| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08497482B2 |
Radiation detector module
A radiation detector module includes a radiation detecting substrate including a plurality of semiconductor devices mounted thereon for detecting radiation, a fixing member for holding the radiation detecting substrate, and a circuit substrate connected to the radiation detecting substrate. The radiation detecting substrate further includes a mounting board including an edge portion connected to the circuit substrate at one end thereof, and a flexible substrate including a wiring pattern connected to the plurality of semiconductor devices. The fixing member includes a bottom, a first side wall extending in a normal direction to the bottom from one end of the bottom, a second side wall extending in the normal direction to the bottom from the other end of the bottom, and substrate supporting portions on the first side wall and the second side wall. |
| US08497480B2 |
Particle radiotherapy apparatus
In order to provide a particle radiotherapy apparatus with high sensitivity for detecting annihilation radiation pairs, an elliptic detector ring of a particle radiotherapy apparatus according to this invention makes rotating movement relative to a top board. Specifically, with rotation about a base axis of a first ring and a second ring, the elliptic detector ring makes rotating movement in a state of being tilted relative to the first ring. Incidentally, the elliptic detector ring cannot be disposed in a position to interfere with travel of this particle beam. According to the construction of this invention, the elliptic detector ring is tilted relative to the top board, and besides makes rotating movement relative to the top board. Since the elliptic detector ring can be moved away from the particle beam by rotating the elliptic detector ring, it is possible to provide the particle radiotherapy apparatus which can detect annihilation radiation while emitting the particle beam. |
| US08497479B1 |
Adjustable-aperture infrared cameras with feedback aperture control
A thermal infrared camera may be used under a wide variety of target-scene radiation conditions, with interchangeable or zoom lenses requiring matching or different size cold stops. A variable aperture assembly of a thermal infrared camera integrates a rigid open truss-like framework that's capped by an aperture ring and bottomed by a driving ring, and a radiation shield, located inside the framework, that contains an aperture ring at an upper side. A plurality of blades that collectively define an aperture positioned between the upper aperture rings. Opposite blade ends are coupled to respective ones of the two aperture rings, permitting pivotal movement in one ring and radial movement in the other ring, when the rings are rotated relative to one another, to change the size of the formed aperture. Both refractive and reflective infrared telescopes may be retro-fitted with variable aperture devices to enhance infrared imaging performance. |
| US08497478B2 |
High voltage supply to increase rise time of current through light source in an optical sensor system
A high voltage supply circuit to drive a light source in an optical sensor system. The high voltage supply provides a high voltage output to the light source during the start of an on time for the light source to decrease current rise time through the light source. After the start of the light source on time, the high voltage output is disconnected from the circuit and a current source provides current output to the light source to drive the light source during the remainder of the light source on time. |
| US08497476B2 |
Inspection device
An inspection device for inspecting a surface of an inspection object using a beam includes a beam generator capable of generating one of either charge particles or an electromagnetic wave as a beam, a primary optical system capable of guiding and irradiating the beam to the inspection object supported within a working chamber, a secondary optical system capable of including a first movable numerical aperture and a first detector which detects secondary charge particles generated from the inspection object, the secondary charge particles passing through the first movable numerical aperture, an image processing system capable of forming an image based on the secondary charge particles detected by the first detector; and a second detector arranged between the first movable numerical aperture and the first detector and which detects a location and shape at a cross over location of the secondary charge particles generated from the inspection object. |
| US08497470B2 |
Method and device for carrying out a quantitative spatially-resolved local and distribution analysis of chemical elements and in situ characetrization of the ablated surface regions
A laser ablation chamber, which is suitable for use in a conventional laser-assisted micro dissection unit (LMD), in combination with the LMD allows for both quantitative spatially resolved nanolocal analysis and distribution analysis of element concentrations of a sample, and a microscopic detection of the surface topography of the same sample, in the nanometer range. Optionally, further examinations may follow, without having to remove the sample from a microscope slide bearing the sample. For the examination, a region of the sample to be analyzed is selected with the aid of a microscope of a LMD. For this purpose, the sample is located on the lower face of a cover slip (microscope slide), which also forms part of a laser ablation chamber mounted beneath the microscope slide and inside the LMD. A portion of the sample is ablated and analyzed. Optionally, the existing LMD instrumentation may be used to deliberately cut out certain regions of the tissue in which metals were detected for further analytics and to collect these regions in sample containers, which are mounted beneath the microscope slide after the laser ablation. |
| US08497464B2 |
Detector arrangement having increased sensitivity
To increase the sensitivity of detector arrangements, it is known that light deflection elements in the form of a line arrays having spherical elements may be used to focus incident light onto light-sensitive regions of the detector. Manufacturing such line arrays is complex and cost intensive, especially in small lot numbers. The increased sensitivity of the detector array can be achieved easily and inexpensively by using a novel light deflection element. The detector arrangement therefore has a light deflection element having light entrance surfaces, deflecting incident light by refraction onto light-sensitive regions of the detector. Light entrance surfaces of the light deflection element are inclined with respect to one another and are designed as planar surfaces. The detector arrangement is suitable in particular for detection of light emanating from a specimen in a microscope, preferably in a laser-scanning microscope. |
| US08497463B2 |
Device and method for counting photons
A device for counting photons includes a detector unit that is configured to generate an detected signal. A switching unit is configured to be impinged upon by the detected signal and to trigger a switching state for each detection pulse so as to generate a state signal. A sampling unit is configured to sample the state signal at a predetermined sampling frequency. A serial-parallel converter unit is configured to parallelize the serially generated sampled data by grouping successive sampled data into a sampled data packet. An evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the binary values of sampled data packets so as to identify a partial counter result indicating the number of switching state changes occurring in the switching unit, and to add partial counter results identified in individual clock cycles. |
| US08497455B2 |
Microwave cooking containers with shielding
A microwave oven cooking container is provided for evenly cooking foodstuff without risk of sparking during cooking. The container includes at least one compartment, and has at least two separate shields disposed on the container. A first shield is made of a material substantially opaque to microwave energy and is disposed on an outer or an inner surface of the compartment, with a shape generally corresponding to the outer shape of the compartment and optionally having an aperture on the base. The container further includes a lidding configured to seal the container closed, the lidding having a second shield disposed on the lidding, such as at a predetermined distance from the container sidewalls. Further, a multi-compartment container is configured to provide shielding for a food having a low specific heat capacity with one or more compartments arranged around and at least partially surrounding a shielded central compartment for the food. |
| US08497453B2 |
Semiconductor device having variable parameter selection based on temperature
A semiconductor device that may include temperature sensing circuits is disclosed. The temperature sensing circuits may be used to control various parameters, such as internal regulated supply voltages, internal refresh frequency, a word line low voltage, or the like. In this way, operating specifications of a semiconductor device at worse case temperatures may be met without compromising performance at normal operating temperatures. Each temperature sensing circuit may include a selectable temperature threshold value as well as a selectable temperature hysteresis value. In this way, temperature performance characteristics may be finely tuned. Furthermore, a method of testing the temperature sensing circuits is disclosed in which a current value may be monitored an temperature threshold values and temperature hysteresis values may be thereby determined. |
| US08497452B2 |
Axial resistance sheathed heater
An axial resistance sheathed heater is presented. The axial resistance sheathed heater includes a retaining sheath having a first end and a second end and a resistance wire completely disposed within the retaining sheath. The heater further includes a first conductor rod partially disposed within the retaining sheath and extending beyond the first end of the retaining sheath, the first conductor rod in direct electrical communication and direct mechanical communication with the resistance wire; and a second conductor rod partially disposed within said retaining sheath and extending beyond the second end of the retaining sheath, the second conductor rod in direct electrical communication and direct mechanical communication with the resistance wire. The resistance wire, the first conductor rod and the second conductor rod comprise a circuit achieving a power to voltage rating of about 5000:24. |
| US08497445B2 |
Vacuum valve
A vacuum valve includes a hermetically sealed vessel having an insulative cylinder, an end plate at a movable electrode end, and an end plate at a fixed electrode end. The vessel accommodates a movable contact and an opposed fixed contact. The movable contact is supported through a bellows allowing the contacts to open and close while maintaining an air-tight (hermetic) seal. The bellows used in at least one embodiment is a seam type bellows without metal plating. Nickel plating layers are formed on the end plate at movable contact end and on a cover, which are joined to the bellows. The ends of the bellows are soldered with the end plate and the cover using a silver solder at the solder joints. |
| US08497442B2 |
Electronic device with button mechanism
An electronic device includes a housing defining an opening, a button mechanism, and a fixing portion. The button mechanism includes a button cap depressibly received in the opening, a light guiding plate with the button cap mounted on a first side thereof, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is mounted on an opposite second side of the light guiding plate, and includes a resisting member, and a tab protruding from the resisting member. The fixing portion is received in the housing, and includes a block defining a slot with the tab extending therethrough, an light source for illuminating the light guide plate, a switch to switch on or off the light source and the electronic device. The switch is configured to switch on or off the light source and the electronic device. The button mechanism is depressible so as to enable the resisting member to actuate the switch. |
| US08497441B2 |
Luminous switch and electronic device provided with the same
A luminous switch using an inorganic EL material is provided with a plurality of switch sections so as to reduce acoustic noise. The switch sections are provided with a plurality of protruding parts (112) and a plurality of supporting sections (113) formed on a surface of a structure (101); an elastic deformable conductor (124) arranged to have a convex surface opposed the protruding parts (112); a wiring sheet (102A) for covering the conductor (124); a luminous sheet (160) for covering the wiring sheet (102A); and a plurality of switch buttons (125) arranged above the luminous sheet (160). The luminous switch has a structure in which at least two supporting sections (113) are arranged around the protruding parts (112), and a space (111) is formed between the protruding parts (112) and a switch sheet (102). The conductor (124) is accommodated in the space (111). In a case main body (101), an electronic component (103) is mounted and a substrate (104) provided with wiring is arranged. The switch buttons (125) are fixed on a key sheet (129). A top plate (106) is arranged on the key sheet (129) by surrounding the switch buttons (125). The top plate (106) is arranged to cover lower components. |
| US08497440B2 |
Push switch
A flexible button of a push switch includes a peripheral side wall having an opening at the bottom. A switch board is fitted in the opening of the peripheral side wall. A switch is provided on the switch board. A tubular case is fixed in place around the peripheral side wall. A stopper is disposed under the switch board, and latched on the inner face of the case. Filler fills the underside of the switch board, and fills at least an area that includes the entire peripheral length of the bottom periphery of the switch board and the bottom-end inner peripheral face of the peripheral side wall. |
| US08497439B2 |
Self-aligning secondary disconnect device for electrical switchgear
A secondary disconnect apparatus for a circuit breaker, for making a slidable electrical connection with a mating enclosure-side secondary disconnect apparatus, is disclosed, having a pair of stop plate surfaces coupled to the circuit breaker defining a first linear distance D1, and a lateral adjustment portion in slidable communication with a pair of a guide members configured to guide movement of the lateral adjustment portion along an axis in one of a first and a second direction. The apparatus includes and a pair of adjustment member surfaces coupled to the lateral adjustment portion defining a second linear distance D2, wherein the adjustment member surfaces are configured to cooperate with the stop plate surfaces to limit the travel of lateral adjustment portion, and wherein a total predetermined lateral distance of travel of lateral adjustment portion 250 is defined based on at least the difference between first distance D1 and second distance D2. |
| US08497435B2 |
Cable mounting structure for electric apparatus
A cable mounting structure for an electric apparatus is provided which ensures sealing properties, such as waterproof properties and dustproof properties, and which can effectively contribute to downsizing, while easing restrictions on the size of a connecting tool mounted on one end of a cable connected to an electric apparatus body. The cable mounting structure comprises a housing (10) for accommodating an electric apparatus body, a cable (11) connected to the electric apparatus body via a second connector (12) or the like, a grommet (20) mounted on the cable (11), a recessed housing section (15) provided in the housing (10), and a lid (30) for closing the recessed housing section. The recessed housing section is formed in a closed-bottomed tubular shape recessed inwardly of the housing. A grommet mounting hole for fixing the grommet (20) thereto is formed in a peripheral wall section (15a) of the recessed housing section, and a pass-through section (31) through which the cable is passed is formed in the lid. The connecting tool is disposed within the recessed housing section, and the pass-through section is positioned to the grommet. |
| US08497432B2 |
Electronic component mounting structure
An electronic component mounting structure includes a substrate having a terminal, an electronic component having an active face, an electrode that is formed on the active face of the electronic component, a base resin that is formed on the active face, a first opening that is formed at the base resin to expose the electrode, and a conductive film that covers a part of a top surface of the base resin and that is electrically connected to the electrode via the first opening. Because the base resin is bonded to the substrate, the bonding strength between the conductive film located on the top surface of the base resin and the terminal of the substrate is increased. Therefore, the reliability of electrical connection between the conductive film and the terminal is improved. |
| US08497431B2 |
Circuit connection material, circuit member connecting structure and method of connecting circuit member
The circuit-connecting material for connection between circuit members each having a board and a circuit electrode formed on the primary surface of the board, comprising an adhesive composition that cures in response to light or heat and an organic compound containing a urethane group and an ester group. |
| US08497423B2 |
High voltage DC tether
A high voltage direct current (DC) tether for an airborne wind turbine includes one conductor in the center of the feeder and the shielding of the feeder as a second conductor. A mechanical strength element is disposed in between the center conductor and the shielding. In this configuration, the mechanical strength element acts also as an insulator. The center conductor and the shielding can be made of aluminum or copper. The strength element can be a high strength fiber composite, woven such as VECTRAN® or SPECTRA®. The shielding is typically used as the return conductor. |
| US08497421B2 |
Lift-off structure for substrate of a photoelectric device and method thereof
A lift-off structure for substrate of a photoelectric device and method thereof, which making it possible to enable an etching solution to flow through not only external etch channel but also internal etch channel to etch a sacrificial layer in order to increase the overall etching speed and decrease the overall time of lifting a substrate off. |
| US08497420B2 |
Thick-film pastes containing lead- and tellurium-oxides, and their use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices
The present invention provides a thick-film paste for printing the front-side of a solar cell device having one or more insulating layers. The thick-film paste comprises an electrically conductive metal, and a lead-tellurium-oxide dispersed in an organic medium. |
| US08497419B2 |
Solar cell module
Provided is a solar cell module (100) wherein an adhesive (30) has a first adhesive portion (30A) which is formed from the light receiving surface of a solar cell (10) to the side surface (20S) of a wiring material (20). |
| US08497416B2 |
Musical score display apparatus and program for realizing musical score display method
There is provided a musical score display apparatus which can display a musical score at multiple levels ranging from a partial part to all parts and can display a comment relating to the displayed musical score based on the creation date and time, and a program for realizing a musical score display method. Comment data created in a setting period are displayed on a timeline by using comment icons at positions corresponding to creation date and time. When the highest level button among level selection buttons is operated, the comment icons relating to all parts are displayed on the timeline. When the lowest level button is operated in this state, the comment icon relating to the part to be deleted when the lowest level is selected is also deleted from the timeline in the display musical score of all parts. |
| US08497415B2 |
Piano hammer
The invention relates to a piano hammer for striking the strings of a piano, including a hammer shank and a hammer head, which is covered with a cover along at least part of its peripheral surface. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved piano hammer which can be tuned in a simple and reproducible, especially also reversible, manner. According to the invention, the cover has a varying thickness along the peripheral surface and the hammer head can be adjusted with respect to the position of its peripheral surface with which it impacts the one or more string(s) to be struck. |
| US08497414B1 |
Variety corn line NPID7544
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPID7544, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID7544 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPID7544, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPID7544, and plants produced according to these methods. |
| US08497411B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X08A212
A novel maize variety designated X08A212 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08A212 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A212 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A212, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A212. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A212. |
| US08497410B2 |
Method for making absorbent products
A method of making personal hygiene articles of high absorbency from cellulosic fiber pulp without chemical cross-linking of the cellulosic fibers is disclosed. The method comprises interposing a sublayer of mechanically fluffed alkali extracted cellulosic fiber pulp between a fluid permeable layer and a fluid impermeable layer. |
| US08497409B2 |
Absorbent article having an olfactory wetness signal
Absorbent articles incorporating a wetness sensor for indicating the presence of a body fluid are disclosed. The wetness sensor includes an olfactory signaling device that produces a scent or odor when a body fluid is detected. For instance, in one embodiment, an odorous composition can be contained in a water degradable pouch that releases the odorous composition when contacted with moisture. Once released, the odorous composition can produce a desired scent. In other embodiments, the odorous composition can be encapsulated within a water degradable material or can be coated on a substrate. The scent or odor that is released by the odorous composition can vary depending upon the particular application. The scent, for instance, may be pleasant or unpleasant. In one embodiment, the olfactory signaling device may be used to assist in toilet training a child. |
| US08497408B2 |
Treatment for high pressure bleeding
High-pressure bleeding wounds (and other bleeding wounds) may be treated by applying direct pressure directly in the bleeding wound, such as by applying a back pressure in a confined space around and in the wound. Certain substances and articles may be inserted into the wound, and the wound may be enclosed with that substance or article (such as a hemostatic substance, which may be polymeric), by swelling on contact with molecules (such as water molecules in the blood) encountered in the wound, generates the desired pressure to stop or at least reduce the bleeding without the detrimental effects of a tourniquet. Clot-inducing substances may be introduced into the wound contemporaneously with direct pressure application directly in the wound. Compressible and non-compressible wounds are treated. Treatment stops bleeding without producing pressure injury or ischemic damage. Medical devices using this technology are provided, including removable, biodegradable, medic-administrable devices. |
| US08497406B2 |
Preparation and conditioning of sedimentary materials
A flexible process for the preparation and conditioning of sedimentary materials. The degree of decontamination of these dredged materials is enhanced by the use of chemical indicators. Based upon the level of contamination contained within this material the process is used to isolate the specific contamination and utilize a variable process to decontaminate these compounds. Not all of the compounds contained within the dredged sediment is treated the same way. The process is designed to isolate the composite of materials and treat each particle with a different process based upon its classification. Post treatment, this material may be combined and dewatered for a suitable use. |
| US08497405B1 |
Process for dispersing vaporous hydrogen peroxide
The disclosed invention relates to a decontaminant dispenser which may be used as a projectile. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontaminant dispenser. The decontaminant dispenser may be thrown by hand, launched as an artillery shell or the payload for a missile, or dropped by an airplane into the area to be decontaminated. The dispenser may be placed in the area to be decontaminated. The decontaminant dispenser may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications. |
| US08497404B1 |
Processes for upgrading fischer-tropsch condensate by olefin enrichment and alkylation of hydrocrackate
Processes for upgrading Fischer-Tropsch condensate olefins by alkylation of hydrocrackate involves providing an olefin enriched condensate stream and further providing a Fischer-Tropsch derived hydrocarbon stream comprising wax, hydrocracking the latter Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon stream to provide a distillate enriched hydrocracked product comprising isoparaffins, and alkylating the olefins with the isoparaffins in an alkylation zone to provide an alkylate product. The alkylate product is fed to a distillation unit together with the hydrocracked product, while a naphtha containing fraction from the distillation unit is fed to the alkylation zone together with the olefin enriched hydrocarbon stream. |
| US08497403B2 |
Condensation of diols for biofuel production
The present disclosure relates to methods for converting biomass-derived streams of hydrocarbon diols into products suitable for use as a biomass-derived fuel additive. These methods involve the condensation of diols comprising five or six carbon atoms to form condensation products containing at least ten carbon atoms. The remaining hydroxyl functional groups of the condensation products are optionally modified to decrease overall polarity of the products, and improve miscibility with liquid hydrocarbon mixtures. |
| US08497401B2 |
Azeotrope-like compositions of pentafluoropropane, chlorotrifluoropropene, and hyrdrogen fluoride
The invention is directed to a ternary azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of effective amounts of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, and hydrogen fluoride. |
| US08497400B2 |
Homogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation process
Provide that a useful catalyst for homogeneous hydrogenation, particularly a catalyst for homogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation for hydrogenation, particularly asymmetric hydrogenation, which is obtainable with comparative ease and is excellent in economically and workability, and a process for producing a hydrogenated compound of an unsaturated compound, particularly an optically active compound using said catalyst with a high yield and optical purity. |
| US08497399B2 |
Process for preparing aminoalkyl nitriles and diamines from such nitriles
A process for preparing a diamine from a corresponding aminoalkyl nitrile, which is prepared by reaction of a corresponding monoamine with a corresponding alkenyl nitrile in a continuous mode of operation, comprising the steps: a) introduction of the corresponding monoamine into a continuously conveyed reaction stream; b) introduction of the corresponding alkenyl nitrile into the reaction stream, with this already comprising the aminoalkyl nitrile on addition; c) reaction of the reaction stream in a first reaction region; d) at least partial transfer of the reaction stream into at least one second reaction region for further reaction; e) discharge of the reaction stream from the second reaction region after the reaction; f) introduction of the reaction stream discharged in step (a) into a reduction region; and g) reduction of the aminoalkyl nitrile present in the reaction stream to the corresponding diamine. |
| US08497392B2 |
Process for producing functionalized carbon nanotubes
A process for producing functionalized carbon nanotubes, which can organically modify carbon nanotubes with high efficiency, and in particular, can introduce different organic groups into carbon nanotubes with high efficiency through a series of chemical reactions, is provided.Carbon nanotubes are allowed to react with at least one reagent selected from a silyl-substituted organometallic compound and an organometallic compound to obtain a functionalized carbon nanotube reductant, and this functionalized carbon nanotube reductant is then allowed to react with at least one reagent selected from a silyl halide compound and an organohalogen compound to obtain functionalized carbon nanotubes. |
| US08497388B2 |
Phospholipid-analogous compounds
Phospholipid-analogous compounds of the general formula (I) in which a is b is where R1 and R2 are, independently of one another, hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated acyl or alkyl radical which can optionally be branched or/and substituted, where the total of the carbon atoms in the acyl and alkyl is 16 to 44 C atoms, s is an integer from 0 to 8, c is a radical of a primary or secondary alcohol of the formula RO—, where R is a saturated or unsaturated alkyl radical, mainly with cis double bond, of froth 12 to 30 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 2 to 8, R3 a can be 1,2-dihydroxypropyl or b can be alkyl with 1 to 3 C atoms when z is >0 or c can be alkyl with 1 to 3 carbon atoms when n≠2 and z=0, m is 1 or 2, x is an integer from 0 to 8, y is 1 for z=1 to 5 or is 1 to 4 for z=1 z is an integer from 0 to 5, are novel and are suitable as liposome constituents, solubilizers and pharmaceuticals. |
| US08497387B2 |
Process for preparing divinylarene dioxides
A process for preparing a divinylarene dioxide comprising reacting a divinylarene, such as divinylbenzene, with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a solvent and in the presence of a catalyst to from a divinylarene dioxide; wherein the hydrogen peroxide is present in the reaction mixture in an excess or an equivalent mole ratio per mole of divinylarene. |
| US08497386B2 |
Method of carbon chain extension using novel aldol reaction
Method of producing C8-C15 hydrocarbons. comprising providing a ketone starting material; providing an aldol starting material comprising chloromethylfurfural; mixing the ketone starting material and the aldol starting material in a reaction in the presence of a proline-containing catalyst selected from the group consisting of Zn(Pro)2, Yb(Pro)3, and combinations thereof, or a catalyst having one of the structures (I), (II) or (III), and in the presence of a solvent, wherein the solvent comprises water and is substantially free of organic solvents, where (I), (II) and (III) respectively are: where R1 is a C1-C6 alkyl moiety, X=(OH) and n=2. In (III), X may be CH2, sulfur or selenium, M may be Zn, Mg, or a lanthanide, and R1 and R2 each independently may be a methyl, ethyl, phenyl moiety. |
| US08497382B2 |
Carboxylic acid derivative containing thiazole ring and pharmaceutical use thereof
A compound represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are each a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and the like, R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and the like, R4 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and the like, m is an integer of 0 to 3, X is a bond, an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, Y is a carbonyl group, a hydroxymethylene group and the like, and Z is a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group and the like, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has a superior PPARα agonist action and a lipid-lowering action, and is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic drug for hyperlipidemia and the like. |
| US08497377B2 |
Process for preparing pradofloxacin
The invention relates to an improved process for preparing pradofloxacin, in which the substituent in the 7 position is introduced by nucleophilic substitution in an N-methylpyrrolidone-ethanol solvent mixture. |
| US08497375B2 |
Method of synthesis of ferroquine by convergent reductive amination
The invention relates to a method of synthesis of ferroquine of formula (F) or of its metabolite of formula (Fm): comprising a reaction of reductive amination, said reaction comprising: (i) a stage of condensation of an aldehyde-amino ferrocene of formula (III), in which R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, with 7-chloroquinolin-4-amine as shown below, followed by (ii) a stage of reduction of the product of condensation obtained in the preceding stage and (iii) then a stage of hydrolysis of the reaction mixture in the presence of an aqueous solution of ammonia or of citric acid. |
| US08497371B2 |
Pipemidic acid derivative autotaxin inhibitors
Novel and optimized classes of pipemidic acid derivative compounds that exhibit effective inhibition of autotaxin enzymes are provided. Such classes of compounds exhibit exhibit reactivity with autotaxin to ultimately reduce the size of the reactive sites thereon to prevent conversion of lysophosphatidyl choline to lysophophatidic acid. Furthermore, such compounds can be incorporated within delivery forms for human ingestion. As such, these compounds accord an excellent manner of potentially reducing generation of certain cancers attributable to the presence of naturally occurring autotaxin within the human body. Methods of inactivating autotaxin to certain degrees therewith such compounds are encompassed within invention as well. |
| US08497370B2 |
Processes for preparing amine salts of sildenafil-analogues and use thereof
A series of amine salts including a structure of formula (I) and formula (III) have provided. In formula I or formula (III), R1, Ra and RX are as defined in the specification. The amine complex salts disclosed in the present invention are characterized in a pro-drug active form and various pharmaceutical function. |
| US08497365B2 |
Cyclodextrin-based polymers for therapeutics delivery
The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising polymeric moieties covalently attached to therapeutic agents, wherein the therapeutic agent is attached to the polymeric moiety through a tether. By selecting from a variety of tether groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. |
| US08497362B2 |
Plant diacylglycerol acyltransferases
This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a diacylglycerol acyltransferase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase in a transformed host cell. |
| US08497360B2 |
Nucleotides and nucleosides and methods for their use in DNA sequencing
The present invention relates generally to labeled and unlabled cleavable terminating groups and methods for DNA sequencing and other types of DNA analysis. More particularly, the invention relates in part to nucleotides and nucleosides with chemically cleavable, photocleavable, enzymatically cleavable, or non-photocleavable groups and methods for their use in DNA sequencing and its application in biomedical research. |
| US08497358B2 |
Antibody purification method
Provided is a purification method that purifies an antibody to a high purity, effectively removes antibody polymer (or aggregate), and improves antibody recovery rate. An antibody purification method including a step for treating a solution containing an antibody by mixed mode chromatography in the presence of an amino acid is provided. |
| US08497356B2 |
Biomolecule polymer conjugates and methods for making the same
Methods for producing biomolecule-polymer conjugates, such as polypeptide-polymer conjugates, include attachment of an initiator agent to a biomolecule and in situ polymerization of a polymer from defined sites on the biomolecule. The conjugates may have desirable pharmacological properties and may be used therapeutically. |
| US08497355B2 |
Anti-glypican-3 antibody having improved kinetics in plasma
A method of modulating the plasma half-life of anti-glypican 3 antibody, a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient the anti-glypican 3 antibody that has a plasma half-life that has been modulated, a method of preparing the anti-glypican 3 antibody and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the anti-glypican 3 antibody as an active ingredient are provided. Disclosed is a method of modulating the plasma half-life of anti-glypican 3 antibody by modifying an amino acid residue that is exposed on the surface of the anti-glypican 3 antibody; and anti-glypican 3 antibody that has a plasma half-life that has been modulated by amino acid residue modification, a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient the anti-glypican 3 antibody, and a method of preparing the anti-glypican 3 antibody and producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising the anti-glypican 3 antibody as an active ingredient. |
| US08497354B2 |
Antibodies to endoplasmin and their use
Isolated monoclonal antibodies are disclosed herein that specifically bind endoplasmin. In some embodiments these antibodies are fully human. Recombinant nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including these nucleic acids, and host cells transformed with these expression vectors are also disclosed herein. In several embodiments the disclosed antibodies are of use for detecting and/or treating tumors that express endoplasmin, such as melanoma, breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, renal cancer, lung cancer, glioma, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer or pancreatic cancer. In one example, the tumor is a melanoma. |
| US08497353B2 |
Polypeptides for microbial detection
Polypeptides which can be activated to cause the formation of pores in a lipid membrane are disclosed. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions for the detection of target microorganisms and methods of using said compositions. |
| US08497352B2 |
Use of Wnt5-α peptide derivates for the treatment of melanoma and gastric cancer
The present invention relates to a novel unbranched carbamate derivative, in particular N-butyloxycarbonyl derivative of certain Wnt5-α peptides and to their use in the treatment of melanoma or gastric cancer, as well as a method for treating melanoma as well as a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same derivative. |
| US08497351B2 |
Nucleic acid and corresponding protein entitled 162P1E6 useful in treatment and detection of cancer
A novel gene (designated 162P1E6) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 162P1E6 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 162P1E6 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 162P1E6 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 162P1E6 can be used in active or passive immunization. |
| US08497340B2 |
Fluorosilicone mold release composition
Disclosed in a mold release composition comprising a fluorosilicone compound of the formula (I): (I) wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 each is, the same or different, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, R3 and R10 each is; the same or different, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or Rf—X—, or Z—Y— in which X and Y each is; the same or different, a divalent organic group, Rf is a C1-6 fluoroalkyl group, Z is a silyl group containing a hydrolyzable site, m is 1-100, n is 1-50, and o is 0-200. The mold release composition can give excellent mold releasability and durability of mold releasability (repeated mold releasability). |
| US08497338B2 |
Process of manufacturing organosilicon products with improved quality using heterogeneous precious metal catalysts
A process for manufacturing an organosilicon product having a stabilized low color and no formation of black particles during storage includes (a) reacting an unsaturated compound with a silicon compound having a reactive Si—H bond under hydrosilylation conditions in a reaction zone in the presence of a heterogeneous precious metal catalyst to provide an organosilicon product having a color of less than 40 pt/co; (b) separating the heterogeneous precious metal catalyst from the organosilicon product; and (c) recovering the heterogeneous precious metal catalyst. |
| US08497336B2 |
Method for manufacturing water-absorbing polymer particles with a low centrifuge retention capacity
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles with a low centrifuge retention capacity by polymerizing in a continuous kneading reactor under an inert gas volume flow of at most 10 m3/h per m3 of reactor volume. |
| US08497335B2 |
Surface conditioner for coating agents
A surface conditioner for a coating agent is provided. The surface conditioner for the coating agent comprises: a copolymer composed of 1 to 40 parts by weight of an acrylate monomer (A) having a siloxy group, 2 to 80 parts by weight of an N-vinyllactam monomer (B), and 10 to 97 parts by weight of an alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer (C) of which an alkyl group has 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and weight average molecular weight of the copolymer is 1000 to 120000. It is another object of the present invention to provide a coating agent to which said surface conditioner is blended. |
| US08497333B2 |
Polylactic acid composition for automobile parts
Disclosed is a polylactic acid composition with improved heat-resistance and improved impact-resistance. Specifically, in the disclosed polylactic acid composition, both impact strength and heat-resistance are improved by mixing 30 to 80 wt % of polyketone and 10 to 40 wt % of modified rubber. The disclosed polylactic acid composition does not only exhibit excellent in heat resistance, chemical resistance, fuel permeation resistance, abrasion resistance, etc., but also has improved impact-resistance and improved heat resistance. Thus, it is possible to employ polylactic acid as a bioplastic in interior/exterior parts of a vehicle. |
| US08497332B2 |
α-Allyloxymethylacrylic acid-based copolymer, resin compositions, and use thereof
The present invention provides: resins which can be used for various applications such as radical curable resin compositions, colorant-dispersed compositions, and photosensitive resin compositions; resin compositions; and means for producing the resins. Specifically, the present invention provides an α-allyloxymethylacrylic copolymer having in its main chain a structural unit represented by formula (1): wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C30 organic group. |
| US08497331B2 |
Polymerisation of ethylene and alpha-olefins with pyrrol-iminophenol complexes
The present invention relates to the field of single site catalyst systems based on pyrrol-iminophenol, pyrrol-iminoalcohol or pyrrol-iminoamine complexes and suitable for oligomerising or homo- or co-polymerising ethylene and alpha-olefins. |
| US08497330B2 |
Methods for polymerization using spray dried and slurried catalyst
Methods for gas phase olefin polymerization are provided. The method can include combining a spray dried catalyst system with a diluent to produce a catalyst slurry. The catalyst system can include a metallocene compound. Ethylene, a continuity additive, and the catalyst slurry can be introduced to a gas phase fluidized bed reactor. The reactor can be operated at conditions sufficient to produce a polyethylene. The spray dried catalyst system can have a catalyst productivity of at least 12,000 grams polyethylene per gram of the catalyst system. |
| US08497328B2 |
Catalyst components for the polymerization of olefins and catalysts therefrom obtained
A solid catalyst component comprising Ti, Mg, halogen and a couple of monofunctional electron donor compounds MD1 and MD2 selected from esters and ethers, said donors being present in amounts such that the molar ratio MD1/MD2 ranges from 20 to 800. The so obtained catalyst component when converted into a catalyst is able to produce ethylene polymers with good morphological properties even under drastic polymerization conditions. |
| US08497325B2 |
Thermoplastic polyolefin blends and films therefrom
This invention relates to a film comprising a blend composition comprising: 1) a linear ethylene containing polymer, such as a LLDPE, a HDPE or the like; and at least 1 weight percent of an in-reactor polymer blend comprising: (a) a first ethylene containing polymer having a density of greater than 0.90 g/cm3 and a Mw of more than 20,000 g/mol; and (b) a second ethylene containing polymer having a density of less than 0.90 g/cm3, wherein the polymer blend has a Tm of at least 90° C. (DSC second melt), a density of less than 0.92 g/cm3, and the densities of the first and second polymers differ by at least 1%. |
| US08497323B2 |
Powder of vinyl polymer containing silicone polymer and method for producing the same, resin composition, and shaped article
Disclosed is a method for producing powder of a vinyl polymer containing a silicone polymer, which comprises the step of spray-drying a latex of the vinyl polymer containing a silicone polymer obtained by polymerization of a vinyl monomer in the presence of a latex of the silicone polymer, wherein 3.0 mmol or less of a sulfate is contained in 100 g of the powder of a vinyl polymer containing a silicone polymer. According to the present invention, a powder which can provide a shaped article excellent in impact resistance and hydrolysis resistance in the case when the powder is blended in a resin such as polycarbonate resin can be obtained. |
| US08497321B2 |
Tacky resin composition and pressure-sensitive adhesive film or sheet
A tacky resin composition which has proper initial tackiness, is sufficiently inhibited from rising in tackiness with time, can keep tackiness at a proper range even when it receives a slight heat history or is stored for a long time, has very small dependence on peeling speed, and can provide high transparency to a pressure-sensitive adhesive film or sheet as required, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive film or sheet for the surface protection of an article, which is obtained form the tacky resin composition. The tacky resin composition comprises (A) 5 to 80 parts by weight of an olefin polymer (component A), (B) 5 to 80 parts by weight of an ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymer (component B) and (C) 1 to 60 parts by weight of a styrene-based elastomer and/or an olefin-based elastomer (component C) based on 100 parts by weight of the total of the components A, B and C. |
| US08497316B2 |
Crosslinkable and foaming polyester-polyurethane (hybrid) resin moulding compositions, with foaming characteristics for closed mould applications
It concerns a crosslinkable and foaming polyester-polyurethane resin moulding composition, comprising: an A component, comprising: A1) at least one poly-functional isocyanate compound, and A2) at least one free radical polymerization initiator a B component, comprising by weight: B1) 100 parts of at least one polyol resin comprising: —B11) 50 to 80 parts of at least one ethylenically unsaturated polyester polyol—B 12) 20 to 50 parts of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, with, B11), being the reaction product of: a) an acid component comprising: a1) at least one ethylenically unsaturated diacid, and a2) at least one saturated diacid with a1/a2 molar ratio so varying to have an unsaturation content in B11) from 0.25/1 to 5/1, and, b) a diol component in excess with respect to component a) B2) from 0.01 to 1.1 parts of water, B3) optionally, up to 35% of at least one hydroxy alkyl (meth)acrylate, B4) at least one catalyst of the isocyanate/hydroxyl reaction, B5) at least one accelerator for the free radical initiator decomposition, B6) at least one foam stabilizer, B7) optionally, fillers and/or other additives the said composition being free of any primary or of secondary amine and of any polyol of low Mw chain extender. The invention further relates to a process of preparation and specific uses in light weight articles in sanitary, building or automotive uses. |
| US08497315B2 |
Method for producing dispersions and use thereof
The present invention pertains to a process for the preparation of aqueous dispersions which are stabilized with a water-insoluble stabilizing colloid, characterized in that a) in a first step a water-insoluble stabilizing colloid is prepared, with this being prepared, based on the amount of monomer used for the preparation of the stabilizing colloid, by means of radical polymerization, followed by b) the addition of at least one further olefinically unsaturated monomer and at least one initiator, in which process by means of radical polymerization of the further olefinically unsaturated monomer an aqueous dispersion is obtained, on which c) optionally a residual monomer reduction is performed, with this being carried out by means of polymerization of residual monomers and/or by means of physical removal of the residual monomers and optionally further volatile organic components by means of the introduction of vapor and/or gas. |
| US08497304B2 |
Aqueous liquid preparation containing 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid
An aqueous liquid preparation of the present invention containing 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid or its pharmacologically acceptable salt or a hydrate thereof, an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol type polymer such as tyloxapol, or a polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester such as polyethylene glycol monostearate is stable. Since even in the case where a preservative is incorporated into said aqueous liquid preparation, the preservative exhibits a sufficient preservative effect for a long time, said aqueous liquid preparation in the form of an eye drop is useful for the treatment of blepharitis, conjunctivitis, scleritis, and postoperative inflammation. Also, the aqueous liquid preparation of the present invention in the form of a nasal drop is useful for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and inflammatory rhinitis (e.g. chronic rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal polyp, etc.). |
| US08497300B2 |
Arsenic therapy for APLS-type autoimmune lymph-oproliferative syndrome in mice and humans
The invention relates to the use of an arsenic compound for the preparation of a medicament that is used to treat autoimmune diseases. |
| US08497295B2 |
Spiroindoline modulators of muscarinic receptors
The present invention relates to modulators of muscarinic receptors. The present invention also provides compositions comprising such modulators, and methods therewith for treating muscarinic receptor mediated diseases. |
| US08497294B2 |
Compositions comprising (S)-2-amino-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-ethanol as modulator of protein kinases
The invention provides a composition comprising (S)2-amino-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-1-[4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-ethanol, wherein the composition is either substantially free of (R)2-amino-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-1-[4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-ethanol or the composition contains a mixture of the (S) and (R) enantiomers in which the (S) enantiomer predominates. Also provided are processes for the preparation of the (S)2-amino-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-1-[4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-phenyl]-ethanol, novel process intermediates and methods for making the novel process intermediates. |
| US08497290B2 |
Thiocolchicine derivatives, method of making and methods of use thereof
Disclosed herein are thiocolchicine derivatives suitable for use as muscle relaxants, methods of making the derivatives, and compositions comprising the derivatives. |
| US08497286B2 |
Organic compounds
The present invention relates to a compound of the formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the specification, for use in the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of a warm-blooded animal, especially for the treatment of a disease (=disorder) that depends on activity of renin; the use of a compound of that class for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of a disease that depends on activity of renin; the use of a compound of that class in the treatment of a disease that depends on activity of renin; pharmaceutical formulations a compound of that class; a method of treatment comprising administering a compound of that class and a method for its manufacture. |
| US08497280B2 |
Medicinal compositions comprising buprenorphine and nalmefene
An analgesic composition, in parenteral unit dosage form or in a unit dosage form suitable for delivery via the dermis or mucosa, comprises buprenorphine and an amount nalmefene such that the ratio by weight of buprenorphine to nalmefene delivered to or reaching the plasma of a patient is in the range 22.6:1 to 40:1. The analgesic action of the buprenorphine is potentiated by the low dose of nalmefene. Also provided are a method of treatment of pain and the use of nalmefene and buprenorphine for the manufacture of a medicament. |
| US08497277B2 |
Inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase
Disclosed herein are compounds that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions. |
| US08497276B2 |
Substituted indolo-piperidine compounds
The present invention relates to substituted indolo-piperidine compounds and methods of synthesizing these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing substituted indolo-piperidine compounds and methods of treating cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer, by administering these compounds or pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof. |
| US08497274B2 |
Heterocyclic compound and use thereof
Provided is a fused heterocycle derivative showing a strong Raf inhibitory activity.A compound represented by the formula wherein each symbol is as defined in the present specification, or a salt thereof. |
| US08497268B2 |
Method for providing blood levels of eszopiclone with maleate salts
Maleate salts of (6-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)carbonyloxy]-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine) are provided. The salts are useful to provide blood levels of eszopiclone that are independent of fasting state. |
| US08497265B2 |
Heteroaryloxyheterocyclyl compounds as PDE10 inhibitors
Heteroaryloxyheterocyclyl compounds, and compositions containing them, and processes for preparing such compounds. Provided herein also are methods of treating disorders or diseases treatable by inhibition of PDE10, such as obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes, schizophrenia, Huntington's Disease, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the like. |
| US08497262B2 |
Therapeutic pyrazolonaphthyridine derivatives
The invention provides a novel chemical series of formula I, as well as methods of use thereof for binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor and negatively modulating the α5 subtype of GABAA, and use of the compound of formula I for the treatment of GABAA receptor associated disorders. The general structure of formula I is shown below: The invention further provides a method of modulation of one or more GABAA subtypes in an animal comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a compound of formula (I). |
| US08497261B2 |
3-aminocaprolactam compounds for treating inflammatory disorders
The invention provides compounds, compositions and uses of compounds of general formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are 3-aminocaprolactam derivatives, for the preparation of a medicament intended to treat an inflammatory disorder: wherein X is —CO—Y—(R1)n or SO2—Y—(R1)n; and Y is a cycloalkyl or polycycloalkyl group (such as an adamantyl, adamantanemethyl, bicyclooctyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopropyl group); or is a cycloalkenyl or polycycloalkenyl group. |
| US08497260B2 |
2-arylbenzothiophene derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, preparation method thereof, and pharmaceutical composition for the diagnosis or treatment of degenerative brain disease containing the same as active ingredient
2-arylbenzothiophene derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, a preparation method thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition for the diagnosis or treatment of degenerative brain disease containing the same as an active ingredient. Since the 2-arylbenzothiophene derivatives of Formula 1 have a relatively high binding affinity for β-amyloid, they can be used as diagnostic reagents for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease at an early stage by non-invasive techniques when they are labeled with radioisotopes: wherein R1-R4, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined in the Detailed Descript of the specification. Further, when the pharmaceutical composition containing the 2-arylbenzothiophene derivative binds with a low-molecular weight β-amyloid peptide binding compound, generation of malignant high-molecular weight β-amyloid deposits is minimized. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical composition can be used as a therapeutic agent of degenerative brain disease such as Alzheimer's disease. |
| US08497256B2 |
Formulations and uses of 2-hydroxy-5-phenylazobenzoic acid derivatives for the treatment of males
The instant application provides methods and compositions for the treatment of male subjects having ulcerative colitis. |
| US08497255B2 |
Phosphonic acids as S1P receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel phosphonic acids derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. |
| US08497254B2 |
Oxadiazole derivatives as sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel oxadiazole derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. |
| US08497249B1 |
Fungicidal properties of three saponins from Capsicum frutescens
CAY-1 is a fungicidal saponin from the cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) fruit. The saponins 1081 and 919, closely elute with, and are close structural relatives of, CAY-1. Saponin 1081 is poorly antifungal while 919 has no antifungal properties. Nongerminated and germinating conidia of Aspergilus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, and F. verticilioides were tested against pure CAY-1 and CAY-1:1081:919 at ratios of 8:1:1, 6:2:2 and 4:3:3 and efficacy was determined after various incubation times. Pure CAY-1 and all saponin mixtures were significantly (p<0.001) lethal to the germinating conidia of A. flavus, A. niger, and F. solani. All saponin mixtures were equal or superior to pure CAY-1 in antifungal properties. Mixtures of the naturally occurring inactive or poorly fungicidal saponins with reduced levels of CAY-1 display superior fungicidal properties when compared to pure CAY-1 at the same dose levels. |
| US08497244B2 |
Methods for targeting pulmonary diseases with agents that bind a target in pulmonary tissue
Disclosed is the use of an agent (e.g., antibody fragment, antagonist, ligand, dAb monomer) that binds a target in pulmonary tissue for the manufacture of a long action or long therapeutic window formulation for local delivery to pulmonary tissue, and methods for administering an agent that binds a target in pulmonary tissue to a subject to produce a long therapeutic window in pulmonary tissue. The formulation is for, and the method comprises, administering locally to pulmonary tissue. Also disclosed is the use of antagonists of TNFR1 for the manufacture of a formulation or medicament for treating, preventing or suppressing lung inflammation or a respiratory disease, and methods of treating such diseases. Also disclosed are the use of agents a for the manufacture of a delivery device (e.g., inhaler, intranasal delivery device) for the treatment or prevention of lung inflammation or a respiratory disease, and a delivery device for the treatment or prevention of lung inflammation or a respiratory disease that contains an agent as described herein. |
| US08497243B2 |
Methods and compositions useful in the treatment of mucositis
In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating mucositis. |
| US08497242B2 |
Processes for intermediates for macrocyclic compounds
The present invention is directed to novel macrocyclic compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates or solvates: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, n1, m, p Z1, Z2, and Z3 are as describe in the specification. The invention also relates to compounds of formula (I) which are antagonists of the motilin receptor and are useful in the treatment of disorders associated with this receptor and with or with motility dysfunction. |
| US08497240B2 |
DPP-IV resistant GIP hybrid polypeptides with selectable properties
The present invention relates generally to novel GIP analogs and GIP hybrid polypeptides with selectable properties, useful as agents for the treatment and prevention of metabolic diseases and disorders, for example those which can be alleviated by control plasma glucose levels, insulin levels, and/or insulin secretion, positive inotropic effects, reduction of catabolic effects, slowing of gastric emptying. Such conditions and disorders include, but are not limited to, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, critical care, insulin-resistance, obesity, and diabetes mellitus of any kind, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. |
| US08497238B2 |
Composition for improving membrane composition and functioning cells
It has now been found that after administration to a diseased person or person that is at risk for developing such disease of a neutraceutical or pharmaceutical composition that comprises: a) a lipid fraction comprising at least one of docosahexaneoic acid (DHA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); b) a protein fraction comprising proteinaceous material from non-human origin which provide at least cysteine and/or taurine; and c) a mineral fraction comprising at least one of manganese and molybdene, the health of these persons improves. Membrane function of several types of mammalian cells improves, which allows efficient treatment of immune related disorders, such as allergy, autoimmune diseases, cancer, cognitive dysfunction and other diseases of the nervous system, neuropathies, such as diabetic neuropathies and neuropathic pains, neuronal damage during insulin resistance, and gut diseases and support of the development of gut and lung function during growth or recovery. |
| US08497237B2 |
Compositions comprising enzyme-cleavable oxycodone prodrug
The embodiments provide Compound KC-7, N-1-[(S)-2-(oxycodone-6-enol-carbonyl-methyl-amino)-2-carbonyl-sarcosine-ethyl amine]-arginine-glycine-acetate, or acceptable salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof. The present disclosure also provides compositions, and their methods of use, where the \compositions comprise a prodrug, Compound KC-7, that provides controlled release of oxycodone. Such compositions can optionally provide a trypsin inhibitor that interacts with the enzyme that mediates the controlled release of oxycodone from the prodrug so as to attenuate enzymatic cleavage of the prodrug. |
| US08497234B2 |
Solid textile care composition comprising a water-soluble polymer
A solid textile care composition having a water-soluble carrier, a water-soluble polymer, a textile care compound and a perfume. A solid textile care composition in which the water-soluble carrier is present in particulate form and has an envelope composed of the water-soluble polymer, the textile care compound and the perfume. Also textile care washing or cleaning compositions comprising the textile care composition. |
| US08497232B2 |
Friction modifier and transmission oil
A bis-type alkenyl-substituted succinimide which is prepared by reaction of succinic anhydride substituted with 2-alkenyl group having a branch structure in β-position with alkylenepolyamine and its derivatives derived from the bis-type alkenyl-substituted succinimide by post-treatment are of value as friction modifiers, particularly for incorporation into lubricating oils for automatic transmissions. |
| US08497230B2 |
Solid crop protection agents containing polyalkoxylate, method for their production and use thereof
The invention relates to solid plant protection compositions comprising: a) liquid or low melting point polyalkoxylate; and b) a carrier based on relatively high molecular weight sulfonate, wherein (i) the weight ratio of liquid or low melting point polyalkoxylate to plant protection active agent is at least 1:2; (ii) the proportion of liquid or low melting point polyalkoxylate, based on the total weight of the relatively high molecular weight sulfonates, is at least 30% by weight; and (iii) the weight ratio of liquid or low melting point polyalkoxylate to relatively high molecular weight sulfonate is at most 3:1. The invention also relates to processes for their preparation and the use of the plant protection compositions for the treatment of plants and their habitat as well as corresponding processes, and also spray mixtures comprising such a plant protection composition. |
| US08497225B2 |
Method of producing graphite-carbon composite electrodes for supercapacitors
A method of producing a composite electrode having a specific surface area of at least 100 m2/gm for use in an electrochemical capacitor. The method comprises (a) providing exfoliated graphite flakes that are substantially interconnected to form a porous, conductive graphite network comprising pores; and (b) incorporating an electrochemically active material into at least a pore of the graphite network to form the composite electrode. The exfoliated graphite flakes are preferably obtained from the intercalation and exfoliation of a laminar graphite material selected from natural graphite, spheroidal graphite, synthetic graphite, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, meso-carbon micro-bead, carbon/graphite fiber, carbon/graphite whisker, carbon/graphite nano-fiber, carbon nano-tube, or a combination thereof. A supercapacitor featuring such a composite electrode exhibits an exceptionally high capacitance value and low equivalent series resistance. |
| US08497220B2 |
Glass substrate for solar cell
The glass substrate for a solar cell of the present invention is characterized by having a glass composition including, in terms of mass %, 50 to 80% of SiO2, 5 to 20% of Al2O3, 0 to 20% of B2O3, 0 to 20% of MgO, 0 to 20% of CaO, 0 to 20% of SrO, 0 to 20% of BaO, 0.001 to 2% of SnO2, 0 to 1% of As2O3, having a mass ratio SnO2/(Fe2O3+SnO2) of 0.9 or more, and having a difference between transmittances at a wavelength of 400 nm before and after irradiation with ultraviolet ray of 2% or less. |
| US08497219B2 |
Highly temperature-resistant and chemically resistant glass and glass fiber having improved UV light transmission and the use thereof
A highly temperature-resistant and chemically resistant glass and a glass fibre which have an improved UV light transmission, and the use thereof in UV-curable composites are disclosed. The glass/glass fibre according to the invention has a transition temperature >920° C., a light transmission of 80-92%, and consists of 58-62% SiO2, 11.0-15.5% Al2O3, 20-25% CaO, 0.1-0.8% MgO, 0.04-1.2% Na2O, 0.1-1.2 K2O, 0.2-1.8% TiO2, 0.05-0.5% Fe2O3 and 0.002-0.085 Cr2O3. |
| US08497218B2 |
Silicon carbide semiconductor device and method for producing the same
A silicon carbide semiconductor device (90), includes: 1) a silicon carbide substrate (1); 2) a gate electrode (7) made of polycrystalline silicon; and 3) an ONO insulating film (9) sandwiched between the silicon carbide substrate (1) and the gate electrode (7) to thereby form a gate structure, the ONO insulating film (9) including the followings formed sequentially from the silicon carbide substrate (1): a) a first oxide silicon film (O) (10), b) an SiN film (N) (11), and c) an SiN thermally-oxidized film (O) (12, 12a, 12b). Nitrogen is included in at least one of the following places: i) in the first oxide silicon film (O) (10) and in a vicinity of the silicon carbide substrate (1), and ii) in an interface between the silicon carbide substrate (1) and the first oxide silicon film (O) (10). |
| US08497216B2 |
Micromechanical component
A method is described for manufacturing a micromechanical component. The method includes providing a first substrate, forming a first connecting structure on the first substrate, and forming a microstructure on the first substrate after forming the first connecting structure. The microstructure has at least one movable functional element. The method further includes providing a second substrate having a second connecting structure, and joining the first and second substrates by carrying out a bonding process, the first and second connecting structures being joined to form a common connecting structure, and a sealed cavity being formed in the region of the microstructure. The method provides that the first connecting structure takes the form of a buried connecting structure extending up to an upper surface of the first substrate. Also described is a related micromechanical component. |
| US08497215B2 |
Edge deletion of thin-layer solar modules by etching
The present invention relates to a method for the wet-chemical edge deletion of solar cells. An etching paste is applied to the edge of a solar cell substrate surface and after the reaction is complete, the paste residue is removed. Optionally, the substrate surface is cleaned and dried. The etching paste comprises 85% H3PO4, NH4HF2 and 65% HNO3 in a ratio in the range from 7:1:1.5 to 10:1:3.5, based on the weight. |
| US08497209B2 |
Oxidation-stabilized CMP compositions and methods
The present invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) composition comprising an amino compound, a radical-forming oxidizing agent, a radical trapping agent capable of inhibiting radical-induced oxidation of the amino compound, and an aqueous carrier therefore. The radical trapping agent is a hydroxyl-substituted polyunsaturated cyclic compound, a nitrogenous compound, or a combination thereof. Optionally, the composition comprises a metal oxide abrasive (e.g., silica, alumina, titania, ceria, zirconia, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing abrasives). |
| US08497206B2 |
Method of processing backside copper layer for semiconductor chips
A method of processing copper backside metal layer for semiconductor chips is disclosed. The backside of a semiconductor wafer, with electronic devices already fabricated on the front side, is first coated with a thin metal seed layer by either electroless plating or sputtering. Then, the copper backside metal layer is coated on the metal seed layer. The metal seed layer not only increases the adhesion between the front side metal layer and the copper backside metal layer through backside via holes, but also prevents metal peeling from semiconductor's substrate after subsequent fabrication processes, which is helpful for increasing the reliability of device performances. Suitable materials for the metal seed layer includes Pd, Au, Ni, Ag, Co, Cr, Pt, or their alloys, such as NiP, NiB, AuSn, Pt—Rh and the likes. The use of Pd as seed layer is particularly useful for the copper backside metal layer, because the Pd layer also acts as a diffusion barrier to prevent Cu atoms entering the semiconductor wafer. |
| US08497205B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method, wiring and semiconductor device
In an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor layer having regions into which a p-type impurity, an n-type impurity and a (p+n) impurity are respectively introduced is formed as a surface layer by being heat-treated. An impurity segregation layer on these regions is removed, and a film of a metallic material is thereafter formed on the regions and is heat-treated, thereby forming a silicide film on the semiconductor layer. In another embodiment, an impurity is introduced into the impurity segregation layer, and a film of a metallic material is thereafter formed on the impurity segregation layer and is heat-treated to form a silicide film. |
| US08497203B2 |
Semiconductor structures and methods of manufacture
Semiconductor structures with airgaps and/or metal linings and methods of manufacture are provided. The method of forming an airgap in a wiring level includes forming adjacent wires in a dielectric layer. The method further includes forming a masking layer coincident with the adjacent wire and forming a first layer on the masking layer to reduce a size of an opening formed in the masking layer between the adjacent wires. The method further includes removing exposed portions of the first layer and the dielectric layer to form trenches between the adjacent wires. The method further includes forming an interlevel dielectric layer upon the dielectric layer, where the interlevel dielectric layer is pinched off from filling the trenches so that an airgap is formed between the adjacent wires. A metal liner can also be formed in the trenches, prior to the formation of the airgap. |
| US08497200B2 |
Method to form solder alloy deposits on substrates
Method of forming a solder alloy deposit on a substrate comprising i) provide a substrate including a surface bearing electrical circuitry that includes at least one inner layer contact area, ii) form a solder mask layer on the substrate surface and patterned to expose at least one contact area, iii) contact the entire substrate area including the solder mask layer and the at least one contact area with a solution to provide a metal seed layer on the substrate surface, iv) form a structured resist layer on the metal seed layer, v) electroplate a first solder material layer containing tin onto the conductive layer, vi) electroplate a second solder material layer onto the first solder material layer, vii) remove the structured resist layer and etch away an amount of the metal seed layer sufficient to remove the metal seed layer from the solder mask layer area and reflow the substrate. |
| US08497197B2 |
Method for manufacturing a high-performance semiconductor structure with a replacement gate process and a stress memorization technique
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes providing an n-type field effect transistor comprising a source region, a drain region, and a first gate; forming a tensile stress layer on the n-type field effect transistor; removing the first gate so as to form a gate opening; performing an anneal so that the source region and the drain region memorize a stress induced by the tensile stress layer; forming a second gate; removing the tensile stress layer; and forming an interlayer dielectric layer on the n-type field effect transistor. A replacement process is combined with a stress memorization technique for enhancing the stress memorization effect and increasing mobility of electrons, which in turn improves overall properties of the semiconductor structure. |
| US08497196B2 |
Semiconductor device, method for fabricating the same and apparatus for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a gate electrode on a surface of a substrate via a gate insulating film, forming an insulating film on a side surface of the gate electrode, and exposing an oxygen plasma onto the surface of the substrate. An electron temperature of the oxygen plasma in a vicinity of the surface of the substrate is equal to or less than about 1.5 eV. |
| US08497193B2 |
Method of thermally treating silicon with oxygen
A method and apparatus for oxidizing materials used in semiconductor integrated circuits, for example, for oxidizing silicon to form a dielectric gate. An ozonator is capable of producing a stream of least 70% ozone. The ozone passes into an RTP chamber through a water-cooled injector projecting into the chamber. Other gases such as hydrogen to increase oxidation rate, diluent gas such as nitrogen or O2, enter the chamber through another inlet. The chamber is maintained at a low pressure below 20 Torr and the substrate is advantageously maintained at a temperature less than 800° C. Alternatively, the oxidation may be performed in an LPCVD chamber including a pedestal heater and a showerhead gas injector in opposition to the pedestal. |
| US08497191B2 |
Selective epitaxial growth method using halogen containing gate sidewall mask
A semiconductor device in which selectivity in epitaxial growth is improved. There is provided a semiconductor device comprising a gate electrode formed over an Si substrate, which is a semiconductor substrate, with a gate insulating film therebetween and an insulating layer formed over sides of the gate electrode and containing a halogen element. With this semiconductor device, a silicon nitride film which contains the halogen element is formed over the sides of the gate electrode when an SiGe layer is formed over the Si substrate. Therefore, the SiGe layer epitaxial-grows over the Si substrate with high selectivity. As a result, an OFF-state leakage current which flows between, for example, the gate electrode and source/drain regions is suppressed and a manufacturing process suitable for actual mass production is established. |
| US08497190B2 |
Process for treating a semiconductor-on-insulator structure
A process for treating a semiconductor-on-insulator structure that has, in succession, a support substrate, a layer of an oxide or oxynitride of a semiconductor material, and a thin semiconductor layer of the semiconductor material. The process includes providing, on the surface of the thin layer, a mask defining exposed regions of the thin layer; providing a layer of nitride or oxynitride of the semiconductor material on the exposed regions of the thin layer; and applying a heat treatment causing at least some of the oxygen in the oxide or oxynitride layer to diffuse through the exposed regions. The nitride or oxynitride layer is provided at a thickness sufficient to provide a ratio of the rate of oxygen diffusion though the exposed regions to that through the regions covered with the mask that is greater than 2. |
| US08497188B2 |
Method for producing bonded wafer
When a thermal expansion coefficient of a handle substrate is higher than that of a donor substrate, delamination is provided without causing a crack in the substrates. A method for producing a bonded wafer, with at least the steps of: implanting ions into a donor substrate (3) from a surface thereof to form an ion-implanted interface (5); bonding a handle substrate (7) with a thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the donor substrate (3) onto the ion-implanted surface of the donor substrate to provide bonded substrates, subjecting the bonded substrates to a heat treatment to provide an assembly (1), and delaminating the donor substrate (3) of the assembly (1) at the ion-implanted interface wherein the assembly (1) has been cooled to a temperature not greater than room temperature by a cooling apparatus (20), so that a donor film is transferred onto the handle substrate (7). |
| US08497185B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor wafer, and composite base and composite substrate for use in that method
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer of the present invention includes the steps of: obtaining a composite base by forming a base surface flattening layer having a surface RMS roughness of not more than 1.0 nm on a base; obtaining a composite substrate by attaching a semiconductor crystal layer to a side of the composite base where the base surface flattening layer is located; growing at least one semiconductor layer on the semiconductor crystal layer of the composite substrate; and obtaining the semiconductor wafer including the semiconductor crystal layer and the semiconductor layer by removing the base surface flattening layer by wet etching and thereby separating the semiconductor crystal layer from the base. Thus, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer capable of efficiently manufacturing the semiconductor wafer regardless of the type of a base, and a composite base and a composite substrate suitably used in that manufacturing method are provided to efficiently manufacture a semiconductor device. |
| US08497183B2 |
Devices having a cavity structure and related methods
A method of making a device. The method comprises providing a first layer including a first material on a surface of a substrate, removing a portion of the first layer and a corresponding portion of the substrate to form an opening in the first layer and a recessed portion in the surface of the substrate, and supplying a liquid mixture to the opening and the recessed portion. The liquid mixture includes a first component having a first chemical affinity to the first material and a second component having a second chemical affinity to the first material, which is smaller than the first chemical affinity. The method also includes removing the second component and forming a second layer including the first component. The second layer covers the recessed portion and adheres to an edge portion of the first layer, such that the second layer and the recessed portion define a cavity. |
| US08497182B2 |
Sidewall thin film electrode with self-aligned top electrode and programmable resistance memory
A memory device includes an array of electrodes that includes thin film plates of electrode material. Multilayer strips are arranged as bit lines over respective columns in the array of electrodes, including a layer of memory material and a layer of top electrode material. The multilayer strips have a primary body and a protrusion having a width less than that of the primary body and is self-aligned with contact surfaces on the thin film plates. Memory material in the protrusion contacts surfaces on the distal ends of thin film plates of electrodes in the corresponding column in the array. The device can be made using a damascene process in self-aligned forms over the contact surfaces. |
| US08497178B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for making the same
In a MOS-type semiconductor device in which, on a Si substrate, a SiGe layer having a valence band edge energy value smaller than a valence band edge energy value of the first semiconductor layer and a mobility larger than a mobility of the first semiconductor layer, a Si cap layer, and an insulating layer are sequentially laminated, the problem of the shift of the absolute value of the threshold voltage toward a smaller value caused by negative fixed charges formed in or near the interface between the Si cap layer and the insulting film by diffusion of Ge is overcome by neutralizing the negative fixed charges by positive charges induced in and near the interface between the Si cap layer and the insulating film along with addition of nitrogen atoms to the semiconductor device surface by NO gas annealing and thereby shifting the threshold voltage toward a larger value. |
| US08497177B1 |
Method of making a FinFET device
A method for fabricating a fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) device includes providing a substrate having a first fin at a first location, and epitaxially growing a second fin on the substrate at the first location. The epitaxial growth is performed at a first temperature. The method further includes performing a thermal annealing at a second temperature in oxygen ambient on the substrate with the second fin thereon to grow an interface wrapping over the second fin. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. |
| US08497176B2 |
Semiconductor device with STI and method for manufacturing the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having first and second areas; an STI isolation region being made of an isolation trench formed in the semiconductor substrate and an insulating film burying the isolation trench and defining a plurality of active regions in the first and second areas; a first structure formed on an area from the active region in the first area to a nearby STI isolation region and having a first height; and a second structure formed on an area from the active region in the second area to a nearby STI isolation region and having a second height, wherein the surface of the said STI isolation region in the first area is lower than the surface of said STI isolation region in the second area. |
| US08497174B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor device including vertical channel transistor
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device including a vertical channel transistor. The method may include: forming a plurality of first device isolation layers in a substrate as a pattern of lines having a first depth from an upper surface of a substrate, to define a plurality of active regions, forming a plurality of trenches having a second depth smaller than the first depth, etching portions of the substrate that are under some of the plurality of trenches that are selected at a predetermined interval, to form a plurality of device isolation trenches having a third depth that is greater than the second depth, forming second device isolation layers that include an insulating material, in lower portions of the plurality of device isolation trenches, and forming buried bit lines in lower portions of the plurality of trenches and the plurality of device isolation trenches. |
| US08497172B2 |
Method of manufacturing a read-only memory device with contacts formed therein
A mask-defined read-only memory array is formed on a substrate, and includes a first ROM bit and a second ROM bit of opposite polarities. The first ROM bit has a first MOS transistor and a first block layer formed over a first region of the substrate. A second source/drain region of the first MOS transistor and a first diffusion region are formed in a first region of the substrate on opposite sides of the first block layer. The second ROM bit includes a second MOS transistor. |
| US08497171B1 |
FinFET method and structure with embedded underlying anti-punch through layer
Methods and structures for forming semiconductor FinFET devices with superior repeatability and reliability include providing APT (anti-punch through) layer accurately formed beneath a semiconductor fins, are provided. Both the n-type and p-type APT layers are formed prior to the formation of the material from which the semiconductor fin is formed. In some embodiments, barrier layers are added between the accurately positioned APT layer and the semiconductor fin. Ion implantation methods and epitaxial growth methods are used to form appropriately doped APT layers in a semiconductor substrate surface. The fin material is formed over the APT layers using epitaxial growth/deposition methods. |
| US08497168B2 |
Structure and method to enhance both NFET and PFET performance using different kinds of stressed layers
In producing complementary sets of metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) field effect transistors, including nMOS and pMOS transistors), carrier mobility is enhanced or otherwise regulated through the use of layering various stressed films over either the nMOS or pMOS transistor (or both), depending on the properties of the layer and isolating stressed layers from each other and other structures with an additional layer in a selected location. Thus both types of transistors on a single chip or substrate can achieve an enhanced carrier mobility, thereby improving the performance of CMOS devices and integrated circuits. |
| US08497166B2 |
Electronic device and method of manufacturing electronic device
An electronic device in which a metal wire (119) is bonded to an electronic component (111) contained in a case (110) by wire bonding and a bonding surface (121, 122) to which the metal wire (119) is bonded is covered with a synthetic resin (130) is manufactured by injecting an amount of synthetic resin (130) into the case (110) such that at least a portion of the metal wire (119) is exposed from a top surface of the synthetic resin (130); and leaving the case (110) to which the synthetic resin (130) is injected under reduced pressure so as to raise a liquid surface of the synthetic resin (130) due to the reduced pressure, and covering the metal wire (119) exposed from the top surface of the synthetic resin (130) with the synthetic resin (30, 130). |
| US08497163B2 |
Method for manufacturing a circuit device
A semiconductor substrate and a copper sheet stacked with an insulating resin layer are bonded together at a temperature of 130° C. or below (first temperature) so that an element electrode provided on the semiconductor substrate connects to the copper sheet before a thinning process. Then the semiconductor substrate and the copper sheet, on which the insulating resin layer has been stacked, are press-bonded at a high temperature of 170° C. or above (second temperature) with the copper sheet thinned to thickness of a wiring layer. Then the wiring layer (rewiring) is formed by patterning the thinned copper sheet. |
| US08497156B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device includes a wiring board, a semiconductor element mounted on the wiring board, a sealing resin configured to cover the semiconductor element, a ground electrode having an end connected to a wiring layer of the wiring board and an exposing part exposed at a surface of the sealing resin, and a shielding member configured to cover the sealing resin and be connected to the ground electrode. |
| US08497151B2 |
Photovoltaic device
A method to improve CdTe-based photovoltaic device efficiency is disclosed. The CdTe-based photovoltaic device can include oxygen or silicon in semiconductor layers. |
| US08497150B2 |
Method for defect isolation of thin-film solar cell
This invention discloses a defect isolation method for thin-film solar cell having at least a defect therein. The thin-film solar cell comprises a substrate, a front electrode layer, an absorber layer and a back electrode layer stacked in such a sequence. The defect isolation method includes the steps of: detecting at least a defect formed in thin-film solar cell and acquiring the positions of the defects, and applying a laser light to scribe the outer circumference of the defects according to the positions of the defects so as to form at least an isolation groove having a closed-curve configuration. |
| US08497147B2 |
Array substrate and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating an array substrate and a display device including the array substrate are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes forming a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode, forming an oxide semiconductor layer and an etch prevention layer on the gate insulating layer using a single mask, forming source and drain electrodes on the etch prevention layer, and forming a passivation layer including a contact hole on the source and drain electrodes and on the gate insulating layer, and forming a pixel electrode on the passivation layer and through the contact hole. |
| US08497146B2 |
Vertical solid-state transducers having backside terminals and associated systems and methods
Vertical solid-state transducers (“SSTs”) having backside contacts are disclosed herein. An SST in accordance with a particular embodiment can include a transducer structure having a first semiconductor material at a first side of the SST, a second semiconductor material at a second side of the SST opposite the first side, and an active region between the first and second semiconductor materials. The SST can further include first and second contacts electrically coupled to the first and second semiconductor materials, respectively. A portion of the first contact can be covered by a dielectric material, and a portion can remain exposed through the dielectric material. A conductive carrier substrate can be disposed on the dielectric material. An isolating via can extend through the conductive carrier substrate to the dielectric material and surround the exposed portion of the first contact to define first and second terminals electrically accessible from the first side. |
| US08497144B1 |
Method for manufacturing light emitting chip having buffer layer with nitride semiconductor in carbon nano tube structure
A method for manufacturing a light emitting chip comprises: providing a substrate with a catalyst layer formed thereon, the catalyst layer being etched to form a number of patterns which are spaced from each other by multiple gaps; forming a buffer layer in the multiple gaps of the patterned catalyst layer, the buffer layer comprising a patterned carbon nano tube structure formed along an extending direction of the substrate, the carbon nano tube structure being comprised of nitride semiconductor; removing the catalyst layer from the substrate; growing a cap layer from the substrate to cover the buffer layer; and growing a light emitting structure from a top of the cap layer, the light emitting structure sequentially comprising a first cladding layer, a light emitting layer, and a second cladding layer. |
| US08497140B2 |
Encapsulant layer for photovoltaic module, photovoltaic module and method for manufacturing regenerated photovoltaic cell and regenerated transparent front face substrate
An encapsulant layer for a photovoltaic module enabling recovering and recycling or reusing of reutilizeable resources such as a transparent front face substrate and photovoltaic cell and the like among constituents of a photovoltaic module, and a method for manufacturing a regenerated photovoltaic cell and a regenerated transparent front face substrate. The photovoltaic module is formed by laminating: a transparent front face substrate; a photovoltaic cell carrying a wiring electrode and a takeoff electrode, and an encapsulant layer is placed on at least one surface; and a rear face protecting sheet. The encapsulant layer is a separable layer formed mainly of a thermoplastic resin, and an output maintenance factor of photoelectronic power of the photovoltaic module using the encapsulant layer is in a range of 80% to 100%. |
| US08497136B2 |
Device and method for detecting the presence of hemoglobin in a biological sample
A device and method for detecting the presence of hemoglobin in a biological sample, more particularly, the presence of blood in a fecal sample as an indicator of upper or lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding. |
| US08497134B2 |
Fluorescent detector systems for the detection of chemical perturbations in sterile storage devices
System and method for detecting and measuring chemical perturbations in a sample. The system and method are useful for non-invasive pH monitoring of blood or blood products sealed in storage bags. |
| US08497133B1 |
Terpene media compositions for eluting compounds from matrices and methods for making and using them
Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads. |
| US08497131B2 |
Surface enhanced spectroscopy-active composite nanoparticles comprising Raman-active reporter molecules
Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy-Active Composite Nanoparticles (SACN) comprising: core/shell nanoparticles comprising nanoparticle cores covered with shells, wherein the cores and the shells may comprise the same or different materials; at least one Raman-active reporter molecule associated with said core/shell nanoparticle; and an SiO2 encapsulant which encapsulates the core/shell nanoparticle and the at least one Raman-active reporter molecule, are described. |
| US08497130B2 |
Method for determining the partition coefficient of an analyte
The present invention provides a chemiresistor-based sensor for measuring the presence or amount of analyte in an electrolyte solution; said chemiresistor comprising (i) a chemiresistor film wherein the impedance of said nanoparticle film changes in the presence of an analyte; and (ii) two electrically conducting electrodes in electrical contact with said nanoparticle film; wherein said electrically conducting electrodes are adapted to be connected to a device for measuring the impedance of said chemiresistor film under a voltage signal and wherein the impedance of the double layer capacitor formed by the two electrically conducting electrodes in the presence of the electrolyte solution, is larger than the impedance of the chemiresistor film either before or after exposure of the chemiresistor film to the analyte. A method of using said chemiresistor-based sensor to measure the presence or amount of analyte is also provided. Further provided is a method of determining the partition coefficient of an analyte using said chemiresistor-based sensor. |
| US08497122B2 |
Biomarkers for Niemann-pick C disease and related disorders
Methods for screening or diagnosing subjects for disorders involving accumulation of one or more oxysterols such as cytotoxic oxysterol accumulation, Niemann-Pick C(NPC) disease, lysosomal storage diseases, cholesterol trafficking diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Also provided are methods for methods for screening or diagnosing subjects (including infants and neonatal subjects) for NPC disease, methods for monitoring the progression, remission, and clinical status of NPC disease, and methods for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic treatment of NPC disease. |
| US08497118B2 |
Chimeric immunoreceptor useful in treating human cancers
The present invention relates to chimeric transmembrane immunoreceptors, named “zetakines,” comprised of an extracellular domain comprising a soluble receptor ligand linked to a support region capable of tethering the extracellular domain to a cell surface, a transmembrane region and an intracellular signalling domain. Zetakines, when expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes, direct T cell activity to those specific cells expressing a receptor for which the soluble receptor ligand is specific. Zetakine chimeric immunoreceptors represent a novel extension of antibody-based immunoreceptors for redirecting the antigen specificity of T cells, with application to treatment of a variety of cancers, particularly via the autocrin/paracrine cytokine systems utilized by human maligancy. In a preferred embodiment is a glioma-specific immunoreceptor comprising the extracellular targetting domain of the IL-13Rα2-specific IL-13 mutant IL-13(E13Y) linked to the Fc region of IgG, the transmembrane domain of human CD4, and the human CD3 zeta chain. |
| US08497117B2 |
Method for manufacturing cell culture substrate
A main object of the invention is to provide a new method for producing a cell culture substrate used to cause cells to adhere in a highly precise form onto a base material and then culture the cells.To attain the object, the invention provides a method for producing a cell culture substrate comprising: a patterning substrate forming process of forming, on a base material, a cell culture patterning layer wherein a cell adhesion portion having cell adhesive properties and a cell adhesion-inhibiting portion having cell adhesion-inhibiting properties can be formed by action of a photocatalyst by energy irradiation, thereby forming a patterning substrate; an energy irradiating process of irradiating the energy onto the cell culture patterning layer, thereby forming the cell adhesion portion and the cell adhesion-inhibiting portion in a pattern form by action of the photocatalyst; and a cell-containing liquid applying process of applying a cell-containing liquid onto the cell adhesion portion by a region-selecting applying method of applying the cell-containing liquid selectively onto the patterned cell adhesion portion. |
| US08497116B2 |
Heterotrophic microalgae expressing invertase
The invention provides methods of manufacturing oils and oil-based products such as transportation fuels, industrial chemicals, lubricants and plastics using sugar cane, sugar cane juice, corn steep liquor, corn starch or depolymerized cellulosic material as a feedstock for bioproduction processes. Oils are manufactured using microalgae expressing sucrose invertase, which allows the microalgae to produce oil using sucrose-based feedstocks, along or in combination with other feedstocks. |
| US08497114B2 |
Anti-obesity agent, anti-obesity food or beverage, glucose tolerance-ameliorating agent, and food or beverage for amelioration of glucose tolerance
An anti-obesity agent or a glucose tolerance-ameliorating agent containing a bacterium belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium as an active ingredient, wherein the bacterium belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium exhibits a conversion rate from linoleic acid into conjugated linoleic acid of not more than 10%. The present invention is able to provide an anti-obesity agent and a glucose tolerance-ameliorating agent that are effective for the prevention or treatment of obesity or the amelioration of glucose tolerance and also exhibit superior safety, as well as providing foods or beverages containing these agents. Further, the present invention is also able to provide a bacterium of the genus Bifidobacterium, and in particular a Bifidobacterium breve, that is effective for the prevention or treatment of obesity or the amelioration of glucose tolerance and also exhibits superior safety, as well as providing a pharmaceutical composition containing this bacterium. |
| US08497113B2 |
Chloride ion-resistant sulfur-oxidizing bacteria
A microorganism having an ability to oxidize sulfur even at high chloride ion concentration is provided. Specifically, a microorganism belonging to the genus Acidithiobacillus having the ability to oxidize sulfur even at high chloride ion concentration is provided. A method for bacterial leaching of copper sulfide ores and a method for improving alkaline soil using the microorganism are also provided. |
| US08497109B2 |
Polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase II activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase II activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US08497100B2 |
Production of high levels of DHA in microalgae using modified amounts of chloride and potassium
Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains. |
| US08497097B2 |
Chlorine dioxide treatment of biomass feedstock
The instant invention pertains to the use of chlorine dioxide in new processes for treating lignocellulosic feedstocks, as well as, new compositions suitable for, for example, bioalcohol production. Advantageously, the processes and compositions of the present invention may be used in more environmentally friendly, cost-efficient production of fuels and, if desired, may be coupled with other biomass processing facilities such as Kraft pulp bleaching mills. |
| US08497087B2 |
Method for producing target substance by fermentation
A method for producing a target substance by utilizing a microorganism by culturing the microorganism in a medium to produce and accumulate the target substance in the medium and collecting the target substance from the culture is described. The microorganism is a mutant recombinant strain in which maltose assimilation is controlled by reducing or eliminating the interaction between IIAGlc protein of the glucose PTS and a protein involved in non-PTS uptake of maltose. |
| US08497086B2 |
Reaction medium for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria
A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria includes a chromogenic substrate, a first antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin family and a second antibiotic that belongs to the aminoglycoside family. |
| US08497082B2 |
Composition comprising corn flour and saccharification enzymes
The present invention describes compositions having aqueous corn flour and saccharification enzyme mixtures. In this composition all of the corn flour has particle size of 0.5 mm or less. |
| US08497081B2 |
Botulinum toxin screening assays
Methods for detecting BoNT/A activity in a sample, methods for screening molecules able to compete with BoNT/A receptor binding, methods for reducing BoNT/A activity in a human and methods of marketing a neurotoxin capable of selectively binding to a FGFR2, a FGFR3, a SV2, or any combination thereof, to a governmental or regional regulatory authority. |
| US08497077B2 |
Methods for detecting pre-diabetes and diabetes using differential protein glycosylation
Methods for identifying individuals who are not yet diabetic (pre-diabetic), but who are at significant risk of developing diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes, are disclosed herein. Methods are also provided for the identification of diabetic subjects. Also disclosed are methods for identifying individuals with diabetic complications. The methods include the identification of an overall glycosylation profile of proteins in a biological fluid, such as saliva, urine, or serum. In some examples, the methods include determining the amount of one or more protein in a biological fluid or determining the glycosylation pattern of one or more proteins in a biological fluid. |
| US08497076B2 |
Methods for detecting pre-diabetes and diabetes using differential protein glycosylation
Methods for identifying individuals who are not yet diabetic (pre-diabetic), but who are at significant risk of developing diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes, are disclosed herein. Methods are also provided for the identification of diabetic subjects. Also disclosed are methods for identifying individuals with diabetic complications. The methods include the identification of an overall glycosylation profile of proteins in a biological fluid, such as saliva, urine, or serum. In some examples, the methods include determining the amount of one or more protein in a biological fluid or determining the glycosylation pattern of one or more proteins in a biological fluid. |
| US08497075B2 |
Methods of identifying a modulator that inhibits the binding between Epstein-Barr virus induced receptor 2 and cholesterol derived ligands
The present invention relates to modulators of the interaction between Epstein-Barr Virus induced receptor-2 (EBi2) and cholest-5-ene-3b,7b,25-triol (7,25-dihydroxycholesterol) (“7,25DHC”) and/or cholest-5-ene-3b, 7b-diol (7-hydroxycholesterol) (“7HC”). The modulator maybe a small chemical molecule, antibody or other therapeutic protein. Methods of medical treatment and methods of identifying modulators are also described. |
| US08497072B2 |
Amyloid-beta globulomer antibodies
The subject invention relates to monoclonal antibodies (e.g., 8F5 and 8C5) that may be used, for example, in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or other neurodegenerative disorders. |
| US08497069B2 |
Amplification and cloning of single DNA molecules using rolling circle amplification
The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for amplifying a small number of copies (e.g. a single copy) of a single-stranded circular DNA molecule (e.g. having a size of about 5-6 kb) by an isothermal rolling circle mechanism, using random or partially random primers and a F29-type DNA polymerase. The method, which can also be used for amplifying DNAs by non-rolling types of multiple displacement amplification, comprises incubating the reaction components in a small volume, e.g. about 10 μl or less, such as about 0.6 μl or less. The degree of amplification can be about 109 fold, or higher. A method for cell-free cloning of DNA, using the rolling circle amplification method of the invention, is described. |
| US08497067B2 |
Restoration of nucleic acid from degraded or formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue and uses thereof
This invention provides methods, primers and kits for restoration of nucleic acid from tissue, in particular degraded tissue and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, where the methods involve complementary-template reverse-transcription (CT-RT) where short single-stranded DNA sequences reverse-transcribed from mRNA are used for reverse-transcription of complementary sense-RNA templates. The methods can be used to determine patterns of gene expression and chromosomal alterations in archived tissue samples, and may be used to identify expression of disease-related genes. |
| US08497065B2 |
Methods and kits for extraction of DNA
Methods and materials are disclosed for use in recovering a biopolymer from a solution. In particular, the invention provides methods for extraction and isolation of nucleic acids from biological materials. The nucleic acids can be separated by forming a stable complex with soluble polysaccharide polymers and magnetic particles, in the presence of detergents and solvent. When the particles are magnetically separated out of the solution, the nucleic acids are separated with them. The nucleic acids can subsequently be released and separated from the particles. The nucleic acid preparation is useful for achieving efficient and accurate results in downstream molecular techniques such as quantification, identification of the source of the nucleic acids, and genotyping. |
| US08497064B2 |
Nucleic acid labelling compounds
Nucleic acid labeling compounds are disclosed. The compounds are synthesized by condensing a heterocyclic derivative with a cyclic group (e.g. a ribofuranose derivative). The labeling compounds are suitable for enzymatic attachment to a nucleic acid, either terminally or internally, to provide a mechanism of nucleic acid detection. |
| US08497063B2 |
Sex selected equine embryo production system
A sex selected equine embryo production system for the production of sex selected equine embryos and offspring by fertilization of oocytes with sex selected sperm by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. |
| US08497061B2 |
Method for replicating production of 3D parallax barrier
A method for replicating production of a 3D parallax barrier is capable of transfer-printing a 3D parallax barrier pattern on a planar transparent substrate mainly with a glass photo mask having the 3D parallax barrier pattern through processes of photo resistor coating, exposure, and development by using a photolithography technology, thereby achieving the purpose of replicating production. |
| US08497059B2 |
Producing method of toner for developing static image
A method of producing a toner comprising toner particles containing a binder resin composed of a non-crystalline polyester resin having a crosslinked structure and a crystalline polyester resin is disclosed, the method comparing steps of; a process to form an oil phase liquid by dissolving or dispersing a non-crystalline polyester resin having a polymerizable unsaturated double bond and a crystalline polyester resin in an organic solvent, a process to form an aqueous dispersion liquid of oil droplets of the oil phase liquid by dispersing the oil phase liquid in an aqueous medium, a process to form oil droplets containing the non-crystalline polyester resin having a crosslinked structure by adding a radical polymerization initiator to the aqueous dispersion liquid of oil droplets, and an organic solvent removing process to form toner particles by removing organic solvent. |
| US08497055B2 |
Electrostatic charge developing toner, electrostatic charge developing developer, and image forming apparatus
To provide an electrostatic charge developing toner in which resin fine particles and inorganic fine particles are externally added to toner base particles, wherein the toner base particles include at least binder resin and colorant, the resin fine particles are monodispersed and fixed to surfaces of the toner base particles, and following equations are established: a=70 to 160 nm, b/a=0.2 to 0.5, and c/a=0.6 to 0.8, where “a” represents an average of diameters (nm) of circular surfaces of contact between the fixed resin fine particles and toner base particle surfaces, “b” represents an average of heights (nm) of the resin fine particles from the contact surfaces, and “c” represents an average diameter (nm) of the resin fine particle at the height b/2. |
| US08497051B2 |
Method and composition for producing optical elements having a gradient structure
A composition for producing optical elements having a gradient structure, particularly for holographic applications, is formed by a refractive index gradient. The composition is produced from one or more polymerizable and/or polycondensable monomers and at least one biological polymer. A potential difference is generated for the directed diffusion of the monomers by inducing a local polymerization or polycondensation. The result is the formation of a refractive index gradient. |
| US08497049B2 |
Hydrophilic and corrosion resistant fuel cell components
One embodiment disclosed includes a product comprising a fuel cell bipolar plate comprising a substrate comprising a first face, a reactant gas flow field defined in the first face, and a layer over at least a portion of the first face, wherein the layer comprises a zeolite. |
| US08497045B2 |
Purge system for fuel cell with improved cold start performance
The present invention provides a purge system for a fuel cell, which can reduce the time required to thaw a frozen valve during cold start-up and reduce the whole start-up time, thus improving the cold start performance. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a purge system for a fuel cell with improved cold start performance, the system preferably including a main pipe connected to a purge gas outlet of a fuel cell stack to discharge a purge gas purging the fuel cell stack and impurities; an auxiliary pipe branched from the main pipe; a purge valve installed in each of the main pipe and the auxiliary pipe to perform an purge operation; a cut-off valve installed at an upstream side of the purge valve in the auxiliary pipe; and a controller for controlling the operation of the purge valves and the cut-off valve. |
| US08497034B2 |
Alkaline battery
An alkaline battery including a positive electrode of a hollow cylindrical shape disposed in contact with an inner surface of a bottomed cylindrical battery case, a gelled negative electrode, a separator, and an alkaline electrolyte. The separator includes a cylindrical separator disposed in contact with the inner side surface of the positive electrode, and a bottom separator covering an opening of the cylindrical separator in the bottom side of the battery case. The bottom of the battery case includes: an annular base portion for supporting the positive electrode; an annular intermediate portion provided inwardly of the base portion, for supporting the bottom separator; and a terminal portion protruding outwardly from the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has an inclined surface on the inner bottom surface of the battery case, the inclined surface being inclined downwardly from the base portion toward the terminal portion. |
| US08497032B2 |
Bag-like separator, electrode separator assembly, and method of producing electrode separator assembly
Four sides of a rectangular bag-like separator 10 are composed of two adjacent separator thermo-bonding sides 10a and 10c where thermo-bonding portions are formed and of two adjacent insertion opening sides 10b and 10d forming one insertion opening 11 into which an electrode 30 can be inserted. A thermo-bonding section is formed in a portion of at least one of the insertion opening sides 10b and 10d. |
| US08497031B2 |
Combined heating and pre-charging function and hardware for propulsion batteries
A battery circuit for an electric vehicle that employs a resistor that provides both a pre-charging function at system start-up and battery heating. The battery circuit includes a positive high voltage bus line electrically coupled to a positive terminal of the battery and a negative high voltage bus line electrically coupled to the negative terminal of the battery. A first end of the resistor is electrically coupled to the positive high voltage bus line, a first switch is electrically coupled between a second end of the resistor and the positive high voltage bus line and a second switch is electrically coupled between the second end of the resistor and the negative high voltage bus line. The pre-charging operation is provided when the first switch is closed and the second switch is opened and the heating function is provided when the second switch is closed and the first switch is opened. |
| US08497026B2 |
Porous metal foil and production method therefor
A porous metal foil of the present invention comprises a two-dimensional network structure composed of metal fibers. This porous metal foil has superior properties and can be obtained in a highly productive and cost effective manner. |
| US08497024B2 |
Organopolysilmethylene-siloxane and a cured product thereof
Organopolysilmethylene-siloxane of the formula (1): wherein each R1 is, independently of one another, an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms other than an alkenyl group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, and a halogen atom; each R2 is, independently of one another, an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms other than an alkenyl group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxy group, a halogen atom, and (R1)3SiCH2—, wherein each R3 is, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; k is an integer of 1 to 100; and n is an integer of 1 to 1000; said organopolysilmethylene-siloxane having, in a molecule, at least two out of alkoxy groups, hydroxy groups, and halogen atoms bonded to one or more silicon atoms. |
| US08497023B2 |
Polyurethane-grafted hydrogels
An article comprising two chemically grafted polymer layers comprising a hydrogel layer and an end-functionalized polyurethane layer. The invention also includes methods of making and using the article. |
| US08497010B2 |
Breathable low-emissivity metalized sheets
A moisture vapor permeable metalized composite sheet is formed by coating a moisture vapor permeable sheet with at least one metal layer and at least one outer organic coating layer. The moisture vapor permeability of the composite sheet is at least about 80% of the moisture vapor permeability of the starting sheet. The composite sheet provides a barrier to air and liquid water infiltration while having high moisture vapor permeability and good thermal barrier properties. The composite sheet material is suitable for use as a building construction wrap such as roof lining and house wrap. |
| US08497008B2 |
Process for producing laminates of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes
Process for producing a laminate being built of at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes, the polymeric tapes having a tensile strength of at least 200 MPa, said process comprises the steps of forming a first monolayer of polymeric tapes by pre-tensioning the polymeric tapes and subsequently positioning the polymeric tapes under tension in a unidirectional, parallel manner, forming at least a second monolayer over the first monolayer in the same manner the first monolayer is formed, thereby stacking the at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes in such a way that the direction of the polymeric tapes is the same in every monolayer and that the polymeric tapes of each monolayer are offset to the tapes of the adjoining monolayer above or below that monolayer consolidating the thus stacked monolayers of polymeric tapes to obtain a laminate. |
| US08497007B2 |
Protective sheathing apparatus
A protective sheathing apparatus comprising an elongated flexible member, first fastening elements, second fastening elements, an attachment section, and one or more third fastening elements is provided. The first fastening elements and the second fastening elements are affixed in proximity to a first lengthwise edge and a second lengthwise edge of the elongated flexible member respectively. The affixed second fastening elements detachably engage with the affixed first fastening elements for defining a generally cylindrical lengthwise channel within the elongated flexible member for accommodating one or more longitudinal objects. The attachment section is attached to and extends outwardly from a first widthwise edge and/or a second widthwise edge of the elongated flexible member for enabling detachable engagement with another protective sheathing apparatus. The third fastening elements are affixed on an exterior surface of the elongated flexible member for enabling detachable attachment of the protective sheathing apparatus to a support surface. |
| US08496999B2 |
Field-aided preferential deposition of precursors
Area selective atomic layer deposition is provided by a method including the following steps. First, a substrate is provided. Second, a tip of a scanning probe microscope (SPM) is disposed in proximity to the surface of the substrate. An electrical potential is then established between the tip and the surface that cause one or more localized electrical effects in proximity to the tip. Deposition reactants for atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided, and deposition occurs in a pattern defined by the localized electrical effects because of locally enhanced ALD reaction rates. |
| US08496995B2 |
Method of manufacture of encapsulated gallium alloy containing switch
Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent. |
| US08496994B2 |
Method for providing fragrance to a substrate; fragrance-containing substrate
The invention relates to a method for providing fragrance to a substrate, comprising the steps of: a) treating the substrate with a fragrance-containing composition; and b) treating the substrate with a fixative compound or mixture of fixative compounds selected from the group consisting of: a fructan; a starch hydrolysate having a dextrose equivalent ranging from 1 to 50; a hydrophobically modified fructan; and a hydrophobically modified starch hydrolysate, whereby step b) may be executed prior to, simultaneously with, and/or subsequent to the execution of step a). The invention further relates to fragrance-containing compositions and substrates. |
| US08496993B2 |
Nanocomposite coatings on cemented carbide
A method of creating adherent, fracture-toughened polycrystalline diamond coatings on carbide cutting tools or other workpiece substrates through the development of composite coatings comprising polycrystalline diamond and carbon nanotubes is described. The coating is deposited through a chemical vapor deposition process using a pre-determined hydrocarbon-hydrogen gas mixture suitable for nucleating diamond on the carbide particles and carbon nanotubes on the metallic binder. The deposited coating, which may be up to 30 micrometers in thickness, is typically characterized by a diamond or diamond-like carbon matrix in which carbon nanotubes are distributed as fiber-like filler materials. |
| US08496992B2 |
Methods of forming nanocomposites containing nanodiamond particles by vapor deposition
A method of coating a substrate, with the method comprising: providing a substrate; dispersing nanodiamond powder in a liquid to provide a coating precursor; converting the liquid of the coating precursor to a vapor; introducing the coating precursor to a vapor deposition process; and operating the vapor deposition process to produce a nanocrystalline diamond-containing nanocomposite coating on the substrate, the nanocomposite coating produced using the coating precursor and comprising the nanodiamond particles. |
| US08496987B2 |
Trans fat free plastic composition for bakery products
A stable trans fat free emulsifier composition is provided that may have other functional ingredients incorporated to form a base for a flour-based dough preparation to hold the ingredients together. A glyceride emulsifier is heated above its melting point and blended with a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, or a quantity of glyceride emulsifier is blended with non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and the mixture then heated to a temperature above its melting point. The ratio of emulsifier to vegetable oil is selected to cause the composition, upon cooling, to form a solid plastic mass. The hardness value of the plastic mass is within a range especially applicable to bakery dough applications. |
| US08496985B2 |
Puffed pet treat
An animal protein-based dog treat has a soft crunch and a stable shelf life without use of an appreciable amount of sodium or chemical preservatives. A method of producing the dog treat entails use of extrusion and heating processes to trap moisture in the interior of the dog treat, and then to expand and evaporate the moisture. This process creates in an internal portion of the dog treat voids or air pockets that provide desired texture and strength characteristics. |
| US08496983B2 |
Combined particulate solid and liquid container and method of using same
A combined particulate solid and liquid container includes a base for holding a particulate solid; and a top removably attached to the base. The top includes a reservoir for holding a liquid and has an opening defined by a lower part projecting downwardly from the reservoir. The top also includes a port door removably attached to the opening and having a thermally-conductive insert projecting upwardly from the port door and into the reservoir when the port door covers the opening. |
| US08496982B2 |
Calcium enrichment compositions method of production thereof and use
The present invention concerns a stable calcium composition, a process for its preparation and its use for enriching food and beverages. The calcium composition comprises a calcium source, a citrate and a metal source selected from alkali and/or alkaline source. |
| US08496980B2 |
Non-sterile fermentation of bioethanol
A range of concentrations exists in which fermentation inhibitors derived from pretreatment of lignocellulosic feed stocks inhibit growth of lactic acid bacteria without affecting fermentive yeast. By optimizing levels of fermentation inhibitors to fall within this range, yeast fermentations of lignocellulosic biomass can be conducted under non-sterile conditions with ethanol yields comparable to those achieved under sterile conditions. Optimised inhibitor levels can be achieved by controlling the water/biomass ratio of a lignocellulosic biomass during and after pretreatment, for example by washing the fiber fraction of a previously pretreated lignocellulosic biomass with a pre-defined amount of fresh water or recycled process solutions. Crude extracts of liquid fraction or process solutions from pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass can also provide an effective anti-bacterial treatment for first generation starch fermentations. |
| US08496979B1 |
Caffeine-free dietary supplements for increasing energy and methods of administering the same
Disclosed herein are caffeine-free dietary supplements for increasing energy in a subject and methods of administering the same. The method comprises administering to a subject a caffeine-free dietary supplement comprising omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, beta-alanine, gamma aminobutyric acid, and valerian root extract product, in amounts such that the supplement is effective for increasing energy and mental focus and relieving stress in the subject. |
| US08496976B2 |
Artificial tears and therapeutic uses
The present invention provides ophthalmic compositions, e.g. artificial tears, suitable for treating dry eye syndrome in a human or other mammal suffering there from, e.g. a dog or cat, which comprise a mixture of castor oil with another oil, e.g. a food oil, e.g. olive oil, sesame oil, corn oil etc. |
| US08496974B2 |
Method for preparing a composition comprising a compound mixture and a carrier agent
In a method for preparing a composition including a compound mixture and a carrier agent, the compound mixture is obtained by pulverizing the wood material and/or by extracting the wood material so that the compound mixture contains at least two different compounds, selected from a first specified group, at least one compound selected from a second specified group, the compound mixture is mixed with the carrier agent, the amount of the compound mixture is kept in a range of 0.1-5 wt % from the total weight of the composition, providing that the range is also such that the total cytotoxicity of compound mixture dissolved in ethanol, measured for a HaCat cell culture after 24 h incubation period, is lower than the cytotoxicity of 0.02-0.1 wt % butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) dissolved in ethanol for a HaCat cell culture after 24 h incubation period. |
| US08496973B2 |
Sodium thiosulfate-containing pharmaceutical compositions
Provided herein are pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods for determining the total non-purgable organic carbon in a sodium thiosulfate-containing sample. Further provided herein are methods for producing pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate. Still further provided herein are methods of treatment comprising the administration of pharmaceutically acceptable sodium thiosulfate. |
| US08496972B2 |
Cleaning, disinfecting and microbicidal compositions
A microbicidal disinfecting composition and a method of preparing the same include the use of an acidifying agent that comprises at least one of an alkali metal bisulfate, ammonium bisulfate, or a combination thereof. The composition has broad-spectrum microbicidal properties and does not demonstrate cloudiness or precipitation when prepared, diluted, or otherwise exposed to hard water. |
| US08496968B2 |
Method for production of microcapsules using solid fat
A method for production of fine microcapsules which encapsulate a hydrophilic bioactive substance at a high content and can be used in wide range of applications such as foods and medical drugs, which method enabling efficient industrial production, is provided. A method for production of S/O type microcapsules including the steps of: (1) emulsifying and dispersing a mixture of a solid fat and an aqueous solution containing a hydrophilic bioactive substance at a temperature of at least the melting point of the solid fat to obtain a W/O emulsion; (2) removing moisture in the W/O emulsion at a temperature of at least the melting point and lower than the boiling point of the solid fat to obtain an S/O suspension; (3) adding the S/O suspension into an aqueous phase containing at least one selected from a surfactant (B), a thickening agent and a hydrophilic organic solvent, and permitting liquid droplet dispersion at a temperature of at least the melting point and lower than the boiling point of the solid fat to obtain an S/O/W emulsion; and (4) cooling the S/O/W emulsion to lower than the melting point of the solid fat to harden the solid fat, and further removing the moisture at a temperature lower than the melting point of the solid fat. |
| US08496964B2 |
Controlled release micro-capsule for osteogenic action
The present invention relates to a microcapsule for controlled release of flavanoid compound and a process for preparation thereof. The microcapsule comprising a core particle consisting of a calcium salt, Pluronic F68 [poly (ethylene oxide-co-polypropylene oxide), block poly oxyethylene-polypropylene block copolymer], loaded with a flavanoid compound, the resulting core particle having a plurality of alternate layers of cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes adsorbed thereon and an outer layer formed by a bile salt, wherein the flavanoid is ranging between 10 to 96% by weight. |
| US08496961B2 |
Delivery of nucleic acid-like compounds
A process for preparing a microparticulate complex is provided. The process comprises (a) combining a particle-forming component (“PFC”) and a nucleic acid-like component (“NAC”) in a monophasic composition comprising water and a water-miscible, organic solvent to form a mixture wherein the PFC and the NAC are independently molecularly or micellarly soluble in the aqueous/organic solvent system, and (b) reducing the amount of the organic solvent in the mixture. This effects formation of the microparticulate complex of the NAC and the PFC. Also provided is a microparticulate complex that comprises a particle-forming component complexed to a nucleic acid-like component forming an approximately spherical particle, wherein the particle-forming component encloses an interior of the particle containing the nucleic acid-like component and the so-enclosed interior volume has less than about 50% (preferably less than 20%) of the volume containing free water. |
| US08496958B2 |
Compositions and methods for the sustained release of beta-alanine
Methods and compositions are provided for increasing the anaerobic working capacity of muscle and other tissues. Also provided are compositions formulated for the sustained release of free beta-alanine. Also provided is a dietary supplement formulated, for example, as a solid food product, an edible suspension, liquid or semi-liquid as described herein. |
| US08496956B2 |
Implantable nerve regeneration conduit
Implantable nerve regeneration conduits and methods of making the same are disclosed. The implantable nerve regeneration conduits mainly comprise a biodegradable polymer and a metal. Moreover, the conduits may also comprise one or more nerve regeneration enhancing elements, which comprise bioactive molecules or cells. The inner surface of the conduits may be micropatterned photolithographic processes to form microgrooves for facilitating cell alignment. |
| US08496953B2 |
Immobilized biologically active entities having a high degree of biological activity following sterilization
The present invention is directed to immobilized biologically active entities that retain significant biological activity following sterilization of the immobilized biologically active entities. |
| US08496952B2 |
Antimicrobial compositions comprising silver chloride and benzoisothiazoline
The invention relates to a composition comprising a) silver and/or one or more silver compound and b) one or more biocidal active ingredients of the isothiazoline. |
| US08496949B2 |
Powder cosmetic and process for production of flaky calcium sulfate dihydrate to be used in the cosmetic
The invention aims at providing a powder cosmetic which does not suffer from the aggregation of powder even when it contains a large amount of oily component and in which no caking of powder on the surface occurs even when pressed, and a process for the production of platy calcium sulfate dihydrate usable for the cosmetic. The process of the production includes a process for producing a powder cosmetic comprising calcium sulfate dihydrate and an oily component, and a process for producing platy calcium sulfate dihydrate which process comprises dissolving a calcium salt in an organic acid and reacting the resulting calcium solution with sulfuric acid. |
| US08496937B2 |
Preparation of isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies
The present invention concerns the preparation of substantially purified agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof as well as their use in the treatment of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof and to a method of treating X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. Finally, the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical kit comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof. |
| US08496933B2 |
VHNAR anti-cytokine domains
The present invention concerns therapeutic compositions containing proteins that are the variable regions of IgNAR immunoglobulins, denominated vNAR, that specifically bind and neutralizes cytokines involved in a diversity of process such as inflammation and neovascularization, its ability to reach, bind, and neutralize the activity of one antigenic molecule localized in an immunoprivileged organs, are also described. |
| US08496923B2 |
Probiotic treatment for infectious gastrointestinal diseases
An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes feeding animals with probiotic microbes encapsulated in a mixture of xanthan gum and chitosan, or in gelatin, specifically Pediococcus acidilactici and Saccharomyces boulardii. Such encapsulation protects the viability of the probiotic microbes against unfavorable temperatures. An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes methods of using viable probiotics in therapy of birds and mammals infected with infectious diseases. Probiotics acted as adjuvants in stimulating antibody reaction and stimulated a cellular immunity response. In particular, probiotics were shown to reduce the number of viable oocytes from fecal samples, stimulate antibody production, and stimulate of proliferation of splenocytes in chickens infected with Eimeria. In addition, probiotics were shown to relieve symptoms of parvovirus infection in dogs. |
| US08496919B2 |
Cosmetic composition and hair wash
To provide a cosmetic composition and a hair wash which are excellent in metal pyrithione salt persistence after washing with a washing liquid containing a surfactant, etc.A cosmetic composition and a hair wash, which comprise a copolymer and a metal pyrithione salt, wherein the copolymer contains constituting units corresponding to a cationic vinyl monomer of a specific structure and constituting units corresponding to a nonionic vinyl monomer of a specific structure. |
| US08496916B2 |
Sunscreen composition with polyhydroxy quaternary ammonium salts
A cosmetic composition is provided including a water-insoluble UV-A organic sunscreen agent having a max ranging from 330 to 380 nm, a UV-B organic sunscreen agent having a max ranging from 280 to 400 nm, and a photoprotective enhancing agent which is a polyhydroxy quaternary ammonium salt such as bis(dihydroxypropyl)dimethylammonium chloride, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, and wherein the composition exhibits an SPF value which is 1 to 30 units higher than in the absence of the photoprotective enhancing agent. |
| US08496914B2 |
Antibacterial oral rinse formulation for preventing coronary artery disease
The present invention provides an antibacterial oral rinse formulation having enhanced antibacterial activity against oral bacteria associated with infectious and inflammatory processes for preventing and/or treating inflammatory diseases or inflammatory processes associated with diseases in an individual by inhibiting the transient bacteremia associated with oral hygiene activities by the individual. Also provided is a method for preventing and/or treating inflammatory diseases or inflammatory processes associated with diseases in an individual by inhibiting transient bacteremia associated with oral hygiene activities by the individual, comprising rinsing with the antibacterial oral rinse formulation for a period of time immediately prior to engaging in oral hygiene activities. |
| US08496905B2 |
Method for the manufacture of an ammonium sulfate composition
The present invention describes a method manufacture of an ammonium sulfate composition having a total organic carbon (TOC) content of 1% by weight or less than 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising the following steps: a) reacting i) waste sulfuric acid comprising an organic tertiary amines with ii) ammonia in an amount sufficient to obtain a pH of 9.5 or higher b) separating the organic tertiary amine from the reaction mixture obtained in step a) wherein during the separation the pH of the reaction mixture is maintained at a pH higher than 10 and c) optionally reducing the content of water and/or other volatile components from the aqueous solution comprising the ammonium sulfate. |
| US08496902B2 |
Method for preparing insertion compounds of an alkali metal, active materials containing same, and devices comprising said active materials
Process for the preparation of an insertion compound of an alkali metal in which the following successive stages are carried out: a) an organic complex of a transition metal or of a mixture of transition metals M in an oxidation state of greater than 2 is brought into contact with an alkali metal A in the ionic form and with an entity of formula Hb(XO4), where X is chosen from Si, S, Al, P, Ge, As or Mo and b has a value from 0 to 5, in a liquid medium in a closed chamber; the chamber is brought to a temperature T which makes possible the decomposition of the organic complex in the said liquid medium; the temperature and the pressure in the chamber are brought back to ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure and the insertion compound for an alkali metal of formula AMXO4, in which M is in the +2 oxidation state, is recovered. |
| US08496893B2 |
Method of forming a dielectric powder using a precipitated precursor powder
A furnace assembly includes first and second sections. The first section includes first and seconds ends, a first joint disposed at the first end, a conical portion at a second end, a first filter disposed between the first and second ends, and a lumen extending through the first section in fluid communication with the first filter. The second section includes first and second ends, a second joint disposed at the first end, an opening disposed at the second end and to receive the conical portion of the first section, a second filter disposed between the first and second ends, and a lumen extending through the second section in fluid communication with the second filter. When engaged, the first and second sections form a chamber between the first and second filters. The chamber is in fluid communication with the respective first ends of the first and second sections. |
| US08496890B2 |
Pretreatment apparatus for chemical analysis
In a pretreatment apparatus for transferring and mixing a specimen liquid and a reagent in a reagent reservoir, comprising containers for holding the specimen liquid and the reagent, flow paths connecting the containers in series, and a dialysis flow path including a dialysis membrane facing to the flow path, the mixing is brought about by transferring the liquid from the containers to the flow paths and a return by stoppage of transferring the liquid, and subsequently the liquid is made flow into the dialysis flow path. |
| US08496889B2 |
Microfluidic device for separating and sorting particles in a fluid medium
A microfluidic device for separating emulsion solution into separate particles by passing the emulsion solution through a passive filter. The separated particles can then be sorted into separate chambers through active filtering. |
| US08496887B2 |
Fluoride drying apparatus
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for drying [18F]fluoride which comprises (i) passing a [18F]fluoride solution comprising water, a solvent, [18F]fluoride, and a cationic counterion through a narrow bore vessel at elevated temperature such that the water and solvent are vaporised forming a vaporised component, and (ii) collecting the resulting vaporised component by condensing into a collection vessel. |
| US08496884B2 |
Stirring container and analyzer
A stirring container in which liquid is contained is used in an analyzer for measuring a property of the liquid. The stirring container includes a recessed portion in which the liquid is held so that a meniscus is formed; and a sound wave generating unit disposed outside of a wall portion forming the recessed portion, and generates surface sound waves for stirring the liquid. The wall portion is configured so that a rising of the meniscus is lower than a rising of the meniscus formed by the liquid held in an assumed container whose cross section in a direction orthogonal to a depth direction of the recessed portion is the same as that of a circumscribed rectangle. The circumscribed rectangle is circumscribed about a portion, made of a same material as a part of the wall portion where the meniscus is formed, where the meniscus is formed in the relevant direction. |
| US08496882B2 |
Catalyst feed systems and methods for using the same
Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin. |
| US08496880B2 |
Test strip construction
A test strip construction includes a test strip having a testing region bearing a chromogenic reagent to detect the presence of a substance in a fluid test sample. A supporting member is attached to one end of the test strip in a manner such that the testing region is remote form the attachment point and is free from any contact with supporting member. When dipped into the test sample the test strip can flutter away from the supporting member to allow for full contact between that the testing region and the test sample. When removed from the test sample the supporting member provides a consistent background for observation of color changes of the reagent. |
| US08496878B2 |
Diluent wells produced in card format for immunodiagnostic testing
An immunodiagnostic test card includes a flat planar member and at least one dilution chamber that is supported by the flat planar member. The at least one dilution chamber can be disposed adjacent chambers used for testing a patient sample that are provided on the immunodiagnostic test card or can be provided separately. |
| US08496872B1 |
High temperature nitriding of titanium parts
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a part. The part may be positioned in a chamber. The part may be comprised of a metal and may be a positioned part. A gas containing nitrogen may be sent into the chamber. An electromagnetic field may be generated in the chamber with the gas. The electromagnetic field may heat a portion of the metal in the positioned part to a temperature from about 60 percent to about 99 percent of the melting point of the metal such that the portion of the metal has a desired hardness. The portion of the metal may extend from a surface of the positioned part to a selected depth from the surface. |
| US08496869B2 |
Controlled distribution of chemistry in ceramic systems
A method of the controlling the chemical and physical characteristics of a body formed from a powder precursor, including measuring a predetermined amount of a first particulate precursor material, wherein the first particulate precursor material defines a plurality of respective generally spherical first phase particles, adhering second phase particles to the respective first phase particles to define composite particles, forming the composite particles into a green body, and heating the green body to yield a fired body. The second phase particles adhered to the first phase particles are substantially uniformly distributed and a respective first phase particle defines a first particle diameter that is at least about 10 times larger than the second phase diameter defined by a respective second phase particle. The composite particles define a predetermined composition. |
| US08496866B2 |
Chip resistor substrate
A method for the targeted introduction of cleavage lines or predetermined breaking lines in ceramic substrates for subsequent separation, wherein, in a thermal treatment step or methods step, the cleavage line or predetermined breaking line is heated locally and then cooled suddenly by a coolant in such a way that targeted cracking or material weakness occurs along the cleavage line or predetermined breaking lines. |
| US08496865B2 |
Method to minimize chain scission and monomer generation in processing of poly(L-lactide) stent
Methods of fabricating an implantable medical devices such as stents made from biodegradable polymers are disclosed that reduce or minimize chain scission and monomer generation during processing steps. The method includes processing a poly(L-lactide) resin having an number average molecular weight between 150 to 200 kD in an extruder in a molten state. A poly(L-lactide) tube is formed from the processed resin and a stent is fabricated from the tube. The number average molecular weight of the poly(L-lactide) of the stent after sterilization is 70 to 100 kD. |
| US08496864B2 |
Static dissipative cable ties, such as for radiation belt storm probes
Methods of cyclically heating and cooling an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to reduce an electrical resistivity and/or to increase a tensile strength of the article, and methods of irradiating an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to increase a tensile strength of the article. Also disclosed herein are articles formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, and processed in accordance with methods disclosed herein. Such an article may include, for example and without limitation, a cable strap to wrap, support, and/or secure one or more wires or cables, such as a cable tie. |
| US08496861B2 |
Process for making plastic fibers for application in concrete
Method for making plastic fiber for application in concrete with largest grain diameters >4 mm, with an average diameter of 0.15 to 2 mm, corresponding to approximately 160 to 28,000 dtex. Using a co-extrusion process, a bi-component fiber is formed having a central core and a casing around the central core, the central core and the casing contain different pure polymers or polymer mixtures, and then the co-extruded bi-component fiber is stretched by a factor of 5 to 15, and thereafter a structured or grooved surface is embossed onto the co-extruded stretched bi-component fiber. The embossing is performed such that a depth of the embossing is more than 10% of an average fiber diameter, and a maximal distances of structure tips within incorporated structures of the embossing in an axial direction lie in a region between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. |
| US08496858B2 |
Self-supporting optical fiber spool and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a fiberglass spool comprising a self-supporting roll (12) having layers of windings (20) located one above the other of an optical fiber (13) for transmitting data that may be unwound from the interior of the roll outwards, wherein the windings (20) are fixed to one another by means of an adhesive bonding agent. In order to realize a sufficiently stable, self-supporting roll (12) that may be reliably unwound from the inside outwards without loops being pulled out of the roll (12), the roll (12) is structured as a cross-winding and a hydrocarbon-based, salt water-resistant, chemically inert impregnating material that may be liquefied by heating is used as the bonding agent. |
| US08496855B2 |
Cathode active material, cathode including cathode active material, and lithium battery including cathode
A cathode active material including a spinel lithium manganese composite oxide represented by Formula 1 below, a cathode including the cathode active material, and a lithium battery including the cathode: LixMn2-y-zNiyMzO4-nXn |
| US08496854B2 |
Positive temperature coefficient materials with reduced negative temperature coefficient effect
Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) compositions having a reduced negative temperature coefficient effect (NTC) are provided that are achieved without crosslinking the thermoplastic base material. The PTC compositions include a thermoplastic base resin, an electrically conductive filler and particles of a polymeric additive dispersed in the PTC composition. |
| US08496844B1 |
Ion etching of growing InP nanocrystals using microwave
High quantum yield InP nanocrystals are used in the bio-technology, bio-medical, and photovoltaic, specifically IV, III-V and III-VI nanocrystal technological applications. InP nanocrystals typically require post-generation HF treatment. Combining microwave methodologies with the presence of a fluorinated ionic liquid allows Fluorine ion etching without the hazards accompanying HF. Growing the InP nanocrystals in the presence of the ionic liquid allows in-situ etching to be achieved. The optimization of the PL QY is achieved by balancing growth and etching rates in the reaction. |
| US08496841B2 |
Nano patterning method and methods for fabricating surface plasmon color filter and liquid crystal display device using the same
Disclosed are a nano patterning method for fabricating a surface plasmon color filter having a transmissive pattern which selectively transmits light of specific wavelengths, and methods for fabricating a surface plasmon color filter and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device using the same. Used are a stamp which provides a partial electrification region, and a template, thiol-terminated nanospheres which can be self-assembled, thereby fabricating nano holes having a two-dimensional period and arranged in a hexagonal lattice. This may be applied onto a large area of a substrate, and may implement simplified processes and reduced fabrication costs. |
| US08496834B2 |
Process for fractionating a mixture of polyisocyanates
Method of fractionating a mixture of polyisocyanates in the liquid phase, optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent or mixture of two or more solvents, by means of a selectively permeable membrane into a permeate stream and a retentate stream of polyisocyanate compositions different to each other and different to the original mixture. |
| US08496830B2 |
Treatment of water with hypobromite solution
A process of producing ultrapure water includes passing a water stream through a plurality of treatment stages in which inorganic and organic species which are present in the water are separated from the water stream; and adding an aqueous hypobromite solution to the water stream in at least one of the stages. |
| US08496828B2 |
Cleaning in membrane filtration systems
A method of cleaning permeable, hollow membranes is disclosed. In one embodiment, the membranes are immersed in a liquid suspension. A pressure differential is applied across the walls of the membranes. During filtration, liquid suspension passes through the walls of the membranes to be drawn off as permeate, and at least some solids are retained on or in the membranes. The steps of cleaning include: applying a cleaning solution to one side of the membrane walls; applying a pressure differential across the membrane walls to cause flow of the cleaning solution through the walls from the one side of the membrane walls to the other side of the membrane walls; and, applying a reverse pressure differential across the membrane walls to cause flow of the cleaning solution through the wall from the other side of the membrane walls back to the one side of the membrane walls. |
| US08496824B2 |
Method and device for supply of a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid
A method and a device for supply of a dialyser in a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid is disclosed. At least one dialysis fluid concentrate is mixed with water to produce the dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid concentrate is prepared in a reservoir unit in a given amount. A control and arithmetic unit calculates the dialysis fluid rate (Qd) such that, after a given treatment time (TB) has passed, a given residual amount of dialysis fluid concentrate or no residual amount remains in the reservoir unit. It is preferable to empty the reservoir unit by the end of treatment. |
| US08496822B2 |
Retaining device, especially for flat roof drains
A retaining device 1 comprises a cup-shaped trap basket 2 including a circular support edge 3. A holder 4 is disposed at the trap basket 2, includes at least two holding arms 5, 6 movable between a “holding position” and “release” position, and is a separate assembly adapted to be connected to the trap basket 2. A gear unit 8 includes a bolt 10 that is adapted to be connected with a rotatable operating element 7 and has a driving worm 9 and tooth sections 11 adapted to be engaged with the driving worm 9 and disposed at the holding arms 5, 6. |
| US08496818B2 |
HPLC capillary column device
A high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) capillary column device, system and method for processing a HPLC sample with a cartridge housing a packed capillary column; at least one inlet connection to the capillary column for a sample fluid; and at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid. The outlet connection is able to accommodate either a spray tip for atomizing the sample fluid or a transport tube for transporting the sample fluid from a spray tip column to a spray tip. Inlet connections enable supply of electrical power to the capillary column through electrical connections disposed within the cartridge housing; and gas for evaporating the sample liquid is supplied to at least one outlet connection from the capillary column for the sample fluid through a gas supply line within the cartridge housing. The temperature of the sample liquid can be controlled through a heat connection. |
| US08496815B2 |
Iodine recovery systems
Systems and methods for the recovery of iodine are described. In particular, recovery systems and methods produce an iodine complex from an aqueous brine containing iodide. A head tank for maintains a supply of the brine, a pH controller acidifies brine received from the head tank and an oxidizer converts iodide in the acidified brine to elemental iodine. At least one activated carbon contactor module is removably inserted into a stream of the oxidized brine provided by the oxidizer and binds the molecular iodine to form the iodine complex. A container may enclose the head tank, the pH controller and the oxidizer in order to facilitate transportation of the system and performance of the methods and processes in proximity to a brine source. The brine may be employed or associated with oilfield operations. |
| US08496809B2 |
Dynamic weight balancing of flow in kidney failure treatment systems
A kidney failure treatment system includes: (i) a dialysate supply; (ii) a weighing device; a control container coupled operably to the weighing device; (iii) a diffusion membrane; (iv) a drain; first and second pumps; (v) a first fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the dialysate supply and the diffusion membrane, the first fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; (vi) a second fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the control container and the drain, the second fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; and (vii) a third fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the diffusion membrane and the control conduit, the third fluid conduit coupled operably to the second pump. |
| US08496808B2 |
Wastewater treatment apparatus
A wastewater treatment apparatus (10) includes one or more treatment tanks (12, 14). Each treatment tank (12, 14) has an associated oxygenation treatment circuit (18) including a gas and liquid mixing chamber (20), a gas injector (22) upstream of the mixing chamber (20) and one of an oxygen generator (24) or an ozone generator (26) supplying gas to the gas injector (22), and a pump (28, 29) for pumping wastewater from the treatment tank (12, 14) through the mixing chamber (20) and back to the treatment tank (28, 29). |
| US08496807B2 |
Hemodialysis apparatus and method for hemodialysis
A hemodialysis apparatus includes a dialysis device, a detecting device, an evaluation device and a memory device. The dialysis device dialyzes and ultrafiltrates blood of a patient according to an ultrafiltration volume based on an estimated dry weight while performing hemodialysis treatment on the blood circulating extracorporeally. The detecting device obtains time series data by measuring a parameter related to concentration of the blood circulating extracorporeally at a plurality of points in time series in a process of the hemodialysis treatment by the dialysis device. The evaluation device evaluates appropriateness of the hemodialysis treatment by evaluating whether the estimated dry weight approximates to a dry weight after the hemodialysis treatment by the dialysis device. The memory device stores a plurality of time series data when the hemodialysis treatment is evaluated to be appropriate by the evaluation device. |
| US08496802B2 |
Methods for operating chemically-sensitive sample and hold sensors
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis. |
| US08496800B2 |
Use of polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactants with magnesium ion selective electrodes
Methods are disclosed for reducing the shift in EMF bias in a magnesium ion selective electrode, comprising the step of: contacting the electrode with a composition comprising a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant; wherein the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant has an HLB greater than about 18. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods, comprising the steps of: contacting a magnesium ion selective electrode with a composition comprising a polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant, wherein the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant has an HLB greater than about 18; and measuring a biologically relevant level of a blood electrolyte in a blood composition with the electrode. In certain embodiments, the polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant is polyoxy ethylene (100) stearyl ether and the blood electrolyte is magnesium ion. |
| US08496799B2 |
Systems and methods for in situ annealing of electro- and electroless platings during deposition
Systems and methods for in-situ annealing of metal layers as they are being plated on a substrate by action of a chemical solution are provided. The in-situ annealing, in conjunction with controlled slow growth rates, allows control of the structure of the plated metal layers. The systems and methods are used for maskless plating of the substrates. |
| US08496794B2 |
Biosensor, biosensor chip and biosensor device
A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side. |
| US08496793B2 |
Vacuum treatment installation and vacuum treatment method
Vacuum treatment installation or vacuum treatment method for carrying out a plasma method, wherein the treatment is carried out in a vacuum chamber, in which are disposed a device for generating an electric low voltage arc discharge (NVBE) comprised of a cathode and an anode electrically interconnectable with the cathode via an arc generator, and a workpiece carrier electrically interconnectable with a bias generator for receiving and moving workpieces, as well as at least one feed for inert and/or reactive gas. At least a portion of the surface of the anode is therein fabricated of graphite and is operated at high temperature. |
| US08496792B2 |
Rotary magnet sputtering apparatus
In a rotary magnet sputtering apparatus, a target consumption displacement quantity is measured, and corresponding to the measurement results, a distance between a rotating magnet group and a target is adjusted, and uniform film forming rate is achieved over a long period of time so as to reduce the change of a target surface due to consumption of the target and to reduce the change of the film forming rate with time. An ultrasonic sensor or a laser transmitting/receiving device may be used as a means for measuring the consumption displacement quantity of the target. |
| US08496791B2 |
Active oxygen generating apparatus
An active oxygen generating apparatus comprises cathodes constituted by a plurality of base materials, each containing a conductive polymer, an anode having conductivity, a power source that conducts electricity between both electrodes through water in which oxygen is dissolved, and a water receiving portion that contains the water. The cathodes are made of a plurality of plate-shaped base materials installed upright at intervals in the water receiving portion and the anode is arranged across the plurality of base materials and orthogonally to the plurality of base materials. |
| US08496790B2 |
Electrochemical processor
An electrochemical processor may include a head having a rotor configured to hold a workpiece, with the head moveable to position the rotor in a vessel. Inner and outer anodes are in inner and outer anolyte chambers within the vessel. An upper cup in the vessel, has a curved upper surface and inner and outer catholyte chambers. A current thief is located adjacent to the curved upper surface. Annular slots in the curved upper curved surface connect into passageways, such as tubes, leading into the outer catholyte chamber. Membranes may separate the inner and outer anolyte chambers from the inner and outer catholyte chambers, respectively. |
| US08496788B2 |
Method and device for producing and storing energy
A method and a device for producing and storing electrical energy using iron complexes, using an iron +III molecular complex as well as a photoreduced iron +II complex, both complexed chemically by a ligand of the benzoic hydrazide type. |
| US08496787B2 |
Method and apparatus for effluent free sea water desalination
A method and apparatus for eliminating brine effluent from desalination plants by distillation, is disclosed. To eliminate the brine the salt is converted into a solid and all of the water in the brine is converted to distilled water. The key to achieving this is reducing or eliminating the scale formation in the heating chamber. In one embodiment the process can be used to reduce or eliminate scale formation in a vapor compression sea water desalinization system and there-by use this system to produce drinking water. This process requires no chemical additives but relies entirely upon separation of the process of vaporization of the fluid involved, from the process of heating of the fluid. In one embodiment of this apparatus sea water can be desalinated and the resulting products can be dry salt and pure water leaving no brine return to the ocean. This embodiment also can be used to desalinate concentrated brine from any available source and make a profit on the salt sales, as the salt sells for more than it costs to produce the water and salt separation. |
| US08496784B2 |
Process for making a stiffened paper
A process for making a stiffened and rigid paper includes preparing a pulp slurry consisting essentially of water, a cellulosic pulp, a crosslinker, and a starch, and optionally a binder; draining the liquid from the pulp slurry to form a web; and drying the web. Alternatively, a process for making a stiffened and rigid paper includes the step of adding at least one crosslinker at one or more locations, such as at the wet-end, dry-end, or at both ends of the papermaking process. Suitable crosslinkers include a glyoxal-containing crosslinker, a gluteraldehyde, a polyfunctional aziridine, a zirconium-containing crosslinker, a titanium-containing crosslinker, and an epichlorohydrin, and mixtures thereof. When a binder is employed, it can be added either in the dry or wet form. Provided is a neutral or alkaline process to produce a paper product having the improved mechanical properties of a laminated product in the Z-direction, without a lamination step. |
| US08496782B2 |
Methods for preparing alkali cellulose and water-soluble cellulose ether
Provided is a method for preparing cellulose ether which is transparent as dissolved in water and has low water-insoluble content. More specifically, provided are a method for preparing alkali cellulose comprising a contact step of bringing a pulp sheet having a pore volume of 1.0 ml/g or greater, or chips into which the pulp sheet has been converted, into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain an alkali cellulose reaction mixture, and a drain step of draining the alkali cellulose reaction mixture; and a method for preparing water-soluble cellulose ether comprising a step of reacting the alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent. |
| US08496781B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus
The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus which is based upon a dry etching apparatus and which can inhibit the contamination of a work piece caused by sputtering onto a wall of a vacuum chamber, the occurrence of a foreign matter, the increase of a running cost for replacing the walls of the vacuum chamber and the deterioration of a rate of operation. The plasma processing apparatus according to the invention is based upon the dry etching apparatus having parallel plate structure and is characterized in that a low-pass filter having high impedance to a frequency of a high frequency power source for generating discharge, having small resistance to direct current and grounded is connected to an electrode for generating discharge which is arranged in a position opposite to the work piece and to which the high frequency power source for generating discharge is connected or a low-pass filter having small resistance to direct current and grounded and a direct-current power source connected in series with it are connected to the electrode for generating discharge. |
| US08496780B2 |
Apparatus for the deposition of high dielectric constant films
An integrated deposition system is described that is capable of vaporizing low vapor pressure liquid precursors and conveying the vapor to a processing region to fabricate advanced integrated circuits. The integrated deposition system includes a heated exhaust system, a remote plasma generator, a processing chamber, a liquid delivery system, and a computer control module that together create a commercially viable and production worthy system for depositing high capacity dielectric materials from low vapor pressure precursors. |
| US08496777B2 |
Multi-layer decorating element and method of its manufacture
A method for producing a multi-layer decorating element includes the steps of: (a) providing a base, a first plate, a second plate and a fixing layer; (b) stacking the first and second plates onto one of the base and the fixing layer; (c) stacking the other of the base and the fixing layer onto one of the base and the fixing layer to form a stacked array; (d) hot pressing the stacked array; and (e) removing the fixing layer. |
| US08496775B2 |
Method for embossing an absorbent article
A method for attaching a release paper to a backsheet having depressed regions. |
| US08496774B2 |
Process and materials for coiling z-filter media; and/or closing flutes of filter media; and, products
Approaches to providing z-filter media constructions are provided. Preferred corrugated media, filter constructions having such corrugated media, and filter systems using such filter constructions are provided. Also, preferred methods of forming filter constructions are provided. |
| US08496773B2 |
Diaper closure and method of making same
A laminated web from which diaper closure elements may be punched is made by first applying at least two pairs longitudinally extending and transversely spaced bend-resistant strips to a first longitudinally extending nonwoven tape. Then a respective longitudinally extending strip of an elastically stretchable polymer is applied to the first nonwoven tape between each of the pairs of the bend-resistant strips with the polymer strip partially overlapping both of the bend-resistant strips of the respective pair. A second longitudinally extending nonwoven tape that covers and extends transversely to both sides of the polymer strip is applied over the bend-resistant strips and the polymer strips to form a laminate with the polymer strip between the first and second nonwoven tapes. |
| US08496769B2 |
Carpet, carpet backings and methods
The present invention pertains to carpet and method of making it. In one aspect, the carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer. The method includes extrusion coating at least one homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer onto the back surface of a primary backing to provide an adhesive backing. The method can include additional steps or procedures, either separately or in various combinations. Additional steps and procedures include preheating the primary backing prior the extrusion step, multilayer adhesive backings, washing or scouring the primary backing prior the extrusion step, and utilizing adhesive polymeric additives, high heat content fillers, blowing agents and/or implosion agents. The constructions and methods described herein are particularly suited for making carpet tile. |
| US08496763B2 |
Seamless steel tube for an airbag accumulator and process for its manufacture
A seamless steel tube for an airbag accumulator which can be manufactured by heat treatment of normalizing without quenching and tempering and which has a tensile strength of at least 850 MPa and resistance to bursting at −20° C. has a stee; composition comprising, in mass %, C: 0.08-0.20%, Si: 0.1-1.0%, Mn: 0.6-2.0%, P: at most 0.025%, S: at most 0.010%, Cr: 0.05-1.0%, Mo: 0.05-1.0%, Al: 0.002-0.10%, at least one of Ca: 0.0003-0.01%, Mg: 0.0003-0.01%, and REM (rare earth metals): 0.0003-0.01%, at least one of Ti: 0.002-0.1% and Nb: 0.002-0.1%, with Ceq which is defined by the following Equation (1) being in the range of 0.45-0.63, with the metallurgical structure being a mixed structure of ferrite+bainite: Ceq=C+Si/24+Mn/6+(Cr+Mo)/5+(Ni+Cu)/15 (1) wherein the symbol for each element in Equation (1) indicates the number expressing the mass percent of the element. |
| US08496752B2 |
Method and apparatus for venting gas between a crucible and a susceptor
During a CZ or similar process, a silica crucible is held in a graphite or similar susceptor while being heated to above between about 1580 and 1620 degrees C. Vents or grooves formed in at least one of the outer surface of the crucible and the inner surface of the susceptor permit gasses to vent upwardly and out from between the crucible and susceptor. This permits gas evolved from the crucible as a result of the heat to be vented rather than expanding between the crucible and susceptor thereby deforming the crucible. |
| US08496749B2 |
Additive mix for asphalt mixture preparation
The present invention relates to bitumen additive mixtures, their use and application for the fabrication of asphalt mixtures used in pavement and waterproofing, and more specifically for construction, repair and maintenance of sidewalks, roads, highways, parking lots or airport runaways and service roads and any other rolling surfaces. |
| US08496743B2 |
Ink composition
By using an ink composition which contains C.I. Acid Red 52, C.I. Acid Red 92, and a specific dye at a ratio in a specific range, it is possible to provide recorded matter having good lightfastness without impairing fluorescence intensity and color developability. |
| US08496742B2 |
Wet flue-gas desulfurization equipment
In an absorbing tower including an absorption unit of relatively small diameter capable of absorption and removal by an absorbent slurry for exhaust gas purification and a tank unit of relatively large diameter for temporarily storing the absorbent slurry flowing down from the absorption unit, the tank unit and the absorption unit are joined together by a conical member. By disposing an entrance flue at the conical member, a distance from an upper portion of the conical member to a spray header is shortened, and a height of the absorbing tower can be reduced accordingly. By extending a front end of the entrance flue to the absorption unit into which droplets of the absorbent slurry fall, a high-temperature exhaust gas from a boiler, etc., that has passed through the entrance flue, is made to pass through a circumference of the conical member so that an inexpensive material can be used in the conical member. |
| US08496740B1 |
Apparatus for separating oil well products
An atmospheric oil, water and gas separator designed for oilfield applications having ground level inlet, internal water leg, internal piping, a degassing chamber, a horizontal inlet fluid swirl wing distributor that creates centrifugal spiraling of inlet fluids to slow and increase flow residence time, a horizontal swirl wing baffle above the inlet that minimizes oil re-entrainment by preventing turbulence at the oil-water interface, an inverted upper spreader that prevents solids plugging and performance deterioration, an oil conduit extending from the lower surface of the inverted upper spreader to the oil layer to prevent re-entrainment of separated oil in the inlet water turbulent zone, an externally adjustable slide tube for the water leg spillover weir tube, engineered water and oil spillover weirs that prevent separator upsets and overflows, and a water leg adjuster providing fine tuning of the height of the water leg from outside the vessel without shutdown. |
| US08496735B2 |
Method and apparatus for control and elimination of undesirable substances
Apparatus and methods for reducing or eliminating undesirable air-borne substances, such as odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, are provided. A filter containing nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxide particles may be installed within an air handling apparatus such as an existing HVAC unit located within a building, and particularly within a home, or a portable air processor or purifier. The air handling apparatus comprises a blower which pulls air containing various undesirable substances from within the enclosed environment and directs it through a filtering device containing the nanocrystalline particles. The undesirable substances are sorbed by the nanocrystalline particles thereby creating a deodorized stream of air that may then be directed back into various portions of the enclosed environment or vented to the atmosphere. |
| US08496733B2 |
Large scale pressure swing adsorption systems having process cycles operating in normal and turndown modes
The present invention relates to large scale pressure swing adsorption systems (i.e., ranging from twelve to sixteen beds) utilizing new and advanced cycles to obtain enhanced hydrogen recovery from a hydrogen containing feed gas (i.e., synthesis gas). |
| US08496732B2 |
Systems and methods for air dehumidification and sensible cooling using a multiple stage pump
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions. |
| US08496731B2 |
Method for transporting fluid
There is provided a method for transporting a fluid, in which even if the fluid is transported for a long period of time, dehydration after transportation is not needed, and the transported fluid can be used immediately after transportation. Specifically, there is provided a method for transporting a fluid, comprising steps of: dehydrating some of the transportation fluid during transportation by using a dehydration system comprising a separation membrane through which water permeates, and returning the dehydrated fluid to the transportation fluid so as to keep water content in the transportation fluid in a fixed range. In one embodiment, the transportation fluid is a liquid, and the dehydration system comprises a heater for heating the liquid to a temperature in a range in which the liquid does not boil, and a membrane separation apparatus for dehydrating the heated liquid, wherein the membrane separation apparatus is a PV method apparatus comprising a primary side chamber extending in an up and down direction to introduce the liquid from a lower portion thereof and discharge it from an upper portion thereof, a separation membrane in contact with the primary side chamber to allow water in the liquid to permeate through as a gas, and a secondary side chamber being located on the opposite side to the primary side chamber with the separation membrane held therebetween and being under a pressure lower than that in the primary side chamber. |
| US08496730B2 |
System and method for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using coke oven gas and oxygen steelmaking furnace gas
A process for the direct reduction of iron ore when the external source of reductants is one or both of coke oven gas (COG) and basic oxygen furnace gas (BOFG). Carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed from a mixture of shaft furnace off gas, obtained from a conventional direct reduction shaft furnace, and BOFG. This CO2 lean gas is mixed with clean COG, humidified, and heated in an indirect heater. Oxygen (O2) is injected into the heated reducing gas. This hot reducing gas flows to the direct reduction shaft furnace for use. The spent hot reducing gas exits the direct reduction shaft furnace as shaft furnace off gas, produces steam in a waste heat boiler, is cleaned in a cooler scrubber, and is compressed and recycled to join fresh BOFG. A portion of the shaft furnace off gas is sent to the heater burners. The BOFG and COG are also employed for a variety of other purposes in the process. |
| US08496728B2 |
Metallurgical process and plant therefor
A process for the production and/or treatment of at least one metal in a reactor includes discharging a waste gas stream via a waste gas conduit and after-treating the waste gas stream by supplying a cooling gas and/or a cooling gas mixture. The after-treating includes injecting the cooling gas and/or cooling gas mixture into the waste gas conduit on a side of the waste gas conduit facing the reactor, at a high velocity and substantially tangentially with respect to a main flow direction of the waste gas. A volume of the cooling gas and/or the cooling gas mixture injected into the waste gas conduit is adjusted so as to reduce a mixing temperature below a melting temperature of the molten particles and/or a condensation temperature of the vaporous constituents of the waste gas stream. |
| US08496725B2 |
Composition for producing magnetic or magnetizable moldings, and process for producing the same
The invention relates to a composition for producing magnetic or magnetizable moldings, comprising from 95.5 to 98.95% by weight of a powder made of a magnetic or magnetizable material, from 1.0 to 4% by weight of a mixture made of at least one epoxy-novolak resin, and also of at least one hardener, and comprising from 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of at least one additive, based in each case on the total weight of the composition. The mixture made of the at least one epoxy-novolak resin and of the at least one hardener comprises from 85 to 95% by weight of the epoxy-novolak resin and from 5 to 15% by weight of hardener. The hardener has been selected from (cyclo)aliphatic amines and their adducts, polyamides, Mannich bases, amidoamines, phenolic resins, imidazoles, and imidazole derivatives, dicyandiamide, and BF3-monoethanolamine. The invention further relates to a process for producing the composition, and also to a process for producing a molding made of the composition. |
| US08496724B2 |
Plugged honeycomb structure and method for manufacturing the same
A plugged honeycomb structure including particulate matter (PM) trapping layers disposed on the surfaces of the partition walls extending up to inflow side end faces of the plugging portions that plug outflow cells so that adjacent PM-trapping layers with the partition walls and the plugging portion therebetween are disposed so as to continue on the inflow side end faces of the plugging portions. The PM-trapping layers are extended up to the inflow side end faces of the plugging portions to form protruding portions having a protrusion height corresponding with 0.1 to 2 times the length of a side of the outflow cells from the inflow side end faces of the plugging portions toward the outside of the cell extension direction. |
| US08496714B2 |
Base material for revascularization
The present invention aims to provide a material for revascularization which enables the regeneration of a blood vessel at an extremely high efficiency by being transplanted into a defect of the blood vessel.The present invention provides a tubular material for revascularization comprising a foamed body comprising a bioabsorbable material, a reinforcing member comprising a bioabsorbable material for reinforcing the foamed body, and a reinforcing yarn comprising a bioabsorbable material for reinforcing the foamed body, wherein the reinforcing yarn and the reinforcing member are located at the center or outer face of the foamed body, the inner face thereof is the foamed body, the reinforcing yarn is wound around in a spiral-shaped, ring-shaped or X-shaped manner, and the reinforcing yarn comprises a glycolide-ε-caprolactone copolymer. |
| US08496711B2 |
Knee arthrodesis implant
A knee arthrodesis implant has a femur nail inserted in the bone marrow canal of the femur, and a tibia nail inserted in the bone marrow canal of the tibia, the nails being rigidly connected to each other by a connecting means. The problem of providing a knee arthrodesis implant having increased modularity as the result of increased length variability, having a reduced number of parts, and allowing simplified modification is addressed. The problem is addressed in that the connecting means has at least one collar-like module lying in the axis direction defined by the nail, the module having at least two half-shells which are connected to each other in a detachable manner and which are separated in the axis direction (LA) of the module, said half-shells together forming a passage which extends axially and through which a nail neck is inserted, and which have recesses corresponding to each other for receiving a tensioning means, said recesses being arranged coaxially in the longitudinal direction of the module and positioned perpendicular to the axis (LA). The tensioning means fixes the respective nail neck in the passage when in the tensioned state in the manner of a clamping jaw, exclusively by means of a friction fit producing a sufficient clamping torque to prevent axial displacement and rotation. |
| US08496708B2 |
Flanged interbody fusion device with hinge
Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated. |
| US08496698B2 |
Endoprosthesis having improved strain distribution
An endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen can be configured to inhibit structural fatigue, crack formation, and elastic recoil while providing improved crimping and expansion uniformity and radial strength. As such, the endoprosthesis can include at least one multi-stage crest element connecting adjacent bar arms. The multi-stage crest element and, optionally, the connection or transition between the multi-stage crest element and the bar arms can form a plurality of undulations or curves to improve the distribution of the strains experienced by the endoprosthesis. The improved strain distribution can improve the structural integrity and prevent failure of the endoprosthesis. |
| US08496696B2 |
System and method for microablation of tissue
The present invention generally relates to the field of laser treatment of tissue, and particularly, to a system and method for creating microablated channels in skin. The present invention is more particularly directed to treating subsurface tissue through the created channels. |
| US08496692B2 |
Locking securing member
An implant system is disclosed. The implant system includes a securing member configured to fasten an implant to a bone. The securing member includes a drive receiving portion with at least two deflecting portions that are configured to undergo inward deflection during insertion of the securing member into a securing hole of the implant. The deflecting portions also include locking protrusions that are configured to engage locking recesses on an outer rim of the securing hole. |
| US08496691B2 |
Side-biased orthopedic fastener retention
Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated. |
| US08496690B2 |
Orthopaedic surgical components
A bone plate system for the internal fixation of a fractured bone of a patient has a bone plate with one or more threaded bone fastener apertures and one or more non-threaded bone fastener apertures. The system also has a plurality of bone fasteners, each with a shaft and a head. The heads are dimensioned and configured to threadedly engage the threaded bone fastener apertures to provide a fixed angle locking construct. The heads also are dimensioned and configured to directly engage the non-threaded bone fastener apertures to provide a polyaxial non-locking compressive construct. |
| US08496689B2 |
Spinal implant device with fusion cage and fixation plates and method of implanting
There is provided a spinal implant device for placement between adjacent spinous processes and a pair of opposing facet joints. The spinal implant device includes a fusion cage, first and second fixation plates and a connector for connecting the cage to the plates. The fusion cage includes a superficial face, a deep face, superior and inferior saddle portions, and opposing cage ends. Each cage end defining a facet fusion surface sized and configured to respectively contact the opposing facet joints. The first and second fixation plate are sized and configured to extend along and in contact with the adjacent spinous processes. A method of implanting the device is provided. In another embodiment the device includes the fusion cage. |
| US08496687B2 |
Crossbar spinal prosthesis having a modular design and related implantation methods
Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements. |
| US08496686B2 |
Minimally invasive spine restoration systems, devices, methods and kits
The invention discloses methods, devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. An implantable facet joint device of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member. The caudal facet joint element includes a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point. |
| US08496684B2 |
Method for deploying a device for gastric volume reduction
A method for approximating tissue within a body including the step of providing a device having a handle, at least one actuator, an elongated hollow housing having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom, a first and second cartridge. Each the cartridge contains at least one fastener having at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The first cartridge being releasably connected to the distal end of hollow housing. The method also includes the step of inserting the first cartridge into a body and deploying each anchor into tissue in a spaced apart position. The method also involves moving the anchors adjacent one another by moving the suture in a proximal direction, and removing the first cartridge from the body and from the housing. The method then involves placing the second cartridge onto the housing thereby replacing the first cartridge with the second cartridge. |
| US08496683B2 |
Buttress and surgical stapling apparatus
Multilayer structures including a porous layer and a non-porous layer are useful as buttresses when associated with a surgical stapling apparatus. |
| US08496680B2 |
Guidewire for crossing occlusions or stenoses
Systems and methods for crossing stenosis, partial occlusions, or complete occlusions within a body lumen. The systems generally include an elongate member such as a hollow guidewire that houses a rotatable and translatable drive shaft. The drive shaft typically has a distal portion that is advanced to create a path in the occlusive material that is large enough to allow the hollow guidewire to cross the occlusive material. |
| US08496679B2 |
Methods and apparatus for crossing occlusions in blood vessels
This disclosure is directed to a device for facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The device includes an intravascular device including a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. The device includes a handle assembly fixed about the proximal end of the shaft, the handle assembly including a first portion. Rotation of the first portion in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft causes rotation of the shaft in the first direction when a torque applied by the first portion to the shaft is below a first maximum torque. Further rotation of the first portion in the first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft does not cause rotation of the shaft in the first direction when the torque applied by the first portion to the shaft is equal to or above the first maximum torque. |
| US08496673B2 |
Clip advancer with lockout mechanism
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided and can include a housing having a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The clip applier can include an advancer assembly disposed within the elongate shaft and configured to advance one of a plurality of clips disposed within the elongate shaft into the opposed jaws. A feeder shoe can be disposed within the elongate shaft and can be configured to engage and prevent the advancer assembly from moving to a proximal position after the advancer assembly has moved to a distal position to advance a proximal-most clip into the opposed jaws. This can indicate to a user that a clip supply of the surgical clip applier is depleted. |
| US08496671B1 |
Mitral valve treatment
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a guide catheter including a clip channel, at least one hook channel, and at least one sling channel defined therein; a clip applier movable within the clip channel, wherein the clip applier holds at least one clip; at least one hook movable within a corresponding hook channel; and at least one sling movable within a corresponding sling channel. An exemplary surgical method for treating a mitral valve may include providing a guide catheter; a clip applier held by the guide catheter, and a clip held by the clip applier; introducing the distal end of the guide catheter into the left atrium; engaging the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve with the clip; closing the clip; and disengaging the clip applier from the clip, whereby the clip remains in the mitral valve. Another exemplary surgical method for treating a valve may include providing a guide catheter; a clip applier held by the guide catheter, and at least one clip held by the clip applier; advancing the guide catheter into proximity to the valve; and applying at least one clip substantially in the middle of the valve to create two orifices, one on each side of the clip. |
| US08496670B2 |
Tilting prevention for depilating devices
A depilating device (14) for depilating hair (12) from a surface (10) of a skin (11) comprises a housing (16) and a depilating member (18) arranged in said housing. In operation, said depilating member has an effective depilating action when positioned within a predetermined range of angular positions (5) relative to the surface of the skin. The depilating device further comprises a detector for detecting an actual angular position (28) of the depilating member relative to the surface of the skin, and feedback means cooperating with said detector for providing a feedback signal when said actual angular position exceeds said predetermined range of angular positions. According to a specific embodiment, the detector comprises a skin contact member (34) arranged adjacent to the depilating member (18) and being pivotable relative to the housing (16) about a pivot axis (54) extending parallel to a skin contact surface of the depilating member. |
| US08496669B2 |
Ultrasound catheter having protective feature against breakage
An ultrasound catheter has an elongate flexible catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member has a proximal end that is coupled to a separate ultrasound generating device, and a distal tip that is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member and which is located at the distal end of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member is directly attached to the catheter body and/or to a guidewire tube either directly or via an attachment device. The catheter has an additional radiopaque marker positioned on the distal end the catheter. |
| US08496667B2 |
Deployable segmented TLIF device
A segmented intervertebral body fusion support includes a plurality of segments, the segments including an initial segment, a final segment and at least one intermediate segment. The intermediate segment has a generally trapezoidal configuration and the initial and final segments include tapered side walls providing triangular gaps between adjacent segments. A draw wire is fixed to the first segment and passes through the remaining segments. By pulling the draw wire relative to the segments, the segments are drawn together in a generally arcuate configuration. The draw wire includes an enlargement that passes through the final segment and engages a plurality of fingers on the final segment, which prevents the draw wire from retracting, maintaining the arcuate configuration. The segmented device can be inserted through a laparoscopic device into the intervertebral space and can be subsequently drawn into the arcuate configuration to establish the desired intervertebral spacing. |
| US08496665B2 |
Drill sleeve
A drill sleeve is provided for guiding a bone drill in alignment with the screw holes and drill guides. The drill sleeve includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The cylindrical body includes a longitudinal bore therethrough that is sized for passage of a bone drill. The drill sleeve also includes a frictional retaining element for exerting a bearing force against the surface of the bone drill, such that the frictional retaining element may support at least the weight of the drill sleeve on the bone drill. The bone drill has graduated indicia, and a portion of the drill sleeve may be referenced relative to the indicia so as to be used as a depth gauge for determining the length of a drilled hole in order to select a screw fastener having the appropriate length. |
| US08496664B2 |
Method for using lordotic guard with moveable extensions for creating an implantation space posteriorly in the lumbar spine
A method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant having at least in part non-arcuate upper and lower portions into the implantation space is disclosed. The method includes the act of positioning a guard into a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. The guard has a body and a disc space penetrating extension for insertion at least in part into the disc space and for bearing against the adjacent vertebral bodies. A first portion and a second portion of the guard are rotatable articulatable relative to one another. The method further includes the acts of rotatably articulating the guard to move the body from an open position to a closed position and move the extension from an insertion position to a deployed position. In doing so, the adjacent vertebral bodies are moved apart, and an implantation space is formed through the guard. |
| US08496663B2 |
Surgical templates
A surgical template system for use in working on a bone comprises: a tool guide block comprising at least one guide aperture for receiving and guiding a tool to work on a bone; locating means comprising a plurality of locating members, each member having a respective end surface for positioning against a surface of the bone; and attachment means for non-adjustably attaching the tool guide block to the locating means such that, when attached, the member end surfaces are secured in fixed position with, respect to each other, for engaging different respective portions of the surface of the bone, and the at least one guide aperture is secured in a fixed position with respect to the end surfaces. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a surgical template system, methods of manufacturing locating means for a surgical template system, methods of fitting a prosthesis to a bone, surgical methods, and surgical apparatus are described. |
| US08496654B2 |
Method and apparatus for fractional skin treatment
An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body. |
| US08496653B2 |
Thrombus removal
A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of thrombus from a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other energy delivery surfaces. The electrode structures may be radially inwardly oriented and/or supported in cantilever to facilitate advancing the electrodes. |
| US08496645B2 |
Suture winding for a drainage catheter
Drainage catheters for use in a variety of medical procedures are presented herein. The drainage catheter features an improved tension member locking mechanism. In use, once the drainage catheter is placed as desired, a second connector piece is rotated relative to a first connector piece to wind the tension member around a spooling region and pull the distal end of the catheter tube into a locked configuration. Once the tension member is tensioned, the first and second connector pieces are pulled into a locking engagement thereby securing the catheter tube in the locked configuration. |
| US08496638B2 |
Absorbent articles having a waist region and corresponding fasteners that have matching stretch properties
Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a waistband that encompasses a pair of opposing side panels and a waist region of the article. The side panels are attached to longitudinal edges of a chassis and are configured to extend around a person's waist. The side panels are attached to fastening devices for fastening the absorbent article to a wearer. In accordance with the present invention, the side panels and the waist region are both elastic. In order to improve fit and comfort, the stretch properties of the side panels are matched with the stretch properties of the waist region. For example, elongation of the side panels can be matched to elongation of the waist region or, alternatively, displacement of the side panels can be matched to the displacement of the waist region for a given range of forces. |
| US08496633B2 |
Surgical access device with adjustable cannula
A surgical access device is provided having a cannula and obturator. The cannula has a housing and tube section with an anchor located about the tube section. The obturator has a mechanism to deploy the anchor and adjust the cannula length. The anchor is moveable between a deployed and undeployed state where the undeployed state facilitates insertion and removal of the access device and the deployed state assists in fixation of the cannula in an anatomic structure. Anchor deployment is independent of cannula length adjustment. |
| US08496632B2 |
Surgical access device with adjustable cannula
A surgical access device is provided having a cannula and obturator. The cannula has a housing and tube section with an anchor located about the tube section. The obturator has a mechanism to deploy the anchor and adjust the cannula length. The anchor is moveable between a deployed and undeployed state where the undeployed state facilitates insertion and removal of the access device and the deployed state assists in fixation of the cannula in an anatomic structure. Anchor deployment is independent of cannula length adjustment. |
| US08496629B2 |
Catheter hole having a flow breaking feature
A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°. |
| US08496628B2 |
Needle-based medical device including needle guide
A needle-based medical device including a needle guide and a method for constructing the same are disclosed. The needle-based medical device includes a tube having a first lumen; a needle guide which is dimensioned to be inserted into the lumen of the tube, and a needle. The needle is inserted such that an end is positioned in the needle guide. A glue may also be provided to secure the needle guide to the tube. In one embodiment, the tube may be made of extruded plastic. |
| US08496627B2 |
Passive latch ring safety shield for injection devices
A passive latch ring safety shield for use with medical injection devices is disclosed. The safety shield includes an inner sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to receive an injection device and an outer sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to slidably receive the inner sheath. A biasing member is provided between the inner and outer sheaths to urge the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted position to an advanced position. A resilient latch ring is supported on the safety shield in a position to prevent movement of the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted to and advanced position. The latch ring is deformable in response to actuation of the injection device to disengage the outer sheath from the inner sheath and allow the biasing member to move the outer sheath from the retracted position to the advanced position in relation to the inner sheath. |
| US08496624B2 |
Blunt cannula with non-circular proximal portion for accessing a slit septum oriented to the cannula
A blunt cannula includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion has a non-circular, such as oval, cross-section. A slit septum of a medical site is oriented to receive the proximal portion of the blunt cannula. |
| US08496615B2 |
Method and apparatus for delivering an agent to a kidney
A method is described including introducing a delivery device to a point within a renal artery or a renal segmental artery and delivering a treatment agent from the delivery device according to conditions that create a turbulent blood flow and wherein the treatment agent is capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy. In other embodiments, an apparatus and kit are described including a delivery device for insertion to a point within a renal artery or renal segmental artery and delivery of a treatment agent capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy. |
| US08496612B2 |
Adapter for power injections
A syringe adapter includes an adapter body having a first connecting portion that may be received into a power injector unit used to deliver contrast media. The adapter also includes a second connecting portion configured to receive the rearward end of an associated syringe. The adapter includes means for encoding information about the associated syringe that may be communicated to the power injector unit through one or more sensors. The means for encoding information may include a mechanism that moves linearly laterally back and forth to activate an actuator used to convey the encoded information. In particular, the action of installing the adapter may be decoupled from the action of encoding information. |
| US08496609B2 |
Fluid delivery system with spiked cassette
A fluid dispensing machine, such as a peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis machine, includes a dispenser or cassette that pumps a medical fluid for dialysis or other treatments for patients. The machine includes and uses an autoconnect device for connecting containers of liquid, such as bags of dialysis fluid or medication fluids, to the machine, while maintaining the sterility of the connection. The autoconnect device removes the cap from the fluid bag and pierces a sealing membrane on tubing from the bag. This makes it easier for patients to receive treatment, especially home treatment. The cassettes preferably have tubing ports with integral spikes for piercing the membrane on tubing from bags of liquids. The ports may be staggered for sequential engagement with the spikes. Other embodiments are useful for dispensing other liquids from other types of dispensing or pumping machines. |
| US08496608B2 |
Systems and methods for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes
The present invention provides systems and methods for treating wounds in patients who lack the innate ability to regulate glucose (e.g., diabetic patients). In one aspect of the invention, a method includes positioning an internal bypass device within the duodenum to inhibit contact between chyme passing therethrough and an internal wall of the duodenum and maintaining the internal bypass device within the duodenum for a sufficient period of time to decrease insulin resistance and reduce a blood glucose level in the patient. The internal bypass device increases peripheral blood flow and elevates an immune system response to accelerate healing of the wound. |
| US08496604B2 |
Systems for and methods of assessing urinary flow rate via sound analysis
Systems for and methods of assessing urinary flow rate via sound analysis. Embodiments of the uroflow measurement systems include a computer and a telephone or a digital recording mechanism to capture the sound of one or more urination events, which are stored as audio files in a database. The uroflow measurement systems may include sound analysis software for analyzing the strength and duration of each urination event and may include a web-based uroflow software application for viewing the results via the Internet or other network. In one embodiment, the sound analysis software performs the steps of reading in the raw data of a selected audio file, generating a plot of the audio signal amplitude vs. time, generating a plot of smoothed data for the purpose of presenting an outline of the flow, generating a main flow plot, which is a plot of the largest continuous flow that has a strength that is greater than a predetermined minimum, and generating a set of numerical values that correspond to the strength and duration of urination. |
| US08496603B2 |
Wire torque apparatus, wire insertion devices, improved aneurysm clips and improved aneurysm clip applicators
Wire torque apparatus and methods for engaging a wire torque apparatus are disclosed. Wire insertion devices and methods for inserting a wire into a catheter are disclosed. An improved aneurysm clip utilizes non-metallic material. An improvement to an aneurysm clip applicator tool includes a power supply to power an electromagnet, an adjustable counter element that is attracted to the electromagnet when the electromagnet is magnetized, and a switch to disengage the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is magnetized and comes within a certain proximity to the counter element, the electromagnet and the counter element attract and cling to one another. They are released by activating a switch. |
| US08496601B2 |
Methods and apparatus for lancet actuation
A lancet driver is provided wherein the driver exerts a driving force on a lancet during a lancing cycle and is used on a tissue site. The driver comprises of a drive force generator for advancing the lancet and a processor coupled to the drive force generator capable of changing the direction and magnitude of force exerted on the lancet during the lancing cycle. The driver further includes a human interface on the housing providing at least one output for communicating with the patient. |
| US08496599B2 |
Tissue removal device for neurosurgical and spinal surgery applications
A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The outer and inner cannulae are offset from the motor and drive assembly, and the center of gravity of the device is in the forward part of the device, providing an ergonomic design that is particularly suited for neurosurgical applications. |
| US08496597B2 |
Method of detecting and predicting ovulation and the period of fertility
A method of providing information relating to the fertility of a female mammal comprising the steps of: (i) taking multiple temperature readings from the female mammal during an extended period; (ii) identifying and disregarding temperature readings having one or more characteristics of irrelevant or faulty data; (iii) obtaining one or several representative temperature values for the extended period; (iv) repeating steps (i) to (iii) over multiple extended periods; (v) analyzing the representative temperature values obtained over multiple extended periods for one or more patterns in the representative temperature values indicative or predictive of ovulation in order to provide information relating to the fertility of the female mammal to a user, wherein the representative temperature values are not the maximum or minimum temperature readings obtained for the extended period; and related uses and apparatus. |
| US08496595B2 |
Method and device for measuring the pulse by means of light waves with two wavelengths
System and method to determine the heartbeat of a person by a pulse measuring device. Light waves are generated in the direction of the skin by two light sources with a first wavelength (λ1) which is sensitive to the pulse beat and movement of the person, and with a different second wavelength (λ2) which is sensitive to movement, wherein a photodetector detects the reflected light waves. A pulse is determined based on calculation made of at least one non-coherent power spectrum on the basis of a spectral coherence function γ which takes into account the dependence between the measurement signals relating to the first wavelength and to the second wavelength by the formula SNC=(1−γ2)*SAA, where SAA is the average Fourier power spectrum of the signals relating to the first wavelength, and where γ2 is between 0 and 1. |
| US08496592B2 |
Clamp for a medical probe device
Disclosed are medical probe devices and methods for use guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The probe devices include a clamp that can secure a probe at a targeted location. The devices can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide to a percutaneous target. Disclosed clamps can be utilized on probe devices incorporating an ultrasound transducer. In addition, the devices can include a sterilizable shield including a sterile probe guide for use in procedures requiring a sterile field. The sterilizable shield can be a single-use shield that can prevent contamination and re-use of the shield. The devices can define a beneficial geometry conducive to use by a single operator that can be utilized for percutaneous targets near the skin surface. |
| US08496583B1 |
Pupil dilation system
A pupil dilation system including a generally circular deformable and discontinuous ring member is provided. The ring member expands circumferentially and applies an expansile force substantially uniformly around a pupillary margin of a pupil for dilating the pupil along an entirety of a circumference of the ring member. The ring member in an uncoiled configuration allows insertion of the ring member through a single incision in the eye and unfolds into a coiled configuration. A circumferential groove defined on an outer surface of the ring member allows continuous contact with the pupillary margin along the circumference of the ring member. One or more connector members are positioned on the circumference of the ring member for engaging with a surgical manipulating element that allows movement and manipulation of the ring member. The ring member is composed of a thermoplastic material or a bioabsorbable material that naturally dissolves within the eye. |
| US08496582B2 |
Apparatus and method for expanding a chest cavity
An apparatus for expanding a chest cavity of a patient includes a tapered member and an expansion assembly coupled to the tapered member. The expansion assembly is configured to engage a sternum. |
| US08496581B2 |
Surgical access apparatus and method
A device includes an access port adapted to permit access of at least one surgical instrument into a patient. The access port includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion monolithically formed of a flexible material. At least one opening extends through the access port. The proximal portion includes a proximal flange. The distal portion includes a distal flange. The intermediate portion includes an outer surface and at least one inner surface. The access port is adapted to form a perimeter seal when the proximal flange is disposed exteriorly and the distal flange is disposed interiorly. The access port is adapted to form a seal with the at least one surgical instrument positioned through the access port. The intermediate portion conforms to the surface of the surgical instrument positioned through the at least one opening and forms the seal between the inner surface and the surgical instrument. |
| US08496576B2 |
In-vivo information acquiring system and method for controlling in-vivo information acquiring system
A capsule endoscope system provided with a magnetic field generating apparatus including an input section for inputting identification information A and a magnetic field generating section that generates a magnetic field signal that controls a capsule endoscope, and the capsule endoscope including an in-vivo information acquiring section, a battery, a magnetic field receiving section, a storage section that stores identification information B, a control section and a comparing section that compares the identification information A with the identification information B and judges whether both pieces of information are the same or different, wherein when the judgment by the comparing section is a judgment that both pieces of information are the same, the control section supplies or shuts off power from the battery to the in-vivo information acquiring section. |
| US08496574B2 |
Selectively positionable camera for surgical guide tube assembly
A selectively positionable camera assembly for use in connection with a guide tube assembly that has a guide tube handle portion and at least one guide tube protruding therefrom. In various embodiments, the camera includes an elongated flexible camera portion that is sized to operably extend through at least one of the guide tubes of the guide tube assembly. A camera handle is operably coupled to the elongated flexible camera portion such that the handle is movably supported by at least a portion of the guide tube handle portion. At least one retainer is provided on the guide tube handle and/or the camera handle for releasably retaining the camera handle in any one of a plurality of orientations relative to the portion of the guide tube handle. |
| US08496568B2 |
One-touch adapter with code pins for use in automated handling equipment
An adapter assembly (28) for use in an automated handling equipment system includes a first component and a second component that is selectively mountable to the first component. At least one first code member (82) is associated with the first component and at least one second code member (84) is associated with a second component. The at least one first code member and the at least one second code member have a variable orientation relative to each other that controls whether the second component can be mounted to the first component. |
| US08496567B2 |
Method and device for adjusting the distance between two members, at least one of which is mobile, and swimming harness using the same
An elastic link for adjusting the distance between two members, at least one of which is mobile, is characterized in that it includes at least two elastic yarns each attached through one of the opposite ends thereof to two points distant from each other of an intermediate portion of a strap located between the extreme portions of the latter, under conditions such that when a tensile force is applied on said strap, the first elastic yarn is stretched first, the second elastic yarn being then stretched based on the magnitude of the applied tensile force. |
| US08496562B2 |
Method for the operation of a transmission device
A method is described for the operation of a transmission device (1) with a plurality of frictional shift elements (A, D, E, F) and at least one interlocking shift element (B, C) for obtaining various gear ratios. When a command is received for a gearshift during which the interlocking shift element (C) has to be changed from an open to a closed operating condition, the interlocking shift element (C) is at least approximately synchronized by increasing the transmission capacity of at least one frictional shift element (A) which does not have to be engaged in the force flow either to obtain the gear ratio that is to be disengaged or to obtain the gear ratio that is to be engaged. |
| US08496560B2 |
Starting control system for engines
A starting control system that starts an engine by an electric motor, including: a starting device including a plurality of the electric motors for starting the engine; and a starting device controller that controls the starting device to prevent an occurrence of a resonance when starting the engine by the electric motor of the starting device. The starting control system can prevent an occurrence of vibration and noise in a power transmission route from an electric motor to an engine. |
| US08496559B2 |
Multi-speed transmission with external drive gearsets
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, two external gear sets or sprocket sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. |
| US08496558B2 |
Nine speed automatic transmission
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The transmission input member is connected to a dry launch clutch. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are for example clutches and brakes. |
| US08496557B2 |
Clutch and gear arrangement for a front wheel drive vehicle
A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and the brakes are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls. |
| US08496556B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission includes an input and output member, four planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, five interconnecting members continuously interconnecting members of the four planetary gear sets and six torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first members, second members, and third members with at least one of another of the first members, second members, third members, and a stationary member. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. |
| US08496550B2 |
Highly efficient impact operative arrowheads
A target impact operative arrowhead mountable at an end of an arrow shaft is disclosed that includes an arrowhead body and blade actuator axially and rotationally movable relative to one another. The arrowhead body has blades pivotably mounted thereon, each of the blades having an actuation contact surface along an edge thereof, and the actuator has a blade contacting end. A spring ring retains assembly of the body and actuator, one of the arrowhead body and the actuator having an annular retention seat for mounting of the spring ring and the other of the arrowhead body and the actuator having an annular guide groove for receipt of the spring ring therealong thus accommodating relative axial travel of the spring ring. |
| US08496549B2 |
Arrowhead with improved lethal penetrating capability
The present document describes an arrow/arrowhead which depart from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. The arrowhead described in the present embodiments allows for higher penetration coupled with a higher ability to snatch and/or isolate tissue from the animal body to take down animals as fast and as humanly as possible. In an embodiment, the arrowhead comprises a shaft having a pointed end and at least one lobe mounted on the shaft. When the arrowhead penetrates the animal's body, the lobe snatches the tissue from the animal's body, as opposed to only making a cut therein. When the tissue is snatched from the animal's body, excessive bleeding occurs, which prevents the animal from running away and suffering longer. In an embodiment, each lobe may include a blade forming a closed loop. |
| US08496545B2 |
Wind resistant practice cage and pitching machine for attachment
A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end. |
| US08496544B2 |
Golf club with improved performance characteristics
A metal wood type golf club with improved performance characteristics is disclosed herein where the metal wood type golf club head will combined the performance characteristics of both a driver type golf club head and a fairway type golf club head. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club head with a volume of between about 150 cc to about 360 cc, a CG location between about 10 mm to about 20 mm above the ground, a face depth of between about 30 millimeters (mm) to about 65 millimeters (mm), a loft of about between 10 degrees to about 16 degrees, and a COR of about 0.790 to about 0.830, wherein the entire golf club has a length of between about 41 inches to about 45 inches. |
| US08496542B2 |
Golf club head having a multi-material face
A golf club with a multi-material face is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention has a striking face that forms a pocket, wherein the pocket is filled with a secondary material having a lower density to improve the performance of the golf club head. The multi-material face disclosed in accordance with the present invention may generally have a characteristic time slope of greater than about 5 and less than about 50, wherein the characteristic time slope is determined based on the various data points collected according to the United States Golf Association's (USGA's) Characteristic Time (CT) test. |
| US08496541B2 |
Golf club
A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion, a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g. |
| US08496532B1 |
Clan wars
A method of implementing clan wars is disclosed. A first group of a plurality of players of a computer-implemented game is notified that each member of the first group is to receive an incentive reward based on a level of influence of the first group over a location being greater than a level of influence of a second group of the plurality of players over the location. The level of influence of the first group over the location is determined to be greater than the level of influence of the second group over the location. The incentive reward is provided to the first group based on the determined level of influence of the first group over the location being greater than the level of influence of the second group over the location. |
| US08496528B2 |
Directional pad keystroke adjustment mechanism
A controller characterized with a function for adjusting the controller to provide an optimal operational feel to a player comprises a main body configured to be held by the player performing a game, a plurality of operational keys arranged on the main body, a pair of analog stick means arranged on the main body, a switch arranged in contact with the plurality of operational keys and a plurality of adjustment parts for adjusting key stroke of the plurality of operational keys. The plurality of operational keys is configured to be operated by a finger of the player. The plurality of plurality of operational keys, the switch and the plurality of adjustment parts are configured to be adjusted by the player holding the controller so as to achieve an optimal operational feel, according to the player's preferences and game characteristics. |
| US08496522B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing cascading symbols with wild features
A cascading symbol game includes designated symbols such as wild symbols. In the cascading symbol game, a gaming device generates and displays a symbol from a plurality of symbols for each of a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device removes at least one symbol from at least one of the plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device repositions at least one displayed symbol to another one of the symbol positions to create at least one empty symbol position. If a designated event occurred, the gaming device generates and displays at least one designated symbol, such as a wild symbol, in the at least one empty symbol position, wherein the at least one designated wild symbol is generated independent of the plurality of symbols. The gaming device displays any award associated with any winning symbol combination formed from the displayed symbols. |
| US08496520B2 |
Gaming system and method configured to change the odds of a player obtaining a winning game outcome or a designated game outcome for a play of a game without changing the paytable of the game
A gaming system and method that enables the odds of obtaining a winning outcome or a designated outcome for a play of a game to change without modifying the paytable of the game. The gaming system makes a first determination using a first processor based on a paytable of a game. The gaming system makes a second determination using a second processor, where the second determination may be based, at least in part, on the wager amount. The gaming system displays a single game outcome to the player and either provides the player with the highest award resulting from the determinations or any awards resulting from the determinations. |
| US08496513B2 |
Device and method for scalding different parts of a poultry carcass with varying intensities
The present invention relates to a device for scalding poultry carcasses comprising a plumage, comprising: a processing space with transport means in the form of a transport path for poultry carcasses; a feed of scalding medium; dispensing means for the scalding medium provided with outlet openings, wherein the scalding medium leaving the outlet openings co-displaces with the poultry carcasses moving along the transport path. The present invention also relates to an improved method for scalding poultry. |
| US08496503B2 |
Female, male electrical connector and electrical connection using this female and/or male electrical connector
A female electrical connector including at least a distal wiring part configured to be connected to an electric cable and at least a proximal connection part including an opening in an overall shape of a ring directed along a central axis, the ring configured to collaborate with an appendage belonging to a male electrical connector directed along a central axis so as to allow the two connectors to be electrically connected via a plurality of tabs connected to the ring, each tab including a base attached to the ring and a head distant from the ring and that comes into contact with the appendage, and at least one retaining tab in the shape of a claw and at least one electrical connection tab in the shape of a vane, the claw having a base of a width greater than or equal to the width of its head and the vane having a base of a width less than the width of its head. |
| US08496501B2 |
Electrical connector with separable contacts
A contact sub-assembly is provided for an electrical connector. The contact sub-assembly includes a printed circuit and an array of mating contacts. Each mating contact includes a terminating end portion and a mating interface. The contact sub-assembly also includes an array of circuit contacts that is discrete from the array of mating contacts. Each circuit contact is engaged with and electrically connected to the printed circuit. Each circuit contact is separably engaged with and electrically connected to the terminating end portion of a corresponding one of the mating contacts such that the array of circuit contacts electrically connects the array of mating contacts to the printed circuit. |
| US08496499B2 |
Modular electronic header assembly and methods of manufacture
A device for electrically interconnecting and packaging electronic components. In one embodiment, a modular non-conducting base member having one or more component recesses and a plurality of lead channels formed therein is provided. At least one electronic component is disposed within the recess, and the wire leads of the component routed through the lead channels to a conductive lead terminal. A plurality of lead terminals, adapted to cooperate with the non-conducting base member, are received therein, and adapted to place the device in signal communication with an external printed circuit board. The modular non-conducting base members are assembled or stacked to form a unitary modular assembly. Methods for fabricating the device are also disclosed. |
| US08496495B2 |
Coaxial connector with coupling spring
The device includes an inner conductor, a dielectric material, an outer conductor, a coupling spring, and a sliding sleeve. The dielectric material surrounds the inner conductor. The outer conductor surrounds the dielectric material. The sliding sleeve is slidably attached to the outer conductor. The coupling spring is attached to the outer conductor. The coupling spring includes a plurality of beam tines. Each beam tine includes a lever tine. An adjacent pair of beam tines is separated by a slot where the slot has a root. A first distance is defined from the root to an edge of the beam tine. A second length is defined from the root to a distal end of the lever tine. The first length is greater than the second length. |
| US08496494B2 |
Electrical connector
A first electrical connector (1) for terminating an electrical cable (11) and for engaging with a mating electrical connector (51). The first connector comprises a body (5) having an engagement portion including a sleeve (7) whose passage extends along a mating axis (101) for engaging the mating electrical connector. The connector comprises at least one resilient member (15), such as a coil spring, arranged on the sleeve. The resilient member is capable of deforming radial to the mating axis (101) to provide a reaction force for maintaining the engagement of the connector with the mating connector. The first connector can be detached by lifting a boot (13) to pry apart the connectors. |
| US08496480B2 |
Video capture, recording and scoring in firearms and surveillance
A video camera and recording device integrated with a real or toy weapon to provide video recording of the assault and aiming process of the weapon holder in operational training, actual combat, hunting, sports and gaming scenarios. A video camera is boresighted with the weapon, and a video memory stores the recorded dynamic scenario, and a trigger sensor which continually senses and records the triggering actions imposed by the weapon holder. The trigger sensor is attached to the actual trigger of the weapon thus enabling normal operation of the weapon. The video camera, may be mounted internally within the bore of the weapon, such that the external form of the weapon is not altered, thus achieving closer operation to real life situations. The recorded trigger data is utilized upon playback of the recorded video, enabling quick review and scoring of the recorded aiming process for training and gaming. |
| US08496478B2 |
Intra-osseous implant
The invention relates to an intra-osseous implant for placement in bone of a human or animal body, which allows an accurate implant position at a desired depth into bone tissue, providing without losing a high degree of primary implant stability, including at least one intra-osseous part intended for placement in the bone tissue having an apical side and a cervical side, which part is provided on its circumferential surface with a thread running in the direction of the apical end and with one or more grooves extending in longitudinal direction and interrupting the screw thread into multiple interrupted screw thread parts serving as retention elements allowing the placement of the implant in longitudinal direction into the bone tissue but preventing the removal of the implant in opposite longitudinal direction of the bone and a support part present at the cervical side of the at least one intra-osseous part intended for supporting a prosthetic element. |
| US08496472B2 |
Process for combustion of high viscosity low heating value liquid fuels
The present invention is directed to a process for the clean and convenient combustion of high viscosity liquid fuels, such as glycerol, as well as an apparatus useful for carrying such processes. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a process for glycerol combustion comprising providing a combustion apparatus with a glycerol combustion chamber that facilitates reflective heating, pre-heating the glycerol combustion chamber, atomizing the reduced viscosity glycerol, and combining the atomized glycerol with air in the glycerol combustion chamber to thereby completely combust the glycerol. In one embodiment, such as when using a pressure-atomizing nozzle, the inventive method may further comprise treating the glycerol to reduce the glycerol viscosity. |
| US08496462B2 |
Imprint apparatus and article manufacturing method
The present invention provides an imprint apparatus which transfers a pattern of a mold onto a resin applied on a substrate, including a structure including a mold chuck which holds the mold, a first measurement unit configured to measure a position of a reference portion of the structure, a second measurement unit configured to measure a position of the mold with respect to the reference portion, and a controller configured to control a relative positional relationship between the mold and the substrate, based on the measurement result obtained by the first measurement unit and the measurement result obtained by the second measurement unit, the second measurement unit including a head formed on the mold chuck, and measuring the position of the mold with respect to the reference portion by reading a scale formed on the mold by the head. |
| US08496458B2 |
Die press assembly for powder pressing
A die press assembly (14) for pressing carbide steel cutting inserts for cutting tools comprising a lower clamp (8, 13) for clamping and holding a lower punch (7), a die clamp (6, 11) for clamping and holding a die (5) and a core pin clamp (10, 12) for clamping and holding a core pin (9), where the lower punch (7), the die (5) and the core pin (9) each have a bore or a recess (16, 30, 31, 32) for receiving a locking device (17). |
| US08496455B2 |
Administration set with two keys
A flow set for administration of liquid when using a liquid pump is disclosed. The flow set of the present invention permits identification of the flow set by a liquid pump that uses this flow set and prevention of pumping tube-segment over stretching. |
| US08496453B2 |
Linear compressor
A linear compressor is provided, which has a reduced number of front main springs among springs continuously transmitting a force so that a piston can move in a resonance condition. The linear compressor includes a hermetic container to be filled with a refrigerant; a linear motor including an inner stator, an outer stator, and a permanent magnet; a piston linearly reciprocated by the linear motor; a cylinder that provides a space to compress the refrigerant; a supporter piston having a connecting portion connected to one end of the piston, a support portion that extends from the connecting portion, and an additional mass member fixing portion that extends from the connecting portion; front main springs, one end of each of which is supported by one surface of the supporter piston; and one rear main spring, one end of which is supported by the other surface of the supporter piston. |
| US08496441B2 |
Optimized aerodynamic profile for a turbine blade
When cold and in the uncoated state, the aerodynamic profile is substantially identical to a nominal profile determined by the Cartesian coordinates X, Y, Z′ given in Table 1, in which the coordinate Z′ is the quotient D/H where D is the distance from the point in question to a reference plane P0 situated at the base of the nominal profile and H is the height of this profile, measured from the reference plane to the tip of the blade. The measurements D and H are taken radially relative to the axis of the turbine, while the coordinate X is measured in the axial direction of the turbine. |
| US08496440B2 |
Method of manufacturing an aerofoil
A method of manufacturing an aerofoil structure capable of being diffusion bonded and superplastically formed to create a substantially hollow cavity within the aerofoil structure, the method comprising: providing a metallic plate for forming the aerofoil structure; joining mounting elements to opposing end surfaces of said metallic plate; dividing said plate along a plane extending substantially in a span-wise direction so as to produce two metallic panels each with one of said mounting elements joined thereto; assembling the two metallic panels so that the surfaces of the panels opposite to the surfaces which have been divided are facing each other; and joining the two metallic panels to one another to form the aerofoil structure; wherein the mounting elements are joined to one another to form the root of the aerofoil. |
| US08496439B2 |
Turbomachine blade locking structure including shape memory alloy
A system for locking blades to a rotor of a turbomachine including adjacent pairs of generally axially extending grooves for receiving blades inserted in an axial direction. A circumferential slot is disposed around the periphery of the rotor and a locking device assembly is located in the circumferential slot between an adjacent pair of grooves. The assembly includes a last locking device, a spacer and key member formed of a shape memory alloy. The key member is located in a gap between the last locking device and the spacer. The shape memory alloy key member is heated to cause a transition from a martensite to an austenite phase to cause the key member to engage and press against opposing faces of the last locking device and the spacer to increase a force applied to a respective pair of blades in the adjacent pair of grooves. |
| US08496438B2 |
Blade retaining device for turbo machine propeller
The invention concerns an aircraft turbomachine propeller comprising a plurality of blades (1) each comprising a root (20) mounted on a hub (2) rotating about the rotation axis of the propeller (I-I), and its purpose is to reduce the risks of loss of the entire blade (1) following an impact by a foreign body.To achieve this, at least one blade (1) comprises a means (30) of retaining the blade in an outwards radial direction, said retaining means (30) being engaged in a housing (5) of said blade (1) opening radially inwards at the root of the blade (20), and fixed in translation in said outwards radial direction. |
| US08496437B2 |
Power transmitting system through cables for airborne wind-type power generation applications
The present invention deals with a new system for transmitting energy through a cable and interconnected pulleys. The traditional power transmission through pulleys sizes the system of belts and friction surfaces depending on energy to be transmitted and is obtained through systems composed of a rotary element for every point of application and of a flexible element for the connection. In the proposed system, the flexible element is a high-resistance cable and friction on the rotary element is increased by using interconnected pulleys, which increase the cable friction surface allowing power transmissions without any sliding till the cable breaking point. The lightness of such system allows it to find optimum application in transmitting to ground all wind energy produced at an upper level. The system of interconnected pulleys is further applied to discontinuous tractions in the sailing field, replacing the traditionally used winches. |
| US08496434B2 |
Differential pitch-control to optimize co-rotating stacked rotor performance
A rotor system for a rotorcraft having at least one rotor blade pair operably associated with a differential pitch assembly operably for controlling a pitch angle of an upper rotor blade and the lower rotor blade in the rotor blade pair. Operation of the differential pitch assembly changes the pitch of the upper rotor blade more severely than the pitch of the lower rotor blade. As such, the rotor system is configured to provide optimum pitch of the upper and lower rotor blades during a helicopter mode and an airplane mode. |
| US08496433B2 |
Wind mill structure of lift-type vertical axis wind turbine
A wind mill structure of a lift-type vertical axis wind turbine. The lift-type vertical axis wind turbine includes a vertical shaft and the wind mill includes a plurality of blades and supporting arms. The supporting arms hold the blades, and the blades are connected to the vertical shaft via the supporting arms. A setting angle, formed by a chord of the blades and a tangent line that goes through the center of the blades, ranges from −12° to 12°. An angle, formed by the chord of the blade and the rotatable supporting arm, ranges from 7° to 100°. The wind mill can maintain relatively stable rotation speeds under wind speeds exceeding the rated wind speed by adjusting the angle of the supporting arms, thereby ensuring stable output from the vertical axis wind turbine. |
| US08496432B2 |
Thrust bearing cooling path
A compressor rotor compresses and delivers compressed air across a turbine rotor. The turbine rotor is connected to the compressor rotor such that rotation of the turbine rotor drives the compressor rotor. A shaft is connected to rotate with the turbine rotor and the compressor rotor. A thrust bearing is provided by a member extending perpendicular and radially outwardly of the shaft. The member rotates with the shaft and faces a first housing wall. A hollow chamber is formed on an opposed side of the first housing wall. A cooling air path supplies air across a thrust bearing surface, and between the member and the first housing wall. The first housing wall has a communication hole for communicating cooling air from the cooling air path into the hollow cavity to drive air within the hollow chamber. Also, a housing incorporating the communication hole is disclosed. |
| US08496431B2 |
Turbine ring assembly for gas turbine
A turbine ring assembly for a gas turbine, the assembly having a complete ring forming a single piece of ceramic matrix composite material (CMC), a metal structure for supporting the CMC ring having metal annular supports between which the CMC ring is placed while allowing differential expansion at least in a radial direction between the CMC ring and the annular supports, an arrangement for centering the CMC ring, and at least one element for preventing turning of the CMC ring about its axis. |
| US08496430B2 |
Variable stator blade assembly
A variable stator blade assembly of a compressor, in particular of a gas turbine, including a compressor casing with a counterbore and a receptacle, a stator blade with a spindle, a spindle bush and a seal is provided. The spindle bush is placed inside the receptacle and spindle is placed inside the spindle bush wherein the seal is placed radially between the spindle and the spindle bush. The spindle is the dynamic seal face and a face within the spindle bush is the static seal face. |
| US08496429B2 |
Prime mover
A prime mover that is powered by the energy of a fluid is provided. Such a prime mover may include a first fairing, a second fairing spaced apart from the first fairing to define a gap therebetween and a blade assembly mounted on a shaft that extends between the first and second fairings. The first and second fairings each have a curved peripheral edge for guiding a fluid into the gap at an increased velocity. When the fluid flows into the gap it contacts the blade assembly to thereby rotate the blade assembly about an axis that is defined by the shaft. The rotation of the blade assembly may be used to generate power in a power generator. The prime mover may be mounted on a cell phone tower and used to generate electricity for powering components of the tower and/or for providing electricity to the power grid. |
| US08496428B2 |
Banded turbine
A banded turbine configuration has an integral outer band support structure capable of providing two point simple support for a multiplicity of blades. A large scale vertical array has a set of twelve 23 m-diameter banded turbines with up to nine blades and resting on an Open Web Steel Joist (OWSJ) platform. The banded turbine configuration is supported off of a main shaft hub assembly, which is supported by forward and aft pillow block bearing assemblies. The banded turbine allows for a protective screen for bird- and bat-kill prevention. Each banded turbine employs DC alternators to provide a switchable output which is subsequently fed to a dedicated set of high efficiency grid-compatible solid state invertors or, alternatively, to energy storage. |
| US08496427B2 |
Front-loadable refuse container having side-loading robotic arm with motors and other mass mounted at rear of container and use of same with front-loading waste-hauling vehicle having hydraulic front forks or other retractably engageable lift means
A modular front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle has a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and a side-loading robotic arm. To reduce mechanical stresses, a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor devices of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container. Elastomeric and/or other dampening devices may be interposed between the vehicle and the bulk mass of the combination of the intermediate container and robotic arm mechanism for converting into heat some vibrational energy. A modular sled system may be provided for supporting different robotic arms in combination with refuse containers made of different materials. |
| US08496426B2 |
Pick and place apparatus for electronic device inspection equipment, picking apparatus thereof, and method for loading electronic devices onto loading element
A technology related to a pick-and-place apparatus for electronic device inspection equipment is provided. The pick-and-place apparatus includes the guiding unit that can interact with a loading element and can guide the picker to load the electronic devices at a correct position on the loading element. Therefore, the pick-and-place apparatus can allow the electronic devices, for example, semiconductor devices having a ball type of electrical contact lead (BGA, FBGA, etc.), to electrically contact the tester in a stable manner when the tester inspects the electronic devices. |
| US08496424B2 |
Fixing arrangement for a work piece
An arrangement for fixing a work piece (14) to an end of a boom (1) in a working machine, like an excavator, in which arrangement the end of the boom comprises at least a tilting device (13) for the work piece (14), the moveable body of said device can be limitedly tilted in relation to the end of the boom (1) and to the moveable body of said device the work piece (14) is fixed either directly or by fitting a device (10), (11) of an other type as a distance piece, said device adjusting position of the work piece (14). An auxiliary body (9) is mounted between the pins (5), (6) of the articulation points locating in the ends of the tilting device (13) and the boom (1), to said auxiliary body the tilting device (13) is fixed from both ends of its non-rotating part essentially in a point of the axis line (15) which is rotating axis (15) of the tilting part of the tilting device (13) and that for getting the fixing point of the work piece (14) nearer the articulating pin (5) in the boom (1) end, the counter articulating point (17) which is placed in the auxiliary body (9) and which can be coupled to the articulating pin (5) in the boom (1) end is fitted to pass the axis line (15) and to extend towards the work piece (14). |
| US08496421B1 |
Ferrule lock nuts
Apparatus and Method of use for an improved lock nut type of fastener. On a threaded rod, a set of one or two cavity locknuts are used with a sleeve like ferrule to lock a nut in a set position on the rod. For example a nut that is clamping a workpiece can be held in place (resisting if not preventing loosening) by suitable application of the ferrule and cavity locknut. The cavity locknut has a tapered funnel-like cavity in a nut face around the nut's threaded hole. Locking is accomplished by immobilizing the ferrule on the rod and against the nut to be held, orienting the cavity side of the cavity locknut toward the ferrule, and forcefully torquing the cavity nut against and around the ferrule so that it is crimped against the threaded rod by the tapered cavity in the nut. |
| US08496413B2 |
End mill with different helix angles
End mill, primarily for coarse machining, has even number of main flutes spiraling around the periphery of the mill, the flutes having a relatively smaller and a relatively larger helix angle relative to the axis of the mill and wherein uneven-numbered main flutes are defined in that they include the smaller helix angle with the axis. Directly at the end face, distances between peripheral angles of successive main flutes in the direction of rotation are smaller between uneven-numbered main flutes and subsequent even-numbered main flutes than the distances between peripheral angles between even-numbered main flutes and subsequent uneven-numbered main flutes. The end mill is better able to prevent vibrations of the tool due to intermittent engagement with a work piece by having all distances between peripheral angles at the end face of the mill different from one another. |
| US08496412B2 |
System and method for eliminating process gas leak in a solids delivery system
A system for controlling gas leakage in a solids delivery system is provided. The system includes a bulk solids pump comprising an inlet for a particulate material and an outlet for discharge of said particulate material. The system also includes a buffer gas channel configured to impede backflow of process gas into the bulk solids pump, such as from a downstream system or process. The system further includes a pressure differential system configured to control a flow rate of the buffer gas and maintain a positive differential in pressure between the buffer gas and the process gas. |
| US08496410B2 |
Method and apparatus for penetrating particulate substrates
A method or corresponding apparatus in an example embodiment of the present invention relates to penetrating a particulate substrate using a compact, low-energy, reversible, and dynamic device for burrowing through particulate substrates. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one vessel and a displacement module coupled with the vessel. The actuation of the displacement module fluidizes the particulate substrate proximate to the vessel and thereby reduces resistance of the particulate substrate to movement of the vessel and causes further penetration of the apparatus through the particulate substrate. The example embodiment utilizes volume contraction and localized fluidizing to move through substrates. |
| US08496408B1 |
Spring lock culvert pipe liner
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for forming rolled up spiral shaped tubular inserts of interlocking seams of elongated strip material and for inserting the inserts into damaged channels such as damaged culverts, sewer lines, pipes, and the like. The inserts are released to expand outward and unravel until the walls of the unraveling insert abut against interior walls of the damaged channel forming a protective interior wall for the damaged channel. One side of the insert strips can have a hook, and an opposite side of the strips can have a longitudinal groove wherein the hook attaches to and slides within the groove. Slidable surfaces such as bushings, Teflon coatings and O-rings can be used along the interlocking seams to allow for reduced friction as the strip materials are rolled into contracted positions and later expanded out. |
| US08496407B2 |
Seismic cable with adjustable buoyancy
A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is disclosed. In one embodiment, the seismic cable includes a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled together by a connector that prevents transmission of power and data signals between the first cable segment and the second cable segment. Each cable segment includes an inner jacket defining a hollow core, a braided strength fiber surrounding the inner jacket, and an outer jacket circumferentially surrounding the braided strength fiber, wherein the connector isolates the first and second cable segments. |
| US08496406B2 |
Positioning a sinking tunnel section
A positioning apparatus includes a frame and two substantially vertically extending legs. The frame includes a suspension device adapted to suspend a sinking tunnel section. The legs include upper ends connected by a substantially horizontally extending beam and lower ends vertically movable relative to the sinking tunnel section. The legs include clamping members for engaging opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section that are settable substantially in a plane defined by the legs and beam of the frame. The frame is devised for extending with its legs outwardly of the two opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section and extending with the beam above a roof of the tunnel section. |
| US08496397B2 |
Precast concrete slabs and related systems, methods of manufacture and installation
Precast concrete slabs, methods of manufacture and installation are provided. In this regard, a representative precast concrete slab includes: a first portion, substantially triangular in shape and exhibiting first, second and third sides, the first and second sides being positioned along an exterior of the slab and residing in a first plane; and a second portion, substantially triangular in shape and exhibiting first, second and third sides, the first and second sides of the second portion being positioned along the exterior of the slab and residing in a second plane, the second plane being non-parallel with respect to the first plane; the third side of the first portion and the third side of the second portion being positioned adjacent to each other and forming a transition between the first plane and the second plane. |
| US08496396B1 |
Wire mesh for pervious concrete
A mesh assembly for the formation of pervious pavement is disclosed. The mesh is defined by a plurality of elongated structural members. The mesh has a first side and a second side. A plurality of conduits are coupled to and extend through the mesh. Each conduit has a first end defining a first opening, a second end defining a second opening, and a passageway extending between the first opening and the second opening. The plurality of conduits each have at least one of the elongated structural members extending through a sidewall of the conduit such that the first opening is positioned on the first side of the mesh and the second opening is positioned on the second side of the mesh. |
| US08496394B2 |
Connecting arrangement and connecting method, in particular by way of non-positive connection on all sides
A method or arrangement for clamping at least one first and one second component to each other with a connection by force on all sides is disclosed. The connecting arrangement comprises a bolt extending from a first component through a through opening in a second component, a clamping nut which is screwed on the bolt for clamping the components, and a cone pair comprising an inner cone with a split and an outer cone. One part of this cone pair is formed as a conical clamping element, which is arranged and axially moveable for radial clamping on the bolt between the components and the clamping nut. A locking nut is screwed on the conical clamping element and clampable against an abutment surface of the second component to limit moveability of the clamping element. |
| US08496393B2 |
Refillable toothpaste dispensing toothbrush
A refillable toothpaste dispensing toothbrush has a toothpaste containing capsule for dispensing toothpaste through the bristle head of the toothbrush. The toothpaste capsule can be filled using any standard toothpaste tube. Grooves in the toothpaste passageway prevent clogging of toothpaste in the toothbrush. In an alternate embodiment, the dispensing toothbrush also contains a sonic vibrating device. |
| US08496389B2 |
Shutter device
When a second cam gear and a first cam gear rotate one turn, a shutter device changes to a first state, a second state, and a third state in this order. In the first state, the second cam gear charges a mirror lever drive spring and a blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear holds the blade lever. In the second state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charges the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever. In the third state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charging of the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever. |
| US08496384B2 |
Reversible fiber optic connector
A re-terminable, no-crimp ST-type optical connector assembly includes a spring-loaded ferrule holder assembly and a reusable activation system for termination of the assembly. The optical connector can be terminated by a suitable cam activation tool. The connector includes a housing, such as a bayonet, matable to a mating adapter, a backbone retained within a rear of the housing, a ferrule holder provided within the backbone, and a cam provided between the ferrule holder and the backbone. The ferrule holder includes an alignment key exposed to mate with a cam activation tool to lock rotation of the ferrule holder relative to other connector components. The cam includes a cam activation cutout at a front face thereof that mates with a cam activation tool interface to enable rotation of the cam between de-activated and activated positions, the cam activation cutout also receiving the alignment key of the ferrule holder therethrough. |
| US08496379B2 |
Systems and methods for determining device temperature
Circuitry for measuring and/or monitoring device temperature may include a first node coupled to ground, and a second node and a first resistor coupled in series to ground and in parallel to the first node. A first current driven to the first node and a second current driven to the second node can be selected such that a first voltage measured at the first node and a second voltage measured at the second node are substantially equal. The circuitry may also include a third node and a second resistor coupled in series to ground. A third current driven to the third node can be selected such that a third voltage measured at the third node is substantially equal to a reference voltage. Measures of the second and third currents and measures of the first and second resistors can be used to determine device temperature. |
| US08496376B2 |
Dual source auto-correction in distributed temperature systems
An automatic and continuous method is presented to improve the accuracy of fiber optic distributed temperature measurements derived from Raman back scatterings utilizing two light sources with different wavelengths, by choosing the wavelengths of the two sources so the primary source's return anti-Stokes component overlaps with the incident wavelength of the secondary light source thereby canceling out the non-identical attenuations generated by the wavelength differences between Stokes and anti-Stokes bands. |
| US08496374B2 |
Differential scanning calorimeter
A differential scanning calorimeter (1) includes: a sample container (2) for receiving a measurement sample; a reference substance container (3) for receiving a reference substance; a heat sink (10); a thermal resistance (5), which is connected between the sample container and the heat sink, and between the reference substance container and the heat sink to form heat flow paths therebetween; a sample-side thermocouple (7), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the sample container with its hot-junction (7c) being insulated; and a reference substance-side thermocouple (8), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the reference substance container with its hot junction (8c) being insulated, in which the sample-side thermocouple and the reference substance-side thermocouple output a heat flow difference signal indicating a temperature difference between the measurement sample and the reference substance. |
| US08496369B2 |
Display element and display device
A display element includes a light source, an optical waveguide, a light-extracting portion. The optical waveguide has two ends and a side surface. One of the two ends is near the light source. The other of the two ends is far from the light source. The side surface extends from the one end to the other end. The light-extracting portion is provided near the side surface to extract light out of the optical waveguide. In addition, the other end changes a light path of forth-traveling light so that an incident angle of back-traveling light is smaller than the incident angle of the forth-traveling light. |
| US08496368B2 |
Light guide plate and backlight module
A light guide plate is adapted for a backlight module having at least one light emitting device, and the light guide plate includes a light emitting surface, a surface opposite to the light emitting surface, a light incident surface connected with the light emitting surface and the surface, and a plurality of microstructures disposed on the light emitting surface or the surface. 90 percent or more of the surface or the light emitting surface is flat. At least one of the light emitting devices is disposed beside the light incident surface and capable of emitting a light beam. The light incident surface is capable of making the light beam enter the light guide plate and the light emitting surface is capable of making the light beam transmit outside the light guide plate. A backlight module is also provided. |
| US08496364B2 |
Secure lighting fixture for light source and method of manufacture thereof
A housing for a light source, the housing including a base having a plurality of sidewalls which define an opening of a cavity for containing the light source; a flange having a z-shaped cross section attached within the cavity to a sidewall of the sidewalls; a hinge having first and second portions which are rotatably coupled to each other, the first portion attached to the flange; and a cover having a frame and a lens attached to the frame, the frame having an opening and being attached to the second portion of the hinge such that the cover and the base rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation. |
| US08496361B2 |
Illumination device including light source, light diffuser and light shield, and manufacturing method thereof
An illumination unit including: a light source; a light guide-diffuser that guides and diffuses source light from the light source; a selective translucent unit that reflects external light or reduces the transmission of external light, while also transmitting light guided from the light guide-diffuser; and a presentation surface that presents the source light that has been guided from the light guide-diffuser and transmitted through the selective translucent unit. |
| US08496360B2 |
LED lighting apparatus with reflectors
An LED lighting apparatus and method provide efficient illumination in a downward and forward direction toward a preferential side, by mounting a plurality of LED devices to the apparatus in at least one horizontal row oriented perpendicularly to the downward and forward direction; mounting a vertical reflector behind and parallel to the horizontal row; and orienting the LED apparatus such that the vertical reflector extends substantially straight downward. A two axis orthogonally symmetric secondary lens is associated with each LED and the vertical reflector has a specular reflective front surface facing the LEDs. The vertical reflector may be curved around ends of the row of LEDs. Also it may be continued further downward, on the outside of a cover lens, by a backlight shield with a straight linear outer edge that extends horizontally across an uplight ring shield. The backlight shield may have a specular or diffuse reflecting front surface. |
| US08496357B2 |
Dissipation module for a light emitting device and light emitting diode device having the same
A light emitting diode device is provided. The light emitting diode device comprises a composite substrate and a light emitting diode disposed on the composite substrate. The composite substrate comprises a first carbon fiber composite layer which is able to conduct heat rapidly in the direction of carbon fiber, such that the heat generated from the light emitting diode module can be dissipated rapidly. |
| US08496355B2 |
Reflector element of lighting unit
A reflector element is provided for a lighting device and includes a light transmission/reflection component that includes a light conductor containing therein light diffusion particles. The light transmission/reflection component includes a light entrance section, a light transmission/reflection section, and a light emission section. The reflector element is coupled to a light-emitting diode (LED) lighting unit, or a heat dissipation element, or a cover. The light entrance section of the reflector element is set in front of the LED lighting unit and the light transmission/reflection section is set at an opposite side to the light entrance section in order to redirect an incident light to the light emission section. Due to the effect provided by the light diffusion particles for refraction, light is uniformly distributed and emitted through the cover. |
| US08496354B2 |
Beam control system for an LED luminaire
Described are an improved automated multi source luminaire and luminaire systems. More particularly an multicolor LED array luminaire system with a series of lenses and light louvers to control the light beam. |
| US08496352B2 |
Wavelength conversion
A wavelength conversion device comprising a plurality of regions. Each region for absorbing radiant energy and emitting light having a characteristic dependent upon which region of the device emits the light. |
| US08496349B2 |
Uniform light emitting lamp structure
The present invention discloses a uniform light emitting lamp structure including a lamp holder, an electric connection portion and a planar portion disposed on both end surfaces of the lamp holder respectively, and the planar portion includes a circuit board electrically coupled to the electric connection portion. The lamp structure further includes an LED light source, a lamp cover and a light guide column with a refractive index n1. After the light of the LED light source is projected from an environmental medium with a refractive index n2 to the light guide column, a portion of the light is reflected from the critical plane in a direction corresponding to the lamp holder through reflections and refractions, such that the light of the LED light source is projected in the environmental medium to achieve the uniform light emitting effect. |
| US08496348B2 |
Linear light source and electronic apparatus
A linear light source (20), which emits light by causing light to propagate in a linear material (11) in which incoming light can be propagated, includes: a light emitting device (12), provided on a side of one end of the linear material (11), which emits light so that the light enters the one end of the linear material (11); and a light receiving device (21), provided on a side of the other end of the linear material (11), which detects the light which has propagated in the linear material (11). With the configuration, it is possible to provide: a linear light source in which an abnormal condition, such as breaking of a linear material, can be detected; and an electronic apparatus including the linear light source. |
| US08496347B1 |
Modular lighting system and method
A modular lighting system and method that can utilize a wide variety of members, connectors, power sources, light sources, and light source covers. The system can be implemented in a variety of different ways, with some embodiments involving fully interchangeable components. Some members can be rigid or substantially rigid to allow substantially rigid assembly structures. Light source covers can be removed and added to customize the individual impact of an individual light source as well as the aggregate display of the entire assembly. |
| US08496345B2 |
Sound control candle light
A sound control candle light includes a candle light having a lampshade shaped like the flame of a candle and a light-emitting device surrounded by the lampshade, a sound generator having an enclosed sound pipe with a mouthpiece and a reed mounted inside the enclosed sound pipe adjacent to the mouthpiece and vibratable to produce a sound at a predetermined frequency when a person blows in the mouthpiece, a sound sensor mounted inside the enclosed sound pipe for sensing the sound produced by the reed and providing a corresponding sensing signal, and a control circuit adapted for receiving the sensing signal provided by the sound sensor to drive on/off the light-emitting device. Thus, a specific sound frequency different from surrounding noises can be produced, enabling the sound control candle light to be alternatively turned on and off when it is blown by the user, assuring high control reliability. |
| US08496343B2 |
Walking stick structure with an LED light inside the stick body
A walking stick structure with an LED light inside the stick body has a holding part, a footing, joint holding parts, LED illumination components, and reflecting devices. The stick body is a highly translucent glass fiber inner tube with combination of a hollow external tube, and the hollow external tube is configured with a plurality of translucent parts. A battery seat and a battery are provided. The LED illumination component is connected on either end of the battery seat, and the battery seat is combined with a switch to turn on/off the LED illumination component. The reflecting device is configured inside the glass fiber inner tube and opposite to the irradiation direction of the LED. The light beams from the LED can be reflected by the reflecting device and go out from the translucent parts. Thus, the intensity and scope of illumination is considerably enhanced. |
| US08496340B2 |
Retroreflective articles and retroreflective elements comprising a spherical core and two concentric optical interference layers
Retroreflective elements and articles that include such elements. The retroreflective elements (100) include a solid spherical core (110) having an outer surface. A first complete concentric optical interference layer (112) overlays the outer surface of the core providing a first interface between the core and the first optical interference layer, and a second complete concentric optical interference layer (122) overlays the first optical interference layer to provide a second interface between the first optical interference layer and the second optical interference layer. In some embodiments, a third complete concentric optical interference layer overlays the second optical interference layer to provide a third interface between the second optical interference layer and the third optical interference layer. The retroreflective articles include a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface with a plurality of the retroreflective elements affixed along the first major surface of the substrate. |
| US08496338B2 |
Lens module with spacer
A lens module includes a lens barrel, a first lens, a second lens, and a spacer. The lens barrel includes an object-side end and an image-side end opposite to the object-side end. The first lens is received in the lens barrel, and adjacent to the object-side end. The second lens is received in the lens barrel, and adjacent to the image-side end in relative to the first lens. The spacer is an annular plate, and includes an object-side surface, an image-side surface opposite to the object-side surface, and an inner sidewall. The spacer is positioned between the first lens and the second lens. The object-side surface faces the first lens, and the image-side surface faces the second lens. The intersection of the object-side surface and the inner sidewall forms a chamfer. |
| US08496335B2 |
Illumination apparatus, projector, and illumination method
A projector includes an illumination optical system, a light modulation element, and a projection optical system. The illumination optical system includes a first light source section, a plurality of second light source sections, and an optical axis conversion element. The optical axis conversion element emits the light beam, which is input from the first light source section, so that an exit optical axis of the light beam approximately matches with an illumination optical axis, and emits the light beams, which are respectively input from the plurality of second light source sections, so that exit optical axes of the light beams intersect the exit optical axis of the light beam from the first light source section between the optical axis conversion element and the light modulation element. |
| US08496324B2 |
Ink composition, digital printing system and methods
An ink composition has controlled conductivity, and a digital printing system and a method of printing an ink employ an offset inkjet printing platform. The ink composition includes pigment particles dispersed in an oil-based dielectric carrier fluid with an oil-soluble dispersant. A concentration of dispersant is a fraction of a concentration of the pigment particles sufficient to render an electrical conductivity of the ink composition less than 100 pico Siemens per centimeter (pS/cm). The printing system includes an ink having an electrical conductivity less than or equal to about 300 pS/cm, an inkjet print head, a transfer medium, a developer, a remover and an image transferer. In the method of printing, the ink is nonelectrostatically jetted to the transfer medium, and developed into a fixed image. A portion of a supernatant is removed from the fixed image, and the fixed image is transferred to a media substrate. |
| US08496317B2 |
Metalized printhead substrate overmolded with plastic
A liquid ejector includes an electrically insulating support having a first surface and a second surface. An electrical trace begins on the first surface of the support and ends on the second surface of the support. An ejector die is positioned on the first surface of the support and electrically connected to the portion of the electrical trace located on the first surface of the support. A polymer material is molded on a portion of the ejector die and at least a portion of the first surface of the support. A portion of the electrical trace remains free of the polymer material. |
| US08496316B2 |
Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection head includes a head main body which discharges liquid, a flow path member main body on which a liquid reception member for receiving liquid supplied from the outside is formed, a first case, a second case, and a first insertion portion which is provided on the flow path member main body and through which a securing member for securing the first case, the second case, and the flow path member main body to one another is inserted. In the liquid ejection head, the first insertion portion is formed such that the outer wall covers an exposing portion from which the securing member is exposed. |
| US08496315B2 |
Registration adjustment value determination method, recording system, and registration adjustment method
A recording system for relatively easily and rapidly performing a registration adjustment in a recording device having a plurality of recording units which record divided recording images on the same recording medium. The recording system causes each of recording units (108A-108F) to record a registration adjustment pattern. Based on the recorded pattern, an inter-unit adjustment that is a registration adjustment among the plurality of recording units and an intra-unit adjustment that is a registration adjustment among the plurality of recording heads in each recording unit are performed. |
| US08496314B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
Liquid ejecting apparatus including conveyor belt driven by driving device for feeding recording medium on which liquid is ejected by liquid-ejecting head to print image according to stored image data, medium attraction portion disposed in opposition to the conveyor belt and having two electrodes to attract the recording medium to the conveyor belt, variation amount estimating portion to estimate, during printing of the image and on the basis of the stored image data, amount of variation of volume of the liquid to be deposited in subject area of the recording medium which includes a gap-opposition area opposed to gap formed between the two electrodes, and sheet feeding control portion configured to control the driving device to change drive force for driving the conveyor belt, so as to restrict variation of feeding speed of the recording medium by the conveyor belt, during excessive variation period during which the estimated amount of variation of the liquid exceeds upper limit. |
| US08496307B2 |
Door assembly and method of replacing a door of an electronics cabinet
Disclosed are rack enclosures for electronic equipment including at least one door configured to define a space between an edge of the door and a wall or frame of the cabinet, kits for retrofitting rack enclosures to include such a door, and methods of installing such. |
| US08496306B2 |
Opening mechanism of slide assembly
The opening mechanism includes a fixing member, a movable member, a locking member, a first resilient member and a second resilient member. The fixing member is fixed to a first rail and has a guide portion, a stop and a room. The movable member is movably connected to the fixing member and has a first leg, a second leg and an engaging portion. The first leg slidably contacts the guide portion and the second leg extends into the room. The locking member is pivotably connected to a second rail and includes a locking portion. The first and second resilient members respectively provide a force to a third rail and the movable member. When the second rail is forcibly pulled out relative to the first rail, the movable member is moved and pivots at an angle so that the locking portion is disengaged from the engaging portion. |
| US08496301B2 |
Vehicle brake mechanism and method for controlling the vehicle brake mechanism
A vehicle brake mechanism includes a master cylinder operated with a brake pedal. A first fluid channel connects a first hydraulic chamber of the master cylinder to a first-circuit wheel cylinder. A second fluid channel connects a second hydraulic chamber of the master cylinder to a second-circuit wheel cylinder. A master cut valve is provided in the first fluid channel and is capable of hindering communication between the first hydraulic chamber and the first-circuit wheel cylinder. A slave cylinder is connected to the second fluid channel and is driven by an actuator to generate a hydraulic pressure. A third fluid channel is provided downstream of the master cut valve and the slave cylinder and connects the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel to each other. A connection control valve is provided in the third fluid channel to close the third fluid channel. |
| US08496300B2 |
Wheel rim guard
A wheel rim guard comprising a resilient circular disc having a gap extending from a central inner opening to a circumferential edge of said disc; said disc is shaped to form a body of frusto-conical or cylindrical shape. The wheel rim guard further includes a guide strap received through the disc. One end of the guide strap is fastened proximate to a first edge of the body, the other end of the guide strap is fastened to the body between the first edge and a second edge. The wheel rim guard further includes a hook assembly having at least one hook and a washer attached by a cord, wherein the hooks are received through the central inner opening of the disc and attached to the wheel rim such that tightening the cord on the fixing member secures the wheel rim guard to the wheel rim. |
| US08496299B2 |
Omnidirectional wheel and method for the assembly thereof
An omnidirectional wheel has a hub that is rotatable around a rotational axis, and two wheel discs connected to the hub and spaced coaxially on the hub. A number of roller bodies are located between the wheel discs, evenly distributed around a circumferential edge of the wheel. The respective roller axes of the roller bodies are aligned at a diagonal angle relative to the rotational axis, and are each supported in a freely rotating manner between the wheel discs at opposite ends thereof. Each roller body is mounted in a freely rotating manner in respective modules respectively attached to the wheel discs. |
| US08496292B2 |
Ergonomic bench
In one aspect, the invention is directed to an ergonomic bench that includes a horizontal base; a vertical support structure; a seat support assembly that is height-adjustable; a chest support assembly that is height-adjustable and pitch-adjustable; a knee support assembly that is height-adjustable; and a heel rest assembly. In one aspect, the ergonomic bench includes wheels and a handle. In one aspect, the ergonomic bench includes a tool tray assembly. In one aspect, the ergonomic bench includes a horizontal base that is sectional. In one aspect, the ergonomic bench includes bumper guards. |
| US08496289B2 |
Foldable frame structure
A pitman-style foldable frame structure has an innovative and unique assembled design. The frame structure includes foldable panels, a central spindle, lateral frames, oblique connecting rods, a control device, and a central connecting frame. The frame structure offers improvement over the prior art in lowering the material cost and increasing structural support strength and rigidity of the pitman-style foldable frame and achieves practical advancement and better industrial utilization effect. |
| US08496285B2 |
Dynamically adjustable aerodynamic vehicle devices
Adjustable aerodynamic devices are controlled to control the drag on a vehicle. In one form, control is accomplished in response to pressure from a plurality of pressure sensors. In another form, control is accomplished in response to air movement measurements, such as of wind speed and direction at a location that a vehicle has yet to reach. In another form, the position and location of air vortices between a cab and trailer can be determined and adjusted to adjust the drag by controlling aerodynamic devices. |
| US08496282B2 |
Door for cabin in construction machine
A cabin in a construction machine has a door having a vertically extending door frame and a door glass attached to the door frame. The door frame has a pulling handle portion which is attached to the cabin frame pivotally around a vertical pivot axis and projects in a direction having a component extending away from the door glass. The pulling handle portion is aligned with the riding handle in front and rear directions outside the cabin when the door is fully opened. The pulling handle portion satisfies at least one of a first condition that the height position of the second gripped portion is offset upward from the height position of the riding handle, and a second condition that the second gripped portion of the pulling handle portion extends in a second extending direction different from the first extending direction. |
| US08496278B2 |
Portable device for preventing movement of a door
A portable device (10) for preventing movement of a door (5), the device (10) comprising: a support frame (11) having a base portion (12); and a leg (20) connected to the support frame (11); wherein the leg (20) is adjustable in height such that a distal end of the leg (20) is made to contact the ground when at least part of the base portion (12) is inserted beneath the door (5) in order to prevent movement of the door (5). |
| US08496277B2 |
Latching system
A latching system includes a handle mechanism with a housing having a recessed channel, a handle base, and a handle member connected to the handle base. The handle base and handle member are configured to be selectably moveable relative to the housing to define an extended orientation, a first retracted orientation corresponding to an open state of the handle mechanism, and a second retracted orientation corresponding to a closed state of the handle mechanism. The handle base and handle member are further configured to be disposed in the recessed channel and extended in a first direction or a second direction. The handle member is operable for rotation about an axis of rotation to control transition between the open state and the closed state of the handle mechanism. The handle mechanism may include a panel having a lift-slide operation. |
| US08496276B2 |
Locking system for vehicle door
The combination of an over-the-road vehicle and a locking system. The vehicle has a frame bounding a cargo space and at least one access door. The one door has a first latch assembly thereon that cooperates with a second latch assembly on one of: a) the vehicle frame; and b) a second door to releasably maintain the one door in its closed position. The locking system includes a first locking assembly on the first door and a second locking assembly on the one of the vehicle frame and second door. The first and second latch assemblies are secured to the vehicle using fasteners. The first and second locking assemblies are secured to the vehicle using these same fasteners. The first and second locking assemblies can be maintained together either inside or outside of the cargo space. |
| US08496266B2 |
Gas generating system
A gas generating system usable in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system is provided. The system includes an outer housing having an outer diameter varying within a range of approximately 16 millimeters to approximately 20 millimeters. A vehicle occupant protection system and an airbag module including the gas generating system are also provided. |
| US08496263B2 |
Foldable stroller frame with an auto-extending wheel distance adjustment
A foldable stroller frame with an auto-extending wheel distance adjustment is provided with at least a front support rack, a rear support rack, a pushing rack and a pair of power transmitting rods. A pair of first sliding-and-pivoting connectors is mounted for moving along the front support rack and permitting the pair of rear wheel sets capable of moving toward the front wheel set for shortening the wheel distance between the pair of rear wheel sets and the front wheel set. The pushing rack has an upper pushing section and a lower pushing section pivoted to the lower portion of the upper pushing section. The pair of power transmitting rods is connected between the rear support rack and the pushing rack for driving the rear support rack by rotating the pushing rack. |
| US08496262B2 |
Aerodynamic bicycle frame
A bicycle that includes a main frame, a front wheel mounted for rotation relative to the main frame, a rear dropout, and a rear wheel mounted for rotation relative to the rear dropout. The rear wheel defines a center plane of the bicycle. The bicycle further includes a rear stay that couples the rear dropout to the main frame. The rear stay has an inner surface facing the rear wheel and an outer surface facing away from the rear wheel. The rear stay includes a steep portion having an outer surface at a steep angle of between about 25 degrees and about 75 degrees relative to the center plane. |
| US08496260B2 |
Wheelchair bag transporting mechanism
A storage apparatus (10) attachable to a wheelchair (44) is pivotable and slidable from a storage position against the back of a wheelchair backrest to an access position adjacent to a wheelchair armrest. Pivoting and sliding is accomplished under power of an operator with the storage apparatus and slide mechanism (11) rotating substantially 90 degrees around vertical pivot member (30) and then sliding on a block member (18). A handle (24) is used to aide with the movement of the storage apparatus and to operate a locking mechanism (28), which secures the storage apparatus in access and storage positions. |
| US08496257B2 |
Knee walker
Knee walker assemblies and methods of manufacturing a knee walker assembly are provided herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to a knee walker assembly that includes a frame, a support platform and a handle mounted to the frame, at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame, and at least two front wheels swivel mounted proximate the front end of the frame. A locking mechanism is operatively engaged with the at least two front wheels. The locking mechanism is configured to substantially simultaneously lock both of the at least two front wheels in a rigid-type mounting configuration. |
| US08496255B2 |
Clamping beam
The invention relates to a clamping system for clamping a number of tools wherein said system comprises: a body; an elongated groove arranged in the body for reception of a clamping part of at least one tool; at least one pusher element extendable into the groove for pushing the clamping part of a tool against a wall of the groove; wherein shape imposed displacement means for displacing the at least one pusher element from a first position substantially freeing the groove, enabling insertion of the clamping part of a tool into the groove, towards a second position, in which the at least one pusher element extends into the groove. |
| US08496253B2 |
Metallic flat gasket
The invention relates to a metallic flat gasket comprising a gasket layer (2) having at least one combustion chamber through-opening (3) which is surrounded by an elastically deformable sealing element (4) which is configured in the form of an undulatory profiling (40) in the gasket layer (2) in such a way that on each of the surfaces (21, 22) of the gasket layer (2) at least two wave crests (41) and two wave troughs (42) are present. The thickness (hyl) of the gasket layer (2) in the region of the sealing element (4), in the unloaded state, is greater than the original thickness (alpha) of the gasket layer. Apart from the undulatory profiling (40), no further sealing or support elements are present around the combustion chamber through-opening (3). The sealing element has, when subjected to linear compression of from 500 to 2,800 N/mm in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the plane (E) of the gasket layer, a thickness which is greater by from 0.05 to 0.3 mm than the original thickness (d) of the gasket layer which has at least 4 through-openings for fastening means (51) and also at least one further through-opening (5) for lubricant or coolant that is surrounded by an elastomer sealing element (6), the combustion chamber through-opening (3) having a diameter of less than 200 mm. |
| US08496252B2 |
Seal
A seal includes a supporting body; a disk-shaped sealing element fixed to the supporting body so as to form a static seal and to include a free end; and a sealing body disposed at the free end so as to form a dynamic sealing edge, wherein the sealing body includes a material that is a different from a material of the sealing element. |
| US08496246B2 |
Thickness detector of paper
A paper-sheet-thickness detecting device includes a reference roller provided on a fixed rotation shaft; a detection roller provided to face and come into contact with the reference roller; a detection block in which the detection roller is provided at one end and the other end is rotatably fixed around a fulcrum shaft so that the detection block is turned and displaced according to a thickness of a paper sheet passing through between the reference and detection rollers; a holding block that holds the fulcrum shaft; a first pressing member fixed to the holding block to maintain contact between the detection and reference rollers by pressing the detection block, the first pressing member being displaced according to rotation and displacement of the detection block when the paper sheet passes through between the reference and detection rollers; and a displacement detector that detects a displacement amount of the first pressing member. |
| US08496242B2 |
Media cassette
A media cassette comprises: a base on which a stack of media items may be placed, a pusher plate biased towards the base and a plurality of drive rollers located beneath the profiled surface and partially protruding through apertures defined in the profiled surface. The base includes a profiled surface extending from a central low region disposed along an axis of the base to higher regions on opposing sides of the central low region. The pusher plate is operable to urge a stack of media items onto the profiled surface. The plurality of drive rollers are operable to drive a media item in contact with the profiled surface out of the media cassette. |
| US08496241B2 |
Sheet feeder, image scanner provided with the sheet feeder, and printer provided with the image scanner
A sheet feeder includes a separation roller having a circumferential surface that contacts a first sheet to be fed first among stacked sheets and picks up the first sheet and one or more second sheets adjacent to the first sheet, a separation arm that is closer to the circumferential surface of the separation roller downstream in a feeding direction and configured to apply higher frictional resistance to the second sheets than the first sheet to feed the first sheet ahead of the second sheets, and a guide member including a guide portion that has a lower-friction surface than the separation arm and extends from the separation arm with a distal end thereof in contact with or close to the circumferential surface of the separation roller. The guide portion guides the first and second sheets along the circumferential surface of the separation roller. |
| US08496240B1 |
Automatic document feeder
An automatic document feeder includes an upper cover, a document pick-up module, and a conveying channel. The upper cover has a first hooking element. The document pick-up module is arranged between the upper cover and the conveying channel. In addition, the document pick-up module has a second hooking element. When the automatic document feeder is operated in a standby mode, the document pick-up module is swung to a position near the upper cover and the second hooking element is engaged with the first hooking element, so that the document pick-up module is fixed on the upper cover. Since the document pick-up module is not contacted with the document when the automatic document feeder is operated in the standby mode, the possibility of causing an erroneous action of the document pick-up module will be eliminated. |
| US08496237B2 |
Apparatus for fabrication of structural members
An apparatus for rotation of a structural beam during fabrication thereof comprises spaced mounting members, each mounting member including a base frame and a circular support bracket supported for rotation by spaced rollers mounted on said base frame. At least one of the spaced rollers includes a drive mechanism to rotate the support brackets with a beam located therein. Each support bracket comprises a beam clamp mechanism with a stationary portion and a movable portion pivotably mounted thereto to form opposable jaws to receivably locate said beam therein. |
| US08496235B2 |
Suspension thrust bearing device and strut
The suspension thrust bearing device comprises a rolling bearing 44 forming an axial stop and a support element 42 for the rolling bearing forming bearing means for a spring, the rolling bearing comprising a bottom ring 48 in contact with the support element, a top ring 46 and a plurality of rolling elements 50 positioned between the rings. The support element 42 comprises a body 60 and a stiffening insert 66 at least partly covered by the body. The body is formed of a rigid material 62 for the transmission of axial forces between the spring and the rolling bearing and a flexible material 64 to provide at least one dynamic seal 84b, 86b inside the device. At least a part of the rigid material is situated radially between the flexible material and the stiffening insert. |
| US08496230B1 |
Winch mounting system
A mounting system for securing a winch to a hauling platform has a mounting base with a mounting base table. The mounting base has an anchoring attachment, a leg, and a mounting attachment. Upon installation, a bottom member bottom surface rests against a hauling platform vertically projecting component expanded top lip top surface. A rear member front surface rests against a hauling platform vertically projecting component outside surface. A vertical clamp component front surface rests against a hauling platform vertically projecting component inside surface. An “L”-shaped screw clamping fastener clamps against a bottom surface of the hauling platform vertically projecting component expanded top lip. A screw clamping fastener is tightened to affix the mounting attachment into position. A leg second end rests against and is located on the hauling platform vertically projecting component inside surface. The system has a winch attached to the anchoring attachment. |
| US08496228B2 |
Planetary gear ball valve
A stemless ball valve comprising a first flange, second flange, ball, inner magnetic cartridge, outer magnetic cartridge, and planetary gear assembly. The inner magnetic cartridge is situated inside of the outer magnetic cartridge, and the inner and outer magnetic cartridges actuate the valve. The planetary gear assembly is situated between the inner magnetic cartridge and the ball. The planetary gear assembly comprises one or more planetary gear phases, each planetary gear phase comprising a step-down gear. Each planetary gear phase comprises one or more planetary gears that engage with the inner teeth of the outer ring of the planetary gear assembly and with a step-down gear. The invention further comprises a pressure equalization system comprising inner and outer equalization tubes, a piston situated between the inner and outer equalization tubes, and either a piston spring or spring washer stack that biases the piston in the direction of the clean oil. |
| US08496226B2 |
Floating ball valve seal with bellows and C-seal
A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve having a top-mounted bonnet, thereby allowing the seal assembly to be installed and removed without removing the valve from the pipeline. In an embodiment, the seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal carrier may be disposed between the seal ring and the valve body, and the seal carrier may be removably secured to the valve body by a plurality of bolts disposed in the valve interior. A primary leak path may exist between the seal ring and the seal carrier and a secondary leak path may exist between the seal carrier and the valve body. A bellows seal may prevent fluid flow through the primary leak path, and an auxiliary seal may prevent fluid flow through the secondary leak path. |
| US08496224B1 |
Tunable valve assembly
A tunable valve assembly attenuates valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies. The assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable preload flange is centrally coupled to the valve body for changing assembly compliance and for imposing a shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. Assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the vibration spectrum is narrowed and its amplitude reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each such altered resonant frequency. At least a first predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through adjustment of shear preload, and at least a second predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through choice of a viscoelastic or composite element in the peripheral groove. The peripheral groove itself may be fenestrated, thereby increasing responsiveness to longitudinal compressive force on the tunable valve assembly. |
| US08496209B2 |
Device for deploying and aiming structural elements in a space environment
A device for deploying and aiming structural elements designed to be placed in Earth includes at least one locking/unlocking device making it possible to deactivate the first coupling mode and to activate a second coupling mode allowing a portion of the device to be aimed at a target. The device uses: a plurality of structural elements linked together by articulations, the assembly forming an articulated arm linked to a payload via a root section; the articulations having at least one pivoting connection making it possible to have two consecutive structural elements pivot relative to one another; a motor making it possible to activate at least one pivoting connection of an articulation; and a system for coupling the articulations making it possible to link the pivoting of all of the structural elements comprising a first coupling mode. |
| US08496207B2 |
Connection of cabin components, cabin component and method for connecting cabin components
A connection device for a plurality of cabin components of an aircraft includes a rail extending in a longitudinal direction of an aircraft structure, wherein the plurality of cabin components is disposed on the rail; and a plurality of adjustment devices configured to self-adjust each of the plurality of cabin components in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08496204B1 |
Method and system for minimizing axial backlash in a dual load path fail-safe aircraft actuator system
The actuator locking mechanism is a bi-directional secondary load path lock that operates under both compression and tension loads via a radial locking wedge and axial slide lock system. This locking mechanism is designed to effectively protect against structural disconnect after a primary load path failure occurs and to minimize the axial play in the engaged secondary load path. To avoid the dormancy of such a failure, the activated mechanism jams/stalls the actuator drive thereby alerting the aircrew and the maintenance crew of the fault condition and allowing safe continued flight and landing. This locking mechanism is impervious to relative deflection between the primary and secondary load path such that under a non-failed condition, the mechanism will not jam. A jam only occurs when axial displacement (tension or compression direction) is greater than a predetermined relative deflection. This axial displacement is eliminated by the slide locking system minimizing the axial play. The makeup of this radial locking design also features a cageless roller implementation which captures the rollers within the features of the V-shaped ramp design. |
| US08496201B2 |
High capacity heat sink
A heat sink is used to absorb heat produced by a vehicle. The heat sink uses a steam reformer to create an endothermic reaction between two fluids. Excess heat from the vehicle's engine is used to heat the reactor to facilitate the endothermic reaction. In some embodiments, the reactant fluids are pre-heated by absorbing heat from various components of the vehicle. Excess heat from the various components or from the vehicle engine is used to vaporize the fluids before the fluids enter the reactor. |
| US08496199B2 |
System and method for limiting cyclic control inputs
A control system having a first loop configured to provide a longitudinal blowback value of a rotor blade during flight and a second loop associated with the first loop, the second loop being configured to provide a design maximum total flapping value and a lateral flapping value. A method includes calculating a flight control limit from the design maximum total flapping value and the lateral flapping value. An upper longitudinal cyclic control limit is calculated by adding the flight control limit to the longitudinal blowback value. A lower longitudinal cyclic control limit is calculated by subtracting the flight control limit from the longitudinal blowback value. |
| US08496196B2 |
Asphalt material recycling system and method
An asphalt roofing material recycling system and method is used to recycle new and used (post consumer) asphalt materials, such as asphalt shingles, rolled roofing and tar paper that may include granules, fibers or other particles. The asphalt material, which may be in bundles, is broken up and separated and then provided to a cooled recycling vessel. Dry ice is added along with the asphalt material to be recycled. The dry ice removes any moisture present and super-cools the material making it brittle and easier to chip and break up. The recycle vessel includes a number of high speed shippers having tulip hear chipping teeth as well as one horizontal mixer element which stirs the material and makes sure all material is ground. The resulting course to fine powder can be separated by screening and stored as power or compressed into bricks or briquettes. |
| US08496192B2 |
Outward opening fuel injector
A fuel injector provided with: an injection valve comprising an injection nozzle; a mobile needle for regulating the fuel flow through the injection valve and ending with a shutting head, which engages a valve seat of the injection valve, is arranged externally with respect to injection valve and presents a predetermined sealing diameter; an actuator for displacing the needle between a closing position and an opening position of the injection valve; a closing spring which tends to maintain the needle in the closing position of the injection valve pushing the shutting head against the valve seat itself in a sense contrary to the feeding sense of the fuel; and a supporting body having a tubular shape and presenting a feeding channel within which a needle is arranged; the needle, at an opposite end of the shutting head, is coupled to a balancing channel, which is at ambient pressure. |
| US08496189B2 |
Methodology for improved mixing of a solid-liquid slurry
Disclosed herein is a mixing apparatus for mixing solids and liquids comprising a mixing chamber defined within a plurality of sides radially arranged about a central axis, the mixing chamber comprising an eductor, the eductor comprising a first chamber inlet separated along the central axis from a chamber outlet by a frusta conical venturi throat arranged coaxial with a central axis; the eductor further comprising a second chamber inlet disposed through one or more of the plurality of sides and located between the first chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, the second chamber inlet having a plurality of second inlet opening diameters, each determined perpendicular to the central axis at the point at which the second chamber inlet intersects with an outer wall of the venturi throat, wherein the second inlet diameters are each less than the diameter of the venturi throat at each of the points at which the second chamber inlet intersects with the outer wall of the venturi throat. A method of mixing solids with a liquid is also disclosed. |
| US08496186B2 |
Barcode label and method of using the same
A shipping label includes a shipping label and an advertising label, and a tear-off tab is formed in the back liner sheet by a score line. After removing the tear-off tab and forming an exposed adhesive layer portion, the label part where the second barcode is printed is folded to the back side of the label to form a back-folded portion, which is held to the back side of the label by the exposed adhesive layer portion. The liner sheet portion contiguous to the tear-off tab is then removed, and the label is attached to the product. Because the second barcode is hidden on the back, only the first barcodes containing tracking information can be read, while the second barcode can be read as needed by unfolding the back-folded portion to the front. |
| US08496185B2 |
Secure ID
A secure identification card is created. The secure identification card includes a first identifying item of information. A first covert marker is applied to the secure identification card. The first covert marker is associated with the first identifying item of information such that the secure identification card is recognized as authentic only if the association between the first covert marker and the first identifying item of information is recognized. The association between the first covert marker and the first identifying item of information is stored at a site that can be used to monitor the use of the secure identification card at a plurality of locations. |
| US08496183B2 |
Non-contact IC card communication controller and non-contact IC card holder
Provided is a non-contact IC card communication controller of a simple configuration which can easily be manufactured at a reasonable cost. The non-contact IC card communication controller (100) includes: a copper plate frame (101) having a cut-off portion (20); and a copper plate piece (30a) which arbitrarily closes the cut-off portion (20). When the controller (100) is arranged so as to be overlapped with a non-contact IC card, the copper plate frame (101) and a coil antenna built in the non-contact IC card are partially or entirely overlapped. If the cut-off portion (20) is in the open state, it is possible to read information recorded on the non-contact IC card. If the cut-off portion (20) is in the closed state, it is impossible to read the information recorded on the non-contact IC card. |
| US08496180B2 |
Managing mobile device interactions using barcodes
A system allows a connecting a mobile device with a barcode scanner to a stationary device by scanning a barcode displayed on a display of the stationary device. The system allows connecting only one mobile device to the stationary device at any given time and allows connecting the mobile device to only one stationary device at any given time. Once connected to the stationary device, the mobile device may be used to scan additional printed barcodes and barcodes displayed by the stationary device or elsewhere, sending data corresponding to the scanned barcodes to the stationary device as if the data were entered by an input device of the stationary device. The barcode scanning functionality may also allow other ways of controlling the mobile device, including performing speed dialing, call transfer, or other telephone functionality based on barcode scanning Encryption and other similar techniques may be employed for additional security. |
| US08496176B2 |
Scanning apparatus and method for entering a user input into the apparatus using a non-electrical control device
A scanning apparatus and method for entering a user input into the apparatus uses a non-electrical control device having a target undersurface, which can be manually manipulated to a particular setting. The particular setting of the non-electrical control device is determined by processing an image of at least a portion of the target undersurface captured by a scan sensor of the scanning apparatus. |
| US08496174B2 |
Smart card operating system and method
The present invention relates to the smart card field, and more specifically to a smart card operating system and method, to avoid the failure of non-contact communication of the smart card operating system resulting from its inability to obtain the information of access to the non-contact field in the prior art. In the present invention, the communication state control module detects whether the smart card operating system enters and/or leaves the a non-contact field; and sets the communication state of the non-contact communication module of the smart card operating system based on the detection result. By applying the technical scheme of the present invention, we can avoid the communication failure which results from the non-contact communication module inability to respond properly to the inquiry from the non-contact terminal when the smart card operating system re-enters the non-contact field. Therefore, the non-contact communication can be maintained between the smart card operating system and the non-contact terminal equipment. |
| US08496170B2 |
Contactless portable object capable of providing an indication on the performance of a contactless reader
The invention concerns a contactless portable object (11) featuring an electronic circuit (14) and an antenna (12) connected together enabling coupling between the electronic circuit and a reader associated with the portable contactless object. According to the main characteristic of the invention, the contactless portable object includes a set of field indicators (18) that provide the user with a measurement of the value of a physical quantity proportional to the quantity of the electromagnetic field which passes through the antenna (12). |
| US08496167B2 |
Cash tracking system
A system of tracking the location of cash is disclosed. |
| US08496164B2 |
Method and apparatus for customer/passenger specific interactive flight information data notification using boarding pass barcode scanning capabilities on low-cost display devices
A low-cost display unit that displays travel-related information to a traveler in a public travel-related area is disclosed and may include a communication interface that facilitates receiving of travel-related information, a machine-readable marking reader that determines the presence of a travel document having one or more machine readable markings, scans the one or more machine-readable markings, and decodes the scanned one or more machine-readable markings, wherein the one or more machine-readable markings contain encoded traveled-related information pertaining to the traveler, and a display control unit that receives the decoded one or more machine-readable marking, and displays the travel-related information contained in the decoded one or more machine-readable markings to the traveler on the low-cost display unit. |
| US08496161B2 |
Device and method for brazing a heat pipe
The present invention relates to a device and method for brazing a heat pipe assembly with copper-silver alloy filler rings to improve heat dissipation efficiency of a heat pipe. The device comprises a brazing furnace and a conveyor. The brazing furnace comprises an open ended passage with a multi-stage brazing heater and cooler. The conveyor comprises an input bracket assembly, an output bracket assembly and a steel mesh belt. The method comprises steps of (A) providing multiple heat pipe components, (B) assembling the heat pipe components to form heat pipe assemblies, (C) injecting mixed gas, (D) turning on the multi-stage brazing heater and cooler, (E) placing the heat pipe assemblies on the conveyor, (F) brazing the heat pipe assemblies to form heat pipes, (G) cooling the heat pipes and (H) removing the heat pipes from the conveyor. |
| US08496151B2 |
Staple gun wire guide
A staple gun tacker includes a wire guide mechanism in its forward end which includes a wire guide plate having a recessed lower end for engaging a wire when the plate is in an extended position and a rotatable cam for moving the plate between extended and retracted positions which includes a circular slot formed therein having one end thereof located closer to the axis of rotation of the cam then the other receiving and engaged with a projection on the cam plate so that rotation of the cam is translated into linear movement of the wire guide plate. |
| US08496141B2 |
Frozen confection machine having simultaneous dispensing of two flavors with clog inhibiting mechanism
A frozen beverage freezer machine is provided with two side-by-side freezer cylinders containing different flowable frozen beverage products. Draw valves are provided to draw the beverages separately for dispensing separately from the two beverage freezer cylinders. An additional draw valve, generally centered relative to the freezer cylinders, is provided to draw beverages from the two cylinders simultaneously for dispensing a mix of the two beverages. Clog breaker blades are coupled to the center draw valve assembly to inhibit clogging of passageways from the frozen beverage cylinders to the center valve, to facilitate reliable flow and mixing of the two beverages when the center valve is opened to dispense the mix into a user's receiver cup. |
| US08496140B2 |
Piston wiper plate for pressing units for melting systems for bags and melting system for bags provided with said piston wiper plate
A piston wiper plate for a pressing unit for melting systems for bags includes a single-piece wiper plate having an axial upper side and an axial bottom side made of elastically resilient material, and a radially outer wiper edge that surrounds the periphery in the relaxed state. The sealing and sliding properties thereof remain within a predetermined range even when the temperatures fluctuate more drastically in that in the wiper plate includes at least one recess that is inserted in the axial upper side and/or in the axial bottom side and/or between the axial upper and bottom sides thereof and that allows for at least a radial compression of the wiper plate. At least one expandable restoring element can be inserted into the recess. |
| US08496137B2 |
Solenoid valve assembly for a dispensing system
A solenoid valve assembly is adapted to control product flow through a dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a housing. A plunger is disposed within the housing and has a first axial surface. A stopper is also disposed within the housing and has a second axial surface facing the first axial surface. At least one flow pathway is provided on at least one of the first and second axial surfaces. |
| US08496135B2 |
Method and apparatus for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations
A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration. |
| US08496134B2 |
Pet waste bag dispenser
A pet waste bag dispenser includes a housing defining an interior compartment and having at least one opening in communication with the interior compartment. A positioner is located within the interior compartment of the housing and configured to position at least one box containing rolled pet waste bags relative to the opening such that the rolled pet waste bags can be dispensed through the opening in the housing. The positioner is also configured to position a plurality of stacked pet waste bags relative to the opening such that the stacked pet waste bags can be dispensed through the opening in the housing. |
| US08496133B2 |
Container for housing a mask blank, method of housing a mask blank, and a mask blank package
A mask blank container adapted to house a mask blank with a resist film. The container comprises a container body 5 for receiving the mask blank; a cap member 6 to be put on the container body; and a fixing member 9 adapted to fix the container body and the cap member to each other when the cap member is put on the container body. The container body and the cap member have fitting portions 51 and 61 made of a resin material and fitted to each other, respectively. The fixing member comprises a first member 91 having an engaging portion 91 a to be engaged with the fitting portion of the cap member, and a second member 92 having an engaging portion 93 to be engaged with the fitting portion of the container body. A distance between the engaging portions of the first and the second members is desired to be variable. |
| US08496132B2 |
Can end
A can end having a countersink bead, an inclined chuck wall and a strong seam, resists distortion from its circular profile when subjected to thermal processing or when packaging carbonated beverages. This high hoop strength affects the manner in which the can end ultimately fails when placed under extreme abuse conditions, even if buckle pressure performance is within industry specified standards. The can end of the invention has control features introduced which control the failure mode whilst maintaining specified buckle pressure performance. In one embodiment, the can end has a two part wall and a control feature that comprises expansion of the countersink bead to act as a trigger for local peaking, together with a groove in the chuck wall which prevents the peaking force from being concentrated at a single point which could result in leaking by the production of a pin hole. |
| US08496131B2 |
Cap for a lug-type closure
A cap 80 for sealing a container having a closure assembly with lug members on the container for sealing with corresponding lugs on the cap 80 has a top panel 84 and a circumferential side wall panel 82, has a top panel 84 and a circumferential side wall panel 82. The top panel 84 is positioned about a longitudinal axis 50 and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The circumferential side wall panel 82 is integral with an outer peripheral edge of the top panel 84 and has first, second, and third segments 90, 92, 94. The first segment 90 extends downwardly. The second segment 92 extends radially outwardly at a first angle to the first segment 90. The third segment 94 extends downwardly from the second segment 94 at a second angle to the second segment 92. |
| US08496130B2 |
Hot-fill container having movable ribs for accommodating vacuum forces
A one-piece plastic container includes a container body and an upper portion having a finish. Integrally formed with the finish and extending downward therefrom is a shoulder region. The shoulder region merges into and provides a transition between the finish and a sidewall portion. The sidewall portion extends downward from the shoulder region to a base portion having a base. The sidewall portion defines a series of horizontal lands and horizontal ribs. The horizontal lands and horizontal ribs extend continuously in a vertical direction from the shoulder region to the base portion. The horizontal ribs are designed to achieve optimal performance with regard to vacuum absorption, top load strength capabilities and dent resistance. |
| US08496129B2 |
Cap and covered container
Provided are a cap capable of being easily and reliably opened and unsealed not limited in design even if an inner cap with a small diameter is used for the cap, producing no refuse after the unsealing, and not unnecessarily large in size, and a container with the cap. When an over cap (3) is rotated in the opening direction, a pair of screw threads (10a, 10b) as opening means are advanced in the direction in which they are tightened together, and this cuts off a planned opening section (4) from the inner cap (2). Thus, the cap has a relatively simple structure and can be simply and reliably unsealed by small force. Also, the planned opening section (4) is integrated with the over cap (3) after unsealing the inner cap (2), so that no refuse is produced after the unsealing, eliminating the need to clear it away from a table. |
| US08496128B2 |
Rotary coupler for a railway car
A railcar coupler system that includes a yoke comprising a front end, a rear end, a top strap, and a bottom strap. The top strap and the bottom strap are positioned between the front end and the rear end. The front end comprises an internal bearing surface that is obliquely angled with respect to a central axis of the yoke that extends from the front end to the rear end of the yoke. The system also includes a connector configured to rotate within the yoke such that an axis of rotation of the connector is substantially aligned with the central axis of the yoke when the connector is positioned within the yoke. The connector includes an external bearing surface that is obliquely angled with respect to the axis of rotation of the connector and configured to correspond to the internal bearing surface of the yoke. |
| US08496121B2 |
Macroporous copolymers with large pores
The present invention provides a macroporous copolymer having large pores, typically in the range of 5,000-200,000 Å and a typical breaking weight of at least 175 g/bead. The macroporous copolymers can be made using an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) techniques. These macroporous copolymers may also form macroporous resins. The present invention also provides methods of using the macroporous copolymers and resins. |
| US08496120B2 |
Filter network
The present invention relates to a filter unit for cleaning fluids, filter systems comprised of a plurality of said filter units, and the use of the filter unit or of the filter systems for filtering sludge and floating algae from water, or for purifying gases. |
| US08496119B2 |
Two piece non-metallic relief valve
A fluid filter is described, which includes a housing having a first end portion defining fluid inlet and fluid outlet areas, a filter media disposed in the housing, having inlet surfaces communicating with the fluid inlet and outlet surfaces communicating with the fluid outlet, and a relief valve assembly for selectively opening a filter bypass connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The relief valve assembly has a media plug for anchoring it in the filter media, the media plug having a bypass aperture connecting to the fluid outlet, and a valve element secured to the media plug. The valve element has a valving portion cooperating with the bypass aperture in the media plug for resiliently closing the bypass aperture when an inlet fluid pressure is below a threshold pressure, and for opening the bypass aperture when the inlet fluid pressure is above the threshold pressure. |
| US08496118B2 |
Filtration device including a loop and a circulation pump
A device for the tangential filtration of a fluid to be processed and intended to be divided into a filtrate and a retentate includes, in an outer case, a series of filtration elements of tubular form lying parallel to each other, at least one output for the filtrate, communicating with the filtrate collection receptacle, a first communication chamber in which are fitted the separation resources, communicating with respectively a first series and a second series of filtration elements forming the go and return circuits of a circulation loop for the fluid to be processed, where the separation resources include a turbine of a circulation pump. The input for the fluid to be processed opens into the first communication chamber of the outer case between the turbine of the circulation pump and the filtration elements of the series forming the return circuit of the circulation loop. |
| US08496117B2 |
Self cleaning, continuously operating filter apparatus for fluids
The filter apparatus for an incoming liquid which includes a retentate and a permeate includes a housing with a frame and a hollow drum assembly mounted for rotation within the housing. An inlet assembly delivers the incoming liquid under pressure to the drum assembly. A filter assembly is mounted to the inside of the drum. A trough assembly is mounted so as to be in a fluid-tight relationship to the interior surface of the filter assembly as the drum rotates past the trough assembly. A manifold is fixedly mounted and configured to cover successive columns of openings of the drum wall as the drum rotates. Pressurized gas is directed to the manifold, so that as the drum turns, and retentate is collected on the interior surface of the filter, pressurized fluid from the manifold dislodges the retentate into the trough and out an outlet assembly. |
| US08496116B2 |
Peripheral sealing system for pre-tensioned screens
A method of forming a shaker screen includes forming a frame, and attaching a first sealing element to at least one side of an outer perimeter of the frame, wherein the attaching comprises aligning a first mating surface of the frame to a second mating surface of the first sealing element, and wherein the first mating surface of the frame includes an extension, and the second mating surface of the first sealing element includes a groove configured to align with the extension. A system of sealing shaker screens includes a first screen and a second screen disposed adjacent the first screen, wherein a first sealing element of a first frame and a portion of the second screen interact to provide a seal between the first screen and the second screen. |
| US08496113B2 |
Insert for carrier board of test handler
An insert for a carrier board of a test handler is disclosed. In a first aspect, the latch block applying to the insert is detachably coupled to the insert body. The latch block can be reused, and thus this reduces wastage of resources and eliminates the insert replacement fee. In a second aspect, the insert pocket having hooks is detachably coupled to the insert body. The insert body can be reused. The latch unit is installed to the insert pocket, so that the damaged latch unit can be easily replaced. The insert forms a plurality of holes in the bottom of the loading part thereof, to expose the leads of the semiconductor devices through the holes downwardly. Thus, the insert can load semiconductor devices regardless of the dimensions of the semiconductor devices. |
| US08496110B2 |
Sequentially placed shipping and packing label system
A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry. |
| US08496109B2 |
Carton with insert
A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. At least two end flaps can be overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A reinforcing insert comprises a central panel and at least one reinforcing end flap. The central panel can be at least partially disposed in the interior of the carton, and the at least one reinforcing end flap can comprise a base portion and a distal portion foldably connected to the base portion. The base portion extends in an oblique direction from the central panel toward the closed end of the carton, and at least a portion of the distal portion is positioned outwardly of at least one of the end flaps. |
| US08496106B1 |
Kits for use by airline travelers and methods of their operation
A kit for use by an airline traveler having an item of carry-on luggage in an airport having a security checkpoint where the traveler is required to remove the traveler's shoes for security inspection. The kit includes a pair of socks configured for wearing on the traveler's feet in order to keep unhygienic substances in proximity of the checkpoint away from the feet when the traveler walks through the checkpoint without the shoes. The kit includes a handheld travel pouch having an inner space and a pocket. The inner space is configured for storing the pair of socks. The pocket is configured for storing a card for providing proof of identity of the traveler. The pocket is configured for allowing of quick removal of the card for display at the checkpoint. The kit includes a means for securing the pouch to the item, the means coupled to the pouch. |
| US08496103B2 |
Conveying apparatus
A conveying apparatus (1) moves a transport unit (3) having at least one running section (4, 5). The running section (4, 5) can, in particular, be configured as a runner of a skid. The conveying apparatus (1) has a support (6, 8) which takes up the weight of the transport unit (3) on the running section (4, 5). The conveying apparatus (1) includes at least one drive roller (20) which interacts with the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3) for a rolling movement and subjects the transport unit (3) to a force (FK) for movement along the support (6, 8). The drive roller (20) is operatively connected to a force-generating device (44) for providing a press-on force (FP) pressing the drive roller (20) against the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3). |
| US08496094B2 |
Spring suspension for a handlebar-steered vehicle
A coil spring suspension designed for a handlebar-steered vehicle. The coil spring suspension generally includes a first tube, a coil spring, a shaft and a guide. A first end of the coil spring is disposed within the first tube and fixedly supported proximate a first end of the first tube. The coil spring extends beyond a second end of the first tube. The shaft fixedly supports a second end of the coil spring. The shaft and the first tube are slidably displaced relative to each other upon suspension loading to lengthwise compress the coil spring. The guide is disposed within the first tube and connected to the coil spring between the first and second ends of the coil spring. The guide is displaced with the coil spring under suspension loading and limiting lateral displacement of the coil spring. |
| US08496087B2 |
Fitting system for a hydraulic tuning cable
A tuning tube that can be easily changed out without destroying the hydraulic hose assembly in which it is located where the tuning tube is retained on the sleeve section of a secondary fitting and the secondary fitting has a collar section that is held in a receiving bore formed in an inlet cavity. The connector is connected at an inlet end to a hydraulic system component such as a pump and is connected at an outlet end to a hydraulic hose. The tuning tube extends into the hydraulic hose from the secondary fitting and the connector. |
| US08496085B2 |
Motor control device and electric power steering apparatus
An angular velocity estimate (ωe) used in motor control of an electric power steering is obtained as follows. In a first state period during which the motor substantially stops its rotation, a resistance calculation unit calculates a motor resistance value (Rc) on the basis of a detected value (Vm) of motor voltage and a detected value (Im) of motor current. An average calculation unit obtains an average value (Rav) of the calculated resistance values (Rc) in a retained period. A current-resistance characteristic that associates motor current with motor resistance is held in a characteristic holding unit, and a characteristic updating unit updates the current-resistance characteristic on the basis of the average value (Rav). An estimate calculation unit calculates the angular velocity estimate (ωe) on the basis of the detected value (Vm) of motor voltage, the detected value (Im) of motor current and a motor resistance value (Rm) obtained from the current-resistance characteristic. |
| US08496084B2 |
Throttle sensor mounting structure
A throttle sensor mounting structure for suppressing the influence on the arrangement of a lighting device located on the front side of a head pipe. A throttle sensor mounting structure in a saddle seat type vehicle includes a handle, a throttle grip rotatably mounted on the handle, a throttle sensor for detecting an operational amount of the throttle grip, a controller for controlling a power unit according to a detection value from the throttle sensor, a pair of right and left main frames extending to the rear from a head pipe, and a headlight provided on the front side of the head pipe. The throttle sensor is located on the rear side of the head pipe and between the right and left main frames so as to be superimposed on the main frames as viewed in a side elevation. |
| US08496083B2 |
Rear wheel suspension device of motorcycle
A rear wheel suspension device of a motorcycle has rear end portions of an upper arm member and a lower arm rotatably joined to a knuckle member, which pivotally supports a rear wheel. The rear wheel suspension device can obtain a progressive cushion property while avoiding an increase in the number of parts. At the same time, the rear wheel suspension device can make the acquisition of extra rigidity of the vehicle body frame unnecessary. One end of a rear cushion unit is joined to one of an upper arm member and a lower arm member. A rear end portion of another of the upper arm member and the lower arm member is rotatably joined to a knuckle member in front of a rear wheel support portion of the knuckle member. Another end of the rear cushion unit is joined to one of another arm member and knuckle member. |
| US08496082B2 |
Two-wheeled vehicle
A two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The two-wheeled vehicle may include a passenger hand grip which is stowable under a straddle seat of the vehicle. The two-wheeled vehicle may include saddlebags having an open bottom. |
| US08496078B2 |
Semi-autonomous vehicle providing cargo space
A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link. |
| US08496076B2 |
Polycrystalline compacts including nanoparticulate inclusions, cutting elements and earth-boring tools including such compacts, and methods of forming such compacts
Polycrystalline compacts include non-catalytic nanoparticles in interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline hard material. Cutting elements and earth-boring tools include such polycrystalline compacts. Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts include sintering hard particles and non-catalytic nanoparticles to form a polycrystalline material. Methods of forming cutting elements include infiltrating interstitial spaces between interbonded grains of hard material in a polycrystalline material with a plurality of non-catalytic nanoparticles. |
| US08496070B2 |
Folding hitch lift arm
A lift arm assembly is provided for a hitch having a hitch frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. The lift arm assembly includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame and having a having a pivot bore therein. A second arm is adapted for coupling to an implement and has a pivot pin which is rotatably and slidably received by the pivot bore. The second arm is slidable with respect to the first arm from an inboard position to an outboard position. When the second arm is in its outboard position, the second arm is pivotal about the pivot pin from a lowered position to a raised position. |
| US08496068B1 |
Draft force sensor assembly
A draft sensing mechanism includes a draft frame adapted to be attached to a frame of a vehicle. The draft frame has left and right supports adapted to be coupled to corresponding left and right draft links. A draft strap has a left end fixed to a front side of the left support and a right end fixed to a front side of the right support. The draft strap is deflectable in response to draft forces applied to the left and right supports. A draft sensor is attached to the draft strap. The sensor generates a draft signal in response to deflection of the draft strap. |
| US08496066B2 |
Methods for increasing oil production
A method of recovering petroleum from dormant oil wells or increasing the production of oil wells. An alkali or alkali earth carbonate is introduced into a water layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir and/or an explosive composition is introduced into an oil layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir. CO2 gas is produced by reacting the alkali or alkali earth carbonate with an acid and/or by detonating the explosive composition. An explosive composition can be introduced and detonated to achieve sufficient CO2 gas production to increase pressure within the subterranean petroleum reservoir. Petroleum recovery can be further enhanced through the use of techniques to reduce petroleum viscosity including sonication. |
| US08496064B2 |
System and method for engaging completions in a wellbore
A technique is provided for engaging and disengaging an upper completion with a lower completion positioned in a wellbore. The upper completion comprises an upper communication line, and the lower completion comprises a lower communication line. The upper completion is mechanically latched with the lower completion and the communication lines are coupled in a manner that enables selective engagement and disengagement. A communication line union is used to connect the upper communication line and the lower communication line in a plurality of rotational orientations of the upper completion relative to the lower completion. |
| US08496063B2 |
Separation of drill cuttings from drilling fluid on a seabed
A method and device for recovering drilling fluid used in connection with the provision of a subsea well, in which the drilling fluid is circulated from a vessel on a sea surface via a drill string and out through a drill bit into an annulus which is defined by a borehole and the drill string. The device includes a filtering device which is connected, in respect of fluid, to an annulus and which is arranged to contain drill cuttings and drilling fluid. A fluid line extends from a portion of the filtering device to the vessel, the fluid line being arranged to carry drilling fluid which has been separated from the drill cuttings back to the vessel. |
| US08496058B2 |
Well fishing method and system
A well fishing method and system is described. In at least one example of the invention, a method of retrieval of material (e.g., a tubing string) having broken control or monitoring lines from a cased well is provided. The method comprises: isolating, from the well casing, broken lines above the material to be retrieved, thereby creating a substantially axial work passage; grasping the material to be removed through the substantially axial work passage; and pulling the material to be retrieved and the restrained lines from the well. Example shrouds, probes and other members are also described. |
| US08496053B2 |
Erosional protection of fiber optic cable
A method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a cable for use in a wellbore is described herein. The cable has one or more optical fibers adapted to monitor and/or control a condition in the wellbore. The cable includes a layer of elastomeric material at least partially located on an outer surface of the cable. The elastomeric material is adapted to absorb energy due to the impact of particles in production fluid or wellbore fluid against the cable. |
| US08496052B2 |
Bottom set down hole tool
A flow back plug, a bridge plug, a ball drop plug and plug with a disintegratable check therein are made from a common subassembly including, in some embodiments, a mandrel, a slips/seal section, a setting assembly and a mule shoe. In other embodiments, the common components are a mandrel, a slips/seal section and a mule shoe. To make the flow back plug, a ball check is placed in the mule shoe. To make the bridge plug, an obstruction is inserted in the mule shoe. To make the ball drop plug, the mule shoe is left unobstructed so any ball dropped in a well seats in a tapered inlet to the mandrel. To make a plug with a disintegratable check, a ball dropped in the well is of a type that disintegrated in frac liquids. The setting assembly includes a setting rod connected to a setting device in the mandrel passage. When the plug is expanded into sealing engagement with a production string, the setting rod pulls out of the setting device leaving a passage through the mandrel and through the setting device. Another embodiment is an improved adapter sleeve used on conventional setting tools. |
| US08496050B2 |
Arrangement used in oil field wells for lifting hydrocarbons
Arrangement for the lifting of hydrocarbons in oil field wells, comprising a lifting assembly formed by a fluid collecting hose and a fluid suction tube within the well casing. The suction tube extends along the collecting hose, which has an open upper end, through which passes the upper section of the suction tube, which has an end attached to the pulling cable of the “collecting hose/suction tube” assembly. |
| US08496049B2 |
Heat sinks with distributed and integrated jet cooling
A heat sink with distributed jet cooling is provided. The heat sink includes a base for thermal connection to at least one heated object, an array of fins thermally coupled to the base, and at least one multi-orifice synthetic jet or multiple single orifice jets disposed on a side of the array of fins. A heat sink with distributed and integrated jet cooling is also provided and includes a base and an array of fins. Respective ones of at least a subset of the fins comprise a synthetic jet configured to eject an ambient fluid into an ambient environment of the fins and base. Another heat sink with distributed and integrated jet cooling is provided and includes a base, an array of fins and multiple synthetic jets coupled to respective ones of the fins. The synthetic jets are provided for at least a subset of the fins. |
| US08496040B2 |
Method and apparatus for fixing the length of a pull cord
An adjustable cord restraining device for a blind assembly having a head rail, a bottom rail and at least one pull cord extending through a cord passage of the head rail and coupled to the bottom rail includes an annular member sufficiently sized to prevent entry of the annular member into the cord passage of the head rail and further travel of the pull cord through the head rail. A method of preventing the further extension of a pull cord includes obtaining an annular member sized larger than a pull cord passageway of a head rail pinching a mid-section of the pull cord and inserting the pinched portion of the mid-section through the annular member, forming a loop with the pull cord, inserting a free end of the pull cord through the loop to form an adjustable knot. |
| US08496038B2 |
Sliding door with anti-sway trolley assembly
The present invention provides at least one anti-sway trolley assembly used in conjunction with either a single sided partition set or sandwiched between first and second partition side in a double sided partition set. The anti-sway trolley assembly comprises a floating rod affixed at a first end to a trolley. Affixed at a rod second end is a floor contact member which provides frictional resistance to lateral displacement of the door. Each anti-sway trolley assembly rides in a chain guide and is affixed to a partition hinge rod. In this manner, a floor channel is not required to achieve resistance to lateral displacement forces. |
| US08496034B2 |
Methods for predicting warp at a given condition
Methods are provided for predicting warp of a lumber product at a given condition, such as relative humidity, temperature, moisture content, or the like. Note that this methodology may apply to any of crook, bow, twist, cup, or combinations of these quantities. The method involves measuring an original warp of a first wood product at a known condition; changing the condition of the first wood product to a new condition; measuring a second warp of the first wood product at the new condition; developing a prediction model based on data from the original warp and condition and the second warp; measuring an original warp and condition of the given wood product; and inputting data from the original warp and condition of the given wood product to the prediction model to determine warp at a given condition. |
| US08496029B2 |
Extreme flow rate and/or high temperature fluid delivery substrates
A flow substrate including a body having a first surface and a second opposing surface, a plurality of pairs of ports defined in the first surface of the body, a plurality of fluid pathways extending between each respective pair of ports and in fluid communication with each port of the respective pair of ports, and at least one cap. Each fluid pathway is formed in the second surface of the body. The at least one cap has a first surface constructed to seal at least one fluid pathway, and a second opposing surface. At least one of the body and the at least one cap includes a weld formation formed in at least one of the second surface of the body and the second surface of the at least one cap constructed to surround the at least one fluid pathway and facilitate welding of the at least one cap to the body along the weld formation. |
| US08496026B2 |
Valve
A valve comprising a first pan (10′) defining a first array of apertures (20′) and a second part (50) defining a second array of apertures (60′), the first pan (10′) being moveable relative to the second part (50) between a first configuration in which passage of a fluid through the valve is substantially prevented and a second configuration in which passage of fluid is allowed. In one embodiment, the first pan (10′) comprises a flexible plate-like member configured to engage a sealing face of the second part (50) when in the second configuration and lock in the second configuration in response to a pressure differential across the valve. The plate-like member is sufficiently flexible to conform to a profile of the sealing face in response to a pressure differential across the valve. |
| US08496019B2 |
Tent
A tent includes a tent cloth and a tent frame to support the tent cloth. The tent frame comprises a top module and a plurality of supporting poles which are radially pivoted to the top module. The top module includes a modular main body, a top cap and a quick-pitch assembly. The modular main body includes a plurality of pivot sockets which are integrally formed with the modular main body. Each pivot socket is pivotally connected with a connector. The connector is further connected to the respective supporting pole. The connector has a top engaging portion at a pivot end thereof to mate with the quick-pitch assembly. The top cap is coupled to the modular main body to form a middle space. The quick-pitch assembly is located in the middle space and able to move up and down. |
| US08496016B2 |
Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method
A cleaning apparatus includes: a supply unit to supply at least an initial amount of cleaning solution to a specific portion of an object to be cleaned; an agitator to induce agitation in the cleaning solution supplied to the object; a monitoring unit to monitor an amount of the cleaning solution and to provide a signal indicative thereof; and a control unit to detect a threshold amount of reduction in the cleaning solution based on the signal from the monitoring unit and accordingly to control the supply unit to supply an additional amount of cleaning solution to the specific portion of the object. |
| US08496005B2 |
Breathing mask and regulator for aircraft
The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position. |
| US08496002B2 |
Powder inhaler devices
An improved inhalation device is provided for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device includes a staple assembly comprising a plunger and staple that are securely and robustly coupled to one another. Embodiments of the inhalation device have a cap that prevents or reduces the amount of dust and grime entering into the device. The cap is additionally configured to prevent or reduce inadvertent and unintentional operation of the device. The body portion and first casing portion of certain embodiments of the inhalation device are sealably coupled, restricting or reducing undesirable flow pathways that have an adverse effect on the operation of the device. |