| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08916835B1 |
UV lamp support assembly
A fluid treatment system includes plural housings (10, 78). Each housing includes quartz tubes (16, 80) fixedly supported at an upper plate (12, 106) while being movably supported at a lower plate (14, 104). Each tube has a UV light emitter that can eradicate microorganisms in a liquid. The tube support arrangement includes a plurality of tube retainer assemblies. Each retainer assembly includes a tube holding cup (30, 90) surrounded by a coil spring (24, 94). Each cup includes an upper lip (34), a lower lip (36), and a foot (42). The lips retain the cup in a lower plate aperture (20,116) while the foot engages the tube's domed end. A cup can hold a tube in the lower plate while constraining lateral movement of the tube, providing spring-biased axial support to the tube, and allowing axially-extending thermal expansion of the tube. |
| US08916830B2 |
X-ray detector panel
An X-ray detector panel comprises: a substrate; a transistor including a gate electrode disposed on the substrate, a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode, an active layer disposed on the gate insulating layer, and a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on the active layer and separated from each other; a photodiode including a first electrode connected to the drain electrode of the transistor, a photoconductive layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the photoconductive layer; an interlayer insulating layer including a first interlayer insulating layer covering the transistor and the photodiode, the first interlayer insulating layer being formed of an insulating material having a band gap energy of about 8 eV to about 10 eV; a data line disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and contacting the source electrode of the transistor via the interlayer insulating layer; a bias line disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and contacting the second electrode of the photodiode via the interlayer insulating layer; and a passivation layer disposed on the data line, the bias line, and the interlayer insulating layer. |
| US08916826B2 |
Diode sensor matrix and method of reading out a diode sensor matrix
A diode sensor matrix including a multitude of diodes is configured to detect, in a first measuring cycle, a first sensor value at a first diode or at diodes of a first group of diodes while operating the first diode and/or the diodes of the first group in the flow direction and operating the diodes, which share an anode or cathode or terminal with the first diode or with any of the diodes of the first group, in the reverse direction, and to detect, in a second measuring cycle, a second sensor value at a second diode among the diodes which share an anode or cathode terminal with the first diode or with any of the diodes of the first group, while operating the second diode in the flow direction and operating the first diode or a diode from the first group in the reverse direction. |
| US08916825B1 |
Ultraviolet, infrared and terahertz photo/radiation sensors using graphene layers to enhance sensitivity
Ultraviolet (UV), Terahertz (THZ) and Infrared (IR) radiation detecting and sensing systems using graphene nanoribbons and methods to making the same. In an illustrative embodiment, the detector includes a substrate, single or multiple layers of graphene nanoribbons, and first and second conducting interconnects each in electrical communication with the graphene layers. Graphene layers are tuned to increase the temperature coefficient of resistance to increase sensitivity to IR radiation. Absorption over a wide wavelength range of 200 nm to 1 mm are possible based on the two alternative devices structures described within. These two device types are a microbolometer based graphene film where the TCR of the layer is enhanced with selected functionalization molecules. The second device structure consists of a graphene nanoribbon layers with a source and drain metal interconnect and a deposited metal of SiO2 gate which modulates the current flow across the phototransistor detector. |
| US08916824B2 |
Pyroelectric light detector, pyroelectric light detecting device, and electronic device
A pyroelectric light detector has a base unit, a support member, and a plurality of pyroelectric capacitors containing pyroelectric bodies. The support member includes a first surface and a second surface facing opposite the first surface, and has a hollow space section formed between the second surface and the base unit. The plurality of pyroelectric capacitors are supported by the support member. The plurality of pyroelectric capacitors supported by the support member are electrically connected in series in a direction matching the polarization direction. The position of the projection point for which the center of gravity of the light absorption region corresponding to the pyroelectric capacitor is projected two dimensionally with a plan view can be made to exist inside the region in which the contour line of the pyroelectric body of the pyroelectric capacitor is projected two dimensionally. |
| US08916823B2 |
Method and system for non-destructive distribution profiling of an element in a film
A method to determine a distribution profile of an element in a film. The method comprises exciting an electron energy of an element deposited in a first film, obtaining a first spectrum associating with the electron energy, and removing a background spectrum from the first spectrum. Removing the background value generates a processed spectrum. The method further includes matching the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum with a known simulated distribution profile for the element in a film comparable to the first film. A distribution profile is obtained for the element in the first film based on the matching of the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum selected from the set of simulated spectra. |
| US08916819B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving the throughput of a charged particle analysis system
A method of increasing ion throughput within an accumulator, an energy lift and a pulsed ion extractor, operated in that order upon a batch of ions, comprising the steps of: firstly loading a batch of ions into the accumulator; secondly changing the electrical potential of the energy lift to raise the energy of the batch of ions contained therein; and thirdly ejecting the batch of ions from the pulsed ion extractor; and wherein: the energy lift is a separate device from the accumulator and the pulsed ion extractor, and whilst changing the electrical potential in the second step a fresh batch of ions is loaded into the accumulator and/or a previous batch of ions is prepared for ejection in the pulsed ion extractor; or the energy lift is incorporated into the pulsed ion extractor and whilst changing the electrical potential in the second step a fresh batch of ions is loaded into the accumulator; or the energy lift is incorporated into the accumulator and whilst changing the electrical potential in the second step a previous batch of ions is prepared for ejection in the pulsed ion extractor. A charged particle analyzer system is also provided. |
| US08916814B2 |
Multi-directional rolling member sensor switch
A sensor switch includes a housing having a receiving chamber defined by top and bottom walls and a multi-sided chamber surrounding wall, and a light emitter and a light receiver disposed outwardly of the surrounding wall at two opposite positions. The surrounding wall is formed with two light passage holes which are aligned respectively with the light emitter and the light receiver to permit a light path to extend therethrough. The bottom wall has a bottom inclined wall face that forms an included angle of from −80 degrees to 80 degrees with respect to a first axis. A rolling member is movable in the receiving chamber to alternately block and unblock the light path when moving to and fro on the bottom wall. |
| US08916813B2 |
Background-free balanced optical cross correlator
A balanced optical cross correlator includes an optical waveguide, a first photodiode including a first n-type semiconductor and a first p-type semiconductor positioned about the optical waveguide on a first side of the optical waveguide's point of symmetry, and a second photodiode including a second n-type semiconductor and a second p-type semiconductor positioned about the optical waveguide on a second side of the optical waveguide's point of symmetry. A balanced receiver including first and second inputs is configured to produce an output current or voltage that reflects a difference in currents or voltages, originating from the first and the second photodiodes of the balanced cross correlator and fed to the first input and to the second input of the balanced receiver. |
| US08916808B2 |
Induction heating cooking device
The present invention provides an inductive heating cooking device capable of detecting a temperature of a bottom of a pan instantly without delay in detection of temperature, and precisely keeping a temperature of a cooking container constant, and control method thereof, and control program thereof. The inductive heating cooking device includes a top plate (103) on which a cooking container is placed, a heating coil (104) to which a high-frequency current is applied to generate an induction magnetic field for heating the cooking container, an input unit (114) configured to receive a command for keeping a temperature of the cooking container at a constant temperature, a control unit (105) configured to control a heating of the cooking container by controlling the high-frequency current to be applied to the heating coil, and an infrared ray sensor (106) configured to detect an infrared ray energy radiated from the cooking container through the top plate. The control unit (105) controls the high-frequency current to be applied to the heating coil based on an output of the infrared ray sensor so as to keep the temperature of the cooking container at the constant temperature according to the command received by the input unit. |
| US08916805B2 |
Heating glass and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a heating glass including a glass; a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer formed on one surface of the glass; and a thermal conductive pattern formed on the transparent conductive oxide layer, and a method of manufacturing the same. |
| US08916792B2 |
Submerged arc welding system with pressurized flux delivery and welding torch
A submerged arc welding system includes a robot having a first arm connected to a second arm, and at least one wire supply. A welding torch is connected to a first end of the second arm of the robot. A wire motor is mounted to a second end of the second arm of the robot. The wire motor moves wire from the wire supply along a wire path to the welding torch. The system further includes a flux supply and a flux delivery system configured to move flux from the flux supply along a flux path to the welding torch. |
| US08916790B1 |
Switchgear
Disclosed is a switchgear including: a vacuum chamber; a fixed electrode having a fixed contact at an end thereof, the fixed contact being disposed within the vacuum chamber; a movable electrode having a movable contact at an end thereof, the movable contact being disposed within the vacuum chamber; a linkage assembly electrically connecting or disconnecting the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; an engaging coil spring; and a disengaging coil spring. The engaging coil spring and the disengaging coil spring are provided such that centers of the diametric directions thereof are substantially coaxial and at least a part of the engaging coil spring and a part of the disengaging coil spring overlap each other. |
| US08916789B2 |
Access door with integrated switch actuator
An apparatus and method are disclosed for creating an integrated access door and switch actuator. The integrated access door and switch actuator are created from a single composite material. The composite material is flexible to allow movement, but is also durable to provide a protective covering. The integrated access door and switch actuator include a living hinge, which allows the access door to move to an open and closed position while the switch actuator is stationary in a fixed position. |
| US08916787B2 |
Apparatus and method for a switching mechanism
A switching mechanism includes a housing, an actuator retained within the housing, and an electrical switching apparatus. The actuator includes an actuation element retained by the housing, where at least a portion of the actuation element is positioned for receiving an actuation load, and a plunger substantially in contact with the actuation element and operable to translate when an actuation load is applied to the actuation element. A sealing element placed around a second cylindrical portion of the plunger contacts inner surfaces of the housing to provide a seal between a first end and second end of the housing. The actuator also includes a spring operable to apply a force to resist translation of the plunger. An electrical switching apparatus is retained by the second end of the housing. |
| US08916785B1 |
Double break disconnect switch
A double break disconnect switch with a novel drive mechanism that swings the blade open and closed in a conventional manner but the rotation with respect to its longitudinal axis is unique. This mechanism uses a unique cam to rotate the blade about a hinge axis. The blade bearings are of very small diameter to reduce friction and are offset from the blade center of gravity so as to use the blade's weight to keep the blade in disengagement with the break jaw contacts when the switch is opened. The blade bearings are not around the diameter of the blade, the friction does not increase as current rating increases. A camming mechanism is profiled to give maximum rotational torque to the blade as it compresses the contact fingers as the switch closes to its final position. |
| US08916782B2 |
Multi-layered circuit board and electro-static discharge protection structure
An electro-static discharge (ESD) protection structure includes a first insulation layer (having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a through hole), a patterned conductive layer (located on the first surface), an electro-static releasing layer (located on the second surface), and a solder mask layer. At least one portion of the patterned conductive layer surrounds the through hole. The electro-static releasing layer is electrically insulated from the patterned conductive layer. At least one portion of the electro-static releasing layer is around the through hole. The solder mask layer covers the first insulation layer and a portion of the patterned conductive layer and exposes a portion of the patterned conductive layer surrounding the through hole. A multi-layered circuit board including a second insulation layer, a power supply layer, a third insulation layer and the ESD protection structure is also provided. |
| US08916778B2 |
Light emitting device array and light system
Embodiments are about light emitting devices array. The light emitting device array according to embodiments may include a printed circuit board including a base layer, a first protection layer which is in contact with at least one surface of the base layer, an insulating layer disposed on the base layer, and a conduction layer disposed on the insulating layer and a light emitting device package mounted on the conduction layer, wherein the base layer includes iron (Fe). |
| US08916777B2 |
Dust tight and water tight seal for conduit/junction box connection
A gasket system is described for use with a conduit and junction box dust-tight seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a two-piece split clamp, each clamp having a shaft portion, a flange portion, a locknut cavity portion and lip portion. The gasket system includes one or more of a shaft gasket, a flange gasket, and a lip gasket that are mounted on and are used in conjunction with the overall seal assembly. |
| US08916771B2 |
Photovoltaic device and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device. The method includes: forming a first electrode on a substrate; forming a first unit cell converting light into electricity on the first electrode; forming an intermediate reflector on the first unit cell, the intermediate reflector including metallic nanoparticles arranged therein; and forming a second unit cell converting light into electricity on the intermediate reflector. |
| US08916770B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion device may effectively prevent an electrolyte from leaking and have a high durability. A photoelectric conversion device includes a first substrate and a second substrate spaced from the first substrate. A plurality of first electrodes are on a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate and extend from a sealing region of the first substrate, and the first electrodes are spaced from each other. A protective layer is on the first electrodes, and an end portion of the protective layer on the sealing region extends continuously across at least two of the first electrodes. |
| US08916769B2 |
Tandem nanofilm interconnected semiconductor wafer solar cells
An energy conversion device comprises at least two thin film photovoltaic cells fabricated separately and joined by wafer bonding. The cells are arranged in a hierarchical stack of decreasing order of their energy bandgap from top to bottom. Each of the thin film cells has a thickness in the range from about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm. The photovoltaic cell stack is mounted upon a thick substrate composed of a material selected from silicon, glass, quartz, silica, alumina, ceramic, metal, graphite, and plastic. Each of the interfaces between the cells comprises a structure selected from a tunnel junction, a heterojunction, a transparent conducting oxide, and an alloying metal grid; and the top surface and/or the lower surface of the energy conversion device may contain light-trapping means. |
| US08916763B2 |
Transducer
Provided is a transducer that can be attached to a desired position and removed therefrom and that does not damage musical instruments. A first magnet member and a second magnet member are mutually attracted toward one another by magnetic force across the top board of a ukulele. Thus, a receiver unit including a piezoelectric element, which is supported by the first magnet member, can be positioned at a desired position. Because the receiver unit is kept in position only by the mutually attracting magnetic forces, the receiver unit can be moved to any desired position even after once being positioned on the top surface of the ukulele. |
| US08916760B1 |
Music notation system
An improved music notation system is disclosed. Each pitch has a discrete, highly memorable symbol and corresponding mnemonic, while still having a spatial component and mapping onto the same spot as the standard system. Thus the shape of a melody can be quickly discerned, while individual pitches can also be quickly recognized without having to learn the treble and bass clef separately. Each rhythmic symbol is also unique and most are horizontal, and so now reflect how long you hold each note, thus creating a spatial component where there was none before. This makes for each rhythmic symbol to be much more intuitive and easier to learn and understand. We've also changed minor rules that empirically give trouble to beginning learners, such as placement of sharps and flats, and the ties/dots system has also been improved. |
| US08916759B2 |
Acoustic drum
An acoustic drum 10 has a hollow cylindrical shell 11, a drumhead 12 mounted to an opening end of the shell 11 to form a striking surface, a striking surface attachment 13a provided on the entire surface of a useful movable portion of the front side of the drumhead 12, and a striking surface attachment 13b provided on the entire surface of a useful movable portion of the reverse side of the drumhead 12. Each of the striking surface attachments 13a and 13b is formed of a resin film, with respective outer areas of the striking surface attachments 13a and 13b being fixed to the drumhead 12. As a result, the acoustic drum 10 can reduce sound volume, while maintaining struck sounds having brightness and providing a player with favorable feeling of striking. |
| US08916758B2 |
Adjustable musical instrument lever
The present invention is an adjustable musical instrument lever that changes the throw, amount of leverage, and amount of resistance the lever incurs when moved. The device also adjusts to accommodate the size of the player's hand. Further, it can be retrofit to many valved musical instruments. |
| US08916751B2 |
Control of AAD dicot volunteers in monocot crops
The subject invention relates in part to the control of AAD-12 and/or AAD-13 dicot volunteers in fields planted with monocot crops such as corn. The dicots can include soybeans and cotton. |
| US08916749B2 |
Isopentenyl transferase sequences and methods of use
Methods and compositions for modulating plant development are provided. Polynucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences encoding isopentenyl transferase (IPT) polypeptides are provided. The sequences can be used in a variety of methods including modulating root development, modulating floral development, modulating leaf and/or shoot development, modulating senescence, modulating seed size and/or weight, and modulating tolerance of plants to abiotic stress. Polynucleotides comprising an IPT promoter are also provided. The promoter can be used to regulate expression of a sequence of interest. Transformed plants, plant cell, tissues, and seed are also provided. |
| US08916742B2 |
Anatomically engineered configured article
An engineered designed article providing multi-directional support. Portions of three or more overlapping, circular-like bodies are integrated on a flexible planar membrane into products, such as bandages, headgear, tool handles, lumbar pillows, backpacks, cervical supports, and back supports, to offer a multi-directional, (360° quadrant) support or pressure-concentrating area, to enhance specific support at the medial, lateral, inferior and/or superior part of a body part. The article can be made of material that is waterproof, acts as a shock absorber, and provides multi-directional support. Medicaments can be infused into the pressure-concentrating area of the support or into the membrane itself. An aperture for accepting IV needles is also provided. |
| US08916739B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for preparing normal paraffins and hydrocarbon product streams
Methods and apparatuses for preparing normal paraffins and hydrocarbon product streams are provided herein. A method of preparing normal paraffins includes providing an unsaturated feed that includes an unsaturated compound that has at least one alkenyl group. The unsaturated feed is epoxidized to convert the at least one alkenyl group in the unsaturated compound to an epoxide functional group, thereby converting the unsaturated compound to an epoxide compound that has at least one epoxide functional group. The at least one epoxide functional group in the epoxide compound is converted to at least one secondary hydroxyl functional group, thereby converting the epoxide compound to a hydroxyl-functional compound that has at least one hydroxyl functional group. The hydroxyl-functional compound is deoxygenated to form normal paraffins. |
| US08916733B2 |
Processes for hydrofluorination of 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene to 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane
A process for making 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. The process has the step of contacting 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a catalyst having about 25 to about 99.9 mole percent antimony pentachloride and about 0.1 to about 75 mole percent of a metal of a Lewis acid under conditions sufficient to form the 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. There is a second process for making 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. The process has the step of hydrofluorinating about 75 to about 99.9 mole percent 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and about 0.1 to about 25 mole percent of one or more other hydrocarbons having at least one chlorine atom in the presence of a catalyst of fluorinated antimony pentachloride under conditions sufficient to form the 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. There is yet another process for hydrofluorinating 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene to 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. The process has the step of contacting the 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a vapor phase catalyst under conditions sufficient to form the 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. |
| US08916732B2 |
Method for preparing chlorohydrins and method for preparing epichlorohydrin using chlorohydrins prepared thereby
A method of preparing chlorohydrins and a method of preparing epichlorohydrin using chlorohydrins prepared by using the same method are provided. The method is to prepare chlorohydrins by reacting polyhydroxy aliphatic hydrocarbon with a chlorination agent in the presence of a catalyst, and the method includes at least one combination of a series of unit operations including the following steps in the following stated order: a first reaction step; a water removal step; and a second reaction step, wherein the water removing step is performed by distillation operation based on a boiling point difference between constituents of a reaction mixture. The method of preparing epichlorohydrin includes reacting chlorohydrins prepared by using the method of preparing chlorohydrins with an alkaline agent. |
| US08916729B2 |
Compounds with (perfluoroalkyl) fluorohydrogenphosphate anions
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds with (perfluoroalkyl)fluorohydrogenphosphate anion, and to compounds containing (perfluoroalkyl)fluorohydrogenphosphate anion and to the use thereof. |
| US08916724B2 |
Method for the production of (meth)acrylic esters
The present invention relates to a process for preparing (meth)acrylates, comprising the transesterification of a low-boiling ester of (meth)acrylic acid with a reactant alcohol in the presence of catalysts, which is characterized in that the transesterification is catalysed by a basic ion exchanger. |
| US08916721B1 |
Partition coefficient ester compositions
The present invention is directed to ester compositions which result from the trans-esterification of a triglyceride having an iodine value of between 85 and 175 mg KOH/gm with a fatty alcohol having a melting point of between 35° and 75° C., followed by cooling and removal of the polar phase which results. Surprisingly, we have found the composition has unique properties when used in cosmetic applications. |
| US08916716B2 |
Process for the preparation of crystalline form II of L-malic acid salt of sunitinib
The present invention relates to stable crystalline Form II of L-malic acid salt of sunitinib and its preparation. |
| US08916708B2 |
Urea derivatives and their therapeutic use in the treatment of, inter alia, diseases of the respiratory tract
Compounds of formula (I) are p38 MAPK inhibitors, useful as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of, inter alia, diseases of the respiratory wherein R1 is a radical of formula (IA) or (IB) or (IC): 10 Y is —O— or —S(O)p—wherein p is 0, 1 or 2; A is an optionally substituted cycloalkylene radical having 5, 6 or 7 ring atoms fused to a phenyl ring; and R2, R3b and R4b are as defined in the claims. |
| US08916706B2 |
Preparation and use of (R),(R)-2,2′-bis-methylnaltrexone
This invention relates to synthesis of (R),(R)-2,2′-bis-MNTX, as shown in Formula (I), and related methods and products. |
| US08916705B2 |
Procaspase-activating compounds and compositions
The invention provides compounds and compositions useful for the modulation of certain enzymes. The compounds and compositions can induce of cell death, particularly cancer cell death. The invention also provides methods for the synthesis and use of the compounds and compositions, including the use of compounds and compositions in therapy for the treatment of cancer and selective induction of apoptosis in cells. |
| US08916698B2 |
Post protein hydrolysis removal of a potent ribonuclease inhibitor and the enzymatic capture of DNA
The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample. |
| US08916687B2 |
Insecticidal protein, gene encoding the same and uses thereof
The invention relates to an insecticidal protein, its gene encoding and the uses thereof. The protein comprises: (a) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence shown by SEQ ID NO:2; or (b) a protein derived from (a) consisting of an amino acid sequence by substitution, deletion, or addition of one or more amino acid residues of the amino acid sequences in (a), and having insecticidal activity; or (c) a protein generated by the expression of nucleic acid molecules containing a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; or (d) a protein generated by the expression of nucleic acid molecules containing a complementary sequence that hybridized with SEQ ID NO:1 under stringent conditions; or (e) a protein generated by the expression of nucleic acid molecules that contain nucleotide sequences isocoding with the nucleotide sequences in (d). The insecticidal protein of the invention has high expression level and strong toxicity against pests. |
| US08916685B2 |
Fusion protein comprising small heat shock protein, cage protein formed thereby, and novel use thereof
The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising small heat shock protein, a cage protein formed thereby, and novel use thereof, more particularly, a fusion protein comprising a small heat shock protein, a recognition site of a protease, and a histidine polymer, wherein the recognition site and the histidine polymer are sequentially linked to a carboxyl terminal of the small heat shock protein, a cage protein formed thereby, and novel use thereof. The fusion protein of the present invention, and a cage protein formed by the self-assembly properties of the fusion protein are not cytotoxic, and emits a fluorescence signal of about 20 to about 50 times higher comparing to a single peptide for the conventional molecular imaging, per unit protein. Additionally, cell permeability is very excellent, thereby to be effectively used as a biosensor or a bioactive material carrier. |
| US08916682B2 |
Lipid peptide and hydrogel
There is provided a lipid peptide that is capable of forming a hydrogel with an extremely small amount thereof over a liquid property range from acidic to alkaline, and a hydrogel having high environmental suitability, biocompatibility and biodegradability. A lipid peptide represented by Formula (1): (where R1 represents an aliphatic group having 9 to 23 carbon atoms; R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atom(s) which optionally has a branched chain having 1 to 3 carbon atom(s), a phenylmethyl group, a phenylethyl group or a —(CH2)n—X group, and at least one of R2, R3, R4 and R5 represents a —(CH2)n—X group; n represents the number of 1 to 4; X represents an amino group, a guanidine group, a —CONH2 group or a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a fused heterocyclic ring composed of a 5-membered ring and a 6-membered ring which optionally have 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s); and in represents 1 or 2), and a hydrogel comprising the lipid peptide. |
| US08916679B2 |
Peptides binding to the dimer interface of thymidylate synthase for the treatment of cancer
Provided are peptides that bind to the thymidylate synthase protein, in particular to human thymidylate synthase (hTS) protein, for the treatment of cancer. Further provided are peptides that can bind at a binding site located at the interface of thymidylate synthase protein. These peptides range from 3 to 10, preferably 4-8 amino acids and have a sequence that binds to each subunit of the thymidylate synthase dimer at the level of dimer interface, stabilizing the dimeric inactive form of the thymidylate synthase enzyme. In addition, provided are pharmaceutical compositions including these compounds as active agents, and uses thereof for the treatment of cancer and to reverse or/and be active in cancer drug resistance. |
| US08916675B2 |
Polymer and polymerization method
A method for forming a polymer comprising the polymerization of a plurality of monomers, wherein at least one of the plurality of monomers is one or both of: a charge transporting unit and a hydrocarbon monomer in which at least one carbon atom has been substituted by an atom or group with a greater quantity of unshared valence electrons than the carbon atom it has been substituted for, and wherein at least one of the plurality of monomers comprises an end-capping compound at one end of said monomer, the end-capping compound preventing polymerization at the end, wherein the end-capping compound is not charge transporting and comprises at least two rings. The end capping compound preferably consists of or includes a structural unit having the formula: (Ar)n—X, wherein Ar in each occurrence independently represents an aryl or heteroaryl group; X represents a leaving group comprising a boron derivative group or halogen; and n is 2 or more. |
| US08916672B2 |
Transparent polyarylene ether polymer with high heat resistance and method for preparing the same
The present disclosure relates to a transparent polyarylene ether polymer with high heat resistance and a method for preparing the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a polyarylene ether polymer and a method for preparing the same, wherein the polyarylene ether polymer has a repeating structure in which cardo-type aromatic diols having a large molecular volume, polyether sulfones which are amorphous polymers having a high glass transition temperature and superior film formability, and polyether ketones which are crystalline polymers having superior heat resistance and mechanical properties are sequentially arranged. The polyarylene ether polymer is both transparent and heat resistant and, thus, can be used, for example, for a flexible plastic substrate. |
| US08916670B1 |
Electrochemical devices based on block copolymers
The present invention relates generally to electrolyte materials. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides for a solid polymer electrolyte material that has high ionic conductivity and is mechanically robust. An exemplary material can be characterized by a copolymer that includes at least one structural block, such as a vinyl polymer, and at least one ionically conductive block with a siloxane backbone. In various embodiments, the electrolyte can be a diblock copolymer or a triblock copolymer. Many uses are contemplated for the solid polymer electrolyte materials. For example, the novel electrolyte material can be used in Li-based batteries to enable higher energy density, better thermal and environmental stability, lower rates of self-discharge, enhanced safety, lower manufacturing costs, and novel form factors. |
| US08916665B2 |
Aminosilane initiators and functionalized polymers prepared therefrom
Metallated aminosilane compounds for use as functional initiators in anionic polymerizations and processes for producing an aminosilane-functionalized polymer using the metallated aminosilane compounds to initiate anionic polymerization of at least one type of anionically polymerizable monomer. Preferred use of the metallated aminosilane compounds results in rubber compositions for use in tires comprising an aminosilane functionalized polymer. A telechelic polymer may result from use of the metallated aminosilane compound as a functional terminator. |
| US08916662B2 |
Method for preparing olefin-diene copolymer using transition metal compound containing thiophene-fused cyclopentadienyl ligand
The present invention relates to a preparation method for olefin-diene copolymer that comprises polymerizing at least one olefin-based monomer and at least one diene-based monomer in the presence of a catalyst comprising a novel transition metal compound. Using the novel transition metal compound as a catalyst, the preparation method for olefin-diene copolymer according to the present invention can not only acquire high catalytic activity for copolymerization of the olefin and diene monomers to achieve high process efficiency but allow it to easily control the fine-structure characteristics of the copolymer, thereby providing an olefin-diene copolymer having desired properties with ease. |
| US08916661B2 |
Production of polypropylene from renewable resources
Processes for forming low molecular weight (C2-4) olefins from renewable resources, and polyolefins formed from the olefins, are disclosed. The C2-4 olefins are produced by first converting a renewable resource, capable of being converted to syngas, to syngas. The syngas is converted, using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using a catalyst with low chain growth probabilities, to a composition comprising C2-4 olefins, which are then isolated to form a C2-4 olefin-rich stream. Propylene can be isolated from this stream, and the ethylene and butylene can be subjected to olefin metathesis to produce additional propylene. The propylene, or other olefins, can be subjected to a variety of polymerization conditions and used in a variety of products, to replace the propylene, and polypropylene, produced from crude oil. Thus, the olefins, and polymers, copolymer and terpolymers thereof, can help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign crude oil. |
| US08916660B2 |
Method for recovering polymer and apparatus therefor
Process and apparatus for recovering polymer from a gas phase reactor having a distribution plate via an outlet vessel comprising at least one apparatus for the breakup of polymeric agglomerates, the apparatus further comprising a feed pipe connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel a return gas line connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel, means for varying the flow rate through the return gas line from the outlet vessel to the gas phase reactor, and means for varying the outlet rate of polymer product from the outlet vessel. |
| US08916656B2 |
UV hardening glass printing ink and UV hardening glass printing lacquer and method for printing a glass substrate
A glass printing ink and a glass printing lacquer comprising at least one pigment, at least one photoinitiator, at least two resins and radicial photoinitiators. One resin is an epoxy resin having an average molecular weight based on bisphenol A, diluted in a UV hardening monomer. The other resin is a resin which contains free functional amino, hydroxy, epoxy, acid, acid anhydride and/or acrylate groups. Also, the use of the glass printing ink and glass printing lacquer when printing a glass substrate and to a method for printing a glass substrate. |
| US08916651B2 |
Composite materials and method for making high-performance carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites
Nanocomposite materials and methods of making composite materials reinforced with carbon nanotubes are disclosed. The composite material includes an array of functionalized and aligned carbon nanotubes having a degree of functionalization of about 1% to about 10%; and a polymeric matrix material bonded to the array of functionalized and aligned carbon nanotubes. |
| US08916648B2 |
Polymer filament
A polymer filament comprising a polyolefin composition which comprises (percentages by weight): A) 5%-95% of a propylene homopolymer; and B) 5-95% of a butene-1 homopolymer or copolymer having a flexural modulus of 80 MPa or higher. |
| US08916645B2 |
Hyperbranched polymers containing polyhedral oligosilsequioxane branching units
The HBP Free-POSS compounds of Formula I are superior to prior HB polymers and linear polymers in space and electronic applications because they have better resistance to electrons, protons and atomic oxygen, have superior out-gassing performance, and are transparent. They are used as coatings, films, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. |
| US08916643B2 |
Water-and oil-repellent
A water- and oil-repellent includes, as an active ingredient, a fluorine-containing copolymer including as a copolymer unit (A) at least one of perfluoroalkylalkyl acrylates and corresponding methacrylates, (B) benzyl acrylate or benzyl methacrylate represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1CmH2mOCOCR═CH2 (wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; n represents 4, 5, or 6; and m represents 1, 2, 3, or 4), (C) a fluorine-free polymerizable monomer other than benzyl acrylate and benzyl methacrylate, and (D) a cross-linkable group-containing polymerizable monomer. |
| US08916640B2 |
Blended polyolefin dispersions
Blended polyolefin dispersions, including: (A) a liquid; (B) an olefin-based polymer dispersed in the liquid, the dispersed olefin-based polymer having an average particle size ranging from 0.1 to 5 microns; and (C) an alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid-based polymer dispersed in the liquid, the dispersed alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid-based polymer having an average particle size ranging from 0.02 microns to 1 micron. Coatings, froths, foams, toners, and other various uses for the blended dispersions are also disclosed. |
| US08916639B2 |
Paint composition and coated article using the same
A paint composition contains polyurethane paint and nano silicon dioxide. The weight percentage of the nano silicon dioxide in the paint composition is about 2% to about 10%. The surface of the nano silicon dioxide chemically bonds with a silane coupling agent having amino function groups or an aluminate coupling agent having amino function groups. |
| US08916637B2 |
Aromatic polycarbonate composition
A process for producing a circuit carrier comprising at least a molded part and a circuit carried by the molded part, wherein the molded part includes a polycarbonate composition having the following components: a) 30-97 mass % of aromatic polycarbonate, b) 0.5-20 mass % of a metal compound capable of being activated by electromagnetic radiation and thereby forming elemental metal nuclei, and c) 2.5-50 mass % of at least one rubber-like polymer, wherein the sum of a)-c) is 100%. |
| US08916636B2 |
Basecoat composition and associated paperboard structure
A basecoat composition including a carrier component and a pigment component dispersed in the carrier component, the pigment component including all pigments in the basecoat composition, wherein the pigment component has a median particle size between about 3 and about 8 micrometers, and wherein at most about 15 percent by weight of the pigment component has a particle size smaller than 1 micrometer. |
| US08916635B2 |
Functional materials with reversible crosslinking
The present invention relates to an innovative method for the reversible crosslinking of, for example, adhesives or coating materials. The reversible crosslinking method allows very rapid crosslinking even at room temperature and undoing of the crosslinks at higher temperatures, thereby regaining the capacity for thermoplastic processing and allowing the originally bonded substrates to be separated from one another again with ease. A particular aspect in this context is that a plurality of cycles of crosslinking and undoing of the crosslinks are possible with the present system. |
| US08916631B2 |
Flame-retardant poly lactic acid-containing film or sheet, and method for manufacturing thereof
Provided is a film or sheet composed of a resin composition that includes a poly lactic acid (A), an acidic functional group-modified olefinic polymer (B) including an acidic functional group and having an acid value of 10 to 70 mg KOH/g and a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 80,000, a tetrafluoroethylene polymer (C), and an aromatic-condensed phosphoric acid ester-containing flame retardant (D) including a compound of General Formula (I) and in which the aromatic-condensed phosphoric acid ester-containing flame retardant (D) is included in an amount of 10 to 80 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the poly lactic acid (A), and a method for manufacturing the film or sheet by melt film formation. Each sign in Formula is as described in the specification. |
| US08916630B2 |
Polycarbonate comprising glass fibres
The present invention relates to a thermoplastic molding composition composed of polycarbonate and inorganic fillers which comprises from 0.01 to 0.5 part by weight of at least one anhydride-modified alpha-olefin terpolymer and which has a high degree of rigidity and nevertheless exhibits good strength, as well as stress-strain characteristics corresponding to those of an unreinforced polycarbonate. Surprisingly, the molding composition additionally exhibits an improvement in flame retardancy. The invention relates in particular to flame-retardant, thermoplastic molding compositions filled with glass fibers, and to the production and use thereof. The property profile is, surprisingly, independent of the degree of interaction of the filler with the polycarbonate matrix. |
| US08916629B2 |
Compositions comprising thermoplastic starch
The invention relates to a composition comprising very low density polyethylene having a density of less than 0.905 g/cm3, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer and thermoplastic starch and/or the constituent components thereof. |
| US08916624B2 |
Dental compositions crosslinkable/polymerizable by cationic process
Improvedly storage stable dental compositions useful for the preparation of dental prostheses and for dental restoration containing a uniquely pretreated dental filler material. |
| US08916619B2 |
Method of producing porous polymer film and porous polymer film produced by the method
A porosity is freely controlled in preparation of a porous polymer film by a phase separation method. A solvent absorption sheet is used for a solvent in a polymer solution so that the coating film of the polymer solution may be covered with the sheet. After that, the solvent in the film is selectively removed. Then, the resultant is immersed in a poor solvent. Thus, a porous polymer film can be produced. |
| US08916618B2 |
Recycling an organic-matrix composite material
The invention is directed to a method for recycling an organic-matrix composite material. The organic-matrix composite material comprises a first component comprising at least one organic matrix polymer and at least one solid second component being compatible with said first component and being structurally different from said first component, wherein said at least one organic polymer has thermosetting properties at room temperature and wherein said polymer comprises thermally reversible cross-links The method of the invention comprises —heating the organic-matrix composite material to a temperature at which at least part of the thermally reversible cross-links cleave and at which temperature the first component as a viscosity of at most 500 Pa·s, as measured by oscillatory measurements on an Anton Paar MCR 301 rheometer using parallel plate geometry; and —separating the at least part of said first component from said second component. |
| US08916617B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing CO2 in a stream by conversion to a syngas for production of energy
A system and method for producing Syngas from the CO2 in a gaseous stream, such as an exhaust stream, from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement kiln, is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes providing the gaseous stream to pyrolysis reactor along with a carbon source such as coke. The CO2 and carbon are heated to about 1330° C. and at about one atmosphere with reactants such as steam such that a reaction takes place that produces Syngas, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor. |
| US08916611B2 |
Pharmaceutical removal of neuronal extensions from a degenerating disc
The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically. |
| US08916606B2 |
Therapeutic compositions and methods for targeted delivery of active agents
The present invention pertains to therapeutic compositions that comprise: (1) a nanovector, (2) an active agent; and (3) a targeting agent, wherein the active agent and the targeting agent are non-covalently associated with the nanovector. The present invention also pertains to methods of treating various conditions in a subject by utilizing the above-described therapeutic compositions. Methods of making the therapeutic compositions are also a subject matter the present invention. |
| US08916604B2 |
Compositions and methods for epigenetic modification of nucleic acid sequences
Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating disorders characterized by reduced expression of anti-oxidative stress enzymes in a subject. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for inducing expression of anti-oxidative stress enzymes in a subject in need thereof. The method includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a demethylating agent. The demethylating agent includes a phytochemical that induces expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2-mediated genes expressing anti-oxidative stress. Such phytochemicals include indoles, such as 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and isothiocyanates, such as phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and sulforaphane (SFN). |
| US08916603B2 |
Methods for treatment with bucindolol based on genetic targeting
The present invention concerns the use of methods for evaluating bucindolol treatment for a patient, particularly one with heart failure. It concerns methods for determining whether to administer or prescribe bucindolol to a patient based on whether the patient is homozygous for the Arg 389 polymorphism in the β1-adrenergic receptor (AR). |
| US08916599B2 |
1H-benz imidazole-5-carboxamides as anti-inflammatory agents
There are provided compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, R6, R8, Q2, Q3, Q3a, Q4, L and A have meanings given in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases in which inhibition of the activity of a member of the MAPEG family is desired and/or required, and particularly in the treatment of inflammation and/or cancer. |
| US08916597B2 |
Use of pyraclostrobin as safener for triticonazole for controlling harmful fungi
(1) Use of pyraclostrobin of the formula I as safener for (2) triticonazole of the formula II or salts or adducts thereof for controlling harmful fungi. The use of the compounds I and II in a process for controlling harmful fungi using mixtures of the compounds I and II and the use of the compounds I and II for preparing such mixtures, and also compositions comprising such mixtures. |
| US08916596B2 |
Preventing or treating viral infection using an inhibitor of the LSD1 protein, a MAO inhibitor or an inhibitor of LSD1 and a MAO inhibitor
An embodiment of the invention provides preventing or treating a viral infection of a host, comprising administering to the host an effective amount of an inhibitor of the protein LSD1 and/or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Another embodiment of the invention provides preventing or treating reactivation of a virus after latency in a host, comprising administering to the host an effective amount of an inhibitor of the protein LSD1 and/or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Another embodiment of the invention provides preventing or treating a viral infection in a mammal that has undergone, is undergoing, or will undergo an organ or tissue transplant, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of an inhibitor of the protein LSD1 and/or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor before, during, and/or after the organ or tissue transplant. The viral infection may be due to a herpesvirus, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), or cytomegalovirus (CMV). The viral infection may also be due to an adenovirus, including types 1-5. |
| US08916592B2 |
Malononitrile compounds
Compounds of formula I wherein X is O or S(═O)n; n is 0, 1 or 2; R1 is optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkynyl, cycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, halocycloalkenyl, phenyl, hetaryl, phenylalkyl, hetaryl alkyl, optionally fused to phenyl, hetaryl or heterocyclyl; A is —NRb2, —C(=G)GRb, —C(=G)NRb2, —C(═NORb)Rb, C(=G)[N═SRb2], —C(=G)NRb—NRb2, C2-C6-alkandiyl, C2-C6-alkenediyl, C1-C3-alkyl-G-C1-C3-alkyl, wherein Rb is as defined in the description, or optionally substituted phenyl, hetaryl, heterocyclyl, optionally fused to phenyl or heterocyclyl; B is an optionally substituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbon chain with 1 to 3 carbon chain atoms; D is an optionally substituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbon chain with 1 to 5 carbon chain atoms or C3-C6-cycloalkyl; G is oxygen or sulfur; or the enantiomers or diastereomers or salts or N-oxides thereof, processes for preparing the compounds I, pesticidal compositions and synergistic mixtures comprising compounds I, methods for the control of insects, acarids or nematodes by contacting the pests or their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with a pesticidally effective amount of compounds formula I, and a method for treating, controlling, preventing or protecting animals against infestation or infection by parasites which comprises orally, topically or parenterally administering or applying to the animals a parasiticidally effective amount of compounds of formula I. |
| US08916589B2 |
Bradykinin B1-antagonists
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula I wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are defined as stated hereinafter, the enantiomers, the diastereomers, the mixtures thereof and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with organic or inorganic acids or bases, which have valuable properties, the preparation thereof, the pharmaceutical compositions containing the pharmacologically effective compounds, the preparation thereof and the use thereof. |
| US08916587B1 |
Abuse deterrent and anti-dose dumping pharmaceutical salts useful for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug substance consisting essentially of a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid addition salt of an amine containing pharmaceutically active compound wherein the amine containing pharmaceutical active compound is selected from the group consisting of racemic or single isomer ritalinic acid or phenethylamine derivatives and the drug substance has a physical form selected from amorphous and polymorphic. |
| US08916584B2 |
Benzisoxazoles and azabenzisoxazoles as MGLUR4 allosteric potentiators, compositions, and methods of treating neurological dysfunction
Benzisoxazole and azabenzisoxazole compounds which are useful as allosteric potentiators/positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of using the compounds, for example, in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders or other disease state associated with glutamate dysfunction. |
| US08916583B2 |
Therapeutic compositions for intranasal administration of zolpidem
The invention provides sprayable aqueous compositions containing zolpidem or single stereoisomer, mixtures of stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, a solubilizing agent, a water soluble polymer with bioadhesive property. When administered intranasally using a spray device, zolpidem is rapidly absorbed with prolonged intranasal residence time and improved bioavailability. The compositions can be applied for the treatment of insomnia-related disorders such as difficulties with sleep initiation or middle of the night awakenings. |
| US08916579B2 |
5-fluoropyrimidinone derivatives
This present disclosure is related to the field of 5-fluoropyrimidinones and their derivatives and to the use of these compounds as fungicides. |
| US08916578B2 |
Pesticidal pyrimidine compounds
Pyrimidine compounds and their use in controlling pests such as insects and other invertebrates are provided. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects and benefits shall become apparent from the description. |
| US08916577B2 |
Tricyclic derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as kinase inhibitors
New substituted tricyclic compounds of formula (I) are described, wherein R1, R2, X, Y, Z are herein defined, having protein kinase inhibiting activity. The invention includes methods to prepare the compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in therapy, in particular for the treatment of diseases caused by and/or associated with dysregulated activity of protein kinase. |
| US08916573B2 |
Quinazoline-2,4-dione derivatives
The invention relates to antibacterial compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 is H, halogen, (C1-C3)alkyl or (C1-C3)alkoxy; R2 is H, halogen, (C1-C3)alkyl, (C1-C3)alkoxy or pyrrolidin-1-yl; R3 is H, halogen, (C1-C3)alkyl, (C1-C3)alkoxy, vinyl or 2-methoxycarbonyvinyl or R2 and R3 together with the two carbon atoms which bear them form a phenyl ring; R4 is H, halogen, (C1-C3)alkyl or (C1-C3)alkoxy; and R5 is H, (C1-C3)alkyl or cyclopropyl, or R4 and R5form together a —CH2CH2CH2— group; A is the divalent group —CH2—, —CH2CH2—, #—CH(OH)CH2—*, #—CH2N(R6)—* and —CH2NHCH2—, wherein # indicates the point of attachment to the optionally substituted (quinazoline-2,4-dione-3-yl)methyl residue and * represents the point of attachment to the substituted (oxazolidinon-4-yl)methyl residue; R6 is H or acetyl; Y is CH or N; and Q is O or S; and salts of such compounds. |
| US08916572B2 |
Bis-quinazoline derivatives as inhibitors for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase
Novel bis-quinazoline derivatives as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, synthesis of these compounds, and novel methods for treating tyrosine kinase mediated diseases or disorders using these compounds are disclosed. In particular, the present invention provides tethered quinazoline derivative dimers as inhibitors to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and their therapeutic uses for treating EGFR kinase-mediated diseases or disorders, such as various cancers, as well as synthetic methods for preparing these novel compounds. |
| US08916568B2 |
Method of using diketopiperazines and composition containing them
The invention provides a method of inhibiting the effects of platelet activating factor (PAF). For instance, a disease or condition mediated by PAF (particularly inflammation) can be treated or platelet aggregation can be inhibited. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting the production and/or release of interleukin 8 (IL-8) by cells. The effects of PAF and the production and/or release of IL-8 are inhibited according to the invention by a compound of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are defined in the application, or a physiologically-acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. |
| US08916564B2 |
Substituted pyrido[1,2-a]pyrazines for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders
Compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds are disclosed, wherein the compounds have the structure of Formula I as defined in the specification. Corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, methods of synthesis, and intermediates are also disclosed. |
| US08916563B2 |
Aldose reductase inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention relates to novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for promoting healthy aging of skin, the treatment of skin disorders, the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, the treatment of renal disorders, the treatment of angiogenesis disorders, such as cancer, treatment of tissue damage, such as non-cardiac tissue damage, the treatment of evolving myocardial infarction, and the treatment of various other disorders, such as complications arising from diabetes with the compounds and compositions of the invention. Other disorders can include, but are not limited to, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, infections of the skin, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and the like. |
| US08916552B2 |
Pharmaceutical combinations
The invention provides combinations comprising (or consisting essentially of) one or more ancillary compound(s) and a compound of the formula (I): or salts, tautomers, solvates and N-oxides thereof; wherein R1 is hydroxy or hydrogen; R2 is hydroxy; methoxy or hydrogen; provided that at least one of R1 and R2 is hydroxy; R3 is selected from hydrogen; halogen; cyano; optionally substituted C1-5 hydrocarbyl and optionally substituted C1-5 hydrocarbyloxy; R4 is selected from hydrogen; a group —(O)n—R7 where n is 0 or 1 and R7 is an optionally substituted acyclic C1-5 hydrocarbyl group or a monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic group having 3 to 7 ring members; halogen; cyano; hydroxy; amino; and optionally substituted mono- or di-C1-5 hydrocarbyl-amino; or R3 and R4 together form a monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 ring members; and NR5R6 forms an optionally substituted bicyclic heterocyclic group having 8 to 12 ring members of which up to 5 ring members are heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. The combinations have activity as Hsp90 and/or glycogen synthase kinase-3 and/or cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors. |
| US08916550B2 |
Compounds for modulating TRPV3 function
The present application relates to compounds and methods for treating pain and other conditions related to TRPV3. |
| US08916546B2 |
Materials and methods for treatment and diagnosis of disorders associated with oxidative stress
The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for the prevention and treatment of disease conditions associated with oxidative stress or a compromised reducing environment, including inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Another aspect of the subject invention concerns compositions formulated for administration as an enema. The subject invention also concerns compositions formulated for oral administration. Methods of the invention include administration of compounds or compositions of the invention. In one embodiment, compounds or compositions of the invention are rectally instilled in a patient. In another embodiment, compounds or compositions are orally administered. |
| US08916543B1 |
Inhibitors of alpha-toxin
Aspects of the present invention include methods for inhibiting damage to a mammalian cornea, comprising administering an effective α-toxin inhibiting about of a composition that comprises a β-cyclodextrin and cholesterol. |
| US08916526B2 |
Flavanone derivative
Provided is a novel antimicrobial agent. More specifically, provided is a novel antimicrobial agent capable of effectively acting on various resistant bacteria such as VSSA, MRSA, VISA, VRE, and VRSA. A novel flavanone derivative having a six-membered monosaccharide derivative, specifically, a glucose derivative or a galactose derivative is capable of effectively acting on the bacteria. More specifically, a compound represented by the general formula (I) is capable of effectively acting on the bacteria. (In the formula: X represents a six-membered monosaccharide derivative; and Y is substituted by a hydroxyl group.) |
| US08916520B2 |
Microencapsulated insecticide formulations
Various microencapsulated insecticide formulations for the control of pests such as aphids and beet army worm. These formulations exhibit excellent knockdown activity towards both chewing and non-chewing pests as LD50 values for toxicity in female rats in the range of about 2,500 mgKg−1. Some of these formulations include a wall comprised of a polymer formed, for example, by an interfacial polycondensation of a water soluble monomer and a water insoluble monomer, which at least partially surround an organophosphate insecticide. In some aspects the organophosphate in the microcapsule is chlorpyrifos. The microcapsule have a diameter in the range of about 2 to about 25 micron and the wall has a thickness in the range of about 5 to about 25 nanometers. |
| US08916515B2 |
Compositions and methods for promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration
Provided herein are compositions and methods for use in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration following tissue injury in a subject. |
| US08916513B2 |
Dioxirane compounds and uses thereof
A dioxirane-containing compound has a first substituent that is an alkyl, polyalkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl group, and a second substituent that is an electron withdrawing group, and where the first and second substituents can optionally join to form a cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group. The dioxirane-containing compound can be used as an oxidant, surfactant, and/or an ionic liquid. |
| US08916504B2 |
Methods of RNA display
The present invention features improved methods of in vitro RNA display to allow reliable expression and selection of scFv antibody molecules from expression libraries. The improved methods, in part, involve the use of mildly reducing conditions, which favor of scFv intra-chain disulphide bond and thus correct folding of the scFv antibody molecules. Although particularly suited to expression and selection of scFv antibody molecules, the methods of the invention are also expedient for in vitro RNA display of all classes of protein. |
| US08916494B2 |
Vapor phase preparation of fluorided solid oxides
Methods for the vapor phase preparation of fluorided solid oxide activator-supports, using certain calcining temperatures and fluoriding temperatures, are disclosed. |
| US08916491B2 |
Process for producing a methanation catalyst and a process for the methanation of synthesis gas
The present invention relates to a process for producing a catalyst for carrying out methanation reactions. The production of the catalyst is based on contacting of a hydrotalcite-comprising starting material with a fusible metal salt. The compounds brought into contact with one another are intimately mixed, thermally treated so that the metal salt fraction melts and subsequently subjected to a low-temperature calcination step and a high-temperature calcination step. The metal salt melt comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of K, La, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Ce, preferably Ni. The metal salt melt more preferably comprises/contains nickel nitrate hexahydrate. The hydrotalcite-comprising starting material is preferably hydrotalcite or a hydrotalcite-like compound as starting material, and the hydrotalcite-comprising starting material preferably comprises magnesium and aluminum as metal species.The catalyst of the invention is preferably used for carrying out methanation reactions at elevated pressures (from 10 to 50 bar) and elevated temperatures. |
| US08916490B2 |
Process for the regeneration of a catalyst
Process for the regeneration of an at least partially coked molecular sieve catalyst comprising introducing the at least partially coked catalyst into a regenerator; introducing into the regenerator an oxygen-containing gas to regenerate at least part of the at least partially coked catalyst, thereby producing a gaseous mixture and at least partially regenerated catalyst; separating at least partially regenerated catalyst and at least part of the gaseous mixture; and analyzing the composition of the gaseous mixture to control the burning rate of the coke present on the at least partially coked catalyst in the regenerator by adjusting the mass flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas on the basis of the analysis of the gaseous mixture. |
| US08916487B2 |
Glass substrate for information recording medium
The present invention relates to the glass substrate for an information recording medium comprising the following glass components: SiO2: 52 to 67; Al2O3: 8 to 20; B2O3: 0 to 6, with these three oxides FMO: 70 to 85; Li2O: 0.5 to 4; Na2O: 1 to 8; K2O: 0 to 5; and with these three oxides R2O: 5 to 15; MgO: 2 to 9; CaO: 0.1 to 5; BaO: 0 to 3; SrO: 0 to 3; ZnO: 0 to 5; and with these five oxides: 5 to 15; Y2O3: 0 to 4; La2O3: 0 to 4; Gd2O3: 0 to 4; CeO2: 0 to 4; TiO2: 1 to 7; HfO2: 0 to 2; ZrO2: 0 to 5; Nb2O5: 0.2 to 5; and Ta2O5: 0 to 5, and satisfies Li2O/R2O: 0.05 to 0.35; Li2O/FMO: 0.005 to 0.035; Li2O/(MgO+ZnO): less than 2 and Nb2O5/SiO2: 0.01 to 0.075. |
| US08916486B2 |
Method of reducing the occurrence of crystalline silica in foamed glass by the introduction of chemical additives
A method of making a foamed glass body, including preparing an admixture of powdered glass, at least one carbonate based foaming agent, and at least devitrification inhibitor, heating the admixture to a first temperature to soften the glass, heating the admixture to a second, higher temperature to foam the softened glass into a foamed glass body, and cooling the foamed glass body. The crystal silica content of the so-formed foamed glass body is less than 1 weight percent. |
| US08916485B2 |
Acrylic compositions adhering to low surface energy substrates
In general, the invention features a pressure sensitive adhesive that comprises the reaction product of: (a) from about 25 to about 95 parts by weight of at least one acrylic acid ester of a monohydric alcohol whose homopolymer has a Tg less than 0° C., (b) from 0 to about 75 parts by weight of at least one non-polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of no greater than 10.50 and a Tg greater than 15° C.; and (c) from about 5 to about 35 parts by weight of at least one polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of greater than 10.50 and a Tg greater than 15° C. The pressure sensitive adhesives adhere to substrates having a low surface energy and/or high surface energy. |
| US08916482B2 |
Method of making a lithography mask
A method of making a lithography mask with a stress-relief treatment is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate and depositing an opaque layer on the substrate. The opaque layer is patterned to form a patterned mask. A stress-relief treatment is applied to the patterned mask by using an radiation exposure. |
| US08916481B2 |
Embedded wafer level package for 3D and package-on-package applications, and method of manufacture
A process for manufacturing a 3D or PoP semiconductor package includes forming a redistribution layer on a reconstituted wafer, then laser drilling a plurality of apertures in the reconstituted wafer, extending from an outer surface of the reconstituted wafer to intersect electrical traces in the first redistribution layer. A solder ball is then positioned adjacent to an opening of each of the apertures. The solder balls are melted and allowed to fill the apertures, making contact with the respective electrical traces and forming a plurality of solder columns. The outer surface of the reconstituted wafer is then planarized, and a second redistribution layer is formed on the planarized surface. The solder columns serve as through-vias, electrically coupling the first and second redistribution layers on opposite sides of the reconstituted wafer. |
| US08916477B2 |
Polysilicon etch with high selectivity
Provided are methods and systems for removing polysilicon on a wafer. A wafer can include a polysilicon layer and an exposed nitride and/or oxide structure. An etchant with a hydrogen-based species, such as hydrogen gas, and a fluorine-based species, such as nitrogen trifluoride, can be introduced. The hydrogen-based species and the fluorine-based species can be activated with a remote plasma source. The layer of polysilicon on the wafer can be removed at a selectivity over the exposed nitride and/or oxide structure that is greater than about 500:1. |
| US08916475B1 |
Patterning method
A patterning method is provided. A mask composite layer and a first tri-layer photoresist are sequentially formed on a target layer. A first etching is performed to the mask composite layer, using the first tri-layer photoresist as a mask, to form at least one first opening in an upper portion of the mask composite layer. The first tri-layer photoresist is removed. A second tri-layer photoresist is formed on the mask composite layer. A second etching is performed to the mask composite layer, using the second tri-layer photoresist as a mask, to form at least one second opening in the upper portion of the mask composite layer. The second tri-layer photoresist is removed. A lower portion of the mask composite layer is patterned by using the upper portion of the mask composite layer as a mask. The target layer is patterned by using the patterned mask composite layer as a mask. |
| US08916474B2 |
Semiconductor modules and methods of formation thereof
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor module includes a first semiconductor package having a first semiconductor die, which is disposed in a first encapsulant. An opening is disposed in the first encapsulant. A second semiconductor package including a second semiconductor die is disposed in a second encapsulant. The second semiconductor package is disposed at least partially within the opening in the first encapsulant. |
| US08916472B2 |
Interconnect formation using a sidewall mask layer
Embodiments described herein provide approaches for interconnect formation in a semiconductor device using a sidewall mask layer. Specifically, a sidewall mask layer is deposited on a hard mask in a merged via region of the semiconductor device following removal of a planarization layer previously formed on the hard mask. The sidewall mask layer is conformally deposited on the hard mask, and acts like a sacrificial layer to protect the hard mask during a subsequent via etch. This reduces the via critical dimension (CD) and reduces the CD elongation along the hard mask line direction during the via etch. |
| US08916471B1 |
Method for forming semiconductor structure having through silicon via for signal and shielding structure
A method for forming a through silicon via for signal and a shielding structure is provided. A substrate is provided and a region is defined on the substrate. A radio frequency (RF) circuit is formed in the region on the substrate. A through silicon trench (TST) and a through silicon via (TSV) are formed simultaneously, wherein the TST encompasses the region to serve as a shielding structure for the RF circuit. A metal interconnection system is formed on the substrate, wherein the metal interconnection system comprises a connection unit that electrically connects the TSV to the RF circuit to provide a voltage signal. |
| US08916470B1 |
Method of manufacturing sidewall spacers on a memory device
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing sidewall spacers on a memory device. The method comprises forming sidewall spacers on a memory device having a memory array region and at least one peripheral circuit region by forming a first sidewall spacer adjacent to a word line in the memory array region and a second sidewall spacer adjacent to a transistor in the peripheral circuit region. The first sidewall spacer has a first thickness and the second sidewall spacer has a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness. |
| US08916463B2 |
Wire bond splash containment
A splash containment structure for semiconductor structures and associated methods of manufacture are provided. A method includes: forming wire bond pads in an integrated circuit chip and forming at least one passivation layer on the chip. The at least one passivation layer includes first areas having a first thickness and second areas having a second thickness. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. The first areas having the first thickness extend over a majority of the chip. The second areas having the second thickness are adjacent the wire bond pads. |
| US08916459B2 |
Compound semiconductor device with mesa structure
A compound semiconductor device having mesa-shaped element region, and excellent characteristics are provided. The compound semiconductor device has: an InP substrate; an epitaxial lamination mesa formed above the InP substrate and including a channel layer, a carrier supply layer above the channel layer and a contact cap layer above the carrier supply layer; ohmic source electrode and drain electrode formed on the cap layer; a recess formed by removing the cap layer between the source and drain electrodes, and exposing the carrier supply layer; an insulating film formed on the cap layer and retracted from an edge of the cap layer away from the recess; a gate electrode extending from the carrier supply layer in the recess to outside of the mesa; and air gap formed by removing side portion of the channel layer facing the gate electrode outside the mesa. |
| US08916453B2 |
Method for manufacturing an electronic component
A semiconductor wafer includes a first main face and a second main face opposite to the first main face and a number of semiconductor chip regions. The wafer is diced along dicing streets to separate the semiconductor chip regions from each other. At least one metal layer is formed on the first main face of each one of the semiconductor chip regions. |
| US08916451B2 |
Thin film wafer transfer and structure for electronic devices
A method for wafer transfer includes forming a spreading layer, including graphene, on a single crystalline SiC substrate. A semiconductor layer including one or more layers is formed on and is lattice matched to the crystalline SiC layer. The semiconductor layer is transferred to a handle substrate, and the spreading layer is split to remove the single crystalline SiC substrate. |
| US08916446B2 |
Bipolar junction transistor with multiple emitter fingers
Methods for fabricating bipolar junction transistors, bipolar junction transistors, and design structures for a bipolar junction transistor. The bipolar junction transistor may include a plurality of emitters that are arranged in distinct emitter fingers. A silicide layer is formed that covers an extrinsic base layer of the bipolar junction transistor and that fills the gaps between adjacent emitters. Non-conductive spacers on the emitter sidewalls electrically insulate the emitters from the silicide layer. The emitters extend through the extrinsic base layer and the silicide layer to contact the intrinsic base layer. The emitters may be formed using sacrificial emitter pedestals in a replacement-type process. |
| US08916439B2 |
Method for forming dual gate insulation layers and semiconductor device having dual gate insulation layers
Method of forming dual gate insulation layers and semiconductor device having dual gate insulation layers is disclosed. The method of forming dual gate insulation layers comprises forming a first thin layer of a thick gate insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate by oxidizing the semiconductor substrate, depositing a second thicker layer of the thick gate insulation layer on the first thin layer, removing a portion of the thick gate insulation layer to expose a surface area of the semiconductor substrate and forming a thin gate insulation layer on the exposed surface area of the semiconductor substrate. The method of forming dual gate insulation layers, when applied in fabricating semiconductor devices having dual gate insulation layers and trench isolation structures, may help to reduce a silicon stress near edges of the trench isolation structures and reduce/alleviate/prevent the formation of a leaky junction around the edges of the trench isolation structures. |
| US08916438B2 |
Method for fabricating trench type transistor
A method for fabricating a trench type transistor. An epitaxial layer is provided on a semiconductor substrate. A hard mask with an opening is formed on the epitaxial layer. A gate trench is etched into the substrate through the opening. A gate oxide layer and a trench gate are formed within the gate trench. After forming a cap layer atop the trench gate, the hard mask is removed. An ion well and a source doping region are formed in the epitaxial layer. A spacer is then formed on a sidewall of the trench gate and the cap layer. Using the cap layer and the spacer as an etching hard mask, the epitaxial layer is etched in a self-aligned manner, thereby forming a contact hole. |
| US08916432B1 |
Methods to integrate SONOS into CMOS flow
Methods of forming memory cells including non-volatile memory (NVM) and MOS transistors are described. In one embodiment the method includes: depositing and patterning a gate layer over a dielectric stack on a substrate to form a gate of a NVM transistor, the dielectric stack including a tunneling layer overlying a surface of the substrate, a charge-trapping layer overlying the tunneling layer and a blocking layer overlying the charge-trapping layer; forming a mask exposing source and drain (S/D) regions of the NVM transistor; etching the dielectric stack through the mask to thin the dielectric stack by removing the blocking layer and at least a first portion of the charge-trapping layer in S/D regions of the NVM transistor; and implanting dopants into S/D regions of the NVM transistor through the thinned dielectric stack to form a lightly-doped drain adjacent to the gate of the NVM transistor. |
| US08916424B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
To improve productivity of a transistor that includes an oxide semiconductor and has good electrical characteristics. In a top-gate transistor including a gate insulating film and a gate electrode over an oxide semiconductor film, a metal film is formed over the oxide semiconductor film, oxygen is added to the metal film to form a metal oxide film, and the metal oxide film is used as a gate insulating film. After an oxide insulating film is formed over the oxide semiconductor film, a metal film may be formed over the oxide insulating film. Oxygen is added to the metal film to form a metal oxide film and added also to the oxide semiconductor film or the oxide insulating film. |
| US08916421B2 |
Semiconductor device packaging having pre-encapsulation through via formation using lead frames with attached signal conduits
A semiconductor device package having pre-formed and placed through vias and a process for making such a package is provided. One or more signal conduits are coupled to a lead frame that is subsequently embedded in an encapsulated semiconductor device package. The free end of signal conduits is exposed while the other end remains coupled to a lead frame. The signal conduits are then used as through package vias, providing signal-bearing pathways between interconnects or contacts on the bottom and top of the package and the leads. |
| US08916420B2 |
Chip package and manufacturing method thereof
An embodiment provides a chip package including a substrate, a cavity extending downward from an upper surface of the substrate, a metal layer overlying the substrate and conformally covering a sidewall and a bottom portion of the cavity, a chip having an upper surface and located on the metal layer in the cavity, wherein the upper surface is not lower than an upper surface of the metal layer outside of the cavity, and the protective layer covering the chip. |
| US08916405B2 |
Light emitting diode (LED) using carbon materials
Carbon-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a LED is provided. The LED includes a substrate; an insulator layer on the substrate; a first bottom gate and a second bottom gate embedded in the insulator layer; a gate dielectric on the first bottom gate and the second bottom gate; a carbon material on the gate dielectric over the first bottom gate and the second bottom gate, wherein the carbon material serves as a channel region of the LED; and metal source and drain contacts to the carbon material. |
| US08916402B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device including substrate having protection layers providing protection against chemicals and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a compound semiconductor light emitting device including: an Si—Al substrate; protection layers formed on top and bottom surfaces of the Si—Al substrate; and a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer which are sequentially stacked on the protection layer formed on the top surface of the Si—Al substrate, and a method for manufacturing the same. |
| US08916399B2 |
Method of manufacturing light emitting device including light emitting element and wavelength converting member
A method of manufacturing a light emitting device includes preparing a light emitting element and a wavelength converting member. The method further includes bonding the light emitting element and the wavelength converting member to each other by surface activated bonding. The light emitting element includes a semiconductor stacked layer portion formed on a substrate. The wavelength converting member includes a support member selected from the group of aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, YAG without activator, and yttrium oxide. The wavelength converting member further includes a fluorescent material contained in the support member. Bonding the light emitting element and the wavelength converting member entails bonding the substrate and the support member to each other. |
| US08916394B2 |
Method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube field emission device with overhanging gate
A carbon nanotube field emission device with overhanging gate fabricated by a double silicon-on-insulator process. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08916392B2 |
Magnetoresistive random access memory element and fabrication method thereof
A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) element includes a bottom electrode embedded in a first insulating layer; an annular reference layer in a first via hole of a second insulating layer on the first insulating layer, the annular reference layer being situated above the bottom electrode; a first gap fill material layer filling the first via hole; a barrier layer covering the annular reference layer, the second insulating layer and the first gap fill material layer; an annular free layer in a second via hole of a third insulating layer on the second insulating layer, the annular free layer being situated above the annular reference layer; and a top electrode stacked on the annular free layer. |
| US08916390B2 |
Portable rapid diagnostic test reader
A portable rapid diagnostic test reader system includes a mobile phone having a camera and one or more processors contained within the mobile phone and a modular housing configured to mount to the mobile phone. The modular housing including a receptacle configured to receive a sample tray holding a rapid diagnostic test. At least one illumination source is disposed in the modular housing and located on one side of the rapid diagnostic test. An optical demagnifier is disposed in the modular housing interposed between the rapid diagnostic test and the mobile phone camera. |
| US08916386B2 |
Method to detect and sequence post translationally modified peptides
A method of detecting and sequencing post translationally modified peptides is disclosed wherein a negative ion precursor scan is performed. A negative ion high resolution MS scan is then performed and then MRM channels in positive ion mode are determined and monitored. A positive ion MS/MS scan is then performed. |
| US08916384B2 |
Pipelining assembly for a blood analyzing instrument
A pipelining assembly for use in a blood analyzing instrument, methods for performing parallel pipelining functions, and methods for processing a plurality of prepared blood samples through a blood analyzing instrument. The pipelining assembly presented generally includes a first sample preparation chamber, a first queuing chamber in fluid communication with the first sample preparation chamber, and a first control valve between the first sample preparation chamber and the first queuing chamber. The pipelining assembly further includes a second sample preparation chamber, a second queuing chamber in fluid communication with the second sample preparation chamber, and a second control valve between the second sample preparation chamber and the second queuing chamber. An analysis chamber is provided to receive first and second prepared blood samples from the in first and second queuing chambers. The presented methods include steps for repeated processing of prepared blood samples through the blood analyzing instrument. |
| US08916382B2 |
Defined cell culturing surfaces and methods of use
In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL. |
| US08916381B1 |
Methods for treatment of cancer
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention includes relates to administering a genetically modified T cell to express a CAR wherein the CAR comprises an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory signaling region, and a CD3 zeta signaling domain. |
| US08916380B2 |
Embryonic stem cell-like cells
Disclosed is a method for preparing an embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like cell, which includes the steps of: (a) obtaining a first cell population from a mammalian tissue or body fluid, wherein the first cell population comprises adult stem cells; (b) obtaining a second somatic cell population from a mammalian tissue, wherein the mammalian tissue is different from the mammalian tissue in step (a) and the second cell population is different from the first cell population; (c) coculturing the first cell population and the second cell population in a medium for a period of time sufficient to form a colony from either the first cell population or the second cell population; and (d) subculturing a cell from the colony in a medium for a period time sufficient to prepare the ESC-like cell. |
| US08916377B2 |
Root-preferred promoter and methods of use
The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions include a novel nucleotide sequence for a promoter for the gene encoding Sorghum bicolor RCc3. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises transforming a plant or plant cell with a nucleotide sequence operably linked to one of the promoters of the present invention. |
| US08916375B2 |
Integrated microfluidic analysis systems
The present invention provides an integrated microfluidic analysis system. The system contains at least a first (pre-reaction treatment) domain for treating a sample prior to subjecting the sample to a chemical reaction. The following domains are optionally added to the first domain: a second (reaction) domain for reacting the chemical of interest in the sample; and a third (post-reaction separation) domain for separating products and reactants coming out of the reaction domain. The integrated microfluidic analysis system of the present invention is most applicable to PCR analysis. |
| US08916373B2 |
Mutant human superoxide dismutase 1 variants
The present invention in the art of biochemistry claims novel and non-naturally occurring mutant human superoxide dismutase 1 (hsod1) variant polypeptides, their encoding nucleic acids, and recombinant cells thereof. The inventor rationally designed mutant hsod1 variants using structural observations and complimentary experimentation. The designed mutant hsod1 variant products claimed have multiple potential industrial applications including as novel therapeutics. |
| US08916372B2 |
Strain of Salmonella enterica s. typhimurium, its use and a method to obtain a therapeutic vaccine vector
The present invention relates to a new bacterial strain of Samonella enterica serovar Typhimurium VNP20009 deposited in the Polish Collection of Microorganisms under access no. B/00024 and its us in the production of a vaccine, especially an anti-cancer vaccine. The present invention also relates to a method of obtaining a therapeutic vaccine vector, characterized in that a genetic modification is introduced into the vector strain specific to cancer cells, resulting in the delayed over expression of a gene encoding a protein responsible for the invasive ability of this strain. |
| US08916370B2 |
Isoprene synthase variants for improved microbial production of isoprene
The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one isoprene synthase enzyme with improved catalytic activity and/or solubility. In particular, the present invention provides variant plant isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in microbial host cells. Biosynthetically produced isoprene of the present invention finds use in the manufacture of rubber and elastomers. |
| US08916369B2 |
Trichoderma reesei α-amylase is a maltogenic enzyme
A maltogenic a-amylase from Trichoderma reesei (TrAA) and variants thereof are useful in the production of high-maltose syrups from liquefied starch. Particularly high maltose concentrations are achieved when TrAA is used in the presence of a pullulanase. Expression hosts and encoding nucleic acids useful for producing TrAA and its variants also are provided. |
| US08916363B2 |
Construction of Highly efficient cellulase compositions for enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose
This invention provides novel enzyme compositions using newly identified and isolated C. lucknowense enzymes, including CBH Ib CBH IIb, EG II, EG VI, β-glucosidase, and xylanase II in conjunction with previously identified enzymes CBH Ia, CBH IIa (previously described as Endo 43), and EG V. These enzyme compositions demonstrate an extremely high ability to convert lignocellulosic biomass (e.g., Avicel, cotton, Douglas fir wood pretreated by organosolv) to glucose. CBH Ia and IIb, which both have a cellulose-binding module (CBM) displayed a pronounced synergism with three major endoglucanases (EG II, EG V, EG VI) from the same fungus in hydrolysis of cotton as well as a strong synergy with each other. The enzyme compositions are effective in hydrolysis of the lignocellulosic biomass. |
| US08916361B2 |
Elongase gene and uses thereof
The subject invention relates to the identification of a gene involved in the elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acids containing unsaturation at the carbon 9 position (i.e., “Δ9-elongase”) and to uses thereof. In particular, Δ9-elongase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) to eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2n-6). The production of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) from eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2n-6), and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) from dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) is then catalyzed by Δ8-desaturase and Δ5-desaturase, respectively. AA or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced therefrom may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics. |
| US08916358B2 |
Methods for control of flux in metabolic pathways through protease manipulation
The embodiments described herein pertain to cells, and methods for preparing cells, that can be used as biocatalysts by altering enzymes that compete for a substrate or product of a pathway of interest such that the targeted enzyme is sensitive to a site-specific protease, which protease is expressed but relocated in the cell to a site where it is not in contact with the targeted enzyme in the intact cell. Upon cell lysis, the protease contacts the target enzyme, which is then inactivated by protease cleavage. |
| US08916357B2 |
Dynamic monitoring of activation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in living cells using real-time microelectronic cell sensing technology
Methods for identifying a compound capable of interacting with a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) including providing a device capable of measuring cell-substrate impedance, adding test cells expressing a RTK to the device, measuring first impedances, adding a compound to at least one compound well and adding a vehicle control to at least one control well, measuring second impedances of the compound well and the control well, determining the change in the impedance for the compound well and the one control well, comparing the change in impedance between the compound well and the control well, and identifying the compound interacts with the RTK if the comparison demonstrates a significant difference between the change in impedance. |
| US08916355B2 |
Pain signaling molecules
The invention relates generally to novel genes expressed in normal but not Neurogenin-1-deficient animals. The invention relates specifically to a novel family of G protein-coupled receptors and a novel family of two-transmembrane segment proteins that are expressed in dorsal root ganglia, and a method of screening for genes specifically expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons. |
| US08916354B2 |
Bladder cancer diagnosis composition containing APE1/Ref-1 and bladder cancer diagnostic kit using same
Provided are a bladder cancer diagnosis composition containing APE1/Ref-1, a bladder cancer diagnostic kit containing an antibody which specifically binds to the APE1/Ref-1, and a method of measuring APE1/Ref-1 concentration in biological samples through an antigen-antibody binding reaction using the antibody which specifically binds to the APE1/Ref-1. According to the invention, the APE1/Ref-1 protein concentration in serum of bladder cancer patients is significantly higher than in healthy subjects, and more particularly, it significantly increases in the serum of patients with stage 2 or later bladder cancer. |
| US08916353B2 |
Circovirus sequences associated with piglet weight loss disease (PWD)
The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccine, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided. |
| US08916352B2 |
PCR reaction mixtures with decreased non-specific activity
The present invention provides methods for improving the specificity of nucleic acid amplification comprising incubating a nucleic acid molecule with a polymerase-Sso7 DNA binding domain conjugate and arginine, spermidine, or spermine. The present invention also provides reaction mixtures and kits for improving the specificity of nucleic acid amplification. |
| US08916349B2 |
Assay method for target nucleic acid by signal amplification using probe hybridization and restriction
Oligonucleotides for detection of nucleic acid in a sample that provide for an amplified signal by recycling probes and probe fragments. |
| US08916338B2 |
Processes and compositions for removing substances from substrates
Processes associated apparatus and compositions useful for removing organic substances from substrates, for example, electronic device substrates such as microelectronic wafers or flat panel displays, are provided. Processes are presented that apply a minimum volume of a composition as a coating to the inorganic substrate whereby sufficient heat is added and the organic substances are completely removed by rinsing. The compositions and processes may be suitable for removing and, in some instances, completely dissolving photoresists of the positive and negative varieties as well as thermoset polymers from electronic devices. |
| US08916337B2 |
Dual hard mask lithography process
A first metallic hard mask layer over an interconnect-level dielectric layer is patterned with a line pattern. At least one dielectric material layer, a second metallic hard mask layer, a first organic planarization layer (OPL), and a first photoresist are applied above the first metallic hard mask layer. A first via pattern is transferred from the first photoresist layer into the second metallic hard mask layer. A second OPL and a second photoresist are applied and patterned with a second via pattern, which is transferred into the second metallic hard mask layer. A first composite pattern of the first and second via patterns is transferred into the at least one dielectric material layer. A second composite pattern that limits the first composite pattern with the areas of the openings in the first metallic hard mask layer is transferred into the interconnect-level dielectric layer. |
| US08916335B2 |
Photo-curable transfer sheet, process for the preparation of optical information recording medium using the sheet, and optical information recording medium
A photo-curable transfer sheet having a photo-curable transfer layer comprising a photo-curable composition, the photo-curable composition being deformable by application of pressure and containing a reactive polymer having a photopolymerizable functional group, wherein the photo-curable transfer layer shows linearity in relationship between strain [γ] (%) and time [t] (second) measured by a creep test using a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus under the conditions of an ordinary temperature, stress of 50 Pa and a time period of 120 seconds, and satisfies a following formula: log γ=a+b·log t, in which “a” is a real number, and “b” is in the range of 0.10 to 0.53; and a process for the preparation of an optical information recording medium using the sheet and an optical information recording medium. |
| US08916334B2 |
Micro-composite material for three-dimensional printing
The present disclosure provides a micro-composite material used in the fabrication of three-dimensional objects, and associated methods and systems. In one example, a micro-composite material used in the fabrication of a three-dimensional object can comprise micronized polymeric particles; a photocurable curing agent; and a dye present in the micro-composite material in an amount at from 0.0001 wt % to 0.1 wt %, the dye having a λmax between 350 nm and 800 nm. |
| US08916330B2 |
Chemically amplified photoresist composition and method for forming resist pattern
The present invention provides a resist composition giving a resist pattern excellent in CD uniformity and focus margin. A chemically amplified photoresist composition comprises a resin (A) and an acid generator (B), and the resin (A) contains, as a part or an entirety thereof, a copolymer (A1) which is obtained by polymerizing at least: a (meth)acrylic monomer (a1) having C5-20 alicyclic hydrocarbon group which becomes soluble in an aqueous alkali solution by the action of an acid; a (meth)acrylic monomer (a2) having a hydroxy group-containing adamantyl group; and a (meth)acrylic monomer (a3) having a lactone ring, and the copolymer (A1) has a weight-average molecular weight of 2500 or more and 5000 or less, and a content of the copolymer (A1) is not less than 50 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the resin (A). |
| US08916326B2 |
Thermal image receiver elements having release agents
A thermal image receiver element dry image receiving layer has a Tg of at least 25° C. and is the outermost layer. The dry image receiving layer has a dry thickness of at least 0.5 μm and up to and including 5 μm. It comprises a water-dispersible release agent and a polymer binder matrix that consists essentially of: (1) a water-dispersible acrylic polymer comprising chemically reacted or chemically non-reacted hydroxyl, phospho, phosphonate, sulfo, sulfonate, carboxy, or carboxylate groups, and (2) a water-dispersible polyester that has a Tg of 30° C. or less. The water-dispersible acrylic polymer is present in an amount of at least 55 weight % and at a dry ratio to the water-dispersible polyester of at least 1:1. The thermal image receiver element can be used to prepare thermal dye images after thermal transfer from a thermal donor element. |
| US08916325B2 |
Carrier for developing electrostatic latent image, tow-component developer and image forming method
A carrier for developing electrostatic latent image, including a particulate magnetic core material; and a coated layer covering the surface of the particulate magnetic core material, wherein the coated layer includes a resin including a silicone resin and a methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester resin, and a filler including a substrate; and an electroconductive layer comprising tin dioxide (SnO2), overlying the substrate, and wherein the carrier includes tin (Sn) in an amount not less than 0.5% by atom and has a ratio (Sn/Si) of tin (Sn) to silicon (Si) of from 0.03 to 0.2 when subjected to an XPS analysis. |
| US08916323B2 |
Toner for electrostatic image development
The toner can obtain low-temperature fixing property, heat-resistant storability and long-term stability of charging while having excellent low-temperature fixing property. The toner is formed with toner particles containing a binder resin and a crystalline ester compound, the crystalline ester compound has a linear-chain structure, and the binder resin contains a styrene-acrylic resin including a structural unit derived from an acrylic ester monomer represented by general formula (1) below. In the general formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms. m represents 2 or 3, and n represents an integer of 1 to 25. |
| US08916322B2 |
Sustainable toner
The present disclosure describes toner that is composed substantially of biodegradable and recycled materials. |
| US08916321B2 |
Electrostatic charge image developing toner, electrostatic charge image developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles, and an external additive containing titanate compound particles having an iron content of from greater than 1200 ppm to 6000 ppm. |
| US08916318B2 |
Black toner containing compound having azo skeleton
A toner comprising toner particles, each of which contains a binder resin, a compound in which a polymer portion is bound to an azo skeleton structure are linked, and carbon black. The polymer portion has a monomer unit represented by the Formula (2) that is bound to a structure represented by Formula (1): |
| US08916316B2 |
Reflecting mask blank, method for manufacturing reflective mask blank and method for quality control for reflective mask blank
The present invention relates to a reflective mask blank containing in this order, a substrate, a multilayer reflective film that reflects exposure light, and an absorber layer that absorbs the exposure light, in which the reflective mask blank further contains a fiducial mark indicating a reference position of the multilayer reflective film, which is formed in a concave shape or in a convex shape on a surface of the multilayer reflective film or on a surface of one layer formed between the multilayer reflective film and the absorber layer, and the fiducial mark is formed so as to have a reflectivity different from an area surrounding the fiducial mark with respect to a light with a prescribed wavelength and is transferred to a layer formed on the fiducial mark. |
| US08916315B2 |
Method for fracturing and forming a pattern using shaped beam charged particle beam lithography
In the field of semiconductor production using shaped charged particle beam lithography, a method and system for fracturing or mask data preparation or proximity effect correction is disclosed, wherein a plurality of circular or nearly-circular shaped beam shots can form a non-circular pattern on a surface. Methods for manufacturing a reticle and for manufacturing a substrate such as a silicon wafer by forming non-circular patterns on a surface using a plurality of circular or nearly-circular shaped beam shots is also disclosed. |
| US08916314B2 |
Reduced lens heating methods, apparatus, and systems
In one embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes an illuminator having a source that produces light waves having a first wavelength, and a mask. The mask includes at least one partly opaque area and at least one opening within the opaque area includes a slanted, sub-resolution feature that redistributes a portion of the light passing through the open area to an off-axis location. A method of forming a device by way of photolithography might include forming unresolvable features on a mask and projecting light through the mask. Other systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed. |
| US08916311B2 |
Ion/proton-conducting apparatus and method
A c-axis-oriented HAP thin film synthesized by seeded growth on a palladium hydrogen membrane substrate. An exemplary synthetic process includes electrochemical seeding on the substrate, and secondary and tertiary hydrothermal treatments under conditions that favor growth along c-axes and a-axes in sequence. By adjusting corresponding synthetic conditions, an HAP this film can be grown to a controllable thickness with a dense coverage on the underlying substrate. The thin films have relatively high proton conductivity under hydrogen atmosphere and high temperature conditions. The c-axis oriented films may be integrated into fuel cells for application in the intermediate temperature range of 200-600° C. The electrochemical-hydrothermal deposition technique may be applied to create other oriented crystal materials having optimized properties, useful for separations and catalysis as well as electronic and electrochemical applications, electrochemical membrane reactors, and in chemical sensors. Additional high-density and gas-tight HAP film compositions may be deposited using a two-step deposition method that includes an electrochemical deposition method followed by a hydrothermal deposition method. The two-step method uses a single hydrothermal deposition solution composition. The method may be used to deposit HAP films including but not limited to at least doped HAP films, and more particularly including carbonated HAP films. In addition, the high-density and gas-tight HAP films may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. |
| US08916308B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell includes separators sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. The separators each include first and second fuel gas supply sections through which a fuel gas supply passage extends centrally, first and second bridges extending radially outwardly from the first and second fuel gas supply sections, and first and second sandwiching sections connected to the first and second bridges. A fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel are provided in the first and second sandwiching sections. Each of the first sandwiching sections has pairs of fuel gas outlets and a fuel gas consumed in the fuel gas channel is discharged through the fuel gas outlets. |
| US08916304B2 |
Hydrogen generator and fuel cell system including same
A hydrogen generator includes: a reformer (102) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction using a raw material; a combustor (104) configured to heat the reformer; an air supplying device (106) configured to supply combustion air to the combustor; a first heat exchanger (108) configured to recover heat from a flue gas discharged from the combustor; a first heat medium passage (110) through which a first heat medium flows, the first heat medium receiving the heat recovered from the flue gas in the first heat exchanger; a first pump (112) configured to cause the first heat medium in the first heat medium passage to flow; a heat accumulator (140) configured to store the heat recovered by the first heat medium; and a controller (114) configured to cause the first pump to operate in a cooling step that is a step of cooling down at least the reformer by supplying the air from the air supplying device to the combustor in a state where the combustor is not carrying out combustion during a stop processing |
| US08916299B1 |
Microbial fuel cell integrated in vehicle
A self-propelled microbial fuel cell apparatus includes a microbial fuel cell with a cathode electrode and an anode electrode wherein the anode electrode is enclosed within an enclosure that has an opening in it. The microbial fuel cell is positioned within a self-propelled delivery vehicle so that the electrodes of the fuel cell are exposed to interface with a microbial environment. |
| US08916293B2 |
Plate-like particle for cathode active material for lithium secondary battery, cathode active material film for lithium secondary battery, methods for manufacturing the particle and film, method for manufacturing cathode active material for lithium secondary battery, and lithium secondary battery
An object of the present invention is to provide a lithium secondary battery which has improved capacity, durability, and rate characteristic as compared with conventional lithium secondary batteries. A plate-like particle or a film for a lithium secondary battery cathode active material has a layered rock salt structure. The (003) plane is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction of the plate surface of the particle or film. |
| US08916291B2 |
Electrolytic solution and battery
An electrolytic solution capable of suppressing the battery swollenness and improving the battery characteristics such as the charge and discharge efficiency and a battery using it are provided. A cathode (21) and an anode (22) are layered with an electrolyte layer (24) in between. The electrolyte layer (24) is gelatinous, containing the electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The electrolytic solution contains a compound having proton scavenging capacity such as hexamethylenetetramine and hexaethylenetetramine. Thereby, a free acid such as hydrofluoric acid is scavenged, and decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution or the like is prevented. |
| US08916289B2 |
Electrochemical element
An electrochemical element comprises a container and a sealing plate for sealing an opening of the container. The container is sealed with the sealing plate by welding a portion of the brazing material on the sealing plate and a portion of the metal film of the container which make contact with each other together in a state where a first electrode active material, a separator, a second electrode active material and an electrolyte are contained in the container. An electricity collector sheet is electrically connected to the first electrode active material or the second electrode active material, whichever is closer to the opening of the container. At least a portion of the electricity collector sheet extends to the end portion of the container so that the container and the sealing plate are welded together with the extending portion of the electricity collector sheet in between. Thus, the manufacturing process may be simplified so that the welding of the container and the sealing plate can be easily carried out even when the container and the sealing plate are reduced in size. |
| US08916287B2 |
Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator therebetween; a case that has an opening that houses the electrode assembly; a cap assembly including a cap plate that covers the opening of the case; and an electrode terminal that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protrudes through the cap plate to the outside of the case. The electrode terminal includes a lower terminal plate that is connected to the electrode assembly, an upper terminal plate that covers an upper part of the lower terminal plate, and a terminal fastener that is housed in a space between the lower terminal plate and the upper terminal plate that protrudes through an upper surface of the upper terminal plate. |
| US08916285B2 |
Modular high temperature battery electrical configurations
A cell module and modular cell tray apparatus for a modular electrochemical device that are more easily manufactured and serviced. A cell module is provided having a plurality of electrochemical cells. The cell module includes an electrically conductive carrier element having a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is configured to accept a top portion of an electrode body of an electrochemical cell. A modular cell tray apparatus is provided having a plurality of the cell modules. The cell tray apparatus includes an electrically insulating tray having rows of cell receptacles to accept the cell modules. A modular electrochemical device is provided having a plurality of the cell tray apparatuses. The modular electrochemical device includes a plurality of electrical connectors configured to electrically connect the cell modules within a cell tray apparatus, and to electrically connect the cell tray apparatuses to each other. |
| US08916284B2 |
Battery cell with small groove at surface and battery pack including the same
Disclosed herein is a battery cell including an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure mounted in a receiving part of a battery case (cell case). The cell case is provided, at a predetermined region of the cell case corresponding to the upper end interface of the electrode assembly while the electrode assembly is mounted in the receiving part, with a small groove for pressing against the upper end of the electrode assembly to prevent the upward movement of the electrode assembly. The small groove is continuously formed in parallel with the upper end of the electrode assembly. |
| US08916283B2 |
Binder for separator of non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprising 2-cyanoethyl group-containing polymer and separator and battery using the same
An object of the invention is to provide a binder for a separator which can be comprised by a non-aqueous electrolyte battery with improved heat resistance, a separator comprising the binder, and a non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprising the separator. More specifically, provided are a binder for a separator of a non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprising at least a 2-cyanoethyl group-containing polymer having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), which is a ratio of a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to a number-average molecular weight (Mn), of 6 or less, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 50,000 to 1,000,000, and 30% by weight or less of a low molecular weight portion having a molecular weight of 30,000 or less. |
| US08916281B2 |
Rebalancing electrolytes in redox flow battery systems
Embodiments of redox flow battery rebalancing systems include a system for reacting an unbalanced flow battery electrolyte with a rebalance electrolyte in a first reaction cell. In some embodiments, the rebalance electrolyte may contain ferrous iron (Fe2+) which may be oxidized to ferric iron (Fe3+) in the first reaction cell. The reducing ability of the rebalance reactant may be restored in a second rebalance cell that is configured to reduce the ferric iron in the rebalance electrolyte back into ferrous iron through a reaction with metallic iron. |
| US08916280B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack that can reduce manufacturing costs and simplify an assembly structure. The battery pack includes a first case having an inner space, at least one battery cell arranged in the inner space of the first case, a second case coupled to the first case to accommodate the battery cell, and a coupling part arranged inside the coupled first and second cases. The coupling part includes a handle part and a protrusion part that is integrally formed with the handle part and protrudes outward according to a movement of the handle part. |
| US08916279B2 |
Battery assembling apparatus and battery assembling method
Provided is a battery assembling apparatus comprising a selecting section that selects as battery cells to be assembled into a battery pack, from among a plurality of battery cells, battery cells having similar charge curves that indicate a relationship between voltage and charge period, which is a time period necessary for a battery cell to be charged from a first voltage to a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. As a result, the lifetimes of battery cells and of a battery pack assembled from a plurality of battery cells can be extended. |
| US08916277B2 |
Low embodied energy wallboards and methods of making same
Wallboards, as well as other building materials, are produced by methods which use significantly reduced embodied energy, generating far less greenhouse gases when compared with the energy used to fabricate gypsum wallboard. A novel cementitious core, consisting in one embodiment of post-industrial waste such as slag and combined with pH modifiers, provides a controlled exothermic reaction to create a gypsum-wallboard-like core which can be wrapped in a selected material such as recycled paper and manufactured on a conveyor system to appear, weigh and handle similar to gypsum wallboard, but without the large amounts of energy required to make gypsum wallboard. The manufacturing process results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than the processes used to make gypsum wallboard. |
| US08916274B2 |
Organic light emitting device
An organic light emitting device that obtains stable image qualities through prevention of any significant decrease in brightness at high temperature. The organic light emitting device includes an anode; a cathode facing the anode; an organic emitting layer interposed between the anode and the cathode; an electron transport layer interposed between the organic emitting layer and the cathode and comprising an alkali metal compound or an alkali earth metal compound; and a buffer layer interposed between the organic emitting layer and the electron transport layer. |
| US08916267B2 |
Adhesive composition for detachable adhesive bonds and modification of the encapsulation materials for a purposeful energy input
An adhesive composition for detachable adhesive bonds is based on adhesive matrices and expansion material. The particles of the expansion material are at least partially encapsulated. A bond of at least two components and an adhesive layer includes an adhesive composition based on adhesive matrices and expansion material. The bonded components may include metal, plastic, wood, glass, natural or synthetic materials or a composite material thereof. |
| US08916266B2 |
Coating composition, coating film, laminate, and process for production of laminate
Provided is a coating composition excellent in antifouling properties, transparency and hydrophilicity, wherein the coating composition contains (A) a metal oxide particle having a number average particle size of 1 nm to 400 nm; and (B) a polymer particle, in which the content of an aqueous-phase component in the component (B), represented by the expression (I), is 20 mass % or less, where (I)(%)=(dry mass of a filtrate obtained by filtering the component (B) at a molecular cutoff of 50,000)×(100−total mass of solid content)/(mass of the filtrate−dry mass of the filtrate)×100/the total mass of solid content. |
| US08916265B1 |
Multi-spectral, selectively reflective construct
A selectively reflective construct, and a method for making the construct, are described. In one embodiment reflectance, transmission and absorption properties may be controlled in multiple electromagnetic bands. A construct is described comprising a) a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate comprising a polymeric material and a colorant, and b) a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component. |
| US08916260B2 |
Web substrates having wide color gamut indicia printed thereon
A web substrate having indicia having a unique color gamut expressed by a difference in L*a*b* color values is disclosed. |
| US08916257B1 |
Cloth-like synthetic textiles
An embossing and texturizing system capable of imparting a natural cloth-like surface to a flexible thermoplastic material or film simultaneously to either or both of its two exterior surfaces, through the use of a unique device and technique combining metal rolls, metal and rubber rolls, and embossing and texturizing fabric rolls into an embossing system creating the desired visual and tactile feel of natural fabrics as well as additional performance characteristics. The embossing and texturizing system embosses and texturizes the exterior surface of the flexible thermoplastic material or film by selectively altering the exterior surface, and therefore, the film can be embossed simultaneously on either or both of its two exterior surfaces (face and reverse) without necessitating major interruption or adjustment of the system. The use of the embossing and texturizing mechanism and its alignment to the core and stabilizing reinforcing substrate enables the exterior texturized surface and the bottom side exterior texturized surface to be identical in all manner. |
| US08916256B2 |
Fastening strap, foam article including same and method for manufacturing the fastening strap
One aspect of the present invention provides a fastening strap for used in a foam article. The sideway-bendable fastening strap for a foam article includes a substantially flat hollow helical body made from a single hook strap and having a first outer surface, a second outer surface, and a plurality of hooks integrally formed on each of the first and second outer surfaces; wherein the hook strap is formed by plastic injection process and has a substrate and a plurality of hooks integrally formed on one face of the substrate, and wherein the hollow helical body is formed by sequentially and continually folding the hook strap from one end of the hook strap toward the other end of the hook strap along a number folding lines which are parallel with each other and at an angle θ with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hook strap with the face having the hooks formed thereon facing outward such that the hook strap is plastically and permanently deformed at the folding lines to form a hollow helical body having a width w. |
| US08916252B2 |
Structural longitudinal composite joint for aircraft structure
A structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure arranged within the composite joint. A method of producing a structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure and an aircraft structure comprising such structural composite parts. |
| US08916248B2 |
Metal-coated polymer article
Metal-coated polymer articles containing structural substantially porosity-free, fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings/layers optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein on polymer substrates, are disclosed. The substantially porosity-free metallic coatings/layers/patches are applied to polymer or polymer composite substrates to provide, enhance or restore vacuum/pressure integrity and fluid sealing functions. Due to the excellent adhesion between the metallic coating and the polymer article satisfactory thermal cycling performance is achieved. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, aerospace and automotive parts and other components exposed to thermal cycling and stress created by erosion and impact damage. |
| US08916244B2 |
Inkjet media and method thereof
An inkjet media includes a base substrate, an upper fluid barrier layer disposed on a side of the base substrate, a lower fluid barrier layer disposed on an other side of the base substrate, an image receiving layer disposed on the upper fluid barrier layer, a back adhesive layer disposed on the lower fluid barrier layer, an activation layer disposed on the back adhesive layer, an adhesive protection layer disposed on the activation layer. |
| US08916242B2 |
Connector system
A connector system facilitates the connection of a first tree trunk to a second tree trunk of an artificial tree system, and further protects one or more ends of a trunk when, for example, the artificial tree system is being shipped or stored. The connector system comprises a sleeve. The sleeve comprises a cylindrical shaped body. The outer of the body has a uniform cylindrical shape. The interior of the sleeve has different diameters at its top and bottom. The interior includes a notch or shoulder. The shoulder is in proximity to the top end of the sleeve. The sleeve further comprises a cutout for assisting with connecting and securing the trunks together. |
| US08916240B2 |
Porous organic polymeric films and preparation
Porous organic polymeric films having multiple discrete cavities can be prepared using an water-in-oil emulsion that includes a cavity stabilizing hydrocolloid on the inner walls of the multiple discrete cavities. The multiple discrete cavities can also include organic catalytic materials for various catalytic reactions, markers materials for security applications, or the multiple discrete cavities can be used to increase opacity, hydrophobicity, or other desirable properties compared to nonporous organic polymeric films composed of the composition and dry thickness. |
| US08916237B2 |
Thin film deposition apparatus and method of depositing thin film
A method of manufacturing a thin film on a substrate including: disposing the substrate to be separated from a thin film deposition apparatus by a preset distance; passing vaporized deposition material through first slits of a first nozzle, the first slits arranged in a first direction; passing the vaporized deposition material received from the first slits through second slits of a second nozzle of the thin film deposition apparatus; using an adjusting member including an actuator set to adjust an orientation of the second nozzle relative to a deposition target area on the substrate on which the deposition material from the second nozzle is to be deposited; and depositing the deposition material from the second nozzle onto the deposition target area while the thin film deposition apparatus or the substrate is moved relative to the other, the second nozzle defining a pattern of deposition material on the substrate, is disclosed. |
| US08916236B2 |
Method of forming a (rutile) titanium dioxide-coated platelet-like pigment
The invention relates to a method of forming (rutile) titanium dioxide-coated platelet-like pigments in which hydrous titanium dioxide is deposited on platelet-like particles followed by calcining, comprising (a) effecting the titanium deposit in the presence of an α-hydroxy carboxylic acid, especially glycolic acid, or oxalic acid, and an amino acid, especially glycine, alanine, valine, aspartic acid (α-, β- and γ-form); or an amino acid; to the pigments obtained by the method and the use thereof. The method can work in the absence of exogenous metal and Ti(III). The rutile TiO2-coated substrate of the present invention has at least the same advantages and characteristics of a tin containing product which includes luster, color, color homogeneity and few small particle formation during manufacture. |
| US08916232B2 |
Method for barrier interface preparation of copper interconnect
The embodiments fill the need of improving electromigration and reducing stress-induced voids of copper interconnect by enabling deposition of a thin and conformal barrier layer, and a copper layer in the copper interconnect. The adhesion between the barrier layer and the copper layer can be improved by making the barrier layer metal-rich prior copper deposition and by limiting the amount of oxygen the barrier layer is exposed prior to copper deposition. Alternatively, a functionalization layer can be deposited over the barrier layer to enable the copper layer being deposit in the copper interconnect with good adhesion between the barrier layer and the copper layer. An exemplary method of preparing a substrate surface of a substrate to deposit a functionalization layer over a metallic barrier layer of a copper interconnect to assist deposition of a copper layer in the copper interconnect in an integrated system in order to improve electromigration performance of the copper interconnect is provided. The method includes depositing the metallic barrier layer to line the copper interconnect structure in the integrated system, wherein after depositing the metallic barrier layer, the substrate is transferred and processed in controlled environment to prevent the formation of metallic barrier oxide. The method also includes depositing the functionalization layer over the metallic layer in the integrated system. The method further includes depositing the copper layer in the copper interconnect structure in the integrated system after the functionalization layer is deposited over the metallic barrier layer. |
| US08916225B2 |
Method for coating inner surface of medical tube made from vinyl chloride with anti-thrombotic material
The present invention provides a method for coating an inner surface of a polyvinyl chloride medical tube containing a plasticizer with an antithrombogenic material composed of a specific (meth)acrylate copolymer. The simple method of the present invention is capable of evenly and efficiently coating an inner surface of a polyvinyl chloride medical tube with a sufficient amount of an antithrombogenic material without causing appearance deterioration or uneven coating due to elution of the plasticizer. The method is performed by passing through a tube a solution that is prepared by dissolving an antithrombogenic material in a solvent composed of water and at least one alcohol that is adjusted to dissolve the copolymer of the antithrombogenic material but does not dissolve the plasticizer, then subsequently passing water through the tube, and finally drying the tube. |
| US08916224B2 |
Production of shredded or flaked whole grain-containing composite food products
Shredded or flaked whole grain-containing composite food products, such as ready-to-eat cereals, and sweet and savory snacks, are continuously produced by pelletizing cooked, tempered, whole cereal grain particles in the presence of vegetables, fruit, or dairy cheese. In another aspect, an enrobing coating containing chocolate is applied to a baked shredded laminate product of the pelletization, wherein the shredded product may further optionally include fruit added and present during pelletization. |
| US08916222B2 |
Method and device for producing shaped meat portions from whole natural meat pieces
A device for producing shaped meat portions, the device including a sorting device for sorting meat into a first set of pieces having a weight which is below a desired weight, a second set of pieces having a weight which corresponds to a desired weight, and a third set of pieces having a weight which is above a desired weight. The device further includes a cutting device which cuts each of the third set of pieces to a desired weight so that the cut pieces having a desired weight define a set of selected meat pieces. A transport device transports the set of selected meat pieces and a freezing facility through which the transport device conveys the set of selected meat pieces and which freezes the set of selected meat pieces. The device further including a shaping device which presses or presses and punches the frozen set of selected meat pieces in a mold and thus transforms the frozen set of selected meat pieces into a final shape or a plurality of final shapes, wherein the shaping device produces in a controlled manner meat portions having a predefined weight and a predefined three-dimensional shape. |
| US08916221B2 |
Method for producing cheese
A method for producing cheese and a device therefore, in particular what is known as a cassette press with round or angular cheese molds. The method is intended in particular to achieve gentle and hygienic de-molding of the cheese blocks after removal of whey. A raw cheese mass is first poured into molds of a cassette press, then pressed to remove liquid and emptied out of the mold after a turning process. Directly after turning, the raw cheese mass in the mold is subjected to a shaking movement, so the pressed raw cheese mass is detached gently from the inner wall of the mold. |
| US08916219B2 |
Method and apparatus for the energy-saving production of confectionery masses
A method and an apparatus (1) serve for the automatic batch-wise production of a slurry containing a sugar component, i.e. sugar or a sugar substitute, for producing confectioneries. A liquid is fed into a weighing and mixing container (2) in a batch-wise and weight-accurate way. A sugar component as a dry material is fed into the container (2) in a batch-wise and weight-accurate way to produce a mixture. The liquid and the dry material are fed into container (2) and the mixture is mixed such that a slurry having a share of dry substance of at least 85% is produced. The liquid, the dry material, the mixture and/or the slurry is/are heated such that the slurry has a temperature of at least 70° C. |
| US08916218B2 |
Spray dispensing device
One exemplary aspect comprises: inserting a device into a skin of a fruit to collect juice, said device comprising a juice extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the juice extractor having an edge that is inserted into said skin, the juice extractor containing a cavity, said edge enclosing a substantially closed external surface having openings through which some solids do not pass and juice flows and collects in said cavity; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion and a spray pump, the spray dispenser detachably coupled with the juice extractor, the spray pump comprising a spray outlet connected to a tube; directing said spray outlet in a desired direction; and activating said spray pump to cause juice collected within said cavity to flow within the tube through the spray outlet to spray the juice in the desired direction. |
| US08916216B2 |
Decorative apparatus to hold candy
An apparatus used to arrange and display decorative items or candy. A narrow stem comprises a plurality of holes running throughout the stem. A plurality of metal rods are inserted into respective holes in the stem. Each metal rod has is attached to a plastic petal, which also comprises a clip. A piece of candy can be attached to each clip and can be supported by each respective petal. The plurality of metal rods arranged in this manner create a visually appealing arrangement of decorative items or dispenser of candy. |
| US08916215B2 |
System, set of capsules and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation
A capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifuging brewing device comprising: a set of different capsules (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E), each of the capsules for selectively delivering a beverage, each capsule (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) containing at least one beverage substance, each capsule of the set comprising a body (2) having an enclosure (6) containing the beverage substance, an upper wall (4) for closing the body (2) and optionally a flange-like rim (3), wherein the capsule is designed to form, alone or in cooperation with the centrifuging brewing device, a restriction or restriction valve of the centrifuged liquid, wherein the back pressure of the restriction or restriction valve differs for at least two capsules of the set. |
| US08916210B2 |
Extractor having pottery with a dark brown glaze and the method for extracting using thereof
Disclosed are an extractor having a “pottery with dark brown glaze” called “Onggi” in Korean, and a method of extracting using the same. The extractor includes a body, a body cover, a heating part, a pottery and a gas valve. The pottery is located within the body. The extractor extracts by injecting nitrogen gas, etc. into the body through a gas valve, thereby rendering the inside of the body to be high pressure state during extraction. Thus, the inside of the body is maintained under high pressure during extraction. Accordingly, an extract is located only within the pottery, and thus changes that can be caused while an extract contacts with the body can be prevented. |
| US08916201B2 |
Controlled-release granular compositions containing mesalazine and process for the manufacture thereof
The present invention refers to controlled release granular compositions of mesalazine and their use in the treatment of inflammatory pathologies of the intestinal tract. The aforesaid granular compositions comprise: a) a central core comprising an inert substrate; b) an intermediate layer comprising mesalazine and one or more physiologically acceptable excipients; c) a gastro-resistant coating. The present invention then refers to a process for obtaining the aforesaid granular compositions. |
| US08916198B2 |
Mesoporous calcium silicate compositions and methods for synthesis of mesoporous calcium silicate for controlled release of bioactive agents
Mesoporous calcium silicate compositions for controlled release of bioactive agents and methods for producing such compositions are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, mesoporous calcium silicate is synthesized by acid modification of wollastonite particles using hydrochloric acid. A hydrated silica gel layer having abundant Si—OH functional groups can be formed on the surface of wollastonite after acid modification. Bruhauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area increased significantly due to acid modification and, in one arrangement, reached over 350 m2/g. Acid modified mesoporous calcium silicate compositions show a higher ability to adsorb protein compared to unmodified particles and demonstrate controlled release kinetics of these proteins. |
| US08916196B2 |
Method for the production of emulsion-based microparticles
The apparatus and methods of the present invention are of use for the production of emulsion-based microparticles containing a biological or chemical agent. In particular, the apparatus provides a vessel; packing material situated inside such vessel and may further provide material capable of insertion into both ends of said vessel for enclosure of the packing material. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus is a packed bed apparatus. The methods include production of emulsion based microparticles containing a biological or chemical agent. The usefulness of the present invention is that the apparatus and methods of the present invention provide for a low-shear, non-turbulent, production of emulsion-based microparticles that provides a narrow, reproducible, particle size distribution, capable of use with both large and small volumes that is capable of being conveniently scaled up while providing predictable emulsion properties. |
| US08916195B2 |
Sustained release formulation of naltrexone
A sustained-release oral dosage form of naltrexone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is provided. The oral dosage form may be administered with another compound. Administration of the oral dosage form may reduce a side effect, which may be a side effect at least partially attributable to a weight-loss treatment. The oral dosage form may be administered to treat a weight-loss condition. |
| US08916187B2 |
Poly(amide) and poly(ester-amide) polymers and drug delivery particles and coatings containing same
The current invention relates to poly(amide) and poly(ester-amide) polymers, coatings including the polymers, and narrow polydispersity drug delivery particles including the polymers. |
| US08916185B2 |
Immobilizing particles onto surfaces
A method for immobilizing micro-particles, nano-particles or combinations thereof onto a surface is disclosed. The method includes distributing the micro-particles, nano-particles or combinations thereof onto the surface. The surface and the particles are exposed to thermal treatment, vapor treatment or combinations thereof, thereby adhering at least some of the micro-particles, nano-particles or combinations thereof to the surface. Materials including such immobilized micro-particles, nano-particles or combinations thereof are also disclosed herein. |
| US08916182B2 |
Composition comprising oligogalacturonans and polycationic saccharides
A ‘bioactive’ composition that has one or more oligogalacturonans ((1→4)-α-D-galacturonan) or any other oligosaccharides (oligoguluronans) that may present an ‘egg box’ conformation, this conformation being further stabilized by one or more polycationic saccharide(s), preferably either a chitosan oligosaccharide or a chitosan polysaccharide. A method prepares this composition and it is used, in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, nutraceutical, food, feed, textile, cosmetic, industrial and/or environmental applications. |
| US08916181B1 |
Glitter aerosol coating composition
An aerosol glitter composition for achieving the “sugar” glitter effect comprises a solvent, binder, square polyester glitter, optionally a rheology modifier, and propellant. |
| US08916180B2 |
Cosmetic treatment system and methods
A cosmetic treatment system is provided having ingredients that may prevent signs of aging, improve the aesthetic appearance of skin, and promote recovery from environmental stresses. The composition includes natural ingredients, including at least one ingredient or extract from rosemary; at least one ingredient or extract from Centella, Echinacea, Alpinia or mixtures thereof; a DNA repair enzyme; and at least one pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable vehicle. The treatment system may further include a patch for applying the cosmetic ingredients and/or a packaging system for holding the components of the cosmetic treatment system. |
| US08916177B2 |
Method for treating premature ejaculation with a botulinum neurotoxin
Methods for prolongation of climax time in a patient in need thereof are presented, as are methods for treating premature ejaculation by local administration of a Clostridial neurotoxin, such a botulinum neurotoxin, to the patient, are provided. |
| US08916172B2 |
MVA expressing modified HIV envelope, gag, and pol genes
The invention provides modified virus Ankara (MVA), a replication-deficient strain of vaccinia virus, expressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) env, gag, and pol genes. |
| US08916170B2 |
Methods of producing antibodies against morphine-heroine
Provided are bivalent immunogenic composition against morphine-heroin addiction comprising a carrier protein (“CP”) and a morphinic product, wherein the CP and the morphinic product are connected by a spacer-linker arm having a total molecular size of 16-21 Å, and methods of using the same. |
| US08916169B2 |
Enhanced immunogenicity of tumor associated antigens by addition of alphagal epitopes
The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. The present invention describes prophylactic or therapeutic cancer vaccines based on purified TAA proteins or TAA-derived synthetic peptides altered by chemical, enzymatic or chemo-enzymatic methods to introduce αGal epitopes or αGal glycomimetic epitopes, in order to allow for enhanced opsonization of the antigen by natural anti-αGal antibodies to stimulate TAA capture and presentation, thereby inducing a humoral and cellular immune response to the TAA expressed by a tumor. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal. |
| US08916168B2 |
Leishmania sterol 24-c-methyltransferase compositions for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of leishmaniasis
Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise Leishmania sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT) polypeptides, portions, variants and/or fusions, as well as polynucleotides encoding SMT polypeptides, portions, variants and/or fusions. |
| US08916164B2 |
Methods of enhancing adjuvaticity of vaccine compositions
The immunogenicity of vaccines is enhanced by co-administering a synthetic glycolipid, designated PBS-57, with the vaccine. PBS-57 has the ability to stimulate both a cell-mediated and humoral immune response. Co-administration of PBS-57 with a vaccine may be used in methods to stimulate one or more of a humoral immune response, a CD4+ T cell response, and a CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response. |
| US08916162B2 |
Botulinum neurotoxin antigenic compositions and methods
Methods and compositions pertaining to botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) light chain epitopes are provided. In particular, the methods and compositions relate to the use of real and mimetic BoNT light chain epitopes for generating an immune response in a subject, and for immunization against BoNT toxicity. Methods and compositions for detecting, isolating, and purifying BoNT epitopes and anti-BoNT antibodies are also provided. |
| US08916161B2 |
Method of treating or preventing benign prostatic hyperplasia using modified pore-forming proteins
The present invention provides a method of treating BPH using modified pore-forming proteins (MPPs). These MPPs are derived from naturally occurring cytotoxic proteins (nPPs) that kill cells by forming pores or channels in the cell membrane, resulting in cell death. The MPPs are generated by modification of the nPPs such that they are capable of being selectively activated at normal prostate cells. Such modification may include the addition of a prostate-specific protease cleavage site to the activation sequence, and/or the addition of a prostate-specific targeting domain to allow selective targeting of prostate cells. These MPPs are capable of selectively targeting and killing normal prostate cells in vivo. The MPPs may be used either alone or in combination with other therapies for the treatment of BPH. |
| US08916160B2 |
Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of influenza
The present invention provides compositions, vaccines, and methods for diagnosing, treating, and preventing influenza infection using a combination of antibodies raised against the influenza hemagglutinin and the matrix 2 ectodomain polypeptides. |
| US08916155B2 |
Method for the treatment of T cell mediated conditions by depletion of ICOS-positive cells in vivo
The present invention relates generally to binding agents useful in the selective depletion of T cells in vivo. More specifically, the invention relates to ICOS-binding agents which once bound to ICOS expressed on the surface of cells, in particular ICOS-bearing activated T cells, result in the in vivo depletion of cells to which they are bound. Methods of treating T cell related diseases using said ICOS-binding agents, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said ICOS-binding agents, a method of identifying an ICOS-binding agent, and monoclonal anti-ICOS antibodies capable of eliminating cells in vivo which express ICOS on their surface are also provided. |
| US08916152B2 |
S100A4 antibodies and therapeutic uses thereof
The invention relates to antibodies against S100A4, methods for the preparation of these antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic uses thereof. |
| US08916147B2 |
Universal donor-derived tolerogenic cells for inducing non-syngeneic transplantation tolerance
The present invention provides a method of treating a disease in a subject in need thereof via non-syngeneic graft administration without or with reduced concomitant graft rejection. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective graft being non-syngeneic with the subject, and a dose of tolerogenic cells being non-syngeneic with both the subject and the graft for preventing or reducing graft rejection in the subject, thereby treating the disease in the subject. |
| US08916144B2 |
Proangiogenic compositions, method for preparing same, and uses thereof
The invention relates to novel proangiogenic compositions, to the method for preparing same, and to the uses thereof, particularly for preventing or treating any disease causing ischemic-type complications. |
| US08916141B2 |
Hyaluronidase inhibitor containing poly-gamma-glutamic acid as an effective component
The present invention relates to a hyaluronidase inhibitor containing poly-gamma-glutamic acid (PGA) as an active ingredient, a composition for maintaining skin elasticity and a composition for improving allergy, wherein each of the compositions contains PGA as an active ingredient. The inventive compositions containing PGA are effective in maintaining skin moisturization and skin elasticity by effectively inhibiting the activity of hyaluronidase which is an enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid present in the skin dermis. Also, the compositions can relieve allergic symptoms by inhibiting the permeability of inflammatory cells. |
| US08916140B2 |
Polymeric compositions for sustained release of volatile materials
A polymeric composition comprising a copolymer of ethylene with at least another monomer comprising at least a heteroatom, a tackifier, less than 10% of a compatible plasticizer or blend of plasticizers and a volatile material. The compositions are able to deliver effectively the volatile material incorporated for a long time and also have good adhesion properties on most substrates. |
| US08916136B2 |
Glucose biosensor system coupled with an anti-inflammatory module and methods for using the same
Disclosed are apparatuses for detecting glucose levels in a subject. The apparatuses include a glucose sensor coupled with an anti-inflammatory module. The apparatus is configured to monitor blood glucose by detecting the fluorescence generated by the sensor and simultaneously reduce the tissue inflammation reaction. Also disclosed are biosensor systems including the apparatuses and methods of using the biosensor systems. |
| US08916135B2 |
Lanthanide nanoparticle conjugates and uses thereof
The present disclosure is directed generally to lanthanide nanoparticle conjugates, such as gadolinium nanoparticle conjugates, nanoparticle conjugates including polymers, conjugation to targeting agents and therapeutic agents, and their use in targeting, treating, and/or imaging disease states in a patient. |
| US08916130B2 |
Synthesis of MSE-framework type molecular sieves
A method of synthesizing a crystalline molecular sieve having an MSE framework type comprises crystallizing a reaction mixture comprising a source of water, a source of an oxide of a tetravalent element, Y, selected from at least one of silicon, tin, titanium, vanadium, and germanium, optionally a source of a trivalent element, X, a source of an alkali or alkaline earth metal, M, and a source of organic dications, Q, such as 3-hydroxy-1-(4-(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium-1-yl)butyl)quinuclidin-1-ium, 3-hydroxy-1-(5-(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium-1-yl)pentyl)quinuclidin-1-ium, 1,1′-(butane-1,4-diyl)bis(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium), 1,1′-(pentane-1,5-diyl)bis(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium), 1,1′-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium), and 1,1′-((3as,6as)-octahydropentalene-2,5-diyl)bis(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium). |
| US08916125B2 |
Graphite material for synthesizing semiconductor diamond and semiconductor diamond produced by using the same
A method for producing a semiconductor diamond containing boron by the high pressure synthesis method, wherein a graphite material to be converted to the semiconductor diamond is mixed with boron or a boron compound, formed and fired, in such a way that the resultant graphite material contains a boron component uniformly dispersed therein and has an enhanced bulk density, a high purity and a reduced content of hydrogen. |
| US08916119B2 |
System using selective catalytic reduction for improving low-temperature De-NOx efficiency and reducing yellow plume
The present disclosure relates to a method for removing nitrogen oxides (NOx) more effectively at 300° C. or below in boilers, gas turbines, incinerators, diesel engines, glass melting furnaces, etc. by selective catalytic reduction (SCR). To this end, an oxidation catalyst is mounted in front of a NOx-reducing device based on selective catalytic reduction and the NOx composition, i.e. the ratio of NO:NO2, in the exhaust gas is adjusted to about 1:1, such that de-NOx catalytic reaction is carried out under optimized fast SCR condition and de-NOx efficiency at low temperature can be maximized. |
| US08916116B2 |
Separation of iron from value metals in leaching of laterite ores
The invention provides a process for the leaching of a laterite ore, concentrate, tailings or waste rock for the recovery of value metals, at least one value metal being nickel. The laterite ore or concentrate is subjected to a leaching step with a lixiviant comprising hydrochloric acid to leach nickel from the laterite ore, followed by a liquid/solids separation step. The liquid obtained is subject to solvent extraction with a dialkyl ketone, to obtain a solution rich in iron and a raffinate. Separation of iron from cobalt and nickel is obtained. |
| US08916115B2 |
Nickel recovery loss reduction method, hydrometallurgical method for nickel oxidized ore, and sulfuration treatment system
A nickel recovery loss reduction method that makes it possible to reduce nickel recovery loss by lowering the concentration of fine floating solid components in overflow liquid in precipitating and separating treatments, and consequently to further reduce a nickel recovery loss, a hydrometallurgical method for nickel oxidized ore to which the nickel recovery loss reduction method is applied, and a sulfurizing treatment system. The present invention is a nickel recovery loss reduction method in a sulfurizing step for blowing hydrogen sulfide gas into a nickel containing sulfuric acid aqueous solution to generate nickel-containing sulfides and a barren liquid, and the nickel-containing sulfides with the average particle size adjusted to a predetermined size or larger are added as seed crystals to the sulfuric acid aqueous solution. It is more preferable to adjust the average particle size of the nickel sulfides to be added as seed crystals to 55 μm or more. |
| US08916111B2 |
Fluid container composed of two plates
The invention relates to a miniaturized fluid container with microchannels (11, 12) which are bordered by ridges (13, 14), wherein the crests of the ridges (13, 14) are glued to a cover plate (20). Additional stability may be achieved by distributing glue (33) in cavities between the microchannels (11, 12), the spreading of said glue being driven by capillary forces. |
| US08916110B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating constituent parts of a sample liquid
A device and a process are proposed for separating constituents of a sample fluid, wherein the sample fluid is supplied by capillary force to a receiving region (7) for metering, stopping or delaying the sample fluid and the sample fluid is pre-treated with a soluble chemical (13) in the receiving region (7) before the sample fluid is supplied to a separating device (5) for separating off constituents of the sample fluid. |
| US08916109B2 |
Diagnosis support method, diagnosis support system, and diagnosis support apparatus
A diagnosis support method comprising: obtaining first blood glucose level information at a first time point and/or second blood glucose level information at a second time point which is later, by a predetermined period, than the first time point; placing a collection member, which is configured to collect a tissue fluid, on the skin of the subject for the predetermined period from the first time point to the second time point; obtaining glucose information about an amount of glucose contained in the tissue fluid collected by the collection member; and generating diagnosis support information for supporting a diagnosis of presence or absence of hypoglycemia in the subject, based on the first blood glucose level information and/or the second blood glucose level information and the glucose information. A diagnosis support system and a diagnosis support apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US08916102B2 |
Mounting mat and pollution control device with the same
Non-woven mat including magnesium aluminum silicate glass fibers and amorphous refractory ceramic fibers, bio-soluble ceramic fibers, and/or heat-treated silica fibers. Embodiments of the nonwoven mat surprisingly have a Resiliency Value after three thermal cycles from 25° C. to 700° C./400° C. of the Real Condition Fixture Test at least 1.1 times greater than the Resiliency Value of a comparable non-woven mat consisting of any individual type of fibers of the non-woven mat. The non-woven mats are useful, for example, in pollution control devices and other thermal insulation applications. |
| US08916098B2 |
Continuous emulsification-aggregation process for the production of particles
A continuous emulsion aggregation process for the production of particles is presented including a plurality of continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR). The plurality of continuous stirred-tank reactors includes at least one feed tank of raw materials, at least one reactor for facilitating cold addition, at least two reactors for facilitating an aggregation process, at least one reactor for facilitating a shell addition process; at least one reactor for facilitating a freeze process, at least one reactor for facilitating a chelating process, at least one reactor for facilitating a ramp-up process and at least one reactor for facilitating a coalescence process, wherein the reactors are sequentially assembled in a series configuration and separated by short conduits to produce toner particles that are narrowly distributed. |
| US08916095B2 |
Automatic analyzer
The automatic analyzer stores: a predetermined period from the opening of a reagent vessel to the deterioration of the reagent; a reagent production lot number, reagent vessel unsealing time, and reagent expiration date as reagent information kept on a reagent-set-by-set basis; and relevant calibration curve factor information. The automatic analyzer judges whether a calibration curve factor for a reagent set is applicable or not to another reagent set of the analyzer with the same production number based on the predetermined period from the reagent vessel unsealing time and on the reagent expiration date. |
| US08916089B2 |
Method and apparatus related to nanoparticle systems
This publication discloses a method and apparatus for functionalizing nanoparticle systems. The method comprises treating a nanoparticle-containing layer so as to produce a pattern of structurally transformed zones, the treatment comprising applying an electric field through the nanoparticle layer. According to the invention an AC-field capacitively coupled to the nanoparticle-containing layer is used as said electric field. The treatment preferably results in at least partly sintered structures, which can be used as conductors, for example. The document discloses several realizations for utilization of the disclosed functionalization in mass-fabrication lines. |
| US08916084B2 |
Ultra-violet curable gellant inks for three-dimensional printing and digital fabrication applications
A method for fabricating a three-dimensional object including depositing a first amount of an ultraviolet curable phase change ink composition comprising an optional colorant and a phase change ink vehicle comprising a radiation curable monomer or prepolymer; a photoinitiator; a reactive wax; and a gellant upon a print region surface; successively depositing additional amounts of the ultraviolet curable phase change ink composition to create a three-dimensional object; and curing the ultraviolet curable phase change ink composition. |
| US08916083B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing materials from hydrophobic hollow natural fibres, and use thereof
The invention relates to a method for processing hydrophobic hollow natural fibers, in particular vegetable hollow natural fibers and more particularly kapok fibers, to form material, and to a material obtainable by such a method. The invention furthermore relates to “the use of such aτnaterial as absorption medium for apolar substances and a device for performing the method. |
| US08916082B2 |
Heat resistance using titanium dioxide nanofibers
A composite structure includes a resin and a plurality of titanium dioxide fibers provided in the resin. |
| US08916081B2 |
Method for using a poisson ratio material
A method for using a Poisson's ratio material includes a carbon nanotube film structure is provided. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. A first part of the carbon nanotubes are aligned a first direction, a second part of the carbon nanotubes are aligned a second direction. The first direction is substantially perpendicular to second direction. When the Poisson's ratio material is stretched or compressed substantially along the first or second direction, a Poisson's ratio value is negative. |
| US08916078B2 |
Method for producing a vessel closure
The invention relates to a method for producing a vessel closure for vessels comprising an opening that is to be closed by the vessel closure, an inner diameter of more than two cm and surrounds a polymer-based sealing element that is arranged in the vessel closure in such a manner that it sealingly rests on the opening of the vessel in the closed state. A polymer material becomes sufficiently free-flowing by warming and is applied to the vessel closure in the region of the sealing element that is to be produced, and optionally, is mechanically formed into the desired shape which it maintains after cooling. The invention also relates to a metal or plastic vessel closures for vessels for receiving drinks or food, and comprises a sealing insert, the material thereof being selected so that the migration of material components into the drink or food, that are a health risk, is prevented. The invention also relates to corresponding materials for said type of sealing inserts and to the use of specific polymers for producing the above-mentioned sealing inserts. |
| US08916077B1 |
Self-retaining sutures with retainers formed from molten material
Provided herein are sutures to be used in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. A suture can include an elongated suture body having a periphery, and a plurality of retainers formed from molten material applied to portions of the periphery. The retainers can extend from and be arranged along at least a segment of the elongated suture body. The retainers can be formed by applying molten material to portions of the periphery of the elongated suture body and cooling the material to form the retainers. |
| US08916074B2 |
Method for making resin hollow body and air flow measuring device
According to a method for making a resin hollow body, in a primary-formation process, molten resin is injected into spaces defined by dies to form resin components. In a die-moving process, each component is held in at least one die. Joining edges of the components are brought close through relative movement of the dies to make a predetermined arrangement of the components. In a secondary-formation process, molten resin is injected into a region where the edges are adjacent. The edges are joined to form an outer wall, partition wall, and hollow portion of the hollow body. At least one of the edges constituting the partition wall includes a linear groove. In the die-moving process, the partition-wall-constituting edges are brought into contact to define by the groove a linear hollow cavity surrounded with the edges. In the secondary-formation process, the cavity is filled with molten resin to join the partition-wall-constituting edges. |
| US08916072B2 |
Gradient-index (GRIN) lens fabrication employing laser pulse width duration control, and related components, systems, and methods
Gradient-index (GRIN) lens fabrication employing laser pulse width duration control, and related components, systems, and methods are disclosed. GRIN lenses can be fabricated from GRIN rods by controlling the pulse width emission duration of a laser beam emitted by a laser to laser cut the GRIN rod, as the GRIN rod is disposed in rotational relation to the laser beam. Controlling laser pulse width emission duration can prevent or reduce heat accumulation in the GRIN rod during GRIN lens fabrication. It is desired that the end faces of GRIN lenses are planar to facilitate light collimation, easy bonding or fusing of the GRIN lens to optical fibers to reduce optical losses, polishing to avoid spherical aberrations, and/or cleaning the end faces when disposed in a fiber optic connector, as non-limiting examples. |
| US08916067B2 |
Carbonaceous nano-scaled materials having highly functionalized surface
A method and composition wherein carbonaceous nano-scaled filler material is subjected to atmospheric plasma treatment using carbon monoxide as the active gas. The treatment with carbon monoxide plasma has been found to significantly increase the incorporation of oxygen groups on the surface of the filler material without degrading the surface and thus serves to increase wettability and dispersion throughout the matrix. The composite that incorporates the treated filler material has enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. |
| US08916066B2 |
Polymeric fused thiophene semiconductor formulation
A formulation including: an organic semiconducting material; and a carrier liquid including at least one of: a first liquid of the formulas (III) or (II): or mixtures of formulas (III) and (II); and a second liquid of a saturated or unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbylene compound of the formula (I): where the respective R1-8, x, and n are as defined herein, and optionally a tertiary liquid carrier, as defined herein. Also disclosed are semiconducting articles prepared with the formulations as defined herein. |
| US08916065B2 |
Phosphite compositions
Solid phosphite compositions comprising tris(4-t-alkylphenyl)phosphites and selected hydroxyalkyl amines exhibit surprising performance compared with other phosphite stabilizers in the stabilization of polymers, such as polyolefins and the like, particularly in the prevention of color formation during high temperature processing or when exposed to certain gasses during storage, e.g., “gas fading”. |
| US08916064B2 |
Functionalized matrices for dispersion of nanostructures
Matrixes doped with semiconductor nanocrystals are provided. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor nanocrystals have a size and composition such that they absorb or emit light at particular wavelengths. The nanocrystals can comprise ligands that allow for mixing with various matrix materials, including polymers, such that a minimal portion of light is scattered by the matrixes. The matrixes are optionally formed from the ligands. The matrixes of the present invention can be used as refractive index matching components, filters and antireflective coatings on optical devices and as down-converting layers. Processes for producing matrixes comprising semiconductor nanocrystals are also provided. Nanostructures having high quantum efficiency, small size, and/or a narrow size distribution are also described, as are methods of producing indium phosphide nanostructures and core-shell nanostructures with Group II-VI shells. |
| US08916063B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition and an AM liquid crystal display device are described. The liquid crystal composition has a negative dielectric anisotropy, contains a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a two-ring compound having a small viscosity as a second component, and may further contain a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a third component, a specific compound having a small viscosity as a fourth component and a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a fifth component. The AM liquid crystal display device includes the liquid crystal composition. |
| US08916060B2 |
Lubricant for compression refrigerating machine and refrigerating apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator including a polyvinyl ether-based compound containing an alkylene glycol or polyoxyalkylene glycol unit and a vinyl ether unit in a molecule and having a molecular weight in a range of 300 to 3,000, and a dehydrating agent. The lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator of the present invention has high miscibility and high viscosity index, and excellent in stability without degradation and alteration due to hydrolysis under carbon dioxide atmosphere. |
| US08916059B2 |
Fluorinated ketones as high-voltage insulating medium
A switching device for medium, high, or extremely high voltage, wherein at least one voltaged component of the switching device is enclosed in an enclosure and the enclosure is filled with a filling medium. The filling medium includes at least one compound from the group of fluorinated ketones, or consists of the same. |
| US08916056B2 |
Biasing system for a plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus includes a process chamber housing defining a process chamber, a platen positioned in the process chamber for supporting a workpiece, a source configured to generate plasma in the process chamber, and a biasing system. The biasing system is configured to bias the platen to attract ions from the plasma towards the workpiece during a first processing time interval and configured to bias the platen to repel ions from the platen towards interior surfaces of the process chamber housing during a cleaning time interval. The cleaning time interval is separate from the first processing time interval and occurring after the first processing time interval. |
| US08916051B2 |
Method of forming via hole
The present invention provides a method of forming via holes. First, a substrate is provided. A plurality of first areas is defined on the substrate. A dielectric layer and a blocking layer are formed on the substrate. A patterned photoresist layer is formed on the blocking layer. The patterned photoresist layer includes a plurality of holes arranged in a regular array wherein the area of the hole array is greater than those of the first areas. The blocking layer in the first areas is removed by using the patterned photoresist layer as a mask. Lastly, the dielectric layer is patterned to form at least a via hole in the dielectric layer in the first area. |
| US08916047B2 |
Accelerated bioremediation using supplemental compositions and oxygenated water
A method for bioremediation of contaminants, comprising contacting a contaminant with composite particles including at least one microbial available nutrient species and at least one fatty acid species, and contacting the contaminant with oxygenated water including greater than about 4 parts per million dissolved oxygen. Water may be oxygenated on-site using various oxygenating devices, such as an aspirator, aerator, impeller and diffuser. Optionally, the oxygenated water may be prepared with wastewater that is being remediated. The method may be used to maintain a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than a setpoint concentration, such as at least 4 ppm. A preferred oxygenated water stream or source has a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than 50 ppm. Where the contaminant is in a wastewater, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the remediation zone or the oxygenated water stream may be measured with a dissolved oxygen sensor. |
| US08916043B2 |
Coal conversion process and products, comprising two direct ebullated bed liquefaction stages and a fixed bed hydrocracking stage
A process for the conversion of coal into fuel bases comprises two successive direct liquefaction stages in ebullated bed reactors followed by a fixed bed hydrocracking stage. This process can produce excellent quality fuel bases (kerosene and diesel). |
| US08916040B2 |
System and method for measuring an analyte in a sample
Methods of determining a corrected analyte concentration in view of some error source are provided herein. The methods can be utilized for the determination of various analytes and/or various sources of error. In one example, the method can be configured to determine a corrected glucose concentration in view of an extreme level of hematocrit found within the sample. In other embodiments, methods are provided for identifying various system errors and/or defects. For example, such errors can include partial-fill or double-fill situations, high track resistance, and/or sample leakage. Systems are also provided for determining a corrected analyte concentration and/or detecting some system error. |
| US08916039B2 |
Aluminum or aluminum alloy barrel electroplating method
To provide a barrel electroplating method which is less prone to bare spots and adhesion failure such as blisters and peeling, and which makes it possible to obtain uniform plated coatings free from burnt deposits and poor brightness, irrespective of the amount of workpieces.The present invention provides a method for performing barrel electroplating by use of an aluminum or aluminum alloy plating bath, the method comprising rotating, swinging, or vibrating an anode (6) placed inside a barrel (4) receiving workpieces, and simultaneously rotating, swinging, or vibrating the barrel, with a voltage being applied between the anode and a cathode provided on an inner wall surface of the barrel. |
| US08916034B2 |
Thin-film forming sputtering system
A thin-film forming sputtering system capable of a sputtering process at a high rate. A thin-film forming sputtering system includes: a vacuum container; a target holder located inside the vacuum container; a target holder located inside the vacuum container; a substrate holder opposed to the target holder; a power source for applying a voltage between the target holder and the substrate holder; a magnetron-sputtering magnet provided behind the target holder, for generating a magnetic field having a component parallel to a target; and radio-frequency antennae for generating radio-frequency inductively-coupled plasma within a space in the vicinity of the target where the magnetic field generated by the magnetron-sputtering magnet has a strength equal to or higher than a predetermined level. The radio-frequency inductively-coupled plasma generated by the radio-frequency antennae promotes the supply of electrons into the aforementioned magnetic field, so that the sputtering process can be performed at a high rate. |
| US08916027B2 |
Prepreg
A prepreg for further processing to form a decorative paper is obtainable by impregnation of a decorative base paper with an impregnating resin solution that contains at least one styrene-alkylacrylate-hydroxyethylmethacrylate copolymer and at least one water-soluble polymer, wherein alkyl stands for methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl and the prepreg is notable for improved resistance to splitting as well as better adhesion and flatness. |
| US08916022B1 |
Plasma generator systems and methods of forming plasma
Systems and methods of forming plasma are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a plasma generation system includes a container comprising an insulating material, a means for forming a first plasma within the container from a processing gas, the first plasma including charged particles, a means for extracting a portion of the charged particles from the first plasma and storing the portion of extracted charged particles on the insulating material, and a means for forming a second plasma from the extracted portion of the charged particles and a second portion of the processing gas. |
| US08916021B2 |
Electrostatic chuck and showerhead with enhanced thermal properties and methods of making thereof
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide chamber components with enhanced thermal properties and methods of enhancing thermal properties of chamber components including bonding materials. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a composite structure. The method includes applying a bonding material to a first component, and converting the bonding material applied to the first component to an enhanced bonding layer by heating the bonding material to outgas volatile species from the bonding material. The outgassed volatile species accumulates to at least 0.05% in mass of the bonding material. The method further includes contacting a second component and the enhanced bonding layer to join the first and second components. |
| US08916019B2 |
Method for manufacturing solar cell module and precursor structure for solar cell module
The present invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a solar cell module capable of improving positioning accuracy of solar cell elements relative to a light reflection plate. When a solar cell module is manufactured, a corrugated light reflection plate 4 is first prepared by bonding a thermoplastic resin film 7 to a plastic substrate 6. Subsequently, the light reflection plate 4 is set on a lower mold 10, and a thick resin sheet 12 made from an encapsulation resin is arranged on the light reflection plate 4. Then, vacuum suctioning and hot-press processing are performed sequentially, whereby a precursor assembly 13 is formed with the light reflection plate 4 and the resin sheet 12 attached together. Subsequently, a plurality of solar cell elements 2 is placed on an upper surface of the precursor assembly 13. Then, a thin resin sheet 14 made from the encapsulation resin is arranged on the solar cell elements 2, and a front surface plate 3 is arranged on the resin sheet 14. Subsequently, a cross-linking reaction of the encapsulation resin proceeds with a dry laminator, thus the respective solar cell elements 2 are laminated. |
| US08916009B2 |
Endodontic instruments and methods of manufacturing thereof
A method for manufacturing a nonlinear superelastic file comprising the steps of: providing a superelastic file having a shaft and a file axis; providing a fixture including a file groove being defined by one or more displacement members, the file groove configured for receiving the shaft; inserting at least a portion of the shaft into the fixture along the file groove, the portion of the shaft including a first portion of the shaft; contacting the first portion of the shaft with a first displacement member of the one or more displacement members such that the first portion of the shaft is displaced from the file axis thereby forming a first offset portion of the shaft; heating the portion of the shaft while inserted in the fixture to a temperature of at least about 300° C. for a time period of at least about 1 minute to shape-set the portion of the shaft thereby forming a shape-set nonlinear file. |
| US08916008B2 |
Steel part for machine structural use and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a steel part for machine structural use whose fatigue strength and toughness are improved and a manufacturing method thereof. A steel part made of a steel containing, in mass %, C: 0.05 to 0.20%, Si: 0.10 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.75 to 3.00%, P: 0.001 to 0.050%, S: 0.001 to 0.200%, V: 0.05 to 0.20%, Cr: 0.01 to 1.00%, Al: 0.001 to 0.500%, and N: 0.0080 to 0.0200%, and a balance being composed of Fe and inevitable impurities, in which a steel structure contains a bainite structure having an area ratio of 95% or more, a bainite lath width is 5 μm or less, V carbide having an average grain diameter of not less than 4 nm nor more than 7 nm dispersedly exists in the bainite structure, and an area ratio of V carbide in the bainite structure is 0.18% or more. |
| US08916007B2 |
Composition for chemical conversion treatment and member having a chemical conversion coating formed by the treatment
The object of this present invention is to provide novel means for inhibiting elution of hexavalent chromium from a chemical conversion coating. A composition for chemical conversion treatment comprises at least 0.1 g/L of a polyphenol and at least 1.5 g/L in chromium ion equivalent of an aqueous trivalent chromium compound and has a pH of 6 or less. A chemical conversion coating formed on a metallic surface of a member by contacting the surface with the composition for chemical conversion treatment has a hexavalent chromium content of 0.04 μg/cm2 or less after exposure to an environment having a temperature of 80 degrees C. and a relative humidity of 100% for 120 hours. The content of hexavalent chromium is measured by a method compliant with EN15205. A composition containing at least 0.1 g/L of a polyphenol can be used as a composition for post-coating treatment of a chemical conversion coating obtained by conventional chemical conversion treatment. |
| US08916006B2 |
Method of treating surface of metal base metallic material treated by the surface treatment method and method of coating the metallic material
A metal surface treatment method for a metal base material in order to improve the uniformity of a cathodic electrodeposition coating film, the method including: a surface treatment step for forming a chemical conversion film on a metal base material by contacting the metal base material with a metal surface treatment composition including zirconium and/or titanium ions and an adhesive imparting agent characterized in being at least one selected from the group consisting of (A) silicon-containing compound, (B) adhesive imparting metal ion, and (C) adhesive imparting resin; and a heating/drying step to heat and dry the metal base material, on which the chemical conversion film is formed, at 60° C. to 190° C. for at least 30 seconds. |
| US08916003B2 |
Wafer scrubber
A wafer scrubber is disclosed, including a chamber, and a holder connecting to a spindle disposed in the chamber, wherein the holder supports a wafer, and the wafer spins to remove water on the wafer, and a meshed inner cup comprising a plurality of through holes disposed between the holder and a wall of the chamber, wherein the meshed inner cup receives water from a surface of the wafer and rotates around the spindle to release the water through the through holes. |
| US08916000B2 |
System and method for producing carbon nanotubes
A system for producing carbon nanotubes includes a reaction chamber in which a process is performed for producing a carbon nanotube on a synthetic substrate; a station part disposed at one side of the reaction chamber and provided with a first transporter for loading/unloading the synthetic substrate to/from the reaction chamber; a first transporter installed inside the station part for loading/unloading synthetic substrates to/from the reaction chamber; a substrate accommodating part in which a substrate to be loaded to the reaction chamber is accommodated or a synthetic substrate unloaded from the reaction chamber waits; a retrieve part for drawing out a synthetic substrate from the substrate accommodating part to retrieve a carbon nanotube produced on the synthetic substrate; a catalyst coating unit configured for coating a synthetic substrate with a catalyst before the synthetic substrate is accommodated in the substrate accommodating part of the station part; and a second transporter for transporting a synthetic substrate between the retrieve part and the substrate accommodating part and between the catalyst coating unit and the substrate accommodating part. |
| US08915997B2 |
Durable concrete and method for producing the same
A concrete mix for producing freeze-thaw durable concrete having enhanced strength properties, like compressive strength, abrasion resistance, impact strength, toughness, is disclosed. The novel concrete mix contains deformable solid elements in place of 4-8% entrained air for good durability of concrete under freeze-thaw cycles. |
| US08915990B2 |
System and method for removing hydrogen sulfide from a natural gas stream
A refining system for refining a feed gas comprising hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide having a first concentration of hydrogen sulfide including a first part for producing a stream of a first processed feed gas, and a second part for producing a second stream of a second processed feed gas from the stream of the first processed feed gas using a separation process for H2S removal. |
| US08915988B2 |
Method for separating a medium mixture into fractions
The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density. The device comprises an inlet for the medium mixture to be separated, which connects to first separating means for separating the flowing mixture in at least a first and a second fraction, and that connect to first and second outlet means for discharging the first and second fractions. The device further comprises a feedback loop comprising second separating means between the second outlet means and the inlet means of the first separating means. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density, using the claimed device. The device and method allow to obtain a more selective separation, particularly in purifying natural gas. |
| US08915984B2 |
Isolator device
An isolator device having a work chamber, air supply means for supplying air of a unidirectional airflow traveling from an upper part to a lower part in the work chamber, and air discharge means for discharging air of the unidirectional airflow from a lower part of the work chamber are provided, and moreover, a bulkhead provided in parallel with a peripheral wall portion of the work chamber along the air of the unidirectional airflow and longitudinal air outlets opened along a width direction of a lower end portion in a lower part of the lower end portion of the bulkhead and attached so as to oppose an air inlet portion by a filter unit for air purification is provided. |
| US08915974B2 |
Method for manufacturing capacitor element
A capacitor element is obtained by chemically converting an anode body comprising a niobium or niobium alloy in an electrolyte solution, which is obtained by dissolving an oxygen supply agent such as hydrogen peroxide, a freezing point depressant such as ethylene glycol, and an electrolyte such as phosphoric acid in water, at a solution temperature lower than the freezing point of a solution having the composition of the electrolyte solution excluding the freezing point depressant, for forming a dielectric layer in the surface of the anode body or repairing a dielectric layer formed in the surface of the anode body. An electrolytic capacitor is obtained by forming a cathode on the dielectric layer of the capacitor element, electrically connecting the anode body and the cathode respectively to external terminals, and then sealing them. |
| US08915970B2 |
Transdermal prosthesis
A transdermal implant assembly including a transdermal bone fixator configured for anchoring into a bone. The fixator includes a longitudinally extending shaft configured to be received into a recess of the bone, and a spindle defining a cavity. A compliant biasing member is disposed within the cavity and an end cap is removably coupled to the spindle to seal the cavity. The compliant biasing member is accessible for adjustments from the external environment. |
| US08915969B2 |
Hydraulic prosthetic joint
The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and to joints for the same. In particular, the present invention provides hydraulic functional units (35), generally classified as damping devices as connected between artificial limbs whereby to enable movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in attempting to achieve a realistic movement is to provide a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. Indeed, one of the more important characteristics of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait correspond with those of a so called stabilized knee, i.e. a knee which resists flexion when under load, that is when it is bearing at least some of the weight of the amputee. In accordance with the invention, there is provided hydraulic damper control elements for prostheses which utilize a pressure differential due to the presence a fluid flow as a direct control input for a at least one hydraulic valve (47). The valve can comprise a vortex flow arrangement (47f) to cause fluid flow to circulate about aperture. The valve can comprise a moveable element which abuts a resiliently mounted element which reduces the size of an aperture as the force increases. |
| US08915968B2 |
Prosthetic and orthotic devices and methods and systems for controlling the same
Prosthetic and/or orthotic devices (PODS), control systems for PODS and methods for controlling PODS are provided. As part of the control system, an inference layer collects data regarding a vertical and horizontal displacement of the POD, as well as an angle of the POD with respect to gravity during a gait cycle of a user of the POD. A processor analyzes the data collected to determine a locomotion activity of the user and selects one or more control parameters based on the locomotion activity. The inference layer may be situated between a reactive layer control module and a learning layer control module of the control system architecture. |
| US08915965B2 |
Anterior stabilized knee implant
A posterior cruciate ligament retaining knee implant prosthesis comprising a femoral component including a medial condyle and a lateral condyle separated from one another by an intercondylar channel adapted to accommodate throughput of a native cruciate ligament, both the medial condyle and the lateral condyle posteriorly terminate individually, the medial condyle including a medial condyle bearing surface and the lateral condyle including a lateral condyle bearing surface, the femoral component including an anterior cam, and a tibial component including a medial condyle receiver having a medial condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including a lateral condyle receiver having a lateral condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including an anterior post. |
| US08915964B2 |
Flexible dampening intervertebral spacer device
A flexible dampening intervertebral spacer (100) to replace a spinal disc comprising upper and lower plates (101,103), an articulation element (102) and optional intermediate members (804,805). The articulation element has a plurality of interposed, concentric ring shaped segments (202) separated by one or more spaces (201) and one or more bridging elements (203) connecting the interposed segments. A first portion of the articulation element, preferably an innermost segment, is preferably fixedly connected to the upper plate while a second portion of the articulation element, preferably the outermost segment, is preferably connected to the lower plate to permit relative movement of the endplates by elastic deflection or flexing of the articulation element without opposed surfaces rubbing against each other. |
| US08915962B1 |
Facet joint fixation device
A device for fixing the positions of proximate bone elements including an inter-bone implant adapted to be implanted between suitably prepared proximate bone elements, the inter-bone implant having an internally threaded aperture, a bone fixation apparatus including a base having an eyelet and a means connected to the base for mechanically fixing the positions of the proximate bone elements relative to each other, the eyelet being substantially aligned with the internally threaded aperture, and a screw having a head and a threaded shaft extending therefrom, wherein the shaft is operatively arranged to extend through the eyelet and threadingly engage the internally threaded aperture, and the screw is operatively arranged to secure the bone fixation apparatus to the inter-bone implant. |
| US08915959B2 |
Endovascular aortic valve replacement
The subject invention relates to a valve replacement system together with methods of preparation and use, are provided for endovascular replacement of a heart valve in a host. The valve replacement system includes up to five components: a prosthetic valve device, a valve introducer device, an intraluminal procedure device, a procedure device capsule, and a tissue cutter. The system provides for endovascular removal of a malfunctioning valve and subsequent replacement with a permanent prosthetic heart valve. |
| US08915956B2 |
Prosthesis with moveable fenestration
An endoluminal prosthesis with a moveable fenestration including a tubular graft body having a proximal end, a distal end, a surface plane at least one fenestration having a perimeter disposed in a sidewall of the tubular body between the proximal end and the distal end, a first biocompatible graft material, and a second biocompatible graft material adjacent to and surrounding the perimeter of the at least one fenestration. The second biocompatible graft material has at least one characteristic different from the first biocompatible graft material and is more flexible than the first biocompatible graft material and is movable relative to the surface plane of the tubular graft body. |
| US08915955B2 |
Stent graft fixation coupling
A small vessel stent graft with a fixation coupling that has a hyperboloid shape positioned at or near the proximal end of the graft. The coupling may be deployed within the fenestration of a fenestrated graft to provide multi-directional movement without compromising the integrity of the sealing zone. |
| US08915952B2 |
Method for treating aneurysms
A method for treating a bifurcation aneurysm, the aneurysm having an aneurysm neck, by positioning a first mechanically expandable device in a first bifurcation branch proximate to the aneurysm neck; positioning a second mechanically expandable device in a second bifurcation branch proximate to the aneurysm neck; and expanding the mechanically expandable devices to constrict the aneurysm neck such that blood circulation to the bifurcation aneurysm is reduced. |
| US08915947B2 |
Surgical access system
A portal for accessing a desired lamina portion of a desired cervical vertebra to perform a laminoplasty. In one aspect, a laminoplasty portal is presented that defines an interior conduit and has a first sidewall section and a second sidewall section. |
| US08915942B2 |
Skin wound closure apparatus
The invention discloses a skin wound closure device capable of promoting skin wound healing and characterized by being capable of randomly adjusting stitching force for a wound. The skin wound closure device includes a support structure respectively arranged at both sides of a skin wound, at least one locking device is arranged above the support structure, the locking device includes a locking bar and a locking buckle arranged on the support structure, the locking bar is movably connected within the locking buckle, and a locking member is arranged on the locking buckle and can lock or loosely fit the locking bar in the locking buckle. Arrangement of the locking member allows doctors to loosely fit the locking bar in the locking buckle by controlling the locking member, randomly move the support structure and the locking device towards the direction close to the skin wound or the direction away from the skin wound, and lock the locking bar in the locking buckle by the locking member after proper movement, thus achieving the purpose of randomly adjusting the stitching force for the skin wound. The skin wound closure device is suitable for widespread application to healing treatment of skin wounds. |
| US08915941B2 |
Fistula closure devices and methods
Described are methods and systems for treating fistulae and other passageways and openings in the body. In certain aspects, an anchored suture is provided that extends from at or near a first fistula opening and through a fistula tract toward a second fistula opening. Various modes of anchoring may be used in this regard including, in some modes, having the suture extend from a deployed anchoring member positioned in and/or around the first opening. The anchored suture, which has a more slender cross sectional dimension relative to the fistula tract through which it extends, is capable of receiving an optional fill substance therealong in the tract. A fill substance can be or include a variety of biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable objects and materials including flowable and non-flowable materials. |
| US08915940B2 |
Surgical tool
A surgical tool for minimally invasive surgery. The surgical tool in one embodiment includes a manipulator as a user interface, a proximal universal joint mounted to the manipulator, a hollow elongated member such as a tube mounted to the proximal universal joint, and a distal universal joint mounted to the other end of the elongated member. An end effector is mounted to the distal universal joint second end. Pivoting of the first end of the proximal universal joint causes the second end of the distal universal joint to move in a corresponding motion, and cabling operatively couples the proximal and distal universal joints. The proximal and distal universal joints may each include two yokes and a center block. Cabling may include four cables that each engage two round elements at the proximal and distal universal joints mounting locations to the center block. |
| US08915938B2 |
Apparatus and method for treatment of sinusitis
A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. A cannula is positioned in the passageway. A visualization tool such as an endoscope is passed through a lumen or channel in the cannula to aid in visualization of the anatomical site of interest. A balloon dilation catheter is then deployed through or along the cannula so as to place the balloon within or across the constricted anatomical space (e.g., ostium). The balloon is then expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted anatomical space. Alternative embodiments include the use of an optional guide wire and incorporating a endoscope lumen through the balloon dilation catheter. |
| US08915937B2 |
Puncture needle cartridge
A puncture needle cartridge including a puncture needle, a lancet body adapted to cover part or all of a tip of the puncture needle, a cylindrical puncture needle holder disposed on an outer surface of the lancet body to permit the lancet body to move in an axial direction of the puncture needle; and a protective cap that is separable from the puncture needle holder. The protective cap includes a base adapted to cover an opening in the puncture needle holder, a shaft protruding from the base, and arms mounted on the shaft and configured to abut an inner circumferential surface of the opening in the puncture needle holder by spreading in the opening. A space between tips of the arms is larger than an inside diameter of the opening in the puncture needle holder, and is reduced by elastic deformation when the arms are housed in the opening. |
| US08915936B2 |
Discectomy instrument
The present invention provides a discectomy instrument that is capable of removing portions of the spinal disc between adjacent vertebrae in a controlled manner that is efficient and easy to use. In an exemplary embodiment, the discectomy instrument includes a handle, a rotary scraper, a barrel, a drive shaft, an outer sleeve and a retaining clip. |
| US08915934B2 |
Anastomosis system with anvil entry hole sealer
A system for connecting the end of a graft vessel to the side of a target vessel may include an anvil configured to enter the target vessel through an anvil entry hole in the wall of the target vessel; a holder movable relative to the anvil, where that holder may deploy at least one connector through the graft vessel and into the target vessel at a location spaced apart from the anvil entry hole; and at least one sealer that may be detachably connected to the anvil and/or said holder; where at least one sealer may be configured to substantially close the anvil entry hole in the target vessel. A method for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel may include inserting an anvil through the wall of the target vessel into the lumen of the target vessel from outside of the target vessel through an anvil entry hole; connecting an end of the graft vessel to the side of the target vessel with a plurality of connectors at a location spaced apart from the anvil entry hole; creating an opening in the side of the target vessel, where the opening is located within a perimeter defined by the connectors and spaced apart from the anvil entry hole; withdrawing the anvil through the anvil entry hole; and substantially sealing the anvil entry hole. |
| US08915927B2 |
Systems, methods and devices relating to delivery of medical implants
Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed. |
| US08915924B2 |
Drill guide system
A drill guide includes a first bone plate that extends along a first middle plane, and a second bone plate that extends along a second middle plane. The drill guide further includes a first articulation and a second articulation that is connected to the first articulation. The first and second articulations are arranged between the first and the second bone plate. Each of the first and second articulations is releasably lockable. |
| US08915922B2 |
Method of planning and performing a spherical osteotomy using the 3-dimensional center of rotation of angulation (CORA)
A pre-surgical planning method for performing a spherical osteotomy for the surgical sectioning of a bone includes obtaining a CT scan of a bone. Subsequently manipulating the scan into a three-dimensional CAD format. Utilizing the scan to identify one or more centers of bone correction or 3D CORAs. A surface, configured in the shape of a portion of a sphere, e.g., a semisphere, is then superimposed on the computer representation of the bone. The center of the surface is positioned at a respective center of bone correction. The intersection of the surface and the bone defines a sectioning surface along which the bone is to be cut. Simulating a sectioning of the bone along the sectioning surface and the subsequent realignment of the bone in an optimal configuration using the computer is then performed. The computer simulation is then utilized as a guide for actually sectioning the bone. |
| US08915921B2 |
Autologous bone harvest during osteotomy and bone drilling procedures
An apparatus and method for collecting particulate bone from the operating site during an osteotomy or bone drilling procedure so that it can be used subsequently to augment the bone fusion process. A bone cutting or drilling tool is provided with a module for collecting particulate bone simultaneously with cutting or drilling the bone. The collected particulate bone is transferred continuously to a sterile containment module and maintained under sterile conditions until it is prepared for re-use in the patient. |
| US08915920B2 |
Medical device
An attachment for a surgical instrument including a drive input hub for connection to a power source; a drive output hub for connection to a surgical instrument; and a body connecting the drive input hub to the drive output hub, the body including a mechanism for transferring drive from the input hub to the output hub, and wherein the body, the drive input hub and the drive output hub are at least in part not coaxial. A method for surgically preparing a bone using the attachment is also provided. |
| US08915919B2 |
Bone rifling system and method of preparing a bone using such system
A bone rifling system for use in prosthesis, which allows improved prosthetic bone fixation. The system comprises orthopedic undercut reamer, which can cut controlled internal groove circles or spiral grooves on the internal surface of host bone. The system converts the commonly reamed smooth bone to grooved or rifled bony tube. Used together with bone cements, the bone rifling system ensures prosthetic bone fixation by significantly increasing the pull out strength, and decreasing the rate of clinical loosening and failure of replacement joints. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a bone for a prosthesis using such a bone rifling system to cut grooves in a host bone for increased prosthetic bone fixation. |
| US08915916B2 |
Intramedullary fixation device for small bone fractures
A fracture fixation system particularly useful for bones of the hand and foot is disclosed. The system uses curved shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) wires that have a predetermined radius of curvature to accommodate different sized bones. These shape-memory alloy wire forms can be inserted into phalanx, metacarpal or metatarsal bones via a percutaneous technique. The technique uses small skin incisions; a specialized drill guide that has holding K-wires to maintain fixation of the drill guide to the bone so that it does not lose the insertion point; a specialized drill as well as a specialized wire cutter and advancement tool to make sure that the level of the wire is below the level of the outer cortical bone. Shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) based wires with a pre-bent curve have an advantage over the typical standard K-wire in that they can spring back to their predetermined memory shape when inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone and heated, i.e., a more aggressive curve. By increasing their bending or flexion to increase the arc of curvature, this allows fixation points for the wire, essentially locking it to bone. |
| US08915913B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument
An electrosurgical instrument for minimally invasive surgery, the instrument including two gripping parts which can be brought together into a gripping direction or moved apart counter to the gripping direction. At least one gripping part includes three or more electrically conductive sections, electrically insulated relative to each other. Each electrically conductive section may be separately connected to a high frequency (RF) current generator such that each electrically conductive section can be configured in various electrical configurations by the RF current generator. |
| US08915910B2 |
Electrosurgical system
Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances. |
| US08915907B2 |
Tattoo removal with two laser beams via multi-photon processes
A method for removing tattoos using two laser beams and a multi-photon process is disclosed. A 0.1 to 100 nsec pulse secondary laser beam focused to 108 W/cm2 creates a temporary channel from the skin surface to the tattoo pigment. A 100 fsec pulse main laser beam is then guided through the channel to the pigment and focused to sufficient intensity, i.e., 1012 W/cm2 or more, to initiate a multi-photon process that breaks up the pigment, disrupting its light reflecting properties. The channel allows the main laser beam unobstructed passage to the pigments, resulting in efficient use of the main laser. The pigment fragments escape through the temporary channel or diffuse into the blood stream. A suitably configured Ti/Sapphire laser beam is split into two components, with an uncompressed component used as the secondary laser beam, and a compressed component as the main laser beam. |
| US08915901B2 |
Fastening and carrying device for a disposable absorbent incontinence pad
A fastening and carrying device (2) for a disposable absorbent incontinence pad (4) has a belt (6) which is closed on itself in a detachable manner by means of belt closure elements (22), thus forming a continuous hip opening in the circumferential hip direction (8). The belt (6) has one flap section (32, 34) each proceeding from the back region (16) and the abdominal region (14) extending in a longitudinal direction in direction (38) on the crotch region of the user, having preferably mechanically acting closure elements (40, 42) on the side thereof facing the body, which interact in a detachably adhering manner with complementary, preferably mechanically acting, closure elements on the side of the incontinence pad (4) facing away from the body. |
| US08915900B2 |
Disposable pants-type diaper
A disposable diaper having front and rear waist regions that comprise an upper elasticized region extending in a vicinity of a waist-opening periphery, lower elasticized regions, intermediate elasticized region extending between the upper elasticized region and the lower elasticized regions and outside longitudinally opposite ends of a liquid-absorbent structure. At least in the front waist region of the front and rear waist regions, there is a non-elasticized region opposed to a central zone of a liquid-absorbent core wherein a tensile stress of the intermediate elasticized region is lower than a tensile stress of the upper elasticized region. |
| US08915899B2 |
Absorbent article with raised body conforming structure
An absorbent article includes a body side liner, a back sheet, an absorbent body positioned between the body side liner and the back sheet, and a body conforming structure positioned in direct facing relation with the body side liner. The body conforming structure length is at least 50% the absorbent body length and is aligned with a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The median anterior portion width of the body conforming structure is greater than the median central portion width of the body conforming structure which is greater than the median posterior portion width of the body conforming structure. The anterior portion includes a well, the central portion includes a channel, and the posterior portion includes a taper. The well transitions into the channel via a first convex transition and a concave transition. The channel transitions into the taper via a second convex transition. |
| US08915898B2 |
Absorbent article with recessed body conforming structure
An absorbent article includes a body side liner, a back sheet, an absorbent body positioned between the body side liner and the back sheet, and a distribution layer positioned between the absorbent body and the back sheet. The absorbent body defines a first opening having an opening length that is at least 50% the absorbent body length. The first opening has a median anterior portion width that is greater than a median central portion width that is greater than a median posterior portion width. The first opening includes a well, a channel, and a taper. The well transitions into the channel via a first convex transition and a concave transition. The channel transitions into the taper via a second convex transition. |
| US08915892B2 |
T-piece for creating turbulence
Extracorporeal blood treatment methods are usually performed with anticoagulation of the blood. In regional anticoagulation with citrate, sometimes a blood clot is observed in the extracorporeal circulation at the point of addition of the calcium substitution solution. In such a case, the treatment must be interrupted. To prevent such an interruption, the point of addition is configured as a T-piece having a spiral structure for generating turbulence. |
| US08915891B2 |
Integrated catheter securement and luer access device
A Luer securement device comprising a Luer adapter having a septum and a catheter hood, the Luer adapter further having a wedge seal for receiving a base portion of a catheter. The Luer securement device further includes an inserter body in which is slidably housed a catheter threader having a probe which is configured to advance a base portion of a catheter through the septum thereby seating the base portion of the catheter into the wedge seal of the Luer adapter as a tip portion of the catheter is inserted into a patient. The catheter threader further includes a needle adapter having a needle which is threaded through the probe and the catheter to assist in inserting the catheter into the patient. Following insertion of the catheter, the catheter threader is retracted within the inserter body thereby withdrawing the needle from the catheter and shielding a sharpened tip of the needle within at least one of the inserter body and the catheter threader. The inserter body is then detached from the Luer adapter and discarded. |
| US08915888B2 |
Dosing and drive mechanism for drug delivery device
The present invention relates to drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices, in particular pen-type injectors, wherein a number of pre-set doses of medicinal product can be administered. In particular, the present invention relates to such drug delivery devices where a user may activate the drug delivery device. |
| US08915887B2 |
Medical injection device with large, mechanical cipher dose display
An injection device is disclosed which comprises a housing (10) with a display for showing the size of a set dose. The display is formed from a number of individual ciphers (11, 40) which each comprises a plurality of segments (13, 14) extending horizontally and vertically. At the end of the injection device a dose setting element (20) is provided for allowing the user to set the size of the dose to be injected. Further, the display mechanism comprises a first pattern (35) for showing the vertical segments (14), and a second pattern (25) for showing the horizontal segments (13). The patterns (25, 35) are associated with the dose setting button (20) and arranged to be moved when the dose setting button (20) is operated. The injection device disclosed can have any number of ciphers (11, 40) which is coupled to each other in order to show to the user the size of any dose set. |
| US08915884B2 |
Access device
An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle section that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator portion that has a dilator and a dilator hub. The dilator is coaxially disposed and slideable over the elongated body of the needle section. The device further includes a sheath section that has a sheath and a sheath hub. The sheath is coaxially disposed and slideable over the dilator. The device further includes a first locking mechanism operably disposed between the needle hub and the dilator hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the needle section and the dilator portion and a second locking mechanism operably disposed between the dilator hub and the sheath hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the dilator portion and the sheath section. |
| US08915882B2 |
Needle assembly for drug pump
A needle assembly adapted for fluid communication with a cartridge containing a substance to be delivered to a subject, the needle assembly characterized by a biasing device (70) arranged to apply a biasing force on a needle (28, 116) to cause the needle (28, 116) to protrude outwards of a housing (30, 112) to pierce the subject, and biasing device release apparatus (60) including a biasing device arrestor (62) that initially blocks movement of the biasing device (70) and which releases the biasing device (70) when the safety latch (32, 122) moves to a position that permits moving the needle holder (26, 118) to cause the needle (28, 116) to protrude outwards of the housing (30, 112). |
| US08915881B2 |
Injection device with holding means to prevent unintentional movements of piston rod
The invention relates to a injection device, comprising a housing being adapted to receive in its proximal housing portion a container with an injection fluid and to receive in its distal housing portion a dose setting and injection mechanism, wherein the mechanism includes a piston rod being axially displaceable with respect to the housing for dispensing injection fluid from the container, wherein the piston rod has an outer thread and is arranged torque proof with respect to the housing, dose setting means comprising a threaded element, which threaded element has an inner thread being in engagement with the outer thread of the piston rod, is designed so that its axial position relative to the housing is changeable and is rotatable relative to the piston rod and relative to the housing during setting of an injection dose, wherein the dose setting means are designed such that the threaded element is held in torque proof manner relative to the piston rod and to the housing during the injection of the beforehand set injection dose in such a manner that the threaded element and the piston rod are axially displaceable together with respect to the housing, wherein the mechanism further comprises holding means being in contact with the piston rod and being designed such that the axial displacement of the piston rod can be substantially immobilized during use of the device except for the dispensing of the injection dose. It is proposed according to the invention that the holding means are axially fixed with respect to the housing. |
| US08915880B2 |
Funnel for a breast pump
The present invention relates to a funnel for a breast pump. Milk expressed from a user's nipple is known to pool at a user's breast. The funnel for a breast pump according to the present invention comprises a breast receiving portion (29) and a nipple receiving chamber (34) to receive a user's nipple. The nipple receiving chamber (34) is defined by an inner surface (36) of an outer wall (37), wherein the inner surface (36) of the outer wall (37) extends from the breast receiving portion (29), and a lower section (40) of the inner surface (36) diverges away from an opposing upper section (39) of the inner surface (36) and a user's nipple received in the nipple receiving chamber. The present invention also relates to a breast pump comprising a funnel. |
| US08915878B2 |
Ablation device with internally cooled electrodes
An electrosurgical end effector for ablating tissue is provided that comprises at least one electrically-conductive ablation member adapted to be connected to a source of RF energy, with the ablation member having a tissue engaging surface and defining an internal fluid passageway. Preferably, the end effector includes two electrically conductive ablation members that are electrically isolated from one another and have their fluid passageways in fluid communication. Alternatively, the end effector may comprise four electrically conductive ablation members arranged as two pairs of ablation members, all of the ablation members having internal fluid passageways that are electrically isolated from each other, with the fluid passageways of each of the four ablation members being in fluid communication with each other. |
| US08915876B2 |
Method for removing blood from an extracorporeal blood circuit as well as apparatuses
The present invention relates to a method for removing blood from an extracorporeal blood circuit and/or a functional device, each connectable or connected with a blood treatment apparatus for the purpose of blood treatment of a patient. The blood treatment apparatus of the method comprises or is connected with at least one extracorporeal blood circuit with a line having interior portions, the extracorporeal blood circuit comprising at least one arterial line section and at least one venous line section, wherein a first section of the arterial line section is configured to be connected with a second section of the venous line section, and further comprises at least one blood pump for conveying blood within the line interior portions. The method includes the step of operating the blood pump in a second conveying direction which is opposite to a first customary conveying direction. It further relates to corresponding apparatuses. |
| US08915872B2 |
Medical slings
A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue. |
| US08915870B2 |
Method and system for treating stretch marks
Methods and systems for treating stretch marks through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a shallow tissue region, such as a region comprising an epidermis, a dermis and a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 0 mm to 1 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 2 to 50 MHz. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof. |
| US08915868B1 |
Instrument for measuring the posture of a patent
The disclosed invention is an instrument for measuring posture in a patient. The instrument comprises a measuring instrument, further comprising a perpendicular member mechanically coupled to a fixed marker and a sliding marker. The fixed marker and the sliding marker can mark a poster instrument. The poster instrument is mechanically coupled to right side banner track which is mechanically coupled to three track screws, a left side banner track which is mechanically coupled three track screws and an upper banner track, which is mechanically coupled to an upper track screw. An examiner can utilize the measuring instrument to mark the poster instrument and maneuver the track screws to determine difference in measurements at head, shoulders, iliac crests, and vertical head measurement in a repeatable and consistent manner. |
| US08915867B2 |
System for marking a location for treatment within the gastrointestinal tract
A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating the intestinal tract is provided using a capsule passing through the intestinal tract. Further, a capsule tracking system is provided for tracking a capsule's location along the length of an intestinal tract as various treatment and/or sensing modalities are employed. In one variation, an acoustic signal is used to determine the location of the capsule. A map of sensed information may be derived from the pass of a capsule. Capsules may be subsequently passed through to treat the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length. One variation uses an electrical stimulation capsule to treat and/or diagnose a condition in the intestinal tract. |
| US08915866B2 |
Implantable sensor and associated methods
Implantable sensors and methods for detecting changes in a characteristic of a soft tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, an implantable sensor for detecting indicators of cartilage wear in a joint is provided. The implantable sensor includes a sensing element for detecting a signal indicative of a characteristic of the cartilage of the joint and a telemetry circuit in communication with the sensing element for transmitting a data set representative of the detected signal. In another embodiment, a system for detecting changes in joint cartilage includes an implantable acoustic sensing element and an external receiver in communication with the implantable acoustic sensing element. In other embodiments, methods of detecting cartilage degradation in a joint and methods of using the disclosed sensors are provided. |
| US08915862B2 |
System for assessing endothelial function
The system assesses the endothelial function of a subject. Particularly, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject are compared to reference perfusion data and the comparison yields the assessment of endothelial function. The reference may be data indicative of peripheral tissue perfusion in a healthy person. Also, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject when perfusion is in an unperturbed state (the reference) can be compared to perfusion measurements taken promptly after a challenge to normal or unperturbed tissue perfusion of the subject. |
| US08915859B1 |
Monitoring device, system and method for a multi-player interactive game
A system and method for multiple players to play an interactive game is disclosed herein. The system preferably includes monitoring device monitoring the vital signs of a user, a game console and a video monitor. The monitoring device is preferably an article having an optical sensor and accelerometer. The monitoring device preferably provides for the display of the following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and/or dynamic blood pressure. The article is preferably a band worn on a user's wrist, arm or ankle. |
| US08915857B2 |
Method for manufacturing optical device, optical device, and biological information detector
An optical device comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface being opposite the first surface; a light-emitting element having a first center, installed on the second surface; and a light-receiving element having a second center, installed on the first surface. At least a part of the light-emitting element is arranged at a position, overlapping the light-receiving element with respect to a plan view; the light-receiving element, installed after the light-emitting element, has a bonding pad, provided at a position displaced relative to the second center towards a first direction with respect to the plan view; and the first center is provided at a position displaced relative to the second center towards a second direction, being opposite the first direction DR1, with respect to the plan view. |
| US08915854B2 |
Method for fat and cellulite reduction
A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products. |
| US08915849B2 |
Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US08915848B1 |
Apparatus and method for eyelid everter
An ophthalmic instrument that includes an elongated handle member and a plurality of extensions configured to grasp an eyelid, wherein the extensions extend from a top surface of the handle member at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle member, wherein a first extension is located on a first side of the top surface of the handle member and a second extension is located on a second side of the top surface of the handle member. A double-everting method that includes holding an eyelid to a second end of the handle member and rotating the instrument until the eyelid is placed in an everted position, positioning the plurality of extensions over a lower edge of the everted eyelid in order to grasp the everted eyelid with the plurality of extensions, and rotating the instrument until the grasped-everted eyelid is placed in a double-everted position. |
| US08915844B2 |
Endoscope diagnostic apparatus
The endoscope diagnostic apparatus includes a light source emitting white light and two or more kinds of excited light with different center wavelengths for emitting two or more kinds of self-fluorescence from a self-fluorescent material, an imaging unit which receives reflected light of white light to image a normal light image, and receives self-fluorescence emitted from the self-fluorescent material to image self-fluorescent images, and a light source control unit which has compensation coefficients for preventing emission intensity from being lowered depending on the volume of blood when the two or more kinds of excited light are absorbed by blood, and compensates the ratios of emission intensity of the two or more kinds of excited light using the calculated compensation coefficients so as to exclude the influence of absorption of light by blood in each of the two or more kinds of excited light. |
| US08915840B2 |
Capsule-type medical device, power supply apparatus, and power supply system
Provided is a capsule-type endoscope that has a power receiving coil that wirelessly receives an electric power from outside a body of an individual to be examined, a processing circuit that performs predetermined processing, and an adjusting reactance section that is capable of adjusting a reactance that is connected to the power receiving coil. |
| US08915838B2 |
Medical apparatus and medical system provided with the same
In the present invention, an endoscope apparatus has an identification unit which identifies the classification on the basis of scope ID information of an endoscopic scope, a storage unit which stores information regarding processing to be executed according to the classification of the endoscopic scope (a first SOP), and a control unit which reads a second SOP corresponding to the classification from the first SOP stored in the storage section on the basis of the result of the identification by the identification unit and sets the second SOP, and which, in the case where the information corresponding to the classification does not exist, performs switching so that predetermined information (a third SOP) is read from the first SOP stored in the storage unit and sets the predetermined information. |
| US08915833B1 |
Image guided intraoperative simultaneous several ports microbeam radiation therapy with microfocus X-ray tubes
A microbeam intraoperative, 10-50 kilovoltage radiation therapy system with multiple simultaneous microfocus X-ray sources and method for image guided, microsecond duration, 100 to 1,000 Gy microbeam radiation therapies with dose rate ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 Gy per second and RBE closer to high LET with minimal toxicity to normal tissue is provided. Dismountable coronal, sagital and transverse half-circle gantry sections are assembled on to a surgical table for mounting the microfocus X-ray sources for intraoperative radiosurgery. A stereotactic breast core biopsy system is adapted for combined breast biopsy, positron emission tomography and computerized tomography with phase-contrast imaging. Cosmetic whole breast preserving electronic brachytherapy is combined with stereotactic core biopsy. The low dose valley regions of the intersecting microbeams at the tumor site are filled with scattered and characteristic radiation from high Z-element that is bound or implanted into the tumor. |
| US08915831B2 |
System and method for automating package assembly
A system and method of automatically assembling a package may include maintaining a data structure comprising a dynamic rule set for package production. A desired package may be selected for assembly. An assembly sequence may automatically be developed to create a three dimensional package from the dynamic rule set based on the desired package. The desired package may be assembled using the assembly sequence. |
| US08915829B2 |
Reformer exercise apparatus
A reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a generally rectangular frame. The rail portions of the frame each have an upright outer wall, an integral downwardly slanted inner wall and a hidden outwardly open slot therein between the outer and inner walls. A foot bar support assembly movably carried by each of the outwardly open slots supports the foot bar. Each foot bar support assembly has an elongated slide plate movably supported within the slot, a hook plate fastened to the slide plate, and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably fastened to the hook plate. A pair of tubular risers each having an upper roller therein at the head end of the frame direct arm cord ends to a cord retraction assembly mounted on the carriage. The retraction assembly releases the cords by pivoting either one of the shoulder stops toward the foot end of the frame. |
| US08915823B2 |
System and method for processing information
A method for processing biological information is provided, wherein the method includes receiving biological information from a monitoring device responsive to a first party and responsive to an exercise regime and processing the biological information to generate resultant information responsive to at least one physical characteristic of the first party. |
| US08915820B2 |
Configuration for compact five speed planetary transmission
A compact five-speed transmission planetary gear train includes a first, second, third, fourth and fifth planetary gear sets between an input and an output as well as first, second, third and fourth brakes and first and second clutches. The first, second, third and fourth brakes and first and second clutches are selectively actuatable to provide five different forward speeds and a plurality of different reverse speeds between the input and the output. |
| US08915815B2 |
Power transmission system of hybrid electric vehicle
A power transmission system may include: an input shaft receiving engine torque; a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and including a first sun gear selectively connected to a transmission housing, a first ring gear directly connected to the input shaft, and a first planet carrier; a second planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and including a second sun gear, a second ring gear selectively connected to the first ring gear and selectively connected to the transmission housing, and a second planet carrier directly connected to the first planet carrier and directly connected to an output gear; a first motor/generator directly connected to the first sun gear; and a second motor/generator directly connected to the second sun gear. |
| US08915814B2 |
Gear-change device for a motor vehicle
A gear-change device includes a primary shaft, a secondary shaft, and a third shaft, which bears both a gear of the reverse and an output pinion meshing with a gear of a differential. The third shaft is connected via a gear reducer to the shaft of an electrical machine, the casing of which is rigidly connected to the easing of the gear-change device. |
| US08915813B2 |
Continuously variable hydrostatic transmission having torque division
A continuously variable hydrostatic transmission (10) having torque division for a vehicle comprises a first hydrostatic unit (H1) operating as a pump and a second hydrostatic unit (H2) operating as a motor, and further a planetary drive (12), a first shaft (W1) on the drive side and a summing means (W6). The power present at the first shaft (W1) is divided by way of the planetary drive (12) to a mechanical transmission branch (Z9, W2, Z1, Z2) and a hydraulic transmission branch (Z7, W3, Z4, Z5, Z6, H1, H2) formed by the two hydraulically coupled hydrostatic units (H1, H2) and is combined again at the summing means (W6). In such a transmission, a compact and simplified design and great flexibility in application are achieved in that the power transmission between the first shaft (W1) and summing means (W6) can be controlled exclusively by varying the displacements of the hydrostatic units (H1, H2). |
| US08915812B2 |
Hydrostatically power-splitting transmission
A hydrostatically power-splitting transmission (10), particularly for agricultural and construction equipment, comprises at least two hydrostats (H2), which are hydraulically connected to each other and operate as pumps or as motors, wherein at least one of the hydrostats (H2) can be adjusted or pivoted by means of a controller (16, 20, 21; SK1, . . . SK4), mechanical coupling means (K1, K2; Z1, . . . , Z12), which couple the hydrostats (H1, H2) to an inner drive shaft (W1) and an inner driven shaft (W7), a housing (14, 31) comprising a cover (14) and a housing bottom part (31), wherein the hydrostats (H1, H2), the inner drive and driven shafts (W1, W7), and the mechanical coupling means (Z7, Z9) are disposed and attached on the bottom of the cover (14), and in the lower housing part an outer drive shaft accessible from the outside and a driven shaft are supported, which are operatively connected to the inner drive shaft or driven shaft when the housing is assembled. In such a transmission, a compact design, while simultaneously providing easy accessibility and high flexibility in the adaptation to different vehicles, is achieved in that the controller (16, 20, 21; SK1, . . . SK4) for adjustment or pivoting of the at least one hydrostat (H2) is disposed on the top of the cover (14) and acts upon the at least one hydrostat (H2) through the cover (14). |
| US08915811B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission includes a first shaft integrally rotatably coupled to a primary pulley, a second shaft integrally rotatably coupled to the secondary pulley, a first gear mounted on the first shaft and relatively rotatable with respect to the first shaft, a second gear fixed on the second shaft and engaged with the first gear, a forward clutch for coupling an engine and the first shaft, and a reverse clutch for coupling the engine and the first gear. |
| US08915807B1 |
Slide hammer impact enhancement system
A slide hammer impact enhancement system adapted for incorporation into a hollow arrow shaft comprises a weight member movably positioned within the hollow arrow shaft with a magnet member rigidly secured to an end thereof. A nock member is rigidly mounted at one end of the hollow arrow shaft, and contains an attachment member accessible from within the hollow arrow shaft. The magnet member and attached weight member are maintained adjacent the nock member by the attachment member upon launching the arrow. Upon the arrow striking a target, the magnet member and connected weight member disengage from the attachment member, move down the hollow arrow shaft, and strike an arrow head at the opposite end thereof, thereby further driving the arrow into the target. |
| US08915806B2 |
Arrow shaft
An arrow includes an elongate shaft, a plurality of vanes located proximate a proximal end of the shaft, and a point located proximate a distal end of the shaft. The shaft may have a dimpled outer surface. The shaft may also or alternatively have an internal supporting structure. |
| US08915804B2 |
Color golf ball
Golf ball comprising: core comprising at least one layer A, cover comprising at least one layer B, intermediate layer C disposed between core and cover, and coating D applied on outermost surface of the golf ball. At least two of layer A, layer B, layer C and coating D comprise a golf ball color contributing component comprising a color and contributing to an overall golf ball color, at least two color contributing components have different saturations or different chromas, or both. Overall golf ball hue is different than that of each color contributing component and overall saturation and chroma are different than that of at least one color contributing component. |
| US08915801B2 |
Dual core golf ball having negative-hardness-gradient thermoplastic inner core and steep positive-hardness-gradient thermoset outer core layer
A golf ball includes an inner core layer formed from a thermoplastic material comprising a highly-neutralized ionomer comprising a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer by 80% or greater. The inner core has a geometric center hardness less than its surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is formed over the inner core and is formed from a substantially homogenous thermoset composition. The outer core layer has an interior hardness substantially less than an outer surface hardness to define a steep positive hardness gradient. An inner cover layer and an outer cover layer are formed over the outer core layer. |
| US08915798B2 |
Putter face insert
A putter-type golf club head having a face insert comprising a metal sheet and a urethane backing is disclosed herein. The metal sheet, which makes contact with a golf ball during use, includes a plurality of oval-shaped holes extending through the entire thickness of the sheet and having a specific size and spacing, and the urethane backing has a hardness that optimizes performance of the face insert, and thus the putter. |
| US08915796B2 |
Golf club shaft and golf club
A golf club shaft has a tip end to which a golf club head is attached and a butt end to which a grip is attached, wherein the shaft is composed of a fiber reinforced resin having a fiber layer, the fiber layer contains a bias layer having bias fibers oriented at an angle with respect to an axial direction of the shaft, the bias layer includes a tip-side bias layer extending from the tip end toward the butt end and having a butt-side end terminating without reaching the butt end and a butt-side bias layer extending from the butt end toward the tip end and having a tip-side end terminating without reaching the tip end, and bias fibers in the tip-side bias layer has a tensile elastic modulus smaller than that of bias fibers of the butt-side bias layer. |
| US08915787B2 |
Sliding type constant velocity universal joint
In a sliding type constant velocity universal joint which includes a coil spring (14) employed to urge an intermediate shaft (13), a cylindrical portion (34) of a spring receptacle which supports an end of the coil spring (14) rises by a height h3, so that an edge (37) of the cylindrical portion (34) makes contact with a lower end surface of an outer ring (26) of a roller assembly (28) of an inner joint member (12) when the constant velocity universal joint takes a maximum operating angle. |
| US08915786B2 |
Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
The gaming device disclosed herein includes a plurality of simultaneously, substantially simultaneously or sequentially played primary games, wherein a designated triggering event in at least one of the games causes the gaming device to change, modify, supplement, add to, activate or otherwise influence the paytable of at least another game. |
| US08915783B2 |
Gaming machines with player reservation feature
A player reservation feature is provided for a casino gaming machine by a secondary controller of the casino gaming machine. The player reservation feature may be accessed at the gaming machine or remotely at another gaming machine or other device, e.g., a smart phone, tablet, personal computer, and the like. The gaming machine is locked and unavailable for play except by the player that made the reservation. Reserving a gaming machine may be free, or a fee may be accessed for a reservation. Where a fee is assessed, the fee may be waived for a reserving player. Where the reservation feature is being accessed remotely, a casino floor map may be displayed at the device that is being used, such as another casino machine, smart phone, tablet, personal computer, and the like, along with information about each gaming machine on the casino floor. |
| US08915781B2 |
System and method of revealing the outcomes of real world wagers through mirage reveals
The invention relates to systems and methods of selecting and placing real-world wagers responsive to one or more wager triggers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers through the interactive media to give an appearance that the outcomes of the real-world wagers resulted from the user interactions even though the outcomes resulted from the real-world wagers and were determined before the user interactions. The system may provide mirage reveals that give an appearance to the user that an objective may be achieved to obtain a reward. However, the objective may not be achievable, thereby guaranteeing a loss. The mirage reveals may be used to reveal a loss resulting from a real-world wager in a manner that the loss appears to result from the failure to achieve the objective. |
| US08915780B2 |
Logistics methods for processing lottery and contest tickets with generic hardware
A lottery data transfer method for processing lottery ticket data piggybacks on a merchant's existing debit or credit card interchange system. A BIN is assigned to lottery tickets that is unique in the merchant's credit or debit card interchange, the BIN associated with a lottery data blob also provided on the lottery ticket. The lottery BIN and data blob are into the merchant's existing credit or debit card activation barcode protocol to initiate transfer of the lottery data to a central lottery site via the interchange. At a processor within the interchange, the unique lottery BIN is flagged to initiate special routing to and further processing of the lottery data blob at the lottery central site, wherein the lottery data blob is processed outside of the interchange's debit or credit card data transfer and processing procedures. |
| US08915776B2 |
Air outlet valve as well as a system and method for emergency ventilation of an aircraft cabin
An air outlet valve for use in an aircraft is adapted during normal operation of the aircraft as a component of a cabin pressure control system for adjusting a desired pressure level in an aircraft cabin to remove air from an interior of the aircraft into the environment around the aircraft. The air outlet valve is further adapted during emergency ventilation operation of the aircraft as a component of a system for emergency ventilation of the aircraft cabin to introduce air from the environment around the aircraft into the interior of the aircraft. The air outlet valve comprises a nose-side valve flap, which is pivotable about an axis and is adapted to open or close a nose-side portion of an air outlet valve aperture, and a tail-side valve flap, which is pivotable about an axis and is adapted to open or close a tail-side portion of the air outlet valve aperture. A portion of the tail-side valve flap that in the open state of the tail-side valve flap projects into an air stream flowing around an aircraft skin during cruising of the aircraft is greater than a portion of the nose-side valve flap that in the open state of the nose-side valve flap projects into the air stream flowing around the aircraft skin during cruising of the aircraft. |
| US08915772B2 |
Crab shelling machine
A crab shelling machine includes first and second transfer mechanisms for conveying crabs, a cutting mechanism for sectioning the crabs and a separating mechanism for separating crab meat and/or crab roe from crab shells. The cutting mechanism includes a frame body, a pair of transmitting apparatuses positioned above the frame body, and a cutter vertically extending into a slot formed by the pair of transmitting apparatuses. The slot is adapted for the crabs to be conveyed therethrough. Each transmitting apparatus includes two transport wheels and a transport belt associated to the transport wheels. The separating mechanism includes a storage box located above the second transfer mechanism, a suction tube fixed to the storage box for separating the crab meat and/or the crab roe, and a driving apparatus for driving the suction tube. |
| US08915771B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning grinding work chuck using a vacuum
A vacuum assembly for removing debris formed on the surface of a work chuck after a wafer grinding process by positioning a vacuum source above the work chuck and then activating the vacuum source. |
| US08915769B2 |
Method of manufacturing tubular structure, and stent
A method of manufacturing a tubular structure is implemented by housing a tubular base, which has a side circumference surface formed in a bellows-like shape, in a polishing container, causing magnetic particles to flow along a circumferential direction of the tubular base due to action of magnetic poles, and supplying abrasive particles to the polishing container so that the abrasive particles flow along an axial direction of the tubular base, thereby polishing a surface of the tubular base. The method includes: a first polishing step of polishing an exposed surface of the tubular base by causing the magnetic particles and the abrasive particles to flow while an inner surface of the tubular base remains covered; and a second polishing step of polishing an exposed surface of the tubular base by causing the magnetic particles and the abrasive particles to flow while an outer surface of the tubular base remains covered. |
| US08915763B1 |
Beehive frame scraping tool
A beehive frame scraping tool that includes a head portion having a first cutaway section disposed upon a first side edge, a second cutaway section disposed upon a second side edge, a top side edge disposed endwise perpendicularly between the first side edge and the second side edge, wherein the first cutaway section includes a rectangular section cut away from the first side edge and the second cutaway section includes a generally triangular section cut away from the second side edge, wherein the first side edge is usable to scrape a frame along at least two perpendicularly adjacent surfaces, the second side edge is useable to clip foundation wire, pry and remove nails from said frame, a point edge is usable to scrape a foundation groove in a frame, and a square edge is usable to scrape a wedge slot of a frame, whereby honeycomb is more expediently harvested. |
| US08915761B2 |
Connector terminal
A connector terminal which can achieve high mechanical connection strength and stabilized low electrical connection resistance when it is crimped to an aluminum electric wire, and in addition, can suppress electrical contact resistance low when it is fitted to a mating connector terminal is provided. In a connector terminal (1A) having an electrical contact section (10) which is brought into contact and conducted with a mating connector terminal by fitting to the mating connector terminal, and a conductor crimping section (12) which is crimped to the conductor of an electric wire, a metal material which constitutes the terminal uses aluminum or an aluminum alloy as a base material (100), a Zn layer (101) having a thickness in the range from 0.1 μm to 2.0 μm by electroless plating and a Cu layer (102) having a thickness in the range from 0.5 μm to 1.0 μm by electrolytic plating are formed in sequence on the surface of the base material (100), and an Sn layer (105) having a thickness in the range from 0.7 μm to 1.7 μm by electrolytic plating is formed on the outermost surface. |
| US08915760B2 |
Surface mount clip
A surface mount clip includes a base part having a rear surface electrically connected to a conductor part of a printed wiring board; and an extension part extending from the base part. The extension part contacts with a conductive member attached to the printed wiring board with elastic deformation of the extension part to hold the conductive member and make electrical connection thereto. The base part includes a solder-bonding part having a bonding plane to be bonded with the printed wiring board and a floating part forming a gap from the printed wiring board in a state that the solder-bonding part is solder-bonded to the printed wiring board. The extension part includes a root part extending from the floating part toward the rear surface of the base part and a folded-back part extending from an end of the root part toward a front surface of the base part. |
| US08915759B2 |
Terminal connector with electric wire and method of manufacturing the same
A terminal connector with an electric wire includes a bottom portion, a wall, a plurality of connection pieces, and an auxiliary wall. An end portion of the electric wire is placed on and connected to the bottom portion. The electric wire includes a core wire exposed at the end portion. The wall is provided continuously from the bottom portion and integrally rises from one side of the bottom portion extending to another side. One of the connection pieces extends from one end of the bottom portion and another one of the connection pieces extends from one end of the wall and the connection pieces are contacted and connected to an opposing terminal connector. The auxiliary wall is provided continuously from another end of the wall that is opposite from the one end from which the connection piece extends. The auxiliary wall extends downwardly to the bottom portion. |
| US08915756B2 |
Communication connector having a printed circuit board with thin conductive layers
Communications connectors include a housing and a printed circuit board that is at least partially mounted in the housing that has a plurality of conductive paths that are arranged in pairs to form a plurality of differential transmission lines. These connectors further include a plurality of contacts, each of which is electrically connected to a respective one of the conductive paths of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board further includes at least a first floating image plane that is located between a top surface and a bottom surface thereof, the floating image plane being electrically isolated from the plurality of conductive paths. |
| US08915745B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming a writable erasable area on an object
A method of forming a writable erasable area on an object includes selecting a glass sheet having a front surface and a back surface, where the front surface is opposed to and parallel to the back surface. An area of the object where the writable erasable area is to be located is selected. The selected area has a select non-flat shape. The shape of the glass sheet is conformed to the select non-flat shape. The glass sheet is then mounted on the object such that the glass sheet is located at the selected area of the object and conforms in shape to the selected area of the object. |
| US08915744B2 |
System and method for automated competency assessment
The present invention relates to a system used for competency assessment of candidates. More particularly the present invention relates to an automated system for talent acquisition in an enterprise to identify talented candidates who meet the qualification standards specified by enterprise using a secured and light weight method of providing content including questions and responses in a distributed architecture. The data center server of the system may connect to Knowledge center server to receive the secure test content. The test content is transferred to one or more exam center servers from the data center server. The exam center servers assess the competency of candidates connected to them via candidate console devices (computational devices), by generating unique and standardized test content for each candidate. The system enables less effort, time and consequently money, that multiple test administrators may spend traveling to different test locations to support the system infrastructure. |
| US08915740B2 |
Virtual reality pipe welding simulator
A simulator facilitates virtual welding activity of pipe and open root weld joints. The simulator may include a logic processor based system operable to execute coded instructions for generating an interactive welding environment that emulates welding activity on a section of virtual pipe having at least one virtual weld joint. It also includes a display connected to the logic processor based system for visually depicting the interactive welding environment, wherein the display depicts the section of virtual pipe. A mock welding tool is provided for performing virtual welding activity on the at least one weld joint in real time where one or more sensors are adapted to track movement of the input device in real time for communicating data about the movement of the input device to the logic processor based system. |
| US08915737B2 |
Personnel casualty simulator
A system and method uses three-dimensional, visual feedback for simulated weapons fire during training of a soldier in a combat exercise. In the system, the soldier is provided with a weapon equipped with a laser transmitter that simulates the firing of actual rounds. Further, sensors are positioned on a human target. Also, discharge members are located on the human target. When a signal is received by a sensor, selected discharge members are activated to immediately expel a plume of dust. As a result, the plume of expelled dust provides three-dimensional, visual feedback to the soldier in real-time. Additionally, the system contemplates providing three-dimensional, visual feedback from background surfaces and vehicles in the combat environment. |
| US08915735B1 |
Arrangement for obtaining reliable anchoring of a threaded implant in bone
In an arrangement for obtaining reliable anchoring of a threaded implant (3) in dentine, a hole (2) is made in the bone substance. In the side wall (2b) of the hole it is possible to establish an internal threading which can cooperate with an external threading (3d) on the implant. The implant threading is arranged to force the bone substance out in essentially radial directions as a function of the extent to which the implant is screwed into the hole. The threading is arranged to effect greater forcing out of the bone substance at the outer parts of the hole than at the inner parts of the hole. The degree of forcing out is adapted in relation to the softness of the bone in order to achieve the reliable anchoring. Along at least part of the longitudinal direction of the implant, the implant threading can be given a non-circular configuration for the purpose of obtaining improved rotational stability in soft/weak bone. The implant can also have two or more thread spirals/thread entries which shorten the time for screwing the implant into the hole and additionally offer tight threading which permits effective integration with the bone substance during the healing-in process. |
| US08915732B1 |
Ventless fireplace
A ventless fireplace is provided, including a protective fireplace door, a wall positioned behind the protective fireplace door, a hearth surface positioned adjacent the wall, the protective fireplace door, wall and hearth surface defining a cavity the hearth surface further defining an opening therein, and a mechanical structure for housing one or more fuel cells positioned below the hearth surface, so that when operational, one or more flames emanating from the one or more fuel cells supported by the mechanical structure pass through the opening in the hearth surface. The protective door further includes a door frame, a door bezel hingedly attached to the door frame by one or more hinges, a door screen fixed within the door bezel, and a latch assembly fixed to the door frame to selectively engage the door bezel from the door frame. |
| US08915731B2 |
Flameless combustion burner
A burner has a fuel/oxidant nozzles and a pair of dynamical lances spaced on either side thereof that inject a jet of fuel and primary oxidant along a fuel injection axis, and jets of secondary oxidant, respectively. Jets of actuating fluid impinge against the jets of secondary oxidant to fluidically angle the jets of secondary oxidant away from the fuel injection axis. The action of the angling away together with staging of the oxidant between primary and secondary oxidant injections allows achievement of distributed combustion conditions. |
| US08915730B2 |
Three-dimensional modeling apparatus, method of producing a three-dimensional object, and three-dimensional object
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a stage, a head, a movement mechanism, and a control unit. The head supplies a process liquid that is one of a solution and a dispersion liquid onto the stage to cause a material that constitutes a three-dimensional object to be precipitated out of the process liquid by evaporating one of a solvent and a dispersion medium therefrom. The movement mechanism relatively moves the head and the stage. The control unit controls a drive of the movement mechanism to form the three-dimensional object. |
| US08915729B2 |
Blow mould
A blow mould for containers wherein the mould base comprises a first member (5) and a second member (6) connectable to each other by means of a quick coupling system comprising at least one first connection pin, wherein said second member (6) includes a first slider (13), defining a first sliding direction on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the mould and capable of taking an unlocking position and a locking position, said first slider (13) being provided with at least a hole in order to lock the first connection pin when the first slider (13) is in the locking position, and a second slider (16) defining a second sliding direction on said plane, intersecting said first direction; said second slider (16) being slidable along said second direction from a position of mechanical connection with the first slider (13) to a position of releasing from said first slider. |
| US08915726B2 |
Rotary vane air motor with improved vanes and other improvements
A rotary vane air motor comprises a rotor, stator and vanes. The rotor has slots for the vanes, and the vanes may move between a retracted position and a contact position in which the vanes contact the cylinder. Each vane may have a longitudinal portion whose shape conforms generally to the slot, and a transverse portion that is radially outside of the slot and extends at least in part in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal portion and that may be tangential to the perimeter of the rotor at the slot. The shape of the perimeter may be a polygon with rounded corners. The vanes may also include a magnetic portion or a rotating portion. |
| US08915724B2 |
Scroll compressor with control valve for controlling cooling capacity based on speed and centrifugal force
A scroll compressor includes an orbiting scroll member, a drive mechanism accommodation space, a rotary shaft, a drive bushing, an upstream space, a downstream space, a first communication passage and a second communication passage. The upstream space and the downstream space are formed in the drive mechanism accommodation space by a plain bearing, the drive bushing and an eccentric pin of the rotary shaft. The second communication passage passes through at least the drive bushing and allows the upstream space and the downstream space to communicate with each other. A control valve is disposed in the second communication passage. Centrifugal force of the control valve developed when the rotary shaft is rotated at a predetermined speed or higher causes the control valve to move in a direction in which the second communication passage is opened, thereby to allow the upstream space and the downstream space to communicate with each other. |
| US08915722B1 |
Integrated fluid end
Tapered valve guide and spring retainer assemblies are described for use in plunger pump housings that incorporate corresponding outwardly flared discharge and suction bores, as well as structural features for stress-relief. Plunger pumps so constructed are relatively resistant to fatigue failure because of stress reductions, and they may incorporate essentially any style of valves, including top and lower stem-guided valves and crow-foot-guided valves, in easily-maintained configurations. Besides forming a part of valve guide and spring retainer assemblies, side spacers may be shaped and dimensioned to improve volumetric efficiency of the pumps in which they are used. The present disclosure provides, for the first time, the use of tungsten carbide valve seats, which significantly increase durability and service life of a pump, especially when abrasive fluids are being pumped, as in various oilfield operations. |
| US08915720B2 |
Fan hub integrated vacuum pump system
An integrated fan and pump drive system. |
| US08915719B2 |
Cryogenic reciprocating pump intermediate distance piece
The present invention teaches providing heating elements into the nose of an intermediate distance piece of a cryogenic reciprocating pump in order to warm the piston packing seals of the pump. The heating elements increase the temperature of the piston packing seals to limit deformation of the seals while the pump is in operation. In addition, a warm, dry vapor purge may be provided to the interior of the intermediate distance piece to reduce or eliminate rime from interfering with the piston packing seals. |
| US08915718B2 |
Airfoil including damper member
An airfoil includes an airfoil body that defines a longitudinal axis. The airfoil body includes a leading edge and a trailing edge and a first sidewall and a second sidewall that is faced apart from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall join the leading edge and the trailing edge and at least partially define a cavity in the airfoil body. A damper member is enclosed in the cavity. The damper member includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected in a first joint to the first sidewall at a first longitudinal location and the second end is connected in a second joint to the second sidewall at a second, different longitudinal location. |
| US08915707B2 |
Exhaust gas housing for a gas turbine and method for producing same
An exhaust gas housing for a gas turbine is provided and includes a support structure, which, arranged concentrically, includes an outer ring and an inner ring which are interconnected by radially arranged struts, and a flow liner, which is attached inside the support structure and, arranged concentrically, includes an outer liner and an inner liner which are interconnected by radially arranged liner ribs. The liner ribs each encompass the struts of the support structure, and the outer and inner liners inside the support structure form an annular passage for the turbine's hot exhaust gases. The liner ribs are welded together from front and rear parts in the flow direction, forming welded seams which extend axially in the outer liner and in the inner liner up to the liner edge. End rings, which cover the welded seams at the liner edge, are welded on the liner's rear edges for reinforcement. |
| US08915706B2 |
Transition nozzle
A transition nozzle is provided and includes a liner in which combustion occurs and through which products of the combustion flow toward a turbine bucket stage. The liner includes opposing endwalls and opposing sidewalls extending between the opposing endwalls. The opposing sidewalls are oriented to tangentially direct the flow of the combustion products toward the turbine bucket stage. At least one of the opposing endwalls and the opposing sidewalls including a flow contouring feature to guide the flow of the combustion products. |
| US08915704B2 |
Turbocharger variable-nozzle assembly with vane sealing ring
A variable-nozzle turbocharger includes a turbine housing and a center housing, and a generally annular nozzle ring and an array of vanes rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes can be pivoted about their axes for regulating exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel. The vanes extend between the nozzle ring and an opposite wall of the nozzle. An axially floating vane sealing ring is disposed in an annular recess formed in the face of the nozzle ring adjacent proximal ends of the vanes. The vane sealing ring is urged by exhaust gas pressure differential toward the proximal ends of the vanes, and the vanes are thus urged toward the opposite nozzle wall so that distal ends of the vanes are close to or abutting the wall, resulting in a reduction or closing of the gaps at the proximal and distal ends of the vanes. |
| US08915702B2 |
Gas turbine engine front center body architecture
A gas turbine engine includes a central body support that provides an inner annular wall for a core flow path. The central body support includes a first mount feature. A geared architecture interconnects a spool and a fan rotatable about an axis. A flex support interconnects the geared architecture to the central body support. The flex support includes a second mount feature that cooperates with the first mount feature for transferring torque there between. A method of disassembling a front architecture of a gas turbine engine includes the steps of accessing forward-facing fasteners that secure a central body support to a flex support, wherein the flex support includes a geared architecture supported thereon, removing the fasteners, and decoupling first and second mount features respectively provided on the central body support and the flex support. |
| US08915699B2 |
Circulation structure for a turbo compressor
A circulation structure for a turbo compressor, in particular for a compressor of a gas turbine, is disclosed. The circulation structure includes at least one annular chamber that can be traversed in a circumferential direction, is concentric with a shaft of the turbo compressor in the region of the free blade ends of a blade ring, and radially borders a main flow channel. Several chambers that can be traversed in an axial direction are situated upstream of the or each annular chamber, when viewed from the main flow direction of the main flow channel. |
| US08915696B2 |
Device and method for depalletizing stacked bundles
In a method and device for depalletizing stack containers, the stacked containers are supported by at least one support base, and the stacked containers on the support base are frictionally engaged and lifted on two opposite sides thereof. |
| US08915695B2 |
Conveying system having endless drive medium and method for delivering/receiving article therein
In a transport system, carriers are attached to an endless belt configured to rotate in a circulating manner. At a station, a hand, a driver configured to move the hand in a rotation direction and a vertical direction, a moving distance sensor configured to measure a moving distance of the endless belt, a carrier sensor configured to detect one of the carriers at a position upstream of the hand along the rotation direction, and a signal processor configured to operate the hand are provided. To load an article, when the moving distance from a time point of detection of the carrier by the carrier sensor reaches a first moving distance, the hand is activated at a first acceleration, and to unload an article, when the moving distance from the time point of detection of the carrier by the carrier sensor reaches a second moving distance which is larger than the first moving distance, the hand is activated at a second acceleration which is larger than the first acceleration. The delay in signal processing after detection of the carrier does not affect control, and both of loading and unloading can be performed in substantially the same area. |
| US08915687B2 |
Self-drilling bolt and nut assembly
A self-drilling bolt and nut assembly includes a nut which has a window to permit visual inspection of the fastener thread upon engagement with the nut. The nut also includes a protective cap or receives a protective cap so that upon threadably engaging the fastener with the nut, the drill tip of the fastener is automatically received in the cap. The nut also has at one end a plurality of projections to enhance the locking engagement. The self-drilling bolt may have an integral washer and employ a clamping plate engageable against the washer. |
| US08915684B2 |
Cargo deck
A cargo deck includes a floor engageable with a load. The floor is formed from extruded aluminum in tubular panels extending transversely along the floor. Side rails are disposed on opposed sides of the deck. A plurality of longitudinally-extending support members support the floor, and are coupled to the floor via a plurality of support brackets extending angularly from the floor to the support members. |
| US08915672B2 |
Movable breakwater and method of operating movable breakwater
The present invention provides a movable breakwater that can do with a small amount of compressed air supplied to raise the buoyant steel pipe. The buoyant steel pipe 6 includes a buoyancy tank 6d in which gas is filled, an air chamber 6e provided above the buoyancy tank 6d, a penetration pipe 19 that penetrates through the buoyancy tank 6d and feeds compressed air supplied from a pressure accumulator tank 13 to the air chamber 6e, and an open chamber 6f, whose top side is open, provided above the air chamber 6e and in the buoyant steel pipe 6 at the upper end portion thereof. |
| US08915666B2 |
Taper coupling structure and rotating machine
A taper coupling structure includes a groove, serving as a hollowed part, provided in a rear end surface of a hub. The groove is formed continuously in the circumferential direction and uniformly in the radial direction. In the state in which a taper shaft is fitted in the hub, the groove interferes with the taper shaft in the radial direction. An inner shell part, which is a portion on the inside of the groove in the radial direction, has a low radial rigidity because of the presence of the groove. For this reason, if a force is applied from the hollow portion of a flange part toward the outside in the radial direction, the diameter of the inner shell part is liable to be increased in the radial direction by elastic displacement (deflection). |
| US08915664B2 |
Complete exhaustion type lipstick tube
A lipstick tube has an outer-layer spiral tube, a middle-layer involution tube and a lipstick cup arranged on the inner side sequentially sheathed on the inner side of a base, and a longitudinal groove is arranged on the tube wall of the middle-layer involution tube. The lipstick cup has a vertical groove on the cup wall. A first lifting point is arranged directly under the vertical groove, engaged with the longitudinal groove of the middle-layer involution tube and the internal thread of the outer-layer spiral tube; a second lifting point is arranged on the outer surface of a base plate, engaged with the vertical groove, the longitudinal groove and the internal thread. The outer-layer spiral tube allows the first and the second lifting points to move side by side. The internal thread of the upper-section spiral tube only allows the second lifting point to move. |
| US08915663B2 |
Writing instrument with eraser protected by a sleeve
A writing instrument that includes a shaft and an eraser exit device. The eraser exit device includes an eraser protection sleeve that is mobile at least in rotation relative to the shaft so that the eraser can assume a maximum exit configuration and a retraction configuration, and an eraser holder provided with at least a first longitudinal guiding member directly interacting with a first complementary guiding member connected to the shaft so as to prevent any rotation movement between the holder and the shaft, and provided with at least a second guiding member that interacts with a second complementary guiding member connected to the sleeve. The sleeve has a front portion surrounding the rear end of the shaft and a rear portion having an inner guiding portion including the second complementary guiding member. |
| US08915654B2 |
Optical multi-port connectors
A connector comprising a base formed using a base material with an obverse face, a reverse face, and at least one wall member that defines the perimeter of the base; a multiplicity of inserts each having a first end and a second end, which extend through the base; wherein the inserts are of a different material than the base material, and the inserts are generally parallel to one another, wherein a single hole extends longitudinally through each of at least a subset of the inserts, and wherein each hole is configured to receive a single optical fiber; and a method of making the connector. |
| US08915649B2 |
Wheel bearing apparatus
A wheel bearing apparatus has a protecting cover formed from non-magnetic steel sheet with a cup-shaped configuration. The protective cover has a cylindrical fitting portion, a disk-shaped shield portion, a radially reducing portion, a stepped portion and a bottom portion. The cylindrical fitting portion is press-fit into the inner circumference of the inner-side end of the outer member. The disk-shaped shielding portion extends radially inward from the fitting portion, via the radially reducing portion. The inner-side surface of the shielding portion is arranged close to or in contact with a rotation speed detecting sensor. The bottom portion is continuous with the shielding portion, via the stepped portion to close the inner-side end of the inner member. A full deflection of the side surface of the shielding portion that is caused by a load the same as that applied to the protecting cover when it is press-fit into the outer member is limited to a predetermined value or less. |
| US08915645B2 |
Method and device for monitoring a component arranged in an exhaust region of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for monitoring a sensor unit (20) that is arranged in the exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine (10). According to the invention, a sensor temperature (31, 32) is directly or indirectly determined by the sensor unit (20), and is compared to an exhaust temperature (33) that is determined by a further sensor unit and/or to model variables and/or to defined threshold values, whereby a dismounting and/or an inappropriate mounting of the sensor unit is indicated. The invention further relates to a device for monitoring a sensor unit (20) arranged in an exhaust region of an internal combustion engine (10), the sensor unit being used to directly or indirectly determine a sensor temperature (31, 32) which can be compared to an exhaust temperature (33) that is determined by a further sensor unit and/or to model variables and/or to defined threshold values in an engine control unit (14), wherein a malfunction entry and/or a warning signal can be derived from said comparison. |
| US08915642B2 |
Method for constructing co-rotating contiguous bodies and computer program product for carrying out said method and screw elements produced accordingly
The present invention relates to a method of generating tightly intermeshing, self-cleaning, co-rotating screw profiles, the use of the screw profiles in screw and transition elements, novel screw profiles which have been generated by the method and a computer program product for executing the method in a computer system. |
| US08915641B2 |
Display device
A display device is provided with a backlight system and a display panel which controls and selectively transmits light from the backlight system, and the device is formed such that the backlight system contains the light source, the light guide plate OG and the optical sheet OS within a lower frame SF and has such a structure that the lower frame is covered by a middle frame NF that covers around an opening on an upper surface of the lower frame, at least one portion around the light guide plate is provided with an elastic member EP placed between the lower frame and the light guide plate, and the elastic member is provided with a protrusion that covers part of an upper surface of the light guide plate, and the middle frame presses (B) the elastic member against the lower frame so that the protrusion holds (C) the light guide plate within the lower frame. |
| US08915640B2 |
Display device
Disclosed is a display device including a plurality of channels for forming a specific pattern, in which each of the channels includes: a light source module comprising one or more light sources for generating optical signals having different wavelengths; a driving module for controlling on/off or strength of the optical signal generated in the light source module; an optical waveguide for transferring the optical signal generated in the light source module to an outside without a loss of the optical signal; and a scattering pattern for scattering the optical signal transferred through the optical waveguide and displaying the scattered optical signal to the outside. |
| US08915638B2 |
Backlight module and display apparatus
The present invention provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises the backlight module and a display panel. The backlight module comprises a back bezel and a plurality of light sources. The back bezel includes a plurality of bezel convex portions and a plurality of corresponding bezel concave portions. The light sources are disposed on the back bezel and positioned between the bezel convex portions. The present invention can use the bezel concave portions of the back bezel to improve a heat-dissipation effect. |
| US08915637B2 |
Light source module
A light source module including a light guide plate, a plurality of light emitting devices, and a plurality of first reflective devices is provided. The light guide plate has a plurality of through holes and a light emitting surface. The through holes pass through the light emitting surface. Each of the through holes has a first side wall and a second side wall opposite the first side wall. At least one of the light emitting devices is disposed in each of the through holes. Each of the light emitting devices is capable emitting a light beam. The light beam enters the light guide plate from the first side wall of the through hole which the light emitting device is disposed in and leaves the light guide plate from the light emitting surface. The first reflective devices are disposed on the second side walls of the through holes. |
| US08915633B2 |
White point adjustment for multicolor keyboard backlight
There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a light source to match a white point of ambient light. In one embodiment, a light control system is provided. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the light source to provide a visual effect. A controller is electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor and configured to determine the intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed and dynamically adjust the output of the light source to match the determined intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed. |
| US08915632B2 |
Vehicle headlamp system
An exemplary vehicle headlamp system includes an ultraviolet light emitting diode for emitting ultraviolet light, a first lens, and a phosphor layer. The first lens is located between the ultraviolet light emitting diode and the phosphor layer. The first lens and the phosphor layer are located at a light outputting path of the ultraviolet light emitting diode to make the ultraviolet light concentrated by the first lens and then radiates to the phosphor layer to act the phosphor layer to obtain a white light. |
| US08915630B2 |
Vehicle exterior mirror system
An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly having an indicator having at least one light emitting diode. The indicator may include a light guiding element that guides light emitted by the at least one light emitting diode. The at least one light emitting diode may be associated with circuitry of the exterior mirror assembly. During low ambient lighting conditions at night, the intensity of light emitted by the at least one light emitting diode of the indicator is reduced under photosensor control to a nighttime intensity level. The nighttime intensity level is greater than about 0.3 candela and is less than about 200 candelas. |
| US08915629B2 |
Light fixture for a merchandiser
A light fixture assembly including a bracket defined by an arcuate base and a clip dovetailed to the bracket within the base. The clip and the bracket define cooperative serrations to permit rotatable adjustment of the clip relative to the base about a longitudinal axis to provide different orientations for a light source within the case. |
| US08915627B2 |
Protrusion structure processing method of backplane and backplane
At least one stress concentration factor is arranged in a bending position of forming the protrusion structure on a surface of the backplane. Then, a shape of the protrusion structure is formed by stamping. In the present disclosure, because the bending position during stretching the protrusion structure is firstly configured with a plurality of stress concentration factors in the stretching process of the protrusion structure, when the protrusion structure is stretched, stress concentration occurs in the position with the stress concentration factors. |
| US08915622B2 |
Highly efficient LED array module with pre-calculated non-circular asymmetrical light distribution
A light module includes a light emitting diode (LED) array and a double-reflective assembly coupled to the LED array. The double-reflective assembly includes a lower member having a frame. The frame has an opening corresponding to the LED array. The frame and LED array are located in the same plane. The light module further includes a left bottom reflector and a right bottom reflector. The light module further includes an upper member which includes a left top reflector; and a right top reflector, wherein the left top reflector is attached to the left bottom reflector, and right top reflector is attached to the right bottom reflector, each forming an arbitrary left and right double-reflective assembly. A shape geometry and profile of each double-reflective assembly provides a pre-calculated combined non-circular asymmetrical intensity distribution pattern. The intensity distribution pattern is a superposition of light reflected from the bottom reflectors, light reflected from the top reflectors, light doubly reflected from both the top and bottom reflectors, and light directed into the intensity distribution pattern directly from the LED array. |
| US08915619B2 |
Light emitting module comprising a thermal conductor, a lamp and a luminaire
A light emitting module (100), lamp and a luminaire are provided. The light emitting module (100) comprises a housing (106), a solid state light emitter (112), a luminescent element (102) and a thermal conductor (104). The housing (106) comprises a light exit window at a first side of the housing (106) and the housing (106) comprises a base (108) at a second side of the housing being different from the first side, the housing (106) enclosing a cavity (114) comprising cavity material being light transmitting. The solid state light emitter (112) is provided within the cavity (114) and is coupled to the base (108). The solid state light emitter (112) is configured to emit light of the first color range into the cavity (114). The luminescent element (102) being optically arranged in between the solid state light emitter (112) and the light exit window. The luminescent element (102) comprises luminescent material for converting at least a part of the light of the first color range into light of a second color range being different from the first color range. The thermal conductor (104) is arranged within the cavity (114) and has a thermal conductivity that is higher than a thermal conductivity of the cavity material. The thermal conductor (104) is thermally coupled to the luminescent element (102) and is thermally coupled to the base (108). |
| US08915617B2 |
Thermally conductive thermoplastic for light emitting diode fixture assembly
The present invention relates to a light emitting diode fixture assembly, having at least one component made out of thermally conductive thermoplastic which is comprised of a thermally conductive thermoplastic composition which is comprised of at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one thermally conductive filler. The light emitting diode fixture assembly is comprised of (1) at least one light emitting diode, (2) a lens covering a portion of the light emitting diode, (3) a back plate to which the light emitting diode is affixed, (4) the housing for the light emitting diode and the base plate, and (5) electrical connectors which are in electrical communication with the light emitting diode and an electrical supply source with a enclosing cup/sleeve. |
| US08915613B2 |
Light emitting diode luminaire device and system
A lighting device is disclosed that includes one or more master circuit boards configured to power light emitting diodes. The lighting device also includes modular light boards with arrays of light emitting diodes that interchangeably couple to the matched connectors on the master circuit board. The master circuit boards and the modular light boards are positioned within a housing with one or more diffuser lenses. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, master circuit boards and modular light boards are mounted in a stacked arrangement to emit light from opposed sides of the housing. In further embodiments of the invention, the lighting device includes a controller for independently controlling light output from each master circuit board. |
| US08915612B2 |
Illumination system for spot illumination with reduced symmetry
An illumination system (1;30;40;60;70;90) for spot illumination comprising: a tubular reflector (3;31;61;91) with a reflective inner surface, the tubular reflector having an entrance aperture (9), and an exit aperture (10) being larger than the entrance aperture; and a light-source array (2;33;41;63;71;93) comprising a plurality of light-sources arranged in a physical light-source configuration to emit light into the tubular reflector at the entrance aperture thereof. The tubular reflector (3;31;61;91) comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces (14a-g) each being arranged to provide a primary mirror image of the light-source array, the primary mirror image having a primary mirror image light-source configuration; and the light-source array (2;33;41;63;71;93) is configured in such a way that, for each of the primary mirror image, at least half of all secondary mirror images of the light-source array resulting from reflection of the primary mirror image by the reflective surfaces (14a-g) exhibit secondary mirror image light-source configurations that are different from the physical light-source configuration. |
| US08915609B1 |
Systems, methods, and devices for providing a track light and portable light
A light module for use as a portable light or as a light source in a track lighting system is described herein. The light module may include a module housing containing a light emitting aperture, and a light emitting diode (LED) light source located inside the module housing, where the LED light source is aligned with the light emitting aperture. The light module further includes a driver electrically connected to the LED light source, and a chargeable power supply component electrically connected to the driver. The light module also includes at least two magnets attached to the exterior of the module housing, where at least one magnet is associated with a positive electrical terminal and another magnet is associated with a negative terminal, and where at least one magnet provides electrical power to at least one of the chargeable power supply component or driver. |
| US08915607B2 |
Aqua lamp structure having light transmissive candle
The application is related to an aqua lamp structure having a light transmissive candle, mainly comprising an aqua lamp decoration having a light transmissive candle thereon; the aqua lamp decoration comprises a base upwardly mounted to an aqua lamp main body; the light transmissive candle comprises a hollow and transparent cage, and the cage comprises a lighting unit and a pattern film surroundingly set at outer edge of the lighting unit, and outer shell wall of the cage has a pattern layer, and the pattern layer has grain to project the patterns of the pattern film on the cage by the light of the lighting unit to be crossed and overlapped with the grain of the pattern layer on the shell wall. Thereby, due to the splendid aqua lamp main body with light to shine on, the 3D visual effects which have light and shadow in different layers, front and back, deep and shallow above the splendid aqua lamp main body can be realized. |
| US08915606B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a display of which a display surface is displayed with an image; plural light sources which output light toward the display, and configure a backlight; a diffuser plate arranged between the display and the plural light sources, and diffuses light output from the light source; and a support pin arranged on the opposite side to the display by interposing the diffuser plate therebetween, and holds the diffuser plate by being in contact with the diffuser plate. A plate shaped unit formed in a transparent plate shape is provided at a portion located on the diffuser plate side in the support pin, the plural light sources and the support pin are arranged in line in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the display and the diffuser plate are aligned, and the plate shaped unit is caused to face the light source in the shortest distance. |
| US08915604B2 |
Prism sheet, backlight unit including the same, and optical display apparatus including the same
A prism sheet includes a base film having one flat surface and an optical refractive section having a plurality of prisms arranged along a first direction to constitute first and second prism parts. The optical refractive section is integrally formed with another surface of the base film that is opposite to the flat surface of the base film, and each of the prisms has a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The first prism part includes a first prism of the plurality of prisms, which first prism has a constant height along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second prism part includes a second prism of the plurality of prisms, which second prism has a variable height in the second direction, and a maximum value of the variable height of the second prism is higher than the constant height of the first prism. |
| US08915592B2 |
Apparatuses and methods of ocular surface interferometry (OSI) employing polarization and subtraction for imaging, processing, and/or displaying an ocular tear film
Apparatuses and methods employing ocular surface interferometry (OSI) employing polarization and subtraction for imaging, processing, and/or displaying an ocular tear film are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods can be employed for measuring tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, which includes lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). An imaging device is focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device is focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing background signal(s) in the first image. The second image can be subtracted from the first image to reduce and/or eliminate background signal(s) in the first image to produce a resulting image that can be analyzed to measure tear film layer thickness (TFLT). |
| US08915586B2 |
Extendable eyeglasses and method of use
An eyeglass apparatus comprises first and second eyeglass portions, each having a connector portion and a lens portion. The eyeglass apparatus is configured to transition between stowed and extended configurations. When the eyeglass apparatus is in the stowed configuration, the lens portions overlie one another. When the eyeglass apparatus is in the extended configuration, the lens portions are in a non-overlying configuration. |
| US08915583B2 |
Systems, methods, and materials for temporary printing and indicia
Methods and/or systems for printing or otherwise evincing temporary indicia on media with disappearing inks are described along with suitable disappearing ink formulations and media constructions for executing the same. In particular embodiments, the methods and/or systems described employ a plurality of disappearing inks with different disappearing rates. In one embodiment, a barrier layer that is selectively used to cover a major surface of the media is employed to substantially block or otherwise regulate a rate of phase transitions (e.g., evaporation and/or sublimation) experienced by ink borne by the media. |
| US08915578B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus that discharges liquid droplets onto a recording medium, includes a movable carriage; discharging units, which are installed on the carriage and include piezoelectric elements for discharging the liquid; a first circuit substrate, which is installed outside of the carriage, and on which is installed a control signal supply unit that generates control signals; a second circuit substrate, which is installed on the carriage, and on which is installed a circuit that charges or discharges each of the piezoelectric elements according to the control signals; which supplies a power supply voltage and a ground voltage to the second circuit substrate, in which a total path length of the plurality of wirings between the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate is shorter than the total path length of the wiring between the second circuit substrate and each of the piezoelectric elements. |
| US08915576B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A ink jet type recording head which circulates ink between a first manifold and a second manifold via a pressure generation chamber is provided, the flow path member has a first and second bypass flow paths which connect the first and second manifolds, respectively in two locations of one end side and the other end side of a nozzle row on the outside of the nozzle row on which the nozzle openings are formed, and a relationship between a flow path resistance R of the first and second bypass flow paths, and a flow path resistance r of a flow path portion including the pressure generation chamber which connects the first and second manifolds is R |
| US08915573B2 |
Inkjet printing device
An inkjet printing device includes at least one ink cartridge, at least one ink pipe, at least one print head, an ink refill mechanism, and a pump module. The ink refill mechanism includes at least one transfer channel. After the ink refill mechanism is enabled and the at least one transfer channel is in an open status, in response to a suction generated by the pump module, the air within the at least one print head is ejected out through the at least one transfer channel, and the ink within the at least one ink cartridge is transferred to the at least one print head through the at least one ink pipe. |
| US08915571B2 |
Multiple monochromatic print cartridge printing system
A color ink printing system includes a plurality of print head cartridges each including a modular printhead made up of a plurality of print head tiles; a print head chassis for supporting the plurality of print head cartridges; and a maintenance chassis for supporting a plurality of maintenance cradles, the maintenance chassis is actuable between a storage position and an operational position. Each of the plurality of print head cartridges is held stationary with respect to a platen on which print media is propagated. Each print head cartridge is a monochrome print head cartridge ejecting a fluid different to the remaining print head cartridges. One or more of the plurality of print head cartridges includes a plurality of ventilation slits defined in the vicinity of the print head tiles, having applied thereto a suction force for sucking ink aerosol particles away from the print head tiles. |
| US08915568B2 |
System and method for adaptive printhead temperature control
A printing system with adaptive printhead temperature control, comprises a least one printhead for inkjet printing; heating means to heat said printhead or ink in said printhead to a predetermined temperature range; and control means to analyze content information of a print job to be printed, wherein said control means sets said predetermined temperature range and sets a heating power of said heating means at a given position of said printhead in accordance with content information relating to an entire print page of said print job, or a plurality of print pages of said print job. |
| US08915566B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying paper, an image forming unit for forming an image on the paper, and a paper discharge tray where the image-formed paper is discharged and loaded at a predetermined discharge angle by the conveying device. The conveying device is controlled in a manner that a discharge speed of a first sheet of the paper is different from a discharge speed of second and subsequent sheets of the paper. |
| US08915561B2 |
Folding sliding shelf
A refrigerator includes a shelf assembly positioned within a compartment. The shelf assembly includes a first shelf portion attached to a first slide and having at least one projection, and a second shelf portion attached to a second slide and having at least one receiving portion. The first and second shelf portions are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least one projection selectively engages the at least one receiving portion. Further, the first shelf portion is movable between a lowered position and a raised position when the first shelf portion is in the retracted position. |
| US08915557B2 |
Locking mechanism for adaptor assembly of a server rack chassis
A locking mechanism includes a latch, a handle, a first link, and a second link. The latch to engage with a recess of a server rack chassis, and to lock an adaptor assembly within the server rack chassis. The handle is connected to the latch, and engages and disengages the latch with the recess. The first link includes a first stub. The first link puts the first stub in an up position in response to the handle being in a down position, and puts the first stub in a down position in response to the handle being in an up position. The second link includes a second stub. The second link puts the second stub in a down position in response to the handle being in the down position, and puts the second stub in an up position in response to the handle being in the up position. |
| US08915556B2 |
Track chain joint for a crawler type work vehicle
A track chain assembly for a crawler type work vehicle includes a plurality of links pivotally connected together at respective link joints. Each link joint includes a bushing, a pin, and at least one elastomeric bearing. Each elastomeric bearing includes an inside diameter (ID) engaging the pin and an outside diameter (OD) engaging a link and/or bushing. Each elastomeric bearing includes a plurality of alternating metal layers and elastomer layers. |
| US08915555B2 |
Brake control device for vehicle
In the brake control device, a wheel-cylinder hydraulic pressure (Pw) obtained by adding the linear-valve pressure difference to a master-cylinder hydraulic pressure (Pm) is applied to the wheel cylinder while the vehicle is running. When an operation of a brake pedal is started while the vehicle is running (t1), the driving of the hydraulic pump is started. Thereafter, when the vehicle is stopped (t2), the driving of the hydraulic pump is stopped. When the start of movement of the vehicle is detected during an operation of returning the brake pedal (t4) and an operation of re-depressing the brake pedal is detected (t5) in this state (specifically, while the vehicle is in a stopped state, the hydraulic pump is in a stopped state, and the brake pedal is being operated), the driving of the hydraulic pump is started (t5). |
| US08915553B2 |
Hydraulic brake comprising a safety function
A braking device for braking a moving mass includes a movably guided coupling member for pressing a brake lining against a braking surface, a brake cylinder, filled with a hydraulic liquid, a brake piston which is movable inside the brake cylinder and which is connected to the coupling member. At least one hydraulic line can be connected to the brake cylinder. The device ensures the moving masses to be reliably decelerated. For that purpose, a fluidic-mechanical safety brake device is used to connect the brake cylinder to the one or more hydraulic lines. |
| US08915550B2 |
Cold planar anti-stabbing mechanism
A cold planer includes a frame and a cutting mechanism having a rotatable cutter configured to cut material of a substrate. An anti-slabbing mechanism is coupled to the frame and includes an upwardly oriented base plate, and a plurality of skids. The skids are arranged in a first subset and a second subset positioned upon opposite outboard sides of a forwardly projecting plow, and downwardly depend from a base plate of the anti-slabbing mechanism, for applying a slabbing opposition force to uncut material of the substrate. |
| US08915545B2 |
Chair with rotatable backrest
A chair for use in combination with a table. The chair has a seat, a back and four legs. To the back, an upper backrest and a lower backrest are secured. The lower backrest can rotate with respect to the back. While projecting forwards from the back, the lower backrest engages with the upper surface of the top plate of the table. The chair is therefore supported, with the legs suspended above the floor. |
| US08915541B2 |
Sunroof apparatus
Provided is a sunroof apparatus capable of opening and closing an opening of a fixed outer roof panel of a vehicle, the closing being done by locating a front edge of a movable roof panel at a location adjacent to an upper edge of a front window without the fixed outer roof panel between the front edge of the movable roof panel and the upper edge of the front window. The sunroof apparatus comprises a front roof rail whose cross sectional shape is approximately closed, the front rail extending in a width direction of the vehicle and being attached to an inside of the upper edge portion of the front window. And the front edge portion of the movable roof panel is located over the closed cross sectional shape of the front roof rail when the opening of the fixed outer roof panel is closed. |
| US08915538B2 |
Two shot double inverted acoustic hood to cowl seal
A seal adapted to extend along an interface between a vehicle hood and cowl. A profile has a base layer seating upon a flattened lip edge of the cowl, the base layer being supported upon the cowl lip edge from a rear edge to an intermediate underside stepped protrusion. The base layer further exhibits having a forward bottom projecting portion. A first upwardly/rearwardly and substantially linear angled blade extends from a first location of the base layer, with a second upwardly/forwardly and arcuately shaped blade extending from a second forward spaced location of the base layer, such that said blades project relative to underside opposing locations of the hood in contacting fashion and in order to both prevent admittance of engine exhaust into an adjoining passenger compartment and to provide optimum resistance to sound transfer. |
| US08915537B2 |
Vehicle body structure
There is provided a vehicle body structure that can improve collision performance at the time of a rear collision. The vehicle body structure includes first and second crash boxes that are provided at rear ends of rear side members. Further, the second crash boxes are disposed at positions different from the positions of the first crash boxes in a vertical direction of the vehicle. The second crash boxes, which are disposed at the positions different from the positions of the first crash boxes, can absorb a load applied from bumper reinforcement of another vehicle. Since a load at the time of a rear collision is absorbed by the second crash boxes, it is possible to suppress the deformation of a trunk that is provided at the rear portion of a vehicle body. |
| US08915533B2 |
Modular door drive
A drive device for a sliding door or a pivot and slide door of a transportation vehicle including at least one runner mounter such that it can at least move linearly so as to move a door leaf attached to the latter. A motor is attached to the runner of to the transportation vehicle. A first transmission mechanism between the motor and the runner affects the longitudinal displacement of the runner. Between the motor and the first transmission mechanism at least two attachment options are provided which differ in the arrangement relationship of the first transmission mechanism and the motor. |
| US08915526B1 |
Grill accessory
Grill accessories and food preparation devices are shown and described. In one embodiment, the grill accessory is used to remove a cooking grate from a grill and retain the accessory in a resting position on a ledge or the like. The accessory may include a handle assembly having an upper handle and a lower lateral support. The accessory typically includes at least one prong extension. Further, a vertical support spaces the lateral support and the prong extension. The result is grilling systems and methods to improve grilling and food hygiene practices. |
| US08915521B2 |
Steering column telescoping bushing with roller springs
An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket. |
| US08915520B2 |
Roll-bar structural arrangement
A roll-bar structural arrangement featuring symmetrical covers that can be mounted both internally and externally of the structure of the accessory, on both sides, without the need for separate parts, said cover (30) being attached to the extension (11) of the roll-bar and ends fitted onto the central bar (10), and comprising single body parts shaped in the form of two symmetrical parts (301) and (302) and welded together via tongue and groove (not shown) placed on the edges, with a hollow inner region and featuring a leading segment (31) with a curvature coinciding with the curvature of the extreme portion of the central bar (10), and a secondary segment (32) projecting from the vicinity of the end of the leading segment (31), said secondary segment (32) accompanying the curvature of the extension (11) of the roll-bar, with ends of the leading segment (31) and of the extension (32) with an opening (33) with a section coinciding with the diameter of the central bar (10) and of the extension (11) of the roll-bar, and a hollow inside zone in which a metallic structure (40) is arranged. |
| US08915519B2 |
Method for manufacturing airbag
An airbag is manufactured as follows. In a first joining step, peripheral portions of structural fabric portions that are located closer to the main body fabric portions at the installation are joined to the main body fabric portions in a spread state. In a second joining step, a part that is not overlaid onto the structural fabric portions is joined to the main body fabric portions, and a part that is overlaid onto the structural fabric portions is joined only to the structural fabric portions. In a third joining step, peripheral portions of the structural fabric portions that are separated away from the main body fabric portions at the installation are joined to each other. |
| US08915514B2 |
Multi-task trailer hitch assembly
A multi-function, anti-rotational, power-sports utility hitch receiver assembly includes a four-sided hollow receiver tube having a forward end configured to attach to a tow vehicle and a rearward end configured to house an attachment of an accessory shank. Aligned apertures are present in the opposing sidewalls between the forward end and the rearward end for securing a hitch accessory shank within the receiver tube by inserting a hitch-pin through apertures. A removable, adjustable tightening bar is attachable to an underside of the hitch receiver tube for maintaining the receiver tube in a stationary position when the receiver tube is installed on a tow vehicle by abutting a surface on the tow vehicle. The assembly further includes a tow loop, e.g., for attaching tow chains, straps, bungee cords, tow hooks and the like to the receiver. |
| US08915509B2 |
Boat trailer bow mount step
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, is an improved boat trailer bow mount step device that can be attached to an existing boat trailer and that enables a user to more easily and safely access the bow portion of a boat. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved bow mounted step may be comprised of a neck portion, a cross beam, two step portions to enable an individual to access the bow of a boat from either side, a mounting bracket, and a fastening means for securing said step device to a boat trailer and/or a winch post. In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved bow mounted step may be comprised of a cross beam, two step portions, and a pair of spaced apart mounting brackets and fasteners for mounting said device to a frame tongue. |
| US08915507B2 |
Rigid axle with air suspension
A rigid axle with direct air suspension, preferably for a commercial vehicle. The rigid axle includes an axle body, trailing arms, air springs and vibration dampers. The rigid axle is characterized in that a contact point of the vibration damper, on the axle side, is arranged on the trailing arm. The arrangement of the vibration damper parallel to the direction in which the axle is deflected provides both space and weight savings, without the necessity of arranging elaborately constructed and weight-increasing additional devices in the area of the axle body or the chassis and allows light and slim vibration dampers to be used, and eliminates undesirable horizontally-acting force components of the damping force. |
| US08915498B2 |
Cornhole game difficulty modification
The invention is a device that modifies the target aperture for the standard game board for the traditional lawn game known as cornhole or bean bag toss. The device, when inserted into the game board's target aperture, replaces the open hole with a circular shaped “trapdoor” that opens only when directly struck by a tossed game bag. When opened, the trapdoor allows the passage of the game bag through the game boards target aperture. The device includes a spring hinge mechanism that returns the trapdoor to the closed position after the bag has passed through the opening. The device is designed so that it can be quickly and easily inserted into and removed from the target aperture of the game board without moving or damaging the game board. |
| US08915492B2 |
Sheet finishing apparatus and sheet finishing method
According to one embodiment, a sheet finishing apparatus includes a finishing section configured to apply finishing to a sheet placed on a processing tray, a sheet discharging section configured to discharge the sheet subjected to the finishing to a stack tray via a discharge port, a roller attached to a shaft provided in parallel to the discharge port and which rotate in a first direction for guiding the sheet in the direction of the finishing section and a second direction for discharging the sheet, and an arm attached to the shaft to extend in the centrifuging direction from the shaft, rotate with the torque of the shaft, and idly rotate when force for regulating the torque acts. The arm flaps down the trailing end of the sheet on the stack tray onto the stack tray. |
| US08915490B2 |
Post-processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and folding apparatus
A post-processing apparatus includes a transport path, a loading part, a first folding member, a second folding member, a drive mechanism, a position detecting unit, a time information output part, a time monitoring part, and a rotational driving control part. The time monitoring part measures a moving time of the blade member from a first position between an initial position and a protrusion position to a second position, and determines whether the moving time has elapsed by a predetermined time. When the time monitoring part determines that the moving time has elapsed by the predetermined time, the rotational driving control part controls a rotary drive part so as to switch a rotational driving direction into a backward rotational direction. |
| US08915489B2 |
Method for producing a flexible circuit configuration
A method is specified for the production of a flexible circuit configuration, which allows the manufacturing of such flexible circuits on a carrier film cost-effectively and with high precision. For this purpose, the carrier film is fastened at the beginning of the method on a rigid frame, which encloses an inner area, and spans the inner area using an inner surface. After finishing of a layer structure and optionally additional method steps, structures for flexible circuit configurations which are created over the inner surface may be cut out easily by cutting the flexible circuit configurations out of the inner surface as a cutout. Through the fastening of the carrier film on the frame, it is ensured during the various method steps of the production of the flexible circuit configuration that the carrier film, which is flexible per se, always forms a level foundation for the various method measures, in particular the photolithographic structuring of layers of a layer structure. |
| US08915487B2 |
Barriers
A barrier is provided, including opposed longitudinal side members separated by a gap, supports which hold the side members above the ground; and at least one U-shaped member when viewed in transverse cross section which is/are connected to the opposed members to span between the gap and wherein the at least one U-shaped member does not contact the supports. |
| US08915484B2 |
Fluid delivery valve having a compression member
A fluid delivery valve and system including a neck portion adapted to connect to a fluid delivery tube; a head portion comprising a dispensing face with a perimeter and a slit; and a compression member disposed in the head portion which is adapted to apply a force to the slit. |
| US08915476B2 |
Leg device
A leg device that is capable of simultaneously releasing three extendible/contractible legs from a locked state with a single action is provided. A tripod, which is a leg device, has a base. A tripod head is attached to a tripod head attaching portion of the base. A middle extendible/contractible leg, a one-side extendible/contractible leg, and an opposite-side extendible/contractible kg are pivotally attached to a leg attaching portion of the base. Gripping all the three extendible/contractible legs, i.e. the middle extendible/contractible leg, the one-side extendible/contractible leg, and the opposite-side extendible/contractible kg, together causes the middle extendible/contractible leg, the one-side extendible/contractible leg, and the opposite-side extendible/contractible leg to simultaneously shift from a locked state to an unlocked state. |
| US08915471B2 |
Bonded splice joint
An apparatus for an aircraft structure comprising first and second stringers, each having a vertical stringer portion defining a lengthwise gap. The structure may include a fitting having a central rib attachment member and first and second extensions extending in opposite directions from said central rib attachment member. Stringer attachment portions extending up from said first and second extensions are inserted into the lengthwise gaps of the first and second stringer portions, respectively. The rib attachment member may be attached to a side-of-body rib. |
| US08915467B2 |
Optimal wing planforms for reducing the induced or total drag of the wing of an aircraft driven by wing-mounted tractor propellers/rotors
The disclosure relates to Aeronautics, more particularly relating to wing planforms that reduce wing drag substantially in aircraft driven by propellers or other rotors in tractor configuration. An aircraft comprising a wing and propeller system (1), said system comprising wing planform (2) characterized into wing chord regions (3) behind each propeller/rotor (5) whose length is relatively varied with respect to length of wing chord regions (4) at outboard of the propeller/rotor (5) towards wing tip and/or at inboard of the propeller (5) towards fuselage, and plurality of propellers (5) fixed ahead of wing leading edge such that induced drag is reduced by exploiting the velocity field generated by the slipstream of the propeller (5). Also, provides for a method of optimizing wing and propeller system and a method reducing induced drag, among other possible parameters of interest. |
| US08915465B1 |
Mast main bearing lubrication and thermal management
A rotor system is disclosed for a reactive drive rotary wing aircraft. Rigidity of the rotor is enhanced and play between flight controls and the rotor are eliminated by mounting swashplate actuators to a flange rigidly secured to the mast. Thermal management of the rotor is performed in order to avoid bearing failure or loss of bearing preload. Methods include modulating the temperature of oil pumped over one or more of the mast bearing, swashplate bearing, and spindle bearing. The temperature of air passively or actively drawn through rotor may also be modulated to maintain bearing temperature within a predetermined range. Structures for reducing pressure losses and drag on components due to air flow through the rotor are also disclosed. Thermal management of a rotor may be performed by oil and air flow. |
| US08915463B2 |
Paper dispenser
A paper dispenser has a dispensing opening for paper and also a first roll, which is located in a dispensing position, and a guide path, which leads into the dispensing position and contains a storage position for a reserve roll. The dispensing opening is of a size which, once the first roll has been used up, allows manual access to the paper of the reserve roll, while the reserve roll is still in the storage position. |
| US08915460B2 |
Device for feeding a quasi-endless material web
The invention relates to a device for feeding a quasi-endless material web (4) to a manipulation device (19) receiving the material web (4), wherein a feed tension unit (8) is provided, through which the material web (4) is fed in an S-shape. The feed tension unit (8) comprises a pivotal feed dancer roller (12), the angle positions thereof being captured by a feed angle sensor (34) and fed to a control unit (36), by means of which the material web (4) is fed or retracted by a dispenser roller motor (3) in the direction of the manipulation device (19), depending on the deviation of the angle position from a reference angle position. Substantially uniform tension in the material web (4) is thereby ensured, even under extreme operating conditions. |
| US08915458B2 |
Poultry litter management device and method
A litter management device, such as a device configured to disintegrate and/or de-cake caked litter from poultry is described. In some embodiments, the litter management device includes a litter de-caking mechanism contained within a housing, which is supported by a movable frame. The litter de-caking mechanism includes one or more hammers flexibly attached, such as via chains, to a rotation bar, enabling the hammers to rotate in a circular motion around the rotation bar and within the housing. The rotation of the hammers causes the hammers to strike, often at high speeds, caked litter within a target area, which disintegrates the caked litter, allowing for the removal of the caked litter from an area generally used by poultry, among other benefits. |
| US08915457B2 |
Cellulose fibrillation
A process for making a fibrillated blend of lyocell and cellulose pulp fibers in which a blend of lyocell and cellulose pulp fibers is provided. The lyocell is from 25% to 75% of the total weight of the blend of lyocell and cellulose pulp fibers. The blend is refined in a high shear field device to provide a blend of fibrillated lyocell and pulp fibers having a diameter of 10 to 500 nanometers and a fiber length of 50 to 500 μm. The high shear field device can be a homogenizer or colloid mill. |
| US08915455B2 |
Massage shower that can achieve the dynamic switch of the water flow
The present invention discloses a massage shower that can achieve the dynamic switch of the water flow, it comprises a hollow essential body, a oblique water body, a impeller that is under the said oblique water body, a face cover component that has the effluent holes and a moving plate used to switch the effluent holes of different areas in the face cover component, the said impeller and the said moving plate are connected through a differential gearing transmission retarding mechanism. The said massage shower can achieve the dynamic switch of different effluent holes on the face cover of the shower during the using process, and achieve excellent massage effect. |
| US08915454B2 |
Drinking straws having environmentally-friendly wrappers and methods therefor
A drinking straw includes a tube having an upper end including a first opening, a lower end including a second opening, and an outer wall extending between the upper and lower ends. A wrapper covers the tube and a securing element permanently attaches the wrapper to the outer wall of the tube. The wrapper is adapted to be opened for exposing the first and second openings of the tube while the securing element maintains the attachment of the wrapper to the tube. The outer wall of the tube has an inner surface, whereby at least two opposing sections of the inner surface of the outer wall are joined together for forming a bifurcated opening adjacent an end of the tube. The bifurcated opening defines a total area that is smaller than the area of the opening at the opposite end of the tube. |
| US08915453B1 |
Expansion nozzle with continuous rotating stem
A self-cleaning nozzle assembly adapted for use in processing pressurized liquids, slurries, etc., which may carry with it particulate matter. A spacing between two nozzle members forms an orifice, and the size of the orifice is adjustable. The nozzle members are spring biased together to reduce the size of the nozzle orifice, but pressurized liquids processed by the nozzle counteract the spring bias force to increase the size of the nozzle orifice. When the force of the spring bias and the force of the pressurized liquid are at equilibrium, the size of the nozzle orifice is maintained. When adjusting the compression force of the spring on the nozzle members, the upstream pressure of the liquid can be adjusted accordingly. In flash evaporation systems, the nozzle can be employed to control the flash point of the liquid by controlling the pressure thereof. |
| US08915447B2 |
Amplifying radio frequency signals
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for amplifying Radio Frequency (RF) signals. In some implementations, a system includes a first interface, a second interface, secure memory, a user-interface module, a processing module, and am amplification module. The first interface connects to a microSD slot of a mobile host device. The second interface includes an internal antenna for wirelessly communicating with retail terminals. The secure memory stores user credentials and a payment application used to execute financial transactions with the retail terminals. The processing module executes the payment application using the user credentials in response to at least a transaction request received by the RF module and transmits at least one transaction response to the retail terminal based, at least in part, on the executed payment application. The amplification module connected to a lead of the antenna and is configured to amplify at least received RF signals. |
| US08915440B2 |
Four dimensional (4D) color barcode for high capacity data encoding and decoding
A method for encoding and decoding color barcodes to increase their data capacity. The encoding steps include determining a shape, a foreground color and a background color for each data cell, wherein a combination of the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell is chosen from a plurality of such combinations in accordance with a value of the digital data to be encoded; and coloring some pixels in the data cell with a foreground color and other pixels with a background color, in accordance with the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell determined above. The decoding steps include segmenting the data cells, recognizing a shape, a foreground color of the shape and a background color of the data cell, and obtaining digital data from a combination of the shape and foreground and background colors in each data cell. |
| US08915431B2 |
Transit access system and method including device authentication
A system, apparatus, and method for enabling effective use of a contactless payment device in a transit system. The invention may be implemented in a manner that separates the authentication process from the pre-authorization process, thereby permitting a transit system patron to access and begin use of the transit system prior to authorization of the transaction by the issuer of the device. |
| US08915428B1 |
Wireless-enabled card reader
Methods, systems, and apparatus, for pairing a card reader and a computing device, including: determining, by the computing device, that an output connector of the card reader is connected to the computing device through a physical connector of the computing device; in response to determining, by the computing device, that the output connector of the card reader is connected to the computing device through the physical connector located on the computing device, sending, from the computing device and through the physical connector, data for establishing a wireless communication link between the card reader and the computing device; and pairing, using the data sent from the computing device through the physical connector, the card reader with the computing device, wherein, upon pairing, subsequent communications between the card reader and the computing device are performed over the wireless communication link. |
| US08915427B2 |
Method for transporting value notes
A method for controlling a cycle of notes of value, wherein by a security transport company a cash box is removed from and/or inserted into a device for handling notes of value. The removal and/or the supplying of the cash box are detected by means of a sensor. After removal of a cash box from the device the total value of all notes of value received in the cash box is read out from the memory region of a memory element and is subtracted from a value stored in an account memory element assigned to the security transport company. After insertion of a cash box the total value is added to the value of the account memory element. |
| US08915422B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An apparatus that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records, includes a processor that is in operative connection with a card reader and a touch screen display. The processor can cause the card reader to read card data from a user card, and can determine whether the read card data corresponds to an authorized financial account. Without the touch screen display surface visibly providing indicia that corresponds to a desired character, the user can still input the character through user contact with the touch screen display surface. The processor can resolve the desired character from the user contact. |
| US08915421B2 |
Transfer, link, bind, specimen tube barcode information to RFID specimen transport puck in a continuous moving binding process method
The present invention relates generally to the process method of transferring/linking/binding specimen tube label barcode information (such as unique accession number along with other useful laboratory information such as test code information, testing department, specimen temperature) using an RFID Specimen Transport Puck moving continuously on a continuously moving conveyor belt and an RFID Reader/Writer that writes the information onto the RFID chip on the RFID Specimen Transport Puck. The process method is to space the specimen transport pucks on the conveyor, rotate the specimen transport puck that is holding the specimen tube with the barcode while the specimen is moving continuously forward using rotating wheels on the side of the conveyor belt and using a dispersed barcode reader to read the barcode information from the specimen tube label, and to transfer/link/bind the information from the specimen tube barcode label to the RFID chip on the specimen transport puck holding the specimen tube using an RFID reader/writer beneath the conveyor belt, a PLC and a database server. |
| US08915419B2 |
Method for surface-treating printed circuit board and printed circuit board
Disclosed herein are a method for surface-treating a printed circuit board and a printed circuit board including a surface treatment layer. The method includes: plasma-treating a surface of a printed circuit board; treating the plasma-treated substrate with an organic solderability preserve; performing heat treatment on the substrate treated with the organic solderability preserve; printing a solder paste on the substrate subjected to the heat treatment; reflowing the solder paste printed substrate to fix the solder paste; and deflux washing the resulting substrate.According to the present invention, the discoloration problem due to oxidation of copper can be solved by performing heat treatment under predetermined conditions after treatment with an organic solderability preserve. Therefore, the present invention can meet various multi-reflow processes, as compared with products of the related art. |
| US08915412B2 |
Cup holder assembly
A cup holder assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The cup holder assembly includes a panel and cup holder. The panel includes a top surface. The top surface includes at least one beverage container opening configured to receive a cup holder. A pocket is formed on the top surface of the panel and a cushion is disposed within the pocket. The panel may be covered with a skin such as a synthetic leather so as to cover the panel. |
| US08915411B2 |
Utility slidable rack-rail system
Utility rack attachments for rack systems used with automobiles, trailers, or stationary objects are used to conveniently transport or store the same. The invented rack system is basically comprised of an easily mountable and slidable assembly unit designed for quick locking to a rail mounted to a vehicle or trailer that is in tow by a vehicle. In a typical setup a quick locking and unlocking assembly unit is mounted to each of two rails that are separated by a distance that is spanned by the load it is carrying or by a platform which carries the load. The slidable and fixable nature of a complete assembly enables a person to quickly mount and dismount it to a rail and position and reposition a load at any location along the rail thus making it very versatile to accommodate a range of objects to be transported. |
| US08915410B2 |
Rotary support apparatus
A rotary support apparatus is provided that includes a rotation mechanism, a support mechanism, an object detector and a controller. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotatably support a supported body between a first position and a second position. The support mechanism is configured to support the supported body with at least a two stage support force at the first position. The object detector is configured to detect a person or an object. The controller is configured to control the support mechanism so as to switch the support force based on the results detected by the object detector. |
| US08915409B2 |
System and mechanisms providing an adjustable perch for a wearer of a holder base with device
A system is described that includes a base adapted to hold a device which is removable therefrom, the system including a retractor mechanism coupled to the base and having a retractable cord wound thereon with both ends extending therefrom through at least one opening as a line part of the retractable cord for access by a wearer of the base, and setting means providing adjustability of a perch position on the wearer for the base. |
| US08915403B2 |
Fixed-amount discharge squeeze container
A fixed-amount discharge squeeze container (10) which discharges a specific amount of content liquid from a discharge port by squeeze deformation of a container body (11) includes a squeeze-deformable plastic-made container body (11) and a squeeze operating portion (14) to perform squeeze operation is arranged at a barrel portion (13) of the container body (11). The squeeze operating portion (14) has a cross-sectional shape formed with a compression face portion (16) having a mountain-like section including a pair of inclined face portions (15) arranged along two faces intersecting obtusely and a compression support portion (18) having an arc-shaped section which is jointed integrally with foot parts (19b) of the compression face portion (16) respectively via an edge line portion (17). The compression face portion (16) is restricted so as not to be flipped into a valley-like shape after the inclined face portions (15) deforms until force to expand the distance between the bilateral foot parts (19b) vanishes. |
| US08915397B2 |
Bulk container with center support between drop door and side wall
A center support structure between a drop door and a side wall of a bulk bin container is provided. The center support structure can be an extension from a lower portion of the drop door contacting the side wall, or an extension of the side wall contacting a lower portion of the drop door. |
| US08915396B2 |
Detachable grip device
A grip device has an element that can be moved in relation to fixed element between an open position and a closed position in which the two elements are adapted in such a way as to grip a wall, a displacement device which enables the displacement of the mobile element and the adjustment of the distance separating the two elements in a closed position to the thickness of the gripped wall, and a blocking device, which are adapted in such a way as to immobilize the mobile element in the adjusted closed position. The blocking device can be moved between a release position and a blocking position in which they immobilize the mobile element by friction in the adjusted closed position. |
| US08915394B2 |
Waterproof box with tiny and blind passages
When cleaning water hits a lower wall 33h of a first waterproof portion 33 of an upper cover 15, and the water is thrown up to the upper cover 15, a tapered outer wall 30b of the first waterproof portion 30 and a tapered inner wall 33g of the first waterproof portion 33 come into contact with each other, and are engaged with each other to close an entrance side of a tiny passage 27. Even if the water enters, the water enters a blind passage 33b to reduce the force of the water. The water of which force is reduced falls down. It is effective for improving waterproof performance to reduce the force of the water by the blind passage 33b. |
| US08915390B2 |
Shipping crate joint and method of forming a shipping crate
A joint for use in making a shipping crate includes a base and a pair of orthogonal channels which extend upwardly from the base and are open from above. Each channel has an inner closed end and an outer open end, and has a width, along a length of the channel between the inner and outer ends, which is greater than the width at the inner and outer ends. The channel is preferably defined by an outer wall, an inner wall, and a pair of reinforcement members located at the inner and outer ends to define the region of smaller width at each end. The reinforcement members are preferably hollow vertical members which are rectangle or square in cross-section and which extend from the inner wall towards the outer wall. Preferably, at their inner ends, the channels share a reinforcement member. |
| US08915387B2 |
Nursing bottle apparatus for improvement of suckling
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a nursing bottle is provided. The bottle includes a body having a hollow interior and defining an upper opening. The bottle further includes a nipple joined to the body and disposed over the upper opening. The bottle also includes a means for generating negative pressure within a portion of the interior of the body. |
| US08915385B2 |
Shock-absorbing coupler head for a coupling arrangement
A coupler head for a coupling arrangement is shown, which coupler head includes a coupler head housing (6) extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end (6a), attachable to a drawbar, to a second end (6b), which is arranged to carry a coupling interface between coupled rail vehicles, which coupler head housing houses mechanical coupling components (8,9) effective for automatic coupling to the corresponding components of a connecting coupling arrangement. The coupler head is characterized in that the coupler head housing has at least one notch (11, 11′) for a predetermined and primarily axial compression thereof with absorption of energy from a deforming compressive force that is applied to the coupler head in the longitudinal direction thereof. The coupler head has preferably at least one notch (11, 11′) for a predetermined folding of the coupler head housing. |
| US08915383B2 |
Ready-to-assemble plant stand
A plant stand includes a first support having a first tier, a second tier and a third tier and a second support having a first tier that corresponds with the first tier of the first support, a second tier that corresponds with the second tier of the first support and a third tier that corresponds with the third tier of the first support. The third tier of the second support has a height that is substantially equal to a height of the third tier of the first support. The plant stand also includes a plurality of shelves. The height of the third tiers substantially corresponds to a length of each shelf. In addition, the first support, the second support and the plurality of shelves are configured into one of a flat pack state having a flat pack height and an assembled state having an assembled height. |
| US08915381B2 |
Vertical roll wrap product tray kit
A vertical roll wrap tray kit of the present invention includes at least one product tray, a plurality of spacer clips, a plurality of wire dividers and a plurality of push clips. The product tray can be attached to various types of retail display units. The product tray contains two slot walls which are sized to accommodate insertion of the wire dividers. The dividers are used to divide the tray into segments or compartments in which the roll wrap material is stored and displayed in a vertical arrangement. The width of the rows or compartments can be varied based on the diameter of the roll wrap product. Spacer clips are used to hold two adjacent dividers into place. The tray is angled slightly in a backwards direction to avoid accidental removal of the vertical roll wrap. |
| US08915380B2 |
Separator for low discharge applications
A separator 252 for immiscible liquids comprises a tank having an inlet, a separation chamber and an outlet chamber 262, with the inlet 12 feeding effluent into the separation chamber 28 at or below a maximum acceptable flow rate. The effluent is separated into a more dense and less dense fractions in the separation chamber 28. The separation chamber 28 is in communication with the outlet chamber 262, where the more dense fraction exits. An outlet 260 for the less dense fraction is in communication with the separation chamber 28 and has a lowermost exit level at which the less dense fluid exits. The more dense fluid cannot rise to the level of the lowermost level, and the height of the less dense fluid is such that it will exit through the outlet as the more dense fluid passes over the weir. |
| US08915379B2 |
Method to improve the selectivity of polybenzoxazole membranes
The present invention discloses a novel method to improve the selectivities of polybenzoxazole (PBO) membranes prepared from aromatic polyimide membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. The PBO membranes that were prepared by thermal treating aromatic polyimide membranes containing between 0.05 and 20 wt-% of a poly(styrene sulfonic acid) polymer. These polymers showed up to 95% improvement in selectivity for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations compared to PBO membranes prepared from corresponding aromatic polyimide membranes without a poly(styrene sulfonic acid) polymer. |
| US08915375B2 |
Vibrating screen suspension systems
A compact mobile variable angle vibrating screen with a suspension and dampening system configured to accommodate variable angles and exhibit acceptable vibration levels; especially during power up and power down surge vibration at the variable angles. The system comprises a group of bi-directional dual pivot leg vibration damper mechanisms which are effective only during times of excessive vibration such as during the power up and power down vibration surges. |
| US08915373B2 |
Coal flow distribution controllers for coal pulverizers
A solid particle flow distribution controller includes an extension skirt configured to be mounted to a discharge skirt at a division between an upstream solid particle conveyance pipe and a plurality of downstream pipes. The extension skirt includes a plurality of circumferential segments. Each segment is movably mounted to the discharge skirt for movement in an upstream and downstream direction with respect to the discharge skirt. The segments of the extension skirt are configured and adapted for motion in the upstream and downstream direction independent of one another to extend upstream of the discharge skirt as needed to improve solid particle distribution among the downstream pipes. |
| US08915362B2 |
Sharps container
The disclosure relates to a multifunctional sharps container having a first dispensing compartment for storing unused sharps and a second compartment for receiving used sharps. The first and second compartments are separated by a generally liquid impermeable partition fixed to the walls of the container. In addition, the first and second compartments are provided with apertures and structures for conveying the sharps, out of and into the compartments respectively, which are functional in at least two orientations of the container. |
| US08915358B2 |
Wet wipes dispenser with lid positioning feature
A moist wipes dispenser has a top attached to a bottom along a hinge. The top is adapted to pivot about the hinge's axis of rotation. The top is adapted to assume a closed position and a dispensing position. In one embodiment, the top can assume a warning position adapted to warn a user that the top is not shut. The top is urged to the warning position if the top is angularly disposed in a red zone that extends between the closed position and the warning position. The warning position is angularly displaced from the closed position by at least five degrees. In another embodiment, the hinge includes a pin integrally molded with the top or bottom, and an open knuckle integrally molded with the other of the top and bottom. The hinge is adapted to urge the top into closed and dispensing positions in selected angular ranges. |
| US08915351B2 |
Work piece conveying apparatus and work piece manufacturing method
A work piece conveying apparatus capable of conveying plural work pieces with differing transport pitches to each other. The work piece conveying apparatus includes a drive motor that includes an output shaft, plural drive pulleys that are fixed to the output shaft and have different diameters to each other, plural timing belts that are respectively entrained around the plural drive pulleys, and plural coupling plates that are respectively fixed to the timing belts and that move reciprocating with different transport pitches to each other accompanying forward and reverse rotation of the output shaft, and cause to convey work pieces. |
| US08915339B2 |
Interdigitated cellular cushioning
An interdigitated cellular cushioning system includes an array of void cells protruding from each of two binding layers interdigitated between the two binding layers. Peaks of each of the void cells are attached to the opposite binding layer forming the interdigitated cellular cushioning system. The interdigitated cellular cushioning system may be used to absorb and distribute a source of kinetic energy incident on the interdigitated cellular cushioning system (e.g., an impact or explosion) so that the amount of force transmitted through the interdigitated cellular cushioning system is low enough that it does not cause injury to personnel or damage to personnel and/or equipment adjacent the interdigitated cellular cushioning system. |
| US08915336B2 |
Brake
A brake includes a brake shoe, an actuating element for pressing the brake shoe against a brake disc, and at least one lever disposed such that it increases the braking force applied by the brake shoe to the brake disc by deflecting a tangential force acting on the brake shoe during braking. The actuating element comprises at least one brake disc side part, an actuator side part, and a coupling part disposed between the brake disc side part and the actuator side part, wherein the coupling part can be pivoted relative to the brake disc side part and/or the actuator side part. |
| US08915333B2 |
Elevator
An elevator comprising a cabin (1), vertical guide elements (2, 3) for guiding said cabin, at least one suspension or support belt (4, 5), groups of pulleys associated to the guide elements and the cabin; each of said groups of pulleys is composed of at least two coplanar pulleys arranged on parallel axles and vertically one above the other; each of the groups of pulleys comprises pulleys having a diameter decreasing from a pulley of a maximum diameter to a pulley of a minimum diameter. Preferred embodiments of the belts having one or two concave or convex surfaces and internal reinforcing wires are disclosed. |
| US08915331B2 |
Battery powered, handheld lubrication gun with display
A battery-powered, handheld grease gun for dispensing lubricant. A pump mechanism driven by a motor is in communication with the lubricant and has a supply port for dispensing the lubricant at a lubrication point. A sensor monitors the pump mechanism of the motor. A display displays information indicative of the monitored condition of the device, such as volume of lubricant dispensed. A processor responsive to operator input selectively energizes the motor to drive the pump mechanism to dispense lubricant. |
| US08915329B1 |
Morphing resonators for adaptive noise reduction
Tunable perforate acoustic liners are disclosed using shape memory materials, which allow the acoustic liners to tune for multiple frequencies across a wide range, unlike current designs which are limited to specific frequencies or small ranges. The liner will be initiated through a sensor and feedback loop to monitor the current acoustic environment and initiate geometry change needed to more effectively attenuate engine noise. |
| US08915325B2 |
Drive device for electric vehicle
A swing arm (25) including a pivot portion (57) pivotally supported by a vehicle body frame (2) and an arm portion (100) extending from the pivot portion (57) towards a back side of a vehicle body. The arm portion (100) includes a box-shaped case (58) being integrally formed with the pivot portion (57) and having one side in a width direction of the vehicle body opened, and a case cover (59). A harness (64) pulled out from the motor (60) is fixedly supported on the case (58) side at a first position proximate to the motor (60), and extended to a control device (52) at a front side of the vehicle body from the arm portion (100) through a grommet (66, 67) arranged at a front wall (597) of the case cover (59) at a second position on the pivot portion (57) side. |
| US08915324B2 |
Electric bicycle and control method thereof
An electric bicycle and a control method thereof are disclosed. The disclosed electric bicycle includes a direction sensor to sense a rotation direction of pedals, a pedal load controller to adjust a load applied to the pedals, and an electronic control unit to release the load applied to the pedals through the pedal load controller when the sensed rotation direction is a reverse direction. |
| US08915320B2 |
Variable actuation rate shutter louvers
A shutter system for controlling a flow of fluid through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers, wherein each louver includes a pivot axis and an actuating portion. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the system between and inclusive of fully opened and fully closed by rotating each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. The mechanism is configured to engage each actuating portion and rotate each louver at a variable rate. A vehicle employing the shutter system is also disclosed. |
| US08915317B2 |
Trailer maneuvering drive
A maneuvering drive for a trailer includes a fastening means for fastening to the trailer, a carrier movable relative to the fastening means, a drive motor held by the carrier, a drive roller rotatable drivable by the drive motor and a braking means for braking a rotary movement of the drive roller. The drive motor and the braking means are arranged coaxially to each other. In the flux of force between the drive motor and the drive roller a transmission device is provided, which has no self-locking feature. |
| US08915316B2 |
Vehicle traction module and respective terrestrial vehicle
Vehicle traction module (1) comprising—a pair of runners ((11,12), (21,22), (42, 43)), side by side according to a first direction (X)—first moving means ((14, 17, 19), (24, 31, 28), (45,48,49)) suitable to generate an alternate and reciprocal approaching and departing of the runners along the first direction (X),—the pair of runners ((11,12), (21,22), (42, 43)), having a cylindrical symmetry shape wherein the respective axis of symmetry lie along the first direction (X),—second moving means ((15, 16, 18, 17), (30,26 31, 27), (40, 41) suitable to generate a rotation of the runners along the first direction (X). |
| US08915314B2 |
Down-the-hole drill drive coupling
A down-the-hole drill hammer is provided that includes a housing, a piston mounted within the housing, a drill bit mounted below the housing, and a drive coupling operatively engaged with the housing and drill bit. The drive coupling can be configured with a plurality of lugs circumferentially disposed about the drill bit and coupled with the casing for providing rotation thereof. Alternatively, the drive coupling can be configured with segmented lugs configured to circumscribe the drill bit, or as a cylindrical chuck formed out of arch-shaped chuck segments which radially assemble onto the shank of the drill bit. |
| US08915312B2 |
Drill motor enhancement providing improved sealing performance and longevity
Enhancements to a drill motor include a bearing pack assembly, a balancing piston, a recording transducer package (RTP), and a latch rod assembly for a drill motor to improve performance and reliability of a drill motor. The bearing pack assembly includes a bearing housing coupled to an end cap and a drive shaft extending into the end cap and the bearing housing. The bearing pack assembly also includes a thrust bearing disposed within the bearing housing, wherein the thrust bearing separates the drive shaft and the bearing housing, and a bearing sleeve disposed within the bearing housing, wherein a radial bearing is placed between the bearing sleeve and the drive shaft. The balancing piston includes a first and second hydrodynamic seal. The recording transducer package is self powered and gathers data from a plurality of sensors in the downhole tool. The latch rod assembly include a latch head is coupled to the rotor of a drill motor, wherein the latch head is larger than the opening in the bottom end of a top sub. |
| US08915309B2 |
Dust collecting device and electric tool equipped with dust collecting device
A dust box joined to a dust collecting device is formed of a box body, and a lid body that is joined to the box body by a hinge and can open and close an opening of the box body, and a main filter and a pre-filter are attached to the lid body. |
| US08915300B2 |
Valve for hydraulic fracturing through cement outside casing
A valve includes: a housing; a mandrel disposed in the housing; a rupture disk disposed in a passageway of the mandrel; a sliding sleeve disposed between the housing and the mandrel; and a ball seat disposed in the mandrel. A method for actuating a valve includes: flowing a fluid through the valve; dropping a ball; seating the ball in the ball seat and blocking fluid flow through the mandrel; flowing fluid through the passageway to the sliding sleeve; moving the sliding sleeve axially within the valve; and exiting fluid through the openings of the housing and mandrel. A valve includes: a housing having an opening; a mandrel disposed in the housing; a sliding sleeve disposed between the housing and the mandrel; and a ball seat disposed in the mandrel blocking fluid communication between the mandrel and the passageway. |
| US08915297B2 |
Methods and equipment to improve reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations
Apparatuses and methods for improving the reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations is disclosed. A pinpoint stimulation improvement apparatus is disclosed which includes a hold down device, at least one flow reducer coupled to the hold down device, and a jetting tool coupled to the flow reducer. The flow reducer is positioned downstream from the jetting tool. A fluid flowing through the jetting tool passes through the flow reducer and forms a sand plug downstream from the pinpoint stimulation improvement apparatus. |
| US08915295B2 |
Method of adaptive control of a bypass damper in a zoned HVAC system
A zoned HVAC system comprises an HVAC unit including a climate control system and an air mover. In addition, the system comprises a supply air duct in fluid communication with the outlet of the HVAC unit. Further, the system comprises a return air duct in fluid communication with the inlet of the HVAC unit. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of zones positioned between the supply air duct and the return air duct. Moreover, the system comprises a bypass duct extending between the supply air duct and the return air duct. The bypass duct includes an active bypass damper having an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of partially opened positions. The system also comprises a control device configured to control the position of the bypass duct. |