the engine, while simultaneously using the motor for taxiing, other than during takeoff or landing.
US08474746B2 Aircraft configured for vertically ascending and landing
An aircraft which is configured for vertically ascending and landing, includes at least two wings (2a, 2b, 4a, 51, 4b, 52), a space (2c, 4c) for the generating during operation of climbing power, and an intermediate portion (3), the intermediate portion (3) being provided with thrust motors (6), and the space (2c, 4c) for the generating during operation of climbing power being provided with a quantity of lifting power units (HV). Each lifting power unit includes a first variable volume (V1) for the storage of an amount of relatively light gas which is lighter than atmospheric air, and is configured for the controllable adjustment of an upward force or lifting power by the variable volume taken up by the amount of relatively light gas.
US08474743B2 Ski-lift seat return device
A ski-lift seat return device having a supporting structure; a reel mounted to rotate about an axis with respect to the supporting structure; a cable wound about the reel; a spring mechanism for opposing unwinding of the cable, and for rewinding the cable unwound off the reel; and a contactless magnetic brake connected to the reel and the supporting structure to adjust the brake torque as a function of the rotation speed of the reel; and wherein the magnetic brake has a first wall integral with and preferably defining part of the supporting structure; and a second wall connected movably to the reel and moved towards the first wall by the rotation speed of the reel; the first and second wall being coupled magnetically to each other.
US08474736B2 Method and device for producing chaff and wood composite material
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing chaff used in the production of a wood composite material. In accordance with the invention, adhesive laminate waste comprising adhesive material, glue and release material is arranged into chaff in multiple steps and the adhesive properties of the glue are killed.
US08474732B2 Air freshener device comprising a specific liquid composition
The present invention relates to air freshener devices that have water-based liquid compositions, preferably clear liquids, for providing an improved rate of emanation of perfume ingredients from the air freshener emanating surface and allowing the use of fragrance materials with a wide range of characteristics, namely a wide range of clogP values. The air fresheners contain liquid perfume compositions which include: i) 0.5 to 40% w/w of a perfume; ii) an oil-solubilizing system containing one or more surfactants of the non-ionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric type, or a mixture thereof; iii) a solubilizing-aid; and iv) at least 40% weight of water; with the weight percentages being relative to the total weight of liquid composition.
US08474731B2 Reduced water mist generator and method of producing reduced water mist
A reduced water mist generator, including: a water supply member that supplies water; a high voltage application member that applies a high voltage; and a discharge electrode that is constituted by a metal element that produces molecular hydrogen by a chemical reaction with nitric acid molecules, the discharge electrode being provided with an electrostatic atomizing function that, when a high voltage is applied by the high voltage application member while water is supplied by the water supply member, generates an electric field and thereby electrostatically atomizes the water supplied from the water supply member to produce microparticulated water, and also being provided with a hydrogen molecule generating function that produces the molecular hydrogen by a chemical reaction with nitric acid molecules generated when the water is electrostatically atomized, the discharge electrode generating a hydrogen water mist in the form of a reduced water that contains the molecular hydrogen in the microparticulated water.
US08474728B2 Smart ventilation system
A ventilation system utilizing fans to bring air into a building and exhaust air out of the building using solar panels that can be quickly and easily mounted on the building, such as on roof vents, windows, and the like, with quick application fasteners adjacent to the fans. A sensor may be operatively connected to a controller or logic circuit to measure environmental factors to determine whether to activate the fans. The ventilation system is configured to be a modular device with versatile fasteners for easy installment in windows or attics without the need for modification of the building, such as cutting holes.
US08474725B2 Wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip arranged to process a transmission/received signal, a matching inductance element and a planar electrode which are provided on the surface of a feeder circuit board formed by a flexible dielectric, and a loop-shaped radiation plate provided on the undersurface of the feeder circuit board. Both ends of the radiation plate are coupled to a resonance circuit including an inductance element by electromagnetic field coupling. The wireless IC chip is operated using a signal received by the radiation plate. A response signal transmitted from the wireless IC chip is externally transmitted from the radiation plate.
US08474724B2 Reader with swappable power/communication module
A power/communication kit for use with a reader module where the code reader module includes a reader connector and a reader housing, the power/communication kit comprising a plurality of different power/communication modules wherein each module communicates via a different communication protocol and each includes a power source and a communication component suitable for communicating via an associated communication protocol, wherein, each of the modules is securable to the reader module in a similar fashion such that any one of the power/communication modules can be swapped for any other of the power/communication modules so that the reader can be used with different communication systems.
US08474722B2 Image sensor based optical reader
There is set forth herein an optical reader for reading target indicia. The said optical reader in one embodiment can comprise an imaging subsystem including an image sensor and a lens assembly for focusing light on said image sensor. The optical reader in one embodiment can comprise a control circuit in communication with said imaging subsystem. The optical reader in one embodiment can comprise an illumination subsystem in communication with a control circuit. The illumination subsystem in one embodiment can comprise at least one multiple color-emitting light source. The at least one multiple color-emitting light source in one embodiment can comprise at least two independently drivable light emitting elements.
US08474720B2 PDA compatible text scanner
An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.