US08279111B2
A high-precision distance measuring with a reduced error in a distance measuring system which calculates a distance from an arrival time of each pulse signal constituting a pulse sequence is provided. For an oscillator which generates pulse signals by counting the number of pulse signals constituting a received pulse sequence, a relative time difference between a transmitting device and a return device is acquired, a distance from the transmitting device to the return device is calculated, and the calculated distance is corrected based on the calculated relative time difference.
US08279109B1
An aircraft avian radar is implemented using an existing aircraft transponder, Mode S, or TCAS installation as the radar transmitter. To eliminate self jamming of low level avian target signals by high level transmitter signals, the ending period of the transmission signal is digitized and cross correlated with the ending period of reflected avian target signals received after the transmission signal has ended. In a first implementation, the current transponder antenna is used for both transmission and reception. In a second implementation, an external receive only antenna is mounted in a position that maximizes the transmit antenna to receive antenna isolation. In a third implementation, a signal canceller and sample of the transmit signal are used to cancel or null out as much transmit signal as possible that couples directly to the receive antenna.
US08279105B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to configuring a receiver. In some embodiments, when a receiver is executing a dwell, configuration settings for one or more next possible dwells to be executed by the receiver may be sent to the receiver. In this way, when the receiver completes execution of the current dwell, the receiver need not wait to receive configuration settings for the next dwell to be executed as they may be already loaded into the receiver.
US08279092B2
The invention relates to a control device that comprises a plate (7) having at least first (9) and second (11) adjacent portions, a flexible protection layer (3) covering the plate (7), and a touch-surface sensor (5) sandwiched between said protection layer (3) and the first portion (9) of the plate (7), characterized in that it comprises at least one hinging film (13) connecting the first portion (9) to the second portion (11) for hinging both portions (9, 11) relative to each other, the first portion (9) being fixed, and at least one switch (17) associated with the second portion (11) that is capable of pivotal movement between a raised rest position and an active position for activating the switch (17).
US08279090B2
There is disclosed a system and method for providing location-based entertainment. In one embodiment, a device capable of providing location-based entertainment comprises a navigational interface module configured to receive navigational data, an entertainment selection module configured to utilize the navigational data to generate location-based entertainment content for a user, and a presentation module configured to present the location-based content to the user. The system may also include a position finding module and a routing module. In one embodiment, a method for providing location-based entertainment comprises identifying a present location of a mobile user, identifying a destination of the mobile user, determining a travel route of the mobile user based on the present location and the destination of the mobile user, providing navigational data according to the travel route, generating a location-based entertainment content for a user utilizing the navigational data, and presenting the location-based content to the user.
US08279085B2
An information distribution system comprises a roadside apparatus, a center apparatus, and a vehicle-mounted device. The center apparatus transmits to a predetermined area through the roadside apparatus first distribution information including a predetermined division number for identifying a road where the roadside apparatus are installed or second distribution information including speech information, a division number, and execution condition information for executing the speech information depending on the division number included in the first distribution information and that included in the second one. The vehicle-mounted device has a DSRC unit for receiving the first or second distribution information, a storage unit for storing the first or second distribution information, a reproduction unit for executing the speech information, and a control unit for judging on the basis of the execution condition information whether or not it is possible to execute the speech information and allowing the reproduction unit to execute the speech information depending on the result of the judgment. Provision of erroneous information due to leakage of a radio wave arriving from a direction different from the moving direction of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle-mounted device is prevented, and information corresponding to the moving direction of the vehicle.
US08279079B2
The invention relates to a control device for controlling the hue of light emitted by a light source. The control device comprises a hue selection surface capable of displaying one or more hues available for said light of said light source and interaction detection means for detecting interaction between said hue selection surface and a user of said control device in selecting said hue for said light of said light source. The control device allows the user to select the desired hue for the light source simply by interacting with the hue selection surface that displays the available hues. Consequently, the control device can be operated easily and intuitively.
US08279052B2
Systems and methods for haptic confirmation of commands are disclosed. For example a system for generating haptic effects to confirm receipt of a voice command includes a microphone; a housing configured to be contacted by a user, and an actuator in communication with the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the housing. The system also includes a processor in communication with the microphone and the actuator, the processor configured to receive speech information from the microphone; recognize the speech information and determine a command associated with the speech information. If the speech information is recognized and the command is determined, the processor is configured to generate a first actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a first haptic effect, and transmit the first actuator signal to the actuator. Otherwise, the processor is configured generate a second actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a second haptic effect; and transmit the second actuator signal to the actuator.
US08279050B2
In accordance with the present invention, electronic mixing is provided between multiple instruction channels from multiple users of a single controlled object such that each user can have partial control over the object at the same time. The percentage of partial control is adjusted between users according to any combination of the number of users, preset or user set percentages, randomness, or computer generation.
US08279048B2
An RFID tag having a non-volatile memory and a piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor produces an electrical charge that momentarily supplies electrical power to the RFID tag when subjected to a mechanical force and the electrical power is sufficient to record data in the non-volatile memory. The piezoelectric sensor is affixed to an article such that an attempt to tamper with the article produces sufficient mechanical force on the piezoelectric sensor to record data evidencing the tampering in the non-volatile memory.
US08279045B2
RFID tags and chips for RFID tags are capable of being inventoried in one or more early attempts. These tags are capable of then refraining from participating in one or more subsequent inventorying attempts. In some embodiments refraining is performed solely by the tag, while in others it is guided by the RFID reader. In some embodiments, an inventoried indicator in the tag becomes updated upon backscattering. The updated value is used by the tag to recognize a subsequent attempt, and thus refrain from participating in it. This permits the subsequent attempt to be used more intensively for inventorying the more elusive, harder-to-read tags, especially in more demanding scenarios.
US08279035B2
A compact reactor with excellent productivity and heat dissipation is provided. Reactor 1α includes a coil formed by spirally winding a wire 2w and a magnetic core 3 having an inside core portion inserted into the coil and an outside core portion 32 coupled to the inside core portion. These core portions form a closed magnetic circuit. The coil is covered with an inside resin portion 4 on the outer circumference thereof to form a coil molded unit 20α with its shape being held. The outer circumference of a combination unit 10 of the coil molded unit 20α and the magnetic core 3 is covered with an outside resin portion 5α. Reactor 1α does not have a case and is thus compact. A surface of the outside core portion 32 on the installation side (core installation surface 32d) is exposed form the outside resin portion 5α and is in direct contact with a fixed object, thereby achieving excellent heat dissipation. The provision of the coil molded unit 20α facilitates the handling of the coil during assembly of reactor 1α, thereby achieving good productivity.
US08279034B2
A slim-type high voltage transformer includes a case, and a transformer portion configured by mounting at least primary and secondary winding coils wound in the shape of a rectangular or elliptic track to protruding grooves formed in the interior of the case and then mounting a first copperplate core on the primary and secondary winding coils. In the transformer, the transformer portion further includes an insulating member interposed between the primary and secondary winding coils and the first copperplate core. Accordingly, a bobbin for winding a coil is not used, so that the height of the transformer can be minimized, thereby decreasing the size of products. Also, a winding is divided into two sections to be molded, so that the insulation and heat generation of the winding can be effectively controlled, thereby improving the stability of the transformer.
US08279026B2
An improved micro-machined relay is disclosed. The relay includes a micro-machined beam capable of carrying an electric signal and having a contact point on a closure side of the beam. The beam is electrically coupled to a first electrical transmission path and suspended above a second electrical transmission path. An insulation layer resides on a portion of the closure side of the beam and an electrical conductor is coupled to a least a portion of the insulation layer. A potential creator creates a potential between the electrical conductor and the potential creator that is capable of deflecting the beam, so that the contact point comes into contact with the second electrical transmission path. In such an embodiment, the potential creator need not account for the possible signal in the transmission path because the potential creator, which may be a voltage source, is decoupled from the transmission path.
US08279021B2
A duplexer with a reduced filter loss is provided. The duplexer includes two or more filters F1 and F2 that are connected to a common terminal and that have different passbands. At least one of the filters F1 and F2 includes a plurality of series resonators S1 to Sn connected in series to a path between an input terminal and an output terminal of the filter, and parallel resonators P1 to Pm connected in parallel to the above-mentioned path. An inductance L1 is connected in parallel to at least one of the series resonators, and the series resonator S1 having the inductance L1 connected in parallel thereto is divided into a plurality of resonators S11 to S13 connected in series.
US08279009B2
Doherty and distributed amplifier (DA) designs are combined to achieve, wideband amplifiers with high efficiency dynamic range. A modified Doherty amplifier includes a wideband phase shifter providing first and second outputs, a main amplifier coupled to the first output, an auxiliary amplifier coupled to the second output, and a wideband combining network combining the outputs in phase. A multi-stage DA has a main output and a termination port, and a phase delay module and transforming network allowing power at the termination port to be combined in phase with power at the main output. In one combination, one or more stages of the DA may comprise a Doherty amplifier. In another combination, a modified series-type Doherty amplifying system is achieved by cascading main and auxiliary DAs. In any combination, Doherty topology may include a bias control module.
US08279004B2
In an embodiment, a circuit includes a two-stage amplifier and a feedback component. The two stage amplifier consists of an input stage biased at a first power supply voltage, and an output stage biased at a second power supply voltage. The second power supply voltage is greater than the first power supply voltage, and the second stage is configured for high voltage operation. The feedback component is connected between the output stage to the input stage.
US08278998B2
A power supply noise reduction circuit and a power supply noise reduction method for reducing power supply noise at any frequency, includes forcing a power supply noise to resonate to the resonance frequency of a parallel resonance circuit, including an inductor and a capacitor to set the frequency of the noise equal or close to the resonance frequency of the parallel resonance circuit and, attenuating the noise, set equal or close to the resonance frequency of the parallel resonance circuit, using a low-pass filter including a resistor and a capacitor.
US08278984B2
A loop filter for a phase-locked loop that generates an output signal having a predetermined phase relationship with a reference signal, the loop filter being arranged to control a signal generator that forms the output signal in dependence on a phase error between the output signal and the reference signal by outputting a control signal for controlling the signal generator in dependence thereon, the loop filter being arranged to form the control signal to comprise a proportional component representative of an instantaneous magnitude of the phase difference and an integral component representative of an integral of the phase difference, the loop filter comprising a proportional path arranged to receive a signal representative of the instantaneous magnitude of the phase difference and form the proportional component of the control signal in dependence thereon and an integral path arranged to receive a signal representative of the instantaneous magnitude of the phase difference and form the integral component of the control signal in dependence thereon, the proportional and integral paths being decoupled in the loop filter such that each has a transfer function relating its received signal to its respective component of the control signal that is independent of the other path.
US08278973B2
To include two counter circuits that change impedances of two replica circuits, respectively, and an impedance adjustment control circuit that controls the counter circuits to update count values of the counter circuits. The impedance adjustment control circuit controls one of the counter circuits to finish updating the count value of the counter circuit in response to a change of the impedance of the corresponding replica circuit from a state of being lower than an impedance of an external resistor to a state of being higher than the impedance of the external resistor, and controls the other counter circuit to finish updating the count value of the other counter circuit in response to a change of the impedance of the other replica circuit from a state of being higher than the impedance of the former replica circuit to a state of being lower than the impedance of the former replica circuit. With this configuration, the adjust errors generated in the replica circuits are canceled.
US08278972B2
A circuit for use in a half bridge converter includes a high side switch coupled between a positive input terminal and a first terminal of a primary transformer winding. A low side switch is coupled between a negative input terminal and the first terminal. A first control circuit is coupled to the high side switch to sense a slope of a voltage across the high side switch while the high side switch is off to control the high side switch in response to the sensed slope across the high side switch. A second control circuit is coupled to the low side switch to sense a slope of a voltage across the low side switch while the low side switch is off to control the low side switch in response to the sensed slope of the voltage across the low side switch.
US08278967B2
A data driving impedance auto-calibration circuit includes: a detection block configured to calibrate a characteristic voltage generated by detecting an operation characteristic variation of an element, according to a code signal, and generate a calibrated characteristic voltage; a comparison block configured to compare the calibrated characteristic voltage with a reference voltage and output a comparison result signal; and a code calibration block configured to calibrate the code signal according to the comparison result signal.
US08278958B2
A method of testing semiconductor devices, the method includes the steps of making a first set of electrical connections to a first set of devices to allow a first set of tests to be performed on that set of devices and concurrently making a second set of electrical connections to a second set of devices to allow a second set of tests to be performed on the second set of devices, wherein the first and second sets of tests are different, and concurrently performing the first set of tests on the first set of devices and the second set of tests on the second set of devices.
US08278956B2
A microelectronic contactor assembly can include a probe head having microelectronic contactors for contacting terminals of semiconductor devices to test the semiconductor devices. A stiffener assembly can provide mechanical support to microelectronic contactors and for connecting a probe card assembly to a prober machine. A stiffener assembly may include first and second stiffener bodies that are connected together at their central portions with adjustment mechanisms such as three differential screw mechanisms. A probe head may be attached to a first stiffener body at locations outside its central portion, while a prober machine may be attached to a second stiffener body at locations outside its central portion. The first and second stiffener bodies may have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The stiffener assembly allows for differential thermal expansion of various components of the microelectronic contactor assembly while minimizing accompanying dimensional distortion that could interfere with contacting the terminals of semiconductor devices. The adjustment mechanisms allow for quick, sensitive adjustment of the positions of microelectronic contactors relative to semiconductor devices to be tested.
US08278955B2
According to an example embodiment, a contact cell includes a first element that is flexible and electrically conductive, and that is structured to have at least one bend along an entire length of the first element. The contact cell further includes a second element that is flexible and electrically conductive, and that is structured to have at least one bend along an entire length of the second element. The contact cell further includes a tie that is electrically non-conductive, and that is affixed to the first element and affixed to the second element such that the first element and second element are physically and electrically separated from each other.
US08278952B2
A voltage adjusting circuit is provided. The voltage adjusting circuit for adjusting the output voltages supplied by voltage sources includes a test control device, a multiplexer, a comparator, and a built in self test (BIST) device. The test control device selects one of the voltage sources as a testing voltage source, and outputs a selecting command for selecting the testing voltage source and a target voltage corresponding to the testing voltage source. The multiplexer is coupled to the voltage sources, receives an enablement signal, and outputs a voltage supplied by the testing voltage source as a testing voltage according to the enablement signal. The comparator compares the voltage levels of the testing voltage and the target voltage, and outputs a comparison result. The BIST device receives the selecting command, outputs the enablement signal for enabling the testing voltage source according to the selecting command, and adjusts the voltage supplied by the testing voltage source to a predetermined voltage according to the comparison result.
US08278950B2
A circuit and method for monitoring current flow to an integrated circuit (IC), alone or mounted on a substrate, in a temperature-compensated manner. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a plurality of resistances having substantially equal temperature coefficients establishes a ratio of an output voltage and an internally measured voltage, with the output voltage corresponding to a voltage drop across an inherent resistance within the IC or on the substrate.
US08278949B2
A method for determining the passivating properties of a mixture containing cement and water. Taking three elements that are referred to as first-third electrodes. Fixing at least one electrode on a support such that the electrodes are electrically insulated reciprocally and the mixture is able to come in contact with a face on each electrode. Applying between the first and third electrodes a direct current, referred to as first direct current, of predetermined intensity value and predetermined polarity, resulting in electrolytic reactions on the third electrode for a first duration, and then measuring voltage between the second and third electrodes. Storing the measurement for the variation of said voltage, comparing the variations in the voltage with predetermined data defining at least whether or not a mixture has passivating properties, and determining at least whether or not the mixture has such passivating properties.
US08278942B2
A self-checking analyzer system is provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The analyzer system includes a pipeline for receiving a multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system also includes a first measuring device configured to provide a first reflected power/insertion loss measurement corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow, and a second measuring device differing in frequency response from the first measuring device and configured to provide a second reflected power/insertion loss measurement corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system is configured to validate the first reflected power/insertion loss measurement using the second reflected power/insertion loss measurement.
US08278941B2
This application relates to an apparatus and system for sensing strain on a portion of an implant positioned in a living being. In one aspect, the apparatus has at least one sensor assembly that can be mountable thereon a portion of the implant and that has a passive electrical resonant circuit that can be configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy. Each sensor assembly, in response to the electromagnetic coupling, can be configured to generate an output signal characterized by a frequency that is dependent upon urged movement of a portion of the passive electrical resonant circuit and is indicative of strain applied thereon a portion of the respective sensor assembly.
US08278934B2
A method, apparatus and computer program for detecting an AC chassis fault on one or more DC/AC converters having a load is disclosed, including receiving a chassis voltage VChassis signal from between DC link and a chassis ground from the DC/AC converter, capturing a side band harmonic of the chassis voltage VChassis signal, determining a peak magnitude value related to the side band harmonic, comparing the peak magnitude value to a predetermined threshold value, wherein if said peak magnitude value equals or exceeds the predetermined threshold value, an AC chassis fault condition is detected.
US08278927B2
In one embodiment, a multilevel inverter for generating an AC output voltage, having at least seven potential levels, from a DC voltage source such that the generated AC voltage produces a current in a gradient coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The multilevel inverter comprises an input voltage supply device configured for providing a divided DC voltage, at least eight switching arms for deriving the AC output voltages from the divided DC voltages, each of the switching arms comprising an input terminal receiving the divided DC voltage, a switching device controlling the AC output voltage and an output terminal providing the AC output voltage, at least four diodes, each of the four diodes connected to a single pair of switching arms, the four diodes forming a full bridge having positive and negative nodes, one of the nodes connected to the input voltage supply device and another node connected to the input terminals of the switching arms and a controller coupled to the input voltage supply device and the four diodes, the controller configured for producing plurality of control signals for controlling the AC output voltage.
US08278920B2
For a Hall element of a magnetic sensor, a current is caused to pass along a +X-direction and a first voltage is measured in a +Y-direction, a current is caused to pass along the +Y-direction and a second voltage is measured in the +X-direction, a current is caused to pass along a −X-direction and a third voltage is measured in the +Y-direction, and a current is caused to pass along a −Y-direction and a fourth voltage is measured in the +X-direction. Then, a calculation is performed which strengthens effects of Hall voltage mutually and weakens effects of offset voltage mutually based on a value of the first voltage and a value of the second voltage, and the result is compared with a reference value. Furthermore, a calculation is performed which strengthens effects of Hall voltage mutually and weakens effects of offset voltage mutually based on a value of the third voltage and a value of the fourth voltage, and the result is compared with the reference value.
US08278919B2
A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device for sensing a magnetic field comprising: a base; a cantilever attached to the base structure at a first end and movable at a second end, the second end oscillating at a predetermined frequency upon application of a current; a magnetic sensor attached to the movable second end; at least one flux concentrator mounted on the base adapted to transfer magnetic flux to the sensor; whereby when the current is applied, the oscillation of the cantilever causes the sensor to oscillate between the lines of flux transferred from the at least one flux concentrator resulting in the shift of the frequency of the sensed magnetic field to the predetermined frequency. The invention further comprises a method of making the MEMS device.
US08278918B2
A method for operating of a metal detection system may comprise a balanced coil system with a transmitter coil that is connected to a transmitter unit, which generates transmitter signals having a transmitter frequency that is selected from a group of at least two transmitter frequencies, and with a first and a second receiver coil that provide output signals to a signal input of at least one amplifier unit included in a receiver unit, wherein the output signals compensate each other so that the system is in balance. A system adapted to operate according to an exemplary method is also provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a control unit generates a control signal according to the transmitter frequency of the transmitter unit and that is provided to the control input of at least one controllable impedance unit, which is coupled to the signal input of the at least one amplifier unit, wherein the control signal is adapted to control the impedance value of the at least one controllable impedance unit in such a way that the impedance value is increased or lowered when the transmitter frequency is increased or lowered.
US08278907B2
A particulate matter detection device including a detection device main body which has one end provided with a through hole a pair of electrodes embedded in a wall through which the through hole is formed, and covered with a dielectric material; wires extending from the electrodes to the other end of the main body; and a ground electrode provided at a position sandwiched between the wires. The device can electrically adsorb, on the wall surface of the through hole, a charged particle in a fluid flowing into the through hole, or a particle charged by electric discharge caused in the through hole by applying a voltage across the pair of electrodes. The device can measure the changes of the electric properties of the wall through which the through hole is formed, thereby detecting particles adsorbed on the wall surface of the through hole.
US08278906B2
The invention relates to substitutes of real gems for the purpose of calibrating of commercial diamond testers and for verification of their correct operation. Suggested apparatus consists of a set of objects, which are made of cheap materials like brass, stainless steel, and electrically conductive rubber, and which exhibit combination of thermal and electric conductivities typical for diamonds and their popular imitations like moissanites, cubic zirconia, and others.
US08278901B2
A switching regulator includes a switching element that switches between on and off according to a control signal, an inductor that is charged with the input voltage by switching of the switching element, a rectification element that discharges the inductor when the switching element is off and charging the inductor is stopped, a differential amplifier that amplifies a difference between a voltage proportional to the output voltage and a predetermined reference voltage, a voltage change detection circuit that detects changes in the output voltage, and a control circuit that causes the switching element to switch between on and off in a predetermined cycle depending on a voltage output from the differential amplifier. The control circuit turns on the switching element regardless of the predetermined cycle when the voltage change detection circuit detects that a decrease in the output voltage exceeds a predetermined first reference value.
US08278900B2
A power supply includes a PFC stage 6 and an SMPS stage 8. The power supply can operate in a normal mode in which the PFC stage supplies a voltage to the SMPS stage. In a standby mode, the PFC stage is operated in bursts to supply a lower voltage to the SMPS stage that is high enough that the SMPS stage can rapidly respond when it needs to supply a load.
US08278899B2
A digital slope compensation apparatus and method for a switched-mode power supply use a sensor for sensing and generating an analog inductor current (iL) of the switched-mode power supply, a comparator (2) for generating a trigger signal according to a comparison of an analog current threshold level and the analog inductor current (iL), and a pulse width modulator (PWM) for controlling the operation of a switched-mode power supply, wherein the pulse width modulator (PWM) is arranged to be triggered by the trigger signal of the comparator. A first analog to digital converter is arranged for converting an analog output voltage (Vout) of the switched-mode power supply into a digital output voltage, means are arranged for transforming the digital output voltage into a digital current threshold level (icmp) and a digital to analog converter is arranged for generating the analog current threshold level according to the digital current threshold level (icmp).
US08278897B2
A power supply converter and a method for adjusting a threshold voltage in the power supply converter. The circuit includes first and second switches having current conducting terminals commonly connected together to form a node. An energy storage element may be connected to the node and a zero current detection comparator may be connected to the node. A first voltage may be provided at the control terminal of the first switch that turns it off. After the first switch is off, determining whether the first switch turned off before or after the current in the energy storage element has reached zero. This may be accomplished by determining whether the voltage at the first node is positive or negative. If the voltage at the first node is negative, the threshold voltage is increased and if the voltage at the first node is positive the threshold voltage is decreased.
US08278884B2
A DC-DC converter including a power supply supplying direct current (DC) to an inductor, a switching device controlling the supply of DC from the power supply to the inductor by switching between a conductive state and a disconnected state according to a modulation signal, a signal output device generating the modulation signal for increasing or decreasing a period of the conductive state of the switching device, wherein the signal output device increases or decreases a duty ratio of the modulation signal to increase or decrease the period of the conductive state of the switching device, and a delay device controlling an increase of a duty ratio of the modulation signal, wherein the signal output device outputs the modulation signal with the controlled duty ratio to the switching device, thereby delaying the switching device from reaching a conductive state in which the duty ratio is a value of 1.
US08278881B2
Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of an onboard energy storage system of a plug-in vehicle using a remote command center, such as a vehicle telematics service. An embodiment of such a method involves the transmission of a charge request for the onboard energy storage system to a remote command center associated with the plug-in vehicle. In response to the charge request, a charge command is received from the remote command center. The charging of the onboard energy storage system is regulated in accordance with the received charge command, which may be a charge enable command or a charge disable command.
US08278880B2
To provide a structure to dissipate heat from an internal heating component efficiently for a miniaturized, thin portable electronic apparatus. The portable electronic apparatus comprises a housing 1, a circuit board 7 accommodated in the housing and mounted with an electronic component on a surface on one side of the circuit board, a thermally conductive member 6 arranged opposite to the surface on one side of the circuit board and having thermal conductive property, and a battery accommodated in a battery chamber 8 formed in the housing. The thermally conductive member 6 forms at least a part of the battery chamber 8.
US08278878B2
A voltage detection apparatus includes: a battery including a plurality of unit cells mutually connected in series; a plurality of blocks, each block including at least one of the plurality of unit cells; a plurality of voltage detectors, each detector connected to respective one of the blocks, and detecting a voltage between both ends of the unit cell in the one of the blocks; a plurality of reference power sources, each source connected to respective one of the voltage detectors, and at least one of the reference power sources having higher accuracy than the other reference power sources; and a correcting unit which corrects a detection result of the voltage detector which is connected to the other reference power source on the basis of a detection result of the voltage detector which is connected to the reference power source with the higher accuracy.
US08278876B2
A battery pack may include at least one battery cell, a switch having an ON resistance dependent on a temperature of the switch, a thermistor having a resistance varying with changes in the temperature, and battery state monitoring circuitry. The battery state monitoring circuitry may be configured to monitor a voltage drop across the switch caused by a current flowing through the switch and the resistance of the thermistor to correlate the voltage drop to the current level. A cordless electrical device including the battery pack, and an associated method are also provided.
US08278874B2
In at least one embodiment, a device for balancing a flow of electrical energy from a vehicle to an external power source is provided. The device comprises a balance circuit being configured to receive an input current signal from the power source and to transmit an output current signal to the external power source for charging a element in a vehicle. A differential resistance causes the input current signal and the output current signal to be different. A current measuring device is configured to generate an output differential signal indicating a difference between the input and output current signals. A current generating device is configured to generate a compensated current signal in response to the output differential signal and to adjust the output current signal with the compensated current signal such that the input and output current signals are generally similar to one another.
US08278866B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for accurate positioning of a unit movable by a drive system. The method may include adjusting tension of a resilient element of the drive system to reduce hysteresis motion errors of the resilient element below a predetermined threshold by performing measurements of the hysteresis motion errors of the resilient element for two or more tension values and selecting a tension value for which the hysteresis motion error is below the threshold.
US08278864B2
The invention relates to improvements in compressors and, in particular, to an improvement in a method of controlling variable speed dynamic compressors to avoid ‘motor overload as a result of choking.1 The invention therefore comprises a method of controlling a compressor to provide compressed gas at a target delivery pressure (Pt) and prevent excessive motor power consumption, the compressor being driven by a variable speed motor which has motor windings, wherein the gas inlet temperature (Tin), gas output delivery pressure (Pd), motor speed (Vm) and the motor winding temperature (Tmw) are continuously measured during operation of the compressor. The gas inlet temperature (Tin) is used to determine a predetermined maximum motor winding temperature (Tmwmax) limit. The maximum motor winding temperature (Tmwmax) is used (to set a maximum motor speed (Vmmax) limit. The maximum motor speed (Vmmax), target (Pt) and gas output delivery (Pd) pressures are used to control the actual motor speed (Vm) below the maximum motor speed limit (Vmmax).
US08278863B2
A telescoping mast able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has multiple telescoping sections, a position feedback sensor, a motor, a spring motor, and a computation unit. The position feedback sensor is coupled to at least one telescoping section and configured to identify a position of the telescoping sections. The motor is also coupled to the telescoping sections, and raises and lowers the telescoping sections. The computation unit controls the motor based on the position of the telescoping sections.
US08278860B2
Zero-crossing detection accuracy is enhanced in a sensorless brushless direct current (BLDC) motor by increasing the PWM drive frequency in anticipation of a zero-crossing event in any one or more commutation periods. Once a zero-crossing event is detected, the PWM frequency can go back to a lower normal operating frequency. Switching losses of the power drive transistors are thereby minimized while maintaining accurate zero-crossing detection for stable operation of the BLDC motor.
US08278852B2
A motor-driving-circuit comprising: a first to-fourth-transistors; a drive-control-circuit to control a energization-state of a motor coil so as to be a driving-state where either one group of groups of the first-and-fourth-transistors and the second-and-third-transistors is on and the other group is off, or so as to be a regeneration-state where the first-and-third-transistors are off and the second-and-fourth-transistors are on; a set-current-detection-circuit; an overcurrent-detection-circuit; and an overcurrent-protection-circuit to output a regeneration-instruction-signal for shifting the energization-state to the regeneration-state if an overcurrent-state does not occur and output a drive-stop-signal for stopping driving the coil if the overcurrent-state occurs, when a current amount flowing through the coil has reached a set-level in the driving-state, the drive-control-circuit shifting the energization-state to the regeneration-state to be maintained for a predetermined time period and thereafter returning the energization-state to the driving-state when the regeneration-instruction-signal is output, and turning off the first-to-fourth-transistors when the drive-stop-signal is output.
US08278851B2
A drive apparatus includes a magnet rotor having a plurality of magnetic poles that are magnetized, a stator having a magnetic pole portion that opposes each pole of the magnet rotor, a coil configured to excite the magnetic pole portion, a position detector configured to detect a position of the magnet rotor, a first driver configured to switch an electrification state of the coil in accordance with a preset time interval, a second driver configured to switch an electrification state of the coil in accordance with an output of the position detector, and a controller configured to select the first driver when the output of the position detector is less than a first threshold, and to select the second driver when the output of the position detector is equal to or larger than the first threshold.
US08278848B2
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of motors, a controller which generates control signals to control the plurality of motors and output the control signals, and a plurality of motor drivers which control corresponding motors among the plurality of motors if the enable signal among the control signal is input, and does not control the motors although the common signal is input if the enable signal is not input. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus may control a plurality of motors which is not necessary to be driven at the same time using an enable signal and thus the motors may be effectively controlled with low expense.
US08278841B2
An LED light engine system that incorporates light emitting diodes (LEDs) with one or more distinct colors, including broad band white light obtained from phosphors or a combination of LED die colors and LED die coated phosphors. The LED die or die arrays are mounted to a high thermal conductivity circuit board comprising COB technology which can include both the LED die and electronic drive components resulting in a compact and reliable design with improved thermal and optical performance. High efficiency non-imaging collection optics are coupled to the LEDs to efficiently capture substantially all of the light which they emit and reformat it as an output with substantially the same éntendue as that of the LED to provide high brightness sources. Feedback from the output back to a photosensor on the circuit board is provided to assure that the output of the collection optic remains constant.
US08278831B2
A driver circuit (10) for a light emitting diode comprises a first driver circuit (32, 32′, 32′) for generating a first current output for driving the light emitting diode, wherein the first driver circuit has a control switch for interrupting the supply of the first current output. A second driver circuit (50) is for generating a second current output for driving the light emitting diode, and the second driver circuit also has a control switch for interrupting the supply of the second current output. The overall output of the driver circuit comprises a pulse width modulated output current which alternates between a high current (Ihigh) generated by the first driver circuit and a low current (Ilow) generated by the second driver circuit. By providing separate driver circuits for two different current requirements, the circuits can be optimised for each function. For example the high current value can comprise an LED operation current, and the low current value can comprise a non-zero measurement current.
US08278823B2
A thermo-optically functional composition is disclosed. The composition includes a solid solution of at least two materials selected such that the composition emits thermal radiation, wherein each material is selected from the group consisting of metal carbides, metal nitrides, metal oxides, metal borides, metal silicides and combinations thereof, wherein each metal is selected from the group consisting of tungsten or tungsten alloys, hafnium or hafnium alloys, niobium or niobium alloys, tantalum or tantalum alloys, titanium or titanium alloys, zirconium or zirconium alloys, and combinations of two or more thereof.
US08278817B2
To improve color reproduction areas in a display device having light-emitting elements. A display region has a plurality of picture elements. Each picture element includes: first and second pixels each including a light-emitting element which has a chromaticity whose x-coordinate in a CIE-XY chromaticity diagram is 0.50 or more; third and fourth pixels each including a light-emitting element which has a chromaticity whose y-coordinate in the diagram is 0.55 or more; and fifth and sixth pixels each including a light-emitting element which has a chromaticity whose x-coordinate and y-coordinate in the diagram are 0.20 or less and 0.25 or less, respectively. The light-emitting elements in the first and second pixels have different emission spectrums from each other; the light-emitting elements in the third and fourth pixels have different emission spectrums from each other; and the light-emitting elements in the fifth and sixth pixels have different emission spectrums from each other.
US08278812B2
A grid component for use with a vacuum electron device (VED), such as an inductive output tube (IOT), includes a skirt that adds structural support and aids in alignment. The grid component has a dome in which a grid pattern is formed and includes an annular, concentric flange surrounding the dome. The skirt is formed concentrically around the flange. Alignment orifices may be provided in the flange for passage of alignment pins in the assembled product. The grid, flange, and skirt are a unitary component and are formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or similar process, in which a mandrel is used to provide a deposition surface. The mandrel is placed in a furnace, and a high-temperature CVD process is used to break down a hydrocarbon gas to thereby deposit a pyrolytic graphite coating onto the mandrel. The mandrel may include a skirt template to provide the characteristic skirt.
US08278802B1
A method of forming a device is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a sacrificial layer over the substrate, and forming an field layer around the sacrificial layer. After formation, both the sacrificial layer and the field layer are planarized. A component is then formed over the planarized sacrificial layer and the planarized field layer. The component has a first electrode and a second electrode and a single crystal wafer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The component also includes anchors disposed substantially over the field layer. Once the component is formed, the sacrificial layer is released with an etchant having a selectivity for the sacrificial layer such that a cavity is formed beneath the component. The cavity allows free movement component within the cavity during operation of the device. In addition, the etchant does not release the field layer and the component such that the field layer remains below the anchors.
US08278798B2
An object is to provide a crystal device that uses a mesa-structure crystal piece in which frequency adjustment is possible. A configuration is such that in a crystal device having: a crystal piece having a thick portion and a thin portion, with an excitation electrode formed on both main faces of the thick portion, and a lead out electrode electrically connected to the excitation electrode, formed on an end portion; a container main body having a concavity for accommodating the crystal piece; and a cover that is connected to an open end face of the container main body and hermetically seals the crystal piece, a frequency adjustment metal film which is electrically isolated from the excitation electrode and made independent, is formed on the thin portion of the crystal piece.
US08278784B2
Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer. A wireless power receiver includes a receive antenna for coupling with a transmit antenna of transmitter generating a magnetic near field. The receive antenna receives wireless power from the magnetic near field and includes a resonant tank and a parasitic resonant tank wirelessly coupled to the resonant tank. A wireless power transmitter includes a transmit antenna for coupling with a receive antenna of a receiver. The transmit antenna generates a magnetic near field for transmission of wireless power and includes a resonant tank and a parasitic resonant tank coupled to the resonant tank.
US08278781B2
Upon detecting an external signal which instructs to stop discharge, an input voltage equal to or less than a set value for the prevention of overdischarge, or an output voltage equal to or more than a set value for the prevention of output of an overvoltage, a control unit (12) stops discharge to a load (40) by opening a switching element (4b) of a step-down unit (11b). Upon detecting that an external signal is reset or an input voltage equal to or more than a set value larger than the set value for the prevention of overdischarge, the control unit (12) resumes discharge to the load (40) by setting the switching element (4b) in a switching operation state or short-circuiting it.
US08278780B2
A switching device switches at least one current phase between responsive current phase input and responsive current phase output, wherein the switching device is suitable for switching electrical current of a power circuit of an electric motor. The switching device further includes a first communication system interface for a first communication system, a second communication system interface for a second communication system, and a selecting unit for selecting whether the switching device is a master or slave in relation to the second communication system.
US08278777B2
An apparatus for generating electrical energy includes at least one generator connected to a drive device. The drive device includes at least one guide element for transforming the energy of a flowing medium into a rotational movement. The guide element is arranged in the flow path of the heated exhaust air coming from at least one heat exchanger.
US08278773B2
A wind turbine generator includes a synchronous generator that generates electric power via rotation of a rotor provided with blades that receive wind and that supplies the generated electric power to a utility grid, and a sea water resistor in which sea water serves as a resistive element. When the output power of the synchronous generator drops suddenly because of a momentary power interruption caused by a fault occurring on the utility grid, thus producing surplus energy, the sea water resistor consumes, in the form of electric power, the surplus energy that cannot be supplied to the utility grid from among the electric power generated at the synchronous generator. Because the sea water resistor uses sea water as the resistive element, the problem of heat generation hardly ever arises, and because the sea water can be easily exchanged, it is not affected by lifetime or on-time limitations.
US08278772B2
The method of recovering the potential energy from the apron of a roller blind including a driving motor connected to an autonomous energy supply during the expansion or retraction phase of the apron, during the expansion or retraction phase of the apron, by determining an energy recovery phase corresponding to a motor torque applied by the apron on the driving, which allows energy recovery without damaging the components of the blinds. A roller blind for implementing the method recovers energy corresponding to the motor torque exerted by the apron by measuring and storing at least one parameter related to the conditions of operation of the autonomous supply as well as the delivered level of energy, comparing it with a threshold value, and adjusting the unwinding and winding-up speed of the apron.
US08278769B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate formed from compound semiconductor material and multiple conductive connecting pads. The connecting pads are symmetrically arranged on a first surface of the semiconductor substrate in an interweaving pattern. Each cleavage plane extending across the first surface of the semiconductor substrate intersects a portion of at least one connecting pad of the plurality of connecting pads.
US08278763B2
The present invention provides a multilayer wiring technology by which high adhesiveness and high insulation reliability between wirings are obtained, while maintaining effective low capacitance between wirings. A semiconductor device is characterized in that a first insulating film is an insulating film formed of at least one layer which contains a siloxane structure containing silicon, oxygen and carbon; the siloxane structure in the inner part of the first insulating film contains a larger number of carbon atoms than the number of silicon atoms; and a modified layer which containing a smaller number of carbon atoms and a larger number of oxygen atoms per unit volume than the inner part of the first insulating film is formed on at least one of an interface between the first insulating film and the metal and an interface between the first insulating film and a second insulating film.
US08278762B2
A method of manufacturing a photomask is described. The graphic data of the photomask are provided, and than an optical proximity correction is performed to the graphic data. A process rule check is then performed to the graphic data with the optical proximity correction. When at least one failed pattern not passing the process rule check is found in the graphic data, a repair procedure is performed only to the failed pattern so that the failed pattern can pass the process rule check. The patterns of the photomask are then formed according to the corrected and repaired graphic data.
US08278758B1
Embodiments of an on-chip interconnect having a multilevel reservoir are provided. In general, the on-chip interconnect is an interconnect within an integrated circuit and includes an interconnect segment and a multilevel reservoir. The interconnect segment has an anode end and a cathode end. The multilevel reservoir is adjacent to the cathode end of the interconnect segment and operates as a reservoir of metal atoms. As such, any electromigration-induced void begins forming in the multilevel reservoir rather than the cathode end of the interconnect segment. As a result, a reliability of the on-chip interconnect is substantially improved as compared to that of traditional on-chip interconnects. In addition, by utilizing multiple levels of the integrated circuit, a volume of the multilevel reservoir is substantially increased as compared to a volume of a corresponding single-level reservoir.
US08278746B2
Described herein are wafer-level semiconductor device packages with stacking functionality and related stacked package assemblies and methods. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device package includes a set of connecting elements disposed adjacent to a periphery of a set of stacked semiconductor devices. At least one of the connecting elements is wire-bonded to an active surface of an upper one of the stacked semiconductor devices.
US08278744B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor chip mounting substrate, a control circuit board, a power terminal holder and a semi-fixing member. The semiconductor chip mounting substrate includes a substrate, a semiconductor chip provided on a first major surface of the substrate, and a first and second semiconductor chip connection electrodes. The control circuit board is provided generally in parallel to the first major surface and includes a control circuit, a control signal terminal connected to the control circuit, and a through hole extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first major surface. The power terminal holder is provided on opposite side of the control circuit board from the semiconductor chip mounting substrate and includes a power terminal. The semi-fixing member includes a shank portion and an end portion. The shank portion is fixed to the power terminal holder and penetrates through the through hole. A cross section of the shank portion in a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the through hole is smaller than a size of the through hole. The end portion is connected to a tip of the shank portion. A cross section of the end portion in the plane is larger than the size of the through hole. The first semiconductor chip connection electrode is connected to a first terminal of the semiconductor chip and the control signal terminal. The second semiconductor chip connection electrode is connected to a second terminal of the semiconductor chip and the power terminal.
US08278727B2
A method for providing a pressure sensor substrate comprises creating a first cavity that extends inside the substrate in a first direction perpendicular to a main surface of the substrate, and that extends inside the substrate, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, into a first venting area of the substrate; creating a second cavity that extends in the first direction inside the substrate, that extends in parallel to the first cavity in the second direction, and that does not extend into the first venting area; and opening the first cavity in the first venting area.
US08278725B2
A micromechanical structure and a method of fabricating a micromechanical structure are provided. The micromechanical structure comprises a silicon (Si) based substrate; a micromechanical element formed directly on the substrate; and an undercut formed underneath a released portion of the micromechanical element; wherein the undercut is in the form of a recess formed in the Si based substrate.
US08278718B2
A method for forming a slot contact structure for transistor performance enhancement. A contact opening is formed to expose a contact region, and a slot contact is disposed within the contact opening in order to induce a stress on an adjacent channel region. In an embodiment, a stress inducing barrier plug is disposed within a portion of the contact opening and the remainder of the contact opening is filled with a lower resistivity contact metal. By selecting the proper materials and deposition parameters, the slot contact can be tuned to induce a tensile or compressive stress on the adjacent channel region, thus being applicable for both p-type and n-type devices.
US08278717B2
In one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, and isolation layers formed in a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and separating the semiconductor substrate into active areas, the isolation layers and the active areas being alternately arranged along a predetermined direction parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a height of upper surfaces of the isolation layers being lower than a height of an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate. The device further includes diffusion layers formed on surfaces of the active areas, and a stress liner formed on upper surfaces and side surfaces of the diffusion layers, and formed of a material having a lattice constant smaller than a lattice constant of a material formed of the semiconductor substrate.
US08278713B2
To achieve enlargement and high definition of a display portion, a single crystal semiconductor film is used as a transistor in a pixel, and the following steps are included: bonding a plurality of single crystal semiconductor substrates to a base substrate; separating part of the plurality of single crystal semiconductor substrates to form a plurality of regions each comprising a single crystal semiconductor film over the base substrate; forming a plurality of transistors each comprising the single crystal semiconductor film as a channel formation region; and forming a plurality of pixel electrodes over the region provided with the single crystal semiconductor film and a region not provided with the single crystal semiconductor film. Some of the transistors electrically connecting to the pixel electrodes formed over the region not provided with the single crystal semiconductor film are formed in the region provided with the single crystal semiconductor film.
US08278701B2
In the trap type memory chip the withstanding voltage is raised up, and then the electric current for reading out is increased. There are formed on the p-type semiconductor substrate 1 a first gate lamination structure which comprises a first insulating film 11 including a trap layer, and a first conductive body 9, and a second gate lamination structure which comprises a second insulating film 12 free of a trap layer and including an insulating film layer 13 doped with metal for controlling the work function at least on the upper layer, and a second conductive body 10. A source drain region 2 and a source drain region 3 are formed such that the first gate lamination structure and the second gate lamination structure are interleaved therebetween. The effective work function of the second gate lamination structure is higher than that of the first gate lamination structure.
US08278696B2
A semiconductor device includes a tunnel insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, a charge storage insulating film formed on the tunnel insulating film and including at least two separated low oxygen concentration portions and a high oxygen concentration portion positioned between the adjacent low oxygen concentration portions and having a higher oxygen concentration than the low oxygen concentration portions, a charge block insulating film formed on the charge storage insulating film, and control gate electrodes formed on the charge block insulating film and above the low oxygen concentration portions.
US08278687B2
Semiconductor heterostructures to reduce short channel effects are generally described. In one example, an apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate, one or more buffer layers coupled to the semiconductor substrate, a first barrier layer coupled to the one or more buffer layers, a back gate layer coupled to the first barrier layer wherein the back gate layer includes a group III-V semiconductor material, a group II-VI semiconductor material, or combinations thereof, the back gate layer having a first bandgap, a second barrier layer coupled to the back gate layer wherein the second barrier layer includes a group III-V semiconductor material, a group II-VI semiconductor material, or combinations thereof, the second barrier layer having a second bandgap that is relatively larger than the first bandgap, and a quantum well channel coupled to the second barrier layer, the quantum well channel having a third bandgap that is relatively smaller than the second bandgap.
US08278680B2
A semiconductor package structure includes a bowl-like carrier, a semiconductor component, and electrode pins. The semiconductor component is disposed on the bowl-like carrier and is received in an accommodating recess of the bowl-like carrier. The electrode pins are electrically connected with the semiconductor component through wires. Channels are recessed along recess-walls of the accommodating recess and located between the semiconductor component and the electrode pins, where the wires pass through the channels. Therefore, the length of bonding wires can be reduced, and as well the cost of the wires, let alone the wires can be protected appropriately.
US08278679B2
An LED device and a method of manufacturing, including an embedded top electrode, are presented. The LED device includes an LED structure and a top electrode. The LED structure includes layers disposed on a substrate, including an active light-emitting region. A top layer of the LED structure is a top contact layer. The top electrode is embedded into the top contact layer, wherein the top electrode electrically contacts the top contact layer.
US08278678B2
The lighting device (1) includes an LED chip (10), a mounting substrate (20) mounting thereto the LED chip, an encapsulation member (50) made of an encapsulating resin material for encapsulation of the LED chip, and a lens (60) made of a transparent resin material. The lens (60) is provided in its bottom with a recess (40) and is secured to the mounting substrate (20) with the encapsulation member (50) disposed within the recess (40). The encapsulation member (50) is confined within the recess of the lens of the transparent resin material, which minimizes a difference in the coefficient of linear expansion between the encapsulation member and the surroundings for restraining occurrence of voids in the encapsulation member at a low temperature.
US08278672B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device is disclosed. The semiconductor light-emitting device comprises a multilayer epitaxial structure disposed on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a predetermined lattice direction perpendicular to an upper surface thereof, wherein the predetermined lattice direction is angled toward [0 11] or [01 1] from [100], or toward [011] or [0 11] from [ 100] so that the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate comprises at least two lattice planes with different lattice plane directions. The multilayer epitaxial structure has a roughened upper surface perpendicular to the predetermined lattice direction. The invention also discloses a method for fabricating a semiconductor light-emitting device.
US08278671B2
An LED package module according to an aspect of the invention may include: a substrate having predetermined electrodes thereon; a plurality of LED chips mounted onto the substrate, separated from each other at predetermined intervals, and electrically connected to the electrodes; a first color resin portion molded around at least one of the plurality of LED chips; a second color resin portion molded around all of the LED chips except for the LED chip around which the first color resin portion is molded, and having a different color from the first color resin portion; and a third color resin portion encompassing both the first color resin portion and the second color resin portion and having a different color from the first color resin portion and the second color resin portion.
US08278670B2
Disclosed are a light emitting apparatus and a display apparatus having the same. The light emitting apparatus comprises a first light emitting device which emits a light of a target color tinged with a first color, and a second light emitting device which emits a light of the target color tinged with a second color complementary to the first color with respect to the target color.
US08278669B2
In a light emitting device and a fabricating method thereof are provide, wherein the light emitting device includes a light converting element, and a light emitting element positioned on the light converting element and including a first electrode, a light emitting structure and a second electrode, the first electrode formed on the light emitting element and having a first opening, the light emitting structure having a first conductive pattern of a first conductivity type, a light emitting pattern, and a second conductive pattern of a second conductivity type, which are sequentially stacked, and the second electrode formed on the second conductive pattern, wherein the light generated from the light emitting structure reaches the light converting element through the first opening.
US08278658B2
An device according to the present invention comprises: graphene; and a metal electrode, the metal electrode and the graphene being electrically connected, the following relationship of Eq. (1) being satisfied: coth ( r GP r C S ) < 1.3 , Eq . ( 1 ) where rGP (in units of Ω/μm2) denotes the electrical resistance of a graphene layer per unit area, rC (in units of Ωμm2) denotes the contact resistance per unit area between the graphene layer and a metal electrode, and S denotes the contact area (in units of μm2) between the graphene layer and the metal electrode.
US08278656B2
The subject of the invention is a substrate that can be used as a substrate for the epitaxial growth of layers based on gallium nitride and comprising a support material (11, 21) coated on at least one of its faces with at least one multilayered stack comprising at least one zinc-oxide-based layer (13, 24). The substrate is coated with a semiconductor structure of III-N or II-VI type, and it is characterized in that placed between the support material (11, 21) and said at least one zinc-oxide-based layer (13, 24) is at least one intermediate layer (12, 23) comprising oxides with at least two elements chosen from tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), indium (In), gallium (Ga) and antimony (Sb).
US08278651B2
There is provided an organic electronic device having an anode, a hole injection layer, a photoactive layer, an electron transport layer, and a cathode. At least one of the photoactive layer and the electron transport layer includes a compound having Formula I or Formula II where: R1 through R6 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, naphthylphenyl, phenanthryl, triphenylamino, carbazolyl, and carbazolylphenyl; and Q is an aryl group. In Formula I, at least one of R1 through R6 is not hydrogen.
US08278644B2
A switching device includes: a first layer including a carbon material having a six-member ring network structure; a first electrode electrically connected to a first portion of the first layer; a second electrode electrically connected to a second portion of the first layer and provided apart from the first electrode; a third electrode including a fourth portion provided opposing a third portion between the first portion and the second portion of the first layer; and a second layer provided between the third portion of the first layer and the fourth portion of the third electrode. The second layer includes: a base portion; and a functional group portion. The functional group portion is provided between the base portion and the first layer. The functional group portion is bonded to the base portion. A ratio of sp2-bonded carbon and sp3-bonded carbon of the first layer is changeable by a voltage applied between the first layer and the third electrode.
US08278642B2
Disclosed are a resistive random access memory device (ReRAM) and a method for manufacturing the same. The ReRAM includes a cell array including a metal oxide nanowire formed inside a micropore array of a porous template, a first electrode electrically connected to an upper protrusion of the metal oxide nanowire, the upper protrusion being exposed to an upper portion of the porous template, and located in an upper portion of the cell array, and a second electrode electrically connected to a lower protrusion of the metal oxide nanowire, the lower protrusion being exposed to a lower portion of the porous template, and located in a lower portion of the cell array.
US08278641B2
In one or more embodiments, methods of fabricating current-confining stack structures in a phase change memory switch (PCMS) cell are provided. One embodiment shows a method of fabricating a PCMS cell with current in an upper chalcogenide confined in the row and column directions. In one embodiment, methods of fabricating a PCMS cell with sub-lithographic critical dimension memory chalcogenide are shown. In another embodiment, methods of fabricating a PCMS cell with sub-lithographic critical dimension middle electrode heaters are disclosed.
US08278637B2
A process, and to a corresponding apparatus for reading out and erasing X-ray information stored in storage phosphor layers, comprising the following: irradiating the storage phosphor layer (1) with stimulation light (3) by means of which the storage phosphor layer (1) is stimulated to emit emission light, collecting the emission light emitted at different locations (x, y) of the storage phosphor layer (1) with a detector (7), detector signal values (D(x, y)) being obtained for different locations (x, y) of the storage phosphor layer (1), and irradiating the storage phosphor layer (1) with erasing light (21), the quantity of erasing light (21) being determined by means of the detector signal values (D(x, y)). When determining the quantity of erasing light (21), detector signal values (D(x, y)) obtained for different locations (x, y) in a first and second dimension (x or y) of the storage phosphor layer (1) are compared with comparison signal values (H(x), H′(x)) specified for different locations (x) in just one dimension (x) of the storage phosphor layer (1).
US08278636B2
A radiation source is configured to generate radiation. The radiation source includes a fuel droplet generator constructed and arranged to generate a stream of droplets of fuel that are directed to a plasma generation site; a laser constructed and arranged to generate a laser beam that is directed to the plasma generation site, an angle between the direction of movement of the stream of droplets and the direction of the laser beam being less than about 90°; and a collector constructed and arranged to collect radiation generated by a plasma formed at the plasma formation site when the beam of radiation and a droplet collide. The collector is configured to reflect the radiation substantially along an optical axis of the radiation source. The laser beam is directed to the plasma generation site through an aperture provided in the collector.
US08278635B2
In a particle multi-beam structuring apparatus for forming a pattern on a target's surface using a beam of electrically charged particles, during exposure steps the particle beam is produced, directed through a pattern definition means producing a patterned particle beam composed of multiple beamlets, and projected by an optical column including a controllable deflection means onto the target surface to form, at a nominal location on the target, a beam image comprising the image of defining structures in the pattern definition means. The beam image's nominal location relative to the target is changed between exposure steps. The actual location of the beam image is varied within each exposure step around the nominal location, through a set of locations realizing a distribution of locations within the image plane around a mean location coinciding with the nominal location, thus introducing an additional blur which is homogenous over the entire beam image.
US08278621B2
A portable quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer includes an electron emission source, an ion trap including a ring electrode and first and second end cap electrodes arranged opposite sides of the ring electrode, and an ion detector for detecting an amount of ions discharged from the ion trap. The first end cap electrode includes a first aperture through which the electrons emitted by the electron source enter the ion trap, and the second end cap electrode includes a second aperture through which ions are discharged the ion trap. A first electron multiplier is disposed in the first aperture of the first end cap electrode and multiplies an amount of the electrons and input to the ion trap. An ion detector detects an amount of the ions discharged from the ion trap.
US08278614B2
An image sensor and a method of manufacturing an image sensor. An image sensor may include a readout circuitry having a metal line on and/or over a first substrate. An image sensor may include an image sensing part having a first conductive-type conductive layer and/or a second conductive-type conductive layer over a metal line. An image sensor may include a pixel division area formed on and/or over an image sensing part corresponding to a pixel boundary. An image sensor may include a ground contact on and/or over a pixel division area. An image sensor may include a contact plug connected with a sidewall of an image sensing part. A method of manufacturing an image sensor is disclosed.
US08278609B2
A method and device for soldering plural electrical connections, in which contact elements have to be soldered to soldered-connection faces positioned on a non-metallic glazing. In the method a soldering tool is used to emit a magnetic field towards the solder spots to heat these by induction. The magnitude and shape of the soldering tool is sized according to the surface area over which plural solder spots that have to be heated simultaneously in a soldering operation are situated. At the same time, the frequency of an AC voltage applied to the loop or to the coil is tailored to the connection geometry and set to 150 kHz at most. Thus, for a high work rate, markedly better heating of the components that need to be soldered is obtained because the low-frequency field lines have a greater depth of penetration into the bodies.
US08278608B2
The present invention relates to an electric heater (22) to heat substantially cylindrical objects (12), in particular hot runner nozzles (10) of hot runner systems, essentially being fitted with at least one cylindrical support and with at least one heating conductor track (28) deposited on the support (12). To reduce premature failure of the heater, the invention stipulates that each heating conductor track (28) runs substantially in the axial direction (A) of said support (12), the heating conductor tracks (28) being connected to each other by conductor tracks (30) of lower electrical resistance and each conductor track (30) running essentially in the tangential direction (T) of the support (12).
US08278604B2
An electric oven includes an oven body defining a chamber. The heater is located in the chamber of the oven body. The heater includes a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes joined end to end by van der Waals attractive force.
US08278600B2
A contactor device used in a wire-feeder employed in a welding system is disclosed. The contactor uses oversized nuts, increased torque and surface features to increase the heat dissipation of the contactor. This solution is an economical way of increasing heat dissipation to extend the life of contactors that are subject to failure due to heating and increased internal resistance.
US08278585B2
A hot-wire cutter includes a frame, a tank supported on the frame, a first working head located on a floor of the tank, a second working head movably supported on the frame, a supporting unit supported on the frame and used to support an annular work piece, a restraining unit supported on the frame and used to clamp the annular work piece, and a rotating unit supported on the frame and used to rotate the annular work piece. Thus, a line between the first and second working heads is directed through the centers of initial apertures in the annular work piece, one after another, to facilitate precise processing of sections of the annular work piece corresponding to the initial apertures.
US08278576B2
A pneumatically actuated switching device includes an electrical connection with a conductive element and an interchangeable air connector assembly having an air conduit for receiving pressurized air from a pneumatic actuator. The pressurized air is directed into the housing of the switching device and forces a conductive plunger against the electrical connection for completing a circuit to produce a signal in a patient call system. The connector assembly has a snap fit connection constructed to selectively position the air conduit at a predetermined angle relative to the electrical connection, i.e. a first snap fit connector position the air conduit at a right angle with the electrical connection, and a second snap fit connector position the air conduit in alignment with the electrical connection. A method includes selectively inserting the first snap fit connector and the second snap fit connector into the housing depending on a desired system configuration.
US08278567B2
In a structure where an electronic component is mounted on a glass base material, an external electrode is provided on an opposite side to the component mounted on the base, and a through electrode and the base are welded to each other at a temperature equal to or higher than a glass softening point, electrical conduction is ensured between the electronic component and the external electrode. An electronic device includes a base, a through electrode which pass through the base and has a metal film formed on both end surfaces after an insulating material on the surface is removed by polishing, an electronic component which is provided on one surface of the through electrode through a connection portion, an external electrode which is provided on an opposite side to a side of the base on which the electronic component is provided, and a cap which protects the electronic component on the base.
US08278564B2
Provided are a circuit board with a viahole and a method of manufacturing the same. The circuit board includes: a substrate formed of an insulating material; a conductive layer disposed on the substrate; a plated layer comprising nickel and disposed on the conductive layer; and a viahole passing through the substrate, the conductive layer, and the plated layer, wherein a crystal growth direction of nickel in the plated layer is parallel to a thickness-wise direction of the substrate.
US08278551B2
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, an elastic pad unit and an elastic element. An opening is formed on the housing. The elastic pad unit includes a pad and a pillar. The pillar has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the pad, the pillar extends through the housing via the opening, a restricting portion is formed on the second end, and the restricting portion is located in the housing. The elastic element is disposed between the pad and the housing, wherein the pad moves between a first position and a second position relative to the housing, the restricting portion contacts a first part of the housing when the pad is in the first position, and the restricting portion is separated from the first part when the pad is in the second position.
US08278542B2
A metronome ticking the beat for performance especially with moving tempo, and having display looks like conductor's baton so that watcher can precisely predict beat timing to catch up the moving tempo. It has tapping button to record all the beat duration time data on memory. With the data on memory all the beats can be reproduced. Partial modification of beat duration time is also possible by tapping. Dedicated device uses vertically placed light emitting element array. Emitting point moves like ball thrown upward. Bound timing is beat timing. The metronome opens new way to produce music minus one or karaoke media.
US08278540B1
A slidable wind instrument brace has an adjusting ring, a first abutting block and a second abutting block. The first abutting block and the second abutting block are respectively mounted on two ends of the adjusting ring. The adjusting ring is rotated to drive the first abutting block and the second abutting block to move close to or away from each other. Therefore, a position of the brace is changeable and a wind instrument with the brace can produce different timbres.
US08278535B1
A novel maize variety designated X8P468 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8P468 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8P468 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8P468, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8P468. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8P468.
US08278510B2
The invention provides seed and plants of the cucumber line designated APD147-5007Gy. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of cucumber line APD147-5007Gy, and to methods for producing a cucumber plant produced by crossing a plant of cucumber line APD147-5007Gy with itself or with another cucumber plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of cucumber line APD147-5007Gy, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US08278508B2
The present invention provides a fungal bed culture of a hon-shimeji mushroom inoculated with a liquid seed culture wherein the surface of a culture medium for cultivation has a liquid seed culture inoculated portion and a liquid seed culture non-inoculated portion as well as provides a fungal bed cultivation method of a hon-shimeji mushroom which generates a fruit body from the fungal bed culture. According to the present invention, the formation rate of budlet in the fungal bed cultivation of a hon-shimeji mushroom is improved, thereby enabling stable production of a hon-shimeji mushroom in large scale commercial cultivation.
US08278494B2
Methods and systems for the production of linear alkylbenzenes are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and mixing of one or more olefins (e.g. propylene) with an aromatic. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time with existing catalysts.
US08278486B2
A process for producing an enantiomerically enriched compound of Formula I: where the R-configuration, or S-configuration at the stereogenic center is marked with an *; by hydrogenating an enamide of formula III: in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst comprising a transition metal selected from rhodium or iridium, complexed to a chiral diphosphine ligand; Ar is optionally substituted phenyl; Z is OR1, SR1 or NR1R2; and P is R3, OR3 or NR3R4; R1 and R2 are selected from H, C1-8 alkyl, C5-12 cycloalkyl, aryl and aryl-C1-2-alkyl; or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom form a C4-7-membered heterocyclic ring optionally fused with a 5- to 6-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; and R3 and R4 are selected from H, C1-8 alkyl, aryl, C5-12 cycloalkyl and aryl-C1-2-alkyl; or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom form a C4-7-membered heterocyclic ring.
US08278481B2
The present invention provides a method for effectively preventing the precipitation related to manganese acetate in the pipe for sending a polymerization inhibitor and the like, and the polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid. A first method of the present invention for producing (meth)acrylic acid, characterized in comprising steps of: producing a (meth)acrylic acid-containing gas by catalytic vapor phase oxidation reaction; and obtaining a (meth)acrylic acid-containing fluid by providing the (meth)acrylic acid-containing gas into a condensation column or an absorption column; wherein manganese acetate is used as a polymerization inhibitor; manganese acetate is dissolved into a (meth)acrylic acid aqueous solution containing not more than 10% by mass of (meth)acrylic acid, and the like, to obtain a manganese acetate aqueous solution; and the manganese acetate aqueous solution is provided into the condensation column or the absorption column.
US08278479B2
An optically active, fluorine-containing carbonyl-ene product is produced by reacting a fluorine-containing α-ketoester with an alkene in the presence of a transition metal complex having an optically active ligand. There are Mode 1 of conducting this reaction in the absence of reaction solvent, Mode 2 of conducting this reaction in a solvent that is low in relative dielectric constant, and Mode 3 of conducting this reaction in a halogenated hydrocarbon-series solvent. In each of these three modes, it is possible to produce the optically active, fluorine-containing carbonyl-ene product with low cost.
US08278476B2
There is provided a process for producing an α-substituted ester by reaction of a fluorosulfuric acid ester of α-hydroxyester with a Grignard reagent in the presence of a zinc catalyst. It is newly found that the reaction for production of α-substituted esters, in which the raw reaction substrate is limited to expensive trifluoromethanesulfonic acid esters, can proceed favorably with the use of fluorosulfuric acid esters suitable for mass-production uses. By the use of the fluorosulfuric acid ester high in optical purity, it is possible to obtain the α-substituted ester with high optical purity upon inversion of the asymmetric carbon configuration. The process of the present invention can solve all of the prior art problems and can be applied for industrial uses.
US08278473B2
There is provided a compound having an excellent controlling effect on pests, represented by the formula (I): wherein, A and E independently represent a —R1 group, a -L1-R1 group, etc.; G represents a -L2-R1 group, a —S(O)2—R4 group, etc.; X represents a —S—R5 group or a —O—R6 group; Z represents an optionally substituted carbocyclic group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R1 represents an optionally substituted C1-C20 chain hydrocarbon group, etc.; R5 represents a substituted C1-C4 alkyl group, an optionally substituted C5-C10 alkyl group, etc.; R6 represents a substituted C1-C2 alkyl group, an optionally substituted C3-C10 alkyl group, etc.; L1 represents a an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a —S(O)— group, or a —S(O)2— group; and L2 represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom.
US08278468B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing furanose derivatives, to furanose intermediates used in said process and to the use of said derivatives in the manufacture of atorvastatin.
US08278466B2
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification and the claims; a N-oxide thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof; provided that the compound is other than or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The claimed compounds are useful for the treatment of a disease, the treatment of which is affected, mediated or facilitated by activating the GHS1A-r receptor. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions thereof and processes for the preparation thereof.
US08278465B2
The present invention provides a compound represented by general formula (1) below or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein: X is selected from heteroaryl etc., Y1 and Y2 are selected from —N═ etc., Y3 and Y4 are selected from —CH═ etc., A is selected from sulfamide etc., R1 is selected from hydrogen etc., and R2 is selected from C1-6 alkyl etc. The compound or salt has sufficiently high antitumor activity, and is useful in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders, particularly cancers. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound or salt as an active ingredient.
US08278459B2
The present invention provides novel diol compounds, novel cosmetic or dermatological sunscreen compositions containing these compounds and the use of the novel compounds as UV-filters. The compounds are particularly advantageous, because they adhere to the skin and therefore provide sunscreen protection for a prolonged period of time.
US08278449B2
This invention relates to ruthenium initiators for the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclic olefins that are inactive at room temperature but activatable at elevated temperature (referred to as (“thermally switchable”). In general, these are compounds of ruthenium metal to which are bonded four or five ligands, in which one ligand is a pyridine ring in which the nitrogen is chelated to the ruthenium, or a five or six membered ring incorporating nitrogen and the ruthenium in which the nitrogen is chelated to the ruthenium.
US08278443B2
The present invention relates to a resin composition for an optical film, comprising a polyarylate resin and an amino resin having a triazine structure, and to an optical film prepared by using the same. By using the resin composition for an optical film, a thickness direction retardation can be controlled, while having a negative value, during a step of fabricating the optical film, an in-plane retardation can be controlled, and the optical film can be used as a substrate of a display instead of a glass substrate without an additional retardation compensation film.
US08278427B2
An assigning molecule obtained by ligating a genotype molecule to a phenotype molecule by transpeptidation, wherein the genotype molecule is constructed by bonding (a) a spacer molecule comprising a donor region which can be bonded to a 3′-terminal end of nucleic acid, a PEG region bonded to the donor region and a peptide acceptor region which is bonded to the PEG region, to (b) a 3′ end of a nucleic acid comprising a 5′ untranslated region comprising a transcription promoter and a translation enhancer; an ORF region which comprises a polyA sequence and which is bonded to the 3′-terminal side of the 5′ untranslated region; and a 3′-terminal region that is bonded to the 3′-terminal side of the ORF region.
US08278422B2
Novel β10 polypeptides and heterodimers thereof, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same are disclosed. The invention also provides vectors, host cells, selective binding agents, and methods for producing β10 polypeptides and heterodimeric forms thereof, specifically α2/β10. Also provided for are methods for the treatment, diagnosis, amelioration, or prevention of diseases with β10 polypeptides and α2/β10 heterodimers or their respective binding agents.
US08278420B2
A composition for the prevention or treatment of type I diabetes in a subject, said composition comprising a fusion protein selected from the group consisting of GLP-1/IgG or variant or fragment thereof and an Ex4/IgG or variant or fragment thereof and an autoimmune suppressor for silencing an autoimmune response against islet beta cells.
US08278415B2
Polypeptides comprising EGFR extracellular domains I-III capable of forming dimeric EGF-binding proteins are provided. The dimeric construct of the invention is useful in applications where high affinity EGF binding is desired and can be used to select agents capable of binding to native EGFR in the presence of EGF.
US08278414B2
The present invention concerns a novel retinoic acid regulated gene whose expression product displays useful morphogenic/mitogenic properties. The present invention further concerns an isolated nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:1 encoding a retinoic acid regulated expression product having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.
US08278406B2
A bioactive and biocompatible polyurethane-butanediol-glycosaminoglycan copolymer for use in medical implant devices. The biocompatible urethane component being the reaction product of 4,4′-methylene-di-(p-phenyl isocyanate) and poly(tetramethylene oxide)n and further reacted with 1,4-butanediol, wherein n=10 to 40. The bioactive glycosaminoglycan being a salt of hyaluronic acid, such as a cetylpyridinium salt acid having 5 to 10,000 repeating units or a salt of heparin, such as a dimethyldioctadecylammonium salt of heparin has 5 to 65 repeating units or a suitable salt of dermatan sulfate. The weight content of the bioactive glycosaminoglycan is an amount sufficient to render the copolymer bioactive. The copolymers described herein have excellent hemocompatibility and biocompatibility.
US08278405B2
There is provided a vinylphenoxy polymer having at least one monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of Formula Ia, Formula Ib and Formula Ic: In the formulae: Y is —OR1SO3Z; R1 is an alkylene group having 1-10 carbon atoms; R2 is an alkyl group or alkoxy group; Z is H or a Group 1 metal; a is an integer from 0 to 4; b is an integer from 0 to 3; and c is an integer from 0 to 2.
US08278404B2
There are provided (I) a process for producing a copolymer of ethylene, an α-olefin having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms and optionally a polyene, which comprises the step of copolymerizing those monomers in a polymerization reactor by feeding the following components (A), (B), (C1) and (D) to the polymerization reactor: (A) a transition metal complex, (B) an organic aluminum compound, (C1) a halogen-containing compound, and (D) a Lewis base, wherein those components are fed to the polymerization reactor without a preliminary contact of (1) the component (A) with the component (B), (2) the component (A) with the component (C1), (3) the component (B) with the component (C1), and (4) the component (B) with the component (D); and (II) a process for producing said copolymer, which comprises the step of copolymerizing those monomers in a polymerization reactor (i) by feeding to the polymerization reactor the components (A), (B), (D), (C2) a halogen-containing compound, which is a derivative of an aryl group-containing carboxylic acid, and (C3) a halogen-containing compound, which is not a derivative of a carboxylic acid, or (ii) by feeding thereto the components (A), (B), (D), (C3), and (C4) a halogen-containing compound, which is a derivative of a carboxylic acid containing an unsaturated bond-carrying linear organic group.
US08278403B2
Propylene polymerization processes, polymers and films formed therefrom are described herein. The propylene polymerization processes generally include contacting propylene and an amount of ethylene with a first metallocene catalyst and a second metallocene catalyst within a polymerization reaction vessel to form a propylene based polymer, wherein the amount is an amount effective to form the propylene based polymer including from about 2 wt. % to about 6 wt. % ethylene, the second metallocene catalyst is capable of incorporating a greater amount of ethylene into the propylene based polymer than the first metallocene catalyst and wherein the first metallocene catalyst is capable of forming a propylene/ethylene random copolymer exhibiting a melting temperature that is greater than that of a propylene/ethylene random copolymer formed from the second metallocene catalyst.
US08278393B2
According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a low-density polyethylene having a melt index MFR2 of 2.5 to 10.0 g/10 min, a density of 910 to 935 kg/m3, and a dynamic viscosity η0.05 at a shear rate of 0.05 rad/s and a dynamic viscosity η300 at a shear rate of 300 rad/s which satisfy the following relationship: η300≦108 Pa*s+0.0253*η0.05. According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a low-density polyethylene having a melt index MFR2 of 2.5 to 10.0 g/10 min, a density of 910 to 935 kg/m3, and a phase shift δ0.5 at a frequency of 0.5 rad/s and a phase shift δ300 at a frequency of 300 rad/s, which satisfy the following relationship: tan δ300≧0.45+0.164*tan δ0.5.
US08278392B2
Disclosed are processes for producing polypropylene resin compositions including two or three sorts of propylene-based polymeric materials, the processes including a first step of melt-kneading at least a propylene-α-olefin block copolymer containing a polymer portion composed mainly of propylene and a propylene-α-olefin copolymer portion having a relatively high intrinsic viscosity and a second step of melt-kneading the product of the first step with a propylene-ethylene block copolymer containing a polymer portion composed mainly of propylene and a propylene-ethylene copolymer portion having a relatively low intrinsic viscosity or a polymer portion composed mainly of propylene having a relatively low intrinsic viscosity. In the composition produced by these processes, no or substantially no fish eyes develop.
US08278388B2
It is an object of the invention to provide a rubbery polymer-containing resin composition useful as a raw material for a molded article and a cured product having high transparency and excellent mechanical strength: namely, an object of the invention is to provide, for example, a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin composition capable of improving the toughness thereof while maintaining the mechanical strength and transparency of the cycloaliphatic epoxy resin without lowering the heat resistance, a production method thereof and a cured product thereof. A rubbery polymer-containing resin composition of the invention, for example, a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin composition of the invention is a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin and 1 to 60 parts by weight of polymer particles with a volume average particle diameter (Mv) of not smaller than 0.01 μm and not larger than 0.5 μm, characterized in that each of the polymer particles comprises at least two layers of an elastic core layer present in the inside thereof and a shell layer present in the outermost side thereof, the elastic core layer consisting of a rubbery polymer with a glass transition temperature of lower than 10° C., and the composition is colorless and transparent.
US08278382B2
The present invention provides a method of preparing a transparent polymer material, the method comprising steps i) and ii) in any order, the steps consisting in: i) mixing: mineral nanoparticles having a form factor strictly greater than 1.0; and a polymer matrix comprising a quantity of at least 80% by weight of a polycarbonate (PC) first thermoplastic polymer and of a second transparent thermoplastic polymer other than the first thermoplastic polymer, in order to obtain a mixture; and ii) heating the polymer matrix to the molten state, on its own or in the mixture; to obtain the transparent, polymer material, the mixture of step i) comprising a quantity of mineral nanoparticles having a form factor strictly greater than 1.0 that is strictly less than 5% by weight.
US08278376B2
A flame retardant poly(arylene ether) composition is described. In addition to the poly(arylene ether), the composition includes a polyolefin component, and a flame retardant composition that includes a metal dialkyl phosphinate. The polyolefin component can be a polyolefin polymer and/or the polyolefin block of a poly(alkenyl aromatic)-polyolefin block copolymer. The composition is particularly suitable as a replacement for poly(vinyl chloride) in insulation for wire and cable.
US08278375B2
Mixtures of three types of linear, branched or cyclic phosphates are useful flame retardants, especially for thermoplastic resins or as functional additives in polymer matrices.
US08278372B2
In a particular embodiment, a particulate material includes alumina hydrate. The particulate material has a 500 psi Compaction Volume Ratio of at least about 4.0 cc/cc.
US08278364B2
Method for optimizing the operation of a unit for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from a synthesis gas
The invention concerns a method for optimizing the operation of a reaction section for hydrocarbon synthesis starting from a feed comprising synthesis gas, operated in the presence of a catalyst comprising cobalt. This method comprises the following steps: a) determining the theoretical molar ratio, PH2O:PH2, in the reaction section; b) optionally, adjusting the ratio PH2O:PH2 determined in step a) to a value strictly below 1; c) determining the new value for the theoretical ratio PH2O:PH2 in the reaction section; and repeating steps a) to c) until the ratio of the partial pressures of water and hydrogen, PH2O:PH2, has a value strictly less than 1.1.
US08278347B2
A compound having a structure is disclosed herein. Compositions, medicaments, and therapeutic methods related thereto are also disclosed.
US08278335B2
The instant invention provides for compounds that inhibit the four known mammalian JAK kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2) and PDK1. The invention also provides for compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds and methods of inhibiting the activity of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2 and PDK1 by administering the compound to a patient in need of treatment for myeloproliferative disorders or cancer.
US08278327B2
Compounds that inhibit PDE10 are disclosed that have utility in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including (but not limited to) psychotic, anxiety, movement disorders and/or neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, encephalitis, phobias, epilepsy, aphasia, Bell's palsy, cerebral palsy, sleep disorders, pain, Tourette syndrome, schizophrenia, delusional disorders, drug-induced psychosis and panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The compounds have the general structure: wherein m, n, p, x, R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, A and B, are defined herein, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, solvates or prodrugs thereof. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods relating to the use thereof for inhibiting PDE10 in a warm-blooded animal in need of the same.
US08278325B2
The present invention relates to compounds suitable for use in mediating hypoxia inducible factor and for treating erythropoietin-associated conditions by increasing endogenous erythropoietin in vitro and in vivo.
US08278323B2
Certain quinolizidine and octahydropyridopyrazine compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of their use, inter alia, as opioid receptor antagonists are disclosed.
US08278317B2
The present invention relates to compounds having the structure (I) useful as potassium channel inhibitors to treat cardiac arrhythmias, and the like.
US08278310B2
Provided are amine salts of {4,6-bis(dimethylamino)-2-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzyl)pyrimidin-5-yl}-acetic acid, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a CRTH2-mediated disorder or disease.
US08278309B2
The present invention provides arylamide compounds and methods of making and using them as antibiotics.
US08278295B2
The invention provides PDE9-inhibiting compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, A, and n are as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of Formula I, and uses thereof in treating neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, are also provided.
US08278294B2
The invention relates to 6-substituted isoquinoline and isochinolone derivatives of the formula (I) useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases associated with Rho-kinase and/or Rho-kinase mediated phosphorylation of myosin light chain phosphatase, and compositions containing such compounds.
US08278288B2
Organosiloxanes containing ester derivatives of ascorbic acid are disclosed having the formula (RiSiO)11Ro-Ii)Si—X-A wherein R is an alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, n is 1 to 3 inclusive, X is a divalent organic linking group, A is an ester derivative of ascorbic acid. A method of making an organosiloxane containing ester derivatives of ascorbic acid and the products prepared according to the method arc also taught. The compounds and compositions of the present disclosure are useful to affect tissue lightening when applied topically to keratinaceous tissue.
US08278281B2
The present invention provides triazole macrocyclic compounds useful as therapeutic agents. More particularly, these compounds are useful as anti-infective, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and prokinetic agents. The compounds have the following structure: wherein T is the macrocyclic part.
US08278276B2
Subjects having autism are treated with a composition that includes gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists. The gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist (GABA) can be a GABA(B) agonist, such as baclofen.
US08278273B2
The invention relates to glucagon-related peptides and their use for the prevention or treatment of disorders involving the large intestine. In particular, it has now been demonstrated that GLP-2 and peptidic agonists of GLP-2 can cause proliferation of the tissue of large intestine. Thus, the invention provides methods of proliferating the large intestine in a subject in need thereof. Further, the methods of the invention are useful to treat or prevent inflammatory conditions of the large intestine, including inflammatory bowel diseases.
US08278270B2
An HGF precursor protein variant, in which a peptide structure comprises a sequence including a peptide chain X inserted between an α chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the C-terminus of the α chain are deleted, and a β chain of HGF or a polypeptide where 1 to 20 amino-acid residues from the N-terminus of the β chain are deleted; wherein (i) the peptide chain X has an amino-acid sequence of at least two residues, (ii) the peptide chain X can be cleaved by a protease reaction or a chemical reaction, and (iii) a protein obtained by cleaving at least one site of the peptide chain X has HGF action.
US08278268B2
Combination therapy comprising PPAR modulators and glucose reabsorption inhibitors useful for the treatment of diabetes and Syndrome X are disclosed.
US08278260B2
Eco-friendly, or “green”, cleaning wipes are disclosed. The wipes may include a substrate and a green concentrated aqueous cleaning composition impregnated therein. The wipes are dry to the touch before they are activated by water and applied to inanimate surfaces for cleaning. Because of the green concentrated cleaning composition and water-activation just before application, the disclosed wipes may clean larger surface areas and have longer shelf lives and lower weights for easy transportation, packaging and handling than conventional wet wipes that are pre-loaded with a diluted cleaning composition.
US08278258B2
An acid inhibitor concentrate is provided which contains water, at least one polyamino-aldehyde resin such as a quaternized polyethylenepolyamine-glyoxal resin, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of acetylenic alcohols, ethoxylated fatty amines, ethoxylated fatty amine salts, and aldehyde-releasing compounds (such as hexamethylenetetramine). Such concentrates form useful metal cleaning and pickling solutions when combined with aqueous acid, wherein such solutions, when contacted with a metal surface, are effective in removing scale, smut and other deposits from the metal surface but exhibit a reduced tendency for the aqueous acid to attack or etch the metal itself.
US08278257B2
A composition and related process for removing paint from a substrate in which the composition contains a solvent, an organic filler and a colorant.
US08278244B2
A method for marking an substrate, comprising coating the substrate with a white or colorless solution of a soluble alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of a weak acid and irradiating areas of the substrate to be marked such that those areas change color, wherein the substrate comprises a polysaccharide material.
US08278242B2
The hydrothermal stability of transition aluminas used as adsorbents and catalyst carriers is improved through their treatment with a soluble silicon inorganic compound such as sodium silicate wherein the silicon compound is mixed with the alumina powder at the production stage of forming particulates by liquid addition. The silicon containing particulates are activated by heating at a temperature lower than 500° C. and treated, before or after the thermal activation, by a colloidal silica solution to produce a hydrothermally stable, low dust alumina. The total silica content of the final product is typically less than 5 mass-%.
US08278239B2
Poly(propylene carbonates) are prepared from propylene oxide and CO2 with less than 10% cyclic propylene carbonate by product using cobalt based catalysts of structure preferably in combination with salt cocatalyst, very preferably cocatalyst where the cation is PPN+ and the anion is Cl− or OBzF5−. Novel products include poly(propylene carbonates) having a stereoregularity greater than 90% and/or a regioregularity of greater than 90%.
US08278231B2
In one aspect, the invention includes a heat stable, formed ceramic component that includes a multimodal grain distribution including (i) at least 50 wt % of coarse grains including stabilized zirconia, the coarse grains comprising a D50 grain size in the range of from 5 to 800 μm, based upon the total weight of the component; and (ii) at least 1 wt % of fine grains comprising a D50 average grain size not greater than one-fourth the D50 grain size of the coarse grain, dispersed within the coarse grains, based upon the total weight of the component; wherein after sintering, the component has porosity at ambient temperature in the range of from 5 to 45 vol. %, based on the formed volume of the component. In other embodiments, the invention includes a process for the manufacture of a hydrocarbon pyrolysis product from a hydrocarbon feed using a regenerative pyrolysis reactor system, comprising the steps of: (a) heating a pyrolysis reactor comprising a bi-modal stabilized zirconia ceramic component to a temperature of at least 1500° C. to create a heated reactive region, wherein after exposing the component to a temperature of at least 1500° C. for two hours the component has a bulk porosity measured at ambient temperature in the range of from 5 to 45 vol. %, based on the bulk volume of the component; (b) feeding a hydrocarbon feed to the heated pyrolysis reactor to pyrolyze the hydrocarbon feed and create a pyrolyzed hydrocarbon feed; and (c) quenching the pyrolyzed hydrocarbon feed to produce the hydrocarbon pyrolysis product.
US08278230B2
The present application relates to perfume systems and consumer products comprising new perfumes and/or such perfume systems, as well as processes for making and using such perfume systems and consumer products.
US08278223B2
A method for forming a hole pattern includes forming a hard mask layer for a hole pattern over an etch target layer, forming pillar patterns having a gap therebetween over the hard mask layer for a hole pattern, forming spacer patterns on sidewalls of the pillar patterns, removing the pillar patterns between the spacer patterns, and etching the hard mask layer for a hole pattern by using the spacer patterns as etch barriers.
US08278217B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip having a surface provided with connecting electrodes, a stacked structure made up of alternately stacked dielectric and wiring layers and provided on the surface of the semiconductor chip, a passive element provided in the stacked structure and electrically connected to the wiring layers; and external electrodes for external electrical connection provided on the stacked structure and electrically connected to the connecting electrodes via the wiring layers. The passive element has at least one layer selected from a group consisting of a capacitor dielectric layer, a resistor layer and a conductor layer that are formed by spraying an aerosol particulate material.
US08278192B2
A method is provided for fabricating a thin-film semiconductor substrate by forming a porous semiconductor layer conformally on a reusable semiconductor template and then forming a thin-film semiconductor substrate conformally on the porous semiconductor layer. An inner trench having a depth less than the thickness of the thin-film semiconductor substrate is formed on the thin-film semiconductor substrate. An outer trench providing access to the porous semiconductor layer is formed on the thin-film semiconductor substrate and is positioned between the inner trench and the edge of the thin-film semiconductor substrate. The thin-film semiconductor substrate is then released from the reusable semiconductor template.
US08278191B2
Disclosed herein are various embodiments related to metal-assisted chemical etching of substrates on the micron, sub-micron and nano scales. In one embodiment, among others, a method for metal-assisted chemical etching includes providing a substrate; depositing a non-spherical metal catalyst on a surface of the substrate; etching the substrate by exposing the non-spherical metal catalyst and the substrate to an etchant solution including a composition of a fluoride etchant and an oxidizing agent; and removing the etched substrate from the etchant solution.
US08278184B1
A method of forming a non-planar transistor is provided. A substrate is provided. The substrate has a plurality of isolation regions to be formed and a plurality of fin regions to be formed. A first etching process is performed to form a plurality of first trenches having a first depth in the substrate within the isolation regions. At least a doping region is formed in the substrate within the fin regions. A second etching process is performed to deepen the first depth to a second depth and a plurality of fin structures are formed in the substrate within the fin regions. Lastly, a gate is formed on the fin structures.
US08278175B2
Methods for fabricating FET device structures are disclosed. The methods include receiving a fin of a Si based material, and converting a region of the fin into an oxide element. The oxide element exerts pressure onto the fin where a Fin-FET device is fabricated. The exerted pressure induces compressive stress in the device channel of the Fin-FET device. The methods also include receiving a rectangular member of a Si based material and converting a region of the member into an oxide element. The methods further include patterning the member that N fins are formed in parallel, while being abutted by the oxide element, which exerts pressure onto the N fins. Fin-FET devices are fabricated in the compressed fins, which results in compressively stressed device channels. FET devices structures are also disclosed. An FET devices structure has a Fin-FET device with a fin of a Si based material. An oxide element is abutting the fin and exerts pressure onto the fin. The Fin-FET device channel is compressively stressed due to the pressure on the fin. A further FET device structure has Fin-FET devices in a row each having fins. An oxide element extending perpendicularly to the row of fins is abutting the fins and exerts pressure onto the fins. Device channels of the Fin-FET devices are compressively stressed due to the pressure on the fins.
US08278171B2
There are provided a semiconductor device and a fabrication method therefor including an ONO film (18) formed on a semiconductor substrate (10), a word line (24) formed on the ONO film (18), a bit line (20) formed in the semiconductor substrate (10), and a conductive layer (32) that is in contact with the bit line (20), runs in a length direction of the bit line (20), and includes a polysilicon layer or a metal layer. In accordance with the present invention, a semiconductor device and a fabrication method therefor are provided wherein degradation of the writing and erasing characteristics and degradation of the transistor characteristics such as a junction leakage are suppressed, and the bit line resistance is decreased.
US08278137B2
A method for manufacturing an organic semiconductor device having a plurality of pixels, said method comprising: providing a substrate comprising a patterned layer of well-defining banks (308); depositing a first conductive material (310, 312) in the wells and over the well-defining banks (308), the first conductive material forming first electrodes (310) in the wells and bus-bars (312) over the well-defining banks (308) with an electrical break therebetween; depositing an organic semiconductive layer (318) over the first electrodes (310) in the wells; and depositing a second conductive material (320) over both the organic semiconductive layer (318) and the bus-bars (312) forming a continuous second electrode (320) over the organic semiconductive layer (318) and the bus-bars (312).
US08278136B2
A gate electrode, a gate insulation film and an inorganic oxide film are formed in this order on a substrate, and a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed to partially cover the inorganic oxide film. Then, oxidation treatment is applied to reduce the carrier density at a region of the inorganic oxide film which is not covered by the electrodes and is used as a channel region of a semiconductor device.
US08278135B2
There is provided a film formation apparatus which is capable of forming an EL layer using an EL material with high purity. The EL material is purified by sublimation immediately before film formation in the film formation apparatus, to thereby remove oxygen, water, and another impurity, which are included in the EL material. Also, when film formation is performed using the EL material (high purity EL material) obtained by purifying with sublimation as an evaporation source, a high purity EL layer can be formed.
US08278121B2
Method and apparatus to fabricate polymer arrays on patterned wafers using electrochemical synthesis
A wafer having a plurality of dies (also called array chips) on the wafer, the die having an electrode to generate a deprotecting reagent, a working electrode to electrochemically synthesize a material, a confinement electrode adjacent to the working electrode to confine reactive reagents, and a die pad, wherein die pads of the plurality of dies are interconnected on the wafer to electrochemically synthesize the material in parallel on a plurality of working electrodes is disclosed. Also, a method for wafer-scale manufacturing of a plurality of dies and a method for electrochemically synthesizing a material in parallel on a plurality of dies on a wafer are disclosed.
US08278113B2
The present invention relates to devices and methods for performing assays, especially for determining the presence and/or amount of one or more analytes. In particular, the invention relates to a device for the detection of analytes, comprising a reversibly compressible matrix located between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is located opposite to the first surface, and wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is variable. The invention also relates to a corresponding method using such a device for the detection of one or more species of analytes.
US08278111B2
Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.
US08278101B2
A stem cell niche for expanding stem cells in culture is described. The stem cell niche includes a scaffold, a plurality of stromal mesenchymal stem cells, and a plurality of umbilical cord blood stem cells grown in a rotating culture chamber. One embodiment of the rotating culture chamber has a fluid-filled compartment in which the umbilical cord blood stem cells are grown in the presence of the mesenchymal stem cells seeded on the scaffold. The culture chamber has a dual flow valving member at each end, wherein a first flow path passes under a molecular cut-off membrane covering a central core that transverses the culture chamber and a second flow path flows through the culture chamber and allows cells to be harvested while in suspension.
US08278099B1
Isolated thrombopoietin (TPO), isolated DNA encoding TPO, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing and purifying TPO are disclosed. Various forms of TPO are shown to influence the replication, differentiation or maturation of blood cells, especially megakaryocytes and megakaryocyte progenitor cells. Accordingly, these compounds may be used for treatment of thrombocytopenia.
US08278097B2
The invention relates to a vessel for embryoid formation used for forming embryoid bodies from ES cells easily without complicated technique, and to a method for forming embryoid bodies easily and efficiently using the vessel. The method includes the steps of (A) providing a vessel for embryoid formation having a coating layer formed from a compound having a particular PC-like group on a vessel surface defining a region for floating culture of ES cells, and (B) floating culturing ES cells in the vessel to form embryoid bodies.
US08278096B2
New lines of stem cells from the growing antlers of deer (Cervidae) and the application of said cells in the reconstruction of connective tissue, preferentially bone, cartilage or adipose tissue, in humans and animals; as well as a method of culturing them and the application of tissues from growing deer antlers in the production of the MIC-1 stable stem cell line.
US08278094B2
Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
US08278091B2
Provided is an assay device and kit for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest.
US08278090B1
The invention discloses novel methods of producing hydrocarbons through heterotrophic cultivation of Botryococcus braunii. Also provided are novel hydrocarbon compositions. A preferred species for engineering is the microalgae species Botryococcus braunii. Additional methods of cultivation include providing certain nutrient sources.
US08278085B2
The invention provides human protein complexes with endonuclease activity, including tRNA splicing endonuclease activity and 3′ end pre-mRNA endonuclease activity, and pre-ribosomal RNA cleavage activity. The invention also provides a splice variant of human Sen2, and human protein complexes comprising the variant. The invention provides human protein complexes with pre-ribosomal RNA cleavage activity. The invention also provides antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a complex described herein or a component thereof, and uses of such antibodies. The present invention also provides methods of preparing and purifying the complexes and uses of the complexes inter alia, in screening, diagnosis, and therapy. The present invention further provides methods of identifying a compound that modulates the expression of a component of a complex described herein, the formation of a complex described herein or the activity of a complex described herein, and methods of preventing, treating, managing or ameliorating a disorder, such as a proliferative disorder, or a symptom thereof utilizing such a compound.
US08278084B2
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor compounds comprising bi-terminal aromatic ring moieties, and related methods of NOS inhibition.
US08278079B2
The present invention provides a novel β-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl6, and the corresponding BGL6 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL6, recombinant BGL6 proteins and methods for producing the same.
US08278077B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing (meth)acrylic esters of alcohols having C—C triple bonds, to processes for their preparation, and to their use.
US08278068B2
The present invention relates to the use of an ex vivo human skin sample as a biological model, particularly for the assessment of pharmacological and cosmetic effects.
US08278063B2
The invention relates to bacteria, bacterial extracts, supernatants obtained from the culturing of said bacteria, polypeptides and compositions for degrading benzimidazole carbamate fungicides, carbanilate fungicides, sulfonamide herbicides, thioamide herbicides and/or synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. In particular, the invention relates to the identification of Nocardioides sp. which degrades benzimidazole carbamate fungicides, carbanilate fungicides, sulfonamide herbicides, thioamide herbicides and/or synthetic pyrethroid insecticides.
US08278059B2
Exosomes can be used for detecting biomarkers for diagnostic, therapy-related or prognostic methods to identify phenotypes, such as a condition or disease, for example, the stage or progression of a disease. Cell-of-origin exosomes can be used in profiling of physiological states or determining phenotypes. Biomarkers or markers from cell-of-origin specific exosomes can be used to determine treatment regimens for diseases, conditions, disease stages, and stages of a condition, and can also be used to determine treatment efficacy. Markers from cell-of-origin specific exosomes can also be used to identify conditions of diseases of unknown origin.
US08278058B2
Disclosed herein are a composition and a kit for diagnosing renal cell carcinoma. The composition and kit employ, as a renal cell carcinoma marker, nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, L-plastin, secretagogin, NM23A, CapG, which is an actin regulatory protein, and/or C4a anaphylatoxin.
US08278053B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods of studying (e.g., detecting, localizing, and/or quantifying) biomarker(s) and the like.
US08278043B2
This document relates to methods and materials for determining whether or not a horse contains a Grey allele. For example, diagnostic methods such as nucleic acid-based detection methods and materials such as nucleic acid probes and primer pairs that can be used to determine whether or not a horse contains a duplication in intron 6 of STX17 nucleic acid are provided. This document also relates to methods and materials for treating a mammal having or being likely to develop cancer (e.g., benign, malignant, or metastatic cancer). For example, methods and materials for treating cancer in a mammal by administering an agent having the ability to reduce expression of an STX17 polypeptide and/or an NR4A polypeptide (e.g., an NR4A1, NR4A2, or NR4A3 polypeptide) in the mammal are provided.
US08278042B2
The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.
US08278039B2
The invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing single molecules, i.e. nucleic acids. Such single molecules may be derived from natural samples, such as cells, tissues, soil, air and water without separating or enriching individual components. In certain aspects of the invention, the methods and devices are useful in performing nucleic acid sequence analysis by probe hybridization.
US08278029B2
A stamper production method includes: a stamper forming step of producing, by electroplating processing using a matrix in which a pit string constituted of a concave pit is formed on an inorganic resist layer based on recording information, a stamper on which a convex pit corresponding to the concave pit is formed; and an etching step of carrying out etching processing on the stamper so that a reduction ratio of a pit height of a short pit becomes larger than that of a long pit regarding the convex pit of the stamper.
US08278026B2
A method for improving the efficiency of the electron-beam exposure is provided, comprising: step 1) coating a positive photoresist on a wafer to be processed, and performing a pre-baking; step 2) separating pattern data, optically exposing a group of relatively large patterns, and then performing a post-baking; step 3) developing the positive photoresist; step 4) performing a plasma fluorination; step 5) performing a baking to solidify the photoresist; step 6) coating a negative electron-beam resist and performing a pre-baking; step 7) electron-beam exposing a group of fine patterns; step 8) performing a post-baking; and step 9) developing the negative electron-beam resist, so that the fabrication of the patterns is finished. According to the invention, it is possible to save 30-60% of the exposure time. Thus, the exposure efficiency is significantly improved, and the cost is greatly reduced. Further, the method is totally compatible with the CMOS processes, without the need of any special equipments.
US08278014B2
A photomask includes a transparent substrate having a transparent property against exposing light, a semi-light-shielding portion formed on the transparent substrate, a first opening formed in the semi-light-shielding portion and having a first dimension and a second opening formed in the semi-light-shielding portion and having a second dimension lager than the first dimension. A phase-shifting portion which transmits the exposing light in an opposite phase with respect to the first opening is formed on the transparent substrate around the first opening. A light-shielding portion is formed on the transparent substrate around the second opening.
US08278011B2
The present invention relates to SiC nanostructures, including SiC nanopowder, SiC nanowires, and composites of SiC nanopowder and nanowires, which can be used as catalyst supports in membrane electrode assemblies and in fuel cells. The present invention also relates to composite catalyst supports comprising nanopowder and one or more inorganic nanowires for a membrane electrode assembly.
US08278001B2
A direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) having a liquid fuel and an anode electrode configured to generate power. The anode electrode includes a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and a microporous layer, such that a decrease in the porosity of the GDL achieves an increase in the power density of the DOFC.
US08277999B2
A fuel cell system has an apparatus sending gas to the fuel cell; a part calculating an amount of residual water in the fuel cell system based on an operating and an environmental condition; a part judging whether at least one state quantity value that includes a generating duration of the fuel cell, an amount of electric power generated, and an amount of temperature change of a coolant is equal to or less than a prescribed threshold value; a part calculating a sending apparatus operating time for decreasing the residual water amount to a prescribed value; and a control part operating the gas sending apparatus until the end of the operating time, wherein the operating time calculating part calculates a different operating time depending on whether one of the state quantity values is equal to or less than a prescribed threshold value.
US08277996B2
A fuel cell according to the present invention comprises a membrane electrode assembly, a bipolar plate for guiding a reaction gas to the membrane electrode assembly, two layers of coolant flow fields formed on the bipolar plane opposite to another plane on which a reaction gas flow field is formed, and an interlayer separation plate; wherein the interlayer separation plate separates the two layers of coolant flow fields and has permeability or jet orifices so as to allow a coolant to pass through.
US08277994B2
A fuel cell system comprising: an anode gas flow path supplied with an anode gas; a cathode gas flow path supplied with a cathode gas; a fuel cell generating electricity by the anode gas being supplied to the anode gas flow path and the cathode gas being supplied to the cathode gas flow path; an anode gas supplying unit supplying the anode gas to the anode gas flow path; a blowdown valve ejecting fluid from inside the anode gas flow path towards an exterior; and a control unit which controls the anode gas supplying unit and the blowdown valve, supplies the anode gas from the anode gas supplying unit to the anode gas flow path, and performs a periodic fluid substitution by opening the blowdown valve periodically, wherein the control unit comprises a low temperature condition determination unit.
US08277991B2
The invention is a hydrogen passivation shut down system for a fuel cell power plant (10, 200). During shut down of the plant (10, 200), hydrogen fuel is permitted to transfer between an anode flow path (24, 24′) and a cathode flow path (38, 38′). A passive hydrogen bleed line (202) permits passage of a smallest amount of hydrogen into the fuel cell (12′) necessary to maintain the fuel cell (12′) in a passive state. A diffusion media (204) may be secured in fluid communication with the bleed line (202) to maintain a constant, slow rate of diffusion of the hydrogen into the fuel cell (12′) despite varying pressure differentials between the shutdown fuel cell (12′) and ambient atmosphere adjacent the cell (12′).
US08277988B2
An anode reactant recycling system for a fuel cell is disclosed, the system including a hollow main body, a bleed conduit, an injector, a water separator, and a hydrophilic porous media. The anode reactant recycling system for a fuel cell is adapted to minimize a required number of components, eliminate the need for the anode heat exchanger, use a single valve for removal of condensate and reactant byproducts from the anode reactant recycling system, and provide an upstream volume for startup pressurization.
US08277984B2
A microbial fuel cell configuration of the invention includes a substrate particularly formulated for a microbial fuel cell configured to produce electricity and/or a modified microbial fuel cell configured to produce hydrogen. A substrate formulation according to one embodiment includes a solid biodegradable organic material in a package porous to bacteria. A microbial fuel cell provided according to embodiments of the present invention includes an anode, a cathode, an electrically conductive connector connecting the anode and the cathode, a housing for an aqueous medium, the aqueous medium in contact with the anode, and a solid form of a biodegradable organic substrate disposed in the aqueous medium, the solid form of a biodegradable organic substrate formulated to support electron generation and transfer to the anode by anodophilic bacteria over a selected minimum period of time.
US08277981B2
Provided is a secondary battery comprising a separator having an inorganic layer wherein active sites of inorganic particles in the inorganic layer are modified into non-reactive sites. Use of the separator leads to improvements in wettability of an electrolyte and thermoelectric stability and storage characteristics of the secondary battery. Provided is also a method of manufacturing the same secondary battery.
US08277979B2
An anode composite material includes an anode active material particle having a surface and a continuous aluminum phosphate layer. The continuous aluminum phosphate layer is coated on the surface of the anode active material particle. The present disclosure also relates to a lithium ion battery that includes the cathode composite material.
US08277972B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery includes a lithium salt and a carbonate organic solvent. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution further includes a fluoro group-containing sulphonate compound expressed by Chemical Formula 1. When the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is employed for a lithium secondary battery, low-temperature discharging characteristics and life cycle characteristics are greatly improved. Also, even though a battery is stored at a high temperature in a fully-charged state or a charging/discharging process is under progress, the decomposition reaction of a carbonate-based organic solvent is restrained, thereby solving the swelling problem and improving high-temperature life cycle characteristics.
US08277970B2
Disclosed herein is a secondary battery including an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure mounted in a pouch-shaped battery case in a sealed state, wherein a residue portion, which is not sealed (non-sealing residue portion), is defined between a sealing portion of the battery case and the electrode assembly for collecting generated gas, and the non-sealing residue portion is formed by mounting the electrode assembly between upper and lower laminate sheets, at least one of which has a receiving part of a size approximately corresponding to the electrode assembly, sealing three sides of the upper and lower laminate sheets, including two sides where electrode terminals are disposed, among four sides of the upper and lower laminate sheets, injecting an electrolyte in the battery case through the non-sealing portion, and sealing the non-sealing portion such that the resultant sealing portion is spaced a predetermined width from the receiving part.
US08277967B2
The present invention provides an energy device including a carbon nanotube electrode which prevents a carbon nanotube from peeling from an electric conductor. The energy device includes rolled electrode bodies, wherein at least one of the electrode bodies is formed such that a carbon nanotube layer is formed on the electric conductor, and concave regions are formed in a stripe shape on the carbon nanotube layer so as to extend in a direction parallel to a roll axis.
US08277953B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus with a structured hard chrome layer electrodeposited onto a work-piece, the structured hard chrome layer being cup-shaped and/or labyrinth-like and/or column-shaped. The structured hard chrome layer can be electrodeposited from an electrolyte onto the work-piece, said electrolyte containing (a) a Cr (VI) compound in an amount corresponding to 50 g/l to 600 g/l of chromic acid anhydride; (b) 0.5 g/l to 10 g/l of sulphuric acid; (c) 1 g/l to 20 g/l of aliphatic sulphonic acid, comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and (d) 10 g/l to 200 g/l of at least one compound forming a dense cathode film, said compound being selected from among ammonium molybdate, alkali molybdate and alkaline earth molybdate, ammonium vanadate, alkali vanadate and alkaline earth vanadate, ammonium zirconate, alkali zirconate and alkaline earth zirconate.
US08277950B2
The present invention relates to a retardation film having a zero wavelength dispersibility and a uniform retardation, and an optical laminated film having a positive wavelength dispersibility. Here, in the retardation film, a homo polypropylene resin has an isotactic index more than 85 percent and having, and a value subtracting an average in-plane retardation value of the retardation film from the in-plane retardation value at the retardation film is in a range of ±5 nm. In the optical laminated film, another retardation film having a negative wavelength dispersibility is laminated on the above retardation film having a zero wavelength dispersibility.
US08277944B2
A primer composition used for applying a radical-curable resin-based waterproof material onto a concrete floor slab of an existing or newly established road bridge, is a troublesome application. For example, it is a problem in that a large machine is required for application thereof. The primer composition is a resin composition containing a urethane (meth)acrylate resin, (B) a polymerizable unsaturated monomer containing a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate (B-1) and another polymerizable unsaturated monomer (B-2), (C) a curing accelerator, (D) a paraffin wax, and (E) a drying aid, in which the above components satisfy a specific molar ratio and specific mass ratios. The primer composition has a good crack-load-following capability, blistering resistance, adhesiveness, and bending resistance. Also provided is a waterproof floor slab structure using the primer composition and a method for waterproofing a floor slab.
US08277935B2
A cleaning implement comprises a modified open-cell foam with a density in the range from about 5 to about 1,000 kg/m3 and with an average pore diameter in the range from about 1 μm to about 1 mm, comprising an amount in the range from about 1 to about 2,500% by weight, based on the weight of the unmodified open-cell foam, of at least about one water-insoluble polymer (b), selected from polystyrene, styrene copolymers, polybutadiene, butadiene copolymers, polyvinylesters, polyvinylethers, copolymers from (meth)acrylic acid with at least one (meth)acrylate, and polyurethanes, with the proviso that styrene-acrylonitrile-C1-C10-alkyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, styrene-butadiene-n-butyl acrylate terpolymers, and styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers are excluded.
US08277933B1
Baseplates and methods of manufacture are provided. In this regard, a representative baseplate is operative to mount a missile aeroshell, the baseplate being formed of a long fiber thermoplastic composite and exhibiting a wall thickness of no greater than approximately 0.070″.
US08277926B2
A method for fabricating a coating for an implantable medical device is provided comprising applying a first polymer on at least a portion of the device to form a first layer of the coating and applying a second polymer on at least a portion of the first layer to form a second layer of the coating. The second polymer has a lower degree of hydration than the first polymer.
US08277918B1
A cut-to-fit universal vehicle floor mat has arrays of peripheral cells separated from each other and from a central area of the mat body by indented trim lines. The arrays of cells can include one or more of the following: an array adjacent a deadpedal notch, an array for accommodating a gas pedal, an array for a transmission tunnel indentation, an array for a transmission tunnel bulge and an array to fit a passenger's side wheel well. The cells are formed by intersections of the trim lines, and a cell may have convexly curved transition segment between a longitudinal trim line outboard of the cell and a transverse trim line.
US08277917B2
A roll of a sheet material is provided with elongated sheets within the roll that are either completely detached from each other, or substantially completely detached from each other, such that the user can dispense the elongated sheets with one hand. In the case of toilet paper, the elongated sheets have a pre-determined length deemed to be suitable for most users and serve to assist young children in dispensing a proper amount of tissue from the roll.
US08277914B2
A polymer composition includes (1) a crystalline norbornene-based polymer and (2) an amorphous alicyclic structure-containing polymer in a weight ratio of 90:10 to 50:50, the crystalline norbornene-based polymer (1) having a melting point of 110 to 145° C., an Mw measured by gel permeation chromatography of 50,000 to 200,000, and a ratio Mw/Mn of 1.5 to 10.0, and obtained by ring-opening polymerization of a polymerizable monomer mixture (1) containing 90 to 100 wt % of 2-norbornene and 0 to 10 wt % of a substituent-containing norbornene monomer, and hydrogenating the resulting polymer, and the amorphous alicyclic structure-containing polymer (2) having a Tg of 50° C. or more and not having a melting point, and obtained by polymerization of a polymerizable monomer mixture (2) containing a 2-norbornene compound and a dicyclopentadiene compound in an amount of 50 wt % or more and less than 90 wt % in total. A film obtained by molding the polymer composition has a steam permeability of 0.40 g/m2·day or less and a haze value of 20% or less when the film has a thickness of 100 μm. A medical container is obtained by molding the polymer composition.
US08277910B2
A fluid container for packing a product includes a check valve for each container member. A bonding structure of check-valves to a fluid container and a production apparatus of fluid container are disclosed in detail where the check valve is capable of reliably keeping the expansion of the fluid container without any fluid leakage after inflating the fluid container. As the check-valve is bonded to only one of thermoplastic container films, both films of the check-valve are fixed to one of the container films at a plurality of seal portions, thereby preventing the reverse flow by tightly closing the check valve. The plurality of seal portions in a flow pass of the fluid disrupt the fluid flow so as to add resistance to the fluid flow.
US08277907B2
The present invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having negative dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈), which is distinguished by the fact that it has a value for the ratio γ1/Δn2 in the range 6-45 with a clearing point of >60° C. and a Δ∈ of ≦−2.3. Media of this type are particularly suitable for electro-optical displays having active-matrix addressing based on the ECB, PA LCD, FFS or IPS effect.
US08277906B2
A method of processing a substrate using plasma includes loading a substrate into a chamber, processing the substrate with a first plasma mode and then processing the substrate with a second plasma mode, wherein at least one of the first plasma mode and the second plasma mode is a time-modulation mode in which a plasma induced in the chamber is periodically turned on and off to reduce plasma-induced damage in the substrate.
US08277888B2
An apparatus for deploying two fluids separately into a reaction chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a first distribution network that is formed on a plate having a distribution face and a dispensing face. The first distribution network is defined by a plurality of recessed channels on the distribution face. The plurality of recessed channels includes a plurality of thru-ports that extend from the plurality of recessed channels to the dispensing face. The apparatus further includes a second distribution network that has passages formed below the plurality of recessed channels and above the dispensing face. A first set of ports extends from the passages to the distribution face and a second set of ports extends from a top surface of the distribution face to the dispensing face.
US08277883B2
A method for preparing functionalized porous particles is disclosed, the method comprising contacting a plurality of porous silica particles with water, at least one of an ionic fluoride such as HF or NH4F or a basic activator, and a multifunctional organosilane. Also disclosed are functionalized porous silica particles produced from the methods disclosed herein.
US08277881B2
A coating composition useful for building materials products, especially roofing surfaces, is provided. The coating composition provides durable exterior protection to surfaces that it applied to, and it has reflective properties. The coating composition includes a mixture of a polymeric binder, a polymeric carrier and a pigment. The pigment is present in the coating composition in amount that is capable of providing a coating that has an initial energy efficiency rating greater than or equal to 0.65 for a low-sloped roof, or an initial energy efficiency greater than or equal to 0.25 for a steep-sloped roof.
US08277864B2
Methods for stabilizing liquid coffee concentrates are provided that form a coffee beverage that has a substantially consistent acidity profile. In one aspect, the methods blend a liquid coffee concentrate base with an edible alkali source in an amount effective to artificially increase a pH of the liquid coffee concentrate base. The liquid coffee concentrate base is aseptically processed and thermally treated at elevated temperatures for a time sufficient to artificially drive acid generating reactions in the liquid coffee concentrate to completion to form a stabilized liquid coffee concentrate.
US08277860B2
A method for stabilizing 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, which comprises reducing an oxygen dissolved in a solution containing 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, and food or drink containing 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid.
US08277855B2
The present invention provides a method of continuously producing edible lipid-based composition, including the steps: preparing alcohol and organic acid in a predetermined ratio and a reaction tank received with immobilized candida cylindracea; continuously providing a supercritical state solvent into the reaction tank and draining the supercritical state solvent out, and mixing and pressurizing the alcohol and the organic acid and sending the alcohol and the organic acid to the reaction tank for a esterfication of the alcohol and the organic acid by the candida cylindracea; getting an edible lipid-based composition and water in the reaction tank; and quickly separating the edible lipid-based composition from the water and the supercritical state solvent.
US08277847B2
Lipidated glycosaminoglycan particles, prepared by reacting a glycosaminoglycan with at least one lipid to cross-link the carboxylic acid groups in the glycosaminoglycan with a primary amine in the lipid, are used to encapsulate drugs for use in the treatment of pathological conditions in an animal.
US08277838B2
A blend of at least two polymers in combination with a drug provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for a transdermal drug delivery system in which the drug is delivered from the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and through dermis when the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is in contact with human skin. According to the invention, providing drug having differing crystal sizes as well as drug which is solublized in the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition controls the rate of drug delivery from the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition.
US08277837B2
The present invention is directed to a hemostatic textile, comprising: a material comprising a combination of glass fibers and one or more secondary fibers selected from the group consisting of silk fibers; ceramic fibers; raw or regenerated bamboo fibers; cotton fibers; rayon fibers; linen fibers; ramie fibers; jute fibers; sisal fibers; flax fibers; soybean fibers; corn fibers; hemp fibers; lyocel fibers; wool; lactide and/or glycolide polymers; lactide/glycolide copolymers; silicate fibers; polyamide fibers; feldspar fibers; zeolite fibers, zeolite-containing fibers, acetate fibers; and combinations thereof; the hemostatic textile capable of activating hemostatic systems in the body when applied to a wound. Additional cofactors such as thrombin and hemostatic agents such as RL platelets, RL blood cells; fibrin, fibrinogen, and combinations thereof may also be incorporated into the textile. The invention is also directed to methods of producing the textile, and methods of using the textile to stop bleeding.
US08277836B2
A carbohydrate mixture for dietetic foods and pharmaceuticals is provided. The carbohydrate mixture comprises two different, substantially soluble carbohydrate components A and B, which remain undigested in the gastrointestinal tract and enter the large intestine without being resorbed. Carbohydrate component A may comprise at least one monosaccharide or of at least one oligosaccharide (disaccharide to hexasaccharide) or a mixture of two or more of these saccharides. Carbohydrate component B may comprise a polysaccharide (from heptasaccharide onwards) or a mixture of two or more polysaccharides. Carbohydrate component A=5 to 95 wt-% and carbohydrate component B=5 to 95 wt-% of the sum of the carbohydrate components A+B (=100 wt-%), and at least 80 wt-% of the carbohydrates/saccharides of both carbohydrate components have a prebiotic effect. The carbohydrate mixtures have not only a nutritive effect but they also stimulate health-promoting microorganisms present in the natural flora of the large intestine.
US08277831B2
The present invention includes methods for the inhibition of post-operative adhesion formation between tissue surfaces in a body cavity having been subjected to a surgical procedure, which methods involve administering Pemirolast, or an analog thereof, directly to tissue surfaces in the body cavity in amounts and under conditions effective to inhibit formation of adhesions, and to delivery vehicles and compositions suitable for use for local, non-systemic administration of a drug to the body and directly to tissue within a body cavity having been subjected to a surgical procedure.
US08277828B2
A delivery system that includes a bone growth promoting material encapsulated within a water absorptive gelatinizable covering is used to promote bone growth in order to repair a bone defect and/or strengthen a weakened bone region. The delivery system may be shaped and sized in order to fit within a bleeding wound (e.g. one that is formed in the gingiva when a tooth is extracted). The covering may be formed of a gelatinizable gauze that forms a gel-like material when moistened with water. The delivery system is contained within a moisture resistant package prior to use. Alternatively, the delivery system comprises a bone growth promoting material and thickening agent contained within a syringe that, upon adding water, form a viscous gel or stiff putty. A polymerizable resin may be placed over the bone growth composition after placement on a bone to form a protective barrier layer.
US08277826B2
Methods for making antimicrobial resins and for forming coatings comprising antimicrobial resins on substrate surfaces are disclosed. The methods involve providing a mixture comprising about 15 weight % to about 80 weight % of a hydrophilic acrylic oligomer, about 10 weight % to about 80 weight % of a multifunctional acrylic monomer, about 5 weight % to about 40 weight % of an adhesion-promoting acrylic or vinyl monomer, and about 0.1 weight % to about 15 weight % of a metal salt; and exposing the mixture to a radiation source to cure at least a portion of the mixture, thereby forming an antimicrobial resin.
US08277814B2
The present invention relates to the fields of veterinary virology and immunology. In particular the invention relates to a novel avian Astrovirus; to antibodies or fragments thereof against the novel virus; to antigenic preparations, proteins, and DNA molecules of the novel avian Astrovirus; to vaccines of the novel virus or its antigenic preparations, protein, or DNA; to methods for the manufacture of such vaccines, and to diagnostic kits.
US08277805B2
The present invention discloses inhibitory antibodies against Factor VIII with modified glycosylation, either by enzymatic deglycosylation or by site directed mutagenesis. Said antibodies with modified glycosylation have equal affinity for FVIII but show different inhibiting properties. The use of one or a mixture of said antibodies allow modulation of the inhibition of factor VIII to levels between 40 and 95%. The present invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising inhibitory antibodies against Factor VIII with modified glycosylation, combinations of these antibodies and methods for treating haemostasis disorders using said antibodies and antibody mixtures.
US08277796B2
Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of neural tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed.
US08277790B2
The invention provides a method for inhibiting color fading in color-treated keratinous fibers, which method includes treating the keratinous fibers with a color-fade inhibiting-effective effective amount of a monoalkyl quaternary ammonium salt. The invention also provides a method for enhancing the intensity of color in color-treated keratinous fibers, which method includes treating the keratinous fibers with a color intensity enhancing effective amount of an alkyl a quaternary ammonium salt. Additionally provided are products for inhibiting the fading of color and increasing the intensity of color in color-treated keratinous fibers.
US08277788B2
Disclosed is a quick dispersing hair conditioning composition comprising (a) an isostearamidopropyl ethyldimethylammonium salt or a dicocodimethylammonium salt; (b) one or more fatty alcohols; (c) dimethicone; and (d) water. The hair conditioning composition of the invention has one or more advantageous properties. For example, an embodiment of the invention has a dispersion rate such that when 1.5 mL of the composition is dispersed into 400 mL of water at about 35° C. to about 40° C., the dispersion has a transmittance at 420 nm that is less than about 70% of the water at the same temperature in less than about 120 seconds.
US08277782B2
The present invention relates to topical oral care compositions comprising in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier a safe and effective amount of a host-response modulating agent including one or more of an anti-oxidant and modifier of cell redox status, anti-inflammatory agent, metalloproteinase inhibitor, vitamins and nutrients key to maintenance of a host response balance and inhibitor of activation of NF-kB in combination with one or a mixture of additional oral therapeutic actives selected from antimicrobial/antiplaque agents, biofilm inhibiting agents, antibiotics; analgesics and local anesthetic agents; dentinal desensitizing agents and odor masking agents. The present compositions are effective in treating and preventing bacteria-mediated diseases present in the oral cavity and in mediating host reaction to the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity as well as the toxins and endotoxins, inflammatory cytokines and mediators released or prompted by these oral pathogens. By controlling bacteria-mediated diseases and conditions present in the oral cavity and modulating host reaction, spread into the bloodstream and other parts of the body of pathogenic bacteria and associated harmful substances is prevented or minimized.
US08277766B2
This invention relates to a process that utilizes high-temperature oxidation with controlled stoichiometry in the concentration of vanadium from carbonaceous feedstock materials containing vanadium, such as residues, ashes and soots resulting from the combustion or gasification of petroleum vacuum residuum, petroleum coke, kerogen from oil shale, and bituminous sand, e.g., tar sand or oil sand, or extra heavy oil or other carbonaceous feedstocks that contain vanadium. A preferred embodiment uses a counter-rotating vortex reactor and a cyclonic, entrained-flow reactor to rapidly heat and oxidize feedstock at temperatures in the range of about 2100° F. to 2900° F., resulting in a vapor stream with entrained, solid materials comprising the concentrated vanadium species. The entrained, vanadium-rich product solids may be removed from the high-temperature vapor stream by a high-temperature filter assembly, with or without the aid of a high-temperature cyclone separator which removes a portion of the vanadium-rich solids upstream of the filter. The filtered vapor stream may be stored or then ducted to suitable unit operations for possible oxidation and heat recovery, followed by entailed pollution control prior to its final discharge to the atmosphere.
US08277762B2
The present invention teaches apparatus (511) and methods for screening the effect of test formulations on the barrier properties of a membrane (212), that are especially beneficial when skin is used as the test membrane (212). The apparatus (511) and methods enable more efficient measurements of skin permeabilization, of the permeation of molecular or particulate entities through skin, and of the absorption and adsorption by skin of ingredients in fluid formulations, together with screening of exfoliation of material from the exterior of the stratum corneum. The apparatus (511) provide for fluid contact to the skin from both donor and receptor sides, for measurements of skin electrical response in the presence of test formulations, of permeation and permeation enhancement, for the depth profiling of test formulation constituents through the skin, of stratum corneum component disruption, and of loss of material from the stratum corneum.
US08277759B2
A microfluidic flow cell having a body with a fluid transport channel disposed therein, the fluid transport channel having a proximal end and a distal end defining a fluid flow path, a fluid inlet port disposed at the proximal end of the fluid transport channel at a central portion of the body and an outlet port disposed at the distal end of the fluid transport channel at an outer portion of the body, and a plurality sample wells disposed in the fluid transport channel substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow path in the fluid transport channel. The microfluidic flow cell may have hundreds or thousands of individual, sub-microliter sample wells. The microfluidic flow cell can be filled by applying a flowable liquid to the inlet port and spinning the flow cell to cause fluid to flow into fluid transport channel. The microfluidic flow cells described herein can be used in a variety of applications where small sample size and/or a large number of replicates are desirable.
US08277749B2
The present invention relates to a time temperature indicator comprising at least one indicator compound in a first isomeric form, which is converted into a second isomeric form of said indicator compound in a valence isomerization reaction without migration of an atom or chemical group attached to said indicator compound in a time and temperature dependent manner, wherein the formation of the second isomeric form is detectable by monitoring a physical characteristic of the indicator. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a time-temperature indicator comprising the steps of (a) embedding in or atop a matrix said indicator compound; and (b) inducing the formation of a metastable state of said embedded indicator compound.
US08277739B2
The present invention concerns a process for producing carbon nanotubes or other carbon nanostructures, e.g. cones. The process comprising evaporating/decomposing a carbon containing material in a voluminous thermal plasma generated by rotating an electric arc using an externally applied magnetic field, and condensing said evaporated/decomposed carbon containing material on surfaces or on particles in a gas flow. A reactor for performing the process is also described.
US08277736B2
The present invention relates to a fluidized bed reactor system made up of at least two fluidized bed reactors, comprising at least one main reactor (1) in the form of a circulating fluidized bed and a secondary reactor (2) in the form of a circulating fluidized bed, and also a particle line comprising a particle separator for transporting fluidized bed particles from the main reactor into the secondary reactor, characterized in that, in the lower region of the respective reactor, a line (10) connects the secondary reactor (2) to the main reactor (1) for transporting fluidized bed particles.
US08277733B2
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.
US08277731B2
To shorten the time required for an oscillation frequency to stabilize in a sensing device sensing a substance to be sensed by using the fact that a natural frequency of a piezoelectric resonator changes when the substance to be sensed is adsorbed by an adsorption layer formed on the piezoelectric resonator. A sensing device includes: an oscillator circuit 4 oscillating a quartz-crystal resonator 12; and an intense excitation circuit that is formed by the oscillator circuit 4 including a series circuit of a resistor 52 and a third transistor 53 of PNP type and that intensely excites the quartz-crystal resonator 12 connected to the oscillator circuit 4 for a period of time preset by a one-shot circuit 22 by supplying the quartz-crystal resonator 12 with high power equal to or more than twice regular power supplied at the time of the measurement of the substance to be sensed, to stabilize the oscillation of the quartz-crystal resonator 12. When the connection of the quartz-crystal resonator 12 is detected, the one-shot circuit 22 brings the oscillator circuit 4 into an aging state and the high power is supplied to the quartz-crystal resonator 12 to intensely excite the quartz-crystal resonator 12, thereby eliminating the distortion and stress of a quartz-crystal plate 20.
US08277728B2
A pre-assembled orthopaedic implant adapted for improved gas sterilization. The implant includes a first component adapted for assembly with a second component such that a mating surface of the first component is in close proximity with a mating surface of the second component. At least one gas conduit associated with the mating surface of the first component facilitates a sterilizing gas to penetrate into and dissipate from the interface defined by the mating surfaces.
US08277719B2
A process for the preparation of thermoplastic auxetic foams comprising the steps of: a) taking conventional thermoplastic foam; b) subjecting said foam to at least one process cycle wherein the foam is biaxially compressed and heated; c) optionally subjecting the foam to at least one process cycle wherein the biaxial compression is removed and the foam mechanically agitated prior to reapplying biaxial compression and heating; d) cooling said foam to a temperature below the softening temperature of said foam; and e) removing said compression and heat.
US08277700B2
The present invention discloses a process for preparing a photochromic polymeric composition, characterized in that the photochromic polymeric composition is prepared by comprising (meth)acrylamide compound in the reaction mixture useful for the preparation of the photochromic polymeric composition. The present invention also relates to the thus obtained polymeric composition, photochromic articles made from said polymeric composition, and use of said polymeric composition for preparing photochromic articles. The photochromic polymeric composition according to the present invention makes the absorption peak of the photochromic dye therein become longer, thus exhibiting a desired grey with a bit bluish green or grey with a bit blue.
US08277699B2
The present invention relates to photochromic materials that include certain indeno-fused naphthopyrans. The indeno-fused naphthopyrans have an amino group (e.g., a piperidino or morpholino group) bonded to the 6-position and an optional halo group (e.g., fluoro) bonded to the 11-position thereof. The photochromic materials of the present invention may have a closed-form electromagnetic radiation absorption spectrum that is shifted to longer wavelengths (e.g., wavelengths of greater than 390 nm), relative to comparable photochromic materials. The present invention also relates to optical elements, such as eyeglasses, that include the photochromic materials of the present invention.
US08277698B2
The present invention relates to an infrared curable ink composition for a color filter. The ink composition according to the present invention includes a melamine compound and an epoxy compound, and thus can be cured for a short time, thereby being used in the infrared curing process, and reducing the production process and time required for the color filter production. In addition, the color filter produced by the ink composition according to the present invention has excellent chemical resistance and heat resistance, thereby being applied to various electronic devices such as liquid crystal display device.
US08277697B2
A color filter having a filter layer comprising a fluorinated phthalocyanine pigment and at least one second pigment. In one embodiment, the second pigment has a maximum absorption at a wavelength from 400 to 500 nm to create a green color filter.
US08277690B2
The present invention provides a conducting copolymer ferromagnetic composite. Particularly, the present invention relates to a conducting copolymer of aniline and ethylene-dioxy thiophene containing ferrite particles. The present invention also provides insitu polymerization of aniline and ethylene-dioxy thiophene in the presence of ferrite particles and suitable surfactant medium. This conducting copolymer ferromagnetic composite can be used for the dissipation of electrostatic charge, for the shielding of electromagnetic interference and as absorbing of electromagnetic waves in the microwave region.
US08277684B2
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium of negative dielectric anisotropy based on a mixture of polar compounds, which comprises at least one compound selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IA, IB and IC in which R1A, R2A, R1B, R2B, R1C, R2C, L, m, n, o, p and b have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display, in particular based on the ECB, PALC, FFS or IPS effect.
US08277680B2
A (Li, Na, K)(Nb, Ta)O3-based piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition having large electric field-induced distortion at the time of application of a high electric field is provided. A perovskite oxide is synthesized which contains Li (lithium), Na (sodium) and K (potassium) as A-site elements and contains at least Nb (niobium) and Sb (antimony) out of Nb, Ta (tantalum) and Sb as B-site elements, the ratio of the total number of atoms of the A-site elements to the total number of atoms of the B-site elements being larger than 1, and then a Bi (bismuth) compound is added and reacted. The amount of addition of the Bi compound with respect to 100 molar parts of the perovskite oxide is preferably not less than 0.02 molar part nor more than 0.1 molar part in terms of Bi atoms.
US08277659B2
Microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) utilizing a sample injector based on a mechanical valve rather than electrokinetic injection can provide improved sample injections, enhanced capabilities, and can eliminate the need for changing the electric field in the separation channel to induce sample injection. In one instance CE electrodes continuously apply an electric field for CE separation along a separation channel. A sample channel is connected to the separation channel at an intersection and has a sample pressure that is greater than that which is present in the separation channel near the intersection. The sample channel does not have electrodes that apply voltages for electrokinetic injection. A sample injector in the sample channel or at the intersection comprises a mechanical valve to control sample injection from the sample channel to the separation channel.
US08277658B2
A system and method for treating wastewater by continuously flowing wastewater into a chemostat and continuously discharging clean water out of the chemostat. The system can include sensors and an electronic controller for on-line measuring ambient parameters in the chemostat and adjusting the chemostat's operating conditions accordingly.
US08277652B2
A system for consolidating and removing contaminate such as paint sludge or oils from a fluid mixture. A contaminate tank receives a supply of the fluid mixture containing contaminate from a source such as a manufacturing line where overspray of paints or cleaning solutions containing washed away oils are collected. A free floating weir floats on the surface of the contaminate tank and mechanically separates and removes contaminate from a surface of the contaminate tank and concentrates the contaminate in a consolidation tank. In the consolidation tanks the contaminate is further separated and collected for disposal.
US08277650B2
Apparatus and methods related to centrifugal liquid chromatography are described. An angular velocity can be simultaneously imparted to a large number of chromatographic enclosures. Via centrifugal forces, a mobile phase fluid including a sample can be driven through a stationary phase within the chromatographic enclosure to perform a chromatographic separation process on components of the sample. The use of centrifugation as a driving force can allow significantly smaller stationary phase particles to be employed as compared to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Further, for an equivalent chromatographic separation process, the use of centrifugation can provide much greater separation efficiencies than HPLC.
US08277649B2
The invention relates to a device for separating unwanted compounds from an antibody containing biological sample. The device comprises a porous support and a polymeric resin disposed within the pores of the porous support. The device may further comprise a viral clearance membrane upstream or downstream from the polymeric resin. Methods of use are also provided.
US08277648B2
In at least one embodiment, a remediation system for oxic water having transition metal ions includes a first chamber defining a first cavity having a first inlet and a first outlet. The first cavity includes oxic water having dissolved ions of reduced species of chalcogenides. The system also includes a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The oxic water has a pH ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 when present in the first chamber.
US08277645B2
A screen system having first and second side members, each having a locking gear reversibly movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. A screen is coupled to the side members. The screen has openings and is rotatable from a closed position to an open position. The screen is engagable with the locking gears to preventing the screen from rotating from the closed position to the open position. A trigger plate is movably coupled to the screen, rotates from a first position to a second position and is engagable with the locking gears to prevent the locking gears from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position. The trigger plate disengages with the locking gears when water flows against it, allowing the locking gears to move from the locked position to the unlocked position and the screen to rotate from the closed position to the open position.
US08277644B2
Provided is a filtering device including a filter part having a plurality of filters stacked to filter contaminants in fluid, and a sample part disposed on an outer plane of the filter part and having a plurality of samples corresponding to the filters, respectively. Therefore, a filter exchange period can be accurately determined by measuring properties of the filter varied during filtering of contaminants, and indiscriminate exchange of the filters can be prevented to reduce maintenance cost.
US08277641B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a stack for a separation vessel adapted to receive a fluid having one or more phases. The stack may include one or more walls surrounding a void, a packed bed positioned within the void, and a distributor positioned above the packed bed. Generally, the stack has a height greater than its width. Usually, the separation vessel further includes a base having a length greater than its height, and the height of the stack is orientated substantially perpendicular to the length of the base.
US08277638B2
A process is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a catalyst comprising iron oxide and alumina to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked to produce lighter hydrocarbons. The iron oxide in the catalyst converts to catalytically active iron sulfide in the presence of hydrogen and sulfur.
US08277633B2
The present invention is to provide a process for producing a scorodite that can shorten the time required for synthesizing the scorodite, and further can improve the yield of arsenic and iron into the scorodite. Accordingly, a process for producing a crystalline scorodite from an acidic aqueous solution containing pentavalent As and trivalent Fe, wherein the synthesis of the crystalline scorodite is performed after the molar ratio of trivalent Fe to pentavalent As contained in the acidic aqueous solution is adjusted to be equal to or more than 0.9 and equal to or less than 1.1 is provided.
US08277631B2
Devices and methods are described for converting a carbon source and a hydrogen source into hydrocarbons, such as alcohols, for alternative energy sources. The influents may comprise carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas or water, obtainable from the atmosphere for through methods described herein, such as plasma generation or electrolysis. One method to produce hydrocarbons comprises the use of an electrolytic device, comprising an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. Another method comprises the use of ultrasonic energy to drive the reaction. The devices and methods and related devices and methods are useful, for example, to provide a fossil fuel alternative energy source, store renewable energy, sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, counteract global warming, and store carbon dioxide in a liquid fuel.
US08277628B2
Disclosed are a method and apparatus that use an electric field for improved biological assays. The electric field is applied across a device having wells, which receive reactants, which carry a charge. The device thus uses a controllable voltage source between the first and second electrodes, which is controllable to provide a positive charge and a negative charge to a given electrode. By controlled use of the electric field charged species in a fluid in a fluid channel are directed into or out of the well by an electric field between the electrodes. The present method involves the transport of fluids, as in a microfluidic device, and the electric field-induced movement of reactive species according to various assay procedures, such as DNA sequencing, synthesis or the like.
US08277625B2
This invention provides a gas sensing device and gas sensor including a porous portion in which a first porous portion absorbs phosphorus and silicone sufficiently so as to suppress generation of clogging in a second porous portion meeting demands for intensifying the performance and accuracy of a gas sensor, so that the accuracy of detection of air-fuel ratio is further improved.
US08277619B2
An electroplating apparatus for depositing a conductive material on a semiconductor wafer includes a vessel for holding an electroplating bath, a support for holding a semiconductor wafer within the vessel and beneath a surface of the bath; first and second electrodes within the vessel, between which an electrical current may flow causing conductive material to be electrolytically deposited onto the wafer, a third electrode disposed outside of the bath for applying a static electric charge to the wafer, and an electrical power supply coupled with the third electrode.
US08277612B2
Cascading phosphors are described herein that produce emissions when they are excited by incident radiation. The cascading phosphors can be applied to articles, and can be useful in authenticating the article. The cascading phosphors include a host and at least three active ions.
US08277608B2
A method of treating pulp in connection with the bleaching of chemical pulp, said method including treating of the pulp in at least an ozone, chlorine dioxide or alkali phase and thereafter washing of the pulp in a washing device having an E10 value of at least 3, whereby washing liquid is introduced into the washing device countercurrently in relation to the pulp and filtrate is discharged from the washing device. At first the pulp is washed in the washing device so that the washing liquid is filtrate obtained from the washing device itself and the amount of thus circulated washing liquid is 1.5 - 3.5 t/adt pulp, whereafter the pulp is washed with liquid introduced from outside the washing device, the amount of said liquid being such that the dilution factor in the latter wash is less than 1 t/adt and that the total amount of washing liquid used in the washing device is such that the dilution factor is more than 0 t/adt.
US08277607B2
Methods of treating wood and wood products include irradiating untreated wood having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation to cause an increase in the molecular weight of a cellulosic component of the wood to a second, relatively higher molecular weight.
US08277606B2
A process for producing high bulk cellulosic fiber exhibiting a durable elevated curl index includes: (a) concurrently heat treating and convolving cellulosic fiber pulp at elevated temperature and pressure at high consistency under conditions selected so as to preclude substantial fibrillation and attendant paper strength and fiber bonding development; and (b) recovering the pulp wherein the length weighted curl index of the treated fiber is at least about 20% higher than the length weighted curl index of the fiber prior to the heat treatment and convolving thereof. The curl imparted to the fiber persists upon treatment for 30 minutes in a laboratory disintegrator at 3000 rpm at 1% consistency at a temperature of 125° F. Moreover, the curl may be imparted to the fiber in a disk refiner at very short residence times, on the order of several seconds or less. In general, the process is carried out in the presence of saturated steam at a pressure of from about 5 to about 150 psig.
US08277605B2
A thermosetting solution composition composed of a biphenyltetracarboxylic acid compound containing a partial lower aliphatic alkyl ester of 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid and/or a partial lower aliphatic alkyl ester of 2,2′,3,3′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, an aromatic diamine compound in a molar amount larger than a molar amount of the biphenyltetracarboxylic acid compound, a partial lower aliphatic alkyl ester of 4-(2-phenylethynyl)phthalic acid compound in a molar amount as much as 1.8-2.2 times a molar amount corresponding to a difference between the molar amount of the aromatic diamine compound and the molar amount of the biphenyltetracarboxylic acid compound, and an organic solvent composed of a lower aliphatic alcohol is of value for manufacture of a prepreg.
US08277603B2
A move mechanism for horizontally moving a target object in an accelerating manner, includes a moving unit configured to be horizontally moved in an accelerating manner, a plate part arranged on the moving unit and supported by the moving unit at a substantially center-of-gravity height position, and a mirror part configured to reflect a laser beam for measuring a position, the mirror part being connected to the plate part such that a center-of-gravity height position of the mirror part is arranged at the substantially center-of-gravity height position of the plate part.
US08277600B2
A high-temperature bonding composition comprising a silicon base polymer as a thermosetting binder is provided. The silicon base polymer is obtained from dehydrolytic condensation of a condensate precursor comprising a silane compound having at least one pair of silicon atoms tied by a crosslink composed of an aliphatic hydrocarbon, heterocyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon group, and having at least three hydroxyl and/or hydrolyzable groups. Those silicon atoms having a direct bond to the crosslink composed of the aliphatic hydrocarbon, heterocyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon group are present in a proportion of at least 90 mol % relative to all silicon atoms in the polymer.
US08277591B2
A slat or vane for use in a covering for an architectural opening is suitable for use in either a horizontal or vertical orientation and in a horizontal orientation will not sag or droop, and in a vertical orientation will rotate uniformly along its length when rotated from end thereof. The slat is formed in a tubular configuration and has a base material of glass fibers bonded together in a thermoformable resin so as to maintain the arcuate curvature desired for the tubular slat or vane. The slat can be repeatedly deformed and will always return to its original configuration.
US08277585B1
Improved electric primer compositions, structures, and methods that are compatible with existing munitions and in particular an exemplary electric primer composition including carbon nanotubes along with energetic primer mixture(s) and an exemplary primer structure including layers of energetic materials wherein a layer exhibiting the most energetic character is positioned proximate to a primer button. Alternative embodiments include both conductive and non-conductive layers.
US08277583B2
Perchlorate-free flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce red smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.
US08277572B2
To ensure that liquid and/or vapors do not escape from a tank space during cleaning by means of cleaning equipment, a housing (2) is provided with magnetic coupling equipment according to the invention, comprising two cooperating pole elements (8,9) which extend hermetically isolated from each other with pole parts extending in the turbine housing (3) on the tank space side and the gear housing (1) itself outside the tank space, respectively. This provides a considerable degree of security against liquid and gas leakage, while making it possible to achieve a compact structure with easy access for service and maintenance.
US08277568B2
A method of washing ware in an automatic ware washing machine, is disclosed, using a rinse aid composition containing a polysaccharide. The polysaccharide adsorbs on the ware resulting in a sheeting action of the rinse solution leading to improved drying of the ware.
US08277565B2
Method and apparatus for removing residues of hazardous materials from vapor in a tank (1), wherein such a vapor is heated, passed outside the tank and subsequently cooled and the remaining dry vapor is recirculated, characterized in that a) said vapor is heated to a temperature of at least 5° C. above the melting point and below the self ignition point of the hazardous material, b) the vapor mixture thus formed is passed by means of a pump (3) from the tank through a discharge unit to a recovery unit, c) is cooled to a temperature of at least 5° C. lower and above the melting point of the hazardous material in a recovery unit, d) the liquid components of the vapor are recovered and the dry gas mixture is recirculated to the tank after reheating to the desired temperature, e) said recirculation being repeated as required.
US08277562B2
This invention relates to a continuous vacuum pan (also sometimes referred to as an evaporative crystallizer) for use in the sugar processing industry, and to a heat exchanger used inside the continuous vacuum pan. The invention also relaters to the heat exchanger as used in other applications in the sugar processing industry. The heat exchanger includes a massecuite flow path for conveying massecuite therethrough, and a heat transfer medium flow path for receiving a heat transfer medium to enable heat transfer to the massecuite flow path. The heat exchanger is characterized therein that a periphery thereof is surrounded by an insulated zone in order to prevent heat transfer from the heat transfer medium flow path to the environment.
US08277561B2
There is provided a chemical vapor deposition apparatus improved in structure such that a reaction gas introduced into a reactor where deposition is performed flows at a substantially uniform rate to ensure a thin film is grown substantially uniformly on the deposition object. The chemical vapor deposition apparatus includes: a chamber; a reactor provided in the chamber to have a deposition object deposited therein; and a reservoir storing a reaction gas fed from the outside to introduce the reaction gas to the reactor, the reservoir having a cross-sectional area changing according to a flow path of the introduced reaction gas.
US08277558B2
Disclosed are a czochralski apparatus for growing crystals and a purification method of waste salts using the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a czochralski apparatus for growing crystals comprising screw thread for fixing salt crystals mounted on a pulling bar of the apparatus in order to prevent desorption of crystals caused by load thereof during a crystal growing process without requiring alternative seed crystals and, in addition, a method for purification of waste salts, which can isolate impurities from molten waste salts using a czochralski crystal growing process without alternative adsorption medium, does not generate secondary wastes and may continuously purify the waste salts.
US08277555B2
A coating composition which is excellent in crack resistance, alkali resistance and solvent resistance while having a high hardness and which is excellent in recoatability, anti-graffiti property, and removability of graffiti is provided. The coating composition according to the present invention comprises as the essential components, (a) a liquid organosiloxane compound which is a mixture of (a-1) a liquid organosiloxane compound having an alkoxy group content of 20 to 60% by mass and (a-2) a liquid organosiloxane compound having an alkoxy group content of 5% by mass or more and less than 20% by mass, in which an (a-1)/(a-2) mass ratio is 10/90 to 60/40, (b) an organometallic catalyst, (c) at least one compound selected from among alkoxy group-containing organosilane compounds having a primary or secondary amino group, amino-modified silicone oils, and amino group-containing organosiloxane compounds, and (d) at least one compound selected from among compounds having two or more glycidyl groups in one molecule, glycidyl group-containing silane compounds and glycidyl group-containing silicone oligomers.
US08277553B2
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a plastic material from a protein source, the method characterized by the following steps; i) treating a protein source such as blood meal with at least one denaturing agent, such as a combination of urea, sodium sulfite and sodium dodecyl sulfate, to break interactions between proteins or portions thereof, and ii) treating the denatured protein source with sufficient pressure and temperature to consolidate the denatured protein source into a plastic material.
US08277552B2
An ink set includes a cyan ink composition containing C. I. Pigment Blue 15:6 as a pigment; a magenta ink composition containing a quinacridone pigment or a quinacridone solid solution pigment; a light magenta ink composition containing a quinacridone pigment selected from the group consisting of C. I. Pigment Violet 19, C. I. Pigment Red 122, C. I. Pigment Red 202, and C. I. Pigment Red 209 or a quinacridone solid solution pigment composed of at least two selected from the group, the pigment concentration being lower than that of the magenta ink composition; a light cyan ink composition containing C. I. Pigment Blue 15:3 as a pigment at a pigment concentration lower than that of the cyan ink composition; an orange ink composition containing a pigment selected from the group consisting of C. I. Pigment Orange 43 and C. I. Pigment Red 242: a green ink composition containing a pigment selected from the group consisting of C. I. Pigment Green 36 and C. I. Pigment Green 7.
US08277547B2
A separator tank comprises an essentially cylindrical vertical tank (1) having an upper part (6) and a lower part (7), a tangentially arranged inlet (2) for fluid in the upper part of the tank, at least one first outlet (4) in the upper part of the tank, at least one second outlet (3) in the lower part of the tank, and means (12) for calming a stream around the second outlet. An inner annular wall (5) has a first opening (8) at an upper end of said inner annular wall to allow communication between the upper part and the lower part of the tank. The separator tank comprises a rod-shaped vortex eye breaker (11) extending vertically at the center of the tank in order to improve the capacity of the tank.
US08277546B2
A hydrocarbon adsorption trap for adsorption of hydrocarbon vapors includes a sheet-like hydrocarbon vapor adsorbent member having a hydrocarbon adsorptive media disposed between two or more media retention layers. The sheet-like member is inserted into an air permeable media support body including a first support member having a first set of locking members and a second support member having a second set of cooperatively configured locking members. The locking members are cooperatively aligned and configured to releaseably lock the first and second support members into a facing relationship with the hydrocarbon vapor adsorbent media arranged and retained therebetween. Mounting features are provided for mounting the hydrocarbon adsorption trap within the intake tract.
US08277538B2
Disclosed is a method of copper leaching without reducing the growth of iron-oxidizing bacterium and the iron-oxidizing capacity when leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore with the use of a sulfuric acid solution to which iron-oxidizing bacteria and silver have been added. Also disclosed is a method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore, including adding a naturally occurring nitrogen-containing organic component to a leaching solution upon copper leaching from a copper sulfide ore with the use of, as the leaching solution, a sulfuric acid solution to which iron-oxidizing bacteria and silver have been added is provided.
US08277529B2
Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units, such as breather caps. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate and/or fluid mist load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.
US08277528B2
A dust removal system for a riding lawn mower, comprising an engine, a speed change device disposed outside of an engine compartment, and a universal coupling inserted through an opening provided to a separating wall in order to connect an output shaft of the engine and an input shaft of the speed change device. The dust removal system is composed of a perforated board which rotates integrally with the output shaft and around the axis of the output shaft in order to impede grass cuttings from flowing into the engine compartment through the opening, the perforated board having an insertion hole formed in the center to allow the universal coupling to be inserted; and a seal unit for substantially sealing the space between the universal coupling and the peripheral edge of the insertion hole. The seal unit has a radially extending flange formed on the universal coupling, and a ring member in which one end is mounted on the flange and the other end is in contact with the peripheral area around the insertion hole.
US08277526B2
A filter dust collector is disclosed. The filter dust collector includes a housing, filter cloths fixed to an inside of the housing, a filter body part disposed inside the housing and having filter insertion holes, a compressed air supply part coupled to peripheries of the filter insertion holes, a transfer part connected to the filter body part to move the filter body part and the compressed air supply part in a longitudinal direction, a duct suction port formed on a side surface of the housing to suck air to be filtered, a supply port formed on a side surface of the housing to discharge filtered air, and a dust discharge port formed on a side surface of the housing, wherein the filter cloths are positioned at the filter insertion holes, the filter body part and the compressed air supply part move in the longitudinal direction, and the compressed air supply part sprays compressed air to the filter cloths.
US08277521B2
Accordingly, the current invention provides a method for the manufacture of a mixture of a furfural and a 5-(alkoxymethyl)furfural derivative by reacting a C5 and C6 sugar-containing starting material with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, followed by the hydrogenation and/or etherification of the mixture of furfural and 5-(alkoxymethyl)furfural to convert the aldehyde function of both 5-(alkoxymethyl)furfural and furfural into an alkoxymethyl function or methyl function.
US08277518B1
An ecological fabric having protection from ultraviolet radiation incorporated therein is disclosed in which the fabric is treated by a method comprising the steps of dissolving zinc acetate or other zinc salt in a liquid to form a solution containing Zn(II) ions, adding a fabric to the solution, mixing the solution and the fabric, and adding a base to the solution when the solution and the fabric are being mixed to form a suspension of zinc oxide nanoparticles in contact with the fabric. Other methods are disclosed such as modifying a fabric by carboxylation or phosphorylation of the fabric followed by binding of the UV-blocking nanoparticles to the modified fabric and modifying UV-blocking nanoparticles with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) or polymer layer containing an active chemical group capable of binding to the fabric and depositing the UV-blocking nanoparticles on the fabric.
US08277515B2
A vacuum socket system pertaining to the field of prosthetics wherein an enhanced suspension mechanism is provided by incorporating a vacuum source, circuitry, and a power source. A virtually air-tight seal between residual limb and prosthesis allows a vacuum fit to be generated via a vacuum source. The vacuum source is in constant interaction with circuitry and software for a means of vacuum pressure control, data recordation, and other means. A sound dampening method is employed to lessen both the sound and vibration generated from the vacuum source.
US08277514B2
A component, e.g. a prosthetic ball and socket joint like an acetabular cup of a prosthetic joint, having a male or female location feature in a surface thereof for mutual interfit with a fixing member of a fixing assembly for securing the fixing member to the surface of the component and optionally for securing the component to a second component by means of a fixing screw.
US08277503B2
A stent comprises a flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending from said proximal end toward said distal end. A first generally straight tube segment extends from the proximal end while a first generally curved segment extends from an end region of the first generally straight tube segment disposed away from the proximal end of the stent. A second generally straight tube segment extends from an end region of the first curved segment away from the first generally straight tube segment and is arranged at an acute angle relative to the first generally straight tube segment. A second generally curved tube segment extends from one end of the second generally straight tube segment and includes a channel on an exterior surface of the second generally curved tube segment. The first generally curved tube segment and the second generally straight tube segment further include at least one cavity irrigation hole extending from the tube passageway, for providing irrigation fluids into the cavity into which the stent is inserted. At least one segments includes a channel on an exterior surface. The channel is sized to serve as a reservoir to contain a predetermined amount of at least one form of medication for delivery, over a period of time, of the medication to a cavity region proximate which the stent has been inserted.
US08277496B2
Methods and devices for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, thermal energy is transferred between the environment and both of the thoracic/abdominal core body and head of the mammal. In general, thermal energy transfer between thoracic/abdominal core body and the environment occurs under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices can be used to increase the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, in which case thermal energy is introduced into the thoracic/abdominal core body of the mammal and removed from the head of the mammal or cold is merely applied thereto. The subject methods and devices can also be used to reduce the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, in which case thermal energy is removed from the thoracic/abdominal core body of the mammal and introduced into the head of the mammal or heat is merely applied thereto.
US08277477B2
A mechanically deployable upper airway stent is disclosed along with a method of using same. The stent comprises a central tube having an inner chamber and openings on its surface. A linkage rod is housed within the central tube and is provided with branched spokes that pass through the openings. In the un-deployed state the branched spokes are contained within the central tube. Deployed spokes are preferably aligned in groupings along the central tube. The outer ends of the spokes of each grouping connect to a rib. The un-deployed stent is inserted into the nasal passageway and positioned relative to occluding anatomic structures. Upon deployment, the ribs along with web members extending between the ribs move outwardly from the central tube and press upon the tissues of the pharyngeal cavity. Spaces between the extended spokes permit the passage of air along the stent and maintain airway patency.
US08277472B2
This invention discloses deflector shields to protect an operator from splashing from the use of hand-held ultrasound wound care devices. The deflector shield is for use with an ultrasound generator, ultrasound tip with a radiation surface and a fluid to serve as a coupling medium between the radiation surface and wound surface. The deflector shield is used to protect the operator from splashing fluid and removed tissue. The deflector shield consists of a hub portion and conical portion. The deflector shield is preferably transparent, disposable and easily installed. The deflector shield is preferably useable on several hand-held ultrasound wound care devices.
US08277469B2
The invention relates to an active oscillating guidewire (26) with varying stiffness to enable a safe crossing through an occluded vessel. The distal working zone (28) is made up of several distal segments (32, 34, 36, 38). A miniature engine is embedded in a segment (34).
US08277462B2
The invention relates to a phacoemulsification device, comprising: —a hand piece having a cutting tip for emulsifying a lens, wherein the tool holder is provided with piezoelectric elements for deflecting the cutting tip, —a regulator, the input of which is electrically connected to the tool holder, for receiving an actual value that is proportional to the voltage induced on the piezoelectric elements of the tool holder that is constantly oscillating on the natural frequency thereof, said regulator being suitable for comparing the actual value with a predetermined target value, thus determining an actuating variable, —a power amplifier, the input of which is connected to the regulator in order to receive the actuating variable, and the output of which is connected to the tool holder, wherein the tool holder may be actuated simultaneously with the receipt of the actual value and a power output to the tool holder being able to occur, such that a direct feedback coupling may be attained, thus enabling the tool holder to constantly oscillate at the natural frequency thereof with a deflection of the cutting tip corresponding to the actuating variable.
US08277460B2
An impactor for positioning and holding a surgical or veterinary prosthetic implant while it is being driven into position, said impactor including: (a) an impaction means; (b) an impaction shoe which is configured to receive and support a prosthetic implant in a predetermined position; (c) connection means which connect the impaction means to the impaction shoe and are configured to transmit an impact from the impaction means to the impaction shoe; (d) arms configured to engage an implant supported upon the impaction shoe; (e) said arms being biased into engagement with said implant, but movable against the bias out of engagement with the implant; (f) said connection means being adjustable between a first setting at which the impaction shoe is spring-loaded so as to bias an implant supported upon the impaction shoe into engagement with said arms but at which the impaction shoe can slide relative to said arms, against said spring bias; and a second setting at which both the impaction shoe and the arms are rigidly engaged with an implant supported upon the impaction shoe, to hold the implant in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the impaction means.
US08277459B2
The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to implantable devices for the treatment of a structural bone and deformity. More specifically, the various embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for implantation of a flexible or tension band for treating such a deformity, including hallux valgus.
US08277458B2
Apparatuses and methods are provided for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair incorporating a transhumeral bone tunnel. The apparatus comprises a number of components that can also be considered a repair system to include a drill guide, a marking hook, and a drill with a removable tip that serves as a bone anchor. In another aspect, the invention provides a suture especially adapted for securing both soft tissue and bone anchors that reduces forces transmitted to the anchors by secondary anchoring of the suture within the bone tunnel based on the geometry of the anchor. In additional aspects of the invention, the components of the drill guide assembly comprise a cannulated marking hook and a drill guide with multiple bores. In additional aspects of the invention, an implantable bone anchor is provided that is especially adapted for placement through a bone tunnel, and wherein the implantable anchor is collapsible to increase the effective size of the anchor for securing the anchor to the far side opening of the bone tunnel through which the anchor was placed. Methods of the invention include a method of arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff, and methods of activating an implantable anchor.
US08277457B1
An orthopedic prosthetic inserter used for the implantation of an acetabular prosthetic cup implant. The inserter consists of a drive train, a C-shaped housing, and a collet mechanism used to attach a prosthetic cup implant. When activated by the drive train, the collet mechanism expands to draw the prosthesis towards the collet mechanism and create a substantially friction tight engagement therebetween.
US08277455B2
A positioning device assembly for positioning a tool guide block for use in an orthopedic surgery on a bone element includes a positioning device having a block body with a reference surface adapted to abut the bone element, and first and second adjustment mechanisms that are independently operable. The first adjustment mechanism permits rotation of a tool guide block about a medial-lateral extending axis such as to provide flexion-extension angle adjustment and the second adjustment mechanism permits rotation of a tool guide block about an anterior-posterior extending axis such as to provide varus-valgus angle adjustment. The second adjustment mechanism includes both a coarse and a fine adjustment mechanism integral therewith. A tool guide block assembly mounted to the positioning device, the tool guide block assembly including a platform portion which is engaged to the block body of the positioning device and the tool guide block which is releasably engaged with the platform.
US08277448B2
An orthopedic external fixation system may include a distal bar having a curvature that varies along its length, an uncurved proximal bar, a plurality of proximal embedding members, and a plurality of distal embedding members. The proximal and the distal embedding members, sized and shaped for embedding in bone, may attach directly or indirectly to the proximal bar and the distal bar, respectively.
US08277447B2
An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source which enable them to conduct energy through the tissue to create a tissue seal. A drive assembly is disposed within the housing which moves the jaw members. A switch is disposed within the housing which activates the electrosurgical energy. A knife assembly is included which is advanceable to cut tissue held between the jaw members. A movable handle is connected to the housing. Continual actuation of the movable handle engages the drive assembly to move the jaw members, engages the switch to activate the electrosurgical energy source to seal the tissue, and advances the knife assembly the cut the tissue disposed between the jaw members.
US08277442B2
A multi-component sterile, disposable tip apparatus for laser surgical devices is provided and features assembly for alignment of a self-contained optical fiber to the surgical device and releasably locking assembly between the tip and device.
US08277432B2
An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core located therebetween. The fluid-permeable topsheet and fluid-impermeable backsheet extend beyond the absorbent core in at least the width (X) direction and are joined to one another in the area outside the absorbent core to form an edge-seam. The absorbent article also includes two elastic members, each elastic member extending along one longitudinal edge of the absorbent core such that—along a major portion of the extension of the elastic members in the length (Y) direction—the elastic members overlie both a portion of the absorbent core and a portion of the edge-seam in the width (X) direction. This arrangement provides improved three-dimensional forming of the article.
US08277428B2
A sanitary napkin including a central absorbent pad, the central absorbent pad having a liquid pervious cover layer, a liquid impervious barrier layer and an absorbent core between the cover layer and barrier layer. The central absorbent pad includes a pair of flaps adapted to fold over a crotch portion of an undergarment in use. The central absorbent pad further includes two preferential bending axes, each axis being inward from and adjacent to a respective longitudinal side edge and extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal centerline, the axes converging towards the longitudinal centerline in the first distal end of the central absorbent pad. The preferential bending axes are adapted to enable the sanitary napkin to be folded from an initial substantially hourglass shape to a tapered shape.
US08277427B2
A fecal management device suitable for attachment directly to the perianal skin between the buttocks of the wearer. The device utilizes an optimised adhesive wafer in order to securely attach the device to the skin of the wearer so that the device is maintained in position for the entire period of wear, including circumstances or periods of wear during which the wearer is active, i.e. not bedridden. In addition the fecal management device of the present invention has the ability for easy application of the device.
US08277418B2
In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).
US08277415B2
A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion medium are supported by the disposable housing portion, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics and a drive device. A reservoir is supported by the disposable housing portion and has a moveable plunger that operatively couples to the drive device, when the disposable and durable housing portions are engaged.
US08277404B2
An orthopedic or prosthetic support device is arranged to conform and secure to a limb of a wearer. The device includes a resilient support member adapted to extend about a limb, and a tensioning element associated with the support member. An adjustment system is connected to the support member and engages the tensioning element. The adjustment system is arranged to incrementally adjust and retain the tensioning element relative to the support member.
US08277382B2
An automated pressing device (3) for an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention is constituted by being provided with a probe holding member (21) including an attaching portion (31) to which a probe (2) is detachably attached and a griping portion (32) to which the attaching portion is slidably attached together with the probe attached thereto so as to permit advancing and retreating of an ultrasonic transmission and reception plane (27) of the probe, a motive power transmission wire (23) including a flexible cylindrical body (41) of which one end is secured to the griping portion in the probe holding member and an inner wire (42) that is inserted in the cylindrical body and of which one end is coupled to the attaching portion and a pressing motive power means (24) to which the other end of the cylindrical body in the motive power transmission wire is secured and that couples with the other end of the inner wire to advance and retreat the same. Thereby, a user friendly automated pressing device is realized that permits to eliminate influences of electromagnetic noises as well as permits to apply a stable pressing to a body surface of a subject via such as a motor and a spring.
US08277379B2
A probe having a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer is positioned in a female patient. The HIFU transducer is deployed within the vagina of the patient outside of the cervix and uterine cavity and is configured to direct HIFU energy to a treatment site within the uterus of the patient. An imaging component positioned relative to the patient images a portion of the patient's uterus that includes the treatment site to help guide the delivery of the HIFU energy to the treatment site. A liquid medium may be infused into the uterine cavity of the patient where it is maintained during imaging and delivery of the HIFU therapy. The HIFU transducer produces a thermal heating of tissue at a focus within the treatment site to initiate necrosis of the tissue. The location of the focus is controlled in accordance with an image obtained by the imaging component.
US08277378B2
A system and method for collection and analysis of patient information for automated remote patient care is disclosed. Patient care records in a database are collected. Each patient care record is defined and includes collected measurements sets. Each collected measurements set is specified and includes individual measurements, which each relate to patient information recorded by a medical device adapted to be implanted. At least one of the collected measurements sets is processed. A set of the collected measurements regularly stored and periodically sent from the implantable medical device is received. The collected measurements set are stored into the patient care record. One or more of the collected measurements sets are analyzed in the patient care record for the individual patient relative to one or more other collected measurements sets stored in the patient care record. Feedback based on the analysis of the one or more collected measurements sets is sent.
US08277360B2
A control apparatus for a vehicular power transmitting system including (a) an electrically controlled differential portion which has a differential mechanism and an electric motor operatively connected to a rotary element of the differential mechanism and which is operable to control a differential state between a rotating speed of its input shaft connected to an engine and a rotating speed of its output shaft by controlling an operating state of the electric motor, and (b) a transmission portion which constitutes a part of a power transmitting path and which functions as an automatic transmission portion, the control apparatus including a shifting control portion configured to set a shifting point of the transmission portion, on the basis of a delay of a response of a change of an operating speed of the engine to a change of a required vehicle drive force to be transmitted through the vehicular power transmitting system.
US08277352B2
Power split drive (PSD) transmissions capable of energy recovery and suitable for use in automotive applications. Each PSD transmission includes a mechanical transmission system for mechanically transmitting mechanical power between a rotatable input shaft and a rotatable output shaft, and a hydraulic transmission system containing a fluid for hydraulically transmitting hydraulic power between the input shaft and the output shaft, and at least a third shaft operatively interconnected to one of the mechanical and hydraulic transmission systems. The hydraulic transmission system is operatively coupled by at least a first planetary gear train to the mechanical transmission system. According to the invention, the PSD further comprises means operatively associated with at least one of the mechanical and hydraulic transmission systems for storing and releasing energy within the PSD transmission, the energy storing and releasing means comprising a flywheel or an accumulator or a combination thereof.
US08277351B2
Device for an electromechanical hoisting machine, especially for use when drilling oil and gas wells
A device for an electromechanical hoisting machine (10) with driving gears (6) in engagement with rack rails (5) fixed to a steel structure (1). The hoisting machine is driven by electromotors (8) which transmit torque to the driving gears (6) through the gearing (11), the shaft (15) and further the bevel gear drives (14, 16, 17) and gears (18, 19) to the driving gears (6) in engagement with rack rails (5). To achieve flexible load distribution on the driving gears (6), differential gears (12) supported on projecting shaft journals (20) connected to the main shaft (15) are arranged between the bevel gear drives (16).
US08277343B2
A hybrid material bat comprises an elongate shaft, a reinforcing member, a barrel body and a grip body. The shaft is made of rigid materials and includes a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion. The barrel body is made of materials with good striking performance and includes a striking section for striking, impacting, or hitting and a mid-section. The grip body is made of resilient materials with good shock absorbing property, and has a front end and a terminal end. The reinforcing member is made of rigid materials and disposed on a distal end of said front portion of said shaft. The barrel body intimately surrounds the front portion of the shaft and the reinforcing member. The grip body intimately surrounds the rear portion of the shaft.
US08277342B2
A modified soccer (“football”) field layout and associated modified method of playing soccer on the modified soccer field layout are described. The modified soccer field layout is approximately the same size as a conventional soccer field layout. In one example, the modified soccer field layout also has two Forward Areas and two Forward Lines. In one example, the method of playing soccer on the modified soccer field includes at least one associated Forward Area Soccer Rule.
US08277336B2
A method for manufacturing a golf club head having a hollow structure composed of a main body-member and a metal face member welded thereto, comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a rolled material having a constant thickness; (b) cutting out a face member part or blank from the rolled material; (c) making the face member by forming the turnback through press working on the face member part; and (d) reducing the thickness of a corresponding-to-turnback region by machining prior to the step (c), wherein the corresponding-to-turnback region is a region of the cutout face member part corresponding to the turnback, or a region of the rolled material corresponding to the turnback.
US08277335B2
A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Some embodiments of the club head form a club head for a fairway wood that has a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity and a thin crown.
US08277334B2
A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, comprising of a body portion and a crown portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high-density material in the body portion, with a low-density material in the crown portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. The material for the crown portion is preferably a composite. A vibration dampening gasket is disposed between the ledge and lip sections of the body and crown respectively.
US08277332B2
A golf ball pick-up device includes a body, which has a shape that allows the body to form a frame with a head of the golf club. The body has an end forming a clamping section that defines an internal receiving space. The clamping section also forms a sideway opening in communication with the receiving space. The clamping section uses the opening to lead a shaft of the golf club into the receiving space, so as to allow the clamping section to fit over and thus retain on the shaft of the golf club. A user may then use the frame formed by the body and the head of the golf club to pick up a golf ball, especially a ball that falls in a sand trap or a water hazard where hands may not reach to pick up the ball.
US08277329B2
A homokinetic rotary ball joint in the form of a plunging joint is described. The joint comprises a joint outer part 3 with outer first ball tracks 4 and with outer second ball tracks 5, the outer second ball tracks 5 intersecting a joint mid-axis A when the joint is aligned; a joint inner part 6 with inner first ball tracks 7 and with inner second ball tracks 8, the inner second ball tracks 8 intersecting the joint mid-axis A when the joint is aligned; first balls 9 which are held in first pairs of tracks including, in each case, an outer first ball track 4 and of an inner first ball track 7; second balls 10 which are held in second pairs of tracks including, in each case, an outer second ball track 5 and of an inner second ball track 8, in each case the outer and the inner ball track 5, 8 of the second pairs of tracks intersecting one another; a ball cage 12 which has, distributed circumferentially, cage windows 13, 14 in which the first and the second balls 9, 10 are held in a common plane; a second radial play formed between the second balls 10 and the second ball tracks 5, 8 is greater than a first radial play formed between the first balls 9 and the first ball tracks 4, 7.
US08277327B2
An inflatable air cushion or other type seat a person can sit on is instrumented with electronic input devices that can sense motion of the cushion and/or motion of the person's body. Such input devices provide inputs to a computer graphics system that dynamically generates a responsive scene on a real time display. The sensed motion can be used to generate a graphics simulation of horseback riding.
US08277324B2
A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
US08277322B2
An input device comprises a first storage section for storing game data, a first communication section for communicating with a game apparatus, a first reception control section for receiving game data from the game apparatus, a first write control section for storing the game data received from the first reception control section into the first storage section, and a first transmission control section for transmitting the game data stored in the first storage section to the game apparatus. The game apparatus comprises a second storage section for storing game data, a second communication section for communicating with the input device, a second transmission control section for transmitting the game data stored in the second storage section, a second reception control section for receiving game data from the input device, and a game process control section for executing a predetermined game process using the game data received by the second reception control section.
US08277320B1
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for facilitating a game that operates within a social-networking application. During operation, the system receives a request from a user to participate in a game that is running within the social-networking application, wherein the request is received at the game. Next, in response to the request, the system adds the user to the game. The system then receives a notification at the game that the user has performed an action within the social network. Next, in response to the notification, the system determines a point value assigned to the action. Finally, the system increments a score associated with the user by the point value.
US08277315B2
A video game includes: (i) a graphic user interface that presents a user a simulation of real-life events; (ii) a content database containing a collection of actual photos and videos of real-life events; (iii) a simulation engine that, presents a plurality of possible actions to the user, receives a selection of at least one of the actions from the user, identifies at least one photo or video in the database that is associated with the user-selected action, and presents the user with a result in response to the selection, wherein the result includes the identified photo or video; (iv) a content update module that receives updated photo or video content from one or more content distributors, creates an association element for the updated content and an available action in the game, and includes the updated content and association element in the content database; and (v) a scoring module.
US08277311B2
A system to coordinate a wagering event using a virtual Web server with an administration application and a server database. The administration application is executable code which can generate a first event page from an event category page. The administration application also has a player management page, a pool page and a ticket management set of pages. The administration application interoperates with a banking application and a casino application. The administration application will send the event information to the casino application, receive wager information from the casino application, coordinate wager amounts with the banking application, close the wagering, monitor the event, update pool, close the pool, and allocate the winnings and losses.
US08277298B2
A blackjack tournament including a plurality of players, each seated at a single player table with the same predetermined starting amount of funds to wager, each player being dealt to from at least one deck of playing cards arranged in the same predetermined order as the at least one deck used for each other player.
US08277297B2
A gaming system for use with a media player and one or more output devices, where the media player is configured to receive user signals, to read and execute information from a game medium, and to present portions of the information on the one or more output devices. The gaming system includes a remote unit operable by one or more users, including a controller, and a transmitter coupled to the controller. The remote unit also includes a plurality of buttons coupled to the controller, including a first button, and a second button. The controller is configured to cause the transmitter to transmit a first user signal upon actuation of the first button, and a second user signal upon actuation of the second button. The gaming system also includes a game medium having information readable by the media player that, when executed, causes the media player to produce a game having a plurality of scenes. Each scene causes the media player to present information on at least one of the one or more output devices, and to selectively respond to the reception of user signals transmitted by the remote unit's transmitter. A first scene causes the media player to respond to the reception of the first user signal by producing a second scene that causes the media player to disregard the reception of the second user signal.
US08277291B2
Apparatus and method for sharpening a workpiece, such as a cutting tool. An abrasive disc is rotatable about a disc rotational axis and includes a plurality of spaced apart, radially disposed apertures extending therethrough from a first surface to an opposing second surface of the disc. The first surface is configured to facilitate sharpening of a workpiece by contacting engagement of the workpiece against an abrasive layer adjacent the first surface between adjacent first and second apertures of said plurality. The first surface further induces controlled axial displacement of the workpiece away from the disc as the second aperture approaches the workpiece during disc rotation. The first surface is preferably concave so as to extend into the disc between each adjacent pair of the apertures. Alternatively, the first surface is provided with different compressibilities to induce the controlled axial displacement of the workpiece.
US08277290B2
A polishing pad used in semiconductor polishing process is provided in the present invention and a pressure sensitive adhesive is used to couple the polishing pad. The polishing pad includes a substrate, and the substrate includes a polishing surface and a reverse surface corresponding to the polishing surface. The polishing pad is characterized by: a pressure sensitive adhesive formed on the reverse surface of the substrate and used to couple with a bottom layer, and the horizontal adhesion of the pressure sensitive adhesive is higher than the vertical adhesion of the pressure sensitive adhesive.
US08277288B2
A particle blast cleaning apparatus incorporates a pressurized container which is pressurized by the transport gas upon start up through a feeder which does not comprise an airlock. The feeder introduces the blast media into the transport stream. At start up, the transport gas pressurizes the container, flowing upwardly through the feeder until the container is substantially pressurized and the flow substantially ceases. The feeder rotor may be configured to crush or grind the particles.
US08277287B2
A collection canister having an interior for receiving air entrained exfoliated skin particles and liquid resulting from dermabrasion treatment and separating the skin particles and liquid from the entraining air and collecting the skin particles and liquid. The canister has trap structure including a partition wall for trapping exfoliated skin particles and liquid and retaining the exfoliated skin particles and liquid in the canister interior between a canister inlet and a canister outlet.
US08277286B2
A chemical mechanical polishing method and apparatus provides a deformable, telescoping slurry dispenser arm coupled to a dispenser head that may be arcuate in shape and may also be a bendable telescoping member that can be adjusted to vary the number of slurry dispenser ports and the degree of curvature of the dispenser head. The dispenser arm may additionally include slurry dispenser ports therein. The dispenser arm may advantageously be formed of a plurality of nested tubes that are slidable with respect to one another. The adjustable dispenser arm may pivot about a pivot point and can be variously positioned to accommodate different sized polishing pads used to polish substrates of different dimensions and the bendable, telescoping slurry dispenser arm and dispenser head provide uniform slurry distribution to any of various wafer polishing locations, effective slurry usage and uniform polishing profiles in each case.
US08277282B2
An ultrasonic trimming apparatus is composed of an articulated robot, a cutting apparatus, and a grindstone. The cutting apparatus is composed of an ultrasonic oscillator which is supported by the end portion of the articulated robot, a cutter blade which is supported by the ultrasonic oscillator, and a workpiece securing portion which secures a workpiece. The grindstone serving as a grinding member is disposed within the movable range of the cutter blade driven by the robot and is placed in a position at which the cutter blade can pressure contact the cutter blade. The cutter blade is ultrasonically vibrated by the ultrasonic oscillator and is ground while being pressed against the grindstone by means of the articulated robot. The ultrasonic trimming apparatus efficiently cuts a sheet material composed of soft material such as plastic, fabric, or rubber, a composite material, or a material containing glass fiber by means of an environmentally conscious method even when the material has a three-dimensional shape.
US08277281B2
A method and system are presented for monitoring a process sequentially applied to a stream of substantially identical articles by a processing tool, so as to terminate the operation of the processing tool upon detecting an end-point signal corresponding to a predetermined value of a desired parameter of the article being processed. The article is processed with the processing tool. Upon completing the processing in response to the end-point signal generated by an end-point detector continuously operating during the processing of the article, integrated monitoring is applied to the processed article to measure the value of the desired parameter. The measured value of the desired parameter is analyzed to determine a correction value thereof to be used for adjusting the end-point signal corresponding to the predetermined value of the desired parameter for terminating the processing of the next article in the stream.
US08277277B2
In blasting with an abrasive containing liquid to confer elasticity, the abrasive from which liquid evaporates in the course of continuance use is uniformly supplied with liquid. Liquid for swelling an elastic abrasive is sprayed in an air flow for transporting the abrasive in a blasting machine 1 including an abrasive-recovery duct 91 communicating between a bottom of a cabinet 2 and an abrasive-recovery tank 3, the abrasive-recovery tank 3, a compressed gas before being introduced into a blasting gun 8, and so forth. Since the abrasive being transported in the air flow is separated into individual particles, each abrasive can be uniformly supplied with liquid.
US08277274B2
A device having a quartz or glass body forming a chamber hermetically sealed by one or more pinch seals formed in the body wherein a metallic foil provides an electrical connection through a pinch seal. A method is provided for protecting a portion of the metallic foil from corrosion prior to forming the pinch seal by coating at least a portion of the foil with a film comprising silica, and applying a refractory abhesive to at least a portion of the film.
US08277268B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an outdrive unit that allows space to be saved in the positioning of a hydraulic circuit for trolling, and enables easy maintenance of the hydraulic circuit for trolling. The invention provides an outdrive unit mounted outside of a boat, including: a propeller for propulsion; a hydraulic clutch that controls driving of the propeller; a transmission mechanism that transmits drive power from the hydraulic clutch to the propeller; a hydraulic circuit that operates the hydraulic clutch, the hydraulic circuit comprising a switching valve that switches a rotational direction of the propeller, a pressure-reducing valve for trolling that reduces a pressure of a pressurized oil supplied to the hydraulic clutch, a filter for the pressurized oil introduced to the pressure-reducing valve, and a hydraulic pump that supplies the pressurized oil to the hydraulic clutch; a housing that houses at least one of the hydraulic clutch, transmission mechanism, and hydraulic circuit; a base on which the switching valve, pressure-reducing valve, and filter are mounted, the base being detachably mounted in the housing.
US08277258B1
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, and a plurality of electrical contacts assembled in the insulating housing respectively. At least two of the electrical contacts having the same transmitting action are short connected together in the process of manufacturing the electrical contacts. So the process of utilizing a wire to achieve a short connection between the corresponding electrical contacts, as described in the prior art, is omitted, and it saves a lot of manpower and material resources, and further simplifies the process for achieving the short connection effect.
US08277257B2
A connector connectable to a plurality of receptacles of different specifications is provided while a connector of the prior-art configuration is not adapted for the connection with such receptacles. The connector includes: a connector body; and a connector portion partially inserted in the connector body and partially projected from the connector body. The connector portion includes: a first connector block that is singularly capable of mating with a receptacle conforming to a first specification but is singularly incapable of mating with a receptacle conforming to a second specification; and a second connector block that is disposed on the first connector block and combined with the first connector block to be capable of mating with the receptacle conforming to the second specification. The second connector block is free to slide on the first connector block 21 and to be inserted in the connector body.
US08277256B2
An electrical connector includes: an insulating body, having a plurality of terminal receiving holes, in which each terminal receiving hole includes a retaining slot recessed from an upper surface of the insulating body and a receiving slot formed through the insulating body and connected with the retaining slot, and the retaining slot has a bottom surface that forms a step with a sidewall of the receiving slot; a metal layer, plated on the sidewall of the receiving slot, being not higher than the bottom surface; and a plurality of terminals, respectively y accommodated in each terminal receiving hole, in which each terminal includes a retaining portion fixed in the retaining slot, a base and a soldering portion extend downwards from the retaining portion and are suspended in the receiving slot, and a clearance is formed between the retaining portion and the metal layer for preventing a conduction therebetween.
US08277254B2
A dual wiring system with easy exchangeability of a function unit. A gate device is mounted in a wall surface of a structure, and connected to both of an electric power line and an information line previously installed in the structure. The function unit has at least one of functions for supplying electric power from the electric power line, outputting information from the information line and inputting information into the information line when connected with the gate device. The function unit has a module connector including an electric power connector and an information signal connector, which is detachably connected to a module port of the gate device comprised of an electric power port and an information signal port. To further improve function expandability, an additional function unit can be detachably connected to the function unit.
US08277252B2
An electrical connector assembly is provided with a shielding cage member having an upper port and a lower port configured to receive pluggable modules therein. The cage member has a front mating face that has openings to receive the pluggable modules. The cage member has side walls along the sides of the upper and lower ports and a separator member extending between the side walls between the upper and lower ports. The separator member has an upper plate and a lower plate with a channel therebetween. An RF absorber is positioned within the channel that reduces an amount of EMI emitted from the channel.
US08277251B2
An electrical connector assembly (100) includes a case (1) defining a chamber therein; a connector (2) received in the chamber, the connector having a metallic shell (22); a printed circuit board (23) enclosed in the case, the printed circuit board having main portion and side portion laterally projecting from the main portion, the side portion having a conductive layer (230) on a top surface thereof, and a hole (231) defined in the side portion through the conductive layer, the hole further aligning with a through hole defined in the case; and the metallic shell of the connector soldered to the main portion of the printed circuit board.
US08277233B2
An electrical outlet includes a housing and a prong fitting member detachably connected to the housing. The housing includes two end surfaces and side surfaces between the two end surfaces. Each side surface defines a two-opening or three-opening socket for inserting a plug.
US08277228B2
A connector set includes at least one of a header and a socket and a jointer. The jointer extends in a direction and is configured to couple the header and the socket so as to be in parallel with each other. The jointer includes first jointer connecting portions provided at both end portions thereof and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and which are configured to engage first connecting portions provided at both end portions of the header, and second jointer connecting portions provided at both end portions of the jointer body and extending in a third direction opposite to the second direction, and which are configured to engage the second connecting portions provided at both end portions of the socket.
US08277221B2
A portable talking toy having an audio signal producer is provided with an educational book, which contains indiciums noted on at least one of the pages that are the same words or phrases uttered by the talking toy. The book has a plurality of numbered pages containing parts of a story. The story is used to teaching desired behavioral and psychological patterns that will aid the reader in learning how to self protect from sexual predators. The talking toy is provided with a pressure switch in the form of a button attached externally to the toy causing a sound to be emitted from the electronic voice box stored inside the toy. It will may have memory capable of storing and emitting words and sounds/words associated with indiciums noted in the story book and a microphone device for providing audible signals that enable sound, including music stored with each specific sound as background. The specific words communicate messages related to desired behavioral patterns. The books will contain multiple illustrations and indicium prompts indicating when the reader should press the button on the toy to hear the word or sound. Interaction between the characters in said book is purposed to encourage self-awareness in a reader encouraging him/her to pull cord or press the button on the toy thereby reinforcing the learning of the desired behavioral patterns.
US08277208B2
A split discharge vane pump is disclosed having a pump body that includes an interior pumping chamber having a central axis and defining a continuous peripheral cam surface, the cam surface including four quadrantal cam segments, wherein diametrically opposed cam segments have identical cam profiles, and each cam segment defines an inlet arc, a discharge arc and two seal arcs. A rotor is mounted for axial rotation within the pumping chamber and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart radially extending vanes are mounted for radial movement within the rotor, wherein the plurality of vanes define an equal number of circumferentially spaced apart buckets which extend between the rotor and the cam surface of the pumping chamber for carrying pressurized fluid.
US08277203B2
A DC fan of an inner rotor type includes a housing having a frame defining a compartment. A rotor is rotatably received in the compartment. The rotor includes a shaft having an outer periphery and a permanent magnet fixed to and around the outer periphery of the shaft. A stator is fixed in the compartment of the frame and surrounds the rotor. The stator includes a plurality of magnetic pole faces facing an outer periphery of the permanent magnet. An air gap is formed between each magnetic pole face and the permanent magnet. The stator further includes at least one coil. An impeller is coupled to an end of the shaft. A drive control unit is mounted in the compartment and electrically connected to the at least one coil of the stator.
US08277200B2
A variable displacement compressor with a discharge pressure compensated suction shutoff valve (SSV). The SSV prevents noise generated at low refrigerant flow rates by a suction valve from propagating out of the compressor and to an air conditioner evaporator by variably restricting a fluid communication with the suction valve. The SSV is configured so the variable restriction is increased correspondingly with the discharge pressure if the discharge pressure is less than a threshold that is an indicator of low refrigerant flow rates, and the restriction is decreased if the discharge pressure is greater than the threshold.
US08277182B2
A system for adjusting the pitch of a variable pitch propeller has a hub assembly, a valve assembly, and a fluid supply assembly. The hub assembly comprises a hub rotatably driven by a propeller shaft, an actuator connected to the hub, and a plurality of propeller blades connected to the actuator with at least one mechanical connection. The valve assembly is in fluid communication with the valve assembly and the actuator. The fluid supply assembly comprises a valve control mechanism that is isolated from the valve assembly and the hub assembly. The valve control mechanism provides a variable hydraulic pressure control signal to the valve assembly, which transfers fluid to the actuator as a function of the variable hydraulic pressure control signal. Based on the fluid pressure in the actuator, the pitch of the propeller blades is adjusted.
US08277174B2
A gas turbine engine includes a fan section, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, a compressor section and a turbine section. The compressor section includes a low pressure compressor section and a high pressure compressor section. The turbine section is configured to drive compressor section and the gear arrangement. An overall pressure ratio, which is provided by a combination of a pressure ratio across said low pressure compressor section and a pressure ratio across said high pressure compressor section, is greater than about 35. The pressure ratio across the low pressure compressor section is between about 3 and about 8 whereas the pressure ratio across the high pressure compressor section is between about 7 and about 15.
US08277171B2
An aerofoil comprising a pressure-side wall, a suction-side wall and an intermediate wall extending from a free end of the pressure-side wall at an acute angle relative thereto towards the suction-side wall. A cooling fluid passageway extends through a region where the intermediate wall meets the pressure-side wall at an apex. The fluid passageway has an opening, at least in part, in the face of the pressure-side wall.
US08277167B2
An apparatus and a method for operating a wind turbine capable of preventing the occurrence of damage of the blades by evading excessive irregular loads from acting on the blades in the slanting direction in the event of power failure when strong wind blows, are provided.The operating method of a wind turbine having a support 106 standing erect on the ground or on a ship; a wind turbine 100A with a nacelle 102 supported for swivel movement in a horizontal plane, a rotor 105 having a plurality of blades 101 and being rotated by wind force acting on the blades 101, and a generator being contained in the nacelle and connected to the rotor 105; a rotation driving mechanism 4 for swiveling the wind turbine 100A; and a brake device for controlling the rotation of the wind turbine comprises the step of: rotating the wind turbine to naturally follow the direction of wind in a state that the rotor is positioned in a downwind position when one of signals of abnormality in the generator or abnormality of undue load of wind to the blades is detected.
US08277166B2
A stator for a turbomachine. The stator includes a plurality of nozzle vanes, with the distance between each of the plurality of nozzle vanes varying circumferentially around the stator in a repeating pattern configured to distribute a vibration energy over a plurality of side band vibration frequencies around a nominal passing frequency in a rotor.
US08277154B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for performing a drilling operation. The drilling apparatus comprises a housing, a spindle, a spindle motor, a thrust motor, a load sensor, and a controller. The spindle may be capable of receiving a drill bit. The spindle motor may be capable of turning the spindle at a set of different speeds during the drilling operation. The thrust motor may be capable of moving the spindle in an axial direction. The load sensor may be capable of detecting a reaction thrust force during the drilling operation to form a detected reaction thrust force. The controller may be capable of controlling the spindle motor and the thrust motor to change a drilling speed in response to changes in the detected reaction thrust force.
US08277151B2
A cutting or milling insert for rotatable tool for chip removing machining and of the type that comprises a cutting edge in a transition between a front chip surface and a clearance surface extending rearward from the same. Remotely behind the first-mentioned cutting edge, a second cutting edge is formed in a transition between, on one hand, a second chip surface behind the first clearance surface, and, on the other hand, a trailing second clearance surface. The spacing between opposite sections of the front cutting edge is greater than the corresponding spacing between opposite sections of the second or rear cutting edge, the cutting edge angle (α) of at least the front cutting edge being acute. A rotatable cutting tool, which is equipped with the cutting or milling insert is also provided.
US08277150B2
The detachable insert-type cutting tool is provided with a holder, a head member which has an insert seat on which a cutting insert is detachably mounted and which is detachably attached to a head portion of the holder so that an attachment surface of the head member is closely in contact with an attachment surface of the holder, a coolant hole which is formed inside the holder so as to be opened on the attachment surface of the holder, and a first groove which is formed on the attachment surface of the head member, communicating with the coolant hole opened on the attachment surface of the holder and extending so as to be opened toward a cutting edge of the cutting insert mounted on the insert seat.
US08277145B2
An engineered, scalable underground containment system and method for storing compressed gases or liquids in permeable rock formations using conventional drilling techniques. The porosity and permeability of the formation may be enhanced to maximize reservoir capacity and increase the rate at which gases and liquids can be introduced into and removed from the reservoir. In some embodiments, layers of cap rock in the formation are utilized as containment barriers, and in some, containment barriers are constructed around the storage zones.
US08277143B2
Anti-ram systems according to embodiments of the invention comprise at least one bollard section comprising a base of limited height and a plurality of spaced bollards extending upwardly from the base. An anti-ram system according to embodiments of the invention may be erected or installed on a paved surface such as asphalt, concrete, paver stones, etc., or on an unpaved surface such as soil, and need not be partially of fully buried, and yet can qualify for Department of State crash ratings previously assigned to buried bollard systems. Disclosed anti-ram system also comprise a plurality of bollard sections and one or more connectors for interconnecting two or more of the bollard sections, and may also include an anchor or anchor system engaging at least each end of a bollard section not connected to another bollard section. The bollard sections may be filled with ballast and high friction structure may be attached to the bottom of the bollard sections to resist sliding after impact.
US08277142B2
A tightened shaft portion 51a of a shaft 51 and a tightened portion 42b of a lower joint yoke 42 are coupled with each other such that a required torque can be transmitted therebetween by inserting the tightened shaft portion 51a of the shaft 51 into a shaft insertion hole 42b2 of the lower joint yoke (a coupling member) 42, and inserting a bolt 44 into a bolt insertion aperture 42b3 of the lower joint yoke 42 and a bolt engagement groove 51a1 of the shaft 51 and tightening the bolt in the condition (the regular position condition) that the bolt engagement groove 51a1 of the shaft 51 and the bolt insertion aperture 42b3 of the lower joint yoke 42 are axially aligned with each other. An insertion restriction portion 51b having a diameter smaller than that of the tightened shaft portion 51a is provided at the tip end of the tightened shaft portion 51a of the shaft 51 for restricting the insertion of the bolt 44 through the bolt insertion aperture 42b3 of the lower joint yoke 42 in the condition (the non-regular position condition) that the insertion restriction portion 51b axially overlaps the bolt insertion aperture 42b3 of the lower joint yoke 42 when the tightened shaft portion 51a is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 42b2 of the lower joint yoke 42, and the insertion restriction portion 51b can be rotated relative to the shaft 51 by a set torque smaller than the required torque.
US08277137B2
To generate a sense of click according to the movement of a moving member, reset screwing sections to screw in when a screwing action of the screwing sections is released, and reduce the number of components. In a container 100, when a main body cylinder 2 and an operation cylinder 3 are relatively rotated in an extending direction and relatively rotated in a retracting direction, a female screw member 5 and a moving member 4 relatively rotate, the moving member 4 moves forward and moves backward according to a screwing action of screwing sections 8, and click teeth 54 and 64 also relatively rotate in synchronization with each other. Since an elastic body 61 urges the click teeth 64 toward the click teeth 54, a sense of click is given when the moving member 4 moves forward and moves backward. In addition, when the moving member 4 moves backward according to the relative rotation and a screwing action of screwing sections 8 is released, the elastic body 61 urges the screwing sections 8 to be reset to screw in according to the relative rotation in the opposite direction. In other words, the elastic body 61 is shared to realize the giving of a sense of click according to the movement of the moving member 4 and the reset for screw-in of the screwing sections 8.
US08277136B2
A stick-shaped material extruding container for performing forward and backward movements of a stick-shaped material without trouble and prevent detachment of the stick-shaped material by an impact. A movable body having a piston-like extruding portion, closely attached within a filling member, is arranged within a container. The stick-shaped material is loaded in the filling member so as to be closely attached to the filling member and the piston-like extruding portion. When the stick-shaped material is pushed by a forward movement of the piston-like extruding portion to appear from an opening of the container, a sucking action is generated due to decompression between the piston-like extruding portion and the stick-shaped material by a backward movement of the piston-like extruding portion to retract the stick-shaped material, and the decompression prevents falling off of the stick-shaped material from the container.
US08277134B2
A printer with a cutter has a print head, a a platen roller, a fixed blade, and a movable blade that slides toward the fixed blade for cutting a printed recording sheet. A fixed blade holder has a first surface supporting the fixed blade thereon and a second surface curved along an outer periphery of the platen roller with a first gap therebetween for guiding the recording sheet toward a downstream side of the fixed blade holder when the recording sheet enters the first gap. A holder support pivotally supports the fixed blade holder and has a surface opposed to the outer periphery of the platen roller with a second gap therebetween for guiding the recording sheet to allow the recording sheet to be wound around the outer periphery of the platen roller when the recording sheet is guided by the second surface of the fixed blade holder.
US08277131B2
A semiconductor optical communication module includes a semiconductor chip mounted on a chip carrier and a lens assembly having an end parallel to and facing the front edge of the chip carrier. The semiconductor chip has a front facet oriented at an acute angle to the front edge of the chip carrier. An optical waveguide in the semiconductor chip transmits an optical signal that propagates on an optical axis extending from the front facet of the semiconductor chip to the end of the lens assembly. The optical axis is orthogonal to the end of the lens assembly and the front edge of the chip carrier. The angled mounting of the semiconductor chip on the chip carrier allows the lens assembly to be placed close to the edge of the chip carrier, and to be moved for optical axis adjustment without striking the chip carrier.
US08277128B2
The present invention is directed toward a device for protecting an adapter from contamination, damage or misuse. The device includes a front member having an opening for receiving a removal tool. The device also includes cover members having a front portion and a back portion. The front member of the device interconnects the front portions of the cover members. The front portion of each cover member includes a sealing member for sealing an opening in the adapter when the cover member is installed within the adapter. The back portion of each cover member includes an arm extending upwardly therefrom for engaging the adapter to secure the device within the adapter.
US08277125B2
In a bearing apparatus, a first cup portion defining a portion of a stationary portion of a bearing apparatus includes a circular plate portion and a cylindrical portion projecting downward from an outer edge portion of the circular plate portion. A rotating portion of the bearing apparatus includes an annular recessed portion arranged to accommodate at least a lower end portion of the cylindrical portion. Accordingly, it is possible to limit the axial dimension of the bearing apparatus while also enabling both a radial dynamic pressure groove array and a pumping groove array to have a sufficient axial dimension. Additionally, one end of a through hole defined in the rotating portion is arranged to open into the annular recessed portion, so that any air bubbles introduced into a lubricating oil by the pumping groove array can be efficiently caused to flow downward through the through hole and out of the bearing apparatus.
US08277124B2
In an embodiment, a bearing apparatus comprises a first bearing assembly including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced first bearing elements each of which includes a first bearing surface. The bearing apparatus further includes a second bearing assembly including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced second bearing elements each of which includes a second bearing surface oriented to engage the first bearing surfaces of the first bearing assembly during operation. At least one of the second bearing elements may be circumferentially spaced from an adjacent one of the second bearing elements by a lateral spacing greater than a lateral dimension of the at least one of the second bearing elements.
US08277121B2
A bag construction filled with dispersible material. The bag construction has first and second panel sections, first and second side gusset sections and a bottom gusset panel section. The various panel sections are fastened together to form a generally rectangle shape with a flat bottom. The bottom gusset panel section has one or more distribution apertures in it. A removable panel layer is provided for covering the one or more apertures. When the removable panel layer is removed, the bag can be held so that the dispersible material disperses through the apertures as appropriate.
US08277115B2
A guiding device for submersible motor agitators having a guiding tube and a sliding carriage for carrying a submersible motor agitator. The guiding tube is held in a pivotable lower mount and in an upper mount composed of a bracket and an adjusting lug, and the angular position of the guiding tube can be adjusted via the adjusting lug. The sliding carriage, the adjustment lug and any optional connecting lug are dimensioned in such a way that the sliding carriage carrying the submersible motor agitator can be removed from the guiding tube without disassembling the guiding device.
US08277114B2
An impeller assembly includes a shaft, multiple scoops spaced circumferentially about the shaft, each scoop including an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion, spaced apart at the leading edges and joined at the inner edges, and a rib extending rearward from the inner edges, each scoop being coupled to the shaft by attachment at the rib. A system and method for mixing gas or liquid into liquid include a vessel for containing liquid, a drive shaft for extending into the vessel, and an impeller assembly adapted for rotating about the drive shaft, adapted for submerging below the liquid surface, and having multiple scoops, each scoop including an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion, spaced apart at the leading edges and joined at the inner edges, and a rib extending rearward from the inner edges, each scoop being coupled to the shaft by attachment at the rib.
US08277107B2
Provides are a light emitting apparatus and a light unit having the same. The light emitting apparatus comprises a light emitting device comprising a light emitting element and a plurality of external leads, and a plurality of electrode pads under the light emitting device.
US08277103B2
An apparatus and method for coupling light into a light source in the form of a surface are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a linear light source including a light diffuser. The apparatus also has a sheet having a first edge with the linear light source placed along the first edge. The linear light source diffuses light emitted from a primary light source such that the light emanates along the first edge of the sheet. The linear light source is also substantially transparent to light exiting from the first edge of the sheet.
US08277094B2
An LED bulb includes a base, a shell connected to the base, an LED mount disposed within the shell, one or more LEDs, a thermally conductive liquid, and a liquid-volume compensator mechanism. The one or more LEDs are mounted on the LED mount. The thermally conductive liquid is held within the shell. The liquid-volume compensator mechanism moves from a first position to a second position to compensate for expansion of the thermally conductive liquid.
US08277088B2
In various embodiments, an optical element may include at least one elastically deformable support, on which at least one reflective layer is applied; and in addition at least one deformation apparatus for elastically deforming the at least one support.
US08277084B2
A lamp unit with a relay lens that allows two different focus points. Two different optical altering elements are hence simultaneously in focus. The elements can be taken in and out of focus to allow different effects.
US08277083B2
A discharge tube 17 of the present invention includes a glass tube 60 and ferrules 70 disposed around ends of the glass tube 60. Outer leads 61 for receiving power from an external power source project from ends of the glass tube 60. Each ferrule 70 includes a body 71 that is fitted onto the glass tube 60 and an insertion portion 73 that is disposed near the end of the body 71 and into which the outer lead 61 is inserted. The outer lead 61 includes a loop portion 62 at the end thereof. The outer lead 61 is electrically connected with the ferrule 70 when the loop portion 62 is inserted in the insertion portion 73.
US08277071B2
A path-illuminating wall-mountable light fixture (100) can comprise a wall-mountable support platform (101) that is configured and arranged to be installed on a wall (701) and at least a first light aperture (102) that is operably coupled to the wall-mountable support platform. This first light aperture is configured and arranged so that electrically-sourced light (110) emanating from the first light aperture is directed in a first direction that is substantially parallel to the wall, substantially non-perpendicular to the wall, and less than horizontal. When inclusive of a second such light aperture (104), the second light aperture can offer similarly oriented emanated light in a direction that is substantially the opposite of this first direction. By one approach, the light emanating from this (or these) light aperture(s) can be responsive to an animate object detector (107).
US08277069B2
A head gear that provides entertainment and effective advertising with a main body and an attached visor body having an upper portion and a lower portion pivotably connected to each other. The main body fits over or around a wearer's head. The upper portion of the visor body has an area for receiving markings, and along the perimeter of the area is a plurality of light source for illuminating the entire area. A user can make different markings in the area. In an open position, the upper portion is at a substantially right angle relative to the lower portion such that the area with the markings is displayed to a viewer in a forward position. In a closed position, the area is concealed and protected by the lower portion. Use of ultraviolet light emitting diodes and phosphorescent or fluorescent markings provide enhanced entertainment and advertisement value.
US08277060B2
Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for shaping a laser beam profile in which the apparatus includes a reformatting optical system configured to reformat a laser beam having a Gaussian intensity profile into a radiation beam having a top hat intensity profile; and a Fourier transforming optical system configured to transform the radiation beam having the top hat intensity profile into a radiation beam having a Bessel or sinc function intensity profile.
US08277055B2
A system and method to display a plurality of different images at multiple distinct locations using a single image projector and an image propagation control means to control a propagation pathway from the projector to a display at each location.
US08277043B2
A handy printer and a mobile phone based on the use of the same are provided, wherein the printing can be performed on recording paper sheets having various sizes. The handy printer comprises a cover member which is movable between an exposure position at which an ink discharge surface of an ink discharge head is exposable to the outside and a cover position at which the discharge surface is hidden from the outside. When the cover member is positioned at the cover position, the recording is permitted on a recording paper sheet accommodated in a recording paper-accommodating mechanism. When the cover member is positioned at the exposure position, the recording is permitted on a recording medium disposed outside a handy-printer body casing.
US08277036B2
The image forming apparatus includes a liquid discharging head that discharges a liquid; and a damper chamber that is provided in a liquid supply flow channel, the damper chamber being an internal space that is formed by bonding a flexible member to a base member, wherein the flexible member has a bonding surface that is bonded to the base member, an opening that is formed in the bonding surface, and a swollen portion that is three-dimensionally swollen from the edge of the opening to form the damper chamber, the base member has a communicating port, through which the damper chamber and the liquid supply flow channel communicate with each other, in a state where the base member is bonded to the bonding surface of the flexible member and closes the opening, and the flexible member is disposed such that the swollen portion is swollen in a gravity direction.
US08277033B2
A liquid-drop ejecting apparatus comprises: a liquid-drop ejection head, a first tank, a second tank and a negative pressure generation unit. The first tank includes: a liquid storage chamber for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the liquid-drop ejection head; a gas chamber formed therein; a communication hole connecting the liquid storage chamber and the gas chamber; a gas-permeable membrane which covers the communication hole, and by which the liquid storage chamber and the gas chamber is divided; and a suppression member provided in the gas chamber and configured to contact with the gas-permeable membrane which is deformed to project toward an inside of the gas chamber, so as to suppress the deformation of the gas-permeable membrane. The second tank for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the liquid storage chamber. The negative pressure generation unit configured to generate a negative pressure in the gas chamber.
US08277031B2
A liquid-ejecting head includes a flow-passage-forming substrate that includes a pressure-generating chamber, the pressure-generating chamber being in communication with a nozzle through which droplets are ejected, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the flow-passage-forming substrate, the piezoelectric element altering the internal pressure of the pressure-generating chamber. The piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric layer containing titanium (Ti) and zirconium (Zr), a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on the opposite sides of the piezoelectric layer,. The component ratio Ti/(Zr+Ti) of the piezoelectric layer is 0.40 or more but less than 0.50. At least a portion of the piezoelectric layer formed on the first electrode contains tetragonal crystals formed by phase transition under stress caused by an underlying layer.
US08277027B2
An inkjet printer that has at least three ink tanks for storing inks of different color, a printhead cartridge having a printhead with a nozzle face defining an array of nozzles, and a fluid coupling for supplying the printhead with ink from each of the ink tanks. The printer also having a cradle defining a reference surface for engaging a datum point on the printhead cartridge to support the nozzle face at a precise spacing from a media feed path and a latch for securing the printhead cartridge in the cradle, the latch being movable between an open position where access to the cradle is unobstructed, and a closed position where access to the cradle is obstructed. The latch is configured to apply a compressive force urging the datum point on the printhead cartridge into engagement with the reference surface. The printer further including a fluid interface in fluid communication with the ink tanks and a mechanical linkage between the latch and the fluid interface such that the fluid interface is displaced into sealed engagement with the fluid coupling upon moving the latch to the closed position, the fluid interface being displaced in a direction that does affect the compressive force between the datum point and the reference surface.
US08277026B2
A printhead cartridge is inserted in a printer in accordance with a particular protocol. The printer has a cradle with a reference surface for engaging a datum point on the printhead cartridge to support the nozzle face at a precise spacing from a media feed path. The printer also has a latch for securing the printhead cartridge in the cradle. The protocol involves the steps of placing the printhead cartridge in the cradle such that the datum point rests on the reference surface, moving the latch to the closed position to secure the printhead cartridge in cradle, providing a mechanical linkage between the latch and a fluid interface to ink tanks in the printer. The fluid interface sealingly engages the fluid coupling upon moving the latch to the closed position without urging the reference surface to disengage from the datum point.
US08277025B2
A printhead cartridge for an inkjet printer that has a paper path for sheets of media substrate. The printhead cartridge has a cartridge body configured for user insertion in, and removal from an inkjet printer such that during printing, the cartridge remains stationary relative to the paper path and a printhead having a plurality of printhead ICs, each defining an array of nozzles for ejecting ink on to the sheets of media substrate. The printhead is mounted to the cartridge body such that when the printhead cartridge is installed in the printer, the array of nozzles are adjacent a planar section of the paper path, and no part of the printhead cartridge extends into the plane encompassing the planar section of the paper path.
US08277020B2
A liquid ejection method includes determining, according to image data, an ejection pixel that is a pixel at which a liquid is to be ejected and a non-ejection pixel that is a pixel at which a liquid is not to be ejected; determining, according to the image data, a nozzle requiring flushing; and ejecting liquid from the nozzle requiring flushing to the non-ejection pixel adjacent to the ejection pixel, the non-ejection pixel being among pixels associated with the nozzle requiring flushing.
US08277017B2
An image forming and cutting apparatus has an inkjet head with a first coupling member having a hole, a cutting head with a second coupling member having a hole, and a coupling pin that is received by the holes of the coupling members to couple the first and second coupling members to each other. The coupling pin has first and tapered portions with a columnar portion interposed therebetween. The hole of the first coupling member has a tapered surface for receiving the first tapered portion, and the hole of the second coupling member has a tapered surface portion and a columnar surface portion for receiving the second tapered portion and the columnar portion, respectively. The first coupling member is made of an elastic material and is configured to be pressed and deflected by the coupling pin due to elasticity of the elastic material when the coupling pin is moved in the first direction and is received by the holes of the first and second coupling members so that the first and second coupling members are coupled to one another with a gap therebetween while the columnar portion of the coupling pin protrudes from the hole of the second coupling member.
US08277014B2
An ink-jet recording apparatus, including: an ink-jet head; a conveyor mechanism; a relative movement mechanism; a detecting device; an output device; a sensor for detecting a recording medium existing between the head and the conveyor mechanism; and a relative-movement control device including: (a) a first control portion configured to control the relative movement mechanism to conduct a first operation in which the conveyor mechanism and the head are located at a medium removal position from a recording position when the detecting device detects a jam and to conduct, after the first operation, a second operation in which the conveyor mechanism and the head are located at the recording position from the medium removal position; and (b) a second control portion configured to control the relative movement mechanism to prevent the conveyor mechanism and the head from moving relatively toward each other where the sensor detects the medium in the second operation.
US08277013B2
There is provided a printer which includes two rotatable bodies, two rotational drive mechanisms which drives the two rotatable body, respectively, two attaching mechanisms which attach a printing medium to the two rotatable bodies, respectively, an ink-jet head arranged to face one of the rotatable bodies, a transfer mechanism which has a first transfer path connecting the two rotational bodies with passing a facing area facing the two rotational bodies and a second transfer path connecting the two rotational bodies without passing the facing area, and a transporting control mechanism which controls the two rotational drive mechanisms to transfer the printing medium from one rotatable body to the other rotatable body via the first transfer path, and from the other rotatable body to the one rotatable body via the second transfer path.
US08276998B2
A motorcycle includes a liquid pressure-generating unit, a pressure-regulating unit interposed between the liquid pressure-generating unit and a wheel brake, and a control unit for controlling operation of the pressure-regulating unit. The motorcycle also includes a support case, supportively containing the control unit and disposed on a lateral side of an engine body mounted on a body frame of the motorcycle, with the support case interposed between the control unit and the engine body. Further, a running airflow leading-in part for permitting traveling airflow to pass toward said control unit is formed at a front part of the support case, and a traveling airflow leading-out part is formed at a rear part of the support case for leading out the traveling airflow after the airflow has passed through at least one lateral side of the control unit. This arrangement lessens the influence of the heat from an engine upon the control unit while disposing the control unit in the vicinity of the engine body.
US08276996B2
A status of one or more subsystems positioned on one or more trailers is communicated to a tractor electrically and mechanically connected to the trailer. The status may be automatically supplied by the subsystem or may be requested either by the operator of the tractor/trailer combination or automatically by another subsystem on either the tractor or the trailer. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the status of a respective subsystem is superposed on the power bus. The status of the respective subsystem can then be determined from the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the status of the subsystem is indicated to an operator positioned on the tractor. A command for controlling a subsystem on a trailer can also be communicated from the tractor to the trailer over the power bus. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the command is produced on the power bus, and the subsystem is controlled based on the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the command is received from an operator positioned in the tractor.
US08276986B2
A seat pad that is injection molded out of plastic with various combinations of holes and pathways that promote air flow to ventilate and prevent the build-up of perspiration on a person's back, upper legs, and rear end as they sit on it for an extended period of time. The seat pad also has multiple beads that provide acupuncture-type pressure for relaxation and comfort of the person. The design of the seat pad is such that it provides some flexibility for cushioning effect and some rigidity so that it is not collapsed or crushed under the weight of the person sitting on it for an extended period of time.
US08276975B2
An FRP panel for an automobile, comprising a panel element to which a difference in rigidity and/or a difference in strength is provided between a first FRP layer on a first surface side and a second FRP layer on a second surface side on the opposite side of the first surface. The FRP panel for the automobile having a crushable structure suitable for absorbing impact can be realized, and the impact on a pedestrian in collision can be suppressed by properly absorbing the impact to protect the pedestrian.
US08276974B2
There is disclosed a noise reduction member. Preferably, the noise reduction member is employed for sealing or baffling within a pillar or other structure of an automotive vehicle, although not required.
US08276973B2
An airflow deflector apparatus for a vehicle that protrudes downward from a vehicle body in front of a wheel housing that houses a wheel includes a flap portion having a front surface portion extending substantially in a lateral direction of a vehicle and a vertical direction, and a protrusion portion that protrudes toward a front of the vehicle from the front surface portion of the flap portion and is formed so as to have a shape that tapers toward a protrusion end portion side, in which the front surface portion of the flap portion, when the vehicle is running, changes a moving direction of airflow that flows along a surface of the protrusion portion into a direction away from components that are disposed rearward.
US08276967B1
A structure of floor mat of automobile cargo bed includes a mat body that is integrally formed and made of a thermoplastic rubber material. The mat body has an outer contour matching the contour and size of the internal floor of an automobile cargo bed and is laid flat on the floor of the cargo bed. The mat body has a bottom forming a plurality of triangular prism like grooves. When the mat body is wound up to collapse, the grooves form folding lines that provide an effect of positioning so as to make winding up the mat body easy and providing a reduced collapsed size of the mat, whereby the amount of space required for stowage is reduced and product transportation is facilitated.
US08276958B2
A bidirectional tendon terminator that has particular application for terminating a tendon that actuates a finger in a robotic arm. The tendon terminator includes a cylindrical member having an internal channel through which a single continuous piece of the tendon extends. The internal channel of the tendon terminator includes a widened portion. A ball is placed in the tendon strands, which causes the tendon to expand, and the ball is positioned within the widened portion of the channel. Pulling on the tendon operates to either open or close the finger of the robotic arm depending on which direction the tendon is pulled. In one specific embodiment, the cylinder includes two cylindrical pieces that are coupled together so that the ball can be positioned within the channel and the cylindrical member has an entire circumference of material.
US08276956B2
A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator for attachment to a host vehicle includes an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on its front end for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on their front ends. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.
US08276951B2
A door-closing device for a domestic electrical appliance comprises a frame with an aperture for the introduction of a keeper. A closing unit is arranged on the frame such that when in a closing position, the closing unit holds the keeper for the purposed of keeping the door closed and, in an open position, releases said keeper for the purposed of opening the door, said closing unit, in the course of its transfer from the open position into the closing position, draws the keeper along with it. A closing spring arrangement acts upon the closing unit to draw the keeper along with said unit. A blocking element that is movable relative to the frame to block and unblock the movement of the closing unit.
US08276946B2
A threaded joint for steel tubes has a contact surface (30) including a threaded portion and a non-threaded metal-to-metal contact portion. The contact surface of at least one of a pin and a box of the joint is coated with a first plating layer (34) made of a Cu—Zn alloy or a Cu—Zn-M1 alloy (wherein M1 is at least one element selected from Sn, Bi, and In). An undercoat (32) of one or both of a Ni plating layer (32a) and a Cu plating layer (32b) and an overcoat of a Sn-M2 alloy plating layer (36) (wherein M2 is one or more elements selected from Bi, In, Ni, Zn, and Cu) may be formed below and above the first layer, respectively. A solid lubricating coating (38a) and a viscous liquid or semisolid lubricating coating (38b) may also be formed atop the plating layer as a lubricating coating (38).
US08276941B2
A height-adjustable support (10) for semi-trailers or similar, comprising a locally fixed external support tube (13), an internal support tube (14), which is fixed to a nut (18) on a spindle (17), the spindle being driven by a change-over gear and a bevel gear assembly. The change-over gear has two gear wheel stages which can be alternately activated, a separate gear stage comprising bevel gear toothing being provided for the distribution of forces after each gear wheel stage.
US08276938B2
Provided is a curtain bag which can be brought into an inflated state as required in a short time without locally applying an excessive load to its outer peripheral joint part (1) and inner joint parts (2). The dot-like inner joint parts (2) on the inside of the outer peripheral joint part (1) are isolated from the outer peripheral joint part (1) and also made to be independent of each other.
US08276934B2
The securing device, to be mounted on a ski-board, includes a main body with a support base for a sole, two lateral flanges, and an assembly for the attachment of the shoe to the main body, including: a protective element and first and second means for attaching the latter onto the first and the second flanges. The first means include two serrated straps, namely front and rear. The proximal end of at least one strap is mounted so that it pivots on the first flange. The distal ends mate with front and rear locking systems fixed onto the protective element, for adjusting the length of said straps. The second flange is fitted with front and rear attachment systems. The second means of attachment include a fixing handle, pierced with two holes, in which the attachment systems engage, and a closure system by which the handle is connected to the protective element.
US08276915B2
A dice game and method of playing a dice game is disclosed wherein provided are ten dice, a dice box having a score pad and bonus card holding area, playing chips and chip holders, a score payout card, and instructions for playing the game. Players take turns rolling the ten dice in the dice box, and if three like kind or more dice of the same suit are rolled, such dice are placed on the score pad and removed from play, after which the player must decide whether to reroll the remaining dice or bank the point from the initial roll. If on a subsequent roll in a turn a dice of the same suit is not rolled, the players turn is over and all points accumulated in such turn are lost. If three like kind or more dice are not rolled on an initial roll, the player selects a “bonus” card and is awarded the designated number of points on the card, and the dice are rolled again. After a play becomes the “winner” by being the first to achieve 122,000 points, each other play will have a final turn in which to attempt to achieve an even higher score, with the player achieving the highest score becoming the “high roll winner”.
US08276907B2
A recording apparatus includes: a recording unit that performs a recording operation on a sent recording medium; a main body that has the recording unit; a discharge stacker that places the recording medium discharged from the main body therein; and a flexible member that forms a lateral closed region by connecting a downstream end in a discharge direction of the discharge stacker and the main body on the upper side of the downstream end in the discharge direction of the discharge stacker in a placing direction.
US08276904B2
A sheet pick-up module includes a driving shaft, a driving shaft sleeve, a pick-up driving roller, a pick-up roller sleeve and a sliding sleeve. When the driving shaft is rotated to drive rotation of the driving shaft sleeve, the driving shaft sleeve pushes the sliding sleeve toward the pick-up roller sleeve, and the sliding sleeve is rotated to push the pick-up roller sleeve, so that the pick-up driving roller and the pick-up roller sleeve are synchronously rotated to transport the document at a pick-up speed. When the feed roller is contacted with the document to transport the document at a feed speed faster than the pick-up speed, the pick-up driving roller is driven to rotate by the document, and the pick-up roller sleeve is rotate to push the sliding sleeve, so that the sliding sleeve is moved in a direction away from the pick-up roller sleeve.
US08276899B2
A media-sheet post-processing apparatus performs post-processing on a media sheet delivered thereto. The sheet media post-processing apparatus includes a media-sheet conveying unit configured to convey a media sheet while moving in a media-sheet conveying direction; and a move drive unit configured to move the media-sheet conveying unit in the media-sheet conveying direction in such a manner that a difference between an amount that the media sheet is conveyed by the media-sheet conveying unit and an amount that the media-sheet conveying unit is moved is kept constant.
US08276893B2
An elastomer-containing rod end isolator. The isolator includes a handle for connection to a load and inner and outer members. The outer member is a pocket and the inner member is spherical or nearly so. The pocket and the inner member are concentric and the inner member has two continuous exterior legs extending in a circular path. An elastomer fills most of the space between members.
US08276890B1
The present invention is a pressure monitoring panel apparatus with a panel housing that contains a programmable logic controller. Pressure transducers transmit the pressures from an aeration basin diffuser head and an aeration basin airline to a programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller uses the pressures from the aeration basin diffuser head and aeration basin airline to determine the airflow rate through the aeration basin diffuser and the pressure drop across the aeration basin diffuser. Those values are then displayed on a viewable interface.
US08276884B2
A remotely controllable recovery vehicle winch/stabilizing system, having a vehicle bumper; a first pulley attached to the bumper's first end; a winch attached to bumper's second end; a second pulley approximately midway between the first pulley and said winch and adjacent a swivel sheave; a cable, directed by the first and second pulleys and the swivel sheave, to be wound or unwound about the winch, with the pulleys, the swivel sheave, and the winch operatively arranged with respect to each other so as to maintain the cable perpendicular, or nearly so, to the rotational axis of the drum as it is fed to or played off of the drum so as to prevent the cable from jamming as the cable is used to either recover or deposit an object, and a set of stabilizing legs each leg attached to said bumper so as to stabilize and secure the recovery or release apparatus.
US08276878B2
The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation. The novel optical sensors and the novel optical sensing methods are used, for example, for controlling the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers (including control electronics and valves) require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers.
US08276876B2
A limiter detachably associated with a water faucet having a lever-type handle, enabling to prevent the rotational movement range of the lever-type handle. The limiter comprises a body and a limiting-handle where the limiting-handle is rotatably connected to the body. The limiter may be installed to the faucet at one of its hot or cold sides, where the limiter enables a user to rotate the limiting-handle towards and away from the lever-type handle of the faucet to physically limit the rotational movement of the lever-type handle. The limiter may be installed near the side of the faucet where hot water are controlled to serve as a safety device enabling to prevent the flow of hot water when the limiter's limiting-handle is locked in a limiting position that prevents rotating of the lever-type handle of the faucet.
US08276867B2
An adjustable projector bracket assembly has a pivoting device, a moving device and an adjusting device. The moving device is slidably connected with the pivoting device and has a bottom. The adjusting device is mounted on the bottom of the moving device and has a projector bracket and at least three supporting arms. The projector bracket has at least three arm grooves formed through the projector bracket. The at least three supporting arms are respectively pivotally and slidably connected with the at least three arm grooves. With the supporting arms pivotally and slidably connected with the arm grooves, projectors P of different sizes or having different assembling holes can be mounted securely on the projector bracket.
US08276863B2
A device support stand has a base fixed to a device on which the support stand is installed, a first support shaft upstanding from the base, a second support shaft extended on a line perpendicular to the first support shaft and joined to the first support shaft via a first movable section, a third support shaft placed at a portion a predetermined distance away from the first support shaft, a fourth support shaft extended on a line perpendicular to the third support shaft and joined to the third support shaft via a second movable section, a pair of first and second connection frames joined to the fourth support shaft via third and fourth movable sections, respectively, and a device fixation member for device installation, installed on one end of the third support shaft. The first and second connection frames are joined together by adjustment/joint means for adjusting the spacing between the first and second connection frames so as to limit rotation of the first to fourth movable sections. The device on which the support stand is installed can be moved up, down, left, and right and can be fixed to a rear low position after changing its angle.
US08276861B2
One aspect according to the present invention includes a base portion and a clamp portion. The base portion can be joined to a first member of a vehicle. The clamp portion is formed integrally with the base portion and can joined to a second member of the vehicle. The clamp portion includes a first jaw and a second jaw defining a receiving space therebetween. The receiving space can receive a part of the second member. A support portion is formed on one of the first and second jaws and is positioned within the receiving space. The support portion is resiliently deformable and can apply a pressing force against the part of the second member in a direction toward the other of the first and second jaws during and after insertion of the part of the second member into the receiving space.
US08276860B2
A mounting apparatus for a blower includes a parallel pair of racks, a pair of sliding rails attached to the racks and capable of sliding along the racks, a pair of seats attached to the rails and capable of sliding along the rails, two pairs of positioning members extending through the racks and engaging with the rails to position the rails on the racks, and a pair of fasteners extending through the blower to engage with the seats to attach the blower to the seats.
US08276858B1
A stand used for supporting spools of wire and the like includes a cam which is operable to increase the length of a leg to thereby raise the spool of wire off of the ground. The stand is adjustable to allow its use with different sizes of spools of wire. The stand allows a single person to raise a spool of wire weighing thousands of pounds off of the ground and support the same to allow the spool to rotate freely upon an axle.
US08276857B2
An extension and retraction arrangement with a sliding door construction for adjusting a monitor from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The door is slidable between an open position and a closed position for at least partially closing the aperture in the framework. A pocket door is pivotally coupled to an arm aperture portion in the door, and a flipper door is pivotally coupled to an arm aperture portion in a framework. The flipper door and the pocket door interlock to be retained in closed positions to seal the arm aperture when the extension and retraction arrangement is in a storage configuration. The door is articulated with multiple sections and is guided by drive pins engaged with drive slots and slide pins that slide along guide surfaces of drive path subassemblies.
US08276852B2
Concepts and technologies described herein provide for a low noise aircraft wing slat system. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a cove-filled wing slat is used in conjunction with a moveable leading edge element of an aircraft wing to provide a high lift system. The moveable leading edge element may include a one-piece or two-piece panel that retracts within the aircraft wing to accommodate the cove-filled slat in the stowed position. Upon deployment of the cove-filled slat, the moveable leading edge element deploys outward to create a continuous outer mold line shape with the wing.
US08276849B2
According to one embodiment, a bracket configured to hold a pressure transducer comprises a body, a face plate, and one or more pressure fitting connectors. The body has a rear portion and a front portion that meet to form an angle less than 180 degrees. The face plate is coupled to the front portion of the body, and has a surface defining a plate aperture configured for a cable to pass through. The pressure fitting connectors are coupled to the rear portion of the body. Each pressure fitting connector is configured to receive a pressure hose.
US08276845B2
An aircraft cockpit that includes comfort and/or security adjustable equipment in which the adjustments are controlled by an adjustment management system so that, by the unique selection of a position desired by the pilot from at least two positions, the adjustment of each of the aforementioned members is modified from a current value to a predetermined value characteristic of the selected position and depending on the pilot. The data characteristic of the members adjustments controlled by the adjustment management system and depending on the pilot are stored in a mobile medium and read by a means for recognizing the aforementioned management system. The adjustments controlled by the adjustment management system can relate to piloting seats, piloting rudder bars, piloting armrests, individual aeration systems and individual lighting systems.
US08276844B2
The invention relates to a system for landing UAV's. The system comprises a slingshot structure that includes arm based structure and an axis installed along the arm of the structure and enabling the arm to move around it. The system comprises a base connecting the axis to a platform at which the system is installable. The system also includes a controlled pulling and braking means that connects the arm of the structure and the platform upon which the system is installable and stretchable elastic installed in a stretched manner at a gap formed between two arms and set to connect with a landing UAV. At the landing phase, the controlled pulling and braking of the system essentially breaks the motion of the arm based structure that is propelled to revolve around the system's axis, and propels the structure to move around the axis.
US08276832B2
An actuator overcap for producing multiple spray patterns includes a cap having a hub with a lower surface defining a socket and an upper surface defining a chamber fluidly communicating with the socket. First and second barrels extend between the hub and a side wall of the cap to define first and second flow paths. A trigger is pivotably coupled to the cap and includes a seal support. A selector is coupled to the trigger, and includes a user-engageable pad and a seal. The seal is configured to closely fit within the hub chamber and defines a central aperture fluidly communicating with the hub chamber and a first notch extending radially outwardly from and fluidly communicating with the central aperture. The trigger and selector are pivotable with respect to the cap to place the first notch in fluid communication with one of the first and second flow paths.
US08276827B2
A substrate having a coding pattern disposed therein or thereon. The coding pattern comprises: a tiling of contiguous grid cells, each grid cell being demarcated by t target elements and having t-fold rotational symmetry, each grid cell containing nt control symbols, each control symbol being encoded by a set of macrodots; and a tiling of contiguous tags, each tag consisting of an array of c grid cells, each tag containing a plurality of data symbols, each data symbol being encoded by a set of macrodots. Any contiguous tag-shaped array of c grid cells contains cnt control symbols, which encode r1 registration symbols and r2 second symbols. The r1 registration symbols, taken in a defined sequence relative to a physical layout of the tag-shaped array, form a registration codeword of length r1. The r2 second symbols form one or more second codewords.
US08276826B2
Value documents including a security element having magnetic material for securing the value documents. Along the security element, for example along a longitudinal direction of the security element, there are disposed one or more magnetic areas and one or more gap areas. The extension of the magnetic areas or the gap areas along the security element is preferably chosen so that the magnetic signals of adjacent magnetization steps interfere constructively with each other when transported past the magnetic sensor.
US08276822B2
An electronic circuit, for which a coil 22 is disposed being overlapped with a region of a memory array 11, carries out communications by inductive coupling between stacked and mounted chips by means of the coil 22. Because each side of the coil 22 is disposed so as not to be parallel to a word line and a bit line 15, crosstalk between ‘the coil 22’ and ‘the word line 14 and bit line 15’ can minimized. This allows efficiently arranging a coil to carry out communications by inductive coupling between chips to be stacked and mounted.
US08276817B2
An information media processing device may include a transport passage in which an information medium having MICR characters printed in a predetermined print position is transported, a magnetic head arranged in the transport passage, an image reading means arranged in the transport passage, a transporting means arranged in the transport passage, which has a shifting mechanism for shifting the information medium into an area in which the magnetic head can make magnetic detection, and a controller which detects the reference edge of the information medium based on the image read by the image reading means to judge if the print position is distanced by a predetermined amount or more from the magnetically-detectable area of the magnetic head based on the reference edge; when the print position is distanced by a predetermined amount or more, the transporting means shifts the information medium into the magnetically-detectable area while transporting the information medium.
US08276810B2
Method, apparatus and system for setting up withdrawal change orders online or at a cash handling device for immediately retrieval and/or future retrievals of paper cash and coin. The change order may include specific requested denominations of paper cash and/or coins. The change order may also include a specific location that the user wishes to retrieve the cash at. Upon authentication of the user at the requested cash handling device within the time-frame specified, the user may receive the change order requested automatically.
US08276805B2
This invention provides methods and systems for brazing. One aspect of the invention provides a method of brazing cutter teeth. The method includes providing a bit body, pressing at least one cutter against the bit body with a spring device, placing the bit body and the at least one cutter in an inert gas filled chamber with about 10% H2, and heating the chamber to a temperature above the melting point of the filler metal thereby melting the filler metal. A quantity of filler metal is held between each of the at least one cutters and the bit body.
US08276801B2
A surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes a housing having an actuator; an elongated member extending from the housing; an end effector disposed on an end of the elongated member, the end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw having a staple cartridge and the second jaw having a plurality of staple forming recesses; the staple cartridge having at least a first segment and a second segment, the first segment and the second segment each having a tissue contacting surface and staple receiving slots defined in the tissue contacting surface, the first segment and the second segment being biased toward the second jaw and movable; a biasing members for each of the first segment and the second segment; and a pressure sensor for each of the first segment and the second segment.
US08276796B2
A brittle material substrate cutting method and cutting apparatus are provided, which prevent cut faces of a brittle material substrate from contacting each other after the cutting in a break step of continuously cutting the brittle material substrate, so that a damage or contamination on the brittle material substrate due to the contact can be prevented.
US08276788B2
A method and apparatus for heating a product dispensed from a handheld container having a nozzle for discharging the product from the container utilizes a discharge assembly having a discharge housing that defines a reservoir and is in fluid communication with the nozzle when the discharge assembly is coupled to the container. The reservoir receives the discharged product from the nozzle and collects the discharged product within the reservoir and allows the introduction of a warm liquid into the reservoir. A strainer allows the warm liquid introduced into the reservoir of the discharge housing to be separated from the discharged product by pouring the warm liquid from the discharge housing through the strainer. The strainer is configured to retain majority of the discharged product within the reservoir after pouring out the liquid. A product access port allows the discharged product to be removed from the reservoir of the housing.
US08276770B2
A rotatable organizer comprising: a base; a first grooved wheel in rotatable communication with the base, the first grooved wheel comprising a first groove; an exposed turntable fixedly attached to the first grooved wheel, the exposed turntable having a center; a second grooved wheel in rotatable communication with the base, second grooved wheel comprising a second groove; a second turntable fixedly attached to the second grooved wheel, the second turntable having a center; a belt attached to the first groove and the second groove, and configured to rotate the second grooved wheel when the first grooved wheel rotates; a rail attached to the base and extending up orthogonally to at least one of the turntables, wherein the rail encloses at least a portion of the perimeter of the rotatable organizer; a central divider located on a plane that contains an imaginary line that extends from the center of the exposed turntable to the center of the second turntable, the plane being generally orthogonal to the surface of the exposed turntable and the surface of the second turntable; where the exposed turntable and the second turntable are configured to be rotatable with respect to the base.
US08276766B2
An adjustable depth merchandising apparatus includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof. An adjustable divider system is selectively connected to the mounting member. The divider system includes a first divider portion and a second divider portion. Each portion contains connecting elements, which selectively engage each other to operatively connect the first divider portion to the second divider portion, thereby enabling the divider system to be employed on associated shelves of varying depths. A trackless pusher system is selectively received on the mounting member. The pusher system includes a mounting clip engaging the mounting member, a coil spring connected to the mounting clip and a pusher body slidably mounted in relation to the mounting member, wherein the coil spring is supported by the pusher body and connects the pusher body to the mounting clip. Both the divider system and the pusher system have a length which can be adjusted, thereby enabling the two systems to be employed on associated shelves of varying depths.
US08276761B2
A froth flotation method and apparatus for extracting a valuable substance from a slurry comprising a mixture of solid phase, liquid phase and said substance. A gas dispersing mechanism (4) feeds gas into the slurry (1) in a flotation vessel (2) to infuse gas bubbles into the slurry. The slurry is agitated in the flotation vessel (2) for dispersing the gas bubbles into the slurry. The gas bubbles capture the valuable substance from the slurry and form a froth phase F above the slurry phase S. The froth phase F exits the vessel by overflow. Continuously moving negative pressure zones (7) are mechanically generated by rake blades (9) in the froth phase (F). The negative pressure zones (7) extend from the froth phase (F) to the slurry phase (S). The negative pressure zones (7) capture unwanted slurry and liquid pockets (8) entrained from the slurry phase to the froth phase (F) and form paths for guiding said unwanted slurry and liquid pockets (8) via said paths from the froth phase (F) downwardly back to the slurry phase (S).
US08276756B2
Disclosed is a pouch having at least one sealed compartment containing a first composition. At least one wall of the at least one sealed compartment is made from a water-soluble film having any suitable thickness. The water-soluble film comprises PVOH polymer such that when the film has a thickness of about 76 microns the film is characterized by a Dissolution Index of about 620 to about 920, or of about 665 to about 920, or about 710 to about 920; and a Stress Index of about 145 to about 626, or about 155 to about 480, or about 165 to about 325.
US08276755B2
The flexible container relating to the present invention comprises a cylindrical member (10) made from flexible film, a bottom plate member (12) which is harder than the flexible film, fitted into the inner side of a first end section of the cylindrical member (10) and fused-bonding airtightly; and a ring member (11) which is harder than the flexible film, fitted into the inner side of a second end section of said cylindrical member (10) and fused-bonding airtightly. According to this flexible container (2), it is possible greatly to reduce the volume of the container after discharging the highly viscous material from the flexible container, and it is possible to achieve small and inexpensive molds having excellent productivity as molding equipment for forming the bottom plate member (12) and the ring member (11), thereby achieving benefits in that the price of the equipment can be reduced significantly.
US08276753B2
A packaging structure for containing, transportation, exhibition, and dispensing of products at points of sale, of a type including a cubical three-dimensional frame formed by four angular beams in a rectangular or quadrangular arrangement, attached on their lower and upper ends by angular crossbeams, generating empty windows on all its faces; the angular beams and crossbeams are made of compressed rigid cardboard and have two equal arms defining an “L”, set with their vortexes facing inside this structure; the structure is set on a base or pallet, that the attachment between the angular beams and crossbeams is made through structural corner joints having an orthogonal square shaped flat surface section with round vortex, an upward projecting and fixating perpendicular tab of a substantially trapezoidal section on each exterior side of the vortex; the tabs and square shaped flat surface include holes through which fixating means are placed in order to attach arms of the beams and crossbeams; a rectangular cavity is made exactly at the exterior corner of the orthogonal square.
US08276751B2
A system and method is provided for displaying a padlock. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a padlock, a card and a back plate, wherein the card includes a front side, a back side and an aperture sized to receive at least a body of the padlock, and the back plate is configured to be attached to the back side of the card (e.g., via coupling portions). The card further includes a plurality of retaining tabs that extend from a face of the card and are used to retain the padlock by restricting movement of the padlock in a direction orthogonal and/or parallel to the face of the card. Each retaining tab is configured to retain the padlock by providing at least one retaining surface.
US08276747B2
A modular conveying system with sprockets engaging the modules such that they do not cover any link gaps but are positioned between the link gaps. The module is characterized by link structures having link pairs that are spaced apart sufficiently at a distance to allow the sprockets to be located between the link pairs. Positioning the sprockets between the link pairs leaves the hinge gaps uncovered and thus allows free access to the hinge gap for cleaning.
US08276743B2
A method and an apparatus enable the reversal of direction in a transport of articles, in particular flat mail items. The length of the leading article is measured. The two articles are transported, with a gap between them, to a direction reversal device. The direction reversal device possesses a “head station” and transports the two articles over a transport path in a transport direction and, subsequently, over the same transport path in the opposite transport direction. If the measured length is greater than a stipulated standard maximum length, the leading article is additionally transported over an additional transport route which follows the transport path, specifically, first, in the transport direction and, subsequently, in the opposite transport direction. The two articles are subsequently transported away in succession.
US08276741B1
A bottle cap orienting apparatus including a cap transfer assembly having a pair of opposing transfer belts each having curved first and second ends and upright facing straight sides opposingly spaced apart to define a gap sized to be equal to or greater than a height of the caps being transferred and reoriented for subsequent feeding into a bottle capping apparatus. A cap feed chute is positioned centrally between the first ends for conveying unoriented bottle caps in edge upright orientation into the gap. Each of the transfer belts have suction holes positioned along each of the transfer belts. A vacuum source within each belt draws air inwardly into the suction holes which holds caps against the belt. The belts move in unison to carry the bottle caps to the second ends where a cap stripper detaches each cap from the transfer belts.
US08276740B2
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to/from the destination areas, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate destination area, an item is transferred between the delivery vehicle and the destination area.
US08276738B2
Drive system for escalators and moving walkways, comprising a set of wheels (3) carrying free-rotating rollers (4), with parallel axes to that of the wheels, and one or more shafts (5) perpendicular to the movement direction of the belt of steps or pallets (1), in which said roller wheels are mounted. The shafts (5) and wheels (3) are arranged between the moving forward way and the return way of the belt of steps or pallets (1). The wheels (3) engage through the rollers (4) with the steps or pallets (1) through engaging formations (7) of said belt of steps or pallets (1). The shafts (5) connect to a driving assembly through a transmission mechanism.
US08276735B2
A system and method for integrating devices and equipment into self-service kiosk devices is disclosed. Hardware configuration kits are provided which allow for a less complicated implementation of specific and customized functionality for quick service restaurant (QSR) environments. In certain embodiments a kiosk door is coupled to the kiosk body to form a kiosk cabinet in which devices and equipment used to operate the kiosk are housed. Certain interior kiosk components and devices, such as coin dispensers, bill acceptors, and the like, may be configured to extend or protrude through the kiosk door so that they may be accessed by the customer. The kiosk door may have a hollowed out center or aperture which allows access to the interior cabinet. The aperture may be substantially covered by a removable door inlay which cooperatively includes cutouts corresponding to the components protruding through the door. A removable door overlay may also be provided which attaches to an outer surface of the kiosk door and may also include cutouts which correspond to the protruding components.
US08276720B2
The present invention is a double path torsion isolator for use in conjunction with a torque converter. Each of the two vibration paths includes a flange with a spring connection to each of the torque converter cover and an output connection attached to the transmission shaft. The torque converter turbine is connected to one of the flanges to provide a different frequency to the associated vibration path. When the lockup clutch is engaged, the engine vibration is divided along the two vibration paths toward the common output connection. The vibration frequency of the paths are adjusted so that the frequencies of the two paths are 180° out of phase at the output connection providing a vibration cancellation effect to the output connection.
US08276714B2
A rappel line anchor mount apparatus for use primarily with generally planar type support surfaces and fixtures provides a generally flat, substantially T-shaped body arranged to mount a rappel line on the normally upright leg extending substantially perpendicularly centrally from the work surface edge of the normally laterally extending top leg forming the T-shaped anchor body. The anchor mount apparatus may be formed with opposite jaw members pivotally secured together for movement between an extended, operative condition for use, and a collapsed, folded condition for efficient storage and carrying when not in use.
US08276711B1
A method of forming a monolithically fabricated sound absorbing structural precast concrete noise barrier panel comprising a sound absorbing layer of specialized raw materials. The method includes providing a sound absorbing layer that is a blended mixture of an aggregate, granulated rubber, chemically treated wood particles, cement, pozzolans, water, air entraining admixture, and water reducing mixture; placing the sound absorptive layer ingredients in a form mold; compressing the ingredients to a preset density; backing the compressed ingredients with reinforced structural concrete; and curing the backed and compressed ingredients.
US08276709B2
A sound insulation process comprises (a) providing at least one sound insulation device comprising at least one sound barrier comprising at least one substantially periodic array of structures disposed in a first medium having a first density, the structures being made of a second medium having a second density different from the first density, wherein one of the first and second media is a viscoelastic medium having a speed of propagation of longitudinal sound wave and a speed of propagation of transverse sound wave, the speed of propagation of longitudinal sound wave being at least about 30 times the speed of propagation of transverse sound wave, and wherein the other of the first and second media is a viscoelastic or elastic medium; and (b) interposing the sound insulation device between an acoustic source area and an acoustic receiving area of a transportation vehicle.
US08276708B1
Headliners for vehicles and vehicles incorporating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes an enclosed passenger compartment at least partially bounded by a roof structure. A headliner may be attached to an inboard side of the roof structure. The headliner may include an acoustical attenuator portion attached to an inboard side of the roof structure and an acoustical reflector portion attached to an inboard side of the acoustical attenuator portion. The acoustical attenuator portion absorbs acoustic energy incident on an outboard surface of the roof structure and the acoustical reflector portion reflects acoustic energy incident on an inboard side of the acoustical reflector portion. The enclosed passenger compartment has a Speech Transmission Index greater than 0.56 for acoustic energy incident on the inboard side of the acoustical reflector portion.
US08276690B2
An expandable downhole tool such as an under-reamer or a stabiliser includes a mandrel mounted for linear slidable movement relative to a main body. The mandrel, together with one or more travel blocks, cause movement of a working component in an axial direction. One or more outwardly extending guide paths slidably interact with the working component to cause the working component to move between a withdrawn inoperative position and an outwardly deployed operative position. Upon increase of hydraulic pressure from below the tool, the mandrel is urged against a spring biasing the deactivated position to move axially and cause the working component to take its operative position. Upon decrease of hydraulic pressure, the spring moves the mandrel axially to cause the working component to take its withdrawn inoperative position.
US08276687B2
A steering head for use with an auger and a casing engaged to the auger, the steering head comprising: a generally cylindrical body having a first body end and a second body end mountable to the casing, a bore channel concentrically received in the body, a front lip, a rear lip, a body surface, and a lead edge; an outer tube having an internal side covering the body surface and an opposing external side; a steering flap disposed on the external side of the outer tube having a first flap face and a second flap face, a distal end, and a hinge end, the steering flap disposable in a retracted position and an extended position; a biased hinge operative to retract the steering flap into the retracted position; and a powered actuator operative to extend the first flap face into the extended position.
US08276679B2
The present invention describes systems and methods which provide a moisture barrier that douses or diffuses buoyant burning debris, particularly hot embers, from a bush and/or brush fire (e.g., wildfires). By strategic placement of the devices and/or apparatus as disclosed, a method of preventing the destruction of dwellings and roof-containing structures by exploiting heat convection is provided.
US08276677B2
A bottom hole assembly (BHA), adapted to be positioned in a casing and to isolate a portion of a wellbore, which includes a packer assembly with a first sealing element extending between first and second portions of the packer assembly. A method of setting a BHA in a casing which includes increasing a BHA pressure to activate an anchor assembly, applying a mechanical force to mechanically deform a first sealing element to thereby establish an initial seal between the first sealing element and an interior surface of the casing, and increasing a pressure in a space between the BHA and the casing and in a cavity within the BHA to increase a differential pressure across the first sealing element and thereby establish a pressure-energized seal between the first sealing element and the interior surface of the casing.
US08276674B2
A system includes a string that includes a passageway and a plurality of tools. The system further includes an untethered object that is adapted to be deployed in the passageway such that the object travels downhole via the passageway and controllably expand its size as the object travels downhole to selectively cause one of the tools to capture the object.
US08276671B2
A running tool sets and pressure tests a bridging hanger and a packoff in a single trip. The running tool has a stem, an inner body, and a piston. The inner body is connected to the stem so that rotation of the stem relative to the inner body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. The piston is connected to the stem so that the stem and piston rotate and move longitudinally in unison. A piston engagement element is housed in the inner body and is adapted to engage the piston when the bridging hanger is set to prevent premature setting of the packoff. The piston engagement element can be disengaged once the bridging hanger is set, thereby allowing the piston to set the packoff.
US08276663B2
Methods of treating subterranean formations to reduce bacteria load are provided. Some methods include the steps of providing a treatment fluid, particulates, and tri-n-butyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride (TTPC) wherein the TTPC is in liquid form or in solution; coating the TTPC onto the particulates; combining the particulates coated with TTPC with the treatment fluid to create a suspension; and, placing the suspension into the portion of the subterranean formation. Other methods involve the use of TTPC in the form of a solid salt.
US08276659B2
An apparatus and related method for fracturing a formation penetrated by a well comprises a frac pressure pump, a frac fluid source, and a proppant supply source. The frac pressure pump is connected to the well. The frac fluid source is connected to supply a stream of frac fluid to the frac pressure pump. The proppant supply source has a proppant receiver, a positive displacement pump, and at least an inlet into the proppant supply source. The at least an inlet is connected to one or more liquid hydrocarbon sources to supply liquid hydrocarbons to proppant in the proppant supply source. The positive displacement pump is connected to pump proppant into the stream of frac fluid before the frac pressure pump. Fluid lines connecting the frac pressure pump, the well, and the frac fluid source have isolation valves spaced so that the volume of fluid containable between any set of neighboring isolation valves is less than or equal to 500 L.
US08276643B2
A protection or shading system for a motor vehicle, in particular a wind deflector system for a convertible, with a base, a sheet-like structure entendable between an inoperative position and a functional position in an extension direction away from the base, a rigid end element fastened to the sheet-like structure, and an extension device fastened on one side to the base and on the other side to the end element. The extension device is designed so as to transfer the system from an inoperative state in which the sheet-like structure, the end element and the extension device are each in an inoperative position, into a functional state, in which the sheet-like structure, the end element and the extension device are each in a functional position.
US08276641B2
The tire-changing machine for fitting and removing vehicle wheels comprises a base frame for supporting gripping and rotating means for a vehicle wheel with a rim and a tire to be fitted/removed, an operating head operatively associated with the base frame and having at least a fitting/removal tool, operating means or actuators suitable for positioning the operating head in a work configuration in which the tool is arranged in contact against the tire substantially near the flange of the rim. The actuators are responsive to a processing and control unit which positions the operating head in the work configuration, so that the fitting/removal tools can fit, and/or remove, a tire from the rim of a vehicle wheel.
US08276631B2
A pneumatic tire having a noise damper, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method for fixing the damper to the tire are disclosed. The inner surface of the tread portion of the vulcanized tire is buffed, and the noise damper is fixed to the buffed inner surface, using a double-sided adhesive tape which has specific characteristics such as adhesive force, tensile strength, thickness, cold-resistant property, heat-resistant property and water-resistant property.
US08276629B2
A tread (1) having a plurality of raised elements (5) provided with at least one first incision (10) and at least one second incision (20). Each first incision (10) comprises at least two non-planar parts (111) separated by an intermediate part (112). The non-planar parts exhibit a dual undulation, whereas the planar parts have a single undulation. Each second incision (20) comprises at least two non-planar parts (211) separated by an intermediate part (212). The non-planar parts (212) exhibit at least one undulation (2112) in the depth of the tread of maximum amplitude C, whereas each intermediate part (212) of the at least one second incision (20) has no deformation in relief. The first incisions (10) intersecting at least one second incision (20) to form at least one intersection and thus divide the raised element (5) in which they are made into several volume elements (55), each intersection being created between an intermediate part (112) of the at least one first incision (10) and an intermediate part (212) of the at least one second incision (20).
US08276626B2
A sanitary shield for preventing direct contact of a user with an exterior surface of an elongated handle includes a flexible sheet having each of a predetermined width, a predetermined length and a predetermined thickness. The flexible sheet is formed from a flexible plastic material. A first row of interposed tabs and notches is formed in a first side edge of the flexible sheet and a second row of interposed tabs and notches is formed in a second side edge of the flexible sheet, whereby each tab in one row is aligned with a notch in an opposed row. The respectively aligned tabs and notched are interlocked with each other for firmly securing the flexible sheet onto the elongated handle, whereby the interlocking tabs and notches along with the first and second side edge lie within confines of the predetermined thickness of the flexible sheet. The sanitary cover may be also provided as a tubular member.
US08276624B2
A temporary mobility kit directed to a release arrangement for selectively releasing a sealant bottle from the base of the kit is disclosed.
US08276623B2
The invention relates to a device for filling one or more product containers with a liquid comprising one or more medicines. The device comprises a housing at least provided in a position of use with an array of medicine containers, at least some of which are provided with concentrated liquid components of the one or more medicines. The housing is also provided with an automatic machine which is adapted to manipulate a syringe for measured take-up of liquid from a medicine container. The automatic machine is adapted to rotate the medicine container transversely of its longitudinal axis.
US08276620B2
A flexible pipe for conducting fluid, such as offshore production fluids, has interior tubing, a series of rings and clamps, and exterior tubing. The interior tubing has an extruded tube and a surrounding layer. Outer rings dispose about the interior tubing and abut end-to-end. Inner rings dispose on the tubing and fit in between each of the outer rings. These inner rings have tapered surfaces that fit against beveled ends defined in each end of the outer ring's internal bore. The clamps affix the abutting ends of the outer rings together, and the exterior tubing disposes on the series of rings and clamps. This exterior tubing has an inner layer of wrapped tape surrounded by an extruded tube. A flange couples by an end clamp to the end ring of the pipe, and inner and outer supports on the flange support the interior and exterior tubing.
US08276616B2
The present invention provides apparatus featuring a check valve featuring a duckbill valve configured to provide fluid and particulate; and an insert having a base portion configured to seat the insert inside the duckbill valve, and a W-shaped portion configured with an opening to pass the fluid and particulate through the duckbill valve and also configured to provide support for walls of the duckbill valve in response to back pressure caused by the fluid and particulate.
US08276612B2
A system and method for controlling fluid pressure downstream a main valve includes associating a variable orifice with the main valve such that the variable orifice opens as the main valve is opened and closes as the main valve is closed. A fluid stream taken from a fluid inlet of the main valve is passed to an inlet of the variable orifice. A fixed orifice is in fluid communication with an outlet of the variable orifice. A pressure differential between the inlet and outlet of a fixed orifice is detected by a control pilot device, which hydraulically opens or closes the main valve in response to the detected fixed orifice pressure differential between low pressure and high pressure set points.
US08276609B2
Disclosed is a concealed plumbing fixture including a connection member that is provided with at least one connection for a water pipe, especially a domestic cold water pipe and/or a domestic warm water pipe, and at least one fastening element for fixing the connecting member in a mounting hole. Said plumbing fixture further includes a functional unit, particularly with a plumbing valve that is provided with connection means for creating a water connection to complementary connecting means of the connecting member, and a joining device that allows the functional unit to be removably fixed to the connecting member. The connecting member is preferably provided with an adjustable fastening device by means of which the same can be fixed in the mounting hole at different mounting depths. The inventive plumbing fixture also includes at least one fastening ring that can be moved in an axial direction along the connecting member as well as at least one means for locking the fastening ring on the connecting member.
US08276603B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method of cleaning and/or disinfecting medical equipment. A medical equipment washer system can include an enclosure that receives and substantially surrounds the medical equipment and one or more spray assemblies positioned inside the enclosure. The spray assemblies can automatically emit fluid to clean and/or disinfect the medical equipment. In some embodiments, spray arms of the spray assemblies can oscillate while jets emit fluid.
US08276598B1
An improved hair clip employs a pair of cooperating main members that are pivotally connected and biased into a hair engaging orientation. Each of the main members is contoured and includes a first end spaced apart from a second end by a middle portion. The first end of each main member acts as an articulation tab that allows an individual to apply leverage necessary to place the clip in a hair engaging orientation. Attachment sleeves are removably attached to the main member middle portions with a centrally located articulation storage sleeve. Each storage sleeve may be capped for storage of loose items or may accept one of several interchangeable accessory tubes. A depending cover member is provided for positioning of a mirror for use in cosmetics application.
US08276586B2
A respiratory valve, comprising a valve housing with a chamber, inlet (21) and respiration (22) openings. The chamber is limited by an arcuated or aslant interior wall section (18) extending from a lower part and into an upper part of the chamber, and is terminated in the upper part of the chamber, under the respiration opening. An outlet opening (23) is provided in the interior wall section. An elongated valve flap (32) in the form of a resilient plate element fixed to the lower part of the chamber terminates in the upper part of chamber. The flap is wide enough to cover the outlet opening, and is adapted to be positioned, in a rest position, in a distance from the interior wall section, and, in a work position, in contact with a part of the interior wall section. In the work position, the flap substantially covers and closes the outlet opening, and establishes a passageway between the inlet and respiration openings.
US08276585B2
Systems and methods for visualizing patient treatment data collected while a patient suffering from sleep-disordered breathing is treated are provided. For example, according to certain example embodiments, a PAP device for treating a patient suffering from sleep-disordered breathing is provided. A processor may be set or programmed to generate a signal indicative of a triggering event. A flow generator may be configured to provide a supply of pressurized breathable gas to the patient based at least in part on the signal. Recording programmed logic circuitry may be provided to record in a data log pressures provided during patient treatment and triggering events occurring during patient treatment. Visualizing programmed logic circuitry in communication with the PAP device may be configured to read the data log and generate a visual depiction of provided pressures over time. Triggering events may include, for example, one or more of apnea, hypopnea, flattening, snore, etc.
US08276582B2
A respirator assembly e.g. for NBC protection is formed from two separate sub-assemblies. The first sub-assembly comprises a flexible hood (or other suitable headgear), a rigid mounting ring and a peripheral face seal. The second sub-assembly comprise a face plate with lens, oronasal mask and inlet and outlet valves, and is demountably attachable to the ring. The first sub-assembly can be worn on its own with the user breathing ambient air through the front end, the second sub-assembly being added if and when a hazard is encountered. The positioning of the face seal in the first sub-assembly means that a comfortable and reliable fit can be ensured when the sub-assembly is donned prior to a mission, but the user is relieved of the physiological burden of wearing the complete respirator unless and until protection is required.
US08276581B2
Provided is an easy-to-handle prefilled type nasal drip appliance which can spray medical solution surely into the nostril while holding down the production cost. A syringe barrel has a spray hole and a latching portion of a center stopper on one side, with a conduction portion of medical solution being provided at the latching portion, and has a portion protruding inward of the inner circumferential surface formed on the other end side. A plunger has a portion protruding outward of the outer circumferential surface formed substantially in the axial center wherein both protrusions engage with each other. When the plunger is moved in the spray direction of the syringe barrel to get over the plunger side protrusion and disengaged, the medical solution moves the center stopper in the spray direction to form a medical solution inflow groove between the conduction portion formed at the center stopper latching portion and the center stopper. Consequently, a medical solution storage portion and the spray hole are interconnected and the medical solution can be sprayed.
US08276567B2
To provide a multi-layer piezoelectric element that is improved to mitigate the decrease in the amount of displacement under such harsh operating conditions, the multi-layer piezoelectric element, the multi-layer piezoelectric element comprising: a stacked body comprising a plurality of piezoelectric material layers and a plurality of internal electrodes, the stacked body being formed by stacking the plurality of internal electrodes and the piezoelectric layers alternately on each other; and an external electrode formed on a side face of the stacked body, wherein the external electrode comprises a base portion and a first protrusion protruding from the base portion toward an outside.
US08276566B2
A method for operating a fuel injection system of a motor vehicle in particular is described. The fuel injection system has a fuel accumulator, capable of receiving fuel via a metering unit. In the method, an actual pressure in the fuel accumulator is affected by an I regulator, among other things. A precontrol value is generated by a precontrol characteristic map, which is used for compensating manufacturing-related differences in the components of the fuel injection system.
US08276565B2
Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency of the engine.
