US08212189B2
A temperature control interface for a stove top is provided. The temperature control interface includes a numerical temperature setting to which a temperature of an object heated on the stovetop will be regulated. A method of cooking on a stovetop is provided in which a recipe includes a numerical temperature to which a cookware object should be regulated during cooking.
US08212184B2
Operation of complex integrated circuits at low temperatures may be enhanced by providing active heating elements within the integrated circuit so as to raise the temperature of at least critical circuit portions at respective operational phases, such as upon power-up. Consequently, enhanced cold temperature performance may be obtained on the basis of existing process elements in order to provide design stability without requiring extensive circuit simulation or redesign of well-established circuit architectures.
US08212183B2
This invention relates to the use of system thermal energy generated by equipment, such as an ultrasound sensing device, to transfer heat to the peripherals/sensors/probes under user control. This is accomplished by recycling the heat generated by the system and used that to keep the peripheral/sensor/probe warm.
US08212172B2
The invention relates to a vapor plasma burner (6) comprising a burner handle (6a) and a burner base (6b). Inside the burner base (6b), a liquid feed pipe (32), a heating device (26), a burner chamber (27), a cathode (22), connected to a cathode support (28), and an anode (24) which is configured as a nozzle (23) and has an exit opening (25) are arranged. The invention also relates to a cathode (22) and to a nozzle (23) for such a vapor plasma burner (6). The aim of the invention is to provide a vapor plasma burner (6) that can be optimally ignited and the wearing parts of which can be easily removed. For this purpose, the cathode support (28) is configured together with the cathode (22) as an axially displaceable piston and is connected to a spring element (30) in such a manner that the cathode (22), in the rest position, is forced against the nozzle (23) and that the cathode support (28) communicates with the liquid feed line (32) in such a manner that during operation, the cathode (22) is lifted off the nozzle (23) when water is supplied so that an electric arc can be ignited between the cathode (22) and the anode (24).
US08212169B2
A light guide key plate includes a light guide plate (1). The light guide plate (1) has a plate body (11) with a plurality of keyholes (12). The plate body (11) is formed with flow passages (13) at one side thereof for communicating with the adjacent keyholes (12). The plate body (11) is also formed with overflow grooves (14) at one side thereof with the flow passages (13), and the overflow grooves (14) are extend inwardly from the edge of the plate body (11) and are communicated with the keyholes (12).
US08212166B2
A switch assembly includes a panel defining a receiving portion. The receiving portion includes two opposite first sidewalls, two opposite second sidewalls, and a bottom wall connected between the first sidewalls. A switch member is attached to the panel. An actuating member is accommodated in and engaged with the second sidewalls of the receiving portion. The actuating member includes a pressing plate. Two guiding walls extend from two opposite first sides of the pressing plate, and two elastic hooks protruding from two opposite second sides of the pressing plate. A spring member is disposed between the pressing plate of the actuating member and the bottom wall of the receiving portion, to provide resilient force to expose the actuating member outside of the panel.
US08212152B2
An electronic device has a multilayer capacitor and a circuit board on which the capacitor is mounted. The capacitor is formed in a nearly rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a first terminal electrode and a second terminal electrode arranged at respective ends thereof. On the circuit board there are a first land to which the first terminal electrode of the capacitor is fixed and a second land to which the second terminal electrode is fixed. The circuit board has a slit formed so as to open on the second land side and surround the first land, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a principal surface of the circuit board. An imaginary straight line connecting one end and the other end of the slit intersects with the capacitor when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the circuit board.
US08212146B1
A cover panel is described that plugs into unused electrical outlets and camouflages or conceals the receptacle and faceplate and creates a safety barrier to the electrical components of an unused electrical outlet is described. Embodiments of the cover panel include a solid panel front surface of non-conductive molded material with a paintable surface on the outside and posts adapted to fit into the orifices of an electrical socket on the inside. The cover panel fits over the outlet's faceplate and is “plugged” into the socket, requiring no tools to install or remove. Embodiments of the cover panel have a paintable surface which can be painted to match or complement nearby walls camouflaging unused outlets. The painted cover panel serves as a physical barrier to the electrical outlet, and makes the electrical outlet less conspicuous. Embodiments include cover panels containing recycled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
US08212143B2
A thin film solar cell including a substrate, a first conductive layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, a second conductive layer and a passivation layer is provided. The first conductive layer disposed on the substrate has a plurality of first openings, so as to divide the first conductive layer into bottom electrodes of a plurality of photovoltaic elements. The photoelectric conversion layer disposed on the first conductive layer has a plurality of second openings. The second conductive layer is disposed on the photoelectric conversion layer and electrically connected to the first conductive layer through the second openings. The passivation layer is disposed on the sidewall of the photoelectric conversion layer, so that the second conductive layer in the second openings is electrically isolated from the photoelectric conversion layer. A manufacturing method of the thin film solar cell is also provided.
US08212142B2
A self-contained conveyable power unit for producing 12V/24V, 110V AC, and 220V AC electricity at a desired location independent of external power sources integrates within one weather-resistant molded nonmetallic material based housing a power generating device of a selectable combination of a renewable energy type and power storage devices. Additional optional power generating devices, renewable or of traditional fuel type, can be contained within or coupled to the housing. The system and housing are modular and configured to produce power using any combination of renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Given its molded composite material construction and scaleable design, the appliance may be readily fabricated in a variety of sizes for varied applications. Further, the molded housing of composite material construction is designed for resistance to the elements, light weight and strength.
US08212127B1
A novel maize variety designated PH12KP and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH12KP with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH12KP through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH12KP or a locus conversion of PH12KP with another maize variety.
US08212122B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016268. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016268. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016268 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016268 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08212121B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016115. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016115. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016115 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016115 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08212120B2
A soybean cultivar designated S080194 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080194, to the plants of soybean S080194, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080194, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080194 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S080194, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080194, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S080194 with another soybean cultivar.
US08212110B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for killing or suppressing growth of Gram-negative bacteria that infect, infest or cause disease in plants, including pathogenic, saprophytic and opportunistic microbes that cause disease in plants and food borne illness in people or in animal feed.
US08212106B2
The present invention features a non-human animal model that is susceptible to infection by human hepatotrophic pathogens, particularly human hepatitis C virus (HCV). The model is based on a non-human, immunocompromised transgenic animal having a human-mouse chimeric liver, where the transgene provides for expression of a urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the liver. The invention also features methods for identifying candidate therapeutic agents, e.g., agents having antiviral activity against HCV infection. The animals of the invention are also useful in assessing toxicity of various agents, as well as the activity of agents in decreasing blood lipids.
US08212104B2
Methods for producing peripheral nerve injury in sheep are provided. The sheep model provides a model of persistent neuropathic pain in humans. Methods for drug delivery are provided. Also provided is a method for screening potentially therapeutic agent for the treatment of persistent neuropathic pain. Also provided are the methods for measuring the changes produced by neuropathic pain.
US08212099B2
The present invention is directed to processes using a borosilicate ZSM-48 as a catalyst for the selective hydroconversion of heavy normal paraffins into lighter normal paraffin products, with minimal formation of isoparaffins. The borosilicate ZSM-48 molecular sieve has a mole ratio of between 40 and 400 of silicon oxide to boron oxide, synthesized using novel structure directing agents.
US08212097B2
A process for alkylating aromatic compounds using a family of zeolites, examples of which have been designated UZM-5, UZM-5P and UZM-6, and are represented by the empirical formula: Mmn+Cgh+Rrp+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M is an alkali or alkaline earth metal, E is an optional framework element, C organic nitrogen containing cation template, and R is an organic cation crystallization template. The zeolites have at least two x-ray diffraction peaks, one at a d-spacing of 3.9±0.12 Å and one at a d-spacing 8.6±0.20 Å; a tetragonal unit cell; and a micropore volume ranging from about 0.10 cc/g to about 0.18 cc/g.
US08212080B2
A method of producing xylylenediamine by the hydrogenation of dicyanobenzene obtained by the ammoxidation of xylene in a high yield while prolonging the catalyst life. In the method, a molten dicyanobenzene from which compounds having a boiling point lower than that of dicyanobenzene have been removed but compounds having a boiling point higher than that of dicyanobenzene are not removed is dissolved in a solvent containing liquid ammonia. By this dissolution, at least part of dicyanobenzene polymers precipitates as insolubles. The precipitates are removed by a solid-liquid separation. By subjecting the resulting solution containing the dicyanobenzene polymers in a reduced amount to hydrogenation, xylylenediamine is produced in a high yield and the life time of hydrogenation catalyst is prolonged.
US08212078B2
This invention provides aromatic diimines where the diimines have imino groups with at least two carbon atoms, and either are in the form of one benzene ring having two imino groups on the ring, which imino groups are meta or para relative to each other, and in which each position ortho to an imino group bears a hydrocarbyl group, or are in the form of two benzene rings connected by an alkylene bridge and having one imino group on each ring, and in which each position ortho to an imino group bears a hydrocarbyl group. This invention also provides aromatic secondary diamines where the diamines have amino hydrocarbyl groups with at least two carbon atoms, and either are in the form of one benzene ring having two amino groups on the ring, which amino groups are meta or para relative to each other, and in which each position ortho to an amino group bears a hydrocarbyl group, or are in the form of two benzene rings connected by an alkylene bridge and having one amino group on each ring, and in which each position ortho to an amino group bears a hydrocarbyl group. Also provided are processes for forming diimines and secondary diamines from primary diamines, including the aromatic diimines and aromatic secondary diamines of the invention.
US08212072B2
The present invention provides a new enantioselective method of preparing (S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, commonly known as pregabalin. The invention also provides new chiral intermediates useful in the production of pregabalin.
US08212068B2
A compound represented by the following formula (I′) wherein X1 is a methylene group, an ethylene group, a trimethylene group or a vinylene group, X2 is a divalent group represented by the following formula A or B, Y is an ethylene group or a vinylene group, m and n are each an integer of 0 to 7, which satisfy m+n=0 to 8, R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, provided that when X1 is a methylene group, then X2 is not a divalent group represented by the formula A, and when X1 is a vinylene group, then X2 is not a divalent group represented by the formula A. The compound is a stable capsinoid derivative, and is useful as an active ingredient of an external blood circulation enhancer or a cosmetic composition, a pharmaceutical composition, or a food composition.
US08212067B2
An increase in the differential pressure in the distillation tower for the recovery of (meth)acrylonitrile is suppressed, and a stable and efficient operation is performed over a long time. A method for recovering (meth)acrylonitrile from a mixture containing (meth)acrylonitrile, acetonitrile and unsaturated compounds, in which the mixture is introduced into a distillation tower, distillation is performed under the conditions that the overhead liquid of the distillation tower contains (meth)acrylonitrile, acetonitrile is drawn out from the bottom and/or a side stream of the distillation tower, and a liquid containing the unsaturated compounds is drawn out from a site higher in position than the position of drawing acetonitrile.
US08212066B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing diaryl carbonates, which is to synthesize diaryl carbonates by oxidative carbonylation of phenols with carbon monoxide and oxygen, and in particular, to synthesize diphenyl carbonate from phenol. The present invention is characterized in that a catalytic system comprising a metal halide catalyst and one or more cocatalysts of nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds is used to increase the convertibility, selectivity and yield of this catalytic reaction.
US08212064B2
An oligomer of the formula (I): CnF2n+1(CH2)x[(CF2CF2)y(CH2CH2)z]mG (I) wherein G is an I; OH; OC(O)CH═CH2; OC(O)CCH3═CH2; OC(O)CCl═CH2; NR1H; N3; NCO; SQ wherein Q is H, alkyl, (CH2)nOH, (CH2)nNH2, (CH2)nOC(O)C(Me)=CH2, or (CH2)nNHC(O)C(Me)=CH2; SCN; COOH; SO3H; NHCOCH═CH2; NHCOC(CH3)═CH2); OC(O)NHCH2CH2OC(O)C(CH3)═CH2; or OC(O)NHCH2CH2OC(O)C(CH3)═CH2; subscript n is an integer from 1 to about 6, subscript x is an integer from 1 to about 6, subscripts y, z and m are each independently 1, 2 or 3, or a mixture thereof, the total number of carbons in said formula (I) excluding G ranges from about 8 to about 22, and a process for preparation thereof.
US08212058B2
The present invention relates to a endothelin receptor antagonist conjugate of the formula (I) wherein R2 is an alkoxy group and one of R1 and R3 represents an alkoxy group and the other represents a group of the formula: (OCH2CH2)n—NH—X, wherein n is an integer of 1 to 100 and X represents a fluorescent dye and tautomers thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a diagnostic composition comprising the compounds of the invention. The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds of the invention for the preparation of a diagnostic composition for the diagnosis of cancer, the evaluation of cancer biology and/or monitoring of anticancer therapy. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to kits comprising the compounds of the invention.
US08212057B2
The present invention relates to novel substituted pyrrole compounds, their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their polymorphs, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions containing them. This invention particularly relates to novel substituted pyrrole compounds of the general formula (I), their analogs, their derivatives, their polymorphs, their tautomeric forms, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and their pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The invention also relates to the process for preparing such compounds, a composition containing such a compound and the use of such a compound and composition in medicine. The compounds lower triglyceride levels in blood and may be useful in the treatment of obesity, hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesteremia, syndrome X and diabetes.
US08212055B2
A method of making chlorins comprises the steps of reacting (e.g. condensing) a dipyrrin western half intermediate with an eastern half intermediate to form a tetrahydrobilene, and then cyclizing the tetrahydrobilene to form a chlorin. Intermediates including tetrahydrobilenes useful in such reactions are also described.
US08212054B2
The present invention relates to crystalline complexes of pendimethalin and metazachlor. It also relates to agriculturally useful compositions of the complexes.
US08212053B2
There is provided a preparation process in which a N—H group of a heteroaromatic ring compound having a N—H group in its ring is converted directly to a N—Rf group at a high reaction efficiency without using a catalyst. The preparation process is a process for preparing a compound comprising a heteroaromatic ring structure having a N—Rf group (—Rf is a fluorine-containing organic group) in its ring and is characterized in that the heteroaromatic ring compound having a N—H group in its ring is allowed to react with fluoroalkene in the absence of an alkali metal.
US08212041B2
Selected compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as HGF mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes.
US08212040B2
Compounds of Formula (IA) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein for Formula (IA), or a tautomer, prodrug, solvate, or salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods of modulating the glucocorticoid receptor function and methods of treating disease-states or conditions mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor function or characterized by inflammatory, allergic, or proliferative processes in a patient using these compounds.
US08212038B2
A method for inhibiting hatching of an ectoparasite egg, the method comprising exposing the ectoparasite egg to at least one metal chelating agent and/or metalloprotease inhibitor, wherein the metal chelating agent is a compound comprising at least two heteroatoms able to simultaneously coordinate with a metal ion, at least one of the two heteroatoms being selected from nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen and phosphorus, wherein the compound comprises at least one carbocyclic ring substituted with at least one heteroatom and/or with a substituent containing at least one heteroatom, or the compound comprises at least one heterocyclic ring containing at least one heteroatom, wherein said heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with at least one heteroatom and/or with a substituent containing at least one heteroatom is provided. Methods of treating ectoparasite infestations and compositions for use in such methods are also provided.
US08212035B2
The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing (E)-7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]pyrimidin-5-yl](3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoic acid calcium of Formula (I).
US08212034B2
The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing (2E)-3-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-iso-propyl-2-(N-methyl-N-methylsulfonylamino)pyrimidin-5-yl]-propenal of Formula I which is an intermediate useful in the preparation of bis[(E)-7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]pyrimidin-5-yl](3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoicacid]calcium salt of Formula II.
US08212033B2
Quinazoline derivatives of the following formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, X, and Z are defined herein. It also discloses a method of treating an angiogenesis-related disorder with one of these compounds.
US08212031B2
The invention provides compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The formula I compounds inhibit protein kinase activity thereby making them useful as anticancer agents.
US08212027B1
Converting cyclic amines to lactams using gold supported catalysts.
US08212025B2
An improved process for preparing 11-cyclopropyl-5,11-dihydro-4-methyl-6H-dipyrido[3,2-b:2′,3′-e][1,4]diazepin-6-one of Formula (I).
US08212018B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods related to variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs).
US08212015B2
The invention is directed to modified guanine-containing nucleosides and nucleotides and uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to modified fluorescently labelled guanine-containing nucleosides and nucleotides which exhibit enhanced fluorophore intensity by virtue of reduced quenching effects.
US08212005B2
A modified isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence encoding a photocatalytic unit of a photosynthetic organism being capable of covalent attachment to a solid surface and having a photocatalytic activity when attached thereto is disclosed.
US08211999B2
The present invention relates to immunotherapeutic methods, and molecules and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides, that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions which stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. In particular, the present invention relates to 49 novel peptide sequences derived from HLA class II molecules of human tumor cell lines which can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.
US08211996B2
A method for the synthesis of well-defined rod-coil block copolymers consisting of P3HT donor and C60 acceptor chromophores (P3HT-b-P(SxAy)-C60) in a molecular architecture is reported for use in bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. In thin films of the resulting block copolymer, reproducible self-assembly into well-defined “nanofibrils” is observed. This is the first example of a block copolymer containing a C60 derivative that shows exclusively a nanofibrilar structure. A substantial improvement in device performance is achieved when the block copolymer is used as a “surfactant” for controlling the interface morphology of the P3HT:PCBM donor-acceptor phase domains within the composite.
US08211994B2
A compound having the formula. Each R is methyl or phenyl; R2 comprises one or more of silane, siloxane, and aromatic groups; n is a nonnegative integer; and m is 1 or 2. The dashed bond is a single bond and the double dashed bond is a double bond, or the dashed bond is a double bond and the double dashed bond is a triple bond. A polymer made by a hydrosilation reaction of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane having pendant siloxane groups with an acetylene- and silicon-containing compound having at least two vinyl or ethynyl groups, and a crosslinked polymer thereof. The reaction occurs between the pendant siloxane groups and the vinyl or ethynyl groups.
US08211991B1
Polymeric compounds and related methods and apparatus, as can be used in a wide range of RNA and DNA separations.
US08211986B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a polylactic acid block copolymer having high molecular weight, and in lower cost, wherein only a stereo-complex crystal is capable of growing, even when heat melting process is repeated. The present invention relates to a method for producing a polylactic acid block copolymer characterized in that (i) ring-opening polymerization of D-lactide (D component) is carried out in the presence of poly-L-lactic acid (L component), or (ii) ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide (L component) is carried out in the presence of poly-D-lactic acid (D component), and mass ratio of the D component and the L component is the D component/the L component=60/40 to 91/9, or the L component/the D component=60/40 to 91/9.
US08211973B2
In a process for the production of a silicone in water emulsion in which a polysiloxane fluid, at least one surfactant and water are continuously fed to a high shear mixer in such proportions as to form a viscous oil in water emulsion which is continuously withdrawn from the mixer. The polysiloxane fluid may be a non-reactive fluid or may have reactive groups capable of taking part in a chain extension reaction. A desired emulsion particle size can be maintained by monitoring the pressure in the supply line at the inlet to the high shear mixer.
US08211965B2
Silicon nitride coated crucibles for holding melted semiconductor material and for use in preparing multicrystalline silicon ingots by a directional solidification process; methods for coating crucibles; methods for preparing silicon ingots and wafers; compositions for coating crucibles and silicon ingots and wafers with a low oxygen content.
US08211960B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing a crumb rubber modified asphalt comprising the steps of:a) heating a pre-selected quantity of asphalt to a temperature of between about 325° F. to 550° F.;b) adding crumb rubber and a mineral acid to the heated asphalt with stirring; andc) blowing air through the asphalt, crumb rubber and mineral acid mixture.
US08211956B2
The invention relates to an adhesion-promoter composition for the adhesive joining of metallic or ceramic dental materials to radically curing dental materials, wherein the adhesion-promoter composition contains an alkoxysilane monomer (i), a phosphoric acid ester monomer (ii), a sulphur-containing monomer (iii) and an organic solvent (iv).
US08211954B2
Radiation-curable compounds, processes for the preparation thereof, the use thereof and coating materials comprising them and having high scratch resistance, which compounds are polyurethanes comprising allophanate groups and obtained by reaction of di- or polyisocyanates and at least two different compounds, each having at least one group reactive toward isocyanate and at least one unsaturated group capable of free radical polymerization.
US08211952B2
A foamed composition adapted to seal to a substrate is provided. The foamed composition includes a radiation curable rubber, a photoinitiator, a blowing agent, a styrene-ethylene/butylene block copolymer, a light mineral oil, rheology modifier, a tackifier, and one of a radiation curable monomer and radiation curable oligomer, and wherein the composition is foamed upon application to the substrate.
US08211947B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating and preventing musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases of unknown etiology, such as different forms of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, comprising a combination of therapeutic agents that improve the processes of blood circulation and angiogenesis in the affected tissues, as well as other supporting therapies. Among the components of herein proposed pharmaceutical composition, are: vitamin K, polyunsaturated fatty acids (blood thinner), and niacin (vasodilator and hypolipidemic agent).
US08211943B2
The present invention provides novel methods for treating a pulmonary disease state in mammals by up or down regulating indigenous in vivo levels of an inflammatory agent in mammalian cells comprising contacting the mammalian cells with a therapeutically effective amount of an inflammatory regulator, wherein the inflammatory agent is selected from the group consisting of cytokines, transforming growth factor-β, elastase, and white blood cells, and wherein the inflammatory regulator is selected from the group consisting of pyruvates and pyruvate precursors.
US08211942B2
Compositions and methods to inhibit dry eye as well as other conditions are provided.
US08211941B2
One of the major disabling symptoms of gastroparesis is nausea and vomiting which can be difficult to control with currently available treatments. It is postulated that signaling of gastrointestinal causes of nausea starts with activation of vagal afferent nerves that trigger the central emetic pathway. Most vagal afferent nerves are unmyelinated C-fibers, many of which express the vanilloid receptor TRPV1 and respond to capsaicin. Resiniferatoxin is a very potent capsaicin analogue that has a much more favorable ratio of desensitization to excitation than capsaicin leading to more effective desensitization without irritation. The present invention describes methods of alleviating acute or chronic nausea, vomiting by the administration of resiniferatoxin.
US08211939B2
The present invention relates to new 3-substituted 6-nitrooxy-hexahydrofuro[3,2-b]furane derivatives possessing a superior pharmacological activity in thrombosis and in coronary ischemia models.
US08211933B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds which are useful as as inhibitors of glycine type 1 transporter (GlyT1) activity; synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating disorders associated with glycine type 1 transporter (GlyT1) activity using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US08211932B2
The present application describes organic compounds of the Formula I that are useful for the treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of human diseases.
US08211927B2
The present invention relates to isoxazole-3-carboxamide derivative having the general Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, as well as to the use of said isoxazole-3-carboxamide derivatives for the treatment of TRPV1 mediated disorders, such as acute and chronic pain disorders, acute and chronic neuropathic pain, acute and chronic inflammatory pain, respiratory diseases, and lower urinary tract disorders.
US08211919B2
This invention relates to novel amide derivatives and salts thereof. More particularly, it relates to novel amide derivatives and salts thereof which act as a ROCK inhibitor, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same and to a method of using the same therapeutically in the treatment and/or prevention of ROCK-related disease.
US08211918B2
This invention provides compounds of formula I where the dashed line represents an optional double bond; where R1 is phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazyl, furyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, or isothiazolyl, optionally substituted, and other substituents are defined herein. Such compounds are potassium channel modulators.
US08211917B2
Disclosed are methods of treating anxiety by administering to a patient in need of such treatment a compound having the following formula (I).
US08211912B2
The present invention relates to methods for decreasing cellular DNA repair in a target patient; decreasing cellular NAD+ biosynthesis in a target patient; increasing efficiency of radiation therapy in a target patient; modulating nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase activity in a patient; or sensitizing a patient to a DNA damaging therapy. The invention relates to methods for treating a patient who received a toxic dose of an nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase inhibitor. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a physiologically acceptable carrier; an effective amount of a NMPRT inhibitor; and nicotinic acid. The invention also relates to methods for treating a patient diagnosed with or suspected to have a cancer deficient in nicotinic acid pathway.
US08211903B2
Pyrimido isoquinoline derivatives represented by formula (I): wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R7, R8, R9, R10, and are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the compounds of formula (I) and their use in therapeutics.
US08211899B2
The present invention provides artificial universal base capable of base pairing nonspecifically with any of four kinds of natural nucleic acid bases (A, T, G, and C) without the function to specifically recognize pairing natural nucleic acid bases for base pair formation.Universal base capable of base paring nonspecifically with four kinds of natural nucleic acid bases, wherein the universal base has a structure represented by the following chemical formula: wherein R represents a monovalent group other than a hydrogen atom.
US08211887B2
Disclosed herein is a preparation for topically delivering and localizing therapeutic agents, comprising: a vasoconstrictor for retarding vascular dispersion of a therapeutic agent; and a penetration enhancer for facilitating penetration of the vasoconstrictor and the therapeutic agent through a patient's skin. Further disclosed is an associated method of topically delivering and localizing therapeutic agents, comprising the steps of: using a vasoconstrictor for retarding vascular dispersion of a therapeutic agent; in combination with using a penetration enhancer for facilitating penetration of the vasoconstrictor and the therapeutic agent through a patient's skin. Also disclosed are various courses of treatment, which comprise applying the various disclosed combinations of agents to the patient's skin.
US08211870B2
A pharmaceutical composition that can be used in the treatment of wounds, comprising at least a sulfated polysaccharide and wherein the polysaccharide/s are in the form of solids as powder, flakes or sheets obtained through a lyophylization process. Particularly, this invention relates to the use of one or more sulfated polysaccharides, as solids in the form of sheets obtained by lyophylization, in the healing of wounds in humans and animals.
US08211867B2
Provided herein are methods for the treatment of liver cancer. These methods encompass the administration of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is targeted to a miRNA. Also provided herein are compositions for the treatment of liver cancer. Such compositions include compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is targeted to a miRNA. Certain miRNAs have been identified as overexpressed in liver cancer, such as, for example, hepatocellular carcinoma, and are thus selected for targeting by modified oligonucleotides. Further, certain miRNAs have been identified as overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells exposed to dioxin, and are thus selected for targeting by modified oligonucleotides. Antisense inhibition of certain of these miRNAs has been found to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis.
US08211863B2
This invention relates to methods for treating or preventing hepatitis C virus infections in mammals using Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)7 ligands and prodrugs thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to methods of orally administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more prodrugs of TLR7 ligands for the treatment or prevention of hepatitis C viral infection. Oral administration of these TLR7 immunomodulating ligands and prodrugs thereof to a mammal provides therapeutically effective amounts and reduced undesirable side effects.
US08211861B2
Compositions comprising the compound of formula are provided herein. Also provided are methods of enhancing an immune response of a subject to an antigen by administering the antigen and the composition. The enhanced immune response may be an humoral immune response, a CD4+ T cell response, a CD8+ T cell response or result in activation of antigen presenting cells. Methods of enhancing the immune response by intramuscular administration of an antigen and the composition including the compound of formula I are also provided.
US08211852B2
Soluble molecules are provided. Thus, for example, provided is a soluble molecule which comprises a heterologous amino acid sequence conjugated to a CCR5 amino acid sequence being capable of binding a CCR5 ligand, and wherein the molecule is devoid of an N-terminus domain of CCR5. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions which comprise the above molecules and methods and uses of same.
US08211839B2
The invention relates to an extreme pressure additive composition with excellent corrosion resistance properties for use in grease, as well as a lubricating grease composition containing the additive. The additive composition is based on (a) approximately equal amounts by mass of antimony diamyldithiocarbamate and zinc diamyldithiocarbamate, and (b) thiadiazole dimer poly(ether)glycol complex; at (a):(b) mass ratio of about 1.6:1 to about 9.6:1.
US08211838B2
The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricant composition comprising a water-miscible silicone material having a silicone emulsion wherein the silicone emulsion contains less than 500 ppm of a triethanolamine salts of alkyl benzene sulfonic acid compounds.
US08211836B2
The productivity of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing calcareous or siliceous formations is enhanced by contacting the formation with a well treatment composition which contains a hydrofluoric acid source, a boron containing compound and a phosphonate acid, ester or salt thereof.
US08211831B2
This invention relates to a method to use synergistic composition made of a herbicidally effective amount of a propanil-based product, such as Super Wham® (propanil) and the at least one ACCase inhibitor herbicide such as Clincher® (cyhalofop) in an amount sufficient to facilitate the herbicidal activity of the propanil-based herbicide. It has been found that this synergistic composition, when applied to a field of rice, allows a reduction in the amount of herbicide needed, greater flexibility in timing of the application and broad spectrum of weed control.
US08211823B2
A selective hydrogenation catalyst, with alumina as carrier, and palladium as active component that distributed on the surface of the carrier in an egg-shell form, characterized in that: provided that the catalyst is weighed 100%, it comprises 0.2-0.5 wt % active component Pd, 2-8 wt % aids lanthanum and/or cerium, and 2-8 wt % alkaline earth metal. The specific surface area of the catalyst is 70-150 m2/g, the pore volume is 0.3-0.6 ml/g, and the crystal form of the carrier may be θ form or θ, α mixed form mainly composed of θ form. The catalyst is suitable for the selective hydrogenation of medium or low distillate oil, especially for the first stage selective hydrogenation of pyrolysis gasoline. The catalyst has good hydrogenation performance, and can keep good hydrogenation activity and stability especially under the condition that the feed contains a small quantity of water, and the content of colloid, arsenic, and diolefin is higher.
US08211817B2
Fused silica glass having an internal transmittance of UV with 245 nm wavelength, being at least 95% at 10 mm thickness, a OH content of not larger than 5 ppm, and a content of Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca and Cu each being smaller than 0.1 ppm. Preferably the glass has a viscosity coefficient at 1215° C. of at least 1011.5 Pa·s; and a Cu ion diffusion coefficient of not larger than 1×10−10 cm2/sec in a depth range of greater than 20 μm up to 100 μm, from the surface, when leaving to stand at 1050° C. in air for 24 hours. The glass is made by cristobalitizing powdery silica raw material; then, fusing the cristobalitized silica material in a non-reducing atmosphere. The glass exhibits a high transmittance of ultraviolet, visible and infrared rays, has high purity and heat resistance, and exhibits a reduced diffusion rate of metal impurities, therefore, it is suitable for various optical goods, semiconductor-production apparatus members, and liquid crystal display production apparatus members.
US08211816B2
A cover glass, containing, by mole percentage: 15 to 40% of P2O5; 15 to 30% of Al2O3; 0 to 15% of SiO2; 0 to 20% of B2O3; 0 to 10% of Li2O; 0 to less than 20% of Na2O; 0 to less than 20% of K2O, provided that Li2O+Na2O+K2O is in a range from 15 to less than 20%; and from 1 to 35% of MgO+CaO+SrO+ZnO. The cover glass being suitable for at least one selected from the group consisting of a solid-state imaging element package and an air-tight sealing of a resin package, and having a sufficient strength not to undergo breakage even when subjected to external force.
US08211805B2
The invention provides a method for forming a via. A first dielectric layer is formed on a substrate. A conductive structure is formed in the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed on the first dielectric layer and conductive structure. A first etching step is performed by using a first etching mixture to form a first via in the second dielectric layer. A second etching step is performed by using a second etching mixture to form a second via under the first via. The second via exposes at least a top surface of the conductive structure. An etching rate of the second etching step is slower than the first etching step.
US08211800B2
According to certain embodiments, Ru is removed from the surface of a semiconductor structure by contact with a cleaning solution comprising one or more selected from permanganate ion, orthoperiodic ion and hypochlorous ion, such that Ru is removed from surfaces of the semiconductor substrate where the presence of Ru is undesirable. In some embodiments, a semiconductor structure is formed or provided having at least one metalized layer formed over an underlying layering or semiconductor substrate. The metalized layer contains a dielectric material with one or more metal wires of copper-containing material formed in a trench and/or via in the dielectric material. A cap layer having Ru is formed on the surface of the copper-containing material forming the one or more metal wires. The semiconductor structure is contacted with the cleaning solution comprising one or more selected from permanganate ion, orthoperiodic ion and hypochlorous ion to remove a portion of the Ru present in the semiconductor structure.
US08211799B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for depositing tungsten-containing materials. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a tungsten nucleation layer over an underlayer disposed on the substrate while sequentially providing a tungsten precursor and a reducing gas into a process chamber during an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process and depositing a tungsten bulk layer over the tungsten nucleation layer, wherein the reducing gas contains hydrogen gas and a hydride compound (e.g., diborane) and has a hydrogen/hydride flow rate ratio of about 500:1 or greater. In some examples, the method includes flowing the hydrogen gas into the process chamber at a flow rate within a range from about 1 slm to about 20 slm and flowing a mixture of the hydride compound and a carrier gas into the process chamber at a flow rate within a range from about 50 sccm to about 500 sccm.
US08211795B2
A new technique is disclosed in which a barrier/cap layer for a copper based metal line is formed by using a thermal-chemical treatment based on hydrogen with a surface modification on the basis of a silicon-containing precursor followed by an in situ plasma based deposition of silicon based dielectric barrier material. The thermal-chemical cleaning process is performed in the absence of any plasma ambient.
US08211782B2
A first patterned contact layer, for example a gate electrode, is formed over an insulative substrate. Insulating and functional layers are formed at least over the first patterned contact layer. A second patterned contact layer, for example source/drain electrodes, is formed over the functional layer. Insulative material is then selectively deposited over at least a portion of the second patterned contact layer to form first and second wall structures such that at least a portion of the second patterned contact layer is exposed, the first and second wall structures defining a well therebetween. Electrically conductive or semiconductive material is deposited within the well, for example by jet-printing, such that the first and second wall structures confine the conductive or semiconductive material and prevent spreading and electrical shorting to adjacent devices. The conductive or semiconductive material is in electrical contact with the exposed portion of the second patterned contact layer to form, e.g., an operative transistor.
US08211781B2
A manufacturing method for semiconductor devices having a metal support is provided. The method in one aspect includes growing a semiconductor film on a growth substrate; forming a metal support on a surface of said semiconductor film opposite to the growth substrate; thereafter removing said growth substrate from said semiconductor film; forming a street groove reaching said metal support in the said semiconductor film; radiating a first laser beam onto said metal support to form a first dividing groove having a substantially flat bottom in said metal support; and radiating a second laser beam onto said metal support to form a second dividing groove that penetrates through a portion of said metal support that remains where the first dividing groove is formed.
US08211777B2
A semiconductor substrate having a main surface, first and second floating gates formed spaced apart from each other on the main surface of the semiconductor substrate, first and second control gates respectively located on the first and second floating gates, a first insulation film formed on the first control gate, a second insulation film formed on the second control gate to contact the first insulation film, and a gap portion formed at least between the first floating gate and the second floating gate by achieving contact between the first insulation film and the second insulation film are included. With this, a function of a nonvolatile semiconductor device can be ensured and a variation in a threshold voltage of a floating gate can be suppressed.
US08211770B2
A transistor structure optimizes current along the A-face of a silicon carbide body to form an AMOSFET that minimizes the JFET effect in the drift region during forward conduction in the on-state. The AMOSFET further shows high voltage blocking ability due to the addition of a highly doped well region that protects the gate corner region in a trench-gated device. The AMOSFET uses the A-face conduction along a trench sidewall in addition to a buried channel layer extending across portions of the semiconductor mesas defining the trench. A doped well extends from at least one of the mesas to a depth within the current spreading layer that is greater than the depth of the trench. A current spreading layer extends between the semiconductor mesas beneath the bottom of the trench to reduce junction resistance in the on-state. A buffer layer between the trench and the deep well further provides protection from field crowding at the trench corner.
US08211769B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of active regions that are separated from each other by a plurality of trenches, respectively, wherein the trenches are formed by etching a substrate, forming an insulation layer having openings that each expose a portion of a first sidewall of each active region, forming a filling layer which fills the openings, forming a diffusion control layer over a substrate structure including the filling layer, and forming a junction on a portion of the first sidewall of each active region.
US08211764B2
A semiconductor device having a common source structure and method of manufacturing the same are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: forming a plurality of gate lines on a semiconductor substrate, each constituted by a floating gate, a dielectric layer, and a control gate having a line form; forming a first dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate including the gate line; forming a trench having the line form in the first dielectric layer, wherein the trench exposes the semiconductor substrate between the gate lines; and forming a common source in the trench. According to an embodiment, the common source is implemented as a poly line in the trench. Therefore, etching the substrate to provide a trench for a common source can be excluded. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit the common source from being opened due to a remaining material in a trench, and reduce damage to the semiconductor substrate.
US08211758B2
It is an object to provide an SGT production method capable of obtaining a structure for reducing a resistance of a gate, a desired gate length, desired source and drain configurations and a desired diameter of a pillar-shaped semiconductor. The object is achieved by a semiconductor device production method which comprises the steps of: forming a pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer; forming a second-conductive-type semiconductor layer underneath the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer; forming a gate dielectric film and a gate electrode around the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer; forming a sidewall-shaped dielectric film on an upper region of a sidewall of the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer and in contact with a top of the gate; forming a sidewall-shaped dielectric film on a sidewall of the gate; and forming a second-conductive-type semiconductor layer in an upper portion of the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer and on the second-conductive-type semiconductor layer formed underneath the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer.
US08211747B2
This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for an IC package including first and a second discrete components fabricated into a semiconductor substrate. The first and second discrete components can be adjacent to one another in the semiconductor substrate, and an integrated circuit die can be mounted on the semiconductor substrate and coupled to the first and second discrete components.
US08211744B2
Provided are methods of forming a nano structure and method of forming a solar cell using the same. The method of forming the nano structure includes: preparing a template; ionizing a surface of the template; forming an oxide layer enclosing the template on the surface of the template; and removing the template.
US08211742B2
A lateral phase change memory includes a pair of electrodes separated by an insulating layer. The first electrode is formed in an opening in an insulating layer and is cup-shaped. The first electrode is covered by the insulating layer which is, in turn, covered by the second electrode. As a result, the spacing between the electrodes may be very precisely controlled and limited to very small dimensions. The electrodes are advantageously formed of the same material, prior to formation of the phase change material region.
US08211740B2
To arrange diffusion-inhibitory films 5a, 5b, and 5c for inhibiting the diffusion of a wiring material absent in a region on or above a light receiving unit 2, the diffusion-inhibitory films 5a, 5b, and 5c formed on a region above the light receiving unit 2 are selectively removed. Alternatively, the diffusion-inhibitory films are arranged only on top surfaces of wirings 4a, 4b, and 4c, and only a passivation film 12 and interlayer insulating films 3a, 3b, and 3c are arranged in the region on or above the light receiving unit 2. Thus, with less interface between different insulation films and less reflection of incident light in an incident region, the incident light 13 highly efficiently passes through these insulating films and comes into the light receiving unit 2. The light receiving unit 2 can thereby receive a sufficient quantity of the incident light 13.
US08211739B2
Disclosed herein is a polycrystalline silicon solar cell, including: a back electrode formed on a transparent insulating substrate; an N-type polycrystalline silicon layer in which amorphous silicon is crystallized through MIC process, and in which electrons are accumulated; a light-absorbing layer which is formed by vertically crystallizing an intrinsic amorphous silicon layer using the polycrystalline silicon layer as a seed for crystallization through MIVC process, in which pairs of electrons and holes are generated in response to incident light, and which has a vertical column grain structure in which grains are arranged in the direction in which electrons and holes move; a P-type polycrystalline silicon layer which has the vertical column grain structure, and in which holes are accumulated; a transparent electrode layer; front electrodes; and an antireflection coating film, and is a method of fabricating the same.
US08211732B2
An image sensor having a pixel array comprises periphery elements formed over a substrate, an oxide layer formed over the periphery elements, an epitaxial layer formed in an opening in the oxide layer in a pixel array area, and a plurality of photosensitive elements of the pixel array formed in the epitaxial layer. Formation of an initial metallization layer occurs after the formation of the photosensitive elements in the epitaxial layer. The photosensitive elements can thus be formed in the epitaxial layer at a higher level within an image sensor stack than that of the initial metallization layer. This advantageously allows stack height and pixel size to be reduced, and fill factor to be increased. The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device.
US08211731B2
A dielectric film stack of a solar cell is ablated using a laser. The dielectric film stack includes a layer that is absorptive in a wavelength of operation of the laser source. The laser source, which fires laser pulses at a pulse repetition rate, is configured to ablate the film stack to expose an underlying layer of material. The laser source may be configured to fire a burst of two laser pulses or a single temporally asymmetric laser pulse within a single pulse repetition to achieve complete ablation in a single step.
US08211730B1
A method for manufacture of a nanophotonic device can include the step of operatively coupling a planar light source and a photodetector with an optical waveguide. The planar light source, photodetector and optical waveguide can then be monolithically integrated in direct contact with a sapphire substrate, along with an electronic component that is also in direct contact with the sapphire substrate.
US08211729B2
A method for making a microelectronic device comprising at least one electromechanical component provided with a mobile structure, the method comprising the steps of: forming in at least one fine semiconducting thin layer lying on a supporting layer, at least one bar bound to a block, said bar being intended to form a mobile structure of an electromechanical component, withdrawing a portion of the supporting layer under said bar, forming at least one passivation layer based on dielectric material around said bar, forming an encapsulation layer around the bar and covering said passivation layer, the method further comprising steps of: making metal contact and/or interconnection areas, and then suppressing the encapsulation layer around said bar.
US08211713B2
A method for determining an analyte in a sample, includes the steps of: (a) mixing the analyte and a first specific binding substance, the first specific binding substance being a substance that can specifically bind to the analyte; (b) adding microparticles having a second specific binding substance bound thereto to a mixture obtained in the step (a) and mixing therewith, the second specific binding substance being a substance that can specifically bind to the first specific binding substance; and (c) determining an agglutination reaction of the microparticles in a mixture obtained in the step (b).
US08211701B2
A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.
US08211700B2
This invention relates to methods of inducing differential stress resistance in a subject with cancer by starving the subject for a short term, administering a cell growth inhibitor to the subject, or reducing the caloric or glucose intake by the subject. The induced differential stress resistance results in improved resistance to cytotoxicity in normal cells, which, in turn, reduces cytotoxic side-effects due to chemotherapy, as well as improved effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents.
US08211699B2
The present invention relates to cell culture methods and compositions that are essentially serum-free and comprise a basal salt nutrient solution and an ErbB3 ligand.
US08211697B2
Described herein are multipotent stem cells, e.g., human and other mammalian pluripotent stem cells, and related methods.
US08211693B2
The invention relates to a device for separating and/analyzing several molecular targets dissolved in a complex mixture which is characterized in that it comprises a) a matrix of micro-columns, wherein each micro-column (2) comprises an immobilized molecular probe for retaining a specific molecular target contained in the complex mixture by specific probe/target linkage, b) a first capillary network (3) for circulating the complex mixture introduced into the inventive device towards each micro-column of the matrix defined in a), c) a second capillary network (4) for circulating, after elution, the molecular targets retained on the micro-columns towards a sensor (5) for carrying out the recovery and/or analysis thereof, and d) if necessary, a sensor (5), preferably in the form of a mass spectrometer, for carrying out the recovery and/or analysis of different molecular targets.
US08211692B2
The bioconversion of gas feedstreams to liquid products by direct contact with a layer of microorganism obtains enhanced productivity through the regular cycling of liquid across a substrate that supports a biolayer of microorganisms while separating the gas and liquid phases. Such processes produce liquid products such as ethanol, butanol and other chemicals from syngas components by contacting CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a highly porous side of an asymmetric membrane under anaerobic conditions and transferring these components into contact with microorganisms contained within bio-pores of the membrane. A periodic laving of liquid from the liquid contact side to and away from the microorganisms can increase nutrient flow to the microorganisms while enhancing the recovery of liquid products. The process effects laving by temporarily raising the liquid phase pressure relative to the gas phase pressure to periodically surge liquid toward the microorganisms and then restoring the original pressure differential to urge liquid away from the microorgaisms.
US08211691B2
Cell lines having genetically modified glycosylation pathways that allow them to carry out a sequence of enzymatic reactions, which mimic the processing of glycoproteins in humans, have been developed. Recombinant proteins expressed in these engineered hosts yield glycoproteins more similar to their human counterparts. The lower eukaryotes, which ordinarily produce high-mannose containing N-glycans, including unicellular and multicellular fungi are modified to produce N-glycans such as Man5GlcNAc2 or other structures along human glycosylation pathways. This is achieved using a combination of engineering and/or selection of strains which: do not express certain enzymes which create the undesirable complex structures characteristic of the fungal glycoproteins, which express exogenous enzymes selected either to have optimal activity under the conditions present in the fungi where activity is desired, or which are targeted to an organelle where optimal activity is achieved, and combinations thereof wherein the genetically engineered eukaryote expresses multiple exogenous enzymes required to produce “human-like” glycoproteins.
US08211689B2
Methods, enzymes, recombinant microorganism, and microbial systems are provided for converting polysaccharides, such as those derived from biomass, into suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides, as well as for converting suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides into commodity chemicals, such as biofuels. Commodity chemicals produced by the methods described herein are also provided. Commodity chemical enriched, refinery-produced petroleum products are also provided, as well as methods for producing the same.
US08211676B2
The invention concerns the production of cholesterol in organisms of the Fungi kingdom. More particularly, the invention concerns genetically modified Fungus independently producing cholesterol from a simple carbon source. The invention also concerns the use of the inventive Fungus for producing non-marked and marked cholesterol.
US08211675B2
The present invention is in the field of the preparation of lactic acid by means of fermentation on industrial scale wherein a concentrated raw beet juice having a Brix of at least 60 is used as fermentation substrate. After dilution to the desired initial sugar concentration and addition of nutrients, the juice is fermented to lactic acid and/or lactate by means of a lactic acid-producing microorganism. Said concentrated raw beet juice is prepared by: washing and cutting sugar beet and extracting the cossettes in water, removing the beet pulp from the resulting raw beet juice, and heat treating the raw beet juice at a temperature between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius, and concentrating the raw beet juice to at least 60 Brix.It was found that concentrated beet juice having a Brix of at least 60 is storage-stable, is not very sensitive to infections, and can be used as fermentation substrate for lactic acid production on industrial scale with the same yield, chemical purity, optical purity, clarity and taste as lactic acid obtained from fermenting white sugar.
US08211670B2
The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-29 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-29 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Also included are methods of producing, purifying and pegylating an IL-29 polypeptide.
US08211668B2
A method of preparing a recombinant polypeptide of interest includes fermenting a host cell being transformed with a recombinant expression system capable of bringing about secretion of a polypeptide of interest into the periplasm of said host cell. The polypeptide of interest is extracted from the periplasm by applying a continuous osmotic shock to the host cells contained in a fermentation medium. An apparatus for osmotically shocking cells includes a first reservoir containing cells in a first solution and a second reservoir containing a second solution, the first solution having a higher osmolarity than the second solution. A method for osmotically shocking cells using the first and second solutions is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of isolating a recombinant polypeptide of interest from a cell.
US08211665B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08211664B2
The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and materials for producing simvastatin and related compounds such as huvastatin.
US08211661B2
A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders. In one aspect, a method for determining the efficacy of secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzymes for the treatment of an individual diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) comprises obtaining a sample of feces from an individual, determining a quantitative level of chymotrypsin present in the sample, and correlating the quantitative level of chymotrypsin determined to be present in the sample with the PDD to determine the efficacy of treating the individual with secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzyme administration. In another aspect, a therapeutic method for treating an individual diagnosed with a PDD pervasive developmental disorder comprises determining the efficacy of secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for the treatment of the individual based on a measure of the individual's chymotrypsin level, and administering secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, or digestive enzymes to the individual based on the determination of the measure of the individual's chymotrypsin level.
US08211655B2
A method for determining ligand activation of receptors using cells expressing genetic constructs of a fusion protein of at least a binding domain of an auxiliary protein and a fragment of β-galactosidase, a fusion protein of an endosome-associated protein and a complementary fragment of β-galactosidase, and a wild-type receptor. The receptors are characterized by binding to the auxiliary protein-binding domain upon activation by an agonist and then endocytosing associated with an endosome to which the endosome-associated protein binds. Cells are incubated with a candidate ligand followed by lysis with a lysing medium comprising a substrate for the β-galactosidase. The enzyme product is then detected as a measure of the activation of the receptor.
US08211653B2
Exosomes can be used for detecting biomarkers for diagnostic, therapy-related or prognostic methods to identify phenotypes, such as a condition or disease, for example, the stage or progression of a disease. Cell-of-origin exosomes can be used in profiling of physiological states or determining phenotypes. Biomarkers or markers from cell-of-origin specific exosomes can be used to determine treatment regimens for diseases, conditions, disease stages, and stages of a condition, and can also be used to determine treatment efficacy. Markers from cell-of-origin specific exosomes can also be used to identify conditions of diseases of unknown origin.
US08211652B2
The invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing severity of particular types of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatic diseases, by assessing protein levels of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1). The level of FSTL-1 protein present in the serum or synovial fluid of individuals suspected of having certain inflammatory disease (e.g, rheumatoid arthritis) is positively correlated with the severity of the disease.
US08211647B2
A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 84 to 86 and complementary or modified sequences thereof or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.
US08211633B2
The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.
US08211623B2
The invention provides an ink composition having at least (A) a polymerization initiator, (B) an ester or amide of (meth)acrylic acid having a 1,3-dioxolane ring skeleton or a 1,3-dioxane ring skeleton or (B′) an ester or amide of (meth)acrylic acid having a 1,3-diketone structure, and (C) a colorant. The invention further provides an inkjet recording method and a method for producing a planographic printing plate, each of which includes at least (I) ejecting the ink composition onto a hydrophilic support and (II) curing the ink composition by irradiating the ejected ink composition with active radiation so as to form a hydrophobic image region on the hydrophilic support. The invention furthermore provides a planographic printing plate formed by the method for producing a planographic printing plate.
US08211621B2
The present invention discloses novel bottom anti-reflective coating compositions where a coating from the composition has an etch rate that can be regulated by the etch plate temperature.
US08211614B2
Disclosed is a resist composition which has desirable physical properties such as sensitivity, resolution, residual film ratio and coating property, and forms a pattern having the desirable profile and depth of focus due to excellent light transmissivity during a semiconductor process and a flat panel display process using a short wavelength of 248 nm (KrF) or less, even though the resist composition is applied to a non-chemically amplified resist. The photoresist composition comprises a novolac-based resin A, a photosensitizer B, and a low molecular substance C having low absorbance. The low molecular substance having low absorbance has absorbance that is lower than absorbance of the novolac-based resin at one or more wavelengths of 248 nm, 193 nm, and 157 nm, and the photoresist composition is used at the wavelength of 248 nm or less.
US08211609B2
The present disclosure provides toners including amorphous resins and crystalline resins. Toners with high glass transition temperatures and little plasticization may be obtained in accordance with the present disclosure.
US08211605B2
There is provided a toner which contains at least a binder resin, and filler including a layered inorganic compound, wherein the layered inorganic compound is cleaved to form particles in the toner, and the particles have a breadth of 0.5 nm to 4 nm, and a length of 10 nm to 90 nm.
US08211603B2
An electrophotographic imaging member includes a substrate, a photogenerating layer, and an optional overcoating layer, where the photogenerating layer includes a chemically functionalized carbon nanotube material.
US08211602B2
An image forming apparatus comprising an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer on an electroconductive substrate, and a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image, wherein the photosensitive layer of the electrophotographic photoreceptor contains a phthalocyanine obtained via an acid paste step; the toner for developing an electrostatic charge image is a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image containing toner matrix particles formed in an aqueous medium; the toner has a volume median diameter (Dv50) of from 4.0 μm to 7.0 μm; and the relationship between the volume median diameter (Dv50) and the percentage in number (Dns) of toner particles having a particle diameter of from 2.00 μm to 3.56 μm satisfies the following formula (1): Dns≦0.233 EXP(17.3/Dv50) (1).
US08211600B2
The present disclosure provides processes for producing images of excellent color fidelity when incorporating a magenta toner with a lower colorant loading in addition to a first magenta toner. In embodiments, the magenta pigmented particles may be magenta emulsion aggregation toners. In accordance with the present disclosure, a pair of magenta toners are matched in color, wherein the color of a first magenta toner printed at a predetermined halftone area coverage on a substrate substantially matches the color of the solid (100%) printed patch of the second magenta toner, which is lighter than the first magenta toner, thus avoiding a visible hue shift on the print that would otherwise be objectionable. In embodiments, the light magenta toner is color matched by adding a hue-adjusting colorant or combination of colorants which absorb wavelengths of light between 400 and 500 nanometers, and optionally adding a shade-adjusting colorant or combination of colorants which absorb wavelengths of light between 600 and 700 nanometers.
US08211598B2
A black photosensitive resin composition, a light-shielding color filter using the composition and its production method are provided, the black photosensitive resin composition including: a black colorant; a compound represented by Formula (I) or (II) as defined in the specification; and a photopolymerization initiator.
US08211584B2
The present invention discloses a metal separator for a fuel cell including a reaction gas channel formed to protrude from a first face of the metal separator to a second face thereof, a coolant channel formed between the reaction gas channels protruding from the second face of the metal separator, a reaction gas manifold opened to introduce a reaction gas into the metal separator, a coolant manifold opened to introduce a coolant into the metal separator, and a stepped portion positioned at any one of the space between the reaction gas channel and the reaction gas manifold, and the reaction gas channel. This configuration serves to widen the reaction gas flowing portion and the coolant flowing portion on the metal separator, and prevent deformation of the reaction gas flowing portion and the coolant flowing portion, thereby improving efficiency of the fuel cell.
US08211578B2
An improved electrolyte for a cell having an anode comprising magnesium or magnesium alloy. The cell's cathode may desirably include iron disulfide (FeS2) as cathode active material. The improved electrolyte comprises a magnesium salt, preferably magnesium perchlorate dissolved in an organic solvent which preferably includes acetonitrile or mixture of tetrahydrofuran and propylene carbonate. The electrolyte includes an additive to retard the buildup of deleterious passivation coating on the magnesium anode surface, thereby enhancing cell performance. Such additive may preferably include 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6), lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), or aluminum chloride (AlCl3).
US08211574B2
A lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ion, a negative electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ion, a porous film interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, the porous film being adhered to a surface of at least the negative electrode. The porous film includes an inorganic filler and a first binder: The content of the first binder in the porous film is 1.5 to 8 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the filler: The first binder includes a first rubber including an acrylonitrile unit: The first rubber is water-insoluble and has a decomposition temperature of 250° C. or higher. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ion and a second binder, and the second binder includes a second rubber particle and a water-soluble polymer.
US08211566B2
According to one embodiment, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes an outer container, a positive electrode housed in the outer container, a negative electrode housed in the outer container such as to spatially apart from the positive electrode and includes a particulate active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte filled in the outer container, wherein the particulate active material includes a particle containing a substance having a lithium absorption and desorption potential of from 1 V vs. Li/Li+ to 3 V vs. Li/Li+, and a coating layer made of a spinel-type lithium-titanium composite oxide formed on the surface of the particle.
US08211554B2
A workpiece has a body (3) and a wear-resistant hard coating system (HLo), which system comprises a layer of the following composition: (Al1-a-b-cCraBbZc)X where X is at least one of: N, C, CN, NO, CO, CNO; Z is at least one of: W, Mo, Ta, Cb (Nb). For a, b and c specific ranges of values are valid.
US08211550B2
A process for the production of leather using one or more reaction products of (a) triamines or higher amines with (b) at least one compound of the general formula I A1-R1 I where R1 is selected from hydrocarbon radicals having 10 to 5000 carbon atoms, straight-chain or branched, saturated or having from one to three C—C double bonds, and A1 from groups capable of reacting with amines.
US08211544B2
A surface modifier comprising an organosilicone compound represented by General Formula (A) and/or General Formula (B): F—(CF2)q—(OC3F6)m—(OC2F4)n—(OCF2)o(CH2)pX(CH2)rSi(X′)3-a(R1)a (A) and F—(CF2)q—(OC3F6)m—(OC2F4)n—(OCF2)o(CH2)pX(CH2)r(X′)2-a(R1)aSiO(F—(CF2)q—(OC3F6)m—(OC2F4)n—(OCF2)o(CH2)pX(CH2)r(X′)1-a(R1)aSiO)zF—(CF2)q—(OC3F6)m—(OC2F4)n—(OCF2)o(CH2)pX(CH2)r(X′)2-a(R1)aSi (B) wherein q is an integer from 1 to 3; m, n, and o are independently integers from 0 to 200; p is 1 or 2; X is O or a bivalent organic group; r is an integer from 2 to 20; R1 is a C1-22 linear or branched hydrocarbon group; a is an integer from 0 to 2; X′ is hydrolysable group; and z is an integer from 0 to 10 when a is 0 or 1.
US08211538B2
A security coating on an electronic circuit assembly comprises a mesh coating that may have a unique signature pattern and comprise materials that easily produce an image of the signature so that it is possible to determine if reverse engineering has been attempted. Spaces in the mesh may include electrical components to erase circuit codes to destroy the functionality and value of the protected die if the mesh coated is disturbed. The voids may include compositions to enhance the mesh signature and abrade the circuit if tampering takes place.
US08211534B2
A board capable of capturing and decomposing both formaldehyde and acetaldehyde comprises a wood fiber board comprising a plant fiber of 30 wt % or more, and an aldehyde capturing agent comprising at least carbodihydrazide which is impregnated and solidified inside the side of the fiber board. In addition to the wood fiber board, a fiber board made of a mixture material of a resin fiber and a plant fiber combined. A carbodihydrazide is sprayed onto the fiber board in the form of water solution and optionally comprises a surfactant.
US08211532B2
The transparent fire-resistant glazing has at least two glass or glass ceramic panes with a gap between them, which is filed with a UV-cured material made by curing a UV-curable material with UV radiation. The UV-curable material includes at least one bromine-containing flame retardant, which is a polybrominated diphenyl ether, a brominated alcohol, or a polybrominated cycloalkane, and/or a mixtures thereof. The glazing is made by a process in which the panes are cleaned and masked so that there is a gap between them, the UV-curable material is filled into the gap and then cured with UV radiation.
US08211527B2
One or more types of ink retention layers for a one-way vision display panel and methods are provided. In one example, a one-way vision display panel assembly includes a perforated panel formed of a flexible material. The perforated panel having a front surface, a rear surface and a plurality of through holes extending from the front surface to the rear surface. An ink retention layer is located adjacent to the perforated panel. The ink retention layer includes a light reflective material that retains residual ink from an image applied to the front surface of the perforated panel. The one-way vision display panel may further include a releasing layer or a backing layer, or both.
US08211525B2
There is provided a honeycomb structure comprising a plurality of honeycomb segments having porous partition walls separating and forming a plurality of cells and an outer peripheral wall located in the outermost periphery, first cells each open in an end portion on one side and plugged in the other end portion on the other side and second cells each plugged in the end portion on the one side and open in the other end portion on the other side being alternately disposed with the first cells having an area larger than that of the second cells in a cross section perpendicular to the central axial direction, and the outer peripheral wall having protruding portions along an external shape of the first cells and depressed portions along an external shape of the second cells. The honeycomb segments are bonded to each other with a bonding member.
US08211519B2
A composition for forming a gas-barrier material, comprising a polycarboxylic acid-type polymer (A) and at least a bifunctional alicyclic epoxy compound (B). The composition for forming a gas-barrier material features excellent gas-barrier property, retort resistance and flexibility, can be cured at a low temperature in a short period of time without affecting the plastic base material, and contributes to improving the productivity.
US08211512B2
The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a low viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding two or more characteristics. The subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a high voltage holding ratio, a high contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.The invention provides a liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy that contains a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a first component, and a specific two-ring compound having a low viscosity as a second component, and provides a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.
US08211509B2
A method and apparatus is provided for printing using paste like inks such as those used in intaglio printing, wherein the inks include specialty flakes such as thin film optically variable flakes, or diffractive flakes. The invention discloses an apparatus having an energy source such as a heat source for temporarily lessening the viscosity of the ink during alignment of the flakes within the ink.
US08211507B2
Disclosed is a method for producing a thermoplastic resin film, which comprises oxidizing the surface of a thermoplastic resin film (i) that contains an unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified polyolefin-based resin, then applying a surface modifier thereto, and stretching it. According to the method, thermoplastic resin films can be produced that have good adhesiveness between the film substrate and the coating layer thereof and have good printability and electrostatic resistance.
US08211503B2
A method for making device housing comprises: providing a transparent film; forming a coating on one surface of the film by printing ink containing metal powder on the film and ultrasonically treating the coating; and molding a substrate onto the coating.
US08211498B2
In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of making structures with complex functional architectures, where such structures generally comprise at least two mesoporous regions comprising different chemical activity, and where such methods afford spatial control over the placement of such regions of differing chemical activity. In some embodiments, the present invention is also directed to the structures formed by such methods, where such structures are themselves novel.
US08211490B2
A method and system are provided for including a double layer security mark in digital document data defining an image of a document to be printed and in the printed document, itself. A fluorescence mark region including a fluorescence mark is defined using first and second metameric colorant mixtures. Variation in colorant spatial coverage between the first and second metameric colorant mixtures results in colorant-free areas that define the fluorescence mark due to substrate fluorescence under UV illumination. The fluorescence mark region is modified to define a double layer fluorescence mark region including the fluorescence mark and also including at least one visible light object defined by a third colorant mixture. The third colorant mixture is added to the fluorescence mark region by masking the colorant-free areas of the fluorescence mark region to prevent writing of the third colorant mixture data to the colorant-free areas so as not to disturb the colorant-free areas.
US08211488B2
The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.
US08211487B2
Antifreeze polypeptides, antifreeze compositions including the polypeptides, nucleotides encoding the antifreeze polypeptides, methods of making antifreeze compositions, and methods of inhibiting ice crystal growth are provided herein. The peptides are based on the primary sequence of collagen and include those having a molecular weight between about 500-7000 Da. The peptides preferably include cationic polypeptides. The methods of making antifreeze compositions include digesting collagen or gelatin into hydrolysates with peptides having molecular weights between about 500-7000 Da. The digestions are performed with proteases and/or non-enzymatic hydrolysis. The methods of inhibiting ice crystal growth include adding the antifreeze polypeptides or compositions described herein to a composition to be frozen. The methods may be used to inhibit ice crystal growth in frozen food products.
US08211480B1
The invention provides a method for remediating environmental fungal sites in an environment to which a patient experiencing sinusitis and chronic rhino sinusitis brought on by fungal antigens is exposed. The formulation includes grapefruit seed extract, together with lemon, lime, and tangerine seed extracts. The method removes both air borne antigens and mold colonies from the environment.
US08211468B2
We describe pH-sensitive endosomolytic polymers, delivery particles containing pH-sensitive endosomolytic polymers. The described particles are capable of delivering polynucleotides to cells from the peripheral circulation with subsequent release from endosomes. The endosomolytic polymers are inactive outside the cell but disrupt membranes upon exposure to an acidified endosomal compartment.
US08211464B2
Controlled-release preparations of oxcarbazepine and derivatives thereof for once-a-day administration are disclosed. The inventive compositions comprise solubility- and/or release enhancing agents to provide tailored drug release profiles, preferably sigmoidal release profiles. Methods of treatment comprising the inventive compositions are also disclosed.
US08211457B2
Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.
US08211451B2
The invention relates to novel spill resistant formulations comprising either a weak base or a weak acid as the pharmaceutical ingredient, a liquid base, a clay and a water soluble cellulose ether. The clay and cellulose ether allow for a broader pH range into which the pharmaceutically active agent may be dispersed or dissolved, and therefore allows for easier preparation and formulation of the pharmaceutical composition.
US08211449B2
A topical pharmaceutical aerosol foam containing liquid silicones to enhance cosmetic elegance. Although liquid silicones are inherent defoamers, a high quality, stable foam is produced.
US08211445B2
This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for the treatment and inhibition of infectious disease, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. In certain embodiments, the disclosure concerns immunogenic peptides, for instance PSM peptides, which can be used to induce protective immunity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. Also disclosed are methods of detecting methicillin-resistant staphylococcus in a sample, and methods of diagnosing methicillin-resistant staphylococcus in a subject.
US08211444B2
The present invention relates to an isolated fusion protein comprising at least three NS polypeptides originating from a hepatitis C virus which are configured in said fusion protein in an order which is distinct of the order in which they appear in the native configuration. The present invention also relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding such a fusion protein and a vector comprising such a nucleic acid molecule. The present invention also provides infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such a nucleic acid molecule or such a vector. The present invention also relates to a method for recombinantly producing such a fusion protein. Finally, the present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a fusion protein, a nucleic acid molecule, a vector, infectious viral particles and a host cell as well as the therapeutic use thereof for treating or preventing HCV infections, HCV-associated diseases and pathologic conditions as well as a method of inducing or stimulating an immune response against HCV in a host organism.
US08211430B2
Methods for treating type 1 diabetes mellitus or a condition resulting from the loss of pancreatic islet cells in a patient are disclosed herewith. The method of treatment comprises co-administration of human proislet peptides (HIP); and an agent that inhibits the activity of autoimmune cells.
US08211427B2
The present invention refers to human EGLN2 variants having at position 58 of the amino acid sequence a serine or a leucine and their use in the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic or coronary heart diseases, in particular stroke, prolonged reversible ischemic neurological deficit (PRIND), transitoric ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction and/or early myocardial infarction.
US08211425B2
The present invention discloses an immunotherapeutic method for treating a patient suffering from a disseminated cancer by administering expanded tumour-reactive CD4+ helper and/or CD8+ T-lymphocytes obtainable from one or more metastasis-draining lymph nodes (metinel nodes) draining a metastasis. The method comprises identification of one or more metinel lymph nodes in a patient, resection of the one or more nodes and, optionally all or part of the metastases, isolation of metastasis-reactive T-lymphocytes from said lymph nodes, in vitro expansion of said metastasis-reactive T-lymphocytes, and administration of the thus obtained T-lymphocytes to the patient, wherein the T-lymphocytes are CD4+ helper and/or CD8+ T-lymphocytes.
US08211418B2
Tissue adhesives formed by crosslinking albumin and/or gelatin with certain polyamines and/or polycarboxylates using a water-soluble carbodiimide are disclosed. The use of the tissue adhesives for medical and veterinary applications such as topical wound closure; and surgical procedures, such as intestinal anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, and ophthalmic procedures; drug delivery; anti-adhesive applications; and as a bulking agent to treat urinary incontinence are described.
US08211411B2
An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive and an orally-acceptable carrier.
US08211406B2
An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive and a stannous ion source.
US08211403B2
The invention relates to radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic agents, including biologically active vectors labelled with radionuclides. It further relates to methods and reagents labelling a vector such as a peptide comprising reaction of a compound of formula (I): with a compound of formula (II) or, a compound of formula (III): with a compound of formula (IV): in the presence of a Cu (I) catalyst. The resultant labelled conjugates are useful as diagnostic agents, for example, as radiopharmaceuticals more specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) or for radiotherapy.
US08211400B2
The present invention comprises new materials, material structures, and processes of fabrication of such that may be used in technologies involving the conversion of light to electricity and/or heat to electricity, and in optoelectronics technologies. The present invention provide for the fabrication of a clathrate compound comprising a type II clathrate lattice with atoms of silicon and germanium as a main framework forming lattice spacings within the framework, wherein the clathrate lattice follows the general formula Si136−yGey, where y indicates the number of Ge atoms present in the main framework and 136−y indicates the number of Si atoms present in the main framework, and wherein y>0.
US08211398B2
A method for making semiconducting carbon nanotubes is provided. A catalyst precursor is disposed on a substrate. The catalyst precursor includes blood. Organic substances contained in the blood are removed and iron ions contained in the blood are oxidized to yield discrete ferric oxide nano-particles on the substrate. The ferric oxide nano-particles are reduced to yield isolated iron nano-particles on the substrate. Carbon nanotubes then grow on the iron nano-particles.
US08211395B2
A procedure for obtaining mixed multimetallic oxides derived from hydrotalcite type compounds, characterized in that the laminar metallic hydroxides obtained are constituted by three or four metallic cations, forming part of the sheets of the hydrotalcite type material represented by the formula: [M(II)1−x−y−zM(II)′xM(III)yM(III)′z(OH)2](An−y+z/n).mH2O. by a process comprising: (1) preparing an aqueous or organic solution containing three or more cations; (2) preparing an alkaline solution; (3) slowly combining solutions (1) and (2) to cause the co-precipitation of the cations in the form of hydroxides; (4) washing the precipitate containing the hydrotalcites with water, until removal of the non-precipitated ions; (5) drying; and (6) calcining the hydrotalcites.
US08211394B2
A CO2 control device and method for capturing CO2 from fluid flow, including: a flow-through apparatus and an CO2 absorbing filter treated with an alkaline material which is housed within the flow-through apparatus. The flow-through apparatus receives fluid flow and the CO2 from the fluid flow is absorbed by the CO2 absorbing filter. The absorbed CO2 is converted into CaCO3 which is combined with volcanic ash to form a useful cement material.
US08211389B2
Uses for a composition comprising a polymer derived from at least two monomers: acrylic-x and an alkylamine, wherein said polymer is modified to contain a functional group capable of scavenging one or more compositions containing one or more metals are disclosed. These polymers have many uses in various mediums, including wastewater systems.
US08211382B2
Specialized microfluidic networks are utilized to deposit substances on sensor surfaces. In particular, a flow-based microfluidic printhead is used as an interface to deliver multiple analytes to a sensor for simultaneous analysis. Furthermore, internal referencing is incorporated into sensor regions for improved sensitivity.
US08211380B2
A bioassay substrate high in integration amount, free in grouping of substances, low in cost, and the like are provided. Specifically, a bioassay substrate includes detection surfaces S on which detection substances can be solidified, the detection surfaces S is provided on a surface of a disk form substrate capable of reading out record information optically, and the detection surfaces S is provided in groove structures (pits) provided in the surface of the substrate radially as viewed on the upper side at predetermined intervals. A bioassay system using the bioassay substrate and a readout system are also provided.
US08211378B2
Disclosed is a reactor for separating an aluminum layer from multi-layer film wastes to reuse a multi-layer film waste without burying or incinerating the multi-layer film waste including the aluminum. The reactor comprises a cylindrical casing which is filled with a solution to dissolve aluminum layers of the multi-layer film wastes pulverized into a predetermined size, a partition dividing an inner portion of the casing into a reactor tub in which the solution reacts with the aluminum layer and a separator tub which is provided at a portion of the reactor tub to decompose the pulverized multi-layer film wastes in which the aluminum is completely dissolved by the solution, and a stirrer which is installed at an upper portion of the reactor and stirs the solution in the reactor to activate the reaction between the solution and the aluminum in the reactor tub and to transfer the multi-layer film wastes to the separator tub. The partition is spaced apart from a bottom of the casing to form a passage between the bottom of the casing and the partition, and the reactor tub communicates with the separator tub through the passage.
US08211376B2
Disclosed is a reactor for reacting fluids such as fluids in continuous flow, the reactor including a multicellular extruded body having cells extending in parallel in a direction from a first end of the body to a second end, the body having a first plurality of cells open at both ends of the body and a second plurality of said cells closed at one or both ends of the body, the second plurality being contiguous cells and cooperating to define at least in part a fluidic passage extending at least partly through the body. The fluidic passage desirably has a serpentine path back and forth along cells of the second plurality of cells, and the passage connects laterally from cell to cell, within cells of the second plurality, at or near the ends of the body.
US08211363B2
A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08211360B2
A Ni-based heat resistant alloy for a gas turbine combustor, comprising a composition containing, in mass %, Cr: 14.0 to 21.5%, Co: 6.5 to 14.5%, Mo: 6.5 to 10.0%, W: 1.5 to 3.5%, Al: 1.2 to 2.4%, Ti: 1.1 to 2.1%; Fe: 7.0% or less, B: 0.001 to 0.020%, C: 0.03 to 0.15%, and a balance consisting of Ni and unavoidable impurities, wherein a content of S and P contained in the unavoidable impurities is controlled to be, in mass %, S: 0.015% or less, and P: 0.015% or less, wherein the alloy has a texture in which M6C type carbide and MC type carbide are uniformly dispersed in γ phase matrix.
US08211358B2
A cemented carbide including WC, a binder phase based on Co, Ni or Fe, and gamma phase, in which said gamma phase has an average grain size <1 μm. A method of making the cemented carbide is provided in which the powders forming gamma phase are added as mixed cubic carbides of one or more of Ti, Ta, Nb, Zr, Hf and V, and a ratio, fWC, between an amount of WC (in mol fraction of WC) and an equilibrium gamma phase WC content at a sintering temperature (in mol fraction WC) is given by fWC=xWC/xeWC, wherein fWC is 0.6 to 1.0.
US08211348B2
A method of manufacturing a cylindrical member having anti-slip projections formed on axial end faces, the method comprising the steps of: employing a roller die, which is provided with a circumferential die groove of annular form extending through a medial section in a generatrix direction of a die face defined by an integral tapered outside peripheral face, and with a plurality of sloping die grooves extending in a tapered slope direction of the die face situated to both large-diameter and small-diameter sides of the circumferential die groove; providing plastic working to the axial end face with the small-diameter side of the roller die facing towards an inner peripheral side of the cylindrical member and with the large-diameter side facing towards an outer peripheral side, by pushing the die face against the axial end face while rotating circumferentially; and forming simultaneously an annular water barrier projection and the anti-slip projections.
US08211337B2
The present invention relates to a material for making a transparent conductive film, and a transparent conductive film. The material for making the transparent conductive film is composed of a mixed metal oxide comprising Zn, Sn, O, and at least one doping element selected from the group consisting of Sc, Bi, Cu, Y, La, Ag, and Au.
US08211334B2
Orange-red phosphors activated by europium and rare earth ions of formula I and formula II are long persistent, stable, and non-toxic M1F2-M1S: Eu2+, Ln3+ (I) M23M32O5X2: inside or outside Eu2+, Ln3+ (II) wherein M1 is Ba, Sr, Ca, Zn, Mg, or a combination thereof; M2 is Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, Zn, or a combination thereof; M3 is Al, Ga, B, In, or a combination thereof; X is F, Cl, Br, I, or a combination thereof; and Ln is Dy, Yb, Tm, Er, Ho, Sm, Nd, or a combination thereof.
US08211326B2
The invention relates to a material that can be used for magnetic refrigeration, wherein the material substantially has the general formula (AYB1-Y)2+δCWDXEZ Wherein: A is selected from Mn and Co; B is selected from Fe and Cr; of C, D and E at least two are different, have a non-vanishing concentration and are selected from P, B, Se, Ge, Ga, Si, Sn and Sb; wherein at least one of C, D and E is Ge or Si; W, X, Y and Zeach is a number in the range 0-1, and W+X+Z=1; andδis a number from (−0.1)-(+0.1).
US08211322B2
A method of patterning a metal layer includes forming a first mask on a surface of the metal layer, the first mask having an opening through the first mask that exposes the metal layer, and forming a nanogap in the exposed metal layer using an ion beam directed through the opening. The first mask limits a lateral extent of the ion beam, and the nanogap has a width that is less than a width of the opening.
US08211321B2
A method of forming an array of selectively shaped optical elements on a substrate, the method including the steps of providing the substrate, the substrate having an optical layer placed thereon; placing a layer of particles on the optical layer; performing an etching cycle. The cycle includes the steps of: etching the layer of particles, using a first etching process so as to reduce the size of the particles within the layer, then; simultaneously etching the optical layer and the layer of particles, using a second etching process, the further reducing particles forming a mask over areas of the optical layer to create discrete optical elements from the optical layer.
US08211317B2
Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.
US08211314B1
The present disclosure describes using the naturally present dissolved chemicals as precipitants from local water sources to form an adsorbent and a process of purifying the water using natural resources. The adsorbent may be processed at the right pH and temperature to purify and remove heavy metals from waste water. Once the heavy metals are removed the concentration of the heavy metals are estimated in the reusable water. The local authority acceptable level heavy metal containing reusable water is reclaimed for non-human consumption. This disclosure enables to conserve water and provide a cheap and an effective method to decontaminate industrial waste water.
US08211305B2
Disclosed is a system for renovating process water, especially during the production of paper. Said system comprises at least one process water renovation unit, at least one of which is provided with an anaerobic reactor spiked with anaerobic microorganisms as well as a lime elimination unit. Also disclosed is a method for renovating process water, particularly during the production of paper, which encompasses at least one process water renovation step in which at least some of the process water continuously delivered to the process water renovation step is subjected to a purification step in an anaerobic reactor that is spiked with anaerobic microorganisms and to a deliming step.
US08211301B2
Magnetic handling structure (1a) comprising a retractable magnet (4) and a probe (3) for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.
US08211292B2
A method for distinguishing between types of electrochemical test sensors in a meter is disclosed. The method comprises the acts of providing an electrochemical test sensor comprising an enzyme and a chemical additive, contacting the test sensor to the meter to form an electrical connection, applying a potential having a magnitude sufficient to initiate a redox reaction of the chemical additive, and determining which type of electrochemical test sensor is being used based on whether a predetermined signal has been generated after the potential has been applied. The meter is adapted to determine an analyte concentration in a fluid sample.
US08211281B2
In one embodiment, a protective coating for an electrode of a sensor is described, the protective coating comprising an annealed catalyst, said annealed catalyst comprising at least one metal that has been subjected to thermal energy that is at least equivalent to or greater than that received from calcining the at least one metal for 24 hours at a temperature of 930 degrees C in air. In another embodiment, the annealed catalyst will comprise at least one metal that has been subjected to thermal energy that is equal to or less than that received from calcining the at least one metal for 24 hours at 1030 degrees C in air. In one exemplary embodiment, the annealed catalyst will comprise at least one metal that has been subjected to thermal energy that is equal to that received from calcining the at least one metal for 24 hours at 980 degrees C in air.
US08211279B2
Described herein is an apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell that employs a capacitive counter electrode and a faradaic working electrode. The capacitive counter electrode reduces the amount of redox products generated at the counter electrode while enabling the working electrode to generate redox products. The electrochemical cell is useful for controlling the redox products generated and/or the timing of the redox product generation. The electrochemical cell is useful in assay methods, including those using electrochemiluminescence. The electrochemical cell can be combined with additional hardware to form instrumentation for assay methods.
US08211278B2
Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.
US08211275B2
Oxidation of an alkane to an alkanone in a process stream forms aldehyde-based impurities. A method of minimizing the aldehyde-based impurities introduces an amine into the process stream to minimize the aldehyde-based impurities. The amine interacts with the alkanone and the aldehyde-based impurities thereby forming heavy products. The method separates the heavy products from the alkanones to reduce a level of the aldehyde-based impurities. The process stream preferably includes cyclohexyl ketone as the alkanone and n-hexanal as the aldehyde-based impurity. The method is typically involved in synthesis of a caprolactam.
US08211274B2
A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated and has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg. A method for producing the solidified biomass: includes crushing raw biomass material; loading a barrel with the crushed raw biomass material; inserting a pressure applying piston into a hollow of the barrel; pressure-forming the crushed raw biomass materials by applying pressure with the pressure applying piston while heating the material; obtaining semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter by retaining constant time of the heating and the pressurizing; cooling the semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter while maintaining pressure to obtain a cooled solid; and taking out and drying the cooled solid, wherein the pressure applying piston and the hollow of the barrel have very small clearance between their outer and inner peripheries.
US08211272B2
The present invention relates to para-aramid pulp including meta-aramid fibrids for use as reinforcement material in products including for example friction materials, fluid sealing materials, and papers. The invention further relates to processes for making such pulp.
US08211268B1
A process for simultaneously consolidating to form a fiber reinforced thermoplastic and thermoset structural element that contain, in order; a fiber reinforced thermoplastic member, a tie layer, and a fiber reinforced thermoset member. The fiber reinforced thermoplastic member, contains multiple layers of fibers and a thermoplastic matrix at least partially surrounding the fibers. The fiber reinforced thermoset member contains multiple layers of fibers and a thermoset matrix at least partially surrounding the fibers. The tie layer contains a first polymer and a second polymer.
US08211261B2
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: affixing a die attach film and a dicing film to a back surface of a semiconductor wafer: thereafter dicing the semiconductor wafer and the die attach film to divide the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips: thereafter pulling the dicing film from the center toward the outer periphery of the dicing film with a first tensile force to cut the die attach film chip by chip; and thereafter picking up the semiconductor chips together with the die attach film while pulling the dicing film from the center toward the outer periphery of the dicing film with a second tensile force smaller than the first tensile force.
US08211258B2
A tread for a vehicle tire, such as a pneumatic vehicle tire, is provided with an electrically conducting layer axially inside a portion of a first, radially outer rubber layer of the tread. The electrically conductive layer extends from a second, radially inner rubber layer of the tread on the radially inner side of the tread rubber material up to a ground contact surface of the tread. The rubber material of the electrically conducting layer and the rubber material of the radially inner rubber layer of the tread have a higher electrical conductivity than the rubber material of the radially outer rubber layer. First, a first rubber layer of higher electrical conductivity is formed over the circumference of the vehicle tire, and an accumulation of rubber material of higher electrical conductivity is built to extend over the circumference of the vehicle tire in a position in the region of axial extent of the layer of rubber material of higher electrical conductivity that is intended to extend up to the ground contact surface in the finished vehicle tire. Then the accumulation of rubber material is shaped to form a web, radially outwards from the inner rubber layer, and in its cross-sectional planes containing the axis of the vehicle tire a predetermined cross-sectional contour. Then the outer rubber layer of lower electrical conductivity is built on the radially outer surface of the first rubber layer, which adjoins the shaped web of rubber material of higher conductivity axially on both sides, and the tread profile is shaped and vulcanized.
US08211256B2
A method for producing a disposable worn article and a laminated stretchable sheet of the present invention includes: a step of forming stretched elastic sheet pieces F1 from a continuous elastic sheet; a step of carrying continuous webs Wa and Wb to be torso portions; a step of placing the elastic sheet pieces F1 intermittently on the continuous webs Wa and Wb; a step of bonding opposite end portions of the elastic sheet pieces F1 in the longitudinal direction to the continuous webs Wa and Wb by an adhesive, during the placement; an ultrasonic attachment step of forming a laminated stretchable sheet in an overlap portion between an intermediate portion between the opposite end portions of the elastic sheet piece F1 and the continuous webs; a placement step of placing core portions C, each of which forms a crotch portion 33, between adjacent ones of the elastic sheet pieces F1; and a step of cutting off the laminated stretchable sheet between adjacent ones of the core portions C.
US08211254B2
Disclosed are a can cap sealing composition having superior squeeze-out resistance and sealing performance and a method for using the same. A cap is coated with a sealing composition comprising a rubber component, a tackifier, a filler and an organic peroxide as essential ingredients, the cap is seamed to a filled can and then the sealed can is subjected to a heat-treatment in which a sterilization and a cross-linking reaction take place simultaneously.
US08211252B2
A subject matter of the present invention is: the compounds of formula (I): in which: and Het is an azolyl radical: nitroazolyl or tetrazolyl; with the exception of 3-nitro-4-(4-nitro-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)furazan; the preparation of said compounds; and the energetic compositions including at least one compound chosen from said compounds of formula (I) and 3-nitro-4-(4-nitro-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)furazan.
US08211248B2
Disclosed herein is an aluminum alloy that is both age-hardenable and degradable in water-containing fluids. Some embodiments include aluminum alloy compositions with about 0.5 to 8.0 wt. % Ga (Gallium); about 0.5 to 8.0 wt. % Mg (Magnesium); less than about 2.5 wt. % In (Indium); and less than about 4.5 wt. % Zn (Zinc).
US08211240B2
A method removes organic liquids from surfaces or volumes by identifying the presence of organic liquids on a surface or within a volume; providing absorbent, solid non-glass inorganic particles onto areas of the surface or within a volume where the organic liquids are present; absorbing or adsorbing organic liquids into the particles; and removing the particles with organic liquid therein.
US08211237B2
Cleaning contact lenses by placing each contact lens in a daily use contact lens case with contact lens solution such as sterile saline or lens cleaning/disinfecting solution, placing the case in a liquid in a cleaning tank of an ultrasonic cleaning device operating at a frequency and power level sufficient to clean each lens in a convenient time period.
US08211232B2
A substrate processing apparatus that can reduce the number of parts. A first gas introduction hole through which the hydrogen fluoride gas is introduced into a GDP is formed in an upper lid. A second gas introduction hole through which hydrogen fluoride gas is introduced from a hydrogen fluoride gas source is formed in a processing vessel. When the upper lid engages the upper portion of the processing vessel, one end of the first gas introduction hole is joined with one end of the second gas introduction hole to form an introduction path through which the hydrogen fluoride gas is introduced into a chamber.
US08211230B2
An atomic deposition (ALD) thin film deposition apparatus includes a deposition chamber configured to deposit a thin film on a wafer mounted within a space defined therein. The deposition chamber comprises a gas inlet that is in communication with the space. A gas system is configured to deliver gas to the gas inlet of the deposition chamber. At least a portion of the gas system is positioned above the deposition chamber. The gas system includes a mixer configured to mix a plurality of gas streams. A transfer member is in fluid communication with the mixer and the gas inlet. The transfer member comprising a pair of horizontally divergent walls configured to spread the gas in a horizontal direction before entering the gas inlet.
US08211223B2
A clay-pulp mixture is prepared by blending a predetermined ratio of clay and wood pulp (specifically, fiber derived from virgin alpha cellulose) in dry form, moistening the mixture homogeneously by adding water and continuing to blend until a malleable consistency is achieved. Air is extracted from the moist mixture, and solid blocks formed for storage and delivery to end-users.
US08211208B2
A method for purifying polluted air having particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants is provided. The method comprising: separately purifying and treating particle phase and gaseous phase pollutants present in the air; providing a dust cleaning apparatus, a catalytic filter core and a valve for controlling an airflow path within an air purification apparatus; controlling the airflow path for the air to bypass the catalytic filter core in a way that: if the amount of particle phase pollutants is above a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core; if the amount of particle phase pollutants is less than a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core.
US08211205B1
A method for the synthesis and manufacture of metal nanoparticles using metal inorganic salts. The method is simple and uses inexpensive chemicals. The procedure produces nanometals in 100% yields. Method is scalable and produces nanoparticles in unlimited quantities. In this method, a metal inorganic salt is dissolved in a reaction medium, comprised of a solvent and organic amine to create a metal/amine complex. A reducing agent, comprised of a solvent and Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4), is then mixed with the metal/amine complex through titration or through a continuous flow process. The resulting nanoparticles are then precipitated through the addition of methanol and centrifugation and decanted. The decanted nanoparticles can then be suspended in a solvent for storage.
US08211203B2
A matrix powder for forming a matrix bit body, the matrix powder essentially consisting of a plurality of carbide particles having a particle size distribution of ±20% of a median particle size; and a plurality of metal binder particles is disclosed.
US08211202B2
The present invention relates to a gas-absorbing substance that contains at least Li and a solid material having a hardness of 5 or more, and absorbs at least nitrogen or oxygen at 25° C. under normal pressure, and a gas-absorbing alloy that contains at least two kinds of metals that are not allowed to mutually form an intermetallic compound, with a mixing enthalpy of the two kinds of metals being greater than 0 and at least one portion of the two kinds of metals being atomically mixed, and also concerns a gas-absorbing material that contains the gas-absorbing substance and the gas-absorbing alloy.
US08211196B2
A feed gas conditioner includes a pressure vessel that encloses at least part of a pre-heater. The pre-heater has an inlet for connection to a source of feed gas and an outlet for delivering the feed gas into the interior of the pressure vessel. An electrical heater element located within the pre-heater increases the temperature of the feed gas as it flows through the pre-heater. An expansion valve reduces the pressure of the feed gas as it flows from the pre-heater so as to initiate condensation. A super heater is at least partially located within the pressure vessel and has an inlet within the interior of the pressure vessel. A filter is in a flow path in the pressure vessel leading from the pre-heater heater to the super heater for removing condensate from the feed gas. An electrical heater element is in the super heater for heating the feed gas.
US08211181B2
An artificial knee joint that includes a femoral component with a specially shaped bearing surface and a tibial component, whose surface interacts with the femoral surfaces. The interaction provides for the required motion and stability characteristics. The interaction between the femoral and tibial surfaces is such that as the knee is flexed to maximum, the femoral component moves posteriorly on the tibial surface, by an amount similar to that in the anatomic knee. This is accomplished primarily by the depth and width of the femoral trochlea diminishing as the femoral component is flexed from zero to maximum, together with a ramp on the center of the tibial surface. The opposite motion, roll forward of the femur from a fully flexed to a more extended position, is accomplished by varying the outward radii of the lateral and medial femoral bearing surfaces, together with a ramp on the postero-lateral and postero-medial regions of the tibial surfaces. A variation of this is to generate a tibial surface which provides for a progressive internal rotation of the tibia as flexion proceeds.
US08211177B2
The present invention is a load sharing intervertebral fusion device that allows for reconstruction of the proper disc space between two vertebral bodies while allowing bone material packed within the fusion device to share loading and stress for enhanced healing. The device includes two sections, an upper and lower section, separated by a bioresorbable spacer. The upper section slides relative to the lower section with the bioresorbable material being placed in load therebetween. The upper section and lower sections are effectively held apart, creating an initial fixed spacer for implantation of the intervertebral disc space. Openings in the implant construct allow for bone graft and bone substitutes to be placed within the implant to allow for fusion through the implant construct. After implantation and over a period of time based on bone resorbtion and remodeling, the spacer resorbs, thereby maintaining load on the bone graft material.
US08211175B2
An articular disc prosthesis and method of implanting the same within an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies. The prosthesis includes a pair of articular components and an articular ball disposed therebetween. Each of the articular components includes an outer shell portion and a removable inner insert portion. The insert portion includes a concave articular surface sized and shaped to receive a portion of the articular ball to provide articulating motion between the articular components. The outer shell portion includes a central hemi-cylindrical portion, a pair of laterally extending flanges, and an axially extending lip. Following removal of the natural intervertebral disc, a pair of hemi-cylindrical recesses are formed along a central region of the adjacent vertebral bodies to a predetermined depth. The prosthesis is implanted within the prepared disc space by axially displacing the hemi-cylindrical central portions of the articular components along the hemi-cylindrical recesses in the vertebral bodies. The lateral flanges and the axial lip of the articular components bear against the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies to stabilize the prosthesis and to prevent subsidence.
US08211171B2
A protective device or bridge (20) comprising a central arch (24) is suitable to be placed between an annuplasty device placed in the coronary sinus and an underlying coronary artery to inhibit transmission of compressive force on the coronary artery by the annuplasty device.
US08211168B2
This invention is directed to graft materials for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient and to methods of making the graft materials. The present invention is also directed to stent grafts and endoluminal prostheses formed of the graft materials. More specifically, the present invention is a graft material which includes porous polymeric sheet, extracellular matrix material (ECM) disposed on at least a portion of the porous polymeric sheet and at least one polymer layer disposed on at least a portion of the ECM. The ECM may be in a gel form. The polymeric sheet and the polymer layer may be made from foam material and may comprise a polyurethane urea and a surface modifying agent such as siloxane.
US08211163B2
A stent has adjacent circumferential rings of struts. Adjacent rings being connected by a plurality of connectors. The stent having a hybrid of peak to valley and peak to peak connectors.
US08211162B2
A stent has adjacent bands being connected by connectors. Each band has a plurality of interconnected struts. The width of a portion of a strut end region is greater than the width of a portion of the strut medial region. Adjacent strut end regions within a band are connected at a turn. Each connector has first and second connector end regions, and a connector medial region. The width of a portion of the first connector end region or second connector end region is greater than the width of a portion of the connector medial region. The first connector end region is engaged to one turn of a first band and the second connector end region is engaged to one turn of a second longitudinally adjacent band, the first and second bands having connected turns and unconnected turns, the connected turns having a greater width than the unconnected turns.
US08211160B2
A method for assembling a stent graft onto a balloon delivery catheter is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: assembling a graft over a stent with attached security rings and inserting the ends of the graft between the stent and the rings; placing the assembled stent graft on the delivery balloon of the delivery catheter; and crimping the stent graft onto the balloon. The stent may include a plurality of axially aligned belts that include a plurality of mid belts, and first and second end belts, where each of the mid belts includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced struts having first and second ends adjoining first sinusoidal-shaped elements, and each of the first and second end belts includes at least about twice the number of circumferentially spaced struts adjoining second sinusoidal-shaped elements. Also disclosed is a stent graft for use in practicing the method.
US08211159B2
A stent delivery system includes a catheter with an axially extending inner core and outer sheath. Axially spaced rings extending from a relatively narrow diameter portion of the inner core proximate the distal end thereof. The rings engage proximal portions of a compacted stent disposed within the sheath and over the core and rings. A proximal handle of the system has a first portion that supports the sheath and a second portion that supports the core for relative displacement of the core and the sheath. Retraction of the sheath relative to the core uncovers the stent engaged by the rings which tends to remain stationary relative to the core so that upon partial retraction of the sheath a distal end of the stent expands to its expanded form. Further retraction of the sheath deploys the stent, retracting the core returns the distal portion of the stent into the sheath.
US08211148B2
A surgical implant for locking a spinal motion segment includes an anterior plate portion with laterally spaced interbody members extending posteriorly therefrom. The plate portion has passages to receive surgical fixing screws or other securing elements engaged in holes drilled in the vertebrae for securing the plate portion to the anterior faces of the vertebrae to be locked. The arms extend into a space between lateral portions of the vertebrae to be locked.
US08211129B2
A double or triple zip-tied anastomosis surgery method is provided. The method includes circumferentially fastening a first and a second zip-tie around a tubular organ or a connecting region between two tubular organs, with the first and second zip-ties beside each other; dissecting the tubular organ or the connecting region at a space between the first and second zip-ties, forming a first tubular portion with a first zip-tied end and a second tubular portion with a second zip-tied end; resecting a target segment from the second tubular portion, and centrally fastened the resected end; then rejoining the first and the second tubular portions together using a circular stapler, with staples encircling the first zip-tied end and the centrally fastened resected end; and cutting and removing tissues and zip-tie encircled by the staples to recreate a tubular pathway, with a smooth interface between the two tubular portions.
US08211127B2
An injection port comprises a body, a fluid reservoir, a septum, and a plurality of fasteners. The fluid reservoir is defined in part by the body and the septum. A needle may be inserted through the septum to reach the reservoir. The fasteners are integral with the body. The fasteners are simultaneously rotatable from a non-deployed position to a deployed position. The fasteners are retracted relative to the body when the fasteners are in the non-deployed position. The fasteners are extended relative to the body when the fasteners are in the deployed position. The fasteners are also simultaneously rotatable from the deployed position to the non-deployed position. The injection port may be coupled with a gastric band via a conduit. The conduit may provide fluid communication between an inflatable member of the gastric band and the reservoir of the injection port as part of a closed fluid circuit.
US08211117B2
A method and device for the extraction of follicular units from a donor area on a patient. The method includes scoring the outer skin layers with a sharp punch, and then inserting a blunt punch into the incision to separate the hair follicle from the surrounding tissue and fatty layer. The method and device will significantly decrease the amount of follicular transection and increase the rate at which follicular units can be extracted.
US08211115B2
A medical device includes an elongate member defining a lumen and a tipless basket having a proximal end and a distal end. The basket is retractable within and extendable from the lumen. The basket includes a plurality of proximal legs extending from the proximal end of the basket and a plurality of distal legs extending to the distal end of the basket. Each of the plurality of proximal legs is connected to an end of at least two of the plurality of distal legs between the proximal and distal ends of the basket.
US08211112B2
An osteotomy implant for supporting an open wedge osteotomy and method of use are described. In one form, the implant is configured to contain a graft material within the osteotomy. In another form, the implant is composed of multiple parts capable of being assembled either before or after insertion into the osteotomy.
US08211101B2
Systems and methods treat hemorrhoids by introducing a treatment device into the anal canal to extend above a hemorrhoidal plexus and adjacent a tissue region containing blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoidal plexus. The systems and methods operate the treatment device to affect tissue morphology in the tissue region to occlude or otherwise reduce blood flow through the vessels.
US08211088B2
An implantable medical device, comprising a body including a lumen extending therethrough at least one activatable element disposed within the body, a dimension of each of the at least one activatable elements changing in response to a predetermined stimulation between an activated state and an inactivate state to change a shape of the body to control a degree of opening of the lumen and at least one actuation element, each of the at least one actuation elements being configured to selectively supply the predetermined stimulation to a corresponding one of the at least one activatable elements to move the corresponding one of the at least one activatable elements between the activated and inactive states.
US08211085B2
Therapeutic device intended for the selective cytoreductive treatment of an obstruction in a natural lumen or passage of the human or animal body, said lumen being obstructed by the effect of a local cell proliferation, said device comprising a tubular element, in particular of cylindrical shape, intended to be placed in said natural lumen and sufficiently flexible to conform to said natural lumen, but sufficiently rigid to maintain an artificial channel in said lumen. The tubular element supports lengthwise a medicinal sleeve which is intended to come into line with, and into contact with, the obstruction once the natural lumen has been intubated, and is designed to deliver locally, at least in its outer surface portion, at least one therapeutic agent which is cytoreductive, in particular cytotoxic, through contact with the cells under whose effect said lumen is obstructed.
US08211082B2
To provide a drug solution preparing kit which can be handled with ease in a substantially aseptic manner, and has no risk that a leakage of a drug solution such as a splash and a dispersion of an aerosol to an ambient environment occurs upon preparation of the drug solution There is provided a drug solution preparing kit including a pre-filled syringe and a transfusing tool, wherein the pre-filled syringe includes a sealing member which seals the tip end and can not be removed from the tip end, and that the transfusing tool includes a one-way valve which can discharge only gas from the system in an irreversible manner, and a filter which is provided so as to adjoin to the second communication channel with respect to the one-way valve.
US08211077B2
A disposable pant-type diaper according to the present invention includes a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion which is positioned between the front and back portions, in which a waist opening and a pair of leg openings are formed by joining both longitudinal side-edge portions of the front and back portions which face each other, and stretchable elastic members are disposed along at least a part of each opening, wherein a cutout portion is formed in at least a portion of the side-edge portion of at least one of the front and back portions, and the front and back portions assume a non-joining state at the portion where the cutout portion is formed.
US08211072B2
The invention provides an ostomy bag assembly including an outer bag and an inner bag secured to one side of a flange. The inner bag is removable to facilitate disposal. The flange has a polymeric backing film and a layer of bioadhesive for securing the ostomy bag assembly to the body of a patient. The flange includes an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag. The outer bag is detachably bonded to a first attachment zone on the flange and the inner bag is secured to a second attachment zone on the flange. The outer bag is mounted to the flange by an annular bonding element is formed from a multilayer polymeric material comprising first and second ethylene vinyl acetate layers and a polymeric support layer interposed there between. A method of fabricating ostomy bags is also provided.
US08211070B2
A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.
US08211069B2
A luer connector including a housing with first end including a male luer tip and a second end. The connector further includes a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end and a retaining member configured to couple the valve member and the housing. The housing further includes a rigid conduit positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the second end of the housing, the rigid conduit adapted to engage the first opened end of the valve member. The housing including a first internal volume when the valve member is in a first position and a second, smaller volume when the valve member is in a second position.
US08211068B2
A cassette insertable into an irrigation or aspiration machine for endoscopy includes an irrigation or an aspiration tube and a support provided with one or two inlet plugs and one or two outlet plugs where two tubes form an elbow to be connectable to the inlet or outlet plugs in an input and output direction of motion, respectively and to form an irrigation or aspiration pumping area in the input and output direction of motion. The support includes a T-shaped guide according to the head of the T for protecting the elbow of each tube and according to the length of the T body in a slot guiding the tube in the output direction. The T-shaped guide extends between one or two inlet plugs to form the irrigation or aspiration pumping area on both sides of the slot between each inlet plug and the head of the T.
US08211057B2
A chemical liquid injector comprises liquid syringe 200 and a chemical liquid injector. Liquid syringe 200 has cylinder member 210, a piston member and RFID tag 230 put on an outer circumference of cylinder member 210. The chemical liquid injector has cylinder holding mechanism 120 for holding cylinder member 210, a piston driving mechanism for driving the piston member and an RFID reader. The RFID reader has reader antennas 132L, 132R placed opposite to a tag antenna so as to be able to receive data from RFID tag 230 with cylinder member 210 is appropriately held by the cylinder holding mechanism. The piston driving mechanism is permitted to operate only when the RFID reader receives data from RFID tag 230.
US08211055B2
There is disclosed a drug eluting balloon catheter assembly provided with a balloon formed of an inner balloon member of non-compliant material and an outer balloon member of a compliant material and which is provided with holes therein for eluting a drug or other fluid. In use, the outer balloon member is biased by contraction onto the inner balloon member thereby keeping the holes therein normally sealed closed and minimizing dead space in the device.
US08211054B2
A system for controlling administration of medical fluid includes a fluid passageway to which is attached a first flow regulator, a second flow regulator, and a flow detector. The system also includes a controller for controlling the first and second flow regulators in response to a measurement taken by the flow detector of fluid movement in the fluid passageway. The first flow regulator, such as a pump, is configured to maintain fluid movement at flow values greater than an unrestricted flow value. The second flow regulator, such as a variable adjustable valve, is configured to maintain fluid movement at a flow value less than the unrestricted flow value. A method of controlling administration of medical fluid includes obtaining a target flow value, moving fluid through the disposable assembly, taking a measurement of fluid movement in the disposable assembly, and actuating a flow regulating apparatus.
US08211045B2
A novel ankle gapping device includes a lower leg engaging apparatus, a foot engaging apparatus, and a biasing member disposed between the lower leg engaging apparatus and the foot engaging apparatus. The leg engaging apparatus is adapted to securely engage a user's leg such that the leg engaging apparatus will remain stationary when the biasing member exerts an upward force thereon. The foot engaging apparatus is contoured to fit the user's foot. In a particular embodiment, the biasing member is a pneumatic biasing member, such as an inflatable tube that is actuated by a pump. As the pump provides compressed air (or some other fluid) to the biasing member, the pressure inside the biasing member increases, causing an increase in the volume of the biasing member. This pressure and volume increase exerts an upward force via the leg engaging apparatus to the lower leg, and a downward force via the foot engaging apparatus to the foot. The forces applied to the leg and the foot cause separation of the ankle joint, allowing the synovial fluid to flow over the articulating surfaces of the bones of the joint.
US08211030B2
A method and system for operating a non-invasive blood pressure monitor that utilizes an SpO2 plethysmograph waveform to determine the initial inflation pressure for the NIBP monitor. A pulse sensor is placed on the patient's limb distal to the blood pressure cuff and provides a pulse waveform to the NIBP monitor. The NIBP monitor calculates a second derivative of the pulse waveform, which includes a series of acceleration peaks corresponding to pulse signals within the pulse waveform. When the blood pressure cuff reaches systolic pressure, the acceleration peaks contained within the acceleration waveform are eliminated, thus providing an indication that the cuff pressure has reached systolic pressure for the patient. Use of the SPO2 plethysmograph signal to determine the initial inflation pressure reduces both the over-inflation of the blood pressure cuff and the under-inflation of the blood pressure cuff, which increases the rate at which the blood pressure measurement can be made while increasing patient comfort.
US08211027B2
Method and apparatus for determining at least one patient-related parameter for monitoring a patient
A method is described for determining at least one patient-related parameter for monitoring a patient. A general population-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship of the arterial vascular bed is used and the arterial pressure of the patient is measured to obtain a prediction of the cross sectional area (CSA) of the thoracic part of the aorta. The cross sectional area is measured, wherein at least one parameter of the general population-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship is corrected by means of the measured cross sectional area to determine a patient-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship such that the cross sectional area obtained with this patient-related pressure/CSA relationship is equal to the measured cross sectional area.
US08211023B2
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which utilizes one or more transducer arrays affixed to the head of a patient to diagnose and treat stroke victims. The transducer headset produces a two or three dimensional image of the vasculature inside the cranium, preferably assisted by a microbubble contrast agent. A vascular flow map is produced by the system which may be diagnosed for signs of a blood clot. If a blood clot is detected, a therapeutic beam is transmitted while the contrast agent is present to break up the blood clot by the disruption of microbubbles. The headset may also be used in a monitoring application to detect the recurrence of blood clots in a stroke victim.
US08211017B2
A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures.
US08211015B2
The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a short-acting analgesic agent in the management of pain during labor, wherein the system enables efficient, real-time prediction of contractions for the coordinated administration of analgesia such that the peak effectiveness of the analgesic coincides with the intermittent pain of labor.
US08211003B2
The present invention relates to a swing-out unit for a centrifuge, with the swing-out unit comprising sample vessel recesses and being insertable in a centrifuge rotor head to be swivelable about a swing-out axis, with the axes of at least two sample vessel recesses being arranged in a skewed manner with respect to one another. As a result, more sample vessels can be inserted in a swing-out unit than was previously possible with limited overall space.
US08211000B2
A conductive roller has a core and a conductive foam formed on a peripheral surface thereof. The conductive foam constitutes a three-phase rubber composition containing 35 to 50 parts by mass of epichlorohydrin rubber, 25 to 35 parts by mass of ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer rubber, and 25 to 30 parts by mass of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber as a rubber component thereof. The conductive foam does not have a coating layer formed on a surface thereof. The conductive roller has an Asker C hardness, an electric resistance value, an average surface-cell diameter, and a number of surface cells set to 30 to 36°, 106 to 107Ω, 100 to 200 μm, and 50 to 120/1.5 mm square respectively.
US08210998B2
An abdominal exercise device has a base, a seat mounted on the base, a front frame rotatably on a front of the base, a rear frame rotatably mounted on a rear of the base, a connecter connected pivotally to the front frame and the rear frame, an adjusting assembly mounted on the base and at least one resilient element connected to the rear frame and adjusting assembly. The at least one resilient element pulls the rear frame along with the connecter and the front frame to assist in performing sit-ups so abdominal muscles of a user using the abdominal exercise device is trained.
US08210997B2
The present invention resides in an exercise device that is lightweight and easy to transport, and is particularly effective in improving neuromuscular/proprioceptive coordination, balance and core strength. The exercise device draws on the well known physical fitness benefits of canoe and kayak paddling, and at the same time is a device that can be used in a gym, home, office, or at any land site desired. The exercise device of the present invention comprises a pole that can be grasped in two hands similar to grasping a canoe or kayak paddle. A yoke is positioned at one end of the pole. A roller is held axially in the yoke. A variable resistance brake controls the ease with which the roller is able to rotate within the yoke. An adjustment means may be positioned on the pole that allows the user of the device to control the variable resistance.
US08210980B2
The present invention refers to a speed change mechanism with magnetic torque transmission using two stages of epicyclic transmission, with four bases, containing each base at least one magnetic poles ring, the first stage has one base with orbital motion and one base reciprocal to the housing concentric with the two shafts, the second stage has one base with rotational motion concentric with the lower rotation shaft and one base with orbital motion reciprocal to the orbital motion base of the first stage, the torque transmission of each stage is done by the magnetic poles rings of each base, and the transmission ratio change is done by changing the pair of magnetic poles rings that are transmitting torque.
US08210977B2
A dual purpose pressure adjusting valve provides a hydraulic pressure upon failure of electric power supply and controls the hydraulic pressure selectively directed toward a high clutch and a low & reverse brake using a line pressure, that bypasses a manual valve, as a source pressure. A switching valve switches hydraulic pressure feeding passages of the high clutch and low & reverse brake in response to selection of a range position between D-range position and R-range position. A first rotation member and a transmission input shaft are connected to each other when the high clutch is engaged. The first rotation member is a member other than a transmission output gear. A high clutch inhibitor valve uses D-range pressure PD as a signal pressure and is arranged between the switching valve and the high clutch. The high clutch inhibitor valve opens a communication between the dual purpose pressure adjusting valve and the high clutch when the signal pressure is applied thereto and doses the communication between the dual purpose pressure adjusting valve and the high clutch when the signal pressure is not applied thereto.
US08210970B1
An expandable arrow broadhead used for releasable attachment to one end of a hollow arrow shaft. The broadhead includes a rotating, sliding shaft with a spirally wound, scalloped grooved, pointed tip and tip base having two or more of cutting blades mounted thereon. A portion of the sliding shaft is slidably received inside a hollow collar attached to a sliding shaft housing. The sliding shaft housing is attached to an arrow shaft insert adapted for receipt inside one end of the arrow shaft. In a retracted position, the blades are disposed next to and parallel to the length of the sliding shaft. When the pointed tip engages a target, the sliding shaft moves inwardly and rearwardly sliding inside the collar. As the sliding shaft moves rearwardly, a beveled cam surface of the blades engages a portion of the collar, which moves the blades outwardly in an extended and locked position.
US08210965B2
A golf club head with a face insert that is only partially connected to the body of the golf club head is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a face insert wherein the face insert is only connected to the body of the golf club head at specific engagement portions around the perimeter of the face insert while keeping the remainder of the perimeter unengaged. The golf club head disclosed in accordance with the present invention will allow for removal of excessive weight traditionally needed to connect the face insert to the body of the golf club head, therefore improving the performance of the golf club head.
US08210963B2
Described is a portable and intuitive golf swing improvement device for indicating the proper shift of a golfer's body weight to the front foot during a down swing. More specifically, the swing improvement device measures the shift of the golfer's body weight during a golf swing and indicates when such shift is in accordance with a technically sound swing. Additionally, the swing improvement device is self-sufficient and portable such that the device is deployable almost anywhere. The swing improvement device also provides swing analysis in a manner that is immediately understandable to the golfer.
US08210958B2
A golf practice and exercise device has an elevated arm from which an impact object is suspended for swinging movement. The object is positioned with a clubhead impact target in position for striking by the clubhead of a golf club swung by a golfer. The resistance to the impact of the golf club is adjustable. A sensor detects the magnitude and velocity of the striking force, and a display displays an indication as to how far a golf ball would have gone after being struck with a force and velocity of the detected magnitude.
US08210957B2
Disclosed is a golf swing training machine, which allows a golf beginner to comfortably strike a golf ball in a stable mental state without a burden from the golf ball, thus allowing the golf beginner to effectively master a swing posture in a short period of time. In the golf swing training machine, a tee having a golf ball laid thereon and a tee having no golf ball laid thereon are alternately located at a striking point, or one tee is provided at the striking point such that a golf ball is not laid on the tee during aiming and then is laid on the tee just before a point of the striking time, thereby allowing a trainee to aim at the tee having no golf ball during aiming and thus to strike the golf ball in a stable mental state.
US08210956B2
A switch or switch mechanism that can be used with an object to detect motion of the object in a particular direction or directions is disclosed. The switch can include two contacts and a conductive mechanism that remains engaged with one contact and that is selectively engageable with the other contact in response to movement in a particular direction.
US08210946B2
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a human interface device communicable with a computing device and method therefor for varying a process selectably performable by the computing device is disclosed. The human interface device comprises a positionally variable controller of the human interface device actuable and positionable by a user of the human interface device. The human interface device also has a communication interface for communicating with the computing device for varying intensity level of an intensity-variable property of the process selectably performable by the computing device in response to the actuation and position of the positionally variable controller. More specifically, the process is selectably performable by the computing device is selectable by at least one process selection key actuable by the user of the human interface device.
US08210939B2
A program for rewarding players for gaming at a casino establishment provides a player with real-time incentives while the player is playing at a gaming machine in the casino. Information about the player and/or the player's gaming activity is collected while the player is at a gaming machine in a casino. This information is used by a marketing system to select an incentive to provide to the player. The incentive is then delivered to the player, for example manually by a casino employee or automatically using a printer or other mechanism at the gaming machine. Various types of incentives can be provided to a player, including incentives designed to provide the player with an experience that is favorable to the casino and incentives designed to keep the player gaming in a casino for a longer amount of time.
US08210929B2
A gaming device including a game having a plurality of different award levels. In one embodiment, the gaming device displays a plurality of ranked components. The gaming device determines and reveals a first and second component to a player. The gaming device improves one of the award levels when the rank of the first component is more favorable than the rank of the second component. In another embodiment, the gaming device displays a plurality of components and a plurality of selections, wherein one of the components is associated with each of the selections. The player picks and reveals a first component associated with one of the selections. The processor picks and reveals a second component associated with another of the selections. The processor improves the award level for the player in the game when the rank of the first component is more favorable than the rank of the second component.
US08210925B2
Systems and methods for controlling a difficulty level of a multiplayer networked game are provided herein. One exemplary method includes setting an initial difficulty level at a gaming server for a game played by a main gaming client and one or more challenger gaming clients. The method further includes sending an input request to the main gaming client and each challenger gaming client based on the initial difficulty level. The method further includes receiving main user input from the main gaming client, and challenger user input from each challenger gaming client responsive to the input request. The method also includes adjusting the initial difficulty level to an adjusted difficulty level based on the challenger user input.
US08210924B2
This invention discloses a dice with RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags and a dice recognizing system for recognizing dice with RFID tags. The dice with RFID tags comprises at least a dice body and a plurality of RFID tags. The dice body is a regular polyhedron with at least six faces, and at least a pip is disposed on each face of the dice. The plurality of RFID tags are disposed on any two opposite faces of the dice body, respectively. One of the two opposite faces is disposed with at least one RFID tag, and the other one of the opposite faces is disposed with the plurality of RFID tags. The projection spots of all the plurality of RFID tags on the face with the RFID tag can be interconnected into a polygon.
US08210919B2
There is disclosed a method of playing a numerical target card game. After bets are accepted from at least one player, one card may be dealt to the player and a banker. The player may elect to receive one or more hit cards. The banker may receive one or more hit cards according to predetermined rules. If the player receives a hand having a value greater than a numerical target, the player loses. If the value of the banker's hand exceeds the numerical target, every player receiving a hand with a value less than or equal to the numerical target wins. When the values of the banker's hand and the player's hand are both less than or equal to the numerical target, the hand with the highest value wins and the hand is a tie if the value of the banker's hand and a player's hand are equal.
US08210916B2
A valuation system determines in real-time values of plays occurring during games by identifying a play that occurred during a game. The system determines an expectation of scoring prior to the play occurring, and an expectation of scoring that results from the play occurring. The system then calculates a value of the play as the difference between the expectation of scoring that results from the play occurring and the expectation of scoring that existed prior to the play occurring, and any scoring generated by the play.
US08210913B2
A system for air distribution in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle, includes at least one outlet for outflow of air into the passenger compartment, which can be activated by putting one's hand at a short distance therefrom without touching it. Associated to the air outlet is an optical sensor, which is set at distance from the air outlet and is optically connected to a window adjacent to the air outlet.
US08210905B2
Disclosed herein is a wafer polishing device including: an abrasive member driving device adapted to run a belt-like abrasive member in a direction crossing an outer circumferential end-edge of a wafer which is a wafer to be polished while bringing a belt-like abrasive member into contact with outer circumferential end-edge of the wafer, the abrasive member having non-abrasive sections disposed on both sides of an abrasive grain section; and a guide member having two guide surfaces shaped to conform to the outer circumferential end-edge of the wafer, the two guide surface being adapted to press, from rear sides of the non-abrasive sections, the respective non-abrasive sections of the abrasive member run by the abrasive member driving device.
US08210898B2
A pivotally manipulable toy is disclosed which includes a plurality of sections pivotally coupled in series, with a plurality of counting apertures being located in a plurality of the sections. The pivotally manipulable toy can be manipulated to form a plurality of shapes including letters and numbers. The pivotally manipulable toy may be used in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for children. Further, a manual which correlates each of the shapes with the number of unobstructed counting apertures that are visible when each shape is formed correctly may be provided together with the pivotally manipulable toy.
US08210868B1
Segmental daisy chain power connectors for electric powered musical equipment have short two wire insulated power cords with first and second push-in barrel or telephone-type male connectors at first and second ends and push-in barrel or telephone-type female receivers at second ends. The receivers are axially aligned with or perpendicular to the second push-in male connectors at the second ends of the power cords. The push-in connectors have internal insulated connectors for connecting to pins in receivers in the cords and in receiver power connections in the musical equipment.
US08210859B2
The invention relates to a female element (2) that comprises at least one terminal conduction component and a receptacle (20) for receiving a body (10) of a male element (1) along a longitudinal direction (X2-X′2). The female element (2) has a proximal portion (210) fitted to receive an electric power cable (C2). The receptacle (20) includes a guiding chamber (205) for said body (10) in translation along said longitudinal direction (X2-X′2), and at least one guiding edge for guiding said body (10) revolving around an axis (X1-X′1) of said body (10), the one or each guiding edge being disposed, along said longitudinal direction (X2-X′2), between said guiding chamber (205) and the one or each terminal component. The guiding chamber (205) has a cylindrical form with a circular base circumscribed on a triangular base of the body (10) of the male element (1).
US08210857B2
An electronic device includes least two electronic components linked electrically to one another using a flexible connector. The flexible connector includes multiple conducting blades, and is interposed between the two electrical components such that longitudinal edges of the flexible connector are held in contact against respective connection pads of each of the electronic components. The flexible connector is ultimately compressed, respectively, against both electronic components. The electronic device is equipped with two additional conducting blades for checking the state of compression of the flexible connector. The two additional conducting blades include an electrical circuit for determining the state of compression of the flexible connector by a resistive measurement and integrating at least one additional conducting blade of the flexible connector.
US08210852B2
An artificial bone generally includes an outer wall defining an inner cavity and an inner core disposed within at least a portion of the inner cavity, wherein the inner core includes a porous material having stiffness within a range of stiffness properties for mammalian cancellous bone and strength within a range of strength properties for mammalian cancellous bone.
US08210849B1
An online game that promotes healthy behavior by engaging computer users and by providing educational information about health and nutrition. User participation is measured in relation to an avatar of a belly that gains and loses weight according to game play. Users are assigned an avatar according to answers to profile questions. Users earn points by correctly answering health and nutrition questions. When a user answers a question correctly, the player can help him- or herself or “sabotage” a friend. Users also have options to help a friend. The game has consequences for incorrect answers. Updates to a leader board and a message board allow users to see how friends are doing. Social networking aspects of the game keep users engaged and entertained, and therefore, more likely to participate. Participation helps users to increase their knowledge of health and nutrition facts and therefore, their knowledge regarding healthy behaviors.
US08210844B2
An air impingement conveyor oven incorporating a baking case having an interior space bordered by opposing longitudinal walls, opposing lateral walls, a ceiling, and a floor; an air plenum partitioning the baking case's interior space into an air impingement space and an air return space, the air plenum having at least a first intake port opening at the air return space, the air plenum further having a plurality of air impingement ducts extending into and opening at the air impingement space; a passive flow conduit opening the baking case, the passive flow conduit having an output end positioned at the return air space; a combustible fuel injector and igniter connected operatively to the passive flow conduit; and an air impelling fan mounted operatively within the baking case's interior space for recirculating impingement air from the air impingement space into the air return space, for drawing outside combustion air through the passive flow conduit, and for driving the air through the at least first intake port into the air plenum.
US08210841B2
A vacuum-induced injection molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool surface having an injection port extending therethrough. A flexible film extends over and is sealingly coupled to the tool surface. The flexible film comprises an outer surface and an inner surface such that the flexible film inner surface and the tool surface define a volume. A vacuum chamber is sealingly coupled to the outer surface of the flexible film. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the volume. A method of injection molding a polymer matrix composite is also disclosed.
US08210839B2
The invention provides a new method and apparatus for making multicolor gelatin ribbons and softgel capsules is provided which uses a modification of the gelatin spreader boxes by incorporating especially designed pipelines that are bifurcated with a tee. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for providing decorative coloring effects such as stripes of desired colors on softgel gelatin products comprising: (a) a second gelatin spreader box, with four sides and a bottom, that can be mounted on the outside of a first gelatin spreader box in any convenient manner; (b) at least one orifice in the second spreader box for the dispensing of decorative gelatin; (c) means to adjust the size of said at least one orifice; (d) a main conduit, with at least one opening within said spreader box, providing passage for said decorative gelatin into said box; an into at least one orifice (e) a means to couple said main conduit with said an external source of decorative gelatin; and (f) a means to maintain the temperature of said decorative gelatin within a desired range of temperature; wherein said at least one orifice is constructed to dispense said decorative gelatin onto a base gelatin flowing from said first gelatin spreader box onto a casting drum surface.
US08210821B2
A labyrinth seal that may include a first leg positioned about a high-pressure side of the dovetail tab, a second leg positioned about a low-pressure side of the dovetail tab, and a labyrinth chamber positioned between the first leg and the second leg. High-pressure fluid passing through the gap about the first leg expands within the labyrinth chamber so as to limit an amount of the high-pressure fluid that passes beyond the second leg.
US08210816B2
A centrifugal pump (10) includes a pump casing (12) within which an impeller (14) is mounted for rotation, cantilever fashion, on a shaft (16). The casing (12) has an axial inlet (20), and a peripheral volute (22) around the impeller (14) leading to an outlet (24). The impeller (14) has axially spaced annular sides (26, 28) with radially outwardly arranged, rearwardly curved, vanes (30) between the sides. Outwardly of the sides, clearing corresponding sides of the casing (12), auxiliary vanes (32, 34) are provided to generate a pressure gradient to prevent or counteract leakage of working fluid. Leading faces of the auxiliary vanes slope relative to a perpendicular to the sides, i.e. the leading edges are at an obtuse angle to the sides (26, 28).
US08210814B2
A turbine airfoil includes pressure and suction sidewalls extending axially in chord between opposite leading and trailing edges. The sidewalls are spaced transversely apart to define flow channels extending longitudinally and separated chordally by partitions bridging the sidewalls. A perforate partition includes a row of crossover holes extending obliquely therethrough.
US08210805B1
An efficient turbine having an impeller mounted to an axle. The impeller has a cylindrical center hub mounted on the axle, and a plurality of blades extend radially from the center hub. The blades are welded to the center hub and end plates at either end of the impeller. Watertight chambers for receiving water are formed by adjacent blades, the center hub, and the end plates. An inlet directs water into the impeller to rotate it. The blades have an arcuate shape with no part of the blade extending below the top of the inlet when the outer edge of the blade is aligned with the top of the inlet so that no counteracting torque works against rotation of the impeller. Compressed air becomes trapped in the chambers, and when the compressed air expels the water from the impeller, it reduces the velocity of the water to near zero with respect to the inlet.
US08210796B2
Disclosed herein is a method of minimizing losses in a multiple-last-stage bucket turbine. The method includes, determining an inlet flow available for the multiple-last-stage bucket turbine, and selecting multiple last-stage buckets from a set of pre-designed last-stage buckets. The multiple last-stage buckets having inlet flows different from one another that when combined match the inlet flow available with a lower total exhaust loss than from multiple same sized last-stage buckets from the set of pre-designed last-stage buckets.
US08210794B2
A compressor includes a housing, a rotor, an impeller, and a ported shroud. The rotor is mounted within the housing, and has a first leading edge and a first trailing edge. The rotor is operable, upon rotation thereof, to compress air and to discharge the air in an approximately axial direction. The impeller is mounted within the housing, and has a second leading edge and a second trailing edge. The impeller is operable, upon rotation thereof, to receive the air discharged from the rotor, to further compress the air, and to discharge the air in an approximately radial direction. The shroud at least partially surrounds the impeller. The shroud has an opening therein to at least facilitate allowing the air to travel upstream of the opening.
US08210792B2
A method and system for harvesting wind energy. The system may include a wind turbine disposed subjacent to a roof assembly of building. A plurality of conduits are adjacent to and extending below the wind turbine, wherein each of the plurality of conduits defines a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion defines a larger cross-sectional area than the second portion.
US08210789B2
An assembly method of assembling a substrate transfer device including: a transfer system unit forming step of fixing a robot and a substrate container retainer to a divided body which composes a part of the substrate transfer device and is formed separably on a main structural body as a residual part of the substrate transfer device, thereby forming a transfer system unit; an operation examination step of examining whether the robot fixed to the transfer system unit can operate as a part of the substrate transfer device or not; and a mounting step of mounting the transfer system unit on the main structural body of the substrate transfer device after the operation examination step.
US08210779B2
A cutting tap includes a body having an axial forward end and an axial rearward end and a central longitudinal axis. The body has a fluted section at the axial forward end. The fluted section includes a chamfered fluted section extending from the axial forward end of the body and terminating at a first full cutting thread. The chamfered fluted section includes a first cutting thread located a first distance from the axial forward end of the body, and a second cutting thread located a second distance from the axial forward end of the body. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The chamfered fluted section is shaped such that a thickness of a section of material removed by the second cutting thread is smaller than a thickness of a section of material removed by the first cutting thread. A method of making the cutting tap is also disclosed.
US08210775B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed for governing motion of a bend stiffener along a flexible pipe. The apparatus includes a stopper clamp secured to a portion of flexible pipe body and at least one retardation element located on the flexible pipe body at a predetermined position with respect to the stopper clamp. The retardation element is arranged to reduce momentum of a bend stiffener as it moves along the portion of flexible pipe body in a direction towards the stopper clamp.
US08210763B2
An applicator for applying a product to keratinous material, may include a rod and an application member fixed to one end of the rod. The application member may include a core extending from the rod and being fixed relative to the rod. The application member also may include an outer casing including a fixation zone and an application zone. The outer casing may define an inner cavity in which the core is located, and the outer casing may be fixed to one end of the rod at the fixation zone. The outer casing may be free relative to the core, at least over part of the application zone. In addition, the fixation zone of the outer casing may be fixed to the rod and to the core between portions of the rod and the core.
US08210756B2
A fiber optic connector holder is sized to fit within an opening for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to permit a fiber optic connector with a dust cap positioned about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule to be inserted within and releasably held by the connector holder. A system for holding fiber optic connectors includes a fiber optic connector holder mounted within an opening in a bulkhead for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to receive a fiber optic connector with a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule. A optical fiber connector may be held to a bulkhead when the fiber optic connector includes a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule.
US08210754B2
A radial roller bearing shafts in wind turbine transmissions, which includes an external bearing ring with an inner runway, an internal bearing ring arranged coaxial thereto which has an outer raceway and roller bodies on runways between bearing rings spaced circumferentially by a bearing cage and distributed uniformly on a circumference replaced by hollow rollers. To prevent slip, the hollow rollers have a greater diameter and lower modulus of elasticity ensuring, in a load-free state, continuous contact by the radial roller bearing with the bearing rings and continuous drive for the bearing cage and roller bodies at kinematic rotation speed. The hollow rollers have increased bending fatigue strength, and their inner envelope surfaces are formed by mechanical processing for further inherent compression stresses of at least −200 MPa, superimposed on the hollow rollers maximum load stress along with the inherent compression stresses resulting from their heat treatment.
US08210751B2
A roller bearing which has a roller bearing ring. In order to produce a roller bearing that has a high rotational speed value and operational load using minimum quantity lubrication and in which heat produced in the bearing can be removed in a rapid and reliable manner, the roller bearing ring is made of a material composite. The first material composite component forms the running surface and is made of a refractory metal or a sintering material. The thermal conductivity and heat resistance first material composite component is higher than the thermal conductivity and heat resistance of at least one additional material composite component which forms the base body of the roller bearing ring.
US08210747B2
Bearing apparatuses including contacting bearing surfaces comprising superhard materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to bearings including polycrystalline diamond inserts or compacts defining a plurality of surfaces that move relative to one another and contact one another. For example, apparatuses may include radial bearings, or other bearings including arcuate bearing surfaces that more in relation to one another, without limitation. In one embodiment, a superhard bearing element may comprise a superhard table (e.g., polycrystalline diamond) forming an arcuate bearing surface. Further, such a superhard bearing element may comprise a chamfer formed about at least a portion of a periphery of the arcuate bearing surface. Bearing apparatuses including such bearing elements and various mechanical systems are disclosed.
US08210746B2
Disclosed is an article of manufacture including bag having a front surface; a rear surface; two side surfaces each having a gusset therein and connecting the front and rear surfaces; a flattenable bottom surface formed by connecting the front, rear, and side surfaces; and a top surface formable by connecting the front, rear, and side surfaces. The bag has a height, a width, and a depth, and defines an internal volume. The bag is sealable and has a seal strength of at least about 1,600 pounds per square inch. The bag is formed from a plastic laminate having a thickness of from about 130 to about 200 microns and a tensile strength of at least about 3,400 pounds per square inch. The article of manufacture also includes at least about 15 pounds of a particulate, flowable composition contained therein. The bag can also have a closure system comprising a non-reusable closure and a reusable closure. Also included are methods, using the article of manufacture, of enhancing palatability of an oxidizable, particulate, flowable composition contained therein.
US08210732B2
A light guide plate includes a light exit plane and a light entrance end, is formed into a shape having a thickness in a direction orthogonal to the light exit plane, the thickness being gradually larger as being farther from the light entrance end, and contains scattering particles dispersed therein, and a light guide plate assembly includes the light guide plate and a prism sheet which includes a plurality of prisms arrayed in parallel with each other, and is arranged so that vertex angles of the prisms face the light exit plane. The scattering particles scatter light entering from the light entrance end and propagating in the light guide plate, which satisfy Expressions (1) and (2) below, and vertex angles of the prisms of the prism satisfy Expression (3) and (4) below. 1.1≦ΦNPLGKC≦8.2 (1) 0.005≦KC≦0.1 (2) 55°≦θ≦80° (3) 0°≦θ1≦15° and 30°≦θ2≦45° (4)
US08210729B2
In an embodiment, an attachment system for communicating light energy from a light source to a light-conducting fiber includes a light pipe body sufficiently designed to engage a distal end of a light pipe, the light pipe body comprising at least one opening configured to dissipate heat buildup from light energy; a front assembly sufficiently designed to engage the light pipe body, the front assembly comprising an orifice and at least one opening configured to dissipate heat buildup from light energy; a light-conducting fiber body sufficiently designed to engage the front assembly and to hold a proximal portion of a light-conducting fiber, the light-conducting fiber body positioned in the orifice of the front assembly; and an optical taper assembly sufficiently designed to hold an optical taper, the optical taper assembly positioned between and spaced apart from the front assembly, and positioned between and spaced apart from the light pipe.
US08210726B2
The present invention provides a door mirror for an automobile, in which molding errors are made difficult to occur in a housing and assembling accuracy between the housing and a lamp assy is improved. A housing applied to the door mirror for an automobile is divided into two parts, that is, an upper housing located on the upper side and a lower housing located on the lower side, and a lamp assy constituting a side-turn lamp is disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing. Since the housing is divided vertically into two parts, materials or colors of the upper housing and the lower housing can be made different so that a texture and an appearance of the housing can be easily changed. Moreover, assembling errors between the housing and the lamp assy due to deformation by injection molding or thermal deformation applied during painting can hardly occur, and a gap can be hardly generated between the housing and the lamp assy on the surface side of the housing.
US08210724B2
A low glare overhead lighting fixture for a transit vehicle comprises a lighting fixture base assembly for mounting one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs or fluorescent tubes), and a light permeable cover adapted to reduce glare. The light permeable cover may include a light guide embodied as a grid-like structure with holes or perforations for directing the light from the light source in a manner reducing light spread. The light guide may be disposed between a front and rear lens covers. The lighting fixture may also utilize a light permeable cover having an anti-glare surface element, such as a privacy filter screen or mesh which may be formed using microlouver technology. The lighting fixture base assembly may have separate compartments, each lined with a highly reflective coating, housing one or more deeply set LEDs.
US08210722B2
An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved. Alternatively, the lens shape is numerically or analytically determined by a functional relationship between the shape and the predetermined illuminated surface pattern and predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source as inputs.
US08210715B2
A socket assembly includes a lighting package and a socket housing having a receptacle that removably receives the lighting package. A thermal management structure is coupled to the socket housing and is positioned at the receptacle in thermal engagement with the lighting package. The thermal management structure is configured to engage a heat sink to dissipate heat from the lighting package to the heat sink. Optionally, at least one of the socket housing and the thermal management structure may have mounting features configured to mount the socket assembly to a heat sink, where the lighting package is removable from the receptacle while the socket assembly remains mounted to the heat sink. The thermal management structure may be coupled to the socket housing such that the thermal management structure and the socket housing are coupled to a heat sink as a unit.
US08210714B2
An Illuminant module includes an optical film and a light source array. The optical array includes a plurality of concave surfaces and a plurality of convex surfaces alternatively arranged along at least one direction, wherein each concave surface has a concave surface width along the at least one direction, and each convex surface has a convex surface width along the at least one direction. The light source array includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein the concave surface width is not equal to the convex surface width, and the light from the light source array penetrates the optical film.
US08210704B1
A three-part “C” shaped disc of plastic that is placed on a client's shoulders. Several small light bulbs or light emitting diodes (LEDS) are positioned around the apex of the C-shaped disk. The lights are mounted in the disc at a 45-degree angle facing the head to illuminate the lower portions of the head. The lights are mounted in two rows, and are spaced at a distance of a quarter inch apart. This ensures the maximum level of illumination. The top cover can be removed so the LED's can be changed if a light burns out. The power is supplied by an AC outlet and converted to 12 volt DC. The device also has two wing lights that are used to illuminate the sides of the head.
US08210699B2
An embodiment of the invention discloses a wavelength converting system. The wavelength converting system comprises: a wavelength converter having a first area and a second area; a first light source disposed under the first area and inducing a first mixed light being visible above the first area; a second light source disposed under the second area and inducing a second mixed light being visible above the second area; and a carrier supporting the first light source and the second light source. The first light source and the second light source have a dominant wavelength difference of 1 nm˜20 nm, and the first mixed light and the second mixed light have a color temperature difference less than 100K.
US08210686B2
A projection system having a set of projectors that cast images: (i) outwards onto the concave surface of a hemispherical dome, as is usual in planetariums and (ii) inward onto the convex surface of a centrally located sphere. The images thus cast may be coordinated by a controlling computer program, so that changes in the content or orientation of the images on the sphere result in corresponding changes in the images on the dome and vice versa.
US08210678B1
The invention is a polarized sunglass lens that comprises a multiband contrast enhancer to provide relatively high light transmittance for portions of the red, green, and blue spectra, while blocking UV and visible violet wavelengths, and optionally blocking deep-red wavelengths, in a single lens layer which when positioned as the front lens layer also protects the internal lens layers from UV-induced degradation. The multiband contrast enhancer comprises a combination of a copper halide or copper indium compound with rare-earth oxides in a heat-treated glass composition, or a combination of narrowband and sharp-cut absorbing dyes in a plastic composition, and provides attenuation of the UV and violet spectrum, thus protecting the user's eyes and the internal layers and colorants from UV-induced damage while providing enhanced optical contrast, color saturation, and visual acuity for the wearer.
US08210677B2
A disk enabling modification of the power of an optical component consists of a Fresnel lens. The disk is initially formed with a general rounded shape which corresponds to the shape of the optical component. In this way, the disk does not lose its shape or does not lose it very much when it is applied against the component. It does not cause image distortion or optical aberration when an object is observed through the component provided with the disk. Such a disk is particularly adapted to obtain correction of ametropia or to a solar mask initially lacking optical power.
US08210675B1
An eyeglasses tether clip including a spring clip, a spring, a customizable base having perforation therein for fitting varying sizes and shapes of eyeglasses arms, and a shrink wrap sleeve for securing the base plate onto the eyeglasses, thereby permitting the eyeglasses to be secured to a person's clothing to reduce damage or loss of the eyeglasses. A pen clip may be substituted for the spring clip and spring to enable a user to carry a pair of eyeglasses in a manner similar to that of carrying a typical pen.
US08210666B2
A liquid supplying device includes a liquid tank storing liquid that is supplied to a consumption object that consumes the liquid, a transfer pump for transferring the liquid stored in the liquid tank, an auxiliary tank temporarily storing the liquid transferred by the transfer pump before supplying the liquid to the consumption object, and a return pipe disposed so as to return the liquid to the liquid tank from the auxiliary tank when an amount of the liquid stored in the auxiliary tank becomes greater than or equal to a certain amount.
US08210660B2
An ink manifold for supplying liquid ink to a heater chip of an inkjet printhead. Ink ports on one side of the manifold feed liquid ink to the ink channels on the other side of the manifold, and thus to the backside ink trenches of the heater chip. The placement and number of ink ports formed in the ink manifold are optimized so that when the heater chip and the ink manifold are scaled down in size, the ink carrying capacity of the printhead components is not compromised. Similarly, when the ink manifold is scaled down, the optimization process allows the seal width between the ink port features of the manifold to be maintained above a specified minimum.
US08210657B2
A liquid jet head includes: a pressure generation element; a nozzle plate which is provided with a nozzle opening; a pressure generating chamber plate in which a pressure generating chamber for communicating to the nozzle opening is formed; and a nozzle communication plate in which a communication through hole for communicating the one pressure generating chamber with a plurality of nozzle openings is provided between the nozzle plate and the pressure generating chamber plate, so that, for example, a plurality of the nozzle openings can be disposed in a lined-up direction of the pressure generating chambers at a predetermined pitch smaller than a lined-up pitch of the pressure generating chamber.
US08210656B2
A liquid ejecting head includes: a plurality of head main bodies in which nozzle openings are arranged and manifolds communicate with the nozzle openings; and a passage member which includes a plurality of passages supplying a liquid supplied from an upstream side to the plurality of manifolds of the head main bodies. The plurality of head main bodies is disposed so that the manifolds are arranged in a first direction. The plurality of passages of the passage member includes a passage group in which an outflow port communicating with the manifold is disposed in the first direction and an inflow port to which the liquid is supplied from the upstream side is disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
US08210655B2
The present invention provides a liquid ejection head for which the peeling of an orifice plate from a substrate seldom occurs, even in a structure such that the walls that define each energy application chamber are narrowed toward an ejection port. The walls that define a first pressure chamber are inclined inward within the first pressure chamber, so that the first pressure chamber is narrowed, toward an ejection port, along a direction perpendicular to the heater formation face on which heaters are arranged. Further, the walls that define each ink flow path are inclined in the ink ejection direction. Furthermore, the angle at which the walls that define the ink flow path are inclined relative to the ink ejection direction is smaller than the angle at which the walls that define the first pressure chamber are inclined inward, within the first pressure chamber.
US08210653B2
Sealants discharged from a syringe are irradiated with activation energy rays from a lamp. Thereby, it takes a predetermined time until the curing of the sealant begins after the irradiation of the activation energy rays. Therefore, the sealant can pass through between the lead wires in the meantime. As a result, a necessary amount of the sealant can enter into the lower side of the lead wire. Thereafter, the sealant begins to be cured and is gradually cured. In consequence, the sealant does not go through between the lead wires to flow into the lower side of the lead wire or flow out into locations other than the sealing location, and can gradually accumulate at the upper side of the lead wire to provide a sufficiently thick sealant.
US08210651B2
A modular printhead includes a chassis; a plurality of printhead modules mounted in the chassis; a plurality of alignment mechanisms each corresponding to a respective printhead modules, each alignment mechanism being interposed between the chassis and a respective printhead module, each alignment mechanism including a lever provided on a first side of a fulcrum point of the lever and a printhead module engagement plate coupled to the lever at a second side of the fulcrum point; a plurality of adjuster blocks corresponding to respective alignment mechanisms, each adjuster block engaged with respective levers via an aperture defined through each lever; and a plurality of adjustment mechanisms corresponding to respective adjuster blocks, each adjustment mechanism coupled to the chassis at one end and to a respective adjuster block at another end. The lever and the printhead module engagement plate are formed as a unitary piece. Each alignment mechanism further includes a number of hinged arms facilitating linear and parallel movement of the engagement plate in a direction towards and away from adjacent printhead modules in response to operation of the adjustment mechanism.
US08210645B2
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head including a plurality of printing elements each of which offsets at least in a auxiliary-scanning direction one another and ejects droplets toward a recording medium. The image forming apparatus further includes a main scanning unit configured to scan the recording head, relative to the recording medium, in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the auxiliary-scanning direction. The image forming apparatus still further includes a auxiliary-scanning unit configured to scan the recording head, relative to the recording medium, in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the auxiliary-scanning direction. The image forming apparatus still yet further includes a controller configured to control the printing head, the main scanning unit and the auxiliary-scanning unit to form dots in rows arranged in the auxiliary-scanning direction at a first predetermined interval, and columns arranged in the main scanning direction at a second predetermined interval while performing main scans and sub-scans repeatedly. The controller controls the printing head, the main scanning unit and the auxiliary-scanning unit to form first dots in an area of the printing medium at first alternate columns by a first main scan, and to form second dots in the area by a second main scan at second alternate columns different from the first alternate columns. The second dots are shifted, relative to the first dots, a first predetermined distance smaller the first predetermined interval.
US08210642B2
An inkjet recording apparatus comprises a conveying section having a conveying surface configured to convey a recording medium. The inkjet recording apparatus further comprises an inkjet head having a discharge surface. The inkjet recording apparatus further comprises a maintenance unit configured to maintain the inkjet head and a maintenance-unit moving mechanism configured to move the maintenance unit between a maintenance position and a withdrawal position. The inkjet recording apparatus further comprises an image sensor capable of picking up an image on the recording medium or on the conveying surface. The image sensor has a reading surface that opposes the conveying surface. The inkjet recording apparatus further comprises a cleaning member secured to the maintenance unit and configured to clean the reading surface. The inkjet recording apparatus further comprises an image-sensor moving mechanism configured to move the image sensor between an image pickup position and a cleaning position.
US08210639B2
An ink supply device includes a cartridge mounting portion to which an ink cartridge is configured to be mounted by being inserted thereinto in an insertion direction. The ink supply device further includes a controller configured to determine a type of the ink cartridge based on first determination information initially stored during an insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion and second determination information finally stored during the insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion.
US08210638B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printing apparatus which can prevent possible stripe-like density unevenness in a joint in a print head constructed by joining a plurality of chips together even if the print head is inclined to the regular position of the print head. The present invention uses a print head having the nozzle arrays being shifted in a direction in which the nozzles are arranged, so as to have overlapping portions in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arranging direction. The present invention controls an ink ejecting operation of the nozzles in the overlapping portions between the plurality of nozzle arrays on the basis of an angle between the nozzle array arranging direction and a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the print head moves relative to the print medium.
US08210632B2
In an ink jet printing apparatus using a plurality of printing heads arranged in a convey direction of a printing medium, an inclination angle of the printing medium to a predetermined convey direction is detected to adjust, in accordance with the resultant inclination angle, timings at which ink is jetted from the plurality of printing heads. This allows, even when the printing medium being subjected to a printing operation has a slight meander shape, an image to be formed on a printing medium so that printing positions of the plurality of printing heads have no dislocation.
US08210627B2
A print head which includes at least two discharge nozzle lines arranged on at least two lines, out of a base line corresponding to a radial direction of the rotating print object and at least one offset lines parallel to the base line, discharges ink drops of the same color from discharge nozzles of the discharge nozzle lines, moves the print head so as to minutely move the discharge nozzle lines on the base line or the offset lines, and discharges ink drops of the same color from the discharge nozzles passing through second paths moved minutely from the first paths over the rotating print object. In this way, the ink drops are discharged on the area where print defects are caused because the area is not on the paths of the discharge nozzles before the discharge nozzles are minutely moved.
US08210626B2
In order to allow a user to conveniently adjust the elevation of the shelf, simplify the structure not to generate noise, stably maintain the selected position of the shelf, and rapidly and considerably adjusting the elevation of the shelf, the present invention discloses an elevation adjustment apparatus for a shelf in a refrigerator comprises a shaft lengthily provided up and down in the inside of the refrigerator; a shelf moved up and down along the shaft; an operating lever hinged to the shelf and having a through hole through which the shaft penetrates; and an elastic member pushing the operating lever to contact the through hole to the shelf and hook them so that the up and down movement of the shelf is selectively restricted.
US08210625B2
A rack and pinion storage system for use in a refrigerator compartment defined by a liner includes a pair of supports attached to opposing sidewalls of the liner. First and second gear covers snap-fittingly connect first and second gear wheels to respective first and second mounting brackets extending from a storage basket, such that the gear wheels are rotatably connected to the storage basket and have equal rotational and linear motion along the respective supports. Retaining bars extending from the storage basket are held within channels defined between the bottom walls of the supports and top walls of opposing telescoping slide assemblies used to movably support a door of the compartment. Tabs extending from the supports limit the sliding movement of the storage basket. A removable divider connects to the storage basket, sectioning the basket into multiple storage compartments.
US08210619B2
An object of the invention is to provide a braking control system of a two-wheeled motor vehicle, by which when a front-and-rear-wheel-interlocked brake operates, operation feeling of a brake lever is improved, and consequently more natural operation feeling may be provided. A braking control system of a two-wheeled motor vehicle according to the invention performs front-and-rear-wheel-interlocked braking control that allows a front-wheel brake and a rear-wheel brake to operate in an interlocked manner. The front-wheel brake is configured of a front-wheel first brake and a front-wheel second brake. ECU 400 controls a front-wheel hydraulic circuit 100 so that the first brake operates according to the front-and-rear-wheel-interlocked braking control. Furthermore, the ECU 400 controls the front-wheel hydraulic circuit 100 so that the front-wheel second brake receives hydraulic pressure caused along with operation of a brake lever 101 during performing the front-and-rear-wheel-interlocked braking control. Thus, operation feeling of the brake lever 101 is improved.
US08210617B2
A child restraint system (CRS) offers a safe, compact, configuration flexible, and easy to use restraint for a small child in a vehicle or aircraft. The child is secured in a five-point harness attached to a framework. The framework is in turn attached to latches secured to the vehicle or aircraft. The CRS may be configured in forward-facing or rearward-facing orientations depending on the size and age of the child. Further, the CRS harness may be equipped with a swaddle vest for securing especially young or small children that are too small for the standard five-point harness. Finally, the CRS harness may be attached to a headrest anchor that is situated between a seat and a corresponding headrest when no other suitable latches are available.
US08210613B2
A swiveling seat comprises a seat bottom, a swivel mechanism and a swivel resistance system. The swivel mechanism allows the seat bottom to rotate at least partially around a first axis of rotation. The swivel resistance system may include a first member that rotates with the swivel mechanism, a second member that is fixedly positioned relative to the swiveling of the swivel mechanism and an operator adjustable resistance control that is operated by the vehicle operator to bias the second member into the first member so as to vary the resistance required to swivel the operator's seat.
US08210612B2
An occupant lumbar support system for a furniture member includes a belt member having a longitudinally elastically flexible first portion having opposite first and second ends and a longitudinally inelastic second portion. The first portion is connected to the second portion at the first and second ends. The second portion when spaced freely away from the first portion except at the first and second ends defines a belt member free state. The second portion has opposed first and second connecting ends extending freely away from the first and second ends. First and second tensioning members are each connected to one of the first and second connecting ends whereby operation of the first and second tensioning members longitudinally elastically stretches the first portion until the second portion moves into substantially continuous contact with the first portion between the first and second ends defining a belt member aggressive state.
US08210611B2
A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure. In one embodiment, a seating structure includes a support structure and a carriage moveably supported by the support structure. The carriage is moveable relative to the support structure in opposite first and second longitudinal directions. A flexible body support member has a first portion coupled to the support structure, a second portion coupled to the carriage, and a third curved portion positioned between the first and second portions. The third portion is moveable toward and away from the support structure as the carriage is moved relative to the support structure in the first and second directions respectively.
US08210598B2
The present invention relates to a wind blocker arrangement (1) for a personal vehicle embodied as a cabriolet, having a roller device (5) comprising a shaft (12) and a material web (7) that may be rolled onto the shaft (12), having a bow (8) to which the material web (7) is attached and by means of which the material web (7) may be unwound from the shaft (12), and having two lateral arms (9) that, when the material web (7) is extended, are disposed in the region of the lateral edges (14) of the material web (7) and that are pivotable transversely to the rotational axis (13) of the shaft (12).A particularly compact and comfortable construction may be achieved if the arms (9) are drive-coupled to the bow (8) such that the arms (9) pivoting open causes the bow (8) to pull out the material web (7).
US08210597B2
A seal is provided for a hole in a sheet. The clamped hole surface has an articulated line, which divides the hole surface into a first partial surface and a second partial surface inclined relative thereto, exhibiting the following features: a sealing surface for the hole, the geometry of which corresponds to the hole geometry; an elastic element secured to the sealing surface; and the elastic element is incorporated into the hole abuts on one side (e.g., interior) of the sheet, pressing the sealing surface against a second side (e.g., exterior) of the sheet.
US08210595B2
The present invention is a lap shade that comprises a plurality of section pads attached to form a dashboard piece, a plurality of frames attached to form a door piece, and a plurality of attachment means on both the dashboard piece and the door piece for attachment purposes on the dash board and a side window of a vehicle respectively. A hook and fastener is attached at a bottom side of the dashboard piece to be engaged with a hook and fastener on the door piece. The lap shade includes a plurality of joints, which allow folding of the lap shade. The plurality of attachment means on the dashboard piece is provided with a sliding mechanism, which includes a slider assembly to allow the attachment means to be extended as desired. The door piece is foldable against the dashboard piece followed by folding the section pads.
US08210593B2
An arrangement is provided for a component (6) and a drive element (11, 12) for the component. The drive element has a housing (9). The component is produced by a primary forming process, such as die-casting, thixomolding or plastic injection molding so that a region of the component defines the housing of the drive element. The component and the housing are distinguished by a low weight and a small structural space requirement.
US08210586B2
A pick and place device for picking up and re-positioning an article (11) carried by a support surface, comprising a first part which includes a plate portion (8, 8′) which is movable parallel to the support surface so that a leading edge thereof penetrates below the article, between the article and the support surface, and a belt of flexible material (9, 9′) which is wrapped around at least the leading edge of the plate portion so that it is sandwiched between the plate and the article when the former penetrates therebelow and as the plate portion moves below the article there is substantially no relative sliding movement between the sandwiched portion of the belt and the article.
US08210585B2
An electromagnetic lifter includes at least two polar expansions shaped for transporting a horizontal axis coil of hot-rolled steel. The polar expansions are connected through a ferromagnetic circuit and respective cores around which solenoids are arranged. A detection coil is arranged around each of the cores suitable to detect the change in the flux linked to the coil, and a control unit connected to the detection coils compares the values detected by each of them in order to authorize or not the transport. The relevant operating method includes a first check that the difference between the values detected by the two detection coils is below a preset threshold, and in the affirmative a second check that the overall decrease in the linked flux is below a second preset threshold, the issuance of an authorization signal to the transport being possible only in case of positive outcome of both checks.
US08210576B2
A piping joint assembly and fastening ring removal tool allow re-use and repair of push-fit piping fittings and valves without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe. The quick connection pipe fitting assembly package of the present invention employs a threaded retaining cap that when removed, exposes the clamping, sealing and fastening mechanism of the fitting or valve. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a removable packing gland mounted on a body about an axis of an orifice. The present invention facilitates re-use of existing fittings and valves by allowing the internal components to be removed, repaired and/or replaced.
US08210575B2
A band clamp used for forming a pipe lap joint. The band clamp includes a band, tightening mechanism, and gasket. The band extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end and is sized to fit over an outside pipe end. The tightening mechanism is connected to the band at the first and second end. The tightening mechanism includes at least one fastener to bring the first and second ends toward each other to tighten the band over the outside pipe end. The gasket is constructed to fit over an inside pipe end and within the outside pipe end such that the gasket is at least partially sandwiched between said inside and outside pipe ends. The gasket has an embossment extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the gasket and being constructed to be received at least partly within a slot of the outside pipe end.
US08210574B2
A conical-shaped distributing member 41 is disposed in a refrigerant distributing portion 32 distributing refrigerant, an orifice 34 is disposed by being positioned at an axis 16X of the conical body, the orifice 34 is held by a stop ring 37, and the stop ring 37 urges the orifice 34 in a flow direction of the refrigerant.
US08210562B2
A baby carriage includes: a pair of front legs; a pair of connecting members; a pair of guide sleeves respectively fixed to intermediate regions of the pair of front legs; a pair of rear legs having their upper ends pivotally connected to the pair of connecting members, respectively; a pair of push bars sidably held by the pair of connecting members and the pair of guide sleeves, respectively; width-direction connecting means for connecting left and right sides of the baby carriage each formed by each front leg, each rear leg, and each push bar to each other; and a canopy having its both ends in a width direction respectively connected to and held by the pair of push bars at a position lower than the pair of connecting members.
US08210560B2
In an example embodiment a drawbar pin bore adapter includes a bushing sized to fit within a drawbar pin bore of a first size and a retainer to secure the bushing to the drawbar. The bushing may include a primary portion having an outer diameter configured for insertion into the drawbar pin bore, an inner diameter configured to receive a drawbar pin of a second diameter; and an extension portion configured to protrude from the drawbar bore and engage the retainer to secure at least a portion of the bushing within the drawbar pin bore.
US08210557B2
A convertible trailer that may be reconfigured for use with different towing hitch arrangements. The trailer includes a first deck, a second deck, and an adjustable neck configured to support the second deck substantially level with the first deck in a pintle configuration and to support the second deck above the first deck in a fifth wheel configuration.
US08210555B2
The vehicle has a single steered front wheel (1) mounted on a main frame (5) and two rear wheels (2, 3) mounted on a left (6) and right (7) frames. The left and right frames are connected to the main frame pivotally, which permits the vehicle to be folded into a compact position. The folded vehicle can stand up-right and can be moved to a storage place on two rear (2, 3) and two caster (145) wheels. For carrying inside a car the cycle also can be disassembled to four parts. The seat (9) has a two-point spring suspension with the axis higher than the center of gravity of the seated driver. It allows the seat with the driver to stay in a vertical position while driving on a lateral slope or to lean right and left as the vehicle is making a turn. The vehicle has a leg-operated back pedaling brake mechanism (15) and a car-style steering mechanism with a high-ratio cable reducer (12).
US08210551B2
In a vehicle wheel suspension, a first trailing arm is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a second trailing arm in the direction of an angle bisector between the longitudinal and transverse directions. The ends of the trailing arms determine a substantially horizontal instantaneous axis for the wheel carrier relative to the spring jounce and rebound motions of the vehicle chassis. The wheel carrier is slightly pivotable about a toe axis under the influence of braking forces. A support arm securely connects to the wheel carrier and extends over a defined distance substantially in parallel with and supported on the second trailing arm. The support is softer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. A suitable design of the second trailing arm and/or the support arm allows a slight pivot motion of the wheel carrier about the toe axis.
US08210545B2
A tool holder for a hand-guided drilling device, in particular for a rotary hammer, includes a receiving sleeve that is designed as a single piece in particular and that is drivable in a rotating manner for a shank part of an insertion tool. The recess is open at both end faces and limited therebetween by an inner circumferential surface of the receiving sleeve. The inner circumferential surface (62) of the receiving sleeve (34) includes at least six flat circumferential surface sections (62n through 62u; 84, 86) in the circumferential direction, with adjacent circumferential surface sections (62n, 62o; 62p, 62q; 62r 62s; 62t, 62u) forming an angle of 120 degrees.
US08210540B2
A casino wagering game dealt with a predetermined amount of cards where each round features one of the thirteen ranks randomly selected to be wild after the initial ante, dealing the hands and wagering on the hands as dealt prior to randomly selecting the new wild card for the round. Any player or dealer having a hand that contains the rank that is selected to be wild may use that card to improve their hand. A random number generator or random selection from a full deck of cards may be used to determine the new wild card for each round.
US08210538B2
A capsule for use in a vacuum crane game is disclosed that is adapted to releasably enclose a prize, the capsule formed by first and second hollow hemispherical elements cooperating to form a plastic sphere when configured in a mating arrangement, at least one of said first and second hollow hemispherical elements including a radially outwardly projecting member substantially circumscribing a first circular edge of said at least one of said first and second hollow hemispherical elements to prevent a vacuum member from engaging the capsule at the radially outwardly projecting member.
US08210530B1
A roll assembly, including a frame; a first component mounted to the frame and having a shaft, the shaft; a second component rotatably mounted to the frame and disposed in proximity with the first component, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component is translatable relative to the other; and at least two separator devices mounted on ends of the shaft of one of the first and second component when in a first rotational position separate the first component and second component. Each separator device includes an aperture for mounting on a clutch that is mounted on the shaft of the first component and rotation of the second component in the first direction disengages the separation devices allowing the first and second components to touch and the separation devices to move to a second rotational position and rotation of the shaft in the first direction engages the clutch to rotate the separation devices back to the first rotational position.
US08210518B2
A sheet-supplying device, including: a sheet stacking plate on which plural sheets are stacked; an air-suction sheet conveying mechanism which draws up a sheet and conveys the sheet; an air-suction detecting sensor which detects that the air-suction sheet conveying mechanism has drawn up the sheet; a floating-air blowing section which blows air against side edges of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking pate to float the sheet; and a control section which controls the floating-air blowing section to conduct a sheet supplying operation, wherein the control section selects a first sheet supplying mode or a second sheet supplying mode, based on at least one of: information of a size of the sheets; information of a thickness of the sheets, and information of a type of the sheets.
US08210508B2
A bump stopper for a suspension system that has at least a parting line along a longitudinal direction of the bumper stopper, may include at least two convex portions coaxially connected each other in the longitudinal direction of the bump stopper and contacting each other in a compressed state, a first array including first reinforcing blocks integrally formed on the respective convex portions along the parting line, each abutting first reinforcing block having a first contact angle therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the bumper stopper, and a second array including second reinforcing blocks integrally formed on the respective convex portions, each abutting second reinforcing block having a second contact angle therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the bumper stopper, wherein the first array is disposed with a predetermined angle from the first array along a circumferential direction of the bumper stopper.
US08210501B2
An inflation valve is revealed. The inflation valve includes a longitudinal valve body, a valve member and an elastic member sleeved between the valve member and the longitudinal valve body. The longitudinal valve body includes an axially extending hole disposed therein, a projecting edge arranged on the axially extending hole and a round through hole disposed on a center of the projecting edge, and two alignment members having at least one projecting body and/or one concave slot. A round valve head is arranged on the front end of the valve member and alignment members corresponding to the alignment members of the longitudinal valve body disposed on an outer edge of the valve head. While being assembled, the valve head passes the through hole by alignment of the alignment members between the valve member and the longitudinal valve body and becomes staggered. Moreover, by the elastic member, the valve head presses and locks onto the round through hole to form a closed state.
US08210492B2
The metallic formwork system of the invention is used for concrete molding in constructions, by virtue of a diversity of metallic accessories that allow interconnection between metallic formwork modules providing a versatile, easy-to-use and portable system.
US08210489B2
There is provided a frame for holding an electronic device, the frame including an inner member that has a shape of continuous or discontinuous loop, and is made of hollow metal having a closed cross-section; and a plurality of corner reinforcing members that are made of metal and are fixed at positions that cover curved portions of the inner member.
US08210484B2
A fire hose safety anchor and securement system and method for efficiently and safely retaining multiple fire hoses during pressure testing is provided. The fire hose safety anchor and securement system includes a base member comprised of a base plate and a pair of attached mounting plates interconnected by a pair of retaining brackets and retaining pins. The base member is preferably secured to a floor surface by extending fasteners through a plurality of first anchor apertures. Hoses laid upon the base member are held in place by the retaining brackets. The retaining brackets may be slidably coupled to the base member. The base member may have at least one hose channel with separate retaining brackets for each hose channel allowing at least one hose to be removed from the system while pressure testing of the remaining hoses continues.
US08210483B2
A fastening element for fastening a longitudinally extending article, in particular a cable or a cable loom, which is to be fixed to a component, in particular to a motor vehicle body part, with a wrapping tape. The fastening element comprising a body including a first cheek element, a second cheek element, and at least two connection struts which connect the cheek elements to one another in a longitudinal direction of the body, and which define an opening for receiving the tape. The tape is insertable into the opening substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction, in order to circumferentially wrap the article with the wrapping tape.
US08210478B2
An aircraft including a fuselage including a cabin to accommodate persons and/or a load, and a propulsion system. The propulsion system includes at least one tank and/or one combustion chamber, wherein part of the propulsion system can be used as an extension of the cabin to accommodate persons and/or a load, the part of the propulsion system lying adjacent the cabin and separated from the cabin by a partition.
US08210461B1
A device for securing excess tie down strap on a base formed by two approximately parallel spaced apart arms held together centrally with at least one crosspin. Spring loaded clevis pins provided at a distal end of each arm serve to open channels formed between the arms so that strap can be wound onto or off of the base by gripping the clevis pins as handles and rotating the device. Each clevis pin is movable retained in one of the arms and is rotatable therein by means of a flanged sleeve bearing located within a bushing provided in an opening in the arm. When the clevis pin is in its closed position, an inwardly extending free end of the clevis pin inserts through an aligned opening in the opposite arm and is retained therein by an outwardly biased detent provided on the free end.
US08210460B2
The disclosed seat belt tensioner for a seat belt system may comprise a seat belt spindle, a gearwheel connected to the seat belt spindle, and a latching pawl for locking the seat belt spindle in the tensioned position by engaging in the teeth of the gearwheel. The latching pawl may be configured to be brought into a first pawl position for blocking the gearwheel in the seat belt unrolling direction and into a second pawl position for blocking the gearwheel in the seat belt-tensioning direction of rotation. The latching pawl may also be configured to perform a first pivot-over operation from the first pawl position into the second pawl position and to perform a second pivot-over operation from the second pawl position into the first pawl position when the gearwheel exerts a force on the latching pawl that exceeds a predetermined force required for the respective pivoting-over operation.
US08210454B2
The invention relates to a fuel injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, which fuel injector comprises an injection valve element, for opening and closing at least one injection opening and a pressure booster, by way of which fuel which is at system pressure is compressed to injection pressure. The pressure booster is actuated via a first control valve and the injection valve element is actuated via a second control valve. The pressure booster comprises a pressure booster piston which is assigned a spring element which is supported by way of one side on the injector housing and by way of the other side on the pressure booster piston. The pressure booster piston delimits a compression chamber, a differential pressure chamber and a control chamber. The control chamber is arranged at that end of the pressure booster piston which lies opposite the compression chamber, the spring element is received in the control chamber, and the spring element is supported on one side on the injector housing and on the other side on the pressure booster piston.
US08210453B2
A spray assembly for dispensing a mixture is provided. The spray assembly includes a connector configured for operable engagement with a first and a second source of component and a source of pressurized fluid, and a tip operably connected to the connector. The tip includes an opening and defines a mixing chamber between the connector and the opening of the tip, and an insert member configured to be received in the mixing chamber. The insert member includes a plurality of radially extending slots on at least one end of the insert. The plurality of radially extending slots is configured to mix the first and second components prior to the mixture exiting the opening in the tip.
US08210447B2
A birdbath fountain includes a water reservoir and recirculating system. Water for the fountain is pumped from the reservoir, with the excess water from the bowl being returned to the reservoir, thereby allowing for a bowl which remains full or at a consistent depth for a longer period of time, including periods of dry or windy weather conditions. In the preferred configuration, the bowl has a depth defined by an outer raised rim and an inner raised rim. A water-containing reservoir having a depth greater than the depth of the bowl resides within the inner raised rim. An electrically operated submersible pump disposed in the water-containing reservoir is operative to pump water from the reservoir to the fountain head, after which the water returns to the bowl. At least one notch in the inner raised rim provides a fluid path from the bowl back to the reservoir, thereby keeping the water level of the bowl substantially constant.
US08210446B1
A beverage sipping straw 14 maintained in a hygienic condition using a cover 34 removed by a bar patron 12 exposing a surface untainted the bartender's 10 handling of the presentation to the patron 12.
US08210443B2
A foldable vehicle wheel traction apparatus is disclosed that includes four traction devices having a regular lattice structure. Each traction device is hingeably connected one to the other to permit the traction devices to be folded one on another with easy storage. The hingeable apparatus connected the traction devices permit minimal lateral movement, which allows the traction devices to be more easily maneuvered when being put in use. The ability of the traction apparatus to support the weight of the wheel is enhanced by the regular lattice structure of each traction device formed by the traction devices elongated lateral members and elongated cross members. In one embodiment, the cross members are composed of, or coated with materials that heat up when the vehicle wheel contacts and spins on the cross member, thereby promoting melting of snow or ice. In yet another embodiment, the shape of the cross-section of the cross members is chosen so that the cross member removes excess mud or snow adhering to the wheel.
US08210440B1
A F/2F waveform generator has a comparator and an analog multiplexer. In a low-cost magnetic card reader application, a magnetic track signal is amplified, filtered, and compared with a threshold signal to create a digital signal output. The analog multiplexer detects changes in state of the digital signal. When a change of state is detected, the analog multiplexer switches among dynamically tunable threshold signals. The selected threshold signal is used for comparison with the magnetic track signal. Switching level detection enables accurate F/2F waveform generation from relatively noisy magnetic track signals, thus improving the robustness of magnetic card readers. The analog implementation eliminates the need for expensive A/D conversion and processing and the design can be readily implemented in a very compact and low-cost package.
US08210430B1
A shelf code in a machine readable format, such as on a QR code on a printed card, is provided where bulk merchandise displayed in a bin. When the bin is stocked from a case bearing a case code, the case code is associated with the shelf code. Lot-specific and lot-independent information previously associated with the case code is then linked to the shelf code. Consumers scan the shelf code with a mobile device to establish a communication channel to access the linked information. Retailers and producers use the channel to reach the consumer, and to solicit feedback from the consumer at a known time and location. A mobile device can also be used to associate quality assessments of merchandise to the shelf code. Analysis of consumer ratings and quality inspection assessments that are tied to time and location can provide valuable insights to both producers and retailers.
US08210426B1
An automated banking machine is operative to carry out financial transactions and includes a user interface. The user interface includes a card reader which is operative to read data on user cards which identify user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad through which users input confidential data. Covers prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Alternatively, movable panels are movable to prevent unauthorized viewing of confidential inputs. Alternatively a keypad cover is selectively collapsible to prevent digit access. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted. Disinfecting techniques may be used to disinfect manual contact surfaces of the machine.
US08210425B2
A multiple currency rate consolidator addresses the needs of multi-national companies that do business in different currencies and tax localities. A consolidated view of financial data may be provided in real time. The multiple currency rate consolidator allows each subsidiary within a subsidiary hierarchy to enter and manage transactional data as well as budget/forecast data in a corresponding localized functional currency. The multiple currency rate consolidator allows different consolidation levels to view localized, consolidated values of subsidiary transactions. The multiple currency rate consolidator also accommodates statutory, ad hoc and management reporting consolidation using different subsidiary configurations for the same time periods, as well as the versioning of the subsidiary hierarchy to accommodate structural changes across different time periods.
US08210416B2
A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.
US08210413B2
A method and device for controlling the compression of tissue include clamping tissue between a first clamping member and a second clamping member by driving at least one of the clamping members with an electric motor toward a predetermined tissue gap between the clamping members and, during the clamping, monitoring a parameter of the electric motor indicative of a clamping force exerted to the tissue by the clamping members. The method and device include, during the clamping, controlling the electric motor, based on the monitored parameter, to limit the clamping force to a predetermined maximum limit.
US08210412B2
A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors.
US08210409B2
A driving tool of the invention includes a motor, a flywheel that is rotationally driven by the motor, an operating member that drives a material to be driven, an operating member actuation mechanism that selectively transmits a rotating force of the flywheel to the operating member and drives the operating member. The flywheel includes a driving-side member that is rotationally driven by the motor, a driven-side member that transmits a rotating force to the operating member, and a clutch member that connects the driving-side member and the driven-side member when the rotation speed of the motor is a predetermined speed or higher, while releasing the connection between the driving-side member and the driven-side member when the rotation speed of the motor is lower than the predetermined speed.
US08210403B2
A method for the vaporization of particulate material (10) includes providing one or more containers (15) each containing possibly distinct particulate materials (10) each having at least one component, fluidizing the particulate material (10) in at least one of the containers (15), and providing a vaporization zone (50) that is thermally isolated from at least one of the containers (15). The method further includes delivering particulate material received from each container (15) to the vaporization zone (50), and applying heat to vaporize the delivered particulate materials (10) at the vaporization zone (50).
US08210401B2
A substantially cylindrical condiment container with a vertically sliding cap to cover and uncover a dispensing outlet opening in the top portion of the container. Preferably, the outlet opening is in the side wall of the container body and the cap slides up to unblock the opening and down to block it. Optionally, a rotary pre-measuring dispense structure can be located at the lower end of the container to dispense condiments in pre-measured increments through an outlet in the bottom of the container. Preferably, the top portion of the container is wider than the middle portion to facilitate hanging the container from support arms on a support such as a carousel.
US08210397B2
Provided is a dispensing device including a cylinder; a static mixer that is mounted in the cylinder such that the outer circumferential surface thereof is closely attached to the entire inner wall surface of the cylinder; and a flow path block that has a flow path formed therein and is mounted on the upper portion of the cylinder, the flow path diverging into two or more flow paths. Fluids passing through the static mixer are continuously transferred while being repeatedly divided and mixed.
US08210392B2
A beverage cup sleeve configured to provide multiple grip handles and additional layering for thermal buffering through reconfigurable handles. The sleeve includes a first and a second web portion corresponding to a first and a second cavity portion provided at the outer side, respectively, and a first and a second notch provided next the first and the second cavity portions, respectively, thereby providing the additional layering when either the first or the second notch fastens the corresponding web portion selected to fold out. Additionally, the strip includes a third and a fourth web portion corresponding to a third and a fourth cavity portion provided at the outer side, respectively, and a third and a fourth notch provided next to the third and the fourth cavity portions, respectively, thereby providing additional layering when either the third or the fourth notch fastens the corresponding web portion selected to fold out.
US08210388B2
A reusable container which provides flame and thermal protection for shipping hazardous materials such as cylinders containing compressed gas has a flame resistant reinforced outer shell having a bottom section hingedly coupled to a top section. A first inner layer of thermal insulating material is fitted into the top and bottom sections of the outer shell. An optional second inner layer of shock absorbing material with thermal insulating properties is fitted next to the first inner layer and configured to contact and conform to surface sections of the compressed gas cylinder. An interior liner comprised of a durable liner constructed of fabric or molded heat-resistant plastic.
US08210387B2
A container having a container portion with an interior space in which articles to be transported can be stored and a lid pivotably connected to the container portion. The lid is moveable relative to the container portion between an opened and closed position. The container also includes a latch arrangement that is constructed to secure the lid in covering relation with respect to the container portion and a hinge structure that is constructed to enable the lid to pivot relative to the container portion. The container includes a support that engages a surface on which a bottom surface rests when the lid is in the opened position, so as to support the lid in the open position. The support is positioned proximate to the container portion when the lid is in the closed position and movable to an extended position when the lid is in the open position.
US08210385B1
A container lid retaining system includes a housing with a bottom wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the housing. A cover is removably positioned on the perimeter wall to selectively close the opening. A flexible tether has a first end and a second end. The tether extends through the perimeter wall adjacent to the upper edge to position the first end within the housing. The tether extends through the cover to position the second end under the cover when the cover is positioned on the housing. A panel is attached to the first end to prevent the first end from is pulled through the perimeter wall. A stop is removably coupled to the tether adjacent to the second end to prevent the second end from being pulled through the cover.
US08210376B2
A child-resistant package includes a plastic container having a blow-molded neck finish with an end, at least one external thread, an arcuate part-circumferential ledge adjacent to the neck finish and a plurality of angularly spaced ratchet teeth on the ledge. A closure has at least one skirt, at least one internal thread on the skirt, at least one flexible resilient ratchet finger extending radially inwardly from the skirt at an angle to the skirt, and a seal element within the skirt for sealing engagement with the end of the container neck finish. Threading of the closure onto the container neck finish brings the ratchet finger into engagement with the ratchet teeth. The array of ratchet teeth and the seal element are such as to accommodate tolerance variations in the blow-molded neck finish while maintaining a seal and child-resistance capability at the neck finish. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, there are a pair of angularly spaced ratchet fingers on the skirt, with the array of ratchet teeth, the seal element and the angular spacing between the ratchet fingers accommodating tolerance variations in the blow-molded neck finish. The closure preferably is a dual-wall closure having an internal skirt with the internal thread and an external skirt with the ratchet fingers.
US08210367B2
A display tray with a push-forward means for the display of product items in a back to front column, with the forwardmost item of the column being at all times urged tot the front of the tray. A special mounting arrangement is provided for the tray in which product side guides, preferably width adjustable, also serve to mount the trays on a rectangular bar positioned horizontally at the back of a display gondola or the like, enabling a plurality of such trays to be mounted side by side and movable laterally for desired spacing and appearance. To particular advantage, the side guides are formed of a rigid sheet material, typically sheet metal, provided at front and back portions with transverse mounting rods engageable with base members of the tray to accommodate lateral adjustment of the side guides relative to the central portions of the tray.
US08210366B2
A rack for storing and displaying surfboards, sail boards and other kinds of sport boards and sporting equipment. The rack is conveniently though not necessarily wall-mountable, and can also support an additional system for the hanging, drying, storage and display of wet suits and other dampened gear.
US08210351B2
A system for labels that are positioned on a pharmaceutical container. The system can vary the choices for design and size of the labeling with respect to several types of container in which pharmaceuticals are positioned. The system increases the readability of information positioned on the pharmaceutical container by coordinating a label to the type and size of the container.
US08210349B2
A sensor storage container is provided that allows sensors to be checked visually from the outside. A container is used for storing sensors including an oxidation-reduction enzyme that oxidizes or reduces an object to be analyzed, a mediator that mediates the transfer of electrons caused by oxidation or reduction, and a detection means that detects the oxidation or reduction reaction. The container is transparent or semi-transparent in whole or in part and thereby the sensors can be checked visually from the outside of the container. This container may be composed of a container body and a lid. The container body may be provided with a scale. Preferably, the sensors are those produced using a ruthenium metal complex as the mediator.
US08210345B2
A dispensing container, mounted on a supporter, comprises a hollow body made of a flexible material for accommodating ear thermometer probe covers, where the hollow body has one end formed with an access opening for allowing a probe of an ear thermometer to insert into an upmost probe cover in the hollow body. Each of the probe covers has the open end provided with at least a flange that radially extends outward from the open end, where the hollow body has a substantially rectangular section that has major edges smaller than a diameter of the flange of one probe cover in length, so that when the probe covers are placed into the hollow body, each inner wall of the hollow body is deformed to tangent to the flanges of the probe covers, so as to keep the probe covers securely in the hollow body.
US08210333B2
A clutch structure, constructed without a one-way clutch, remains engaged until the input side rotational speed becomes relatively low. A pressure plate presses a group of plates directly or indirectly by moving in the direction of an axis, bringing the group of plates into a press contact state. An input side press body turns around the axis with the rotation of a clutch housing, presses the pressure plate to the side of the group of plates by centrifugal force generated during the turning, and moves in a direction away from the axis. A roller retainer presses the group of plates directly or indirectly by moving in the direction of the axis, bringing the group of plates into a press contact state. An output side press body turns around the axis with the rotation of an output side clutch member, presses the roller retainer to the side of the group of plates by centrifugal force generated during the turning, and moves in a direction away from the axis.
US08210330B2
A gas damper includes a gas pressurized working chamber and valving within the piston to control flow of the gas through the piston. A system is in communication with the working chamber to control the gas pressure within the working chamber in order to control the damping characteristics of the damper. An electronic control unit is utilized to control the opening and closing of the valving within the piston to also control the damping characteristics of the damper.
US08210326B2
An electronic parking brake apparatus may include a driving member coupled to and actuating a parking cable, a case in which the driving member is housed, a cable ferrule disposed outside the case and coupled to a portion of the parking cable therethrough, wherein the cable ferrule is biased toward the case by the parking cable when the driving member actuates the parking cable, and a sensing member interposed between the case and the cable ferrule and measuring tension of the parking cable.
US08210324B2
A device for braking an elongated rotating body, includes at least two parts with coaxial conical surfaces, able to be slipped onto the body, and one, a so-called male cone, mounted integrally in rotation with the body, and the other, a so-called female cone, mounted fixed in rotation relative to the body. The female cone assumes the shape of a wheel with an axial bore with a conical bearing, and the male cone has a center recess. The cones are controlled in terms of axial relative movement by a control element. The male cone is, when the cones are close to one another, corresponding to the braking position, housed inside the axial bore of the female cone, with its conical external peripheral surface being held, by contact with a support, with the conical bearing of the female cone.
US08210319B2
An elevating platform assembly is provided. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment a platform is present and is moveable along a travel distance of a mast. A cylinder is provided and is capable of being actuated. The cylinder is used to move the platform along the travel distance.
US08210315B2
A component assembly comprising a sheet metal part and a nut element attached thereto, the nut element being arranged in an opening of the sheet metal part and being adapted to receive a bolt element having a shaft part with a thread and a head part of larger radial dimensions is wherein the sheet metal part has at least one hole adjacent to the nut element which is not covered over by the nut element but can be covered over by the head part of the screwed-in bolt element. A component assembly of this kind is in particular suitable for an oil pan since the oil can flow through the holes. A method is also claimed.
US08210311B1
A fire escape system includes at least one guide post and an escape platform slidably carried by the at least one guide post and comprising a platform plate; a pair of handlebars pivotally carried by the platform plate; a pair of guide rollers carried by the pair of handlebars, respectively, and adapted to detachably engage the at least one guide post; and a pair of brake assemblies carried by the escape platform and adapted to engage the at least one guide post.
US08210302B2
A vehicle may include a body frame, an engine body mounted on the body frame, an exhaust pipe connected to a cylinder head of the engine body, and a canister supported to the engine body. The exhaust pipe(s) includes a portion extending along one side surface of a cylinder block of the engine body. The canister is located between the cylinder block and the portion of the exhaust pipe(s) extending along one side surface of the cylinder block.
US08210299B2
The invention relates to a mounting bracket (10), in particular for mounting a radiator (100). The bracket (10) comprises a stationary member (20) to be attached to the vehicle and a movable member (30) slideably mounted on the stationary member (20), preferably using guide rails (24a, 24b). The movable member (30) is configured to move from a first position to a second position to thereby secure the radiator (100). A ratchet mechanism (42) including teeth (42a) on the stationary member (10) may be provided to lock the movable member (30). An independent claim is included directed to a method for securing a vehicle component.
US08210297B2
The exhaust port 35b of the transmission air exhaust duct 35 is provided to one side of the steering shaft 28 with respect to the widthwise direction of the vehicle, an air intake port 9a is provided to the other side of the steering shaft 28 with respect to the widthwise direction of the vehicle.
US08210296B2
In a 2-motor drive mode with connection of both motors with a driveshaft by use of a transmission, a hybrid vehicle sets torque commands of the motors to substantially equalize an output torque of the second motor with an output torque of the first motor and to ensure output of a torque equivalent to a preset torque demand to the driveshaft. This arrangement ensures continuous output of a relatively large torque.
US08210283B1
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the system receives feedback information from a drilling rig and calculates an estimated position of a drill bit in a formation based on the feedback information. The system compares the estimated position to a desired position along a planned path of a borehole. The system calculates multiple solutions if the comparison indicates that the estimated position is outside a defined margin of error relative to the desired position. Each solution defines a path from the estimated position to the planned path. The system calculates a cost of each solution and selects one of the solutions based at least partly on the cost. The system produces control information representing the selected solution and outputs the control information for the drilling rig.
US08210271B2
One or more aspects of the present invention is directed to a fire suppression system for use with an oil and vapor recovery system, such as for example, a system having a float system for adjusting the height of oil and vapor recovery intakes. The float system is preferably adjustable to allow connection of additional floats to maintain buoyancy and keep the vapor intake above the level of the oil in the holding tank and to maintain the oil intake above the level of the water contained in the holding tank. Vapor is drawn out of the holding tank using a vacuum assisted siphon. Oil can be withdrawn from the holding tank by suction or simply by letting the oil flow into an outlet by gravity. By reversing the flow of the existing suction pipes or by providing additional inlet pipes to the nozzles, fire suppression or other chemicals can be added to the tank without having to gain physical access to the tanks, thereby potentially saving lives, money as well as the fluids within the tanks.
US08210263B2
Single-phase microemulsions (SPMEs) and in situ-formed microemulsions in water-wetting pills may be used to reverse the wettability of subterranean rock previously drilled with an oil-based mud or synthetic-based mud before pumping a high fluid loss squeeze pill or crosslink pill or other water-based pill. This wettability reversal occurs by solubilization of the non-polar material into the microemulsion when the water-wetting pill contacts the non-polar material. An in situ microemulsion may be formed when one or more surfactant and a polar phase (e.g. water or brine), and eventually some amount of organic phase, contacts the reservoir formation and reverses the wettability encountered in the porous media. The microemulsions are effective for reversing the wettability that occurs from non-polar materials which include, but are not necessarily limited to, oil-based mud, synthetic-based mud, paraffins, asphaltenes, emulsions, slugs, and combinations thereof.
US08210261B2
A method of well construction or treatment comprising the introduction of a settable cement that contains pulverulent aplite down a borehole is provided, together with a cement composition comprising at least 30% by weight of cement pulverulent aplite on a dry solid basis.
US08210259B2
An enhanced oil recovery method is provided. This method includes; introducing a first essentially pure oxygen stream into a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation traversed by at least one injection well and at least one production well, and initiating and sustaining in-situ combustion in the vicinity of the injection well. This method also includes introducing a second essentially pure oxygen stream and a hydrocarbon-containing fuel gas stream into the combustion device of a power generation system, wherein the combustion device produces an exhaust gas stream comprising water and carbon dioxide. This method also includes separating the exhaust gas stream into a stream of essentially pure water, and a stream of essentially pure carbon dioxide, and introducing at least a portion of the essentially pure carbon dioxide stream into the subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation prior to initiating the in-situ combustion. The method may be used on a structure containing a carbonaceous substance such as coal, petcoke, or biomass.
US08210255B2
A boring head system for boring machines includes couplings or drive units for the rotation-translation of at least one boring rod and of at least one covering tube that are coaxial and hollow, such to allow the passage of pressurized water/air as well as the upward flow of waste fluid consisting of water/air mixed with debris along the interspace defined between the rod and the covering tube, and also includes a protection screen or wall completely enveloping the rod and the covering tube, suited to be positioned near or at the level of an upper annular opening of the interspace, out of which the waste fluid flows, in such as way as to intercept the waste fluid in all directions and to convey it downwards.
US08210252B2
The well condition during gravel packing is monitored and the gravel distribution condition is sent to the surface in real time through the preferred technique of a fiber optic line that wraps around the screens directly or indirectly on a surrounding tube around the screens. The fiber optic line has a breakaway connection that severs when the completion inner string is removed. A production string can then be run in to tag the fiber optic line through a wet connect to continue monitoring well conditions in the production phase. The fiber optic line can also be coiled above the packer so that relative movement of the inner string to the set packer can be detected and communicated to the surface in real time so as to know that the crossover has been moved the proper distance to, for example, get it from the gravel packing position to the reverse out position.
US08210248B2
A heat exchanging core for a micro-channel heat exchanger includes at least one heat conducting plate, which has at least one channel formed between a first side and a second side of the heat conducting plate. The at least one channel has a channel length to hydraulic diameter ratio of less than 100, wherein the channel length is defined as a distance between the first and second sides of the heat conducting plate. A micro-channel heat exchanger includes a housing defining a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet and an outlet coupled to the cavity, and a heat exchanging core positioned within the cavity between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The present invention provides, among other features, improved heat transfer, reduced pressure drops, and reduced jitter. The present invention can be implemented for laminar flow and/or turbulent flow environments.
US08210244B2
The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular a radiator for motor vehicles, comprising a black consisting of tubes and ribs and a lower and upper collection chamber, the lower collection chamber having several chambers which are separated from one another by partitions and between which a fluidic connection can be established. If necessary, by means of a displaceable actuator via connection orifices (17, 18, 19) that are located in a connection channel (16). According to the invention, the actuator is configured as a piston (30) that can be displaced axially between an open and a closed position and the cross-sections of the connection channel (16) and the piston (30) taper from the exterior to the interior in the vicinity of the connection orifices (17, 18, 19).
US08210239B2
A continuous casting method of molten metal using electromagnetic force to improve the cast slab surface properties and reduce the nonmetallic inclusions and bubbles trapped inside the cast slab is provided. An alternating current is run through an electromagnetic coil arranged around a casting mold so as to surround a casting space to control the meniscus shape to improve the cast slab surface properties. The discharge ports of a submerged entry nozzle are oriented upward and the direction of the discharge flow from the discharge ports is above the intersection of the casting mold short side and meniscus.
US08210218B2
A pneumatic tire which prevents one-sided biased abrasion from being generated, the pneumatic tire having a non-directed rotational direction and comprises lug grooves 20 cutting across a land portion at a shoulder side of a tread portion 16 at both sides in a tire width direction. Each of the lug grooves 20 has a tapered groove portion 21 such that the groove width gradually becomes narrower such that a trapezoidal block portion 22 having a short side at the shoulder side as seen from a tire tread surface side is formed between the lug grooves 20 in a tire peripheral direction. The tapered groove portion 21 is formed so as to extend beyond a one quarter point Q from a tread end T. Accordingly, since in whichever direction the pneumatic tire 10 is rotated, a lug angle α of a trailing end near the one quarter point Q becomes 90 degrees or less, it is possible to prevent one-sided biased abrasion from being generated.
US08210198B1
A wall hydrant assembly for movably positioning a wall hydrant between a first and second structural member includes a first and second rail adapted to be secured to the first and second structural member. The first rail is adapted to engage a first portion of the wall hydrant and the second rail is adapted to engage a second portion of the wall hydrant to allow the wall hydrant to move substantially along the length of the first and second rails. The wall hydrant assembly can include first and second tabs which co-act with the first and second rails. The first and second rails can each define an elongated slot. The first and second tabs can each include a shaft which co-acts with the elongated slot to allow the wall hydrant to be moveable along the first and second rails.
US08210197B2
A cleaning system for cleaning a valve seat, where the valve seat is formed of at least one gasket for sealing between a housing and a stem, preferably for a double seat valve and where at least one guide band is centering the stem in the housing, where the stem has a cut out, allowing a cleaning liquid to flush the seat, when the stem is in a cleaning position, and where the guide band is still centering the stem while in the cleaning position. By putting the stem into a cleaning position, the cut out in the stem is positioned in the area of the gasket and thereby allowing the cleaning liquid to pass the gasket and the guide band via a small gap between the guide band and the stem itself. This way the seat is flushed with cleaning liquid and is thereby cleaned.
US08210196B2
A vacuum control system using a vacuum pump to control a vacuum pressure and a flow of a processing gas in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum control system includes: a plurality of vacuum control valves, each of the valves being connected between each of a plurality of gas discharge ports and the vacuum pump; a pressure measurement unit configured to measure the vacuum pressure of the processing gas supplied to the object; and a controller configured to manipulate respective openings of the valves in accordance with the measured vacuum pressure.
US08210194B2
A tent structure, water transfer system and sprinkler mechanism are provided. The water transfer system utilizes components of the tent structure to transfer water from a garden hose to the sprinkler mechanism positioned at the top of the tent structure to spray water above the tent structure.
US08210190B2
An apparatus for accurately determining if a substrate is properly retained by a substrate-retaining mechanism. The apparatus includes a substrate-retaining mechanism to retain a wafer, a treatment liquid supply mechanism to supply a treatment liquid to the wafer, and a rotatable cup adapted to rotate as an integral unit with the substrate-retaining mechanism while covering the outer peripheral portion of the wafer. The substrate-retaining mechanism has a retaining member with two ends. If the first end retains a wafer, the second end is in an upper position. If the first end retains no wafer, the second end is in a lower position. A touch sensor is arranged below the second end of the retaining member so that, when the second end is in the lower position, the second end makes contact with the touch sensor.
US08210178B2
A respirator shall be improved concerning better utilization of the carbon dioxide absorber (3). To accomplish the object, a transponder (5), which contains data on the type of absorber, the period of use and the current state of consumption, is arranged at the carbon dioxide absorber (3). A transponder polling device (8) at the respirator (1) reads the data from the memory chip (6) and an updated state of consumption is calculated from data on the operation of the respirator and stored again in the memory chip (6).
US08210173B2
A medical device may include a gas delivery apparatus, a patient interface, a connection system, and an electrical circuit. The gas delivery apparatus may be configured to deliver gas to a patient. The patient interface may be configured to interface with the patient to deliver gas communicated by the gas delivery apparatus to the patient. The connection system may be configured to communicate gas from the gas delivery apparatus to the patient interface. The electrical circuit may be configured to communicate electrical signals between the patient interface and the gas delivery apparatus, and may including one or more first electrical conductors at least partially integral with the patient interface and one or more second electrical conductors at least partially integral with the connection system.
US08210172B2
Dry powder inhalers include an elongate body and a disk holding a plurality of doses of a dry powder inhalable product. The inhaler also includes a cover member that is pivotably attached to the elongate body so that it remains attached to the body during normal operational periods of use and moves to a first closed position to overlie the inhalation port at the bottom end portion of the body during periods of non-use and moves to a second open position away from the inhalation port during periods of use to allow a user to access the inhalation port.
US08210170B2
Manually actuable inhaler (1) for pulverulent substances, during manual actuation, apportions a defined discharge quantity (20′) from a substance storage quantity (20) in a metering chamber (D) upstream of a discharge passage (21), for providing an airborne. discharge from a mouthpiece opening (14). The inhaler has a piston (8) which generates the discharge airstream, together with a cavity (17) in a body portion (15) of the piston, the cavity forming a substance storage chamber (SV) and the metering chamber (D). A reduced pressure, which is generated during a return stroke of the piston (8), opens the metering chamber (D) toward the substance storage quantity (20). The base of the metering chamber (D), is formed by an air-permeable membrane and the chamber is closed by a valve cone (65).
US08210162B2
An improved tracking device comprised of a lightweight structural design optimized to carry it's own mass, that mass of a lightweight incident surface or surfaces for reflecting or absorbing energy, and to withstand the forces of low to medium wind loads. A weathervaning stowage mode is initiated under high wind conditions that will inherently rotate the structure such that the reflective facets will face away from the oncoming wind and any entrained dust, hail, or other particulate. The incident surfaces will also pivot upwards via pivots near the top mounting point to reduce the surface area presented to the wind and the resultant aerodynamic forces. A fixed wind deflector is employed to transfer wind load from the top of the incident surface(s) above the point of rotation where the wind load inhibits rotation to the bottom of the facet where upward rotation is enhanced.
US08210161B2
A compressed gas gun fires arrows or other similar projectiles. A compressed gas delivery mechanism within the compressed gas gun ensures that a predetermined amount of compressed gas is used to fire an arrow during a firing operation. Various elements within the compressed gas gun can be selectively tailored to provide greater or lesser amounts of compressed gas during each firing operation.
US08210148B2
The present application relates to a drive and balance mass. In one example, an engine includes, a camshaft, a balance shaft disposed within an interior of the camshaft, and a first gear, intermediate the balance shaft and the camshaft and driving the balance shaft to rotate about a first axis substantially parallel to a crankshaft of the engine in a direction opposite of the crankshaft. In another example, a balance mass and drive for an engine includes, a planetary gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear and a plurality of pinions mounted on a carrier, an input coupled to an input gear of the planetary gear set, a balance mass coupled to an output gear of the planetary gear set, the output gear configured to drive the balance mass to rotate about a first axis substantially parallel to the crankshaft in a direction opposite of the crankshaft.
US08210147B2
An internal combustion engine uses separate, tubular and hollow reciprocating sleeve valves that open and close intake and exhaust passageways for improved aspiration. The sliding sleeve valves are disposed within sleeves horizontally disposed within a modified head secured above the combustion chamber. The valves are driven in a path normal to the engine pistons by an independent crankshaft that is rotated through an external pulley driven by the engine crankshaft. Fluid flow occurs through the valve interior and through ports dynamically positioned above the compression cylinder, proximate aligned sleeve and head ports. Sleeve ports are separated by bridges that maintain valve rings in compression during reciprocation to prevent damage. Each valve body has a reduced diameter midsection forming a relief annulus that distributes shearing pressures about the circumference of the valve. High pressure gas is confined between axially spaced apart, stepped sealing rings that prevent gases from flowing axially about the valve exterior.
US08210141B2
An intake side phase varying mechanism varies an open/close timing of an intake valve, and an exhaust side phase varying mechanism varies an open/close timing of an exhaust valve. Before starting the engine, one of the intake and exhaust side phase varying mechanisms is caused to keep a first position wherein the intake and exhaust valves show the largest valve overlap therebetween and the other of the mechanisms is caused to keep a second position wherein the intake and exhaust valves show the smallest valve overlap therebetween. A controller is configured to carry out, after starting the engine, causing the selected one of the intake and exhaust side phase varying mechanisms to be actually controlled to the first position and causing the other to be actually controlled to the second position.
US08210137B2
In a link type variable stroke engine in which a piston, a crankshaft and an eccentric shaft are linked by a linking mechanism, an oil supply hole for supplying lubricating oil to a position between a connection tubular part of a sub connecting rod and a crank pin is provided in an upper portion of the connection tubular part at a position which is deviated from a direction of application of maximum load applied from the crank pin to an inner surface of the connection tubular part by maximum in-tube pressure, and which is immediately behind a point of application of the maximum load along a direction in which the crank pin rotates relative to the sub connecting rod. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent leak of oil from the oil supply hole and thereby reliably lubricating the position between the connection tubular part of the sub connecting rod and the crank pin by a splash lubrication system.
US08210136B2
A two-stroke internal combustion engine (30) is disclosed. Fuel efficiency is improved and extended over a wide power band by an inlet air valve (108) which controls the air charge and maintains a constant compression ratio. An integrated positive displacement supercharger (50) provides adequate air charge at all power levels and recovers compressor power from unused supercharged air. An integrated post combustion chamber (48) extends the power stroke by mixing combustion gases with ambient air for farther expansion and power production. Exhaust noise is reduced because the combustion gases are vented from the engine at lower pressure, lower velocity and temperature. The opposed cylinder design provides nearly continuous power by combining supercharger power recovery with extended power strokes.
US08210135B2
A ventilation system for use with an internal combustion engine having a crankcase is disclosed. The ventilation system may have a breather housing connected to ventilate gases from the crankcase, and a filtration canister fluidly connected downstream of the breather housing. The filtration canister may have a filter housing, a filtering medium located within the filter housing to collect oil from the gases, and an oil collection container disposed within the filter housing and being configured to receive at least a portion of the filtering medium. The oil collection container may have a drain port in fluid communication with the crankcase. The filtration canister may also have at least one port configured to discharge the gases from the housing after the gases have passed through the filtering medium.
US08210131B2
A protective garment for domesticated animals, such as canines, is provided which incorporates a built-in harness. The harness, which may be hidden from view, connects at the animal's back and has a leash connector for connecting a leash to the harness.
US08210124B2
A method of artificially rearing lobster larvae, in which lobster larvae of the Palinuridae and Scyllaridae families are guided toward jellyfish so that the lobster larvae parasitize the jellyfish and grow on the host jellyfish. An apparatus for rearing lobster larvae wherein a symbiotic feeding tank (1), in which the larvae are reared in the state of being parasitic on the jellyfish, and a jellyfish rearing tank (2) are connected together via a pipe (3), through which water and the jellyfish are supplied from the jellyfish rearing tank (2) to the symbiotic feeding tank (1), and the pipe (3) is provided with a switching valve (7).
US08210123B2
A teat cup comprises a flexible liner (3) for engaging about a teat of an animal to be milked, the liner having a head portion (7), at one end (6), provided with a mouth (9) through which the teat is engageable with the liner, and a milk discharge passageway (12) at the opposite end (5). A nozzle (24) is arranged to discharge fluid into the head portion of the liner, and a fluid delivery tube (21) is connected to the nozzle via a check valve (17) which allows fluid delivery to the nozzle and alleviates the risk of dirt or disinfectant lodging in the nozzle or delivery tube when the teat cup is treated on a jetter at the finish of a milking period.
US08210122B2
An arrangement for determining positions of the teats of an animal is provided in a milking system comprising a robot arm for automatically attaching teat cups to the teats of an animal when being located in a position to be milked, and a control device for controlling the movement of the robot arm based on determined positions of the teats of the animal. The arrangement comprises a camera pair directed towards the teats of the animal for repeatedly recording pairs of images, and an image processing device for repeatedly detecting the teats of the animal and determining their positions by a stereoscopic calculation method based on the repeatedly recorded pairs of images, wherein the cameras of the camera pair are arranged vertically one above the other, and the image processing device is provided, for each teat and for each pair of images, to define the position of the lower tip of the teat in the pair of images as conjugate points, and to find the conjugate points along a substantially vertical epipolar line.
US08210113B1
A sewing system is disclosed for facilitating the sewing together with a sewing machine ends of at least two webs that are held by a spooling machine. A substantially horizontal carriage rail is supported by a support mounting means in fixed relationship with the spooling machine and itself slidably supports a sewing carriage adapted to hold the sewing machine. A trimming carriage is also slidably supported on the carriage rail and supports a conventional trimming machine that trims the ends of each web ahead of the sewing machine. The trimming carriage is selectively and mechanically fixed with the sewing carriage with a mechanical fastener, so that as the sewing carriage is moved along the carriage rail, the trimming carriage is also moved along thereby. A substantially horizontal support platform is fixed with the carriage rail and adapted to hold each web fixed with respect thereto with a plurality of vertically-movable pins that traverse each web in a raised position.
US08210108B2
A pallet assembly includes a top deck having a top deck upper surface and a top deck lower surface and also having a first predetermined fire retardancy. A bottom deck having a bottom deck upper surface and a bottom deck lower surface, and also having a second predetermined fire retardancy. A column extending between the top deck and bottom deck, the column having an other fire retardancy lower than at least one of the first and second fire retardancies.
US08210103B2
A folder superstructure is provided including a lead roll, a nip roll biasing the lead roll, and a frame supporting the lead roll and the nip roll. The frame is selectively movable between a first position where the lead roll and the nip roll act on a first web ribbon and a second position where the lead roll and the nip roll act on a second web ribbon. A method for folding printed webs is also provided.
US08210102B2
A switch-over processing method includes the steps of performing a first process on a sheet passing between a first cylinder and a second cylinder with a first mounted body being mounted on a circumferential surface of the second cylinder arranged to oppose the first cylinder, and performing a second process different from the first process on the sheet passing between the first cylinder and the second cylinder with a second mounted body being mounted on a circumferential surface of the second cylinder in place of the first mounted body. A switch-over processing apparatus is also disclosed.
US08210087B2
The invention is an adapter and a method for securing a silencer/suppressor to the barrel of a firearm. The invention incorporates a uniformly deformable spring washer positioned within a cavity within the adapter. The cavity communicates with an opening in the silencer/suppressor into which the discharge end of the barrel of the firearm is fitted. As the silencer/suppressor is secured to the discharge end of the barrel of the weapon, the uniformly deformable spring washer is deformed uniformly, locking the silencer/suppressor together with the barrel of the weapon, and preventing the silencer/suppressor from separating from the barrel.
US08210080B2
A workpiece cutting method utilizing a band-saw machine, includes the following steps of: guiding tooth tips of an endless band-saw blade provided on the band-saw machine in a direction of a workpiece by a band-saw blade guiding apparatus; and applying vibrations to the band-saw blade in a cutting direction to the workpiece so as to perform cutting of the workpiece by a vibration applying unit provided on the band-saw blade guiding apparatus.
US08210079B2
An apparatus for feeding and slitting soft goods has multiple slitting systems with respective slitting blades mounted on a cross rail. A slitting blade positioning system is movable parallel with the cross rail and operable to move slitting systems along the cross rail. A material feed motor is connected to a feed roller and operable to move the soft goods past the slitting system. A control is first operable to cause the slitting blade positioning system to move identified slitting systems to desired positions on the cross rail. Thereafter, the control operates a drive shaft motor to rotate slitting blades mounted on the drive shaft and the material feed motor, thereby moving the soft goods past the slitting blades.
US08210078B2
An apparatus for trimming a plurality of printed products includes at least one trimming station including a yoke, at least one blade positioned on the yoke and a trimming transport device arranged to transport the plurality of printed products inside the at least one trimming station. A feeding conveyor is arranged to feed the printed products to the trimming station. At least one driver is coupled to and operative to drive the yoke, the feeding conveyor, and the trimming transport device, respectively. A control unit is coupled to the at least driver and operative to control the adjustment of the phase position of the feeding conveyor relative to the yoke.
US08210077B2
A device (1) for cutting labels in a labelling machine, including a cutting roller (2) having at least one blade (3) co-operating with a fixed counter-blade (4) able to be operatively associated to the roller for cutting the labels, a mechanical shaft (5) whereon is keyed said cutting roller (2), a frame (6) to support said mechanical shaft (5) and a heat exchanger circuit containing an operating fluid. Precisely, a first portion (9a) of said circuit is constructed on said support frame (6) and a second portion (9b) of said exchanger circuit is constructed on said mechanical shaft (5), said exchanger circuit thermally interacting with said frame (6) and with said cutting roller (2). The device further includes an impeller for generating a flow of said operating fluid within the heat exchanger circuit, said impeller for generating a flow of said operating fluid being connected to the mechanical shaft (5) and being operatively inserted in said heat exchanger circuit.
US08210059B2
Method and apparatus for determining presence or absence of contamination in bottles or similar containers, in which a first fluid medium is introduced into a container, and then a second, different, fluid medium is introduced into the container to thus form a third fluid medium in the container. A portion of the third fluid medium is then removed from within the container by suction. Finally, the portion of the third fluid medium is sensed in a sensor apparatus to determine presence or absence of contamination in the portion of the third fluid medium.
US08210054B2
A method for installing and operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter operating having a measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube is excited to vibrate, a phase shift of the vibration of the measuring tube which is dependent on the mass flow of the measuring tube or a corresponding time difference is determined, the temperature of the measuring tube is determined and the corresponding mass flow is calculated using the determined time difference and the determined temperature by means of a computation rule. Highly accurate measurements are possible in that in the computation rule, at least one known theoretical or empirical material temperature dependence influencing the mass flow is taken into account by determining a device-specific temperature dependence of the mass flowmeter influencing the mass flow through a subsequent calibration process and the known theoretical or empirical material temperature dependence and the device-specific temperature dependence are used in determining the mass flow.
US08210053B2
An apparatus for testing object strength includes a support platform, a force gauge for reading push or pull force exerted on an object, an installation mechanism for slidable installation of the force gauge on the support platform, an installation board supporting the object, a pull-push mechanism connected to the force gauge to be pushed or pulled by the force gauge and exert force on the object, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a pedestal secured to the support platform, a slider slidably mounted to the pedestal, an adjustment rod pivotally mounted to the pedestal and threaded into the slider, and a manipulation member fixed to the adjustment rod. The manipulation member rotates the adjustment rod relative to the slider. Thus the slider slides relative to the pedestal. The installation board adjusts the object relative to the support platform.
US08210050B2
A system is disclosed for testing components comprising a loading system capable of applying and reducing mechanical loads on a test specimen, the loading system comprising a fluidic mechanical muscle coupled to a lever arm, the fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath and a control system that controls the operation of the fluidic mechanical muscle. An apparatus is disclosed comprising a frame, a lever arm associated with the frame, a fluidic mechanical muscle coupled to the lever arm, the fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath; and a control system that controls the operation of the fluidic mechanical muscle.
US08210046B2
In one embodiment of the invention, a composition for a damping wedge in an ultrasonic probe having a wedge body is disclosed, the composition including: a viscoelastic material having a ratio of the imaginary part to the real part of the modulus of elasticity of at least about 5% and an acoustic impedance less than that of the wedge body; a filament-shaped filler in an effective amount to provide good dispersability in the viscoelastic material and to substantially match the acoustic impedance of the damping wedge to the wedge body; and a viscosity enhancer in an effective amount to increase the viscosity of the composition to maintain a homogenous distribution of the filament-shaped filler by preventing the filament-shaped filler from settling.
US08210043B2
An ultrasonic measurement method and an ultrasonic measurement apparatus are capable of performing an inspection for a short time with a high SN ratio and a small variation (that depends on an inspection direction) in sensitivity in a process for detecting a defect in all directions at 360 degrees using a matrix array sensor without performing mechanical scanning in all directions, while reducing noise that is caused by a bottom surface echo. An element selecting circuit selects a group of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements for transmission from among ultrasonic transducer elements that constitute a two-dimensional array sensor so that the ultrasonic transducer elements for selected for transmission are arranged in line symmetry with respect to a first line symmetric axis to set the group selected for transmission.
US08210038B2
A drive frequency tunable MEMS sensor in one embodiment includes a mass, a mass drive component configured to drive the mass within a plane, a plurality of non-linear springs supporting the mass a first tuner operably connected to the plurality of non-linear springs for modifying the stress condition of the plurality of non-linear springs in response to a trim voltage, and a trim circuit electrically coupled with the first tuner for providing the trim voltage.
US08210035B2
The present invention precisely measures characteristic values (such as the absorption coefficient) of an electromagnetic wave when a density of a PM in a DPF which collects the PM in an exhaust gas. The DPF receives the exhaust gas, and collects the PM in the exhaust gas. The DPF includes first hole portions which are open at a first end on a side for receiving the exhaust gas, and are closed at a second end on a side opposite to the first end, second hole portions which are closed at the first end and are open at the second end, and third hole portions which are closed at the first end. The first hole portion and the second hole portion are adjacent to each other. The third hole portions are adjacent to each other. The PM in the exhaust gas passing through partition walls which partition the first hole portion and the second hole portion adjacent to each other is collected by the partition walls.
US08210029B2
A pipeline pressure testing assembly has a fitting defining a flow path and having a port on a wall of the fitting into which a pressure testing device is removably inserted along a central axis of the port for pressure testing. The port is circular, larger than the interior diameter of the pipeline and located at or above the tube forming the flow path through the fitting. The fitting has a recess encircling at least part of the flow path and opening to the port to receive the testing and sealing devices. The recess is formed by two opposing walls inclined relative to the central axis of the recess. The recess walls at the top of the flow path by the port are spaced apart a distance as large as the pipe diameter for cleanout and inspection. A tubular valve stem screws into the testing device and has a rotary valve blocking flow through the tubular valve stem. Flow through the fitting is blocked with the rotary valve closed and the tubular valve stem in a first position. Flow through the testing device is allowed with the rotary valve closed and the tubular valve stem in an open position. With the rotary valve open, flow through the tubular valve stem is permitted when the tubular valve stem is in either the first or second position to provide multiple drain and fill options.
US08210028B2
A method and apparatus for the extraction of particles from surfaces is disclosed. A preferred method comprises the steps of (1) adjusting the temperature and humidity of an air supply to provide an adjusted air supply, (2) directing a blast from the adjusted air supply to a surface bearing particles, so as to produce a deflected blast that comprises some of the particles from the surface, (3) collecting the deflected blast and particles, and (4) directing the deflected blast and particles towards an analyzer. A preferred apparatus includes an air adjuster and a probe comprising an adjusted air supply passage, an adjusted air aperture, a deflected air aperture, and a deflected air passage, wherein the air adjuster is adapted to provide a flow of adjusted air to the adjusted air supply passage and the adjusted air aperture.
US08210027B2
A device for detecting helium in ambient atmosphere includes a resonator and a frequency detector. The resonator includes a piezoelectric film layer configured to absorb helium atoms. The frequency detector configured to detect a change in resonant frequency of the resonator when helium is absorbed into the piezoelectric film layer from the ambient atmosphere.
US08210012B2
A lubrication delivery system for a rolling facility having a plurality of roll stands. A centralized lubrication source is arranged to supply lubrication to a plurality of liners within the roll stands during a rolling campaign. The lubrication source can supply one or more lubricants via controlled conduits in fluid communication with the liners. Liners are provided with a plurality of conduits for directing pressurized lubricant from the centralized lubricant source so as to minimize lubricant loss. A plurality of different lubricants may be provided at a centralized source with a controller or other device directing a flow of pressurized lubricant to the plurality of roll stands during the campaign.
US08210011B2
A continuous repetitive method of rolling a series combination of asymmetric rolling and skin pass rolling operations is provided. Differential-speed rolling is performed as the asymmetric rolling, and a winder temporarily winds a metal strip with a collapsed plate shape by traverse winding (loose winding which allows the metal strip to be wound in a zigzag manner). Then, the skin pass rolling is performed, and orderly winding is performed in a coil form. In the flow of rolling, tandem rolling may be performed by arranging two or more rolling mills side by side so that the asymmetric rolling and the skin pass rolling operations are continuously performed without the traverse winding therebetween.
US08209990B2
An electrostatically atomizing unit for use in a temperature regulating appliance to add a function of generating a mist of charged minute water particles for deodorization and/or sterilization of a temperature-regulated space. The appliance has a cold space of which air is cooled by cooling means and is fed to cool the temperature-regulated space divided from the cold space by a partition. The atomizing unit has an emitter electrode which is configured to condense water from within a surrounding air. A high voltage source applies a high voltage to the emitter electrode to atomize the condensed water into the charged minute water particles which are discharged from the emitter electrode into the temperature-regulated space. The emitter electrode is provided with a cooling coupler which establishes a heat transfer relation through the partition to the cold space to cool the emitter electrode by making the use of the cooling means inherent to the appliance.
US08209985B2
Heat recovery equipment recovers heat from flue gas. The heat recovery equipment includes a power generation plant that drives a steam turbine by superheated steam produced in a boiler, and an exhaust-gas treatment line that treats flue gas output from the boiler. The exhaust-gas treatment line includes a first air preheater, a heat extractor unit, and a dry electrostatic precipitator. The power generation plant includes a condensed water line. The condensed water line includes a condenser, a condensed water heater, and a low-pressure feedwater heater. The condensed water heater heats water condensed by the condenser with the heat recovered by the heat extractor unit.
US08209982B2
In an internal combustion engine having two exhaust gas turbochargers which are connected in series and a bypass line which bypasses the exhaust gas turbine close to the engine and extends to a collecting space of the turbine remote from the engine, and a blow-off valve is integrated into the turbine housing of the remote exhaust gas turbine for controlling a communication path between the collecting space and the turbine wheel, and includes a control sleeve supported axially movably between a closed position in which the communication path is blocked and a fully open position in which a flow path by-passing the turbine wheel of the turbine remote from the engine is provided.
US08209980B2
One ends of an exhaust path communicate with a plurality of combustion chambers through exhaust ports, respectively, an assembling section is provided on the other ends of the exhaust path, and a turbo supercharger, an exhaust tube and an exhaust purification catalyst are connected to the assembling section, on the other hand, a bypass path communicating from the exhaust path to the exhaust tube and the exhaust purification catalyst by bypassing a turbo supercharger is provided and an exhaust control valve capable of opening and closing the bypass path is provided, and a bypass hole, which is a part of the bypass path, is provided in the cylinder head.
US08209978B2
The invention relates to a motor vehicle master cylinder (1). More specifically, the invention relates to a piston (4, 5) of the master cylinder which has a first indentation (24) and a second indentation (27), which indentations are formed upstream of a port (13, 14) of the piston. The first indentation and the second indentation delimit a space within which hydraulic brake fluid can be stored so that it can be tapped off by an auxiliary braking device of the E.S.P. type.
US08209968B2
A hybrid vehicle including an engine, a generator capable of generating power by being driven by the engine, an electric motor capable of running on power supplied from the generator, a power split device that transmits output from the engine to a driving wheel and the generator and also transmits output from the electric motor to the driving wheel, and a main ECU that controls an output ratio of the engine and an output ratio of the electric motor using the power split device according to the running state of the vehicle. When the operating mode of the engine is switched between a lean burn operating mode and a stoichiometric burn operating mode, the main ECU selectively increases and decreases the output ratio of the electric motor so that the total output, which is the combined output of the engine and the electric motor, is constant.
US08209964B2
An exhaust control system for use with a combustion engine having a reduction catalyst and a supply of reductant is disclosed. The exhaust control system may have a first sensor located to generate a first signal indicative of an amount of a constituent within the exhaust entering the reduction catalyst, a second sensor located to generate a second signal indicative of an amount of the constituent remaining within the exhaust exiting the reduction catalyst, and a third sensor configured to generate a third signal indicative of an amount of reductant within the supply. The exhaust control system may additionally have a controller in communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor. The controller may be configured to determine a change in an efficiency of the reduction catalyst based on the first and second signals, and diagnose the change in efficiency based on the third signal.
US08209962B2
A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine senses differential pressure across the diesel particulate filter to monitor at least one of soot cake permeability and filter wall permeability as a function of exhaust temperature and mass flow velocity. The system and method preferably respond to both porous wall and soot cake permeabilities to determine when the soot level matches a threshold at which an operator may be warned, or at which a remedial operation may be triggered, or at which a more protective action taken by the engine control module.
US08209958B2
An engine exhaust emission purification apparatus for reducing and purifying NOx in the exhaust emission by using a liquid reducing agent having a temperature maintenance device for maintaining a temperature of at least a part of a liquid reducing agent supply system configured by an injection nozzle and piping of the injection nozzle at a temperature lower than a boiling point of a solvent of the liquid reducing agent or equal to or higher than a melting point of dissolved matter in which the liquid reducing agent existing in the liquid reducing agent supply system conducts heat exchange with the liquid reducing agent supply system thereby being maintained at a temperature lower than the boiling point of the solvent or equal to or higher than the melting point of the dissolved matter and resultantly, occurrence of precipitation of the dissolved matter due to evaporation of only the solvent in the liquid reducing agent supply system does not occur, and even if precipitation of the dissolved matter occurs, the dissolved matter per se is melt away to prevent an injection hole of the injection nozzle from being clogged.
US08209953B2
A gas turbine engine system for an aircraft includes a nacelle having a fan cowl with an inlet lip section and a core cowl, at least one compressor and at least one turbine, at least one combustor between the compressor and the turbine, a bleed passage, and a controller. The bleed passage includes an inlet for receiving a bleed airflow and an outlet that discharges the bleed airflow in an upstream direction from the outlet. The controller identifies an operability condition and selectively introduces the bleed airflow near a boundary layer of the inlet lip section in response to the operability condition.
US08209950B2
A turbofan engine deicing system includes a core nacelle (12) housing a turbine. A turbofan (20) is arranged upstream from the core nacelle. A controller (50) manipulates the turbofan in response to detecting an icing condition for avoiding undesired ice buildup on the turbofan engine (10) and nacelle parts. In one example, a variable area nozzle (40) is actuated to generate pressure pulses or a surge condition to break up any ice buildup. The icing condition can be determined by at least one sensor (52) and/or predicted based upon icing conditions schedules.
US08209941B2
An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device. The system includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.
US08209937B2
A retractable enclosure includes moveable bays that telescopically retract inside each other. Each bay is made from two or more vertical framing sections and a plurality of first framing members. Each vertical framing section can be made from a plurality of second framing members. Assembly rods are provided to couple the vertical framing sections and are tensioned to load the first framing members in longitudinal compression. The framing members are fastenable to each other. The second framing members can be held together using splice plates. The retractable enclosure may also include a drive system. A related method of constructing a retractable enclosure is also provided.
US08209935B2
A method and apparatus for supporting and straightening a framed wall includes a plurality of beams, a mounting plate, a bolt, and a pusher. The mounting plate is secured to the beam and the bolt is threadably secured to the mounting plate. The bolt is received by the pusher. When tightened, the bolt applies pressure to the pusher which in turn applies pressure to the framed wall. Alternatively, a plurality of mounting plates and pushers may be used to apply pressure to a cross beam and thereby efficiently apply pressure to a plurality of framed wall beams. By tightening the bolt, the user can apply pressure to the beam and straighten or retain the wall. As the wall shifts during periods of correction, the bolt may be re-tightened to apply additional pressure to the wall.
US08209931B2
In a panel suspended ceiling for seismic prone areas, a superstructure extends from and above the ceiling grid. The superstructure is engaged within a lateral support bar that slidably supports the superstructure, and ceiling, during a seismic event.
US08209926B2
An assembly for reducing ice damming along a roof using solar energy is provided including at least one tabular solar collection panel having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface shaped in a rectangular shape. Each panel includes a plurality of holes extending entirely through the panel. A plurality of pads is attached to the opposing surface of said tabular panel for spacing the entire tabular panel from a substrate such as a roof surface. Each panel further includes a “U” shaped offset member attached to an interconnecting member which in turn is attached to the assembly.
US08209925B2
A steel structural member such as a joist or beam is secured to a vertical cast concrete by a connector system including a fabricated steel receiver embedded within the wall. Embedded anchors are attached to the receiver which has front wall portions flush with the concrete wall and define a front opening. A support bracket has an attachment plate secured to the beam and a vertical plate which fits through the front opening within the receiver. The bracket is attached to the beam which is then elevated, and the vertical plate is inserted through the opening into the receiver. The beam and vertical plate are then shifted until opposite edge portions of the vertical plate are blocked by the front wall portions of the receiver. In the illustrated embodiments, the front opening and vertical plate are generally triangular, and the support bracket has a vertical or horizontal attachment plate.
US08209920B2
The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic systems. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are disposed upon roofing elements such as shingles, tiles, shakes or slates. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing system for use on a roof deck, the photovoltaic system comprising: a first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements disposed on the roof deck, each having a headlap region and a butt region having a bottom end; a bus bar batten system extending across the headlap regions of the first plurality of roofing elements, the bus bar batten system comprising one or more rigid supports and an electrical interconnection system; a first plurality of photovoltaic elements, each disposed on a butt region of one of the first plurality of roofing elements, each operatively engaged with the electrical interconnection system of the bus bar batten system; and a second plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements disposed on the roof deck and covering the bus bar batten system and the headlap regions of the first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements.
US08209919B2
A mounting support for mounting photovoltaic modules constructed with at least one glass pane on a flat roof surface includes a flexible elongated strip having a bottom side with a substantially smooth surface for attachment to the roof surface and a top side with a substantially smooth surface for supporting the photovoltaic modules. The top side of the strip includes recesses oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip and separating strip segments which allows the mounting support or strip to be easily rolled up. The strip segments include integrally formed fastening members configured to engage with cooperating fasteners for securing the photovoltaic modules on top side of the strip. The top surface may also include longitudinal grooves or tubes holding the fastening members.
US08209915B2
A wall construction air barrier system includes a foundation structure and a frame structure positioned on top of the foundation structure. The frame structure has an exterior surface and the frame structure includes a sill plate. At least one exterior sheathing is attached to the frame structure. The exterior sheathing has an interior surface. A continuous sealing gasket has a lateral portion positioned between the sill plate and the foundation structure and an extension portion positioned between the exterior surface of the frame structure and the interior surface of the exterior sheathing.
US08209909B2
Certain example embodiments relate to a sealing system for sealing the periphery of a door relative to a frame. The sealing system includes a multi point finger seal having at least three fingers of differing height and spacing so that a first finger may contact the door and contact of the first finger and second finger is precluded. A second finger is sized and spaced from a third finger so that a free edge of the second finger abuts the base of the third finger. A security seal is located at the bottom of the door and includes a security flap biased into the door, wherein a cam on the frame engages the flap upon closure of the door to urge the security flap toward the floor. The seal includes one or more perforations therein, causing the seal to breakaway and into pieces if removal is attempted.
US08209899B2
The invention provides a convenient, lightweight and streamlined connecting device for attaching a leader or tippet to a fly-fishing line. The Fly Line Connecting Device is configured with an expandable tubular lattice that allows for an in-line connection to the fly line. The connection device has an integral tubular lattice sized with an internal diameter that is slightly smaller that the fly line and when compressively displaced, operates to expand the internal diameter to allow insertion of the fly line. Once the fly line is fully inserted, the tubular lattice is allowed to contract and elastically constrict onto and thereby grip the semi-resilient surface of the fly line. When the fly line and leader line are placed in tension through the connecting device, the tubular lattice acts to constrict down on the fly-line to resist separation. The connecting device of the invention is configured with a loop, eyelet, knot-trapping feature, or short tippet to allow for the convenient attachment of the leader line. Alternatively, the connecting device is permanently attached or integrally formed with a full-length leader. The preferred embodiment of the connecting device is injection molded in an intermediate form that is configured to be manually or machine cold-drawn to the final working dimensions and optimal physical properties.
US08209897B2
A targeting system for determining the distance to a target and, in response thereto, altering the angular position of a projectile launcher relative to a hand held support.
US08209896B1
A gunsmithing fixture for use with an upper receiver, including an upper portion having an upper body portion, wherein the upper body portion comprises a partially cylindrical portion and a rib portion, and wherein the upper body portion includes a groove formed along the central longitudinal axis of at least a portion of the upper body portion; and a lower portion having a lower body portion, wherein the lower body portion includes a protrusion extending from at least a portion of the lower body portion, wherein the lower body portion comprises a front receiver lug recess and a rear receiver lug recess; wherein the groove of the upper body portion is formed so as to slidably mate with the protrusion of the lower portion, such that the upper body portion can be secured to the lower body portion via slidable interaction of the groove and the protrusion.
US08209895B2
Apparatus and methods for easily, quickly and reliably longitudinally securing and rotationally locking a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel, and to a fixture such as a flash suppressor affixed to the muzzle end of the firearm, and for easily, quickly and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device therefrom.
US08209892B2
A personally crafted greeting card adapted to insert over a gift is disclosed. The greeting card includes a top horizontal panel and two vertical panels. The top horizontal panel is adhered to the vertical panels by means of adhesive tapes to form a receptacle for inserting over a gift. The vertical panels are designed in T-shirt shape including front and back surface for inputting personalized messages over it for imparting a personal touch while presenting the gift to a recipient. The greeting card is inserted over the neck of a wine or other spirit bottle, or gifts with similar neck configurations through a cutout orifice formed at the center of the top horizontal panel in the unfolded position. The invention includes a packaging system for holding the greeting cards in their greeting card covers. The packaging system includes a crate for holding a plurality of greeting cards in their greeting card covers.
US08209889B2
An operator propelled and/or guided portable trencher is disclosed having a wheeled carriage with an operator manipulable handle bar mounted thereat. The carriage includes a wheel mounting base assembly and a drive frame assembly pivotably connected to each other. A trenching chain assembly is mounted to the drive frame assembly and has a chain maintained at a multi-sprocket chain guide. One sprocket of the chain guide is movably mounted and biased to tension the chain while allowing sprocket movement to partially relieve chain tension during chain use in case of debris entrainment at the chain. An operator manipulable support is connected with the mounting base assembly and is engageable at structure at the drive frame assembly providing operator selection of pivotable location of the drive frame assembly relative to the wheel mounting base assembly during trencher storage and use.
US08209884B2
A shoe construction and a method for making a shoe wherein an outsole is provided with a raised lip extending around a periphery of the outsole, and an upper is secured to the outsole by a stitch along the lip such that an inside surface of the upper is facing the outside surface of the lip. The shoe construction further includes an inner sole and a vamp lining secured together by a stitch and placed on the inside surface of the upper such as to protect a wearer's foot from the stitch securing the outsole with the upper.
US08209877B2
The present invention relates to a hair straightening device to be placed on an air blower, comprising a first straightening element and a second straightening element positioned on either side of an air diffuser (9), each of the two elements comprising an outer comb (1) and an inner comb (2), removably attached so as to allow a sliding movement of one relative to the other, said sliding movement of the two outer (1) or inner (2) combs allowing to grip the hair and to stretch it above the air diffuser (9), the teeth of the outer combs (1) being formed by a succession of arches (3) whose holes define two tunnels (4) that make space for the inner combs (2) in such a way as to allow an arrangement of said inner combs (2) beneath said outer combs (1) within said tunnels (4) and to allow said sliding movement of the inner combs (2) relative to the outer combs (1) in order to displace the teeth (5) of said inner combs (2) relative to the planes formed by the arches (3) of the outer combs (1).
US08209872B1
The present invention is an attachable rolling plate assembly which can be attached as a single unit to a portable cutting tool to facilitate the safe rolling movement of the portable cutting tool on the workpiece. The invention comprises a frame assembly formed from a single piece of molded material such as fiber enriched plastic having a pair of oppositely disposed longitudinal sidewalls with stabilizer fins extending therefrom, and a flat base portion having a pair of parallel stabilizer tubes molded therein. The invention further includes an adjustable bevel gear assembly by which the angle of orientation of the cutting blade can be quickly changed. The invention also includes a cutting guide assembly to facilitate a straight cut, reduce torsional rotation of the saw blade and reduce kickback of the saw.
US08209871B1
A cutting apparatus includes a housing that has a first end wall, a second end wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall and a rear wall. The first end wall has a blade aperture extending therethrough. A fixed blade is mounted in the housing and extends through the blade aperture. The fixed blade includes a sharp edge facing the second side wall. A pivoting blade is pivotally mounted in the housing and extends through the blade aperture. The pivoting blade includes a sharp edge facing the first side wall. The pivoting blade is movable from an open position to a closed position relative to the fixed blade. An actuator is mechanically coupled to the pivoting blade and pulls the pivoting blade toward the fixed blade when actuated.
US08209870B2
A cutting apparatus has a unidirectionally-locking blade cover that automatically snaps back over the exposed blade after each cut, and a dependent, index finger operated unlocking trigger.
US08209866B2
The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for producing fire rated doors having added strength, better finishing and low cost manufacturing flexibility. The fire rated doors are made from two panels “sandwiched” together. An optional interior layer (e.g., fire resistant material, lead sheeting, steel or Kevlar) can be added between the door panels for various purposes. Splines, stiles or sticks are inserted in longitudinal channels in the door panels to provide assistance in aligning the door panels and greater hardware holding strength. An intumescent banding material concealed by a banding material around the perimeter of the door seals the door within its frame during a fire. The door design and the automated manufacturing process provide greater design choice, reduced cost and faster fabrication.
US08209859B2
A technique for processing an electronic apparatus (e.g., manufacturing an assembled circuit board, treating an assembled circuit board, etc.) involves applying encasement material to an area of the circuit board assembly while leaving at least a portion of the circuit board assembly exposed. The technique further involves causing the applied encasement material to harden (e.g., heating the encasement material in a curing oven, applying radiation, providing a chemical catalyst, etc.). Application and hardening of the encasement material may take place shortly after circuit board assembly (e.g., by automated equipment at a manufacturing facility in order to treat newly assembled boards) or at some later time in the field (e.g., by a technician servicing a legacy board).
US08209853B2
A rework soldering jig is used for heating a surface mounted slot. The rework soldering jig includes a body and an assembly frame. The assembly frame is detachably disposed on the body. The body and the assembly frame together wrap the surface mounted slot. Since the rework soldering jig has the detachable assembly frame, a size thereof can be adjusted according to different forms of slots.
US08209848B2
A process (and the structure resulting therefrom) is described for manufacturing a magnetic write head in which there is no physical interface between the first and second trailing shields. This is achieved by laying down a sacrificial layer which is patterned to extend inwards towards the top yoke whereby the dimensions and shapes of the shields are defined.
US08209834B2
A device for centering a tube inside a hollow shaft is disclosed. The device includes a deformable device interposed between the tube and the hollow shaft and including bearing members for bearing against the inside surface of the shaft and suitable for being spaced away from the inside surface of the shaft in order to enable them to be moved inside the shaft. The deformable device is made of a shape-memory material suitable for deforming to press the bearing members against the inside surface of the shaft or to space them away therefrom on being subjected to a predetermined temperature.
US08209817B2
A hinge includes a first connecting member, a shaft, a second connecting member, and a shaft sleeve unrotatably fixed to the second connecting member. The shaft is unrotatably fixed to the first connecting member, and includes a shaft body having a flat surface formed on a circumference of the shaft body. The second connecting member is rotatably mounted to the shaft body. The shaft sleeve defines a receiving hole for the shaft body rotatably passing therethrough. The shaft sleeve includes a flat resisting block resisting against the flat surface. When the second connecting member is rotated relative to the first connecting member, the resisting block is deformed, and slide onto the circumference of the shaft body from the flat surface.
US08209801B2
A leg lift mechanism for an electric bed or chair includes a primary frame, having a first structural component mounted with a bed frame and pivotally connected with a driver, a second structural component pivotally connected with the first structural component, a third structural component pivotally connected with the second structural component, a first angle bracket mounted with the second structural component, a lift bracket pivotally connected with the bed frame and abutted against the third structural component, and a second angle bracket mounted with the lift bracket. A link rod has an end pivotally connected with an extendable rod of the driver through a control pin inserted into a sliding slot of the first angle bracket, and the other end pivotally connected with the second angle bracket. Thus, the link rod can be driven by the driver to cause different movements of the primary frame.
US08209799B2
A gap protection device for an examining table includes a guide rail, a protecting chain and a rigid rope. The guide rail is fixed onto the non-moving part of the examining table. One end of the protecting chain is fixed onto the body of the examining table and is movable along the guide rail so as to cover the gap between the body and the non-moving part of the examining table. The two ends of the rigid rope are respectively connected to the two ends of the protecting chain. When the examining table is moved, the closed loop formed by the protecting chain and the rigid rope circulates synchronously under the drive of the examining table, such that the protecting chain covers the gap between the body and the non-moving part of the examining table.
US08209792B1
A shut-off valve for connecting between a water supply valve and a tank inlet port of a toilet tank includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, a valve mechanism, a trip mechanism, and a trip circuit electrically connected with the trip mechanism. The valve mechanism includes a valve housing rotationally confining a first ceramic disk and a ceramic second disk, each disk having at least one aperture therethrough that, when mutually aligned, allow for fluid communication between the inlet and outlet ports. The trip mechanism includes a rotational spring that urges rotation of an axial shaft fixed coaxially with the second disk. A trip latch is adapted to prevent rotation of the axial shaft and second disk except when withdrawn from the axial shaft by a solenoid electrically connected to the trip circuit that is electrically connected with a toilet tank overflow sensor, a toilet bowl overflow sensor, or the like. Upon detection of a fault condition, the trip circuit trips the trip mechanism to prevent water from flowing into the toilet tank until the fault can be corrected, thereby conserving water and often preventing water damage.
US08209790B1
A combination bathroom plunging and cleaning tool. Implementations may comprise a handle with a plurality of different detachable accessories. Accessories may include a plunger, a brush and a scrubber, for example. One or more of the accessories may comprise electronic components such as a vibrator or rotator to further accentuate the cleaning process. The handle and accessories may be stored in a storage caddy when not in use and the storage caddy may comprise air vents and a fan to dry the accessories after use.
US08209782B1
A motorcycle helmet enhancing horn having a horn shaped, hollow body initiating at a broad base tapering to a distal point. The horn arches is formed about a curved central axis spanning between a center of the broad base and a central point of the distal end. The central axis can be a single or compound curved shape. A mounting flange supports the horn body. The mounting flange is contiguous about and extends substantially perpendicularly outward from the base edge. An adhesive is applied to the bonding surface of the mounting flange for securing the horn to a motorcycle helmet. The horns can be provided in mirror image pairs having individual flanges or in a series assembled in a linear, spatial arrangement on a single flange. The flanges are shaped in a compound curve for mating to an outer surface of a motorcycle helmet.
US08209781B2
During use of a firefighter helmet or a similar helmet, a detachable protective earflap unit can be used to provide convenient and easy storage of personal items for the firefighter or other helmet wearer secured at the back of the helmet and below the rear brim or rear lower edge of the helmet by a utility strap securement assembly. The protective earflap unit comprises an earflap having a utility strap securement assembly that selectively may encircle and retain eyewear, an eyewear case, a utility bag, or other small personal item.
US08214916B2
Better leveling procedures for patterning at the small scale including the nanoscale. A method comprising: providing at least one array of cantilevers comprising tips thereon, wherein the cantilevers comprise at least one relatively bright spot, or at least two relatively bright spots, near the tip upon viewing, providing a substrate, leveling the array and the substrate with respect to each other, wherein the relatively bright spot near the tip is viewed to determine a contact of the tip and substrate.
US08214914B2
In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment provides receiving a packet having a wake-up pattern, and waking up if the wake-up pattern corresponds to one of a number of dynamically modifiable passwords on a pattern wake list, each of the dynamically modifiable passwords being based, at least in part, on a seed value.
US08214913B2
A secured computing system and container therefor may comprise: a base for receiving a computing device; a securable first cover for substantially enclosing at least part of the computing device when the first cover is in a first position in the base; a securable second cover for preventing access to the computing device when the second cover is in a secured position, wherein access to the computing device is available when the second cover is not in the secured position. The computing device may be substantially enclosed when the first cover is in the first position in the base and the second cover is in the secured position; and one or more user features of the computing device may be accessible when the first cover is not in the first position in the base. The computing device may include a computer processor or computer peripheral.
US08214910B1
The present disclosure presents techniques for determining when to obscure an accelerometer signal from an accelerometer of a mobile device. The techniques include determining whether a user has been prompted to provide sensitive input data to the mobile device using an input device of the mobile device. When the user has been prompted to provide sensitive input data, the technique includes obscuring a portion of an accelerometer signal outputted from an accelerometer, and receiving the sensitive input data from the user at the input device while the accelerometer signal is obscured. In some embodiments, the accelerometer signal can be obscured by (i) switching the accelerometer 216 off, (ii) inserting a random noise signal into the accelerometer signal, (iii) masking the low-order bits of the accelerometer signal, (iv) passing the accelerometer signal through a filter, (v) actuating a vibrator of the mobile device, and/or (vi) otherwise degrading the accelerometer signal.
US08214907B1
Client computers track visited websites and monitor confidential information transmitted to the visited websites. Upon subsequent identification of a website as malicious or compromised, it is determined whether the unsecure website was visited, and if so, whether any confidential information was exposed to the unsecure website. Clients compile statistical reports concerning confidential information transmitted to unsecure websites, and provide these reports to a central server. The central server uses statistical reports received from a wide distribution of clients to maintain comprehensive statistical data indicating exposure of confidential information to unsecure websites. This comprehensive statistical data can be used for purposes such as damage assessment, trend tracking and profiling of suspected malicious websites.
US08214905B1
System and method for dynamically allocating computing resources for processing security information
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for dynamically allocating computing resources for processing security information. In one example, the system receives from an antivirus application deployed on a user's computer information about user's actions related to the security of said computer. The system analyzes the received information to determine user's level of expertise in the field of computer security. The system then classifies the user into one of two or more different roles based on the determined level of expertise. The system automatically selects, based on the user's role, configuration setting of the antivirus application for collecting information about security threats detected by the user. The system also automatically allocates and configures, based on the user's role, computing resources and services for processing information collected by the antivirus application deployed on the user's computer about security threats detected by the user.
US08214895B2
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to identifying good files and malware based on whitelists and blacklists. In aspects, a node starts a scan of files on a data store. In conjunction with starting the scan, the node creates a data structure that indicates the directories on the data store. The node sends the data structure to a whitelist server and a blacklist server and an indication of a last successful time of communication. The whitelist and blacklist servers respond to the node with information about any new files that have been added to the directories since the last successful communication. The node may subsequently use the information to identify known good files and malware.
US08214893B2
A system and method is provided for communication of information in a mobile communication device (WMCD) configured to network connection may include discovering via a wireless mobile communication device, available communication resources based on acquired biometric data for a user of the WMCD, and communicating multimedia information between the WMCD and one or more of the discovered available resources. The acquired biometric data may include physical and behavioral biometric data to be authenticated and validated by a pattern recognition database. A connection between the WMCD and one or more discovered available resources may be established through linking the acquired biometric data to resources in available local or remote network. The established connection may enable the WMCD to consume or redirect media from the available resources and may be dynamically adjusted and updated based on dynamic sensing of the acquired biometric data in the available network or available resources.
US08214892B2
A system and methods authenticate sensitive information such as passwords. Password characters are transformed into distorted characters and distorted character groups are generated such that each distorted password character is part of a group. An image is created containing the groups and the password or other sensitive information is authenticated when groups are identified within the image that contain the password characters in an expected sequence.
US08214888B2
The present patent application discloses a USB token that advantageously mimics a human interface device such as a keyboard in interacting with a host computer, thus removing the need for pre-installation of a dedicated device driver. This is accomplished by requiring the host computer to direct the input of the attached human interface devices of the keyboard type, including the USB token, exclusively to the program interacting with the USB token, by using cryptographic algorithms based on a shared secret, which require less data to be transferred than PKI-based algorithms, and by employing an efficient encoding scheme that minimizes the time needed to exchange information with the USB token, and minimizes the probability of generating ambiguity with input that might legitimately be generated by other attached human interface devices. By using only symmetric encryption and the low-speed USB protocol, a single low-performance processor may be used, which results in a more cost-effective solution than PKI USB tokens emulating the combination of smart cards and smart card readers or USB tokens presenting themselves to the host computer as mass storage devices. The overall security is increased by adding a second authentication factor consisting of a static password entered by the user, and by limiting the number of valid token response that can be generated or retrieved in a usage session.
US08214887B2
A method and system for providing remote user access to secure applications by deployment of SSO software to client workstations, including navigating to a secure server using a web browser on a remote workstation; providing user authorization details to the secure server; downloading an SSO deployment file to the remote workstation upon validation of the user authorization details; executing the SSO deployment file to install an SSO client application on the remote workstation; reading workstation settings and user credentials from a secure file or data store; and running the SSO client application on the workstation to employ the user credentials to logon to the secure application.
US08214886B2
The present invention facilitates access to a restricted service related to secure transactions via a network. The present invention allows a user to select a minimum security level of authentication for its own login to a restricted service. The user's selected minimum security level of authentication may be registered in an authentication method system, so that the user must use the selected minimum security level for authentication in order to gain access to the restricted service. Alternatively, the user may specify that the selected minimum security level for authentication may be over-turned by the user, or optionally re-set to a new authentication method depending on the needs of the user. As such, the present invention allows the user the flexibility to select its own authentication method for accessing a restricted service.
