US08228384B2
The invention discloses a circuit testing apparatus for testing a device under test. The circuit testing apparatus includes a filtering circuit, an amplifying circuit, a comparing module, and a result-examining module. The filtering circuit filters an analog output signal generated from the device under test to generate a filtered signal. The amplifying circuit amplifies the filtered signal to generate an amplified signal. The comparing module compares the amplified signal with at least one reference level to generate at least one result signal accordingly. The result-examining module examines the result signal to determine a test result for the device under test.
US08228371B2
One embodiment in accordance with the invention is a video system that can include a display screen and a plurality of video capturing devices located behind the display screen. It is noted that each of the plurality of video capturing devices is for capturing a video stream through the display screen.
US08228367B2
A radio transceiver included in or attached to an imaging camera is used to facilitate the automatic determination of a scale factor in a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. The radio transceiver transmits a radio signal from each of one or more camera positions and measures a reflection profile for the transmitted signal. The measured reflection profile is compared to a simulated reflection profile, generated from a 3D model of the subject/scene of interest, to determine an estimate of an unknown scale for the 3D model. In various embodiments, the radio transceiver may be adapted from a radio device that already exists in or on the imaging camera (e.g., a cellular radio, Bluetooth® radio, or the like) or may be added to an imaging camera.
US08228366B2
A system (100) useful in compositing images (100) comprises a pre-visualization application (102) for producing an initial graphics output (104). A visual effects (VFX) compositor (106) receives the initial graphics output (104), input data (108), and a captured image (110). The VFX compositor and produces a composite image (112) based on the initial graphics output (104), the input data (108) and the captured image (110).
US08228365B2
According to one embodiment, an image conversion apparatus includes a 3D conversion instruction module, a determination module, and a converter. The 3D conversion instruction module is configured to instruct execution of a 3D conversion required to convert an input image into a 3D image. The determination module is configured to determine validity or invalidity of the 3D conversion instruction based on a type of the input image. The converter is configured to convert, based on validity determination of the 3D conversion instruction, the input image into the 3D image in response to the 3D conversion instruction.
US08228363B2
Disclosed are methods and systems for multipoint videoconferencing. A Media Relay MCU (MRM) receives compressed media (audio, video, and/or data) from a plurality of endpoints participating in a video conferencing session. For a given endpoint, the MRM selects which of other endpoints to display in a CP layout at the given endpoint. The MRM transmits the compressed media from the selected endpoints to the given endpoint to be presented in the CP layout. The MRM does not decode the compressed media.
US08228352B1
A flat panel display comprises: a cathode; an anode having a plurality of associated pixels; and, a control frame. The display has nanotubes disposed thereon; such that when a predetermined voltage is applied to the frame the nanotubes emit electrons that strike the pixels thus increasing the brightness of a displayed image. The display also includes a plurality of TFT circuits, each being associated with a corresponding one of the pixels. Increasing the predetermined voltage, after the threshold has been reached, will increase the quantity of electrons emitted by the nanotubes and increase the brightness of the image displayed. This voltage applied to the frame and associated nanotubes may be a pulsed voltage.
US08228346B1
A system and method for maintaining certain content items at a fixed size and resolution and/or position relative to a device display are described herein. Fixed-scale content items are maintained at a given size, resolution, and/or, in some cases, position relative to a display regardless of changes in size and/or resolution of other displayed content.
US08228333B2
An in-vivo sensing system and a method for creating a summarized graphical presentation of a data stream captured in-vivo. The graphical presentation may be in the form of for example a color bar. The color bar may be a fixed display along side a streaming display of the data stream. A cursor or other indicator may move along the fixed color bar as the data stream is displayed and/or streamed so as to indicate to a health professional what part of the data stream may be currently displayed. The color content in the color bar may map out the data stream and give indication of the location of anatomical sites as well as possible locations of pathology.
US08228329B2
An initial polygon obtained from a point group is used as a control polygon, and a control point of the control polygon is offset in a normal direction by the shortest distance from a limit surface generated by the control polygon, so that the position of new control point is determined to allow a subdivision surface to interpolate the initial polygon, thereby generating the subdivision surface which interpolates the point group. A first process to determine the point on the subdivision surface at the shortest distance from each control point, and a second process to move and offset the control point in the normal direction from the surface by the distance between the point on the surface and the initial control point, are iterated until the distance between the initial point group and the point on the surface satisfies the threshold or becomes smaller than the threshold, thereby generating the subdivision surface interpolating the initial polygon. Consequently, the subdivision surface interpolating the point group is generated within a short operation time period, without solving a linear system.
US08228318B2
A frame buffer apparatus is disclosed. The frame buffer apparatus includes a hold-type display for displaying and holding previous frame data; a data reading device for reading back the previous frame data held in the hold-type display. A driving circuit for a hold-type display is also disclosed. The data driving circuit for a hold-type display includes a video data input terminal for receiving video data; a driving voltage output terminal for outputting a driving voltage to a display panel of the hold-type display; a sample and hold unit for sampling and holding voltages of the driving voltage output terminal to generate a sampled voltage according to a sampling signal; and a driving voltage generation unit for performing signal processing for the video data to output the driving voltage according to a plurality of reference voltages, a polarity selection signal and the sampled voltage.
US08228314B2
A touch-sensitive screen and a resistance touch-sensitive device using the same, wherein said screen comprises: an insulating substrate, a rectangular conducting layer formed on said insulating substrate, a conducting layer electrode array formed on the four edges of said conducting layer, a conductive coat formed on said conducting layer, and a conductive coat electrode wherein, at least 3 pairs of the conducting layer electrodes are deployed in said conducting layer electrode array; each pair of the conducting layer electrodes are deployed on the parallel edges of the conducting layer symmetrically; and the conducting layer electrode is set on each edge of the conducting layer. As the conducting layer electrodes are deployed symmetrically on the parallel edges of the conducting layer, the electric filed lines tends to be evenly distributed when the voltage is loaded onto the edges of the conducting layer; thus the linearity of the equipotential lines is enhanced.
US08228306B2
An integrated touch screen and display device includes a polarizer with a layer of transparent conductive material deposited thereon. A touch screen controller is coupled to electrodes of the transparent conductive layer to detect the location of touches by, for example, a finger or stylus. A method for producing an integrated touch screen and display device includes applying a transparent conductive coating to an outer surface of a polarizer of a display device, creating electrodes in the conductive coating, and coupling the electrodes to a touch screen controller. A double super twisted nematic display that includes a capacitive touch panel integrated into a compensation cell of the display is also provided herein.
US08228295B2
A chargeable wireless mouse includes a mouse body, a battery, a charging slot and a wireless signal receiver. A magnetic element and a conducting member are disposed within the charging slot. The wireless signal receiver includes a USB connecting part, a metallic plate and a charging plate. The wireless signal receiver is connected with a computer host via a USB connecting port. When the wireless signal receiver is accommodated within the charging slot, the metallic plate is magnetically attracted by the magnetic element such that the wireless signal receiver is fixed in the charging slot. At the same time, the charging plate is contacted with the conducting member such that electricity is transmitted from the receiver circuit board to the chargeable battery.
US08228293B2
Example systems and methods described herein relate to a remote control including an image sensor disposed on a front end portion thereof. First and second markers produced by a light source are detected at the image sensor. A first middle point is calculated based on the detected first and second markers and a second middle point is calculated based on the first middle point and a difference in direction between a reference direction and a direction from the first detected marker to the second detected marker. A position pointed to by the remote control is calculated based on a difference between a reference point and the second middle point. An image signal is generated for an image based at least in part on the pointed-to position.
US08228292B1
A computer-implemented method for identifying motion-based inputs to an electronic device involves determining that the electronic device has been rotated in a first direction of rotation past a first threshold orientation; determining that the electronic device has been rotated in a second direction of rotation that is substantially the opposite of the first direction of rotation, past a second threshold; and analyzing motion of the device to identify motion-based inputs to the device other than the rotation of the device in the first and second directions, based on the two determinations.
US08228286B2
Disclosed are a display device and a method of driving the same capable of improving display quality and reducing the manufacturing cost. A display device includes a display panel displaying images corresponding to image signals, a light-emission block supplying backlight to the display panel, and a backlight driver outputting a light data signal for determining luminance of backlight. One of a plurality of linear gamma curves is selected from a lookup table in accordance with average image luminance during prescribed frames, and the duty ratio of the light data signal is determined on the basis of the selected linear gamma curve. Each of the linear gamma curves represents the relationship between the average image luminance and the duty ratio of the light data signal.
US08228273B2
One embodiment of the present invention is to prevent deterioration of display quality from occurring in a display device provided with an active matrix substrate even when a larger size or a higher resolution is employed and a drive frequency is increased. In an active matrix substrate of a liquid crystal display device, a discharge control signal line is disposed so as to be arranged along each gate line and discharge TFTs are provided for each source line in numbers equal to the number of the gate lines. The gate terminal, source terminal, and drain terminal of the discharge TFT are connected to the discharge control signal line, the storage capacitance line, and its adjacent source line, respectively. Each storage capacitance line is provided with the common potential Vcom. Each discharge control signal line is provided with a signal which turns on the discharge TFT for a predetermined period of every one horizontal period.
US08228269B2
An inspection method includes an array process of forming a TFT array on a substrate to fabricate an active matrix panel, an inspection process of carrying out a performance test on the fabricated active matrix panel, and a cell process of mounting an OLED on the active matrix panel after the inspection process. In the inspection process, variation in parasitic capacitance through a pixel electrode is measured when driving TFTs constituting the active matrix fabricated in the array process are turned on and when the driving TFTs are turned off, and open/short defects in the driving TFTs are thereby inspected.
US08228266B2
An organic electroluminescent device is provided. A gate line and a data line cross each other to define a pixel region, and a power line crosses the gate line and is arranged parallel to the data line. A switching transistor is disposed at a crossing of the gate line and the data line, a driving transistor is disposed at a crossing of the gate line and the power line, and a pixel electrode is formed in the pixel region. Each of the switching transistor and the driving transistor includes a gate electrode formed under a channel layer, and a stopper on the channel layer.
US08228259B2
The present invention aims to provide an antenna tower structure comprising an essentially vertical elongated tower body with an internal installation shaft provided therein. One or more radio base stations are arranged in the installation shaft in the vicinity of one or more associated antennas at the top of the tower body. The installation shaft is formed to allow personnel access to the radio base station. The tower body is comprised of a metal-reinforced concrete material, and the mass ratio between the tower body and the radio base station equipment together with the antenna arrangement exceeds 15:1. The tower body is formed so that the mass center of the tower body and radio base station equipment is lower than ½ of the tower body height.
US08228257B2
A broadband antenna system is disclosed. The antenna system relates to a modified conical structure, wherein the feed region of the cone is cut away to form a hollow “coneless” cylinder, and the distribution of one or more tapered feed points around the circumference of the cylinder allows a plurality of feed lines, cables, piping, or other structures to be run through the center of the antenna without interfering with the performance of the antenna system. The invention further relates to a stacked broadband antenna system wherein additional coneless elements, as well as other types of antennas or devices, may be stacked collinearly on, or disposed coaxially to, the cylindrical antenna structure, and fed, powered or operated via the plurality of feed lines, cables, piping or other structures. The overall system may thus provide a wide range of transmitting, receiving, sensing and other capabilities. By stacking a plurality of coneless elements with other antennas, the antenna system of the present invention may provide a virtually infinite bandwidth.
US08228256B2
Antenna arrays which can work simultaneously in various frequency bands thanks to the physical disposition of the elements which constitute them, and also the multiband behavior of some elements situated strategically in the array. The configuration of the array is described based on the juxtaposition or interleaving of various conventional mono-band arrays working in the different bands of interest. In those positions in which elements of different multiband arrays come together, a multiband antenna is employed which covers the different working frequency bands. The advantages with respect to the classic configuration of using one array for each frequency band are: saving in cost of the global radiating system and its installation (one array replaces several), and its size and visual and environmental impact are reduced in the case of base stations and repeater stations for communication systems.
US08228252B2
A data coupler includes an antenna substrate that is not electrically connected in a DC arrangement to an electric power line, is arranged adjacent to the electric power line, and is connected to a modem. A resonant circuit including an inductance element and a capacitance element is provided in the antenna substrate. In the resonant circuit, the inductance element is magnetically coupled to the electric power line. The resonant circuit transmits a radio-frequency signal superimposed on the electric power line to the modem. The resonant circuit also transmits a transmission signal from the modem to the electric power line.
US08228244B2
A dual-band mobile communication device includes a circuit board, a ground plane, an antenna element, and a dual-band inductively-coupled element. The ground plane has an edge. The antenna element is located on the circuit board or adjacent to the circuit board. The antenna element has a first operating band and a second operating band. The dual-band inductively-coupled element is located at the edge of the ground plane. The dual-band inductively-coupled element excites two different resonant modes at two specific frequencies corresponding to the first and the second operating bands of the antenna element, respectively. The dual-band inductively-coupled element comprises a connection element, an inductive element, a first metal plate, and a second metal plate. The first metal plate is electrically connected to the ground plane through the connection element. The second metal plate is electrically connected to the inductive element.
US08228243B1
The invention as disclosed is a parallel plate antenna having a number of stacked horizontal plates and two vertical plates. Alternating ones of the horizontal plates are electrically coupled to one vertical plate such that the horizontal plates coupled to one vertical plate are interleaved with the horizontal plates coupled to the other vertical plate. The assembled antenna is mounted on a planar mounting flange. The height/width of the antenna is approximately 1/30th of a wavelength at the frequency of operation.
US08228239B2
A heat-dissipating wireless communication system for a computer device comprises an antenna configured for wireless communications, the antenna configured to dissipate heat generated by the computer device.
US08228227B2
Systems and methods for improving relevant weather determination for aircraft at altitude. An exemplary system includes a weather radar component and memory that stores weather radar data in a three-dimensional (3D) buffer. A processor calculates vertically integrated reflectivity using the stored weather radar data at a predefined reference altitude at one or more locations from the aircraft. The processor then adjusts a lower boundary of a relevant weather envelope from a first value to a second value, if the vertically integrated reflectivity is greater than a predefined threshold. The range of the adjusted lower boundary of the envelope is associated with the weather radar data having the calculated vertically integrated reflectivity greater than the predefined threshold. A display device displays the weather radar data located within the envelope in a first manner and displays the weather radar data located outside of the envelope in a second manner.
US08228218B2
A method of reproducing an original analog signal modified by a distortion and sampled. The distortion may be linear or nonlinear, and the samples may be either ideal or non-ideal. The method determines a stationary point of a cost function based on an error vector. The method iteratively computes approximated analog signals until the approximated analog signals converge to the original analog signal. The method may utilize Fr?chet derivatives and Moore-Penrose pseudo inverse transformations in order to iteratively compute the original analog signal. An apparatus performing said method is also disclosed.
US08228217B2
A system and method for reducing noise in resolver-to-digital converters (RDC) using a cascaded tracking loop filter. In some embodiments, one or more tracking loop filters may be implemented in a cascade to attenuate carrier harmonic frequencies in the digitized output of an RDC. Where a plurality of tracking loop filters are implemented, the output of one tracking loop filter may be input into a successive tracking loop filter.
US08228211B2
A system for adapting a keyboard display to a definable input language is provided. The system includes an adaptable keyboard comprising keys; a software application, operatively associated with the adaptable keyboard; and a computerized system enabling to receive data from the adaptable keyboard, process and present data and operate the application. Some of the keys of the adaptable keyboard may be language adaptable, where each adaptable key includes a screen enabling to present characters associated with various languages and other data, and a touch-sensing mechanism enabling to identify a typing movement applied onto each the screen, where each screen is operatively connected to the touch sensing mechanism. The software application enables defining a language and adapting the presentation of each character in each of the screens according to the defined language, by controlling the display in the screens.
US08228205B2
A vehicle position determination system for determining the position of a moving vehicle in a multi-lane roadway. Two or more roadway antennas each periodically transmit an identifier that is associated with and unique to the antenna to a transponder located in the moving vehicle. As the moving vehicle passes through the coverage zone of the antennas, the transponder counts the number of times that it receives each unique identifier and reports this information to a roadside controller. Based on this information, the roadside controller can determine a probable location of the moving vehicle. The vehicle location information can be provided to an imaging system to discriminate between transponder and non-transponder equipped vehicles.
US08228197B2
The present invention discloses a smart pouch that has a flexible pouch with a plurality of smart tags attached thereto. The plurality of smart tags can include one or more of the following: a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a chipless RFID tag, a time sensitive tag, a time-temperature sensitive tag, a package-has-been-opened tag, a cooking instructions tag, and the like. A signal provided by the plurality of smart tags to a reader can provide a plurality of information to the reader and the information can be related to the flexible pouch and any content, product, etc., that may be contained therewithin. In addition, at least one of the plurality of smart tags can be located within an air pocket.
US08228195B2
A system and method for partially pre-programming RFID labels. Common data associated with items to which RFID labels are to be applied is pre-programmed into the labels. Item specific data is programmed by a RFID label programmer in the application process.
US08228188B2
A healthcare monitoring system includes a plurality of patient wearable sensor devices for the purpose of monitoring physiological data, each sensor device including a radio frequency transceiver. A plurality of base stations are provided at respective fixed locations within a healthcare facility, each base station including a radio frequency transceiver for communicating with one or more of the sensor devices for the purpose of receiving monitored physiological data. A central server is coupled to the base stations for the purpose of receiving and recording monitored physiological data. Each sensor device is arranged in use to attach to a first base station that is within range, and to attach to a second, different base station that is within range when contact with the first base station is lost, attachment of the sensor device to a base station being registered with the central server.
US08228183B2
A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.
US08228179B2
A DPF controller (21) easily generates a display identifier and a speech identifier for providing an image and a speech required for driving a mobile body such as an automobile, etc. from state information representing the state of each part of the mobile body. In order to generate a layout identifier (MEN) for specifying a layout of an image to be displayed on a liquid crystal display device (11), an element image identifier (SEN) for specifying a display form of an element image in the layout, and a speech identifier of speech data to be output as display identifiers, the DPF controller (21) matches a MEN/SEN determining table (23) that stores an identifier table defining a correspondence relation between state information (D) and a MEN, a correspondence relation between the state information (D) and a SEN, a correspondence relation between the MEN and the SEN, and a correspondence relation between the state information (D) and a speech identifier with the state information (D) collected from ECUs (30, 40, . . . ) in each part of the mobile body.
US08228173B2
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for interrogating radio frequency tags. In some implementations, a method includes A method includes successively polling, for a specified number of inventory cycles, a plurality of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in a first state. At least a first subset of the plurality of RFID tags transitions from the first state to a second state in response to the poll. After the specified number of inventory cycles, a command is transmitted to update at least a second subset of the plurality of RFID tags from the second state to first state. The plurality of RFID tags are subsequently polled after transmitting the update command.
US08228161B2
A semiconductor ceramic includes a BaTiO3-based composition, as a main component, having a perovskite structure represented by general formula AmBO3. Part of the A site Ba is replaced with an alkali metal element, Bi, Ca, Sr, and a rare-earth element. When the molar amounts of Ca and Sr are x and y, respectively, and the total number of moles of the elements constituting the A site is 1 mole, 0.05≦x≦0.20, 0.02≦y≦0.12, and 2x+5y≦0.7. A PTC thermistor includes a component body formed of the semiconductor ceramic. Even when an alkali metal element and Bi are present, there is provided a lead-free semiconductor ceramic with high reliability in which the surface discoloration is not caused and the degradation of resistance over time can be suppressed even after the application of an electric current for a long time.
US08228150B2
An electromagnetic actuating apparatus having an elongated actuating element (3) which forms an engagement area (11) at the end, can be moved by the force of a coil device (13), (which is provided in a stationary manner) and has a permanent magnet (4), in places, which are designed to interact with a stationary core area (7), with a stationary bearing element (8) which acts as a yoke, being provided axially opposite the core area (7) for the actuating element (3), which is in the form of a piston at least in places, and with the coil device (13) having at least one coil winding (17) which is arranged on a mount (15) and whose winding wires (22, 23) are passed to contact elements (20, 21) and are electrically conductively connected to them, with the connections (24, 25) between the winding wires (22, 23) and the contact elements (20, 21) being arranged with vibration or oscillation damping with respect to the mount (15).
US08228149B2
An electromagnetic control mechanism (1) with an actuating element (15) which can move longitudinally and can be retained in three stable positions. By way of two coils (3, 4), the actuating element (15) can be switched to a first or to a second stable position, namely, the two opposed end positions. The actuating element (15) comprises an actuator rod (7) with a permanent magnet (8) arranged on the actuator rod (7), such that the actuating element (15) can be retained magnetically in the third stable position by the permanent magnet (8).
US08228138B2
A filter element includes a plurality of multilayer filters that are connected in cascade, each of the plurality of multilayer filters including a plurality of piezoelectric thin-film resonators stacked vertically, each of the piezoelectric thin-film resonators including a piezoelectric film and a pair of first electrodes between which the piezoelectric film is interposed, and a capacitor connected between an input terminal of one of the plurality of multilayer filters of a preceding stage and an input terminal of another one of the plurality of multilayer filters of a following stage, exciting directions of piezoelectric thin-film resonators to which the input terminals of the multilayer filters of the preceding and following stages are connected being opposite to each other.
US08228135B2
A band combining filter for passing signals in a communications band includes a plurality of cascaded directional filters. Each directional filter has at least two inputs and at least two outputs. The nth directional filter is arranged such that output signals O1 and O2 from the first and second outputs are related to input signals I1, I2 to the first and second inputs by the relation ( O 1 O 2 ) = ( R n 1 T n 2 T n 1 R n 2 ) ( I 1 I 2 ) with R and T being reflection and transmission functions respectively. The directional filters are connected in a cascade with the first and second inputs of the nth directional filter being connected to the first and second outputs of the (n−1)th directional filter respectively in the cascade. At least one of the reflection functions Rn overlaps with the corresponding reflection function Rn−1 within the communication band but is different thereto.
US08228129B2
A thermally powered source of IR or THz radiation combines low dimension nano-scale oscillators such as nano-wires and nano-tubes with micro-scale photonic crystal resonant defect cavities for efficient generation, coupling and transmission of electromagnetic radiation. The oscillators have M=0, 1 or 2 resonant dimensions on a micro-scale (approximately 1 um to approximately 1 mm) to emit radiation having a local peak at a desired wavelength in the IR or THz regions. The oscillators have at least one non-resonant dimension on a nano-scale (less than approximately 100 nm) to suppress vibration modes in that dimension and channel more thermal energy into the local peak. The photonic crystal defect cavities have N=1, 2 or 3 (N>M) resonant dimensions on the microscale with lengths comparable to the length of the oscillator and the desired wavelength to exhibit a cavity resonant that overlaps the local peak to accept and transmit emitted radiation. The energy from multiple oscillator/defect cavities pairs can be collected and transmitted by an internal waveguide or external mirrors and lens to a specified location where it is output. To improve coupling efficiency, the oscillators and defect cavities preferably exhibit a physical symmetry so that they are substantially “mode matched”. The integration of nano-scale emitters with micro-scale photonic crystal defect cavities creates a new class of metamaterials that more efficient generate radiation.
US08228120B2
Provided herein are methods and circuits that reduce a differential capacitance at differential nodes of a differential circuit while boosting the common mode capacitance at the differential nodes, where the differential circuit includes a pair of inputs and differential outputs. A negative capacitance is generated between differential nodes of the differential circuit, which can be accomplished by connecting a negative capacitance circuit between the differential nodes of the differential circuit. In an embodiment, the negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the differential outputs of the differential circuit. In another embodiment, the negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the inputs of the differential circuit. In still another embodiment, the negative capacitance circuit is connected in parallel with the differential internal nodes (i.e., nodes other than the input and output nodes) of the differential circuit.
US08228107B2
A method for balancing clock signals in an IC layout includes obtaining a data-flow information of the IC, selecting a first data-flow according to the dataflow information, and synchronizing a first clock signal from a first register and a second clock signal from a second register involved in the first data-flow. The data processed by the first register is directly transmitted to the second register or transmitted through a combinational logic circuit to the second register. The first data-flow is not related to other data-flows included in the data-flow information.
US08228098B2
A pulse width modulation (PWM) frequency converter converts an input PWM signal to an output PWM signal having a different frequency while maintaining a substantially equal duty ratio. The PWM frequency converter samples the input PWM signal for a PWM cycle using a sampling clock. A filter module filters the resulting set of one or more PWM parameters to compensate for noise introduced by potential clock mismatch, clock jitter, ambient variations, and other non-deterministic issues, thereby generating filtered PWM parameters. The sampling employed by the filter module compares a difference between the one or more current PWM parameters and previous (or historical) PWM parameters from an earlier sampled PWM cycle to a predetermined change threshold in determining a filtered set of one or more PWM parameters. The filtered set of one or more PWM parameters then is used to generate one or more corresponding PWM cycles of the output signal.
US08228096B2
An output driver circuit including a pre-driver stage that receives a first data signal, the pre-driver stage including a plurality of first differential pairs that perform current subtraction to output a second data signal based on the first data signal, and an output driver stage electrically coupled to the pre-driver stage that receives the second data signal from the pre-driver stage, the output driver stage including a plurality of second differential pairs that transmit an output signal along transmission lines.
US08228086B2
A socket for testing a semiconductor chip includes a base cover, a conductive sheet, upper plungers, a housing, lower plungers and a support plate. The base cover has a coupling opening in the central portion thereof, and the conductive sheet is fitted into the coupling opening of the base cover and includes conductive parts and an insulation part. The upper plungers are seated onto upper ends of the conductive parts and come into contact with corresponding terminals of the semiconductor chip. The housing has insert holes at positions corresponding to the upper plungers and fastens the upper plungers to the corresponding conductive parts. The lower plungers are provided under lower ends of the conductive parts and come into contact with corresponding terminals of a PCB to electrically connect the conductive parts to the PCB. The support plate has holes at positions corresponding to the lower plungers and fastens the lower plungers to the lower ends of the corresponding conductive parts such that lower ends of the lower plungers protrude outside through the holes of the support plate.
US08228078B2
A method for monitoring and detecting coating defects in a defined section of a coated underground or underwater pipeline provided with a monitoring unit fixedly mounted by sections and at the end of the respective section and an apparatus used in the method.
US08228074B2
A method for estimating cable length includes steps of generating a detection signal to a cable, wherein the detection signal includes a first pulse and a second pulse with opposite voltages in sequence; receiving a refection signal of the detection signal from the cable; and determining length of the cable according to a superposed waveform of the detection signal and the refection signal.
US08228069B2
A test apparatus includes a plurality of pairs of test contacts on a semiconductor substrate; a first test structure which includes a plurality of first test interconnection layers and a first body interconnection layer that is electrically connected to the first test interconnection layers, each of the first test interconnection layers being electrically connected to at least one test contact; and a second test structure which includes a plurality of second test interconnection layers and a second body interconnection layer that is electrically connected to the second test interconnection layers, each of the second test interconnection layers being electrically connected to at least one test contact.
US08228065B2
An electrically conductive transmission cable for supplying a DC signal safely to an electrical device in the presence of radio-frequency (RF) fields in a magnetic resonance (MR) is disclosed herein. The transmission cable comprises a transmission line (STL) comprising at least a first segment (S1) and a second segment (S2), wherein the first and second segments are electrically connected to each other by a reactive coupling unit (103), and a rectifier unit (101) connected to the transmission line and configured to extract the DC signal (203) from the modulated DC signal (201). The extracted DC signal may be supplied to an electrical device or used for cardiac pacing. The transmission cable finds application in auxiliary devices used in an MR environment, for example an interventional catheter with or without an active tracking circuit (301).
US08228064B2
A magnetic field gradient generating system for a NMR system, includes at least one set of gradient coils, preferably arranged according to three axes of a spatial referential system, and a controlled power supplying unit for the gradient coils, the power supplying unit including, for each gradient coil, a converter/amplifier module, the modules being fed with pulse sequences of digital gradient data provided as word streams by an adapted gradient data generator according to a pulse program, each arrangement of a gradient coil and a converter/amplifier module forming a gradient channel. The power supplying unit also includes an automatic blanking system which scans the gradient data words sent to the [converter/amplifier] modules and, according to sensed values, selectively delivers blanking signals to be applied to the modules in order to disable the power stages of their respective amplifiers connected to the gradient coils, when no current is to be fed to the coils.
US08228055B2
The transverse critical-current uniformity in a superconducting tape was determined using a magnetic knife apparatus. A critical current Ic distribution and transverse critical current density Jc distribution in YBCO coated conductors was measured nondestructively with high resolution using a magnetic knife apparatus. The method utilizes the strong depression of Jc in applied magnetic fields. A narrow region of low, including zero, magnetic field in a surrounding higher field is moved transversely across a sample of coated conductor. This reveals the critical current density distribution. A Fourier series inversion process was used to determine the transverse Jc distribution in the sample.
US08228043B2
Circuits and methods to charge batteries of a portable device simultaneously with supplying power to the device for its operation, using a power source with limited maximum current, as e.g. an USB port, have been achieved. The system invented relies upon digital control only. No direct sensing of the current required for the operation of the portable device is required. The control takes care that the sum of the charging current and of the current to run the portable device does not exceed the maximum allowable current of the power source. The current required to run the portable device has precedence over the charging current.
US08228031B2
An apparatus (100) that charges a portable electronic device is disclosed. The apparatus can include a portable electronic device housing (110) including a first aperture (111) and at least one second aperture (112). The apparatus can include a battery (120) coupled to the portable electronic device housing and a generator (130) coupled to the battery, where the generator can be configured to charge the battery. The apparatus can include a rotatable turbine (140) enclosed within the portable electronic device housing and coupled to the generator, where the rotatable turbine can be configured to drive the generator. The apparatus can include a conduit (150) coupled to the rotatable turbine and coupled to the first aperture, where the conduit can be configured to provide fluid flow to drive the rotatable turbine.
US08228026B2
Inductively coupled shelving units and storage containers with integrated primary coils, as well as inductively coupled systems for storing and charging tools, are provided. Power is inductively coupled from a primary coil to a device containing a secondary coil. Primary coils may be integrated into a shelving unit to charge devices stored on the shelving unit. Primary coils may similarly be integrated into a storage container. Inductively coupled shelving units may also be configured to receive and hold an inductively coupled storage container such as a toolbox. An integrated secondary coil in the toolbox receives power inductively coupled from a primary coil in a shelving unit. Integrated primary coils in the toolbox then inductively couple the received power to secondary coils in individual devices. Integrated primary coils may provide varying amounts of power.
US08228022B2
A solar energy control system includes a storage battery, a solar energy operated absorption board, a load, a controller, a first ZigBee module, a second ZigBee module, and a monitoring device. The absorption board is connected to the battery for charging the battery. The load is connected to the battery for receiving a working voltage from the battery. The controller is connected to the absorption board to detect a voltage of the absorption board, and control the charging status according to the detected voltage. The first ZigBee module is connected to the monitoring device. The second ZigBee module is connected to the controller. The monitoring device monitors a status of the controller and sends control instructions to the controller through the first and second ZigBee modules.
US08228017B2
A drive signal for a motor-driven mechanical system has zero (or near zero) energy at an expected resonant frequency of the mechanical system. The drive signal may be provided in a series of steps according to a selected row of Pascal's triangle, wherein the number of steps equals the number of entries from the selected row of Pascal's triangle, each step has a step size corresponding to a respective entry of the selected row of Pascal's triangle, and the steps are spaced from each other according to a time constant determined by an expected resonant frequency of the mechanical system. Alternatively, the stepped drive signal may be provided as a series of uniform steps according to a selected row of Pascal's triangle, in which the steps are provided in a number of spaced intervals corresponding to the number of entries from the selected row of Pascal's triangle, each interval includes a number of steps corresponding to a respective entry from the selected row of Pascal's triangle and the intervals are spaced in time according to a time constant determined from the expected resonant frequency of the mechanical system. These techniques not only generate a drive signal with substantially no energy at the expected resonant frequency, they provide a zero-energy “notch” of sufficient width to tolerate systems in which the actual resonant frequency differs from the expected resonant frequencies.
US08228015B2
A method for controlling a servomotor for driving a movable part of a machine, the method comprising: determining the coordinates of an acceleration and of a deceleration curve for each stage of a cycle of operation to move said part; determining the maximum number of stages required to complete said cycle; initiating the acceleration curve for the first stage of the cycle of operation; and dynamically correcting the cycle of operation, at at least one intermediate point in the cycle, to initiate the deceleration curve appropriate to the stage, at a predetermined decision point, if production line parameters require a change to the operation cycle.
US08228010B2
An apparatus for transmission of electrical power includes an AC voltage source configured to produce AC voltage. A stator includes a primary winding arrangement electrically fed from the AC voltage source, the primary winding arrangement having at least two primary windings. A rotor includes a secondary winding arrangement inductively coupled to the primary winding arrangement of the stator, the rotor being rotatable in a rotation direction about a rotation axis. The rotation axis does not pass through the at least two primary windings, and the at least two primary windings each extend over a predetermined sector with respect to the rotation direction and are disposed offset with respect to one another with in the rotation direction.
US08228001B2
A group of novel power conversion concept is developed with this invention for LED and OLED drive applications. The concept utilizes a single power conversion stage to fulfill multiple functions, including Power Factor Correction, DC voltage to DC current conversion, or DC voltage to DC voltage conversion etc. that are necessary for driving LED devices from an AC power input. Multiple dimming control schemes have also been developed to facilitate wide range of application requirements and enable the system to work with different input power format including AC mains power and variable AC voltage from the existing AC dimmer installations.
US08227999B2
A light output device comprises a substrate arrangement with a plurality of light source device arrangements integrated into the structure of the substrate arrangement. The plurality of light source device arrangements comprise at least first and second light source devices (4a,4b) which are arranged in anti-parallel. This arrangement mounts at least two light source devices in anti-parallel within an integrated light source structure, so that they can be controlled independently from shared control lines.
US08227993B2
A lamp with a quartz electrodeless bulb has a ceramic wave guide with a central void, in which the bulb is accommodated. The wave guide is rectangular. The central void is centered on a central longitudinal plane of the wave guide, normal to front and back faces of the wave guide and equally spaced from end faces. Parallel with the central void and also on the central plane are two further voids for respective antennae. The central void is open through the front face for egress of light, but the antenna voids are not open in this face. The latter is metalized to inhibit egress of microwave energy from the wave guide.
US08227990B2
A high pressure discharge lamp with a capacitive starting aid is provided. The high pressure discharge lamp may include an outer bulb; a discharge vessel that is accommodated in the outer bulb, the discharge vessel comprising at least one end with a seal in which an electrode system is fastened; a frame holding the discharge vessel in the outer bulb; and a starting aid fastened on the seal. The starting aid may have two functional parts.
US08227988B2
Provided is a material for forming barrier ribs, barrier ribs formed using the material, and a PDP comprising the barrier ribs. The material is photosensitive and made from a glass frit composition which is environmentally friendly (no Pb or Bi) and also prevents light scattering. The primary component of the glass frit is P2O5. Other components can be included in the barrier rib forming material such as an alkali-based metal oxide, B2O3, SiO2, etc. The barrier rib formed of the glass frit can additionally include a photosensitive organic material which may include a crosslinking agent, a polyfunctional monomer or oligomer, a photo initiator, a binder and an additive. A method of forming the barrier ribs comprising the glass frit composition is also provided as is a PDP including such barrier ribs.
US08227987B2
Provided are a protecting layer for a plasma display panel (PDP), a method of forming the same, and a PDP including the protecting layer. The protecting layer includes a magnesium oxide-containing layer having a surface to which magnesium oxide-containing particles having a magnesium vacancy-impurity center (VIC) are attached. The protecting layer is resistant to plasma ions and has excellent electron emission effects, and thus, a PDP including the protecting layer can be operated at low voltage with high discharge efficiency.
US08227986B2
Provided are a film unit which can protect a screen of a display device by absorbing and spreading an impact applied from the outside of the display device, and a plasma display panel having the film unit. The film unit includes a base film having a predetermined area and thickness and provided with a plurality of openings formed in a direction of the thickness thereof; and a cover layer sealing tops of the plurality of openings so that a self-elasticity is formed by an air layer positioned in a closed space of the opening.
US08227982B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting element with high luminous efficiency, and a light-emitting element of low-voltage driving. Another object is to provide a light-emitting device with low power consumption by using the light-emitting element. Another object is to provide an electronic appliance with low power consumption by using the light-emitting device in a display portion. A light-emitting element includes, between a pair of electrodes, a layer containing a composite material of a first organic compound and an inorganic compound and a layer containing a second organic compound being in contact with the layer containing the composite material, wherein the second organic compound does not have a peak of an absorption spectrum in a wavelength region of 450 to 800 nm if the second organic compound is compounded with the inorganic compound.
US08227971B2
An ultra-high-pressure mercury lamp according to various embodiments is an ultra-high-pressure mercury lamp in which a luminous tube employing a quartz bulb is attached to a neck part of a reflector by injecting first cement, and a metal base is attached to the neck-part end of the luminous tube by injecting second cement, wherein, if a is the outer diameter of the first cement and second cement after injection, b is the total axial depth of the first cement and second cement after injection, and c is the outer diameter of the quartz bulb in the vicinity of the luminous tube where the metal base is attached, the following relationships are satisfied: 1.3
US08227955B1
An illustrative embodiment of a temperature-activated voltage generator includes a generator housing having a housing interior; a flexible, temperature-sensitive bimetallic element disposed in the housing interior; and a piezoelectric element carried by the generator housing. The bimetallic element is positional between a first position wherein the bimetallic element disengages the piezoelectric element and a second position wherein the bimetallic element engages the piezoelectric element. Electrical voltage output leads are electrically connected to the piezoelectric element. A voltage-generating method is also disclosed.
US08227953B2
A rotor includes a rotor core, a first magnet, a second magnet, a first pole partition line, and a second pole partition line. The first and second magnets are provided inside the rotor core and between the first and second pole partition line. The first magnet is closer to the first pole partition line than to the second pole partition line, and the second magnet is closer to the second pole partition line than to the first pole partition line. A distance between the first and second magnets at a position is wider as the position is closer to a circumference portion of the rotor core. The first magnet and the first pole partition line have a first minimum distance therebetween, the second magnet and the second pole partition line have a second minimum distance therebetween, and the first minimum distance is smaller than the second minimum distance.
US08227946B2
There is provided a flat type vibration motor 100 that includes a bracket 150 with a shaft 140 of which one end is inserted into and fixed to the center thereof, a printed circuit board 110 having a terminal portion 130 receiving external electricity and disposed on the side of the bracket 150, a stator disposed on the top of the printed circuit board 110, a rotor 170 rotatably installed in the shaft 140 and generating vibration while rotating by interaction with the stator 160, and a stopper 180 installed at the other end of the shaft 140. The bracket 150 and the shaft 140 are electrically connected with the terminal portion 130. Further, it is possible to use the bracket or a shaft as an external power connection terminal by electrically connecting a negative terminal to the bracket and the shaft through the contact portion.
US08227932B2
In a wind generator, which effectively utilizes an opening of a door opening and a shell plate, and in which an outside air-circulation flow path for introducing outside air into a cooling heat exchanger in a tower is formed, a cooling medium that cools a heating element disposed in the tower circulates through a cooling heat exchanger, and heat is absorbed by exchanging heat with outside air, an outside air-circulation flow path of a closed space having an outside-air inflow opening and an outside-air discharge opening that are in communication with a door opening of a shell plate is formed in an interior space in the tower, and the cooling heat exchanger is disposed in the outside air-circulation flow path.
US08227931B2
A power generating unit consists of an internal combustion engine (1) and a generator (2), the former comprising a crankshaft (8) received in a crankcase (5) and the generator comprising a generator housing (20) connected to the crankcase (5), a stator (36) and a rotor (30) that is connected so as to rotate with the crankshaft (8). The aim is to provide a power generation unit that requires little space and that allows a precise guidance of a rotor designed for the overall unit power. A concentric stub shaft (11) is fixedly connected at the one end to the crankshaft (8) and at the other end to the rotor (30). The generator housing (20), on its side facing the internal combustion engine (1), has a front plate (21) that accommodates a bearing (23) for the sub shaft (11). The rotor (30) is otherwise overhung.
US08227921B1
The present invention is related to a semiconductor package and method for fabricating the same wherein the semiconductor package includes a die pad having a semiconductor die mounted thereto, and two or more sets of leads or I/O pads which extend at least partially about the die pad in spaced relation thereto and to each other. The formation of the die pad and the leads of the leadframe are facilitated by the completion of multiple plating and chemical etching processes in a prescribed sequence. The present invention is further related to a semiconductor package and method for fabricating the same wherein the semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die electrically connected a plurality of leads or I/O pads via a flip chip type connection, each of the leads being formed by the completion of multiple plating and chemical etching processes in a prescribed sequence.
US08227920B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a pattern including a conductive layer and a hard mask layer stacked over the substrate, a capping layer surrounding sidewalls of the pattern, and a stress buffer layer disposed between the hard mask layer and the capping layer. The stress buffer layer is configured to inhibit transfer of stress between the hard mask layer and the capping layer during a thermal process so as to inhibit leaning of the capping layer.
US08227918B2
A microcircuit article of manufacture comprises an electrical conductor electrically connected to both a first microcircuit element at a site comprising a first connector site having a first connector site axis and a second microcircuit element at a site comprising a second connector site having a second connector site axis. The first microcircuit element and the second microcircuit element are separated by and operatively associated with a layer comprising a first electrical insulator, whereas the conductor and the first microcircuit element are separated by and operatively associated with a layer comprising a second electrical insulator. At least one of the first electrical insulator layer and the second electrical insulator layer comprise a polymeric electrical insulator. In another embodiment, both electrical insulator layers comprise polymeric insulator layers. The microcircuit includes a UBM and solder connection to a FBEOL via opening. Sufficiently separating the first connector site axis and the second connector site axis so they are not concentric decouples the UBM and solder connection to the FBEOL via opening to substantially eliminate or minimize inter alia, electromigration and the white bump problem typical of lead free solders employed in C4 systems. A process comprises manufacturing this type of microcircuit article.
US08227911B1
The present invention is related shielding integrated devices using CMOS fabrication techniques to form an encapsulation with cavity. The integrated circuits are completed first using standard IC processes. A wafer-level hermetic encapsulation is applied to form a cavity above the sensitive portion of the circuits using IC-foundry compatible processes. The encapsulation and cavity provide a hermetic inert environment that shields the sensitive circuits from EM interference, noise, moisture, gas, and corrosion from the outside environment.
US08227902B2
A semiconductor chip includes a through-silicon via (TSV), a device region, and a cross-talk prevention ring encircling one of the device region and the TSV. The TSV is isolated from substantially all device regions comprising active devices by the cross-talk prevention ring.
US08227899B2
Provided is an apparatus that includes an integrated circuit located in a first region of a substrate having first and second opposing major surfaces and an alignment mark located in a second region of the substrate and extending through the substrate between the first and second surfaces.
US08227897B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate comprising a cell region and a peripheral circuit region, a first resistance layer and a second resistance layer spaced apart from each other and sequentially stacked on the semiconductor substrate of the peripheral circuit region, a first plug connected to the first resistance layer, and a second plug connected to the first and second resistance layers in common.
US08227892B2
An integrated receiver with channel selection and image rejection substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides programmable attenuation and a programmable gain low noise amplifier. Frequency conversion circuitry advantageously uses LC filters integrated onto the substrate in conjunction with image reject mixers to provide sufficient image frequency rejection. Filter tuning and inductor Q compensation over temperature are performed on chip. The filters utilize multi track spiral inductors with shields to increase circuit Q. The filters are tuned using local oscillators to tune a substitute filter, and frequency scaling during filter component values to those of the filter being tuned. In conjunction with filtering, frequency planning provides additional image rejection. The advantageous choice of local oscillator signal generation methods on chip is by PLL out of band local oscillation and by direct synthesis for in band local oscillator. The VCOs in the PLLs are centered using a control circuit to center the tuning capacitance range. A differential crystal oscillator is advantageously used as a frequency reference. Differential signal transmission is advantageously used throughout the receiver. ESD protection is provided by a pad ring and ESD clamping structure that maintains signal integrity. Also provided are shunts at each pin to discharge ESD build up. The shunts utilize a gate boosting structure to provide sufficient small signal RF performance, and minimal parasitic loading.
US08227875B2
Methods for selectively oxidizing a semiconductor structure include generating a gas cluster ion beam comprising an oxidizing source gas, directing the gas cluster ion beam to a region of a substrate adjacent a conductive line and exposing the region to the gas cluster ion beam including an oxidizing matter. Utilizing the gas cluster ion beam enables selective oxidation of a targeted region at temperatures substantially lower than those of typical oxidation processes thus, reducing or eliminating oxidation of the conductive line. Semiconductor devices including transistors formed using such methods are also disclosed.
US08227864B2
The invention provides a semiconductor device capable of suppressing a short channel effect and fluctuation in a threshold. The semiconductor device includes: a plurality of first transistors formed in a first region in a semiconductor layer in a multilayer substrate having, on a semiconductor substrate, an insulating layer and the semiconductor layer in order from the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of second transistors formed in a second region in the semiconductor layer; a first impurity layer formed in a region opposed to the first region in the semiconductor substrate; a second impurity layer formed in a region opposed to the second region in the semiconductor substrate; and a first isolation part that isolates the first and second regions from each other and electrically isolates the first and second impurity layers from each other to a degree that at least current flowing between the first and second impurity layers is interrupted.
US08227863B2
A semiconductor layer having a channel formation region provided between a pair of impurity regions spaced from each other is provided, and a first insulating layer a floating gate, a second insulating layer, and a control gate are provided above the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor material forming the floating gate preferably has a band gap smaller than that of the semiconductor layer. The band gap of a channel formation region in the semiconductor material forming the floating gate is preferably smaller than that of the semiconductor layer by 0.1 eV or more.
US08227853B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor substrate; a dummy pattern extending in one direction on the semiconductor substrate; a junction region electrically connecting the dummy pattern to the semiconductor substrate; and a voltage applying unit that is configured to apply a bias voltage to the dummy pattern.
US08227839B2
A method for fabricating integrated circuit (ICs) having through substrate vias (TSVs) includes forming active circuit elements on a semiconductor wafer and then forming a plurality of embedded vias through the top side of the wafer. A metal filler layer including a filler metal is deposited to fill the embedded vias. Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) then forms a plurality of embedded TSVs that have polished top TSV surfaces having exposed filler metal. An electrically conductive hillock suppression structure is formed by forming a silicon or germanium doped region, or a silicide or germanicide at the polished top TSV surface or by forming a metal layer on the polished top TSV surface having a composition different from the filler metal. A dielectric layer is deposited on the semiconductor wafer including over the hillock suppression structure. The dielectric layer is removed over the polished top TSV surface to allow metal contact thereto.
US08227834B2
A semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor layer including AlXGa1-XN (0≦X≦1); a second semiconductor layer provided on the first semiconductor layer, including AlYGa1-YN (0≦Y≦1, X
US08227831B2
A semiconductor device having a junction FET having improved characteristics is provided. The semiconductor device has a junction FET as a main transistor and has a MISFET as a transistor for control. The junction FET has a first gate electrode, a first source electrode, and a first drain electrode. The MISFET has a second gate electrode, a second source electrode, and a second drain electrode. The MISFET is an n-channel type MISFET and has electric characteristics of an enhancement mode MISFET. The second gate electrode and the second drain electrode of the MISFET are connected to each other by short-circuiting. The first gate electrode of the junction FET and the second source electrode of the MISFET are connected to each other by short-circuiting.
US08227826B2
Affords a method of storing GaN substrates from which semiconductor devices of favorable properties can be manufactured, the stored substrates, and semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing the semiconductor devices. In the GaN substrate storing method, a GaN substrate (1) is stored in an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 18 vol. % or less, and/or a water-vapor concentration of 12 g/m3 or less. Surface roughness Ra of a first principal face on, and roughness Ra of a second principal face on, the GaN substrate stored by the storing method are brought to no more than 20 nm and to no more than 20 μm, respectively. In addition, the GaN substrates are rendered such that the principal faces form an off-axis angle with the (0001) plane of from 0.05° to 2° in the <1 100> direction, and from 0° to 1° in the <11 20> direction.
US08227814B2
A semiconductor device includes: an insulating base; a semiconductor element provided on the insulating base; a protector provided on the semiconductor element; and a frame provided on a periphery of the insulating base and surrounding the semiconductor element. A region inside the frame is filled with a sealing resin, and at least one groove is provided in an upper corner portion of the frame on the semiconductor element side of the frame.
US08227809B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an EL display device having a high operation performance and reliability.The switching TFT 201 formed within a pixel has a multi-gate structure, which is a structure which imposes an importance on reduction of OFF current value. Further, the current control TFT 202 has a channel width wider than that of the switching TFT to make a structure appropriate for flowing electric current. Morever, the LDD region 33 of the current control TFT 202 is formed so as to overlap a portion of the gate electrode 35 to make a structure which imposes importance on prevention of hot carrier injection and reduction of OFF current value.
US08227807B2
By controlling the luminance of light emitting element not by means of a voltage to be impressed to the TFT but by means of controlling a current that flows to the TFT in a signal line drive circuit, the current that flows to the light emitting element is held to a desired value without depending on the characteristics of the TFT. Further, a voltage of inverted bias is impressed to the light emitting element every predetermined period. Since a multiplier effect is given by the two configurations described above, it is possible to prevent the luminance from deteriorating due to a deterioration of the organic luminescent layer, and further, it is possible to maintain the current that flows to the light emitting element to a desired value without depending on the characteristics of the TFT.
US08227798B2
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device (organic EL device) which is improved in luminous efficiency, fully secured of driving stability, and of simple constitution. Also disclosed is a compound useful for the fabrication of said organic EL device. The organic electroluminescent device comprises organic layers including a light-emitting layer disposed between an anode and a cathode which are piled one upon another on a substrate and said organic layers comprise a compound represented by general formula (1). A light-emitting layer containing a phosphorescent dopant is suitable for an organic layer comprising a compound represented by general formula (1). In general formula (1), X is CR or N; Ar1 to Ar3 each is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group; Ar2, Ar3 and the nitrogen to which Ar2 and Ar3 are joined may together form a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; m and n each is an integer of 1 or 2 and the sum of m and n is 3.
US08227797B2
A transparent display apparatus is provided that is constructed to transmit or block a light of images selectively according to a supply of electric power to a conventional transparent organic light emitting diode. The transparent display apparatus includes a transparent organic light emitting diode having a glass substrate, a transparent anode, a hole transport layer, an emitting layer, an electron transport layer and a transparent cathode. The transparent display apparatus includes an insulating layer stacked on the transparent cathode, and first and second transparent ITOs stacked on the insulating layer to deliver electromotive force onto an entire surface and to transmit or block the light of images according to the on/off state of a power source. The transparent display apparatus also includes an electro chromic layer provided between the first and the second transparent ITOs and including transparent and colorless chemicals. The electro chromic layer forms a color through oxidation-reduction reaction of the chemicals according to the on/off state of the power source to absorb or block the light of images. The transparent display apparatus further includes a substrate stacked on the second transparent ITO.
US08227792B2
Thermal mixing methods of forming a substantially relaxed and low-defect SGOI substrate material are provided. The methods include a patterning step which is used to form a structure containing at least SiGe islands formed atop a Ge resistant diffusion barrier layer. Patterning of the SiGe layer into islands changes the local forces acting at each of the island edges in such a way so that the relaxation force is greater than the forces that oppose relaxation. The absence of restoring forces at the edges of the patterned layers allows the final SiGe film to relax further than it would if the film was continuous.
US08227789B2
Devices and techniques related to UV light-emitting devices that can be implemented in ways that improve the light-emitting efficiency of an UV light-emitting device using a group III nitride semiconductor.
US08227788B2
A nonvolatile memory element comprises a resistance variable element 105 configured to reversibly change between a low-resistance state and a high-resistance state in response to electric signals with different polarities which are applied thereto; and a current controlling element 112 configured such that when a current flowing when a voltage whose absolute value is a first value as a desired value which is larger than 0 and smaller than a predetermined voltage value and whose polarity is a first polarity is applied is a first current and a current flowing when a voltage whose absolute value is the first value and whose polarity is a second polarity different from the first polarity is applied is a second current, the first current is higher than the second current, and the resistance variable element is connected in series with the current controlling element such that a polarity of a voltage applied to the current controlling element when the resistance variable element is changed from the low-resistance state to the high-resistance state is the first polarity.
US08227784B2
A semiconductor memory device includes first lines and second lines and a memory cell array. The first lines and second lines are formed to intersect each other. The memory cell array includes memory cells arranged at intersections of the first lines and the second lines and each formed by connecting a rectification element and a variable-resistance element in series. The rectification element includes a first semiconductor region having an n-type and a second semiconductor region having a p-type. At least a portion of the first semiconductor region is made of a silicon-carbide mixture (Si1-xCx (0
US08227773B2
A glitch duration threshold is determined based on an allowable dose uniformity, a number of passes of a workpiece through an ion beam, a translation velocity, and a beam size. A beam dropout checking routine repeatedly measures beam current during implantation. A beam dropout counter is reset each time beam current is sufficient. On a first observation of beam dropout, a counter is incremented and a position of the workpiece is recorded. On each succeeding measurement, the counter is incremented if beam dropout continues, or reset if beam is sufficient. Thus, the counter indicates a length of each dropout in a unit associated with the measurement interval. The implant routine stops only when the counter exceeds the glitch duration threshold and a repair routine is performed, comprising recalculating the glitch duration threshold based on one fewer translations of the workpiece through the beam, and performing the implant routine starting at the stored position.
US08227770B2
An illumination system is used to illuminate a specified illumination field of an object surface with EUV radiation. The illumination system has an EUV source and a collector to concentrate the EUV radiation in the direction of an optical axis. A first optical element is provided to generate secondary light sources, and a second optical element is provided at the location of these secondary light sources, the second optical element being part of an optical device which includes further optical elements, and which images the first optical element into an image plane into the illumination field. Between the collector and the illumination field, a maximum of five reflecting optical elements are arranged. These optical elements reflect the main beam either grazingly or steeply. The optical axis, projected onto an illumination main plane, is deflected by more than 30° between a source axis portion and a field axis portion. In a first variant of the illumination system, at least an axis portion between at least two of the reflecting optical elements is inclined relative to the illumination main plane. In a second variant of the illumination system, the optical device, in addition to the second optical element includes precisely three further optical elements, i.e. a third optical element, a fourth optical element and a fifth optical element.
US08227761B2
A method, system, and software for calculating the true coincidence summing effects for radionuclide spectroscopy analysis. A set of equations which can be implemented with a stored computer program performs calculations to correct the spectroscopic analysis data for gamma-gamma coincidence events, gamma-X-ray coincidence events, as well as gamma-annihilation photon coincidence events. The net gamma-ray, KX-ray and annihilation photon summing-out probabilities for the analytic gamma-ray is the total summing-out probability from all gamma-ray summing-out chains subtracted by the total summing-out probability from all gamma-ray sub-cascade chains involving the analytic gamma-ray. A total efficiency calculation is performed to eliminate the need for using radioactive sources to create summing specific calibration measurements and for increased accuracy.
US08227754B2
The invention relates to an optical imaging detector for fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging of an imaged object that can be used for tomographic imaging. The optical imaging detector comprises at least one micro-lens array with a plurality of micro-lenses. A photo detector can be located either in the focal plane of the micro-lens array or can be connected to the micro-lens array by a network of optical fibers and be located externally.
US08227742B2
An optical control system is described, which employs a series of optical emitters and detectors arranged about a touch area. The emitters are driven by a series of orthogonal functions, and the system is operable to correlate the signals received at the detectors with the modulation functions to determine the amount of energy received by the detectors from each of the emitters. This system means that all or many emitters can be modulated simultaneously, so the scanning process is accelerated. Also, the energy estimates arrived at by correlation with the modulating functions are largely unaffected by external interference signals as well by each other. An additional benefit of the present invention is that the correlation processing makes use of many detector samples and tends to yield results which have higher resolution than the sample values themselves, due to the averaging of noise over the sample set.
US08227734B2
There is provided a solid-state imaging device including: a plurality of aperture pixels configured to be used for capturing of an image; a plurality of first light-shielded pixels configured to be shielded from light for detection of an optical black level, a temperature dependence of a dark current in the first light-shielded pixels being larger than a temperature dependence of a dark current in the aperture pixels; and a plurality of second light-shielded pixels configured to be shielded from light for detection of an optical black level, a temperature dependence of a dark current in the second light-shielded pixels being smaller than a temperature dependence of a dark current in the aperture pixels.
US08227723B2
The present invention generally relates to a module and process for automatically attaching a junction box to a composite solar cell structure during the fabrication of a completed solar cell device. The electrical connection module further provides a thermode assembly including heating elements for forming a soldered connection between the junction box and the composite solar cell structure and a temperature sensing device in thermal communication with the heating elements for detecting a temperature profile during the connection process. The heating elements and temperature sensing device are linked to a controller configured to monitor and compare the energy input into the heating elements with the temperature near the tip of the heating elements throughout the connection process. The controller is further configured to compare the actual energy versus temperature profile to an expected profile throughout the connection process and verify whether a quality bond is achieved.
US08227722B2
A sensor system and a reverse clamp is provided. The reverse clamp may include a back portion, a first arm, and a second arm. The first and second arm extending from the back portion to form an opening configured to receive a cylindrical arm.
US08227715B2
A keypad assembly mounted in a portable terminal is disclosed. The keypad assembly has a window keypad including a display window disposed on a front face of the portable terminal. A keypad top is integrally molded with the display window and simultaneously assembled on the front face of the portable terminal, thereby providing an easier assembly than known heretofore, as two parts can be assembled at the same time and additionally provide an elegant exterior front face.
US08227708B2
A system of via structures disposed in a substrate. The system includes a first via structure that comprises an outer conductive layer, an inner insulating layer, and an inner conductive layer disposed in the substrate. The outer conductive layer separates the inner insulating layer and the substrate and the inner insulating layer separates the inner conductive layer and the outer conductive layer. A first signal of a first complementary pair passes through the inner conductive layer and a second signal of the first complementary pair passes through the outer conductive layer. In different embodiments, a method of forming a via structure in an electronic substrate is provided.
US08227697B2
Wellbore electrical cables include at least one insulated conductor, at least one layer of armor wires surrounding the insulated conductor, and a polymeric material disposed in the interstitial spaces formed between armor wires and interstitial spaces formed between the armor wire layer and insulated conductor which may further include wear resistance particles or even short fibers, and the polymeric material may further form a polymeric jacket around an outer, layer of armor wires. The insulated conductor is formed from a plurality of metallic conductors encased in an insulated jacket. Further disclosed are methods of using the cables of the invention in seismic and wellbore operations, including logging operations.
US08227695B2
A wind turbine generator includes a tower, a nacelle mounted on the tower, at least one cable suspended downward from the nacelle inside the tower, a protective tube attached to the cable to surround the cable, and a cable swing restraint support attached to the tower and provided in a position opposed to the protective tube to surround the protective tube. The protective tube is relatively movable with respect to the cable swing restraint support.
US08227688B1
A solar cell device. The device has a first lead frame member including a first end and a second end and a second lead frame member coupled to the first lead frame member. In a specific embodiment, the second lead frame member includes a third end and a fourth end. The device also has a plurality of first bonding sites numbered from 1 through N between the first end and the second end of the first lead frame member, where N is an integer greater than 2. The device has a plurality of second bonding sites numbered from 1 through N between the third end and the fourth end, where N is an integer greater than 2. Depending upon the specific embodiment, the device has a plurality of photovoltaic regions numbered from 1 through N respectively bonded onto the plurality of first bonding sites numbered from 1 through N and second bonding sites numbered from 1 through N.
US08227684B2
A solar panel apparatus includes a set of electrically-interconnected photovoltaic modules. Each module is elongated along an axis and has first and second axially opposite ends. Each module further has photovoltaic surface portions facing away from the axis in different directions to receive light to generate electricity. The first ends of the modules are fixed to a first end rail.
US08227679B2
The invention relates to a musical stave reader for children formed by a lower casing (1) and an upper casing (2) on which the keyboard (3) of buttons and LEDs is placed, which keyboard is in turn divided into an upper area (4), a central area (5) and a lower area (6), a loudspeaker (7), an integrated base plate, a processor (8), and incorporating a socket for headphones (9), wherein the upper part of the keyboard (4) shows the musical stave (41), the central part of the keyboard (5) incorporates another musical stave with the distribution of the notes in a harmonic or vertical manner (51), and the lower part (6) of the keyboard contains the control buttons for the higher functions of lessons and games of the advanced operation mode, which is formed by eleven buttons and ten LEDs.
US08227676B2
A trombone hand grip device comprising a bushing securable about the intersection of a trombone's first brace and slide tube with a hand grip removably attachable to the bushing. The bushing being comprised of two shells hingedly connected to each other. The hand grip includes a clamp that is adapted for removable attachment to the bushing and a hand receiver fastened to the clamp. The hand grip includes a flexible strap attached to the hand receiver for wrapping around a player's hand. The hand receiver includes a plurality of mounting holes through which the hand receiver is mounted to the clamp. The position of the hand grip is adjustable longitudinally along the direction of the trombone slide by selecting one of the mounting holes. The hand receiver includes radial arrays of rotational adjustment holes associated with each of the mounting holes, whereby the grip may be rotationally adjusted.
US08227673B1
A novel maize variety designated PH13A0 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13A0 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13A0 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13A0 or a locus conversion of PH13A0 with another maize variety.
US08227668B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB30C10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB30C10, cells from soybean variety XB30C10, plants of soybean XB30C10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB30C10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB30C10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB30C10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB30C10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB30C10 are further provided.
US08227664B2
The invention concerns a method for increasing plant yield by introducing into a plant a cyclin A nucleic acid, preferably encoding a cyclin A protein, which cyclin A nucleic acid is operably linked to a seed-preferred promoter. By using this method, plant yield may be increased in optimal and sub-optimal growing conditions. The method results in plants having increased yield relative to corresponding wild type plants and relative to transgenic plants constitutively expressing cyclin A.
US08227663B2
The present invention relates to methods for stimulating root growth and/or enhancing the formation of lateral or adventitious roots and/or altering root geotropism comprising expression of a cytokinin oxidase or comprising expression of another protein that reduces the level of active cytokinins in plants or plant parts. Also provided by the present invention are methods for increasing seed size and/or weight, embryo size and/or weight, and cotyledon size and/or weight. The methods comprise expression of a cytokinin oxidase or expression of another protein that reduces the level of active cytokinins in plants or plant parts. Methods and compositions for increasing seed yield are also provided. The invention also relates to isolated plant cytokinin oxidase proteins, nucleic acid sequences encoding cytokinin oxidase proteins as well as to vectors, host cells, transgenic cells and plants comprising such sequences. The use of these sequences for improving root-related characteristics including increasing yield and/or enhancing early vigor and/or modifying root/shoot ratio and/or improving resistance to lodging and/or increasing drought tolerance and/or promoting in vitro propagation of explants and/or modifying cell fate and/or plant development and/or plant morphology and/or plant biochemistry and/or plant physiology, is also provided. The invention also relates to methods for identifying and obtaining proteins and compounds interacting with cytokinin oxidase proteins as well as the use of such proteins and/or compounds as plant growth regulators or herbicides.
US08227661B2
The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO227, PRO233, PRO238, PRO1328, PRO4342, PRO7423, PRO10096, PRO21384, PRO353 or PRO1885 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities.
US08227660B2
An absorbent article using a surface sheet in which a side of the surface coming into contact with a skin is made of a non-woven fabric and a plastic film layer is stacked in a side of the back of the foregoing non-woven fabric, wherein the residence of a body fluid due to a capillary phenomenon or surface tension in an aperture wall part of the foregoing surface sheet is reduced and the body fluid is rapidly moved into a side of a hydrophilic second sheet or absorber as a lower layer, thereby not only keeping dryness and smoothness on the surface but also preventing turning back with a lapse of time. A surface sheet has a structure in which a side of the surface coming into contact with a skin is made of a non-woven fabric, a plastic film layer is stacked in a side of the back of the foregoing non-woven fabric, and a number of projecting parts and recessing parts are formed by embosses and a number of apertures are formed in the side of the surface coming into contact with a skin; and the foregoing apertures are formed in a proportion so as to have an aperture area of from 0.35 to 0.60 mm2 per aperture and an aperture ratio of from 10 to 19%, and the aperture shape is an aperture shape not having an angledly bent corner.
US08227652B2
Methods are provided for producing alkylbenzenes, such as propylbenzene, from aromatics, such as toluene, and alkenes, such as ethylene. Such methods comprise combining the toluene with about 100 ppm to about 350 ppm water and alkali metal catalyst, activating the catalyst at about 180° C. to about 220° C., adding the ethylene and conducting the synthesis reaction at about 130° C. to about 150° C.
US08227651B1
An effective method for producing high density fuel candidates from pinenes is provided. MMT-K10 is an efficient catalyst for the reaction, although significant amounts of p-cymene and camphene produced as byproducts limit the overall yield to about 80%. Nafion is also an excellent catalyst for pinene dimerization and was capable of producing dimers in up to 90% yield. Pinene dimers synthesized with these heterogenous catalysts have a density and net heat of combustion comparable to JP-10. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.
US08227634B2
The present invention relates to compounds particularly asymmetric urea compounds which are labeled with one or more radioisotopes and which are suitable for imaging or therapeutic treatment of tissues, organs, or tumors which express NAALADase and/or PSMA. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods of imaging tissues, organs, or tumors using radiolabeled compounds of the invention, particularly tissues, organs, or tumors which express NAALADase and/or PSMA to which the compounds of the invention have an affinity.
US08227630B2
The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) wherein the dotted line is a single bond and n is 1 or the dotted line is a double bond and n is 0, and wherein the relative configuration is as shown, in the form of any one of its diastereoisomers or enantiomers or mixtures thereof.
US08227629B2
The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I), wherein the dotted line is a single bond and n is 1 or the dotted line is a double bond and n is 0, and wherein the relative configuration is as shown, in the form of any one of its diastereoisomers or enantiomers or mixtures thereof.
US08227624B2
A photoacid generator which can generate an acid efficiently when energy was absorbed, is excellent in the developing property and can form fine patterns, and a cationic polymerization initiator excellent in curability are provided; and a resist composition and a cationically polymerizable composition using them are provided.An aromatic sulfonium salt compound represented by the General Formula (I) below: (wherein each of E1 to E4 independently represents a substituent represented by the General Formula (II) below or the General Formula (III) below). Preferably, in the General Formula (I), r and s are 0; m and n are 0; or n and r are 0, and more preferably, one of m and s in the General Formula (I) is 1.
US08227622B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula (X), and salts thereof, and their use as intermediates in improved manufacturing processes for the synthesis of pharmaceutical compound (I): X is ═O, ═N—OH or ═N—OC(O)Me; Y is hydrogen, PhS- or p-chlorophenylsulfanyl; Z is hydrogen or —CH2COOR1 wherein R1 is selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted hydrocarbyl and optionally substituted heterocyclyl.
US08227612B2
The present invention discloses a quinoline compound represented by the formula A or pharmaceutically acceptable solvate, optical isomer or polymorph thereof, wherein X is S or O; M is H, Na+, NH4+ or Ca2+; each of R1, R2 and R3 is independently H, halogen, the group represented by formula D or formula E; R is H, halogen, C1˜C4 alkyl or C1˜C4 alkoxy. The present invention also discloses its pharmaceutical composition and the preparation method thereof and application in manufacturing a medicament for inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase or for the treatment and prophylaxis of the diseases which can be treated effectively by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. The quinloline compound and pharmaceutical composition thereof of the present invention have an excellent lipid reduction effect in vivo and can be applied for treatment of a hyperlipidemia-related disease.
US08227610B2
The disclosure provides, in part, compositions of perfluoro polyether compounds and associated methods for producing cellular labels for tracking cells by MRI and methods for labeling, detecting and quantifying cell numbers in vivo.
US08227607B2
Methods for the preparation of 4-((1R,3S)-6-Chloro-3-phenylindan-1-yl)-1,2,2-trimethylpiperazine and salts thereof are described.
US08227604B2
Hybrid compounds containing an aminotetralin moiety or a heterocyclic and/or open chain analog thereof linked through an alkylene group to an aryl ring system-substituted piperidiene moiety exhibit high levels of CNS activity, in some cases exhibiting especially high relative binding efficiencies between D3 and D2 dopaminergic receptor subtypes.
US08227595B2
The present invention relates to a process for industrially producing tagatose starting from galactose and provides for chemical isomerisation in presence of XAlO2 and XOH (with X=Na, K) and microbiological purification of the residual galactose.
US08227583B2
Canine parvovirus vaccines and diagnostics and methods for their use are provided.
US08227581B2
Modified glycolipid compounds are provided. Also disclosed are methods for activating an NKT cell, methods of stimulating an immune response in a subject, and methods suitable for labeling NKT cells.
US08227577B2
The present invention relates to novel domain exchanged, bivalent, bispecific antibodies, their manufacture and use.
US08227573B2
The present invention relates to plant proteins produced by a plant's epidermal layer that contribute to the innate pest/disease resistance of the plant (“phylloplanins”), compositions comprising the phylloplanins and methods of using them. In particular the methods relate to inhibiting or preventing microbial, e.g., fungal or bacterial, growth on a subject, organism or surface by administering a phylloplanin. The invention also relates to transformed host cells that produce phylloplanins, and to transgenic plants producing phylloplanins conferring increased resistance to microbial infections/growth.
US08227569B2
The invention generally features the use of Yaba monkey tumor virus nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides for the treatment or prevention of immunoinflammatory disorders.
US08227566B2
The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10−8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.
US08227561B1
Polymers may include a plurality of tetradecahydroanthracene moieties. Such polymers may be used to make food or beverage containers or medical devices. Food or beverage containers or medical devices may be coated with polymers including a plurality of tetradecahydroanthracene moieties.
US08227555B2
The present invention is directed to conjugates of hydrolytically stabilized maleimide-functionalized water soluble polymers and to methods for making and utilizing such polymers and their precursors.
US08227554B2
A reactor system operable to facilitate a chemical reaction in a reaction medium flowing therethrough. The reactor system includes a heat exchanger for heating the reaction medium and a disengagement vessel for disengaging vapor from the heated reaction medium.
US08227553B2
The invention provides a rubber composition for golf balls which includes a base rubber, (B) a metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid and zinc oxide, (C) an organic peroxide, and (D) from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of a metal salt of a thiol having the general formula (R—S)nM (wherein R is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having from 12 to 30 carbons, exclusive of aromatic groups; n is an integer such as 1, 2 or 3; and M is a metal) per 100 parts by weight of the base rubber. The golf ball-forming rubber composition of the invention is suitable for pressure molding and has an excellent productivity because it does not lower the rate of vulcanization. The golf ball of the invention, which is formed using the composition, is endowed with an excellent rebound.
US08227552B2
The invention generally provides for methods for controlling polymer properties. In particular, invention provides for methods for controlling the comonomer composition distribution of polyolefins such as ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers by altering at least one or more of the following parameters: the molar ratio of hydrogen to ethylene, the molar ratio of comonomer to ethylene, the partial pressure of ethylene, and the reactor temperature without substantially changing the density and/or the melt index of the copolymer.
US08227550B2
Filled polyolefin compositions comprising: A) from 15% to 55% by weight of a polypropylene component; B) from 20% to 80% by weight of a filler; C) from 4% to 25% of an elastomeric polymer or polymer composition; wherein the percentages of A), B) and C) are referred to the sum of A) B) and C), and A) is selected from the following compositions: a) a polypropylene composition containing from 20% to 80% by weight of a polypropylene fraction AI) having a Melt Flow Rate L (MFRI) value of 500 g/10 min. or more, and from 20% to 80% by weight of a polypropylene fraction AII) having a Melt Flow Rate L (MFRII) value of from 0.1 to 30 g/10 min., the said percentages of AI) and AII) being referred to the sum of AI) and AII); or b) a polypropylene composition containing from 15% to 72% by weight of a polypropylene fraction AI) having a Melt Flow Rate L (MFRI) value of 500 g/10 min. or more, from 15% to 70% by weight of a polypropylene fraction AII) having a Melt Flow Rate L (MFRII) value of from 0.1 to 30 g/10 min. and from 0.5% to 15% by weight of a compatibilizer Q), the said percentages of AI), AII) and Q) being referred to the sum of AI), AII) and Q).
US08227549B2
Composition containing, based in each case on its total weight, A) 50.0% by weight to 99.5% by weight of at least one (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and B) 0.5% by weight to 50.0% by weight of at least one copolymer obtainable by polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising i. 70% by weight to 92% by weight of a vinylaromatic monomer and ii. 8% by weight to 30% by weight of acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile or mixtures thereof and iii. 0% by weight to 22% by weight of at least one further monomer, the composition having a haze according to ASTM D1003 of less than 2.0% at 23° C. and a haze according to ASTM D1003 of less than 4.0% at 40° C. and the composition containing at least one (meth)acrylate (co)polymer a) having a solution viscosity in chloroform at 25° C. (ISO 1628—part 6) of greater than 55 ml/g. The moldings obtainable from the composition are distinguished in particular by improved stress cracking resistance and are suitable in particular for coverings, finishes or films.
US08227544B2
This invention is directed to a coating composition comprising an coating composition comprising a crosslinkable composition and a crosslinking composition. The crosslinkable composition comprises an acrylic polyol wherein the acrylic polyol comprises at least 40 percent by weight of at least one linear or branched C8 or higher alkyl acrylate monomer and at least one polyester extended acrylate monomer. The coating composition is suitable for use as a basecoat and can be used in a 3-wet paint process that eliminates the primer curing booth.
US08227541B2
An additive mixture containing the components (A), (B) and optionally (C), wherein component (A) is at least one compound of the formula (I) wherein p is zero or 1; m and n are independently of one another an integer from zero to 3; and the radicals R are independently of one another C1-C8alkyl, C1-C8alkoxy, hydroxy, halogen, C1-C8alkylthio, C1-C8alkylsulfoxy or 2 radicals R form together with 2 adjacent carbon atoms of the unsaturated parent ring a 5- to 7-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; component (B) is at least one compound of the formula (II) wherein x and y are independently of one another an integer from 2 to 10; the radicals A1, A2 and A3 are independently of one another C1-C10alkyl, C5-C12cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 C1-C10alkyl; phenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 C1-C10alkyl; or C7-C12phenylalkyl, and the radicals A2 and A3 are additionally hydrogen; with the proviso that at least one of the radicals A1 and A2 is branched C3-C10alkyl, C5-C12cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 C1-C10alkyl; phenyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 C1-C10alkyl; or C7-C12phenylalkyl; and component (C) is a lubricant or a mixture of lubricants.
US08227537B2
A finishing compound having acoustic properties and including in percentage by weight relative to the total weight of the product, at least 25 to 80% of water; 0.1 to 5% of a thickening agent; 0.01 to 0.8% of a dispersing agent; 10 to 60% of a monogranular filler wherein the D50 is greater than or equal to 100 μm; 0.5 to 6% of binder; and not including a foaming agent; and presenting permeability to air after evaporation of the water from 800 to 6000 mks Rayls.
US08227533B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet has a high adhesiveness and an excellent terminal peeling resistance as well as exhibits extremely small diffusing amounts of formaldehyde and toluene. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet contains at least a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of a water-dispersion type acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive containing a water-dispersion type acrylic polymer and a tackifying resin-containing emulsion, wherein a diffusing amount of formaldehyde is less than 3 μg/m3 and a diffusing amount of toluene is 10 μg/g or less. As the tackifying resin-containing emulsion, a tackifying resin-containing emulsion prepared using substantially no organic solvents or a tackifying resin-containing emulsion prepared using a material other than aromatic hydrocarbon-based organic solvents can be suitably employed.
US08227532B2
Disclosed herein are methods for preparing non-dripping flame retarding masterbatches and filamentous non-dripping flame retarding materials. First, an admixture including a flame retardant, a crosslinking agent, a thermoplastic polymer, and a dispersing agent is prepared, and then a crosslinking initiator is added into the admixture to form a composition which is then compounded and pelletized to obtain the non-dripping flame retarding masterbatch. The resultant non-dripping flame retarding masterbatch is suitable for use in a spinning process to obtain filamentous non-dripping flame retarding materials.
US08227531B2
Crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is disclosed, as well as molded bodies made from the UHMW-PE and a process for making such UHMWE-PE.
US08227524B2
An inkjet ink composition includes from about 3 wt. % to about 8 wt. % of a solvent selected from diacetone alcohol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,3,5-trioxane, hexylene glycol, and combinations thereof. The composition further includes from about 0.5 wt. % to about 1 wt. % of 1,2-hexanediol; from about 0.1 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of a fluorosurfactant; from about 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. % of a pigment; a dispersant; and water.
US08227518B2
A cured porous phenolic resin is provided that can be made by cross-linking a phenol-formaldehyde pre-polymer in the presence of a pore former, preferably ethylene glycol. The resin may be formed in situ by condensing a phenol with or without modifying agents and with cross-linking agent by pouring partially cross-linked resin into hot oil, in which case mesoporous resin beads are obtained. The resulting resin has mesopores observable in carbon derived from said resin by a pore structure of said derived carbon that comprises mesopores of diameter of 20-500 Å, as estimated by nitrogen adsorption porosimentry, the value for the differential of pore volume V with respect to the logarithm of pore radius R (dV/d log R) for the mesopores being greater than 0.2 for at least some values of pore size in the range 20-500 Å. Microporous beads of the resin may be carbonized into mesoporous carbon beads.
US08227517B2
Methods are provided for using doxorubicin active agents in which reduced host toxicity is observed. Aspects of the methods including administering to a subject an effective amount of a doxorubicin active agent in conjunction with a doxorubicin toxicity-reducing adjuvant, e.g., a nitrone compound, or a nitrone compound in combination with a bisdioxopiperazine compound. Also provided are compositions for use in practicing the subject methods. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including in the treatment of a variety of different disease conditions.
US08227516B2
The present invention relates to compounds as inhibitors of enzymes having histone deacetylase activity, to the processes for the preparation of those compounds, and to their use for the treatment of diseases which are associated with hypoacetylation of histones and/or other molecules, or in which induction of hyperacetylation has a beneficial effect for example by inhibition of proliferation and/or induction of differentiation and/or induction of apoptosis in transformed cells, such as cancer. Furthermore, the compounds are useful for the treatment of other proliferative diseases, for therapy or prophylaxis of conditions associated with abnormal gene expression.
US08227511B2
The present invention relates to substituted chromanol derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use on their own or in combination for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
US08227510B2
The invention relates to the combined use of pterostilbene and quercetin for the production of cancer treatment medicaments. The in vitro growth of melanoma cells B16-F10 (B16M-F10) is inhibited (56%) by combined exposures of short duration (60 min/day) to PTER (40 μM)+QUER(20 μM) (˜average values of plasma concentrations measured within the first hour following the IV administration of 20 mg of each polyphenol/kg ˜). The combined intravenous administration of PTER+QUER (20 mg/kg× day) to mice inhibits (73%) the metastatic growth of melanoma B16M-F10 in the liver, a common site for metastasis development. The invention demonstrates that the combination of PTER+QUER inhibits the growth of malignant melanoma metastasis and prolongs the survival of the carrier host.
US08227505B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing enantiomerically pure 4-pyrrolidinophenylbenzyl ether derivatives of formula I: wherein R1, R21, R22, R23, R24 and n are as defined in the description and claims and to intermediates useful in the method of the invention as well as salts thereof.
US08227503B2
Disclosed herein are compounds of Formula (I) that include a sulfonate ester, ester or ether group. Compounds of Formula (I) can be included in pharmaceutical compositions, and can be used to treating and/or ameliorating a disease or condition, such as cancer, a microbial disease and/or inflammation.
US08227497B2
The invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein: Q, W, Y, Z, r, and Ar are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08227493B2
Soluble granule pesticidal compositions comprise Flonicamid, a dispersant, and a wetting agent are disclosed.
US08227489B2
The invention relates to compounds of general formula (I): Wherein n, X1, X2, X3, X4, Y, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Ra and Rb are as defined herein. The invention also relates to process for the preparation of compounds of formula (I) and their therapeutic use.
US08227482B1
Embodiments relate to Rifaximin polymorphic, salt, and hydrate forms, methods of producing polymorphic forms and to their use in medicinal preparations and to therapeutic methods using them.
US08227466B2
Provided are methods of inhibiting prostaglandin transporter (PGT) activity in mammals. Also provided are methods of determining whether a test compound is an inhibitor of a prostaglandin transporter. Additionally provided are compounds that inhibit prostaglandin transporter activity, and pharmaceutical compositions of those compounds. Methods of inhibiting COX-2 in a mammal are also provided. Additionally, methods of treating pain or inflammation in a mammal are provided.
US08227465B2
The present patent application relates to novel combinations of a triazine derivative and of an insulin secretion stimulator.
US08227463B2
[Problems] The object is to improve the absorbability of a heterocyclic compound including s-triazine and a pyrimidine derivative in vitro. [Means for Solving Problems] Disclosed is, for example, an amorphous body of a heterocyclic compound as represented by the general formula (I) [wherein each of R's and others is as defined in the description] including s-triazine and a pyrimidine derivative, or a hydrate, a solvate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the heterocyclic compound. Also disclosed is a process for producing the amorphous body. Further disclosed are: a solid dispersion comprising the amorphous body; and a medicinal preparation comprising the solid dispersion.
US08227460B2
Composition comprising a polymerizable compound with at least one conjugated unsaturated group and methylene blue to prevent premature polymerization of the polymerizable compound. The methylene blue is present in a concentration of 10 to 5000 ppm.
US08227459B2
Compounds and methods for preventing and treating viral infections are provided. In some embodiments, novel compounds broad-spectrum antiviral activity are provided. In more specific embodiments, the compounds and methods are effective against viruses such as Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Hepatitis C.
US08227457B2
The invention provides a method of inhibiting vascular hyperpermeability in an animal in need thereof. The method comprises administering a vascular-hyperpermeability-inhibiting amount of a danazol compound to the animal. The invention also provides a method of modulating the cytoskeleton of an endothelial cell in an animal. The method comprises administering an effective amount of a danazol compound to the animal.
US08227453B2
The present invention relates to the use of a combination of a PDE5-inhibitor and testosterone for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction.
US08227452B2
Use of a composition comprising at least one prodrug of a steroid, preferably of a corticosteroid, for the preparation of an ophthalmic composition intended for the treatment of an ocular condition or disease of a human being or an animal.
US08227450B2
The present invention provides processes for synthesizing lysine based compounds of the formula; wherein R1 may be, for example, (HO)2P(O)—, (NaO)2P(O)—, wherein X may be, for example, NH2, Y may be H, F, Cl, or Br, and wherein n, X′, Y′, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein.
US08227436B2
A method is provided for inducing or enhancing an immune response in a mammal to a target polypeptide expressed in a plurality of cells of the mammal, which method comprises administering to the mammal an inhibitory nucleic acid which targets a region of a ribonucleic acid (RNA) which encodes said polypeptide. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitory nucleic acid which targets a region of an RNA which encodes a target polypeptide expressed in a plurality of cells of a mammal, such that translation of an aberrant form of the target polypeptide occurs in said cells, said truncated form of the target polypeptide comprising one or more T cell epitopes; together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
US08227428B2
The compound 3′-N-demethyl-4″-O-(2-diethylaminoethanoyl)-6-O-methyl-9a-aza-9a-homoerythromycin A, having the Formula (I): or a salt thereof, compositions comprising the compound, its use in the treatment of neutrophil dominated inflammatory diseases, and methods for its preparation.
US08227424B2
A problem that the present invention is to solve is to provide: a main body of a peptide molecule which is effective for inhibition of various maladies such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and pressure ulcer, particularly, a dipeptide which is easy to absorb into a body in an intestine; a collagen peptide which comprises the dipeptide as an essential dipeptide; and a malady inhibitor which comprises the dipeptide as an essential effective component. As a means of solving such a problem, a collagen peptide according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a dipeptide having a structure of Hyp-Gly as an essential dipeptide. A dipeptide according to the present invention is characterized by having a structure of Hyp-Gly. A malady inhibitor according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a dipeptide having a structure of Hyp-Gly as an essential effective component.
US08227422B2
Described are peptides and peptide mimetics that bind to and activate the thrombopoietin receptor. Such peptides and peptide mimetics are useful in methods for treating hematological disorders and particularly, thrombocytopenia resulting from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transfusions as well as in diagnostic methods employing labeled peptides and peptide mimetics.
US08227415B2
The invention relates to collagenous polypeptide films on which cells are cultivated. In particular the invention relates to such films that are used to treat wounds such as severe burns or physical or chemical injury. The invention also related to methods for producing such films.
US08227411B2
The present invention provides a fibroblast growth factor heparin-binding analog of the formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X, Y and Z are as defined, pharmaceutical compositions, coating compositions and medical devices including the fibroblast growth factor heparin-binding analog of the foregoing formula, and methods and uses thereof.
US08227409B2
Disclosed herein are fumaryl diketopiperazine (FDKP) compositions and microparticles having a specific trans isomer content of about 45% to about 65%. The FDKP microparticles can comprise a drug such as an endocrine hormone, including, peptide, including, insulin, glucagon, parathyroid hormones and the like and can be used to make a powder formulation for pulmonary delivery of the drug.
US08227407B2
Macrocylic compounds having inhibitory activity on the replication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) of the general formula (I) X is N, CH and where X bears a double bond it is C; R1a and R1b are hydrogen, C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl, Het, C1-6alkoxy, C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with halo, C1-6alkoxy, cyano, polyhaloC1-6alkoxy, C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl, or with Het; or R1a and R1b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4 to 6 membered heterocyclic ring which may be optionally substituted; Het being a heterocyclic ring; L is a direct bond, —O—, —O—C1-4alkanediyl-, —O—CO—, —O—C(═O)—NR5a— or —O—C(═O)—NR5a—C1-4alkanediyl-; n is 3, 4, 5, or 6; p is 1, or 2; R2 is hydrogen, and where X is C or CH, R2 may also be C1-6alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxyC1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, amino, mono- or diC1-6alkylamino; R4 is aryl or a saturated, a partially unsaturated or completely unsaturated 5 or 6 membered monocyclic or 9 to 12 membered bicyclic heterocyclic ring system wherein said ring system contains one nitrogen, and optionally one to three additional heteroatoms selected from O, S and N, and wherein the remaining ring members are carbon atoms; wherein said ring system may be optionally substituted; and pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds (I) and processes for preparing compounds (I).
US08227402B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising peptides that may be variants, derivatives and structural equivalents of cupredoxins that inhibit the development of premalignant lesions in mammalian cells, tissues and animals. Specifically, these compositions may comprise azurin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and/or the 50-77 residue region of azurin (p28). The present invention further relates to compositions that may comprise cupredoxin(s), and/or variants, derivatives or structural equivalents of cupredoxins, that retain the ability to inhibit the development of premalignant lesions in mammalian cells, tissues or animals. These compositions may be peptides or pharmaceutical compositions, among others. The compositions of the invention may be used to prevent the development of premalignant lesions in mammalian cells, tissues and animals, and thus prevent cancer.
US08227393B2
Provided are compositions comprising a polyglyceryl nonionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, an organic acid preservative, a non-sulfate anionic surfactant and water, wherein the composition is substantially free of ethoxylated materials and has a pH of about 5.4 or less, and uses thereof. Also provided are compositions comprising a polyglyceryl nonionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, an organic acid preservative, and water, wherein the composition is substantially free of ethoxylated materials, substantially free of sulfated anionic surfactants, and has a pH of about 5.4 or less, and uses thereof.
US08227384B2
The lubricating base oil of the invention has a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 7 mm2/s or greater and less than 15 mm2/s, a viscosity index of 120 or greater, a urea adduct value of not greater than 4% by mass, a BF viscosity at −35° C. of not greater than 10,000 mP·s, a flash point of 200° C. or higher and a NOACK evaporation loss of not greater than 50% by mass. The method for producing a lubricating base oil of the invention comprises a step of hydrocracking/hydroisomerizing a feedstock oil containing normal paraffins so as to obtain a treated product having an urea adduct value of not greater than 4% by mass, a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 7 mm2/s or greater and less than 15 mm2/s, a viscosity index of 120 or greater, a BF viscosity at −35° C. of not greater than 10,000 mP·s, a flash point of 200° C. or higher and a NOACK evaporation loss of not greater than 50% by mass. The lubricating oil composition of the invention comprises the lubricating base oil of the invention.
US08227380B2
Methods and a kit for use in the detection of a component in a sample on a solid support are disclosed which use a conjugate and polymer having metal particles of diameter in the nanometer range (that is between 0.1 and 500 nm). Methods and a kit for detection of a component in a sample on a solid support which have a conjugate and optionally a polymer bound to one or more supermagnetic particles are also disclosed. The methods and kits may be used for enhancing in vivo imaging and microscopy.
US08227375B2
The present invention involves the use of certain metal organic frameworks that have been treated with water or another metal titrant in the storage of carbon dioxide. The capacity of these frameworks is significantly increased through this treatment.
US08227374B2
The invention provides an exhaust gas purification catalyst comprising one or more catalyst coating layers having platinum and/or palladium with rhodium supported on a carrier, characterized in that the (platinum and/or palladium)/rhodium weight ratio is 1.0 or less.
US08227365B2
The present invention provides biocidal ceramic compositions incorporating a bioactive ionic species that is chemically bound in a substantially single-phase, crystalline, [NZP]-type structure, methods for producing the crystalline structures, and articles of manufacture incorporating the crystalline structures, and uses of the articles of manufacture. Bioactive ionic species can be, but are not limited to, Ag, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Sn, Co, H, and combinations thereof.
US08227361B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a high frequency-capable printed wiring board material reduced in the dielectric loss tangent, weight, thickness and cost without compromising the workability, and provide electronic components using the same. The present invention provides a prepreg obtained by using a quartz glass cloth composed of low-density quartz glass fibers as a base material and impregnating the cloth with a thermosetting resin composition having a low dielectric loss tangent, and provides electronic components using a cured product of the prepreg as an insulating layer.
US08227353B2
A technique for increasing productivity by simplified steps in a manufacturing process of TFTs, electronic circuits using TFTs, and semiconductor devices formed of TFTs is provided. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a light absorbing layer, forming a light-transmitting layer on the light absorbing layer emitting a linear laser beam with a homogenized energy onto a mask and thereby splitting the linear laser beam into a plurality of laser beams and emitting the plurality of laser beams onto the light-transmitting layer on the light absorbing layer, and thereby forming a plurality of openings in the light-transmitting layer and the light absorbing layer.
US08227350B2
A method comprising: providing at least one first diamond film comprising polycrystalline diamond, e.g., nanocrystalline or ultrananocrystalline diamond, disposed on a substrate, wherein the first diamond film comprises a surface comprising diamond asperities and having a first diamond film thickness, removing asperities from the first diamond film to form a second diamond film having a second diamond film thickness, wherein the second thickness is either substantially the same as the first thickness, or the second thickness is about 100 nm or less thinner than the first diamond film thickness, optionally patterning the second diamond film to expose substrate regions and, optionally, depositing semiconductor material on the exposed substrate regions, and depositing a solid layer on the second diamond film to form a first layered structure. Applications include for example dielectric isolation in the semiconductor industry, as well as surface acoustic wave devices, scanning probe microscope, and atomic force microscope devices.
US08227347B2
An interconnecting structure production method includes providing a substrate, forming a semiconductor layer on the substrate, forming a doped semiconductor layer on the semiconductor layer, the doped semiconductor layer containing a dopant, forming an oxide layer in a surface of the doped semiconductor layer by heating the surface of the doped semiconductor layer in atmosphere of an oxidizing gas with a water molecule contained therein, forming an alloy layer on the oxide layer, and forming an interconnecting layer on the alloy layer.
US08227346B2
Disclosed is a producing method of a semiconductor device comprising a first step of supplying a first reactant to a substrate to cause a ligand-exchange reaction between a ligand of the first reactant and a ligand as a reactive site existing on a surface of the substrate, a second step of removing a surplus of the first reactant, a third step of supplying a second reactant to the substrate to cause a ligand-exchange reaction to change the ligand after the exchange in the first step into a reactive site, a fourth step of removing a surplus of the second reactant, and a fifth step of supplying a plasma-excited third reactant to the substrate to cause a ligand-exchange reaction to exchange a ligand which has not been exchange-reacted into the reactive site in the third step into the reactive site, wherein the first to fifth steps are repeated predetermined times.
US08227344B2
According to one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate containing a metal-containing barrier layer having an oxidized surface layer, exposing the oxidized surface layer to a flow of a first process gas containing plasma-excited argon gas to activate the oxidized surface layer and applying substrate bias power during the exposing of the oxidized surface layer to the flow of the first process gas. The method further includes exposing the activated oxidized surface layer to a second process gas containing non-plasma-excited hydrogen gas, wherein the exposure to the first process gas, in addition to activating the oxidized surface layer, facilitates chemical reduction of the activated oxidized surface layer by the second process gas containing the hydrogen gas. A thickness of the metal-containing barrier layer is not substantially changed by the hybrid in-situ dry cleaning process.
US08227343B2
A die stack including a die having an annular via with a recessed conductive socket and methods of forming the die stack provide a structure for use in a variety of electronic systems. In an embodiment, a die stack includes a conductive pillar on the top of a die inserted into the recessed conductive socket of another die.
US08227342B2
A method of forming a field effect transistor comprising a gate formed on an insulating layer, the gate having, in a zone in contact with the insulating layer, a semiconducting central zone and lateral zones in the length of the gate, the method comprising forming a gate comprising a portion of insulating layer, a portion of semiconducting layer formed over the insulating layer, and a portion of mask layer formed over the semiconducting layer; performing an etching of the portion of the mask layer such that only a portion in the center of the gate remains; and reacting the semiconducting gate with a metal deposited over the gate.
US08227340B2
A method for producing an electrically conductive connection between a first surface of a semiconductor substrate and a second surface of the semiconductor substrate includes producing a hole, forming an electrically conductive layer that includes tungsten, removing the electrically conductive layer from the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, filling the hole with copper and thinning the semiconductor substrate. The hole is produced from the first surface of the semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor substrate. The electrically conductive layer is removed from the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the electrically conductive layer remains at least with reduced thickness in the hole. The semiconductor substrate is thinned starting from a surface, which is an opposite surface of the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, to obtain the second surface of the semiconductor substrate with the hole being uncovered at the second surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US08227324B2
A GaN single crystal 20 is grown on a crystal growth surface of a seed crystal (GaN layer 13) through the flux method in a nitrogen (N2) atmosphere at 3.7 MPa and 870° C. employing a flux mixture including Ga, Na, and Li at about 870° C. Since the back surface of the template 10 is R-plane of the sapphire substrate 11, the template 10 is readily corroded or dissolved in the flux mixture from the back surface thereof. Therefore, the template 10 is gradually dissolved or corroded from the back surface thereof, resulting in separation from the semiconductor or dissolution in the flux. When the GaN single crystal 20 is grown to a sufficient thickness, for example, about 500 μm or more, the temperature of the crucible is maintained at 850° C. to 880° C., whereby the entirety of the sapphire substrate 11 is dissolved in the flux mixture.
US08227317B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes the steps of: forming a transistor on a surface side of a silicon layer of a silicon-on-insulator substrate, the silicon-on-insulator substrate being formed by laminating a substrate, an insulating layer, and the silicon layer; forming a first insulating film covering the transistor and a wiring section including a part electrically connected to the transistor on the silicon-on-insulator substrate; measuring a threshold voltage of the transistor through the wiring section; forming a supporting substrate on a surface of the first insulating film with a second insulating film interposed between the supporting substrate and the first insulating film; removing at least a part of the substrate and the insulating layer on a back side of the silicon-on-insulator substrate; and adjusting the threshold voltage of the transistor on a basis of the measured threshold voltage.
US08227314B2
A method of making a semiconductor device having an ESD protection element which can achieve compatibility between high drain-to-backgate withstand voltage and ESD protection of DMOSFET gates.
US08227306B2
In multiple-layered memory devices, memory systems employing the same, and methods of forming such devices, a second memory device layer on a first memory device layer comprises a second substrate including a second memory cell region. The second substrate includes only a single well in the second memory cell region, the single well of the second memory cell region comprising a semiconducting material doped with impurity of one of a first type and second type. The single well defines an active region in the second memory cell region of the second substrate. Multiple second cell strings are arranged on the second substrate in the second active region. Although the second memory cell region includes only a single well, during a programming or erase operation of the memory cells of the second layer, requiring a high voltage to be applied to the single well in the substrate of the second layer, the high voltage will not interfere with the operation of the peripheral transistors of the first layer, second layer, or other layers, since they are isolated from each other. As a result, the substrate of the second layer can be prepared to have a thinner profile, and with fewer processing steps, resulting in devices with higher-density, greater reliability, and reduced fabrication costs.
US08227305B2
A memory array with data/bit lines extending generally in a first direction formed in an upper surface of a substrate and access transistors extending generally upward and aligned generally atop a corresponding data/bit line. The access transistors have a pillar extending generally upward with a source region formed so as to be in electrical communication with the corresponding data/bit line and a drain region formed generally at an upper portion of the pillar and a surround gate structure substantially completely encompassing the pillar in lateral directions and extending substantially the entire vertical extent of the pillar and word lines extending generally in a second direction and in electrical contact with a corresponding surround gate structure at least a first surface thereof such that bias voltage applied to a given word line is communicated substantially uniformly in a laterally symmetric extent about the corresponding pillar via the surround gate structure.
US08227304B2
Disclosed is a method of forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structure on a bulk semiconductor starting wafer. Parallel semiconductor bodies are formed at the top surface of the wafer. An insulator layer is deposited and recessed. Exposed upper portions of the semiconductor bodies are used as seed material for growing epitaxial layers of semiconductor material laterally over the insulator layer, thereby creating a semiconductor layer. This semiconductor layer can be used to form one or more SOI devices (e.g., a single-fin or multi-fin MUGFET or multiple series-connected single-fin or multi-fin MUGFETs). However, placement of SOI device components in and/or on portions of the semiconductor layer should be predetermined to avoid locations which might impact device performance (e.g., placement of any FET gate on a semiconductor fin formed from the semiconductor layer can be predetermined to avoid interfaces between joined epitaxial semiconductor material sections). Also disclosed is a SOI structure formed using the above-described method.
US08227302B2
To provide a semiconductor device in which resistance of a source region and a drain region of a thin film transistor is reduced and a short channel effect is suppressed, and a manufacturing method thereof. The semiconductor device includes a gate electrode which is formed over a first semiconductor layer with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween; sidewalls which are formed on side surfaces of the gate electrode; and second semiconductor layers which are in contact with and stacked over end portions of the sidewalls and the first semiconductor layer, wherein the second semiconductor layers cover at least a part of the end portions of the sidewalls.
US08227301B2
Semiconductor device structures including a semiconductor body that is partially depleted to define a floating charge-neutral region supplying a floating body for charge storage and methods for forming such semiconductor device structures. The width of the semiconductor body is modulated so that different sections of the body have different widths. When electrically biased, the floating charge-neutral region at least partially resides in the wider section of the semiconductor body.
US08227294B2
In view of the problem that an organic semiconductor layer of an organic TFT is likely to deteriorate due to water, light, oxygen, or the like, it is an object of the present invention to simplify a manufacturing step and to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having an organic TFT with high reliability. According to the invention, a semiconductor layer containing an organic material is formed by patterning using a mask, and thus an organic TFT is completed in the state where the mask is not removed but to remain over the semiconductor layer. In addition, a semiconductor layer can be protected from deterioration due to water, light, oxygen, or the like by using the remaining mask.
US08227287B2
Provided herein are methods and systems for scribing solar cell structures to create isolated solar cells. According to various embodiments, the methods involve scanning an excimer laser beam along a scribe line of a solar cell structure to ablate electrically active layers of the structure. A photomask having variable transmittance is disposed between the beam source and the solar cell structure. The transmittance is calibrated to produce variable fluence levels such that a stepped scribed profile is obtained. In certain embodiments, a front contact/absorber/back contact stack is removed along a portion of the scribe line, while a front contact/absorber stack is simultaneously removed along a parallel portion, with the back contact layer unremoved. In this manner, the scribe electrically isolates solar cells on either side of the scribe line, while providing a contact point to the back contact layer of one of the solar cells for subsequent cell-cell interconnection.
US08227285B1
The present invention relates to integrating an inertial mechanical device on top of a CMOS substrate monolithically using IC-foundry compatible processes. The CMOS substrate is completed first using standard IC processes. A thick silicon layer is added on top of the CMOS. A subsequent patterning step defines a mechanical structure for inertial sensing. Finally, the mechanical device is encapsulated by a thick insulating layer at the wafer level. Comparing to the incumbent bulk or surface micromachined MEMS inertial sensors, the vertically monolithically integrated inertial sensors have smaller chip size, lower parasitics, higher sensitivity, lower power, and lower cost.
US08227281B2
A manufacture method for a ZnO-based light emitting device, includes the steps of: forming a ZnO-based semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type above a substrate; two-dimensionally growing a first ZnO-based semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type above the ZnO-based semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type; and three-dimensionally growing a second ZnO-based semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type on the first ZnO-based semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type.
US08227278B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a thin film transistor with small leakage current and high switching characteristics. In a method for manufacturing a thin film transistor, a back channel portion is formed in the thin film transistor by conducting etching using a resist mask, the resist mask is removed by removal or the like, and a superficial part of the back channel portion is further etched. Through the steps, components of chemical solution used for the removal, residues of the resist mask, and the like which exist at the superficial part of the back channel portion can be removed and leakage current can be reduced. The further etching step of the back channel portion is preferably conducted by dry etching using an N2 gas or a CF4 gas with bias not applied.
US08227272B2
Disclosed is a light emitting device having a plurality of light emitting cells and a package having the same mounted thereon. The light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting cells which are formed on a substrate and each of which has an N-type semiconductor layer and a P-type semiconductor layer located on a portion of the N-type semiconductor layer. The plurality of light emitting cells are bonded to a submount substrate. Accordingly, heat generated from the light emitting cells can be easily dissipated, so that a thermal load on the light emitting device can be reduced. Meanwhile, since the plurality of light emitting cells are electrically connected using connection electrodes or electrode layers formed on the submount substrate, it is possible to provide light emitting cell arrays connected to each other in series. Further, it is possible to provide a light emitting device capable of being directly driven by an AC power source by connecting the serially connected light emitting cell arrays in reverse parallel to each other.
US08227271B1
A packaging method of wafer level chips including following steps is provided. First, a plurality of chips attached on a first film is provided, and the chips on the first film are disposed respectively corresponding to a plurality of electrode patterns of a substrate. Then, a phosphor layer is respectively formed on at least one surface of each of the chips. Next, a second film is disposed on the phosphor layers, and the second film is opposite to the first film. Further, the first film is removed from the base surface of each of the chips. Then, the base surfaces of the chips are attached to the substrate. Afterward, each of the chips is electrically connected with the corresponding electrode pattern through a wire bonding. Finally, a packaging gel is provided to cover each of the chips, and the packaging gel is solidified.
US08227267B2
A template inspection method for performing defect inspection of a template, by bringing a pattern formation surface of a template used to form a pattern close to a first fluid coated on a flat substrate, filling the first fluid into a pattern of the template, and by performing optical observation of the template in a state that the first fluid is sandwiched between the template and the substrate, wherein a difference between an optical constant of the first fluid and an optical constant of the template is larger than a difference between an optical constant of air and the optical constant of the template.
US08227265B2
A method of measuring a pattern shape of performing a shape measurement of a semiconductor pattern at a high accuracy even when a process margin is narrow with respect to miniaturization of a semiconductor device is provided. In the method of measuring a pattern shape, when a best-match calculated waveform cannot be selected, at least one parameter among shape parameters is set as a fixed value based on information obtained by another measurement apparatus that uses a measurement method independent to the pattern shape measurement, a matching of a library and a detected waveform is performed again, a best-match calculated waveform is selected, and shape information of an object pattern is obtained from the best-match calculated waveform.
US08227263B2
A process for producing polymer particles having an antigen or an antibody introduced into the surface thereof, by carrying out miniemulsion polymerization using a monomer, a radical polymerization initiator, an emulsifier, and a hydrophobe in the presence of the antigen or antibody to thereby produce the polymer particles, is disclosed. According to the process, it is possible to provide a reagent for immunological analysis having an excellent detection sensitivity and capable of avoiding a nonspecific reaction which occurs in conventional methods.
US08227260B2
Method for specific detection of one or more analytes in a sample. The method includes specifically associating any one or more analytes in the sample with a scattered-light detectable particle, illuminating any particle associated with the analytes with light under conditions which produce scattered light from the particle and in which light scattered from one or more particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification. The method also includes detecting the light scattered by any such particles under those conditions as a measure of the presence of the analytes.
US08227257B2
A method for acoustically reorienting a fluid in a channel includes introducing into a channel a first fluid having a first acoustic contrast, introducing into the channel a second fluid having a second acoustic contrast that is different from the first acoustic contrast, applying acoustic radiation pressure to the channel, and acoustically reorienting the second fluid based upon the difference between the first acoustic contrast and the second acoustic contrast.
US08227256B2
Two-color (two-photon) excitation with two confocal excitation beams is demonstrated with a Raman shifter as excitation light source. Two-color excitation fluorescence is obtained from Coumarin 6H dye sample (peak absorption=394 nm, peak fluorescence=490 nm) that is excited using the first two Stokes outputs (683 nm, 954 nm, two-color excitation=398 nm) of a Raman shifter pumped by a 6.5 nsec pulsed 532 nm-Nd:YAG laser (Repetition rate=10 Hz). The two Stokes pulses overlap for a few nanoseconds and two-color fluorescence is generateven with focusing objectives of low numerical apertures (NA≦0.4). We observed the linear dependence of the two-color fluorescence signal with the product of the average intensities of the two Stokes excitation beams. The two-color fluorescence distribution is strongly localized around the common focus of the confocal excitation beams.
US08227251B2
The present invention relates to methods for analyzing complex mixtures of proteins, both for identification and quantitation of proteins of interest, and in particular, methods of identification and quantitation of proteins present at low levels, using internal standard peptides isobarically tagged at the N and C termini.
US08227244B2
The present invention relates to dermal papilla-specific markers and a method for isolating dermal papilla cells using the same. Dermal papilla cells isolated in accordance with the method of the invention and treated with BMP6 are useful for promoting hair growth.
US08227240B2
An apparatus for culturing a bio-artificial tissue including a multi-well plate and a scaffold is disclosed herein. Also disclosed is a tissue indentation system that includes a probe, an isometric force transducer, a computer and a computer-controlled motor. A tissue response system is provided and has a well including a scaffold with a bio-artificial tissue suspended on the scaffold and the tissue indentation system.
US08227235B2
Disclosed herein are compositions for the treatment of a disease in an animal including yeast extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus licheniformis or Bacillus subtilis spores, and a carrier. Also included are animal feed compositions including the composition for the prevention, control and/or treatment of a disease in an animal and an animal's food/feed. The compositions are useful to prevent, control, and treat diseases such as necrotic enteritis in poultry when used in combination with an anticoccidal ionophore or coccidiosis vaccine.
US08227234B2
A process for preparing a 2-hydroxy-4-substituted pyridine compound using a microbiological method, a novel microorganism, and a novel compound are provided.
US08227227B2
The present invention relates to cells producing at least one polypeptide of interest and expressing one or more recombinant nuclease encoding gene(s) thereby producing the nuclease(s), and methods for producing a polypeptide of interest essentially free from contaminating DNA, said method comprising the steps of: (a) cultivating a cell that produces at least one polypeptide of interest and expresses one or more recombinant nuclease encoding gene(s) thereby producing the nuclease(s); and (b) isolating the polypeptide of interest.
US08227218B2
The invention relates to a method for the enzymatic reduction of alkyne derivatives of the formula (1), wherein R1 represents H, C1-C6-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, or an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic group, R2 represents H, C1-C6-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, by reaction in the presence of special reductases.
US08227217B2
The present invention relates to genetically engineered micro-organisms for the combined production of 1,3-propanediol (PDO), 2,3-butanediol (BDO), and polyhydroxypropionic acid (PHP) by fermentation. In particular, the invention relates to a genetically engineered micro-organism suitable for combined production of PDO, BDO and PHP by fermentation, characterized in that: compared with corresponding wild-type starting micro-organism, the D-lactate dehydrogenase gene in the genetically engineered micro-organism is deleted or functionally inactivated, and the genetically engineered micro-organism comprises a heterogenous polynucleotide encoding the Coenzyme A-dependent Aldehyde dehydrogenase and a heterogenous polynucleotide encoding the Polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase. Methods for the construction of such micro-organisms, and methods for combined production of PDO, BDO and PHP by fermentation of a genetically engineered bacterium are also taught.
US08227200B2
The present invention relates to a composition useful for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases associated with aberrant expression of the gene encoding the receptor Kremen 1 and/or Kremen 2 e.g. tumors or diseases of the kidneys, bones and eyes, lipid and glucose metabolism and obesity. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound which is capable of modifying (a) the expression of the gene encoding Kremen 1 and/or Kremen 2 or (b) the activity of the Kremen 1 and/or Kremen 2 receptor.
US08227183B2
A pattern forming method, including: (A) coating a substrate with a positive resist composition of which solubility in a positive developer increases and solubility in a negative developer decreases upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, so as to form a resist film; (B) exposing the resist film; and (D) developing the resist film with a negative developer; a positive resist composition for multiple development used in the method; a developer for use in the method; and a rinsing solution for negative development used in the method.
US08227172B2
There is provided a resist underlayer film forming composition used in a lithography process for producing semiconductor devices. A method of producing a semiconductor device comprising: forming a coating film by applying a resist underlayer film forming composition containing a polymer, a crosslinker and a photoacid generator on a semiconductor substrate; forming an underlayer film by irradiating light to the coating film; and forming a photoresist by applying a photoresist composition on the underlayer film and heating the resultant layer. The polymer polymer is a polymer having a benzene ring or a hetero ring in a main chain or a side chain bonded to the main chain, and the content rate of a benzene ring in the polymer is 30 to 70% by mass. The polymer may be a polymer containing a lactone structure.
US08227170B2
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of an acid, and an acid generator component (B), wherein the base component (A) includes a polymeric compound (A0) containing a structural unit (a0) represented by the general formula (a0-1) shown below: (wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a halogenated alkyl group; R2 represents a bivalent linking group containing at least one kind of polar groups selected from the group consisting of —O—, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—O—, a carbonate linkage (—O—C(═O)—O—), —S—, —S(═O)2—, —S(═O)2—O—, —NH—, —NR04— (wherein, R04 represents an alkyl group or an acyl group), and —NH—C(═O)—; and R3 represents a cyclic group containing a sulfonyl group within the ring skeleton).
US08227167B2
The method for producing a developing agent according to the invention contains subjecting the toner material dispersion liquid to mechanical shearing to make the granular mixture into fine particles, thereby providing a dispersion liquid containing fine particles having a smaller particle diameter than a particle diameter of the granular mixture. The toner material dispersion liquid is subjected to mechanical shearing under a temperature of a glass transition point Tg of the binder resin or more and a pressure of 10 MPa or more, and the resulting dispersion liquid containing the fine particles is depressurized with two or more stages while maintaining the temperature of a glass transition point Tg of the binder resin or more and then cooled to a temperature of a glass transition point Tg of the binder resin or less.
US08227161B2
An electrophotographic toner includes a latex, a coloring agent, a wax and 3 to 1,000 ppm of each of Si and Fe, wherein a mole ratio of Si to Fe is from 0.1 to 5.
US08227155B2
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a substrate, an optional ground plane layer, an undercoat layer thereover, wherein the undercoat layer contains an aminosilane and an epoxysilane, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer.
US08227154B2
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a substrate, an optional ground plane layer, an undercoat layer thereover wherein the undercoat layer contains an aminosilane and a melamine polymer, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer.
US08227151B2
In one embodiment, a flare correction method is disclosed. The method can acquire a flare point spread function. The method can calculate a pattern density distribution in a first region of the mask, the distance from the pattern being equal to or shorter than a predetermined value in the first region. The method can calculate pattern coverage in a second region of the mask, the distance from the pattern being longer than the predetermined value. The method can calculate a first flare distribution with respect to the pattern by performing convolution integration between the flare point spread function corresponding to the first region and the pattern density distribution. The method can calculate a flare value corresponding to the second region by multiplying a value of integral of the flare point spread function corresponding to the second region by the pattern coverage. The method can calculate a second flare distribution by adding the flare value to the first flare distribution. In addition, the method can correct the pattern based on the second flare distribution.
US08227150B2
A hologram reticle and method of patterning a target. A layout pattern for an image to be transferred to a target is converted into a holographic representation of the image. A hologram reticle is manufactured that includes the holographic representation. The hologram reticle is then used to pattern the target. Three-dimensional patterns may be formed in a photoresist layer of the target in a single patterning step. These three-dimensional patterns may be filled to form three-dimensional structures or else used in a multi-surface imaging composition. The holographic representation of the image may also be transferred to a top photoresist layer of a top surface imaging (TSI) semiconductor device, either directly or using the hologram reticle. The top photoresist layer may then be used to pattern an underlying photoresist layer with the image. The lower photoresist layer is used to pattern a material layer of the device.
US08227149B2
Methods of forming masks. According to the methods, a target pattern is set. Generation of a side lobe caused by the target pattern is verified. A preliminary target pattern and a preliminary side lobe pattern are set, in the target pattern and a region where the side lobe is generated, respectively. An interference pattern map using the preliminary target pattern and the preliminary side lobe pattern is created. At least one of regions having a phase identical or opposite to that of a position of the preliminary target pattern in the interference pattern map is set to an interference auxiliary pattern. A mask using the interference auxiliary pattern and the target pattern is formed.
US08227146B2
The present invention relates to a cathode catalyst for a fuel cell, a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including the cathode catalyst, and a fuel cell system. The cathode catalyst includes a core including RuO2, and Se and Pt. The Se and Pt are disposed to enclose the core. The cathode catalyst for a fuel cell of the present invention can have excellent catalyst efficiency, even if less platinum is included therein.
US08227145B2
An interlockable bead seal for a bipolar plate is provided. The interlockable bead seal includes a first elongate bead formed on a first plate and a second elongate bead formed on a second plate. The first elongate bead has a sealing surface and the second elongate bead has a trough. An interlockable bipolar plate having the interlockable bead seals, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the interlockable bipolar plates, are also provided. A lateral slippage between components of the fuel cell stack is militated against by the interlockable bipolar plates.
US08227133B2
A fuel cell system that can dispose of an odorant through the use of a simple configuration and assure enhanced hydrogen safety. A hydrogenation device is positioned between a fuel tank and a fuel cell. The hydrogenation device incorporates a hydrogenation catalyst for hydrogenating the odorant.
US08227129B2
An efficient and passive micro fuel cell includes an anode plate, a reaction plate, a cathode plate and a condensation plate. The anode plate draws a dilute solution of methanol from a fuel tank to delivery to a series of upper oxidation reaction room through micro-channels by thermal capillarity. The condensation plate separates carbon dioxide and vapor from each other. Meanwhile, the methanol solution is delivered to a plurality of lower oxidation reaction rooms. Protons pass through the inner walls of the reaction holes and a porous membrane layer and arrive in the lower reduction reaction rooms. The lower reduction reaction rooms and the lower oxidation reaction rooms have reaction holes whose inner walls have carbon nanotubes and catalysts. A plurality of upper reduction reaction rooms delivers oxygen for the reduction reaction and drains the reduced water at the same time.
US08227127B2
A carbon dioxide negative method of manufacturing renewable hydrogen and trapping carbon dioxide from the air or gas streams is described. Direct current renewable electricity is provided to a water electrolysis apparatus with sufficient voltage to generate hydrogen and hydroxide ions at the cathode, and protons and oxygen at the anode. These products are separated and sequestered and the base is used to trap carbon dioxide from the air or gas streams as bicarbonate or carbonate salts. These carbonate salts, hydrogen, and trapped carbon dioxide in turn can be combined in a variety of chemical and electrochemical processes to create valuable carbon-based materials made from atmospheric carbon dioxide. The net effect of all processes is the generation of renewable hydrogen from water and a reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or in gas destined to enter the atmosphere.
US08227123B2
A control unit 80, when calculating a request current I0 according to a system request electric power Preq and calculating a target current I1 by correcting the request current I0 with PI compensation calculation based on a minimum cell voltage Vm detected by a cell monitor 101, variably changes a proportional gain Kp according to the current value at the present time when calculating a current limit value ΔI as the amount of correction of a request current I0 according to the equation ΔI=ΔV×Kp+ΔΣV×Ki, thereby enhancing controllability to control the current of a fuel cell 20 to a target current value I1. When controlling the current of a fuel cell by determining a target current value by correcting a request current by PI compensation using the difference between a minimum cell voltage and a threshold voltage, controllability to control the current of the fuel cell to the target current value can be enhanced.
US08227121B2
The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refitting device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down property when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices. The system architecture may have flow regulators, which include a regulating valve.
US08227108B2
A polymer battery pack includes a core pack having a protective circuit module attached to a bare cell, a case having the core pack coupled thereto, the protective circuit module having a portion exposed to an exterior of the case, and a resin enclosing at least a portion of the protective circuit module that is exposed to the exterior of the case. A method of manufacturing a polymer battery pack includes forming a bare cell, forming a core pack having a protective circuit module, coupling the core pack to an interior of the case such that the protective circuit module is exposed to an exterior of the case, and molding the protective circuit module with a resin such that a terminal on the protective circuit module is exposed to an exterior of the resin.
US08227101B2
A battery unit is constituted of a battery assembly, coolant for cooling the battery assembly, a battery case containing the battery assembly and the coolant, an electric resistivity detector for detecting the electric resistivity of the coolant, and a battery ECU that determines whether the electric resistivity detected by the electric resistivity detector is equal to or lower than 102 Ωm. If the electric resistivity is equal to or lower than 102 Ωm, the battery ECU commands a battery protection circuit to interrupt the current output from the battery assembly.
US08227096B2
This invention relates to an arylamine compound having a molecular weight of 1,500 to 6,000 represented by formula (1), and to an organic electroluminescence device having a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer sandwiched therebetween, wherein the arylamine compound of formula (1) is used as a constituting material of the at least one organic layer: wherein X represents a single bond, CH or CH2, or N or NH; Ar1 and Ar2 are respectively the same and each represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group; R1, R2, R3, and R4 each independently represents an aryl group, wherein the aryl group may be substituted by a diarylamine group in such a manner as to form a triphenylamine partial structure, and the aryl group at the terminal may be substituted, by repetition, by a diarylamino group in such a manner as to form a triphenylamine partial structure; m represents an integer of 0 to 2; and n represents 0 or 1.
US08227095B2
Disclosed is a compound represented by the following Formula 1: The compound exhibits improved solubility and thermal stability in an organic light emitting device. An organic light emitting device including the compound, improves the driving voltage, the emission efficiency, and the color purity of an organic light emitting display.
US08227088B2
An exemplary metallic cover (20) includes a bottom base (21) and a plurality of side walls (22, 23, 24, 25). The side walls extend from bottom base. The bottom base and each of the side walls are connected by an edge structure (26). The metallic cover is made of a metallic material that has a yield strength in the range from about 80 MPa to about 150 MPa, an elongation ratio in the range from about 15% to about 28%, and a hardness in the range from about 45 HV0.2 to about 70 HV0.2. A method for making the metallic cover is also provided.
US08227087B2
A charging member is provided having a support, a conductive elastic layer formed on the support and a surface layer formed on the conductive elastic layer. The surface layer contains a polysiloxane having at least one of structures represented by the following formulas (1a1), (1a2), (1b1) and (1b2): Toners and external additives used in the toners clinging to the charging member surface can be minimized even through repeated use over a long period of time, thus the charging member can perform stable charging and image reproduction even when used in the DC contact charging method.
US08227082B2
A crystalline article includes a single-crystal ceramic fiber, tape or ribbon. The fiber, tape or ribbon has at least one crystallographic facet along its length, which is generally at least one meter long. In the case of sapphire, the facets are R-plane, M-plane, C-plane or A-plane facets. Epitaxial articles, including superconducting articles, can be formed on the fiber, tape or ribbon.
US08227081B2
A transfer-type pressure sensitive adhesive tape containing a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on a support, which is characterized in that ramentum particles are incorporated in the pressure sensitive adhesive layer for the purpose of providing a transfer-type pressure sensitive adhesive tape wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive layer can surely be cut off at the desired position upon transfer thereof under sufficiently keeping adhesive force to a receiving object such as a paper surface and running ability without using any specific pressure sensitive adhesive agent by selecting particles to be added to the pressure sensitive adhesive layer.
US08227078B2
A coating for use in combustion systems includes a plurality of refractory metal particles in a ceramic, glass or metal matrix disposed on surfaces of the system that are prone to slag, ash, and/or char buildup during operation of the combustion system. The coating is effective to prevent any substantial interaction with the slag, ash, and/or char.
US08227076B2
Embodiments of a coated substrate comprise a substrate (100) and a multi-layer multi-functional nanoparticle coating (105) having a thickness of up to about 500 nm thereon. The nanoparticle coating (105) comprises an ionic polyelectrolyte layer (110), and an ionic multi-colloid layer disposed over the polyelectrolyte layer (110). The multi-colloid layer comprises hydrophilic colloid ions (130) disposed over and coupled to the polyelectrolyte layer (110), conductive colloid ions (120) disposed over and coupled to the polyelectrolyte layer (110). The conductive colloid ions (120) are separated from the hydrophilic colloid ions (130) by repulsive forces therebetween.
US08227073B2
A white polyester film for a liquid crystal display reflective plate realizes a high level of brightness when used in side light type liquid crystal displays and direct type liquid crystal displays. The white polyester film for a light reflective plate has a thickness of 200 μm or more, wherein, in at least one side (side A) of the white polyester film, M is M≦−0.0110 (%/nm) and R560≧100 (%) when the wavelength dependency of spectral reflectance at a wavelength of 450 to 600 nm is approximated according to the following approximation formula R: R=M×λ+B, in which R is an approximation formula by a least square method and represents a light reflectance (%), λ represents a wavelength of light (nm), M represents a wavelength coefficient (%/nm), B represents a constant (%), and R560 represents an estimated reflectance obtained by introducing λ=560 nm into the approximation formula R (%).
US08227071B2
Composite webs having one or more elastic composite structures located on a substrate, methods of manufacturing the composite webs, and articles including the elastic composite structures and substrates are disclosed. The elastic composite structures may preferably include one or more elastic components attached to anchors at two or more locations, wherein the anchors are themselves attached to the substrate. The anchors may preferably be constructed of inelastic polymeric material (and/or exhibit limited to no elasticity in use) and the elastic components may preferably be constructed of elastomeric polymeric material.
US08227059B2
A water-degradable sheet undergoes biodegradation and prevents drainage facilities (e.g., a sewage treatment tank) from clogging. The sheet includes a water-degradable substrate and a water-resistant layer, along with an enzyme that acts to decompose the substrate. The water-degradable sheet can reconcile water resistance with water solubility. The water-degradable sheet dissolves in water after immersion in water. The water-resistant layer can also contain a biodegradable substrate. An excretion receptacle having a pouch that includes the water-degradable sheet is also provided.
US08227049B2
The invention discloses two kinds of methods for forming patterns by vacuum coating, one of which includes the following steps: (1) prepare a glass body; (2) pre-treat a part of an internal surface of the glass body where a pattern is to be formed thereon; (21) prepare a membrane with a hollowed-out pattern and adhere it on the glass body; (22) spray a wax layer evenly on the membrane and the surface of the glass body to cover the hollowed-out pattern; (23) remove the membrane; (3) perform vacuum coating to the glass body and form a coating layer on the surface of the glass body; (4) hollow out the pattern to be formed by removing the wax layer sprayed on the glass body by heating and thereby forming the pattern.
US08227046B2
A process is disclosed for preparing and self-assembly of nanobinary and ternary metal oxy/hydroxides with high surface area and 1-10 nm size by aerogel procedure, involving homogenization of metal organic precursors in solvent mixture, controlled hydrolysis, gelation, hydrothermal treatment and finally supercritical drying of solvent.
US08227045B2
A transfer roll rotates to have a coating liquid in a coating liquid tank filled in recesses formed on a roll surface thereof and to have a surplus coating liquid scraped off by a doctor blade, and rotates contacting with a coating roll. Thereby, the coating liquid in the recesses of the transfer roll is transferred to the coating roll. Thereafter, while the transfer roll is moved upward, an arm is rotated counterclockwise whereby the coating roll is separated from the transfer roll. The arm is further rotated whereby the coating roll is moved along an inner surface of a half bearing fixed to a jig and the coating roll applies the coating liquid to the inner surface of the half bearing.
US08227038B2
The present invention relates to an adhesion promoting cleaner solution for producing and adherent coating on a resinous substrate. The adhesion promoting cleaning solution comprises a telechelic diol in a carrier liquid such as an organic solvent. Also disclosed is a process of using the adhesion promoting cleaner solution to produce an adherent coating on a resinous substrate.
US08227037B2
A fire retardant structural board is provided that includes a body of fibrous material, a triglycidyle polyester binder, a sodium borate pentahydride fire retardant, and a sodium borate pentahydride fire retardant. The body of fibrous material has a weight, first and second surfaces, first and second sides, and a thickness. The fibrous material and triglycidyle polyester are dispersed throughout the thickness of the body. The sodium borate pentahydride fire retardant is dispersed between individual fibers of the fibrous material and throughout the thickness of the body. A sodium borate pentahydride fire retardant composition also coats at least the first surface of the body.
US08227034B2
Catalyst-coated support, method for producing the same, reactor comprising the same and use thereof. Supports having a catalytic coating comprising at least one porous and cavity-containing catalyst layer are described, cavities being irregular spaces having dimensions greater than 5 μm in at least two dimensions or having cross-sectional areas of at least 10 μm2. The catalytic coatings are distinguished by a high adhesive strength and can preferably be used in microreactors.
US08227028B2
A method of forming on a substrate an amorphous silica-based coating film having a low dielectric constant of 3.0 or below and a film strength (Young's modulus) of 3.0 GPa or more, which comprises, as a typical one, the steps of; (a) coating on the substrate a liquid composition containing hydrolysate of an organic silicon compound or compounds hydrolyzed in the presence of tetraalkylammonium hydroxide (TAAOH); (b) setting the substrate in a chamber and then drying a coating film formed on the substrate at a temperature in the range from 25 to 340° C.; (c) heating the coating film at a temperature in the range from 105 to 450° C. with introduction of a superheated steam having such a temperature into the chamber, and (d) curing the coating film at a temperature in the range from 350 to 450° C. with introduction of a nitrogen gas into the chamber.
US08227023B1
A method and system for providing a magnetic transducer are disclosed. The method and system include providing a magnetic element including a free layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, a pinned layer, and a pinning layer adjacent to the pinned layer. The free layer is to be biased in a first direction. The pinning layer biases the pinned layer magnetization in a second direction. The pinning layer is oriented along the second direction. A hard bias structure is adjacent to the magnetic element. The hard bias structure magnetization is initialized such that it has a nonzero component along the second direction. The method and system also include performing thermal treatment(s) after initializing the hard bias magnetization. The thermal treatment(s) are above room temperature. The method and system further include resetting the hard bias magnetization substantially along the first direction after the thermal process(es) are performed.
US08227021B2
There are disclosed a piezoelectric thin film having less non-uniform portions and holding satisfactory piezoelectric characteristics, a method of manufacturing the film, a piezoelectric element using the piezoelectric thin film, and an ink jet system recording head using the piezoelectric element. In the piezoelectric thin film of perovskite crystals formed on a substrate by a sol-gel process and represented by a general formula Pb(1−x)Lax(ZryTi1−y)O3 (where 0≦x<1, 0.05≦y≦1), a film thickness of the thin film is 1000 nm or more and 4000 nm or less, and a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of y in an arbitrary portion of the thin film is 0.05 or less.
US08227015B2
A process for extraction of crude oil from DDGS and producing corn distillers meal that may be used as a livestock supplement is disclosed. For example, the corn distillers meal may be used as a crude protein supplement for use in a livestock feed diet or a poultry feed diet.
US08227007B2
The present invention relates to an animal chew including a resin and a method of direct injection molding the animal chew using a modified screw. The screw may incorporate, for example, additional flights or a larger transition zone. Additionally, the particle size of the resin may be less than 2000 microns.
US08227006B2
A combination of a sugar alcohol and D-tagatose is used to produce naturally sweetened, diet beverages or food products. The sugar alcohol and D-tagatose can also be used in combination with one or more nutritive sweeteners to lower the calories of a full-calorie beverage or food product while preserving the taste.
US08226997B2
The present invention relates to compositions of matter comprising a rice grain, which has been at least partially milled, and, on the surface of the rice grain, a coating comprising bran, a material which increases the fiber value of the composition, or a combination thereof. The present invention provides for compositions that may have the benefits of traditional white rice, i.e., soft mouth feel, short cook times, easy to digest, white appearance, long shelf-life, etc., with the benefits of brown rice, i.e., high nutritional value and enhanced flavor. Indeed, the nutritional value of the compositions of the present invention may be equal to or better than that of wholegrain brown rice. The present invention further relates to methods for the preparation of a whole grain rice composition. In one embodiment the methods comprises at least partially milling rice grains, and coating on the surface of the rice grains, a coating comprising bran, a material which increases the fiber value of the composition, or a combination thereof.
US08226994B2
The invention provides formulations containing sanguinarine, chelerythrine or chelidonine or their salts or extracts containing them, mixed with suitable vehicles and/or excipients, for the treatment of common skin warts and verrucas, anal and vulvar warts and psoriatic plaques.
US08226983B2
Disclosed is a method for producing pulverized particles of a crystalline organic compound which is poorly water-soluble. Also disclosed is a pulverized organic compound particle produced by such a method. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing a poor water solubility organic compound particle for medical use, which is characterized in that a poor water solubility organic compound for medical use is mixed with a physiologically acceptable salt and a physiologically acceptable polyol, and subjected to wet milling. Also specifically disclosed is a poor water solubility organic compound particle for medical use, which is produced by such a production method.
US08226978B2
Compositions, methods and systems for administration of small volume sufentanil-containing drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa of a subject are disclosed.
US08226952B2
Human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to rabies virus, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using such antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof for treating rabies virus in a subject, are provided herein.
US08226948B1
Human anti-human IL-21 monoclonal antibodies and the hybridomas that produce them are presented. Certain of these antibodies have the ability to bind native human IL-21, a mutant recombinat IL-21 protein and/or peptide regions of human IL-21. These human anti-IL-21 antibodies are useful in therapeutic treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, particularly diseases mediated by T follicular helper cells, B cells TH cells or TH17 cells.
US08226942B2
Compositions for wound healing, use of the compositions, and kits and methods of using thereof are described herein. In a preferred aspect, the compositions are suitable for use in a method for forming a fibrin matrix or foam that can be applied or injected at the site of need. In another preferred aspect, the compositions are also suitable for use in methods for forming enhanced controlled delivery fibrin matrices that can be administered as gels or foams.
US08226933B2
A skin care product comprising from about 0.001% to about 10% of a retinoid, in combination with 0.0001% to about 50% of a combination of retinoid boosters.
US08226914B2
Soot filters for removing soot from the exhaust gas of lean-burn engines become blocked with progressive operating duration on account of the deposition of soot, and must therefore be regenerated at regular intervals. It has been found that reliable operation of the soot filter is possible only if an active regeneration is carried out from time to time by increasing the exhaust-gas temperature to the soot ignition temperature. For this purpose, an oxidation catalytic converter is usually arranged upstream of the soot filter, and the exhaust-gas temperature is increased by means of the catalytic combustion of additionally injected fuel. Here, the oxidation catalytic converter is subjected to high temperature loading and therefore ages very quickly. It has surprisingly been found that the ageing of the oxidation catalytic converter can be slowed if said oxidation catalytic converter is split into at least two separate catalytic converters and the distance between said separate catalytic converters is 2 to 30 mm.
US08226909B2
Catalytic structures include a catalytic material disposed within a zeolite material. The catalytic material may be capable of catalyzing a formation of methanol from carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide, and the zeolite material may be capable of catalyzing a formation of hydrocarbon molecules from methanol. The catalytic material may include copper and zinc oxide. The zeolite material may include a first plurality of pores substantially defined by a crystal structure of the zeolite material and a second plurality of pores dispersed throughout the zeolite material. Systems for synthesizing hydrocarbon molecules also include catalytic structures. Methods for synthesizing hydrocarbon molecules include contacting hydrogen and at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with such catalytic structures. Catalytic structures are fabricated by forming a zeolite material at least partially around a template structure, removing the template structure, and introducing a catalytic material into the zeolite material.
US08226906B2
A sample collection device suitable for low-volume extraction includes a substantially tubular collection vessel having a closed end, an open end, and one or more sidewalls defining a vessel chamber having a vessel volume. The device further includes a swab for sample collection. The swab formed with a substantially closed-celled polymer foam head and the swab is configured for insertion into the collection vessel.
US08226896B2
A catalytically active diesel particulate filter with ammonia trap action is presented, which, in addition to an oxidation-active coating (2), comprises a coating (1) which is catalytically active in the SCR reaction. By means of this inventive diesel particulate filter, it is possible to make exhaust gas aftertreatment systems for removing nitrogen oxides and particulates from the exhaust gas of lean engines considerably simpler and less expensive.
US08226894B2
An ultrasonic treatment apparatus treats a part of the body without use of a medical agent. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a treatment vessel, an ultrasonic element, an ultrasonic element driving circuit, and an operation section. The treatment vessel holds a medium and the ultrasonic element generates ultrasonic waves through the medium to decompose the water in the medium to thereby generate hydroxyl radicals. The ultrasonic element driving circuit drives the ultrasonic element. The operation section is used to set sterilization conditions determined by the amount of hydroxyl radicals generated by the ultrasonic waves.
US08226887B2
Methods, devices, and materials that include, in certain embodiments, a mobile device, movable across a surface by a user, that provides ultraviolet light for a process of sanitizing or sterilizing the surface that comprises an ultraviolet light source for illuminating the surface with the ultraviolet light to thereby sanitize or sterilize the surface. The device may include a movement sensor operatively coupled to a microprocessor that receives movement data from the movement sensor, and an indicator that is operatively coupled to the microprocessor, with the microprocessor comprising programming to perform a comparison of the calculated dosage to a predetermined dosage, wherein the microprocessor, based on the comparison, controls the indicator to provide instructions to the user.
US08226885B2
An apparatus is described for bracing of sheet-metal joints (1) in a high-temperature annealing furnace having at least one carrier (2), which frontally receives a sheet-metal joint (1) and has a central axial passage opening (6), on which a support pipe (5), which axially penetrates the sheet-metal joint (1), having a carrier (2) for receiving a further sheet-metal joint (1) can optionally be placed in a load-bearing manner. In order to provide advantageous heating conditions, it is proposed that the carrier (2) has a ring body (7) forming the passage opening (6), having radially protruding carrier arms (8) distributed around the circumference.
US08226868B2
A device for preparing a flat profiled element from an elastomeric thermoplastic gel includes: an extruder with at least one feed and a discharge; an extruder die having section configured to be suitable for a profile of the flat profiled element; a liquid cooling bath with a free surface for receiving and cooling the flat profiled element as the flat profiled element is discharged from the extruder die; and a flat moving support for receiving the flat profiled element. The free surface of the liquid cooling bath is arranged in an immediate vicinity of an outlet of the extruder die. Additionally, an angle of inclination of a plane of the extruder die to a horizontal plane is between 20 and 70 degrees.
US08226858B2
An interconnect composite material having a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of zirconia electrolyte, high electrical conductivity, high stability in both oxidizing and reducing atmosphere at temperatures from 600 to 900° C. and having the following general composition (1−z)[xNi+(1−x−y)TiO2+yNb2O5]+zCuO where x, y and z are corresponding parties of weight. An interconnect plate of this material is manufactured by sintering an intermediate TiO2—Nb2O5 composition, grinding it to a powder, combining the powder with NiO, CuO and an organic binder, tape casting the mixture, stacking the fabricated film into multiple layers, repeated rolling of the multiple layers into sheets and two-step sintering of the sheets in an air atmosphere at the first step and in a hydrogen atmosphere at the final step.
US08226850B1
An oxygen scavenging system comprising a free radical scavenger (e.g., α-tocopherol, trimethylhydroquinone, ubiquinol, carotenoids, flavonoids, etc. and mixtures thereof) and a transition metal (e.g., iron (II), copper, manganese, cobalt, etc. and mixtures thereof) in a medium is generally provided. The medium containing the antioxidant and the transition metal has been thermally processed by heating to at least about 150° F. for at least about 10 minutes. Methods of removing oxygen from an environment surrounded by a medium containing the oxygen scavenging system and methods of making the oxygen scavenging system in a medium are also provided.
US08226840B2
Some embodiments include methods of removing silicon dioxide in which the silicon dioxide is exposed to a mixture that includes activated hydrogen and at least one primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary ammonium halide. The mixture may also include one or more of thallium, BX3 and PQ3, where X and Q are halides. Some embodiments include methods of selectively etching undoped silicon dioxide relative to doped silicon dioxide, in which thallium is incorporated into the doped silicon dioxide prior to the etching. Some embodiments include compositions of matter containing silicon dioxide doped with thallium to a concentration of from about 1 weight % to about 10 weight %.
US08226836B2
Described herein are systems, devices, and methods relating to packaging electronic devices, for example, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, including optical modulators such as interferometric optical modulators. The interferometric modulator disclosed herein comprises a movable mirror. Some embodiments of the disclosed movable mirror exhibit a combination of improved properties compared to known mirrors, including reduced moving mass, improved mechanical properties, and reduced etch times.
US08226827B2
This invention relates to filtration assemblies and methods of installing filtration units in filtration assemblies. Filtration assemblies may include first and second end pieces, at least one filtration unit between the first and second end pieces, and at least one alignment rod arrangement. The alignment rod arrangement may extend between the end pieces and align the filtration units and the end pieces.
US08226815B2
A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08226812B2
A method in a corrosion protection system for protecting a first and a second metal part of a marine construction is provided. The method includes controlling electrical currents through electrical circuits, including respective anodes, the respective metal parts and an electrolyte, at least partly based on measured electrical potentials of the respective metal parts with an reference electrode as a ground reference. The method further includes repetitively performing the steps of controlling the electrical currents so as to be reduced or eliminated, measuring the electrical potentials while the electrical currents are maintained reduced or eliminated, and, after measuring the first and second electrical potentials, controlling the electrical currents so as to be increased or reestablished.
US08226809B2
An anodized layer on a metallic substrate is treated in a manner to directly electrodeposit a metal sulfide solid lubricant material represented by MS2, where M is Mo, W or other suitable metal, in pores of the anodized layer without any subsequent thermal and/or chemical treatment being needed.
US08226808B2
It is to provide a method for manufacturing a metal electrode having transition metal oxide coating layer and a metal electrode manufactured thereby, which eliminates a contact resistance problem and simultaneously improves electric conductivity of the electrode by using a one body electrode, which is not requiring separate current collector and binder, and further maintains pseudo-capacitance from the redox reaction by coating the metal surface with a transition metal oxide.
US08226805B2
Insoluble anode for metal wire electroplating and method of electroplating metal wire using the same
An insoluble anode for metal wire electroplating capable of simultaneously electroplating a plurality of metal wires and uniformalizing the electroplating amounts of the metal wires stably for a long time. For realizing these, a plurality of insoluble electrode plates are disposed in a parallel alignment to be placed sandwiching a plurality of wire travel paths from both sides. A plurality of the insoluble electrode plates are tightened and fixed by through-bolts at a plurality of places along the travel path direction. A conductive spacer is interposed in each gap between the insoluble electrode plates at a tightening part by the through-bolt and also a conductive member is provided so as to contact all the electrode plates and the conductive spacers.
US08226801B2
The present invention provides a method of producing pristine or non-oxidized nano graphene platelets (NGPs) that are highly conductive. The method comprises: (a) providing a pristine graphitic material comprising at least a graphite crystallite having at least a graphene plane and an edge surface; (b) dispersing multiple particles of the pristine graphitic material in a liquid medium containing therein no surfactant to produce a suspension, wherein the multiple particles in the liquid have a concentration greater than 0.1 mg/mL and the liquid medium is characterized by having a surface tension that enables wetting of the liquid on a graphene plane exhibiting a contact angle less than 90 degrees; and (c) exposing the suspension to direct ultrasonication at a sufficient energy or intensity level for a sufficient length of time to produce the NGPs. Pristine NGPs can be used as a conductive additive in transparent electrodes for solar cells or flat panel displays (e.g., to replace expensive indium-tin oxide), battery and supercapacitor electrodes, and nanocomposites for electromagnetic wave interference (EMI) shielding, static charge dissipation, and fuel cell bipolar plate applications.
US08226793B2
The invention concerns a process for producing an analytical tape for liquid samples in which a rollable transport tape is provided with test fields that are spaced apart in the direction of the tape for analyzing the liquid samples. A multilayered test label tape is prefabricated from at least a detection film and an adhesive tape and subsequently the test fields are transferred as self-adhesive test labels from the test label tape onto the transport tape.
US08226790B2
An impact resistant roofing shingle which includes an asphalt coated substrate whose unexposed surface is laminated to an organic film. A process of forming that shingle includes the step of applying an organic film, by spraying a latex, by applying a rubber polymer modified asphalt, by compressing a plastic film having a higher melting or decomposition temperature than the melting point of the asphalt coating or by applying an adhesive to which a plastic film is applied to the unexposed surface of the asphalt coated substrate.
US08226778B2
A warewash machine includes a housing defining at least one area for spraying liquid on wares. A conveyance mechanism is provided for moving wares through the housing from an input end to an output end of the housing. A drive system drives the conveyance mechanism. The drive system includes a drive motor (200) having an output shaft and a slip clutch assembly (202) connected between the output shaft and the conveyance mechanism. The slip clutch assembly (202) includes a torque input side, a torque output side, and an adjustment member (250) positionable in either a first orientation that sets a first pre-i selected slip clutch torque limit or a second configuration that sets a second pre-selected slip clutch torque limit that is different than the first pre-selected slip clutch torque limit.
US08226772B2
Some embodiments include methods of removing particles from over surfaces of semiconductor substrates. Liquid may be flowed across the surfaces and the particles. While the liquid is flowing, electrophoresis and/or electroosmosis may be utilized to enhance transport of the particles from the surfaces and into the liquid. In some embodiments, temperature, pH and/or ionic strength within the liquid may be altered to assist in the removal of the particles from over the surfaces of the substrates.
US08226765B1
A ready-mix concrete and method for making the ready-mix concrete having mix proportions that include at least 70% coarse recycled aggregate and fly ash is provided. The ready-mix concrete including cement, air, water, sand and a remaining percent of virgin coarse recycled aggregate such that the coarse recycled aggregate combines to 100% of the required coarse aggregate.
US08226763B2
The invention relates to a monophase hydraulic binder containing silicon, calcium, oxygen and hydrogen atoms in an arrangement comprising silicate building units having an average connectedness of no more than Q1.5 and silanol groups, with none or a part of the calcium atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[6]x+ sixfold or higher-coordinated with oxygen and/or none or a part of the silicon atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[4]y+ tetrahedrally coordinated with oxygen, the molar ratio of [CaO+(x/2)·(M[6]x+Ox/2)]:[SiO2+M[4]y+Oy/2] having a value of 0.75 to 2.75, and the binder containing an H2O content of 3.5% by weight to 20% by weight, as well as a mixture containing this binder. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for manufacturing the binder or a mixture containing this binder by converting calcium-containing and silicate-containing starting materials into a preproduct which at least in part contains a calcium hydroxosilicate, subsequent grinding of the calcium hydroxosilicate until the monophase hydraulic binder forms, and optionally drying the monophase hydraulic binder to an H2O content of 3.5% by weight to 20% by weight.Finally, the invention relates to a building material made by setting the binder or a mixture containing this binder with water and subsequent hardening.
US08226761B2
A method of modifying a pigment that includes reacting a reactive compound having an X—[Y]n reactive group with a secondary compound N—S—ZM to form a substituted reactive intermediate [Y]a—X—(N—S—ZM)b. A pigment is reacted with the substituted reactive intermediate [Y]a—X—(N—S—ZM)b to attach the substituted reactive intermediate to the surface of the pigment to form a surface modified pigment. X may be a sulfonyl, phosphoryl, or 1,3,5-triazinyl group, Y may be a halogen leaving group, N may be a basic nucleophilic group, S may be an organic group, and ZM may be an ionizable end group. Also, n is an integer between 1 and 3, b is an integer between 1 and 3, and a=n−b. When n is equal to or greater than b, and if b is 2 or 3, each N—S—ZM can be the same or different.
US08226760B2
Compositions for making alpha-alumina supports for, for example, inorganic membranes are described. Methods for controlling the alumina and pore former particle sizes and other process variables are described which facilitate desirable porosity, pore distribution and strength characteristics of the resulting alpha-alumina inorganic membrane supports.
US08226757B2
Phthalocyanine dyes represented by the general structures (I) to (IV) and inkjet ink formulation including the phthalocyanine dyes.
US08226750B2
A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen-permeable membrane to purify hydrogen from mixed gases containing hydrogen is disclosed. Improved mechanical support for the permeable membrane is described, enabling forward or reverse differential pressurization of the membrane, which further stabilizes the membrane from wrinkling upon hydrogen uptake.
US08226744B2
A method for purifying or separating a gas mixture comprising at least one fuel, using a unit having at least one adsorber subjected to a pressure cycle comprising at least one step of placing under vacuum by means of a vacuum pump, wherein at least one adsorber and/or the vacuum pump, depressurized during the cycle, is repressurized at least partly by an external gas to said unit and not containing a sufficient quantity of oxidizer to create an inflammable mixture during this repressurization.
US08226743B2
The invention relates to fluid separator comprising:—a throat portion (4) which is arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section, the diverging fluid outlet section comprising an inner primary outlet (7) for condensables depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet for condensables enriched fluid components (6); and—a central body (10) provided upstream of the throat portion (4) in the fluid inlet section, the central body (10) being arranged substantially coaxial to a central axis I of the fluid separator. The fluid separator is arranged to facilitate a main flow through the converging fluid inlet section, the throat portion towards the diverging fluid outlet section. The central body (10) comprises an outlet (13), directed towards the tubular throat portion (4) and is arranged to add a central flow towards the throat portion (4).
US08226741B2
The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of a metal powder having a purity at least as high as the starting powder and having an oxygen content of 10 ppm or less comprising heating said metal powder containing oxygen in the form of an oxide, with the total oxygen content being from 50 to 3000 ppmf in an inert atmosphere at a pressure of from 1 bar to 10−7 to a temperature at which the oxide of the metal powder becomes thermodynamically unstable and removing the resulting oxygen via volatilization. The metal powder is preferably selected from the group consisting of tantalum, niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, zirconium, titanium, vanadium, rhenium and tungsten. The invention also relates to the powders produced by the process and the use of such powders in a cold spray process.
US08226734B2
An azo pigment and pigment dispersion show excellent coloring characteristics and light fastness. The azo pigment is represented by general formula (1), its tautomer, a salt or hydrate thereof: wherein G is hydrogen or an aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, acyl, aliphatic oxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, or sulfonyl group, R1 is an amino, aliphatic oxy, aliphatic, aryl, or heterocyclic group, R2 is a substituent, A is an aromatic 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic group, m is an integer of 0 to 5, n is an integer of 1 to 4 and, when n=2, 3 or 4, the formula represents a dimer, trimer, or tetramer, respectively, formed through R1, R2, A, or G.
US08226726B2
A patello-femoral joint prosthesis is provided which allows smooth tracking of the articulating surfaces through a full range of joint motion. A novel configuration of a femoral implant component that facilitates superior adhesion to bone is also provided. Also provided is a patello-femoral joint replacement system, which permits precise, reproducible bone preparation techniques that uniquely permit later revision and full knee joint replacement procedures with minimal complications. Also provided are a drill guide and a cutting guide, each being configured to provide three point stabilization during operation.
US08226724B2
The subject invention provides a modular six-degrees-of-freedom spatial mechanism for spinal disc prosthesis, with three rotational and three translational degrees-of-freedom. The prosthesis anchors to the superior and inferior vertebrae of an FSU and maintains mechanical linkage between those vertebrae for all normal motions and positions of the FSU. The prosthetic disc uses a novel, multi-curvate “ball-and-socket” joint with joint limits on all three rotational axes integrated into the design. A planar joint can further provide two, orthogonal linear degrees of freedom. Resilient spring elements, self-adjusting, in position and orientation, in conjunction with a double-layered, fiber and ring reinforced boot and toroidal belt, and a unique hydraulic damping system using dual segmented-walls can accommodate dynamic and static forces and sudden shocks on the FSU.
US08226722B2
A method for fusing spinal bone is provided. The method comprises placing a sac between two or more adjacent sections of the spine to be fused, and filling the sac with bone tissue. The surfaces of the sac abutting the sections of the spine comprise porous material for allowing bone to grow between the spine and the sac. Surfaces of the sac not abutting the sections of the spine are nonporous to bodily fluids and thereby prevent premature deterioration of the bone tissue inside the sac. A sac for fusing spinal bone and a kit comprising the sac are also provided.
US08226720B2
This invention relates to a disk augmentation system or situating a retainer comprising artificial supports posterior to or exterior of a spinal column and a spinal column axis. The system provides an external retainer having supports for receiving at least one artificial compression body and securing at least one artificial compression body in a supported relationship to facilitate reducing load on the one or more natural disks of a patient.
US08226719B2
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for stabilizing a collapsed vertebra of a patient is provided. The method comprises introducing a supercooled liquid into the collapsed vertebra. A solid structure that supports the collapsed vertebra is then form by solidifying the supercooled liquid.
US08226716B2
A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel.
US08226712B1
The present invention is TAH system for auto-regulating blood flow and maintaining the asymmetric pressure balance in the mammalian cardiovascular system by decreasing the resistance in blood flow and minimizing the pressure gradients to exploit the in-flow pressure sensitivities of continuous flow pumps. The system further includes laminar flow generating manifolds connected to the atrium at one end and attached to pumps linked to the great vessels at the other, such that the in-let flow sensitivities of the pumps are maximized to auto-regulate blood flow, providing adequate pulmonary and systemic arterial flow to support normal metabolism and end-organ function and maintain the appropriate asymmetric physiologic pressure balance between the systemic and pulmonary systems of the mammalian cardiovascular system.
US08226709B2
A system and method for the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular or adjacent tissue each fixed by a retainer is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a crossing catheter having a prolapseable or curved tip. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make plications in the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a “C” shaped retainer with deformable ends is deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. A transseptal approach may be used to plicate and retain tissue on the atrial side of the mitral valve to achieve a reduction in mitral valve regurgitation.
US08226708B1
A collapsible stent graft for aortic aneurysms includes a collapsible inner tubular member (26) and an outer layer (24) fused or adhered thereto such as to provide a spiral inflatable member (22) therebetween. The stent graft is inserted into an artery in the collapsed state and then expanded into position by introducing a liquid into the inflatable member and sealing the member. The graft is held in place by an expandable stent (40).
US08226704B2
A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body when the stent is in a collapsed condition and for expansion to an expanded condition, includes an outer wall for engagement with the conduit. The outer wall has a helical portion which in the expanded condition extends longitudinally and circumferentially, and which, upon expansion of the stent from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition, resists extension.
US08226702B2
A prosthesis delivery and deployment device includes an elongate and flexible outer catheter. The outer catheter has a tubular wall of layered construction, including a translucent inner liner running the complete catheter length, and three outer layers including a translucent distal layer, an opaque medial layer and an opaque proximal outer layer. The outer layers are adjacent one another and are bonded to the liner. A braid composed of helically wound metal filaments is disposed between the liner and the proximal and medial outer layers, and includes a distal portion between the liner and a proximal portion of the distal outer layer. The liner and distal outer layer provide a translucent distal region of the catheter that is adapted to constrain a radially self-expanding prosthesis in a radially reduced, axially elongated state. Because the stent constraining region is translucent, an endoscope can be used to visually monitor the stent when so constrained. Radiopaque markers can be mounted to the outer catheter and to an inner catheter used to deploy the prosthesis, to afford a combined visual and fluoroscopic monitoring for enhanced accuracy in positioning the prosthesis, both before and during its deployment.
US08226699B2
A flexible reusable thermal pack for therapeutic purposes. A flexible, insulative sealed pouch is partially filled with hollow balls containing freezable or heatable liquid and metal balls of substantial mass. The thermal pack slowly returns to ambient temperature while it conforms to be a body part needing therapeutic thermal treatment.
US08226695B2
An adjustable occipital plate includes a central body portion having a plurality of arms extending therefrom in a generally Y-shaped configuration. Two of the arms include elongate slots for slidably receiving retaining members therein. Each retaining member includes a U-shaped channel for receiving a spine rod and a set screw. The central body portion and one arm include openings for receiving bone screws therein. Each of the arms may be angled with respect to the central body portion.
US08226691B2
A spinal implant insertion guide is disclosed. The insertion guide includes at least one channel suitable for receiving and facilitating movement of a spinal implant into an intervertebral space between two vertebrae and a portion suitable for insertion into the intervertebral space. In embodiments for use with spinal implant having multiple pieces, the pieces of the spinal implant remain in cooperation throughout movement. The guide may further include a plunger for facilitating the movement of the spinal implant.
US08226688B2
The device for protecting adjacent stages Vc of a spinal segment Sr of a vertebral column previously instrumented by an osteosynthesis device (1) is constituted of fixation elements (110) formed of connectors (111) immobilized in translation and in rotation on the corresponding connection rod (4) of osteosynthesis device (1), a support block (130; 180) in which is housed the spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc found just above the instrumented spinal segment Sr and at least one ligament (150, 170, 190) allowing spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc to be joined to support block (130; 180) and the support block (130; 180) to be joined to connectors (111).
US08226686B2
An attachment assembly configured to secure an implantable support within a patient includes a length of suture, an anchor, a capsule, and a clasp. The suture has a leading end half terminating in a leading end and a trailing end half terminating in a trailing end. The anchor is coupled to the trailing end half of the length of the suture. The capsule is attached to the leading end of the suture and has a through-bore extending longitudinally through the capsule. The clasp is attached to the trailing end of the suture, the clasp attachable to the implantable support.
US08226679B2
In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a filter having a first spiral support member having a first end and a second end, a second spiral support member positioned adjacent the first spiral support member to form an open loop between the first end and the second end of the first spiral support member; and a filtering structure attached to the open loop. In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a filter having a first spiral support member having a first end and a second end; a second spiral support member positioned adjacent the first spiral support member to form a loop between the first end and the second end; a material covering a portion of the first and the second spiral support members; and a structure attached to the loop.
US08226666B2
The present invention is various systems for repairing tissue within the heart of a patient. The system of the present invention includes a guide catheter, a therapy catheter, and a fastener catheter. The therapy catheter and the fastener catheter are capable of traversing the internal lumen of the guide catheter. The fastener catheter is capable of introducing a suture clip to a desired position along suture line, deploying the suture clip to secure the suture and cutting excess suture. In addition, the present invention discloses various methods for repairing tissue.
US08226663B2
A microdermabrasion hand piece includes an elongated body portion having a particle supply channel and a waste removal channel extending lengthwise, parallel to a longitudinal axis, through the body portion; a removable tip attachable to a proximal end of the body portion, the removable tip defining a treatment orifice; the particle supply channel being oriented to direct a stream of abrasive particles, which are drawn into and guided through the particle supply channel, substantially toward a center of the treatment orifice; and an automatic vacuum relief valve assembly oriented centrally in the hand piece and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hand piece, the vacuum relief valve assembly being responsive to skin contact, wherein the hand piece provides automatic limitation on skin extension, wherein extension of the skin in the treatment orifice, beyond a predetermined limit, is prevented and excessive extension of skin of various thicknesses is eliminated.
US08226647B2
An embodiment of the invention may include a medical device. The medical device may include a flexible tube, an elongate member configured to cut tissue and extend from the flexible tube, and a cauterizing member configured to cauterize tissue and to move relative to the elongate member and the flexible tube. The cauterizing member may substantially surround at least a portion of the elongate member.
US08226644B2
A gas-enhanced electrosurgical instrument includes a hand-held applicator and a portable actuator assembly. The hand-held applicator has a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent a distal end of the applicator. The portable actuator assembly is capable of holding a source of pressurized ionizable gas, such as a cylinder or cartridge, and includes at least one controller to control the delivery of the gas from the source to the hand-held applicator and to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy to the hand-held applicator.
US08226642B2
Disclosed is an ignition system for initiating a plasma arc in an electrosurgical system. The system includes a source of high frequency electrical energy having a terminal of active potential and a terminal of return potential a base having a distal end from which a plasma arc emanates, an active electrode operatively coupled with the base and electrically in circuit with the terminal of active potential. The ignition system may have a piezoelectric device electrically coupled to the active electrode to create at least one high voltage spark when the system is initially activated. Alternately, the ignition system may include a heater or heating device of heating the active electrode and producing free electrons to assist in the initiation of the plasma arc.
US08226634B2
A method for protecting mammalian skin against photodamage caused by an exposure to a damaging radiation. The method includes irradiating the mammalian skin before the exposure to the damaging radiation with a protective radiation, the protective radiation including radiation having a wavelength larger than the wavelength of the damaging radiation, the protective radiation being irradiated onto the mammalian skin under conditions suitable for reducing photodamage to the mammalian skin caused by the damaging radiation.
US08226633B2
A co-axial catheter assembly (100), including a first lumen (110) having a first distal end (114) and a first proximal end (112), and a second lumen (120) having a second distal end (124) and a second proximal end (122). The second lumen (120) extends co-axially with the first lumen (110), wherein the second lumen is at least partially disposed within the first lumen and the second distal end extends distally of the first distal end. A method of manufacturing the catheter is also disclosed.
US08226631B2
The present invention relates to drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices, in particular pen-type injectors, wherein a number of pre-set doses of medicinal product can be administered. In particular, the present invention relates to such drug delivery devices where a user may activate the drug delivery device.
US08226628B2
An object is to provide a communicating needle of simple construction which is attached to a medical infusion bag to connect two or more containers in fluid communication with each other. The communicating needle for connecting two or more containers to communicate includes a tip having an outlet opening formed thereon and a seal member integrally formed with the communicating needle to seal the outlet opening. The seal member readily comes off the communicating needle when acted upon by an external force, causing the outlet opening to open. The communicating needle may be covered by a seal body.
US08226626B2
A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. Some of the meltblown fibers are present in the interstices formed by the spunbond fibers of one of the layers. As a result of activation of the stretchable laminate, the nonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak Force of at least 0.3 N/cm.
US08226624B2
Various garments are disclosed which include a body adhesive for attaching the garment to the skin of a wearer. More particularly, the garment can include at least one extensible portion. An adhesive member comprising an adhesive layer and a cover member may be positioned over the extensible portion. The cover member may completely cover the adhesive layer when the extensible portion is in a relaxed condition. When the extensible portion is stretched, however, the cover member may define openings that expose the adhesive layer for adhering the adhesive to a wearer. The garment may comprise, for instance, a diaper, a training pant, a swim pant, a hospital gown, an industrial garment, a glove, a feminine hygiene product, an adult incontinence product, and the like. The adhesive member can be positioned over any suitable extensible portion on the garment.
US08226616B2
A syringe assembly comprises a syringe barrel having an elongated body defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end, a distal end and a frusto-conically shaped tip extending from the distal end and having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber has an inside diameter of at least 13.5 mm. A stopper is in fluid-tight engagement inside the barrel. An elongated plunger rod extends proximally from the stopper through the open proximal end of the barrel. A flange is positioned at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The flange is shaped and positioned to limit the distal motion of the plunger rod in the barrel by contacting the proximal end of the barrel. A tip cap is releasably connected to the tip for sealing the passageway and the chamber contains injectable liquid.
US08226615B2
An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device.
US08226613B2
A stylet is provided which makes it possible to improve the handling of a catheter while also facilitating insertion of the catheter. A catheter set having such a stylet is also provided. A stylet with a hole and a stylet without a hole include, respectively: a stylet main body; an engaging part; a film-like linking part for linking the stylet main body and the engaging part; and a soft tip end part which is provided at a tip end of the engaging part. The engaging part has a tapered tubular shape which can expand and contract thanks to an alternating arrangement of soft parts and rigid parts in the peripheral direction. The stylet main body is then pulled rearwards from a state in which the stylet with a hole and the stylet without a hole are assembled with a catheter, thereby enabling the engaging part, which can engage with the edge of the opening of the catheter, to contract in the radial direction and be withdrawn.
US08226612B2
A needle assembly for introducing an indwelling catheter into a blood vessel is provided. The needle assembly may include a handle including a flashback chamber configured to allow inflow of flashback blood, and a needle hub. The handle and the needle hub may each be configured with through holes to allow flashback of blood from a needle to the flashback chamber without a mediating member between the through holes.
US08226609B2
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 bellows-type assembly. The fluid dispenser includes a unique stored energy mechanism which takes the form of a constant force 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.
US08226604B2
A needlestick prevention device for an injection device having a hollow needle comprises a sheath for attachment to the injection device. The sheath has three positions. In a first, inoperative position the sheath sealingly encloses the needle. In a second operative position a first part of the sheath is removed, a second part remains attached to the injection device and a third part is pivoted about a hinge to expose the needle. In a third, cover position the third part is pivoted about the hinge to cover at least the tip of the needle and is retained in position by a retaining device acting between the second part and the third part. The needlestick prevention device is simple to manufacture and use.
US08226602B2
A gastric space filler device for treating obesity in a patient by reducing the stomach volume features at least one inflatable space filler with drag delivery and stimulation features and includes therapeutic devices and anchoring apparatus enabling tracking, visualization and optimized management of inter-balloon connecting sections, drug reservoirs and pumping systems along with related improvements.
US08226599B2
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for applying wave energy of an ultrasonic frequency to agitate particles in a sample. The agitated sample is then delivered via a syringe or a resonating syringe plunger attachment of an applicator. More particularly, the present invention relates to establishing and maintaining a liquid suspension delivery system that prevents dispersed particles from precipitating out of suspension while the sample is delivered through to various applicators, such as resonating syringe plungers.
US08226589B2
A night splint for a user's foot having a frame member and a toe retainer that is releasably connected to the frame member. The toe retainer is configured to dorsiflex at least one toe of the user to allow for a dynamic stretch of the plantar fascia and to provide a low load stretch of the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia tendon, deep flexor muscles and calf muscles to relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
US08226573B2
A probe for an electronic thermometer includes a first elongate, semi-cylindrical probe shaft member having a distal end, a proximal end, first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A second elongate, semi-cylindrical probe shaft member has a distal end, a proximal end, first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A joint along which the second probe shaft member is attached to the first probe shaft member forms an interior space between the probe shaft members. A probe tip is disposed on the distal ends of the first and second probe shaft members. A temperature sensor is in thermal communication with the probe tip.
US08226564B2
The proposed handpiece (1) for ultrasonic electro-medical apparatuses includes a grip, which carries an operating tip for treatment on a patient and which consists of two portions, having electric and hydraulic connections. The two portions are removably screw-coupled.
US08226563B2
Receive circuits and associated methods are provided for ultrasound imaging. Both subarray mixing and time division multiplexing are provided with a same circuit. Components of the receive circuit respond to either phasing or time slot information to implement subarray mixing or time division multiplexing. A network of switches allows combination of signals from different elements to form different sub-apertures. A controller minimizes power consumption while outputting the desired phase or time division multiplexed information by gating a clock to various registers. Each of the registers corresponds to different groups of transducer elements. For loading new phasing information, the clock is turned on to the desired register. Duration operation of the receive circuit, the clock is gated off. The register outputs the previously loaded values in a static state without clocking. Preamplification for either of time division or subarray mixed signals is provided using a variable gain amplifier with a common mode feedback. The common mode feedback provides for a constant operating point despite changes in the desired amount of gain.
US08226559B2
The invention is disclosed to design a real-time pulse/echo system to perform 1-D real-time temperature measurement and integrate in the high-intensity focused ultrasound system. In the invention, a modified echo-time shifting algorithm is developed to calculate the corresponding phase shift from echo signal, which correlates with the instantaneous temperature change during heating process.
US08226557B2
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08226554B2
An assembly for tissue retraction in surgery includes a pair of arm members removably positioned on and movable along an elongate support member. The arm members each include an external housing, a locking member positioned within the external housing and a passageway extending through the external housing and the locking member. The elongate support member extends through the passageways and the locking members are releasably biased into engagement with the elongate support member to allow the arm members to move in opposite directions along the elongate support member and prevent the arm members from moving toward one another. Each arm member further includes a rotatable engagement portion engageable with a respective retractor portion and a locking element releasably biased into engagement with the engagement portion to limit rotation of the engagement portion to a first direction relative to the arm member.
US08226553B2
Various devices and methods are provided with respect to inserting multiple surgical instruments through a single surgical access device. A medical device including a flexible tissue retractor and a releasable insert having multiple instrument openings is disclosed. The insert can be in the form of an insert assembly including multiple components. A method of using the insert is also described.
US08226547B2
An endoscope includes an insertion portion, a resin tubular covering member, a fastening member and a contact surface. The insertion portion includes a bending portion. The resin tubular covering member is covering a covering target part in the insertion portion including the bending portion. The fastening member is wound around the outer periphery of at least one end of the covering member and fastens the end to the covering target part. The contact surface is provided on the side of the covering target part covered with the end, is placed in contact with the end face of the covering member and becomes thinner toward the side of the covering member.
US08226546B2
A steerable endoscope has an elongated body with a selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled proximal portion. The endoscope body is inserted into a patient and the selectively steerable distal portion is used to select a desired path within the patient's body. When the endoscope body is advanced, an electronic motion controller operates the automatically controlled proximal portion to assume the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. Another desired path is selected with the selectively steerable distal portion and the endoscope body is advanced again. As the endoscope body is further advanced, the selected curves propagate proximally along the endoscope body, and when the endoscope body is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves propagate distally along the endoscope body. This creates a serpentine motion in the endoscope body that allows it to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through, around, and between organs within the body.
US08226542B2
A ventricular assist system includes a controller supplying a DC voltage or an AC voltage, and electromagnets adapted to be adhered to an infarct portion of a heart at the time of embedding a pump. After embedding the system, cells enclosed in capsules are released into the surroundings of the infarct portion by use of a catheter. The capsules are magnetic so that they can be concentrated onto the infarct portion by magnetic fields of the electromagnets, and are broken in the vicinity of the infarct portion, whereby cells effective for regeneration of cardiac muscles can be conveyed to the infarct portion in a noninvasive manner after the embedding of the ventricular assist system.
US08226535B2
A label product in web form has alternating, oppositely indented creases in the liner of the product to produce a fan-folded stack having alternating, reversely folded plies. Each crease is substantially, if not entirely, perforation-free to maximize the strength of the liner at the fold lines. The product is preferably produced on a narrow web press in a creasing station that includes a stack of rolls wherein a first die roll is on the bottom of the stack, a second die roll is on the top of the stack, and a pair of base rolls are located in the middle of the stack between the die rolls. A blade on each die roll cooperates with a cushion on the corresponding base roll to produce a crease during every other rotation of the die roll, each of the base rolls having a smaller circumference than its corresponding die roll.
US08226528B2
A shift controller for an automatic transmission mechanism is configured such that when the engine is in a driven state in which the engine is driven by a travel inertia force or the like and an accumulated pressure amount of the accumulator is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the excessive engine brake force, which is generated due to the accumulation of at least a portion of the hydraulic pressure generated from the mechanical hydraulic pump in the accumulator, is inhibited or reduced by conducting upshifting that relatively decreases the gear ratio of the automatic transmission mechanism. Therefore, the generation of the excessive engine brake force can be inhibited or reduced even when the engine is in the driven state and pressure accumulation is performed.
US08226520B2
An automatic transmission includes a single-pinion first planetary gear mechanism including a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first carrier that each correspond to one of first to third elements in a velocity diagram. A double-pinion second planetary gear mechanism includes a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a second carrier that each correspond to one of fourth to sixth elements in a velocity diagram. The fifth element is connected to the second element to form a first connected body that is connected to an input shaft. A single-pinion third planetary gear mechanism includes a third sun gear, a third ring gear, and a third carrier that each correspond to one of seventh to ninth elements in a velocity diagram. The eighth element is connected to an output member, and the ninth element is connected to the third element to form a second connected body.
US08226519B1
A control system for use in a vehicle having left and right clutch assemblies, each clutch assembly including a brake mechanism and a drive mechanism. The control system includes a steering switch having a left steering position to actuate the left brake mechanism and the right drive mechanism, a neutral steering position to actuate the left and right drive mechanisms, and a right steering position to actuate the left drive mechanism and the right brake mechanism. The system may also include an operator switch having a first position to actuate brake mechanisms and disable the steering switch, and a second position that passes control of both brake clutch assemblies to the steering switch. The system may further include a brake switch having a brake position that actuates both brake mechanisms and disables the operator switch and the steering switch, and a drive position that passes control of both clutch assemblies to the operator switch.
US08226514B2
Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have two motor-generators, two planetary gear sets, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set. A drive transfer assembly transfers torque from components establishing the first axis of rotation to components establishing the second axis of rotation.
US08226510B2
A belt driving device and associated method are provided. The driving device includes a plurality of rollers including a driving roller. A belt is configured to be tensioned by the plurality of rollers, and to be driven by the driving roller. An outside roller is configured to contact an outer surface of the belt and to be driven by a driving source. A detection portion is configured to detect a driving load of one of the driving roller and the outside roller. A controller is configured to drive the other one of the driving roller and the outside roller based on the driving load detected by the detection portion.
US08226509B2
A pivot joint for a single blade spring tensioner or double blade spring tensioner generates a biased friction loss at a pivot joint. The friction torque generated in one direction of joint rotation is greater than the friction torque generated in the opposite direction of rotation. In one embodiment, the direction of torque bias at the joints is used to make the damping of the blade spring greater in compression than in extension. High damping in compression and low damping in extension is a desirable characteristic for a tensioner in most applications. The device may be designed to act as a one-way clutch or as a two-way clutch. The device may also be designed to apply large friction torques only when the joint undergoes large amplitude motions (loss of control).
US08226508B2
Transmissions and drive systems for a self-propelled machine and related methods are provided. An input shaft having an axis and extending transverse to an output shaft is provided. The input shaft can be rotatable about the axis of the input shaft and configured to drivingly engage the output shaft. A variable pitch pulley can be disposed axially on the input shaft and configured to rotate about the axis of the input shaft. The variable pitch pulley can be configured to change pitch diameter to regulate the speed at which the input shaft is rotated. Further, the input shaft can be at least partially rotatable about an axis of the output shaft to vary the pitch of the variable pitch pulley to regulate the speed at which the input shaft drives the output shaft.
US08226507B2
An object of the present invention is to avoid unnecessary accumulation of a correction value during feedback control, even when a secondary pressure control valve enters a state of failure. A continuously variable transmission comprises a primary pulley supplied with a primary pressure that has been adjusted via a primary pressure control valve, a secondary pulley supplied with a secondary pressure that has been adjusted via the secondary pressure control valve, and a drive belt wound around the two pulleys. When a failure such as a disconnection occurs in the secondary pressure control valve, a lower limit value Imin of a target gear ratio is raised to a low side by a CVT control unit, and a setting region of the target gear ratio is set in a low region in which control is possible even during a failure. In so doing, divergence between the target gear ratio and an actual gear ratio can be avoided, and therefore unnecessary accumulation of the correction value during feedback control can be avoided.
US08226496B2
A golf club including a club head and an interchangeable shaft is disclosed herein. A connection assembly (44) comprises a sleeve insert (47), a hosel sleeve (48), a hosel tube (46), a ring mechanism (48) and a guide ring (49).
US08226493B2
A system of interactive game play is provided wherein the gaming is carried out within a pool, water park or water attraction. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as waterproof wands, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find and use identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting participants' advancement in the game. Each play participant may possess a unique RFID wand, band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.
US08226486B2
Systems and methods to generate proxies for players in a game are described. In some embodiments, a method accesses social network information associated with a player of a first game and a second game. The player controls a first player character in the first game and controls a second player character in the second game. The method accesses profile information of a friend of the player controlling a third player character in the first game. The method creates a proxy based on the third player character having multiple attributes based on the profile information of the friend of the player. A event outcome is determined based on an attribute of the first player character and at least one proxy attribute. Another game event outcome is determined based on an attribute of the second player character and at least one proxy attribute.
US08226484B2
A hand-held Wii remote controller for a video game system is adapted to simulating motion control for a motorcycle, jet skis, or other vehicle steered by handlebars. The player holds the remote horizontally with one hand on each end, parallel to a TV display screen, and can control simulated motorcycle operations using inertial sensing. For example, rotating the handheld remote about its orthogonal X/Y/Z axes as pitch (throttle accelerate/decelerate), yaw (steering left/right), and roll (leaning left/right into a turn) can be used as control inputs. In addition, the player can emulate a more aggressive, real-world lean into turns by rocking side-to-side on an optional balance board.
US08226478B2
To provide a game machine for providing a sport game to be played between an operation target team and an opponent team, which allows a game player to relatively readily find out the position of a teammate player object. A position announcing sound data storage unit (72) stores position announcing sound data in association with a relative position condition concerning the relative position of the teammate player object relative to the position and reference direction of the operation target player object. A relative position determination unit (76) determines whether or not the relative position of the teammate player object selected by the position announcement target selection unit (74), relative to the position and reference direction of the operation target player object, satisfies the relative position condition associated with the position announcing sound data. A position announcing sound output control unit (78) controls a sound output unit (80) so as to output a sound based on the position announcing sound data associated with the relative position condition determined by the relative position determination unit (76) as satisfying the relative position condition.
US08226471B2
Systems and methods for trusted initialization of wagering game machines are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, from a wagering game machine, a request for an operating system image that includes a first component for booting the wagering game machine. The method can also include transmitting the operating system image to the wagering game machine, wherein the operating system image also includes a second component for procuring software that authenticates content on the wagering game machine. Additionally, the method can include receiving a request for the software that authenticates content on the wagering game machine and transmitting the software that authenticates content on the wagering game machine.
US08226469B2
A gaming system provides a bonus gaming session, which is activated during a play of a five-card draw poker base game when a predetermined plurality of the first set of five cards dealt meets a predetermined criteria, for example at least four of the five cards dealt and held by the player share a common suit. When activated, the gaming system repeats plays of the game in the bonus gaming session until a winning draw poker outcome has been generated. In the bonus gaming session, the card that is not co-suited with the plurality of the held first set of cards is discarded and randomly replaced until a winning five-card hand is generated. The gaming device provides an award when the winning five-card hand is generated. The gaming system provides a correspondingly larger award for a wining flush hand for each additional re-drawn fifth card required to achieve a winning five-card flush hand.
US08226467B2
A gaming system which utilizes a random number generator where the process of selecting one or more seeds for the random number generator includes participation of a player. In one embodiment, the player picks one of a plurality of displayed selections at a gaming device. Each selection is associated with a different external seeding source of data not controlled by the gaming system. A gaming system gathers the data from the external seeding sources associated with the different seeds. The gaming system uses the data gathered from the seeding source associated with the player's picked selection to determine one or more seeds. The determined seeds are used to initialize a random number generator, which generates one or more numbers and at least in part determine the outcome of the game.
US08226459B2
Embodiments of a handheld wagering game machine and docking station are described herein. In one embodiment, the wagering game docking station is configured to dock with a handheld wagering game machine. The docking station can include a docking port configured to receive and adjustably hold the handheld wagering game machine at any of a plurality of viewing angles. The docking station can also include a plurality of buttons configured to send input to the handheld wagering game machine. The docking station can also include a mounting member configured to mount the docking station to a surface.
US08226458B2
Coin dispenser comprising a coin storage unit, a coin extractor (2) comprising an endless chain (3), a coin identifier (4) for the coins transported by the endless chain, and a coin deflector (8). The endless chain (3) comprises two series of flat alternating links, parallel to the plane defined by said chain and consecutively articulated according to two axes perpendicular to the links, forming open cavities (40) all along the chain, each one of said cavities being able to transport a coin (7) in a position parallel to the bottom of said cavity.
US08226449B2
A new Rhenium alloy usable for improving the performance of emission filaments used in mass spectrometers or other similar scientific instruments, which is made by adding low level concentrations of Yttrium Oxide to Rhenium of less than 10%. This new alloy has demonstrated superior performance characteristics compared to pure Rhenium for this purpose. Filaments made from the Yttria/Rhenium alloy exhibit the same voltage, current and emission properties as Rhenium but have the added advantage of greatly decreasing warping during use. The Rhenium alloy filaments are usable with various shapes and configurations including straight filaments, multiple coiled filaments and pin shaped filaments. Electron microscopy and microscopy studies verify that the Yttria/Rhenium material of the new alloy has a smaller grain size and increased strength when compared to pure Rhenium, which accounts for the enhanced structural strength.
US08226448B2
A laser beam irradiation apparatus irradiates a laser beam to a sealing unit disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate to seal the first substrate and the second substrate. The laser beam irradiation apparatus includes a laser head for irradiating the laser beam; and a control unit for controlling a drive-velocity and a drive-direction of the laser beam. The laser beam is controlled by the control unit which repetitively performs a backward and forward movement along a first direction, and passes a same position at least twice.
US08226442B2
An electronic module adapted to be removably, operably connected to an electronic device. The electronic module includes a housing; at least one electronic component in the housing; and a plurality of electrical contact areas. The housing has a general electronic card shape with relatively large top and bottom sides and relatively thin side edges between the top and bottom sides. The plurality of electrical contact areas are located on a first one of the side edges. The electrical contact areas are connected to the at least one electronic component such that, when the electronic module is operably connected to the electronic device, the electrical contact areas on the first side edge are adapted to electrically couple the at least one electronic component to the electronic device along the first side edge.
US08226432B2
A Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) electrical connector extends a lateral rib and a longitudinal guiding portion from a base surface of an insulator. The insulator and the terminals have intimate engagements, for minimizing height and width of the entire structure. The electrical connector can be joined to another electrical connector for forming an electrical connector assembly.
US08226431B2
A cable connector, in particular a multipolar cable connector, for connecting a multi-core stranded cable is provided. The connector has a plug part which has several contact elements formed as contact bars. The connector further has a cable uptake which has a strand support element for receiving the strands of the multi-core stranded cable. The strand support element has pivotally mounted hook elements, which clamp and affix the strands introduced into the strand support element between the hook elements pivoted in the direction of the strands and an interior wall of the strand support element by means of a pivot movement in an assembled condition.
US08226424B1
A plug device with a changeable adapter has a base and an adapter. The base has a transformer circuit and a first connecting component. The adapter is detachably mounted on the base and has two prongs and a second connecting component selectively connected to the first connecting component of the base. When a user goes on a trip abroad, the user is capable of replacing the adapter to fit sockets of a specific country and to supply electrical power to electronic devices that the user carries along.
US08226415B2
There is a dish coding system configured to discreetly represent serving portions on a dish. The dish coding system includes a dish, configured to support food thereon; and a plurality of decorative indicia visibly disposed across a top portion of the dish. The plurality of decorative indicia does not include any overt indication of a relationship between a decorative indicia characteristic and intended portions to be disposed thereon. The plurality of decorative indicia includes an indicator disposed on the top surface of the dish, configured to differentiate food serving portions. The dish coding system also includes an index associated with the dish and including an overt indication of a relationship between decorative indicia characteristics and intended portions to be disposed thereon. The index is visibly displayed on a bottom surface of the dish. The dish may be selected from the group consisting of; plates, bowls, glasses, cookware, pots, pans, cups, and dishes. The dish may be incorporated into a complete set of dinnerware.
US08226409B1
This invention, method and device for dental devices for implant installation, provides the tissue regeneration especially bone augmentation for dental implant during surgical placement of the dental implants in the grown maxillary jaw bone in order to obtain adequate volume of osseous structure by addition of the artificial bone graft material. An improved device for dental devices for implant installation comprises a blowing (pumping) means including the resting means, rod, piston, cylindrical body with cylindrical body compartment, handle, threaded cylindrical projection, and passage. Also, an improved device for dental implant installation comprises a conic nozzle or conic nozzle with balloon or nozzle with the suction clipping means, each of which includes a substance channel.
US08226408B2
Exemplary embodiments relate to a dental abutment and methods of forming the same. The abutment (19) may include a head portion (27) located at an upper end of the abutment and constructed to support a prosthetic tooth replacement and soft tissue adjacent the head portion, an anti-rotation feature (25) located at a lower end of the abutment and constructed to mate with a dental implant, and a fillet (21) located at an interface between the head portion and the anti-rotation feature. The fillet may reduce a risk of fracture at the interface between the head portion and the anti-rotation feature. In some examples, the abutment may be formed at least partially of a ceramic material.
US08226389B2
A device for vulcanizing vehicle tires uses a heating press and an internal bladder that is supplied with vaporous heating medium. In order to assure that the measurement of the vulcanization temperature is effected at the relevant locations of the internal heater, there is provided a temperature sensor in the form of a radiation thermometer or pyrometer that is disposed in the bladder cavity. The pyrometer takes an indirect temperature measurement for at least one location on the interior wall of the bladder by measuring a radiant energy emitted from the interior of the bladder.
US08226387B2
A compressor may include a shell assembly, a first scroll member, and a second scroll member. The first scroll member may be located within the shell assembly and may include a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from a first side of the first end plate. The first end plate may define an oil groove extending into the first side. The second scroll member may be located within the shell assembly and supported for orbital movement relative to the first scroll member. The second scroll member may include a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap to form compression pockets.
US08226384B2
A labyrinth seal for a bypass discharge-type motor-fan unit includes a motor unit from which extends a rotating shaft that passes through an aperture in an end plate to drive a fan unit. Disposed within the aperture is a labyrinth seal configured to prevent liquid entrained in a working airflow from entering the motor unit. The rotating shaft also includes a vacuum bore, such that the negative pressure generated by the operation of the fan unit draws any liquid out of an evacuation zone maintained between the motor unit and the end plate. As such, the components of the motor unit are protected from being exposed to the liquid, thereby extending the operating life motor-fan unit.
US08226383B2
An apparatus for pumping fluids from a geologic formation comprising a submersible motor having a motor shaft, wherein said submersible motor is reversible and has a plurality of speed settings; a pump housing connected to said submersible motor by a motor mount, wherein said pump housing has a lubricant contained therein; and a tube connected to said pump housing having a pump barrel disposed therein, wherein said pump barrel has an upper barrel connector that is connected to a standing valve; whereby a reciprocating motion by a ball nut applies said lubricant on a ball screw, and associated method of use.
US08226381B2
A valve assembly includes first and second conduits having respective first and second flanges in abutment with each other, a stopper in the second conduit, and a valve body secured between the first and second flanges. The valve body includes a body bore in communication between the first and second conduits. The body bore defines a circular opening in one end of the valve body. The valve body also includes a circumferential notch that substantially insulates the circular opening from distortion arising from securing the valve body. The stopper snuggly seats against the circular opening to prevent fluid flow from the second conduit to the first conduit, but unseats to permit fluid flow from the first conduit to the second conduit. An o-ring may surround a portion of the valve body and be energized as the valve body is secured. A lip may surround the circular opening to provide a seat for the stopper.
US08226373B2
A sensorless magnetic bearing type blood pump apparatus includes a blood pump and a control mechanism. The blood pump has electromagnets for rotating a rotating body in a non-contact condition, and a hydrodynamic bearing section for rotating the rotating body in a non-contact condition when operation of the electromagnets is stopped. The apparatus is devoid of any sensors for determining the position of the rotating body. The control mechanism includes a pulse width modulation type electromagnet driving unit, a carrier component measuring unit for measuring carrier components of voltage and current in the driving unit, a modulation factor calculating unit which calculates a modulation factor using the carrier wave data, and a bearing mode changing-over mechanism for effecting change-over from the magnetic bearing mode to the hydrodynamic bearing mode when the calculated modulation factor is outside a predetermined range and for returning to the magnetic bearing mode after the change-over.
US08226365B2
Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and an apparatus for thermally isolating a turbine rotor wheel. According to one embodiment, a method for thermally isolating a turbine rotor wheel can be provided. The turbine rotor wheel can include a pair of blade posts, or shanks, supporting respective turbine rotor blades such that a shank cavity is formed between respective blade posts. To thermally isolate the turbine rotor wheel, at least one seal operable to partition the shank cavity into an upper region and a lower region can be provided. In addition, this seal can be inserted within the shank cavity to partition the shank cavity into an upper region and a lower region. In doing so, cooling air flow can be divided between the upper region and the lower region so that the lower region can be maintained at a lower temperature than the upper region.
US08226364B2
Described is a blade (10) extending longitudinally from a root (11) of the blade (10) to a free end (12) of the blade (10), the blade (10) being provided with an incorporated resonator (20) for reducing the drag movements (F1, F2) of the blade (10), the resonator (20) being provided with a closed tank (30) that is partially filled with a liquid (50). Furthermore, the resonator (20) includes a central tube (40) immersed inside the tank (30), the tank (30) and the central tube (40) being arranged in a longitudinal direction (Y) of the blade (10), the central tube (40) having first and second ends (41, 42) that communicate with the tank (30) so that the liquid (50) can move from the tank (30) into the central tube (40), and vice versa.
US08226362B2
The invention relates to the use of a thermal insulating layer for a housing of a steam turbine in order to even out the deformation behavior of different components based on different heatings of the components.
US08226361B2
A support frame includes a rail engaging a hook of a composite article having plys. The rail included a rail contact surface generally conformal to and contacting a hook contact surface of the hook. The rail and hook contact surfaces being substantially normal to the plys beneath the hook contact surface. One embodiment of the article is a composite nozzle segment including one or more airfoils extending radially between arcuate radially outer and inner band segments having plys curved about a centerline axis and the rail engages a hook of the radially inner band segment. The hook and the rail may be straight or arcuate. The frame includes a central body extending axially aftwardly from the rail to an aft frame flange. A frame pin may be mounted on the frame, engage the inner band segment or one of the airfoils, and may extend into a cavity in the airfoil.
US08226356B2
Disclosed is an air intake for a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, said air intake including a series of variable position guide vanes for directing the air such that it is swirling in a rotational sense on reaching the impeller of the compressor of the turbocharger. The variable position guide vanes are made comprised of sound absorbent material such as to achieve a substantial reduction in turbocharger noise at the air intake.
US08226350B2
A fan apparatus includes a casing and a fan unit. The casing is a hollow member having an inlet and an outlet. The fan unit has an inlet and an outlet, and includes a plurality of axial fans. The fan unit is disposed on the inside of the casing, and the inlet of the fan unit is disposed in the vicinity of the inlet of the casing. The position of the fan unit within the casing can be varied in order to alter the air flow and static pressure of the air discharged by the fan apparatus.
US08226346B2
A tray handling apparatus comprises a plurality of guides, a chuck device, a linear movement device, and a rack and pinion device. A space defined by the erected guides is used to hold a tray stack. The chuck of the chuck device is located at the center position of the bottom area of the space. The linear movement device is used to move the chuck relative to the guides. The rack and pinion device is used to cause the guides to move symmetrically. When an operator moves any one of the guides, the other guides move symmetrically and the center of the bottom area of the space surrounded by the guides remains at the same location during the movement of the guides. The operator does not need to adjust the position of the chuck if the positions of the guides are changed.
US08226340B1
A system and method for access control to a Femto cell network. The system prevents access for unauthorized user equipments (UE) to a Femto cell with a particular Location Area Code (LAC) by temporarily averting access to that particular FAP. If the Femto cell Access Point (FAP) gets a connection request from an unauthorized UE, the FAP fails the first authentication check for that particular UE. Upon authentication failure, the UE activate a first timer and checks if the FAP sends a second authentication request before expiry of the first timer. In an embodiment, FAP does not send second authentication request if the UE is found to be unauthorized. Then the UE activates a second timer and goes to idle state. Further, the UE will not scan for FAPs with that particular Location Area Code till expiry of the second timer.
US08226338B2
A tip shaping apparatus presses electrode tips against a shaping roller thereof held by a rotationally driven holder in such a manner as to bring tip sections of the tips close to each other, thereby shaping the tip sections into reusable condition. The tip shaping apparatus includes deburring sections located in such positions as to confront burrs that are formed during shaping in such a manner as to project from outer circumferences of root sections proximate the tip sections of the electrode tips in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the electrode tips, at ejection of the electrode tips from the apparatus. Each of the deburring sections is located proximate an outer circumferential plane of the root section of each of the electrode tips undergoing shaping so as to abut against and cut off or bend the burrs in such a manner as to suppress the projecting height of the burrs when the electrode tips are ejected from the tip shaping apparatus.
US08226336B2
Systems and methods for detecting a material interface between two dissimilar materials in intimate contact with one another include a detection circuit to detect the interface via changes in electrical conditions in the circuit during a drilling operation.
US08226335B2
A pipe-end processing tool and a pipe-end processing system for it. A guide roller is used which runs along the inside peripheral surface of a pipe to be processed and as a result keeps an implement designed to machine an outer edge bezel of said pipe at a constant radial distance from the inside peripheral surface. As a result residual wall thicknesses constant over the full pipe periphery are generated even when the pipe is not rigorously circular, for instance illustratively oval.
US08226333B2
A cutting tool, and a loose top therefore, includes two parts detachably connected to each other via a threaded joint in which co-operating male and female threads are included in the form of helicoidal ridges. The profile shape of each helicoidal ridge is defined by a top and two flanks, which delimit a helicoidal groove having a bottom. The first flank is inclined in relation to a center axis of the tool at a first angle that is smaller than a second angle of the second flank in relation to the center axis. Accordingly, the thread ridge is reinforced in comparison with thread ridges having a symmetrical profile shape, whereby larger tensile forces than compressive forces can be applied to the threaded joint while avoiding damage to the thread ridges.
US08226331B2
Device for conveying objects (1), with supporting and/or guiding means comprising two facing rails (7) situated transversely apart and parallel; at least one of said rails (7) comprises a movable rail section (12) that is adjacent to a fixed portion (13), situated upstream and/or downstream of such rail and means (17) of driving said rail section (12) are capable of moving the latter between two operating positions: a conveying position in which said rail section (12) is aligned with said fixed rail portion (13) and ensures the continuity of the rail (7) and a retracted position in which said rail section (12) is out of alignment with said fixed rail portion (13) in order to interrupt the continuity of the rail (7).
US08226324B2
Disclosed is an unfolding ride-on machine having a frame, a front cover and back cover supported by the frame, and internal workings supported by the frame and contained within an internal space. A right side cover and left side cover are pivotally connected to the frame. A seat platform is pivotally connected to the front or back covers. Each of the right side cover, left side cover, and seat platform are configured to pivotally transition between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the open configuration, the internal workings are readily accessible.
US08226323B2
A covering unit for use in combination with similar units for covering a surface with a natural random look, the unit having an hexagonal body comprising first, second and third pairs of opposed and parallel sides. Each side has a central point of angular symmetry. The second and third pairs are similar to each other while the first pair is different from the others. The sides of the second and third pairs are provided with at least one split deviation along their length arranged so that each side of the second pair is a rotational image of the sides of the third pair, whereby in use in combination with other covering units: each side is matingly engageable with the sides of an equivalent pair of a neighboring unit; and the unit has a central point of angular symmetry and is matingly engageable with a plurality of neighboring unit.
US08226319B2
The present invention is directed toward a cost effective instrument for storing a fluid material, and applying a predetermined amount of the fluid material to a surface. The instrument is comprised of few parts including an outer casing and a fluid insert, making the instrument cheaper to manufacture, and easy to assemble. The embodiments disclosed can be provided in a pre-assembled form to cosmetic companies and the like seeking to fill a dispenser with their fluid cosmetic products. The ability to provide dispensers in a pre-assembled form, combined with the compatibility of the fluid dispensers with industrial high speed filling machines, reduces the overall filling costs to the cosmetic company, as well as the cost to the consumer.
US08226316B2
A method and apparatus for applying insect repellant is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes filling a bag with powder, joining a bottom edge of the bag to a bottom edge of a sleeve adapted to removably cover the bag, and patting the bag over surface areas releasing the insect repellant in a desired quantity. The method includes providing a bag handle secured to a top edge of the bag and adapted to be grasped by a user to slide the sleeve down and pull the bag out. The sleeve is adapted to be grasped by the user when patting the bag over surface areas releasing the insect repellant. The method further includes providing a sleeve handle secured to the sleeve and adapted to be grasped by a user when sliding the sleeve back up over the bag.
US08226303B2
A connector mating system that can enable the coupling and decoupling of electrical or optical communications channels, while in a deep, sub-oceanic, sea-floor environments, during which time the contacting interfaces of the said channels remain fully protected from the destructive effects of the said environment. The system features a Wet-Mate Connector (WMC) that provides a means for electrical, optical and hybrid inter-connection within an extremely hostile environments.
US08226301B2
The suspension thrust bearing device, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a rolling bearing forming an axial thrust bearing, a lower support cap of the rolling bearing that is provided with a body made of synthetic material, and a vibration-filtering element mounted on the body of the support cap. The filtering element includes at least one flange extending substantially radially and designed to form a flow deflector for reducing any ingress of water inside the rolling bearing.
US08226296B2
An exemplary assembly includes a turbocharger center housing with a bore; a turbocharger bearing with an annular groove having a diameter; and a substantially planar spring, seated at least partially in the annular groove for positioning the turbocharger bearing in the bore of the housing, where the spring includes a first end and a second end, a free standing inner diameter, a plurality of straight sections tangent to the free standing inner diameter and disposed between the first end and the second end and a curved section disposed between two of the straight sections where the spring balances an inward radial bias with an outward radial bias to reduce contact between the bearing and the housing and variation in a squeeze film thickness. Various exemplary springs, bearings, housings, assemblies, etc., are also disclosed.
US08226294B2
The invention pertains to flexible devices used for zero-heat-flux, deep tissue temperature measurement, especially to disposable temperature measurement devices. Such a device is constituted of a flexible substrate with a plurality of contiguous sections. An electrical circuit is disposed on a side of the substrate. The electrical circuit includes first and second thermal sensors disposed, respectively, on first and second substrate sections. A heater trace is disposed on the first substrate section with the first thermal sensor. The first and second sections are folded together to position the first and second thermal sensors therebetween, and a flexible insulator disposed between the folded-together first and second sections maintains the first and second thermal sensors in a spaced-apart relationship.
US08226293B2
A device according to present invention embodiments measures the temperature of fluid within an IV line at selected locations. The device may be in the form of a fitting including a projection in fluid communication with a fluid channel to receive a temperature sensor. A thermally conductive receptacle may be disposed in the projection to receive the temperature sensor and partially extends into the fluid channel for contact with the fluid. The temperature sensor may be coupled to a temperature display device and/or controller to display the measured temperature and/or control a thermal element to regulate fluid temperature. The fitting may further include a looped configuration and/or a control valve that controls the flow of fluid through the fluid channel. In addition, the device may further be connected to, or be in the form of, a needle hub to measure fluid temperature proximate the entry site on a patient.
US08226283B2
The invention relates to an illumination device for an automobile with at least one light source (11) to emit light and at least one cup (or bowl)-shaped reflector (10) to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source (11). The reflector (10) is formed as a light-conductor structure (12) with a totally-reflecting reflection surface (16). The light-conductor structure (12) includes at least one light-coupling surface (13) and at least one light-decoupling surface (15). The reflection surface (16) is formed as a border surface of the light-conductor structure (12). It is proposed that either the light-coupling surface (13) and/or the light-decoupling surface (15) and/or the reflection surface (16) of the reflector (10) include means to deflect the light beams passing through them or reflected by them. Thus, the reflector (10) can form light radiated from the light source (11) in conjunction with light-coupling surfaces (13), reflection surfaces (16), and light-decoupling surfaces (15) to realize a desired light distribution.
US08226275B2
An optical emitting module includes a light-emitting device that emits light, and a lens member having a refracting surface configured to refract light emitted from the light-emitting device and to emit refracted light. The lens member is configured such that, when the angle of a light beam emitted from the lens member with respect to a principal light axis is θ1, a light beam with the maximum emission angle θ1 from the lens member is emitted from the refracting surface in the vicinity of a point where the refracting surface and the principal light axis cross each other. With this configuration, even when the light-emitting surface of a light source is large, it is possible to suppress the spread of emergent light from the lens member, obtaining a light intensity distribution with high uniformity.
US08226271B2
An LED lamp includes a heat sink including a supporting plate, a plurality of LEDs mounted on the supporting plate and a light-reflecting member mounted on a top face of the supporting plate. The LEDs includes a plurality of first LEDs disposed on a bottom face of the supporting plate and a plurality of second LEDs disposed on the top face of the supporting plate and surrounding the light-reflecting member. The light-reflecting member defines a plurality of concave portions recessed inwardly from an outer face thereof. The second LEDs are located corresponding to the concave portions, respectively, whereby light generated from the second LEDs is reflected by the light-reflecting member towards a lateral side of the LED lamp.
US08226266B2
An LED bulb uses an LED strip suspended between two lead frames of a stem as a light source to provide uniform illumination with wider angles. The lead frames of the stem provide an improved structural stability to the LED strip while maintaining a reliable electrical connection between the components of the stem and the LED strip. The utilization of both top-emitting and side-emitting LEDs on the LED strip further allows lights emitted in directions substantially parallel and perpendicular to the LED strip to cover a wide angle of illumination from the LED bulb.
US08226262B2
A TIRing condensing element and methods thereof includes a first section and a second section. The first section provides substantially total internal reflection of light entering at a base of the first section. The second section tapers from a first section towards an optical axis of the element extending through the second section to output light from the first section. The first and second sections are configured so a half-power angle of the light output from the second section is less than the half-power angle of the light entering the first section.
US08226258B2
A surface light source device includes: a light source; a diffusion member that diffuses light; and reflection means provided on a side opposite to the diffusion member with the light source interposed therebetween for reflecting light emitted from the light source toward the diffusion member, wherein the reflection means is formed by layering a plurality of optical components and the plurality of optical components are stopped by each other with stopper means.
US08226240B2
A method and apparatus is provided in which a digital image is transmitted to a presentation projector resource over a wireless transmission medium using a reduced amount of bandwidth by transmitting a subset of the digital image data. The subset of image data may be a delta subset that represents those areas of the image that have changed since the previous transmission. The subset image data may also be a scalable vector graphics representation of the subset of the digital image. A projector discovery logic selects a suitable projector resource based on the order or signal strength of the discovery replies. A wireless image transmission session is established with the selected projector resource during which the projector is unavailable to other devices. The subset image data may be compressed and transmission coordinated with the projector resource so that the data is sent only when it is ready to be received.
US08226237B2
A system for delivering a touch sensitive screen task to a subject includes a touch sensitive display for presenting visual stimuli to a subject and for providing a response of the subject, hand position monitoring unit(s) for receiving input indicative of the position of a hand of the subject and for providing output signals representing said position and a controller/processor unit operatively coupled to the touch sensitive display unit and to the hand position monitoring unit(s) for receiving output signals from the hand position monitoring unit(s) and for processing the output signals to control the displaying of the visual stimuli on the touch sensitive display unit. A method for operating the system includes receiving from the subject signals representing a response of the subject to visual stimuli, receiving signals indicative of the position of the subject's hand and processing the signals to control the presenting of visual stimuli.
US08226229B2
A nose bearing assembly is secured onto a central area of the spectacles, directly on the optical or sun lenses, or on the bridge connecting the lenses or on a rim frame of the latter, each of the two nose bearing assemblies having a pad intended to contact the nose ala of a user and carried by a pad-bearing arm connected to the spectacles, characterized in that the pad is made of a elastically deformable material and is divided into two areas, i.e. an upper area for receiving a free end of the pad-bearing arm or securing and stiffening the pad in area, and another lower area capable of elastic deformation and of floating freely in all directions in order to obtain a self-adjustment of the pads independently from the morphology of the nose of the user when in contact with the latter.
US08226204B2
A fluid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a fluid includes a recording head and a capping device. The recording head includes a storage portion and a plurality of ejection nozzles. The capping device comes into contact with a discharge surface of the fluid in the recording head and receives the fluid discharged through the nozzles. The recording head capping device includes a cap-side channel and a passing portion. The cap-side channel faces the nozzles when the recording head capping device is in contact with the discharge surface. The passing portion creates negative pressure in the nozzles by passing a material in the cap-side channel. The cap-side channel includes a high flow rate section and a low flow rate section.
US08226192B2
In an ink jet printing apparatus for scanning a print medium with a printing head and printing an image thereon, the printing head includes a plurality of ink ejection port arrays. The ink ejection ports in each of the arrays are arranged in a direction crossing a scanning direction of the printing head relative to the print medium. An allowable recording rate given to at least one of the ejection port arrays behind an ejection port array located at the front in the scanning direction is set lower than that given to the one located at the front. As a result, a printing apparatus capable of suppressing a throughput speed thereof and adhesion of ink mists to a formation face of the ejection ports can be provided.
US08226187B2
An ink level control system includes a first dividing wall that divides a reservoir of a printhead into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and the second chambers are each connected to the ink passages of the inkjet stack by an ink port. The first dividing wall includes an opening that connects the first chamber and the second chamber to enable ink to pass therebetween. The opening is located a predetermined distance above the bottom surface of the reservoir. An ink diverter is associated with the inlet opening that directs ink received through the inlet opening to one of the first and the second chambers in response to the reservoir being tilted in a first direction, and directs ink to the other of the first and the second chambers in response to the reservoir being tilted in a second direction.
US08226185B2
An imaging system for a printer utilizing a friction belt drum drive is comprised of a drum position sensor, drum pulley, drive belt, motor pulley, drive motor, drive motor position sensor, and controller. The velocities of the drum and motor drive pulleys are measured using the controller and position sensors. These velocities along with the drive ratio are used to determine and monitor slip between the belt and pulleys. The magnitude of the slip measured can be used to trigger the controller to respond to the slip event. These responses may include, for example, disabling the motor or reducing motor current or providing a warning indicative of an excessive slip event. Slip measurement combined with other measurements such as motor current can be used to determine the torque capacity of the friction drive. Further, long-term changes in the ratio of pulley velocities can be used to determine drive belt wear.
US08226183B2
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body defining a storage chamber, a door opening and closing the storage chamber, and a pivot guide unit connecting the door to the main body and varying a distance between a pivot shaft of the door and the main body in response to a pivot motion of the door.
US08226173B1
A brake system for a vehicle includes a brake unit, a master cylinder, an accumulator, and a manifold configurable to direct brake fluid pressure generated by the master cylinder to the accumulator or to the brake unit. A solenoid valve can be used to hydraulically align the manifold. The brake system can be used as an adjunct or supplement to a vehicle's primary service brake system.
US08226172B2
An axle for removably retaining a wheel on a vehicle. The axle comprises a rotary-type connector at a first end thereof; a cam assembly operatively connected to the second end, the cam assembly including a cam having an axis of rotation; a lever operatively connected to a second end of the axle, said lever being rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam, between an open position in which the axle is removable from and mountable on the vehicle and a closed position in which the axle is retained on the vehicle; and a cam assembly operatively connected to the second end; and a lever stop ensuring that an angle of maximum rotation for the lever from the closed position is less than 180 degrees.
US08226170B2
A pivoting headrest assembly including a bracket supported upon a seatback frame. A headrest support secures a bun and is pivotally secured to the bracket in a forward biased direction. A sector is pivotally secured to the bracket and to which is attached the headrest support. A release catch is pivotally supported at a further location of the bracket and is biased in a first upward direction so that the catch abuts a projecting pin associated with the sector in an upright design position established by the headrest support. A cable is secured to a support fixed to a side of the bracket and engages the catch at a location offset from its pivot axis relative to the bracket. Upon displacement of the cable, the catch is actuated out of engagement with the sector, resulting in the headrest support pivoting relative to the seatback.
US08226168B2
A fitting for a vehicle seat is provided having a first fitting part, a second fitting part which is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the first fitting part, a locking bolt which is guided displaceably in a radical direction of displacement on the first fitting part and is intended for forming a locking mechanism with the second fitting part, and a driving element which is arranged movably between the fitting parts and is intended for the radical deployment and retrieving of the locking bolt. In order to seal the respective axial gap between the driving element and the fitting parts, a separate sealing component which provides a seal in relation to the axis of rotation is used. In the case of a fitting of this type, paint is prevented from penetrating via a central opening during a dip-coating process.
US08226167B2
A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring. The spring influencing the drive rod in a reverse direction such that, upon release of said detent when the seatback is in the reclined position, the spring influences the seatback to reverse pivot to a returned upright position.
US08226157B2
The present invention provides a pillar of a vehicle body structure for supporting the roof of an automotive vehicle. The pillar includes an outer panel having a side panel attached to an inner panel. The pillar further includes a first and second reinforcing member. The first reinforcing member has a planar surface and a first reinforcing edge. The second reinforcing member also has a planar surface and a second reinforcing edge. The first reinforcing member is spaced apart from the second reinforcing member, and the first and second reinforcing edges abut against respective side panel and inner panel portions so as to transmit load between the outer panel and the inner panel and reduce deformation of the outer panel under a predetermined load.
US08226146B2
A tailgate dampening system for a vehicle including a tailgate lift assist system including a torque rod rotationally grounded between the tailgate at a first end and a first side of the vehicle's frame at a second end is disclosed. The dampening system includes a coupling shaft attached to one end of the torque rod, a bell crank arm attached to the coupling shaft, and a dampening strut attached between the vehicle's frame and the bell crank arm. The crank arm compresses the dampening strut as the crank arm is rotated by the torque rod through the coupling shaft as the torque rod is twisted in response to the tailgate being opened, so as to reduce the rate at which the tailgate falls.
US08226144B2
A motor vehicle includes a body having an enclosed passenger cell which is accessible by a door and forms a component of a front body part and a rear body part. The front and rear parts are movable in length direction of the motor vehicle relative to one another to change a length dimension of the motor vehicle. A covering module covers a gap in the passenger cell between the front and rear body parts.
US08226141B2
A gripper has a frame with a plurality of guide rods secured to the frame. At least one jaw is slidably secured with the plurality of guide rods. The at least one jaw includes a housing surrounding a portion of at least one of the guide rods. A locking device is positioned in the jaw housing. The locking device is adjacent the at least one guide rod. The locking device removably applies a force onto the at least one guide rod. The locking device locks the jaw in position when the force is applied and enables the jaw to slide on the guide rods when the force is removed.
US08226137B2
A dual chain hoist having a lifting beam that can be telescopically extended and contracted, wherein load chains respectively extend to hook blocks suspended beneath the lifting beam in the vicinity of the ends of two telescoping sections that form the lifting beam. The distance between the telescoping sections can be varied with another chain. The chain for varying the length of the lifting beam extends over a chain wheel that is connected without rotational play to another chain wheel from which the load chain of the hook block of the respective telescoping lifting beam section.
US08226128B2
A releasable nut-free C-clip secured pipe fitting includes a pipe to be jointed, a C-clip, a sealing ring, and a pipe fitting. The pipe has a jointed end forming a circumferential groove for receiving the C-clip. The C-clip is a ring like member having an opening, which allows for expansion and contraction of the C-clip so as to allow the C-clip to be disposed in a converging surface formed on an inside wall of the pipe fitting. The sealing ring is received in a sealing ring groove defined in the inside wall of the pipe fitting. The pipe fitting has a tube end forming a holding bore having an inside diameter smaller than a diameter of the converging surface. The tube end of the pipe fitting forms openings through which a tool can extend into the pipe fitting to contract the C-clip for releasing the C-clip and the pipe.
US08226118B2
The airbag cushion has a passive venting system that remains open or transitions to a closed position depending on the impact of the airbag with an occupant and the position of the occupant. The venting system self closes upon deployment when an occupant is not out of position but remains open when an occupant is out of position. The venting system self closes due to cushion membrane tension.
US08226116B2
A vehicle airbag system may include an inflator supplying a gas to an airbag cushion, an airbag housing coupled with the inflator and having a housing vent hole to discharge a part of the gas supplied from the inflator, a retainer mounted in the airbag housing and coupled to the inflator, wherein the airbag cushion covers an opening of the retainer to supply the gas in the airbag cushion, the retainer including a guide hole and a retainer vent hole, and a tether connected to the airbag cushion at a first end portion thereof and fixed to the airbag housing at a second end portion thereof by passing through the guide hole of the retainer, wherein the tether includes a communication portion at the second portion thereof to form a hole therein so as to selectively permit an gas commutation between the airbag cushion and the outside through the retainer vent hole, the housing vent hole, and the hole of the communication portion.
US08226115B2
An objective is to inflate an inflation portion to an upward position, corresponding with a temple area of an occupant, at the time of a side impact. At a shoulder portion of a seatback 26 of a vehicle seat 12, there is an inflation-time cross-sectional shape regulation component 22, through which an occupant restraint webbing 16 passes. The occupant restraint webbing 16 has an inflation portion 18 that corresponds with a cephalic region 14H of an occupant 14 at the time of inflation. At the time of inflation of the inflation portion 18, the inflation-time cross-sectional shape regulation component 22 regulates such that a cross-sectional shape of the inflation portion 18 is an oblong shape which is long in a vertical direction. Therefore, an inflated shape of the inflation portion 18 is regulated by the inflation-time cross-sectional shape regulation component 22 at the time of the side impact, and the inflation portion 18 can be caused to inflate up to a position corresponding with a temple portion 14S of the occupant 14. Thus, inertial force in a vehicle lateral direction of the cephalic region 14H of the occupant 14 can be absorbed by the inflation portion 18.
US08226113B2
A side airbag apparatus is provided in a side portion of a vehicle seat back located on the vehicle outer side. The side airbag apparatus includes an airbag unit elongated in the up-down direction and a plate fixed to the airbag unit. The airbag unit has an airbag and an inflator. The plate has a fixing portion and a rear wall portion. The inner side surface of the airbag unit is fixed to the fixing portion. The rear wall portion covers an upper half portion of the airbag unit. The rear wall portion also partly covers the rear surface of the lower half portion of the airbag unit. The plate is made of resin and has flexibility and elasticity.
US08226108B2
A snowboard binding (100) having a baseplate (110), a highback (118) attached to the baseplate, and a strap assembly (120) including an instep strap subassembly (124) pivotably attached to the baseplate on one side, and releasably attachable to a mounting strap (132) on the other side. The baseplate includes a lateral toe wall (116). The strap assembly includes a forefoot strap (140) having an upper leg (142) that engages the instep strap, optionally a medial leg (144) that attaches to the medial side of the baseplate, and a front leg (146) that engages a front end of the baseplate. The toe portion of the user's boot (90) is engaged by the forefoot strap. The user secures a boot to the binding with a single engagement mechanism, such as a ratchet buckle (130), which secures both the instep portion and the forefoot strap portions of the strap assembly.
US08226102B2
A baby trailer safety structure includes a safety block affixed to one sidebar of the bottom frame unit of the baby trailer opposite to the other sidebar that is mounted with a trailer bar. The safety block has a sloping peripheral wall with an arc face to prohibit a young child carrying in the baby trail from standing up on the associating sidebar to collapse the baby trailer, enhancing the safety level of the baby trailer.
US08226096B2
A mobile platform such as, but not limited to, a skateboard or roller skate type of structure capable of movably transporting an individual over a supporting surface. A wheel assembly connected to the platform includes at least one but more practically a plurality of wheels each having a spherical configuration extending outwardly from opposite surfaces of the platform. A mounting assembly and each of a plurality of different embodiments of a bearing assembly are structured to facilitate a substantially universal, rotational movement of said wheel(s) relative to said platform. The different embodiments of the bearing assembly facilitate either a free or unrestricted universal rotational movement of the one wheel relative to the platform or alternatively a universal, rotational movement thereof concurrently about more defined rotational axes.
US08226093B1
A trash container and support combination includes a waste receptacle with a bottom wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. A cover is removably positioned on the perimeter wall to selectively open or close the waste receptacle. A frame for receiving the waste receptacle includes a bottom portion abutted against the bottom wall and supporting the bottom wall above a ground surface. An upper portion is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom portion. The upper portion completely extends around the perimeter wall.
US08226091B2
An actuating device for an active control suspension system which is provided at both ends of a sub-frame of a vehicle body and connected to one end of an assist link having the other end mounted at a knuckle and which changes a position of a mounting point of the assist link at the vehicle body, may include a member bracket fixedly mounted at each end of the sub-frame, provided with openings formed at both sides and an upper surface thereof, and formed of a pair of slide grooves having arc shape at the both ends thereof to slidably receive a pair of slide plates therein; an actuator connected to both slide plates through a pin-bolt unit; and a cam-bolt unit assembling a bush of the assist link with both slide plates and setting an initial position of the mounting point of the assist link at the vehicle body.
US08226086B2
A jigsaw puzzle is provided with a plurality of inner puzzle pieces defining a complete inner jigsaw puzzle depicting a preselected object, and a plurality of outer puzzle pieces defining a complete outer jigsaw puzzle depicting a frame around an opening having the shape of the preselected object.
US08226082B2
An apparatus for conveying products from a stack to an output includes a stack area configured for receiving a stack of a plurality of products, a guiding element extending to the output, and a transport mechanism configured for acting on at least part of the products in the stack for conveying the products in the direction of the output such that edges of the products abut on the guiding element.
US08226068B2
A plenum assembly for carrying air in a supply system includes a duct including an opening formed with an inner surface through which air can flow; a door supported for movement between multiple positions which distributes air to the desired output path; and a seal secured to the door. In a vehicles HVAC system, numerous doors are utilized to provide comfort to the passengers based upon user input. The potential exists that some positions of the doors my lead to unwanted noise. A modification to the seal of the door with variable gap widths alleviates this issue and improves satisfaction.
US08226059B2
An assembly for supporting an item has a housing (11) has a first surface (23), a second surface (25) opposite to the first surface, and a periphery (27) between the first and second surface. An opening (33) is provided in the first surface of the housing and a cavity (35) extends inwardly from the opening. At least one engagement surface (43) is present in the cavity and positioned toward the second surface, and configured to provide a first region of support. A support component (7) for supporting the item is configured to engage with the engagement surface(s) (43) of the housing with a portion of the support component extending from the opening (33) of the housing and supported by a second region of support at or toward the fkst surface of the housing, to support the item. A base unit and support component are also provided.
US08226058B2
A saddle mounting device includes a support member having a mounting portion formed thereon. A lower base is connected with the support member. The lower base has two guiding flanges diametrically formed thereon. Two gaps are respectively defined between the two guiding flanges. The lower base has two first engaging grooves defined therein. An upper base is movably connected with the lower base. The upper base has two sliding rods formed thereon for sliding along the two guiding flanges and are guided into the two gaps. The upper base has two second engaging grooves defined therein for corresponding to the two first engaging grooves. A fastener connects the support member with the lower base and is screwed with the upper base. The upper base is simultaneously moved relative to the lower base by a rotation of the fastener.
US08226049B2
A control surface drive system having a plurality of actuator assemblies are coupled to first and second supply lines and to a return line. The first and second supply lines are connected to a source of hydraulic fluid. At least one of the actuator assemblies has a hydraulic actuator movably connectable to an aircraft control surface. A flow control assembly is connected to the return line and to at least one of the first and second supply lines. A bypass line is in fluid communication with the first and second supply lines and positioned to recycle the hydraulic fluid from one of the first and second supply lines back into the other one of the first and second supply lines when the hydraulic actuator moves toward the first position. A computer controller operatively interconnects the plurality of actuator assemblies and the flow control assembly. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08226036B2
A system and method for mounting engine control units. The engine control unit (ECU) mounting system is placed within a compartment of the light aircraft, aft of the firewall. The ECU mounting system uses a bracket that holds the electrical control units. The electrical control units are mounted through a firewall and are accessible via the adjacent compartment.
US08226020B2
A safety accessory for coffee grinders-dispensers includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve having a lower annular portion insertable into the base of a grinder-dispenser, an upper annular portion engagable with the neck of a container that contains coffee beans, and an intermediate annular portion provided internally with at least one interceptor member that allows the coffee beans to move into the grinding chamber but also prevents the insertion into the grinding chamber of an element in accordance with grinder-dispenser safety regulations.
US08226019B2
Systems and methods for increasing recyclable material recovery from automobile shredder residue. Embodiments include substantially isotropic quantization separation of automobile shredder residue such as a wind tunnel system and even substantially horizontal laminar air flow and can be used with or without out other traditional automobile shredder residue sorting systems perhaps creating additional recyclable quantities and even better separated results such as with zorba and zurik and the like.
US08226018B2
The invention relates to a fuel injector with an injector housing which has a high-pressure fuel connection which is connected to a central high-pressure fuel source outside the injector housing, and with a pressure chamber within the injector housing. According to the pressure in a coupling chamber, fuel under a high pressure is injected from the pressure chamber into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine when a nozzle valve opens. The nozzle valve has a combustion chamber-remote end with a control pressure surface which is acted upon in the coupling chamber by the coupling chamber pressure. In order to create a fuel injector which can be produced inexpensively, the nozzle valve has at least one low-pressure surface which is averted from the combustion chamber and acted upon with low pressure.
US08226015B2
Populations of quantum dots are combined with quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence to produce a plurality of optical barcodes having at least two distinguishable colors arising from varying quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence bound to the populations of quantum dots.
US08226008B2
An alternator and starter tester system having a bar code reader. The bar code can contain information regarding the component being tested and can direct the tester to conduct the appropriate test. The bar code can also encode the results of the test on a second bar code. The second bar code can then be coupled to the tested component.
US08226004B2
A biosensor can be measured by a method that includes: determining malfunction of a production lot information sensing unit; alerting malfunction when the production lot information sensing unit malfunctions; encoding the production lot information through the production lot information sensing unit when the production lot information sensing unit does not malfunction; and detecting a component of a sample through a biosensor strip by using the encoded production lot information.
US08225998B2
A secure ballot box includes a main compartment for receiving ballots, a case including a base and a cover supported by the main compartment, and a scanner supported within the base. The cover is coupled with the base and is moveable between a closed position enclosing the scanner and an open position exposing at least a portion of the scanner. The case and scanner are removable from the main compartment for easy transport. A sensor, operable to detect the height of the ballots collected within the main compartment, is coupled with the scanner to switch the scanner to an off mode such that additional ballots will not be accepted when the height of ballots within the main compartment reaches a predetermined threshold level.
US08225994B2
A card processing apparatus is provided with: a storage unit for storing biological information read by a biological information acquiring unit as a result of comparing biological information read from a card by a card handling unit with the biological information read from a user by the biological information acquiring unit, a confirmation is made that the user is an owner of the card; and a control unit for judging whether storing operations for storing the biological information in the storage unit have been carried out preselected times, for producing biological information stored in another card newly issued by employing a plurality of biological information stored in the storage unit when the storing operations have been carried out the preselected times, and for instructing the user to again acquire biological information when the storing operations have not yet been carried out the preselected times.
US08225987B2
The invention provides various systems and methods for implementing electronic transfers with government consulates. The method includes presenting an interface terminal to a customer, wherein the interface terminal is configured to receive input from the customer, and receiving, via the interface terminal, a selection of a country's consulate. The method further includes receiving, via the interface terminal, a consulate service type selection, and receiving, at an input device, documentation necessary to complete the selected service type. Furthermore, the method includes receiving, via the interface terminal, a payment for the selected service, and transmitting to the selected country's consulate the service type selection, the documents, and the payment to the selected consulate.
US08225986B2
This USB memory key casing exhibits an accessory accommodation housing (6) for a chip microcard (7) independent of the electronic components (4, 5) of the USB memory key. It allows the owner of a USB key and of a chip microcard (7) to have available a convenient location for accommodating the chip microcard (7). It also makes it possible to associate, in one and the same packaging, while being separable, an intelligent chip microcard and an electronic key that are dedicated to transactions pertaining to one and the same banking or other service, one by way of a specialized reading terminal hooked up to the computer system of the provider of the service and the other by way of a host electronic apparatus linked to the Internet network.
US08225974B2
A carrying bag has a casing defining an interior storage space, a back panel, and a support frame secured between the casing and the back panel, with the support frame defining an air channel. A carrying strap can be secured to the back panel, and a lower back strap can be secured to the back panel. The support frame can be replaced by a housing which carries with it a temperature control device and/or a massage device, or water.
US08225966B2
A dispensing device for a preferably cosmetic liquid as well as a method for the manufacture thereof are proposed. A lasting and tight joining of two materials is achieved while allowing for simple manufacture by pretreating the surface of the first material by means of plasma treatment or irradiation in a desired joining area in order to form radicals there or to break up the polymer chains of the first material, and by then injecting the second material directly against the first material. Another aspect consists in covering the first material with a second material for joining with another material or component.
US08225951B2
A pressurizable chamber device or containment vessel and method of use thereof. The device or vessel includes two chamber portions, a lid portion and a base portion, drawn to one another via a nut portion. The lid and base portions each include concave surfaces that matingly fit together, such that an internal chamber is formed when these portions are fit together. The lid and base portions each include a flange having a groove therein, such that a flexible seal element is fittable into the groove. The lid and base portions include features to matingly engage the nut portion, such that engagement thereamong draws the lid portion and the base portion toward one another, tightly sealing the formed internal chamber. A pressure, such as a resin pressure that may be precisely regulated, may then be applied, for example, to a mold contained within the formed and tightly sealed chamber.
US08225949B2
The closure device (500) comprises a stopper (501) made of elastomer and a cover (502) suitable for covering both the neck (12) of a container and stopper (501) in place in said neck (12). The cover (502) is made of plastics material and comprises a ring (503) and a drive member (504). The ring (503) may surround the stopper (501) and the neck (12) in the mounted configuration, the ring being provided with locking means (503G) for locking on the neck (12). The drive member (504) may be mounted on the ring (503) in arbitrary angular orientation about a central axis (X503) of the ring. The drive member is provided with an annular edge (505D) suitable for being engaged between an outer skirt (503A) of the ring (503) and at least one tab (503G) forming locking means and extending radially towards the central axis (X503) of the ring from the skirt (503A).
US08225948B2
A plant (1;20) for transferring cargo (23) to and from a ship (24), said plant comprising an elevated rail structure (2) and a crane unit (3) where the elevated rail structure (2) is arranged on one side of the ship (24) and comprises a longitudinal rail (6) which extends essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship and where the crane unit is arranged to transfer a load or a group of loads to and from said ship, is supported by said longitudinal rail and is displaceable along said longitudinal rail. The crane unit furthermore comprises a boom (10) and a trolley (21) where the boom of said crane unit extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal rail such that one end of the boom extends over the ship; and where the boom of said crane unit comprises a transverse rail (13) which extends in a direction which is essentially transverse to the longitudinal rail and essentially parallel to the centre line of the boom. The trolley is displaceably connected to said transverse rail of said boom and the trolley of said crane unit comprises a lifting device (22) for lifting said load or said group of loads. Furthermore, the transverse rail (13) of said boom (10) is arranged underneath said longitudinal rail (6) of said elevated rail structure (2). In this way, the trolley can move back and forth along the transverse rail without any hindrances.
US08225933B2
A blister card package structure with increased support comprising a first card having an inner surface and an outer surface, the first card defining an outer edge, a second card having an inner surface and an outer surface, the second card defining an opening therein and an outer edge, a blister having a body portion and a flange, wherein the body portion extends through the opening in the second card, and wherein the flange is positioned between the inner surfaces of the first and second cards, and an inner frame stiffener positioned between the inner surfaces of the first and second cards, wherein the inner surface of the first card is sealingly connected to the inner surface of the second card along the outer edges of the first and second cards.
US08225925B2
A container filling machine comprising a vibration tray that is suitable for moving discrete articles from a discrete article receiving end of the vibration tray towards a plurality of guiding paths that lead to a container. The container filling machine further comprises at least one spacing device located in proximity to the vibration tray. The at least one spacing device is operative for receiving the discrete articles from the vibration tray at a first speed, and causing the discrete articles to be deposited into the plurality of guiding paths at a second speed. The second speed is greater than the first speed.
US08225911B2
A brake pad assembly is provided that includes a backing plate including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and at least one opening. Also included are a friction material associated with the backing plate and a shim plate having a first shim surface and a second shim surface, and a tab projecting from the second shim surface. The shim plate is securely fastened to the backing plate by inserting the tab into the opening such that the friction material, when plastic, embeds the tab inside the opening by flowing through the opening, and subsequently hardens around the tab.
US08225908B1
Methods and devices for rescuing an elevator cab occupant. An emergency escape system can be integrated or retrofitted with an elevator. The emergency escape system includes an interposing device configured to attach to the elevator cab and to lower the elevator cab in an intelligent manner in the event of an emergency. The elevator cab may include an emergency cable that attaches the elevator cab to the interposing device and can be used either manually or automatically to lower the elevator cab during an emergency. The emergency escape system may include a thermal information system device, or sensors, which may provide real time environmental conditions of the dwelling and of the elevator occupants that can be communicated to first responders via a wireless protocol. In the event of building power loss, the cab power and the ability to communicate with the outside world may be unaffected. The emergency escape system may be thermally fortified. The emergency escape system may further include a rescue housing that may ascend and descend.
US08225903B2
A suspension for a cab base on the frame of a swather tractor includes four dampened springs at the four corners with three links each pivoted on one end of the frame and the other end on the base. The links include two parallel links in the fore and aft direction parallel to the mechanical speed control link arm and one side to side link which constrain movement of the base against fore and aft movement and side to side movement parallel to the mechanical steering control link arm. This arrangement restricts movement of the base while allowing roll and pitch movements of the cab structure with the links arranged such that steering and ground speed are substantially unaffected when the cab moves on the suspension.
US08225899B2
A vehicle body mounting structure for an exhaust system heat exchanger is provided that enables good protection of an exhaust system heat exchanger disposed below a vehicle body floor. In the vehicle exhaust system mounting structure 10 there is an exhaust system heat exchanger 14, carrying out heat exchange between exhaust gas and engine cooling water, disposed at the bottom side of a floor tunnel 70 that is formed to a front floor panel 68. The lowermost portion of the exhaust system heat exchanger 14 in the vehicle up-down direction is positioned in the vehicle up-down direction above the lowermost portion of the body cross-member 80 of a vehicle body frame and an engine rear mount support member 90.
US08225895B1
A robotic vehicle having two or more tracked mobility platforms that are mechanically linked together with a two-dimensional coupling, thereby forming a composite vehicle of increased mobility. The robotic vehicle is operative in hazardous environments and can be capable of semi-submersible operation. The robotic vehicle is capable of remote controlled operation via radio frequency and/or fiber optic communication link to a remote operator control unit. The tracks have a plurality of track-edge scallop cut-outs that allow the tracks to easily grab onto and roll across railroad tracks, especially when crossing the railroad tracks at an oblique angle.
US08225884B2
A down hole well bore apparatus to underream and remove rock or cement or other material, cut or mill casing, clean or scrape casing, or centralize a drill string, which has a rotor which actuates blades, a compact overall length and can be operated with normal or reverse circulation. Simultaneous operations or multiple sequential operations can be made without removing the drill string.
US08225876B2
A continuous communications conduit for use in a well is disclosed. A first (101) and second (102) conduit section are threadably engaged and a weldment is formed (200). A heat shield conduit (220) can be disposed within a bore (111, 112) of a conduit section (101, 102) between a first conduit section shoulder (151) and a second conduit section shoulder (152). A first (301), second (302), and third (303) conduit section can be threadably engaged and a weldment (400) formed. An electrical conductor (300) can be disposed in a bore of the conduit sections (301, 302, 303). A heat shield conduit (320) can be disposed between a first conduit section shoulder (351) and a second conduit section shoulder (352). Optionally, an elastomeric stabilizer (410, 420) may be utilized.
US08225874B2
An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a gas lift valve and an isolation member. The gas lift valve includes a valve element that is located between an annulus and a passageway of a tubing. The valve element is adapted to selectively open and close to control fluid communication through the valve element. The isolation member is adapted to in a first state, isolate the valve element from at least one of the annulus and the passageway and in a second state, permit fluid communication between the valve element and the annulus or passageway.
US08225873B2
An oil well pumping apparatus for pumping oil from a well to a wellhead provides a tool body that is sized and shaped to be lowered into the production tubing string of the oil well. A working fluid is provided that can be pumped into the production tubing. A prime mover is provided for pumping the working fluid. A flow channel into the well bore enables the working fluid to be circulated from the prime mover via the production tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and then back to the wellhead area. A pumping mechanism is provided on the tool body, the pumping mechanism including upper and lower spur gear or gears. The upper spur gear is driven by the working fluid. The lower spur gear is rotated by the first spur gear. The upper and lower spur gears are connected with a common shaft.
US08225866B2
An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat input into the formation may be controlled to raise the temperature of portion at a selected rate during pyrolysis of hydrocarbons within the formation. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
US08225862B2
A load distributing apparatus including, a sleeve configured to be radially expandable, and a wedge in operable communication with the sleeve. The longitudinal movement of the wedge relative to the sleeve causes an increase in longitudinal load on the sleeve by the wedge until an expanded portion of the sleeve reaches a selected dimension of the wedge after which continued movement of the wedge relative to the sleeve maintains a substantially constant longitudinal load on the sleeve.
US08225850B2
A fan attachment is provided to attach a fan assembly to a cap of a heat exchanger. The fan attachment includes a feature to manage wires going to the fan motor, a notch for a thermister to sense temperature, snap hooks to be engaged by receiving tabs of the cap, a keying shear load feature to radially align the fan attachment and cap, and Z-height tolerance springs to bias the fan attachment away from the cap. The cap has features to interact with those of the fan attachment, including receiving tabs. The fan attachment may be manually aligned and forced so that the snap hooks are received and engaged by the receiving tabs. Additionally, the snap hooks and keying feature are, in combination, capable of supporting fan and attach mechanism in an undamaged condition during 25 g-force shock to the heat exchanger.
US08225847B2
A heat dissipation device cooling an electronic device includes a conductive plate, a heat spreader received in the conductive plate and contacting the electronic device, a heat pipe connecting the conductive plate and the heat spreader, and an elastic member mounted on the conductive plate and pushing the heat spreader and the heat pipe in the heat spreader downwardly toward the electronic device.
US08225840B2
A cord lock for window coverings has one or more cams adjacent a locking surface over which a one or more lift cords travel. The cams may be spring biased to a locked position in which they press the lift cords against the surface. A release member through which the lift cords pass is provided. Transverse movement of any cord passing through an opening in the release member moves the release member from a first position, in which the cam or cams are in the locked position, to a second position at which a cam engaging portion of the release member engages the cam and the cam is in the unlocked position. Movement of the release member from the first position to the second position maintains the cam in the unlocked position.
US08225831B2
Provided is a pneumatic tire having a tread surface (1) with a tread pattern having: at least two circumferential grooves (2) extending in the tire circumferential direction to define land sections (3) on the outer sides in the tire width direction; and lateral grooves (4) extending in the tire width direction to partition the land sections (3) into a large number of blocks (5). In addition, in each of the blocks (5), a cutout (6) is formed in the center region of an edge portion of the block (5), the edge facing the corresponding circumferential groove (2). The cutout (6) has plural steps in the tire width direction. This structure improves the performance of running on a muddy ground with the resistance to uneven wear and the driving stability on general road surfaces maintained respectively at sufficient levels.
US08225816B2
The invention relates to a gas filling and distribution head (2) which is intended to be disposed in a hole in a pressurized gas storage tank. The inventive head (2) includes a mounting segment (21) which is intended to be housed in the hole in the tank and an expansion segment which houses a pre-expansion device (22), said pre-expansion device (22) being arranged in relation to the mounting segment (21) such as to be housed at least partially inside the tank when the head is in the mounted position. The head (2) also includes: a filling circuit which extends between a first end which is equipped with a filling hole (6) and a second end which is intended to communicate with the interior of the tank, and an extraction circuit which extends between a first end which is intended to communicate with the interior of the tank and a second end which is equipped with an extraction hole. The invention is characterized in that the filling hole (6) is aligned with the extraction hole.
US08225811B1
An apparatus for facilitating the removal of moisture from a compressed air tank has a tank with an interior volume, a tubular member positioned in communication with the tank and having an end adjacent the bottom of the tank, an air compressor interconnected to the tubular member for passing compressed air into the interior volume of the tank, a check valve positioned at an opposite end of the tubular member, a head pressure relief valve in communication with the tubular member, and a pressure switch cooperatively connected to the air compressor. The pressure switch opens the head pressure relief valve when an air pressure in the tank reaches a desired level so as to cause air and water in the tank to pass through the tubular member. The check valve serves to stop the passing of air and water after a period of time.
US08225802B2
Novel hair holding devices having first and second pivotally connected body members including hair gripping portions, and methods for improving existing such hair holding devices, in which the improvement involves providing the first and second body members with at least one elastomeric member for biasing the first and second body members into a closed position and for conforming to gathered strands of a user's hair when the hair gripping portions come into contact with gathered strands of a user's hair.
US08225795B2
A kink resistant silicon endotracheal tube includes an inflatable cuff for positioning the endotracheal tube in a patient's trachea. The cuff is folded over onto itself to provide a cavity for accumulating bacteria and secretions that are then removed by suction. The cuff in the lower part of the endotracheal tube is also folded over onto itself for centering the endotracheal tube in the center of an airway. A suction catheter is also positioned in a portion of the tube under tension as opposed to a portion under compression to reduce the likelihood of kinking. A kink resistant endotracheal tube also includes a thickened and/or reinforced area of the curved portion of the endotracheal tube in an area under compression.
US08225793B2
A respiratory mask device includes a mask body that has a front gas inlet and a rear abutment end to contact a patient's face, left and right upper connectors disposed on left and right sides of the front gas inlet for connection with an upper head strap, left and right lower connectors respectively disposed beneath the left and right upper connectors, and left and right cantilever arms fixed at a top side of the mask body. The left and right cantilever arms extend downward and sideward from the top side and have bottom free ends carrying respective left and right upper connectors. With the cantilever arms, pulling forces can be dispersed uniformly on the mask body, and uncomfortable pressure experienced by a user may be eliminated.
US08225789B2
A methodology and apparatus for determining ventilator settings including an end expiratory pressure setting, pressure swing, resistive unloading and target ventilation for delivering ventilatory support based upon generalized patient ventilation characteristics and/or disease classifications. An apparatus may be programmed with the instructions to accomplish the methodology interactively by prompting the user/physician during setup and calculating settings based upon measurements or input responses. Pre-assigned values associated with ventilation characteristics or disease classifications may be combined with a base pressure value or measured values to provide patient customized settings or adjustments to determine pressure levels for the delivery of ventilatory support.
US08225787B2
An adjustable airway pressure system is provided. The system may include a cap and a canister. The cap may include a substantially hollow conduit having indicia indicative of a plurality of airway pressure values and adapted to receive and output exhaled gas. The conduit may have screw threads on an exterior surface of the conduit. The cap may also include an adjust collar circumscribing the conduit and having an interior surface with a second plurality of screw threads. The second plurality of screw threads may couple and be complementary to the first plurality of screw threads such that a rotation of the adjust collar causes the conduit to move in a substantially vertical direction. The conduit may be adapted to be adjusted to heights along a continuum. The canister may contain liquid and receive the conduit such that the received exhaled gas is output from the conduit into the liquid.
US08225783B2
A device for supplying a patient with breathing gas, which has a housing provided with gas ducts and a corresponding cover (5), shall be improved such that the cover (5) can be manufactured in a simple manner and possesses good sealing properties. To accomplish the object, provisions are made for the cover (5) to consist of a one-piece, plate-like elastomer material and for groove-like depressions (10) extending in the direction of partitions (6) to be present as a seal for the gas ducts (8).
US08225772B1
A fuel warming device for increasing the temperature of a vehicle's fuel from the fuel line before entering the engine featuring a housing, a copper coil spanning the housing, a heating fluid filling the housing, and a heating element for heating the heating fluid operatively connected to a power source via an electrical connection component. The fuel from the fuel line is heated in the copper coil tube by the heated heating fluid.
US08225771B2
In a startup operation of an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine is started by supplying fuel to only a first cylinder group formed of a portion of cylinders, from among a plurality of cylinders that make up the internal combustion engine, when a startup condition of the internal combustion engine has been satisfied, and then fuel starts to be supplied to a second cylinder group formed of the remaining cylinders after the internal combustion engine has started. Meanwhile, in a stopping operation of the internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine is stopped when a shutoff condition of the internal combustion engine is satisfied, by first stopping the supply of fuel to the second cylinder group and then stopping the supply of fuel to the first cylinder group after the supply of fuel to the second cylinder group has been stopped.
US08225768B2
Embodiments of injectors suitable for injection ports having relatively small diameters are disclosed herein. An injector according to one embodiment includes a body having a first end portion opposite a second end portion. The second end portion is configured to be positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber and the first end portion is configured to be spaced apart from the combustion chamber. The injector also includes an ignition conductor extending through the body from the first end portion to the second end portion, and an insulator extending longitudinally along the ignition conductor and surrounding at least a portion of the ignition conductor. The injector further includes a valve extending longitudinally along the insulator from the first end portion to the second end portion. The valve includes a sealing end portion, and the valve is movable along the insulator between an open position and a closed position. The injector also includes a valve seat at or proximate to the second end portion of the body. When the valve is in the open position the sealing end portion is spaced apart from the valve seat, and when the valve is in the closed position the sealing end portion contacts at least a portion of the valve seat.
US08225764B2
A cam carrier assembly may include at least a cam carrier mounted on a cylinder head and including a support, an actuator shaft, a portion of which is mounted in the support and rotatable to control a valve life, and a cap mounted on the cylinder head and coupled to the at least a cam carrier to rotatably support the portion of the actuator shaft and surrounding and rotatably supporting the other portion of the actuator shaft, which is not surrounded by the support.
