US08173875B2
A novel garden bean cultivar, designated H28105, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivar H28105, to the plants of garden bean line H28105 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the cultivar H28105 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivar H28105.
US08173869B2
The present invention provides a method of controlling a plant's tolerance to environmental stress and to a transgenic plant having the desired characteristics.
US08173868B2
Methods of increasing tolerance of a plant to stress are provided. According to an exemplary aspect a method of increasing tolerance of a plant to a biotic stress is provided. The method comprising expressing within the plant an exogenous fibrillin/CDSP34 thereby increasing the tolerance of the plant to the biotic stress. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs and transgenic plants comprising same.
US08173865B2
It is found that a transformed plant into which a γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase gene has been introduced is increased in at least one of the number of flowers and the number of seeds in comparison with a wild-type plant, and is therefore increased in seed yield. Based on this finding, the present invention elucidates the function of a product of a plant-derived γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase gene and provides a technique for producing a plant having an increased seed yield.
US08173862B2
The present invention discloses rucola plants, including an E. sativa plant, with cytoplasmic inherited male sterility (CMS) for hybrid breeding purposes. The present invention includes plants that comprise CMS-cytoplasm from cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis) transferred to E. sativa by a wide interspecific cross.
US08173860B2
The invention provides, in part, methods for the production of proteins in a transgenic non-human mammal, wherein the proteins are transported from the blood to the mammary gland for secretion in milk. The transport of the protein to the mammary gland and/or milk is facilitated by binding to a transport receptor in the mammary gland.
US08173854B2
A process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter, wherein said hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter is partially desalted, e.g., by passing through a centrifugal separator, heated, then separated into a vapor phase and a liquid phase by flashing in a flash/separation vessel, separating and cracking the vapor phase which comprises less than about 98% of the hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter, and recovering cracked product.
US08173848B2
A compound comprising Formula 5 RfOCFHCF2O(CH2CH2O)v—H Formula 5 wherein Rf is CcF(2c+1); c is 2 to about 6; and v is 2 to about 4; and a process for its preparation comprising contacting a compound of Formula 6 Rf—O—CF═CF2 Formula 6 wherein Rf is CcF(2c+1), and c is 2 to about 6, with a compound of Formula 7 HO—(CH2CH2O)v—H Formula 7 wherein v is 2 to about 4.
US08173847B2
Aldehydes are produced by unmodified rhodium catalyzed hydroformylation process in a homogeneous organic phase using a solution of unmodified rhodium catalyst and an organic acid in a total amount, calculated as acid equivalent, of from greater than 3 moles to 3000 moles of acid per mole of rhodium. The organic acid is selected from: saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having from 5 to 13 carbon atoms in the molecule; saturated aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having from 5 to 13 carbon atoms in the molecule; sulphonic acids having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms in the molecule; and combinations thereof. Use of the process can lead to either a significant increase in conversion without reducing selectivity for the desired aldehyde or a reduction in the specific use of rhodium.
US08173846B2
The present invention relates to a method of preparation of an optically active cyclohexenone derivative of Formula (I) OR1R2*R1 and wherein R1 and R2 are organic residues.
US08173843B2
Compounds derived from α-C-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone, a process for the preparation thereof and use thereof for the preparation of medicaments for use in preventing or treating oxidative stress-related diseases.
US08173841B2
This invention relates to tetrahydro-naphthalene derivatives and salts thereof which are useful as an active ingredient of pharmaceutical preparations. The tetrahydro-naphthalene derivatives of the present invention have excellent activity as VR1 antagonist and useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with VR1 activity, in particular for the treatment of urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, urge urinary incontinence, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, post-operative pain, rheumatoid arthritic pain, neuralgia, neuropathies, algesia, nerve injury, ischaemia, neurodegeneration, stroke, inflammatory disorders, asthma and COPD.
US08173836B2
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for drying a wet cake in a carboxylic acid production process. The method comprises employing a contact dryer for drying solid particles of carboxylic acid, where the solid particles can have a residence time of less than about 7 minutes in the dryer and an exit temperature of less than about 250° C. upon exiting the dryer.
US08173833B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates.
US08173832B2
Provided is a method capable of solving the problems associated with production of LVSA, which is a pheromone produced by female pest mealybugs, and is useful as an agrochemical pest, at an industrial large scale, and producing LVSA in a high yield. Specifically, the present invention provides a production method of 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-yl 3-methyl-2-butenoate, comprising reacting senecioic acid with a halogenating agent to give senecioic acid halide, reacting the obtained senecioic acid halide with 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-ol in the presence of an organic base compound and heat treating the obtained crude 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-yl 3-methyl-2-butenoate in the presence of a basic substance at 50-250° C.
US08173828B2
Halogen substituted metallocene compounds are described and comprise one or more monocyclic or polycyclic ligands that are pi-bonded to the metal atom and include at least one halogen substituent directly bonded to an sp2 carbon atom at a bondable ring position of the ligand, wherein the or at least one ligand has one or more ring heteroatoms in its cyclic structure. When combined with a suitable activator, these compounds show activity in the polymerization of olefins, such as ethylene and propylene.
US08173825B2
Fatty acid ester derivatives and a process for their production from unsaturated fatty acids are disclosed. The process comprises: a) reacting an unsaturated fatty acid or an ester thereof having one or more sites of unsaturation, with an epoxidation reagent to form a fatty acid epoxide wherein at least one of the sites of unsaturation of the fatty acid or fatty acid ester is converted to an oxirane ring; and b) reacting the fatty acid epoxide produced in a) with a carboxylic acid to form a hydroxy fatty acid ester derivative wherein the oxirane ring is opened and converted to a hydroxy ester comprising a hydroxyl group at one carbon of the opened oxirane ring and an ester of the carboxylic acid at the other carbon of the opened oxirane ring.
US08173818B2
Disclosed herein, a process for producing sulphoxide compound of the Formula (I) by asymmetrically oxidizing a prochiral sulphide of the Formula (II) with an effective amount of oxidizing agent in the presence of a chiral transition metal complex without using an organic solvent and base.
US08173816B2
A novel process for preparing thiazolidinediones, preferably Pioglitazone, as described. Also described are novel intermediates involved in its synthesis and process for their preparation and use in medicine.
US08173814B2
The present invention relates to maleate salt forms of (E)-N-{4-[3-chloro-4-(2-pyridinylmethoxy)anilino]-3-cyano-7-ethoxy-6-quinolinyl}-4-(dimethylamino)-2-butenamide, methods of preparing crystalline maleate salt forms, the associated compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. The maleate salts are useful in treating cancers, particularly those affected by kinases of the epidermal growth factor receptor family.
US08173811B2
Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic protein family members, compositions containing the compounds and uses of the compounds for preparing medicaments for treating diseases during which occurs expression one or more than one of an anti-apoptotic protein family member.
US08173808B2
The present invention relates to substituted naphthalenyl-pyrimidine compounds and methods of synthesizing these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing substituted naphthalenyl-pyrimidine compounds and methods of treating cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer, by administering these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof.
US08173805B2
The invention is directed to novel sEH inhibitors and their use in the treatment of diseases mediated by the sEH enzyme. Specifically, the invention is directed to compounds according to Formula I: wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, A, B, Y, Z, n, and m are defined below, and to pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of the invention are sEH inhibitors and can be used in the treatment of diseases mediated by the sEH enzyme, such as hypertension. Accordingly, the invention is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention. The invention is still further directed to methods of inhibiting sEH and treatment of conditions associated therewith using a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention.
US08173801B2
Crystalline polymorphous forms of rifaximin (INN) antibiotic named rifaximin α and rifaximin β, and a poorly crystalline form named rifaximin γ, useful in the production of medicinal preparations containing rifaximin for oral and topical use and obtained by means of a crystallization carried out by hot-dissolving the raw rifaximin in ethyl alcohol and by causing the crystallization of the product by addition of water at a determinate temperature and for a determinate period of time, followed by a drying carried out under controlled conditions until reaching a settled water content in the end product, are the object of the invention.
US08173800B2
The present invention provides a novel class of macrocyclic compounds as well as complexes formed between a metal (e.g., lanthanide) ion and the compounds of the invention. Preferred complexes exhibit high stability as well as high quantum yields of lanthanide ion luminescence in aqueous media without the need for secondary activating agents. Preferred compounds incorporate hydroxy-isophthalamide moieties within their macrocyclic structure and are characterized by surprisingly low, non-specific binding to a variety of polypeptides such as antibodies and proteins as well as high kinetic stability. These characteristics distinguish them from known, open-structured ligands.
US08173797B2
The present invention is directed to new therapeutic compounds isolated from spider venom and methods of using these new compounds. The compounds are sulfated nucleoside derivatives including ribonucleoside mono- and disulfates derived from guanine, adenosine, and cytidine. Some of these compounds are glycosylated or fucosylated bearing one or more sugar residues.
US08173796B2
The invention relates to therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides directed against genes coding for phosphodiesterase (PDEs) and the use of these in combination. These antisense oligonucleotides may be used as analytical tools and/or as therapeutic agents in the treatment of disease associated with reduced cellular cAMP in a patient, such as inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract including, for example, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome, bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, silicosis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung allograft rejection, allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis as well as other conditions in which an increase in cyclic AMP or a decrease in PDE levels is beneficial.
US08173785B2
The present invention relates to peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes, PNA probe sets and methods for the analysis of certain Staphylococcus species optionally present in a sample. The invention further relates to diagnostic kits comprising such PNA probes or PNA probe sets.
US08173784B2
An inventive substrate is provided which includes a substrate compound of formula A-B1-B2-B3-B4: wherein A is a sugar moiety; B1 is a linker moiety allowing the conjugation of moiety A and the remaining structure of the substrate; B2 is a linker moiety with a free reactive amino group so as to be available for reaction with carboxylic acids or detectable tags; B3 contains a permanently charged element such as a quaternary ammonium group so as to increase sensitivity for mass spectrometry analysis; and B4 of various carbon length conferring specificity amongst individual substrates in detection methods. Also provided is a molecule of the formula B1-B2-B3-B4, with similar structural characteristics to an enzymatic product produced by the action of a target enzyme on an inventive substrate. Further provided are methods for using inventive substrates for detecting enzymatic activity.
US08173782B2
Agents which bind to cell surface receptors; methods to manufacture such agents; therapeutic compositions comprising such agents; and screening methods to identify novel agents.
US08173780B2
To provide a cancer diagnostic reagent for determining malignancy of a cancer patient or a cancer cell and a tendency of canceration of a healthy subject, the reagent including a peptide having an ability to activate a cancer-related gene and extracted from cell membrane surfaces of human squamous-cell carcinoma cells or including a synthetic polynucleotide encoding the peptide or a partial amino acid sequence of the peptide.
US08173776B1
The invention concerns a recombinant CBE gelatin and recombinant gelatins having multimers of the CBE monomer sequence that are of particular use in several applications involving cell attachment such as in cell culture work and applications involving cell cultures of anchor dependent cells and also in a variety of medical applications.
US08173771B2
One aspect of the present invention is directed to search receptors based on the information of HN signaling pathways in order to find Humanin receptor or Humanin-like polypeptide receptor (HNR), and to reveal a mechanism of promoting or suppressing the intracellular signal transduction for neuroprotecting activity of HN and identify a compound involved in the mechanism. The aspect of the invention is directed to a method for screening of HNR agonist and HNR antagonist, to utilize the screened compound in development of a drug for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, and to provide an assay system of AD neuronal cell death, and to provide methods for the compulsory expression of HNR gene or knocking-out of intracellular genes.
US08173768B2
A method for preventing a break out of a neurodegenerative disease in an individual and for treating an individual suffering from a neurodegenerative disease comprising the administration of an effective amount of an antimicrobial and neurotrophic peptide.
US08173763B1
Carbon nanofibers and nanotubes grafted with a hyperbranched poly (ether-ketone) and its derivatives
Provided are hyperbranched poly(ether-ketone)-based nanocomposites with the following generic formula: wherein n is the degree of polymerization and R is carboxylic acid (COOH) and various functional groups that could be derived from COOH, such as benzothiazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, esters, and amines. Also provided are a process for preparing the above composite and a chain-end conversion methodology to tailor thermal and solubility properties.
US08173762B2
A combined process for the preparation of polycarbonate from bisphenols and diaryl carbonates, the monophenol liberated being reacted again for the preparation of the diaryl carbonate and the alkali metal halide forming in the preparation of the diaryl carbonate being converted by electrochemical oxidation, optionally over a gas diffusion electrode, into chlorine and alkali hydroxide solution, the chlorine being recycled into the preparation of the phosgene and the alkali hydroxide solution being recycled into the preparation of the diaryl carbonate.
US08173735B2
The invention provides a resin additive master batch which can contain a resin additive having a melting point of not higher than 80° C. higher to a high concentration, with which breakage of a strand does not occur and continuous production can be attained, and with which the surface tackiness of pellets is improved. The resin additive master batch comprises 80 to 150 parts by weight of (B) resin additive having a melting point of not higher than 80° C., and 0.3 to 5 parts by weight of (C) organic acid metal salt, with respect to 100 parts by weight of (A) polyolefin resin. As the (B) resin additive having a melting point of not higher than 80° C., a UV absorber, a hindered amine compound or a mixture thereof is preferred.
US08173732B2
The present invention provides a dielectric elastomer composition which has been improved to have an excellent flame-retardant property in consideration of influence on environment and a satisfactory dielectric characteristic as a material for an antenna; and a member for the antenna formed by molding the dielectric elastomer composition. The dielectric elastomer composition contains 50 to 400 parts by weight of a metal hydroxide such as aluminum hydroxide powder, magnesium hydroxide powder and 10 to 200 parts by weight of a brominated flame retardant except polybromodiphenyl ether and polybromobiphenyl for 100 parts by weight of an elastomer such as ethylene propylene rubber. At a frequency of 1 GHz and a temperature of 30° C., a dielectric constant of the dielectric elastomer composition is not less than 3, and a dielectric loss tangent thereof is not more than 0.02. The member for the antenna is formed by molding the dielectric elastomer composition.
US08173726B2
A process including the polymerization of a reactive diluent, which is present in an aqueous dispersion that further includes an epoxy-amine material, is disclosed. The resulting composition is useful as a coating composition.
US08173719B2
The subject of the invention is a water-impermeable flexible polyurethane foam obtained by reacting a polyol component, which comprises at least one hydrophobic polyol, with a polyisocyanate component in the presence of a foaming agent, characterized in that it has a compression force of less than or equal to 12 kPa for 50% compression.Advantageously it has a density not exceeding 150 kg/m3, preferably not exceeding 60 kg/m3.The foam may be obtained by a cast-foam manufacturing process or by molding.It can be used as a water-impermeable seal.
US08173715B2
A method of manufacturing a polyurethane resin moulding for a vehicle interior part, includes: adding at least one of a polyol mixture and a polyisocyanate compound to at least one of microencapsulated paraffin waxes and shirasu balloons, followed by polymerizing the polyol mixture and the polyisocyanate compound. The polyol mixture contains a polyol, a catalyst, a chain extender and an auxiliary agent. A melting point of the microencapsulated paraffin waxes is 60° C. to 80° C.
US08173708B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for administering an NMDA receptor antagonist (e.g., memantine) to a subject.
US08173705B2
The present invention provides an agent for preventing and alleviating wrinkles which has excellent effects of preventing and alleviating wrinkles formed by decreased barrier function of the skin owing to aging or photo aging, that is graphic wrinkles or linear wrinkles. The agent for preventing and alleviating wrinkles consisting of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of gamma-aminobutyric acid derivatives represented by the following formula (1) or N,N,N-trimethyl gamma-aminobutyric acid represented by the following formula (3) and salts thereof: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent any of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a benzyloxycarbonyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a cyclohexanemethyl group, a cyclohexanecarbonyl group, a guanidino group formed with nitrogen atom in the formula (1), an ureido group formed with nitrogen atom in the formula (1), and a group represented by following formula (2). Additionally, R1 and R2 may jointly form a piperidine ring, morpholine ring, or pyrrolidine ring. Both of R1 and R2 are not simultaneously a hydrogen atom.
US08173704B2
The present application relates to novel difluorophenol derivatives, processes for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and their use for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
US08173693B2
The present invention is related to derivatives of benzenesulfonamide represented by formula (I), and the pharmaceutical composition thereof. In addition, the benzenesulfonamide derivatives disclosed in the present invention can serve as potential cell cycle inhibitors, and thereby these benzenesulfonamide derivatives and the pharmaceutical composition thereof can be antitumor drug candidates, which might aim at cell cycle. Particularly, the benzenesulfonamide derivatives disclosed in the present invention may function as antitumor drugs to treat solid cancers.
US08173690B2
Described herein are compounds useful in the modulation of blood uric acid levels, formulations containing them and methods of making and using them. In some embodiments, the compounds described herein are used in the treatment or prevention of disorders related to aberrant levels of uric acid.
US08173689B2
Benzoxazole and benzothiazole compounds and the stereoisomers, tautomers, solvates, oxides, esters, and prodrugs thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are disclosed. Compositions of the compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and uses of the compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent are also disclosed. The embodiments are useful for inhibiting cellular proliferation, inhibiting the growth and/or metathesis of tumors, treating or preventing cancer, treating or preventing degenerating bone diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and/or inhibiting molecules such as CSF-1R.
US08173684B2
A compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl or aromatic hydrocarbon ring, each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents; R2 is hydrogen atom, halogen atom, lower alkyl, halo(lower)alkyl or lower alkoxy; and R3 is (1) a group represented by the formula: wherein R4 is lower alkyl, etc.; (2) a group represented by the formula: wherein R5 is lower alkyl, etc.; (3) a group represented by the formula: wherein R6 is lower alkyl, etc.; or (4) a group selected from halogen atom, carboxy, hydroxy and lower alkoxy, or a salt thereof.
US08173683B2
Disclosed herein are methods of treating a patient suffering a cognitive disorder.
US08173677B2
The present invention relates to methods for decreasing cellular DNA repair in a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); decreasing cellular NAD+ biosynthesis in a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have CLL; or sensitizing a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have CLL to a DNA damaging therapy. The invention relates to methods for treating a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have CLL.
US08173676B2
The present invention relates to the compounds of formula I, processes for their production and their use as anti-inflammatory agents.
US08173673B2
Anti-infective and biofilm-inhibiting activities of aryl isoquinoline-derivatives of the general formulae 1 to 3 are described.
US08173670B2
A method for treating a subject having an inflammatory or auto-immune disease with a substituted isoxazolo pyridinone. Also, a method for administering a substituted isoxazolo pyridinone to a cell to retain or increase glucocorticoid receptor transrepression activity with only minimal glucocorticoid receptor transactivation activity.
US08173669B2
The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I): Wherein R, m, n and o are as defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the same and to the application in therapy.
US08173664B2
The present invention provides a class of modified pyrimidine compounds, compositions and methods of using the compounds as glucocorticoid receptor modulators.
US08173650B2
Formula I (Ia and Ib) compounds wherein (i) X1 is N and X2 is S, (ii) X1 is CR7 and X2 is S, (iii) X1 is N and X2 is NR2, or (iv) X1 is CR7 and X2 is O, including stereoisomers, tautomers, metabolites and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for inhibiting the delta isoform of PI3K, and for treating disorders mediated by lipid kinases such as inflammation, immunological, and cancer. Methods of using compounds of Formula I for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed.
US08173649B2
A compound represented by the following formula (1): (wherein the carbon atom denoted by * is in the R-configuration; R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a hydroxyamino group, a nitro group, a cyano group, a sulfamoyl group, a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C1-C6 alkoxy group, a C1-C6 alkylsulfanyl group, a C1-C6 alkylsulfinyl group or a C1-C6 alkylsulfonyl group; and A is a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08173646B2
Compounds of the Formula (I) are disclosed which are Fab I inhibitors and are useful in the treatment of bacterial infections.
US08173639B2
Isoquinolone derivatives of the general formula are provided. The compounds are NK3 antagonists and useful for the treatment of e.g. psychosis and schizophrenia.
US08173627B2
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating, or relieving at least one symptom associated with loss of blood flow to the brain including, without limitation, ischemic stroke. Compositions of the disclosure may comprise a bile acid compound and a carbohydrate, wherein both materials remain in solution for all pH values of the solution within a selected range of pH values. Symptoms may include infarct volume, functional recovery, apoptosis, and/or eNOS expression.
US08173626B2
The present invention relates to the treatment of disorders using anti-progestational agents. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment of disorders using low doses of anti-progestational agents. Compared to dosages and lengths of treatment taught by the prior art, the described methods, dosing regimens and medications use effective dosages and lengths of treatment that are lower and/or shorter than previously thought possible.
US08173624B2
A method for modulating RNA with tetracycline compounds is described.
US08173623B2
A process for the synthesis of bisfuran intermediates useful for preparing antiviral HIV protease inhibitor compounds is hereby disclosed.
US08173618B2
Nutriceutical and pharmaceutical formulations for treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are provided. Nutriceutical formulations include two or more of folate, vitamin E, and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR). Pharmaceutical formulations include two or more of 3-deaza-adenosine (DZA), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).
US08173615B2
It has now been determined that antisense therapy which reduces the expression of TRPM-2 provides therapeutic benefits in the treatment of cancer. In particular, such antisense therapy can be applied in treatment of prostate cancer and renal cell cancer. Addition of antisense TRPM-2 ODN to prostatic tumor cells in vivo is effective for delaying the onset of androgen independence. Thus, prostate cancer can be treated in an individual suffering from prostate cancer by initiating androgen-withdrawal to induce apoptotic cell death of prostatic tumor cells in the individual, and administering to the individual a composition effective to inhibit expression of TRPM-2 by the tumor cells, thereby delaying the progression of prostatic tumor cells to an androgen-independent state in an individual. Combined use of antisense TRPM-2 and taxanes synergistically enhances cytotoxic chemosensitivity of androgen-independent prostate cancer. In addition, it has also been found that antisense TRPM-2 has beneficial effect for other cancer types. Specifically, antisense TRPM-2 ODN enhances chemosensitivity in human Renal cell cancer, a normally chemoresistant disease with no active chemotherapeutic agent having an objective response rate higher than 10%. Radiation sensitivity is also enhanced when cells expressing TRPM-2 are treated with antisense TRPM-2 ODN. Thus, the antisense TRPM-2 ODNs can be used to enhance hormone sensitivity, chemosensitivity and radiation sensitivity of a variety of cancer types in which expression of TRPM-2 has been observed.
US08173610B2
Derivatives of epirubicin, their medicinal application and pharmaceuticaly acceptable forms of drugs
The present invention relates to novel derivatives of epirubicin, pharmaceutical composition comprising these derivatives, and uses of epirubicin and its derivative for treating HCV.
US08173607B2
There are provided a promoter containing ginsenoside compound K for the production of hyaluronic acid, and more particularly, a new efficacy of 20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (compound K), a chief metabolite of ginseng saponin, to increase the expression of hyaluronic acid synthase gene in human cell and thereby to promote the production of hyaluronic acid, and an anti-aging agent containing the promoter for the production of hyaluronic acid as an effective ingredient.
US08173598B2
Provided are methods to enhance healing of wounds and tissue, especially during or pursuant to psychological and/or physical stress and to protect tissue from deleterious effects associated with oxidative, psychological and/or physical stress, including but not limited to extreme exertion, ischemia, infarct, and damage associated with reperfusion of ischemic or transplanted tissues.
US08173581B2
Solid, particulate dicarboxylic acids may be fluid loss control agents and/or viscosifying agents for viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids in treatments such as well completion or stimulation in hydrocarbon recovery operations. The fluid loss control agents may include, but not be limited to, dodecanedioic acid, undecanedioic acid, decanedioic acid, azelaic acid, suberic acid, and mixtures thereof having a mesh size of from about 20 mesh to about 400 mesh (about 841 to about 38 microns). A mutual solvent or a blend of at least two alcohols subsequently added to the aqueous viscoelastic surfactant treating fluid will at least partially dissolve the solid, particulate dicarboxylic acid fluid loss control agents, and optionally also “break” or reduce the viscosity of the aqueous viscoelastic surfactant treating fluid.
US08173574B2
Catalysts, systems and methods are described to reduce NOx emissions of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, an emissions treatment system for an exhaust stream is provided having a catalyst comprising silver on a particulate alumina support, the silver having a diameter of less than about 20 nm. Methods of manufacturing catalysts are described in which ionic silver is impregnated on particulate hydroxylated alumina particles.
US08173573B2
In one embodiment, a visible light responsive photocatalyst powder has organic gas decomposition performance that responds nonlinearly to an amount of irradiated light under visible light in an illuminance range of not less than 200 lx nor more than 2500 lx. The visible light responsive photocatalyst powder has a gas decomposition rate of 20% or more, for example, when visible light having only a wavelength of not less than 380 nm and an illuminance of 2500 lx is irradiated, the gas decomposition rate (%) being set as a value calculated based on [formula: (A−B)/A×100], where A represents a gas concentration before light irradiation and B represents a gas concentration when not less than 15 minutes have elapsed from the light irradiation and, at the same time, the gas concentration is stable, the gas concentrations being measured while allowing an acetaldehyde gas having an initial concentration of 10 ppm to flow into a flow-type apparatus in which 0.2 g of a sample is placed.
US08173567B2
Disclosed is a catalyst distributor and process for spreading catalyst over a regenerator vessel. Nozzles disposed angular to a header of the distributor spread catalyst throughout a full cross section of the catalyst bed.
US08173566B2
A method and apparatus is provided for regenerating a sorbent that has been poisoned by components derived from flue gas. The sorbent is treated with an agent to remove the poisoning components and introduce a promoting agent into the sorbent. The method and apparatus can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of a new sorbent.
US08173562B2
The invention relates to compositions based on Ce-stabilized ZrO2, and single- and multi-colored blanks made from oxide ceramics, and a process for their preparation, in which oxide ceramic powder is coated with a coloring substance, the coated powders are preferably graded and at least one colored powder is filled into a compression mould, the colored powder or powders are compressed to produce a shaped body, and the compressed shaped body is sintered to produce a blank, and to the use of these blanks for the preparation of dental restorations. The compositions exhibit high fracture toughness and high flexural strength.
US08173553B2
A small amount of oxygen is ion-implanted in a wafer surface layer, and then heat treatment is performed so as to form an incomplete implanted oxide film in the surface layer. Thereby, wafer cost is reduced; a pit is prevented from forming in a surface of an epitaxial film; and a slip is prevented from forming in an external peripheral portion of a wafer.
US08173552B2
Methods of forming a microelectronic structure are described. Embodiments of those methods include forming a liquid on a region of a die, and then forming an identification mark through the liquid on the die.
US08173549B2
A first mask layer pattern including a plurality of parallel line portions is formed on an etch target layer on a semiconductor substrate. A sacrificial layer is formed on the first mask layer pattern and portions of the etch target layer between the parallel line portions of the first mask layer pattern. A second mask layer pattern is formed on the sacrificial layer, the second mask layer pattern including respective parallel lines disposed between respective adjacent ones of the parallel line portions of the first mask layer pattern, wherein adjacent line portions of the first mask layer pattern and the second mask layer pattern are separated by the sacrificial layer. A third mask layer pattern is formed including first and second portions covering respective first and second ends of the line portions of the first mask layer pattern and the second mask layer pattern and having an opening at the line portions of the first and second mask layer patterns between the first and second ends. The sacrificial layer and the etch target layer are etched using the third mask layer pattern, the first mask layer pattern and the second mask layer pattern as a mask to thereby form a plurality of parallel trenches in the etch target layer between the line portions of the first and second mask layer patterns. Conductive lines may be formed in the trenches.
US08173543B2
The invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which achieves high reliability and high yield as well as high production efficiency. Back surface grinding (back grinding) is performed to a semiconductor substrate to thin the semiconductor substrate. A damaged layer formed by the back surface grinding is not removed at this time, and a photoresist layer is selectively formed on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is then etched using the photoresist layer as a mask to form a via hole. The photoresist layer is then removed with the semiconductor substrate still placed in an etcher used in the etching process subsequently after the formation of the via hole. In this manner, the etching process and the next ashing process are performed sequentially in one apparatus. Then a process of removing the damaged layer on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate and a process of smoothing the sidewall of the via hole are simultaneously performed subsequently after the ashing process in the same apparatus.
US08173540B2
A semiconductor device with improved roll-off resistivity and reliability are provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate dielectric overlying a semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode overlying the gate dielectric, a gate silicide region on the gate electrode, a source/drain region adjacent the gate dielectric, and a source/drain silicide region on the source/drain region, wherein the source/drain silicide region and the gate silicide region have different metal compositions.
US08173530B2
A semiconductor device and related method of fabricating it are provided. An exemplary fabrication process begins by forming a gate structure overlying a layer of semiconductor material, the gate structure comprising a gate insulator overlying the layer of semiconductor material and comprising a temporary gate element overlying the gate insulator. The process continues by forming a layer of compressive material overlying the gate structure, and by removing a first portion of the compressive material to expose an upper surface of the temporary gate element, while leaving a second portion of the compressive material intact and external to sidewalls of the temporary gate element. Thereafter, at least a portion of the temporary gate element is removed, while leaving the second portion of the compressive material intact, resulting in a gate recess. The process continues by at least partially filling the gate recess with a gate electrode material.
US08173525B2
Systems and methods of nanomaterial transfer are described. A method of nanomaterial transfer involving fabricating a template and synthesizing nanomaterials on the template. Subsequently, the nanomaterials are transferred to a substrate by pressing the template onto the substrate. In some embodiments, the step of transferring the nanomaterials involves pressing the template onto the substrate such that the nanomaterials are embedded below a surface layer of the substrate. In some embodiments, the temperature of the plurality of nanomaterials is raised to assist the transfer of the nanomaterials to the substrate.
US08173505B2
A method includes forming a first layer of gate material over a semiconductor substrate; forming a hard mask layer over the first layer; forming an opening; forming a charge storage layer over the hard mask layer and within the opening; forming a second layer of gate material over the charge storage layer; removing a portion of the second layer and a portion of the charge storage layer which overlie the hard mask layer, wherein a second portion of the second layer remains within the opening; forming a patterned masking layer over the hard mask layer and over the second portion, wherein the patterned masking layer defines both a first and second bitcell; and forming the first and second bitcell using the patterned masking layer, wherein each of the first and second bitcell comprises a select gate made from the first layer and a control gate made from the second layer.
US08173502B2
A semiconductor device can be formed without use of an STI process. An insulating layer is formed over a semiconductor body. Portions of the insulating layer are removed to expose the semiconductor body, e.g., to expose bare silicon. A semiconductor material, e.g., silicon, is grown over the exposed semiconductor body. A device, such as a transistor, can then be formed in the grown semiconductor material.
US08173499B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a substrate comprising a first device region and a second device region; forming an oxide cap over the substrate and in the first device region and the second device region; forming a first metal layer over the oxide cap, wherein the first metal layer has a first portion in the first device region and a second portion in the second device region; forming a mask to cover the second portion of the first metal layer, wherein the first portion of the first metal layer is exposed; removing the first portion of the first metal layer and the oxide cap from the first device region; removing the mask; and forming a second metal layer in the first device region and the second device region, wherein the second metal layer in the second device region is over the second portion of the first metal layer.
US08173497B2
A semiconductor device having a cell region and a peripheral region includes an silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate having a stack structure of a silicon substrate, a buried insulation layer, and a silicon layer. An epi-silicon layer is formed in the buried insulation layer of the peripheral region and connects a peripheral portion of a channel area of the silicon layer to the silicon substrate. A gate is formed on the silicon layer and junction areas are formed in the silicon layer on both sides of the gate.
US08173492B2
Provided are a wire structure, a method of forming a wire, a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate, and a method of manufacturing the TFT substrate. The wire structure includes a barrier layer disposed on a lower structure, a copper conductive layer comprising copper or copper alloy disposed on the barrier layer, an intermediate layer comprising copper nitride disposed on the copper conductive layer, and a capping layer disposed on the intermediate layer.
US08173491B2
Structures and methods for standard cell layouts having variable rules for spacing of layers to cell boundaries are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first standard cell layout is provided with a conductive layer having at least two portions spaced apart by a minimum spacing distance, the conductive layer having at least one portion spaced from a cell boundary by a first spacing distance of less than half of the minimum spacing distance; a second standard cell disposed adjacent the first standard cell with at least one second portion of the conductive layer in the second cell disposed adjacent the first portion in the first standard cell and spaced apart from a common cell boundary by a second spacing greater than half of the minimum; wherein the sum of the first and second spacings is at least as great as the minimum spacing. A method for forming standard is disclosed.
US08173490B2
A packaged electronic device includes a die, a flexible circuit structure, and a barrier film disposed on the die. The die includes die circuitry and electrical contacts. The flexible circuit structure is bonded directly to the die, and includes electrical conductors encapsulated by structural layers. Each electrical conductor contacts a respective electrical contact. The electronic device is encapsulated by the barrier film and one or more of the structural layers.
US08173488B2
This application relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: providing multiple chips each comprising contact elements on a first main face of each of the multiple chips, and a first layer applied to each of the first main faces of the multiple chips; placing the multiple chips over a carrier with the first layers facing the carrier; applying encapsulation material to the multiple chips and the carrier to form an encapsulation workpiece embedding the multiple chips; and removing the carrier from the encapsulation workpiece.
US08173484B2
A method of fabricating a solar cell includes: forming a first electrode on a substrate; forming a first impurity-doped semiconductor layer on the first electrode; forming a first intrinsic semiconductor layer of amorphous silicon on the first impurity-doped semiconductor layer; forming a second impurity-doped semiconductor layer over the first impurity-doped semiconductor layer, forming a second electrode over the second impurity-doped semiconductor layer; and irradiating a first microwave to form a second intrinsic semiconductor layer of microcrystalline silicon by crystallizing the first intrinsic semiconductor layer.
US08173477B2
Apparatuses and methods are provided for the continuous formation of solar cell material including an isolation chamber that reduces cross contamination between adjacent formation zones that are at different pressures.
US08173473B2
An apparatus and method for processing the solar cell substrates is provided. In one embodiment, a laser firing chamber for processing solar cell substrates placed in a carrier, comprising a laser module located at a side of the carrier, the laser module being adapted to generate and direct multiple laser beams over an entire surface of a plurality of solar cell substrates, and a transport adapted to convey the carrier through an outputting region of the laser beams.
US08173468B2
A method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip is provided. In the method, a half-tone mask process, a gray-tone mask process or a multi-tone mask process is applied and combined with a lift-off process to further reduce process steps of the light emitting diode chip. In the present invention, some components may also be simultaneously formed by an identical process to reduce the process steps of the light emitting diode chip. Consequently, the fabricating method of the light emitting diode provided in the present invention reduces the cost and time for the fabrication of the light emitting diode.
US08173465B2
A method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip is provided. In the method, a half-tone mask process, a gray-tone mask process or a multi-tone mask process is applied and combined with a lift-off process to further reduce process steps of the light emitting diode chip. In the present invention, some components may also be simultaneously formed by an identical process to reduce the process steps of the light emitting diode chip. Consequently, the fabricating method of the light emitting diode provided in the present invention reduces the cost and time for the fabrication of the light emitting diode.
US08173464B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes growing an AlN layer by MOVPE in which a nitrogen-source flow ratio at a far side from a substrate is set lower than that at a near side, the nitrogen-source flow ratio being a ratio of a flow rate of a nitrogen source to a total flow rate of growth gas; and growing a GaN-based semiconductor layer on the AlN layer by MOVPE.
US08173461B2
The present invention relates to a process for fabrication of a nitride semiconductor light emitting device comprising a substrate, a nitride semiconductor layer on the substrate and electrodes on the nitride semiconductor, the process for fabrication of a nitride semiconductor light emitting device being characterized by device working by laser, followed by etching treatment and then electrode formation.
US08173459B2
Disclosed is a light emitting device having an isolating insulative layer for isolating light emitting cells from one another and a method of fabricating the same. The light emitting device comprises a substrate and a plurality of light emitting cells formed on the substrate. Each of the light emitting cells includes a lower semiconductor layer, an upper semiconductor layer positioned on one region of the lower semiconductor layer, and an active layer interposed between the lower and upper semiconductor layers. Furthermore, an isolating insulative layer is filled in regions between the plurality of light emitting cells to isolate the light emitting cells from one another. Further, wirings electrically connect the light emitting cells with one another. Each of the wirings connects the lower semiconductor layer of one light emitting cell and the upper semiconductor layer of another light emitting cell adjacent to the one light emitting cell.
US08173457B2
A method and apparatus of fabricating a thin film transistor array substrate is disclosed, which is capable of reducing fabrication time owing to a simplified fabrication process, wherein at least one of steps for forming a gate pattern, forming a semiconductor pattern, forming a data pattern, removing an ohmic contact layer pattern exposed between source and drain electrode patterns, and forming a conductive layer pattern is performed by a laser scribing process.
US08173451B1
Provided is a system for measuring an etch stage of an etch process involving one or more layers in a substrate, the etch stage measurement system configured to meet two or more etch stage measurement objectives. The system includes an etch process tool, the etch process tool having an etch chamber, a controller, and process parameters. The etch process tool is coupled to two or more optical metrology devices and at least one etch sensor device measuring an etch process parameter with high correlation to the etch stage. The processor is coupled to the etch process tool and is configured to extract an etch measurement value using a correlation of etch stage measurements to actual etch stage data and etch stage measurement obtained from the two or more metrology devices and the at least one etch process sensor device.
US08173450B1
Provided is a method for designing an etch stage measurement system involving an etch process for one or more layers on a substrate using an etch process tool. The etch process tool uses two or more metrology devices, at least one etch process sensor device, and a metrology processor, the etch stage measurement system configured to meet two or more etch stage measurement objectives. A correlation algorithm using the etch stage measurements to the actual etch stage data is developed and used to extract etch measurement value. If the set two or more etch stage measurement objectives are not met, the optical metrology devices are modified, a different etch process sensor device is selected, the correlation algorithm is refined, and/or the measurement data is enhanced by adjusting for noise.
US08173445B1
The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting incorporation of a labeled nucleotide triphosphate onto the growing end of a primer nucleic acid molecule. The method is used, for example, to genotype and sequence a nucleic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the method described herein detects individual NTP molecules.
US08173443B2
A novel protein profiling method of testing for Lysosomal Storage Diseases (“LSD”) using discovered normalized lysosomal fingerprint patterns. The fingerprint patterns reveal the health of lysosomal organelles, specific LSD, and clinical severity Multiplexing bead technology for simultaneous screening of multiple LSD and normalizing measured enzyme activity or protein levels against other lysosomal proteins, enzymes, or enzyme activities. Compounds, reagents, and methods for identifying and quantifying multiple target enzymes and proteins.
US08173439B2
A system is described for determining the concentration of an analyte in a liquid by absorption measurement comprising a test element with a detection area which contains at least one reaction area with reagents for detecting the analyte which cause a change in the absorption behavior upon reaction with the analyte. The detection area contains at least one reference area in which the absorption behavior is substantially not changed when wetted by a sample having the analyte. Furthermore, the system contains a detection unit for the spatially resolved detection of light intensities which are received from the detection area and an evaluation unit for evaluating signals from the detection unit. Further embodiments of the system comprise reaction areas and reference areas arranged alternately in two dimensions.
US08173433B2
The present invention relates to the fields of immunology and biochemistry. Particularly, the present invention describes methods, devices and kits for early detection of clinical conditions having associated changes in systemic angiogenic activity, particularly cancers, inflammatory conditions, infections, and events associated with pregnancy and abortion.
US08173429B2
Isolated DNAs encoding the enzyme I-SpomI and its recognition and cutting site are provided. The DNA sequences can be incorporated in cloning and expression vectors, transformed cell lines and transgenic animals. The vectors are useful in gene mapping and site-directed insertion of genes.
US08173412B2
A method for processing of byproducts in an ethanol production process is provided. The method includes applying a mixture of a microorganism to a stillage stream, metabolizing gums in the stillage stream using the mixture to release oil in the gums carried by the stillage stream and recovering the oil. Methods of liberating or releasing bound oil present in stillage are also provided.
US08173411B2
The present invention relates to a method of drying biological and other labile samples so that they can be preserved as a highly viscous liquid. The method involves the steps of preparing a preservation sample by dissolving/suspending an active agent in a solution of a stabilizing agent, subjecting the preservation sample to such temperature and pressure conditions that the preservation sample looses solvent by evaporation without freezing or bubbling to form a foam and removing solvent until the preservation sample dries to form a highly viscous liquid. The stabilizing solution comprises a glass forming polyol and a second component which decreases the flow rate of the highly viscous liquid formed by the method.
US08173404B1
A process for obtaining fermentable sugars from barley, involving treating hulled barley with H2SO4 to produce acid treated barley and treating the acid treated barley with enzymes to produce fermentable sugars.
US08173402B2
The present invention relates to novel yeast strains, methods and genetic constructs for their preparation, and their use for the synthesis or modification of steroidal compounds. More particularly, the invention describes strains having a reduced 20αHSD type activity, in particular by modifying the GCY1 and/or YPR1 genes. The yeast strains of the invention make it possible to improve the efficiency of the synthesis or to increase the selectivity or the yields of the method, as well as the quality of the final product. The strains, methods and compounds of the invention are useful in the search for, the development and the production of products with therapeutic or prophylactic activity, in humans or animals, in particular of steroidal derivatives.
US08173397B2
Folded recombinant catalytic fragments of multidomain serine proteases, preparation and uses thereof
The invention relates to unglycosylated folded C-terminal fragments of a multidomain serine protease of the complement cascade obtainable by expression in a bacterial host, wherein said serine protease is capable of binding a recognition molecule of the complement cascade, e.g. C1 or MBL. The invention also relates to methods and bacterial expression vectors for the preparation of said fragments, uses of said fragments for raising antibodies and screening substrates or inhibitors of said serine proteases and uses of the fragments in research and treatment of complement related disorders. The invention also relates to assay methods for assessing MASP-1 and MASP-2 levels in a sample of biological origin.The invention provides for research tools, assays and diagnostic kits useful in complement research and research and diagnosis of complement related disorders.
US08173396B2
The present invention relates to methods of preventing glyconoylation of polypeptides produced in micororganisms.
US08173384B2
The invention relates to methods and products for analyzing or processing a heparin sample. In one embodiment, the methods comprise contacting the sample with heparinase I, heparinase II and heparinase III, determining the amount of a signature component in the sample using a separation method, and making a determination about the sample based upon a comparison of the amount of the signature component in the sample to a reference database for a heparin.
US08173375B2
Reagents, methods and immunodiagnostic test kits for the accurate detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are disclosed. The methods and kits employ novel rabbit monoclonal antibodies directed against HBV surface antigens (HBsAg) with mutations in the “a” determinant region of HBsAg.
US08173371B2
A novel method of pyrophosphorolysis activated polymerization (PAP) has been developed. In PAP, pyrophosphorolysis and polymerization by DNA polymerase are coupled serially for each amplification by using an activatable oligonucleotide P* that has a non-extendible 3′-deoxynucleotide at its 3′ terminus. PAP can be applied for exponential amplification or for linear amplification. PAP can be applied to amplification of a rare allele in admixture with one or more wild-type alleles by using an activatable oligonucleotide P* that is an exact match at its 3′ end for the rare allele but has a mismatch at or near its 3′ terminus for the wild-type allele. PAP is inhibited by a mismatch in the 3′ specific sequence as far as 16 nucleotides away from the 3′ terminus. PAP can greatly increase the specificity of detection of an extremely rare mutant allele in the presence of the wild-type allele. Specificity results from both pyrophosphorolysis and polymerization since significant nonspecific amplification requires the combination of mismatch pyrophosphorolysis and misincorporation by the DNA polymerase, an extremely rare event. Using genetically engineered DNA polymerases greatly improves the efficiency of PAP.
US08173363B2
The invention provides a method for generating a database of candidate essential genes in Staphylococcus aureus, as well as otherwise important genes that, when mutated, lead to a growth attenuated phenotype. Such genes and mutants of such genes are important for identifying antibacterial agents suitable for treating and preventing S. aureus infections. The invention includes methods for confirming the essentiality or importance of candidate genes, as well as methods for utilizing those genes to screen for new antibacterial drugs. The invention also includes the antibacterial agents identified using the disclosed methods, as well as methods of using the same for treating and preventing Staphylococcus infection.
US08173362B2
Immunogenic compositions and prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines for use in protecting and treating against human cytomegalovirus (CMV) are disclosed. Subunit vaccines comprising a human CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130, and nucleic acid vaccines comprising at least one nucleic acid encoding a CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130 are described. Also disclosed are therapeutic antibodies reactive against a CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130, as well as methods for screening compounds that inhibit CMV infection of epithelial and endothelial cells, methods for immunizing a subject against CMV infection, methods for determining the capability of neutralizing antibodies to inhibit CMV infection of cell types other than fibroblasts, and methods of diminishing an CMV infection.
US08173358B2
A method of forming fine patterns of a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of first mask patterns on a substrate such that the plurality of first mask patterns are separated from one another by a space located therebetween, in a direction parallel to a main surface of the substrate, forming a plurality of capping films formed of a first material having a first solubility in a solvent on sidewalls and a top surface of the plurality of first mask patterns. The method further includes forming a second mask layer formed of a second material having a second solubility in the solvent, which is less than the first solubility, so as to fill the space located between the plurality of first mask patterns, and forming a plurality of second mask patterns corresponding to residual portions of the second mask layer which remain in the space located between the plurality of first mask patterns, after removing the plurality of capping films and a portion of the second mask layer using the solvent.
US08173356B2
A three dimensional scaffold having a three dimensional structure is easily fabricated by employing a lithography process used in a semiconductor manufacturing process. A method of fabricating the same is also disclosed have a conformational structure. In the method of fabricating a three dimensional scaffold having the conformational structure according to the present invention, a first pattern is first formed on a substrate by using a first photoresist through a lithography process, and a temporary photoresist is coated on a whole surface of the substrate. Next, a temporary pattern exposing the upper part of the first pattern to the surface is formed by using the lithography process, and a second photoresist contacting the first pattern via the temporary pattern is coated on the whole surface of the substrate. Subsequently, the temporary pattern is removed after exposing and developing the second photoresist, and then, a second pattern connected to the first pattern is formed with the second photoresist, to thereby obtain the three dimensional scaffold. Accordingly, the present invention can readily fabricate a three dimensional scaffold having a three dimensional structure through a lithography process using a photoresist.
US08173355B2
The invention relates to a process for forming a structure comprising: (a) providing a transparent support; (b) forming a color mask having a selected absorption spectral range wherein the color mask has an effectively transparent portion and a partially absorptive portion, wherein the partially absorptive portion includes at least two portions having different optical densities within the absorption spectral range; (c) coating a layer of a photopatternable material sensitive to visible light in the absorption spectral range; (d) exposing and developing the photopatternable material to form a photopattern corresponding to at least one of said two portions of the partially absorptive portion; and (e) depositing and patterning a layer of functional material such that a pattern of functional material results corresponding to the at least one of said two portions of the partially absorptive portion.
US08173341B2
The presently disclosed embodiments relate in general to electrophotographic imaging members, such as layered photoreceptor structures, and processes for making and using the same. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to the incorporation of a liquid compound having a high boiling point into the charge transport layer such that an anticurl back coating is no longer needed for reduction or elimination of photoreceptor layer curling.
US08173340B2
Embodiments pertain to a novel imaging member, namely, an electrostatic latent image generating member that can generate an electrostatic latent image digitally without using a raster output scanner (ROS), photoreceptor and charger. The imaging member facilitates the charge injection process between an organic conjugated polymer and N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′bis(3-methylphenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′diamine charge transport layer.
US08173335B2
Provided are beam ablation lithography methods capable of removing and manipulating material at the nanoscale. Also provided are nanoscale devices, nanogap field effect transistors, nano-wires, nano-crystals and artificial atoms made using the disclosed methods.
US08173327B2
An electrode assembly for a solid oxide fuel cell, the electrode assembly including a porous ceramic oxide matrix and an array of fluid conduits. The porous ceramic oxide matrix includes a labyrinth of reinforcing walls interconnected to one another. Each of the fluid conduits is formed from the porous ceramic oxide matrix and has an external surface with a plurality of struts projecting outwardly therefrom and an internal surface defining a first passage for flowing a first fluid therethrough. The struts are configured to connect the fluid conduits to one another and the external surfaces and the struts define a second passage around the fluid conduits for flowing a second fluid therethrough.
US08173323B2
A membrane-electrode assembly includes a polymer electrolyte membrane with an anode and a cathode on opposite sides. Each of the anode and the cathode includes an electrode substrate, and a catalyst layer is formed on at least one of the electrode substrates and includes at least one proton conductive crosslinked polymer. The membrane-electrode assembly may include catalyst layers that are positioned on opposite sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane, either of which includes at least one crosslinked proton conductive polymer.
US08173308B2
In a fuel cell system a specific connection and a valve arrangement make it possible for a compressor to supply precompressed air to a fuel cell stack via a waste gas line, said air then leaving the fuel cell stack via a line which is otherwise an air feed line. In this way, a humidifier may be bypassed. This is sensible in particular during a start phase at low ambient temperatures, during which the fuel cell system is intended to warm up without moisture in the fuel cell stack having a negative effect, for instance by freezing. The compressor may be operated both in the start phase or stop phase and during conventional operation by the same mode of operation.
US08173306B2
A catalyst is provided and includes fine catalyst particles of a composition represented by formula (1): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Hf, W, Ni, and V; u, x, y, and z are 10 to 98.9 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 35 atm %, and 0.5 to 35 atm %, respectively, or formula (2): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ct, Mo, Nb, Zr, and T; u, x, y, and z are 40 to 70 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 15 atm %, and 0.5 to 15 atm %, respectively.
US08173300B2
A structure including a network of parallel, homogeneous pores extending through the structure, and an outer frame around the lateral faces of the structure. The structure and the frame are made of carbon. The electrode is covered by a layer based on lead. The pores are filled with an active material based on lead.
US08173295B2
One embodiment includes a bottom clamshell and a top clamshell sandwiching a first battery and a second battery, with a fill port extending from a top surface of the top clamshell through to the bottom surface of the top clamshell and to a space between the first and second batteries. The embodiment includes a protrusion coupled to the top clamshell proximate to the fill port and extending into the space, wherein the protrusion at least partially occludes a direct path through the fill port to the space.
US08173294B2
A modular battery includes a housing, a first planar battery cell having a first planar electrode surface, a second planar battery cell having a second planar electrode surface, and an interconnector disposed between the first planar surface and the second planar surface and electrically connecting the first and second planar electrode surfaces, side peripheries of the interconnector, the first and second planar battery cells being electrically insulated from the housing.A method is also provided.
US08173293B2
A pouch type battery pack, including: a first pouch battery and a second pouch battery adjacent to the first pouch battery, wherein the first and second pouch batteries are combined by bonding an edge of the first pouch battery and an edge of the second pouch battery to each other. Accordingly, the bare cell can be separated without being damaged when the pouch battery is separated from the battery pack. Furthermore, the heat radiation performance is improved by including a heat radiation member between the two pouch batteries when the pouch batteries are stacked.
US08173292B2
A solid battery includes at least either one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode comprising bars of an active material of the electrode and bars of a solid electrolyte of the electrode arranged alternately in such a manner that each of the bars of the active material of the electrode is disposed adjacent to each of the bars of the solid electrolyte of the electrode, and a solid electrolyte constituting a separator and having a plane to which the bars of the active material and the bars of the solid electrolyte of the electrode are disposed in a crossing direction. There is also provided a method for manufacturing an electrode of such solid battery.
US08173290B2
A battery pack including: a bare cell; a protection circuit module disposed on a first side of the bare cell; a connection member connected to the protection circuit module; and an adhesive unit to attach the connection member to the bare cell. The bare cell includes a rectangular can. The protection circuit module is disposed on a first side of the can and is electrically connected to a first electrode terminal of the bare cell that extends through the first side of the can. The protection circuit board is electrically connected to a second side of the can, by the connection member. The adhesive unit may be an adhesive tape or a conductive adhesive.
US08173288B2
A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, a case for housing the electrode assembly, a cap assembly to be attached to the case for sealing the case and to have a terminal exposed outside the case, and a lead element which electrically connects the electrode assembly to the terminal. The electrode assembly includes an uncoated region where an active material is not present and the lead element has a configuration corresponding to that of the uncoated region and is closely affixed to the uncoated region.
US08173286B2
In a battery pack where a fan is housed within a case housing a battery stack, the noise generated from turbulence of a medium that is supplied and exhausted between a fan opening of the fan and the battery stack is reduced. The battery pack has a battery stack, a cooling fan installed adjacent to the battery stack and having a fan opening formed in a top surface for taking in cooling air after cooling the battery stack, an upper case for covering the upper part of the battery stack and the cooling fan, and a junction duct for guiding the cooling air after cooling the battery stack to the fan opening. The junction duct is formed from the duct lower unit having an opening formed at a location facing the fan opening and one wall of the upper case in contact with a lower end and periphery of the duct lower unit.
US08173282B1
FePt-based perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) media including an ordering temperature reducing layer between a bottom FePtX magnetic recording layer and a nucleation layer. In one embodiment, an ordering temperature reducing layer of carbon is employed to lower the L10 ordering temperature of a FePtC recording layer.
US08173258B2
A powder which is capable of being used in a layer-by-layer process in which regions of the respective pulverulent layer are selectively melted and, after cooling, are fixed, contains a mixture of diacid-regulated polyamide and diamine-regulated polyamide and/or diacid-regulated copolyamide and diamine-regulated copolyamide.
US08173257B2
A viscose fiber comprises a fiber body including a regenerated cellulosic material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed in the regenerated cellulosic material. The regenerated cellulosic material is derived from an organic plant material and the plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material has a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C., the phase change material providing thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of latent heat at the transition temperature.
US08173254B2
This invention is polyester fibers with an initial tensile resistivity of 15 to 38 cN/dtex, a elastic recovery rate of 70% or more after 20% elongation, and a self-shrinkage percentage of 0.3% to 1.4% after dry heat treatment at 160° C. The polyester fibers of this invention can be used to obtain a woven or knitted fabric resistant against repeated loads, excellent in surface softness and uniformity, and free from projections/recesses and curling. Since the woven or knitted fabric obtained from the polyester fibers of this invention are highly resistant against repeated loads, it can be suitably used as a car seat loaded with human bodies.
US08173243B2
A laminated shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.
US08173233B2
A package includes at least one layer of foamed thin film and an opening feature formed in the layer of foamed thin film. The foamed thin film has a caliper of from about 10 microns to about 250 microns thick. The foamed thin film comprises from about 5% to about 50% density reduction as compared to a non-foamed thin film of substantially the same caliper and substantially the same composition. The package may include foamed thin film made of a plastic resin and a whitening additive that is added to plastic resin. The whitening additive is selected to produce a foamed thin film having an opacity value of from about 35% to about 99%. The whitening agent is of substantially the same composition and is present in substantially the same amount as would be selected to produce substantially the same light reflectivity in a non-foamed thin film of substantially the same caliper and substantially the same composition.
US08173232B2
A multi-layer film structure is made from a specific polyethylene copolymer comprising the inner layer and is useful as a stretch hood film structure. The polyethylene copolymer can be characterized by a Comonomer Distribution Constant greater than about 45.
US08173226B2
A polymerizable compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein, in the formula (1), R1 represents any one of a hydrogen atom, a substituted alkyl group, and an unsubstituted alkyl group; R2 represents an alkylene group; W represents any one of —CO—, —C(═O)O—, —CONH—, —OC(═O)—, and a phenylene group; X represents any one of —CO—, —NHCO—, —OC(═O)—, —CH(OH)CH2—, and —SO2—; R3 and R4 represent a monovalent substituent; R3 and R4 may be bound to each other to form a ring structure; and m and n each independently represent 0 or 1.
US08173225B2
A method of fabricating an organic insulating layer used for an array substrate for a liquid crystal display device comprises forming a base material layer on a substrate; forming a photocurable organic material layer having a first liquid phase polymeric precursor, a second liquid phase polymeric precursor and a photo-initiator on the base material, the first liquid phase polymeric precursor having a single-functional group material, the second liquid phase polymeric precursor having at least one of a two-functional group material and a three-functional group material; disposing a stamp having a convex portion over the photocurable organic material layer; moving at least one of the substrate and the stamp such that the stamp depresses the photocurable organic material layer, wherein a contact hole, which exposes a portion of the base material layer and corresponds to the convex portion, is formed in the photocurable organic material layer; curing the photocurable organic material layer having the contact hole through the stamp; and detaching the stamp from the cured photocurable organic material layer.
US08173215B2
The invention relates to continuous ink jet printing of an aqueous pigmented ink composition recycled from a main ink supply reservoir, employing a printer with a fluid delivery system capable of measuring the ink electrical resistivity, and providing needed quantities of either vehicle replenisher fluid or fresh ink to maintain the desired recycled ink concentration. The electrical resistivity of the pigmented ink can be modified advantageously for stable ink recycling by the addition of the organic amine salt of an acid, and the pH stability of the ink can be simultaneously improved by the additional inclusion of the neutral form of the organic amine in similar molar proportions to the amine salt. The pigmented ink jet ink compositions provide for particularly stable and invariant fluid properties during periods of extended printer operation and ink recirculation.
US08173214B2
A substrate processing method for use in a substrate processing apparatus having a stocker therein which stores a multiplicity of dummy substrates; a reaction chamber for producing semiconductor products; and a transferring unit for transferring into the reaction chamber a process substrate and the dummy substrate stored in the stocker in order to form a film on the process substrate, the method includes transferring one dummy substrate selected among the dummy substrates stored in the stocker to the reaction chamber without being out of the apparatus; and introducing a cleaning gas into the reaction chamber to clean said one dummy substrate within the reaction chamber.
US08173207B2
An arrangement for depositing coating powder on a rotational symmetric body is provided. The arrangement includes a rotation device for rotating the rotational symmetric body around a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein the horizontal axis of rotation coincides with the axis of the rotational symmetry of the body, a nozzle arranged vertically above a surface of the rotational symmetric body for providing the coating powder to the surface and a horizontal barrier at a specified distance defining a coating thickness above the surface, wherein the barrier is arranged next to the nozzle in the direction of a rotational movement of the surface at the nozzle. At this point, the nozzle includes a cross section elongated in one direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
US08173206B2
Methods for repairing barrier coatings involving providing a component having a barrier coating including at least one damaged portion, removing the damaged portion of the barrier coating leaving a void, applying a replacement tape cast barrier coating to the void of the component, and sintering the component having the replacement tape cast barrier coating layer.
US08173201B2
A film-forming method includes: a) discharging a liquid including a film material on an object so as to form a liquid film made of the liquid; b) irradiating the liquid film with light and thus detecting light from the liquid film so as to measure distribution of an optical constant, which is related to a film thickness of a thin film, with respect to the liquid film; and c) drying the liquid film on the object so as to form the thin film by converting the distribution of the optical constant into distribution of a temperature of the liquid film based on converting information that relates the optical constant of the liquid film to the temperature of the liquid film and thus forming the distribution of the temperature on the liquid film.
US08173194B2
The present invention is directed to a novel organic peanut butter formulation and method for production. The peanut butter includes an organic palm oil stabilizing agent that reduces or prevents separation of oils from the peanut butter during storage. Peanut butter incorporating the palm oil, methods for manufacturing the peanut butter, and foods incorporating the peanut butter are also disclosed.
US08173184B2
Disclosed are compositions and corresponding methods of their use that include Nymphaea gigantea, Syzygium moorei, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Archidendron hendersonii, Tristaniopsis laurina, Brachychiton acerifolius, Stenocarpus sinuatus, Alphitonia excelsa, Eucalyptus coolabah, Plumeria alba, Cocos nucifera, or Tamarindus indica extract.
US08173177B2
Methods and compositions for prevention and therapy of cancer are provided. Compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of two or more of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum, an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and an extract of Scutellaria barbata and optionally a therapeutically effective amount of an extract of Hippophae rhamnoides are provided. Novel synergistic effects of the use of these compounds in combination therapy are disclosed. Embodiments further comprising therapeutically effective amounts of at least one chemotherapeutic agent are also provided.
US08173175B2
The present invention consists of the discovery about an ammoniacal solution of sodium azide (NaN3) or other azide salts that in low concentrations induces the budding of grapevine buds and potentially other deciduous fruit trees with the same efficiency as H2CN2 makes.
US08173170B2
An astrocyte-specific drug carrier containing a retinoid derivative and/or a vitamin A analog as a constituent; a drug delivery method with the use of the same; a drug containing the same; and a therapeutic method with the use of the drug. By binding a drug carrier to a retinoid derivative such as vitamin A or a vitamin A analog or encapsulating the same in the drug carrier, a drug for therapeutic use can be delivered specifically to astrocytes. As a result, an astrocyte-related disease can be efficiently and effectively inhibited or prevented while minimizing side effects. As the drug inhibiting the activity or growth of astrocytes, for example, a siRNA against HSP47 which is a collagen-specific molecule chaperone may be encapsulated in the drug carrier. Thus, the secretion of type I to type IV collagens can be inhibited at the same time and, in its turn, fibrosis can be effectively inhibited.
US08173164B2
An oral administration unit containing the active substances Tramadol and Diclofenac and/or physiologically acceptable salts thereof, in which both active substances are contained in the same administration unit as two separately formulated subunits.
US08173155B2
The present invention relates an adhesive patch comprising a backing layer and an adhesive layer that contains a drug, wherein the adhesive layer contains a mixed adhesive base containing a hydrocarbon rubber and a silicon-containing polymer. The adhesive patch of the invention shows extremely superior skin absorbability of a drug in a preparation, reduced skin irritation, and excellent aging stability of the drug in the preparation, and can achieve easiness of drug-taking methods and improvement in compliance.
US08173147B2
The present invention relates to leave-on antimicrobial compositions that provide a substantial reduction in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without the use of alcohol as either a vehicle or a secondary active ingredient.
US08173142B2
Pharmaceutical compositions comprised of low-solubility and/or acid-sensitive drugs and neutralized acidic polymers are disclosed.
US08173140B2
Methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of Proteosome-based immunoactive compositions are provided. The immunogenic compositions, which include Proteosomes and liposaccharides, may be used to elicit or enhance a nonspecific innate immune response to, for example, treat or prevent infectious disease. In addition, after activating the innate immune system, immunogenic compositions further containing an antigen may be used to elicit a specific adaptive immune response. Furthermore, provided are compositions capable of altering hyperreactive responses or inflammatory immune responses, such as allergic reactions. Such compositions may be used as a prophylactic, or in various clinical settings to treat or prevent infectious disease (such as parasite, fungal, bacterial or viral infections), or to alter inappropriate inflammatory immune responses (such as allergic reactions or asthma).
US08173138B2
The invention includes liquid formulations of botulinum toxin that are stable to storage in liquid form at standard refrigerator temperatures for at least 1-2 years and to storage at higher temperatures for at least 6 months. The invention also includes methods of treatment using such formulations for various therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.
US08173127B2
The invention relates to methods of treating a subject having Alzheimer's Disease, comprising the step of administering an antibody molecule which is targeted to β amyloid peptide or to fragment thereof. In another embodiment the invention relates to methods of treating a disease or a disorder, characterized by amyloid beta deposition. In another embodiment, the invention relates to an antibody molecule, which is free end-specific for the N-terminus or the C-terminus of an amyloid β peptide and to a pharmaceutical composition thereof. In another embodiment, the invention relates to an antibody molecule, which is targeted to the free C or N-terminus of a N-and/or C-terminus truncated amyloid β peptide fragment.
US08173121B2
Described are methods of treating and preventing conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers. Also provided herein are methods of screening for agents useful in treating such conditions, and animal models of conditions associated with a loss of elastic fibers.
US08173109B2
An eyelash cosmetic according to present invention, by blending (a) wax and/or (b) resin, and (c) hollow powder, can impart a voluminous feeling and, at the same time, perform excellent curling effect and curl retaining effect, and excellent usability such as easiness eyelash coating, and easiness overlaying, and also perform excellent uniformity of finishing, water resistance and oil resistance after coating.
US08173106B1
The invention relates to a method of co-administering a peptide or protein drug with an enzyme-resistant PGA-complexone compound orally so to mitigate enzyme attack in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal subject.
US08173102B2
New bifunctional chelation complexes are described. These are based on the structure of the so-called “TAME-HexA” molecule. The compounds are especially useful for forming chelation complexes with metal ions, including radioisotopes.
US08173097B2
Disclosed is a new thermoelectric conversion material represented by the chemical formula 1: Bi1-xCu1-yO1-zTe, where 0≦x<1, 0≦y<1, 0≦z<1 and x+y+z>0. A thermoelectric conversion device using said thermoelectric conversion material has good energy conversion efficiency.
US08173094B2
The present invention provides a method for producing polycrystalline silicon. The method for producing polycrystalline silicon comprises the steps of (A), (B), and (C), (A) reducing a chlorosilane represented by the formula (1) with a metal at a temperature T1 to obtain a silicon compound; SiHnCl4-n (1) wherein n is an integer of 0 to 3, (B) transferring the silicon compound to a zone having a temperature T2, wherein T1>T2; and (C) depositing polycrystalline silicon in the zone having a temperature T2, wherein the temperature T1 is not less than 1.29 times of a melting point (Kelvin unit) of the metal, and the temperature T2 is higher than a sublimation point or boiling point of the chloride of the metal.
US08173092B2
A novel silica which is in the form of ultrafine particles having mesopores and has a regular structure; and a process for producing the silica. The silica is a self-organized nanoparticulate silica characterized in that the average particle diameter is 4 to 30 nm, preferably 6 to 20 nm, and these particles are regularly arranged so as to form a primitive cubic lattice. The self-organized nanoparticulate silica is produced by mixing an alkoxysilane with an aqueous solution of a basic amino acid, reacting the mixture at 40 to 100° C., and subjecting the reaction mixture to drying and preferably to subsequent burning. Also provided is a process for producing fine silica particles having a particle diameter of 4 to 30 nm, which comprises mixing a solution of an alkoxysilane compound having 1 to 4 alkoxy groups with a solution of a basic amino acid and reacting the mixture at 20 to 100° C. to cause hydrolysis and condensation polymerization.
US08173087B2
Provided are exhaust systems and components suitable for use in conjunction with gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines to capture particulates in addition to reducing gaseous emission such as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxides. Exhaust treatment systems comprising a three-way conversion (TWC) catalyst located on a particulate trap are provided. An exemplary particulate trap is a soot filter. Additional treatment components can be added downstream of the particulate trap, including NOx traps and SCR catalysts. The TWC catalyst can be coated on both the inlet side and the outlet side of the particulate trap. Alternatively, an oxidation catalyst can be deposited on a particulate trap. Methods of making and using the same are also provided.
US08173086B2
A method for recovering base metal values from oxide ore is provided, where the ore includes a first group metal selected from iron, magnesium and aluminum and a second group metal selected from nickel, cobalt and copper. The method includes reducing ore particle size to suit the latter unit operations, favoring contact of the metal elements, contacting the ore with ferric or ferrous chloride, hydrated or anhydrous, to produce a mix of ore and iron(II or III) chloride, subjecting the mixture of the ore and ferric or ferrous chloride to enough energy to decompose the chlorides into hydrochloric acid and a iron oxide, contacting the readily-formed hydrochloric acid with the base metal oxides from the second group, forming their respective chlorides, selectively dissolve the produced base metal chlorides, leaving the metals as oxides and in the solid state, and recovering the dissolved base metal values from aqueous solution.
US08173080B2
A flows cell for use in a microfluidic detection system is provided. The flow cell includes a flows cell body having a channel that is configured to convey a solution through the flows cell body. The flow cell also includes a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface is configured to be removably held by the detection system, and the top surface is transparent and permits light to pass therethrough. The flow cell body also includes fluidic inlet and outlet ports that are in fluid communication with the channel. A pump cavity is also provided in the flow cell body. The pump cavity fluidly communicates with, and is interposed between, an end of the channel and one of the fluidic inlet and outlet ports. An electroosmotic (EO) pump is held in the pump cavity. The EO pump induces flow of the solution through the EO pump and channel between the fluidic inlet and outlet ports.
US08173073B2
Methods and devices for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in a fast, efficient and compact manner are disclosed. In particular, the various embodiments of the present invention provide an automated, stand-alone, hands-free operation of the entire radiosynthesis cycle on a microfluidic device with unrestricted gas flow through the reactor, starting with target water and yielding purified PET radiotracer within a period of time shorter than conventional chemistry systems. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is related to a microfluidic chip for radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound, comprising a reaction chamber, one or more flow channels connected to the reaction chamber, one or more vents connected to said reaction chamber, and one or more integrated valves to effect flow control in and out of said reaction chamber.
US08173071B2
An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the at least one micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.
US08173067B2
A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable. The disinfection and purification system may be infused into semi-permeable surfaces or applied to non-porous surfaces such that the disinfectant compounds of the system would be delivered to surface of an object to be disinfected by leaching, capillary action, mere contact, water activation and/or osmosis/diffusion.
US08173062B1
Methods of manufacturing a medical article that include radial deformation of a polymer tube are disclosed. A medical article, such as an implantable medical device or an inflatable member, may be fabricated from a deformed tube.
US08173056B2
A method of fabricating an electronic entity includes the steps of: forming at least part of the entity by hardening a material (28) in a mold, and (26); personalizing the entity while in the mould (26). A corresponding device is also described.
US08173055B2
An aircraft fuselage barrel (10) includes a skin (12) and a shear tie (18). The shear tie (18) resides within and is integrally formed with the skin (12). The shear tie (18) is separate from and configured for frame attachment thereon. A multi-ring system (79) for fuselage barrel formation includes a mold (68) with a ring (50). The ring (50) has width (W2) approximately equal to a separation distance (D) between two adjacent fuselage frames (22) and includes a module (52) that has a circumferential length (L1) that is greater than a circumferential distance between two fuselage longerons (14). A support structure (80) is coupled to and supports the mold (68). A method of forming the aircraft fuselage barrel (10) includes constructing the support structure (80). Rings (86) of the mold (68) are attached to and over the support structure (80). The mold (68) is constructed. Material is laid-up onto the mold (68) to integrally form the one-piece fuselage barrel (10) including a Hat-configured longeron (14).
US08173054B2
A silicon carbide-based porous material is provided, including silicon carbide particles as an aggregate, metallic silicon and an oxide phase containing Si, Al and an alkaline earth metal. The silicon carbide-based porous material is high in porosity and strength and superior in oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance and, when used as a filter, has a very low risk of fluid leakage causing defects such as cuts and the like, as well as a low pressure loss.
US08173041B2
The present invention discloses a method for the intercalation of a chromophore within channels of a zeolite L crystal. The intercalated chromophores exhibit J type aggregation of the chromophores within the channels of the zeolite L crystals. The invention discloses method parameters which lead to the J type aggregation of the chromophores within the channels of the zeolite L crystals. The J type aggregation of the chromophores affords unique florescent properties rendering the intercalated zeolite L crystals as a material for use in novel optoelectronic devices.
US08173040B2
Disclosed is a composition for forming a board including a benzoxazine-based compound and a liquid crystal polymer or oligomer, and a board fabricated using the same. A board comprising the composition including the benzoxazine-based compound and the liquid crystal compound, and a prepreg comprising the cured composition, are also disclosed.
US08173038B2
A method for forming microstructure cavities in a glass substrate includes directing a first laser pulse onto the glass substrate thereby forming a first microstructure cavity having a tapered configuration. The first laser pulse may have first spot area on the surface of the glass substrate. A second laser pulse having a second spot area on the surface of the glass substrate may be directed onto the glass substrate thereby forming a second microstructure cavity having a tapered configuration. The second spot area may be substantially the same as the first spot area and may overlap the first spot area such that a portion of the sidewall disposed between first microstructure cavity and the second microstructure cavity is ablated. After the portion of the sidewall is ablated, the diameter of each of the first and second microstructure cavities may be less than the diameter of the first spot area.
US08173031B2
Nozzle members, such as for a micro-fluid ejection head, micro-fluid ejection heads, and a method for making the same. One such nozzle member includes a negative photoresist composition derived from a first di-functional epoxy compound, a relatively high molecular weight polyhydroxy ether, a photoacid generator devoid of aryl sulfonium salts, an adhesion enhancer, and an aliphatic ketone solvent. The nozzle member has a thickness ranging from about 10 microns to about 30 microns.
US08173027B2
Method for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component including centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid and a volume of gas so as to sediment at least a first component and a second component separation bag; displacing a volume of hydraulic fluid against the separation bag to cause a transfer of at least one fraction of the content of the separation bag into at least one component bag connected to the separation bag; determining the volume of hydraulic fluid displaced and determining the volume of the composite liquid or the transferred components from the determined volume of displaced hydraulic fluid.
US08173026B2
Pressurized water evaporation systems and methods are used to evaporate large quantities of water from water impoundment ponds or other waste water sources. Water evaporation systems include one or more water evaporation barrels having an air acceleration chamber, water atomization chamber, and pressurizable air and water lines in fluid communication with the barrel. Fast moving air and water create fine water droplets within the water atomization chamber of each barrel. A fine spray or mist of tiny water droplets is emitted from a discharge nozzle of each barrel. Water evaporation systems and methods can be used to efficiently evaporate waster water produced by a wide variety of industrial processes, including waste water produced at oil or gas wells.
US08173023B2
An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid which produces at least one magnetic field for a period of time, Tc at or above a critical magnetic field strength, Hc, the period Tc and the field strength Hc determined relative to one another and dependant upon the properties of the fluid.
US08173019B2
A method for forming a facultative-organism-adapted membrane bioreactor by: providing a membrane bioreactor having a membrane module, aerating intensively the membrane module at a lower part thereof and maintaining the scouring against the membrane module so that an aerobic environment is formed at a middle and lower part of the membrane module, and controlling aeration intensity so that a facultative or anaerobic environment is formed around the membrane module excluding the middle and lower part thereof. The a facultative-organism-adapted membrane bioreactorformed by the method has low energy consumption, low sludge yield coefficient, and high efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus removal.
US08173007B2
A system and method for the high temperature in-situ determination of corrosion characteristics of a molten metal on an alloy under study is provided which takes place within an insulated furnace. A graphite crucible provided in the furnace contains an electrolyte formed from a molten salt of a metal halide. A reference electrode formed from the same metal as the electrolyte is immersed in the electrolyte solution in the graphite crucible. A beta-alumina crucible containing a molten metal is also provided within the furnace and preferably within the graphite crucible. A measuring electrode formed from the alloy under study is immersed in the molten metal. Standard electrochemical techniques are used to measure and analyze the electrochemical effects of corrosion of the molten metal on the alloy.
US08172996B2
An enzyme electrode and its producing method are disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a carbon surface; forming a gold surface on the carbon surface and forming an electrode; modifying the gold surface by L-cysteine; modifying the gold surface by N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide; and chemically bonding the modified gold surface with a glucose oxidase.
US08172994B2
A method of producing a biomaterial measuring device is disclosed. The method includes forming a plurality of reactions elements, to which an assay reagent is applied, on a first substrate, cutting the resulting first substrate in a unit of individual reaction element, and attaching a first substrate piece, which is formed by cutting the resulting first substrate in the unit of individual reaction element, to a predetermined portion of a second substrate. In the biomaterial measuring device, since a material cost in minimized and it is easy to automate production, it is possible to reduce a production, it is possible to reduce a production cost.
US08172980B2
A method for reducing capacitances between semiconductor device wirings is provided. A sacrificial layer is formed over a dielectric layer. A plurality of features are etched into the sacrificial layer and dielectric layer. The features are filled with a filler material. The sacrificial layer is removed, so that parts of the filler material remain exposed above a surface of the dielectric layer, where spaces are between the exposed parts of the filler material, where the spaces are in an area formerly occupied by the sacrificial layer. Widths of the spaces between the parts of the filler material are shrunk with a shrink sidewall deposition. Gaps are etched into the dielectric layer through the shrink sidewall deposition. The filler material and shrink sidewall deposition are removed.
US08172973B2
A method of molding and curing a tire for a vehicle wheel includes building an unvulcanized tire on a toroidal support; heating the support; pressing an inner surface of the tire against an outer surface of the support; and pressing an outer surface of the tire against walls of a molding cavity defined in a vulcanization mold. The inner surface of the tire is pressed against the outer surface by at least one secondary working fluid. The outer surface of the tire is pressed against the walls by at least one primary working fluid. The at least one primary working fluid is heated, causing vulcanization of the tire. An apparatus for molding and curing a tire for a vehicle wheel includes the vulcanization mold, at least one passage device, a feeding device, and first and second heating devices. It may also include an airtight device arranged to receive the support.
US08172972B2
An insulating panel 1 comprises a first sheet 2, a second sheet 4, and a body of insulating foam 5 between the sheets 2, 4. The foam 5 has a plurality of longitudinally extending conduits 7 through which a heat exchange medium such as air is circulated. A barrier 10 is used to create an enlarged void space for air circulation. The barrier is located below profile crowns 3 to prevent foam from entering the crowns 3 and to create additional foam-free voids below the crown. Heat transfer efficiency is increased.
US08172971B2
A joining apparatus includes an ultrasonic vibrating device, and an anvil roller facing the ultrasonic vibrating device with superimposed continua of front waistline portions and back waistline portions interposed therebetween. The anvil roller includes a protrusion configured to press the continua in a predetermined region between the anvil roller and the ultrasonic vibrating device, a motor configured to rotate the anvil roller, a belt configured to connect the anvil roller and the motor and to be driven by the motor, and a pressing mechanism configured to press the belt in a cross direction perpendicular to a driving direction of the belt.
US08172967B1
A solvent-free process is used to make moldable plastic explosives or moldable plastic explosive simulant products.
US08172966B2
Non-lethal payloads may be customized for particular uses and desired visual and audible incapacitation based upon the selection of igniter/activators and illuminants used with the non-lethal payloads. Non-lethal payloads employing high flame temperature igniter/activators and illuminants of powder metals, powdered metals combined with oxidizers, and powdered metals combined with heat-activated chromophores may produce improved “flashes” and “bangs” for non-lethal payloads used with diversionary or other devices. Such devices and methods of producing illuminance and noise are also disclosed.
US08172962B2
A fixed constant velocity universal joint includes an outer race having a spherical inner circumferential surface, the outer race including axially extending ball grooves formed in the spherical inner circumferential surface at regular circumferential intervals, and an inner race having a spherical outer circumferential surface, the inner race including axially extending ball grooves formed in the spherical outer circumferential surface at regular circumferential intervals. Balls are interposed between pairs of the ball grooves of the outer race and the ball grooves of the inner race. A cage has pockets for receiving the balls, the pockets being formed at predetermined circumferential intervals. The outer race is produced by hot forging or lathe-turning and subjected to thermal refining treatment.
US08172958B2
The present disclosure provides methods of making an improved composition and medical implant made therefrom. The methods generally comprise forming a ceramic layer, diffusion hardening, and optionally, forming another ceramic layer. The present disclosure provides methods of making an improved composition having a thick diffusion hardened zone and orthopedic implants comprising the improved composition.
US08172955B2
Process for decontaminating, cleaning a solid organic substrate contaminated by solid radioactive particulate inorganic contaminants, in which: the said solid substrate is brought into contact with an extraction medium, devoid of water, comprising: dense pressurized CO2; at least one nonhalogenated surface-active compound chosen from block copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) PEO and poly(propylene oxide) PPO, such as (EO)x-(PO)y diblock copolymers, (EO)x-(PO)y-(EO)x triblock copolymers and (PO)x-(EO)y-(PO)x, triblock copolymers, where x and y are integers from 2 to 80 with x other than y; and polydi(1 to 6C)alkylsiloxanes, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); and at least one complexing agent chosen from tributyl phosphate (TBP), crown ethers, tributylphosphine oxide, triphenylphosphine oxide and tri(n-octyl)phosphine oxide; the solid substrate and/or the extraction medium is/are subjected, simultaneously with the contacting operation, to a mechanical action.
US08172953B2
A cleaning composition includes an alkyl polyglucoside, an ethoxylated, propoxylated extended chain surfactant having between 6 and 10 carbon atoms and a cloud point of about 42° C. or less, a water conditioning agent and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins.
US08172947B2
To provide a substrate processing apparatus, comprising: a reaction vessel having a processing chamber inside that processes a substrate; a heating device that heats said substrate from an outer peripheral side of the reaction vessel; a lid member that closes the processing chamber; an attachment/detachment jig placed on the lid member for attaching/detaching the reaction vessel from an inside of the heating device; and a support section provided in an upper side of a lower end of the reaction vessel on an inside wall of the reaction vessel, and abutted on an upper surface of the attachment/detachment jig for attaching/detaching the reaction vessel from the inside of the heating device.
US08172937B2
A lightweight pervious cellular concrete is provided. The concrete has an internal structure comprising interconnected channels, resulting in a permeability K value of less than about 1×10−5, and as low as about 1. The cellular concrete has a density range of between 10 to about 100 pounds per cubic foot, with a compressive strength of between about 10 to about 1000 psi.
US08172933B2
An ink set includes a cyan ink composition containing C.I. pigment blue 15:6 or C.I. pigment blue 60 as a pigment and a magenta ink composition containing at least one quinacridone pigment selected from the group consisting of C.I. pigment violet 19, C.I. pigment red 122, C.I. pigment red 202, and C.I. pigment red 209, or a quinacridone solid solution pigment formed of at least two selected from the above group, as a pigment.
US08172932B2
A connecting tube having a dust sensing function is provided. The connecting tube includes a tube element having a first air flowing passage; a body having a second air flowing passage to communicate with the first air flowing passage; a detecting sensor disposed on the second air flowing passage to detect whether the dust or dirt passes through the second air flowing passage; a lamp part to operate according to a signal outputted from the detecting sensor; a rotating part rotatably disposed on the body; a rotation driving-passage part disposed on the body to draw in an external air into the second air flowing passage and thus to rotate the rotating part; an electric generator connected to the rotating part to generate an electric power; and a muffler part to reduce noises from the rotating part and the flowing air.
US08172924B2
A method of using a crystallographic framework of sterically bulky calixarene molecules to selectively separate and/or store volatile gas components. Sterically bulky calix[4]arenes or their derivatives form a crystalline lattice that has relatively large lattice voids, is nonporous, and is held together predominately by van der Weals forces. The calix[4]arene lattice can form a guest-host assembly by absorbing a desired volatile gas guest component into the crystalline lattice without any phase shift or other change to the lattice structure. The crystalline calixarene can also be desirably used to purify a gas mixture by removing one or more volatile gas contaminants or by removing and storing the desired volatile gas component. This method can preferably be used to purify a hydrogen gas stream by removing the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide contaminants or to remove and store oxygen from the air or carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from combustion gases.
US08172908B2
The present invention relates to uses of resorbable medical implants that are metallic or semi-metallic, to produce soft tissues, membranous tissues, organs or organ parts within the body by fibrosis. The present invention further relates to such uses when the implants are made of specified alloys or metals, e.g. magnesium and its alloys. The present invention further relates to such uses when the implant is surface modified. The present invention further relates to such uses when the implant is pre-implanted at another part of the body before implantation into the target site.
US08172905B2
A spinal implant for insertion in the intervertebral space is formed as a hollow cage, wedge shaped in profile, with a lesser height leading end for a low profile entry. The cage has two open sides with a plurality of angled teeth along opposite longitudinal edges for engaging the end plates of adjacent vertebrae when the cage is rotated into position. One portion of the angled teeth are angled toward an end of the cage and another portion of the angled teeth are angled away from that end to provide a lock preventing the cage from migrating ventrally or dorsally from the spine. Upon rotation, the leading end has a greater height than the trailing end.
US08172904B2
The present invention relates to methods and devices for the treatment of disc disease and spinal deformities with an artificial disc replacement.
US08172902B2
Non-articulating semi-rigid spinal implants include upper and lower rigid endplates that define at least one aligned pair of rigid male and female members. The respective female member having an interior facing cavity and the respective male member facing toward the female cavity. At least one elastic member resides in each female member cavity. The device can include an optional housing with at least one bore for each of the at least one aligned pairs of female and male members. The housing bore is sized and configured to snugly encase each respective aligned pair of endplate male and female members while leaving an upper outer surface of the upper endplate and a lower outer surface of the lower endplate exposed.
US08172894B2
Expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen are disclosed. These implants comprise a circumferentially nested, diametrically expandable, moveable vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The device can be configured to allow for motion such as rotating, translating, and/or slide and lock. One advantage of the circumferentially nested stent is that it maintains the expanded size, without significant recoil.
US08172892B2
The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having various frame-to-main body component attachment mechanisms which provide a secured bond, reduced graft material wear, and reduced delivery profile.
US08172884B2
A bone plate particularly suited for fractures that require the intraoperative correction in rotational and lengthwise axis described. The bone plate comprises a first, linear plate portion having a longitudinal axis and a first elongate hole extending in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The bone plate further comprises at least one second plate portion which extends substantially perpendicularly to the first plate portion. The second plate portion comprises a second elongate hole which extends roughly perpendicularly to the first elongate hole.
US08172883B2
A method of treating a degenerate spinal segment comprises obtaining a first spinal implant configured to apply a first torque to a degenerate spinal segment having an abnormal curvature and a second spinal implant configured to apply a second torque to the degenerate spinal segment. Each of the spinal implants includes; a plurality of contiguous segments in which the contiguous segments form an angle at a location in which two adjacent contiguous segments of the plurality of contiguous segments intersect; and at least one mounting connection configured to connect the spinal implant to a mounting mechanism, the mounting mechanism being configured to attach the spinal implant to the degenerate spinal segment. The first and second spinal implants are implanted so that the first torque and the second torque act to reduce the abnormal curvature.
US08172881B2
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08172863B2
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a device for facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The device includes an intravascular device including a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. The device further includes a handle assembly fixed about the proximal end of the shaft, the handle assembly including a first portion. Further rotation of the first portion in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft causes rotation of the shaft in the first direction when a torque applied by the first portion to the shaft is below a first maximum torque. Still further, rotation of the first portion in the first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft does not cause rotation of the shaft in the first direction when the torque applied by the first portion to the shaft is equal to or above the first maximum torque.
US08172862B2
This is a medical device for forming an embolism within the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, it concerns an occlusion device comprising an inner core covered with a polymer. The medical device encourages cellular attachment and growth while maintaining favorable handling, deployment and visualization characteristics.
US08172856B2
Methods and devices are disclosed for minimally invasive procedures in the heart. In one application, a catheter is advanced from the left atrium through the mitral valve and along the left ventricular outflow tract to orient and stabilize the catheter and enable a procedure such as a “bow tie” repair of the mitral valve. Right heart procedures are also disclosed.
US08172855B2
The disclosure relates to devices and methods for implantation of an orthopedic device between skeletal segments using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones. Depending on the implant design, the motion between the skeletal segments may be increased, limited, modified, or completely immobilized.
US08172853B2
A surgical instrument set for use in spinal surgery for forming a substantially quadrilateral space in the spine for implanting a spinal implant at least in part into and at least in part across a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies and methods of use are disclosed. The instrument set includes an extended guard for providing protected access to the disc space and the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies, a guide insertable into the guard, and a bone removal device insertable into said guide.
US08172851B2
A shroud for protecting exterior portions of a prosthetic implant from adhesive and a method for utilizing the same. The shroud includes a hub, a rim, and at least one bridge connecting the hub and the rim. The rim of the shroud may be sized to cover substantially the same area as a guard of the implant. The method of utilizing the shroud involves securing the shroud to the prosthetic implant. A quantity of adhesive is provided, and the prosthetic implant is secured thereto. The shroud is removed from the implant, and then the guard is secured to the implant.
US08172850B2
An alignment device comprises a guide having a tangible guide component, said guide being configured for arranging the guide component at an angle with respect to a reference element; and a positioning means; the positioning means and the guide component being operable to cooperate to position an item at the angle set by the guide component. The alignment device is particularly useful in surgical procedures for the alignment of surgical tools and implants.
US08172849B2
An external midface distractor is disclosed for attachment to the bones of a patient's cranium and midface region for performing an osteogenesis procedure to gradually lengthen a portion of the craniofacial skeleton. The midface distractor generally includes an external halo assembly for engaging the patient's cranium, a central adjustment assembly, a vertical central rod, at least one horizontal cross piece assembly including at least one distraction screw, and at least one bone engaging portion which is mounted to the targeted facial bone to be distracted. The midface distractor may also include various individual adjustment mechanisms that provide surgeons greater and more precise control over the distraction vector than is available with current devices. That is, the midface distractor may provide surgeons with additional anterior-posterior and medial-lateral adjustments, thus permitting surgeons to more precisely and accurately control the direction of distraction. The midface distractor may also permit surgeons to easily and accurately alter the direction of distraction after the distraction procedure has commenced thereby providing surgeons the ability to readjust the ultimate vector of distraction anytime during the procedure, as necessary. Methods are provided for using the distractor to conduct a distraction procedure.
US08172839B2
A PFO closing device for bringing the septum primum and the septum secundum into contact with each other and joining them together includes a clamping mechanism and energy supplying device. The clamping mechanism includes a needle part for puncturing the septum primum, and a clamping member for cooperating with the needle part in clamping therebetween tissue of the septum primum and the septum secundum. The energy supplying device supplies energy for joining the tissues clamped by the needle part and the clamping member. The clamping mechanism is mounted in a catheter so as to be protrudable from and retractable into the catheter.
US08172825B2
Caps can be used to cover and sterilize the male luer of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male luer to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen of the male luer. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.
US08172805B2
An injector device for transcutaneously placing at least a portion of a cannula of a medical device through the skin of a patient is provided. The injector device includes a device housing having a bore formed therein and a plunger slidably received within the bore. The plunger includes an insertion needle secured thereto for receiving the cannula of the medical device. The insertion needle remains secured to the plunger subsequent to placement of the medical device and the insertion needle and the injector are removable from the cannula while maintaining the transcutaneous placement of the cannula.
US08172800B2
A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.
US08172796B2
A syringe includes a cylindrical body having a distal end and a proximal end, an injection section at the distal end and an expansion section at the proximal end, the injection section and the expansion section being connected by a cylindrical center section of relatively uniform outer diameter. The injection section includes a conical portion and an injection neck, the conical portion including an alignment flange extending outward from at least a portion of the conical portion. The syringe further includes a plunger movably received in the body and having a coupling end with a pair of flexible coupling members defining a slot therebetween for engaging a drive piston of an injector, the slot being substantially aligned with the alignment flange such that the alignment flange provides an indication of the orientation of the slot, the plunger seated for storage in the expansion section. A syringe has a reduced wall thickness at the expansion section such that an inner diameter of the expansion section is larger than the inner diameter of the center section for allowing the expansion section to expand under radial outward force exerted by the plunger.
US08172793B2
A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.
US08172785B2
The invention relates to a process for producing a bone-regeneration material. According to the method, a bio-compatible, open-pored body is exposed to a vacuum and osteoinductive and/or osteogenic substances are absorbed into the pores of the body, for example by means of a vacuum generated therein. It is thus possible to produce a bone-regeneration material, which contains osteoinductive and/or osteogenic substances in the pores of the bio-compatible body, said substances acting as a network structure for new somatic cells that are to grow into the porous body.
US08172778B2
A pneumatic massaging device comprising a first inflatable part (15) to be in contact with a foot of a user, wherein said first inflatable part comprises at least two inflatable chambers (21, 26). The first of said at least two inflatable chambers is designed such that it is in contact with the plantar arch (8) and sole regions of the foot and the second of said at least two inflatable chambers is designed such that it is in contact with the sole region (5), lateral region (4) or vamp region (3) of the foot. The pneumatic massaging device is designed such that the first inflatable part (15) may further comprise a third inflatable (26) chamber. This third chamber is designed such that it is in contact with the sole of the foot. Furthermore, the first inflatable part (15) may also comprise a plurality of inflatable chambers wherein said plurality of inflatable chambers is designed such that it is in contact with or adjacent to the sole of the foot.
US08172777B2
Implementations for sensor-based health monitoring systems are generally disclosed.
US08172775B2
Method for planning implant placement, the implant comprising a first implant in a first limb and a second implant in a second limb, the first and the second implant forming an artificial structure joining the first and second limb, the method comprising the steps: a) providing a first limb data set representing a first reference system in which the first limb is fixed; b) providing a second limb data set representing a second reference system in which the second limb is fixed; c) providing a representation of the implant for the head of the second limb in a known position in the second reference system; d) providing relative pose data representing a plurality of different relative positions and/or orientations, referred to as relative poses, of the first and second reference system; e) determining a data set representing a plurality of envelope points, said envelope points being generated by calculating the locations of a point of the second implant representation in the first reference system for the plurality of relative poses; and f) placing a representation of the first implant in the first reference system by adjusting and/or matching pose of the representation of the first implant to the plurality of envelope points.
US08172767B2
The method is for monitoring a childbirth process of a pregnant woman. A plurality of cervix dilatation data and fetal positioning data are obtained and fed to a device. A plurality of lactate concentrations is measured at time intervals. The measured lactate concentrations are shown on a display of the device at the time intervals to show a trend of the lactate concentrations. The cervix dilation data and the fetal positioning data are also shown on the display. The lactate concentrations are evaluated to determine whether the lactate concentrations are rising to indicate that an individual lactate threshold value of the pregnant woman has been exceeded. The medical practitioner may also evaluate the cervix dilation data and the fetal positioning data.
US08172755B2
A beamforming apparatus is provided for improving beamforming accuracy by employing fractional delay filters in an interpolation process and reducing hardware complexity by using post-filtering technique. The beamforming apparatus of the present invention includes a post-filtering means implemented with fractional delay filters that combines block data, on the respective channels, supposed to be fractionally delayed and obtains a delay value of fractional part from the combined data. The post-filtering means collects the block data of the channels assigned identical coefficients and performs a filtering process simultaneously.
US08172752B2
A communication system is used by a portable patient monitoring device for connecting to other devices, including a docking station, via one or more networks. The communications system includes an adaptive communication interface which, when the patient monitoring device is docked, establishes communication with a first network, and receives from a first docking station a first unique identifier that identifies the first docking station, allowing the patient monitoring device to communicate patient parameters to the first destination. While the portable patient monitoring device is undocked, the adaptive communication interface is inhibited from establishing communication with a network providing an identifier to the portable patient monitor that does not match the first unique identifier. Upon docking to a second docking station, the patient monitoring device establishes communication with a second network using a new unique identifier received from the second docking station via a second exclusive communication link.
US08172750B2
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08172749B2
A bolster assembly for use in aligning a tubular interventional device along an outer epidermal layer of a patient. A base portion of the assembly has a first surface for contacting the epidermal layer at an exit site of the tubular interventional device from the body of the patient, and has a second surface generally opposite the first surface. An elongated member is engaged with the base portion second surface and extends therefrom at a first angle. The elongated member and the base portion are structured and aligned to define a passageway to enable passage therethrough of the tubular interventional device. The elongated member is capable of flexure relative to the base portion from the first angle to a second angle generally parallel to the epidermal layer. A retaining member is provided for releasably retaining the elongated member at the second angle.
US08172747B2
Systems and methods for controllably traversing a tissue wall. In one embodiment, a distal end of a catheter is positioned and/or repositioned utilizing direct visualization out the distal end of the catheter, as facilitated by an imaging element disposed within the distal tip of the catheter. An inflatable balloon may comprise a portion of the distal tip of the catheter for structural and/or visualization media purposes. A tissue traversing element may be forwarded through a working lumen defined by the catheter and controllably pushed through a tissue wall as observed with the imaging element. The tissue traversing element may comprise sensors and the like to facilitate monitoring of changes in pressure, color, oxygen saturation, flow rate, and echo timing, to determine the position of the tissue traversing member relative to the tissue wall.
US08172744B2
The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence.
US08172743B2
An interactive biological stabilization (IBS) device includes at least one communication path enabling operative coupling with at least one patient data monitoring device, and a processing device enabled for operative coupling with the at least one patient monitoring device through the at least one communication path. The processing device includes a hypnotherapeutic treatment decision block selecting at least one hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on patient data received from the at least one patient data monitoring device through the at least one communication path. A system for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the IBS device. A method for interactively biologically stabilizing a patient includes the steps of providing at least one apparatus monitoring vital patient data and providing at least one processor processing the vital patient data which selects a hypnotherapeutic treatment modality based on the processing of the vital patient data.
US08172740B2
The present disclosure is generally directed to centrifuge systems and methods for controlling centrifuge systems, wherein the systems in certain aspects are adapted for processing material, e.g., but not limited to drilling fluids with solids therein. One illustrative method includes providing a centrifuge system that is made up of, among other things, a bowl, a bowl motor system, a bowl variable frequency drive, a conveyor, a conveyor motor, a conveyor variable frequency drive, a pump, a pump motor, and a pump variable frequency drive. Additionally, the centrifuge system includes a control system that is adapted to control the bowl variable frequency drive, the conveyor variable frequency drive, and the pump variable frequency drive. The method includes controlling the centrifuge system in the G-force differential control mode by controlling the G-force on the bowl as the bowl is rotated by the bowl motor system so that the G-force on the bowl does not exceed a pre-set maximum G-force.
US08172720B2
A differential generation power distribution system to drive an all wheel driving carrier by having a rotational kinetic energy output end of a rotational power unit coupled to an intermediate transmission and control interface device containing a main transmission comprised of controllable clutches and gear shifting control means to drive an intermediate differential gear set; one differential output end of the intermediate differential gear set to drive the front end transmission and thus the front end load; another differential output end of the intermediate differential gear set to drive an input end of a rotation part of a first electric machine of the rotational electric machine assembly; the output end of the rotation part of a second electric machine of the rotational electric machine assembly to directly or through the transmission drives the rear end load; and the rotational electric machine assembly for being subject to the drive control device to regulate and control the power distribution between the front end and the rear end loads.
US08172712B2
The present invention provides a system for providing an improved compact power transfer unit for use in motor vehicles having a front wheel drive transverse based engine and transaxle, and, more particularly, to a power transfer unit for use with a transaxle arrangement capable of providing all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The present invention discloses a planetary gear utilizing a fixed ring gear, the planetary gear capable of selectively engaging a low range output from the power transfer unit for propelling the vehicle when driven in off-road conditions requiring higher torque and slower speeds. The vehicle driver can selectively engage a normal, high range where torque flows through the planetary gear directly to the drive shaft with no gear reductions, or the driver may selectively engage the low range where the torque flowing into the planetary gear is redirected and reduced thereby providing higher torque with reduced speed. A neutral range is also selectively engagable by the driver which decouples the planetary gear from the main output shaft whereby no power is transferred to the main drive shaft.
US08172711B2
A hydraulic control apparatus of an automatic transmission having engagement pressure solenoid valves configured to regulate an engagement pressure supplied to a hydraulic servo of a frictional engagement element and to output the engagement pressures from a predetermined number of the engagement pressure solenoid valves to establish respective transmission gear speeds. The hydraulic control apparatus includes a simultaneous engagement signal switch valve configured to be switched from a non-output position where an output of a simultaneous engagement signal pressure is not produced to an output position where an output of the simultaneous engagement signal pressure is produced upon receipt of an input of the engagement pressures by a number larger than the predetermined number of valves; and an original pressure switch valve configured to be switched from a supply position where an original pressure is supplied to the engagement pressure solenoid valves to a blocked position where the original pressure is blocked upon receipt of an input of the simultaneous engagement signal pressure from the simultaneous engagement signal switch valve.
US08172699B2
A golf club head has a clubface for striking a ball, wherein face grooves are formed by pressing a die; a metallic skin is forming on the clubface including the interior surfaces of the face grooves so that the surface roughness Ral of the interior surfaces of the face grooves becomes not more than 0.20 micrometers; the interior surface of the face grooves is masked with a masking agent; the clubface is provided with a surface roughness of more than 0.20 micrometers by blasting abrasive; and then the masking agent is removed from the face grooves.
US08172695B2
A golf putter with a novel offset and shaft-attachment design is disclosed and claimed. The club includes a head having a strike surface, a sole, and a top line. A tube is coupled to the head, a coupling member is coupled to the distal end of the tube, and a shaft is also coupled to the coupling member. The coupling member connects the tube and the shaft such that they are relatively offset. The longitudinal axes of the tube and the shaft may be substantially parallel, or the coupling member may be adjustable such that the longitudinal axes are not parallel. An alignment indicia is provided on the club head. The tube is coupled to the head at an angle such that it blocks the indicia from a user's view at address when the head is aligned properly. If the club head is not properly aligned, the golfer will be able to see the indicia and therefore know to adjust the club head before putting. Thus, putter disclosed and claimed herein provides both offset and a putting alignment aide.
US08172692B2
A thread forming screw having a minimum surface hardness of HRC 56. The screw can form threads in a workpiece having a surface hardness which exceeds HRC 23. A method of surface hardening a screw includes carbon enriching the screw to at least a 0.48 carbon level, and then quenching the screw. Then, the screw is tempered such that the surface hardness does not exceed the core hardness by more than 3 Rockwell C points, and both the surface and core are at a Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Subsequently, the point is induction hardened, and the screw is quenched again. The screw is again tempered such that the lead threads and the first 3-4 full threads are at a Rockwell C56 minimum hardness, preferably to a depth of at least 0.008 inches, and the core of the fastener is at Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Finally, a finish is applied.
US08172687B2
A wagering game community environment is described herein. In some embodiments, the environment includes a community server to provide services for a wagering game community. In some embodiments, the community server comprises a communications controller configured to receive communications from community terminals and to send the communications to wagering game machines. In some embodiments, the community server also includes a promotions controller configured to award promotional material to members of the virtual gaming community based on their use of the community terminals, the promotional material being for use in wagering games available on the wagering game machines.
US08172684B2
According to one example embodiment disclosed herein, a connection is established between a network and a plurality of gaming units located in a gaming establishment, wherein each gaming unit includes at least one wagering input unit; wherein the network includes one or more network resources and is connected to at least some of the plurality of gaming units; and a gaming information traffic is transmitted on the network.
US08172677B2
According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system is disclosed including at least one community display and a plurality of personal media terminals. The at least one community display is adapted to display a community event thereon. The plurality of personal media terminals has a player positioning device and a plurality of speakers. At least two of the plurality of speakers are positioned to provide frontal audio to the player positioning device and at least two of the plurality of speakers are positioned to provide rear audio to the player positioning device. The plurality of speakers is positioned so as to provide a 360-degree sound field relative to the player positioning device. The 360-degree sound field for each of the plurality of personal media terminals differs based on the location of the personal media terminal in relation to the community display.
US08172673B2
A return is reliably executed to a player who has paid a predetermined amount to a game machine. The timing of this return is determined by lottery, and its result is displayed on the game machine. This thrills the player with expectation of the return, thereby keeping the player long on the same game machine. As the result, it is avoidable that the player waiting for a prize for a long time loses enthusiasm for the game and keeps away from the hall (i.e., a reduction in the number of customers).
US08172672B2
A server device uses cameras to capture the images of cards dealt to players and a dealer. The server device automatically judges the game win/lose result of the players and the dealer and the dividends of the players through image recognition based on the card images from the cameras. The server device reads information from the wireless IC tags provided on game chips to judge the dividends of the players. The server device compares between the two dividends of a player to judge whether or not the dividends are inconsistent. If the dividends are inconsistent, the server device notifies the dealer and a casino hotel manager that the dividends are inconsistent.
US08172667B2
A gaming system comprises a game controller arranged to control play of a game having a player skill aspect, and a display arranged to display a representation of the game, the game controller being arranged to control the display to display a set of symbols for selection, the game controller being responsive to the player skill aspect to facilitate selection of at least one of the symbols, a skill level factor of the player skill aspect being variable depending on operation of a game, whereby to vary a skill level required by the player.
US08172655B2
An air conditioner includes an air conditioning module and a wireless access module. The air conditioning module has at least one blade for controlling the wind direction of the air conditioning module. The wireless access module has at least one antenna. The antenna is disposed on the blade.
US08172649B2
A floor edger and grinding device 10 has a deck 20 pivotably mounted to a rear frame 18 with a handle 16. The deck has a motor 22 mounted thereon that drives two grinder discs 24 in opposite rotational directions. The deck has a skirt 26 and a notch 28 extending along the front edge 27 of the skirt. The discs 24 protrude into the notch 28. A case 50 surrounds the drive gears 38 for protection against dust created by the discs 24.
US08172648B2
The present disclosure relates to a polishing pad including a chemical agent present in an amount sufficient to be released and dissolving into an aqueous abrasive particle polishing medium during chemical mechanical planarization and reducing abrasive particle agglomeration and a binder. The pad includes a surface such that as the pad is abraded the surface is renewed exposing at least a portion of the chemical agent.
US08172634B2
To provide a manufacturing method of a field emission cathode, which method exerts no adverse effect on element characteristics at the time when etching is performed with an ion beam. A sacrificial layer 4 made of a thermosetting resin is formed on a gate electrode layer 3. An opening section 5 is formed in the sacrificial layer 4 and the gate electrode layer 3 by irradiating a focused ion beam, and a hole section 6 is formed by etching the insulating layer 2 by using the sacrificial layer 4 and the gate electrode layer 3 as a mask. An emitter electrode 8 is formed in the hole section 6, and the emitter material 7 on the sacrificial layer 4 is removed together with the sacrificial layer 4 on the gate electrode layer 3.
US08172633B2
The present invention relates to a field emission display and a manufacturing method of the same having selective positioning of electron field emitters. More specifically, the present invention provides a field emission display and a manufacturing method of the same having selective positioning of electron field emitters which can prevent a cross-talk that is a mutual interference phenomenon between pixels and improve uniformity of pixels based on uniform electron emission by deciding positions of carbon nano-tubes which are sources of electron emission and growing carbon nano-tubes before the structure of electrodes is formed, and forming spacers directly on electrodes such that the spacers divide carbon nano-tubes formed uniformly and selectively into pixel units.
US08172630B2
A man overboard rescue device for use on a boat has a net with means of attaching a first end thereof to a boat and with a second opposed end thereof adapted for attaching to a hoisting means. The device further comprising a sinking means, a foreguy and an extendable pole, so as to provide a partially submerged scoop for the man overboard.
US08172618B1
A semiconductor-type electric connector against surge and static electricity includes a circuit board in the electric connector. The circuit board is provided with conductive terminals for external connection. The circuit board includes at least one electronic component which is a semiconductor chip. The electronic component is electrically connected to the conductive terminals of the circuit board in a parallel connection. The electronic component is conducted in a specific state, so that the electric connector is capable of being against surge and static electricity and convenient for maintenance.
US08172612B2
A coaxial cable connector includes tubular post, a coupler secured over an end of the tubular post for securing the connector to an appliance, and an outer body secured to the tubular post. An electrical grounding path is maintained between the coupler and the tubular post whether or not the coupler is tightly fastened to the appliance. The electrical grounding path is provided by a resilient, electrically-conductive grounding member disposed between the tubular post and the coupler. Alternatively, the connector includes conductive grease at a point where mating portions of the tubular post and coupler have closely matching dimensions.
US08172610B2
To make it possible to improve the grounding property of a conductive shell with a simple configuration.Connector-side ground connecting members (ground spring pieces) 24c provided in a conductive ground shell 24 of a receptacle connector 2 and board-side ground connecting members (rear holddowns) 24b are disposed such that they extend approximately in parallel with a fitting direction of a plug connector 1 serving as a fitting mate for the receptacle connector 2, and ground currents flowing between the connector-side ground connecting members 24c and the board-side ground connecting members 24b take the shortest straight courses so that occurrence of electrical loss or an undesired inducing phenomenon is substantially suppressed.
US08172602B2
A pair manager for use in securing a twin-axial cable to a printed circuit board is described. The pair manager comprises a generally block-shaped portion containing a pair of channels. The channels extend from the front face to the rear face of the block-shaped portion. An integral flange and a pair of integral fingers extend perpendicularly from the front face of the block-shaped portion. The flange extends generally from the center of the front face and the fingers extend from opposite edges of the front face. The fingers and flange function as a partial shield cavity around each pair of conductors. This design helps to maintain better impedance matching when connecting twin-axial cables to a printed circuit board.
US08172598B2
An electrical connector includes a base, a cover, a protecting mechanism, and a cam. The base has a contacting area with a plurality of passageways and a first end besides the contacting area with an opening in a first end thereof. The cover is slidably mounted upon the base. The cover defines a plurality of through holes in alignment with the corresponding passageways, respectively, and another opening is defined in a second end thereof and in vertical alignment with the corresponding opening of the base. The protecting mechanism includes a metallic base plate mounted upon the base and defining a stepping hole which includes a larger first hole and a smaller second hole via a drawing process, disposed in the opening of the base. The cam extends axially and vertically in the opening of the cover and the stepping hole of the base, and is riveted on a bottom surface of the base plate.
US08172589B2
A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring.
US08172585B2
Disclosed herein is a contact array of a universal serial bus (USB) connector including a first signal differential pair, a second signal differential pair and a third signal differential pair, wherein the second signal differential pair is disposed between the first and third signal differential pairs, and at least one power contact or ground contact is disposed between the first and second signal differential pairs, or between the second and third signal differential pairs.
US08172583B2
A distributor arrangement for electrical lines, having a housing and a multiplicity of sockets, situated on the housing and each having a contact carrier that has two or more electrical contact elements and an angle encoding feature for inserting plugs in an orientation determined by the angular position of the encoding elements. The distributor arrangement also has a motherboard arranged in the housing and having printed conductors to which the electrical contact elements are connected in an electrically conductive manner by an electrical connecting element. An electrical connecting member, in the form of a connecting board, is associated with the motherboard in one of a multiplicity of preselectable angular positions by the electrical connecting elements located at different radial distances from a center, each connecting element being connected in an electrically conductive manner to one of a plurality of contact sites situated on a circular arc about the center.
US08172574B2
This disclosure relates to toothbrushes and to methods of operating toothbrushes. In some embodiments, a method of operating a toothbrush includes measuring an actual cleaning time of a first teeth cleaning process, comparing the actual cleaning time of the first teeth cleaning process to a standard cleaning time, and determining a target cleaning time of a second, subsequent teeth cleaning process. In certain embodiments, the target cleaning time of the second teeth cleaning process is the standard cleaning time plus additional time when the actual cleaning time of the first cleaning process is less than the standard cleaning time.
US08172572B2
A dental tool displacement apparatus for use with a motorized power handle to displace a dental tool includes a tool holder having a receptacle for receiving the dental tool, and a drive arrangement. The drive arrangement defines a transmission from the motorized power handle to the tool holder such that the tool holder undergoes reciprocating motion parallel to the tool axis at a first frequency of oscillations per minute and rotates about the tool axis at a second frequency of rotations per minute. In some cases, the two types of motion are generated by an eccentric drive pin engaging an annular slot which has gear teeth along one side, thereby generating an angular rotation step of the tool holder during each reciprocating stroke. In some cases, the first frequency is at least one order of magnitude greater than the second frequency.
US08172571B2
A light mirror includes a mirror attached to a handle. The mirror is arranged at an angle from a longitudinal axis of the handle. A light source inside the handle directs light from a light source through a light waveguide adjacent to the light source. The light waveguide is internally reflective to reflect substantially all of the light from the light waveguide. Optionally, the light mirror includes an annular air flow substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis to cool the handle and the light source as well as keep a reflective surface of the mirror free of debris, water, restorative materials, tooth structure, and aluminum oxide powder.
US08172570B2
A plastic mouthpiece insert for allowing a wearer to whiten their teeth while getting a suntan, and have a generally oblong oval-rectangular opening with a curved rear end that abuts against the root surfaces of the frontal upper and lower teeth of the wearer. A raised front edge can protect the lips and separate in place about the opening to the mouthpiece. Whitening agents can be used to enhance the whitening effect so that ultraviolet light and heat source such as the sun or a sunlamp is all that it is needed. Reflective inner walls in the mouthpiece can magnify light to the teeth. The mouthpiece can include bite tables, and the side walls of the mouthpiece can be inwardly flared and funnel shaped for focusing and magnifying incoming light and heat. The mouthpiece can be colored to protect the inside of the wearer's mouth from receiving any light. An attachable and detachable compact hands-free light source can also be used. The light source can clip on the front of the mouthguard so that the mouthguard can allow for teeth whitening without the need for a suntanning lamp or use of the sun or other exterior light sources. The attached light source allows the user to use the mouthguard and not be restricted to staying in one place. With the attached light source the user is free to use both their hands and do all other types of activities and be able to freely move around.
US08172561B2
A metal part in which a base material of silicon-aluminum alloy having 1 to 25% by mass of silicon as an anode is immersed in an electrolyte together with a cathode, and at least a portion of a surface of the base material is anodized and coated with an anodic oxide film. A current density provided to both the anode and the cathode is increased from an initial current density of 0 A/dm2 at a rate between 0.15 and 0.35 A/dm2 per minute, wherein once the current density reaches a prescribed current density of between 0.8 A/dm2 and 1.2 A/dm2, the current density provided to the anode and the cathode is maintained at the prescribed current density.
US08172557B2
A high-pressure gas compressor comprises a single-acting cam driven piston with a pressure compensation chamber disposed between the piston and the cam. A roller tappet assembly transmits reciprocating motion from the cam to the piston. A pressurized gas directed to the pressure compensation chamber offsets forces acting on the piston from the compression chamber gas pressure, thereby reducing Hertzian pressure between the tappet roller and the cam. Overall efficiency and durability can be improved by reducing friction between compressor components, for example by employing thin film coatings to reduce friction, pressurized oil lubrication systems and higher cylinder bore diameter to piston stroke ratios. The service life of gas seals and compression efficiency can be improved by thermal management strategies, including liquid-cooled compressor cylinder liners and intercoolers between compression stages. Employing a poppet-style intake valve and reducing parasitic volume in the compression chamber can improve compressor volumetric efficiency.
US08172549B2
In order to ventilate a centrifugal pump (1) having a centrifugal pump outlet space (6) and a centrifugal pump suction space (4), as well as having an additional ventilation pump (3), preferably configured as a vacuum pump, having a ventilation pump inlet (14) and a ventilation pump outlet (15), which pump has a particularly simple structure and which can automatically ventilate itself, if necessary, without any complicate switching processes, it is proposed that both the ventilation pump inlet (14) and the ventilation pump outlet (15) are connected with the centrifugal pump outlet space (6) by way of a connection line (16, 17), in each instance, forming a secondary line.
US08172548B2
A driving agent vacuum pump configured as a micropump is presented. The vacuum pump includes an evaporation chamber and a pumping chamber, which are separated by a jet arrangement. The jet arrangement includes a planar arrangement of at least one jet running vertically in depth between two plates. The two plates cover the evaporation chamber and the pumping chamber about the jet arrangement. An opening is provided in the pumping chamber above the jet arrangement for taking in an agent to be pumped. A second opening is provided for driving out a compressed gas below the jet arrangement. A connection is provided between the evaporation chamber and the pumping chamber through which a condensed driving agent is returned.
US08172538B2
A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell member (2) having an incorporated fastening member (4) near the root is provided. According to the method, a fastening member 4 is positioned in a mold (14) with pre-fabricated sticks (8, 10) surrounding a substantial longitudinal part of the fastening member (4) prior to resin infusion. Furthermore, a wind turbine blade comprising a wind turbine blade shell member (2) with a fastening member (4) is provided. Finally, a guiding means for aligning a fastening member (4) relative to a further fastening member and/or relative to the mold during molding and a subassembly comprising a guiding means is provided.
US08172530B2
A system for adjusting the pitch of a counter-rotating propeller has a propeller shaft, a forward propeller driven by the propeller shaft, and an aft propeller connected with the forward propeller. The forward propeller has a hub, blades mounted within the hub, and an actuator connected with an end of the blades. The aft propeller has a hub, blades mounted within the hub, and a cam assembly connected with an end of the blades. The actuator of the forward propeller has a forward end and an aft end, wherein the aft end is connected with the cam assembly of the aft propeller. Thus, when the actuator moves in an axial direction, the cam assembly moves relative to the actuator and the pitch of the forward propeller blades and the pitch of the aft propeller blades are simultaneously adjusted.
US08172529B2
Operations of a turbine to generate energy from a relatively slow fluid flow, such as wind and water, are described. The turbine has a plurality of foils rotating about a central axis at a rotational velocity, each of the foils having a length and a foil axis parallel to the length and the central axis with each of the foils rotatable about its foil axis. From determinations of a velocity of the fluid flow, and angular location of each foil and the rotational velocity about the central axis, an attack angle of each foil is controlled with respect to the direction of fluid flow about the foil axis responsive to the velocity of the fluid flow, the angular location of the foil and the rotational velocity as the foil rotates about the central axis.
US08172528B2
One aspect of the present invention provides a steam turbine comprising a rotor and a casing that installs the rotor inside, wherein the casing comprises an upper-half section and a lower-half section, which are coupled with each other by an upper-half flange and a lower-half flange thereof, wherein the upper-half section includes: a semi-cylindrical wrapper plate extending in an axial direction of the rotor, end plates coupled with the wrapper plate, each of the end plate is disposed perpendicular to the rotor, wherein at least one of axial ends of the wrapper plate includes a wrapper plate projecting portion that projects from the corresponding end plates in the axial direction, and a first end plate reinforcing rib disposed on the outside surfaces of the end plates in a peripheral direction of the inner periphery of the wrapper plate; and a plurality of second end plates reinforcing ribs disposed radially on the outside surfaces of the end plates, wherein the second end plates reinforcing ribs couple the wrapper plate projecting portion with the first end plate reinforcing rib.
US08172526B2
The exhaust casing of a turbomachine includes a cylindrical jacket for guiding a flow of exhaust gas and for defining a hub cavity inside the casing, the jacket including at its ends an annular flange and a radial annular portion extending inwards and formed with an annular rim that is designed to be received in an annular groove of the inner wall of the exhaust casing to close the hub cavity in substantially sealed manner.
US08172525B2
A centrifugal compressor in which frequency of noise produced by rotation of the impeller does not resonate with natural frequency of vibration of gas in a plurality of axial slots serving to increase gas flow rate in an operation range of increased gas flow rate and broaden stable operation range in an operation range of decreased gas flow rate is provided. The axial slots are formed between the peripheral part of the inlet passage of the compressor housing by the peripheral surface of the inlet passage and an annular ring part of the housing supported by a plurality of struts extending from the peripheral surface, four or more struts are provided to support the annular ring part, and all but one are located at positions determined when all the struts are located at circumferentially equal spacing and the one strut is shifted from the positions by a certain angle.
US08172522B2
A method and system of supporting removable static components in a turbine engine stator assembly is described. The method comprises the steps of engaging a stator hanger located at a first location on a first static component with a post located on a first static structure whereby the post supports at least a part of the weight of the first static component, engaging a stator stopper located at a second location on the first static component that is located circumferentially apart from the first location with the stator hanger that is located on a second static component, and engaging a hook located at a third location on the first static component with a second static structure whereby the second static structure supports at least a part of the weight of the first static component.
US08172519B2
In one embodiment, an abradable seal includes a soft material that may be worn away and a hard material that may provide mechanical strength for the abradable seal. The soft material and the hard material may include different compositions of a base material.
US08172518B2
A method for assembling a rotor assembly and a rotor assembly are provided. The method comprises providing a rotor blade including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, where the first and second sidewalls are connected at a leading edge and a trailing edge and extend in span from a root portion to a tip portion, removing blade material from the tip portion to form a tip portion rake angle that enables the tip portion to extend obliquely between the first and second sidewalls, and coupling the rotor blade to a shaft such that during tip rubs the tip portion rake angle facilitates reducing radial loading induced to the blade during tip rubs.
US08172513B2
The invention relates to an adjusting shaft arrangement (1) of a variable turbine geometry turbocharger or waste gate turbocharger having an adjusting shaft (2) which has a fastening section (3); having a lever (4) which is connected to the adjusting shaft (2) via the fastening section (3); having a sleeve (5) which is arranged on a base body (6) of the adjusting shaft (2); and having a seal (7) which is arranged in the region of the base body (6) between the sleeve (5) and the adjusting shaft (2); the main body (6) of the adjusting shaft (2) having a stepped outer contour; and the sleeve (5) having an inner contour with a stepped inner contour which complements the design of the base body (6).
US08172511B2
A gas turbine engine includes a radial compressor with first and second blades. The first and second blades have tuned leading edges that prevent natural frequencies from exciting at speeds within an expected operating speed range.
US08172510B2
A gas turbine engine includes a radial compressor having first and second blades. The first blade has a tuned leading edge that prevents either blade from exciting at a natural frequency at speeds within an expected operating speed range.
US08172509B2
A device for detecting breakage of a turbomachine shaft is disclosed. The device includes a shaft having an upstream end and a downstream end; a rod having an upstream end and a downstream end, and placed coaxially inside the shaft, the downstream end of the rod being securely fastened to the downstream end of the shaft and the upstream end of the rod being free to rotate relative to the upstream and of the shaft; and a sensor suitable for detecting a difference in speed of rotation between the upstream end of the rod and the upstream end of the shaft.
US08172501B2
A support frame portion is divided into a first support-frame half-portion and a second support-frame half-portion along a virtual reference dividing plane. A raised portion is integrally formed with each of side walls in a pair of the first web half-portion, projecting toward the second web half-portion beyond the virtual reference dividing plane. A raised portion is integrally formed with each of side walls in a pair of the second web half-portion, projecting toward the first web half-portion beyond the virtual reference dividing plane. A recessed portion is formed in each of the side walls in the pair of the first web half-portion, and is fitted with the raised portion corresponding thereto of the second web half-portion. A recessed portion is formed in each of the side walls in the pair of the second web half-portion, and is fitted with the raised portion corresponding thereto of the first web half-portion.
US08172500B2
The invention relates to a turbine, in particular of an exhaust-gas turbocharger, comprising a turbine rotor which is supported rotatable in a housing, and to which at least one guide vane apparatus forming a radial inlet channel for a medium driving the turbine rotor is allocated, wherein the guide vane apparatus comprises a guide vane mounting ring with a plurality of guide vanes which radially surround the turbine rotor and which are located within the inlet channel, as well as a guide vane cover ring, and wherein the inlet channel is axially bounded by the guide vane mounting ring and the guide vane cover ring, and the guide vane cover ring abuts with a front side facing away from the inlet channel against a support area of the housing. The invention provides that the housing (5) comprises in the support area (15) at least one recess (17) which is open-edged towards the guide vane cover ring (9), and through which the medium can flow.Furthermore, the invention relates to an exhaust-gas turbocharger, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a compressor and a turbine which are actively connected with each other in a mechanical manner.
US08172499B2
A portable raise climbing system is provided that comprises a starter box for interfacing with an existing raise climb track, a raise climber that is deployed by the system onto the existing track for normal raise excavation operations, and a transporter. The transporter is configured to carry the raise climber from site to site by interfacing with moving equipment. The moving equipment preferably includes a front hydraulic quick connect/disconnect lift system, e.g. front-end loader, forklift, plough, scooptram, etc.
US08172495B2
A method and apparatus for increasing the volumetric efficiency with which automotive vehicle frames are stacked on a carrier such as a railroad flat car. Frames are alternately reversed end-for-end and/or laterally offset from one another and may be longitudinally angled and internested between adjacent stacks. Twin sheet molded HDPE spacers are used.
US08172491B1
A strapping system for positioning and transporting a motorcycle or similar vehicle in an upright position include two interconnected straps with reinforced cuffs. The cuffs have a cylindrical body and strap attachment housing contiguously formed and a reinforcement ring substantially enclosed within the walls of the cylindrical body and strap attachment housing.
US08172487B2
An indexable cutting insert and a milling cutter with identical indexable cutting inserts. The indexable cutting insert has an upper surface, opposing lower surface, and a peripheral side surface. Major cutting edges are formed on an upper peripheral edge, with adjacent major rake surfaces on the upper surface. At least two of the major cutting edges have different insert axial rake angles at equivalent index points along the major cutting edges, and at least two of the major rake surfaces have different rake surface profile angles at planar sections which are perpendicular to the major cutting edges and contain an insert axis. The milling cutter has a milling cutter body with a plurality of identical insert receiving pockets, where an equal number of the identical indexable cutting inserts are removably seated, having active major cutting edges and active major rake surfaces with different axial and/or radial rake angles.
US08172478B2
The double-deck covered roadway (5) has an upper road (30) for light vehicle traffic and a lower road (25) for heavy, industrial vehicle traffic. The roadway is an intelligent system, having an access control computer (ACC) (55) limiting access of the roadways to the appropriate vehicles. Signal emitters, receivers and/or repeaters (40) for microwave, cell phones short-range radio, or the like may be provided. The roadway is covered, and has a slanted roof structure (7). Solar panels (10) are disposed atop the slanted roof structure (7). Spindles (8) may be provided that can pull off or pull on an optional protective cover for the solar panels (10). An indoor services module (50) houses the ACC (55) and other service systems. The underside of the upper roadway (30) can provide attached or embedded monitoring systems, road lighting, signal light boards (60) to communicate with drivers, etc.
US08172477B2
A bracket is provided for a bow. The bracket connects a header and a jamb. The bracket has a pair of end faces disposed generally orthogonal to one another with one end face abutting the header and the other abutting the jamb; and a pair of tongues extending from said end faces for engagement with end sockets formed in the ends of the header and jamb. The bracket is formed in two pieces arranged face to face along a medial plane extending between the end faces and held together by a fastener extending through a radial web that connects the end faces. Each said tongue is provided with at least one aperture therethrough alignable with similar apertures formed through the end sockets of the headers and jambs whereby a fastener can pass through the aligned apertures in a socket having a tongue inserted therein and fastened, to secure the components to one another.
US08172467B2
An optical backplane connector with a board removable (being possible to insert and remove) therein in the direction perpendicular to the backplane plate surface is arranged on a backplane having optical transmission paths. The optical backplane connector accommodates a photoelectric conversion module in such a manner the incident and exit light are perpendicular to the backplane and a transparent board with a photoelectric conversion element mounted thereon is perpendicular to the board and parallel to the backplane. The conduction between the electric contacts of the photoelectric conversion module and the inner electric contacts of the optical backplane connector is held by mechanical contact. At the end portion of the optical transmission path on the backplane, an optical connector having a 45′ mirror and guide pins is mounted. The positioning operation is achieved by fitting the guide pins of the optical connector with the guide holes of the photoelectric conversion module.
US08172462B2
There is provided a rolling bearing including an inner ring having an inner ring raceway surface, an outer ring having an outer ring raceway surface and a shoulder portion formed on one axial side of the outer ring raceway surface, a plurality of rolling elements which roll between the inner ring raceway surface and the outer ring raceway surface, and a cage adapted to hold the plurality of rolling elements at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction and having a guided surface which confronts the shoulder portion of the outer ring in such a manner as to be brought into sliding contact therewith. The rotation of the cage is guided through sliding contact of the guided surface of the cage with a guiding surface of the shoulder portion of the outer ring. A guiding space which is a radial space between the guiding surface of the shoulder portion of the outer ring and the guided surface of the cage is made to increase as approaching the rolling elements.
US08172461B2
An x-ray grid alignment circuit for coupling an x-ray grid to a detector includes a marker configured to be mounted to the x-ray grid, a sensor configured to be mounted to the detector, the sensor generating an alignment signal based on a position of the marker, and an alignment module configured to receive the alignment signal from the sensor and utilize the alignment signal to determine if the x-ray grid is coupled to a detecting face of the detector. A detector assembly including the x-ray grid alignment circuit and a method of coupling an x-ray grid to a detector are also provided.
US08172452B2
A mixing lid attachable to a beverage container, comprising a lid base having an upper surface, a lower surface and a central opening extending between the upper and lower surfaces and a mixing assembly rotatable about the central opening of the lid base. The mixing assembly includes a rotary plate disposed on the upper surface of the lid base and a rotary arm disposed on the lower surface of the lid base and attached to the rotary plate through the central opening in the lid. The rotary arm lies substantially flat against the lower surface of the lid. The mixing assembly includes a pivot arm pivotably attached at a first end of the pivot arm to the rotary arm. The pivot arm is pivotable from a first position lying flat against the interior surface of the lid to a second downward position extending toward the bottom of the beverage container. The mixing assembly includes a mixing arm pivotably attached to a second end of the pivot arm opposite the first end of the pivot arm.
US08172439B2
Disclosed is a display device for a motor vehicle, particularly for a combined instrument of a motor vehicle. The display device comprises a display area and an illumination means that is provided with a light emission area and a light source. The display area has a visible face and a rear face. The illumination means is disposed on the rear face of the display area. A light beam that is emitted from the light emission area is incident directly on the rear face of the display area. The light beam has an angle of spread of less than about 20°.
US08172435B2
Methods and apparatus for ceiling suspended systems according to various aspects of the present invention include a modular platform for supporting and supplying multiple devices. A wire way bar may facilitate connection and support for the devices, such as light sources and other systems.
US08172434B1
A submersible LED illumination system may include an array of LEDs, with a first portion of the LEDs capable of emitting white light and a second portion of the LEDs capable of emitting light of a single color. The system may further include a plurality of reflectors surrounding a corresponding one of the LEDs, where a first portion of the reflectors may be configured to provide a far field relatively narrow beam of illumination and a second portion of the reflectors may be configured to provide a near field relatively wide beam of illumination. A housing may enclose the array of LEDs and the reflectors. A transparent window may be disposed in the housing, an an optically clear material may be disposed between the LEDs, reflectors, and transparent window.
US08172432B2
A condensing device for LED includes a base arranged with LED on a surface thereof and a projecting lens aligned to a center of the base. Lights from the LED will be concentrated by the projecting lens without scattering.
US08172431B2
The invention relates to a reflector (1) which comprises an ellipsoidal light reflective wall (21) and a light output (3) lying in a light output plane (32). The light reflective wall is defined as a portion of the internal surface of an ellipsoid. The focal axis (25) of the ellipsoid has a determined angle CC with respect to an axis (V) perpendicular to the light output plane (32). The light reflective wall (21) is the portion of the ellipsoid, which is taken between the most remote point (24) of the ellipsoid from the light output plane and the light output plane (32). The invention further relates to a luminaire which comprises such a reflector and a light source.
US08172430B2
A lighting device includes a housing, multiple light emitting diodes (LEDS), and multiple magnifier lenses. The multiple LEDS and the multiple magnifier lenses are located in the housing. Each of the magnifier lenses corresponds to a different one of the LEDS, and there are less magnifier lenses than LEDS. Each LED that has a corresponding magnifier lens is arranged with respect to its magnifier lens so that substantially all of the light emitted by the LED only traverses its corresponding magnifier lens. At least one of the LEDS emits light that does not traverse any of the multiple magnifier lenses.
US08172423B2
An illumination apparatus includes a light source unit having solid light-emitting elements and a sensor unit having a wave transmission portion for transmitting energy waves of specified frequency and a wave reception portion for receiving the energy waves reflected from an object. The sensor unit outputs a detection signal by detecting the object within a detection range based on the difference in frequency between the transmitted and received energy waves. The illumination apparatus further includes a control unit responsive to the detection signal from the sensor unit for performing a control operation to turn on the light source unit, and a power source unit for supplying electric power to the light source unit. The power source unit is arranged outside the detection range of the sensor unit. The sensor unit is provided on the opposite side to the direction of light irradiated from the light source unit.
US08172422B2
There is provided a lamp device including a housing having a plurality of radiation fins for heat radiation on a top surface portion thereof, a Light Emitting Diode heat (LED) substrate having a plurality of LEDs for emitting illumination light, and a cover formed of a transparent or semi-transparent light-transmitting material and installed to be engaged with the housing under the LED substrate, for protecting the LED substrate.
US08172420B2
A luminaire, light fixture base, and self-ballasting fluorescent lighting stick are disclosed. The luminaire includes a fixture base and self-ballasted fluorescent lighting sticks. The fixture base is configured to secure the lighting sticks, and to provide electrical power to the lighting sticks at an electrical end of the fixture base. Each of the lighting sticks is separately replaceable in the fixture base. The electrical end of the fixture base includes electrical connectors that mate with corresponding electrical connectors of the lighting sticks. The light fixture base is configured to secure and pass electrical power to a self-ballasted fluorescent lighting stick. The light fixture base includes an electrical end section, a securing end section, and a middle section. The self-ballasted fluorescent lighting stick is configured to secure and pass electrical power to a fluorescent bulb. The fluorescent lighting stick includes a ballast circuit, electrical wiring, an electrical connector, and a frame.
US08172417B2
In order to minimize the footprint of a display module, a frontlight system positioned over a first surface of a substrate may be used. The frontlight system may include an edgebar positioned over the first surface of a display substrate, and a Z-shaped reflector having a first planar portion overlying the edgebar and a second planar portion adhered to the first surface of the substrate or layers overlying the first surface of the substrate. Such a reflector may be located wholly within the footprint of the display substrate, minimizing the footprint of the display module.
US08172410B2
A mirror assembly comprising primary and auxiliary mirror assemblies having complimentary recesses and protrusions on respective frame portions of the assemblies, the auxiliary mirror assembly adapted to be disposed at a plurality of positions along the primary mirror assembly when the recesses and protrusions are disposed in interfitting engagement.
US08172379B2
A liquid ejecting head unit is provided with a plurality of liquid ejecting heads which each have a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzle openings are arranged and a liquid passage port to which an inner flow passage opens and an outer flow passage is connected. The liquid ejecting head unit includes: first flow passage members which are each provided with a first flow passage supplying a liquid to the liquid passage port of each of the plurality of liquid ejecting heads; second flow passage members which are each provided with a second flow passage supplying the liquid to the first flow passage; and a switching member which is provided between the first and second flow passages and allows the plurality of first flow passages to communicate with the plurality of second flow passages in a predetermined communication relation.
US08172371B2
A print head formed in a simplified and less costly manufacture process can be effective in preventing the peeling-off between a substrate and a flow passage forming member. In the print head, a protective layer is formed between the flow passage forming member and a heat generating portion. The protective layer contains a noble metal. On a side of the flow passage forming member, the surface of the protective layer is made of an oxide of a noble metal, except in a portion corresponding to the heat generating portion, while in the portion corresponding to the heat generating portion on the flow passage forming member side, the surface thereof is made of the noble metal.
US08172370B2
A heater stack includes first strata configured to form a fluid heater element responsive to energy from repetitive electrical activation and deactivation to fire repetitive cycles of heating and ejecting fluid from an ejection chamber above the fluid heater element and second strata overlying the first strata and contiguous with the ejection chamber to provide protection of the fluid heater element. The first strata includes a substrate and a heater substrata overlying the substrate and including a resistive layer having lateral portions spaced apart, a central portion extending between the lateral portions and defining the fluid heater element, and transitional portions interconnecting the central portion and lateral portions and elevating the central portion relative to the lateral portions and above the substrate to form a gap between the lateral portions and between the central portion and substrate insulating the substrate from the fluid heater element and a planar upper surface on the heater substrata.
US08172364B2
A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid dispensing channel including an outlet opening, and a liquid return channel. A liquid supply provides liquid under pressure from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A diverter member is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid toward outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel. A surface is positioned downstream relative to the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel and leads to atmosphere. A portion of the surface, when compared to another portion of the surface, includes structure that reduces viscous drag on the portion of the liquid that has been diverted by the diverter member such that drops formed from consecutive portions of the liquid that have been diverted by the diverter member travel with consistent drop characteristics.
US08172362B2
An image recording apparatus includes an idle ejection receiving part for receiving idle-ejected waste liquid from a liquid jet head and a waste liquid tank provided below the idle ejection receiving part for collecting the waste liquid dropping from the idle ejection receiving part. The image recording apparatus further includes a rotating member having a peripheral surface for rotating and receiving the waste liquid, and a wiping member that contacts or faces the peripheral surface for wiping the waste liquid on the peripheral surface of the rotating member. The wiping member is configured to move in a peripheral direction of the rotating member.
US08172359B2
An ink jet printer system includes a partially redundant page-wide array of moveable ink jet print heads in a print zone, means outside of the print zone for servicing the print heads, and a transfer system, configured to selectively move a redundant portion of the array of print heads out of the print zone for servicing while printing with a remainder of the array.
US08172355B2
A compact and highly reliable recording head enabling precise detection of temperature information for each nozzle and rapid as well as highly accurate detection of nozzles with a discharge defect can be achieved. An electrothermal transducing member is provided on a substrate to generate heat energy for discharging liquid from a discharge port. A temperature detecting circuit includes a temperature detecting element for measuring a temperature of the transducing member. The temperature detection circuit includes a constant current circuit, a voltage detecting circuit, and a switching element.
US08172341B2
A vehicular anti-lock control system includes: a ground load calculation section for detecting or estimating a ground load of a wheel; a road surface friction coefficient calculation section for detecting or estimating a road surface friction coefficient; and a reference fluid pressure calculation section for calculating an upper side reference fluid pressure and a lower side reference fluid pressure in anti-lock control based on the ground load and the friction coefficient. The upper and lower side reference fluid pressures are respectively determined to be an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a fluid pressure in anti-lock control. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the amount of change in the fluid pressure during anti-lock control, thus improving the braking effect and the braking feel.
US08172332B2
A backrest device for a chair, capable of, without a reduction in its strength and rigidity, effectively bending backward so as to follow the shape of the back of a person seated on the chair, providing the person with excellent sitting comfort. In the backrest device, a back board is supported by a backrest frame, and the back board has a flexible back stopper on the inner side of a back frame. The thickness of a vertical intermediate section of the back stopper is gradually increased from both left and right sections of the intermediate section toward the center such that the thickness is less in both left and right sections and is maximum at the center.
US08172326B2
A pivot joint assembly includes a bar generally defining an outer cylindrical surface. The bar has first and second beads extending outwardly from the outer cylindrical surface. The first and second beads are spaced apart from one another along the length of the bar. At least one of the first and second beads is an integrally formed portion extended outwardly from the outer cylindrical surface. The assembly further includes a mounting member having opposed first and second sides. The mounting member has a hole formed therein. The bar is disposed in the hole such that the mounting member is disposed between the first and second beads such that bar rotates relative to the mounting member.
US08172315B2
Device for a reclining chair or functional sofa with an adjustable back support and an adjustable headrest, where the device when the back support is moved is adjusted to influence the headrest angle relative to the back support in such a way that the headrest is rotated from an almost vertical plane to an angle in relation to the back support when the back support is reclined, while at least one rotatable joint in between the headrest and the back support is connected with at least one frictional part by the use of at least one strut in such a way that a user with his/her head or other force can rotate the headrest backwards or forward as so desired when the back support is in desired reclined position.
US08172312B2
An excavator cab is configured to have an improved field of view for three passengers. Seating is provided for an operator, a trainer, and an trainee. Persons seated in those three seats have substantially similar lines of sight. The excavator cab is arranged such that the operator seat and the trainer seat face a front observation window. The trainee seat is mounted behind the operator seat and is retractable. The points of egress and aisle are wide enough to accommodate a stretcher or a litter in case of an emergency.
US08172305B2
An automobile door containing a door frame, a door module for the incorporation of functional supports such as loudspeakers or the like, and a door soft trim for the aesthetically pleasing finish of the door on the inside of the automobile. The door soft trim and the door module have corresponding catching elements for the attachment of the door soft trim and door module in a predetermined configuration aligned with each other, and with the door module and the door soft trim containing corresponding recesses that are arranged flush to one another with the engagement of the aforementioned catching elements for the incorporation of one of the fixing elements that is to be connected to the door frame. The automobile door presents a stabile and easy to produce automobile door that satisfies the highest standards in manufacturing tolerances.
US08172304B2
A folding roof arrangement has a folding top covering (12) and a folding top structure (14). The folding top structure (14) has at least one roof frame (20) with a front area and at least one elastically deformable tensioning element (31-34). The folding top structure (14) can be folded or collapsed with or without the folding top covering (12), so that the tensioning element (31-34) is elastically deformed when folded.
US08172299B2
The present invention discloses a compartment door assembly that provides for a compartment door that has controlled movement between a closed position and an open position. The assembly includes a compartment door for covering a compartment, the compartment door movable between the closed position and the open position. A cam having a cam arm, an elongated member and a tension member can also be included.
US08172298B2
A reinforcement for rear seat backs is disclosed herein. The rear seat back reinforcement of the present invention includes a luggage bar, which is provided between a rear package tray and a floor panel and has a holding member and a mounting member, and a wire frame, which is held by the holding member of the luggage bar and is fastened at the lower end thereof to the floor panel by the mounting member.
US08172294B1
A storage system includes structure having a surface that at least partially defines a storage compartment. The structure also defines an opening through which the storage compartment is accessible. The storage system further includes a plurality of flexible protuberances extending from the surface into the storage compartment. At least some of the protuberances deform as an object is inserted into the storage compartment through the opening. The deformed protuberances conform to the shape of the object, thereby supporting and restraining the object within the storage compartment.
US08172291B2
A substrate transport apparatus includes: a pair of arm units having a substrate-carrying surface on which a substrate is placed; a support member freely rotatably supporting the arm unit; and an inclination device inclining the arm unit with each of the substrate-carrying surface facing one another.
US08172290B2
A gripper has a pair of supports 22A, 22B positioned on opposite sides of a bottle made of resin, and abutments 24A, 24B disposed respectively on the supports 22A, 22B for holding the bottle 4 made of resin, each of the abutments 24A, 24B have two thin plates 26A, 28A, 26B, 28B which are vertically spaced from each other. The abutments 24A, 24B hold the bottle 4 by gripping a neck 4a of the bottle 4 on its opposite sides. While holding the bottle 4, the supports 22A, 22B are held out of contact with an outer surface of the bottle 4, allowing the electron beam to travel around the neck 4a to sterilize the entire surface of the bottle 4.
US08172289B2
A lifting link for anchors embedded in concrete panels is disclosed having a shackle with a recessed cross bridge. A part circular latch rotates within a chamber of a hollow toroidal ring. The chamber has a circular longitudinal axis. The upper portion of the ring is formed into a U-shaped slot through which a handle of the latch rotates. A transverse slot accepts the head of anchor. The shackle bears against the exterior surface of the U-shaped slot. The radius of curvature of the exterior surface has a center which is not coincident with the center of the radius of curvature of the chamber axis. Thus the center of lift of the shackle is worked away from the adjacent surface of the concrete panel, thereby saving the surface from damage during lifting.
US08172284B2
The door handle contains a positioning element, an engaging ring, and a handle member. The positioning element is flat and substantially rectangular with four rounded corners. Four notches are formed besides the four corners, respectively. The inner circumference of the engaging ring is divided equally into four arc sections, each having a J-shaped track. Along the outer circumference of the engaging ring, a curved slot where an elastic plate is embedded and a neighboring axial groove are provided. After the positioning element is fixed to a lock on a door, the engaging ring and a first cover of the handle member are sleeved over the positioning element. By twisting the first cover which in turn rotates the engaging ring, the four corners follow the J-shaped tracks and are thus locked and the elastic plate is embedded into one of the notches.
US08172279B2
A flanged member for a pipe system, and a method of manufacturing same. The flanged member has a radially projecting flange part and a pipe part. The flange part has a front end surface connects to another flange part, and a radially planar rear end surface facing the pipe part which delimits the rear end of the flange part against the pipe part, together with a radially inward extension of the rear end surface. The pipe part has a free end, adapted to be welded into the pipe system. Before final machining of the front surface of the flange part, the pipe part has an axial length such that its mass is at least 35% of the mass of the flange part so that upon welding of the free end of the pipe part, there is substantially no distortion of the rear surface of the flange part.
US08172276B1
A fitting connectable to an end portion of a pipe generally includes a housing configured for receiving at least part of the end portion of the pipe into the housing, and an insert member disposed at least partly within the housing. The insert member is configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of the pipe when at least part of the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing. A retention member is movable relative to the housing for selectively connecting the fitting to the end portion of the pipe. The retention member is movable to press at least part of the end portion of the pipe against at least part of the insert member to help secure the fitting to the end portion of the pipe when the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing.
US08172271B2
A locking clip for use with a hose coupling is provided that includes a first member and a second member that grasp and maintain a locking arm of a locking mechanism commonly used in conjunction with hose couplings.
US08172266B2
A seatbelt system for generating electrical energy. The seatbelt system includes a rewinding mechanism, an electrical generation mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a charging mechanism. A first rotational engagement unit of the rewinding mechanism is rotated by the movement of a seatbelt and in turn rotates a second rotational engagement unit. The rotation of the second rotational engagement unit causes the electrical generation mechanism to generate electrical energy. The charging mechanism may charge a battery with the generated electrical energy.
US08172263B2
An example airbag arrangement includes an airbag moveable between an expansion-constrained position and an expanded position. The airbag includes a contact face. A tether has a first tether end connected adjacent an upper portion of the contact face and a second tether end anchoring the tether. The tether holds the contact face in a substantially vertical position.
US08172255B1
A height-adjustable cart intended for use in kitchens when transferring food among ovens, stoves and countertops is herein disclosed. The cart comprises a pair of foot-release pedals located at the base of the cart, which, when depressed, vertically adjusts the top tray surface upwardly or downwardly as desired. Thus, the user is able to equalize the height between the cart and other cooking surfaces such as ovens, stoves, countertops and even serving tables. This feature allows the user to simply slide food on and off of the cart without having to pick it up or carry it. This is ideal when dealing with heavy trays of food or food that is extremely hot.
US08172253B2
A seat unit and child stroller assembly includes a stroller having a frame, a seat and a safety device connected to the frame for preventing a child seated on the seat from falling off; a seat unit including a seat frame, a connecting means and an operating means mounted on the seat frame, the connecting means comprising a first locking member for locking the seat frame into the safety device and a second locking member for locking the seat frame into any device except the stroller, the first locking member being shiftable between a locking status during which the seat unit and the safety device are interconnected, and an unlocking status during which the seat unit can be removed from the stroller; wherein, the operating means is set to control the first locking member only, making the first locking member shift from locking status to unlocking status.
US08172249B2
A tow bar protection device for a tow bar assembly having a hitch bar portion with a ball mount and mounting a bail, the hitch bar portion extending rearwardly from the vehicle to which the assembly is attached, the protection device including a resilient pouch having an opening for receiving and covering at least a part of the rearwardly extending portion of the tow bar assembly.
US08172244B2
A rear axle for a motor vehicle has two longitudinal links, each pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a cross member that connects the links to each other in the transverse vehicle direction and is coupled to each of the links in a rigid manner, and a Panhard rod extending substantially in the transverse direction that is joined on one end to a link or to the cross member, and on the other end to a joining point on the body side. The rear axle further has a longitudinal strut substantially extending in the longitudinal vehicle direction that is connected to the body at a forward end section in a rigid manner and forms the joining point for the Panhard rod on a free rear end section. The rear axle has an installation space requirement corresponding to a four-link rear axle.
US08172239B1
A shopping cart has upper, lower and intermediate frames. The frames have a front, rear, sides, two front corners and two rear corners. The lower and intermediate frames each have a rigid screen. Four upper posts couple the front corners of the upper and intermediate frames. Two rear posts couple the rear corners of the upper and intermediate frames. Two lower posts couple the rear corners of the intermediate and lower frames. Each of the posts has a midpoint with a hinge dividing each post into an upper segment and a lower segment. Each hinge is adapted to be pivoted between a linear orientation and a non-linear orientation. In the linear orientation the segments of the posts are perpendicular to the frames and the shopping cart is in an expanded orientation. In the non-linear orientation the segments the post are parallel with the frames and the shopping cart is in a contracted orientation.
US08172237B2
A vehicle suspension utilizes an active air suspension system in combination with an adaptive damping system to provide a desired ride and handling output. The active air suspension and adaptive damping system can operate independently of each other, or can work in conjunction with each other to provide the desired output.
US08172233B2
The present invention is directed to a specially configured seal system which provides a barrier to gas leakage flow between a pressurized module and its external environment. The seal includes a shroud covering which protects the sealing interface from its environment when not in use, and retracts to expose the sealing interface when mated. The seal system is constructed and arranged to mate with a seal of identical construction and arrangement or to mate with a flat surface.
US08172221B2
Apparatus for continuous singling of stacks of loose sheet material, in particular bank notes, vouchers, checks, separation cards, etc., includes a singler for singling stacks of loose sheet material and a feeding device which moves stacks of loose sheet material to be singled into a position where sheet material is grasped by the singler and transferred to a transport system, wherein the feeding device has a first, substantially single-axis moved feeding element and a second, substantially multi-axis moved feeding element. An area for receiving sheet material to be singled and which is divided into a first subarea and a second subarea is provided, wherein the first and second subareas adjoin each other and the second subarea forms an input area for inputting sheet material to be singled.
US08172217B2
A sheet material transport apparatus includes a second planetary gear engaging with a transmission gear and providing planetary motion around the transmission gear. The second planetary gear is in a second separated position not capable of engaging with a first planetary gear during forward-direction rotation. The transmission gear engages with the first planetary gear and rotates in a direction that causes a second transport roller to rotate in the forward rotation direction, and positioned to engage with the first planetary gear that is positioned in a first engaging position during reverse rotation. A load is placed on the transmission gear by the second transport roller. The transmission gear rotates in the opposite direction to the forward-direction rotation. The second planetary gear applies a force on the first planetary gear in the direction that separates the first planetary gear from the transmission gear due to rotation.
US08172209B2
A vibration damping device including: a rubber elastic body connecting first and second mounting members; a partition member supported on the second mounting member; a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber connected by a first orifice passage; an oscillating plate defining the pressure-receiving chamber; and an electromagnetic actuator for actuating the oscillating plate. The oscillating plate is constituted by a cylinder shaped hole and a piston shaped plate accommodated within the cylinder shaped hole with a gap provided therebetween. An output member of the electromagnetic actuator is linked to the piston shaped plate. A plate spring extending in an axis-perpendicular direction is disposed to an opposite side from the electromagnetic actuator with the piston shaped plate therebetween, with the oscillating plate linked to and supported in an axial direction with respect to the partition member by the plate spring.
US08172205B2
In an aerator (10) for aquariums and ponds there is an impeller (60) operated by an electric motor (20) having a first entry (246, 347) for the intake of water, a second entry (44) for the intake of air and an exit (254) where the water and air flow comes out, the impeller (60), when it is operated, sucks water from said first entry (246, 347), creates a lower pressure which sucks air from said second entry (44) and mixes said sucked air with water generating a flow which comes out from the exit (254).
US08172197B2
A fast-acting, pneumatic diaphragm valve includes a diaphragm valve closure member, a pneumatic piston that provides a closure force on the closure member, and a solenoid pilot valve that controls pressurized air to the piston to cause the piston to move in a reciprocal manner so that the closure member opens and closes the valve. The valve seat seal can be elastomer for enhancing speed, and the solenoid pilot valve can be positioned and configured with air flow longitudinally through or past the solenoid armature to enhance speed.
US08172196B2
A device for supporting a mobile calorimeter on a measuring object, especially a monitor, includes a flexible tube-shaped carrying belt (G) which is at least partially filled with a granular loading material and which is provided with a fixing member (1) for its installation on the calorimeter (MD). The supporting device may further include a pocket (T) provided with measuring and operating apertures for receiving the mobile calorimeter (MD), and the carrying belt (G) may be fastened to the pocket (T). The carrying belt (G) may be formed substantially as a closed loop and may be provided with a Velcro fastener for its lengthwise adjustment. The supporting device permits easy and comfortable positioning of the measuring apparatus on a monitor and at the same time serves as a carrying belt.
US08172195B2
A tiedown system foundation adapter system provides greater flexibility in spotting equipment on a support surface. An adapter module includes a plate assembly that drops into a slotted track system and is slid along the track system until it fits into an attachment point that restrains the plate assembly from vertical pullout and motion transverse to the track. The plate assembly is then locked into position to restrain it from further translation along the track. An equipment fitting is translatably mounted with respect to the upper surface and attaches to a complementary attachment fitting on the bottom of a piece of equipment. By locating a number of modules in desired locations along the tracks and locating the equipment fitting in each module, a piece of equipment can be oriented in virtually any position and location in the space to be furnished. A deck system for a flush floor is also provided.
US08172191B1
A laptop computer support device for conveniently supporting a laptop computer on a horizontal surface, and which device supports the computer in a preferred and optimal position for use of the keyboard. In its broadest aspects, the device is a portable, adjustable laptop computer support that also provides improved heat dissipation from the laptop computer while it is in use. The device is further advantageous in that it is does not need to be separately stowed away or carried because it basically becomes part of the laptop computer case. The device comprises a base and a stand that can be folded and secured relative to one another in a preferred operational configuration.
US08172185B2
In order to establish laminar flow on the attachment line (18) of an aerofoil body, a duct entrance (27) is provided on the leading edge of the aerofoil body for receiving spanwise boundary layer flow BLt. The exit (23) of the duct is located spanwise downstream of the duct entrance (27). The boundary layer flow BLt enters the duct (23) and is discharged downstream. The height of the duct entrance (27) above the leading edge of the aerofoil body is greater than the depth of the boundary layer BLt and thus a fresh laminar boundary layer is established on the outer surface (20) of the duct which propagates spanwise along the surface to rejoin the leading edge of the aerofoil body.
US08172182B2
Apparatus and methods described herein provide for a spillover tank to extend the fuel capacity of the main wing tank of an aircraft. The spillover tank is located in the wing of the aircraft adjacent to the main wing tank. At least one aperture exists through the shared barrier between the main wing tank and the spillover tank that allows fuel to flow passively between the tanks. A scavenge pump mechanism driven by motive flow from the main fuel pumps continuously pumps fuel from the spillover tank into the main wing tank.
US08172179B2
An aircraft wing box comprises a pair of half ribs (18, 20) joined to form a rib extending from an upper wing skin (12) to a lower wing skin (10). Each half rib (18) comprises a base (19) and a plurality of projections (4) that extend away from the base (19), the projections (4) defining a series of troughs (2a) and peaks (4a). Respective projections of one half rib (18) overlap with respective projections of the other half rib (20) thereby defining overlapping portions (3), the half ribs (18, 20) being joined in the regions of the overlapping portions (3). There may be projections (4) shaped such that the overlapping portion (3b) defined by the two projections is separated from the neutral axis N of the rib (18, 20). The half ribs may be joined in the regions of the overlapping portions (3) by means of a fixing arrangement (7) that enables the position of joining of the half ribs to be adapted during initial assembly of the half-ribs (18, 20) to accommodate relative movement of the half ribs in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of one of the half ribs. The half ribs (18, 20) may be formed by deforming extruded metal sections. During assembly, in-wing systems (32) may be inserted before joining two wing-box halves.
US08172178B2
An aircraft with an outer surface from which flows an aerodynamic stream of cold air and includes at least one hot gas outlet, characterized in that it includes at least one device (16) for generating aerodynamic disturbances so as to mix hot gas and cold air, whereby the at least one device is connected to an outer surface (10) for protection against the heat and/or close to a hot gas outlet (12).
US08172169B2
Disclosed is a media-agitation type pulverizer, which is enabled to acquire products of high quality by excellent pulverizing/dispersing actions. The media-agitation type pulverizer comprises a grinding container having a material entrance and a spherical grinding chamber, an agitating member disposed rotatably in the grinding chamber and near the inner wall of the grinding container, grinding media contained in the grinding chamber, and a centrifugal-type media-separating member rotatably disposed in the grinding chamber and in opposed relation to the agitating member.
US08172167B2
There is described a crushing plant and a method for controlling the same. The crushing plant involves a gyratory crusher (1) with means for controlling a minimum gap in a crushing chamber, and is driven by a diesel engine (18). A load value is retrieved from the diesel engine e.g. by means of a J1939 interface. If the retrieved value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the minimum gap is increased. Thereby it can be avoided that the diesel engine stalls; such that continuous operation of the crushing plant may be ensured.
US08172162B2
An improved fluidic oscillator, that operates on a pressurized liquid flowing through the oscillator to generate a liquid jet that flows into the surrounding gaseous environment to form of an oscillating spray of liquid droplets, includes: a member into which is fabricated a two-portion, flow channel, with its first portion configured so as to create the flow phenomena in the member that yields the spray's oscillating nature, and its second portion includes a splitter that is used to divide the jet into component sprays whose centerlines assume a specified yaw or pitch angle relative to the centerline of the oscillator.
US08172160B2
The invention concerns a device comprising a rotary body (1) made of a fibrous or porous material, means for rotating (3, 4) said body (1) and means for inputting liquid (10, 11) contacting said body (1), so as to subject said liquid to the dispersing action of forces at the liquid/solid interface, and to rotate the body (1) so as to subject the comminuted liquid to a centrifugal force.
US08172154B1
A detection and monitoring method and system which makes it possible to detect the presence of moisture problems when they manifest as abnormal humidity in one or more discrete ventilation zones within a building envelope. The abnormal humidity can then be investigated and resolved or mitigated to minimize the potential for building damage or adverse occupant health effects occur. The present invention provides an early warning system that will alert personnel of the occurrence of a moisture problem.
US08172136B2
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. Account data read from a user card is associated in a data store with instructions for displaying a customer interface uniquely associated with the particular bank where the user holds the account. The customer interface includes user-selectable financial transaction options. The arrangement enables the customer interface of the user's home bank, with which the user is familiar, to also be automatically displayed when the user operates automated banking machines of other banks.
US08172135B1
The present disclosure facilitates gesture-based interaction with a computer-system. The method may comprise pairing a transaction account with a likeness, receiving the likeness and a transaction request based upon the location of a marker in three dimensional space, retrieving the transaction account paired with the likeness, and approving the transaction request at least partially based upon the transaction account and the likeness.
US08172133B1
A banking transaction processing system includes customer stations and at least one server provider station. The customer stations include automated banking machines. Each automated banking machine includes a card reader that reads indicia on user cards corresponding to financial accounts. Each automated banking machine also includes a cash dispenser. Service providers at service provider stations are enabled to communicate with customers at automated banking machines to help carry out transactions. Customers at automated banking machines may also carry out banking transactions without the involvement of service providers. Pneumatic tube transport systems may be used for moving items between local service providers and customers. In some embodiments, computers operating facial image transformation software and vocal sound transformation software enable outputs at customer stations which correspond to facial images and vocal sounds that customers may find more acceptable than those produced by the actual service provider.
US08172117B2
A stabilized backpack comprises a hip suspension and a shoulder suspension. The hip suspension comprises vertical support rods pivotally attached to the hip belt and pack frame to allow motion of the wearer's hips without causing varying forces on the pack. The shoulder suspension comprises pulleys and cords attaching the shoulder straps to the pack so that the motion of the wearer's shoulders does not cause varying forces on the pack. The net effect is that a person can run with the pack, with heavy load, in rough terrain, with the pack staying relatively stable.
US08172115B1
A dispenser for hair building solids can be readily operated and aimed with one hand. A bulb that provides air for suspending the solids is located directly on top of a dispenser body. The bulb can be depressed by a single finger when the device is held in one hand. When the compressed air exits the bulb, it follows a direct straight downward pathway to the surface of the hair building solids. Air exiting the bulb passes through an air injecting orifice that is directed towards the surface of a mass of hair building solids suspending the solids within the turbulently pressurized container, which solids are then directed smoothly by the domed undersurface of the dispenser body into the straight bore of a short nozzle. The path followed by the solids is without bends thereby avoiding clogging.
US08172110B2
Containers for infusion liquids and methods for making the same are described herein. Aspects of an exemplary container include an extended hollow body, a standing bottom, collapsible side walls and a tapered shoulder region which transforms into a neck. Fold lines (BL) are provided and configured such that they cause portions of the container having the fold lines to be flattened when liquid is removed from the container without venting.
US08172108B2
A gas tank is provided which can ensure high gas barrier properties even with respect to a gas having a small molecular size, for example, a hydrogen gas. In a high-pressure gas tank comprising a resin liner inside an FRP layer, an oxide layer is formed on the inner surface of the resin liner. When a reinforcing fiber is wound around the outer surface of the resin liner by a filament winding process, air is beforehand enclosed inside the resin liner. Next, when the reinforcing fiber is thermally cured to form the FRP layer, the inner surface of the resin liner is thermally oxidized to form the oxide layer.
US08172106B2
Recycled paper pulp is processed to form a rigid paint tray base. The paint tray base is then laminated with a film, which may be fully or partially recyclable and/or biodegradable. The film prevents saturation of the pulp from the paint's moisture, which would damage the integrity of the pulp. Once the painting is completed, the film may be separated from the pulp base. The pulp base may then be discarded with wastepaper or used for compost. The film may be recycled or disposed of with other non-biodegradable waste.
US08172100B2
The present invention relates to an overhead travelling crane (2) for a nacelle (1) of a wind turbine, said travelling crane comprising at least a first suspension beam (3); a second suspension beam (4), said suspension beams being arranged with a space between them; a cross beam (5), said cross beam being movably connected to said first and second suspension beams so that the cross beam can be moved along the suspension beams; and at least one lifting device (6), said lifting device being movably connected to the cross beam. Said first and second suspension beams are parts of concentric circles, said -concentric circles sharing the same center and having different radii. The cross beam may be inclined.
US08172095B1
A tool storage and organization apparatus featuring a rotating tool carousel comprising a base to which two interconnected storage panels are attached which store and organize tools and hardware; a central axle extending through the intersection of the storage panels, the first end extends downwardly through the base and the second end extends upwardly past the storage panels; two mounting brackets for mounting to a wall; a base arm pivotally attached to each mounting bracket at the bottom end, the base arms cooperate to engage the first end of the axle; and a top arm pivotally attached to each mounting bracket at the top end, the top arms cooperate to engage the second end of the axle; wherein the tool carousel is permitted to rotate freely in a first direction or second direction either with respect to the axle or along with the axle.
US08172082B2
An apparatus includes a container defining an internal region configured to contain multiple medicament delivery devices, such as, for example, pen injectors, auto-injectors, inhalers or the like. The container includes an electronic circuit system configured to output a first electronic output associated with a first medicament delivery device contained within the internal region when the first medicament delivery device is removed from the internal region of the container. The electronic circuit system is further configured to output a second electronic output associated with a second medicament delivery device contained within the internal region when the second medicament delivery device is removed from the internal region of the container. The second electronic output is different than the first electronic output. At least one of the first electronic output or the second electronic output is associated with a use instruction.
US08172070B2
Device for separation and position alignment of metallic container closures (21), as well as for conveying the separated and position-aligned container closures (21), preferably crown corks, to a further processing machine, preferably sealing machine. It is provided that a conveying unit (2) comprises a run (2b) of an endless conveyor belt or link belt or plate belt, which conveys the container closures (21), which run is guided along a permanently magnetic or electromagnetic conveyor track configured as a magnetic bar, lying on this track at least in sections, or at a slight distance from it, and conveys the container closures (21) out of the transfer station (8).
US08172065B2
A bearing assembly (1) includes at least one bearing (3) that rotatably supports a cylindrical roller tube (2). A cushioning layer (5) is disposed, directly or indirectly, between a ring (4) of the bearing (3) and the cylindrical roller tube (2). At least one contact surface (6, 7) for the cushioning layer (5) extends over a defined axial distance (L) at an angle (α) to the rotational axis (A) of the bearing assembly (1).
US08172062B2
A device for actuating a friction clutch with automatic adjustment. An actuating movement for engaging and disengaging the clutch is transmitted to a pressing component. The adjusting device includes a sensing component that is biased in the direction of an adjusting movement and compensates for sensing play that occurs as a result of wear when the clutch is engaged, and that compensates for play that occurs when the clutch is disengaged after compensation of the sensing play in the movement transmission between the actuating component and the transmission component. When the clutch is engaged and wear is present, the sensing component moves out of contact against a spring component which, when the clutch is engaged and wear is present, comes into contact against a stop before the fully engaged state of the clutch is reached.
US08172061B2
A friction material is provided for a friction member of a torque-transmitting mechanism. The friction member has a woven carbon fiber fabric base. A coating is applied to the base to form a portion of a contact surface positioned to contact a reaction member during engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism. The coating is a mixture of a resin binder and a friction modifier. A method of forming a friction material is also provided.
US08172056B2
Disengageable pulley device comprising a pulley mounted on a shaft by means of a rolling bearing and of a freewheel, the pulley comprising a rim mounted on the periphery of a one-piece outer race of substantially tubular shape comprising, on an inner surface, at least one raceway for rolling elements and at least one contact seat of cylindrical revolution for lock-up elements of the freewheel, a one-piece inner race forming a torque transmission shaft and including, on an outer surface coming opposite the outer race, at least one raceway for the rolling elements and at least one contact seat of cylindrical revolution for the lock-up elements of the freewheel.
US08172055B2
A one-way clutch is proposed which includes an outer race having a radially inner surface in which a plurality of pockets are formed. Rollers are each received in one of the pockets. Wedge-shaped spaces are defined between respective cam surfaces of the pockets and a shaft inserted through the outer race. When the shaft rotates in one direction, the rollers are wedged into the narrow ends of the respective wedge-shaped spaces, thereby locking the clutch. When the shaft rotates in the opposite direction, the rollers move toward the wide ends of the wedge-shaped spaces, thereby unlocking the clutch. The casing includes a main body and a cylindrical member fitted in the main body and made of an elastic synthetic resin. The outer race is fitted in the cylindrical member.
US08172047B2
A brake cylinder for pneumatic vehicle brakes, especially for utility vehicles includes a spring brake section for carrying out parking brake actions by way of a brake spring, and a service brake section for carrying out pneumatic service brake actions. The spring brake section and the service brake section are combined in one housing as a structural unit. The housing is subdivided by a piston into two compartments, one compartment of the two being used as the pressure compartment for actuating the service brake section, and the brake spring of the spring section being arranged in the other compartment on the opposite end of the piston. The brake spring acts upon an additional spring piston in the compartment, which can be locked relative to the piston by a pneumatic locking mechanism and can be released therefrom by releasing the locking mechanism. The spring piston is connected to a piston rod directly or via additional elements to actuate the vehicle brake. Once the locking mechanism is released, the brake spring is effective between the two pistons and displaces them relative to each other during a parking brake action. The locking mechanism is configured as a pneumatic coupling.
US08172035B2
A water-resistant composite paper, suitable for use as a loudspeaker component, is made from a composition including hydrophobic fibers, stiffening fibers that retain stiffness when wet, and fluorocarbon. In some examples, fibrillated acrylic fibers and glass fibers are used.
US08172027B2
A vehicle protection system includes an exterior airbag system housed about a vehicle exterior. The system includes at least one first airbag, at least one second airbag, and an inflator system for inflation of the airbags. The inflation system includes at least one inflator operably communicating with the airbags. A sensor system senses impending or actual collision data. The sensor system includes at least one sensor and at least one central computer processing unit for receipt and processing of the data and for selective activation of the inflator system. Upon activation of the inflator system, the at least one first airbag is inflated. The at least one second airbag is sequentially deployable after the at least one first airbag based on measurement of system operating conditions and processing of the operating conditions by the central computer processing unit.
US08172026B2
A vehicle pedal support system includes: a pedal bracket mechanism that is disposed between body-side components and pivotably supports a vehicle pedal, the body-side components being displaced relative to each other so that a mutual distance between the body-side components in the vehicle longitudinal direction is decreased when an external force equal to or greater than a predetermined value acts on a vehicle front section; and a link mechanism that connects a hydraulic pressure conversion section to an upper-end side of the vehicle pedal in a relatively rotatable manner. When the link mechanism comes into contact with a non-deformation portion, the link mechanism is pressed toward the vehicle front section, and thereby the depression surface of the vehicle pedal is rotationally displaced about the pivot toward the front of the vehicle.
US08172009B2
In one aspect of the present invention, an expandable tool for an earth boring system comprises a mandrel with a sleeve positioned around the outer surface and a blade disposed in a slot formed in the sleeve. The sleeve is also configured to slide along the tubular body. The blade comprises an interior slide groove located on an interior surface and an exterior slide groove located on an exterior surface. A sleeve protrusion is configured to extend into the interior slide groove, while a mandrel protrusion is configured to extend into the exterior slide groove. The blade is configured to shift laterally out of the slot as the sleeve slides axially, wherein the interior and exterior slide grooves are oriented at different angles and as the sleeve slides axially along the length of the mandrel, the slide grooves lock the blade in a pre-determined position through a wedging effect.
US08172002B2
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.
US08171998B1
One or more embodiments of a selectively openable and closable downhole tool. The wherein, the downhole tool can include an outer tubular member having an annulus port formed therethrough. The downhole tool can also include an inner tubular member. The inner tubular member can include an inner port. The inner port and annulus port can be selectively aligned to form a flow path therethrough by moving the inner tubular member relative to the outer tubular member. The downhole tool can also include a logic drum configured to selectively move the inner tubular member. The downhole tool can also include a piston assembly configured to move the logic drum.
US08171997B2
A method of producing a well fluid includes securing a motor to a string of outer tubing and lowering the outer tubing and motor into the well. A rotary pump is secured to a string of inner tubing and lowered into the outer tubing. The pump stabs into cooperative engagement with the motor. Supplying power to the motor rotates the pump, causing well fluid to flow into the outer tubing to an intake of the pump, which pumps the well fluid through the inner tubing to an upper end of the well. Removing the well fluid allows gas to flow up an annulus surrounding the outer tubing to the upper end of the well.
US08171995B2
A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.
US08171991B2
Apparatus for rotationally locking the swivel of a drillstring during downhole backoff, directional drilling, and similar operations, and for continuous monitoring of the torque level in the drillstring. A first member has a collar which attaches to one side of the swivel, the collar having a main plate attached thereto and extending outwardly from the swivel. A second member is suspended from the plate, and has a set of jaws which can be closed to grip the swivel and thereby rotationally lock the swivel. A means for measuring forces between the first and second members is disposed between the first and second members, and in combination with appropriate processing and controls permits monitoring of torque on the drillstring while the drillstring is raised and lowered as desired.
US08171979B2
A method for producing a carbon nanocomposite metal material with increased carbon nanomaterial dispersibility and increased binding between carbon nanomaterial and matrix metal stock is disclosed. A preform obtained by mixing a matrix metal stock and microparticulate-coated carbon nanomaterial without the need for a dispersant and then compacting the material is maintained for a set time period at a temperature that is at or above the melting point of the matrix metal stock. In this state, the heat-treated body is reduced to a temperature that allows hot working, and a compacting treatment is performed.
US08171978B2
The pattern has a pattern material and a casting core combination. The pattern material has an airfoil. The casting core combination is at least partially embedded in the pattern material. The casting core combination comprises a metallic casting core and at least one additional casting core. The metallic casting core has opposite first and second faces. The metallic core and at least one additional casting core extend spanwise into the airfoil of the pattern material. In at least a portion of the pattern material outside the airfoil of the pattern material, the metallic casting core is bent transverse to the spanwise direction so as to at least partially surround an adjacent portion of the at least one additional casting core.
US08171966B2
A pneumatic tire according to the invention includes a cap rubber 12 as a non-conductive rubber layer and a conductive layer 13 that extends from the tread surface to the bottom surface of the cap rubber 12 through the cap rubber 12. The conductive layer 13 has a main portion 13a extending from the tread surface toward the inner periphery of the tire, and plural branch portions 13b branched from the main portion 13a and extending toward the outer periphery of the tire. At least, one of the branch portions 13b is exposed to the tread surface.
US08171957B2
A liquid distributor valve includes a compartmented base body with a cover and several outlets and one inlet. A rotatable obturator bell is inwardly arranged and has a shaft projecting through the cover and governed by an externally arranged electronic control having an independent assembly adapted to fit onto the base body. The actuation on the shaft of the obturator bell from the gearmotor of the externally arranged electronic control is carried out through a pinion driven by the shaft of the gearmotor and enmeshed with a gear wheel linked to the shaft of the obturator bell. The linking between the gear wheel and the shaft of the obturator bell is accomplished by a tubular body having an external thread matching the thread provided in the inside of the neck forming an extension of the gear wheel.
US08171952B2
A fuel vapor vent valve assembly is provided that may include a float valve and an isolation valve arranged in series with each other. Bypass openings in the valve assembly create multiple flow paths as the float valve and the isolation valve respond to changes in fuel tank pressure and fuel level. The control valve assembly may include a housing defining a chamber with a main opening configured to open the chamber to the tank, a vapor vent passage and a first bypass vent opening. A float in the chamber closes the vapor vent passage when fuel in the chamber is at or above a predetermined level. The first bypass vent opening vents the tank to the chamber even when the fuel covers the main opening. A feature on the float provides a metered opening of the vapor vent passage between closed and fully open based on float position.
US08171946B2
The invention provides probe washing cups and methods. A probe washing cup has a washing well and a waste cup. A drying section is disposed between an open end of the probe washing cup and an inlet plane of the washing well. The drying section has a channel that is aligned with the washing well. The channel has an opening for receiving the probe therethrough.
US08171929B2
A delivery device for and method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject, the delivery device comprising: at least one nosepiece unit (21) for insertion into one nasal cavity of a subject and comprising a nosepiece (25) for fitting to the respective nostril of the subject; and at least one delivery unit (23) which is operative to deliver a substance through the at least one nosepiece unit into the one nasal cavity of the subject, wherein the at least one delivery unit includes a substance supply unit (27) for delivering a substance and an actuation unit (29) which is operable to actuate the substance supply unit, either automatically or manually, in response to nasal exhalation or at least attempted nasal exhalation by the subject.
US08171923B2
In a cylinder head lubricating structure for an engine, in which a breather passage which guides, toward a cylinder head, gas including oil mist generated in a crank chamber by oil splashing means housed in the crank chamber so as to splash-oil in accordance with rotation of a crankshaft is formed in a crankcase, a cylinder block and the cylinder head to supply, toward the cylinder head, lubricating oil through the breather passage, a breather chamber with which an end portion, on the crank chamber side, of the breather passage communicates is formed in the crankcase, and a one-way valve preventing backflow of the oil toward the crank chamber is attached to the crankcase to be located between the crank chamber and the breather chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to supply a sufficient amount of oil to the cylinder head side even when the head difference between the crank chamber and the cylinder head is large.
US08171919B2
An exhaust gas recirculation valve comprises a drive, at least one rotatable drive element and at least one translationally drivable driven element. The drive element comprises a thread element that is configured to convert rotational motion of the drive element into translation of the driven element. A rotational axis of the drive element is inclined with respect to a translational axis of the driven element.
US08171918B2
An exhaust gas recirculation device (50) of an internal combustion engine (1) includes an EGR passage (51) linking an exhaust passage (6) and an intake passage (3) of the internal combustion engine, an EGR valve (54) that blocks the EGR passage when closed, an EGR catalyst (52) that is provided between a connection portion with the exhaust passage (6) in the EGR passage and an installation position of the EGR valve and that purifies an exhaust gas flowing in the EGR passage. The exhaust gas recirculation device performs exhaust gas recirculation control by which the EGR valve is opened and the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust passage is recirculated to the intake passage via the EGR passage. The EGR catalyst is arranged in the vicinity of the connection portion (55) in the EGR passage.
US08171912B2
Methods and systems are provided for addressing cylinder pre-ignition by adjusting a spray angle of fuel injected into a cylinder responsive to an indication of pre-ignition. A spray pattern of fuel injected in the cylinder is varied based on a cylinder pre-ignition count to reduce cylinder wall impingement of injected fuel while improving air-fuel mixing in the cylinder.
US08171910B2
The present invention a cylinder liner which controls gap formation at the interface between the cylinder liner and a cylinder block main body for accepting the cylinder liner therein, and serves to acquire closely contacting state and enhanced bonding strength between the cylinder liner and the cylinder block main body, and to provide a cylinder block, and further to provide a process for the preparation of the cylinder liner.A plurality of circumferential grooves 15 extending in the circumferential direction is formed from a first circumferential groove 16 having a shape of “J” of the alphabet in sectional view and extending in a circumferential direction formed on an outer surface 12 of an cast iron cylinder liner 10, and a second circumferential groove 18 having a shape of “J” of the alphabet in sectional view and linking to the first circumferential groove 16. In enclosing the cylinder liner 10 in a cylinder block main body 30 by casting, the movement of a molten aluminum alloy is depressed by the circumferential grooves 15 and therefore a residual stress generated on the solidification and shrinkage is equally dispersed whereby cracking of the cylinder block body 3 can be prevented and close contact and bonding strength at interface between the cylinder liner 10 and the cylinder block main body 30 are ensured.
US08171906B2
A valve lifter guide mountable in the engine block of an internal combustion engine, the valve lifter guide comprising at least one elongated socket defining a longitudinal axis, the at least one socket dimensioned to receive a valve lifter therein, and at least one tab projecting away from the valve lifter guide along an axis which is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one socket. The at least one tab includes a projection thereon which is dimensioned to be received in an opening provided in the engine block. The tab further defines a surface, oriented in a plane generally perpendicular to the orientation of the projection, which is capturable between the engine block and cylinder head.
US08171904B2
A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes a housing body, a vane rotor, a first plate, and a second plate. The housing body is formed integrally with a shoe at an inside periphery of the housing body, wherein the shoe projects inwardly in a radial direction of the housing body, and wherein the housing body is formed with a sealing recess at an axial end of the housing body. The vane rotor is rotatably mounted in the housing body, wherein the vane rotor includes a vane, wherein the vane and the shoe define advance and retard chambers adapted to supply and drainage of fluid. The first plate is fixedly inserted in the sealing recess of the housing body, the first plate sealing the axial end of the housing body. The second plate seals another axial end of the housing body.
US08171903B2
An intermediate lock pin (ILP) ILP type variable valve timing unit may include an ILP type stator having at least one chamber formed therein, a rotor accommodated in the chamber to rotate relatively to the ILP type stator, and a lock maintaining portion provided in the chamber to maintain locking of the stator and the rotor when an engine stops working. The ILP type continuously variable valve timing device includes an ILP type variable valve timing unit, an ILP type oil control valve mounted on a cam cap engaged with a cylinder head to operate a lock maintaining portion of the variable valve timing unit, and an ILP type oil flow path branched from a main oil flow path of the cylinder head to guide the supply of oil to the variable valve timing unit through the cam cap and the ILP type oil control valve.
US08171900B2
An exhaust valve control method may include displacing an exhaust valve in communication with the combustion chamber of an engine to an open position using a hydraulic exhaust valve actuation system and returning the exhaust valve to a closed position using the hydraulic exhaust valve actuation assembly. During closing, the exhaust valve may be displaced for a first duration from the open position to an intermediate closing position at a first velocity by operating the hydraulic exhaust valve actuation assembly in a first mode. The exhaust valve may be displaced for a second duration greater than the first duration from the intermediate closing position to a fully closed position at a second velocity at least eighty percent less than the first velocity by operating the hydraulic exhaust valve actuation assembly in a second mode.
US08171899B2
In a link type variable stroke engine in which a piston, a crankshaft and an eccentric shaft are linked by a linking mechanism, a counterweight part which is provided so that in a projection view on a plane orthogonal to an axis of a rotary shaft, a center of gravity of the counterweight part is located on an opposite side of the axis of the rotary shaft from an axis of the eccentric shaft rotates together with the rotary shaft. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress and lessen half-order inertial exciting force occurring at the eccentric shaft.
US08171897B2
A cooling structure of an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores; a cylinder head disposed on an upper portion of the cylinder block; two camshafts disposed on the cylinder head so as to be juxtaposed to each other in parallel to a crankshaft; camshaft housing chambers formed on the cylinder head to house the respective camshafts; a recessed portion provided between the camshaft housing chambers; a plug seat formed between the camshafts and in the recessed portion; a cooling air passage formed between the cylinder bores; and cooling air introduction passages communicating from the cooling air passage to the recessed portion of the cylinder head.
US08171896B2
A cooling structure of an internal combustion engine includes: a cooling water introducing port provided on one end side of a cylinder block; and a water jacket provided so as to surround a cylinder bore wall, wherein cooling water is introduced from the cooling water introducing port into the water jacket, the cooling water is branched to flow to a portion on an intake side and a portion on an exhaust side of the water jacket of the cylinder block of the internal combustion engine, and the cooling water is supplied from a cylinder block side to a cylinder head side, the cooling structure of the internal combustion engine, further comprising a first regulation portion that regulates a flow of the cooling water supplied to the cylinder head side.
US08171892B1
A restraint harness for a dog, particularly a dog of medium size and larger, including a conventional adjustable dog harness or collar and an attached control extension member. The control extension member includes a plurality of straps configured to extend to the hind end of the dog and a motion control cord that is interlaced in and between the conventional adjustable dog harness and the control extension member. The motion control cord encircles the dog's hind legs and can be tightened around the thighs with minimal force, where such tightening substantially restrains the dog without causing injury to the dog.
US08171889B2
A device to safeguard a horse in a horse carrier or trailer includes a harness (25,26) on the horse and the safety belts (28-31) affixed to the walls of the carrier (14-16) at the level of the breast of the horse. The harness is fastened around the breast and secured around the withers and ribcage so that its connecting device (44) is situated at the level of the breast of the horse. The horse is lead into the trailer or carrier and preferably tethered, before, standing in front of the horse, one affixes the harness to the safety belts.
US08171887B2
Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
US08171884B2
Method and system for feeding aquatic animals. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including submerging, at least partially, a chamber in a water reservoir, the chamber comprising a bladder comprising food for aquatic animals, periodically pumping water from the water reservoir into the chamber, exterting, by the pumping, a force on the bladder, and thereby dispensing the food into the water reservoir.
US08171882B2
An arrangement for housing and milking a large number of animals includes a resting and feeding area (11), a milking area (13) housing automatic milking stations (31) for milking the animals, and a passage way (15) interconnecting the resting and feeding area (11) and the milking area (13), and along which animals are capable of being had to walk in order to move back and fourth between the resting and feeding area (11) and the milking area (13). According to the invention, the resting and feeding area (11) includes enclosed sections (17), wherein each of the sections (17) houses a respective subgroup of the animals and has an entry/exit gate (19), through which the animals of the subgroup are capable of being forced to pass in order to move back and fourth between the section (17) and the passage way (15).
US08171876B2
The present invention provides applicators reducing generating bubble. Dispersion liquid is supplied while the pressure of a circulation tank on the delivery side is lower than the atmospheric pressure but higher than the pressure of the space in buffer tanks. The dispersion liquid in the discharge chambers is recovered while the pressure in a circulation tank serving as recovery destination is lower than the atmospheric pressure. Gas dissolution can be reduced because the dispersion liquid does not come into contact with gases at pressures higher than the atmospheric pressure and engulffing gas or deformation of solid microparticles can be avoided because no pump is used.
US08171873B2
A submarine (1) has an assembly (3) for deploying a life raft (5), the assembly (3) being located in a well (7) formed outside the submarine's pressure hull (11). The assembly includes a pressure vessel (4) for storing the life raft (5) in a pressurized state. To deploy underwater, a lid (71) covering an opening to the well (7) is released to permit the assembly (3), which is buoyant, to ascend towards the water surface. A sensor (43) determines proximity to the water surface, whereby a pneumatic ram (42) in the pressure vessel is activated to eject the life raft (5) from the pressure vessel (4).
US08171870B2
An apparatus is provided for dampening rudder vibration of a motorboat. The apparatus may include a tiller assembly rotatable about a pivot point adjacent the stern of the motorboat, the tiller assembly including a tiller arm extending in a first direction from the pivot point and configured to be rotated about the pivot point by a user, and/or a damper mounted on the tiller assembly extending in a second direction from the pivot point. The damper may be configured to rotate integrally with the tiller arm, and the damper may include a mass that is sufficient to dampen vibrations of the tiller. A method of using the apparatus for dampening rudder vibration is also disclosed.
US08171868B2
A method is provided for sewing a seat cover to provide a side panel and an inset panel with a C-shaped separable seam and inner and outer chutes for air bag deployment. The method comprises sewing the side panel and the inner chute together with permanent vertical extending and upper and lower horizontal extending seams that will not break during air bag deployment, and sewing the inset panel and the outer chute together with permanent vertical extending seams and upper and lower horizontal extending seams that will not break during air bag deployment. And thereafter sewing the side panel and the inset panel together with separable vertical extending seams and upper and lower horizontal extending seams that will break upon the air bag deployment to allow inflation of the air bag while the inner chute remains attached to the front panel and the outer chute remains attached to the side panel to guide the inflating air bag.
US08171867B2
The present invention provides an improved method and computer program product for quilting and embroidering fabric. The method comprises securing a quilt sandwich of top layer fabric, batting and backing fabric in an embroidery hoop and attaching said embroidery hoop to an embroidery machine. The user retrieves a digitized embroidery file that is fed into the embroidery machine. The digitized file instructs the embroidery machine to stitch the quilt layers together according to a predetermined stippling pattern and to stitch an outline for an appliqué. After an appliqué fabric is placed over the outline, the digitized file sews a tackdown stitch, after which appliqué enhancements or additional layers of appliqué may also be stitched. The quilt is then removed from the embroidery hoop and the appliqué and quilt are trimmed.
US08171866B2
A safe of the swing and slide type has a closing stile which has a landing surface for the safe door and a pocket for housing the closing edge of the door. That edge is outwardly turned to prevent the insertion of a pry bar between the door and the hook of the closing stile. The pocket has a ramp face which guides the closing edge of the door during the slide open and slide closed phases. In different variants, a ramp face is provided on the door also; a second ramp face is provided on the hook of the closing stile; a door seat is incorporated into ramp.
US08171864B2
A series of doors, locks, walls and signage present a vestibule room or safety enclosure for use in controlling access into a secured space. Exterior signage regarding weapon detection equipment and the appearance of a mantrap enclosure is used to dissuade visitors from bringing weapons into the secured area. A person within the safety enclosure may always exit through the exterior door and thus avoid harm in the event of a natural disaster.
US08171859B2
A magnetic levitation vehicle has at least one magnetic arrangement (27). The magnetic arrangement (27) contains a plurality of magnetic poles (27a . . . 27n) which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel and comprise windings (33) associated therewith. The magnetic levitation vehicle is also provided with a circuit for supplying the windings (33) with a direct current, said circuit containing switches for selectively switching the magnetic arrangement between a guiding function and/or a braking function.
US08171858B2
The networked guideway transit system uses materials and methods of constructing guideway elements. The materials and methods are designed to reduce the static weight, cost and physical size of the guideway structure. Installation cost is also significantly reduced by the modular nature of the guideway components, which can be manufactured in a controlled factory environment using mass production methods. As a result, the supporting structure of the guideway can be quickly erected and the modular blocks inserted with simple equipment. In addition, complex alignment procedures are not required. In particular, the guideway component includes motor coils having the shapes and configurations that facilitate the easy insertion of the guideway component without the need for interleaving coils in adjacent guideway components and without creating dead spots in the magnetic fields between guideway components.
US08171853B2
A projectile for delivering an incapacitating agent through a barrier includes a canister containing the agent and having a closure. The canister is retained in a holder to which is fixed a sleeve formed of a plurality of axial fingers configured to spread radially outward upon impact with the barrier. A ballistic body, configured to penetrate the barrier and having a dispersion port, is connected to the holder forward of the canister so as to be axially movable from a forward position to a rearward position upon impact with the barrier, the ballistic body including a closure-breaching member located so as to breach the closure as the ballistic body moves rearward, thereby placing the canister in fluid communication with the dispersion port. The fingers spread radially against the surface of the barrier opposite the dispersion port so as to lodge the projectile in the barrier.
US08171850B2
A weapon conditionally activates a cartridge. The cartridge has a projectile and a first mechanical feature. The weapon includes an activator and a station. The activator includes a second mechanical feature. The station positions the cartridge so that the first feature opposes the second feature. On condition that the first feature does not mechanically interfere with the second feature, the activator activates the cartridge to launch the projectile from the cartridge. On condition that the first feature mechanically interferes with the second feature resulting in an excess head space, the activator is inhibited by the excess head space from activating the cartridge.
US08171849B2
Shotshells are provided which are loaded with at least two different shot charges, at least one of said charges being comprised of shot pellets with short-range shape(s) and at least another of said charges being comprised of shot pellets with long-range shape(s). Said shotshells are thereby capable of producing shotgun patterns that are suitable for both short-range and long-range shooting.
US08171842B2
A piston includes a crown portion generally defining an axis and having a skirt connecting portion. The skirt connecting portion is defined, at least in part, by a first crown mating portion, a second crown mating portion positioned radially from the first crown mating portion, and a crown chamber surface extending between the first crown mating portion and the second crown mating portion. The piston also includes a skirt having a crown connecting portion. The crown connecting portion is defined, at least in part, by a first skirt mating portion, a second skirt mating portion, and a skirt chamber surface extending between the first skirt mating portion and the second skirt mating portion. The first crown mating portion is selectively coupled to the first skirt mating portion. The second crown mating portion is selectively coupled to the second skirt mating portion to define a piston chamber that is defined, at least in part, by the crown chamber surface and the skirt chamber surface.
US08171838B2
A method and work tool for inserting predetermined breaking points in a ring-shaped holding- and sealing band of a sabot cage projectile with an impact sabot cage are provided, wherein the band is arranged on a partial area of a receptacle device segmented through at least two longitudinal slits. The receptacle device connects the propelling element to the guiding cage of the impact sabot cage, and the guiding cage is segmented through at least two longitudinal slits. After mounting the band on the receptacle device, but before installation of the guiding cage in the area of the holding- and sealing band covering the longitudinal slits of the receptacle device, notch-shaped predetermined breaking points are inserted in the holding- and sealing band from inside of the band with the aid of a work tool, wherein longitudinal slits of the receptacle device are used for lateral guiding of the work tool.
US08171837B2
It is intended to provide a pressure container which can prevent dispersion of a hazardous substance or the like to the exterior and ensure a high level of safety with a simple structure. To achieve this object, a pressure container (10) comprises an outer vessel (30) and an inner vessel (40) which receives an impact load produced at the time of blasting disposal operation. The inner vessel (40) is disposed inside the outer vessel (30). The inner vessel (40) has a pressure relieving part (50) which can discharge part of high-pressure gas produced in the inner vessel (40) at the time of the blasting disposal operation into a gap formed between the inner vessel (40) and the outer vessel (30).
US08171836B2
An outer cover layer, for a panel that defines a rupturable deployment door of an air bag deployment system in an automotive vehicle, is formed with an invisible pre-weakened tear seam prior to being overlaid onto the panel. The outer cover layer material is pre-weakened along a defined door opening pattern by a single step impression of a variable depth scoring knife into the under surface of cover layer material. The scoring knife contains a series of cutting edges of varying depth and length along its length that coincides with the seam pattern. The scoring may be performed during the conveyance of the cover layer material by making a single impression of the scoring knife into the lower surface thereof so that the maximum cut depth does not penetrate the outer surface of the material.
US08171835B2
[Object] An apparatus for chamfering fold formation tape ends is provided which not only facilitates setting of a workpiece tape but also simultaneously carries out cutting of the tape so as to form acute-angled ends and chamfering of the side faces of the tape ends to perform end processing at two positions at a time.[Means for Solving the Problems] The apparatus for chamfering fold formation tape ends includes: a positioning stopper 48 for restricting the position of one end of a workpiece tape on a platform 2; a vertically-movable engagement rod 10 for applying an arresting force onto the workpiece tape from above while one end of the workpiece tape being received by the positioning stopper 48; a pair of form cutters 21 arranged opposite to each other with an engagement needle 11 provided at the leading end of the engagement rod 10 positioned intermediate therebetween and aligned in an axial direction of the workpiece tape, for obliquely cutting into the workpiece tape from above so as to form acute-angled ends and chamfering the workpiece tape; a driving means 30 for advancing and retracting the pair of cutters 21 in conjunction with a vertical movement of the engagement rod 10; and a control lever 41 for operating the driving means 30.
US08171825B1
The present improved magnetic coil tattooing machine incorporates an armature assembly comprising an actuator appendage. The actuator appendage facilitates the actuation of an interrupter switch assembly that is remotely located in relation to the armature assembly. As a result of the described improvements it is now possible to adjust the activation timing of the interrupter switch assembly. An additional and unexpected advantage is a smooth homogenous operation of the interrupter switch assembly rendering the known tuning procedure of prior art obsolete.
US08171824B2
An apparatus comprises a changeover mechanism which is able to change a connection state to any one of three states, i.e., “an IN-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission input shaft and the electric motor output shaft, “an OUT-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission output shaft and the electric motor output shaft, and “a neutral connection state” in which no transmission path therebetween is provided. At a timing (time t1) at which a both-neutral-state is required during the vehicle is running, both “an operation for a changeover of the state-of-connecting of the clutch mechanism (C/T 30) from a connection-state to a shut-off-state” and “an operation for a changeover of said connection state of the changeover mechanism 50 from either one of the IN-Connection State and the OUT-Connection State to the non-connection state” are simultaneously started.
US08171822B2
The reducer contains a lubricant inside, which is at least partly flowable during the operation, the inside of the reducer being tightly sealed from the outside. The reducer includes a communicating part that communicates the inside and the outside of the reducer. The communicating part is blocked with a blocking member that has oil repellency, air permeability, and non-permeability to oil.
US08171820B2
A biometric steering wheel, may include sensing members that are disposed along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel and exposed to the outside on a surface of the steering wheel, in at least two sectors of the steering wheel, wherein the sensing members have electric conductivity.
US08171817B2
A control shaft assembly for a manual transmission may include a control shaft that is reciprocated in a rectilinear direction and is rotated by a shift lever, a control finger unit that is mounted on one side of the control shaft and moves together with the control shaft and prevents dual engagement of gears while shifting, a guide body that is spaced apart from the control finger unit to be mounted on the control shaft and that guides shift positions of the control shaft, and a shift position detecting unit that is disposed between the other side of the control shaft and a transmission case and that detects shift positions while shifting up and down.
US08171814B2
A transmission system and method for operating the transmission system, where the transmission system includes a selector assembly arranged to select between gear ratios instantaneously without substantial power interruption. The selector assembly includes first and second sets of engagement members and an actuator system. The actuator system may have a first actuator member for moving the first set of engagement members, a second actuator member for moving the second set of engagement members, a first actuator device for actuating the first actuator member and a second actuator device for actuating the second actuator member independently of the first actuator device.
US08171807B2
An iso-kinetic probe for the analysis of the pollution of the gases generated by an aircraft engine is disclosed. The probe includes an air tapping tube having an upstream end inserted into a conduit wherein a gas stream flows and a gas stream inlet velocity adjustment device provided at an orifice of the tapping tube. The tube has a downstream end mounted in a fixed manner on a base. The base has an outer diameter mounted in an inner diameter d of a passage bushing. The inner diameter d of the passage bushing being sufficiently great so that the upstream end of the tube is suitable to fit through the inner diameter of the passage bushing. The probe also includes a measurement chamber having an end connected to the base.
US08171799B2
The invention concerns a pressure sensor (5), particularly for a depth gauge (1), capable of having a high level of precision, owing to sufficient elastic deflection amplitude of the diaphragm (or membrane), while avoiding any risk of plastic deformation. The diaphragm (12) is formed by a flat metal disc. The peripheral region (13) thereof is neither welded nor inset, but it is pre-stressed against a stop strip (25) with a closed, preferably circular contour, and can pivot on the stop strip (25) when the diaphragm bends under the effect of fluid pressure in the pressure chamber (10). The pre-stressing may be achieved via a sealing gasket (21) located opposite the stop strip (25). Between said strip and a central aperture (15), a concave stop surface (20) limits the deflection of the diaphragm (12) and prevents any plastic deformation in the event of excessive pressure. Manufacture of the diaphragm is simple, with a high level of reproducibility, assembly is easy and the seal quality is high.
US08171797B2
Disclosed is a method for assessing deterioration in a gearbox. Data is obtained from an operating gearbox regarding harmonic frequencies and their related sidebands generated as a consequence of the gearbox operation. In a first embodiment, a Sideband Energy Ratio (SER) is calculated by dividing the amplitude of the sum of sideband signals associated with a harmonic to the amplitude of the harmonic. In a second embodiment, a SER is calculated based on sideband amplitudes associated with adjacent harmonics. The ratio may be monitored over time or compared to one or more values to provide an indication of deterioration.
US08171793B2
Systems and methods sense out-of-plane linear accelerations. In an exemplary embodiment, the out-of plane linear accelerometer is accelerated in an out-of-plane direction, wherein the acceleration generates a rotational torque to an unbalanced proof mass. A rebalancing force is applied to at least one plurality of interleaved rotor comb tines and stator comb tines, wherein the rebalancing force opposes the rotational torque, wherein the rotor comb tines are disposed at an end of the unbalanced proof mass, and wherein the stator comb tines are disposed on a stator adjacent to the end of the unbalanced proof mass. An amount of acceleration is then determined based upon the applied rebalancing force.
US08171789B2
Provided is a dynamic balancing apparatus using a simple harmonic angular motion, including a rotational shaft on which a rotational body having an unbalanced mass is installed; a simple angular motion generator for periodically vibrating the rotational shaft; a support for supporting both sides of the rotational shaft; an angular vibration measuring sensor for measuring the simple harmonic angular motion of the rotational shaft; and force or vibration transducers for measuring applied force acting on or vibration transferred to the support by means of the simple harmonic motion of the unbalance mass.
US08171788B2
The invention relates to a device and method for measuring atmospheric pressure and processing atmospheric-pressure information. The invention is based on the idea that the atmospheric pressure is measured at several moments in time, the atmospheric-pressure data is stored in a memory and, and the measured atmospheric-pressure data is displayed on a display unit with the aid of special atmospheric-pressure indicators (12) using a graph, one axis of which corresponds to time and the other axis to atmospheric pressure. In addition, a reference indicator (14), which comprises at least one sloping line, is arranged on the display unit. According to the invention, the atmospheric-pressure indicators are scaled in such a way that a temporal change in atmospheric pressure of the magnitude of a specific predefined constant causes the consecutive atmospheric-pressure indicators (12) to be set in the graph parallel to the said sloping line.
US08171777B2
Methods, storage mediums, and systems for correlating pulses generated from multiple interrogation regions in a flow cytometer to particular particles flowing through the flow cytometer are provided. Embodiments of the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations for calibrating a flow cytometer using a calibration particle having a unique signature to determine a time-of-flight for particles flowing through the flow cytometer. Based on the calculated time-of-flight and relative positions of interrogation regions corresponding to collectors of the flow cytometer, the methods, storage mediums, and systems may further include configurations for associating other signal pulses to particles of one or more different particle sets.
US08171776B2
A torque measuring device for determining properties such as viscosity, shearing force or concentration in liquids or suspensions. The device comprises two elastically connected concentric axles in the form of one external hollow axle through which an inner measuring axle extends, and an element responsive to the measured medium located on a distal end of the measuring axle. The axles are individually propelled by electrical motors. The motors are operated such that the axles rotate at generally constant speed and, simultaneously, the phase between the two are controlled irrespective of applied speed and torque. The torque is measured through the degree of load of the motor propelling the inner axle, which is provided as an output signal.
US08171775B2
A system for measuring the permeance of a material. The permeability of the material may also be derived. The system provides a liquid or high concentration fluid bath on one side of a material test sample, and a gas flow across the opposing side of the material test sample. The mass flow rate of permeated fluid as a fraction of the combined mass flow rate of gas and permeated fluid is used to calculate the permeance of the material. The material test sample may be a sheet, a tube, or a solid shape. Operational test conditions may be varied, including concentration of the fluid, temperature of the fluid, strain profile of the material test sample, and differential pressure across the material test sample.
US08171755B2
A knit fabric comprising a knit base containing at least one thread of a material, said thread changing its electrical resistance under the influence of moisture, is provided with an incorporated moisture sensor that comprises at least two spaced apart electrically conductive electrodes. Rows or columns of stitches of the knit base are located between the electrodes. Each of the electrodes contains at least one electrically conductive thread that is knit together with the knit base and that is in electrical connection with electrical connecting means (16) that are accessible from the outside.
US08171748B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner including a front opening and closing panel with a structure wherein a sink is difficult to occur in a design surface. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention, the indoor unit of the air conditioner being a wall-hung type indoor unit, including a main body having a front frame of a main body and a back frame of a main body, a front opening and closing panel 1 that is mounted on the front frame of the main body in a freely openable and closable manner, an arm 25 that is provided on a rear surface of the front opening and closing panel 1 and held in a freely rotating manner at the front frame of the main body, a lug 26 that is provided on the rear surface of the front opening and closing panel 1 and latched to the front frame of the main body with the front opening and closing panel 1 being in a closed state, a base, whereon the arm 25 or the lug 26 is disposed upright, that is provided on the rear surface of the front opening and closing panel 1 in a manner spaced apart from the front opening and closing panel, and a thin-walled leg that links the front opening and closing panel 1 with the base.
US08171737B2
A combustor assembly for a turbine engine includes a cap assembly which gradually increases the volume of compressed air provided to the combustor assembly, and which slows the compressed air in a controlled manner before delivering the compressed air into a combustor area. The cap assembly includes inner and outer sleeves which are mounted in a concentric fashion. The annular space formed between the inner and outer sleeves gradually increases from an aft end to a forward end. A stepped portion is formed on the inner sleeve of the cap assembly, and this stepped portion is joined to a corresponding combustor liner.
US08171734B2
A unitary swirler is disclosed, comprising a body having a swirler axis, and a plurality of vanes arranged in a circumferential direction around the swirler axis, wherein the swirler has a unitary construction. In one embodiment, the unitary swirler has a rim located coaxially with the swirler axis, and a wall extending between a portion of the rim and a portion of the hub. In another embodiment, the unitary swirler has an adaptor having a passage that is configured to direct a flow of air towards at least some of the plurality of vanes.
US08171730B2
An external combustion engine provided with a pipe-shaped main container with a heating portion and a cooling portion, an output part converting displacement of the liquid part of said working fluid generated due to the change in volume of said working fluid accompanying generation and condensation of said steam to mechanical energy for output, a venturi provided at a communicating part of the main container and an auxiliary container, a communicating member forming a communicating passage bypassing the venturi and communicating the main container and the auxiliary container, and a shutting means for closing the communicating passage at the time of normal operation and opening the communicating passage at the time of startup, wherein at the time of startup, the pressure loss at the communicating passage becomes smaller than a saturated steam pressure at the temperature of the heating portion.
US08171726B2
One embodiment is a method including a unique soot loading metric. The method includes treating exhaust with a soot filter, sensing information including a pressure differential of the soot filter, a temperature of the soot filter, an ambient pressure, an air flow, and a fuel flow, evaluating the information to determine a value, and commanding a regeneration of the soot filter based upon the evaluating. The evaluating the information to determine the value accounts for a first contribution to the pressure differential attributable to laminar flow wall friction and a second contribution to the pressure differential attributable to turbulent flow. Another embodiment is a system including a unique soot loading metric. The system includes an exhaust aftertreatment subsystem including a soot filter, a controller operable to receive information of a pressure differential of the soot filter, a temperature of the soot filter, an ambient pressure, an air flow, and a fuel flow, to evaluate the information to produce a value, the value accounting for a laminar flow contribution to the pressure differential and a turbulent flow contribution to the pressure differential, and to command regeneration of the soot filter based upon the value.
US08171722B2
A fluid delivery system for supplying fluid to an exhaust stream of a power source is disclosed. The fluid delivery system includes a supply manifold and a plurality of supply exit orifices fluidly linked to the supply manifold to allow the fluid to exit the manifold to the exhaust stream.
US08171708B2
A stripper plate for use with a corn head row unit includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is substantially flat such that the lateral surface of the front portion is parallel to the ground surface. The rear portion is integrally formed with the first portion and is beveled downward toward the ground surface. The interface between the front portion and the rear portion may be a gradually beveled area wherein the downward slope of the stripper plate increases along its length from the front thereof to the rear thereof.
US08171705B2
There is provided a method for filling a multilayer bottle including outermost and innermost layers and at least one barrier layer interposed between the outermost and innermost layers, with a material to be stored therein. In the filling method, the material to be stored is filled in the multilayer bottle having the barrier layer satisfying a specific glass transition point (Tg) and a specific water content as measured by a Carl-Fisher method at 230° C. for 30 min. The multilayer bottle obtained by the filling method of the present invention hardly undergoes delamination between the layers owing to dropping or impact, and is applicable to a filling method such as hot filling.
US08171701B2
Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers. After the conveying, a moveable element in a bottom end of each container is activated substantially permanently to remove the vacuum in the container.
US08171700B2
A hollow metal door using hollow structural sections with closed cross section, along with the method for making same, is described herein.
US08171691B1
The floor member is a laminated structure of flexible compressible cork sheet material and flexible plastic sheet material in the form of a floor tile or a floor plank. The cork sheet material and plastic sheet material are offset, from each other and have respective predetermined thicknesses to enable the floor member to be bendable to facilitate assembly of a plurality of the floor members into a floor covering. The compressible cork sheet material provides sound and heat insulation and the flexible plastic sheet material is yieldable to surface irregularities of a floor base. The cork sheet material is sandwiched between two layers of clear plastic material to provide a distinct sight of the structural presence and thickness of the cork sheet at an edge of the floor member.
US08171684B2
A glass wall configured to be used as a wall or partition wall includes at least two insulating glazing units. Each glazing unit includes at least two sheets of glass spaced apart by an air gap and assembled by at least one substantially flat insert that is secured by one of its faces to the edge faces of the sheets of glass. The glazing units are secured together by a securing mechanism that collaborates with the inserts placed facing each of the glazing units.
US08171676B2
A nuclear power plant building includes a building body portion and a roof covering over the building body portion. The building body portion is formed in a rectangular shape in plane cross section by four outer walls. The roof is of a shell construction. In addition, corner walls each to bridge between the adjacent outer walls or to bridge between the roof and the outer wall are provided at angle portions of the body portion of the building.
US08171671B2
The invention relates to an access lock for cyclically permitting people to pass through. The access lock has at least two locking elements (12, 14), with each of the locking elements (12, 14) being movable, independently of the respective other locking element (14, 12), on a closed path between a locked position which locks the passage at a locking point and an open position which opens the passage.
US08171665B2
Portable firearms having identification marks and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example firearm includes a first identification number visibly located on the firearm; and a second, hidden or disguised identification number associated with the first identification number to facilitate identifying the firearm if the first identification number is destroyed, changed, or damaged.
US08171659B2
An apparatus and associated method of soil working is provided for performing one or more of soil fracture, soil excavation and soil treatment. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a source of pressurized gas; supplying a source of fluidized material; positioning a nozzle adjacent the soil; directing a stream of the pressurized gas through the nozzle at the soil being worked; and entraining a stream of fluidized material in the gas stream prior to the stream reaching the soil.
US08171652B2
Device and method for lyophilizing a substance within the device and storing therein the lyophilized substance. The device defines a chamber for receiving therein the substance to be lyophilized, a penetrable and resealable portion of the device is penetrable or pierceable by a needle for filling the device with the substance, and a resulting hole therein is resealable by transmitting radiation from a radiation source thereon. A filter is connectable in fluid communication between an interior and exterior of the chamber for permitting fluid to flow therethrough in a direction from the interior to the exterior of the chamber, and for substantially preventing contaminants from flowing therethrough in a direction from the exterior to the interior of the chamber.
US08171649B2
A laser device, including a cradle with a laser unit exiting from this, the cradle being connected to a base element, relative to which the cradle can be adjusted in terms of inclination by at least one actuating drive. In order to achieve a secure mounting of the cradle for the laser unit with simple structural means, while at the same time eliminating any play between the mutually tilting parts, it is proposed that the cradle be connected to the base element, first, by a solid joint, and secondly by two adjusting drives, wherein the adjusting drives are arranged with respect to the solid joint so that the lines of connection between lengthwise axis of the solid joint and the adjusting drives subtend a right angle.
US08171642B2
A method for manufacturing a mobile platform component that may involve attaching only a single rail to the mobile platform component, and positioning a carriage system having a main carriage and a secondary carriage on the rail. The main carriage may be positioned along a first axis of movement on the rail. The secondary carriage may be positioned along a second axis of movement perpendicular to the first axis of movement on the main carriage. The main carriage may be releasably secured to the secondary carriage, and the carriage system may be releasably secured to the mobile platform component.
US08171632B2
In the manufacture of integrally designed rotor wheels (BLISKs), the natural frequency of each blade is measured after forming by conventional shaping methods and the respective blade mass and its divergence from the smallest blade mass is calculated therefrom. The mass of each blade exceeding the smallest blade mass is removed by means of an etchant, so that all blades have essentially corresponding thickness, chord length, mass and natural frequency and are evenly loaded in operation. BLISKs manufactured in this way feature a long service life.
US08171627B2
A process of forming an electronic device including forming a first ultraviolet (“UV”) blocking layer over a conductive feature, wherein the first UV blocking layer lies within 90 nm of the conductive structure; forming a first insulating layer over the first UV blocking layer; and patterning the first insulating layer and the first UV blocking layer to form a first opening extending to the conductive feature, wherein during the process, the first UV blocking layer is exposed to UV radiation.
US08171625B1
Compact ASIC, chip-on-board, flip-chip, interposer, and related packaging techniques are incorporated to minimize the footprint of optoelectronic interconnect devices, including the Optical Data Pipe. In addition, ruggedized packaging techniques are incorporated to increase the durability and application space for optoelectronic interconnect devices, including an Optical Data Pipe.
US08171620B2
A component supplying apparatus and a reel can be easily and integrally managed when not supplying components, and the component supplying apparatus can be made to be compact when the component supplying apparatus and the reel are not integrally managed. The component supplying apparatus (50) has an apparatus main body section (53), provided with a feeding apparatus (52) for pulling out a tape (TP), which holds components at fixed intervals, from a reel (80) toward a prescribed component supplying position, and a main body frame (500) on which the feeding apparatus (52) is mounted. The component supplying apparatus (50) is removably mounted on a surface mounting machine (10). The component supplying apparatus (50) is provided with an engaging section (100) as reel holder, which is mounted on the apparatus main body section (53) and is displaced between a holding position where the reel (80) is held and a storing position where the reel (80) is not held.
US08171617B2
A method of making a ceramic waveguide delay line includes the step of providing several slices or slabs of dielectric material, each including a layer of metal material applied to respective opposed side surfaces thereof. The slices are then fired in an oven to fuse the layers of metal material to the slices. The slices are then stacked together to form a core which is then dried and subsequently fired. An area of metal material is applied to the outer surface of the core. The core is subsequently dried and fired in an oven.
US08171604B2
A structure of steel cable fastener is provided for eliminating a returning force caused by twisting stress induced in a steel cable when the steel cable is stretched and fixed by the fastener, which induces a stress due to fixing of a fixing end of the steel cable. Such a returning force makes the operation and adjustment of mounting a locking cap to the steel cable difficult and also induces damage and wear of a fixing end of the steel cable due to twisting stress induced in the steel cable. The structure of the steel cable fastener includes a bearing retainer that carries a bearing device and arranged inside the locking cap to secure an end of the steel cable and a resilient element arranged between the bearing retainer and the locking cap for relief of twisting stress induced in the steel cable through the rotation of the bearing device.
US08171597B2
A wiper motor has an output shaft that outputs a to-and-fro rotation to swing a wiper pivotally. A transmission mechanism transmits the rotational force from the motor body. A clutch mechanism lets the transmission mechanism run idle not to transmit the rotational force from the transmission mechanism to the output shaft when the output shaft is subjected to a torque larger than an engagement releasing torque. The engagement releasing torque is specified to a value larger than a maximum wiping torque to which the torque applied by the wiper onto the output shaft is estimated to reach during a normal wiping operation of the wiper.
US08171596B2
An application roller for applying liquid or semi-liquid substances on surfaces comprises a frame having a shaft including a handle thereon for grasping by a user and a cross axle oriented at a right angle to the shaft. A cylinder having first and second ends rotatably mounted on the cross axle defines an outer surface having a first portion of an attachment system thereon. A cover wrap dimensioned to circumferentially encompass the cylinder has a liquid absorbent outer surface and an inner surface including a second portion of the attachment system. The first and second portions of the attachment system cooperate to permit selective removal and reattachment of the cover wrap on the cylinder.
US08171591B2
The brushhead includes a brushhead member which includes a bristle field, the brushhead member being adapted for cleaning teeth as part of a power toothbrush, wherein the brushhead in operation moves in a reciprocating action. In one embodiment the brushhead includes a rim member which extends around at least a substantial portion of the brushhead, the rim member extending around the entire bristle field and having an upper edge which is lower than the top of the bristles. The rim member has a different flexibility than the bristles so that the movement of the rim member and the bristles is out of phase during operation of the toothbrush, which results in fluid from the bristles being directed toward the teeth during operation of the toothbrush.
US08171589B2
Individually formed footwear such as shoes and insoles for correcting the feet position and alleviate related problems. The shoe or insole includes at least one layer made of thermoplastic material, which material is advantageously chosen from a group of ABS, PVC, A-PET and PETG. A method for providing such footwear to a client at a retail store is likewise presented.
US08171588B2
A patient bed including a deck, supported by a base, and a patient support supported by the deck. The patient support includes a pneumatic device and at least one pressure sensor located within the patient support.
US08171587B1
A swivel lift grab bar includes an angled support member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a support device and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angled support member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled support member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled support member may be braked.
US08171578B2
There is provided a water discharge system. A water discharge system includes a water discharge portion; a sensor unit which acquires movement information about an object based on a radiated electric wave, and outputs a detecting signal; and a control unit which controls water discharge of the water discharge portion based on the detecting signal. When it is detected that the object is decelerated to a first threshold velocity or less, the control unit controls the water discharge portion to start the water discharge.
US08171572B2
A protective goggle assembly includes a protective goggle having two side straps, each side strap comprising a free end and a first surface attachment region adjacent to the free end on at least one surface of each side strap; and a strap assembly that encircles the user's head, on each side of the strap assembly a second surface attachment region is provided that is configured to engage the first surface attachment region of the side straps. The strap assembly includes a base band with opposite free ends and an elastic ring. The free ends of the base band are connected to the elastic ring to form a complete encircling band. The second surface attachment region is carried on two locations of the base band. The complete encircling band is configured to fit around a soldier's helmet and the elastic ring being configured to fit over and around a night vision goggle mount at a front of the helmet.
US08171569B2
The invention concerns multiaxial fabrics comprising a first layer comprising a plurality of first yarns being substantially parallel in a first direction, a second layer comprising a plurality of second yarns being substantially parallel in a second direction and skew or off-set with respect to the first yarns, transverse yarn interlaced transversely within the layers; wherein each layer is coated with a high viscosity polymer that has a Tg in the range of about −40 to about 0° C., and a zero shear viscosity of about 2×106 to about 1013 poise at 20° C.
