US08212504B2
An inverter controller for driving a brushless DC motor, of which rotor is provided with permanent magnets, includes an inverter circuit, a position sensing circuit, a DC voltage sensor, and a conduction angle controller. The inverter circuit is connected to the brushless DC motor for driving this motor. The position sensing circuit senses a rotor position with respect to a stator from an induction voltage of the brushless DC motor. The DC voltage sensor senses a voltage value of a DC power voltage supplied to the inverter circuit. The conduction angle controller changes a conduction angle of the inverter circuit within a range less than 180 degrees in electric angles in response to a rate of change in the DC power voltage.
US08212500B2
A lighting system comprising a lamp comprising an array of LEDs arranged to transform electricity into a light beam having properties including intensity, color, color temperature; a fight control system comprising a LED driver and a pulse width modulator arranged to adjust said light beam properties; a DA-converter, an ultrasound driver and an ultrasonic transmitter arranged to convert a digital transmit signal into the transmission of an ultrasonic pulse; an ultrasonic receiver and an amplifier arranged to receive reflected ultrasonic signals and transform said ultrasonic signal in a voltage, and a comparator arranged to generate a digital receive signal if said voltage is greater than a predetermined threshold; a processing system arranged to derive a time-of-flight signal representing the time differences between said digital transmit and receive signals and to send control signals to said light control system in dependence of said time-of-flight signal.
US08212499B2
A lighting system comprising a lamp arranged to transform electricity into a light beam having properties including intensity, color, color temperature, direction and beam cone angle; a light control system arranged to adjust said light beam properties; an ultrasonic transmitter arranged to transmit ultrasonic signals; an ultrasonic receiver arranged to receive reflected ultrasonic signals; and a processing system arranged to derive a time-of-flight signal representing the time differences between said transmitted and received ultrasonic signals and to send control signals to said light control system in dependence of said time-of-flight signal, wherein said processing means and said light control system are further arranged to change from adjustment of one of said light beam properties to adjustment of another one of said light beam properties, if a predetermined behavior in said time-of-flight signal is determined.
US08212494B2
The invention relates to a dimmer triggering circuit (12) for triggering a dimmer in an alternating current network. The dimmer has a voltage-level detector (15), and a bipolar current source circuit (18). The voltage-level detector (15) detects whether an absolute value of an input voltage of the dimmer triggering circuit is below a threshold value. The bipolar current source circuit (18) provides a current if the voltage detected by the voltage-level detector (15) is below the threshold value. If the voltage detected is not below the threshold value, the bipolar current source circuit is deactivated. The dimmer triggering circuit (12), in operation, dissipates an average power less than 100 mW.
US08212481B2
A voltage control apparatus used for an electron tube or a power supply apparatus includes a detecting circuit for detecting current flowing through a helix electrode, a voltage-limiting circuit for controlling a potential difference between the helix electrode and the anode electrode based on a predetermined voltage level; and a switch for switching based on an output from the detecting circuit. The switch connects the helix electrode and the anode electrode through the voltage-limiting circuit, or causes a short circuit between the helix electrode and the anode electrode.
US08212474B2
In a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device, the display device has a substrate having a first region and a second region disposed at a peripheral portion of the first region. The substrate includes a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the first region and an insulation member selectively disposed in the first region. The insulating member has a plurality of openings that expose a portion corresponding to the first electrodes. The substrate includes light emitting patterns are disposed on the first electrodes through the openings and the substrate has a second electrode disposed on the light emitting patterns. Accordingly, the thickness of the light emitting patterns is uniformity so that the quality of an image generated from the light emitting patterns is improved.
US08212470B2
According to one embodiment, a luminescent material includes luminescent material particles having a composition represented by formula A. (Mg1-w,AEw)a(Ge1-x,Snx)bOc,Cld:zMn A where AE is at least one selected from Ca and Sr, and 3.5≦a≦4.4, 0.8≦b≦1.1, 5.5≦c≦7.0, 0
US08212467B2
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a cap sealing the light emitting element, and a light conversion structural section covering an upper surface of the cap. The cap includes a base section having a hole for taking out light emitted from the light emitting element, and a glass section overlaid on the hole. The glass section is provided outside the base section, and the light conversion structural section is provided outside the glass section. According to this light emitting device, manufacturing cost can be reduced by suppressing reduction in yield.
US08212463B2
A spark plug includes an insulator, a center electrode, a metal shell, a ground electrode, and a noble metal tip joined to at least one of the two electrodes. The noble metal tip is joined to the electrode via a melt portion formed by using a laser or electron beam from a side surface of the noble metal tip. In a predetermined section, including a central axis of the noble metal tip, ¾ or more of one end face of the noble metal tip is joined to the electrode. When the thickness of the melt portion is taken to be TX (mm), and the length in a direction of irradiation with the laser beam is taken to be LX (mm), TX and LX satisfy 1.5≦LX/TX, and an angle αX or angle αY, formed by two predetermined straight lines, satisfies −15≦αX (αY)≦25.
US08212461B2
A spark plug including: a rod-shaped center electrode; an insulator; a metal shell; a ground electrode joined to the metal shell and bent toward the center electrode; a noble metal tip joined to an end portion of the ground electrode and opposing a leading end portion of the center electrode via a gap; and a bulge portion. A part of the noble metal tip is embedded in the ground electrode, and another part of the noble metal tip protrudes from a distal end surface of the ground electrode. A relationship A≧0.25 mm is satisfied where A (mm) is a protruding length of the noble metal tip from the distal end surface. The bulge portion covers a center part of a boundary between the noble metal tip and the end surface in a width direction.
US08212454B2
Providing a piezoelectric vibrator and a manufacturing method thereof which is capable of achieving gettering in a state where the frequency change of the piezoelectric vibrating reed is suppressed. Providing a piezoelectric vibrator 1 including: a package 9 having a base board 2 and a lid board 3 which are bonded in a superimposed state and a cavity C formed between both boards 2, 3; and a piezoelectric vibrating reed 4 and a gettering material 27 which are accommodated in the same cavity C, wherein a shielding wall 21 is provided in the cavity C so as to shield the piezoelectric vibrating reed 4 from the gettering material 27, and the shielding wall 21 is connected to both the base board 2 and the lid board 3.
US08212453B2
A piezoelectric resonator device is provided with a piezoelectric resonator plate, and first and second sealing members that hermetically seal driving electrodes formed on the piezoelectric resonator plate. The piezoelectric resonator plate and the first sealing member are bonded together with a bonding material, and the piezoelectric resonator plate and the second sealing member are bonded together with a bonding material. Also, a multiple-surface bonding portion and a spread preventing portion are provided in at least either of a bonding area between the piezoelectric resonator plate and the first sealing member and a bonding area between the piezoelectric resonator plate and the second sealing member, the multiple-surface bonding portion allowing a bonding material to be bonded to multiple surfaces of different surface orientations, and the spread preventing portion being located on an outer side of the multiple-surface bonding portion and preventing a bonding region bonded to the bonding material from being enlarged.
US08212449B2
A stator core for a rotary electric machine is provided. The stator includes an annular stator core having a plurality of slots punched and arranged in the circumferential direction, being straight in the axial direction, and a stator winding consisting of wire members. The wire members have respective straight portions accommodated in respective slots. Each of the wire members has a conductor portion having a rectangular cross section and an insulating coating covering the conductor portion. An adhesive member is provided between each of the straight portions and the wall surface of each slot. In each slot, the adhesive member adheres the straight portions to the wall surface. Thus, the stator core can maintain the space factor of the wire members accommodated in each slot and suppress vibration of the wire members during the operation of the rotary electric machine to reliably reduce generation of peculiar noise or magnetic noise.
US08212432B2
Safety in an electricity metering environment is improved by providing an additional level of safety interlocking to disconnect switches and other control relays in electricity meters.
US08212425B2
A dimmer switch coupleable to a circuit including a power source, load, and single-pole double-throw three-way switch that comprises a first and a second fixed contact and a movable contact. The three-way switch has a first state and a second state. The dimmer switch comprises first, second and third load terminals coupled in series with the three-way switch. The dimmer switch comprises a controllably conductive device. A sensing device is coupled to the third load terminal such that when the three-way switch is in the second state, the sensing device is operable to sense an electrical characteristic associated with the third load terminal. A controller is coupled to the controllably conductive device and to the sensing device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive in response to the sensed electrical characteristic and so that power is delivered through the second load terminal of the third load terminal depending on the state of the three-way switch.
US08212419B2
A bipolar pulse generator is implemented in a simple structure while providing a high efficiency design having a relatively low total size, while still allowing access by fibers used to control a photoconductive switch that activates the generator. The bipolar pulse generator includes a stacked Blumlein generator structure with an additional transmission line connected to a load at its near end and short-circuited at its distal end. An extra transmission line is positioned between the Blumlein generator's structure and the load provides specified limited gap between positive and negative sub-pulses. The bipolar pulse generator further includes a bended Blumlein generator structure, in which an existing intrinsic “stray” transmission line is used to provide the bipolar pulse. Still further, bipolar pulse generator includes stepped transmission lines, with additional switches positioned between steps, which are charged by different voltages.
US08212418B2
A bipolar pulse generator is implemented in a simple structure while providing a high efficiency design having a relatively low total size, while still allowing access by fibers used to control a photoconductive switch that activates the generator. The bipolar pulse generator includes a stacked Blumlein generator structure with an additional transmission line connected to a load at its near end and short-circuited at its distal end. An extra transmission line is positioned between the Blumlein generator's structure and the load provides specified limited gap between positive and negative sub-pulses. The bipolar pulse generator further includes a bended Blumlein generator structure, in which an existing intrinsic “stray” transmission line is used to provide the bipolar pulse. Still further, bipolar pulse generator includes stepped transmission lines, with additional switches positioned between steps, which are charged by different voltages.
US08212417B2
High-voltage switch, in particular for a microwave generator, which includes a spark gap which breaks down in order to switch when a high voltage is applied provided is a plurality of parallel-connected spark gaps (12, 12a, 12b), each having at least one electrode (13, 13a, 13b) with a series-connected fuse (14, 14a, 14b) which is irreversibly destroyed when the respective spark gap (12, 12a, 12b) breaks down.
US08212412B1
A power system for connecting a variable voltage power source, such as a power controller, with a plurality of energy storage devices, at least two of which have a different initial voltage than the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. The power system includes a controller that increases the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. When such output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a first one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the first one of the energy storage devices. The controller then causes the output voltage of the variable voltage power source to continue increasing. When the output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a second one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the second one of the energy storage devices.
US08212409B2
A method of activating a Multi-String inverter for photovoltaic generators (1a, 1b) of a photovoltaic plant (6), the Multi-String inverter incorporating on the input side a separate DC-DC converter (2a, 2b) for each generator string (photovoltaic generator) (1a, 1b) and each output of the DC-DC converters (2a, 2b) being connected in parallel and to an input of a DC-AC converter (3) and the DC-AC converter (3) being connected with an alternating current mains (4) for feeding into the mains aims at improving efficiency. This is achieved in that one or several electrical variables, namely input current, input voltage and/or input power are measured at each DC-DC converter (2a, 2b) and at least one of the DC-DC converters (2a, 2b) changing its operating condition as a function of this measurement when a limit value and/or a range is exceeded in such a manner that its power loss is reduced so that the energy yield of the photovoltaic plant (6) is increased.
US08212405B2
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for alternate power delivery are provided. A metering assembly includes a power meter module. The power meter module includes a power control module and a power monitor. The power control module is coupled to a transfer switch that receives both primary power and alternate power. The transfer switch has an output coupled to an electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to receive a request from the transfer switch for the alternate power to be supplied through the transfer switch to the electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to enable the transfer switch to supply the alternate power to the electrical circuit load in response to the request. The power monitor is configured to determine an amount of the alternate power provided to the electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to enable the alternate power to be decoupled from the electrical circuit load if the determined amount of the alternate power provided to the electrical circuit load is greater than a power trip setpoint. A plurality of metering assemblies may be provided to monitor a corresponding number of transfer switches coupled to electrical circuit loads in a facility.
US08212399B2
In some embodiments, a power extractor's control loop detects changes in power and controls the duty cycle of the switching circuitry in response to the detected changes in power, thereby controlling the power transfer. The control loop may include a signal generator to control the duty cycle, and the frequency of the generated signal may be changed to optimize the energy transfer efficiency. The switching circuitry may control the rate at which circuits store and release the energy in response to the control signal and thereby seek to obtain a rate of storage and release that results in no detected changes in power. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08212388B2
An electronic device may be provided with more than one industry-standard type of AC power connector. The electronic device may be powered in any of a variety of locations by selectively exposing one of the power connectors selected according to an AC power outlet available at that location. A location-specific power cord may be used to connect the exposed power connector to the AC power outlet. The location-specific power cord may have, for example, a line socket at one end of a type that matches the exposed power connector, and a power plug at the other end of a type that matches the AC power outlet at the location. Predefined power settings appropriate for use with the AC power outlet and the exposed power connector may be automatically invoked.
US08212382B2
A power conversion apparatus capable of improving the impedance characteristics between each of two power modules and each of a plurality of capacitor cells, the power conversion apparatus including: plural capacitor cells connected in parallel between a three-layer laminated wiring board consisting of a positive polarity conductor board and a negative polarity conductor board formed widely in the direction of the parallel disposition of the power modules and laminated with an insulation sheet therebetween; a three-layer laminated conductor board consisting of a positive polarity conductor board and a negative polarity conductor board formed widely in the direction of the parallel direction of the power modules and laminated with an insulation sheet therebetween and used to connect the positive and negative polarity sides of each of the two power modules to the laminated wiring board respectively.
US08212379B2
A communication device for use on high voltage power lines provides for broadband communications over such high voltage power lines. The device has an impedance matching circuit configured to connect at one end to a high voltage line arrester of the high voltage power line, as well as a limiter circuit coupled to the other end of the impedance matching circuit to limit a voltage associated with a broadband signal. A noise blanker circuit is coupled at one end to this other end of the impedance matching circuit and is configured to inhibit presentation of a time delayed incoming signal to the broadband modem upon detection of electrical noise. The communication device can further comprise link aggregation and/or a differential circuit for providing non-inverted and inverted broadband signals for both reception and transmission. A corresponding method of communicating broadband information over a high voltage power line is disclosed.
US08212373B2
Method for increasing energy capture in wind plants includes providing a plurality of wind turbines having a variable speed control system including an initial rotational speed set point value which is a maximum rotational speed set point for wind turbines. Method includes obtaining at least two measured operational parameters from one or more sensors and comparing measured operational parameters to mechanical load of turbine. If mechanical load of turbine is decreased as a result of measured operational parameters, a speed control adjustment method is activated. Speed control adjustment method includes determining an adjusted rotational speed set point greater than initial rotational speed set point value in response to at least two measured and compared operational parameters and configuring control system with adjusted rotational speed set point where adjusted rotational speed set point increases maximum rotational speed set point of wind turbines.
US08212371B2
An energy system is specified, which comprises a wind power turbine or water power turbine, which is connected to a generator, with the generator having at least two stator windings. In order to achieve a simple and robust design without a transformer, each stator winding has an associated rectifier unit, and each stator winding is connected to the AC voltage side of the associated rectifier unit. Furthermore, each rectifier unit has a respective associated energy storage circuit, and each rectifier unit is connected in parallel on the DC voltage side to the associated energy storage circuit, with the energy storage circuits being connected to one another in series.
US08212369B2
This invention is a semiconductor wafer having an active side and a back side opposite the active side, which back side is coated with a filled, spin-coatable coating, wherein the coating comprises a resin and a spherical filler characterized by an average particle diameter of greater than 2 μm and a single peak particle size distribution. In another embodiment the invention is a method for producing a spin-coatable, B-stageable coating with a thixotropic index of 1.2 or less. In a third embodiment the invention is a method for producing a coated semiconductor wafer.
US08212368B2
A semiconductor package, a manufacturing method thereof and an encapsulating method thereof are provided. The semiconductor package includes a substrate, a semiconductor chip, a plurality of conductive parts and a sealant. The conductive parts electrically connect an upper surface of the substrate and an active surface of the semiconductor chip. The sealant covers a back surface of the semiconductor chip, wherein the space between the upper surface of the substrate and the active surface of the semiconductor chip is filled with a portion of the sealant. The back surface of the semiconductor is spaced apart from a top surface of the sealant by a first distance, the upper surface of the substrate is spaced apart from the active surface of the semiconductor chip by a second distance, and the ratio of the first distance to the second distance is smaller than or equal to 5.
US08212366B2
Input/output cells are formed so as to be peripherally arranged adjacent to a corner cell on a surface of a semiconductor chip, and electrode pads are formed on the respective input/output cells. The electrode pads are configured in a zigzag pad arrangement so as to form inner and outer pad arrays. However, of the electrode pads forming the inner pad array, those electrode pads in predetermined areas adjacent to the two sides of the corner cell are not disposed, such that an interconnect pattern of a carrier which is bump-bonded to the semiconductor chip and vias are prevented from becoming complex.
US08212360B2
A semiconductor device having a redistribution layer, and methods of forming same, are disclosed. After fabrication of semiconductor die on a wafer, a tape assembly is applied onto a surface of the wafer, in contact with the surfaces of each semiconductor die on the wafer. The tape assembly includes a backgrind tape as a base layer, and a film assembly adhered to the backgrind tape. The film assembly in turn includes an adhesive film on which is deposited a thin layer of conductive material. The redistribution layer pattern is traced into the tape assembly, using for example a laser. Thereafter, the unheated portions of the tape assembly may be removed, leaving the heated redistribution layer pattern on each semiconductor die.
US08212348B2
Techniques for fabricating multiple device components. Specifically, techniques for fabricating a stacked package comprising at least one I/C module and a multi-chip package. The multi-chip package includes a plurality of integrated circuit dices coupled to a carrier. The dice are encapsulated such that conductive elements are exposed through the encapsulant. The conductive elements are electrically coupled to the chips. The I/C module comprises an interposer having a plurality of integrated circuit dice disposed thereon. The dice of the I/C module are electrically coupled to the interposer via bondwires. The interposer is configured such that vias are aligned with the conductive elements on the multi-chip package. The multi-chip package and I/C module may be fabricated separately and subsequently coupled together to form a stacked package.
US08212346B2
A semiconductor package is provided having reduced tensile stress. The semiconductor package includes a package substrate and a semiconductor die. The semiconductor die is coupled electrically and physically to the package substrate and includes a stress relieving layer incorporated therein. The stress relieving layer has a predetermined structure and a predetermined location within the semiconductor die for reducing tensile stress of the semiconductor package during heating and cooling of the semiconductor package.
US08212338B2
A semiconductor device (having an interlayer insulating film) which is sufficiently low in the dielectric constant and high in the mechanical strength is provided.A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes: a step of forming a dielectric thin film in which a plurality of pores are arranged around a skeleton mainly made of a Si—O bond, on a surface of a semiconductor substrate on which a desired element region is formed; a step of applying patterning on a surface of the dielectric thin film through a mask; and a step of bringing a gas containing at least one kind of tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (TMCTS), hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) molecules into contact with the patterned surface of the dielectric thin film.
US08212336B2
FET configurations in which two (or more) facets are exposed on a surface of a semiconductor channel, the facets being angled with respect to the direction of the channel, allow for conformal deposition of a convex or concave S/D. A convex tip of the S/D enhances electric fields at the interface, reducing the resistance between the S/D and the channel. In contrast, a S/D having a concave tip yields a dual-gate FET that emphasizes reduced short-channel effects rather than electric field enhancement. The use of self-limiting, selective wet etches to expose the facets facilitates process control, control of interface chemistry, and manufacturability.
US08212332B2
A novel and useful apparatus for and method of providing noise isolation between integrated circuit devices on a semiconductor chip. The invention addresses the problem of noise generated by digital switching devices in an integrated circuit chip that may couple through the silicon substrate into sensitive analog circuits (e.g., PLLs, transceivers, ADCs, etc.) causing a significant degradation in performance of the sensitive analog circuits. The invention utilizes a deep trench capacitor (DTCAP) device connected to ground to isolate victim circuits from aggressor noise sources on the same integrated circuit chip. The deep penetration of the capacitor creates a grounded shield deep in the substrate as compared with other prior art shielding techniques.
US08212330B2
An interconnect structure of an integrated circuit having improved reliability and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a dielectric layer overlying the substrate, performing a first shrinking process, wherein the dielectric layer shrinks and has a first shrinkage rate, forming a conductive feature in the dielectric layer after the step of performing the first shrinking process, and performing a second shrinking process after the step of forming the conductive feature, wherein the dielectric layer substantially shrinks and has a second shrinkage rate.
US08212323B2
A seal ring structure for an integrated circuit includes a seal ring being disposed along a periphery of the integrated circuit and being divided into at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is positioned facing an analog and/or RF circuit block and is different from the first portion in structure. A P+ region is provided in a P substrate and positioned under the second portion. A shallow trench isolation (STI) structure surrounds the P+ region and laterally extends underneath a conductive rampart of the second portion.
US08212321B2
An electronic element (39′, 39, 40) having feedback control is provided by placing an inductive interposer (42) between the output connection or bus (382) and the input connection or bus (381), wherein the inductive interposer (42) forms part of a closed circuit (47) with the inductive interposer (42) substantially parallel with the output connection or bus (382) and input connection or bus (381) for a distance permitting significant inductive coupling therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the closed circuit (47) containing the inductive interposer (42) comprises impedance ZT. By including various circuit elements (e.g., resistance, capacitance, and/or inductance) in ZT, the output-to-input feedback can be modified to advantage. This greatly increases the available design freedom, especially for power devices, such as for example, field effect, MOSFET, LDMOS. bipolar and other power devices that use substantially parallel input and output bus structures.
US08212316B2
An integrated circuit with a transistor advantageously embodied in a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device having a gate located over a channel region recessed into a semiconductor substrate and a method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the transistor includes a source/drain including a lightly or heavily doped region adjacent the channel region, and an oppositely doped well extending under the channel region and a portion of the lightly or heavily doped region of the source/drain. The transistor also includes a channel extension, within the oppositely doped well, under the channel region and extending under a portion of the lightly or heavily doped region of the source/drain.
US08212314B2
A semiconductor device includes a first conductive type semiconductor substrate; a first conductive type semiconductor region provided thereon in which first conductive type first pillar regions and second conductive type second pillar regions alternately arranged; second conductive type second semiconductor regions provided on second pillar regions in an element region to be in contact with first pillar regions therein; gate electrodes each provided on adjacent second semiconductor regions and on one of the first pillar region interposed therebetween; third semiconductor regions functioning as a first conductive type source region provided in parts of the second semiconductor regions located under side portions of the gate electrodes; and a second conductive type resurf region which is a part of a terminal region surrounding the element region and which is provided on first pillar regions and second pillar regions in the part of the terminal regions.
US08212309B2
Provided are an architecture for a non-volatile memory device that can increase the write efficiency for split-gate trap memory, as well as increase resistance to disturbances; and a method of manufacturing said memory device. The device includes, at least: a layered film having traps, formed on top of the semiconductor substrate; a memory gate electrode formed on top of the layered film; a word gate electrode laid out so as to contact the memory gate electrode and the substrate through an insulating film; and source and drain regions in the substrate, sandwiching the two gate electrodes. The equivalent oxide thickness of the insulating film sandwiched between the word gate electrode and the substrate is made greater where the layered film is in contact than where there is no contact.
US08212300B2
After the formation of a first interlayer insulating, an etching stopper film made of SiON is formed thereon. Subsequently, a contact hole extending from the upper surface of the etching stopper film and reaching a high concentration impurity region is formed, and a first plug is formed by filling W into the contact hole. Next, a ferroelectric capacitor, a second interlayer insulating film, and the like are formed. Thereafter, a contact hole extending from the upper surface of the interlayer insulating film and reaching the first plug is formed. Then, the contact hole is filled with W to form a second plug. With this, even when misalignment occurs, the interlayer insulating film is prevented from being etched.
US08212298B2
A semiconductor storage device where one MOS transistor in a memory cell section includes a selection transistor, and one MOS transistor in a peripheral circuit section includes a first MOS transistor and a second MOS transistor of different conductivity type, the first MOS and second MOS transistors and the selection transistor include lower drain or source regions in a planar semiconductor layer, a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer on the planar semiconductor layer, upper source or drain regions in an upper portion of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a gate electrode that surrounds a sidewall of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer through a dielectric film, and where a first silicide layer connects a surface of the lower drain or source region of the first MOS and second MOS transistors, and a second silicide layer on a surface of the lower drain or source region of the selection transistor.
US08212295B2
The present disclosure provides a read only memory (ROM) cell array. The ROM cell array includes a plurality of fin active regions oriented in a first direction and formed on a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of gates formed on the plurality of fin active regions and oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of ROM cells formed by the plurality of fin active regions and the plurality of gates, the plurality of ROM cells being coded such that each cell of a first subset of ROM cells has a source electrically connected to a Vss line, and each cell of a second subset of ROM cells has a source electrically isolated. Each cell of the first subset of ROM cells includes a drain contact having a first contact area and a source contact having a second contact area at least 30% greater than the first contact area.
US08212292B2
An improved bipolar transistor (40, 40′) is provided, manufacturable by a CMOS IC process without added steps. The improved transistor (40, 40′) comprises an emitter (48) having first (482) and second (484) portions of different depths (4821, 4841), a base (46) underlying the emitter (48) having a central portion (462) of a first base width (4623) underlying the first portion (482) of the emitter (48), a peripheral portion (464) having a second base width (4643) larger than the first base width (4623) partly underlying the second portion (484) of the emitter (48), and a transition zone (466) of a third base width (4644) and lateral extent (4661) lying laterally between the first (462) and second (464) portions of the base (46), and a collector (44) underlying the base (46). The gain of the transistor (40, 40′) is much larger than a conventional bipolar transistor (20) made using the same CMOS process. By adjusting the lateral extent (4661) of the transition zone (466), the properties of the improved transistor (40, 40′) can be tailored to suit different applications without modifying the underlying CMOS IC process.
US08212285B2
The invention specifies a radiation detector for detecting radiation (8) according to a predefined spectral sensitivity distribution (9) that exhibits a maximum at a predefined wavelength λ0, comprising a semiconductor body (1) with an active region (5) serving to generate a detector signal and intended to receive radiation, in which according to one embodiment the active region (5) includes a plurality of functional layers (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) that have different band gaps and/or thicknesses and are implemented such that they (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) at least partially absorb radiation in a range of wavelengths greater than λ0. According to a further embodiment, disposed after the active region is a filter layer structure (70) comprising at least one filter layer (7, 7a, 7b, 7c), said filter layer structure determining the short-wave side (101) of the detector sensitivity (10) according to the predefined spectral sensitivity distribution (9) by absorbing wavelengths smaller than λ0. A radiation detector for detecting radiation (8) according to the spectral sensitivity distribution (9) of the human eye is also specified. The semiconductor body can be monolithically integrated.
US08212284B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique to manufacture a highly reliable display device at a low cost with high yield. A display device according to the present invention includes a semiconductor layer including an impurity region of one conductivity type; a gate insulating layer, a gate electrode layer, and a wiring layer in contact with the impurity region of one conductivity type, which are provided over the semiconductor layer; a conductive layer which is formed over the gate insulating layer and in contact with the wiring layer; a first electrode layer in contact with the conductive layer; an electroluminescent layer provided over the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer, where the wiring layer is electrically connected to the first electrode layer with the conductive layer interposed therebetween.
US08212281B2
A variable-resistance material memory (VRMM) device includes a container conductor disposed over an epitaxial semiconductive prominence that is coupled to a VRMM. A VRMM device may also include a conductive plug in a recess that is coupled to a VRMM. A VRMM array may also include a conductive plug in a surrounding recess that is coupled to a VRMM. Apparatuses include the VRMM with one of the diode constructions.
US08212280B2
There has been a problem that difference in refractive index between an opposite substrate or a moisture barrier layer (passivation film) such as SiN provided thereover, and air is maintained large, and light extraction efficiency is low. Further, there has been a problem that peeling or cracking due to the moisture barrier layer is easily generated, which leads to deteriorate the reliability and lifetime of a light-emitting element. According to the present invention, a light-emitting element comprises a pixel electrode, an electroluminescent layer, a transparent electrode, a passivation film, a stress relieving layer, and a low refractive index layer, all of which are stacked sequentially. The stress relieving layer serves to prevent peeling of the passivation film. The low refractive index layer serves to reduce reflectivity of light generated in the electroluminescent layer in emitting to air. Therefore, a light-emitting element with high reliability and long lifetime and a display device using the light-emitting element can be provided.
US08212279B2
A semiconductor chip assembly includes a semiconductor device, a heat spreader, a conductive trace and an adhesive. The heat spreader includes a thermal post and a base. The conductive trace includes a pad, a terminal and a signal post. The semiconductor device extends into a cavity in the thermal post, is electrically connected to the conductive trace and is thermally connected to the heat spreader. The thermal post extends upwardly from the base into a first opening in the adhesive, and the signal post extends upwardly from the terminal into a second opening in the adhesive. The conductive trace is located outside the cavity and provides signal routing between the pad and the terminal.
US08212277B2
In an optical semiconductor device module constructed by an optical semiconductor device having a light emitting portion on its top surface, a mounting substrate adapted to mount the optical semiconductor device thereon, at least one wiring pattern layer formed on a front surface of the mounting substrate, and at least one power supplying portion in contact with the wiring pattern layer, at least one of the power supplying portion and the wiring pattern layer is uneven.
US08212263B2
A light source such as a semiconductor light emitting diode is positioned in a first opening in a transparent member, which may function as a waveguide in a display. The transparent member surrounds the light source. No light source is positioned in a second opening in the transparent member. In some embodiments, the first opening is shaped to direct light into the transparent member. In some embodiments, a reflector is positioned over the light source. The reflector includes a flat portion and a shaped portion. The shaped portion extends from the flat portion toward the light source.
US08212262B2
A light emitting diode is disclosed that includes a transparent substrate with an absorption coefficient less than 4 per centimeter, epitaxial layers having absorption coefficients of less than 500 per centimeter in the layers other than the active emission layers, an ohmic contact and metallization layer on at least one of the epitaxial layers, with the ohmic contact and metallization layer having a transmission of at least about 80 percent, and bond pads with reflectivity greater than at least about 70 percent.
US08212261B2
A SiC device includes: a substrate; a drift layer; a base region; a source region; a channel layer connecting the drift layer and the source region; a gate oxide film on the channel layer and the source region; a gate electrode on the gate oxide film; an interlayer insulation film with a contact hole having a barrier layer and a BPSG insulation film on the gate electrode; a source electrode having upper and lower wiring electrodes on the interlayer insulation film and in the contact hole for connecting the base region and the source region; and a drain electrode on the substrate. The barrier layer prevents a Ni component in the lower wiring electrode from being diffused into the BPSG insulation film.
US08212259B2
A III-V nitride homoepitaxial microelectronic device structure comprising a III-V nitride homoepitaxial epi layer of improved epitaxial quality deposited on a III-V nitride material substrate, e.g., of freestanding character. Various processing techniques are described, including a method of forming a III-V nitride homoepitaxial layer on a corresponding III-V nitride material substrate, by depositing the III-V nitride homoepitaxial layer by a VPE process using Group III source material and nitrogen source material under process conditions including V/III ratio in a range of from about 1 to about 105, nitrogen source material partial pressure in a range of from about 1 to about 103 torr, growth temperature in a range of from about 500 to about 1250 degrees Celsius, and growth rate in a range of from about 0.1 to about 102 microns per hour. The III-V nitride homoepitaxial microelectronic device structures are usefully employed in device applications such as UV LEDs, high electron mobility transistors, and the like.
US08212254B2
By a laser crystallization method, a crystalline semiconductor film in which grain boundaries are all in one direction is provided as well as a manufacturing method thereof. In crystallizing a semiconductor film formed over a substrate with linear laser light, a phase-shift mask in which trenches are formed in a stripe form is used. The stripe-form trenches formed in the phase-shift mask are formed so as to make a nearly perpendicular angle with a major axis direction of the linear laser light. CW laser light is used as the laser light, and a scanning direction of the laser light is nearly parallel to a direction of the stripe-form trenches (grooves). By changing luminance of the laser light periodically in the major axis direction, a crystal nucleation position in a semiconductor that is completely melted can be controlled.
US08212250B2
The absorption coefficient of silicon for infrared light is very low and most solar cells absorb very little of the infrared light energy in sunlight. Very thick cells of crystalline silicon can be used to increase the absorption of infrared light energy but the cost of thick crystalline cells is prohibitive. The present invention relates to the use of less expensive microcrystalline silicon solar cells and the use of backside texturing with diffusive scattering to give a very large increase in the absorption of infrared light. Backside texturing comprises a plurality of cusped features providing diffusive scattering. Constructing the solar cell with a smooth front surface results in multiple internal reflections, light trapping, and a large enhancement of the absorption of infrared solar energy.
US08212249B2
Various structures that include at least one thin layer of an amorphous material on a supporting substrate. One structure generally has a receiving substrate, a central crystalline layer and an amorphous layer, all of which may lack any end of range point defects. Another structure includes an intermediate substrate having an upper face, an upper portion and a lower portion, an amorphous layer that does not contain end of range point defects, and a first crystalline layer containing end of range point defects subjacent the amorphous layer and located in the lower portion; and a supporting substrate bonded to the upper face of the intermediate substrate. That structure can also contain a weakened zone or porous layer to facilitate removal of the first crystalline layer to provide the amorphous layer as an upper layer of the semiconductor structure.
US08212230B2
Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems with integrated circuits having phase change devices. One embodiment includes an integrated circuit die and a phase change die having a phase change material that changes phases when a temperature at the integrated circuit die exceeds a threshold for a predetermined amount of time.
US08212226B2
A molded plastic container, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, includes an insert molded into an exterior surface of a wall of the container. The insert is of plastic construction that includes a UV brightener that is visible under UV light to verify authenticity of the container. The container wall and the insert preferably have identical colors under visible light. The insert preferably is of two-piece construction with an outer portion of the insert being exposed at the exterior surface of the container and an inner portion underlying the outer portion. The inner and outer portions preferably include respective UV brighteners that are visible as different colors under UV light. The outer portion of the insert preferably is removable to expose the inner portion and thereby to provide layered security for which the outer portion is first visible under UV light and, when removed, exposes the inner portion of the insert for illumination under UV light and radiating a different color from the outer portion.
US08212224B2
The present invention provides a charged particle beam device which can effectively restrain misalignment of an optical axis even if a position of an anode is changed. The present invention is a charged particle beam device comprising a cathode provided with a charged particle source which emits a charged particle, an anode which applies an electric field to the emitted charged particle, a charged particle beam deflector which deflects an orbit of a charged particle beam having passed the anode, and a charged particle beam detector which detects the charged particle beam from a sample to which the charged particle is irradiated, wherein a distance changing mechanism which changes a distance between the cathode and the anode, corresponding to a charged particle amount emitted from the charged particle source and a deflection amount control mechanism which detects a condition of the deflector under which the charged particle dose detected from the sample scanned by deflecting the charged particle beam in the changed distance becomes a desired size and controls deflection of the deflector at sample measurement on the basis of the condition are provided.
US08212223B2
There is obtained a particle beam irradiation apparatus which does not use any IF sentence (conditional expression for case classification) and can calculate a control command and enhance irradiation position precision. The particle beam irradiation apparatus is provided with inverse mapping means having an inverse mapping mathematical expression model for generating an command value for the scanning electromagnet from a desired irradiation position coordinate of the charged particle beam in an irradiation subject so that irradiation to the irradiation subject is implemented on the basis of the command value concerned, and the scanning electromagnet is controlled on the basis of the command value generated from the desired irradiation position coordinate of the charged particle beam in the irradiation subject by using the inverse mapping mathematical expression model, thereby irradiating the irradiation subject with the charged particle beam while scanning the charged particle beam.
US08212222B2
A method of measuring chlorine concentration of a solution comprising making a first measurement of transmission of ultraviolet light at a selected wavelength through a first sample of said solution at a first temperature; making a second measurement of the transmission of ultraviolet light at said selected wavelength through a second sample of said solution at a second temperature, said second temperature being different than said first temperature; and determining the chlorine concentration in said solution using the results of said first and second measurements.
US08212220B2
A radiation detection apparatus and method, the apparatus (100) comprising a first scintillator (112) for interacting with radiation and outputting light in response thereto, a first photodetector (102) adjacent to the first scintillator (112) for receiving and detecting light from the first scintillator (112) and outputting (108) a first output signal in response thereto, a second scintillator (114) located around the first scintillator (112), for interacting with radiation and outputting light in response thereto, and a second photodetector (104) adjacent to the second scintillator (114) for receiving and detecting light from the second scintillator (114) and outputting (110) a second output signal in response thereto.
US08212219B2
A radiation detecting apparatus includes a radiation conversion panel for detecting radiation that has passed through a subject and converting the detected radiation into radiation image information, and a casing for storing the radiation conversion panel as a roll when the subject is not being irradiated with radiation. When the subject is irradiated with radiation, the radiation conversion panel stored as a roll in the casing is unrolled and pulled out of the casing, and the radiation conversion panel is extended flatwise against the subject.
US08212218B2
A system for determining an amount of radiation includes a dosimeter configured to receive the amount of radiation, the dosimeter comprising a circuit having a resonant frequency, such that the resonant frequency of the circuit changes according to the amount of radiation received by the dosimeter, the dosimeter further configured to absorb RF energy at the resonant frequency of the circuit; a radio frequency (RF) transmitter configured to transmit the RF energy at the resonant frequency to the dosimeter; and a receiver configured to determine the resonant frequency of the dosimeter based on the absorbed RF energy, wherein the amount of radiation is determined based on the resonant frequency.
US08212217B2
Photodetection devices and methods are described. The photodetection devices comprise semiconductor tapered pillars.
US08212216B2
A method of using multivariate optical computing in real-time to collect instantaneous data about a process stream includes installing an optical analysis system proximate a process line, the process line being configured to move a material past a window of the optical analysis system; illuminating a portion of the material with a light from the optical analysis system; directing the light carrying information about the portion through at least one multivariate optical element in the optical analysis system to produce an instantaneous measurement result about the portion; and continuously averaging the instantaneous measurement result over a period of time to determine an overall measurement signal of the material.
US08212214B2
It is possible to quickly and readily determine the location of an object. A solid-state imaging element according to an embodiment includes: at least two infrared detectors formed on a semiconductor substrate; an electric interconnect configured to connect the at least two infrared detectors in series; and a comparator unit configured to compare an intermediate voltage of the electric interconnect connecting the infrared detectors in series, with a predetermined reference voltage.
US08212211B2
The invention provides a system and process in which more than only one category of information must be made available in an optically simultaneously recognizable form to a person in a portable system (17) for protecting and/or guiding persons in dangerous situations, firefighters or rescue teams in buildings. The system includes an infrared camera (12) for recording data, especially heat image data; an energy supply device, especially a battery; at least one interface (18) for transmitting data; and at least one display device (16), especially a monitor and/or a warning light, for visually displaying data. At least one exit finder (13) and/or at least one gas sensor (14) and/or at least one motion detector is also provided. The data determined by the at least one exit finder (13) and/or by the at least one gas sensor (14) and/or by the at least one motion detector and the heat image data of the infrared camera (12) can be displayed on the display of the at least one display device (16) such that the visually displayed data and visually displayed heat image data are visible by the person within a field of vision.
US08212208B2
A linear ion trap (6, 7, 8)is disclosed comprising a central quadrupole rod set (6)and a post-filter quadrupole rod set (8). A 180° phase difference is maintained between axially adjacent rod electrodes of the central quadrupole rod set (6) and the post-filter quadrupole (8) so that an axial pseudo-potential barrier is created between the central quadrupole rod set (6) and the post-filter quadrupole (8). A supplementary AC voltage is applied to the rods of the central quadrupole (6) in order to radially excite ions which are desired to be ejected from the ion trap. The ions are ejected from the ion trap (6, 7, 8) non-adiabatically in an axial direction.
US08212201B2
A photoelectric converter includes a photoelectric conversion element, which includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed discretely and a photoelectric conversion material layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and in which a current generated in the photoelectric conversion material layer changes with the lapse of an application time, where a constant amount of light is applied to the photoelectric conversion material layer while a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a current detection circuit to detect the change in the current.
US08212191B2
Particular embodiments generally relate to a heating cable that includes a plurality of bus wires positioned on the outside of a heating element. In one embodiment, a spacer is provided. A heating element is included on a surface of the spacer. The heating element also includes one or more resistance wires. A plurality of bus wires are positioned on the edges of the spacer that has the heating element wrapped around it. For example, a first bus wire is positioned on a first side of the spacer and a second bus wire is positioned on a second side of the spacer. A plurality of node areas (e.g., on the bus wires or on an insulated heating element) allow a resistance wire of the heating element to be electrically coupled to the bus wires at the plurality of node areas on alternating bus wires.
US08212179B2
The invention relates to a method for the parametric production of a drilled hole in a component, in particular for the parametric production of a drilled cooling hole in a blade of a gas or steam turbine. In the case of the method according to the invention, in a first method step (21) an actual wall thickness of the component is measured at the location at which the drilled hole is to be introduced. Subsequently, at least one parametric drilled-hole geometry value is determined on the basis of an adjustment of the measured, actual wall thickness with an assumed, ideal wall thickness (method step 23). The drilled hole is then produced according to the determined parametric drilled-hole geometry value (method step 24).Furthermore, the invention relates to a drilling device, in particular for carrying out the method, and to a component into which one or more drilled holes have been introduced according to the method.
US08212171B2
A system for ultrasonic assisted electrical discharge machining of a component part having a longitudinal axis, a half wavelength resonant frequency along the longitudinal axis and an attachment portion, is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic horn having a longitudinal axis, a half wavelength resonant frequency along the longitudinal axis and an attachment portion. The half wavelength resonant frequency of the ultrasonic horn is the same as the half wavelength resonant frequency of the component part. Additionally, one of the attachment portion of the component part and the attachment portion of the ultrasonic horn is a male part and the other one of the attachment portion of the component part and the attachment portion of the ultrasonic horn is a female part sized and shaped to mate and engage one another when the component part and the ultrasonic horn are at generally the same temperature.
US08212170B2
A movable contact point board provided with contact points is urged in a direction of being away from stationary contact points by return springs each having the same size and the same characteristic, and is arranged as opposed to the stationary contact points. Return springs have the respective ends for supporting locations in the movable contact point board which are away from each other as having the contact points in the movable contact point board therebetween and support heights of the return springs at the stationary side differ with each other by D. When a plunger equipped with a holding portion having a flat surface as a bottom surface presses the movable contact point board, the contact point in the movable contact point board gets in contact with the stationary contact point at an inclined posture. Thereafter, while the movable contact point board becomes perpendicular to the axial direction, a contacting point between the contact point in the movable contact point board and the stationary contact point varies to perform the wiping function.
US08212165B2
A fixed contact includes a pair of conduction members that are arranged opposedly and in parallel to each other such that tip ends of the conduction members are oriented toward an opening, a support frame (pedestal member) that tiltably supports bases of the conduction members, a leaf spring (pressurizing member) that biases the conduction members in a direction in which the tip ends of the conduction members approach each other, and an outer frame (shielding member) that covers peripheries of the conduction members and the leaf spring and shields them from an outside electric field, the leaf spring is arranged on an outer side of the opposed conduction members, and the outer frame is engaged with the tip end of the conduction member, thereby maintaining an opening width between the tip ends of the conduction members at a predetermined width.
US08212157B2
A load detection device for a vehicle seat mounted between a floor side mounting mechanism made of metal and a seat side mounting mechanism made of metal and measuring a load applied by an occupant seated on the vehicle seat includes a strain generating body adapted to be fixed via both end portions to a fitting surface formed at one of the floor side mounting mechanism and the seat side mounting mechanism while having a predetermined clearance from the fitting surface, a strain gauge attached to the strain generating body, a bracket made of metal and including an attachment portion that extends laterally relative to the strain generating body, and an amplifier substrate mounted on the attachment portion while being arranged in parallel to the strain generating body, both surfaces of the amplifier substrate being covered by one of or more of the bracket, the floor side mounting mechanism and the seat side mounting mechanism, the amplifier substrate amplifying a signal output from the strain gauge.
US08212141B2
There is provided a high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor and a radiation/light detector which can detect rays in real time. In the high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor, a signal amplification wire 2 is embedded in an organic semiconductor 1. Carriers created by passage of radiation or light are avalanche-amplified by a high electric field generated near the signal amplification wire 2 by means of applying a high voltage to the signal amplification wire 2, thus dramatically improving detection efficiency of rays. Hence, even rays exhibiting low energy loss capability can be detected in real time with high sensitivity.
US08212134B2
Cases for the protection of stringed musical instruments having a bottom, a sidewall of a predetermined height extending from the bottom and a cover which is hingedly connected to the sidewall and which can be closed and secured with an appropriate fastener are described herein. The cases include a semi-rigid neck-brace having a height approximately the same as the inner height of the sidewall and being affixed to the bottom. The cases further include at least one retaining band that may be used to releasably secure the instrument neck to the neck-brace. Instrument damage may be prevented in the event of a sideways or backward fall, in at least part, because the neck-brace suspends the headstock between the bottom, sidewall and cover of the case and thereby prevents it from making contact.
US08212132B2
The present invention generally provides compositions including carbon-containing molecules, and related methods. In some cases, the present invention relates to aromatic molecules comprising functional groups bonded to the aromatic portion of the molecule, including nonplanar portions of the molecules. Methods of the invention may provide the ability to introduce a wide range of functional groups to carbon-containing molecules. In some cases, methods of the invention may be performed using relatively mild reaction conditions, such as relatively low temperature, low pressure, and/or in the absence of strong acids or strong bases. The present invention may provide a facile and modular approach to synthesizing molecules that may be useful in various applications including photovoltaic devices, sensors, and electrodes (e.g., for electrocatalysis).
US08212131B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH292582. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH292582, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH292582 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH292582.
US08212116B2
A lettuce cultivar, designated FX1308, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar FX1308, to the plants of lettuce cultivar FX1308 and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar FX1308 with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar FX1308, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar FX1308 and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar FX1308 with another lettuce cultivar.
US08212111B2
Isolated nucleic acids and proteins associated with lipid and sugar metabolism regulation are provided. In particular, lipid metabolism proteins (LMP) and encoding nucleic acids originating from Arabidopsis thaliana are provided. The nucleic acids and proteins are used in methods of producing transgenic plants and modulating levels of seed storage compounds. Preferably, the seed storage compounds are lipids, fatty acids, starches or seed storage proteins.
US08212108B2
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant, have improved tolerance or are susceptible to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex. The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct tolerant plants or identify and counter-select susceptible plants. Soybean plants that display tolerance or improved tolerance to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.
US08212103B2
A method for forming a hook-engageable landing zone on a fibrous surface by selecting a region of the surface to form the landing zone, by raising fibers from the surface in the selected region to form fibrous loops extending from the surface, and by anchoring the fibrous loops in the selected region to secure the loops and resist pullout during hook engagement.
US08212101B2
A window dressing includes a fabric layer having juxtaposed insertion site viewing and anchor member portions. The fabric layer has an adhesive side and an opposite non-adhesive top side. The insertion site viewing portion is defined by an opening in the fabric layer. A transparent film layer having an adhesive skin-adhering, bottom, side and an opposite non-adhesive side is adhered to the fabric layer adhesive side and closes the opening in the fabric layer. The anchor member portion includes a reinforcing structure disposed on the fabric layer and having an adhesive side and an opposite non-adhesive side. The reinforcing structure adhesive side is adhered to the fabric layer non-adhesive top side.
US08212095B2
A method for the production of styrene comprising reacting toluene and syngas in one or more reactors is disclosed.
US08212091B2
A process for depolymerizing fluoropolymers includes continuously feeding a solid fluoropolymer, in particulate form, into a horizontal cylindrical first reaction zone. The fluoropolymer particles enter the first reaction zone at one end. Within the first reaction zone, a central axle from which protrudes at least one paddle, continuously rotates. The rotating paddle serves to advance the fluoropolymer particles along the reaction zone while agitating them. As the fluoropolymer particles pass along the reaction zone, they are subjected to an elevated temperature, thereby depolymerizing the fluoropolymer into a fluoro-containing compound-rich gas phase. A residual solids phase is withdrawn at the other end of the first reaction zone, as is the gas phase. Optionally, the gas phase is passed through a second reaction zone which is also at an elevated temperature. The gas phase is quenched, thereby to recover the fluoro-containing compounds as gaseous products.
US08212087B2
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
US08212077B2
Process for the industrial synthesis of the compound of formula (I)
US08212074B2
Methods for synthesizing nano-urea particles are described. The methods involve using a spinning cone reactor, a nano-channel reactor, combustion synthesis or spray drying. Ammonia and carbon dioxide are used as raw materials for producing urea. The methods allow for the production of urea nanoparticles at high conversion rates. The methods allow for better control over the hydrolysis rate of the nano-urea particles. The nano-urea particles can be used as fertilizers and provide for sustained release of ammonia and its conversion to nitrates in the soil. The nano-urea particles have low volatilization rates, low moisture absorption rates and low biuret concentration. The nano-urea particles can be applied to the soil via fertigation.
US08212073B2
This invention relates to flame barrier compositions as well as a method for the preparation of the flame barrier compositions formed from a flame retardant composition and water. A protective barrier comprises a flame barrier composition or a flame barrier polymer on top of a layer or sandwiched between two or more layers of glass, wood, paper, polymer films, and other layered materials as well as mixtures of layers.
US08212070B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing acrylic acid from an aqueous glycerol solution, comprising a first step of dehydration of the glycerol to acrolein, carried out in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst and under a pressure of between 1 and 5 bar, and a second step of oxidation of the acrolein to acrylic acid, in which an intermediate step is implemented, consisting in at least partly condensing the water and heavy by-products present in the stream issuing from the first dehydration step. This method serves to obtain high acrylic acid productivity and selectivity.
US08212069B2
Process for preparing isocyanates by phosgenation of amines, wherein phosgene and amine are brought into contact in at least 2 mixing chambers connected in parallel.
US08212061B1
The invention pertains to a highly efficient process for preparing a very pure food-grade organic acid salt of a cationic surfactant derived from the condensation of a fatty acid with an esterified dibasic amino acid. The process involves the following steps: (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising a mineral acid salt of the cationic surfactant and an alkali and/or alkaline earth metal salt of the food-grade organic acid; (b) allowing the reaction between the mineral acid salt of the cationic surfactant and the alkali and/or alkaline earth metal salt of the food-grade organic acid salt to proceed until substantially all of the mineral acid salt of the cationic surfactant has been converted to the food-grade organic acid salt of the cationic surfactant; and (c) recovering the food-grade organic acid salt of the cationic surfactant from the reaction mixture.
US08212056B2
The present invention relates to indolyl phosphine ligands, and methods of making such ligands utilizing phenyl hydrazines and aryl ketones as the starting material. The present invention further includes uses of the ligands in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, materials, and agriculture.
US08212044B2
Provided are compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts that are useful for the treatment of diseases related to the adenosine receptor. Also included are methods of treating patients suffering from or susceptible to at least one symptom of abuse of, dependence on, or withdrawal from at least one substance.
US08212043B2
The present invention relates to synthesis procedures and intermediates of a compound of formula: and the salts thereof.
US08212039B2
The present invention is directed to phosphonic acid compounds useful as serine protease inhibitors, compositions thereof and methods for treating inflammatory and serine protease mediated disorders.
US08212036B2
Maleate salts of (6-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)carbonyloxy]-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine) are provided.
US08212024B2
The present invention relates to novel polymorph of Ceftiofur sodium as a crystalline product. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of crystalline Ceftiofur sodium of formula (I).
US08212017B2
A novel gene 158P3D2 and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 158P3D2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 158P3D2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 158P3D2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 158P3D2 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08212008B2
The present invention relates to binding compounds specific for the human inhibitory CD200R and uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to antibodies that recognize the human inhibitory CD200R and modulates its activity in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
US08212007B2
The present invention relates to methods of compositions comprising RegIII and HIP/PAP proteins, including the use of such proteins as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
US08212000B2
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.
US08211990B2
A compound capable of satisfying both high refractive index and high light resistance, and a photocurable composition containing it, are provided. Further, an optical element having good light resistance against blue laser light, and an optical head device using it, are provided.A polymerizable compound represented by SiA1A2A3A4 wherein silicon and four cyclic groups are bonded directly or via oxygen. each of A1, A2, A3 and A4 which are independent of one another, is —(O)m—X; and each of four m's which are independent of one another, is 0 or 1. X is preferably a phenyl group. From 0 to 3 hydrogen atoms in the phenyl group are substituted by a polymerizable substituent represented by CH2═CR—COO—Y—, and some or all of remaining hydrogen atoms in the phenyl group may be substituted by a methyl group or a fluorine atom.
US08211985B2
The present invention relates to polymer blends comprising: (a) from 5 wt % to 95 wt % of a HDPE having a density from 0.941 g/cm3 to 0.980 g/cm3 and an I22 of 10 dg/min or more; and (b) from 95 wt % to 5 wt % of a grafted mPE, which is a reaction product of (i) a mPE having a density from 0.860 g/cm3 to 0.935 g/cm3 and an I2 from 0.7 dg/min to 5.0 dg/min, and (ii) a silicon-containing grafting component, wherein the blend exhibits a high-temperature creep after extrusion that is at least 20% lower than a blend of the HDPE and the mPE that has not been grafted with a silicon-containing grafting component. These blends can advantageously comprise at least one layer of a film, e.g., made via extrusion.
US08211976B2
Embodiments of a composition useful for making sports equipment, such as golf balls, are disclosed comprising at least one polyurethane, polyurea, polymer precursor composition thereof, blocked polyurethane, blocked polyurea or blocked polymer precursor composition thereof, and an effective amount of a polyfunctional modifier. One disclosed embodiment of a method for forming a golf ball comprises providing a first composition comprising at least one polyurethane, polyurea, polymer precursor composition thereof, blocked polyurethane, blocked polyurea or blocked polymer precursor composition thereof, and an effective amount of a polyfunctional modifier. The first composition is combined with at least a second composition to make at least one component of a golf ball.
US08211974B2
A curable formaldehyde-free binding composition for use with fiberglass is provided. Such curable composition comprises an acid-catalyzed reaction product of an aldehyde or ketone with a multihydric alcohol. When heated, the composition forms polyacetal or polyketal that undergoes curing to form a water-insoluble resin binder which exhibits good adhesion to glass. In a preferred embodiment, maleic anhydride initially serves as a catalyst and subsequently enters into a cross-linking reaction during curing to form a poly(ester-acetal). Also, in a preferred embodiment, the fiberglass is in the form of building insulation. In other embodiments the product can be a microglass-based substrate for use in a printed circuit board, battery separator, filter stock, or reinforcement scrim.
US08211969B2
A dispersion includes non-chemically modified carbon nanotubes, a soluble block copolymer providing at least one block of a conjugated polymer and at least one block of a non-conjugated polymer, and at least one solvent. At 25° C. exclusive of any mechanical force and after one hour, at least 90% of the carbon nanotubes exist in the dispersion as isolated carbon nanotubes. The components of the dispersion can be combined with a polymer miscible with the block copolymer to form a carbon nanotube polymer composite upon removal of the solvent. The dispersion can be cast on a substrate and then dried to form a coating, including forming a superhydrophobic coating on the substrate. The non-conjugated polymer of the block copolymer or another miscible conjugated polymer including a copolymer can include functionalities that non-covalently attach to the carbon nanotube surface, such as for enhanced solubility or enhanced biocompatibility.
US08211968B2
The present invention relates to plasticized polyolefin compositions comprising a polyolefin and a non-functionalized hydrocarbon plasticizer.
US08211955B2
The invention provide a new class of silicone-containing prepolymers containing poly(oxyalkylene) blocks, polysiloxane blocks, and actinically-crosslinkable groups which are acryl groups, thiol groups, ene-containing groups or combinations thereof. A preopolymer of the invention is prepared in a one-pot procedure according to the Michael addition of thiol to electron deficient alkenes, such as α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, without need for additional reaction step(s) to introduce actinically crosslinkable groups. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from this class of silicone-containing prepolymers and to methods for making the silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
US08211950B2
The present invention relates to novel amphoteric ion exchangers which possess not only phthalamide groups of the formula (I) but also —(CH2)mNR1R2 groups and/or if appropriate —(CH2)mNR1R2R3 groups, wherein m is an integer from 1 to 4 and R1, R2, R3 in each case independently of one another are hydrogen, —CH3, —CH2CH3, —CH2CH2CH3, benzyl, —OCH2CH3 or —CH2CH2OH and X is H or Na or K, to a process for production thereof and also use thereof.
US08211948B2
The present invention relates to a lyophilized nanoemulsion comprising a lipophilic phase and one or more sucrose fatty acid esters, to the nanoemulsion which can be prepared from the lyophilized nanoemulsion by redispersion, and to a process for the preparation of the lyophilized nanoemulsion.
US08211936B2
The present invention relates to new co-crystals of pyrrolidinones having the formula (I) wherein R1 is a C1-C6 alkyl group. R2 is a C1-C6 alkyl group which is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogens or R2 is a C2-C6 alkenyl group.
US08211928B2
This disclosure concerns novel compounds of Formula (I) as defined in the specification and compositions comprising such novel compounds. These compounds are useful antiviral agents, especially in inhibiting the function of the NS5A protein encoded by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Thus, the disclosure also concerns a method of treating HCV related diseases or conditions by use of these novel compounds or a composition comprising such novel compounds.
US08211924B2
The present invention relates to 1-(azolin-2-yl)amino-1,2-diphenylethane compounds of the formula I and to their salts which are useful for combating animal pests. The invention also relates to a method for controlling animal pests by using these compounds, to seed and to an agricultural and veterinary composition comprising said compounds. wherein A is a radical of formulae A.1 or A.2 wherein # denotes the bond to the remaining compound of formula I, X is selected from O, S and NRX, R1 is selected from the group consisting of —ORA, —NRB1RB2, —C(═O)—RC, —C(═O)—ORD, —C(═O)—SRE, —C(═O)—NRB1RB2′, —C(═S)—RC′, —C(═S)—ORD′, —C(═S)—SRE′, —C(═S)—NRB1RB2, —C(═NR1a)—RC′, —C(═NR1b)—ORD′, —C(═NR1c)—SRE′, —C(═NR1d)—NRB1RB2, —S(═O)—RF, —S(═O)2—RG, —S(═O)2—NRB1RB2′, —P(═O)RH1RH2, —P(═S)RH1RH2, —B—C(═O)—RI, —B—O—C(═O)—RI, —B—S—C(═O)—RI, —B—N(RJ)—C(═O)—RK, —B—C(═S)—RK, —B—O—C(═S)—RK, —B—S—C(═S)—RK, —B—N(RJ)—C(═S)—RK, C1-C8-alkenyl, C1-C8-alkynyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, which is unsubstituted or may carry 1 to 4 substituents R1e, naphthyl, which is unsubstituted or may carry 1 to 4 substituents R1f, a saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle, which is unsubstituted or may carry 1 to 4 substituents R1g, hetaryl, which is unsubstituted or may carry 1 to 4 substituents R1h, and C1-C6-alkyl, which carries a radical selected from the group consisting of —NR1iR1j, C1-C4-alkoxycarbonyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy and heterocyclylthio, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are each independently hydrogen, halogen, OH, SH, NH2, SO3H, COOH, cyano, nitro, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C6-alkylamino etc.
US08211920B2
Disclosed are compounds of the Formula V and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein R1, R2, R7, R8 and R9, and W are as defined in the specification. Such compounds are MEK inhibitors and useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancer and inflammation, and inflammatory conditions in mammals. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases and inflammatory conditions in mammals and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US08211915B2
This invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein a, b, c, d, m, n, p, s, t, Ar1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, R8, and W are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders.
US08211913B2
Compounds of formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof used in the form of pharmaceutical compositions.
US08211902B2
The present invention relates to the use of a quinazolinone compound of the formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and m are as defined in the specification and in the claims, in free form or in salt form, and, where possible, in acid addition salt form, as a vanilloid.
US08211900B2
Compounds of formula (I) or (II) are dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, useful for the treatment of, for example, cell proliferative diseases: wherein A and D are independently —CHR7— or —NR7—; E and G are independently ═CR7— or ═N—; each R6 independently represents hydrogen or —OR7; R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl; R1 is a carboxylic acid group (—COOH), or an ester group which is hydrolysable by one or more intracellular carboxylesterase enzymes to a carboxylic acid group; R2 is the side chain of a natural or non-natural alpha amino acid which does not contain a carboxyl, or carboxyl ester group; Y is a bond, —C(═O)—, —S(═O)2—, —C(═O)NR3—, —C(═S)—NR3, —C(═NH)NR3 or —S(═O)2NR3— wherein R3 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl; L1 is a divalent radical of formula -(Alk1)m(Q)n(Alk2)p- wherein m, n and p are independently 0 or 1, and Q, Alk1 and Alk2 are as defined in the claims; X1 represents a bond; —C(═O); or —S(═O)2—; —NR4C(═O)—, —C(═O)NR4—, —NR4C(═O)NR5—, —NR4S(═O)2—, or —S(═O)2NR4— wherein R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl; and z is 0 or 1.
US08211898B2
This application concerns certain 4-cyanophenylamino-substituted bicyclic heterocycles of formula I where the dashed line represents a double bond that may be located either between A and C(V) or between C(V) and D, where A is S or C(Z); D is S or C(W); provided that one and only one of A and D is S; where T is NH, O, or S; and where other substituents are defined herein. These compounds are non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and have potential as anti-HIV treatment.
US08211892B2
The present invention relates to tetrahydroquinoxaline urea derivatives of Formula (I): as disclosed herein, to their preparation and to their therapeutic application.
US08211888B2
The present disclosure provides prodrugs of biologically active 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds, compositions comprising the prodrugs, intermediates and methods for synthesizing the prodrugs and methods of using the prodrugs in a variety of applications.
US08211884B2
Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of diseases such as, for example, obesity, type II diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome.
US08211880B2
Triamcinolone acetonide suspension compositions are disclosed. The suspension compositions have a relatively low viscosity and are easy to extrude through a 27- or 30-guage needle but are highly flocculated and easily redispersed. The compositions are particularly suitable for intravitreal injection.
US08211879B2
The invention provides methods for decreasing or inhibiting herpesviridae (HV) infection or pathogenesis of a cell in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo, a symptom or pathology associated with a herpesviridae (HV) infection or pathogenesis in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo, or an adverse side effect of herpesviridae (HV) infection or pathogenesis in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo. In one embodiment, a method of the invention includes treating a subject with an invention compound (e.g., cationic steroid antimicrobial or CSA).
US08211869B2
The present invention relates to a method of modulating pluripotency and/or self-renewing characteristics of a stem/progenitor cell. The method comprises administering to the respective cell a compound of the general formula (I) In the general formula A is C or N. R1, R4 and R5 are, independently selected, H or aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, or arylcycloaliphatic hydrocarbyl groups, that comprise 0-3 heteroatoms being N, O, S, or Si. R4 and R5 may optionally be linked so as to define an aliphatic hydrocarbyl bridge. R2 is H or a halogen. R3 is H, or an aliphatic or arylaliphatic hydrocarbyl group comprising 1-8 main chain carbon atoms and 0-3 heteroatoms being N, O, S, Si, or a halogen.
US08211864B2
The present invention provides an intraceptor that interacts with and decreases activity of with VEGF and/or a VEGFR for the treatment of angiogenesis-related conditions. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use thereof, for the treatment and prevention of an angiogenesis-related condition using said intraceptors. The invention further provides for nucleic acids encoding said intraceptors.
US08211849B2
The present invention relates to a stable antimicrobial and cleaning compositions including an amine antimicrobial agent; a borate salt; and spores (bacterial or fungal), vegetative bacteria, fungi, or enzyme, and to methods of using the composition. The composition can also include a polyol.
US08211843B1
An end user implemented preventative maintenance process, made to clean ink-jet cartridges. The methodology consists of an organic solution injected into a lint free wipe, which, when applied to the print head nozzle surface of an ink-jet cartridge, leaches dried ink, paper lint, dirt, and other contaminants. The use of a lint free dry wipe, to blot any remaining ink from the print head nozzles after cleaning, provides streak-less printing, and assures the end user that preventative maintenance has been accomplished. Using this process noticeably extends the useful life of ink-jet print cartridges, while maintaining the integrity of print quality.
US08211840B2
Lubricated surfaces and lubricant compositions for lubricating a surface. The lubricated surface is provided by a lubricant composition including a base oil of lubricating viscosity, at least one metal salt of phosphorothioic acid, and an ashless, sulfur-free organophosphorus compound providing a metal to phosphorus weight ratio ranging from about 0.25:1 to about 1.0:1 by weight. The lubricant composition is substantially devoid of molybdenum.
US08211813B2
A coated airbag base fabric made of a textile fabric that has an excellent air-barrier property, high heat resistance, improved mountability and compactness and excellent adhesion to a resin film is characterized in that at least one side of the textile fabric is coated with resin, at least part of the single yarns of the fabric are surrounded by the resin, and at least part of the single yarns of the fabric are not surrounded by the resin. An airbag is characterized by using such a coated airbag base fabric. A method for manufacturing the coated airbag base fabric is characterized by applying a resin solution having a viscosity of from 5 to 20 Pa·s (5,000 to 20,000 cP) to the textile fabric using a knife coater with a sharp-edged coating knife at the contact pressure between the coating knife and the fabric of from 1 to 15 N/cm.
US08211811B2
A semiconductor device of an embodiment can prevent nitriding of the lower-layer insulating film and oxygen diffusion from the upper-layer insulating film, so as to minimize the decrease in charge capture density. This semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer, a first insulating film provided on the semiconductor layer, a nitrogen-added amorphous silicon layer formed on the first insulating film, a first silicon nitride layer formed on the amorphous silicon layer, and a second insulating film formed above the first silicon nitride layer.
US08211806B2
A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit with a small pitch comprises providing a second material layer patterned to form at least two features with an opening between the features. The second material layer is formed over a first material layer and the first material layer is over a substrate. The method also comprises providing a first oxide layer to form a first sidewall surrounding each of the features, and providing a second oxide layer over the first sidewalls and the first material layer. A second sidewall is formed surrounding each of the features. The method further comprises providing a conductive layer over the second oxide layer and removing the conductive layer, the second sidewalls and the first material underneath the second sidewalls.
US08211801B2
A method of fabricating a CMOS device having high-k dielectric layer and metal gate electrode is provided. First, an isolation structure is formed in a substrate to define a first-type and a second-type MOS regions; an interfacial layer and a high-k dielectric layer are sequentially formed over the substrate; a first and a second cover layers are respectively formed over a portion of the high-k dielectric layer at the first-type MOS region and another portion of the high-k dielectric layer at the second-type MOS region; afterwards, an in-situ etching step is performed to sequentially etch the first and second cover layers using a first etching solution and to etch both the high-k dielectric layer and the interfacial layer using a second etching solution until the substrate is exposed. Wherein, the second etching solution is a mixed etching solution containing the first etching solution.
US08211797B2
A metal wiring layer and a method of fabricating the metal wiring layer are provided. The method includes forming a dielectric layer on a substrate, forming a plurality of dielectric layer patterns and holes therein on the substrate by etching part of the dielectric layer, with a cross sectional area of the holes in the dielectric layer patterns decreasing with increasing distance away from the substrate and the holes exposing the substrate, forming a trench by etching a portion of the substrate exposed through the holes in the dielectric layer patterns, and forming a metal layer which fills the trench and the holes in the dielectric layer patterns. Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an edge build-up phenomenon by forming a metal layer in a plurality of holes in the dielectric layer patterns having a cross sectional area decreasing with increasing distance away from the substrate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the transmittance of a liquid crystal layer from decreasing due to a failure to properly fill liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, and thus to increase the quality of display.
US08211791B2
A chip structure comprises a substrate, a first built-up layer, a passivation layer and a second built-up layer. The substrate includes many electric devices placed on a surface of the substrate. The first built-up layer is located on the substrate. The first built-up layer is provided with a first dielectric body and a first interconnection scheme, wherein the first interconnection scheme interlaces inside the first dielectric body and is electrically connected to the electric devices. The first interconnection scheme is constructed from first metal layers and plugs, wherein the neighboring first metal layers are electrically connected through the plugs. The passivation layer is disposed on the first built-up layer and is provided with openings exposing the first interconnection scheme. The second built-up layer is formed on the passivation layer. The second built-up layer is provided with a second dielectric body and a second interconnection scheme, wherein the second interconnection scheme interlaces inside the second dielectric body and is electrically connected to the first interconnection scheme. The second interconnection scheme is constructed from at least one second metal layer and at least one via metal filler, wherein the second metal layer is electrically connected to the via metal filler. The thickness, width, and cross-sectional area of the traces of the second metal layer are respectively larger than those of the first metal layers.
US08211788B2
A method of fabricating a bonding structure having compliant bumps includes first providing a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes first bonding pads. The second substrate is disposed on one side of the first substrate and includes second bonding pads and compliant bumps disposed thereon. The second bonding pads are opposite to the first bonding pads. Next, a non-conductive adhesive layer and ball-shaped spacers are formed between the first and the second substrates. Finally, the first substrate, the non-conductive adhesive layer, and the second substrate are compressed, such that the compliant bumps on the second bonding pads of the second substrate pass through the non-conductive adhesive layer and are electrically connected to the first bonding pads of the first substrate, respectively. The ball-shaped spacers are distributed in the non-conductive adhesive layer sandwiched between the first and the second substrates for maintaining the gap therebetween.
US08211783B2
According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method can include multiply stacking an insulating layer and a conductive layer alternately above a base member. The insulating layer includes silicon oxide. The conductive layer includes silicon. In addition, the method can form a SiOC film on a stacked body of the insulating layers and the conductive layers, pattern the SiOC film, and make a hole in the stacked body by etching the insulating layers and the conductive layers using the patterned SiOC film as a mask.
US08211778B2
A substrate may have active areas at different levels separated by a mask. Along the mask may be a shallow trench isolation. Along the shallow trench isolation may be a LOCOS isolation. The shape of a substrate transition region between the levels may be tunably controlled. The shallow trench isolation may reduce the bird's beak effect.
US08211765B2
A non-volatile bistable nano-electromechanical switch is provided for use in memory devices and microprocessors. The switch employs carbon nanotubes as the actuation element. A method has been developed for fabricating nanoswitches having one single-walled carbon nanotube as the actuator. The actuation of two different states can be achieved using the same low voltage for each state.
US08211763B2
A method of forming a vertical field effect transistor includes etching an opening into semiconductor material. Sidewalls and radially outermost portions of the opening base are lined with masking material. A semiconductive material pillar is epitaxially grown to within the opening adjacent the masking material from the semiconductor material at the opening base. At least some of the masking material is removed from the opening. A gate dielectric is formed radially about the pillar. Conductive gate material is formed radially about the gate dielectric. An upper portion of the pillar is formed to comprise one source/drain region of the vertical transistor. Semiconductive material of the pillar received below the upper portion is formed to comprise a channel region of the vertical transistor. Semiconductor material adjacent the opening is formed to comprise another source/drain region of the vertical transistor. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US08211759B2
FinFET end-implanted-semiconductor structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. The method includes forming at least one mandrel on a silicon layer of a substrate comprising an underlying insulator layer. The method further includes etching the silicon layer to form at least one silicon island under the at least one mandrel. The method further includes ion-implanting sidewalls of the at least one silicon island to form doped regions on the sidewalls. The method further includes forming a dielectric layer on the substrate, a top surface of which is planarized to be coplanar with a top surface of the at least one mandrel. The method further includes removing the at least one mandrel to form an opening in the dielectric layer. The method further includes etching the at least one silicon island to form at least one fin island having doped source and drain regions.
US08211756B2
Programmable fuse-type through silicon vias (TSVs) in silicon chips are provided with non-programmable TSVs in the same chip. The programmable fuse-type TSVs may employ a region within the TSV structure having sidewall spacers that restrict the cross-sectional conductive path of the TSV adjacent a chip surface contact pad. Application of sufficient current by programming circuitry causes electromigration of metal to create a void in the contact pad and, thus, an open circuit. Programming may be carried out by complementary circuitry on two adjacent chips in a multi-story chip stack.
US08211755B2
A method for preventing arcing during deep via plasma etching is provided. The method comprises forming a first patterned set of parallel conductive lines over a substrate and forming a plurality of semiconductor pillars on the first patterned set of parallel conductive lines and extending therefrom, wherein a pillar comprises a first barrier layer, an antifuse layer, a diode, and a second barrier layer, wherein an electric current flows through the diode upon a breakdown of the antifuse layer. The method further comprises depositing a dielectric between the plurality of semiconductor pillars, and plasma etching a deep via recess through the dielectric and through the underlying layer after the steps of forming a plurality of semiconductor pillars and depositing a dielectric. An embodiment of the invention comprises a memory array device.
US08211754B2
A semiconductor device including a semiconductor chip encapsulated by an encapsulation resin and a manufacturing method thereof, in which a size reduction may be attempted. The device includes a semiconductor chip, an external connection terminal pad electrically connected to the semiconductor chip, and an encapsulation resin encapsulating the semiconductor chip, wherein a wiring pattern on which the external connection terminal pad is formed is provided between the semiconductor chip and the external connection terminal pad, and the semiconductor chip is flip-chip bonded to the wiring pattern.
US08211751B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: a bonding step of bonding a first substrate with optical transparency and a second substrate having a surface on which a functional element is provided to each other such that the functional element faces the first substrate; a thinning step of thinning at least one of the first and second substrates; and a through-hole forming step of forming a cavity and a through-hole communicated with the cavity in at least part of a bonding portion between the first and second substrates. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent irregularities or cracks caused by the presence or absence of the cavity and more regularly thin the substrate. In addition, it is possible to manufacture a semiconductor device capable of contributing to the miniaturization of devices and electronic equipment having the devices, using a more convenient process.
US08211725B2
A method of manufacturing a flexible display device is disclosed. The method includes arranging a first substrate having a plurality of depression units, forming a first plastic film in each of the plurality of depression units, forming a thin film transistor (TFT) on the first plastic film, forming a display device on the TFT, where the display device is configured to be electrically connected to the TFT, encapsulating an upper portion of the display device, cutting the first substrate, and separating the first substrate from the first plastic film.
US08211717B1
A method and system for repairing photomasks is disclosed. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to identify, measure, and correct defects. The SEM is operated in multiple modes, including a measuring mode and a repair mode. The repair mode is of higher landing energy and exposure time than the measuring mode, and induces shrinkage in the photoresist to correct various features, such as vias that are too small.
US08211715B1
A consumer food testing device for testing for the presence of harmful contaminants in a food sample, includes a system for producing a visual cue upon detection of a harmful chemical, biological, and/or ionizing radiation contaminant; and a processing system responsive to the detection of a harmful contaminant, for transmitting the global position of the consumer testing device, the identity of the harmful contaminant, and the time and date to a remote monitoring facility.
US08211705B2
The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for detecting and/or quantifying mercuric ions, Hg2+. The apparatus of the invention is of the type comprising an electrical device comprising two electrodes and a substrate comprising at least one surface made of an organic or inorganic semiconductor material, the electrodes being in electrical contact with said organic or inorganic semiconductor material, and a device for measuring the variation in the conduction current between the two electrodes, and wherein at least one compound which complexes mercuric ions Hg2+, selected from a dithia-dioxa-monoaza crown ether compound, an N,N-di(hydroxyethyl)amine, an N,N-di(carboxyethyl)amine, and mixtures of two at least of these compounds, is bonded to said semiconductor material or to an electrode of said electrical device. The invention finds application in the field of the detection of mercuric ions, in particular.
US08211688B2
The present invention provides a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia in which the activities of glutamine-synthetase adenylyltransferase (GlnE protein) and PII regulatory protein for glutamine synthetase are reduced or lost and which has the ability to form and accumulate L-glutamine or a substance biosynthesized utilizing nitrogen supplied by L-glutamine, and a process for producing L-glutamine or the substance biosynthesized utilizing nitrogen supplied by L-glutamine using the microorganism.
US08211686B2
The present invention relates to methods for purification of Vaccinia viruses (W) and/or Vaccinia virus (W) particles, which can lead to highly pure and stable virus preparations of predominantly biologically active viruses. The invention encompasses purifying a virus preparation in a sterilized way with high efficiency and desirable yield in terms of purity, biological activity and stability, aspects advantageous for industrial production.
US08211684B2
The present invention deals with the proteolytic enzyme thermolysin which tends to be unstable in aqueous solution. The invention provides methods and compositions to enhance the stability of dissolved thermolysin in aqueous solution. Thermolysin, crude thermolysin or a lyophilisate containing thermolysin and one or more salts, is contacted with an aqueous buffer with a low salt concentration and a first solution is formed. Subsequently, a further salt in solid form is added and dissociated, thereby forming a second solution comprising thermolysin in a stabilized form.
US08211682B2
This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.
US08211678B2
Provided is a method for preparing ethanol in high efficiency. The ethanol preparation method includes a step of yielding a saccharide water solution through saccharification of cellulose with an enzyme in water, a step of condensing the saccharide water solution, and a step of yielding an ethanol water solution by fermenting the saccharide in the condensed saccharide water solution into ethanol, wherein the step of condensing the saccharide water solution is performed through a pervaporation treatment on the saccharide water solution by using a water separation membrane composed of polypyrrole doped with a sulfonate ion.
US08211677B2
A photocatalytic method for the hydroxylation of alkanes involving the use of a Cytochrome P450 class of enzyme as a catalyst which is activated by exposure to a pulsed blue light emitted from a light emitting diode (LED) at 450 nm±25 nm.
US08211674B2
In a method of making theanine, glutaminase is derived from microbes of one or more of Bacillus, mold and yeast is caused to act on glutamine and ethylamine derivative.
US08211657B2
The present invention is directed to satisfying the need to detect microbial contamination of food products. The described bioseparator/bioreactor coupled with an optical/electrochemical biosensor was able to specifically detect E. coli O157:H7 from 8.8×101 to 8.8×106 CFU/ml in 2.5 hours without any enrichment. Using this invention, concentrations of S. Typhimurium ranging from 8.6×102 to 8.6×106 CFU/ml in pure culture were detected in 2 hours without any enrichment. The invention may also be used for the detection of S. Seftenberg, which has the same sensitivity as S. Typhimurium. Other pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and S. Heidleberg did not interfere with the detection. The optimum inner diameter of the 25 cm long column for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 is 250 μm. The detection limit for other microbial pathogens may be controlled by changing the length of capillary columns, using higher concentration of the labeled antibodies, altering the flow rate and concentration of the substrate, and increasing the reaction temperature to 37° C.
US08211654B2
The invention provides a rapid, quantitative assay to directly assess the impact of a diverse range of sugars upon the sugar-mediated uptake of corresponding sugar-conjugates into various cell types.
US08211637B2
The synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling of alkoxysuccinyl-peptidyl-haloalkyl ketones for use as proteinase K inhibitors are described. Sample preparation processes for in situ RNA or DNA analysis using such inhibitors, methods and compositions therefor are provided.
US08211634B2
The invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating human cancer. A variety of chromosomal regions (MCRs) and markers corresponding thereto, are provided, wherein alterations in the copy number of one or more of the MCRs and/or alterations in the amount, structure, and/or activity of one or more of the markers is correlated with the presence of cancer.
US08211628B2
Methods and compositions for resuscitating, storing, and preserving functional integrity of organs and tissues. Metabolic function is maintained by sustaining ATP levels, mitochondrial function, cardiomyocyte contractility, prevention of acidosis, inhibition of induction of apoptosis, maintaining ionontrophy and lusiotrophy by regulating calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride ions.
US08211626B2
We have determined that it is necessary to remove hydroxyl groups from the surface of a DARC over which a CAR photoresist is applied, to reduce poisoning of the photoresist during imaging. The poisoning is reduced by treating the surface of the DARC film with a hydrogen or helium-containing plasma which is capable of removing the hydroxyl groups.
US08211625B2
An optical structure is provided. The optical structure includes a substrate structure. A photosensitive material layer is positioned on said substrate structure. The photosensitive material layer having uniform periodic geometry and a period length throughout associated with a 2D periodic pattern. The 2D periodic pattern includes a period length greater than the exposing light wavelength and spatial variation in the duty cycle of the features of a mask layer used in the formation of said 2D periodic pattern.
US08211617B2
A printed mask derived from a composition comprised of at least one compound including at least one alkaline-hydrolyzable group, and at least one compound including at least one ethylene oxide group. The printed mask is removable using an alkaline solution in about 30 seconds or less.
US08211606B2
A coloring compound is provided which is excellent in coloring ability and transparency, has high solubility in organic solvents, and is superior in light resistance. A toner, a sheet for heat-sensitive transfer recording and an ink that use the coloring compound are also provided. The coloring compound is represented by the following general formula:
US08211604B2
A process for making a self-emulsifying composite suitable for use in forming latex emulsions includes contacting a resin with a solid or highly concentrated surfactant, a solid neutralizing agent in the absence of water and an organic solvent to form a mixture, melt mixing the mixture, and forming a self-emulsifying composite of the melt mixed mixture such as a granule. Self-emulsifying granules are also provided and configured to form a latex emulsion when added to water, which may then be utilized to form a toner.
US08211599B2
A green pigment for a color filter including a phthalocyanine green pigment and capable of expressing a region of xy-chromaticity coordinate enclosed by predetermined equations 1, 2 and 3 defined by the XYZ color system of the CIE when the green pigment is solely subjected to colorimetry. Moreover, using the above-mentioned green pigment, it provides a photosensitive color composition capable of forming a color filter having a wide color reproduction range and a high transmittance. Furthermore, it provides a color filter having a wide color reproduction range and a high transmittance with a green pixel formed using the above mentioned photosensitive color composition, and a liquid crystal panel using the color filter.
US08211591B2
A unitized electrode assembly for a fuel cell comprising an electrolyte membrane and a subgasket. The subgasket maximizing an operating life of the electrolyte membrane, militating against adverse effects of membrane expansion during use of the fuel cell and membrane shearing under unitized electrode assembly compression.
US08211587B2
A plasma sprayed ceramic-metal fuel electrode is provided. The fuel electrode has particular application in connection with a solid oxide fuel cell used within a power generation system. The fuel cell advantageously comprises an air electrode, an electrolyte formed on at least a portion of the air electrode, a plasma sprayed ceramic-metal fuel electrode formed on at least a portion of the electrolyte, and an interconnect layer to connect adjacent cells in a generator.
US08211583B2
A method of operating a fuel cell system includes characterizing the fuel or fuels being provided into the fuel cell system, characterizing the oxidizing gas or gases being provided into the fuel cell system, and calculating at least one of the steam:carbon ratio, fuel utilization and oxidizing gas utilization based on the step of characterization.
US08211581B2
A control apparatus for a fuel cell, including oxidizing gas supplying means for supplying oxidizing gas to a cathode via an oxidizing gas supply line; cathode-side gas pressure detecting means for detecting a gas pressure within the oxidizing gas supply line or the cathode; hydrogen supplying means for supplying hydrogen to an anode via a hydrogen supply line; target hydrogen partial pressure determining means for determining a hydrogen pressure among a gas pressure within the hydrogen supply line or the anode; hydrogen supply pressure calculating means for calculating a hydrogen supply pressure of hydrogen to be supplied to the fuel cell, based upon the target hydrogen partial pressure and the gas pressure detected by the cathode-side gas pressure detecting means; and hydrogen supply control means for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen supplying means to the fuel cell at the hydrogen supply pressure, and the method thereof.
US08211580B2
A fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system is provided. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system includes a fuel cell, a liquid cooling system for dissipating heat generated by the fuel cell, and a controller that controls the liquid cooling system for maintaining a predetermined temperature range of a first cooling liquid of the fuel cell.
US08211572B2
Disclosed is a fabrication method for an electrode active material, and a lithium battery comprising an electrode active material fabricated therefrom. The fabrication method for an electrode active material comprises preparing an aqueous solution by dissolving a precursor that can simultaneously undergo positive ion substitution and surface-reforming processes in water; mixing and dissolving raw materials for an electrode active material with a composition ratio for a final electrode active material in the aqueous solution, thereby preparing a mixed solution; removing a solvent from the mixed solution, thereby forming a solid dry substance; thermal- processing the solid dry substance; and crushing the thermal-processed solid dry substance.
US08211567B2
A sealed battery includes: a battery container having in at least an end portion thereof an opening portion, and a container folded-back portion formed in a peripheral edge of the opening portion; a lid having in its outer periphery a lid folded-back portion, and being attached to the opening portion of the battery container; a junction portion in which the container folded-back portion and the lid folded-back portion are integrally joined by a double-rolled seam method; a first seal member closing a first gap between a distal end portion of the container folded-back portion clamping a distal end portion of the lid folded-back portion and an inside of a folded curve portion of the lid folded-back portion; and a second seal member closing a second gap between the distal end portion of the lid folded-back portion and an inside of a folded curve portion of the container folded-back portion.
US08211559B1
A method and system for detecting liquid leaked from an energy storage structure, e.g., a battery is provided. One embodiment includes a sensor that detects the leaked electrolyte as it leaks through a breach in the wall retaining the electrolyte in the battery. The sensor has a sheet-like layer with a conductive surface and an electrical connection to a first interface. The sensor is positioned substantially flush to the battery wall, so that leaking electrolyte contacts the sensor. If the battery has a case, there is a first external communication point in electrical communication with the first interface. In the absence of leaked electrolyte there is substantially no electrical connection between the first external communication point and either of the terminals as indicated by a very high resistance. When leaked electrolyte is present there is an electrical connection between the first external communication point and either of the terminals.
US08211558B2
There are provided a new crosslinked polymer electrolyte excellent in water resistance and solvent resistance, high in heat resistance, inexpensive and low in methanol permeability, and suitable for the proton conductive membrane of a fuel cell, by means of the crosslinked polymer electrolyte obtained by the following (1) or (2), and its production method.(1) A compound having two or three or more reactive groups is reacted with a polymer electrolyte.(2) A compound having two or three or more reactive groups is reacted with a polymer to obtain a crosslinked polymer and then an ion exchange group is introduced into the resultant polymer.
US08211553B2
An organic electroluminescent device, which has a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer including a luminescent layer between the pair of electrodes, wherein at least one layer between the pair of electrodes comprises at least one metal complex having a tridentate- or higher polydentate-chain structure ligand.
US08211547B2
An ultraviolet-curable silicone composition for a release paper including (A) 100 parts by mass of a specific organopolysiloxane having a polymerization degree of 8 to 20 and containing one epoxy group, and (C) an effective quantity of an onium salt photoinitiator. In a preferred embodiment, the composition further includes (B) 10 to 1,000 parts by mass of at least one specific organopolysiloxane containing a plurality of epoxy groups. In another preferred embodiment, the composition has a viscosity of not more than 100 mPa·s. The composition has a peel strength that exhibits a positive dependency on the peel speed when peeled from a hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive, and can therefore be used to produce a release paper capable of reducing peeling noise. Further, because the composition has a low viscosity, it exhibits excellent wetting of substrates having significant unevenness, even in a solventless form.
US08211546B2
A composition comprising (A) a hydrolytic condensate of a bisphenol A alkoxysilane, (B) silica colloid sol, and (C) a curing catalyst is coated and cured to a transparent substrate to form a transparent film having crack resistance, flexibility and water vapor barrier properties.
US08211526B2
There is provided a honeycomb structure including a plurality of honeycomb segments having porous partition walls separating and forming a plurality of cells functioning as fluid passages and an outer peripheral wall located in the outermost periphery. The first cells open in an end portion on one side and plugged in the other end portion on the other side and the second cells plugged in the end portion on the one side and open in the other end portion on the other side are alternately disposed. The first cells have an area larger than that of the second cells in a cross section perpendicular to the central axial direction. The outer peripheral wall has 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 together with a bonding member.
US08211521B2
A hot melt adhesive composition that includes a first tackifying agent that includes phenol-modified aromatic hydrocarbon resin, thermoplastic polymer that includes ethylene copolymer, and a first wax.
US08211504B2
Process for producing a color and/or effect coating system on a substrate by applying an aqueous color and/or effect solid-color topcoat material or—alternatively—an aqueous color and/or effect basecoat material and a clearcoat material (wet-on-wet technique) to the substrate and curing the resultant coating films, which after curing have a water vapor permeability δ60° C.>6.0 mg/h·m·bar or p60° C.>286.4 g·100 μm/m2·d, where d stands for day, when the coating material contains no metal flake pigments; or have a water vapor permeability δ60° C.>4.0 mg/h·m·bar or p60° C.>190.92 g·100 μm/m2·d, when the coating material contains metal flake pigments.
US08211502B2
A composition and method for treating an aramid cord include a bisphenol-A-based- and/or a bisphenol-F-based-liquid epoxy resin, a reactive diluent, and a curing agent. The composition and method also may include an elastomer-modified epoxy-functional adduct and/or an elastomer-modified epoxy-resin adduct.
US08211493B2
A method of manufacturing a panel from a base using a droplet ejection apparatus including two groups of heads with each group including first to fourth heads. In each group, the nozzle arrays of the first and third heads overlap throughout a first sub-area, the nozzle arrays of the first and fourth heads overlap throughout a second sub-area, and the nozzle arrays of the second and fourth heads overlap throughout a third sub-area when viewed from a second direction. The second sub-areas of the two groups partially overlap each other when viewed from the second direction. The method includes preparing the base, and supplying the liquid materials of the predetermined colors onto the base in the form of the droplets by ejecting the droplets by the droplet ejection apparatus while mutually moving the base and the head unit in the second direction.
US08211492B2
The present invention is a fabrication method of a light-emitting device characterized by ejecting a solution containing a luminescent material toward an anode or a cathode under a reduced pressure and characterized in that in a duration before the solution is arrived at the anode or the cathode, the solvent in the solution is volatilized, the remaining part of the luminescent material is deposited on the anode or the cathode, and thereby formed a light-emitting layer. By the present invention, a baking process for thickness reduction is not required after applying the solution. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a fabrication method with high throughput although the method is low in cost and simple.
US08211491B2
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a light-emitting element includes forming an anode on a substrate, forming a first transport layer including one or more first polar compounds on the anode, forming a first non-polar solvent layer on the first transport layer, forming a first polar solution layer including one or more light-emitting compounds on the first non-polar solution layer, drying a polar solvent of the first polar solution layer and the first non-polar solvent layer so that a light-emitting layer including the one or more light-emitting compounds is formed on the first transport layer and forming a cathode on the light-emitting layer. The cathode is disposed opposite to the anode. As such, damage to the first transport layer may be reduced when forming the light-emitting layer, which may improve the reliability and productivity of a manufacturing process.
US08211485B2
The present invention relates to the use of a solution containing at least one endopeptidase to substantially reduce or completely eliminate allergenic proteins contained in the peanut (Arachis hypogea). In particular, the direct application of a solution containing at least one endopeptidase to either raw, blanched, or roasted peanuts or peanut products or derivates, has been shown to substantially reduce or completely eliminate the activity of allergenic proteins. The treated peanuts showed no degradation in quality or sensory acceptability, and have the flavor and aroma of natural whole peanuts. Hypoallergenic or non-allergenic peanuts produced in accordance with the present invention may be used as ingredients in various food products and other edible materials.
US08211477B2
The process for solubilizing proteinaceous material of the present invention includes subjecting the proteinaceous material to a sufficient amount of a basic solution to obtain a supernatant that has a basic pH and exposing the supernatant to the basic solution for a sufficient length of time and temperature for hydrolysis to occur. The process also includes cooling the mixture of the supernatant and proteinaceous material and optionally acidifying the mixture. This process may also include recovering the solubilized protein from the supernatant for use in various applications. Also provided herein is a composition of solubilized proteins from eggshell membrane obtained using processes of the present invention.
US08211476B2
The present inventors discovered that microfiltration retentates of whey, and products obtained by treating whey using centrifugation and/or ammonium sulfate precipitation, have the activity of inhibiting rotavirus infection.
US08211475B2
A method for preparing chitosan nanoparticles in water phase is provided. The method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a chitosan solution having a concentration of about 0.05 w/v % to about 1 w/v %, (b) adding water first and then followed by acetic anhydride to the chitosan solution to carry out acetylation, wherein the concentration of acetic anhydride is from about 10 v/v % to about 30 v/v % of the total volume of the whole solution, and (c) subjecting the solution from step (b) to physical dispersion.
US08211465B2
A method of administering non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular propionic acid derivatives such as ibuprofen, is provided. The inventive dosage forms provide an initial release of the NSAID and a second sustained release of NSAID, preferably in a single dosing step.
US08211458B2
Methods of performing medical procedures, and methods of making bone-growth-promoting compositions useful in performing medical procedures are provided. Apparatus useful both in methods of performing medical procedures, and in methods of making bone-growth-promoting compositions useful in performing medical procedures, are provided. The bone-growth-promoting compositions made according to the disclosed methods are biocompatible, and are adapted to stimulate bone growth when positioned in contact with, or in the vicinity of, a bone of a mammal.
US08211454B2
A paper product having an antimicrobial composition dispersed with the substrate is provided. In particular, a paper towel such as those found in public washrooms or institutions comprises an antimicrobial composition. The substrate can also be a facial tissue, kitchen towel, serviette or any type of personal hygiene product. The antimicrobial composition preferably comprises a phenol-derived antimicrobial agent. The paper products of the present invention appear dry to the touch.
US08211442B2
In the aim of practical utilization of a safe and effective transnasal/inactivated/mucosal vaccine and establishment of a technology for imparting capacity of producing both of IgA and IgG antibodies to a conventional inactivated vaccine, toxoid, allergen, or the like, a means for prevention and treatment of allergy, and the like, it is intended to provide an antigen-drug vehicle (AD vehicle) enabling transnasal, transmucosal, and transdermal administrations, an inactivated vaccine simultaneously inducing a mucosal immunity and humoral immunity by using the AD vehicle, a production method of the inactivated vaccine, an AD vehicle enabling a switch from induction of selective production of IgA antibody to induction of both of IgA and IgG antibodies, and a transnasal vaccine, a mucosal vaccine, a therapeutic/prophylactic agent for allergy, and the like using the AD vehicle.
US08211438B2
A vaccine for human hookworm is provided. The vaccine comprises at least one L3 larval stage antigen (e.g. Na-ASP-2 or Na-SAA-2) and at least one adult stage human hookworm antigen (e.g. Na-APR-1, Na-CP-2, Na-CP-3, Na-CP-4, Na-CP-5, or Na-GST-1) and adjuvants.
US08211426B2
ACE2 activating compounds for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, lung disease and hypertension are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of diagnosing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, lung disease and hypertension by measuring ACE2 expression or nucleotide polymorphism analysis.
US08211424B2
The present invention discloses an immunotherapeutic method for treating patients suffering from malignant melanoma, by administering expanded tumour-reactive CD4+ helper and/or CD8+ T-lymphocytes obtainable from one or more sentinel or metinel lymph nodes draining a malignant melanoma or a metastasis arising from malignant melanoma. The present invention provides a new effective method for treating malignant melanoma and metastatic malignant melanoma, without adverse side effects associated with the known treatments. The method comprises identification of in a patient one or more sentinel and/or metinel lymph nodes draining a malignant melanoma or a metastasis there from, resection of the one or more nodes and, optionally all or part of the tumour or metastasis, isolation of tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes from said lymph nodes, in vitro expansion of said tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes, and administration of the thus obtained tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes to the patient, wherein the T-lymphocytes are CD4+ helper and/or CD8+ T-lymphocytes.
US08211410B2
An oral care composition comprising a fused silica abrasive and a chelant.
US08211409B2
An oral care composition comprising fused silica and an oxidizing agent.
US08211402B2
A compound that recognizes and binds to the CA-IX protein has Formula I, II, III, or IV. The compounds may include a radioactive element for radioimaging or therapeutic applications. Thus, pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared with one or more of the compounds of Formula I, II, III, or IV.
US08211392B2
Provided is a catalyst composition, in particular a diesel oxidation catalyst, for the treatment of exhaust gas emissions, such as the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO). More particularly, the present invention is directed to a catalyst structure comprising at least two, specifically three distinct layers, at least one of which contains an oxygen storage component (OSC) that is present in a layer separate from the majority of the platinum group metal (PGM) components, such as palladium and platinum.
US08211388B2
In preferred embodiments, metal nanoparticles, mixed-metal (alloy) nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and mixed-metal oxide nanoparticles are provided. According to embodiments, the nanoparticles may possess narrow size distributions and high purities. In certain preferred embodiments, methods of preparing metal nanoparticles, mixed-metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and mixed-metal nanoparticles are provided. These methods may provide tight control of particle size, size distribution, and oxidation state. Other preferred embodiments relate to a precursor material that may be used to form nanoparticles. In addition, products prepared from such nanoparticles are disclosed.
US08211384B2
A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.
US08211381B2
A device for measuring the sedimentation rate in biological fluids, and particularly the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood samples. The device comprises: holders (3) for test tubes (P) containing samples of biological fluid; agitator devices (25) for agitating the test tubes; at least one detector (17, 19) for reading the levels inside the test tubes. The holders together form a continuous flexible member (1) defining a closed path along which the agitator devices and the detector are arranged.
US08211379B2
Methods of manufacturing test strips are disclosed. Embodiments include laminating a two piece covering layer over a substrate with a series of cavities, wherein the two pieces are separated by a gap, the gap forming a vent opening for the cavities. Other embodiments include covering the sample receiving chamber with a cover thinner than the cover covering the body of the test strip, the thicker body cover absorbing more force than the chamber cover to reduce the possibility of adhesives squeezing out from under the chamber cover. The present invention also provides an advantageous method of mass-producing the inventive test strips without having to align the slot or vent opening laterally with respect to the test strips and without having to punch a vent opening. The method is also well suited to mass production by roll processing techniques.
US08211373B2
A mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device includes first and second major opposite facing surfaces, leading and trailing edges, and opposite lateral edges. At least a portion of one or both of the opposite lateral edges includes an edge protectant that protects the mounting mat against erosion from hot gases encountered during the normal operation of the exhaust gas treatment device. The edge protectant remains flexible after it has been applied to the mounting mat and substantially dried. Also disclosed is an exhaust gas treatment device that includes a housing and a fragile structure mounted within the housing by the mounting mat having the edge protectant deposited thereon. Additionally disclosed are methods of making the mounting mat and an exhaust gas treatment device.
US08211372B2
An apparatus and system for separating remaining powder of hulls includes a first remaining powder separating unit to be supplied with hulls of a spent nuclear fuel subjected to a high-temperature oxidation, and to include a first brush for separating remaining powder of the hulls; a hull alignment unit to be supplied with the hulls from the first remaining powder separating unit, and to align the hulls; a second remaining powder separating unit to be supplied with the aligned hulls from the hull alignment unit, and to include a second brush for separating remaining powder adhered on an inner peripheral surface of the hulls; and a third remaining powder separating unit to be supplied with the hulls from the second remaining powder separating unit, and to separate the remaining powder remaining on the inner/outer peripheral surface of the hulls by using air.
US08211365B2
An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.
US08211357B2
A metallurgical vessel (11) has circumferentially spaced tubular mountings (25) through which to extend solids injection lances (31) into the vessel. Lance extraction apparatus (33) comprises an elongate track support structure (41) supporting a twin rail track (40) inclined upwardly and outwardly from the vessel above the direction of inclination of a respective lance (31). Interconnected upper and lower carriages (42, 44) are moveable along track (40) by operation of a hoist (47). Extraction apparatus (33) is operable sequentially to remove solids delivery line sections (36) and (37) and the lance (31) by connection to the carriages (42, 44) and upward movement of those carriages along track (40). Upper carriage (42) carries a pivot arm (51) for connection to upper parts of components to be removed such that those components can be pivoted downwardly to positions in which they can be hung from an overhead crane for removal to a remote location.
US08211356B1
A method of making aluminum oxynitride includes introducing a mixture having aluminum oxide and carbon into a chamber, agitating the mixture within the chamber, and heating the mixture to make aluminum oxynitride.
US08211355B2
Rotary forming drums that have a unique vacuum distribution and control system imparting a vacuum to the insert trays in a region or zone of the drum in a controlled manner. The rotary drum also has insert trays that are forced outward by the movement of follower cam activation upon a roller cam which in turn forces molded articles from the trays quickly, cleanly and efficiently. Once the product is removed from the insert trays internal and external springs return the insert trays to their original position to repeat the process on a continuous basis.
US08211350B2
A molding apparatus is configured with a distribution channel configured to deliver a blended feed composition directly into an article molding region such that a molded article is formed with gating on the bottom surface of the article. The article molding regions are formed into front sides of opposed “A” and “B” surface mold tools that, when moved into a mating relationship with one another, form closed molding cavities within which molded articles are generated from molding material feed. The article molding regions each generally have a body bounded by a perimeter that establishes an outer edge for an article molded in the one of the closed molding cavities. Additionally, the body of each article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a bottom surface for the composite article, and the body of the article molding region of the “B” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a top surface for the composite article. The distribution channel is formed in at least the second surface mold tool, and has a main portion and a downstream terminus for each article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool. The main portion of the distribution channel is formed outside of each article molding region. The downstream terminus, to which the main portion extends, is in communication with the body of the respective article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool.
US08211347B2
A method for socket-forming an end of a thermoplastic material tube, according to which the end is firstly widened without forming the socket and is then stabilized; the widened and stabilized end being finally socket-formed.
US08211341B2
The present disclosure is directed generally to synthetic organic fiber pellets, methods for making such pellets, and methods of using such pellets for making fiber reinforced polypropylene composite resins. The synthetic organic fiber pellets include at least 80 wt % of a synthetic organic fiber chosen from polyalkylene terephthalates, polyalkylene naphthalates, polyamides, polyolefins, polyacrylonitrile, and combinations thereof, and from 2 to 20 wt % of one or more waxes. The synthetic organic fiber pellets are produced using a pelleting press process. Also provided is a method for making fiber reinforced polypropylene composite pellets including feeding into a compounding extruder at least 25 wt % polypropylene based polymer, from 5 to 60 wt % of synthetic organic fiber in the form of the synthetic organic fiber pellets, and from 0 to 60 wt % inorganic filler; extruding the polypropylene based resin, the fiber pellets, and the inorganic filler through the compounding extruder to form a fiber reinforced polypropylene composite melt; cooling the fiber reinforced polypropylene composite melt to form a solid fiber reinforced polypropylene composite; and pelletizing the solid fiber reinforced polypropylene composite to form fiber reinforced polypropylene composite pellets; wherein an article molded from the composite pellets has a flexural modulus of at least 2.07 GPa and exhibits ductility during instrumented impact testing. Articles molded from the fiber reinforced polypropylene composite pellets find application as automotive parts, household appliance parts, or boat hulls.
US08211336B2
Disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery which is suppressed in increase of internal resistance, while having high capacity retention rate and small battery swelling even after a long use. Specifically disclosed is a method for manufacturing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, which is characterized by using a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material having an α-NaFeO2 crystal structure and the following chemical composition: LixMnaNibCocOd (wherein 0
US08211333B2
Certain poly(oxyalkylene) colorants are disclosed along with method of preparation thereof. A method of using these colorants as fluorescent security taggants is also disclosed.
US08211329B2
Disclosed herein is a lubricant composition comprising soybean oil; and molybdenum disulfide; the molybdenum disulfide being dispersed in the soybean oil. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising agitating molybdenum disulfide with soybean oil in a reactor; the mixing being conducted in the presence of a magnetic field that is greater than the earth's field and an electrical field. Disclosed herein too is a coolant composition comprising water; soap and/or a surfactant; and a lubricant composition; the lubricant composition comprising soybean oil and molybdenum disulfide. Disclosed herein too is a method of manufacturing a coolant composition comprising mixing a lubricant composition, water and soap; the lubricant composition comprising a base oil and a metal sulfide.
US08211328B2
A crystallographically-oriented ceramic containing Pb and in which piezoelectric/electrostrictive properties can be enhanced. Using a raw material having Pb(Zr1-xTiX)O3 as a main component, a ceramic sheet was formed with a thickness of 15 μm or less. In this material, grains were allowed to grow into an anisotropic shape, and crystal grains with specific crystal planes being aligned were produced. A non-oriented raw material having Pb(Zr1-xTiX)O3 as a main component and the crystal grains were mixed, and shaping was performed so that crystal grains were oriented in a predetermined direction. The shaped body was fired. In the resulting ceramic, the degree of orientation was high at 50% or more. It is possible to enhance the degree of orientation using, as crystal nuclei, a ceramic sheet which can have the same composition as that of the crystallographically-oriented ceramic. Therefore, production can be performed without adding an unnecessary element, for example, for orienting crystals.
US08211323B2
Method for the removal of doped surface layers on the back faces of crystalline silicon solar wafers
The invention relates to a method for the one-sided removal of a doped surface layer on rear sides of crystalline silicon solar wafers. In accordance with the object set, doped surface layers should be able to be removed from rear sides of such solar wafers in a cost-effective manner and with a handling which is gentle on the substrate. In addition, the front side should not be modified. In accordance with the invention, an etching gas is directed onto the rear side surface of silicon solar wafers with a plasma atmospheric pressure.
US08211316B2
A deeply sewage treating method and apparatus without sludge discharging is disclosed by means of the physical, chemical and biological methods. Proper sewage treating agent with powerful adsorbing capacity, organic matter decomposing and oxidizing capacity and settling capacity is selected based on the quantity of sewage and pollutant characteristic of the sewage to be treated. Sewage is treated through an integrative function tank that comprises a grille primary tank (1), a settling tank (2), high concentration aeration tank (3), aerobic biological tank (4), anaerobic sludge returning tank (5), a sludge and cleaning water separating tank (6), separating tank (7), and pouring tank (8). Sewage is subjected to physical filtering, chemical regulation of pH value, aerating, biological treatment, settling and filtering, so that organic pollutant is converted into microbe that is oxidized and decomposed into CO2, H2O, NH3 and small amount of excess sludge for inside circulating treatment. The treated water reaches the draining standard.
US08211315B2
A microsystem for separating fluids not miscible with each other and contained in a mixture. The microsystem comprises at least one detection means intended to inspect at least one area of the mixture and to detect the presence of at least one of the fluids in this area. The microsystem further comprises at least one controlled means for opening or closing a passage. The microsystem further comprises at least one control means for the opening or the closing of a passage as a function of the nature of the fluid detected in the area inspected by the detection means, in such a way that the fluid whose presence has been detected flows or not through the passage. The detection means comprise a plurality of sensors arranged substantially around the controlled means.
US08211313B2
A system for separating a solid magnetic substrate from liquid contents of a reaction vessel, the system comprising at least one micro-well plate having a plurality of rows and a plurality of magnets arranged in at least two rows. In one embodiment, the at least two rows of the plurality of magnets are controlled so as to cause the magnets in the at least two rows of magnets to move in unison. In another embodiment, one row of the at least two rows of the plurality of magnets is controlled so as to cause the magnets in said one row to move at a first velocity in the vertical direction and another row of the at least two rows of the plurality of magnets is controlled so as to cause the magnets in that other row to move at a second velocity in the vertical direction.
US08211309B2
A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08211303B2
A mobile wastewater separator and recover unit and method for the separation and disposal/recovery of waste water for example in the oil and gas industry. It is fully self-contained and maintains the ability to separate heavy solids, floating contaminants, and water for recovery and reuse or disposal as required. Main components of the system are a large wastewater holding capacity implementing various compartments & separator/recovery mechanisms, evaporation compartments that are interchangeable for efficiency in both warm & extreme cold temperature operations, and finally a condensation recovery system and clean water holding compartment.
US08211300B2
A vehicle-mounted fuel separation system 24 is provided with a fuel heating device 56 heating stock fuel and a separator 57 separating stock fuel heated by the fuel heating device into a plurality of types of fuel. Furthermore, a forced exhaust device 66 forcibly exhausting the fuel in the fuel heating device from the fuel heating device when the temperature of the fuel in the fuel heating device becomes a reference temperature or more or is expected to become a reference temperature or more is provided. Due to this, a fuel separation system where excessive heating of the fuel by the fuel heating device of the fuel separation system is prevented is provided.
US08211296B2
A portable water treatment system and apparatus is disclosed that can effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject system and apparatus is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation.
US08211290B2
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing impurities from waste water by electroflotation. The waste water to be cleaned is conducted through an electrolytic cell. Electrolysis is performed between two electrodes (1, 2) of different electronegativities, such that the more electronegative electrode (1), which is non-wearing in a cleaning process, is used for producing hydrogen gas and hydroxyl ions from water. The less electronegative electrode (2), which is an active, wearing electrode in a cleaning process, is used for producing metal ions in a solution to be cleaned. In addition to this basic reaction, a desired oxidation-reduction reaction is initiated in the cell in a strictly controlled electric field for removing one or more designated impurities from cleaned water.
US08211289B2
A method of protecting steel in concrete is disclosed. A voltage between two connections of a power supply is generated such that current can flow between a negative connection and a positive connection. In a first protection step, one of the connections of the power supply is electrically connected to the steel to be cathodically protected and a sacrificial anode is electrically connected in series with the other connection of the power supply such that the voltage generated by the power supply is added to the voltage generated between the sacrificial anode and the steel to produce a voltage greater than the voltage generated between the sacrificial anode and the steel alone. The power supply may be a cell or battery and may be combined with the sacrificial anode to form a single unit. In a second protection step that may follow the first protection step, the voltage generated by the power supply is no longer present and a current flows between the sacrificial anode and the steel to continue protecting and/or passivating the steel. This may be achieved by connecting the sacrificial anode directly to the steel.
US08211288B2
Feed water comprising an aqueous salt solution is supplied to an anode chamber and to a cathode chamber. The feed water is cathodically electrolyzed in the cathode chamber to produce alkaline electrolyzed water (catholyte) and is anodically electrolyzed in the anode chamber to produce electrolyzed water (anolyte) whose pH is modified. A portion of alkaline catholyte from the cathode chamber is recycled back to the feed water during continuous electrolysis to provide a blend of feed water and alkaline catholyte to the anode chamber to control pH of the anodically electrolyzed water therein to provide more stable bactericidal activity thereof over time.
US08211284B2
A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents.
US08211282B2
An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, a plurality of longitudinal chambers disposed within the outer wall, and a reference chamber housing a reference electrode. Ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode must pass sequentially through each of longitudinal chambers from a first longitudinal chamber to the reference chamber. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.
US08211271B2
A multiple ply paper product having an SST value ratio of greater than about 1.6 g/sec1/2 is disclosed. Additionally, a multiple ply paper product having a residual water value, RW, of less than about 0.05 g is disclosed.
US08211270B2
A method of detaching two plates adhered via an adhesive sheet or a curable resin layer, comprising moving, relatively parallel to each other, said two plates to develop a shear stress causing rupture of said adhesive sheet or curable resin layer. According to the present invention, two plates bonded via an adhesive sheet or a curable resin layer can be detached by only moving the two plates relatively parallel to each other. Therefore, even when at least one of the two plates is thin and poor in flexibility, two plates can be detached from each other substantially without a force (load) which causes high distortion (deformation) producing a breakage or crack on the plates. Accordingly, for example, when two optical plates adhered via a transparent adhesive sheet need to be re-bonded, two optical plates can be detached from each other and adhered again. Thus, the production cost of equipment with a display function, which carries a flat-panel display, can be reduced.
US08211269B2
A wafer spin chuck and an etcher using the same are provided. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provide a wafer spin chuck device comprising: a spin body which spins a wafer; and a stationary body which holds the spin body and is under the spin body with a space between the spin body and the stationary body, wherein the stationary body includes a blocking unit which blocks the space with a fluid.
US08211262B2
A welding machine having a frame that includes end supports spanned by a top beam with a truncated V-shaped cross-section and a method of using the same. A vacuum track assembly disposed vertically beneath the top beam retains fabrics to be welded on a perforated surface using suction. A welding head travels along the top beam and applies heat and pressure to the surface to weld the fabrics together. The top beam and vacuum track assembly are extendable by including additional unit segments from which the beam and assembly are constructed.
US08211255B2
One aspect of the present invention relates to a laminated foam product, wherein the adhesive binding the foam to the laminate comprises the mixture from which the foam is made. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods for making a laminated foam product. A third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for making a laminated foam product.
US08211245B2
The invention concerns an analytical test element in which the sample liquid is transported from a sample application site to a determination site, where a detection site lies upstream of the sample application site in the transport direction. The analytical test element has at least one surface which is composed of at least one element that can be oxidized with water or an alloy that can be oxidized with water which has been treated by the action of boiling water or water vapor.
US08211235B2
An apparatus for depositing conformal thin films by sequential self saturating chemical reactions on heated surfaces is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a movable single or dual-lid system that has a substrate holder attached to a reaction chamber lid. In other embodiments, the apparatus comprises an exhaust flow plug, a gas distribution insert, a local heater or a minibatch system. Various methods suitable for ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) are also enclosed.
US08211229B2
A solid film-formation material feeding apparatus includes a supercritical fluid supply source for supplying supercritical fluid; and a column which is connected to the supercritical fluid supply source, and has a hollow part which is filled with a filler which is inactive for the supercritical fluid, wherein the hollow part can be further filled with a solid film-formation material which is soluble in the supercritical fluid. A column assembly which includes a plurality of the columns which may be connected in parallel to each other.
US08211228B2
The present invention is a method for producing a single crystal that is a multi-pulling method for pulling a plurality of single crystals from a raw material melt in a same crucible in a chamber by a Czochralski method, comprising steps of: pulling a single crystal from a raw material melt ; then additionally charging polycrystalline raw material in a residual raw material melt without turning off power of a heater, and melting the polycrystalline raw material; then pulling a next single crystal; and repeating the steps and thereby pulling the plurality of single crystals.
US08211222B2
The present invention provides an ink composition for roll printing, which comprises one or more first fluorine surfactants that comprise a hydrophilic component, a lipophilic component, and a fluorine component; and one or more second fluorine surfactants that comprise a fluorine component, and any one of a hydrophilic component and a lipophilic component.
US08211221B2
The invention provides a colorant compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 represent independently from each other a species selected from at least one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, and an aralkyl group. R3 represents a species selected from at least one of a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, and —COR5, where R5 is any of a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, and an amino group. R4 represents a species selected from at least one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, and an aralkyl group. Cy represents an aryl group. Optionally, at least one anionic group may be present in the general formula (1).
US08211214B2
The present invention is directed toward a method for reducing pattern distortions in imprinting layers by reducing gas pockets present in a layer of viscous liquid deposited on a substrate. To that end, the method includes varying a transport of the gases disposed proximate to the viscous liquid. Specifically, the atmosphere proximate to the substrate wherein a pattern is to be recorded is saturated with gases that are either highly soluble, highly diffusive, or both with respect to either the viscous liquid, the substrate, the template, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or in lieu of saturating the atmosphere, the pressure of the atmosphere may be reduced.
US08211211B1
Methane product gas is produced from landfill gas and gob gas either by a three-stage process of PSA-TSA-PSA or PSA-PSA-PSA, or a two-stage process of PSA-PSA.
US08211207B2
A unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process includes adding a Lewis acid component and an Arrhenius base compound to a molten lead bullion. The Lewis acid component and Arrhenius base compound are added in stoichiometric amounts that preferentially remove lighter amphoteric elements from the molten lead bullion, and promote reactions with amphoteric p-block elements in the lead bullion to form over the lead a slag of Lewis bases, thereby forming a slag layer incorporating the metal salts of the amphoteric p-block elements.
US08211201B2
A method of manufacturing a controlled release fertilizer wherein the fertilizer is deposited onto a first polymer film and then covered by a second polymer film to encapsulate the fertilizer between the first polymer film and the second polymer film.
US08211193B2
A method of chemical mechanical polishing a surface of a substrate including the step of: contacting the substrate and a composition including a plurality of colloidal silica particles having less than 200 ppb of each trace metal impurity, excluding potassium and sodium, have less than 2 ppm residual alcohol and wherein the cumulative concentration of the trace metal, excluding potassium and sodium, is in the range from about 0.5 to about 5 ppm; and a medium for suspending the particles; wherein the composition is an ultrapure colloidal silica dispersion; and wherein the contacting is carried out at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to planarize the substrate.
US08211191B2
A generally upright reactor system for gasifying a feedstock. The reactor system generally includes a main body, at least two inlet projections extending outwardly from the main body, and at least one inlet positioned on each of the inlet projections. Each of the inlets is operable to discharge the feedstock into the reaction zone.
US08211180B2
A fossa-eminence prosthesis having a nonanatomic surface that is relatively flatter than the native fossa. The articular eminence of the patient can be surgically reduced before implanting the prosthesis.
US08211178B2
Implants sized to be inserted into an intervertebral space between first and second vertebral members. The implants may include a body with opposing first and second ends. An end cap may be connected to the body and include a first side with a contact surface that faces away from the body and is configured to contact against one of the first and second vertebral members when the implant is positioned in the intervertebral space. The end cap may also include a second side that faces towards the body. A connection mechanism may connect the end cap and the body for the end cap to pivot to adjust an angular position of the end cap relative to the body. The body and the end cap may each include locking features that engage together to lock an angular position of the end cap. The locking features may be configured to overlap at each of the angular positions to engage together and maintain the angular position of the end cap relative to the body when the implant is positioned in the intervertebral space.
US08211170B2
Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices to a target location within a subject. In some embodiments the medical devices can be locked in a fully deployed and locked configuration. In some embodiments the delivery systems are configured with a single actuator to control the movement of multiple components of the delivery system. In some embodiments the actuator controls the independent and dependent movement of multiple components of the delivery system.
US08211165B1
A device for implantation in a body vessel is provided. The device includes a frame that accommodates dynamic variation in the size of the vessel. At least one leaflet is attached to the frame. The leaflet is deformable between a first position allowing fluid flow in a first, antegrade direction and a second position restricting fluid flow in a second, retrograde direction. Methods for delivering the device to a body vessel and methods and kits for treating a subject using such a device are also provided.
US08211164B2
Medical devices are manufactured from fine grained materials, processed from of a variety of metals and alloys, such as stainless steel, cobalt-chromium and nickel-titanium alloys. A fine grained metal or alloy is formed from a specimen rapidly heated to its recrystallization temperature, and then subjected to high temperature, multi-axial deformation, for example, by heavy cross-forging or swaging. The deformed specimen may be cooled and reheated to a second recrystallization temperature. The metal or alloy in the specimen is then allowed to recrystallize, such that the grain size is controlled by quenching the specimen to room temperature. A desired medical device is then configured from the fine grained material. Decreasing the average grain size of a substrate material and increasing the number of grains across a thickness of a strut or similar component of the medical device increases the strength of the device and imparts other beneficial properties into the device.
US08211155B2
A dynamic bone anchor for anchoring a spine stabilization assembly which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The dynamic bone anchor provides load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The dynamic bone anchor includes a deflectable post connected by a ball-joint to a threaded anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a durability enhanced compliant sleeve. The force/deflection properties of the dynamic bone anchor may be adapted to the anatomy and functional requirements of the patient. The dynamic bone anchor may be used as a component of a dynamic stabilization system which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion.
US08211144B2
A pacifier with a shield and a teat element. The teat element includes a shaft adjacent to the shield and solid in cross-section in the region of contact with the jaw and/or the teeth. A teat member adjoins the shaft in its end section which faces away from the shield so that the contour of the teat element, starting from the shaft, has a club-shape which corresponds substantially to known hollow-body teats. A convex hollow teat body is provided as a teat member which is substantially annular. The longitudinal axis of the annular teat body runs substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinally extending axis of the teat element or the hollow teat body is designed to be substantially closed-walled so as to form a cavity.
US08211142B2
Disclosed herein are methods for joining one piece to tissue to another piece of tissue. In one embodiment, the method can include inserting an applier device having an actuation portion into a first body lumen through a natural body orifice, forming a first opening in a first piece of tissue within the first lumen and a second opening in a second piece of tissue defining a portion of a second lumen adjacent to the first piece of tissue, and inserting the applier device through the first and second openings such that the actuation portion is between the first and second piece of tissue. The method can further include deploying a fastener into the first and second pieces of tissue through the actuation portion of the applier device, thereby joining the first and second pieces of tissue to form an anastomosis between the first and second lumens.
US08211140B2
A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region at a first end portion to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The second region includes a plurality of spaced apart struts with adjacent struts being joined.
US08211139B2
A graft provided with a flexible sealing member to substantially prevent blood from leaking between the graft a lumen into which the graft is placed. In one embodiment, the flexible sealing member may be pressed against the vascular wall by an outwardly biased spring means attached to the sealing member. In other embodiments, the sealing member may be self-positioning upon deployment of the graft. The sealing member also may be formed into the shape of a toroid, which may be filled with thrombogenic material causing blood permeating into the toroid-shaped space to coagulate therein and hold the sealing member in place. It is also contemplated that the sealing member be formed from tufts of frayed yarn protruding circumferentially from the outer surface of the graft. A method of manufacturing such tufted yarn sealing members is also disclosed.
US08211136B2
A stoma dilator is provided which has a base dilator and a plurality of dilators which are coaxially disposed over the base dilator. The base dilator has a hub and an opening therethrough. The base dilator is configured to be positioned over a wire into a patient's tissue. Each of the plurality of dilators has a tapered distal end, a proximal end, and a tubular body, and are held in separated, telescoping position by the dilator positioner such that a portion of each distal end is exposed from beneath another dilator and is graspable by a health care practitioner for movement such that a smaller diameter dilator does not become inaccessible inside of a larger diameter dilator. The stoma dilator may include a hollow sheath positioned over an outermost dilator. The sheath is configured to hold open a tissue opening created by the plurality of dilators. The base dilator and the plurality of dilators may be removed while the sheath remains in a tissue opening. Another device may be inserted through the sheath, and the sheath may be peeled away therefrom.
US08211135B2
An obturator assembly for penetrating tissue and being at least partially positionable within a cannula assembly includes an obturator housing, an obturator shaft connected to the obturator housing and defining a longitudinal axis, a bladeless penetrating member adjacent the distal end of the obturator shaft and an obturator shield mounted about the obturator shaft and having a distal shield nose. The obturator shield is adapted for longitudinal movement between an extended position where the bladeless penetration member is substantially enclosed within the shield nose and a retracted position where the bladeless penetrating member is at least partially exposed from the shield nose. A manually manipulative member is mounted to the obturator housing and is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis and relative to the obturator housing between an initial position corresponding to a first mode of operation where the obturator shield is secured in the extended position and the shield nose is used to penetrate tissue, and a release position corresponding to a second mode of operation operatively releasing the obturator shield to permit the obturator shield to move to the retracted position thereof to expose the bladeless penetrating member for further dissecting the tissue.
US08211126B2
A tissue repair system is disclosed. The tissue repair system can include a prosthesis with a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. The first end portion can engage the second end portion when installed to retain tissue in a desired configuration. The tissue repair system can also include a delivery device configured to implant and fasten the prosthesis to repair imperfections in tissue or retain tissue in a desired configuration. The delivery device may be configured to fasten the first end portion and second end portion of the prosthesis on a distal portion of the tissue.
US08211111B2
An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation rod includes a gripping section for engaging a spinal implant and a lever body pivotally attached to the gripping section. A rod carrier extends from one side of the lever body and is adapted to push a spinal fixation rod downwardly into the spinal implant.
US08211110B1
A minimally invasive tool to facilitate implanting a pedicle screw and housing is provided. The minimally invasive tool includes a first sleeve having flexible tabs that couple to a housing and a second sleeve slidably engaged in the first sleeve. The second sleeve provides reinforcing such that the first and second sleeve provide counter torque for driving the pedicle screw.
US08211105B2
An electrode assembly for use in combination with an electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing having one portion which is removably engageable with the electrosurgical instrument and a pair of electrodes each having an electrically conductive sealing surface and an insulating substrate. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the electrosurgical instrument such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The dimensions of the insulating substrate are different from the dimensions of the electrically conductive sealing surface to reduce thermal spread to adjacent tissue structures.
US08211103B2
An electrosurgical instrument that reduces the amount of fatigue experienced by a physician performing electrosurgery includes a hand piece that is connected to an electrosurgical generator by way of an electrical cable. The electrical cable is connected to the hand piece at a central portion of the hand piece, which reduces the resistance to the movement of the electrosurgical instrument created by the weight of the electrical cable. The reduced resistance leads to less fatigue in a physician's hand during electrosurgery. The hand piece can include a channel system that receives a portion of the electrical cable therein and allows a physician to adjust the location on the hand piece at which the electrical cable exits the hand piece. The channel system can include one or more side channels and/or longitudinal channels. The channels can include detents that define multiple exit locations from the channel system for the electrical cable.
US08211099B2
A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.
US08211092B2
Devices and methods are provided for the controlled release or exposure of reservoir contents. The device includes a substrate, a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate, reservoir contents disposed in the reservoirs, discrete reservoir caps covering each reservoir to seal the reservoir contents in the reservoirs, and control circuitry for selectively disintegrating the reservoir caps to release or expose the reservoir contents in vivo. At least one of the reservoir caps comprises a first electrically conductive layer coated with one or more protective layers. In one embodiment, the control circuitry comprises an electrical input lead and an electrical output lead connected to and directly contacting each of said reservoir caps and a source of electric power for applying an electrical current through each reservoir cap in an amount effective to rupture each of the reservoir caps.
US08211089B2
An improved injection site (12) for infusion of parenteral fluids and the like is provided, having a pressure-actuated valve (20) and a novel split septum unit (24), which effectively prevent reflux of blood into the assembly (10). The septum unit (24) includes a resilient split septum body (64) which is precompressed so that the septum body (64) is caused to protrude proximally (78) upon insertion of a cannula (16). Consequently, upon removal of the cannula (16), there is essentially no “drumming” or creation of friction-induced negative pressures sufficient to generate blood reflux. The preloaded septum body (64) also has its proximal surface (74) essentially flush and coplanar with the adjacent proximal end (66b) of the tubular septum holder (66) to enhance the cleanliness of the unit (24). The specialized well (46) and septum unit (24) afford a resilient seal between the periphery of the septum body (64) and the surface (50), and a separate hard-surface seal between the outer margin of the surface (50) and the septum holder (66).
US08211084B2
Devices, systems, and methods for accessing the internal and external tissues of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of leads to the heart tissue. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide devices, systems, and methods for closing a hole in cardiac tissue.
US08211081B2
The invention relates to a closing cap for containers that are filled with medical liquids. The closing cap includes removal and injection sites. The removal site has a first opening for removing the medical liquid and is obturated by a first pierceable self-sealing membrane. The injection site includes a second opening for injecting an additive and is obturated by a second pierceable self-sealing membrane. The first and second membranes are configured differently.
US08211080B2
A method of securing an absorbent article in a fastened configuration for personal wear includes forming an absorbent article to have a body. A mechanical fastening system is positioned on the body. The mechanical fastening system has a loop component and a hook component. The loop component is an elastomeric laminate formed by securing an elastomeric loop material to an elastomeric substrate. The hook component is fastenably engageable with the loop material of the loop component. The laminate is stretched which includes stretching both the loop material and the substrate. The hook component and the loop component are engaged whereby the hook component fastenably engages the loop material of the loop component. The stretched laminate is allowed to retract which includes retraction of the loop material and retraction of the substrate.
US08211076B2
A disposable diaper is provided, including an absorber, a top sheet disposed to cover an upper surface of the absorber and at least partially formed of a liquid permeable material, and a back sheet disposed to cover a lower surface of the absorber and formed of a liquid impermeable material. The disposable diaper further includes a skin contact sheet disposed above the top sheet and formed with a stool passing opening, which is an opening capable of passing a stool therethrough, and to the both sides of the skin contact sheet, at least a pair of standing gathers are formed, which are leakage prevention walls capable of standing three-dimensionally.
US08211061B2
An intelligent remote-controlled portable intravenous injection and transfusion system includes a fluid storage unit (A), a transfusion needle (B), a transfusion tube (C) and a fluid supply driving unit (D). The fluid storage unit (A) is formed by a portable bag (A1) and a fluid storage bag (A2) therein. The fluid supply driving unit (D) includes a peristaltic pump (2), which is provided in a portable flip-shell formed by a lower case (5), an upper cover (6) and a rotational axis (7), and its drive device (1), a power (13), a controller having MSF module and the second wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit. The second wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit is connected to the I/O of the controller. The first wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit is provided in a healthcare monitor room, and connected to the I/O of a computer installed with a controlling software.
US08211060B2
A variable hydraulic resistor for use with implantable pumps is disclosed. The variable hydraulic resistor according to the present invention is particularly useful in varying the flow rate of a medication fluid from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. An implantable pump is also disclosed, which does not require a complicated clinching system or the like, and which may include an undulating membrane and chamber design to reduce the height of the pump.
US08211059B2
A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as, antibiotics, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from the device reservoir which is provided in the form of a novel collapsible bottle-like assembly. The fluid dispenser includes a unique stored energy mechanism which takes the form of a spring member of novel design that provides the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device also includes novel adjustable flow rate control assembly that is disposed intermediate the fluid reservoir outlet and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient.
US08211048B2
The present invention includes a comprehensive replacement fluid system and method for the delivery of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) to extracorporeal blood circuits, wherein the system may include an online clearance monitor (OCM) and a circuit effluent online sensor system (OSS) for the continuous determination of patient plasma content of ultrafilterable soultes.
US08211046B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame or inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.
US08211041B2
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion.
US08211040B2
A continuous swallowing movement measuring device includes pressure sensors placed in a line along a direction of an up and down movement of a thyroid cartilage when a food is swallowed, a first one of the pressure sensors placed at a top position of the thyroid cartilage, a second one of the pressure sensors placed along the direction to measure swallows included in a continuous swallowing movement. The device also includes a tool for wearing the pressure sensors and for fixing the pressure sensors to touch an anterior region of a neck of a subject. The tool includes a fixing unit fixes the pressure sensors. The tool also includes a supporter of the pressure sensors supports the fixing unit. Further, the tool includes a holding band holds the supporter of the pressure sensors on the anterior region of the neck of the subject.
US08211037B2
A system is provided that controls movement of a lancet. One or more processors execute program instructions and receive a data set. The program instructions are executed to cause the processor to, cause force to be applied to the lancet to thereby cause the lancet to move in a first direction toward a target, monitor position and speed of the lancet as the lancet moves in the first direction, adjust the application of force to the lancet as the lancet moves in the first direction to achieve a desired speed of the lancet, and adjust the application of force to the lancet when the lancet contacts the target so that the lancet penetrates the target within a desired range of speed.
US08211035B2
The present invention includes systems and methods for monitoring endogenous compound concentration in blood by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient, wherein such markers are the endogenous compound itself or result from the endogenous compound. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial” or “electronic” noses or tongues, to non-invasively monitor endogenous compound levels in blood. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking endogenous compound concentrations in blood (remote or proximate locations) and providing the necessary alerts with regard to emergent or harmful conditions in a patient.
US08211028B2
A system and method of determining hemodynamic parameters uses sensed ventricular blood pressure during a portion of ventricular pressure waveform following peak pressure. An estimated arterial diastolic pressure is based upon an amplitude of the sensed ventricular pressure corresponding to a time at which a first derivative of ventricular pressure as a function of time is at a minimum (dP/dtmin). Fill parameters such as isovolumetric relaxation constant, ventricular suction pressure, atrial kick pressure, and transvalve pressure gradient are derived from measured pressures representing minimum ventricular pressure, ventricular diastolic pressure, and diastasis pressure.
US08211025B2
Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for catheter positioning. Certain embodiments provide a catheter for use in at least intravenous and intracardiac spaces. The catheter includes a catheter body having a length and a tip portion at a distal end of the catheter body. The catheter also includes a plurality of wires for moving the catheter body in a plurality of directions. The catheter further includes a first control for manipulating the plurality of wires in two primary planes of movement for the catheter body. The catheter includes a second control for manipulating the plurality of wires in two secondary planes of movement for the catheter body. The second control is distinct in appearance and operation from the first control.
US08211024B2
Flow information (e.g., velocity and acceleration) and/or pressure gradient information are determined with ultrasound. Both velocity and acceleration are simultaneously estimated using a model and least squares analysis. Anti-aliasing of velocity information may be provided using the model and least squares analysis. Pressure gradient is calculated from velocity information automatically, more likely providing consistent measurements. Consistency may be increased further by automatically positioning a region of interest in either a multidimensional spatial image or a spatial-temporal image. A parametric image of pressure gradient for each spatial location within the image is generated as well as a delta pressure curve. Any single one or combinations of two or more of the features described above may be used.
US08211020B2
A device for combining tomographic images with human vision using a half-silvered mirror to merge the visual outer surface of an object (or a robotic mock effector) with a simultaneous reflection of a tomographic image from the interior of the object. The device maybe used with various types of image modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. The image capture device and the display may be enclosed in a sterile container (e.g., a probe bag) and a mirror and mirror housing may be separately attachable to the image capture device and display. In these embodiments, the mirror may be disposable and the sterility of the overall imaging device is maintained.
US08211016B2
Methods and apparatuses for determining an analyte value are disclosed.
US08211010B2
An endoscopic information processing system in accordance with the present invention comprises: a shape analyzing unit that analyzes an insertional shape acquired by detecting the shape of an insertion unit of an endoscope which is inserted into a body cavity; and an information providing unit that provides information on the situation of handling the endoscope according to the result of the analysis performed by the shape analyzing unit.
US08210999B2
A roll for use in a galvanizing pot, comprising a hollow body brought into contact with a steel strip, and shaft portions connected to the body, at least the body being made of a silicon nitride ceramic having thermal conductivity of 50 W/(m·K) or more at room temperature, and the body having an average surface roughness Ra of 1-20 μm. The body is preferably shrink-fit to the shaft portions.
US08210996B2
A dumbbell comprises a bar that extends generally axially between opposing end regions, a weight plate mass mounted about the bar at each end region, means for retaining the mounted weight plate mass at the respective end regions to define a handle region axially inward of the end regions that can be gripped by a user during exercise movement of the dumbbell, means for mechanically securing the weight plate mass to the dumbbell, said bar extending sufficiently axially outward of the mechanically secured weight plate mass to accommodate an incremental weight plate mounted about the bar axially outward of the mechanically secured weight plate mass, means for magnetically securing a magnetically responsive incremental weight plate to the dumbbell via magnetic attraction unless the mounted incremental weight plate has been rotated about the bar to a decoupling position, and means for establishing a decoupling position in which there is no magnetic attraction between the mounted incremental weight plate and the dumbbell so that the incremental weight plate can be removed from the dumbbell without overcoming the force of magnetic attraction.
US08210995B2
A shoulder flexion apparatus tones and strengthens the shoulder muscles, including the anterior deltoid muscles. The apparatus may provide a resistance having a downward force vector. The resistance may be applied to a user via a cable guided by one or more pulleys to the user. In one or more embodiments, a guide assembly may be provided to quickly and easily reposition the cable and the force vector of the resistance that the cable provides. The guide assembly thus allows rapid switching between shoulder exercises to tone and strengthen the shoulder muscles. The apparatus may comprise one or more sections corresponding to the left and right side of the user's body. In this manner, the sections may independently provide resistance to each of the user's shoulders.
US08210990B2
A hydraulic control device for a multi-speed automatic transmission includes friction engagement elements, several hydraulic servos that engage and release the friction engagement elements, solenoid valves for engagement control, and a sorting switch valve that allocates engagement pressure from at least one of the solenoid valves for engagement control to two of the hydraulic servos. The sorting switch is switched between a first position that supplies engagement pressure to one of the two hydraulic servos in at least a Reverse, non-drive range and a specific Forward gear range, and a second position that supplies engagement pressure to the two hydraulic servos in other than the Forward range. The hydraulic control device supplies the engagement pressure to the two hydraulic servos when an all-solenoids-off failure occurs and the sorting switch is in the second position, and cuts off a source pressure to all solenoid valves when an all-solenoids-off failure occurs while the sorting switch valve is in the first position.
US08210982B2
A multi-step transmission including four gear sets, shafts, and shifting elements. The sun gear of gearset (P4) couples shaft (3) which communicates, via brake (03), with the housing. The carrier of gearset (P4) couples the output shaft, which couples the ring gear of gearset (P2). The ring gear of gearset (P4) couples shaft (7), which couples the carrier of gearset (P2) and, via clutch (17), communicates with the drive shaft, which communicates, via clutch (18), with the ring gear of gearset (P1) coupled to shaft (8), and, via clutch (15), communicates with shaft (5). Shaft (5) couples the sun gear of gearset (P3), and, via brake (05), communicates with the housing. The carrier of gearset (P1) couples the shaft (6), the ring gear of gearset (P3) and the sun gear of gearset (P2). The carrier of gearset (P3) couples the shaft (4), which, via brake (4), communicates with the housing.
US08210975B2
An automatic transmission is provided. One embodiment of the automatic transmission may include a valve body including control valves for hydraulically controlling a friction engaging element provided within said transmission. The automatic transmission may further include an electric control unit located on said valve body for controlling gear shifting of said automatic transmission. The automatic transmission may further include a transmission case having a peripheral wall for at least partially enclosing a gear shift mechanism and an outer wall provided adjacent to said peripheral wall, wherein said electric control unit is located within a containing space surrounded by said peripheral wall, said outer wall and said valve body.
US08210964B2
A stand assembly for a golf club includes a plunge rod positionable within the club shaft and club head and displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, at least a portion of the plunge rod is extended to an exterior of the golf club. A lock is disposed in a position to be engageable with the plunge rod in both the retracted position and the extended position. The lock selectively secures the plunge rod in at least the retracted position and the extended position.
US08210962B2
Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described.
US08210961B2
This invention relates generally to golf clubs or golf club heads, having an adjustable ball striking face. The golf club head includes a club head body, a ball striking face, and a brace extending from a sole of the club head body to an inner surface of the ball striking face. The brace may further include an end portion engaged with the inner surface of the ball striking face, a fixed rod located between the end portion and an inner surface of the club head at the sole, a biasing member attached to the fixed rod. The biasing member may provide a biasing force to the ball striking face such that the ball striking face is adjustable between a first direction thereby adjusting a face angle of the club head and a second direction thereby adjusting a loft angle of the club head.
US08210955B2
An amusement ride vehicle for maneuvering over a travel surface having a cushion of water includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface and at least one drive assembly housed by the vehicle body. The at least one drive assembly comprises a driven wheel disposed for selective engagement with the travel surface to maneuver the vehicle generally along the travel surface. The at least one drive assembly operates between a neutral state having the driven wheel disengaged from the travel surface, a forward drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a forward direction, and a reverse drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a reverse direction.
US08210953B1
The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating closed-molded translucent fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) material and parts for use in various applications, such as for use in waterslides and architectural fascia and signage. The method includes: (a) providing a first mold half mateable with a second mold half to define a mold having an internal cavity; (b) disposing a glass fiber pre-form within the internal cavity of the mold, the glass fibers of the pre-form having a preselected refractive index; (c) selecting a transparent thermoset resin having a refractive index when cured that is substantially similar to the refractive index of the glass fibers of the pre-form; (d) injecting the thermoset resin into the internal cavity of the mold until the void space defined within the internal cavity is substantially filled with the resin; (e) allowing the resin to cure; and (f) removing the part from the mold.
US08210940B2
The Apparatuses, Methods, and Systems For Game Mechanics For Gifting (“GGM”) transform social graph, interactions, behavior and characteristics data inputs via various GGM components to create optimal gift-giving dynamics. In one embodiment, the GGM may receive a request to provide a gaming resource to a user. In response to the request, the GGM may aggregate and analyze interaction data to identify a provider with prior interactions with the user. The GGM may in turn request the provider for a gaming resource. The GGM may receive an indication to provide a gaming resource to the user in response to the request and may facilitate providing of a gaming resource to the user. The GGM may identify this indication as an instance of interaction and may update the user interaction data accordingly.
US08210933B2
Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, a poker game or the like. The EGM (1) displays a gaming image on a display (5), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and receives player instructions via an input (6) or the like, e.g. to spin the reels or manage the cards. The EGM (1) includes a guarantee feature in which an event is guaranteed to trigger if a monitored event (e.g. of the same type as the guaranteed event) does not occur within a set amount of gameplay. A guarantee indicator (9), e.g. a numerical countdown or gauge, indicates the remaining amount of gameplay required before the guarantee feature triggers. The monitored and/or guaranteed event may be a win event or a feature event, e.g. the triggering of a bonus round, free game or the like.
US08210930B2
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming device that the player is currently playing.
US08210920B2
A method and system for playing jackpot and live baccarat games are provided. One feature of the jackpot method involves the use of card combinations that may include, e.g., at least one zero-point card. Another feature of the jackpot method involves initial jackpot contribution from the banker who operates the baccarat game. It is also provided a software program or a set of software program for carrying out any or all the steps of the disclosed gaming method.
US08210914B2
An air removal unit configured for removing exhaust air from an equipment rack or enclosure includes multiple fans to achieve a high airflow capacity while defining a compact and portable structure. The unit removably installs along an exhaust side of an equipment rack or enclosure to provide capabilities for managing the thermal output of equipment, such as servers, CPUs, communications, internetworking and other types of equipment. The unit includes one or more upper fan modules and one or more lower fan modules positioned below the upper fan modules. The upper and the lower fan modules are arranged in a stacked configuration along the depth of the unit with the lower fan modules positioned in an offset orientation relative to the upper fan modules. The stacked configuration and the offset orientation of the fan modules help to incorporate multiple fans with the unit while maintaining the compact and portable design. The unit is further configured to serve as a door of an equipment rack or enclosure to thereby provide access to the unit and the rack or enclosure during operation. The unit can be incorporated with a ventilation system or a cooling air system associated with an equipment room or data center.
US08210912B2
Systems and methods for suspending game animals. One embodiment is a system that includes a hitch fitting, a boom, a first winch and a stabilizer. The hitch fitting is configured to fit within a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The boom is coupled to the hitch fitting and extends upward from the hitch fitting. The first winch is coupled to an upper end of the boom and is configured to raise and suspend a game animal from the upper end of the boom. The stabilizer is coupled to the lower end of the boom and is configured to stabilize a lower end of the game animal which is suspended from the upper end of the boom.
US08210904B2
A patterned portion of a patterned semiconductor substrate is removed by abrasive mechanical planarization employing an abrasive pad but without employing any slurry. Preferably, water is supplied to enhance the removal rate during the mechanical planarization. The removal rate of material is substantially independent for common materials employed in back-end-of-line (BEOL) semiconductor materials, which enables non-selective removal of the material containing metallization structures. The removal rate of silicon is lower than the removal rate for the BEOL semiconductor materials, enabling a self-stopping planarization process.
US08210903B2
A method of manufacturing a glass substrate for a magnetic disk is provided, by which polishing accuracy on an inner circumferential end face of a glass substrate is improved, and a thermal asperity trouble can be avoided.In a method of manufacturing a glass substrate for a magnetic disk, by which an inner circumferential end face of a cylindrical polishing object 12 is polished, the polishing object including a plurality of glass substrates 20 stacked on one another, a plurality of polishing cloths disposed around a rotation axis of an inner circumference polishing section having the rotation axis are contacted to the inner circumferential end face 116 of the polishing object at even pressure, then a polishing liquid is supplied between the inner circumferential end face of the polishing object and the inner circumference polishing section, and then the inner circumference polishing section and the polishing object are relatively rotated/moved with the rotation axis as a center, or relatively moved in a direction of the rotation axis, thereby the inner circumferential end face of the polishing object is polished.
US08210902B2
Surface treated implantable articles and related methods are disclosed. The surface treated implantable articles can be substantially flash-free, include one or more rounded edges, or include an enhanced optical clarity, one or all of which can be produced by polishing. The polishing can include causing the implantable articles to be repeatedly impacted with polishing media when the articles are swelled to an enlarged state. The polishing process can be particularly useful for smoothing lacrimal implants insertable in a lacrimal canaliculus.
US08210895B2
A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.
US08210891B2
A toy with repositionable portions is disclosed. The toy may be stylized as a toy figure that may include a leg section and a torso section. The leg section includes legs pivotally coupled to a pelvic section. The pelvic section may also include an upward-extending connection post. The torso section, furthermore, may include a body cylinder that connects to the connection post. The body cylinder includes a series of resilient tabs that slidingly engage the post, securing the sections together while permitting the rotation of the torso section about the post. With this configuration, the toy figure possesses multiple degrees of motion, being adapted to move in bending and twisting motions.
US08210889B2
A method is provided for producing an infrared emitter made of an endless quartz glass body, wherein a reflector layer is deposited at least partially on the surface of the body made of quartz glass. The quartz body is divided into individual sections after application of the reflector layer. An infrared emitter is also provided.
US08210887B2
Disclosed is a base assembly useful in permitting a floating campfire, comprising a base shaped to float in open water, the base having an airtight pontoon portion at its periphery; and a floor defining an opening therethrough to accommodate a fire bowl to house the campfire; wherein the base assembly is constructed to counteract the weight of the campfire in use such that the base assembly floats in open water. The base assembly is preferably square in shape. The floor is preferably made of aluminum checker plate and TIG welded in a stitch pattern to the centre.
US08210886B1
The jack plate has two vertically aligned side plates, a transom plate, and a splash plate. The jack plate has associated light source holes associated therewith. There are light sources, such as LED's contained with the light source holes of the jack plate. There is a travel stop block coupled to the jack plate transom plate.
US08210879B2
A dielectric component is fabricated from a dielectric material and includes a base panel member and a plurality of isolation panel members. The base panel member has a first base panel member surface. The plurality of isolation panel members is connected to and projects perpendicularly from the first base panel member surface. The plurality of isolation panel members are disposed apart from and extend parallel to one another to form a plurality of isolation channels. An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector housing and the dielectric component. Consecutive ones of a plurality of terminal pin portions projecting from the electrical connector housing are isolated from one another by consecutive ones of the plurality of isolation panel members such that the terminal pin portions are disposed in the isolation channels and are therefore isolated from one another. The electrical connector assembly might also incorporate a printed circuit board.
US08210875B2
The present invention relates to an improved a shielded contactor having an insulative material or proxy (9a, 9b) for making reliable electrical contact. Accordingly, the length of the assembled contactor is totally surrounded by conductive material, thereby providing shielding element. Resultantly, the present invention has the capability of eliminating impedance mismatch during the signal transmission.
US08210864B1
A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a connector having a connector body, and Tab-Down terminal, and a terminal position assurance device (TPA). The connector body has a cavity located therein and a flexible arm that is elastically deformable. The Tab-Down terminal is slidable in a first direction and in a second direction that generally opposes the first direction. The Tab-Down terminal is insertable within the cavity of the connector body in the first direction. The terminal position assurance (TPA) device is slidably engageable within the cavity of the connector. The TPA device has a primary lock support that is selectively positioned adjacent the flexible arm to limit deformation of the flexible arm. The connector assembly includes a pre-stage position and a full-stage position. In the pre-stage position the Tab-Down terminal moveable within the cavity. In the full-stage position movement of the Tab-Down terminal is limited.
US08210861B2
A connector assembly including a first connector configured to be movably mounted to a support structure and having a first mating terminal. The first connector is movable with respect to the support structure in an axial direction along an alignment axis. The connector assembly also includes a second connector that is configured to be movably mounted to a support panel and has a second mating terminal. The second connector is movable with respect to the support panel in a radial direction relative to an alignment axis. The second connector shifts in the radial, direction to align the first and second mating terminals when the first and second connectors engage each other in a misaligned manner. The first connector moves between a projected position and a retracted position along the alignment axis to facilitate establishing a communication pathway between the first and second mating terminals.
US08210853B2
There is provided systems and methods for a reorientable electrical outlet. In one embodiment, a system includes a housing configured to be coupled to an electrical power source, the housing having a first rotation stop, and an electrical plug receptacle, mountable within the housing, the insert having a second rotation stop, the first and second rotation stops configured to cooperate with each other to limit rotation of the insert within the aperture at a number of degrees, wherein the plug receptacle is configured to receive an electrical plug.
US08210850B2
A literacy system provides teaching for reading and writing skills particularly adapted to students with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). In one embodiment, the literacy system may include exercises for teaching visual sequencing, motor skills, phonology, semantics, syntax, and text. The literacy system may have a pre-reading section, which includes exercises for developing visual sequencing skills and motor skills prior to teaching the skills of reading and writing words.
US08210848B1
A method and apparatus provide feedback of facial expressions of participants during communication by capturing facial expressions of participants; extracting facial information from the captured facial expressions; transmitting the extracted facial information to communication terminals; and displaying the transmitted facial information by the communication terminals in a symbolic form.
US08210847B2
A sterile, substantially maintenance free disposable dental handpiece is constructed from two shells and a center core, the center core having a flow deflector on one end. The shells are joined around the core with mating protrusions and/or tapered walls to form the body and head of the handpiece. A base is integrally-formed with the center core. The base has conduits that allow entry of light and pressurized air and/or water into the body. The head at the opposite end of the body from the base rotatably mounts an impeller assembly having an impeller shaft. The impeller shaft includes blades driven by the pressurized air. The blades can have cavities to reduce weight.
US08210838B2
A method and device for producing a battery electrode (5) by: pouring a powder mixture quantity (6a) into a cavity (2), laying an electrically conductive diverter (4) on powder mixture (6a), pouring a further quantity (6b) of same powder mixture (6) into same cavity (2), and compressing the two powder mixture quantities (6a, 6b). The device has a filling cavity (2) for powder mixture (6), at least one compression means (1) for compressing powder mixture (6), and support (7) and fixing means (8) for positioning and fixing an electrically conductive diverter (4). The diverter (4) is situated so that partial quantities (6a, 6b) of powder mixture (6) are located above and below diverter (4). The support means (7) and fixing means (8) are situated in such a way that a ratio of the partial quantities (6a, 6b) of powder mixture (6) above and below the diverter (4) remains essentially maintained.
US08210833B2
A motor-driven compressor includes a terminal housing made of an electrically insulating material and accommodating therein an electrical connecting portion which includes a connecting terminal connecting to a conductive member and an electric wire. The compressor includes a first seal member and a second seal member to seal the inside of the terminal housing from the outside thereof. The terminal housing has a distance-increasing portion that increases the communicating distance from a compressor housing to the electrical connecting portion in the terminal housing. The distance-increasing portion allows the pressures in the terminal housing and the compressor housing to be equalized.
US08210831B2
A piezoelectric pump includes a diaphragm that defines a pump chamber between the diaphragm and a pump body, and a piezoelectric element bonded to a surface of the diaphragm. The piezoelectric element is a bimorph piezoelectric element in which a plurality of piezoelectric layers are stacked, including a neutral layer disposed in the approximate middle of the piezoelectric element in the thickness direction and that is not displaced. The piezoelectric element can be efficiently displaced because a neutral plane of the diaphragm and the piezoelectric element bonded therein is located in the neutral layer.
US08210820B2
A dovetail seal assembly for sealing a gap between a bucket dovetail and a rotor. The dovetail seal assembly may include a sealing slot positioned about the dovetail, a high-pressure supply hole in communication with the sealing slot, and a deformable seal positioned about the sealing slot and into the gap.
US08210815B2
A component, especially a hot gas component of a turbomachine, has at least one passage (7, 7′), especially a cooling passage, which is embedded in an outer wall (5) of the component (1) of the turbomachine and basically extends parallel to the surface (6) of the component (1). The component (1) has a basic body (8) and at least one coating (9) which is applied to the basic body on the outside, and the passage (7, 7′) on one hand is formed by a cavity which is formed in the basic body (8), and on the other hand is closed off towards the surface (6) of the component (1) by the coating (9).
US08210809B2
A system for connecting two substantially tubular members, particularly ferrules of an axial compressor case, is disclosed. The system includes two flanges, where each flange has a proximal face and a distal face; securing members for clamping distal faces one against the other having a junction latch adapted to be housed into at least one cavity; and at least one collar having two side faces provided so as to abut against the flange proximal faces.
US08210808B2
A pump insert (128) has an inner surface which in use defines a portion of a volute (124) of a pump (110) wherein said pump insert (128) is adapted to be coupled with a pump casing (116) by an inter-engaging profiled coupling arrangement (166). In one disclosed embodiment the pump insert (128) is adapted to engage a pump casing closure plate (148) which is locatable about a pump shaft (112) and between the pump inert (148) and the pump casing (110).
US08210799B1
A bi-metallic strip seal used to seal the gap between adjacent shroud segments in a gas turbine engine. The bi-metallic strip seal is formed from one or more layers of bi-metallic materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion. In a cold state the bi metallic strip seal will fit within the slot easily, while in the hot state the strip seal will expand to fit tightly within the slot and block leakage flow. The strip seal can be formed with the bi-metallic layers oriented similarly or oppositely in order to control the seal force and deflection properties. In one embodiment, the strip seal is formed from four bi-metallic layers in which the middle is bonded while the adjacent layers are free from shear.
US08210795B2
A flow-guiding device, connected between two fans disposed in series and rotating in the same rotation direction, includes a main frame and a plurality of flow-guiding pieces. The flow-guiding pieces are connected with the main frame. Each of the flow-guiding pieces is disposed corresponding to the stationary flow guiding device of the above fan so as to form a completed flow guiding device. A fan assembly including the flow-guiding device is also disclosed.
US08210788B2
Systems and methods for attaching a cover to a text body to create bound documents with floating and attached spines are described. In some embodiments, a solid pressure sensitive adhesive film is applied between a cover and the side hinge areas of a text body, and a cover is bound to the side hinge areas of the text body with pressure. A solid pressure sensitive adhesive tape may be dispensed from an adhesive dispenser that includes a plug-in cartridge housing, a supply spool, and a take-up spool. In other embodiments, an adhesive sheet that includes a hot melt adhesive film and a backing is applied to the text body, with the hot melt adhesive film in contact with the side hinge areas and the spine of the text body. The hot melt adhesive is exposed in areas corresponding to the side hinge areas of the text body for attaching the cover to the text body. In one embodiment, an adhesive sheet includes a hot melt adhesive film and a backing layer that is attached to the hot melt adhesive film and has one or more slits extending in a substantially longitudinal direction. The slitted backing layer is configured to expose the hot melt adhesive upon stretching of the backing layer in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
US08210786B2
A fastening device for fixing a member to be fixed to a fixing member through a screw, the fastening device includes: a top plate portion; and a pair of leg piece portions respectively suspended from the two side edges of the top plate portion, wherein the top plate portion includes two pairs of first elastic securing pieces disposed opposed to each other for defining a first screw hole formed in the screw, and two pairs of regulating pieces respectively interposed between the first elastic securing pieces for defining a first guide hole having a diameter larger than the first screw hole.
US08210783B2
The invention relates to a threaded fastener. In particular, the invention relates to a threaded fastener such as a nut or a bolt. In an embodiment of the invention, a threaded fastener in the form of a nut (10) is disclosed. The nut comprises a main body portion (12); a lip portion (14) extending from the main body portion; and a recess (16) formed in the main body portion adjacent the lip portion. The recess is shaped to receive at least part of the deformable lip portion when a mating torque is applied to the fastener causing the deformable lip portion to deform. In this fashion, when the fastener is used to clamp two or more components together, such as flanges (20, 22) on adjacent pipe sections, the lip portion encounters a surface of the component that the fastener is being used to clamp against. As the fastener is torqued-up to a desired level, to provide a determined mating force, the lip portion is deformed into the recess in the main body portion.
US08210780B2
A router is provided, which includes a main body with a pair of coupling hollows, and a base having a pair of guide shafts standing on. Each of the pair of coupling hollows has an opening facing downward through which a corresponding guide shaft is inserted. A linear ball bearing which serves as a bushing to support a corresponding guide shaft is provided in a lower portion of at least one of the coupling hollows. With this linear ball bearing, the guide shaft can be slid in the coupling hollow smoothly.
US08210777B2
An object of the invention is to provide a cutting insert suitably usable even in a cutting. A cutting insert of the invention is formed in a substantially plate shape, wherein a groove part (6) is formed in a flank face (4), a main cutting edge (5) is composed of a plurality of main cutting edge divisions (5a) divided by the groove part (6), and a concave part (7) depressed in a rake face (2) is formed in a vicinity corresponding to each of the main cutting edge divisions (5) in the rake face (2).
US08210771B1
A system for reducing evaporation of slow moving water in a water conveyance structure, such as an aqueduct or canal, which includes a series of floating membrane sheets, where each sheet has a leading edge attached to a cable anchored at each end to the water conveyance structure across the water and a trailing edge that underlies the leading edge of the adjacent sheet and that floats on the surface of the water, with the membrane sheets carrying a solar energy system for the production of electrical energy.
US08210768B2
Roadways are deiced or ice formation on roadways is prevented by applying salt compositions derived from waste water streams from water softening operations.
US08210767B1
An access delay vehicle barrier for stopping unauthorized entry into secure areas by a vehicle ramming attack includes access delay features for preventing and/or delaying an adversary from defeating or compromising the barrier. A horizontally deployed barrier member can include an exterior steel casing, an interior steel reinforcing member and access delay members disposed within the casing and between the casing and the interior reinforcing member. Access delay members can include wooden structural lumber, concrete and/or polymeric members that in combination with the exterior casing and interior reinforcing member act cooperatively to impair an adversarial attach by thermal, mechanical and/or explosive tools.
US08210766B2
An opening cylinder for an open-end spinning device has a core piece over which the opening cylinder is fastened on a drive shaft and a tooth-set carrier supporting the tooth-set. The tooth set-carrier is fastened to the core piece by a clip connection in the axial direction. Additionally, the opening cylinder has a device for the form-fitting connection of the core piece and tooth-set carrier in the circumferential direction with a projecting part and a corresponding recess. The tooth-set carrier is fastened with a clip connection to a core piece of the opening cylinder in the axial direction. The tooth-set carrier has a projecting part for the form-fitting connection with the core piece in circumferential direction.
US08210761B2
A rigid low cost cosmetic container is provided wherein the basic elements, a tubular container and an applicator wand, are integrally formed as a unitary body. The wand extends inwardly from the top of the container into a product reservoir to form of an applicator end. The wand extends upwardly from the top end of the container to form a handle which may be provided in dimensions approximating the cap on a saleable package. The container and wand are separated by a frangible connection in the top end of the container. The bottom margin of the container sidewall is provided with a substantially reduced thickness to permit the container to be pinched and hermetically sealed after the product reservoir is filled with a quantity of product.
US08210757B2
The invention relates to an adapter (1) for securing a camera (2) or an optical measuring device onto a telescope (3). The adapter (1) comprises a platform (6) for securing the camera (2) and a cylindrical sleeve (4) for securing onto an eyepiece (16) of the telescope (3), wherein the sleeve (4) is attached by flange onto a base plate (5) extending at right angles to a sleeve axis (7). On the base plate (5) a guide is formed, which is formed by two guiding tracks (9, 10) and runs at right angles to the sleeve axis (7), wherein the platform (6) can be adjusted by said guide. On the platform (6) a mechanical stage (23) is also arranged by means of which the camera (2) can be adjusted in a plane running parallel to the sleeve axis (7).
US08210753B2
A gap between a bearing box and a roll portion and so on which are not used for absorbing an expansion of a roll are reduced, and by increasing axial widths of the bearing box and cylindrical roller bearing for that, a loading capacity of the cylindrical roller bearing is enhanced.A first side face 13A of the bearing box 13 located at one side in the axial direction is disposed outwardly with respect to a central line Y2 between two roll portions 22A, 22B than a second side face 13B located at an other side in the axial direction, and a gap a1 between this first side face 13A and the roll portion 22A opposed thereto is made smaller than a gap a2 between the second side face 13B and the roll portion 22B opposed thereto.
US08210748B2
Peeling-off of an oil-repellent film can be reliably prevented. A fluid dynamic bearing device (1) includes a shaft member (2) and first and second flange portions (9, 10) serving as seal portions fixed to the shaft member (2). On outer peripheral sides of the first and second flange portions (9, 10), a first seal space (S1) and a second seal space (S2) are formed, respectively. Oil-repellent films (11) are provided on end surfaces of the first flange portion (9) and the second flange portion (10) separately from a pressure-receiving surface (12) subjected to pressure at a time of assembly, the end surfaces being exposed to external air.
US08210743B2
A temperature sensor circuit includes a band-gap reference voltage circuit. The resistor and diode-connected bipolar transistor of the band-gap reference voltage circuit are separated into a transistor-resistor series circuit and a transistor-diode series circuit. The transistor-resistor series circuit is configured such that an emitter of the bipolar transistor Q21 is connected to a power supply voltage terminal VCC, a collector thereof is grounded via the resistor R2. The transistor-diode series circuit is configured such that an emitter of the bipolar transistor Q20 is connected to the power supply voltage terminal VCC, a collector thereof is connected to a collector of the diode-connected bipolar transistor Q19, and an emitter of the diode-connected bipolar transistor is grounded. A voltage divider circuit 5 having a plurality of output terminals is connected to the transistor-resistor series circuit and the transistor-diode series circuit via first and second buffer circuits 3 and 4, respectively.
US08210739B2
A movement for a timepiece, that includes: a housing (10, 12); an energy source; a gear driven by the energy source (14); a frame (26) for a tourbillon (18) rotatingly mounted on the housing (10, 12) about a first axis (AA) and driven by the gear (14); a balance (32) mounted so as to oscillate in bearings on the frame (26); and an escapement (16, 34) including a fixed wheel (16) and a control member (34) interacting with the balance (32), the fixed wheel (16) sustaining the balance (32). In this movement, the bearings are arranged so that the balance (32) oscillates about a second axis (BB) inclined relative to the first axis (AA).
US08210736B2
An improved post-mix type food product dispenser that includes a housing having a clear, transparent visual display that permits real-time viewing of the mixing process that takes place within a mixing chamber defined by a rotating rotor that is closely received within the housing. The apparatus is operated by the customer and uniquely produces and dispenses on demand individualized portions of freshly prepared food products as selected by the customer.
US08210735B2
An LED bulb includes an LED module having a PCB on which at least one LED element is mounted. A housing has a plurality of heat dissipating protrusions which protrude from an outer circumferential surface thereof, with a thread being formed on a predetermined portion of the housing. A light transmitting cover has a thread by which the cover can be fastened to the thread which is formed on the predetermined portion of the housing, in a threaded manner. Further, the LED bulb includes a bottom case into which an inverter for supplying a direct current to the LED module is inserted. The bottom case is inserted into the housing to be fastened to the housing. A socket is fastened to the bottom case.
US08210728B2
An illumination apparatus that includes a plurality of LEDs of different center emission wavelengths, a photodetector, a path sharing device for introducing light emitted from the plurality of LEDs into the common optical path, a light-introducing device located on the common optical path to introduce part of the light emitted from the plurality of LEDs passing through the common optical path into the photodetector, a feedback controller controlling turning-on states of the LEDs over preset states in accordance with the amount of light emitted from the plurality of LEDs detected by the photodetector, and an illumination light supplying device located on the common optical path to supply light which is emitted from the plurality of LEDs to pass through the common optical path and is not introduced into the photodetector through the light-introducing device, as illumination light for a cellular analysis.
US08210718B2
A light source module includes a light bar and a stiffened bar. The light bar includes a flexible circuit strip and a plurality of light sources. The light sources are disposed on the flexible circuit strip along an extension direction of the flexible circuit strip. The stiffened bar overlaps the flexible circuit strip and is disposed on a face of the flexible circuit strip having the light sources. The stiffened bar surrounds at least one side of each light source and exposes the light sources. The rigidity of the stiffened bar is larger than the flexible circuit strip.
US08210707B2
Provided is an improved flashlight structure applicable to a flashlight for use at special sites. The flashlight structure includes a press switch whose protruding end is constantly received in a recessed area. Therefore, should the flashlight be dropped, with the press switch facing down, the press switch will not be pressed inward (and hence turned on or off) by accident. Also, the flashlight structure includes a partition plate for separating batteries in the flashlight and preventing the batteries from overheating due to close contact. A lighting unit connected to the open end of the flashlight structure is peripherally provided with ribs of different widths for engaging with the corresponding slots and thus positioning the lighting unit properly. An annular isolation portion in the middle section of the press switch is tightly engaged with the inner periphery of an end hole of the flashlight structure to prevent entry of external moisture.
US08210696B2
An angle-adjustable auxiliary vehicle mirror includes a base and a mirror. The base has a concave rest with a threaded hole. The mirror fits in a concave chamber of the base, with an auxiliary lens combined on top, having an arc-shaped convex formed at the bottom to engage with the concave rest. An opening is bored in the arc-shaped convex. A washer with a through hole is put on the arc-shaped convex. A screw is orderly inserted through the through hole and the opening to engage with the threaded hole to keep the mirror positioned, with the arc-shaped convex contacting with the concave rest. With the screw not tightly engaged with the mirror, the arc-shaped convex can axially slide on the concave rest to alter the angle of the mirror.
US08210695B2
An interior rearview assembly comprising a mount, a rearview housing having a rearview element therein and a connector being configured to be located between the mount and the rearview mirror housing.
US08210690B2
A projection system includes a display apparatus comprising a plurality of tunable Fabry-Perot filters, each of the filters being configured for shifting between a state in which the filter transmits radiation in a bandwidth in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum and a state in which the filter transmits radiation in a bandwidth outside the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. An illuminator provides light to the plurality of Fabry-Perot filters. A control system receives image data and controls the display apparatus to project an image onto an associated display surface. The control system includes a modulator which provides wavelength modulation signals to the plurality of Fabry-Perot filters to modulate a color of pixels in the image and causes selected ones of the Fabry-Perot filters to shift into the bandwidth outside the visible range to modulate the brightness of pixels in the image.
US08210689B2
A total internal reflection prism comprises at least two subprisms. The at least two subprisms define an airgap of a uniform thickness following a one-dimensional curve.
US08210688B2
A projector comprises a projection unit, an image pickup unit, a control unit, and a correction unit. The projection unit is configured to project a video based on a video signal. The image pickup unit is configured to pick up an image of a projection video projected by the projection unit and output the picked-up image. The control unit is configured to determine a projection video projected by the other projector based on the picked-up image received from the image pickup unit. The correction unit is configured to carry out correction of the video signal so that the projection video projected by the projection unit is aligned with the projection video projected by the other projector.
US08210687B2
For enabling to prevent ill effects from being generated in the structures of a reflection mirror, even if increasing an output energy from a light source, thereby preventing ill influences from being exerted on the driving condition thereof, a mirror drive controller unit 7 reads out history data of the past, relating to temperature changes on a micro mirror 1, from a first LUT holder unit 19. Upon basis of the read-out history data of the past is presumed the temperature on the micro mirror 1 at the present time. The presumed temperature on the micro mirror 1 is temperature P temp of the micro mirror 1 at the present time, and upon that P temp are changed vibration (or oscillation) condition of the micro mirror 1 in the horizontal (H) direction and vibration (or oscillation) condition thereof in the vertical (V) direction.
US08210683B2
Systems and methods for using a new corneal ratio, referred to as the Geggel ratio, to estimate how much treatment a patient received at an original myopic or mixed astigmatism excimer laser refractive surgery. The Geggel ratio represents the ratio of the measure of a pre-IOL central pachymetry to a measure of a pre-IOL superior pachymetry. The estimated laser ablation depth (ELAD) is used in a derived linear regression equation to determine an IOL power adjustment that is added to the standard SRK/T formula used to determine IOL power.
US08210673B2
A recording apparatus includes: a first retainer and a second retainer arranged side by side in a thrust direction, the first and second retainers being rotatable and retaining a long recording medium wound therearound; a guide mechanism that draws the recording medium wound around the first retainer in the thrust direction and guides the recording medium in a direction in which the recording medium can be wound around the second retainer; and a recording unit that performs a first recording process on the recording medium wound in a single layer around and retained by the first retainer under rotation of the first retainer and a second recording process on the recording medium wound in a single layer around and retained by the second retainer under rotation of the second retainer.
US08210672B2
An inkjet recording method, including printing with an ink including a chromatic ink, an achromatic ink, and a resin ink; the resin ink contains at least thermoplastic resin particles that are insoluble in water but compatible with water-soluble solvents for resins as well as water-soluble solvent for resins; the inks all contain a silicon surfactant and an acetylene glycol surfactant that has an HLB value equal to or less than 6; and the printing method includes a step of drying performed during and/or after printing.
US08210670B2
A second sealing film F2 is thermally bonded onto a leading end portion R1 of an ink lead-out member 32b of an ink pack and an annular projecting portion R2 provided on an ink casing 31. Thereby, a gap D produced between the ink lead-out member 32b and the ink casing 31 can be closed from outside the ink casing 31. Accordingly, the airtightness of a space S in the ink casing 31 is kept, thus making it possible to raise the pressure in the space S and generate such a force as to crush the ink pack.
US08210649B2
A fluid ejection module includes a flow-path body, a first oxide layer, a membrane, and a second oxide layer. The flow-path body has a first outer surface and an opposing second outer surface and a plurality of flow paths, each flow path extending at least from the first outer surface to the second outer surface. The first oxide layer coats at least an interior surface of each of the flow paths and the first and second outer surfaces of the flow-path body and has a thickness that varies by less than 5% along {100} planes. The membrane has a first outer surface. The second oxide layer is coated on the first outer surface of the membrane and has a thickness that varies by less than 5% along {100} planes and is bonded to the first oxide layer.
US08210641B2
A liquid ejection head includes an energy-generating element arranged on a semiconductor substrate, a barrier layer deposited on the semiconductor substrate for forming a liquid chamber in the periphery of the energy-generating element, and a nozzle sheet bonded on the barrier layer and having a nozzle formed at a position opposing the energy-generating element, in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid contained in the liquid chamber from the nozzle as liquid droplets by the energy-generating element, and the barrier layer is provided with a plurality of depressions, each having an independent contour, arranged within a range, which is separated from the border of the barrier layer, on an adhesive region adhering to the nozzle sheet.
US08210634B2
An image forming apparatus includes a fluid receiving member having fluid receiving cells in which the fluid receiving cells are configured to receive at least one of an ink repellant and an ink, a fluid ejector unit configured to eject the ink repellant to a first set of the fluid receiving cells, and an inking unit configured to apply the ink to a second set of the fluid receiving cells.
US08210623B2
A slide assembly with a damping device includes a first rail, a second rail, a first support frame, a second support frame, a rack and a damper. The second rail is movable longitudinally relative to the first rail. The first support frame is fixed to the first rail, and the second support frame is fixed to the second rail. The rack is connected to the first support frame. The damper is connected to the second support frame and includes a box and a gear which is pivotally connected to the box. The box includes a damping material received therein. When the second rail is moved relative to the first rail, the gear is driven by the rack and rotates while the damping material provides a damping force to the movement of the second rail.
US08210622B2
An example configurable display assembly includes a housing having a first wall, an opposing second wall, and at least one divider movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The divider spans from the first wall to the second wall when in the engaged position. At least one of the housing or the divider flexes to establish clearance for moving the divider to the engaged position. The housing and the divider establish at least one first bin receiving area when the divider is in the engaged position. The housing establishes a second bin receiving area when the divider is in the disengaged position. The second bin receiving area is larger than the first bin receiving area.
US08210608B2
A damper is provided which damps an applied external force in accordance with the strength of the external force (impact strength). The damper 10 comprises a vessel 20 having a cylindrical chamber 21 filled with a viscous fluid, a turn member 60 turned by the external force, a slider member 40 which is moved in the chamber 21 of the vessel 20 by turn of the turn member 60, partition member 80 engaged with the slider member 40, a coiled spring 100 for energizing the slider member 40 toward the turn member 60, and a resin cap 100 blocking an opening of the vessel 20.
US08210606B2
The invention relates to an energy absorption device in particular for the seat of an automobile in case of a shock, said device being substantially in the form of a plate including a succession of cutouts following each other in a deformation direction (X) between a first cutout and a last cutout and defining between them at least one bridge extending in a stretching direction (Y) transverse to the deformation direction (X), the first cutout having a shape slightly flaring in the deformation (X) direction towards the following cutouts.
US08210604B2
A vehicle door structure includes a door body, a window panel, and a washer hose. The door body is attached to a door opening of a vehicle such that the door body can be opened and closed. The window panel is attached to an outer surface of the door body such that a window opening of the door body is covered. The window panel includes an opaque portion that does not allow viewing therethrough at a peripheral region of the window panel. Through the washer hose, washer fluid is supplied. The washer hose is disposed between the outer surface of the door body and the opaque portion.
US08210603B2
Described herein is a frame for a motor vehicle having a first body and a second body, which are rigidly connected to one another in such a way that they can be taken apart; the first body has a first connection bar set in a transverse direction, and the second body has a second connection bar set in a transverse direction, which is set parallel to, faces, and is in direct contact with the first connection bar and is bolted to the first connection bar itself by means of a number of bolts arranged vertically.
US08210601B2
A crash can with a cross-shaped cross section is provided between a side frame and a bumper beam. The crash can connects to an end portion of the side frame in a state where its four projecting portions are directed respectively in upper, lower, right and left directions. The bumper beam comprises a protruding portion which extends in the vehicle width direction. The right and left projecting portions are joined to a top face of the protruding portion and that the upper and lower projecting portions are joined to upper and lower faces of the protruding portion respectively. Plural beads are formed at the crash can at positions which avoid spot-joint positions. Accordingly, the impact energy can absorbed effectively by the crash can.
US08210591B2
A vehicle utility deck and storage system provides improved storage for bedded vehicles. In one embodiment, the deck system (104a) is positioned within the bed (108) of a pickup (102). The system (104a) includes a deck (114a) that substantially matches the dimensions and contours of the bed (108) and support legs (122) for supporting the deck system (104a) on the surface of the bed (108). The system (104a) further includes a number of removable storage bins (124) that can be accessed via hinged hatches (116a).
US08210588B2
The invention relates to a vehicle grab handle (10) having a handle (12) and at least one bearing support (14) for attaching the vehicle grab handle (10) to a vehicle body, a bearing section (18) of the handle (12) being pivotally mounted to the bearing support (14), two shaft stubs (22, 24) being provided on the bearing support (14) which define a pivot axis (S) for the handle (12) and which can be shifted along the pivot axis (S) from an initial position to a connection position, and the shaft stubs (22, 24) coupling the handle (12) and the bearing support (14) to one another in the connection position.
US08210587B2
The invention relates to a device for engaging objects, such as heat exchangers of varying sizes. The device includes at least one gripper provided with at least a first and a second gripper arm, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other gripper arm for enclosing an object therebetween; and a driving mechanism connected to at least one of the first and second gripper arms for closing or opening the gripper as needed, wherein at least one of the first and second gripper arms includes a first and a second gripper arm part that are pivotally coupled together, and an adjusting mechanism provided between the first and second gripper arm parts, the adjusting mechanism being arranged for adjusting the angle between the gripper arm parts in dependence on the diameter of the object to be engaged prior to engaging the object.
US08210583B2
An energy absorber device is provided that includes a generally cylindrical member defining an axis and having an outer surface. One or more axially-spaced, substantially annular members are operatively connected to the generally cylindrical member at the outer surface to create areas of stress concentration in the generally cylindrical member, such that deformation of the generally cylindrical member due to a sufficient force applied to the generally cylindrical member is initiated at the areas of stress concentration, with the areas of stress concentration being reinforced by the substantially annular members. The areas of stress concentration act as crush initiation features and are formed by the connection of the substantially annular members to the generally cylindrical member. Thus, expensive tooling, such as preformed dies, to form the initiation features in the generally cylindrical member is not required.
US08210558B2
A secondary lock assembly for a fifth wheel, where the fifth wheel includes a hitch plate with a rearward opening slot to receive a trailer kingpin and a transversely sliding primary locking member for retaining the kingpin within the slot. The assembly comprises a tie bar pivotally connected at its middle to the primary locking member and a transversely oriented pull bar pivotally connected at an inner end to the forward end of the tie bar. The pull bar comprises a rearward offset tab. A latch is pivotally connected roughly at the center of the latch to the forward end of the tie bar, and also pivotally connected at a point rearwardly and inwardly offset from the first pivoting connection to the offset tab. A detent extends from a transverse wall comprised in said hitch plate such that said detent lies in the same horizontal plane as said latch.
US08210553B2
An improved pedal driving device of a standing type bicycle includes driving sprockets installed at positions of first and second rotating shafts of first and second cranks respectively, and a chain installed between the two driving sprockets for rotating the two driving sprockets synchronously, such that left and right pedals pivotally and respectively installed between other ends of the first and second cranks and provided for pedaling by a user's legs, and when the first and second cranks drive the first and second rotating shafts to rotate, the two driving sprockets and the chain are operated together to rotate the first and second rotating shafts and the first and second cranks synchronously and drive the left and right pedals to revolve along an elliptical track with a clash-free and smooth movement, so as to achieve a smooth, comfortable and safe operation of the bicycle.
US08210546B2
A tube holder for a tube filling machine includes a cup-shaped housing having a tube receptacle that opens towards the top and into which one end area of a tube can be inserted. At least one vertical groove is formed in the area of the inner wall of the tube receptacle into which a clamping element is inserted, wherein the clamping element can be radially displaced substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal central axis of the tube receptacle and is pivotably disposed about a pivot axis that extends substantially tangentially relative to the inner wall of the tube receptacle. A clamping force that acts radially from the outside onto the inserted tube can be applied by the clamping element under the action of upper and lower spring elements. The pivot axis is thereby formed on a pivot bearing which permits radial displacement of the pivot axis.
US08210544B2
Apparatus for preventing incorrect installation of machinery components together includes a tab, pin and pin-receiving hole. The tab on the seal plate protrudes angularly from its periphery and laterally beyond it so as to prevent incorrect installation of two seal plates together in a faulty sealing relationship with machinery components by their tabs making interfering contact with one another producing a visible gap between the two seal plates. The pin is mounted on and protrudes axially from a surface of one machinery component facing the seal plate and prevents incorrect installation of the machinery components together in a faulty sealing relationship without the seal plate between them by the pin contacting the surface of the other machinery component and producing a gap between the machinery components. The hole extends through the seal plate to receive the pin within it when one seal plate is correctly installed between the machinery components.
US08210537B1
A multi-grid tic-tac-toe game herein requires players to strategically plan moves in advance. An associated game apparatus includes a plurality of individual tic-tac-toe grids. Each grid includes playing areas that receive playing pieces. At least one of the grids shares at least one common playing area with another one of the grids. To play, different players use different sets of playing pieces. The players take turns placing their pieces in different playing areas, attempting to form tic-tac-toes. A player forms a tic-tac-toe if he or she places a predetermined number of pieces in a corresponding number of adjacent playing areas that are aligned, irrespective of whether those playing areas belong to different grids. Points are awarded for each tic-tac-toe, and are accumulated over the course of the game. The game apparatus may include a mechanism for tracking each player's points. The winner is the player with the most points accumulated.
US08210534B2
An inflatable vehicle for simulating a driving experience while playing realistic computer-video driving games such as the WII games. The vehicle is life-like in construction and allows a player to sit therein while playing driving game. A steering wheel or handle bar is configured to receive a game controller—which controls the video game when the steering wheel or handle bar is manipulated like a real life equivalent thereof.
US08210533B2
A gaming system having a five card draw poker game is provided. An initial five card hand is dealt and a first draw card is revealed. The player may keep or discard the first draw card. After the player decides whether to keep or discard the first draw card, the player may replace cards in the initial hand. If the player selects to discard the first draw card, this card is not used as a replacement card to form a final hand. In certain implementations, the player first selects cards in the initial hand to replace. If the player elects to keep the first draw card, the gaming system displays a second draw card and the player may keep or discard the second draw card. This process continues until all discarded cards in the initial hand have been replaced or the player elects to discard one of the draw cards.
US08210529B2
A feed input assembly for accepting and conveying sheet material of variable length along a feed path including a processing station for performing an operation on the sheet material and an ingestion assembly adapted to capture the sheet material between the opposed friction drive surfaces and accept a leading edge of the sheet material from the processing station at a point of entry. The ingestion assembly includes transport elements having positionable opposed friction drive surfaces which are adapted to vary point of entry along the feed path. By varying the point of entry, sheet material of variable length can be accepted without varying the position of the processing station relative to the ingestion assembly. Also, a method for operating a feed input assembly having positionable friction drive surfaces.
US08210527B2
A paper ejecting device with a plurality of swinging protruding members is provided which allows a sheet jumping from a paper ejecting device to a paper receiving tray to be ejected with a desired shape by changing the corrected shape of the sheet according to the kind (size, thickness) of paper.
US08210523B2
A paper sheet storage unit 101 is opened upward and forward. Holding members 30, 32 are respectively configured to be reciprocated, between a waiting position and a holding position, by a lifting and lowering mechanism 35. When the respective holding members 30, 32 are in the waiting position, such holding members 30, 32 can serve as a guide surface, on the back side of the paper sheet storage unit 101, for guiding a batch of paper sheets stored in the paper sheet storage unit 101. Meanwhile, when the respective holding members 30, 32 are in the holding position, the holding member 32 is in contact with a top face of the paper sheet present at the lowest layer of the paper sheets stored in the paper sheet storage unit 101, and serves to press the paper sheet downward. A controller 90 controls the lifting and lowering mechanism 35, such that the lifting and lowering mechanism 35 moves the holding members 30, 32 to the waiting position, when a paper sheet storage amount detector 74 detects that the amount of the paper sheets stored in the paper sheet storage unit 101 is greater than a preset amount, while the lifting and lowering mechanism 35 moves the holding members 30, 32 to the holding position, when the paper sheet storage amount detector 74 detects that the amount of the paper sheets stored in the paper sheet storage unit 101 is less than the preset amount.
US08210522B2
A method for positioning and feeding media into a media feed path according to one embodiment includes moving a first media sheet from the top of a stack of media sheets in a media storage location in a media process direction from an initial pick position into a media feed path leaving a second media sheet at the top of the stack of media sheets. In the media storage location, the second media sheet is moved opposite the media process direction away from an entrance to the media feed path until a leading edge of the second media sheet reaches a known predetermined position in the media storage location. After the leading edge of the second media sheet reaches the known predetermined position, the second media sheet is moved in the media process direction from the stack of media sheets into the media feed path.
US08210514B1
A sheet processing apparatus which is capable of improving the productivity of sheet processing as much as possible. An image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet. A finisher is connected downstream of the image forming apparatus and performs post processing on the sheet. The finisher moves at least one of the sheet and a punching unit to adjust a position for punching holes in the sheet. The finisher determines whether or not a post-processing apparatus connected upstream of the finisher is provided with a correction mechanism for correcting a position of a sheet in a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction. When the post-processing apparatus is provided with the correction mechanism, the finisher causes the image forming apparatus to be set such that a sheet conveying interval becomes shorter than when the post-processing apparatus is not provided with the correction mechanism.
US08210512B2
With an arrangement for the timed processing of a book block, consisting of at least one printed sheet or at least one signature, a transfer device is arranged in-between the feed devices for the book blocks and the device for the further conveying of such a book block, wherein this transfer device supplies the book blocks to at least one other processing station. The transfer device is provided with a translation device for taking over or clamping in the book block, wherein this translation device executes at least one rotary or quasi-rotary translation movement. The translation device itself operates in at least two spatial dimensions for the transfer of the book block, wherein the translation movement occurs with a uniform or a changeable movement speed. The center axis for the translation device occupies an optional position in space, relative to the further processing station.
US08210507B2
The invention relates to spring elements and bearings which contain these spring elements, the spring stiffness of the bearings and spring elements being individually adjustable by deformable elastomer bodies or elastomer layers by prestressing. The deformation of the elastomer layers and hence of the spring elements is achieved by an appropriately designed hydraulic device. The leak-tightness of the spring elements and bearing elements according to the invention is achieved through special hydraulically prestressed sealing elements, use of a pressure membrane and special structural features of the elastomer elements.
US08210506B1
The invention is a heat exchanger that transfers heat directly between fluids which are in direct contact with each other rather than being separated by a heat conductive wall. Gas and liquid exchange heat when the gas is moved into and through a mixing chamber, and is directed to form a high speed, forced vortex gas flow. The liquid is sprayed into the mixing chamber to form droplets traveling with and mixing with the vortex gas flow. As the gas and liquid droplets move through the mixing chamber together in the vortex flow, they exchange thermal energy by direct contact. The mixing chamber length is designed so that the gas and the liquid droplets approach thermal equilibrium as the gas-liquid mixture moves into a separation chamber. Within the separation chamber, the centrifugal force of the continuing vortex movement of the gas stream separates the liquid from the gas stream and forms a layer of liquid on the separation chamber wall. The liquid then moves down along the wall to a liquid outlet, while a baffle plate restricts the interaction of the gas stream vortex with the liquid approaching the outlet.
US08210497B2
A double water-seal accumulator used in a perfume dispenser includes a casing defining a vertical guide groove, an adapter defining a vertical guide hole and transverse guide groove, a stop ball supported on a spring member in the vertical guide hole and forced by the spring member to block the passage between the vertical guide hole and the transverse guide groove, a shaft member mounted in the casing and defining therein an angled hole and having a bottom raised portion, and an operating member coupled to the shaft member and operable to rotate the shaft member to a predetermined position where the angled hole is kept in communication with the vertical guide groove and the raised portion is stopped against the stop ball to open the passage between the vertical guide hole and the transverse guide groove.
US08210496B2
A fuel can adapter has a threaded section for threadly engaging with a fuel device. Particularly, the fuel device has a threaded joint for engagement with the thread section of the fuel can adapter. In addition, this threaded joint can be used to connect a fuel can with a thread head, such that fuel in the fuel can can flow to the fuel device. With the fuel can adapter, a fuel can with a head, which does not have a threaded head but has a flange extending circumferentially thereon, is adapted to connect to the fuel device, such that fuel in the fuel can can flow to the fuel device.
US08210494B2
An automatically adjusting control valve comprises a valve body; a valve seat within the valve body; a sealing disc adjacent the valve seat when the valve is closed and offset from the valve seat when the valve is open; an armature adjacent the sealing disc and operable to move the sealing disc linearly within the valve body; a biasing mechanism which biases the armature toward a first position; and an actuation stem configured to overcome the biasing mechanism and move the armature between the first position and a second position upon manual operation. The actuation stem may comprise a portion which engages the armature during movement between the first position and the second position The portion may be configured to deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances of the valve.
US08210486B2
The invention relates to a mounting device for a bar from which to hang kitchen utensils, such as ladles, skimming ladles, film dispensers, etc. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket and a clip. The mounting bracket is formed of a flat plate extended at one of its edges by a 90° bend. The plate has, on the opposite face to the bend, an engaging device and a central hole. The clip has a U-shaped cross section with a front face connected by a bridge of material to a rear face that has a cutout opening into the bottom of the rear face. The cutout engaging device can engage and slide. The invention makes it possible, using a complementary accessory, either spacer piece or leg, to mount the bar on a flat vertical support or under a horizontal support, and to choose the locations of the mountings.
US08210476B2
A kit for modifying a strut of an aircraft with an aerodynamic cover includes a rigid sheath formed from a first portion and a second portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion have a curved shape. The rigid sheath includes an angled leading edge and an angled trailing edge. Convex surfaces connect the leading edge and the angled trailing edge. There is an attachment for attaching the rigid sheath to the strut, the attachment securing the sheath to the strut such that the strut is positioned at the camber of the rigid sheath.
US08210473B2
Improvements to the hinge of a folding aircraft wing including a load bearing hinge mechanism with multiple locking mechanisms. The mechanism includes rigid panels that cover the hinge area when the wing is deployed, and the wing itself covers the hinge area when the wing is retracted. A control lever is used to actuate the wing and incorporates safety features to prevent unwanted actuation.
US08210472B2
Disclosed is a method for improving the performance of transport aircraft. In particular, the aircraft is provided with a rounded nose cone in front of a center of gravity of the aircraft. The rounded nose cone has an upper longitudinal surface and a lower longitudinal surface configured, respectively, to generate a lifting force and a negative lifting force and produce a resultant that is lifting and to produce an auxiliary nose-up moment. The method involves shaping the nose cone to increase the lifting resultant. This shaping is carried out-by increasing the upper longitudinal surface of the nose cone, so as to increase the lifting force, and by reducing the lower longitudinal surface of the nose cone, so as to decrease the negative lifting force.
US08210468B2
An aircraft can include a tail section and a stabilizing system coupled to the tail section. The stabilizing system has a vertical stabilizer and at least one strake that cooperate to generate forces that compensate for a reaction torque generated by a main lifting rotor that produces lifting forces when the aircraft is in flight. Methods for improving aircraft performance include installing the at least one strake and retrofitting of a vertical stabilizer to increase thrust forces produced by a tail rotor.
US08210465B2
In various representative aspects, an airborne delivery system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a container and an autorotating rotor system. The container may contain contents, and the rotor system facilitates control of at least a portion of the flight of the airborne system and the descent. Exemplary features may include a guidance system, for example to guide and control the airborne system, and a wing for gliding.
US08210463B2
A guide for guiding a magnetic data storage tape has a curved support portion for supporting a major tape surface and at least one flange adjoining the support portion. At least in a region of transition between the support portion and the at least one flange, the guide has an under coating of a diamond like carbon material, tungsten carbide, or similarly wear resistant material, and a surface coating having lower surface tension than the under coating. A tape guide apparatus and a method of making a tape guide are also disclosed.
US08210462B2
A winder for winding a web to produce a rolled product is provided. The winder includes a web transport apparatus that is used for conveying the web. Also included in one exemplary embodiment is a plurality of independent winding modules. The winding modules are independently positioned to independently engage the web as the web is conveyed by the web transport apparatus. The winding modules may be configured to wind the web to form a rolled product by center winding, surface winding, and combinations of center and surface winding. The winding modules are structurally and operationally independent of one another where if one module is disabled, another may still operate to produce the rolled product without shutting down the winder.
US08210459B2
A wire winder includes a body configured to anchor a wire and such that the wire extends from the body. The body is at least partially surrounded by a rotatable bobbin journalled on the body. The wire is windable onto the body within the rotatable bobbin from a direction substantially aligned with a bobbin axis. The bobbin rotation is indexed by coaction between at least one projection or depression on the body and at least one depression or projection on the bobbin.
US08210450B2
Disclosed herein is a fluid dispensing assembly for operable coupling to a fluid supply. The fluid dispensing assembly has an adjustable guide spaced apart from a second end region for guiding the correct placement of the second end region relative a target such that the fluid is dispensed for adequate coverage of the target. The adjustable guide is permitted to selectively and reversibly engage with a locating formation in predetermined position such that an Associate is able to assume an ergonomically-friendly body posture during use. As such, the adjustable guide aims to provide an Associate with a means to dispense fluid at a target at the correct distance and angle relative the target while maintaining their body posture in an ergonomically-friendly position. By utilizing the adjustable guide, the Associate is able to adjust the guide such that a right-hand dominant Associate may address the target in an ergonomically-friendly body position which would otherwise be an ergonomically-friendly body posture for a left-hand dominant Associate and vise versa.
US08210445B2
A mobile drip irrigation system that includes a supply pipe connected at one end to a liquid source and extending therefrom. At least one tower supports the supply pipe above the ground, and includes a driver for moving the tower and supply pipe in a desired direction. A plurality of ports are positioned along the supply pipe. The system includes a plurality of vertically oriented drop line assemblies. Each drop line assembly has an upper end connected to one of the plurality of ports, and a lower end spaced above the ground. A horizontal liquid distribution system is fluidly connected to the plurality of drop line assemblies to allow a horizontally uniformly spaced drip of the liquid at a desired distance from the ground.
US08210444B2
A direction-fixation mount secures a track assembly to a flat upper surface of a fixed substrate. The track assembly includes a flat plate having a pair of opposite end edges, a track sitting on the plate, and fasteners securing the track to the plate. The direct-fixation mounting assembly has an elastomeric pad of predetermined stiffness underneath the plate and atop the surface so that the track and plate bears downward via the pad on the surface, and a pair of end restraints each having a rigid outer part fixed to the substrate offset outward from a respective one of the end edges of the plate, a rigid inner part spaced inward from the outer part and fixed to the respective outer end edge of the plate, and an elastomeric mass separate from the pad and fixed to and between the respective inner and outer parts.
US08210434B2
An error detecting apparatus includes: a reading device obtaining an image read signal by reading a two-dimensional code pattern, which includes information blocks having information and boundary patterns, the information pattern including first/second pattern images (PIs) corresponding to first/second PIs, respectively, in each reading range corresponding to a size≧a size of the information block. A reference point detecting device detects an intersection in the boundary pattern, as a block reference point (P, Q), from the image read signal; an extracting device extracts the first/second information data (ID), based on one portion of the first PIs and the second PIs belonging to an ID extraction area determined according to a position of the block reference point; an error detecting device detects whether any error in the extracted first/second ID based on another portion of the first/second PIs belonging to another area other than the ID extraction area.
US08210433B2
A terminal for interacting with a signaling tag includes a controller capable of selecting a signaling tag and thereafter receiving a tag type from the signaling tag at least partially over an air interface. The controller is also capable of determining if the terminal is actively operating an application. In this regard, the controller is capable of performing a predefined action based upon the tag type, such as based upon a tag type of “Read Only,” “Read/Write” or “Transceiver in Show Mode.” And when the controller is actively operating an application, the controller is capable of performing the predefined action further based upon the application and a state of the application.
US08210432B2
A method and system for encoding a numeric value by the placement of indicia at fixed sensing locations on a substrate, each indicium chosen from two or more sets of indicia, each set producing different responses in a sensor, and for decoding the numeric value by sensing the presence and character of the indicia with a set of sensors apposed to the fixed sensing locations.
US08210428B2
A container having a compactor and bin for waste is disclosed permitting on-premises and remote monitoring of the system and collection is disclosed. The system can also detect non-complaint materials placed therein and act thereon. Methods are further disclosed for inventorying identification tags for tracking packages, merchandise and tags disposed of.
US08210427B2
An operating device, including: a non-contact IC reader which reads specific data stored in a non-contact IC; a non-contact IC displacement direction detection device which detects a displace direction of the non-contact IC after the non-contact IC reader has read the specific data; and an operating instruction determination device which determines an operating instruction based on the displacement direction detected by the non-contact IC displacement direction detection device.
US08210421B2
A process for the manufacture of plated strips comprising at least two layers of different metals or alloys. The process allows subsequent separation of different cropped layers resulting from shearing the plated strips. The process comprises preparing plates corresponding to each of the plating layers, superimposing and assembly of these plates to form a composite plate, hot and possibly cold rolling of this composite plate to obtain a plated strip, and shearing of cropping areas during or after rolling. In one embodiment, prior to superimposing the different plates, an anti-sticking agent is applied to the cropping areas of at least one of the surfaces of the plates which will be in contact with each other.
US08210420B1
A method of forming a composite sheet includes the steps of: providing a first sheet having a surface and including a metal or alloy, the first sheet having a given strength characteristic; providing a second sheet having a surface and a strength characteristic that is superior to the given strength characteristic of the first sheet; disposing the first sheet and the second sheet in an aligned opposing position with at least a portion of the surface of the first sheet touching the surface of the first sheet to form a contact area; and bonding the first sheet to the second sheet at least in part by applying an oscillating ultrasonic force to at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet to form a composite sheet, the first sheet having a cube texture characterized by a φ-scan having a FWHM of no more than 15° in all directions.
US08210417B2
A bonding apparatus for bonding substrates having metal bonding portions, includes: a processing container having an opening formed on the bottom of the processing container; a thermal treating plate disposed within the processing container, the thermal treating plate allowing for substrates to be mounted thereon and allowing for thermal treatment of the substrates; a pressing mechanism disposed within the processing container opposite the thermal treating plate and which presses the substrates to the thermal treating plate; an annular supporter which is disposed in an inner side of the processing container along the opening of the processing container, the annular supporter providing an airtight seal between the processing container and the thermal treating plate, and supporting the thermal treating plate; and a cooling mechanism which is disposed in an inner side of the supporter below the thermal treating plate, the cooling mechanism cooling the thermal treating plate.
US08210411B2
A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and handle connected to the shaft. The end effector may comprise a cutting instrument that, when actuated, longitudinally traverses the end effector to cut tissue clamped in the end effector. The handle may comprise an electric motor for actuating the cutting instrument and a motor control circuit for controlling the motor. The motor control circuit may comprise a power source connected to the motor for electrically powering the motor and a current control circuit, connected to the power source, for varying the current supplied to the motor from the power source. The current control circuit may vary the current supplied to the motor, and consequently, the output torque supplied by the motor, such that the motor has at least (i) a first, low power operational mode for a first portion of a cutting stroke cycle of the cutting instrument, and (ii) a second, high power operational mode for a second portion the cutting stroke cycle of the cutting instrument.
US08210408B2
An article carrier configured to be detachably mounted to a trailer hitch of a vehicle is disclosed. The article carrier may include a frame having first and second end portions with the first end portion being pivotably mounted to the base allowing the frame to be selectively pivoted about a first axis between a substantially vertical position in which the frame extends upwardly from the base, and a substantially horizontal position in which the frame extends sidewardly from the base, the first axis being parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a carrier assembly connected to the second end portion of the frame and configured to support one or more articles.
US08210398B2
A thermally insulated applicator for applying heated thermoplastic liquid includes an applicator body including a thermoplastic liquid supply passage and a heating element for supplying heat to liquid in the supply passage. A dispensing valve module is coupled in thermal contact with the applicator body and includes an outlet in fluid communication with the liquid supply passage. A cover assembly is formed of a thermally insulating plastic and includes first, second and third sides, the first and second sides of the cover assembly respectively covering the first and second sides of the applicator body, and the third side of the cover assembly covering the third side of the dispensing valve module. The first and second sides of the cover assembly each include a plurality of point contact projecting elements respectively supporting the first and second sides of the cover assembly on the first and second sides of the applicator body.
US08210389B2
The present invention is a drain apparatus and method that is adapted to support a portable machine, the apparatus includes a housing with a base, and a surrounding sidewall extending from the base defining an interior. Further included is a margin platform that includes an inner and outer periphery, the outer periphery is adjacent to the surrounding sidewall, the margin platform is oppositely disposed from the base. Also included is a divider disposed adjacent to the inner periphery, the divider having a convex configuration facing the base, the margin platform and the divider separates the interior into a first region and a second region. The divider having an aperture for communication between the first and second regions, the housing having an opening between the second region and an exterior environment. The margin platform supports the portable machine that is suspended over the divider.
US08210386B2
A waste management system comprising a trash receptacle, a pouch fixed to a surface of the trash receptacle and including a clasp means, and a cartridge with an arrangement of retainer slots. The retainer slots are positioned to correspond with the clasp means when the cartridge is inserted into the pouch so that the retainer slots are penetrated by the clasp means. The cartridge contains a plurality of liners hung from a support member within said cartridge, the hung liners positioned for distribution through a combination longitudinal notch and transverse slit provided in the cartridge.
US08210381B2
A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon. Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material such as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.
US08210379B2
A collapsible container for containing goods, including a liquid and/or solid/liquid mixture, configured to be assembled and disassembled manually without the use of tools. The container includes a plurality of upright panels coupled to a base by their bottom portions. Each panel of a first type is flanked along its opposing upright edges by a pair of adjacent panels of a second type. Each of the edges of each of the panels is coupled by an edge joining assembly to one of the edges of one of the flanking panels. The assembly comprises a first elongated edge joining member having a longitudinal channel with alternating partially enclosed portions and substantially unenclosed portions and a second elongated edge joining member having longitudinally extending spaced apart locking members. Each unenclosed portion is configured to receive a locking member, which are slid longitudinally within the channel into an adjacent partially enclosed portion.
US08210378B2
The present invention provides a waterproof box which has small size, high workability in its assembling, and high waterproof character. The waterproof box includes a body including a peripheral body wall which has an annular convex rim defining an opening, and a first fulcrum portion which is provided on the peripheral body wall; and a cover covering the opening and including a peripheral cover wall which has an annular chase defined by a inner wall and an outer wall and engaged with the annular convex rim, and a second fulcrum portion which is provided on the peripheral cover wall and engaged with the first fulcrum portion so that the cover rotates about the fulcrum portions. A height of a first edge of the inner wall corresponding to the second fulcrum portion is lower than that of a second edge of the inner wall adjacent to the first edge.
US08210355B2
A tray assembly includes at least one tray device. The at least one tray device includes an angled top wall and a sidewall connecting with the angled top wall. The angled top wall includes an upper surface defining a plurality of receiving portions. Each receiving portion is configured for receiving a lens holder.
US08210352B2
A block strengthening air enclosure comprises a plurality of air cylinders, a plurality of nodes disposed on the plurality of air cylinders to allow the plurality of air cylinders to be bended along the plurality of nodes to form an accepting space, and at least one sheet positioned in the accepting space and attached onto a bended part of the plurality of air cylinders. After the plurality of air cylinders are filled with air and expanded, the accepting space can then be used for accepting an article, and the pat or block of the plurality of air cylinders needed to protect is strengthened through the sheet. Whereby, the air cylinders can be prevented form being piecing through and broken by a part of the article such as a projecting face, angle or edge; the production cost can be reduced, more kinds of articles can be accepted in the accepting space and the use convenience can be elevated.
US08210328B2
A disc rotor includes a sliding portion, a hat portion, and a connecting unit connecting the sliding portion and the hat portion. The connecting unit includes a washer arranged between the radially inner portion of the sliding portion and the radially outer portion of the hat portion, and a connecting pin having a head portion, having a shaft portion inserted through a first through-hole formed at the sliding portion, the washer and a second through-hole formed at the hat portion in an axial direction of the rotor, and riveted at an end portion of the shaft portion so as to integrally fasten the sliding portion, the washer and the hat portion. A riveted portion of the connecting pin is formed into a taper shape, and an outer circumferential surface of the riveted portion contacts and engages a tapered surface formed at the second through-hole of the hat portion.
US08210327B2
A combined motion control and brake apparatus and method includes a linear longitudinal rail, a bearing block supported on the linear longitudinal rail, a linear rail brake fixed to the linear longitudinal rail, a carrier connected to the rail brake and supported by the bearing block, a pair of linear cross slide rails fixed on the carrier, the cross slide rails disposed generally at right angles to the longitudinal rail, a cross slide bearing block mounted on each cross slide rail, a cross slide supported on the cross slide bearing block moveable in both longitudinal and lateral directions, relative to the longitudinal rails, the cross slide including an engagement feature, and an engager operable to engage the engagement feature to release the rail brake and to move the cross slide rail.
US08210323B2
A motion control apparatus (10) in the form of a linear brake includes a camshaft (23) rotatable in a housing (11) moveable along a linear rail (30). The camshaft (23) is rotated by a gear motor (15) causing an eccentric engagement portion of a cam follower (24) to abut with a facing (12) which engages the linear rail (30) to provide a clamping force thereon. A damper (25) is received on a dowel pin (14) secured to the housing (11) and received in a U-shaped groove in the camshaft (23) to inhibit further rotation of the camshaft (23). A shim (20) separates the outer races of the bearings (22) receiving the camshaft (23) to preload the first and second bearings (22).
US08210321B2
A method and system for transporting people in a building using an elevator installation having at least one elevator cage determines a destination story based on the movement direction of people on an access story. The movement direction of one or more persons on an access story is detected using a movement direction sensor. The destination story may be based on detected movement and the access story on which the movement is detected. The elevator cage is entered by people on at least one first access floor (S1, S2). In order to increase the transport efficiency at least one target floor (S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) is associated with the access floor (S1, S2) in a fixed manner, in such a way that the elevator cage (11) travels from the first access floor (S1, S2) to the target floor (S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) associated therewith.
US08210320B2
A transmission belt for driving and/or supporting an elevator car has a longitudinally extending body including an area tensile layer reinforced by chemical fibers. The belt can have a flat friction layer or a friction layer including alternating longitudinally extending wedge-shaped ribs and grooves. Transverse grooves can be formed across the width of the longitudinally grooved friction layer.
US08210312B1
The mobile work platform is a collapsible frame assembly that can support tools, supplies, and workers. The collapsible frame involves two distinct embodiments wherein a first embodiment involves a frame assembly that simply folds flat when not in use, and a second embodiment involves a rotating ladder assembly in conjunction with a frame assembly that can fold flat when not in use. Both embodiments include ladder rungs upon each side to enable climbing upon said device as well as removable scaffolds.
US08210301B2
In a battery mounting structure for a vehicle that includes a battery box mounted on an under-floor side of a vehicle body floor, the battery box includes: a battery pan on which a battery is placed; an outer peripheral frame formed to project from an outer peripheral edge portion of the battery pan; a cover placed on the battery pan from above; and sealing means provided in a joint portion between the battery pan and the cover, wherein the sealing means is disposed above the outer peripheral frame and positioned further inside than an outer periphery of the outer peripheral frame in plan view.
US08210292B2
As one example, a vehicle propulsion system is provided. The system includes: an engine with an intake air compressor and an exhaust gas turbine. Further, a control is provided to operate the compressor at a different speed than the turbine, at least under an operating condition, and to adjust an amount of opening overlap between engine valves in response to a rotational speed of the compressor.
US08210289B1
A microbot includes a spherical housing, first and second servomotors that are located internal to the housing and oriented horizontally and orthogonal to each other, and a plunger within the housing that selectively extends in the vertical direction. Castors are attached to each servomotor; and traction balls corresponding to each castor are placed so that each ball frictionally engages both a respective castor and the interior of the housing at the same time. As the servomotors rotate, the attached castors also rotate, which causes rotation of the traction balls and rolling of the housing, and results in translation of the microbot in the horizontal plane. As the plunger rapidly extends, it strikes the interior surface of the housing with sufficient force to cause a hopping motion of the microbot in the vertical direction.
US08210287B1
A core drill bit includes an elongate hollow cylindrical body having opposite first and second ends with an end section having an end face defining an annular non-planar surface. The cutting head includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cutting segments, the cutting segments being electrical welded to the non-planar surface whereby raised portions of the surface melt during the welding to affix the cutting segments with the face of the tool body.
US08210282B2
Systems and methods for preventing slippage and rotation of components installed along a rotatable tubular shaft and/or in a tubular housing member during drilling operations are disclosed herein. The housing and/or rotatable shaft include a shoulder disposed proximate to one end. An adjustable member is secured proximate to the opposite end. One or more components are installed, covering a first portion of the surface between the adjustable member and shoulder. One or more spacing members are installed to cover substantially all of the remaining surface. The adjustable member is tightened such that the adjustable member and the shoulder apply a compressive axial load to the components and spacing members, causing frictional forces between adjacent objects greater than the torque acting on the housing and/or tubular shaft, causing each component to remain stationary with respect to the surface to which it is secured.
US08210281B2
The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.
US08210268B2
In one embodiment, a top drive system includes a quill; a motor operable to rotate the quill; a gripper operable to engage a joint of casing; a connector bi-directionally rotationally coupled to the quill and the gripper and longitudinally coupled to the gripper; and a compensator longitudinally coupled to the quill and the connector. The compensator is operable to allow relative longitudinal movement between the connector and the quill.
US08210267B2
Disclosed herein is an atmospheric chamber. The atmospheric chamber includes, a first opposing wall of the chamber and a second opposing wall of the chamber, end members sealingly joining the first and second opposing walls of the chamber to create a fluid tight volumetric space, and at least one support substantially bridging between the first opposing wall and the second opposing wall positioned between respective end members.
US08210265B2
An aluminum riser assembly has a plurality of riser joints connectable together to form a riser string. When upper and lower joints are assembled, clamps support auxiliary pipes for carrying hydraulic lines. A drive rotates a sleeve rotatably supported on the upper joint, and the sleeve rotates a union nut rotatably disposed on the upper joint. As the union nut rotates, it moves axially along the riser joint and threads onto the lower joint. The union nut is tightened until it engages an external collar to complete the coupling between the upper and lower riser joints. The entire process can then be repeated for additional upper riser joints to make up a riser string.
US08210264B2
The disclosure provides a subsea overload release system and method. The disclosure provides a releasable connection system than can be overridden during an overload condition, and is resettable in a subsea location in situ. During normal operation, a collet sleeve is slidably engageable with a collet having one or more fingers that can releasably couple a first member with a second member. During an overload condition, an overload piston acting on fluid in an overload reservoir causes an overload pressure and a rupture or other release of fluid through an overload pressure member, causing the overload reservoir to at least partially collapse. The collapse allows the system to extend and force open the fingers to disengage the second member from the first member. When the overload symptom is rectified, the overload reservoir can be reset and the overload pressure member reset or replaced without requiring repairs above sea surface.
US08210260B2
An apparatus comprising first and second fluid intakes, a pump, and a sample chamber, may be positioned in a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation. A method of use thereof may comprise drawing fluid from the subterranean formation and into the first and second fluid intakes using the pump, discharging into the borehole at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the second fluid intake, and selectively diverting at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the first fluid intake to the sample chamber.
US08210258B2
A method of producing fluids from a wellbore that has therein n adjustable flow control device for controlling flow of fluid between a formation and the wellbore may include: providing a tool having a sensor configured to provide measurements relating to a downhole property of interest, wherein the tool is configured to adjust flow from the flow control device; conveying the tool into the wellbore; determining the property of interest using the tool; and adjusting the flow through the flow control device with the tool at least in part in response to the determined parameter of interest. An apparatus for controlling fluid flow between a formation and a wellbore, according to one embodiment may include: a tool configured to be conveyed into a wellbore that contains at least one sensor for estimating a property of interest downhole and a latching device configured to couple to a flow control device in the wellbore to alter flow of the fluid through the flow control device.
US08210253B2
A pump system for use in with a downhole pipe string has a pump comprising at least one cylinder with at least one piston inside the cylinder, the movement of the piston causing fluid to be drawn into the pump through a pump inlet before being pushed out through a pump outlet. The pump is housed in a tube having a cammed surface formed by internal wall of the tube, and the piston has a cam follower such that rotation of the piston relative to the tube causes the piston to move relative to the cylinder. Further, a pump system is shown which has two or more such pumps arranged along the downhole pipe string, the pump outlets feeding into a common manifold. The strokes of the piston or pistons of one pump may be out of step with the strokes of the piston or pistons of another pump such that the outlet stream is more uniform.
US08210251B2
A tubular cutter is run in on slickline. It features onboard power to selectively actuate an anchor and to initiate a tubular cutting operation with a cutter that is extendable and rotatable on its axis and the axis of the tool that carries an on board power supply.
US08210250B2
A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
US08210247B2
The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger with a plate packet including a plurality of heat exchanger plates, which are stacked onto each other. The heat exchanger plates form first plate interspaces for a first medium and second plate interspaces for a second medium. The plate package has a space which is disposed inside a first inlet and a first outlet. Structure is arranged for creating, for each of the first plate interspaces, an inlet opening for the first medium from the space into the first plate interspaces and an outlet opening for the first medium from the first plate interspaces to the space.
US08210246B2
A heat exchanger assembly includes a pair of outer headers each defining an outer cavity and a pair of inner headers each defining an inner cavity. Each inner header is disposed in one of the outer headers, and each header defines a plurality of header slots. A plurality of first fluid tubes extend between the outer headers from one of the header slots of each outer header to fluidly interconnect the outer cavities defined by the outer headers and a plurality of second fluid tubes are interleaved with the first refrigerant tubes and extend between the outer headers and through one of the header slots of each outer header and through the associated outer cavities defined by the outer headers and to the one of the header slots of each inner header to fluidly interconnect the inner cavities defined by the inner headers.
US08210243B2
A cooler having a unitary construction including a channel portion including a plurality of fins on a base, the plurality of fins defining a plurality of microchannels therebetween, a tapered opening formed in a set of the plurality of fins, a manifold portion disposed on an edge portion of the base, the manifold portion including an inlet port and an outlet port disposed above the tapered opening in the plurality of fins, and a separator sheet including at least two elongated openings disposed between the channel portion and the manifold portion.
US08210241B2
An axial fan having a rotatable impeller is arranged above a heat sink with a rotation axis of the impeller substantially coincident with a center axis of a base portion of the heat sink. Radially outer ends of fins arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base station define an envelope which is provided with a recess therein. The axial fan has a hosing including a surrounding portion surrounding the impeller and arms extending from the surrounding portion. Each arm is provided with an engagement portion engaging with the recess of the heat sink, so that the axial fan is secured to the heat sink. Each arm also has an attachment portion at its lower end. At the attachment portion, an assembly of the axial fan and the heat sink is attached to a motherboard with an object to be cooled mounted thereon.
US08210240B2
A casting process and apparatus for producing directionally-solidified castings, and castings produced therewith. The process entails applying a facecoat slurry to a surface within a mold cavity to form a continuous solid facecoat on the surface, introducing a molten metal alloy into the mold cavity so that the molten metal alloy contacts the facecoat, and then immersing the mold in a liquid coolant to cool and solidify the molten metal alloy and form a casting of the metal alloy, during which an oxide layer forms on the casting surface. The facecoat is sufficiently adherent to the oxide layer such that at least a portion of the facecoat detaches from the mold surface and remains tightly adhered to the casting surface in the event the casting contracts during cooling. The facecoat contains at least 60 weight percent of a first phase of yttria, and the balance of the facecoat is a binder phase of an inorganic material.
US08210234B2
A cooling chamber design that increases the heat transfer over conventional designs during the casting process of an aluminum cylinder head.
US08210231B2
There is produced a molten steel containing, in mass %, Si: not less than 0.1% nor more than 7.0%, Mn: 0.1% or more, Al: not less than 0.2% nor more than 5.0%, Cr: not less than 0.1% nor more than 10%, and the like, and a balance composed of Fe and inevitable impurities. To the molten steel, REM: not less than 0.0005% nor more than 0.03% is added. The molten steel to which REM has been added is casted. A cast slab of non-oriented electrical steel is manufactured as above.
US08210230B2
The invention relates to a winding shaft for a roller blind device with a winding tube (2) and a torsional tensioning device (7) that, with a first end (7a), is coupled to the winding tube (2) in a manner that enables it to rotate in relation thereto. The torsional tensioning device (7), at least with a second end, is coupled to the winding tube (20 so that it is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable in relation thereto.
US08210224B2
An apparatus for joining a carcass ply, which butt-joins a wind start end and a wind finish end of a carcass ply wound around a cylindrical drum, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a joining section for joining the ends of the carcass ply; and aligning sections for aligning the ends of the carcass ply during joining by the joining section, the joining section and the aligning sections being disposed below the cylindrical drum supported in a horizontal state.
US08210214B2
An apparatus and method for providing a hydrogen rich gas stream at a high pressure for use by hydrogen vehicles or other devices requiring hydrogen rich feed streams are disclosed in the present invention. As the pressure of gaseous hydrogen is increased, the temperature of the gaseous hydrogen also increases due to the heat of compression. The apparatus and method of the present invention utilize localized cooling via a vortex tube to cool the gaseous hydrogen caused by the increase in pressure.
US08210210B2
A method and apparatus for modular pipe repair, the method comprising attaching two enclosure halves over a leak in a pipe to assemble a first repair enclosure and determining if another repair enclosure is needed for another leak in the pipe. If another repair enclosure is needed, the method further comprises drilling in the first repair enclosure drill hole passages in selected angled grooves thereof to connect to a primary groove in the enclosure, attaching a second repair enclosure to pipe, drilling in the second repair enclosure drill hole passages in selected angled grooves thereof to connect to the primary groove in the second enclosure, and attaching hub clamps to the first repair enclosure and the second repair enclosure. Finally, the method comprises injecting sealant into a plurality of injection points to fill the selected angled grooves and the primary grooves in the repair enclosures.
US08210207B2
A directly piloted valve assembly has a valve body including a bore, at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port and at least one exhaust port or second outlet port wherein the ports are all in fluid communication with the bore. A spool is received in the bore. The spool includes a wall defining a lumen. An actuator is received in the lumen. The actuator includes a shuttle seal channel. A shuttle seal is received in the shuttle seal channel. A solenoid is connected to the valve body. The wall of the spool includes at least one pilot hole in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the spool and the bore of the valve body.
US08210203B2
An aspirator configured to be received within a shower fitting for generating a negative pressure in response to water flow.
US08210191B2
A spray assembly for an automatic dishwasher is provided comprising a conduit system for receiving pressurized washing liquid, and an elongated spray arm including an upper surface and a lower surface. The spray arm includes a dividing wall between the upper surface and the lower surface. The spray arm includes a plurality of orifices formed in the upper surface and the lower surface for distributing the liquid throughout the dishwasher. The dividing wall and the upper surface define an upper interior compartment and the dividing wall and the lower surface define a lower interior compartment. The conduit includes a water feed system and a water diverting mechanism for selectively diverting water into the upper compartment, the lower compartment, or both the upper and the lower compartments.
US08210188B2
A dishwasher with both a single use dispenser and a bulk dispenser, where wash aid can be selectively dispensed into a wash chamber of the dishwasher directly from the single use dispenser or indirectly from the bulk dispenser through the single use dispenser.
US08210186B2
An applicator for applying a substance onto the eyelashes or the eyebrows is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the applicator comprises a rod having an end extending along a longitudinal axis and a brush fixed to the end of the rod. The brush includes a core and bristles extending from a bristle-carrying portion of the core. Substantially all points of the bristle-carrying portion make a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is less than about 20°.
US08210182B2
A continuous positive airway pressure system features a housing forming an airway chamber, and an air pressure inlet and an air pressure outlet. The housing further defines internally a pair of tapered air jets, and a pair of tapered air receivers. The air receivers are located downstream of the air supply jets and disposed coaxially with respective ones of the air supply jets. Each receiver has a taper in an opposite direction to the direction of the taper of the air supply jets. A pair of nasal prongs is located downstream of the air receiving jets.
US08210176B2
Systems and methods are provided for decreasing intracranial pressure and enhancing circulation in a breathing person, as well as for increasing the respiratory rate and encouraging spontaneous respiration. According to such methods, a valve system is interfaced to a person's airway. The valve system has a threshold valve and an airway member that interfaces with the person's airway. The threshold valve is configured to prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during a portion of an inhalation event until the inspiration equals or exceeds an opening pressure of the threshold valve. Also, a small level of external vacuum is constantly supplied at a juncture between the threshold valve and the airway member.
US08210151B2
The inventive volume expansion rotary piston machine includes a body (1) with a circular working cavity which is provided with and intake and exhaust channels (18, 19) and in which bladed pistons (5, 6) are disposed on two coaxial shafts (2, 3). Said shafts have arms (4) which are connected, by means of connecting rods (10), to crankshafts with planet toothed wheels which are fastened to said crankshafts and are engaged with a fixed central toothed wheel (12). The volume expansion rotary piston machine comprises an output shaft (7) with an eccentric (8) on which a planet wheel (11) with a carrier (9) are rigidly connected and mounted, and which planet wheel is kinematically connected to the arms (4) of the two shafts (2, 3) by means of the connecting rods (10).
US08210143B2
A camshaft arrangement having two shafts disposed coaxially, one inside the other. A connecting element is inserted into a receptacle in the inner shaft, such that a part of the connecting element protrudes out of the receptacle, and that the protruding part is inserted at least partially in a recess, the recess is designed to be open at least toward an end face of the inner shaft cam, and that the protruding part has at least two opposite side surfaces contacting two corresponding inner surfaces of the recess of each inner shaft cam with a force fit. The further connecting element is designed as a radial pin pressed through a hole in the inner shaft cam element into a receptacle of the inner shaft.
US08210127B2
In an embodiment of the disclosure, a pet restriction device is disclosed. The pet restriction device comprises an entry panel, at least one door located on the entry panel and comprising a door axis, and a locking device. The locking device comprises a handle, two bars, and two receivers. The handle is coupled to the door and located on the opposite side from the door axis. One end of each of the two bars is coupled to the handle. The two receivers are coupled to the entry panel, and each of the two receivers receives one of the two bars.
US08210126B2
A swiftlet breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swiftlet feeding environment.
US08210119B2
Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray a slide, wafer, or other substrate. The spotter uses microfluidic conduits and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on a substrate. Each orifice is part of a fluid pathways that includes an inlet and outlet conduit. When the spotter contacts a substrate a seal is formed between the orifices and the substrate.
US08210116B2
An engine-powered watercraft includes three parallel hulls, namely a center hull with two or more transverse steps, and two smaller outer hulls or amas on either side of the center hull that are configured to form two vent ducts on either side of the center hull, disposed between the center hull sides and the amas. The amas, steps and vent ducts are disposed along the length of the watercraft and are configured to enable high speed capability and to facilitate pressurization of the vent ducts. The pressurized vent duct maximizes ventilation of the running bottom of the watercraft so as to improve efficiency and to reduce drag thereon. The pressurized vent duct creates an area of lift at the widest, aft-most points of the running bottom, which thereby results in improving the transverse and longitudinal stability of the watercraft and in reducing the trim for better seakeeping.
US08210112B2
A method for improving a slag quality of slag in a grate firing system. The method includes providing slag in a grate firing system including a combustion chamber disposed above a combustion bed. The combustion bed has a plurality of fixed-bed burnout zones in series on a combustion grate. The fixed-bed burnout zones include a first series of fixed-bed burnout zones and a second fixed bed burn-out zone disposed downstream of the first series. The first series of fixed-bed burnout zones is traversed with a flow of oxygen-containing gas. A portion of the combustion bed associated with the second fixed bed burn-out zone is traversed with a flow of a hot combustion gas from the combustion chamber.
US08210110B2
An apparatus for combustion of biomass is provided. The apparatus generally includes opposingly paired sidewalls, a fixed panel traversing the opposingly paired sidewalls, an actuatable panel opposite the fixed panel, and a fuel platform supported by a panel of either of the panels. A portion of the fuel platform is reversibly receivable through a portion of a panel opposite the panel supporting the fuel platform in furtherance of fuel conditioning upon actuation of the actuatable panel.
US08210096B2
A device including a first portion of an infusion chamber and a second portion of an infusion chamber, movable with respect to each other according to an opening and closing direction; a first duct to feed an infusion fluid into said infusion chamber; a second duct for delivery of the food product from the infusion chamber; a pair of guide channels to insert a capsule into a space between the first portion of the infusion chamber and the second portion of the infusion chamber. The guide channels are each produced on a respective movable element; and the movable elements are positioned substantially opposite each other and can be opened to release the capsule into the infusion chamber.
US08210088B1
A soft ballistic shield for protecting law enforcement officers from bodily harm from projectiles comprises a shell adapted to support at least one soft ballistic panel made from a soft ballistic material suitable for protecting a user from bodily injury from projectiles. At least one generally horizontal support is adapted to be coupled to the shell for providing support to the soft ballistic shield when the soft ballistic shield is in a deployed configuration. First and second generally vertical supports are adapted to be coupled to the shell for providing support to the soft ballistic shield when the soft ballistic shield is in a deployed configuration. First and second generally vertical pockets are provided for removably housing the first and second generally vertical supports coupled to the shell. The first and second generally vertical pockets cover a majority of the first and second generally vertical supports when housing the first and second generally vertical supports in a deployed configuration to provide a support structure for the soft ballistic shield to absorb energy from an impact of a projectile.
US08210086B2
A method for applying a braided fabric over a mandrel using a braiding apparatus having a central axis and providing braiding yarns drawn toward a braiding point where a braid is formed on the mandrel, the method comprising the steps of advancing the mandrel through the braiding point of the braiding apparatus, determining a current position of the mandrel; and controlling the position of the mandrel transversely to the central axis of the braiding apparatus responsive to the current position such that a center point of a mandrel cross-section passing through the braiding apparatus is coincident with the braiding point.
US08210081B2
A reciprocating saw blade, for use in a portable power reciprocating saw including a chuck for releasably engaging the saw blade, includes a tang having an elongated axis and being engageable with the chuck for attaching the saw blade to the reciprocating saw. The saw further includes a blade portion having a cutting edge that defines a plurality of cutting teeth. The cutting teeth define a repeating pattern of successive groups of teeth. Each group of teeth is less than about a half inch in length, and includes a plurality of laterally offset teeth, at least one relatively high first tooth and at least one relatively low second tooth. Prior to tooth set, the at least one relatively high first tooth is at least about 0.002 inch higher than the at least one relatively low second tooth.
US08210070B2
A reduction gear capable of satisfying, at high level, each of: realizing a high reduction ratio; preventing backlash by securing rotation smoothness; and carrying out compactification and weight saving of entire mechanism is provided. The reduction gear of the invention is a modified crown reduction gear, comprising: a pressing mechanism 16 operated to rotate; a fixed crown gear 2 fixed to an external member 15; a movable crown gear 1, wherein the difference in the number of teeth between the gears is one; and an output axis 3 flexibly attached to the gear 1. The gear 1 engages with the gear 2 at a slant by pressing-force provided from the mechanism 16. In this instance, contact locations of teeth of the gears 1 and 2 are dispersed at two places existing at both sides between which a gradient center line intervenes.
US08210069B2
A wrist structure of a robot arm includes a forearm body, a first rotating assembly, a wrist body, and a second rotating assembly. The first rotating assembly is disposed in the forearm body and drives the wrist body to rotate with respect to the forearm body in a first rotation axis direction. The second rotating assembly is disposed in the wrist body and drives a workpiece to rotate with respect to the wrist body in a second rotation axis direction. The first rotating assembly has a first speed reducer directly connected to the wrist body, so as to directly drive the wrist body at a predetermined speed reduction ratio, thereby obtaining a predetermined torque.
US08210067B2
A shifting device for a manual transmission having a shift rocker formed by two rocker arms connected by a rocker bridge, which is arranged over a shift sleeve via two slide-blocks attached to a holder at the end of each rocker arm, which pivots about a transverse axis defined by bearing points. A carrier element is positioned off-center on the rocker bridge to engage with a shifting pin of a shifting shaft. The rocker arm closer to the carrier element has a lower elastic rigidity than the other rocker arm. To produce different spring rigidities, the rocker arm closer to the carrier element has the geometrical form of a spring element which is elastic in the pivoting direction. The, rocker arm farther away from the carrier element is a bracket with relatively greater elastic rigidity.
US08210066B2
An assembly for actuating a synchronizer includes a shift fork, a shift rail, and a permanent magnet connected to the shift rail. A first control coil is disposed in proximity to the permanent magnet. The first control coil is operable to produce a magnetomotive force on the permanent magnet in a first direction when a current is applied to the first control coil. A second control coil is disposed in proximity to the permanent magnet. The second control coil is operable to produce a magnetomotive force on the permanent magnet in a second direction when a current is applied to the second control coil. The permanent magnet is moved to a first position when the current is applied to the first control coil and the permanent magnet is moved to a second position when the current is applied to the second control coil. Movement of the magnet in turn moves the synchronizer between engaged positions.
US08210061B2
A gas sensor is fitted to an exhaust pipe such that an end face in which a vent-hole is formed is not visible from any position of inlet portions of the exhaust pipe. Thus, it is possible to suppress entry of condensed water through the vent hole formed in the end face of the gas sensor. As a result, it is possible to minimize occurrence of a crack in the gas sensor.
US08210057B2
Microfabricated tools useful for manipulating small, delicate samples are formed from thin plastic films. The films have a small thickness (preferably 5 to 50 micrometers and typically 10 micrometers) and small lateral dimensions (preferably 2 mm or less and typically 0.1 to 1 mm) so that they are reasonably flexible, but are preferably curved by being wrapped around a cylindrical or flat post to give them some rigidity. The softness and thinness of the plastic reduce risk of sample damage during incidental contact with the tool. Its thinness makes it optically and X-ray transparent, so that the samples can be clearly visualized during manipulations and so that the tools can be used to collect X-ray data from samples. As an option, an X-ray sensitive phosphor is incorporated in the film at low concentration. This allows the X-ray beam to be visually located on the mount or tool. The plastic can also be treated to obtain a desired hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity, mechanically embossed or abraded, or coated with films (for example, of polyethylene glycol via pegylation procedures or of PDMS) that promote or inhibit sample adhesion.
US08210056B2
Air filtration sampling point adaptors for pulsed air filtration sampling of gas turbine air intakes. According to one aspect of the invention, a sampling apparatus is described. The sampling apparatus can include a mounting base plate having a first surface and a second surface, an outer tubing shell having a first end disposed on the first surface of mounting base plate, a tripod configuration coupled to the mounting base plate and the outer tubing shell and a sampling nozzle disposed on a second end of the outer tubing shell and configured to receive an air flow.
US08210048B2
A pressure transfer device comprises a pressure transfer device body and an isolating diaphragm, wherein, between the surface of the body of the pressure transmitting device and the isolating diaphragm, a pressure chamber is formed, whose volume is dependent on the position of the isolating diaphragm. The isolating diaphragm has a material thickness and a deflectable working region with an area A, wherein the isolating diaphragm has a reference position, in which the pressure chamber contains a reference volume Vref, and the isolating diaphragm is deflectable from the reference position at least so far in two directions, that the volume of the pressure chamber varies between values of up to Vref+/−ΔVdesired, wherein associated with a volume change ΔV is a dimensionless deflection measure w, with w(ΔV):=(3·ΔV)/(A·h), wherein ΔVdesired is dimensioned in such a way, that |w(ΔVdesired)|≧2.5; wherein, in the case of all w(ΔV), for which |w(ΔV)|≦|w′(ΔV)|, wherein |w′(ΔV)|≧0.5·|w(ΔVdesired)|, the isolating diaphragm has a non-axisymmetric deflection mode, which is superimposed on the axisymmetric deflection of w(ΔV), and wherein the deflection of the non-axisymmetric deflection mode, in the case of |w(ΔV)|=0.4·|w(ΔVdesired)|, amounts to at least 0.3 times the maximal deflection of the non-axisymmetric deflection mode.
US08210042B2
A spiral wound module assembly comprising: a permeate collection tube, at least one membrane envelope wound about the permeate collection tube, an outer module housing, and at least one acoustic transducer located adjacent to the permeate collection tube. Several embodiments are disclosed including a stand-alone probe adapted for insertion into the permeate collection tube. In several other embodiments, one or more transducers are secured to the inner surface of the permeate collection tube. The invention further includes a method of measuring membrane fouling within a spiral wound module comprising the steps of: a) transmitting an acoustic signal from a location adjacent to the permeate collection tube; b) receiving an echo signal resulting from the transmitted acoustic signal reflecting from an interface within the module; c) providing a reference signal corresponding to a known state of membrane fouling; d) comparing the echo signal to the reference signal; and e) determining a state of membrane fouling based upon the comparison of the echo signal and reference signal.
US08210040B2
An oscillating angular speed sensor includes a detector, a driving portion, and a separating portion. When an angular speed is generated while the detector is driven to oscillate by the driving portion, Coriolis force is applied to the detector. Therefore, the angular speed is detected based on a capacitance variation in accordance with a variation of an interval between a movable electrode and a fixed electrode of the detector. The separating portion is distanced from the detector and the driving portion, and is configured to separate a first space accommodating the detector and a second space accommodating the driving portion.
US08210039B2
A vibrating gyroscope includes a proof mass (1); a spring suspension system (5, 6, 7, 8; 9) for suspending the proof mass; an electrical drive mechanism for vibrating the proof mass along a drive axis (x); and electrodes (2, 3) for building together with at least a part of the proof mass (1) a capacitance system for detecting moves of the proof mass along a sense axis (z) perpendicular to the drive axis. The gyroscope is arranged so that quadrature forces generate displacements of the proof mass without substantially displacing the neutral point (10) of the proof mass along the sense axis (z). This may be achieved by tilting the proof mass while keeping its neutral point at a constant position along the sense axis, or by applying a constant electrostatic force.
US08210036B2
A device (1) for formation testing while drilling. The device includes a drill string (2) with a packer (3) arranged on the drill-string (2) above a drilling-bit (7). The packer can be expanded and thereby isolate a lower open part (6) of a well-bore, distinguished in that the packer is fastened sealingly but slideably over a distance (4) of the well-bore, such that the drill-string can be moved up and down, with or without rotation, within the distance while the packer remains stationary due to being expanded in the well-bore. Also, the device includes at least one pressure transmitter for measuring and transferring in real-time to the surface measured pressure in the isolated lower open part of the well-bore. Methods for formation testing utilizing the device and a device for formation testing of a production well.
US08210031B2
A device for determining an analyte in a sample of liquid comprises an analysis apparatus configured to analyze a sample of liquid applied to an analytical area of a test element. The device comprises further an apparatus configured to prepare a surface of the analytical area by conferring hydrophilic properties to the surface. Analytes in test samples are determined by methods employing the device.
US08210030B2
A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.
US08210026B2
A detector in a gas chromatograph includes a detector inlet configured to receive a chromatographic column, the chromatographic column having a column entrance and a column exit, the column exit coupled to the detector inlet, a restriction integrated within the detector, the restriction located to receive an output of the chromatographic column, at least one pressure regulated gas source provided for normal gas chromatograph operation and arranged to provide at least one gas to a location between the integrated restriction and the column exit, and a backflush controller coupled to the pressure regulated gas source, the backflush controller configured to control a pressure differential between the column exit and the column entrance such that the at least one gas backflushes the chromatographic column when a pressure at the column exit exceeds a pressure at the column entrance.
US08210023B2
The method of calibrating a scale factor of an axially-symmetrical vibrating rate gyro operating by applying an amplitude control signal (CA) and a precession control signal (CP) to a vibrator member (1) set into vibration at a given frequency comprises a pre-calibration step consisting in calculating a reference gain ratio between a drive gain (Gmx) in a first direction and a drive gain (Gmy) in a second direction in modal quadrature with the first direction, and in storing the reference gain ratio, and a calibration step consisting in calculating a value for a measurable magnitude associated with the scale factor by a proportionality relationship including the reference gain ratio, and calculating a corrected scale factor on the basis of the value of the measurable magnitude and the stored reference gain ratio.
US08210019B2
The invention provides a method for producing a pearlitic rail by rough hot rolling and finish hot rolling a billet. In the finish hot rolling, the billet is rolled at a rail head surface temperature in a range of not higher than 900° C. to not lower than the Ar3 transformation point or Arcm transformation point to produce a head cumulative reduction of area of not less than 20%, where the reaction force ratio of the finish rolling is not less than 1.25. The finish hot rolled rail head surface is subjected to accelerated cooling or spontaneous cooling to a temperature of 550° C. or less at a cooling rate of 2 to 30° C./seconds, thereby refining the rail head structure to attain a hardness within a predetermined range, and improving rail wear resistance and ductility.
US08210016B2
A system for extruding teeth in a workpiece includes a first mandrel supported on a first press and including first die teeth that produce partially formed teeth on the workpiece as the first die teeth are extruded into the workpiece by the first press, a second mandrel supported on a second press and including second die teeth that produce fully formed teeth on the workpiece as the second die teeth are extruded into the workpiece by the second die station, and a transfer system for supporting and carrying the workpiece with the lower die assembly from the first press to the second press.
US08210014B2
A flexible forming device for forming three-dimensional shaped workpieces, comprising a frame, at least two working rollers, one or more working roller driving mechanisms and one or more adjusting mechanisms, wherein the working rollers, the one or more working roller driving mechanisms and the one or more adjusting mechanisms are installed on the frame respectively. At least one of the working rollers is a flexible working roller, which is bendable and adjustable. The forming device need not use mold and can realize the continuous formation of a three-dimensional curved surface of a plate-shaped workpiece, and the gradual formation of a tube-shaped or bar-shaped three-dimensional shaped workpiece. The forming device can save manpower, material and time.
US08210008B2
An ignition module assembly having a housing member connectable to an ignition system the housing having an undulating surface. A slider member is connected to the housing member and moved between a plurality of discrete positions. The slider member controls the ignition system based on its discrete position. The slider member is configured to receive a key fob. A spring member is compressed between the slider member and the undulating surface and is configured to slide along the undulating surface as the slider member moves between the plurality of discrete positions. The undulations correspond to the discrete positions and a user inserting the key fob into the ignition module assembly and moving the slider member receives haptic feedback to discern the position of the slider member.
US08210007B1
A method of preventing trailer theft includes the extending of a first end of a rod through a pair of wheels of a trailer. A stop is attached to a second end of the rod to prevent the second end from being pulled through the wheels. The stop has an outer surface has indicia thereon indicating the wheels cannot be rotated. A securing member is extended through the rod adjacent to the first end to prevent the first end from being removed from the wheels.
US08210005B2
A tub having a structurally strengthened rear wall and a washing machine with the same therein are disclosed. A washing machine includes a bearing housing having a flange part and a tub injection-molded with the bearing housing inserted into a wall thereof, the wall having a recessing part and a projecting part formed on an inner or an outer surface thereof along a circumferential direction, and a circumferential rib or a radial rib formed on the recessing part.
