US08119475B2
A method of forming a gate of a semiconductor device comprising providing a semiconductor substrate over which a gate insulating layer, a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer, and a second conductive layer are sequentially formed, the semiconductor substrate defining gate line regions; removing he second conductive layer between gate line regions; removing the dielectric layer so that a top surface of the first conductive layer between the gate line regions is exposed; performing a first etch process in order to lower a height of the first conductive layer between the gate line region; removing he dielectric layer between the gate line regions; and, performing a second etch process in order to remove the first conductive layer between the gate line regions.
US08119463B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a thin film transistor that can improve self-alignment. In this method, a semiconductor layer comprising a first doped region, a second doped region and a channel region is formed on a sacrificial layer on a first substrate. Next, the semiconductor layer is separated from the first substrate and is then coupled on a second substrate. Next, a dielectric layer is formed on the second substrate and the semiconductor layer, and a first photoresist layer is formed on the dielectric layer. Thereafter, the first photoresist layer is exposed to light from a rear surface of the second substrate by using the first doped region and the second doped region as a mask, to form a first mask pattern. Next, a gate electrode overlapping the channel region is formed on the dielectric layer by using the first mask pattern as a mask, and a source electrode and a drain electrode connected to the first doped region and the second doped region, respectively are formed to complete a thin film transistor.
US08119458B2
The aim the disclosed process is to ensure maximum precision both at the level of the manufacturing of an electronic assembly from a chip with small dimensions as well as the level of the placement of such an assembly on an insulating substrate. This aim is achieved by a placement process on a substrate, of at least one electronic assembly comprising a chip having at least one electric contact on one of its faces, said contact being intended to be electrically connected to a conductive track segment. The electronic assembly is built on a holding device which seizes and holds at least one conductive track segment previously formed and a chip. A placement device places this electronic assembly thus built at a predetermined position relative to the substrate and embeds or inserts said electronic assembly into the substrate.
US08119454B2
Fan-out wafer level packaging includes an integrated circuit having a top surface, a bottom surface and a bond pad defined on the top surface, and a substrate having a cavity. An adhesive layer is positioned between a top surface of the cavity and the bottom surface of the integrated circuit, and a bump is positioned proximate a top surface of the fan-out wafer level packaging, the bump spaced apart from the integrated circuit. A redistribution layer is configured to electrically couple the bond pad of the integrated circuit to the bump.
US08119449B2
An electronic part mounting structure includes electronic part having a plurality of electrode terminals, a substrate provided with connection terminals in locations corresponding to these electrode terminals, and protruding electrode for connecting one of electrode terminals and one of connection terminals, where electrode terminal of electronic part and connection terminal of substrate are connected through protruding electrode and protruding electrode is formed of a conductive resin including a photosensitive resin and a conductive filler.
US08119439B2
In an example embodiment, the method of manufacturing an image sensor includes forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) on a substrate. The substrate may have a plurality of pixels arranged thereon and each of the pixels includes a photoelectric conversion device configured to sense external light and generate photo charges. Furthermore, the method may include forming a metal on the ILD and removing portions of the metal to form a reflection pattern. Additionally, the method may include removing the ILD to a depth to form a trench adjacent to the reflection pattern and forming an air gap in the trench by forming oxide over the substrate such that the reflection pattern and the upper portion of the trench are covered.
US08119427B1
In one aspect of the present invention, a method of LED die-bonding includes coating the back side of an LED chip with a magnetic material, placing the LED chip in a packaging cup such that the back side of the LED chip is in contact with the bottom of the packaging cup, applying a magnetic field in a region near the bottom of the packaging cup so as to exert a magnetic force on the LED chip via the magnetic material coated on the back side of the LED chip, thereby holding the LED chip in place against the bottom of the packaging cup, while the magnetic field is applied, bonding one end of a first conductive wire to an anode of the LED and the other end of the first conductive wire to a first electrode, and bonding one end of a second conductive wire to a cathode of the LED and the other end of the second conductive wire to a second electrode, where the first electrode and the second electrode are attached to the packaging cup, and filling the packaging cup with an epoxy, and curing the epoxy.
US08119426B2
A manufacturing yield of a semiconductor device (capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer) is increased. A plurality of first chips 1 in which a plurality of cells each having functions of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves are formed on a front surface of a first semiconductor wafer are manufactured, and each of the first chips 1 is judged as a superior/inferior product, and then, the first semiconductor wafer is sigulated into a plurality of first chips 1. Next, a plurality of second chips 2 in which a wiring layer is formed on a front surface of a second semiconductor wafer are manufactured, and each of the second chips 2 is judged as a superior/inferior product, and then, the second semiconductor wafer is sigulated into a plurality of second chips 2. Next, the plurality of first chips 1 judged as the superior product are adjacently arranged on the front surface of the second chip 2 judged as the superior product in plane in a Y direction so that lower electrodes 5 of the adjacent first chips 1 are electrically connected with each other via a through electrode 6, a bump 8, and a wiring layer 7.
US08119423B2
The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more of a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device.
US08119418B2
Methods using mass spectral data analysis and a classification algorithm provide an ability to determine whether a non-small-cell lung cancer patient, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or colorectal cancer patient has likely developed a non-responsiveness to treatment with a drug targeting an epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. As the methods of this disclosure require only simple blood samples, the methods enable a fast and non-intrusive way of measuring when drugs targeting the EGFR pathway cease to be effective in certain patients. This discovery represents the first known example of true personalized selection of these types of cancer patients for treatment using these classes of drugs not only initially, but during the course of treatment.
US08119417B2
Methods using mass spectral data analysis and a classification algorithm provide an ability to determine whether a non-small-cell lung cancer patient, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or colorectal cancer patient has likely developed a non-responsiveness to treatment with a drug targeting an epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. As the methods of this disclosure require only simple blood samples, the methods enable a fast and non-intrusive way of measuring when drugs targeting the EGFR pathway cease to be effective in certain patients. This discovery represents the first known example of true personalized selection of these types of cancer patients for treatment using these classes of drugs not only initially, but during the course of treatment.
US08119410B2
A novel human member of the Bcl-2 family Bcl-B has been identified, which is closest in amino-acid sequence homology to the Boo (Diva) protein. The Bcl-B protein is widely expressed in adult human tissues. The Bcl-B protein modulates apoptosis. Bcl-B also binds Bcl-2, BCl-XL, and Bax but not Bak. Bcl-B displays a unique pattern of selectivity for binding and regulating the function of other members of the Bcl-2 family.
US08119406B2
A system and method for production of antibodies in plant cell culture, which results in highly functional antibodies, produced with a high level of expression efficiency. The present invention also encompasses host cells, vectors and methods for mass production of full size assembled immunoglobulins.
US08119399B2
A method for determining when sufficient cells of a biological specimen have been collected by a filter is based on measuring an air flow rate between a filter and a vacuum source. The air flow rate can be measured by a mass air flow sensor. The air flow rate dropping below a threshold, such as a certain percentage of an initial or baseline flow rate, indicates that sufficient cells have been collected to provide sufficient filter coverage.
US08119395B1
Improved vaccines which include a nucleotide sequence that encodes immunomodulating protein operably linked to regulatory elements are disclosed. The improved vaccines include DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines for delivering foreign antigen and live attenuated vaccines. Methods of immunizing individuals are disclosed. Compositions for and methods of treating individuals with autoimmune diseases are disclosed.
US08119392B2
This invention relates to biomaterials, biocompatible photoresists, and electroactive photoresists, and methods to engineer the interactions between biomaterials and cells. In one aspect, this invention provides for modifying surface topography through micro-patterning techniques that require no organic solvent development to reveal the lithographic patterns. Cells can be cultured on these surfaces directly and exhibit strong cell alignment features.
US08119385B2
The invention provides polypeptides, including enzymes, structural proteins and binding proteins, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Polypeptides, including enzymes and antibodies, and nucleic acids of the invention can be used in industrial, experimental, food and feed processing, nutritional and pharmaceutical applications, e.g., for food and feed supplements, colorants, neutraceuticals, cosmetic and pharmaceutical needs.
US08119384B2
The present invention relates to processes for producing a starch hydrolyzate and optionally a fermentation product, such as ethanol.
US08119381B2
Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.
US08119376B2
The present invention pertains to a method for the production of lactic acid or a salt thereof wherein starch is subjected to a process of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, the method comprising saccharifying starch in a medium comprising at least a glucoamylase and simultaneously fermenting the starch using a microorganism, and optionally isolating lactic acid from the medium, characterized in that a moderately thermophilic lactic acid-producing microorganism is used. The invention further relates to a method of performing said process in the presence of a moderately thermophilic lactic acid producing microorganism, which has been adapted to have its maximum performance at the working pH.
US08119372B2
An isolated polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, with the L-aspartic acid at position 5 of the amino acid sequence replaced by another proteinogenic amino acid, and possesses citrate synthase activity. In addition, a vector comprises the polynucleotide and a bacterium comprises the vector. An isolated polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising, from position 1 to 39, the nucleotide sequence corresponding to position 1 to 39 of SEQ ID NO: 11, from position 40 to 105, a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, with each proteinogenic amino acid except L-aspartic acid being present at position 5. A method of producing an L-amino acids is also described.
US08119370B2
Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids.
US08119368B2
The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells, preferably E1-immortalized HER cells, more preferably PER.C6 cells in a reactor in suspension in a cell culture medium, wherein the cells produce a biological substance, preferably an antibody, wherein at least one cell culture medium component is fed to the cell culture and wherein the cell culture comprising the cells, the biological substance and cell culture medium is circulated over a separation system and wherein the separation system separates the biological substance from substances having a lower molecular weight than the biological substance and wherein the biological substance is retained in or fed back into the reactor. Preferably part of the substances of lower molecular weight is continuously removed from the cell culture.
US08119367B2
The subject invention provides at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding an aldouronate-utilization regulon isolated from Paenibacillus sp. strain JDR-2, a bacterium which efficiently utilizes xylan and metabolizes aldouronates (methylglucuronoxylosaccharides). The subject invention also provides a means for providing a coordinately regulated process in which xylan depolymerization and product assimilation are coupled in Paenibacillus sp. strain JDR-2 to provide a favorable system for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biobased products. Additionally, the nucleic acid sequences encoding the aldouronate-utilization regulon can be used to transform other bacteria to form organisms capable of producing a desired product (e.g., ethanol, 1-butanol, acetoin, 2,3-butanediol, 1,3-propanediol, succinate, lactate, acetate, malate or alanine) from lignocellulosic biomass.
US08119355B2
Disclosed herein are biomarkers and uses thereof for evaluating anti-cancer efficacy and sensitivity.
US08119342B2
Provided is a method for obtaining DNA from a plant by collecting the root border cells from a growing root and extracting DNA from the root border cells. Preferably, the root border cells are contained in the root exudate of the growing root, which is growing in a medium, for example, water, tissue culture medium, or soil. Suitably, the root is part of a germinating seed, or the root of a seedling, or the adventitious root of a tissue culture plant or plant part.
US08119334B2
Negative photoresist over an insulating layer is exposed to radiation according to a pattern for an opening in the insulating layer for filling conductive material. A post of the negative photoresist is left over the location where the opening in the insulating layer is to be formed. A developable hard mask is formed over the post by a spin-on process so that the hard mask over the post is much thinner than directly over the insulating layer. An etch back is performed to remove the hard mask from over the post so that the post of negative photoresist is thus exposed. The post is removed to form an opening in the hard mask. An etch is performed to form the opening in the insulating layer aligned to the opening in the hard mask. The opening in the insulating layer is filled with the conductive material.
US08119329B2
A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of a) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, (ii) a coating on the support including a photopolymerizable layer, a top layer, and optionally, an intermediate layer between the photopolymerizable layer and the support, wherein the photopolymerizable layer includes a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, and a binder; b) image-wise exposing the coating in a plate setter; c) optionally, heating the precursor in a pre-heating unit; d) washing the precursor in a pre-washing station by applying water or an aqueous solution to the coating, thereby removing at least a portion of the top layer; and e) developing the precursor in a gumming station by applying a gum solution to the coating of the precursor, thereby removing the non-exposed areas of the photopolymerizable layer from the support and gumming the plate in a single step.
US08119325B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for forming a resist pattern, in which ArF excimer laser light can be utilized as the exposure light for the patterning, the resist patterns can be thickened stably to an intended thickness independently of the sizes of the resist patterns, and the fineness of the fine space patterns can surpass the limit in terms of exposure or resolution of exposure devices.The method for forming a resist pattern of the present invention comprises at least forming a resist pattern, coating a resist pattern thickening material to cover the surface of the resist pattern, baking the resist pattern thickening material, and developing and separating the resist pattern thickening material, wherein at least one of the coating, the baking and the developing is carried out plural times.
US08119321B2
A resist polymer solution comprising a resist polymer containing a repeating unit decomposed by the action of an acid so as to be soluble in alkali and a repeating unit having a polar group, the resist polymer dissolved in a solvent for coating film formation, wherein the amount of impurities whose boiling point is not higher than that of the solvent for coating film formation is 1 mass % or less based on the resist polymer. Further, there is provided a process for producing a resist polymer solution, comprising the step (1) of redissolving a solid matter containing a resist polymer in a solvent for coating film formation (a) and/or a solvent (b) whose boiling point at atmospheric pressure is not higher than that of the solvent (a); and the impurity removing step (2) of distilling off the solvent (b) and/or any excess amount of solvent (a) in vacuum from the redissolution solution obtained in the step (1).
US08119317B2
An electrophotographic photoreceptor, including an electroconductive substrate; a photosensitive layer, located overlying the electroconductive substrate; and a crosslinked resin surface layer, located overlying the photo sensitive layer, wherein the crosslinked resin surface layer includes a crosslinked body of trimethylolpropanetriacrylate, isocyanate including a radical polymerizable functional group and a heat or a light-curable charge transport material.
US08119316B2
A photoconductor comprising a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the photogenerating layer contains a thiuram sulfide additive.
US08119314B1
An imaging member for a xerographic liquid immersion development machine having an outermost layer including a solvent resistant structured organic film (SOF) having a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, wherein the structured organic film may be multi-segment thick.
US08119306B2
A bipolar plate and a direct liquid feed fuel cell stack are provided. The bipolar plate includes a manifold that is coupled with the fuel/oxidant path holes and a plurality of flow channels that are coupled with the manifold. The flow channels are divided into a plurality of groups, where the flow channel of each group forms a serpentine flow path and a length of each flow channel is substantially the same.
US08119301B2
A cooling system for the shutdown process in a fuel cell powered vehicle system for eliminating the detrimental effects of voltage persistence in the fuel cell including a volume of fluid coolant at ambient temperature, a pump, a fluid circuit interconnecting the pump and the coolant reservoir with a section of a cooling system that circulates through the vehicle fuel cell stack, and a controllable valve system whereby, at the occurrence of vehicle shutdown, the ambient temperature fluid in the reservoir is directed to a section of a cooling system that circulates through the vehicle fuel cell stack.
US08119278B2
A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.
US08119271B1
One embodiment provides an electronic device (for example, a ruggedized laptop computer) which includes a housing, a battery compartment, and a battery cover. The cover can have a thickness sufficient to protect the battery from damage. The cover can include a body, a conductive heat transfer device (for instance a conductive pad), and a convective heat transfer device (for instance, a plurality of fins). The conductive device can be on the inside of the cover and can abut the battery. Together, the conductive heat transfer device, the body of the battery cover, and the convective heat transfer device can form a heat transfer path from the battery to the environment which has a low overall heat transfer coefficient. The convective device can be a plurality of fins recessed into the exterior of the cover. A gusset can be on the interior of the cover and can correspond with the recess.
US08119270B2
An object of the invention is to provide a lead acid battery having a liquid surface sensor (3) installed to a liquid surface sensor installation portion (2a) on a top face of a container lid (2), an electronic circuit board (4) contained in a recessed portion (2b) on the top face of the container lid (2), terminal connecting conductors (5a, 6a) connecting the electronic circuit board (4) to terminals (5, 6), and a liquid surface sensor connecting conductor (8) connecting the liquid surface sensor (3) to the electronic circuit board (4), preventing from catching on an object on the top face of the container lid (2) by insert molding the terminal connecting conductors (5a, 6a) and the liquid surface sensor connecting conductor (8) in the container lid (2), preventing the terminal connecting conductors (5a, 6a) and the liquid surface sensor connecting conductor (8) from being corroded by an electrolyte solution even if the electrolyte solution is spotted on the top face, and improving the outer appearance.
US08119269B2
The present invention includes three-dimensional secondary battery cells comprising an electrolyte, a cathode, an anode, and an auxiliary electrode. The cathode, the anode, and the auxiliary electrode have a surface in contact with the electrolyte. The anode and the cathode are electrolytically coupled. The auxiliary electrode is electrolytically coupled and electrically coupled to at least one of the anode or the cathode. Electrically coupled means directly or indirectly connected in series by wires, traces or other connecting elements. The average distance between the surface of the auxiliary electrode and the surface of the coupled cathode or the coupled anode is between about 1 micron and about 10,000 microns. The average distance means the average of the shortest path for ion transfer from every point on the coupled cathode or anode to the auxiliary electrode.
US08119245B2
A radiation-curable coating composition is provided. The composition comprises a) an amino-functional polyaspartate; b) a (cyclo) aliphatic polyisocyanate; c) an acrylate-functional compound; and d) a photoinitiator. Substrates coated with the coating compositions are also provided.
US08119240B2
A coating (20) for a component of a power transmission system (10) and a method of coating a substrate is provided. The coating is substantially metal-free with a low hydrogen to carbon ratio. The method includes placing a graphite carbon target and the substrate in a magnetron sputtering chamber. The magnetron sputtering chamber is evacuated and filled with gas. The graphite carbon target is sputtered by the ionized inert and/or hydrogen gas so that the substrate is coated with a metal-free diamond-like-carbon coating.
US08119236B2
A dicing die-bonding film having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on a base and a die-bonding film on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprising an acrylic polymer comprising acrylic ester A represented by CH2═CHCOOR1 (where R1 is an alkyl group having 6-10 carbon atoms), acrylic ester B represented by CH2═CHCOOR2 (where R2 is an alkyl group having 11 carbon atoms or more), a hydroxyl group-containing monomer, and an isocyanate compound having a radical reactive carbon-carbon double bond where the ratios of components are 40-10 mol % of the acrylic ester B with respect to 60-90 mol % of the acrylic ester A, 10-30 mol % hydroxyl group-containing monomer with respect to 100 mol % of the total of the acrylic ester A and the acrylic ester B, and 70-90 mol % isocyanate compound with respect to 100 mol % of the monomer containing a hydroxl group.
US08119231B2
The invention relates to a novel acrylic impact sheet having bullet-resistant properties. The bullet-resistant sheet is composed of a copolymer of methyl methacrylate and a C2-18 alkyl methacrylate, plus impact modifiers that are refractive index matched or mismatched with the polymer matrix. The sheet provides very good bullet resisting performance, with better performance at the same thickness as current products, or the same performance at less thickness, thereby providing a product having better properties and/or less weight. The reduced weight of a bullet resistant acrylic sheet formulation will provide reduced raw material, transportation, and construction costs. Bullet resistant transparent glazing is an especially useful application for the invention.
US08119229B2
The present invention provides a multiple layer that comprises two or more first inorganic material layers; and one or more second inorganic material layers that are positioned between the two first inorganic material layers and have the thickness of less than 5 nm, in which the first inorganic material layer is formed of one or more materials that are selected from silicon oxides, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride and ITO, and the second inorganic material layer is formed of one or more materials that are selected from magnesium, calcium, aluminum, gallium, indium, zinc, tin, barium, and oxides and fluorides thereof, a multiple film that comprises the multiple layer, and an electronic device that comprises the multiple film.
US08119222B2
A pre-coated metal sheet for slot-in drive cases which has a metal sheet; chemical conversion coatings formed on both sides of the metal sheet; and a coating film formed on one of the chemical conversion coatings and containing at least one base resin selected from a polyester-series resin, an epoxy-series resin and an acrylic-series resin, at least one resin beads selected from nylon-series resin beads, fluorine-series resin beads and urethane-series resin beads, and at least one lubricant a3 selected from carnauba wax, polyethylene wax and microcrystalline wax. The coating film has a surface having an arithmetical mean deviation of the assessed profile Ra of 0.3 to 4.5 μm and a mean width of the profile elements, RSm, of 105 to 280 μm, and the ratio of mean particle diameter of the resin beads to coating film layer thickness of the coating film is in the range of 2.0 to 3.0.
US08119216B2
An optical information recording medium has at least an optical reflective layer, an optical recording layer, an protective layer, and an optical transparency layer formed in that order on the main surface of a disc-shaped substrate. An area in which the protective layer is formed is made wider than an area in which the reflective layer is formed, and made narrower than an area in which the optical transparency layer is formed.
US08119211B1
The present invention is directed to a bag-on-valve assembly comprising a valve stem and a flexible bag which is affixed to the valve stem and encapsulates a portion of said valve stem therein. The bag comprises a sealable thermoplastic film which is free of foil and is adapted to have an Tensile Energy to Break value of at least 150 in*ft-lbs in both the machine direction and transverse directions.
US08119206B2
A method of forming a negative coefficient of thermal expansion particle includes flattening a hollow sphere made of a first material, annealing the flattened hollow sphere at a reference temperature above a predetermined maximum use temperature to set a stress minimum of the flattened hollow sphere, and forming a coating made of a second material on the flattened hollow sphere at the reference temperature, the second material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the first material, the negative coefficient of thermal expansion particle characterized by volumetric contraction when heated.
US08119200B2
A method to prepare a flexible and breathable protective glove having excellent grip in both aqueous and oil environments includes coating an electrolyte treated glove liner substrate with a non-foamed dispersion of a polymeric material. The resulting semi-gelled polymeric coating which partially penetrates the depth of the glove liner substrate, is treated with a foamed solution of a surfactant, tenside or aerosol solution and the foam treated coating is overcoated with an electrolyte solution. In a resulting chemical or physical reaction, fine pores and cavities are formed in and on the polymer coating.
US08119197B2
The invention relates to a novel metal mold having anti-adhesive properties comprising a base metal mold and an anti-adhesive layer comprising a fluorinated alkyl phosphoric acid derivative or a fluorinated alkyl poly-phosphoric acid derivative, including a phosphorous atom and an alkyl chain. The anti-adhesive layer is bonded directly onto a surface of the base metal mold. The base metal mold may be e.g. Nickel, and said fluorinated alkyl phosphoric acid derivative or said fluorinated alkyl poly-phosphoric acid derivative may be selected front the group consisting of phosphonic acids, phosphinic acids, phosphonates and phosphonate salts, phosphinates and phosphinate salts, or their respective oligomers, such that the phosphorous atom is coupled directly to the alkyl chain, such that the phosphorous atom is coupled directly to the alkyl chain.
US08119185B2
The invention relates to a security material comprising a carrier and at least one photochromic Protein and/or a mutein of a photochromic protein. The security material is characterized in that it comprises at least one irreversible photosensitive layer on the carrier, and the at least one photochromic protein and/or mutein is contained at least in the at least one photosensitive layer and/or in an optional additional layer. The inventive security material is also characterized in that it is highly forgery-proof, the photochromic biomolecule cannot be removed therefrom in a usable form, and the photochromic biomolecule does not need to be supplied to a large group of clients.
US08119183B2
Disclosed herein are methods of treating an article surface. The method comprises removing a metal oxide surface from the metal substrate to expose a metal surface; and delivering particles comprising a dopant from at least one fluid jet to the metal surface to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant. The method also comprises delivering substantially simultaneously a first set of particles comprising a dopant and a second set of particles comprising an abrasive from at least one fluid jet to a surface of an article to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant.
US08119179B2
A grain-based food product comprising a grain-based component covered by a moisture-sensitive powder layer and a binding layer adhering the powder layer to the grain-based component. The binding layer is chosen so that the powder layer can later disperse into a liquid that is added just prior to consumption. The powder layer comprises a component of interest to make the product more interesting to consume. For example, the component of interest can be chosen to produce a difference in color, appearance, texture or flavor of the food product in the presence of a liquid, such as milk or water.
US08119178B2
This invention is a novel composition for preserving fresh cut apples comprising a mixture of ascorbic acid, and one or more of calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium chloride, calcium hydroxide, and optionally, citric acid or sodium citrate. This invention also relates to a method of preserving fresh cut apples by treating the cut apples with the novel composition dissolved in water and packaging the treated fresh cut apples in a modified atmosphere package.
US08119175B2
Heterogenous matrix particles having a continuous phase of a polymer and a discontinuous phase of an oil, and optionally an active such as a flavor or a fragrance. The continuous phase comprises at least one filler. The matrix particles exhibit high loading efficiency and low amounts of surface oil.
US08119170B2
Compositions, kits and methods are provided for enhancing vital energy and athletic performance, improving or restoring blood circulation, promoting mental acuity, reducing fatigue, and improving aerobic performance. In one embodiment, the composition comprises the herbal extracts of Rhodiola crenulata (root) and Ginkgo biloba (leaf). The composition can be used as a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical to promote mental concentration, and to promote aerobic and anaerobic performance by enhancing strength, endurance, muscle tissue oxygenation, and optimal oxygen consumption.
US08119164B2
A method for preparing a powder that includes perfuming or flavoring microcapsules of a perfuming or flavoring ingredient, a carrier material, and an explosion suppressant. The powder, when suspended in hot air during its preparation, has a reduced tendency for explosion. The explosion suppressant is selected from C1 to C12 carboxylic acids, their salts and mixtures of these.
US08119163B2
The present invention provides a composition comprising a cefditoren, or a salt, derivative, prodrug, or other form thereof, for example, cefditoren pivoxil, useful in the treatment and prevention of infections and related conditions. The invention provides a composition which comprises nanoparticulate particles comprising the cefditoren, or a salt, derivative, prodrug, or other form thereof and at least one surface stabilizer. The nanoparticulate particles have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm. The invention provides also a composition that delivers a cefditoren, or a salt, derivative, prodrug, or other form thereof, or nanoparticles comprising the same, in a pulsatile or continuous manner.
US08119147B2
The present invention provides compositions including polypeptides having the characteristics of polypeptides expressed by a reference microbe such E. coli or Salmonella. Examples of Salmonella strains that can be used include, for instance, S. enterica serovar Newport, S. enterica serovar Enteritidis, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and S. enterica serovar Dublin. Also provided are compositions including polypeptides having a particular molecular weight and a mass fingerprint that includes polypeptide fragments having a particular set of masses, or polypeptides having an amino acid sequence with at least about 95% identity with an amino acid sequence, wherein the polypeptide has seroreactive activity. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.
US08119145B2
Immunogenic compositions that elicit immune responses against Norovirus and Sapovirus antigens are described. In particular, the invention relates to polynucleotides encoding one or more capsid proteins or other immunogenic viral polypeptides from one or more strains of Norovirus and/or Sapovirus, coexpression of such immunogenic viral polypeptides with adjuvants, and methods of using the polynucleotides in applications including immunization and production of immunogenic viral polypeptides and viral-like particles (VLPs). Methods for producing Norovirus- or Sapovirus-derived multiple epitope fusion antigens or polyproteins and immunogenic compositions comprising one or more immunogenic polypeptides, polynucleotides, VLPs, and/or adjuvants are also described. The immunogenic compositions of the invention may also contain antigens other than Norovirus or Sapovirus antigens, including antigens that can be used in immunization against pathogens that cause diarrheal diseases, such as antigens derived from rotavirus.
US08119141B2
This invention provides a method for identifying a composition of Cinnamomi and Poria. This invention further provides a composition comprising: Ramulus Cinnamomi, Poria Cortex, Moutan Radicis, Radix Paeonize Alba, and Semen Persicae. This invention provides various uses of these compositions.
US08119139B2
The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to 30 peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I and class II molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.
US08119138B2
Compositions for treating cancers of mucosal tissues including breast, prostate, ovary, colon are disclosed which include various combinations of new or conventional anti-estrogen compounds, aromatase inhibitors, immune modulators, immune inhibitors, immune inhibitor mimicking compounds and steroid or thyroid hormones. Methods of predicting susceptibility of a cancer of mucosal origin to treatment with a composition containing an immune inhibitor or an immune inhibitor mimicking compound are also disclosed. Preferred methods include identifying in a specimen of cancer cells the presence of a Poly-Ig (Fc) receptor or Poly-Ig-like (Fc) receptor capable of binding to an immune inhibitor or an immune inhibitor mimicking compound and of mediating immune inhibition of cancer cell growth.
US08119133B2
Antibodies to human IL-23R are provided, as well as uses thereof, e.g. in treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, and proliferative disorders.
US08119126B2
This invention provides a therapeutic agent for inhibiting neovascularization, a therapeutic agent for a solid cancer, a therapeutic agent for a disease pathologically caused by neovascularization, and a therapeutic agent for repairing a tissue comprising as the effective ingredient, a substance that potentiates the action of CXCR4.Based on the finding that vascularization is suppressed in CXCR4 knockout mice, it becomes possible to prepare a therapeutic agent for suppressing vascularization, a therapeutic agent for a solid cancer, a therapeutic agent for a disease pathologically caused by neovascularization, each of which comprises as the effective ingredient, a substance that inhibits the action of CXCR4, as well as to prepare a therapeutic agent for repairing a tissue comprising as the effective ingredient, a substance that potentiates the action of CXCR4. Methods for treatment are made possible that use these therapeutic agents.
US08119121B2
Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Compositions that are administered to a patient include a mixture of adipose tissue and stem cells so that the composition has a higher concentration of stem cells than when the adipose tissue was removed from the patient.
US08119106B2
The present invention is related to a foamable composition of matter comprising iodine, water, a foam adjuvant, a surface-active agent and a gelling agent. This foamable composition, which may be provided in a propellant free foaming device, or alternatively may further comprise a propellant, evolves into foam, which is effective in the topical treatment and prevention of various skin disorders.
US08119099B2
Catalyst for use in the high temperature shift reaction comprising in its active form a mixture of zinc alumina spinel and zinc oxide in combination with an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb, Cs and mixtures thereof.
US08119094B2
There is provided a fluorine storage material comprising a novel fluorinated carbon nanohorn, which stores a large amount of fluorine per its unit mass, withstand repeated use for fluorine storage, and enables a high purity fluorine gas to be taken out by a safe and efficient method, and also there is provided a method of taking out a fluorine gas by applying heat to the fluorine storage material or placing the fluorine storage material in a pressure-reduced atmosphere.
US08119081B2
A specimen analysis method, comprising: bringing a first specimen vessel to a sucking position for sucking specimens; obtaining a first measurement result of a first specimen contained in the first specimen vessel; bringing a second specimen vessel to the sucking position before the first measurement result is obtained; obtaining a second measurement result of a second specimen contained in the second specimen vessel; bringing a third specimen vessel to the sucking position after the first measurement result is obtained; obtaining a third measurement result of a third specimen contained in the third specimen vessel; and obtaining a fourth measurement result of the second specimen when the first measurement result is higher than a threshold, the second specimen being sucked at the sucking position again for obtaining the fourth measurement result before bringing the third specimen vessel to the sucking position, is disclosed. A specimen analysis is also disclosed.
US08119077B2
A refractory lining system comprises an inner refractory layer; and an outer layer located outside of the inner refractory layer, the outer layer comprising: a plurality of layer segments; and at least one control joint located between the plurality of layer segments, the at least one control joint configured to allow expansion and contraction in the outer layer. A segment of an outer layer of a refractory lining comprises an edge shaped corresponding to a control joint configured to allow expansion and contraction in the outer layer.
US08119070B2
The scent removing device has a housing that forms an interior compartment. The compartment is separated into a first and second portion by a shelf that is disposed within the compartment and connected to the interior of the housing. The shelf has at least one channel and a plurality of openings to permit air to flow between the first and second portions. An air tube extends from the first portion, through the shelf to the second portion. A fan motor is in communication with the air tube to blow air through the air tube and into the second portion.
US08119052B2
Generating a fluid drop pattern for an imprint lithography process includes selecting an imprinting surface with features and generating a fluid drop pattern including drop locations for placement of a multiplicity of drops of substantially equal volume on an imprint lithography substrate such that some of the drops are substantially aligned with at least some of the features. The fluid drop pattern is generated through an optimization process. The fluid drop pattern allows substantially complete filling of imprinting surface features and formation of a substantially uniform residual layer during the imprint lithography process.
US08119051B2
The present invention is directed relates to a method of applying a thin thermoset or thermoplastic cover over a golf ball subassembly by simultaneously dispensing polyurethane into multiple molds while using multiple mixers from multiple polyurethane sources. The method employs a continuous conveyor system wherein pre-heated first (top) and second (bottom) mold halves are pre-heated and pre-sorted prior to a polyurethane material being deposited in each mold half, preferably, each mold half comprises four cavities. A rotary table maneuvers the mold halves into position to receive a shot of polyurethane in each cavity. The polyurethane is dispensed from two separate mixers, each mixer having a pair of dispensing nozzles capable of shuttling back and forth between the cavities. To maintain process integrity, it is imperative that polyurethane dispensed into a particular top mold half and the polyurethane dispensed into the corresponding mated bottom mold half be from the same polyurethane mixer. The method of the invention provides a mechanism to maintain that the shot of polyurethane in each mold half is dispensed from the same mixer.
US08119050B2
Improvement in the yield of a semiconductor device is aimed at. When extruding a molded body with the ejector pin which performs advance-or-retreat movement at the projecting portion which projects from this bottom face in the bottom face of a mold cavity corresponding to the surface and the mounting side of a molded body after forming a molded body, depressed portions being formed in the surface and the mounting side by projecting portions, they can extrude. When accumulating molded bodies themselves in the baking step after a resin molding step and performing bake, by arranging the resin burr which furthermore withdrew from the surface and the mounting side in the depressed portion, bake can be performed in the condition that the accumulated molded bodies are stuck. Therefore, the form of deformation of a warp etc. of each molded body or a lead frame, can be made uniform, and, as a result, improvement in the yield of QFP (semiconductor device) is aimed at.
US08119048B2
A housing case for a small electric device and communication device includes a flat plate having a dimension substantially the same as that of the front portion of the housing case and comprising at least a glass plate, and a resin frame integrated with the flat plate to support the backside periphery of the flat plate.
US08119036B2
A conductive pattern forming ink for forming a conductive pattern on a substrate by a droplet discharge method includes: metal particles; an aqueous dispersion medium in which the metal particles are dispersed; mannitol; and a polyglycerol compound having a polyglycerol skeleton. In the ink, H shown in the following formula (I) is 0.10 to 0.65; H = OH ( A ) Mw ( A ) X ( A ) + OH ( B ) Mw ( B ) X ( B ) Formula ( I ) where OH(A) represents an average number of hydroxyl groups in one molecule of the polyglycerol compound, Mw(A) represents a weight-average molecular weight of the polyglycerol compound, X(A) represents a content of the polyglycerol compound in the conductive pattern forming ink in weight percent; and OH(B) represents a number of hydroxyl groups in one molecule of the mannitol, Mw(B) represents a molecular weight of the mannitol, and X(B) represents a content of the mannitol in the conductive pattern forming ink in weight percent.
US08119030B2
Disclosed is a thulium-containing fluorescent substance for a white light emitting diode represented by a following chemical formula 1, (Chemical Formula 1) (M1-X-J7EuxTnIy)2SiO4 where M is a divalent cation metal including Sr or Ba, with 0.005
US08119026B2
The invention relates to a birefringent layer having negative optical dispersion, a liquid crystal (LC) medium for its preparation, and the use of the birefringent layer and the LC media in optical, electrooptical, electronic, semiconducting or luminescent components or devices.
US08119013B2
A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.
US08119012B2
A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.
US08119006B2
The present invention is directed to a membrane for aromatics separation that is stable in an alcohol containing environment. The polymeric membrane is a epoxy amine based membrane.
US08119005B1
A desalination system and method are based on the biological mechanism occurring in the mammalian kidney which utilizes colloid osmotic pressure and hydrostatic pressure to recover diluted salt solution from a concentrated one. The desalination system includes fluidly connected chamber compartments, one of which is filled with a charged substance, for example, a charged colloid polymer, to form a colloid salt solution when filled with the concentrated salt solution. Peripheral chamber compartments are filled with the concentrated salt solution. A system of semi-permeable membranes, not permeable to the charged substance, separate the chambers one from another. The system operates in the filling, equilibration, dilute, and collecting cycles which are controlled by opening and closing of the semi-permeable membranes. Desalination is based on the transfer of water due to osmotic pressure gradient across the membranes and is driven by hydrostatic pressure, thus providing energy efficient process. The charged substance is not consumed during the desalination and may be repeatedly used.
US08118990B2
A process is described for the fabrication, through electrodeposition, of FexCoyNiz (x=60-71, y=25-35, z=0-5) films that have, in their as-deposited form, a saturation magnetization of at least 24 kG and a coercivity of less than 0.3 Oe. A key feature is the addition of aryl sulfinates to the plating bath along with a suitable seed layer.
US08118980B2
The present invention relates to a loading device for a shoe press having a shoe press roll (1) and a mating roll (2) for forming a press nip, preferably in a dewatering device such as in a papermaking machine, through which press nip at least one paper web is guided for dewatering. The shoe press roll (1) has at least one press shoe (4) and at least one supporting device (5), and the press shoe (4) and the supporting device (5) are connected by a multiplicity of hydraulic devices, in order to load the press shoe (4). The invention is characterized in that the hydraulic device has at least one first guide element (7) for guiding a cylinder sleeve (8) substantially linearly, and the cylinder sleeve (8) engages at least in sections into at least one second guide element (9) which is connected to the press shoe (4) in a substantially stationary manner.
US08118979B2
Method of drying a paper web in a press arrangement. The method includes moving the paper web, disposed between at least one first fabric and at least one second fabric, between a support surface and a pressure producing element and moving a fluid through the paper web, the at least one first and second fabrics, and the support surface. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08118976B2
The present invention concerns a process for the production of a cellulosic product comprising providing a fiber-containing suspension, wherein at least about 60% by weight of the fibers are cellulosic fibers, and dewatering the suspension on a wire to form a cellulosic fiber web, the process further comprising adding silica-based particles to the formed web and a wet strength agent to the suspension and/or to the formed web. The invention also concerns a product obtainable by the process. The invention further concerns a dispersion comprising silica-based particles and a substantially aldehyde-free wet strength agent. A further aspect of the invention concerns a dispersion comprising silica-based particles having a specific surface area ranging from about 1000 to about 1700 m2/g and a wet strength agent. Still another aspect of the invention concerns the use of the dispersion as an additive in a papermaking process.
US08118961B2
A method of manufacturing a Z-section component from composite material uses a mold having a convex mold portion and a concave mold portion. The method includes the preparation of a vacuum bag for a polymerization cycle, including the covering the fresh component with a layer of peel ply formed from a plurality of strips of peel ply and fixing the layer of peel ply perimetrically to the mold using an adhesive tape. A line of sealant is positioned perimetrically above the adhesive tape around the fresh component and a separator film is positioned above the layer of peel ply so as to cover the layer of peel ply and the perimetric line of sealant. A ventilation textile is placed perimetrically on the mold, the textile having an aperture which is positioned so as to leave uncovered an underlying part substantially coinciding with the fresh component. A vacuum bag is applied for the polymerization cycle.
US08118953B2
A steel part having a long rolling contact fatigue life and capable of further increasing the life of a bearing under severer using condition than usual conditions. The steel part includes steel having a composition containing 0.7% by mass to 1.1% by mass of C, 0.5% by mass to 2.0% by mass of Si, 0.4% by mass to 2.5% by mass of Mn, 1.6% by mass to 5.0% by mass of Cr, 0.1% by mass to less than 0.5% by mass of Mo, 0.010% by mass to 0.050% by mass of Al, less than 0.0015% by mass of Sb as an impurity, and the balance composed of Fe and inevitable impurities, the steel being hardened and tempered. In the steel structure of a portion from the surface to a depth of 5 mm, residual cementite has a grain diameter of 0.05 to 1.5 μm, prior austenite has a grain diameter of 30 μm or less, and the ratio by volume of the residual austenite is less than 25%.
US08118936B2
The present invention presents an improved baffle plate for a plasma processing system, wherein the design and fabrication of the baffle plate advantageously provides for a uniform processing plasma in the process space with substantially minimal erosion of the baffle plate.
US08118914B2
A system (10) for removing carbon dioxide from a process gas generated during the combustion of a fuel comprises at least one absorption vessel (12, 14) through which the process gas may be forwarded. The absorption vessel (12, 14) is provided with a sorbent material (50) which is operative for reversibly collecting carbon dioxide from the process gas being forwarded through the sorbent material (50). The sorbent material (50) comprises at least one amine, at least one carbon dioxide activating catalyst, and at least one porous material supporting the at least one catalyst and the at least one amine.
US08118907B2
A system and method for recovering a metal value from a metal-bearing ore material are provided. A metal-bearing ore can be mixed with certain substances and to form an agglomerated ore. In an intermediate state, between agglomeration and heap formation, bacteria can be added to the metal-bearing ore material to produce an augmented ore. The augmented ore can then be formed into a heap.
US08118905B2
It is an object to provide a method for producing magnetic microparticles, which produces monodispersed magnetic microparticles, causes no clogging with a product due to self-dischargeability, requires no great pressure, and is excellent in productivity. In the method for producing magnetic microparticles, at least two fluids are used, and at least one kind of the fluids is a fluid containing at least one kind of magnetic raw material, and at least one kind of the fluids other than the above fluid is a fluid containing at least one kind of a magnetic microparticles-separating agent, and the respective fluids join together in a thin film fluid formed between two processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, whereby magnetic microparticles are separated in the thin film fluid to obtain the magnetic microparticles.
US08118904B2
A metal powder manufacturing device for manufacturing a metal powder includes a feed for supplying a molten metal, a fluid spout unit, and a course modification unit. The fluid spout unit further includes a channel and an orifice. The channel is provided below the feed, allowing passing of the molten metal supplied from the feed. The orifice is opened at a bottom end of the channel, spouting a fluid into the channel. The above course modification unit is provided below the fluid spout unit, and forcibly changes the traveling direction of a dispersion liquid. This dispersion liquid is composed of multiple fine droplets dispersed into the fluid. The above droplets are a resultant of a breakup caused by a contact between the molten metal and the fluid ejected from the orifice. Here, the dispersion liquid is transported so that the droplets is cooled and solidified in the dispersion liquid in order to manufacture the metal powder.
US08118899B2
A self-cleaning device of a filtering net of air conditioner is installed on a filtering frame in an air inlet of a dust spiral case of a package air conditioner and is disposed outside the filtering net. A filtering net guide rail with slots is installed on an upper frame and a lower frame. The filtering net is fixed on the filtering net frame by the slots of guide rails. The cleaning device of the filtering net includes a sweeping assembly with a brush, a drive motor fixed on the sweeping assembly, a transmission mechanism connected to the drive motor, a rack group installed on the left and right side of the filtering net, a dust collecting box installed under the filtering net for collecting dust, and a dust exchanging device is disposed between the dust collecting box and the filtering net. The drive motor connected with the transmission mechanism drives the sweeping assembly sliding up and down attached the filtering net along the rack group, thus dust is cleaned by the brush, then dust is put into the dust collecting box through the dust exchanging device. The device is easily loaded and unloaded, and used with less time and labor, the filtering net can be cleaned any time or on time.
US08118895B1
A process of generating power utilizing a low level heat from a raw syngas produced in a quench gasifier is disclosed. The process includes a first stage that includes: producing raw syngas at the quench gasifier, making 150 psi saturated steam from the produced raw syngas, superheating the saturated steam, and using the superheated saturated steam in a low pressure steam turbine to generate power. The process includes a second stage that includes: providing the raw syngas and a process condensate stream to a thermal fluid vaporizer to vaporize an organic thermal fluid, and using the vaporized organic thermal fluid in an expander turbine to generate power via an organic Rankine cycle.
US08118892B2
A gasification system method and apparatus to convert a feed stream containing at least some organic material into synthesis gas having a first region, a second region, a gas solid separator, and a means for controlling the flow of material from the first region to the second region. The feed stream is introduced into the system, and the feed stream is partially oxidized in the first region thereby creating a solid material and a gas material. The method further includes the steps of separating at least a portion of the solid material from the gas material with the gas solid separator, controlling the flow of the solid material into the second region from the first region, and heating the solid material in the second region with an electrical means.
US08118885B2
An azo pigment represented by the following general formula (1), a tautomer of the azo pigment, and a salt or a hydrate thereof: wherein each of R1, R2, P1, P2, Q1, and Q2 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, G represents the non-metallic atoms necessary to complete a 5- to 6-membered heterocyclic group, W represents a substituent capable of binding to the heterocyclic group constituted by G, t represents an integer of from 0 to 4, each of Het-1 and Het-2 independently represents a group selected from specific aromatic heterocyclic groups.
US08118884B2
The subject of the present disclosure relates to compositions for dyeing or lightening human keratin fibers, comprising: (a) at least 25% by weight of at least one fatty substance; (b) at least one amphoteric polymer; (c) at least one basifying agent; and (d) at least one oxidizing agent. The present disclosure also relates to a dyeing or lightening processes using the composition, and two- and three-compartment devices which make it possible to obtain a composition according to the present disclosure, after mixing of the compositions of the compartments just before application of the composition according to the present disclosure.
US08118881B2
A hair dye containing a compound represented by the following general formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a straight chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and An− represents an inorganic anion, an organic anion, or a complex salt anion, respectively.
US08118875B2
An orthopedic device for ball and socket joint reconstruction. The anchor stem is adapted to be anchored in a medullary canal. A proximal portion of the anchor stem includes a threaded hole oriented along a longitudinal axis thereof. Metaphyseal portion includes a proximal end with recess and a longitudinal bore in fluid communication with the recess, and a distal end adapted to interface with the proximal portion of the anchor stem. An anti-rotation structure is preferably located at an interface of the anchoring stem to the metaphyseal portion to prevent rotation of the anchor stem relative to the metaphyseal portion around the longitudinal axis. A fastener is provided to extend through the longitudinal bore and to engage with the threaded hole on the anchor stem to fix the metaphyseal portion to the anchoring stem. The locking assembly is located in the recess and mechanically couples the head of the fastener to the metaphyseal portion to limit rotation of the fastener relative to the metaphyseal portion. An insert with an articular surface is provided that engages with the proximal end of the metaphysical portion and extends over the recess in the metaphyseal portion.
US08118854B2
An endovascular delivery device (2) for a stent graft which has a pusher catheter (4), a flexible sheath (10) over the pusher catheter and at least one auxiliary catheter (32) extending between the pusher catheter and the flexible sheath. The pusher catheter has one or more longitudinal grooves (30) on its outside surface and the auxiliary catheter or catheters extend along the longitudinal grooves. A guide wire in the auxiliary catheter can be used to pre-catheterize a fenestration in the stent graft and a branch stent or stent graft delivered through the auxiliary catheter.
US08118849B2
A screw assembly (10) for insertion into a bone region (12A) (12B) includes a screw body (14) and a washer (16). The screw body (14) includes a distal end (218), a proximal end (224), and a distal threaded area (220), and a proximal threaded area (226). The distal threaded area (220) is positioned near the distal end (218) and the proximal threaded area (226) is positioned near the proximal end (224). The washer (16) includes a washer threaded area (238) that engages the proximal threaded area (226) to selectively secure the washer (16) to the screw body (14). With this design, the washer (16) can be selectively attached to the screw body (14) and different sized washers (16) can be alternatively and selectively secured to the screw body (14). As a result thereof, the person inserting the screw assembly (10) can pick the washer (16) size best suited to retain the bone region (12A) (12B) in which the screw assembly (10) is being inserted.
US08118836B2
A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor.
US08118834B1
A self-retaining suture comprises a composite filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises at least two materials having different properties. A surface material of the filament has properties which enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. A core material of the filament has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the filament. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.
US08118833B2
Apparatus is provided for sealing a puncture within a vessel or tissue to provide hemostasis, comprising a first disk coupled to either a second disk or a spring, and sealingly engaged to the vessel or tissue surrounding the puncture. At least the first disk is preferably configured to substantially conform to the profile of the vessel or tissue when deployed. In one embodiment, the disks may be released from engagement with the vessel or tissue to reposition the disks after deployment.
US08118828B2
A compact retrievable blood clot filter and a method of retrieving the filter. The retrievable filter has a primary hub, a set of filter struts having a conical configuration and extending from the primary hub, and a set of alignment struts connected to the filter struts to provide centering of the filter. A set of control struts connected to the alignment struts has a secondary hub which is axially movable relative to the primary hub. Movement of the secondary hub causes the control struts to pull the alignment struts radially inward into a retractable state for retrieval of the filter.
US08118818B2
A method and a device for computer assisted distal locking of intramedullary nails comprising the steps of: A) establishing a virtual geometric representation of an intramedullary nail (1); B) acquiring a first medical image (28) using a radioscopic unit (25) with its focal line (23) adjusted at an angle between 0° and 30° to the axis (8,9) of the at least one distal locking hole (3,4); C) acquiring a second medical image using a radioscopic unit (25) with its focal line (23) adjusted at an angle between 60° and 90° to the axis (8,9); D) computing the position of the longitudinal axis (2) of the distal part (5) of the intramedullary nail (1) using said first and second medical image and said virtual geometric representation by means of a computer (40); E) computing the position of the axis (8,9) of the at least one distal locking hole (3,4) using said first and second medical image (28,29); F) transferring information related to the positions of the distal part (5) and the at least one distal locking hole (3,4) from a central processing unit of the computer (40) to an external guide means (41) for drilling a hole in a bone (30).
US08118816B2
A device and related methods of use are provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes a sheath, an elongate member, and a retrieval assembly connected to the elongate member and retractable within and extendable from a lumen of the sheath. The device includes one or more legs releasably connected to a portion of the retrieval assembly in response to movement of the elongate member relative to the sheath.
US08118813B2
A surgical delivery system that has particular application for providing bone graft material to an interbody device that restores disc space height during spinal fusion surgery. The bone graft delivery system includes a body portion and a shaft coupled thereto. An auger extends through a bore in the shaft and into the body portion. An end of the shaft opposite to the body portion is configured to be coupled to the interbody device, where the auger extends through a channel in the interbody device. Bone graft material is placed in a hopper coupled to the shaft, where the auger is manually or automatically rotated to deliver the bone graft material through the shaft and into the interbody device where it is dispersed into the disc space.
US08118805B2
A robot has a flexible power transmission member, an input rotation axis rotated by a power generation source, a driving link connected at both ends of the flexible power transmission member, which transmits a rotation torque of the input rotation axis to the flexible power transmission member, and a driven pulley around which the flexible power transmission member is hung.
US08118789B2
A deodorizer device for controlling body odor comprises a structure having an external metal oxide surface with a contour to contact the surface of the skin where perspiration is produced and is degraded by bacterial organisms on the skin into body odor. The metal oxide surface is reactable with water supplied to the surface of the skin to render the bacterial organisms ineffectual to degrade perspiration later produced on the skin into body odor. The deodorizer device together with a water source form a deodorizer system. A method of controlling body odor involves supplying water to the surface of the skin where perspiration is produced and is degraded by bacterial organisms into body odor and, at the same time, contacting the surface of the skin with a metal oxide surface of a deodorizer device.
US08118784B2
The haemostatic valve assembly (10) includes a housing (14) with a chamber (16) therewithin. A flexible valve element (26) is located in the chamber (16) and supported by the housing (14). A source (28) of pressurized fluid can be fed into the chamber (16) through a port (18) in the housing (14). A catheter, dilator, pusher or other elongate insert fed through the haemostatic valve assembly (10) can be sealed by the application of fluid pressure into the chamber (16), which causes the sides of the valve element (26) to press against the insert (24) thereby to provide an effective seal.
US08118776B2
An inflation syringe having an improved display and modularized component assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for providing both numeric and non-numeric indications of an inflation pressurization associated with an inflation syringe. A modularized component assembly for an inflation syringe allowing independent components to be tested independent of the other components of the inflation syringe.
US08118771B2
A method for filling needleless injector capsules with liquid drug, whereby dissolved gas within the drug is replaced by a less soluble gas in order to reduce the inclusion of gas bubbles, or to prevent the growth of bubbles during storage and thereby prevent breakage of the capsules.
US08118764B2
A hip abduction orthosis for stabilizing the hip joints of a user, provided with a trunk engaging part, first and second thigh engaging parts and first and second coupling parts, wherein the first coupling part connects the first thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part and the second coupling part connects the second thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part. A distance between the first and/or the second thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is settable. An abduction angle of that thigh engaging part is settable. The distance and the abduction angle are coupled such that a first set distance between that thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is coupled with a first set abduction angle and a second set distance different from the first set distance is coupled with a second set abduction angle different from the first set abduction angle.
US08118763B2
Provided is a walking assist device including a seat member, a leg link having a joint portion, and a driving source for the joint portion. The walking assist device allows a user to rest by sitting on the seat member. Accordingly, the walking assist device further includes a lock mechanism disposed in the joint portion and an operation unit for the lock mechanism. When the operation unit is switched on, the driving source is controlled to increase an up-pushing force on the seat member. A variation rate on the up-pushing force is increased with time to a given value where the lock mechanism is initiated.
US08118762B2
A medical knee bandage having a sheathing body of material that is elastic in at least some sections and is open on opposing ends and forms a closed sheathing jacket that is under tangential elastic stress when applied around a human knee area. A removal aid which is designed as a separation that is closable, for example by a zipper, extends over some or all of the length of the sheathing body.
US08118761B2
Traction devices, systems, and methods for their use provide simultaneous axial distraction and one of flexion, extension, or lateral flexion of the spine. The devices permit aligning at least a portion of the spine prior to traction. Traction is applied through air chambers configured and dimensioned to independently apply traction to the chin, and both occipital processes. Spiral traction procedures use sequential inflation of the air chambers, thereby providing axial distraction with spinal joint decompression and simultaneous paraspinal soft-tissue mobilization and/or manipulation. Automated systems and methods are also provided.
US08118760B2
A movement restraining device for use in combination with an elastic wrap of a joint brace includes at least one elongated bendable member including a plurality of spaced-apart strips each of which has opposite strip surfaces parallel to the strip surfaces of the remaining ones of the strips, and first and second retaining plates facing each other. The strips further have first end portions substantially perpendicular to and fixed between the first and second retaining plates, and second end portions extending away from the first and second retaining plates.
US08118757B2
Devices and methods for accurately determining the size of an ostium of a patient and in particular sinus ostium. Methods for measuring a target ostium comprise inserting the distal end portion of an ostium measuring device into a patient, locating the target ostium with the measuring device, positioning the distal end portion of the measuring device appropriately adjacent to or into the target ostium and determining the diameter(s) of the target ostium by comparing the length, diameter and/or the circumference of the portion of the distal end portion of the measuring device adjacent to or within the target ostium.
US08118754B1
An apparatus and method for performing biopsies in-vivo using magnetically labeled nanoparticles is disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus is called a magnetic needle. When used in a biopsy, one embodiment of the present invention collects diseased cells in-vivo which have been tagged with magnetic nanoparticles coated with receptors for specific diseased cells.
US08118753B2
Disclosed are a barb-wired single crystalline silicon micro needle and a biopsy method and a medicine injecting method using the same. The micro needle comprises a main body part, at least one extension part formed on a side surface of the main body part, and a protrusion part protruded from both side surfaces of the extension part. A medicine storage is formed on a surface of the main body part. A fluid passage is formed in the extension part and the main body part. It is easy to pick the tissue sample with the protrusion part just by inserting and extracting the extension part of the micro needle into and from the tissue for a biopsy. Therefore, the biopsy procedures can be simplified. In addition, the medicine in the storage can be injected into the tissue via the fluid passage.
US08118744B2
Methods for determining a mechanical parameter of a sample include detecting shear waves that have been generated in the sample by an applied shear wave source. A time of peak displacement of the shear waves for a plurality of sample positions is determined. At least one mechanical parameter of the sample based on the time of peak displacement for the plurality of sample positions is determined.
US08118740B2
A moisture sensor for skin is disclosed. With the moisture sensor, a user can determine that her skin is too dry, and can conveniently apply a skin-care product. In addition, in one embodiment, the sensor can assist in identifying different types of skin-care products to apply. As one example, a skin-care product is a type of lotion. As another example, a skin-care product is a type of shampoo.
US08118728B2
A method of treating urinary incontinence of a patient by introducing a surgical implant through a vaginal incision. The surgical implant includes a suburethral support having first and second suspending members and first and second tissue anchors. The width of each suspending member is less than the width of the suburethral support. Each tissue anchor has a conical tip and is coupled with a respective one of the first and second suspending members. The first and second tissue anchors are inserted into tissue on first and second sides, respectively, of a urethra of the patient without penetrating an abdominal wall. A position of the suburethral support relative to the patient's urethra is adjusted, including pulling the second suspending member through the patient's vagina to adjust the distance between the suburethral support and the second anchor, after which the distance between the suburethral support and the second anchor is fixed.
US08118721B2
A method of making segmented filters including moving substantially identical segments of one type at uniform rate to a transferring element, which places each segment separately on an exit path. Setting of the filter segments in a repeating group on the exit path is accomplished by delay in collecting segments by a transferring element in each module of the apparatus. Uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element which includes uniformly spaced drivers, and non-uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element with non-uniformly spaced drivers. The apparatus includes a guiding element positioned adjacent to a cutting drum and has a wall closing a channel for a set of segments drawn out of a flute on the drum. The filter set is led through the channel with the aid of a dog of a chain and is advanced by a worm surface of a pushing together drum. A separator positioned at the end of the channel which separates single filter segments and may be a disc cam pushing out the segment onto the transferring element between two neighbouring drivers into a chamber created by a supporting element. A stream of compressed air from nozzle directed towards the area between a shoe guide and separator helps separate and stabilize the filter segment.
US08118718B2
An abdominal training device includes a stationary base with a user support surface and a hub connected to a track with a friction mitigation unit and a track anchor. A console is slidably mounted on the track and includes a hand support member and a console anchor. A bearing is fixedly mounted to the proximal end of the track and supports an elastic resistance element with one end attached to the track anchor and the other end attached to the console anchor. A beam rigidly connects the track to the hub of the stationary base so that the track is at least partially rotatable about the hub of the stationary base. The device may also include an electronic training program that directs a user to rotate the track to specified positions. The device may be part of an abdominal training kit.
US08118710B2
An exercise machine provides a total body workout by exercising the legs, back, shoulders, obliques and abdominal muscles. The machine's backrest rolls is in phase with the movement of the legs, allowing the body to sit in a position that is comfortable and secure. The spinal column is continually supported during the workout. Pedal movement powers the machine's electronics and maintains the battery's charge.
US08118708B2
A method for controlling an automated friction clutch arranged in a drive train of a motor vehicle in the force flow between a drive engine (3) and a drive transmission (4), which is configured to close passively by spring pressure and can be disengaged and engaged by way of a pressure-medium-actuated clutch actuator (14), such that the actuation position x_K of the clutch actuator (14) or of an associated transmission element is determined and used for controlling the friction clutch (2). To improve the accuracy and reliability of the clutch actuation it is provided that in addition, an actuating pressure p_K of the clutch actuator (14) is determined and that a required change of the clutch torque M_K to a new nominal value M_K_soll takes place under pressure control, in that the actuating pressure p_K of the clutch actuator (14) is set to a nominal value p_K_soll which corresponds to the nominal value M_K_soll of the clutch torque M_K.
US08118707B2
The invention provides for a vehicle drive line provided with an engine (1) capable of generating an engine torque (Te), a continuously variable transmission (2), a driven wheel (5) and two friction clutches (3, 33), a first clutch (3) being positioned in the drive line between the engine (1) and the transmission (2) and a second clutch (33) being positioned between the transmission (2) and the driven wheel (5), wherein a torque (Tc-max) that is transmissible by the first clutch (3) and a torque (Tc-max) that is transmissible by the second clutch (33) are both less than a torque (Tt-max) transmissible by the transmission (2) and, at the same time, are both essentially equal to or slightly higher than the engine torque (Te).
US08118706B2
The machine may have a power system that includes a prime mover, a multiple-ratio transmission, a propulsion device, and power-system controls. The method may include propelling the machine by transmitting power from the prime mover to the propulsion device through the multiple-ratio transmission, while controlling operation of the prime mover and the multiple-ratio transmission with the power-system controls. This may include determining with the power-system controls at least one energy-efficiency estimate based at least on energy-efficiency characteristics of the prime mover and energy-efficiency characteristics of the multiple-ratio transmission. Controlling the prime mover and the multiple-ratio transmission may further include controlling a prime-mover operating speed of the prime mover and a transmission drive ratio of the multiple-ratio transmission based at least in-part on the at least one energy-efficiency estimate.
US08118705B2
A control system of a vehicle including an engine and an automatic transmission operable to form one of a plurality of gear positions set according to running conditions of the vehicle, and a method of controlling the vehicle are provided. In the control, the rotational speed of an input-side rotary shaft of a shifting mechanism of the transmission is detected, and the vehicle is controlled so that, when an execution condition that one of the gear positions set according to the running conditions is maintained and the rotational speed of the input-side rotary shaft has increased to be higher than a rotational speed corresponding to the set gear position is satisfied, the vehicle is brought into running conditions that will eliminate a state in which air is present in the hydraulic fluid supplied from an oil supply device.
US08118695B2
The present invention is a shrinkable tube with pre-attached fletching with or without cresting. When heat is applied to the tube, it only takes seconds to shrink the tube to the arrow. The tube will shrink to a tight and secure fit on any size-hunting arrow. The fletching can be made with plastic vanes or feathers of any length, size or color. The shrinkable tube can be of any thickness or color or of any length, with or without cresting designs. This shrinkable fletching will allow hunters to fletch their own arrows in most situations. The situations where the shrink fletching can be used are unlimited as long as access to a proper heat source is available.
US08118681B2
Various aspects are directed to a gaming system configured or designed for use with a bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may include a movable gaming unit, the movable gaming unit which is operable to be lowered below an upper surface of the bar top or table top, and which is operable to be raised, at least partially, above the upper surface of the bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may be operable to control a wager-based game played on the gaming system. The gaming system may be further operable to lower the gaming unit below the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one first condition or event. The gaming system may be further operable to raise a first portion of the gaming unit above the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one second condition or event.
US08118680B2
An amusement device includes a display screen having a touchscreen. The touchscreen is configured to receive a plurality of touch inputs simultaneously. A memory stores a plurality of electronic games for selection and play. A controller is configured to execute an application program. The application program is configured to access a first game and a second game from the plurality of electronic games, and generally simultaneously display at least one first image from the first game on a first portion of the display screen and display at least one second image from the second game on a second portion of the display screen.
US08118676B2
A method and related system of generating a frame of video is disclosed. In the method, a request is received. The frame of video is generated using a plurality of pre-encoded macro-blocks. The frame of video is compatible with an MPEG compression standard. The plurality of pre-encoded macro-blocks are pre-encoded prior to the request. In some embodiments, the request initiates a video game.
US08118666B2
A gaming system and methods provide a plurality of gaming devices configured to operate a multiple-player bonus or secondary game. Each gaming device of the gaming system generates targets upon occurrences of target-generation events. Each gaming device also generates collectors upon occurrences of collector-generating events. The collectors may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned targets to obtain awards in a bonus sequence as described. Upon the occurrence of a redemption event at one of the plurality of gaming devices, the gaming device provides all players playing at one of the gaming devices in the gaming system the opportunity to redeem all accumulated collectors and targets in a bonus sequence. In the bonus sequence, the gaming system determines any awards associated with the redemption of accumulated collectors and targets and provides them to the players.
US08118659B2
A process provides a first price category and a second price category in which an instant online lottery ticket can be purchased for an instant online lottery game. The first price category is distinct from the second price category. Further, the first price category corresponds to a first known portion of a linear prize and a first known portion of a position specific prize associated with the instant online lottery game. In addition, the second price category corresponds to a second known portion of a linear prize and a second known portion of the position specific prize, the second known portion of the linear prize being more than the first known portion of the linear prize. The second known portion of the position specific prize is more than the first known portion of the position specific prize.
US08118654B1
The disclosure includes a method for a financial forecasting game wherein players can take positions on specific very high leverage option-type products. It includes related mathematical modeling methods which can be used to operate these option-type products under the form of a game. It includes, namely, methods to determine probability laws, validate and optimise models, calculate risks, measure individual performance, use steering variables such as tolerance margins and volatility-driven point values. It includes, as a specific application, detailed mathematical formulas to operate the game with three market indexes.
US08118653B2
An approach is described for instructing a player character to automatically take cover in a region of a simulated environment without receiving express commands from a user. The approach determines whether the player character should take cover based on one or more factors. Such factors may include: the presence of an enemy-type character in the region; the presence of a nearby object in the region that can be used to seek cover; and a determination whether the player character's behavior is consistent with a decision to seek cover.
US08118630B2
An outboard motor includes an engine, a first exhaust passage, a partition, a communication portion, an exhaust gas concentration sensor, and a catalyst. The engine is arranged to support a crankshaft extending along an up-down direction. The first exhaust passage is connected to the engine and is arranged to exhaust exhaust gas of the engine into water. The partition is arranged to partition an inside of the first exhaust passage into an upstream side and a downstream side. The communication portion is arranged to make the upstream side communicate with the downstream side of the partition in the first exhaust passage. The exhaust gas concentration sensor is arranged on the upstream side of the partition in the first exhaust passage. The catalyst is arranged on an upstream side of the exhaust gas concentration sensor in the first exhaust passage.
US08118629B2
A trimmable and controllable outside drive of a watercraft which comprises at least two actuators (113) for adjusting a thrust tube as well as at least one suspension apparatus (102) which can be fixed to a transom (101), for pivotally mounting the actuators (113). The drive comprises hydraulic (112) and electrical lines (111) for the actuators (113), the hydraulic or electrical energy for adjusting the actuators (113) and electrical signals from the sensors being transmitted by the lines. A bushing apparatus (100) is arranged on the transom (101) and the hydraulic (112) and/or electrical lines (111) are connected, via the bushing apparatus (100), both inside and outside the transom (113)).
US08118626B2
In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor mounted on a boat and having a torque converter equipped with a lockup clutch, it is configured to calculate a speed ratio of the torque converter based on an input rotation speed and output rotation speed of the torque converter, detect manifold absolute pressure of the engine, control the lockup clutch to ON when the calculated speed ratio has been equal to or greater than a reference value, and control the lockup clutch to OFF when the manifold absolute pressure has been decreased by a first predetermined value or more. With this, it becomes possible to prevent the boat speed from decreasing even when the resistance of water flow acting on the boat increases due to the influence of a wave etc., thereby maintaining the maximum speed.
US08118622B2
An electrical connector has a insulative housing defining a plurality of passageways and a plurality of contacts secured in the passageways. Each passageway has a mating slot and a pair of retaining slots located at two sides of the mating slot and communicated with the mating slot. Each contact defines a soldering tail and a pair of arm portions extending from the soldering tail and retained in the two retaining slots respectively, the pair of arm portions shift in and between the mating slot and the retaining slot in a first direction, a pair of contact portions integrally project oppositely from inner sides of the arm portions. Wherein the arm portions define shrink sections at a position thereof opposite to the contact portions so that the shrink sections space away from the retaining slots in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. It can reduce inserting force and ensure electrical connecting performance of the electrical connector.
US08118608B2
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) and a number of terminals made from a same carrier strip. The terminals include a number of conductive terminals (2), a first and second detecting terminals (4, 3) inserted in the insulative housing in a juxtaposed manner. The conductive terminals and the first detecting terminal each has a front bent constituting a respective contact portion (21, 41). The contact portions of the conductive terminals and the contact portion of the first detecting terminal have a substantially same configuration. The first detecting terminal has an engaging portion (44) spaced from the second detecting terminal and contactable with the second detecting terminal.
US08118604B2
A socket connector (100) adapted for electrically connecting an integrated circuit (IC) package comprises an insulative housing (1) comprising a plurality of passageways (101) extending therethrough, a plurality of terminal units (2) received in the passageways (101), the terminal units (2) each comprises an insulated elastomer (21) acting as a resilient portion and an electrical element (22) received in the insulated elastomer (21), the electrical element (22) comprises a first contact portion (221) and a second contact portion (222) extending out of the insulated elastomer (21) and sandwiching the insulated elastomer (21) therebetween.
US08118598B2
An educational interactive game of the invention includes a system for teaching financial skills to players, and in particular, children in the context of an interactive electronic game. Each player is initially provided a predetermined amount of periodic earned income, periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. These items are represented by corresponding indicia on an electronic display. An object of the game is for a player to generate passive income greater than the player's expenses by encountering game events that provide a player the opportunity to make financial choices to affect the desired outcome.
US08118597B2
A dental implant assembly kit and method for insertion into a bone, the assembly serving to support a dental prosthesis or other dental structure. The assembly includes a base plate having a bone-facing surface and a pillar-supporting surface that defines an off-center region; a ledge depending from the bone-facing surface of the basal plate; and a pillar extending from the off-center region of the pillar-supporting surface of the basal plate.
US08118594B2
A dental handpiece (1) includes mechanical components, in particular, a tool-holder assembly for the attachment and for the rotational driving of a dental instrument about a drive axis (6) and an assembly for the transmission of such movement. The mechanical components are mounted in the interior of a body (2) having a head (4) and a handle (3). The mechanical components of the handle and the head of the handpiece are electrically connected by an elastic and electrically conducting connecting device.
US08118593B2
A method and system are disclosed for quickly arriving at a pre-set-up for the orthodontic treatment of a patient based up on the user specified parameters; and thereafter enabling the user in interactively arriving at a final, desired treatment set-up for the patient. Several sub-operations are disclosed for arriving at the orthodontic pre-set-up. These sub-operations can be arranged in a specific sequence for realizing the orthodontic treatment pre-set-up for a patient. According to another aspect of the invention, a global reference system is disclosed that enables consistent treatment planning. The global reference system prevents unintended tooth displacements caused as side effects to the desired tooth displacements.
US08118580B2
An injection mold has a lower mold half having a chamber at a top thereof. A holding plate has a top within the chamber formed with a plurality of holding slots. The holding slots extend frontward and rearward. A positioning plate is attached to a front surface of the holding plate, an upper portion of which within the chamber has a plurality of positioning holes at a front surface thereof. A fixing plate disposed rearward of the holding plate has a plurality of through holes at a top thereof. A plurality of first positioning rods is mounted to the installing holes, each of which defines a free end extending beyond the top of the fixing plate. A free end of each of a plurality of second positioning rods is capable of inserting into the positioning hole. An upper mold half is engaged with the lower mold half.
US08118576B2
An oil rotary vacuum pump of mechanical type is filled with a requested amount of oil at the end of the manufacturing process, then it is stored and then shipped to the user, letting the user avoid an operation of introducing the proper amount of oil into the pump. The oil leakage is prevented by securing the suction and/or exhaust ports of the pump, which are sealed by means of a removable sealing member, for instance by means of a membrane.
US08118574B1
A suction valve for a reciprocating compressor includes a hollow cylindrical valve seat having a plurality of suction ports formed therethrough. The suction ports are covered by flaps moveably mounted on the inner surface of the valve seat which open and close in response to pressure differentials in the compressor. The flaps are oriented in a consistent circumferential direction so as to induce a vortex effect in gas moving through the suction ports.
US08118559B2
The invention relates to a lightning arrester system for wind generator blade, which replaces the standard main copper cable and which employs two strips of copper that extend along the entire length of the beam such as to be in direct contact with the carbon fibre. In this way, the carbon fibre laminate and the copper strip are always at the same potential, thereby preventing any possible arc-over between the two elements. The carbon fibre laminate is barely affected by the passage of current owing both to the electrical characteristics of the two components and to the selected configuration which conveys most of the current through the copper strips. In addition, with said novel system it is possible to position intermediate receivers on the actual laminates and in direct contact with the copper strip.
US08118547B1
A turbine inter-stage gap cooling and sealing arrangement for a turbine in which the blade outer air seal that forms a seal with a stage of rotor blades includes a row of cooling air holes on the back side of the blade outer air seal to discharge cooling air toward a transition between a vane endwall and the vane airfoil such that hot gas flow is not ingested into the gap formed between the BOAS and the vane endwall. The cooling air holes in the BOAS are connected to the impingement cavity on the outer surface of the BOAS to use spent impingement cooling air for discharging toward the inter-stage gap. The BOAS also includes an aft extending ledge that extends toward the vane airfoil in which the cooling air holes are located above.
US08118542B2
Methods of moving a rotating device of a wind turbine during transportation or standstill are provided. The methods include securing at least one auxiliary device to a position and connecting the device to one or more shafts of the rotating device at transportation or standstill. The auxiliary device is able to store, generate and/or convert energy during transportation, transferring energy continuously from at least one auxiliary device to one or more shafts of the rotating device during transportation or standstill, and moving one or more shafts of the rotating device continuously or discontinuously from a position to another. Also provided is a nacelle for a wind turbine, an auxiliary device, a control system for controlling moving of a rotating device of a wind turbine nacelle during transportation of the nacelle and use thereof.
US08118537B2
An upstanding bladed rotor is journalled from support structure and a windshield assembly is also journalled from the support structure for angular displacement about an upstanding axis about the rotor. The windshield assembly includes a wind-shielding portion which extends generally about one half the periphery of the rotor and further includes a wind vane operative to maintain the assembly in predetermined position relative to wind incident upon the rotor with the wind-shielding portion in position to shield generally one lateral half of the rotor from the incident wind. The windshield assembly additionally includes a combined wind booster and excess wind controlling vane supported therefrom and disposed outward of the other lateral half of the rotor into the sweep area thereof responsive to high velocity wind incident thereon so as to apply rotary torque to the windshield assembly partially overcoming the directional control thereon by the wind vane and swinging the wind-shielding portion into position across the side of the rotor upon which the wind is incident so as to reduce the amount of high velocity wind available to drive the rotor and thus prevent the latter from overspeeding.
US08118535B2
Methods, systems and apparatus for swapping pods within a semiconductor processing tool during a substrate processing cycle. A dirty pod carrying a substrate in need of processing is provided within the processing tool, and the substrate is transferred into a processing chamber thereof. At least one clean pod is also provided within the processing tool. Upon substrate processing completion, the processed substrate is transferred from the chamber directly into a clean pod within the processing tool. Wherein a plurality of substrates are processed within the chamber, a plurality of clean pods may be provided within the tool whereby the plurality of substrates are transferred into a single clean pod or split into subsets that are transferred into different clean pods within the processing tool. The clean pod(s) carrying the processed substrate(s) are then transferred to other tool(s) for continued semiconductor fabrication processing.
US08118533B2
A suspension system for towed agricultural implements having at least one floating head of a first width suspended by a four-bar linkage of a second width wherein the first width is much greater than the second width. The floating head is permitted to float to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
US08118528B2
A field replaceable wing nut having an arcuate body and an arcuate insert is disclosed. The wing nut is designed to replace an existing wing nut which has deformed or non-useable lugs on a hammer union connection. The wing nut has accurate alignment of the mounting threads using an alignment attachment device. Replacing the wing nut in the field does not require any special equipment or training. Each wing nut is designed for a particular pipe diameter.
US08118525B2
The present disclosure provides a cargo bar having high load strength. The cargo bar generally comprises an outer sheath and an inner cylindrical telescoping portion. The telescoping portion has a ribbed section with ribs formed from the walls of the telescoping portion. Fastened to the outer sheath is a handle mechanism comprising a handle frame and a lever, the lever having teeth for gripping the ribs of the inner telescoping portion. The handle may be moved from an open position to a closed position, thereby extending the inner portion away from the outer portion through the interaction of the teeth with the ribs of the inner bar. Increased strength is provided by the ribs formed from the walls of the telescoping portion.
US08118521B2
The invention relates to a drilling apparatus which is held firmly on the workpiece by means of feet, and which has a step-down transmission for easier manual feeding.
US08118518B2
A paving machine that moves in a travel direction and spreads, levels and finishes concrete into a form having a generally upwardly exposed, finished concrete surface that terminates in lateral sides. The paving machine has a main frame with first and second bolsters arranged at opposite ends of the main frame. Each set of bolsters has two hydraulic jacking columns used to raise and lower the machine frame. Crawlers attached to the bottom of the jacking columns engage the ground and move the paving machine in the travel direction. A pair of support beams is attached to the inner surface of each bolster and supported in passageways of a center module of the tractor frame. To extend the maximum width of the paving machine without having to extensively disassemble it, the free ends of the support beams extend beyond outer sides of the bolsters when the distance between the inner sides of the bolsters is at its minimum. This paving machine width adjustment can be performed in the field by moving the bolsters and the support beams attached to them inwardly or outwardly with the crawlers of the paving machine. Also provided is a laterally extendable/retractable cross beam for movably supporting a dowel bar inserter kit on the paving machine.
US08118512B2
A brush, or mop, or like tool (1) has a handle (5) and a head (7). The handle (5) is able to carry a liquid that can be dispensed therefrom during use of the tool (1). The handle (5) has a liquid dispensing passage (51) through which the liquid can pass to an outlet (17). The passage (51) has a valve (19) to control the passage of the liquid and the valve (19) has a sliding gate part (65) and a stationary gate part (49). The sliding gate part (65) can be positionable to block the flow of liquid in one position, and to permit the flow of liquid in another position. The sliding gate part (65) effects a sliding wiping cleaning of the valve (19), and therefore minimize clogging of the valve (19).
US08118504B2
A printer includes a chassis, an ink cartridge, and an adjusting unit. The ink cartridge carrier is mounted to the chassis. A projection extends from the ink cartridge carrier. The adjusting unit includes a rotating shaft, a cam fixed to the rotating shaft, and a gear fixed to the rotating shaft. The gear includes a number of teeth. The rotating shaft is rotatably mounted to the ink cartridge carrier. The projection is clipped between two adjacent teeth. The cam abuts against the chassis.
US08118497B2
A connector (100) includes a metallic shell (5) having a mating frame part, said mating frame part including a number of sides together enclosing a hollow portion, and the hollow portion divided into two ports with different shapes; an insulative housing (1) having a base portion (11) and two juxtaposed tongue portions (12, 13) extending forwardly from the base portion, with a plurality of contacts (21, 22) mounted to the tongue portions, two lens members (4) received in lateral sides of one of the tongue portions; and the two tongue portions respectively received in the two ports.
US08118494B2
An optical fiber connector comprises an outer housing configured to mate with a receptacle and a collar body disposed in the outer housing. The collar body receives and secures a ferrule in a first portion of the collar body. The ferrule includes a central bore that defines an axis. The ferrule further includes a fiber stub disposed in a portion of the central bore, the fiber stub comprising a first optical fiber having a first end proximate to an end face of the ferrule and a prepared second end terminating within the ferrule. The collar body further includes a second portion that includes a housing portion to house a gripping device that grips a second optical fiber.
US08118492B2
A play-free plain bearing arrangement with a defined preset torque includes a plain bearing, wherein the plain bearing comprises a bearing housing and a bearing sleeve inserted into the bearing housing, wherein the bearing sleeve and the bearing housing are open axially. The play-free plain bearing arrangement also includes a shaft as a bearing mate of the bearing sleeve. The plain bearing arrangement is characterized in that the shaft having an oversize is inserted in the bearing sleeve in such a way that the bearing sleeve and the bearing housing expand.
US08118484B2
An assembly includes a thermocouple, a cold junction sensor, and a circuit. The thermocouple has a process end and a cold junction end. The cold junction end has first and second cold junction terminals. The cold junction sensor is supported near the cold junction end and configured to measure temperature at the cold junction end. The circuit is electrically connected to the cold junction sensor and to the first and second cold junction terminals. The circuit is configured to produce a thermocouple signal as a function of voltage across the first and second cold junction terminals and to produce a cold junction sensor signal as a function of temperature of the cold junction end as measured by the cold junction sensor. The circuit is further configured to calculate a correlation between the thermocouple signal and the cold junction sensor signal.
US08118483B2
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for thermal sensor power savings using a toggle control. In some embodiments, an integrated circuit (e.g., a memory device) includes an on-die thermal sensor, a storage element (e.g., a register), and toggle logic. The toggle logic may transition the thermal sensor from a first power consumption level to a second power consumption level responsive, at least in part, to a toggle indication.
US08118479B2
An apparatus for heat exchange with radial mixing comprises a trough with two rotatably arranged shafts extending alongside each other, which shafts are each provided with paddles spaced apart in an axial direction with an intermediate distance. The paddles extend substantially in a radial plane with respect to the shafts, and extend in a circumferential direction over at least a part of the circumference. In the circumferential direction, the paddles are at least partly wedge-shaped. Upon opposite rotation of the shafts, successive paddles mesh alternately, thereby forming a gap narrowing again and again. Per shaft, successive paddles in an axial direction are staggered relative to each other in circumferential direction through an angle.
US08118477B2
One or more turbulent jet flows of fluid are discharged from inlet nozzles communicating with an inlet pipe to mix fluid in a reservoir, such as a water storage tank. The turbulent jet flows are directed to reach the surface of the fluid already existing in the reservoir. A horizontally disposed outlet section includes low loss contraction nozzles distributed throughout a lower portion of the reservoir to induce draining from all areas of the lower portion.
US08118452B2
A searchlight is provided featuring a searchlight having a searchlight assembly and a searchlight control circuitry module. The searchlight assembly has a central axis and includes a ramped insert and a light source socket arrangement. The ramped insert is configured with an angled surface that is oblique in relation to the central axis. The light source socket arrangement is configured to receive a bulb or light source for providing the light beam, is also configured with a corresponding angled surface that is also oblique in relation with to the central axis, and is also configured to respond to an applied force and rotate so as to move axially along the central axis in relation to the ramped insert.
US08118448B2
A reflector component is provided for a light emitting diode (LED) lamp that includes a plurality of spaced-apart LED light sources. The reflector component includes a bottom wall having two side edges extending along a longitudinal direction. The bottom wall is formed with a plurality of spaced-apart through holes, each of which permits a respective one of the LED light sources to extend therethrough. The reflector component further includes two side walls extending respectively and upwardly from and along the two side edges of the bottom wall. Each of the side walls has a reflecting surface that faces toward the other of the side walls and that extends upwardly and inclinedly relative to the bottom wall such that a distance between the reflecting surfaces increases in a direction away from the bottom wall.
US08118437B2
An optical device that includes a light modulation device, a projection optical device, and a retention member that holds the light modulation device and the projection optical device. The retention member includes: a projection optical device attachment section for attach the projection optical device; and a light modulation device attachment section that is provided for attachment of the light modulation device with a protrusion to a side opposite to the projection optical device along an optical-axis direction of the projection optical device, and the projection optical device attachment section includes: a fixing section that fixes the projection optical device substantially at a position of the center of gravity; a support section that is disposed opposing the fixing section in the optical-axis direction, and supports the light modulation device attachment section; and a connection section that connects together the fixing section and the support section.
US08118434B2
A projection assembly and projection method for accurately reproducing animated and live characters, objects, and effects. The projection assembly uses a high precision robotic mirror system to achieve very high levels of image resolution, brightness, and contrast. The assembly includes a projector receiving an input image stream, and a mirror assembly is positioned proximate to the projector outlet. The mirror assembly uses positionable mirrors to reflect the projected images onto a display surface at positions that define an animation pattern on the display surface for the projected image or character. The assembly includes a motor controller assembly positioning the mirrors based on position data defining the animation pattern. The projected images may be provided in a projection area that is a fraction of the size of the display surface, such that the resolution and output light of the projector are concentrated on the display surface within this projection area.
US08118429B2
A phase diversity wavefront sensor includes an optical system including at least one optical element for receiving a light beam; a diffractive optical element having a diffractive pattern defining a filter function, the diffractive optical element being arranged to produce, in conjunction with the optical system, images from the light beam associated with at least two diffraction orders; and a detector for detecting the images and outputting image data corresponding to the detected images. In one embodiment, the optical system, diffractive optical element, and detector are arranged to provide telecentric, pupil plane images of the light beam. A processor receives the image data from the detector, and executes a Gerchberg-Saxton phase retrieval algorithm to measure the wavefront of the light beam.
US08118420B2
A method of leveling ink that is printed on a substrate includes establishing a thermal gradient across a thickness of the substrate, the thermal gradient characterized in that it is less than a viscosity threshold temperature of the ink across most of the substrate.
US08118396B2
An ink-jet printer including: (a) a medium feeder operable to feed a recording medium in a medium-feed direction along a medium-feed path; (b) a recording head having (b-1) a nozzle opening surface which extends in a widthwise direction perpendicular to the medium-feed direction and (b-2) a plurality of nozzles which open in the nozzle opening surface and which are arranged in the widthwise direction, the recording head being operable to eject ink toward the recording medium through the nozzles and being pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to the widthwise direction; and (c) at least one waste ink receiver configured to receive the ink ejected through the nozzles, the waste ink receiver being positioned relative to the recording head and the medium-feed path such that the at least one waste ink receiver and the recording head are both located on one of opposite sides of the medium-feed path and such that the waste ink receiver is positioned outside a locus that is described by the nozzle opening surface during pivot movement of the recording head.
US08118392B2
A method and apparatus raise and lower a web support and move a cap over and above the web support.
US08118387B2
A printer including a plurality of printhead modules located across a print media transport path is disclosed. Each printhead module has an elongate printhead. Nozzles of respective printheads overlap with nozzles of printheads of neighboring printhead modules. The printer further includes a dot data generator for providing print data to nozzles such that print data is stochastically ramped from one neighboring printhead module to a next neighboring printhead module.
US08118386B2
A liquid body discharge device includes: a head; and a plurality of nozzles provided to the head. In the device, a liquid body is discharged from the plurality of nozzles to a liquid body discharged region of a substrate by moving one of the substrate and the head, and the nozzles are aligned in a first alignment direction and a second alignment direction.
US08118385B2
A method and apparatus for aligning the printing of dots generated by at least one array of printing elements in an printing apparatus, wherein the method includes the steps of printing a calibration test pattern, scanning the printed calibration test pattern, determining at least one calibration value based on the scanned calibration test pattern, positioning an alignment adjustment tool relative to the array of printing elements of which the alignment needs to be adjusted and, based on the calculated calibration value, automatically adjusting the alignment of the array of printing elements using the alignment adjustment tool.
US08118374B2
A track unit for moving a ground work vehicle, comprising two elastic elements proximate to the front and rear ends, interposed between a monolithic upper portion of the structure that supports the driving wheel and a monolithic lower portion that supports two pairs of coaxial guiding wheels with parallel axles and resting rollers, means adapted to ensure a coplanar arrangement of the upper and lower portions of the structure being also provided.
US08118373B2
The method and system for increasing accuracy of clamping force of electric aircraft carbon brakes, once braking has been commenced, provides a first pair of electric brake actuators with a range of low brake clamping force responsive to low brake clamping force commands, and a second pair of electric brake actuators with a range of high brake clamping force responsive to high brake clamping force commands. The first pair of electric brake actuators is actuated to apply a minimum residual braking force once wheel braking is commenced, and the second pair of electric brake actuators is actuated only when the commanded braking force is in the high range of brake clamping force.
US08118369B2
In a milling drum (2) for a construction machine, in particular a road milling machine (1) or a recycler, with an interchangeable milling tube (4) arranged coaxially to the axis (20) of the milling drum, where the milling tube (4) is supported, by means of a support ring (8), on a support ring mount (12) of a rotating body coupled to a milling drum drive (16), it is provided that the support ring (8) and the support ring mount (12) of the rotating body display several complementary supporting surfaces (22, 24) arranged coaxially to the axis (20) of the milling drum, where the said supporting surfaces (22, 24) have different supporting circle diameters and are arranged behind one another axially with their diameters decreasing incrementally in the pulling direction.
US08118353B2
A front panel mounting structure 1 is formed of a front body 2 including two pins each having a locking portion and a clip member, and a front panel 30 including two fasteners each having an engaging portion and a flange portion. In a mounted state where the front panel 30 occludes an opening 3, the clip member engages with the flange portion while the pins respectively engage with the fasteners. In the mounted state, the locking portions engage with the engaging portions to restrict movement of the front panel 30 downward and in the vehicle-width direction. Moreover, the clip member sandwiches the flange portion in a longitudinal direction to restrict movement of the front panel 30 in the longitudinal direction.
US08118352B2
A motor vehicle hood lining for stiffening the hood in the vicinity of its periphery and co-operating therewith to form a hollow body over at least a fraction of its periphery, the lining being generally of channel section with a bottom and side walls. Said bottom or at least one of said side walls presents, at least locally, a zone of weakness that is dimensioned in such a manner that in the event of the hood impacting the head of a pedestrian, once the bottom of the hollow body has come to bear against a high hard point placed in the engine compartment, the zone of weakness breaks. The invention also relates to a combination of such a lining with various hard points in an engine compartment.
US08118347B2
An aspect in accordance with the present invention is a structure of mounting an impact absorption material for use with a vehicle. The structure includes: a door trim 30, a holder, and an EA pad. The holder includes a base and a plurality of legs, the base of the holder being disposed on the compartment outer side surface of the EA pad. The plurality of legs are disposed at intervals around an outer peripheral edge of the base of the holder and extend from the base of the holder, along an outer peripheral side surface of the EA pad, and to the door trim, thereby fixing the base of the holder to the door trim.
US08118346B2
The supporting piece is intended to be mounted at the end of a motor vehicle side member, this side member including, in the continuation thereof, a plate for mounting a transverse impact beam. The supporting piece includes a bearing surface for an absorber positioned in front of this bearing surface, the bearing surface being arranged in such a way as to extend under the mounting plate and substantially parallel thereto when the supporting piece is mounted at the end of the side member. The supporting piece is shaped in such a way that it does not deform irreversibly when the vehicle suffers an insurance impact.
US08118343B2
A stowable roof configuration for a convertible has a main link with at least two arms and is able to move about a main bearing and, a main roof element, which is connected to the main link by first joints. At least one additional roof element is disposed behind the main roof element in a closed position of the roof configuration and is connected to the main link by or in second joints. A connecting rod system is provided for connecting to the additional roof element. The connecting rod system and the additional roof element along with the main link form an at least five-member coupler mechanism, in which the second joints for the additional roof element lie between the main bearing and the first joints.
US08118338B2
An apparatus and a system are disclosed for protecting the side doors of an automobile when it is parked. The apparatus includes an elongated pad having two opposing ends and a central portion disposed between the two endings, and a protrusion extending from the central portion of the elongated pad and formed of a material sufficiently compressible to be shut within the door of an automobile. The system includes an elongated pad having two opposing ends and a central portion disposed between the two endings, and an adjustable protrusion extending from the central portion of the elongated pad, the adjustable protrusion movable to different locations along the length of the elongated pad, the protrusion is formed of a material sufficiently compressible to be shut within the door of an automobile.
US08118328B2
A power steering device for a vehicle includes an input shaft (1) linked to a steering wheel, an output shaft (2) linked to a vehicle wheel, a torsion bar (3) that connects the input shaft (1) to the output shaft (2), and a cylindrical member (13) supported by a housing (12) that is fastened to a vehicle body. The input shaft (1) includes a first input shaft (4) that is inserted into the cylindrical member (13), supported rotatably by the cylindrical member (13), and linked to the steering wheel, and a second input shaft (5) that connects the first input shaft (4) to the torsion bar (3). A connection portion between the first input shaft (4) and the second input shaft (5) is constituted such that a rotation of the first input shaft (4) is transmitted to the second input shaft (5) and the first input shaft (4) is free to move in an axial direction relative to the second input shaft (5).
US08118315B2
A trailer with a tilting bed includes an hydraulic tilt control. The tilt control includes piston-and-cylinder units for restraining or cushioning the pivotal movement of the bed between a transport mode and a tilt mode. A flow control valve provides fine control of the rotation of the bed when equipment is placed thereon and the trailer converts to a transport mode with the bed level.
US08118306B2
The present invention includes at least one magnet attractant dry erase type board, a game board that may be rolled up for easy storage, and a unique game piece containing a hollow substantially transparent body with a top end and bottom end. The game piece may comprise a cap that attaches to the top end of the game piece body and a magnet that attaches to the bottom end of the game piece body. An image paper can be rolled up and placed inside the game piece body. This image paper may change the appearance of the game piece depending on the printing on the image paper.
US08118296B2
An open/close mechanism can be used for paper trays of an image forming apparatus. The open/close mechanism includes a plate member provided on a side of a housing of the image forming apparatus and configured to pivot upon an axis between an open position and a close position, and a box member that is arranged in the housing beneath the plate member and that can be drawn out of the housing from the side. The open/close mechanism includes also includes a restricting unit that is coupled to the plate member and that abuts against the box member when the box member is set in the housing and when the plate member is in the open position thereby restricting detachment of the box member from the housing.
US08118294B2
A method and system for validating the completeness of a document collation includes obtaining information concerning a document having a first page and a last page, and processing the obtained information. The processed information is employed to apply a marking on the document that may be readable through an enclosure that visually obscures the marking. The marking may provide information regarding the completeness of the document collation within the enclosure. The processed information may be employed in a manner such that the applied marking includes a first page mark on the first page of the document collation and a last page mark in the last page of the document collation. The marks may be applied in respective predetermined zones on the first page and the last page. The first page zone and the last page zone may have a predetermined relationship for a document collation.
US08118289B2
Impact-attenuation members, e.g., for use in footwear or other foot-receiving devices, include: (a) a first body member having a base region and three (or more) leg portions extending from the base region. A second body member, with similar leg portions, may be arranged facing the first member such that the free ends of the various leg portions lie adjacent one another. A retaining member may extend between and/or at least partially around the body members to at least partially hold them in place with respect to one another. Such impact-attenuation systems may be arranged in the heel (or other portions) of an article of footwear.
US08118279B2
An illuminative jack is provided, having a plurality of lights recessed within a top plate to provide illumination directed to a lifting location. The jack includes transparent material positioned disposed below the contact surface of the top plate and disposed above the plurality of lights to protect the lights, while allowing light to emanate on the lifting location.
US08118275B2
A valve for surgical or medical instruments including: a passage that can be at least partially sealed by twisting a flexible section (1) of the passage wall; element for rotating a mobile end (3) of flexible section (1), characterized in that the actuating element include a cable for transmitting movement to mobile end (3) of the flexible section. The invention also relates to a surgical or medical instrument including a valve according to the invention.
US08118273B2
In a display, a housing is formed rotatably in an anteroposterior direction with respect to a base member about a rotation center provided above a bottom of the housing, and a projecting portion and a recess portion are so formed as to substantially block up a horizontal clearance formed between the housing and the base member in an anteroposterior rotational range of the housing.
US08118260B2
A fitting for trimming the horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft, made of composite material, the fitting including side walls of a torsion box as well as joining elements which join the fitting to the frames of the tail fuselage of the aircraft, the side walls being joined together by a central element which includes a first end part joined to the first side wall of the fitting, a second end part joined to the second side wall of the fitting and a central part which joins together the end parts, the fitting includes end elements which are joined to the side walls on their outer face, the fitting having, owing to its greater rigidity in response to side load and vertical load stresses which tend to close the side walls, its greater integration and the simplicity of the load path, an optimum structural behavior in response to the aircraft stresses.
US08118259B2
A front landing gear storage compartment for an airplane, which includes a set of retractable landing gears including a front gear centered on a longitudinal median plane of the fuselage. The storage compartment forms an impervious partition between a pressurized zone and the housing for the front gear in its retracted position, and includes a reinforced upper face including a substantially flat zone, which is substantially horizontal when the airplane is on the ground, so as to form a floor of a pressurized area of the airplane.
US08118255B1
The present disclosure includes various apparatus, system, and method embodiments for vehicle energy absorption. One embodiment includes an inflatable structure for impact of a vehicle thereon and one or more cords coupled to one or more deflation vents on the inflatable structure, where at least one of the one or more cords is an activation mechanism to activate the deflation vent upon impact of the vehicle.
US08118249B2
In a webbing winder, when a webbing belt is wound around a spool, a V gear is rotated in a winding direction together with a W pawl, a friction spring, and a contact member, thereby generating a frictional force between the contact member and a sensor holder. As a consequence, the friction spring and the contact member are located at a restriction position, so that the friction spring engages with an engaging surface of the W pawl. Therefore, even if the spool and the V gear are rapidly and slightly rotated in a withdrawal direction in reaction when the webbing belt is completely wound by the spool, the W pawl cannot mesh with a ratchet gear formed at the sensor holder due to the restriction of oscillation of the W pawl, thus preventing any end lock.
US08118248B2
A cutting mill for crushing broken polycrystalline needle-shaped silicon material, which contains particles that have an aspect ratio of AI with 5
US08118246B2
A mobile crusher includes: a crusher for crushing raw materials; a discharge conveyor provided on a lower stream of the crusher for discharging the raw materials crushed by the crusher; a work implement provided on an upper stream of the crusher for producing the crushed materials; a conveyor sensor and conveyor pressure comparing unit for determining whether the crushed materials to be discharged are fed on the discharge conveyor or not; a crusher pressure sensor and crusher pressure comparing unit for determining whether the raw materials are present in the crusher or not; and a flow rate controller for controlling the speeds of the crusher, discharge conveyor and work implement based on determination results of the conveyor pressure sensor, conveyor pressure comparing unit, crusher pressure sensor and crusher pressure comparing unit.
US08118244B2
A mixing system for a fluid tank is described herein, the system having a drive motor, an impeller capable of being submersed, a shroud having a sidewall enclosing the impeller, and a cutter mounted on the shroud and cooperating with a blade of the impeller to cut solids within the shroud. The shroud is open at both an inlet end and a discharge end for drawing in and discharging fluid from the tank. A recess is provided on the internal surface of the shroud, wherein the cutter is adjustably positioned within the recess. Additionally, the cutter is also detachable from the recess so that it may be replaced when worn. In use, homogeneity is maintained in a slurry contained within the tank by submerging an impeller into the slurry, the impeller being shrouded in a housing having an inlet opening and a discharge opening, securing a cutter on an internal surface of the housing such that during operation of the impeller the cutter cooperates with a blade of the impeller to cut solids within the slurry, drawing tank contents into the impeller at the inlet opening, cutting solid material in the drawn tank contents between the cutter and an impeller blade, and then discharging the drawn tank contents out the discharge opening back into the tank.
US08118237B2
A vehicle includes a power connector configured to mate with an electrical power grid receptacle and receive a grid power therefrom and a heating and cooling system electrically connected to the power connector to receive grid power therefrom and configured to modify a temperature the vehicle cabin. The vehicle also includes a temperature control loop configured to selectively activate and control the heating and cooling system and a controller configured to receive a first input signal comprising a desired vehicle activation time and a second input signal comprising a starting vehicle cabin temperature and a desired vehicle cabin temperature. The controller determines a temperature control loop activation time based on the first and second input signals that is prior to the desired vehicle activation time and transmits an activation signal to the temperature control loop at the temperature control loop activation time to activate the heating and cooling system.
US08118236B2
A basement ventilator for use in a building to reduce basement humidity and increase basement air circulation, the basement ventilator includes a household inlet duct for receiving and ducting household air of the building; an interior exhaust vent in communication with the household inlet duct for venting the household air into the basement; a basement air inlet duct for receiving humid air from a lower region of the basement of the building; an exterior exhaust vent in communication with the basement air inlet duct and the outside of the building for venting the humid air from the basement of the building to the outside; and a fan device in communication with the household inlet duct, the interior exhaust vent, the basement air inlet duct and the exterior exhaust vent for drawing household air into the household inlet duct and exhausting the household air into the basement through the interior exhaust vent and for drawing air from the lower region of the basement into the basement air inlet duct and exhausting it to the outside of the building via the exterior exhaust vent.
US08118232B2
A manufacturing method of products attached with a RFID label in a mold includes a first step of forming a thin substratum by injecting molding, pushing molding, vacuum molding, blowing molding or sword molding in a first mold, a second step of making a substratum label composed of the substratum and an RFID label adhered with the substratum, and a third step of placing the substratum label in a second mold, in which a plastic product is to be formed and also to be attached with the substratum label inside the product during molding process. The RFID cannot be broken or damaged to always maintain its capacity to be identified, with the plastic product enhanced in its value.
US08118229B2
An optical article with a plurality of optically detectable marks on a first surface of the optical article, wherein a mark of the plurality of marks has a thickness of less than or equal to about 1 micrometer, and wherein the plurality of optically detectable marks have uniform thickness.
US08118226B2
An optical code or other data reading device includes a color image sensor array positioned to sense light reflected from an object, and to produce image data. In one configuration, the color image sensor array has multiple sets (e.g., first and second sets) of sensor elements that are sensitive to corresponding visible wavelength bands of light (e.g., first and second wavelength bands), the sets also being sensitive to light within an infrared wavelength band. An artificial illumination source is positioned to illuminate the field of view with light that is reflected off an object in the field of view toward the image sensor array, the illumination source being operable to produce infrared light having wavelengths within the infrared wavelength band so that, upon illumination, at least some sensor elements of each of the sets are sensitive to the infrared light and contribute to production of the image data.
US08118220B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus for verifying the identity of a cardholder are provided. A digital representation of a magnetic characteristic of a magnetic stripe of the card is stored on a portable electronic device of the cardholder. During a transaction, the digital signature is then transmitted so that it can be compared with a reference signature. The identity may be verified, and a response sent to a party requesting the verification, e.g., during a transaction between the requesting party and the verified party.
US08118218B2
Techniques for portable devices functioning as an electronic purse (e-purse) are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided to enable a portable device to conduct transactions over an open network with a payment server without compromising security. In one embodiment, a device is loaded with an e-purse manager. The e-purse manager is configured to manage various transactions and functions as a mechanism to access an emulator therein. The transactions may be conducted over a wired network or a wireless network. A three-tier security model is contemplated to support the security of the transactions from the e-purse. The three-tier security model includes a physical security, an e-purse security and a card manager security, concentrically encapsulating one with another. Security keys (either symmetric or asymmetric) are personalized within the three-tier security model.
US08118214B2
A method and system for generating electronic keys. The method comprises providing a plurality of devices and generating an electronic key for each device of the plurality of devices, wherein the electronic keys are generated substantially simultaneously. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the electronic keys for all of the devices are generated in the same amount of time that is required to generate one electronic key for one device.
US08118199B2
A collapsible dispenser for dispensing various edible and non-edible materials in an industrial or home environment. More particularly, the invention pertains to a foldable and generally pyramoidal-shaped dispenser particularly suited to dispensing granular, powdered or viscous liquid materials and includes a dispenser body having a dispensing end and an interior compartment for receiving and storing various materials. The dispenser body includes a foldable base that may be manually manipulated between a collapsed position closing and sealing a dispensing mechanism and an expanded position opening and unsealing the dispensing mechanism for use.
US08118194B2
A cartridge for an appliance for personal care, such as skin, dental or hair treatment includes a main body, a dispensing structure for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid, a paste or a gel, and a cartridge detachably connected to the main body. The cartridge bounds a reservoir space for holding the substance to be dispensed and includes a flexible wall part bounding the reservoir space for allowing reservoir space volume to accommodate to a volume of the substance filled therein and volumes of the substance dispensed therefrom; a rigid wall part also bounding the reservoir space, and a rigid housing. The flexible wall part is connected to the rigid housing along a contour of the rigid wall part.
US08118192B2
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and products are disclosed for locating concealed objects by discharging the contents of an aerosol container. A housing encloses an inner volume, and a hollow conduit extends along the housing. An elongate rod slides within the conduit. An actuator of the aerosol container is engaged between a discharge position and a non-discharge position by movement of the elongate rod.
US08118190B2
A container 100 includes a cover 102 and a base 104. The container cover 102 includes a first closure portion, an engagement portion 208, and an alignment portion. The base 104 includes a second closure portion. The first closure portion of the cover 104 is sealingly engageable with the second closure portion of the base 104 to define a sealed storage area. The covers 102 stack together in two different ways. First, the covers 102 can be stacked into an “aligned” stack. Second, the covers 102 can be stacked into a releasably locked stack. The alignment portion of the cover 102 is engageable with the alignment portion of a second cover 602 to form an aligned cover stack. The engagement portion 208 of the cover 102 includes one or more engagement lugs 424 that are engageable with corresponding engagement lugs 624 of the engagement portion 608 of a second cover 602 to form a releasably locked cover stack 750. The engagement portion 208 of the cover 102 further includes one or more drainage channels 444 that provide a passageway for liquid entrapped between locked covers to quickly drain or evaporate.
US08118187B2
The present invention is directed to a lid (5) with a central lid portion (6) and with a peripheral clamping groove (7) formed between an outer groove wall (8) and an inner groove wall (9) for being clamped onto a beaded rim (4) of a cup-shaped receptacle (1). A constriction (10) is provided on at least a peripheral section of the outer groove wall (8), the constriction (10) forming a projection (14) into the interior of the groove (7), this projection (14) comprising a projecting tip (15), an upper wall (16) and a lower wall (17), and the projecting tip (15) defining a horizontal plane (H). The invention is characterized in that an angle (α) between the horizontal plane (H) and a tangential plane (T16)to the end of the upper wall (16) adjacent the projecting tip (15) is smaller than an angle (θ) between the horizontal plane (H) and a tangential plane (T17) to the end of the lower wall (17) adjacent the projecting tip (15).
US08118185B2
A closure for a container comprises a circular closure plate (2, 4), integral with the outer edge of which is a depending skirt (8), integrally connected to the lower end of which by means of a resilient annular integral hinge (10) is an annular flange (12), which extends generally upwardly and inwardly. The closure also includes a cutter assembly which includes a cutting blade (38) and is mounted to rotate about the center of the closure plate (2, 4). The integral hinge (10) has a hole formed in it through which the cutting blade (38) extends. Rotation of the cutter assembly about the center of the closure plate thus results in cutting of the integral hinge (10) and thus in release of the closure plate (2, 4) and the depending skirt (8) from the annular flange (12).
US08118176B2
The object of the invention is a unit element forming a membrane comprising a semi-permeable material able to separate in two compartments a filtration device for extracorporeal treatment of a fluid such as blood or plasma, said material being negatively charged, said element having a first internal face intended to be in direct contact with blood or plasma and a second external face intended to be in contact with filtrate, wherein said second face of said element is treated on the surface by one selected in the group comprising at least a cationic polymer, a mixture of polymers of which at least one polymer is cationic. The unit element can also have said first face treated on the surface by one selected in the group comprising: at least one cationic polymer, a mixture of polymers of which at least one polymer is cationic.The object of the invention is also a semipermeable membrane consisting of such unit elements; a filtration device for extracorporeal treatment of a fluid such as blood or plasma comprising two compartments separated by such a semipermeable membrane.The object of the invention is also the processes for manufacturing such devices.
US08118173B2
A streamer trap assembly for collecting streamers from a flow of polymer pellets includes a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an opening bounded by a sealing surface; and a streamer trap positioned in the housing through the opening. The streamer trap comprises a screen sized to collect the streamers at the screen and to allow the polymer pellets to pass through the screen, a guide positioned to guide the flow of polymer pellets from the inlet to the screen and from the screen to the outlet, and a cover adapted to engage the sealing surface and cover the opening.
US08118167B2
The present invention relates to a medical container useful upon transportation of plural syringe barrels. The medical container includes at least a container main body and a holding member arranged inside the container main body. The holding member is provided at least with a plurality of cylindrical holding portions for holding syringe barrels. The container main body has at least a peripheral rim arranged on and along an outer periphery of an opening and a shoulder-shaped portion arranged on an inner wall of the container to arrange the holding member. The shoulder-shaped portion has at least three ribs for supporting the holding member, and has a structure that enables to arrange via the ribs the holding member in a horizontal position relative to a bottom wall of the container main body. According to the present invention, there is provided a medical container of a construction that can be promptly brought into a sterilized state by various methods, can be readily brought into a state capable of maintaining the sterilized state, and during transportation, can fixedly secure, without rattling, syringe barrels held upright by holders.
US08118166B2
A package enclosing a single disposable absorbent article. The package having an opening element.
US08118162B1
An inexpensive, portable, and convenient organizer for bolts and screws is provided that holds fasteners and gaskets of various types and sizes. Fasteners may be stored in a pattern according to user-preference. Fasteners held may occupy relative positions on the organizer similar to their relative positions on the original assembly to facilitate identification for proper reassembly. The organizer may be preprinted or labeled by the user to further clarify sequence, position, or other useful information about the fasteners being held.
US08118152B2
A safety arrangement for use with a piece of equipment. The safety arrangement includes a signal generating unit for generating an optical signal, an elongate element, and a signal detecting unit. The elongate element is disposed along, about, around or through the piece of equipment and is capable of transmitting an optical signal. The signal detecting unit detects an optical signal. The signal generating unit is connected to the signal detecting unit by the elongate element such that the signal detecting unit is in optical communication with the signal detecting unit. The signal detecting unit is arranged to detect a change in the optical signal transmitted by the elongate element as a consequence of movement of the elongate element and, upon detection of the change in the signal, the detecting unit is configured to effect a change in the operation of the piece of equipment.
US08118147B2
The cable dispensing system includes multiple parallel coils of flexible non-insulated cables separated by multiple parallel insulating discs. The insulating discs have hubs to which the inner portions of the coils are fixedly coupled. The insulating discs and coils are disposed within a housing, which is rotatably coupled to the multiple parallel insulating discs and fixedly coupled to each outer portion of the multiple coils. The cables comprising the coils are routed from the inner portions through tunnels, which extend through the insulating discs in paths parallel to the axis of the parallel insulating discs. When cords attached to the housing are extended, the coils become wound, creating an electrical short between adjacent loops of the spiral coil. The shorter conductive path reduces the amount of energy that is lost as heat.
US08118146B2
An improved wheeled luggage case having a pair of freely rotating large wheels that have a diameter substantially greater than the height of the center of gravity of the wheeled luggage case itself (when in an upright, at rest position). The weight of the wheeled luggage case is largely transferred to the large wheel pair when being towed, reducing the load burden on a user and making it easier to pull the wheeled luggage case over long distances, for example, between airport terminals.
US08118142B2
The invention relates to a brake device for vehicles, in particular for utility vehicles, with a mounting device attachable to a stationary part of the vehicle, whereby the mounting device, when viewed along the brake axis, consists of two end sections and a first connection section in-between.According to the invention it is provided that the first connection section has an opening for at least partial acceptance of a radial lug of the stationary part.
US08118140B2
An elevator system and a method for accelerating the starting of travel in an elevator system are provided. The elevator system includes an elevator control system for implementing controlled motion of an elevator car; a door mechanism control system for implementing controlled movement of the elevator car door; and a door coupler, for forming a mechanical coupling between elevator car door and landing door; and a controller of fast start of travel, which has an input for elevator car position data, an input for landing door position data, an input for car door position data, and at least one output for activating the elevator motor power supply circuit and the elevator brake release circuit.
US08118131B2
An air bag system M1 is installed in a vehicle having front side doors 13 which are installed adjacent to the rear of front pillars 1 and which each have an outside rearview mirror 27. An air bag 42 includes a pillar covering portion 47 which is disposed to cover a front surface 1a of the front pillar 1 when it completes its inflation and a fitting cell portion 50 which is installed below the pillar covering portion 47 and which is disposed so that when it completes its inflation, a rear end side portion thereof fits in a space defined between the outside rearview mirror 27 and a lateral side of the vehicle on an upper surface side of the outside rearview mirror. The fitting cell portion 50 is connected to a lower edge side of the pillar covering portion 47 over substantially the whole area in a front-rear direction thereof.
US08118130B2
An apparatus is provided for controlling a vehicle actuatable occupant restraining system including a central crash accelerometer sensing crash acceleration at a central vehicle location and providing a first crash acceleration signal indicative thereof. A crush zone crash accelerometer senses transverse crash acceleration at a forward location of the vehicle. A controller actuates the actuatable occupant restraining system in response to the central crash acceleration signal and the transverse crash acceleration signal from the crush zone sensor.
US08118126B2
A steering assist system for applying a steering torque reduces the influence of a time-dependent steering control amount on an assist steering torque when a predetermined driving operation by a driver is detected. Thus, the influence of the time-dependent steering control amount on the applied steering torque, which increases when the period of time over which actual moving state deviates from the target moving state increases is reduced when the driver makes the predetermined driving operation. Thus, it is possible to avoid the problem where steering feel degrades because the steering torque increases over time.
US08118125B2
Vehicle body floor structure has a floor tunnel provided on a laterally central portion of a vehicle body floor panel and extending in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body, a desired stored component being stored in the floor tunnel. The stored component has a passageway formed therein to extend in a width direction of the vehicle body. The floor structure also has a cross member passed through the passageway of the stored component, the stored component is supported on the cross member via a resilient member, and the cross member is fixedly fastened at its opposite ends to the inner surfaces of opposed side walls of the floor tunnel.
US08118122B2
A method to monitor integrity of a signal in a distributed control system for a powertrain system includes communications link transmitting signals between control modules. Integrity of each of the control modules is monitored. The signal is generated and verified in an originating control module and transmitted to a receiving control module whereat it is subsequently verified.
US08118113B2
A hydraulic control system includes a first motor, a second motor, a pump operatively associated with the first motor, a first coupling valve operatively associated with the second motor, first parallel valves operatively associated with the second motor, and a first switching valve operatively associated with the first coupling valve and the first parallel valves. The first switching valve is configured to switch the first coupling valve between a first coupling state and a second coupling state opposite the first coupling state and to switch the first parallel valves between a first parallel state and a second parallel state opposite the first parallel state. While the first parallel valves are in the first parallel state a portion of the output of the first motor drives the second motor while the first parallel valves are in the second parallel state, the output of the pump drives the second motor.
US08118107B2
The present invention provides an improved horseshoe, which comprises a hoof engagement surface that is provided with an unevenness and makes contact with the hoof in such a manner that the shoe will fit more closely to and immovably against the bottom of the hoof. The unevenness provides an anti-slip interference with fibrous material of the hoof to lessen relative movement between the horseshoe and the hoof, both during assembly thereto by a farrier and during galloping of the horse, desirably inhibiting shearing stresses being placed on the securement nails. The anti-slip interference is provided by an array of bumps or hemispherical shaped domes that project upwardly from the hoof-engaging surface to displace fibrous hoof material and complete an interlocking engagement therewith in an amount sufficient to inhibit relative movement but not create discomfort to the horse.
US08118098B2
A technique is provided to facilitate fluid flow and pressure control in a well with an interventionless flow valve system. The valve system is coupled to a well component string deployed downhole in a wellbore. The valve system controls flow and pressure between an interior and exterior of the string and comprises a valve controlled by an activation device. The activation device is responsive to a unique pressure and time signal transmitted downhole.
US08118090B2
A hybrid wellhead system for a hydrocarbon well, having a wellhead supported by a conductor; an intermediate head spool secured to the wellhead by a hammer union; and a tubing head spool secured to the intermediate head spool by a hammer union.
US08118085B2
According to the invention, a heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger may include a first tube sheet, a second tube sheet, a heat exchange tube, a header, and a coupling. The heat exchange tube may be disposed at least partially between the first tube sheet and the second tube sheet, and may also be made of a first material. The header may be made of a second material. The coupling may include a first end and a second end. The first end may be made of the first material, and the second end may be made of the second material. The first end may be operably coupled with the heat exchange tube, and the second end may be operably coupled with the header.
US08118071B2
A pencil sharpener that facilitates the sharpening of pencils by any one or more of the following: preventing injury; automatically sharpening pencils without manual manipulation; providing status indicators during sharpening; and/or allowing varying degrees of sharpness to be selected.
US08118062B2
A spring-actuator assembly (10) is provided for a fuel pressure regulator. The assembly includes a housing (30) and a washer spring (10) received in the housing. The washer spring has a body (12) with a top surface (13) and a bottom surface (15). The body includes an opening (14) there-through and a plurality of pleats (16, 16′) therein so that that first faces (20) of the top surface are disposed on a plane that is different from a plane of second faces (22) of the top surface. At least certain first faces define contact points (24). The assembly also includes an actuating member (26) disposed at least partially in the opening and engaging the contact points of the certain first faces such that a fluid flow passage (36) are defined between the washer spring and the actuating ball for dampening.
US08118061B2
A variable flow rate controller is provided herein. The controller may have a linearly traversable switch such that the controller is primed to flush air bubbles out of the fluid system of the controller prior to administering fluidic medication to a patient. Moreover, the controller may have a plurality of valves which may be independently opened and closed by a caming surface. To close the valve, a first seal may be disposed between offset inlet and outlet to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet to the outlet. To open the valve, the first seal is disposed on one side of both of the inlet and outlet. Fluid if permitted to flow from the inlet to the outlet.
US08118055B2
A valve component for a faucet includes a substrate comprising a base material and a strengthening layer provided above the substrate in an amount sufficient to improve abrasion resistance of the substrate, the strengthening layer comprising tantalum. A layer including amorphous diamond is provided above the strengthening layer. The amorphous diamond has sp3 bonding of at least about 40%, a hardness of at least about 45 GPa, and an elastic modulus of at least about 400 GPa.
US08118054B2
The disclosed embodiments include an apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow. In accordance with certain of the disclosed embodiments, a valve is disclosed that comprises a yoke that encases a coil. The yoke has a gap adjacent to a central aperture of the yoke. A core tube is placed in the central aperture. The core tube has a core slidingly disposed within an interior chamber for controlling a fluid flow rate from a flow inlet to a flow outlet. A current is provided to the coil. Magnetic flux, generated by the coil in response to the current, is directed through the gap to cause the core to move proportionally based on the amount of current provided to the coil for changing the fluid flow rate from the flow inlet to the flow outlet.
US08118051B2
Valve for the ventilation circuit of a liquid tank, comprising: a) a chamber comprising a base, a side wall and a cover; b) at least two independent ventilation orifices in the chamber cover connecting the chamber to the venting circuit; c) at least one orifice in the chamber side wall connecting the chamber to the inside of the tank; d) at least two independent concentric floats, each comprising an apex capable of sealing one of the ventilation orifices, each being able to slide vertically inside the chamber depending on the liquid level in the chamber and to rest on the chamber base when the chamber is empty; one of the floats being calibrated so as to seal one of the ventilation orifices at one liquid level L1 in the tank and the other float being calibrated so as to seal the other ventilation orifice at a level L2 above L1.
US08118048B2
An apparatus and method for forming an opening through a storage tank (3) containing a flammable and/or combustible fluid, for example petrol. The storage tank (3) includes a hollow column (7) extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the storage tank (3), an interior wall of the hollow column (7) in combination with the exterior surface of the storage tank (3) defining a well-like cavity allowing access by the apparatus (1) to the exterior surface of the storage tank (3). The apparatus (1) includes a cutting assembly (13) for cutting through the exterior surface of the storage tank (3); and a housing assembly for supporting the cutting assembly (13). The housing assembly includes a sealing assembly for sealing the housing assembly with respect to the hollow column (7) such that the cavity is sealed from surrounding air. The housing assembly further includes a fluid circulation assembly for passing nitrogen into the cavity such that a non-flammable environment is provided within the cavity during cutting of the opening. The opening is thereby safely cut without generating ignition sources such as sparks and flames. Flammable vapor is also prevented from escaping into the surrounding air. In addition, the storage tank (3) does not need to be emptied of fluid prior to the commencement of the cutting process.
US08118039B2
Artificial nail sets are provided. In an embodiment, the artificial nail set includes an artificial nail and an auxiliary member surrounding the outer surface of the artificial nail. The artificial nail has a connecting part formed at one side thereof and the auxiliary member has a coupling portion formed at one side thereof. The auxiliary member is not adherent to the artificial nail. The connecting part of the artificial nail is coupled to the coupling portion of the auxiliary member. In an alternative embodiment, the artificial nail may be directly coupled to the auxiliary member. Due to this coupling, the auxiliary member surrounds the outer surface of the artificial nail. Further provided are methods for manufacturing the artificial nail sets.
US08118031B2
The invention provides a hearing protection device having an attenuating body composed of an elastomer with an increased glass transition temperature and a reduced glass-to-rubber transition temperature such that the damping factor of the material peaks at a higher temperature and, resultantly, the damping factor is increased over a range of temperatures and frequencies typically experienced by the device during usage. The increased damping results in higher sound attenuation provided by the hearing protection device.
US08118019B2
A barbecue cooking system with moveable charcoal chimney device is provided, the system comprises: a firebowl having an open topside and a bottomside, and the bottomside comprising at least one aperture; and a chimney movable through the aperture of the bottomside of the firebowl, and at least a portion of the chimney is situated within the firebowl during a usage position and at least a portion of the chimney is moveable to a position below the firebowl during a stowage position.
US08118009B2
A fuel delivery system for a fuel burning engine of a vehicle and a method of operating the fuel delivery system is provided. As one example, the method includes separating a first fuel and a second fuel from a fuel vapor on-board the vehicle, said fuel vapor including at least an alcohol component and a hydrocarbon component and said first fuel including a higher concentration of the alcohol component than the fuel vapor and the second fuel; condensing the separated first fuel from a vapor phase to a liquid phase; delivering the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel to the engine; and combusting at least the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel at the engine.
US08117991B1
A pet water dispenser having a system of water pumps to circulate water, a water bowl containing a temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the water in the bowl, an ultra violet light and a filter to purify and clean the circulating water, an in-line water heater and a thermoelectric cooling plate to keep the water at a desired temperature, water jets inside the bowl to spray water against the inside of the bowl to clean hair and debris from the bowl, a rotating drain disc in the bowl which periodically opens to permit emptying of old water from the water bowl and closes to permit filling of the bowl with fresh water, a digital controller to permit a pet owner to control the operation of the dispenser and the temperature of the water presented in the bowl to the pet.
US08117982B2
A method and apparatus for the formation of coplanar electrical interconnectors. Solder material is deposited onto a wafer, substrate, or other component of an electrical package using a complaint mold such that the terminal ends of the solder material being deposited, i.e., the ends opposite to those forming an attachment to the wafer, substrate, or other component of an electrical package are coplanar with one another. A complaint mold is used having one or more conduits for receiving solder material and having a compliant side and a planar side. The compliant side of the mold is positioned adjacent to the wafer, substrate, or other component of an electrical package allowing solder material to be deposited onto the surface thereof such that the planar side of the compliant mold provides coplanar interconnectors. An Injection Molded Solder (IMS) head can be used as the means for filling the conduits of the compliant mold of the present invention.
US08117979B2
A rudder (1) for ships with a swivellable rudder blade (2) and a fin (3) hinged thereon as well as with a fin control device (S) having control elements which is placed outside the rudder blade (2) in bearing vicinity between a hull (6) and the rudder blade (2), it is provided that protecting guiding elements (L) are fixed to a ship part laterally from the control elements for the protection of the fin control against external influences such as pressure, stroke and impact shock.
US08117976B2
A handicraft needle punch set includes a needle puncher, and an assisting tool used in performing needle punching to an object. The assisting tool includes a plurality of tubular template portions each having a desired sectional shape. The needle puncher includes a plurality of needles, a grip member supporting the needles in a manner allowing the tips of the needles to protrude to the outside, and a tubular attachment member detachably attached to the grip member. The tubular attachment member is configured to surround the needles in a noncontact manner and have a contact end portion coming into contact with the upper portions of the tubular template portions.
US08117970B1
An overhead storage system includes support beams forming a frame to a deck around its perimeter and four corner vertical mounts for suspending the deck from a ceiling. The frame is preferably made of Z-shaped beams supported by vertical L-shaped corner supports to provide strong support for a deck. The Z-shaped beams provide strength and a horizontal surface on which a deck can be rested. A welded wire deck can be strengthened by bonding it to ribs. In some embodiments, center supports can preferably be positioned anywhere along the length of the support beams, and do not require holes in the beams for mounting. The beams are preferably connected to the vertical corner brackets without using threaded fasteners, thereby making the assembly easier for assembly by a homeowner.
US08117967B2
A projectile (10), where necessary covered with a jacket, possesses a front-side core (1) and a rear-side core (2). The rear-side core (2) here bears positively in a centered manner against the front-side core (1) and this rear-side core (2) fills the entire cylindrical and the frustoconically configured rear region (2) of the projectile (10). A contact zone (11, 12 is respectively configured on the two cores (1, 2), which contact zone allows the projectile (10) to be joined together in a press fit, a perfectly aligned external form (3) of the projectile (10) being obtained and the contact faces (15; 13; 11 to 12) of the cores (1, 2) directly touching one another substantially without a clearance or gap over the whole of the contact face (15; 13; 11 to 12). When the projectile (10) impacts upon a surface oriented in any chosen manner relative to the firing direction (20), the projectile (10) is split into two less dangerous projectile parts.
US08117963B2
A printing machine for printing security features onto a web. The machine has a first printing cylinder defining a first circumference and carrying a first number (m) of rows of first image elements, each adjacent row of first image elements having a first circumferential separation. The machine also has a second printing cylinder defining a second circumference, different to the first circumference, and carrying a second number (n) of rows of second image elements, different to the first number (m) of rows, where each adjacent row of second image elements has the same first circumferential separation as adjacent rows of first image elements. The printing cylinders are operable to print the first and second image elements in registration on a web so that composite security features are created on the web from the first and second image elements.
US08117962B2
An installation for preparing dampening solutions for offset printing with a device (10, 62, 72) for preparing a dampening solution and a device (40, 60, 70 for feeding one or more basic liquid materials (42) for preparing the dampening solution into the device (10, 62, 72) for preparing the dampening solution, in which the feeding device (40, 60, 70) is provided for cooling the basic material or materials (42) or a mixture thereof, which is to be supplied.
US08117959B2
A swash plate includes a boss, which is mounted on the drive shaft, and a plate portion, which extends from the boss to be inclined with respect to the drive shaft. A rotary valve includes a suction passage, which sequentially connects cylinder bores in a suction stroke via an associated guide passage. An introduction guide communicates with the shaft bore to introduce the refrigerant gas in the swash plate chamber to the rotary valve. The introduction guide faces the boss and extends in the radial direction from the shaft bore beyond the boss. Therefore, suction efficiency of refrigerant gas from the swash plate chamber to the cylinder bore has improved.
US08117958B2
A semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided the rifle having: a receiver having a hand guard portion; a barrel having a bore, the bore removably connected to the receiver, the hand guard portion surrounding at least a portion of the barrel; a gas block having a forward end and a rearward end aligned with the barrel; a sleeve removably secured to the forward end of the gas block; a piston slidably received within the gas block, wherein the gas block and the sleeve fluidly couple the piston to the bore of the barrel; wherein an increase in pressure in the bore of the barrel causes the piston to move away from the sleeve; and wherein the sleeve and the piston are each capable of being removed from the rifle through the forward end of the gas block without removing the gas block from the rifle.
US08117950B2
An extension shaft for holding a tool for rotary motion of the tool includes a first end adapted to cooperate with a chuck of a handheld instrument and a second end including a tool holder for holding the tool for rotary driven motion thereof. The tool holder includes a base portion operatively connected to the extension shaft and a swivel portion capable of holding the tool. The swivel portion is pivotly coupled to the base portion through a pivot assembly, wherein the tool is capable of being rotated about an angle with respect to an axis of the chuck through rotation of the extension shaft in response to rotation of the chuck.
US08117949B2
A movable wrench including a screw bar, and an operating element. The bottom surface of the screw bar is urged by a first compressible spring. The hook part of the operating element urges against the bottom surface of the screw bar. As the user depresses the operating end of the operating element, the hook part escape from the bottom surface. The first compressible spring is depressed downward. After the reverse rotation and positioning, the first compressible spring urges against the screw bar again. The operating end is released so that the hook part urges against the bottom surface again.
US08117948B2
A wrench comprises a handle portion, a head portion releasably secured to the handle portion and a release device. The head portion has an inner surface that defines a fastener receiving aperture and a side entry to the fastener receiving aperture and is movable relative to the handle portion between a loading position in which the side entry is open and an operating position in which the side entry is closed. The head portion is operable to close around a fastener received in the fastener receiving aperture in response to a torque applied in a predetermined direction using the handle portion. The release device is arranged to at least assist in releasing the head portion from the handle portion to permit the head portion to be separated from the handle portion.
US08117945B2
A speed reducer capable of shortening a length in an axial direction of a turning structure by arranging a plurality of small-sized motors is provided. The hollow speed reducer 10 is a planetary gear apparatus having a crankshaft 11, a pinion 12 formed with outer teeth at an outer periphery thereof, fitted to a crank portion of the crank shaft 11 and eccentrically moved, and a case 13 an inner peripheral face of which is formed with inner teeth brought in mesh with the outer teeth of the pinion 12, in which an inner portion of the hollow speed reducer 10 is formed with a hollow hole, a center gear for an input of the hollow speed reducer 10 is provided at a position of the hollow hole, and small gears provided at output shafts of a plurality of motors 15 are simultaneously brought in mesh with the center gear.
US08117933B2
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US08117932B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, a countershaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
US08117926B2
The invention relates to a method of and equipment for preparing an analysis sample (2) for a continuous on-line analysis. According to the invention, a sample material (5) is taken by means of a sampling arrangement (4) from a material flow (24) that contains solid matter and liquid, whereby the sample material (5) is fed into a chamber (6); a layer of material (10), which contains coarse solid matter, depositing in the lower part of the chamber, and a layer of material (8), which contains liquid and fine solids, being separated from the sample material in the upper part of the chamber, whereby at least part of the material (8), which contains fine solids, is moved to the lower part (9) of the chamber (6), from where the analysis sample (2) that has a higher solids content than the sample material (5) is removed.
US08117922B2
A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.
US08117919B2
The present invention discloses a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device, comprising: a substrate with at least one opening; and a membrane supported on the substrate, the membrane including at least two thin segments and a thick segment connected together, wherein the two thin segments are not at the same level, and the thick segment is formed by a plurality of layers including at least two metal layers and a via layer, such that the membrane has a curve cross section.
US08117911B2
This invention relates to bulk liquid storage tanks, and in particular to an improved tank gauge for measuring the amount of liquid within the tank and for monitoring the movement or settling of the storage tank.
US08117907B2
A downhole tool includes circumferentially spaced and/or angled transducer elements. In one embodiment a standoff sensor has at least three piezoelectric transducer elements, at least a first element of which is configured to both transmit and receive ultrasonic energy. At least second and third of the elements are configured to receive ultrasonic energy transmitted by the first element in pitch catch mode. An electronic controller is configured to calculate a standoff distance from the ultrasonic waveforms received at the first, the second, and the third piezoelectric transducer elements. The controller may further be configured to estimate the eccentricity of a measurement tool in the borehole. Exemplary embodiments of the invention may improve borehole coverage and data quality and reliability in LWD caliper logging. In particular, the invention may advantageously reduce or even eliminate blind spots when logging eccentric bore holes.
US08117905B2
A test bench conditioning system for a working fluid of a machine located on the test bench includes at least one pump (3) for circulating the working fluid, a heat exchanger (4) for cooling the working fluid coming from the discharge line (1) of the machine and a heating device (5) for the working fluid fed into the supply line (2) to the machine and a mixing valve (6). Furthermore, a bypass (8) that can be shut off between the discharge line (1) and the supply line (2) can be provided. Setting a temperature profile for the working fluid is possible via a control device. In order to render possible an optimum simulation of a real temperature profile of an operating fluid of a machine with the slightest deviations for the predetermined profile, a connecting line (10) with a control valve (11) leads to the discharge line (1) in front of the mixing valve (6), which opens into this discharge line (1) in front of the pump (3).
US08117892B2
Disclosed is a hardness testing instrument which measures a hardness of a specimen, the hardness testing instrument including: a load applying section with the indenter or a flat indenter mounted thereon; a driving section to move the load applying section; a specimen table on which an object to be pressed is placed; a specimen table height adjustment section to adjust a height position; an indentation depth amount storage section to measure the indentation depth amount when the indenter is pressed to a reference block and to store the amount; a deformation amount storage section to measure the deformation amount of a load measuring instrument when the flat indenter is pressed to the load measuring instrument and to store the amount; a height position obtaining section to obtain a height position of the specimen table; and a calibration section to calibrate the load.
US08117888B2
A method and apparatus for calibrating or adjusting an accelerometer, wherein the accelerometer is held stationary to obtain the signal outputs from the accelerometer, representing component vectors making up the composite vector of 1 g. Thus, gain or sensitivity, and the zero-g signal offset along for each axis of the accelerometer is determined and adjustable.
US08117884B2
A method is disclosed for cold-form profiling cylindrical, thin-walled hollow parts (1), comprising profiles (4) which extend in an essentially parallel manner in relation to the longitudinal axis (A) of the hollow part (1). At least one profiling tool (5) engages in a strike-like hammering manner with the outside of the hollow part (1) in a radial manner in relation to the longitudinal axis (A) o the hollow part (1). The profiling tool (5) engages, respectively, in an essentially vertical and oscillating manner on the surface of the hollow part (1). Then, the profiling tool (5) is displaced in an axial manner in relation to the hollow part (1) at a constant radial adjusting depth until the desired profile length is obtained.
US08117883B2
A method of expanding tubing comprises locating an expansion device in tubing to be expanded, vibrating one or both of the tubing and the expansion device, and translating the expansion device relative to the tubing, the vibration acting to reduce friction between the tubing and the device.
US08117881B2
A press-molding device (80) press molds a bottom portion of a work piece (9) having a closed-end shape between an, inner die (521) inserted into the work piece (9) and an outer die (551) disposed on an outside of the work piece (9). A chuck position switching mechanism (501) grips the work piece (9) so that the work piece (9) can move in an axial direction. An inner die moving mechanism (522) inserts the inner die (521) into the inside end of the work piece (9). A stopper mechanism (531) supports the inner die (521) in a processing position by restricting movement of the inner die (521). An outer die moving mechanism (552) press-molds the bottom portion of the work piece (9) between the outer die (551) and the inner die (521), thereby press-molding the workpiece (9) smoothly without damaging an inner peripheral surface of the workpiece (9).
US08117880B2
This invention provides a billet-rearranging device which receives billets fed in a row and rearranges two billets in tandem. The billet-rearranging device “A” is disposed between a chute “S” with an outlet to feed billets “b” in a row to the device “A” and a charger “Cg” with a holder unit “B” with two holders “B1” and “B2” to hold two billets “b” in tandem and has a billet-rearranging mechanism to rearrange two billets “b” in tandem and feed them to the holder unit “B” of the charger “Cg.” The billet-rearranging mechanism comprising (i) an upper slide plate 1 positioned below the outlet of the chute “S”, (ii) a lower slide plate 2 positioned below the upper slide plate 1, and (iii) a fixed plate 3 positioned below the lower slide plate 2, above the holder unit “B” of the charger “Cg.” The upper slide plate 1 has the function of rearranging two billets “b” in tandem. The lower slide plate 2 has the function of feeding two billets “b” in tandem one by one to the fixed plate 3. The fixed plate 3 has the function of guiding two billets “b” in tandem simultaneously to the holder unit “B.”
US08117878B1
A textured process shield and similar parts may be formed and textured in the same forming process using a mandrel. The mandrel may have movable portions that may be set into a forming die position to form and texture a workpiece into a process shield and collapsed to allow the process shield to be removed from the mandrel. The movable portions may include several textured shoes supported by movable jaws. The movable portions may also include a contact surface having angled indentations.
US08117873B2
A gooseneck trailer lock is provided including a body having a coupler engaging portion and a trailer frame engaging portion. A lock secures the body to the trailer.
US08117866B2
A body modification device including a post base, wherein the post base is configured to be disposed subcutaneously, and one or more retainer posts coupled to the post base for receiving at least one attachment.
US08117864B2
A modular and compact air conditioning system is designed to be conveyed by a ground support equipment cart and to occupy minimal space within the cart. The system is constructed within a rectangular frame supporting top, bottom, left side, right side, front side, and back side panels. The top and back side panels contain thin air conditioner condensers. One of the left and right side panels contain an air outlet, and the other contains an air inlet and a duct that may be connected to an airplane to provide cooling air to the airplane. A condenser fan is mounted within the rectangular frame and is arranged to draw outside air in through the condensers and to blow the air out through the air outlet. First and second air conditioners are mounted within the rectangular frame, each including a compressor, an expansion valve, and evaporator coils, with each compressor pumping refrigerant through one of the condensers, through one of the expansion valves, and through one of the evaporator coils and back to the compressor. One of the two evaporator coils is mounted over the air inlet, and the other is mounted over the duct. A variable speed blower is mounted within the rectangular frame adjacent the air inlet, and an enclosed air passage routes air from the air inlet through one of the evaporator coils, the air passage narrowing and routing the air through the blower, the passage then widening and curving around and routing the air through the other of the evaporator coils and through the duct.
US08117856B2
A system and method that configures a connecting relationship between two wine bottles (or one wine bottle with two wine compartments) such that wine in one bottle/compartment may be served chilled and wine in a second bottle/compartment may be served at a higher temperature than the chilled bottle, while both wines are presented tableside from a single holding vessel.
US08117853B2
The present disclosure relates to a method for the operation of a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having two compartments or more than two compartments which each have at least one opening which is closable by a closure element and through which the compartments can be charged with cold air, with at least one temperature sensor being provided for the indirect or direct detection of the respective actual temperature value, wherein a temperature value (closing value) is defined for a plurality of the compartments or for all of the compartments, wherein the compartment with the lowest difference between the actual temperature value and the closing value (temperature difference) is determined, and wherein the closure element of this compartment is closed until its temperature difference is the same as or larger than the temperature difference of a compartment having a larger temperature difference, preferably having the next larger temperature difference.
US08117840B2
An abnormality-determining device for a turbo-supercharger, which is capable of detecting abnormalities, including response delay of a movable member, with accuracy. A turbo-supercharger provided in an internal combustion engine has variable vanes 8c arranged in an exhaust turbine, for changing an area of a nozzle thereof. An abnormality-determining device stops supply of fuel to the engine, when the engine is in a predetermined operating condition, actuates the variable vanes, after actuating the same toward one of an open side and a closed side, toward the other of the sides, during the stoppage of fuel supply, detects a supercharging parameter indicative of a degree of supercharging by the turbo-supercharger, and determines abnormality of the turbo-supercharger based on a change in the supercharging parameter detected during the actuation of the movable vanes.
US08117833B2
A method of controlling a system having an internal combustion engine, a filter in an exhaust passage, a reduction catalyst downstream of said filter capable of reducing nitrate oxide contained in the exhaust gas with reductant supplied thereto is provided. The method may include, in a first mode, combusting a first amount of particulate matter trapped in said filter and supplying a first amount of reductant to said reduction catalyst when an amount of particulate matter trapped in said filter is less than a predetermined trapping amount (α). The method may further include, in a second mode, combusting a second amount of particulate matter that is greater than said first amount of particulate matter and supplying a second amount of reductant to said reduction catalyst when an amount of particulate matter trapped in said filter is equal to or greater than said predetermined trapping amount (α).
US08117830B2
An agitating device for agitating the exhaust gas of an engine includes a base plate having a plurality of through holes that are defined by radially extending spoke portions and a ring-like rim portion and are arranged in a circular pattern in a circumferential direction of the base plate, and a plurality of fins expanding from the respective spokes on a slant with respect to the base plate. The base plate is fixed in the exhaust passage by the rim portion being jointed to the exhaust passage at welded portions. The welded portions are each disposed in an area between respective two adjacent spoke portions in the circumferential direction of the base plate, and an outer edge of the rim portion positioned on the outer side of the rim portion in extending directions of the spoke portions is located next to the exhaust passage with a gap provided therebetween.
US08117822B2
The carbon-free gas turbine is a power-producing turbine driven by the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels with oxygen. The carbon-free gas turbine includes at least one combustor for combusting gaseous fuel with oxygen. The at least one combustor includes a housing containing at least one oxygen transport reactor. The oxygen transport reactor includes an outer wall and an inner cylindrical ion transport membrane. The membrane receives pressurized air and separates gaseous oxygen therefrom, transporting the oxygen into a central region thereof for combustion with the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, producing gaseous carbon dioxide and water vapor. A first turbine is driven by the gaseous carbon dioxide and water vapor produced by the at least one combustor and drives a first compressor. The first compressor provides the pressurized air supplied to the at least one combustor. A second turbine is driven by pressurized nitrogen gas resulting from the combustion.
US08117816B2
The present application of the invention aims at improving knot strength of a twisted yarn without compromising circularity, with respect to various yarns including a fishing line. For such purpose, the present application of the invention provides a yarn including a multifilament subjected to two twisting processes in different directions, and a coating resin that covers a surface of the multifilament; wherein the multifilament is subjected to a first twist in one direction, and then to a second twist in a direction opposite to that of the first twist, without being doubled with another yarn.
US08117810B1
A cutting system for a forage harvester including a pair of planar counterrotating blades, each blade of the pair of blades configured to rotate about a substantially parallel axis. A portion of the pair of blades at least partially overlap each other, but are spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axes. A pair of planar counterrotating gripping members with each gripping member of the pair of gripping members configured to rotate about a corresponding rotational axis of one blade of the pair of blades. The pair of gripping members are aligned with each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axes. The pair of blades rotate at a different rotational speed than the pair of gripping members.
US08117809B2
An automated system and method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers. In an embodiment, a gripper unit receives and holds a pharmaceutical container. A cutter cuts the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit, operable with the gripper, rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container.
US08117808B2
An apparatus for transverse sealing of a packaging tube, filled with products, in order to form bag packages, has a delivery conveyor for delivering the packaging tube, a removal conveyor for carrying the bag packages away and a transverse sealing unit engaging an interstice between these two conveyors. Means is provided for supporting the bag packages at least in part at the transition through this interstice. This means for supporting the bag packages is a supporting base, which reaches beneath the bag packages from two diametrically opposed sides and both supports the bag packages and transports them onward.
US08117804B2
The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.
US08117803B2
Atmosphere in a sterilization box 18 is prevented from entering into a filler chamber 44 side, and also, atmosphere on the filler side is prevented from flowing on the sterilization box 18 side. An intermediate chamber 40 is disposed between the sterilization box 18 for performing sterilization by electron beam irradiation to a vessel 2 and the chamber 44 in which a filler 42 is disposed for filling the sterilized vessel 2 with inner content. A pressure in the intermediate chamber 40 is controlled, by a pressure control device, so as to be higher than a pressure in the sterilization box 18 and higher than a pressure in the chamber 44 provided with the filler 42. Since the pressure in the intermediate chamber 40 is highest, atmosphere in the upstream-side sterilization box 18 is prevented from flowing in the filler 42 side and atmosphere in the chamber 44 for the filler 42 is also prevented from flowing in the sterilization box 18 side.
US08117802B1
A structural element for use in forming a structure, that includes first and second longitudinal members that extend between opposite ends of the element. The longitudinal members have inward and outward faces, and a pair of side faces extending between the inward and outward faces. The element includes first and second lateral members that extend between the first and second longitudinal members. The first and second lateral members each have an outer surface. The outer surface of the first lateral member is substantially flush with a side face of each longitudinal member to form a substantially planar surface extending across substantially an entirety of a first side surface of the element. The outer surface of the second lateral member is substantially flush with a side face of each longitudinal member to form a substantially planar surface extending across substantially an entirety of a first side surface of the element.
US08117798B2
A post anchoring method for fence, deck, balcony and railing applications comprising providing an apparatus comprising a base member adapted to being attached to a surface and a tubular member that defines an inside surface, an outside surface and has a base end and a terminal end, and is at least twice as long as it is wide, wherein the base end is connected to the base member, and the terminal end defines an edge capable of piercing into the post; and carrying out the following steps in any order: attaching the base member to the surface; and aligning the post with the tubular member, abutting an end of the post to the terminal end and forcing the tubular member into the post to substantially impale the post such that the outside and inside surfaces frictionally engage the material of the post to secure the tubular member to the post.
US08117787B2
Provided is a construction support, a length of which can be precisely and easily adjusted to a floor-to-floor height between upper and lower floor slabs, capable of supporting the load of the upper floor slab in a more stable and firm manner and performing dismantlement in a more convenient manner. The construction support includes a first pipe, a second pipe, an inner stopper, an outer stopper, and an outer cap.
US08117781B2
A mount comprising a connecting portion attachable to a firearm, a first member connected to the connecting portion to be rotatable about a first axis. a second member connected to the first member to be rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and an attachment system connected to the second member for receiving an accessory. Also, a mount attachable to a firearm and having a dampener system connected to base and body portions thereof, the dampener system acting to dampen a recoil force produced by the firearm. Further, a mount attachable to a firearm and allowing a first rotation varying an azimuth of an accessory and a second rotation varying an angle of elevation of the accessory, and control means adjusting the second rotation to obtain a desired value and automatically producing the first rotation to correct a lateral drift of the firearm.
US08117780B2
Various gun sights for firearms and related methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the sight includes an apparatus adapted to be mounted at a rear end of a firearm and arranged to occlude one eye of a user of the firearm and to generate an illuminated dot that is disposed such that it is generally centered on the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the firearm. The gun sight produces a collimated beam of light that creates an image of an illuminated dot by either a refractive method or a reflective method. In use, a dominant eye of the user is occluded by the sight and the other eye of the user is focused on the target. The user then adjusts the position of the gun relative to the target such that the user perceives the illuminated dot of the sight to be positioned on the target. In one embodiment the sight includes a dry fire detector that generates some output to the user, such as an increase in brightness of the illuminated dot, at the instant the weapon would have fired if a round had been in the chamber.
US08117775B2
A sign attachment device including a body portion for attaching a sign and an attachment portion whereby, the sign attachment device provides a means for enabling a sign to be secured to at least one support member.The body portion preferably has provided two parallel side walls which are adapted to be spaced apart by a prescribed distance to receive and hold the edge of a sign therebetween. The side wails preferably have provided at least one aperture which Is adapted to receive a securing member therethrough In order to secure a sign to the attachment device. It Is preferred that the side walls have at least one crest portion which Is adapted to accommodate the presence of a prong member positioned between said side walls. The attachment portion consists of two side portions divided by a living hinge so that the device can be attached to any shaped support.
US08117770B2
A footwear device including a resilient member having first and second ends. The first end can be configured for being connected to a user's foot, and the second end can be configured for being connected to the user's leg above the ankle joint. The resilient member can be configured and positioned for resiliently and rotatably biasing the user's foot about the ankle joint.
US08117764B2
A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.
US08117757B2
A cutter adapter includes a holder having a receiving portion for inserting a cutter therein; a sleeve sleeved onto the holder and having an annular bevel; a lock pin inserted into the holder and having an active end and a passive end, the passive end being squeezed by the annular bevel when the sleeve is moved, the active end being inserted into the cutter when the passive end is squeezed; and a biasing pin located in the receiving portion and pushed by a spring mounted in the receiving portion. In this way, when intending to mount the cutter to the cutter adapter, the user only needs to insert the cutter into the receiving portion to force the biasing pin to disengage from the lock pin, the lock pin being forced by the annular bevel to insert the active end into the receiving portion to hold the cutter.
US08117752B2
A method and an assembly device for producing a rotary joint between a drive element and a flange are defined. The drive element and the flange are screwed together by a nut and a bolt of the drive element. The bolt is drawn axially in to a bore in the flange by the rotation of the nut and until the drive element attains a final position in relation to the flange.
US08117746B1
A machine for installing electrical box, wiring, and receptacles or switch simultaneously, A process that allows electricians to perform all 3 tasks at one time without the need to return to install receptacles or switch after wallboard is installed, Comprised of: Housing with built-in laser guide and attached magnetic spacers for metal studs or wooden studs that allow for correct alignment of receptacle or switch for applicable wallboard thickness used.
US08117744B2
A method of forming an isolated electrically conductive contact through a metallic substrate includes creating at least one via through the substrate, where the via includes a first opening in a top surface of the substrate, a second opening in an opposing bottom surface and at least one continuous sidewall extending therebetween. A dielectric sleeve is formed on the at least one sidewall of the via while preserving at least a portion of the through via. An electrically conductive filler is then placed into the via. In the examples disclosed, the filler may be a conductive ink or a conductive epoxy.
US08117743B2
A method includes providing a voltage switchable dielectric material having a characteristic voltage, exposing the voltage switchable dielectric material to a source of ions associated with an electrically conductive material, and creating a voltage difference between the source and the voltage switchable dielectric material that is greater than the characteristic voltage. Electrical current is allowed to flow from the voltage switchable dielectric material, and the electrically conductive material is deposited on the voltage switchable dielectric material. A body comprises a voltage switchable dielectric material and a conductive material deposited on the voltage switchable dielectric material using an electrochemical process. In some cases, the conductive material is deposited using electroplating.
US08117741B2
An automatic or semiautomatic method of assembly of radiation digital imaging tiles to form a one or two dimensional imaging panel whereby the imaging tiles are provided with alignment mark(s), inherent or specific, and a mother board or substrate is also provide with alignment mark(s) and the imaging tiles are mounted on the mother board by means of mechanical pick and place mechanism, whereby the distances of corresponding alignment mark are set to predetermined values, programmed in the automatic machine.
US08117740B2
In a method of manufacturing a probe card, a plurality of probe modules, including a sacrificial substrate and probes on the sacrificial substrate, is prepared. The probe modules are mutually aligned to form a probe module assembly having the aligned probe modules and a desired size. The probe module assembly is then attached to a probe substrate. Thus, the probe card having a large size may be manufactured.
US08117732B2
Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece.
US08117727B2
An apparatus and method adapted to facilitate removal of stator vane segments in a slot of a casing of a rotating machine with stator vanes segments and rotating blades. The apparatus includes a compression device adapted to apply a pushing force on a rear surface of a stator vane segment, a clearing element adapted to free adhesion materials holding the stator vane segment to the dovetailed slot of the lower casing of the rotating machine with stator vanes segments and rotating blades, and a tension device adapted to apply a pulling force on a forward part of the stator vane segment.
US08117721B2
A snap hook includes a channel and an orifice of different height formed in an attaching end of a hook member and a latching cavity formed in a receiving end of the hook member, a pivotal gate having one end attached to the attaching end with an axle, and a latch member attached to the other end for engaging with the latching cavity of the hook member, the axle includes one or more flat surfaces for engaging into the narrower channel of the hook member and for selectively moving the latch member to engage with the latching cavity of the hook member and to lock the pivotal gate to the hook member, and for preventing the pivotal gate from being unlocked or opened inadvertently.
US08117719B1
A system for engaging and supporting a flat piece of cardstock. The system utilizes a clip. The clip is made from a continuous strip of material. The clip is configured into four sections that are delineated by three bends. A first clip structure is defined by a first section, a first bend and a second section. The first clip structure is capable of receiving and retaining a portion of a flat piece of cardstock. Likewise, a second clip structure is defined by a second section, a second bend and a third section. The second clip structure is capable of receiving and retaining a portion of a different piece of cardstock. The clip can be supported or interconnected to other clips by a detachable tubular element, such as a straw.
US08117712B2
A handheld cleaning appliance includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from an airflow in an airflow path leading from the air inlet to the air outlet. The appliance also includes a body housing a fan and motor for drawing air into the appliance via the dirty air inlet. The separator includes at least one cyclone. The separator and the body are releasably connected together around a chamber in the airflow path which is formed partly by the body and partly by the separator, the chamber housing a filter which is located upstream of the fan and motor and downstream of the cyclone.
US08117711B2
An improved pickup or intake hood for use in regenerative air flow road and pavement sweeper vehicles includes at least one side auxiliary plenums and/or at least one side-to-side plenum adjacent the primary air flow compartment. The auxiliary plenums are attached by appropriate ducting into the regenerative air flow so that any fugitive air and or dust flows from the primary air flow compartment are captured in the auxiliary plenums to minimize fugitive air and/or dust flows into the ambient atmosphere. Dust conduits from shrouded gutter brooms enter a manifold box to allow dust-entrained air flows from one or both gutter brooms to enter into the regenerative air flow to capture dust generated by the gutter brooms.
US08117708B2
The present invention relates to a cosmetic brush in which the protrusion and retraction of a brush head is accomplished using a pushing bar in order to prevent the brush head from being damaged while the brush head protrudes from and retracts into a main body.The cosmetic brush includes a main body having an exit on a front side thereof and an insertion portion on a back side, an object member including a brush head which protrudes from and retracts into the main body through the exit, a pushing bar enabling the brush head to protrude from the main body, and a cover usually covering the exit of the main body and enabling the brush head to be protruded from the main body by a pushing bar.
US08117706B2
To provide a compact manual cleaning instrument with which it is simple to collect and discharge dust, with which it is possible to clean in tight spaces, which is silent, and which is comfortable to use. A dust trapping body 3 is brought into contact with a surface to be cleaned, and the manual cleaning instrument 1 is moved back and forth, whereby dust can be trapped and collected in a dust collection chamber 37. The dust which has been collected can be discharged by opening a lid 28.
US08117704B2
The invention relates to a swimming pool cleaner with wheels driven by a turbine. The pool cleaner is intermittently turned from its path of travel along an underwater surface. A turning cam is provided inwardly of and adjacent to each of a pair of the side wheels. The cams are rotatably mounted on the turbine driven wheel axle which extends between said wheels. Each cam intermittently extends a gripping formation beyond the operatively supporting surface of the adjacent wheel. The cams will preferably comprise a disc with an integral annular internal ring gear formed. An inner gear is fixed for rotation with the axle and an outer gear is supported between the inner gear and the ring gear to rotate the cam. The inner gear is an interrupted gear member to cause intermittent stepwise rotation of the ring gear and the outer gear is a sprocket supported for unidirectional rotation. The cams and gripping formations are arranged so that, when they engage the pool surface, they impart movement to the cleaner which is in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.
US08117703B2
A modular chemical delivery system is designed to be readily convertible from use with a warewashing system to use with a laundry system, or vice-versa, merely by the replacement of one chip in the controller of the system. The dispensing system is also readily expandable by adding additional satellite pumps in order to inject additional chemicals into a single washing unit, and/or to supply chemicals to additional washing units. Plug and play technology is used so that control intelligence can be distributed from the main system controller to satellite controllers, and so that additional satellite units may be readily added, identified, and properly integrated into the dispensing system.
US08117700B2
A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.
US08117697B2
A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.
US08117694B2
A table drive system comprising a first drive assembly configured for moving a support table in a first direction, a second drive assembly configured for moving the support table in a second direction, a third drive assembly configured for moving the support table in a third direction and a first drive motor coupled to the first drive assembly, the second drive assembly and the third drive assembly is provided. The first drive motor is configured to drive the first drive assembly, the second drive assembly and the third drive assembly.
US08117687B2
A diverter valve including: an inlet port coupled to a refill tube; a first outlet port; a bowl refill tube coupled to the outlet port with its second end adjacent to a toilet tank overflow tube; a second outlet port; a central flow passageway providing a path of fluid communication between the inlet port and the first and second outlet ports, the entrance of the first outlet port and the entrance of the second outlet port being directly opposite one another in the central flow passageway; a poppet in the central flow passageway, the poppet having a raised position obstructing the first outlet port and a lowered position obstructing the second outlet port; an actuating arm, float member and rod coupled to the poppet, wherein movement of the float member translates downward motion of the rod into upward motion of the actuating arm and vice versa.
US08117686B2
Durable protective covers for drains and other holes are provided which prevent spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective covers include a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. A low-density bonding layer is provided between the pliable, tacky sealing layer and the durable backing layer in order to provide significantly improved adherence between the layers.
US08117684B1
A combined toilet and automated toilet seat lifting device may include a toilet that has a toilet seat pivotally attached thereto, and a mechanism for automatically articulating the toilet seat from a remote distance such that a user maintains their hands spaced from the toilet seat while the toilet seat travels along an arcuate path defined between fully raised and lowered positions respectively. Such an automatic articulating mechanism is preferably and selectively adapted between alternate operating modes, and each of the operating modes may cause the toilet seat to articulate at a unique and constant velocity along the arcuate path respectively.
US08117683B2
Provided are a toilet seat device saving energy and accurately stabilizing the temperature of a seating section at a predetermined level in a short time, and a toilet apparatus having the same. A control section adjusts the temperature of a toilet seat section to 18° C. when a heating function is turned on, and during a standby period D1, the control section performs low electric power drive of a lamp heater provided at the toilet seat section. The control section starts 600 W drive of the lamp heater at time t1 after the control section detects user's entry into a room, and the control section maintains the 600 W drive during an inrush current reduction period D2. The control section starts 1200 W drive of the lamp heater at time t2 and maintains the 1200 W drive during a first temperature rise period D3. After the temperature of the seating section reaches limit temperature, the control section starts 600 W drive of the lamp heater at time t3 and maintains the 600 W drive during a second temperature rise period D4. After the temperature of the seating section reaches a temperature higher than a toilet seat set temperature, the control section starts low electric power drive of the lamp heater at time t4.
US08117670B2
A container has a variable volume, wherein a basic container has a bottom panel and a roof panel. One or more hinged side panels are rotatable about a horizontal axis, and one or more expansion elements are telescopable out of the basic container and have a bottom panel, a side open toward a front the basic container and a front panel opposite the open side. Each expansion element is open toward the top and, in a telescoped state, the roof panel is formed by a raised side panel of the basic container. One or more hoisting devices is associated with each expansion element and with which the expansion element is lowerable.
