US08367916B2
Improvements in a drum practice pad are disclosed. The practice pad is intended for use with a mobile or shoulder mounted percussion instrument carrier or with a stand configured for use with a percussion instrument. The practice pad incorporates most or all of the geometry of a drum that is addressed by a player. This geometry includes a portion of the striking surface, and a portion of the drum rim. The sticking surface is adjustable within the portion of the drum rim to match the central playing area and the height of the playing surface to the rim of the drum. The assembly allows for attachment or mounting and use of a practice pad from a third party. The strike location of the practice pad is adjustable to simulate different diameter drums. The incorporation of the drum rim allows players to practice rim shots.
US08367914B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH694532. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH694532, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH694532 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH694532.
US08367910B1
A novel maize variety designated X05A931 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X05A931 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05A931 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05A931, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05A931. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05A931.
US08367907B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH572389. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH572389, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH572389 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH572389.
US08367906B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV774864. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV774864, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV774864 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV774864 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV774864.
US08367905B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH226366. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH226366, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH226366 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH226366.
US08367901B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV242790. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV242790, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV242790 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV242790 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV242790.
US08367894B2
Polynucleotides are disclosed which are capable of enhancing a growth, yield under water-limited conditions, and/or increased tolerance to an environmental stress of a plant transformed to contain such polynucleotides. Also provided are methods of using such polynucleotides and transgenic plants and agricultural products, including seeds, containing such polynucleotides as transgenes.
US08367891B2
The present application is directed to a functional signal anchor that localizes a fusion protein to the apoplast of vascular elements in plants. The signal anchor is useful for engineering secretory proteins to the cell wall and or/apoplast of plant cells. The signal anchor is also useful for producing secretory proteins in transgenic plant cells in a bioreactor.
US08367889B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV352638. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV352638, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV352638 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV352638 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV352638.
US08367882B2
Processes and reactor systems are provided for the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons, ketones, cyclic ethers and alcohols useful as liquid fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel or diesel fuel, and industrial chemicals. The process involves the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons, such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, furans, carboxylic acids, diols, triols, and/or other polyols, to C4+ hydrocarbons, cyclic ethers, alcohols and/or ketones, by condensation and/or deoxygenation. The oxygenated hydrocarbons may originate from any source, but are preferably derived from biomass.
US08367876B2
A method wherein the separability between a polyether phase and a water phase is improved when a water-soluble compound is extracted and removed from a polyether containing the water-soluble compound with water is provided. The method comprises producing a polyether including a step of extracting and removing a water-soluble compound from a polyether containing the water-soluble compound with water, wherein the step includes at least an operation of separating a water phase from a polyether phase at a temperature of 50° C.
US08367873B2
The invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I) in which X, Y, Z, A, B and G have the meanings given above, to a plurality of processes and intermediates for their preparation and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides. Moreover, the invention relates to selective herbicidal compositions comprising, firstly, the phenyl-substituted bicyclooctane-1,3-dione derivates 33 and, secondly, a crop plant compatibility-improving compound.The present invention furthermore relates to increasing the activity of crop protection compositions comprising in particular phenyl-substituted bicyclooctane-1,3-dione derivates by adding ammonium salts or phosphonium salts and, if appropriate, penetrants, to the corresponding compositions, to processes for their preparation and to their use in crop protection as insecticides and/or acaricides and/or for preventing unwanted plant growth.
US08367872B2
To obtain a close-contact multi-layer type diffractive optical element having a homogeneous high-refractive-index and low-dispersion resin layer, an acrylate-terminated oligomer, obtained by allowing excess bifunctional acrylate to react with bifunctional thiol, is used as a resin precursor for the high-refractive-index and low-dispersion resin layer.
US08367870B2
The present invention provides polymeric polyol compositions employing polyol compounds having multiple tertiary amine groups. Methods of making these compositions are also disclosed. Polyol formulations containing these polymeric polyol compositions and methods of making polyurethane gel and foam employing such polymeric polyol compositions are also provided.
US08367866B2
A single-source precursor composition includes R3B.NX3, where B is boron, N is nitrogen, and the R groups and the X groups are selected from hydrogen, alkyl groups, and aryl groups. At least one of the R groups is an alkyl group or an aryl group.
US08367836B2
The present invention provides compounds that are alpha4 integrin antagonists having a structure according to the following formula: or a tautomer, mixture of tautomers, salt or solvate thereof, wherein Cy, ring A, m, n, p, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are defined in the specification. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds of the invention as well as methods of making and using the compounds and compositions of the invention, e.g., in the treatment and prevention of various conditions and disorders, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
US08367834B2
A method for the preparation of montelukast and salts thereof has been described. The method comprises of following steps: (a) (S)-1-(3-((E)-2-(7-chloroquinolin-2-yl)vinyl)phenyl)-3-(2-isopropenylphenyljpropyl methane sulphonate (styrene mesylate salt) (b) coupling with 1-(mercaptomethyl)cyclopropane acetic acid followed by salification with an amine gives styrene amine salt (c) Converting styrene amine salt to Montelukast amine salt (d) Converting Montelukast amine salt to Montelukast free acid and or its required alkali/alkaline salt.
US08367829B2
This invention provides compounds of the formula: wherein X is wherein R1 and R2 together with the phenyl to which they are bound may form a bicyclic, fused heterocyclic ring and all other variables are as defined herein, their use in pulmonary inflammation or bronchoconstriction therapy and compositions comprising and processes for preparing the same are provided.
US08367819B2
In various embodiments, the present invention can involve a method of synthesizing α-amino-ε-caprolactam. The method can comprise heating a salt of L-lysine in a solvent comprising an alcohol. In other embodiments, the present invention can involve methods for synthesizing ε-caprolactam. The methods can comprise heating a salt of L-lysine in a solvent comprising an alcohol and deaminating the reaction product. In various embodiments, the invention can include methods of converting biomass into nylon 6. The methods can comprise heating L-lysine in a solvent comprising an alcohol to produce α-amino-εcaprolactam, deaminating to produce ε-caprolactam and polymerizing into nylon 6, wherein the L-lysine is derived from the biomass. In other embodiments, the present invention can include methods of making nylon 6. The methods can comprise synthesizing ε-caprolactam and then polymerizing, wherein the ε-caprolactam is derived from L-lysine.
US08367816B2
The present invention provides antisense oligomers to PLA2 to inhibit PLA2 protein expression and enzyme activity, and to treat diseases and disorders associated with induced expression of PLA2. In particular, the invention provides for the simultaneous inhibition of cPLA2 and sPLA2.
US08367815B2
The invention provides an improved design for the construction of extensible nucleic acid-based, ligand-controlled regulatory systems, and the nucleic acid regulatory systems resulting therefrom. The invention contemplates improving the design of the switches (ligand-controlled regulatory systems) through the design of an information transmission domain (ITD). The improved ITD eliminates free-floating ends of the switching and the competing strands, and localizes competitive hybridization events to a contiguous strand of competing and switching strands in a strand-displacement mechanism-based switch, thereby improving the kinetics of strand-displacement. The improved regulatory systems have many uses in various biological systems, including gene expression control or ligand-concentration sensing.
US08367810B2
Disclosed are substantially purified Plasmodium sporozoites and preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites substantially separated from attendant non-sporozoite material, where the preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites have increasing levels of purity. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising purified Plasmodium sporozoites are likewise provided. Methods of purifying preparations of Plasmodium sporozoites are also provided.
US08367808B2
Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of whipworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of whipworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, roundworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of whipworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.
US08367807B2
Biomarkers for predicting the severity of malaria and methods for their detection are disclosed. In one aspect, the present application discloses CXCL4, CXCL10, VEGF, PGDF, IL-1Ra, IL-8, MIP-1β, sFas, Fas-L, sTNF-R2, and sTNF-R1 as biomarkers for the severity of malaria. In another aspect, the present application discloses a method for determining the severity of malaria and predicting mortality due to cerebral malaria. The method comprises the detection of the biomarkers CXCL4 and/or CXCL10 and at least one more biomarker and determining the severity of malaria and predicting mortality due to cerebral malaria based upon the ratio of expression of the biomarkers in the subject versus the expression of the biomarkers in a control.
US08367805B2
The present application relates to a variant Fc region comprising at least one modification relative to a wild-type human Fc region, where the modification selected from the group consisting of 434S, 252Y/428L, 252Y/434S, and 428L/434S, and the numbering is according to the EU index.
US08367796B2
The disclosure relates to methods and materials useful for polymerizing a monomer. In one embodiment, for example, the disclosure provides a method for polymerizing a monomer containing a plurality of electrophilic groups, wherein the method comprises contacting the monomer with a nucleophilic reagent in the presence of a guanidine-containing catalyst. The methods and materials of the disclosure find utility, for example, in the field of materials science.
US08367784B2
The invention pertains to a process wherein initiators having a half-life from 0.0001 hour to 0.05 hour at the polymerization temperature are dosed to a polymerization mixture. The dosing of such initiator allows improved control of the polymerization rate and faster polymerization rates, and the process will render a polymer with very low residual initiator levels.
US08367780B2
A block or graft copolymer including a thermoplastic resin segment and as an aliphatic polyester segment is provided. The copolymer can be used as a compatibilizer for a resin alloy comprising polylactic acid, which can reduce the consumption of petroleum raw materials.
US08367778B2
Process for the elimination of residual mercaptans from nitrile rubbers, comprising: a. adding a colloidal emulsion of sulfur to a nitrile latex emulsion (NBR rubber latex) containing free mercaptan and with a pH of between 7 and 14, at a temperature ranging from 30 to 120° C.; b. coagulating the nitrile latex c. washing with demineralized water and drying the NBR rubber recovered after coagulation.
US08367777B2
A linear, block copolymer, which is useful in cosmetics and improves the styling power and hold of hair laquer, adhesion of nail varnish and hold/adhesion of makeup, includes at least two blocks having different glass transition temperatures, Tg; where at least one of said blocks has a glass transition temperature of 20° C. to −100° C., and wherein the at least one block having a Tg of 20° C. to −100° C. is a copolymer B having a first monomer wherein the Tg of the corresponding homopolymer is in the range from more than 20° C. to 200° C., and a second monomer wherein the Tg of the corresponding homopolymer is in the range from 20° C. to −100° C.
US08367775B2
A modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer is formed by modifying a conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic copolymer by reacting with a first modifier in a solvent and then reacting with a second modifier. The solvent includes an organic alkali metal initiator.
US08367771B2
A composition for producing an organic insulator is provided which comprises an organic-inorganic hybrid material (as defined). The hybrid material shows high solubility in organic solvents and monomers, and superior adhesion to substrates. In addition, the hybrid material displays a high dielectric constant and a high degree of crosslinking. Based on these advantages, the composition comprising the organic-inorganic hybrid material can be utilized during the fabrication of various electronic devices by a wet process. A method for producing the organic insulator while utilizing the composition also is provided, as well as the resulting organic insulator, and an organic thin film transistor which incorporates the resulting insulating layer.
US08367770B2
One aspect of the invention relates to an acrylate-vinyl aromatic-unsaturated nitrile graft copolymer. The acrylate-vinyl aromatic-unsaturated nitrile graft copolymer can include: a double layered rubbery polymer comprising an inner core layer of alkylacrylate-vinyl aromatic copolymer and an outer core layer of alkylacrylate polymer; and a vinyl aromatic-unsaturated nitrile copolymer shell layer grafted onto the double layered rubbery polymer. Another aspect of the invention relates to a weatherable thermoplastic resin composition including the foregoing acrylate-vinyl aromatic-unsaturated nitrile graft copolymer.
US08367769B2
Embodiments of the invention provide silicon-based nanoparticle composites, where the silicon nanoparticles are highly luminescent. Preferred embodiments of the invention are Si—O solid composite networks, e.g., glass, having a homogenous distribution of luminescent hydrogen terminated silicon nanoparticles in a homogenous distribution throughout the solid. Embodiments of the invention also provide fabrication processes for silicon-based silicon nanoparticle composites. A preferred method for forming a silicon-based nanoparticle composite disperses hydrogen terminated silicon nanoparticles and an inorganic precursor of an organosilicon gel in an aprotic solvent to form a sol. A catalyst is mixed into the sol. The sol is then permitted to dry into a gel of the silicon-based nanoparticle composite.
US08367765B2
Disclosed are a conjugated diene-based polymer from which a polymer composition excellent in fuel cost-saving properties and elongation at break can be obtained, a polymer composition containing the conjugated diene-based polymer and a reinforcing agent, and a process for producing the conjugated diene-based polymer. There is provided a conjugated diene-based polymer having a conjugated diene unit, a monomer unit based on a compound represented by the following formula (1) and a monomer unit based on a compound represented by the following formula (2). wherein R11 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group, m is 0 or 1, R12 represents a hydrocarbylene group, and X1, X2 and X3 each independently represent a substituted amino group, or a hydrocarbyl group optionally having a substituent, provided that at least one of X1, X2 and X3 is a substituted amino group. wherein R21 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group, n is 0 or 1, R22 represents a hydrocarbylene group, and A represents a substituted amino group, or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group.
US08367756B2
The invention relates to an inkjet-recording element comprising a support and at least one coated ink-receiving layer, wherein the ink-receiving layer comprises silica particles, optional hydrophilic polymeric binder, and a combination of surfactants, including a fluorosurfactant and a non-fluorine-containing non-ionic surfactant. Also disclosed is a coating composition for such an inkjet recording element. The invention can provide improved image quality (reduced coalescence) of the inkjet recording element or increased stability of the coating composition.
US08367743B2
Compounds containing both photoinitiator moieties and adhesion promoting moieties and coating formulations containing them are disclosed, in particular, durable UV cured primer layers for coil coatings. One embodiment includes a coated metal surface which comprises a metal substrate with at least one surface immediately adjacent to a coating layer comprising a photoinitiator chemically bound to an adhesion promoter is disclosed.
US08367741B2
A method of producing synthesis gas by mixing a carbonaceous feed comprising at least one carbonaceous material with superheated steam to produce a reformer feedstock and reforming the reformer feedstock to produce a first synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide by introducing the reformer feedstock into a plurality of coiled tubes within a reformer at a reformer temperature and a reformer pressure at which at least a portion of the reformer feedstock is converted to synthesis gas.
US08367736B2
Disclosed herein is an anticancer composition, comprising obovatol, represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, obovatal, represented by the following Chemical Formula 2, and/or pharmaceutical salts thereof. The composition exhibits the activity of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and suppressing the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and thus can be useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of cancer as well as for the inhibition of cancer metastasis.
US08367733B2
The present invention is directed to methods for attenuating pain associated with a surgical site or an open wound by administration of single doses of a capsaicinoid formulation in proximity to a surgical site or wound opening.
US08367731B2
The present invention concerns a peritoneal dialysis fluid with enhanced ultrafiltration during the dialysis dwell period. According to the present invention this is achieved by a peritoneal dialysis fluid comprising sodium ions, osmotic agent and a buffer, characterised in that it comprises citrate at a level of 4 to 10 mM in a final solution ready for use.
US08367728B2
A process is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters. More specifically, carboxylic acid esters are reacted with an inorganic peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity. The present perhydrolase catalysts are classified as members of the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE-7) based on the conserved structural features. Further, disinfectant formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided.
US08367725B2
Provided are composition and/or methods useful in preventing onset and/or recurrence of cardiovascular events, especially in patients who have escaped the unstable period after cardiovascular angioplasty or in hyperlipidemia patients who have been treated with HMG-CoA RI.
US08367719B2
Aryl-substituted bridged or fused diamine compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of using the compounds and the pharmaceutical compositions for leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H or LTA4H) modulation and for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by LTA4H activity, such as allergy, asthma, autoimmune diseases, pruritis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis and prevention of myocardial infarction.
US08367714B2
Compounds of the following formula: wherein X is H or substituted with with at least one X being substituted; and halo is fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine; and stereoisomers and conjugable analogs thereof.
US08367711B2
A compound having the structure wherein R is, for example, Y is selected from the group consisting of 1) R5, 2) —C(R1R2) (C(R3R4))0-1Y1R5, and 3) —C(R1R2)—O—Y1R5; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-4 alkyl; R5 is; Y1 is selected from the group consisting of C(O)—O— and P(O)(OR6)—O—; and R6 is hydrogen or CH3, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of using the compounds for treating hypertension.
US08367709B2
Disclosed are novel dipeptide analogs compounds of Formula (I), (II) or (III): or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a solvate, or a prodrug thereof, which are inhibitors of factor XIa and/or plasma kallikrein, compositions containing them, and methods of using them, for example, for the treatment or prophylaxis of thrombotic diseases.
US08367708B2
The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula (I), which has a GPR120 agonist action and thus is useful for treatment of diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In the formula, (AA) represents a phenyl or the like, which may be substituted with a lower alkoxy group or the like; (BB) represents a divalent group or the like, derived by removal of two hydrogen atoms from a benzene which may be substituted with a halogen atom or the like; X represents a spacer having a main chain composed of 1-8 carbon atoms wherein 1-3 carbon atoms in the main chain may be substituted with an oxygen atom or the like; and Y represents a hydrogen atom or the like.
US08367705B2
Provided are novel methods of treating and/or preventing a disease or condition caused by or associated with a virus belonging to the Bunyaviridae or Togaviridae family using iminosugars, such as DNJ derivatives.
US08367703B2
A composition comprising an antacid, and a local, topical anesthetic. The composition is used to relieve pain or discomfort associated with a sore throat, and therefore, the invention is also directed to a method of alleviating the pain or discomfort associated with a sore throat comprising instructing a human to orally administer the composition.
US08367702B2
As a result of extensive studies on NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors, the present inventors found that a quinolone derivative having, at the 2-position, an alkyl group substituted with a heteroatom or the like has an excellent NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitory activity, and accomplished the present invention. The compound of the present invention has a reactive oxygen species production inhibitory activity based on the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitory activity, and therefore can be used as an agent for preventing and/or treating diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, diabetic complications and the like.
US08367701B2
Novel crystalline polymorphic forms, Forms A, B, C, D, and E of a compound of Formula I, which has been found to be a potent inhibitor of LFA-1, are disclosed. Methods of preparation and uses thereof in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases are also disclosed in this invention.
US08367700B2
The invention relates to substituted tetrahydroisoquinolinyl-4-oxobutyric acid amides, methods for the preparation thereof, medicinal products containing these compounds and the use of these compounds for the preparation of medicinal products.
US08367698B2
[Problem] There is provided a compound useful as a preventive or remedy for cardiovascular disease, neurologic disease, metabolic disease, reproductive disease, and digestive disease.[Means for Resolution] A compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof represented by the following Formula (I) wherein Z represents wherein n1, n2, and n3 are 0, 1, or 2, respectively; R1 represents C1-6 alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, or the like; R2 represents aryl or heteroaryl; R3 represents a hydrogen atom, C1-6 alkyl, or the like; and M1, M2, M3, and M4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, C1-6 alkyl, or the like, or M1, together with M2, M3, or M4, forms —CH2— or the like.
US08367674B2
This invention relates to novel compounds that are piperazine derivatives, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to novel piperazine compounds that are derivatives of the chemokine CCR5 receptor antagonist, vicriviroc. This invention also provides pyrogen-free compositions comprising one or more compounds of the invention and a carrier and the use of the disclosed compounds and compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are treated by administering chemokine CCR5 receptor antagonists, such as vicriviroc. The invention also relates to the use of one or more of the disclosed compounds as reagents in analytical studies involving vicriviroc.
US08367666B2
The present invention provides compounds having an agonistic activity to the cannabinoid receptor, which is represented by the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and G are defined as herein, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a solvate thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions, atopic dermatitis treating agents, and anti-pruritus agents, especially anti-pruritus agents for oral used and for external application, which each contains the said compound as an active ingredient.
US08367664B2
The present invention relates to organic molecules capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation.
US08367663B2
The instant application relates to deazapurines, thienopyrimidines and furopyrimidines with zinc-binding moiety based derivatives and their use in the treatment of phosphoinositide 3-kinase related diseases and disorders such as cancer. The instant application further relates to the the treatment of histone deacetylase related disorders and diseases related to both histone deacetylase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase.
US08367662B2
Compounds of formula I: in free or salt or solvate form, where R1, R2, R3 and R20 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating diseases mediated by the ALK-5 and/or ALK-4 receptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described. These compounds are useful for the treatment of inflammatory or obstructive airways diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, liver fibrosis, cancer, muscle diseases such as muscle atrophies and muscle dystrophies, and systemic skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis.
US08367660B2
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating diseases using such CFTR modulators.
US08367656B2
Disclosed herein are novel polymorphs of 7-[(3-chloro-6,11-dihydro-6-methyldibenzo[c,f][1,2]thiazepin-11-yl)amino]heptanoic acid S,S-dioxide. Also described herein are novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more 7-[(3-chloro-6,11-dihydro-6-methyldibenzo[c,f][1,2]thiazepin-11-yl)amino]heptanoic acid S,S-dioxide polymorphs, methods of making, and related methods of treatment.
US08367642B2
The invention relates to a method of preventing and treating diseases and conditions associated with allergies, autoimmunity, the adhesion cascade, the metastatic cascade or the coronary cascade comprising administering (i) at least one complex carbohydrate as the sole active ingredient, or (ii) at least one pharmaceutical composition which comprises as an active ingredient a pharmacologically effective amount of at least one low purity or cosmetic grade complex carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of oligosaccharides, sialylated oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans, and an effective amount of at least one transdermal or transmucosal carrier in an amount effective to deliver the complex carbohydrate into the blood stream.
US08367638B2
Methods and compositions for reducing fibrosis and cirrhosis are provided in which an effective dose of an admixture of a polysaccharide compound and, for example, a compound selected from the group consisting of antibodies specific to intracellular or cell-surface: (i) beta-PDGF receptors; (ii) synaptophysin; (iii) zvegf3; (iv) CCR1 receptors; (v) connective tissue growth factor; (vi) alpha 1-smooth muscle actin; (vii) matrix metalloproteinases MMP 2 and MMP9; (viii) matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors TIMP1 and TMP2; (ix) integrins; (x) TFG-β1; (xi) endothelin receptor antagonists; and (xii) collagen synthesis and degradation modulating compounds; (xiii) actin synthesis and degradation modulating compounds; and (xiv) tyrosine kinases is administered to an animal in order to treat fibrosis.
US08367630B2
A method of screening a candidate compound for susceptibility to biliary excretion by a hepatocyte transport protein. In some embodiments the method can comprise inhibiting expression of the transport protein. Expression of the transport protein can be inhibited through introduction of a RNA having a sequence corresponding to a coding strand of the gene encoding the transport protein into the hepatocyte.
US08367627B2
Focused aptamer libraries are constructed in accordance with a proteome (i.e., complex mixture of native biomolecules). The libraries may be screened to identify one or more candidate aptamers with desired biological activities other than specific binding to a target. Aptamers which are selected or derivatives thereof may be used for those specific activities in biological systems. Any combination of deconvoluting a focused library (functional profiling), increasing frequencies of particular aptamers in a focused library (Laser SELEX), and decreasing frequencies of particular aptamers in a focused library (DeSELEX) may be performed prior to assaying biological activity.
US08367624B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment of plants against pathogens, elimination of insects and to increase the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables that includes coating the plant with undiluted aloe vera gel.
US08367609B2
This application features methods of treating (e.g., reducing, ameliorating, or preventing) skin damage (e.g., induced by UVB) by decreasing the level or activity of VEGF-A, e.g., in the skin, of a subject.
US08367608B2
The invention relates to a GLP-1 secretagogue and an inhibitor of postprandial rise in blood glucose, containing κ-casein as an active ingredient, and a food or drink for promoting GLP-1 secretion and an inhibitory food or drink of postprandial rise in blood glucose, containing a milk-derived casein protein wherein κ-casein accounts for 60% by mass or more of the milk-derived casein.
US08367607B2
The present invention provides an Oxyntomodulin peptide analogue useful in the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity.
US08367606B2
Method and compositions are provided for treating or preventing a skin pathology or disorder associated with diabetes and/or aging, by topical administration of at least one agent capable of restoring an impaired physiological condition of the skin associated with said skin pathology or disorder. Examples of such agents include PKC modulating agents, various adipokines and insulin signaling related molecules. In particular, restoration of the subcutaneous adipose tissue can overcome many of the diabetic skin pathologies and aging skin disorders and conditions.
US08367605B2
The present invention relates to an improved composition of copolymer-1 comprising copolymer-1 substantially free of species having a molecular weight of over 40 kilodaltons.
US08367602B2
The present invention relates to artificial peptides optimized for the induction and/or stimulation of mineralization and/or biomineralization. The invention also relates to the use of these artificial peptides for the induction and/or stimulation of mineralization and/or biomineralization in vivo and in vitro.
US08367595B2
Improved treatment blocks useful in the treatment of lavatory appliances, particularly toilets are provided. The improved treatment blocks are solid block compositions which comprise at least one detersive surfactant, a film forming constituent, optionally a bleach constituent and one or more further optional constituents. The improved treatment blocks provide good detersive characteristics and further provide a film forming material which contacts the surfaces of the lavatory appliance, e.g., toilet, in which the block compositions are used. Methods of producing the solid block composition and treatment blocks therefrom, as well as methods of use are also disclosed.
US08367591B2
Provided is a lubricating oil composition of an environmental regulation compliant type, comprising (A) a base oil for a lubricating oil, (B) sulfated oxymolybdenum dithiocarbamate, (C) an acid amide compound, (D) (d1) a fatty acid partial ester compound and/or (d2) an aliphatic amine compound and (E) a specific benzotriazole derivative, wherein a content of the component (B) is 0.02 to 0.1% by mass in terms of molybdenum; a content of the component (C) is 0.2 to 1.0 % by mass; a content of the component (D) is 0.2 to 1.0% by mass; and a content of the component (E) is 0.02 to 0.1% by mass each based on the whole amount of the composition, and it has an excellent friction reducing effect in combination with a high corrosion preventing effect to copper and lead.
US08367586B2
The present disclosure enables collections of variable heavy chain and variable light chain pairs comprising, in part, germline protein sequences that are pre-selected for functional properties relevant to developability, wherein the collections may be used to select against any antigen using, for example, phage display.
US08367577B2
Flat, thin AlN membranes and methods of their manufacture are made available. An AlN thin film (2) contains between 0.001 wt. % and 10 wt. % additive atomic element of one or more type selected from Group-III atoms, Group-IV atoms and Group-V atoms. Onto a base material (1), the AlN thin film (2) is formable utilizing a plasma generated by setting inside a vacuum chamber a sintered AlN ceramic containing between 0.001 wt. % and 10 wt. % additive atomic element of one or more type selected from Group-III atoms, Group-IV atoms and Group-V atoms, and with the base material having been set within the vacuum chamber, irradiating the sintered AlN ceramic with a laser.
US08367566B2
A substrate processing apparatus having a processing chamber for processing a substrate; a processing gas feeding line for feeding a processing gas into the processing chamber; an inert gas feeding line for feeding an inert gas into the processing chamber; an inert gas vent line provided in the inert gas feeding line, for exhausting the inert gas fed into the inert gas feeding line without feeding the inert gas into the processing chamber; a first valve provided in the inert gas feeding line, on a downstream side of a part where the inert gas vent line is provided in the inert gas feeding line; a second valve provided in the inert gas vent line; and an exhaust line that exhausts an inside of the processing chamber.
US08367546B2
Novel low-resistivity tungsten film stack schemes and methods for depositing them are provided. The film stacks include a mixed tungsten/tungsten-containing compound (e.g., WC) layer as a base for deposition of tungsten nucleation and/or bulk layers. According to various embodiments, these tungsten rich layers may be used as barrier and/or adhesion layers in tungsten contact metallization and bitlines. Deposition of the tungsten-rich layers involves exposing the substrate to a halogen-free organometallic tungsten precursor. The mixed tungsten/tungsten carbide layer is a thin, low resistivity film with excellent adhesion and a good base for subsequent tungsten plug or line formation.
US08367540B2
A photoresist conversion that changes a patterned photoresist into a permanent patterned interconnect dielectric is described. The photoresist conversion process includes adding a dielectric enabling element into a patterned photoresist. The dielectric enabling element-containing photoresist is converted into a permanent patterned dielectric material by performing a curing step. In one embodiment, a method is described that includes providing at least one photoresist to an upper surface of a substrate. At least one interconnect pattern is formed into the at least one photoresist. A dielectric enabling element is added to the patterned photoresist and thereafter the patterned photoresist including the dielectric enabling element is cured into a cured permanent patterned dielectric material. The cured permanent patterned dielectric material includes the dielectric enabling therein.
US08367539B2
The semiconductor device manufacturing method includes the steps of attaching two or more solder particles on at least one electrode among a plurality of electrodes of an electronic component, arranging the electrode of the electronic component and an electrode of a circuit board so as to oppose each other, abutting the solder particles attached on a surface of the electrode of the electronic component to the electrode of the circuit board and heating the solder particles, and connecting electrically the electrode of the electronic component and the electrode of the circuit board via two or more solder joint bodies made by melting the solder particles.
US08367536B2
The present invention includes steps below: (a) forming, on a drift layer, a first ion implantation mask and a second ion implantation mask individually by photolithography to form a third ion implantation mask, the first ion implantation mask having a mask region corresponding to a channel region and having a first opening corresponding to a source region, the second ion implantation mask being positioned in contact with an outer edge of the first ion implantation mask and configured to form a base region; (b) implanting impurities of a first conductivity type from the first opening with an ion beam using the third ion implantation mask to form a source region in an upper layer part of the silicon carbide drift layer; (c) removing the first ion implantation mask after the formation of the source region; and (d) implanting impurities of a second conductivity type with an ion beam from a second opening formed in the second ion implantation mask after the removal of the first ion implantation mask to form a base region deeper than the source region in the upper layer part of the drift layer.
US08367532B2
A semiconductor device in one embodiment has a first connection region, a second connection region and a semiconductor volume arranged between the first and second connection regions. Provision is made, within the semiconductor volume, in the vicinity of the second connection region, of a field stop zone for spatially delimiting a space charge zone that can be formed in the semiconductor volume, and of an anode region adjoining the first connection region. The dopant concentration profile within the semiconductor volume is configured such that the integral of the ionized dopant charge over the semiconductor volume, proceeding from an interface of the anode region which faces the second connection region, in the direction of the second connection region, reaches a quantity of charge corresponding to the breakdown charge of the semiconductor device only near the interface of the field stop zone which faces the second connection region.
US08367529B2
The invention concerns a method for preparing a NIII-V semiconductor. According to the invention, the method includes at least one step of doping a semiconductor of general formula AlxGa1-xN, wherein the atomic number x represents the number between 0 and 1 with a p-type electron-accepting dopant, as well as a co-doping step with a codopant capable of modifying the structure of the valency band. The invention also concerns a semiconductor as well as its use in electronics or optoelectronics. The invention further concerns a device as well as a diode using such a semiconductor.
US08367527B2
A method of fabricating a polycrystalline silicon thin that includes a metal layer forming operation of forming a metal layer on an insulating substrate, a first silicon layer forming operation of stacking a silicon layer on the metal layer formed in the metal layer forming operation, a first annealing operation of forming a silicide layer using by moving catalyst metal atoms from the metal layer to the silicon layer using an annealing process, a second silicon layer forming operation of stacking an amorphous silicon layer on the silicide layer, and a crystallization operation of crystallizing the amorphous silicon layer into crystalline silicon through the medium of particles of the silicide layer.
US08367519B2
This invention generally relates to a process for making a multi-layered crystalline structure. The process includes implanting ions into a donor structure, bonding the implanted donor structure to a second structure to form a bonded structure, cleaving the bonded structure, and removing any residual portion of the donor structure from the finished multi-layered crystalline structure.
US08367518B2
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to epitaxial lift off (ELO) thin films and devices and methods for forming such films and devices. In one embodiment, a method for forming an ELO thin film includes depositing an epitaxial material over a sacrificial layer on a substrate, adhering a multi-layered support handle onto the epitaxial material, and removing the sacrificial layer during an etching process. The etching process further includes peeling the epitaxial material from the substrate and forming an etch crevice therebetween while maintaining compression in the epitaxial material. The method further provides that the multi-layered support handle contains a stiff support layer adhered to the epitaxial material, a soft support layer adhered to the stiff support layer, and a handle plate adhered to the soft support layer. In one example, the stiff support layer may contain multiple inorganic layers, such as metal layers, dielectric layers, or combinations thereof.
US08367515B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device with improved performance is disclosed. The method comprises providing a substrate including a first region and a second region; forming at least one isolation region having a first aspect ratio in the first region and at least one isolation region having a second aspect ratio in the second region; performing a high aspect ratio deposition process to form a first layer over the first and second regions of the substrate; removing the first layer from the second region; and performing a high density plasma deposition process to form a second layer over the first and second regions of the substrate.
US08367514B2
An integrated circuit and fabrication method are presented. The integrated circuit includes a capacitor containing a base electrode, a covering electrode, and a dielectric between the base and covering electrodes. The dielectric contains an oxide of a material contained in the base electrode, which may be produced by anodic oxidation. A peripheral edge of the dielectric is uncovered by the covering electrode. A base layer on the capacitor includes a cutout adjacent to the dielectric. During fabrication, the base layer protects the material of the base electrode that is to be anodically oxidized from chemicals, and also protects the surrounding regions from anodic oxidation. A precision resistor may be fabricated simultaneously with the capacitor.
US08367509B1
A method for forming a contact of a semiconductor device with reduced step height is disclosed, comprising forming a plurality of gates, forming a buffer layer on each of the gates, forming an insulating layer to fill spaces between the gates, forming strip-shaped photoresist patterns which cross the gates, etching the insulating layer to form first openings using a self-aligning process with the gates and the strip-shaped photoresist patterns as a mask, forming a conductive contact layer to fill the first openings, performing a first chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process to the conductive contact layer, removing the buffer layer, and forming a second chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process to the conductive contact layer.
US08367500B1
A method for providing self aligned contacts for a trench power MOSFET is disclosed. The method includes, etching trenches in a substrate through a mask of silicon nitride deposited on an oxide layer, forming a gate oxide layer on the walls of the trenches, applying polysilicon to fill the trenches and to cover the surface of the mask of silicon nitride, removing the polysilicon from the surface of the mask of silicon nitride and applying a photoresist mask to cover a location of a gate bus. The method further includes recessing polysilicon plugs formed in trenches that are located in the active area to form recesses above the polysilicon plugs, filling recesses formed above the polysilicon plugs formed in trenches that are located in the active area with an insulator, applying a fourth photo resist mask to define contact windows that are opened in the nitride layer, and selectively etching the silicon nitride film and leaving flat surfaced oxide buttons covering the trenches that are located in the active area. Moreover, electric contact trenches are defined using self-aligned spacer operations, and a fifth photo resist mask is applied to pattern metal contacts that reach the semiconductor device active areas.
US08367496B2
A stack of a high-k gate dielectric and a metal gate structure includes a lower metal layer, a scavenging metal layer, and an upper metal layer. The scavenging metal layer meets the following two criteria 1) a metal (M) for which the Gibbs free energy change of the reaction Si+2/y MxOy→2x/y M+SiO2 is positive 2) a metal that has a more negative Gibbs free energy per oxygen atom for formation of oxide than the material of the lower metal layer and the material of the upper metal layer. The scavenging metal layer meeting these criteria captures oxygen atoms as the oxygen atoms diffuse through the gate electrode toward the high-k gate dielectric. In addition, the scavenging metal layer remotely reduces the thickness of a silicon oxide interfacial layer underneath the high-k dielectric. As a result, the equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of the total gate dielectric is reduced and the field effect transistor maintains a constant threshold voltage even after high temperature processes during CMOS integration.
US08367481B2
A molded, leadless packaged semiconductor multichip module includes 100 has four mosfets 10, 12, 14, 16 for a full bridge circuit. The mosfets may include two N-channel and two P-channel devices or four mosfets of the same type, but four N-channel are preferred. In module 100 there are two leadframes 30, 40 for assembling the mosfets. In particular, the two N-channel and two P-channel devices are disposed between two leadframes and encapsulated in an electrically insulating molding compound 84. The resulting package has four upper heat sinks 44.1-44.4 that are exposed in the molding compound 84 for transferring heat from the mosfets to the ambient environment. No wire bonds are required. This can significantly reduce the on resistance, RDSON. The top or source-drain lead frame 30 may be soldered to the sources and gates of the bridge mosfets.
US08367469B2
A method of packaging one or more semiconductor dies is provided. The method includes: providing a first die having a circuit surface and a connecting surface; providing a chip-scale frame having an inside surface and an outside surface, the chip-scale frame having a well region having an opening in the inside surface; coupling the first die to a wall of the well region using a first coupling mechanism for electrical and mechanical coupling; providing a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; coupling the inside surface of the chip-scale frame with the top surface of the substrate by a second coupling mechanism, wherein a gap is provided between the circuit surface of the first die and the top surface of the substrate; coupling a heat sink to the outside surface of the chip-scale frame using a third coupling mechanism.
US08367466B2
A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can include forming fan-out wirings on an insulating layer formed on a wafer. Additionally, electrodes of a plurality of semiconductor chips stacked on the fan-out wirings can be electrically coupled with the fan-out wirings. The wafer can be removed.
US08367462B2
In a method for growing a nanowire array, a photoresist layer is placed onto a nanowire growth layer configured for growing nanowires therefrom. The photoresist layer is exposed to a coherent light interference pattern that includes periodically alternately spaced dark bands and light bands along a first orientation. The photoresist layer exposed to the coherent light interference pattern along a second orientation, transverse to the first orientation. The photoresist layer developed so as to remove photoresist from areas corresponding to areas of intersection of the dark bands of the interference pattern along the first orientation and the dark bands of the interference pattern along the second orientation, thereby leaving an ordered array of holes passing through the photoresist layer. The photoresist layer and the nanowire growth layer are placed into a nanowire growth environment, thereby growing nanowires from the nanowire growth layer through the array of holes.
US08367460B2
Horizontally oriented and vertically stacked memory cells are described herein. One or more method embodiments include forming a vertical stack having a first insulator material, a first memory cell material on the first insulator material, a second insulator material on the first memory cell material, a second memory cell material on the second insulator material, and a third insulator material on the second memory cell material, forming an electrode adjacent a first side of the first memory cell material and a first side of the second memory cell material, and forming an electrode adjacent a second side of the first memory cell material and a second side of the second memory cell material.
US08367441B2
Example embodiments herein relate to a nitride semiconductor light emitting device including a coat film formed at a light emitting portion and including an aluminum nitride crystal or an aluminum oxynitride crystal, and a method of manufacturing the nitride semiconductor light emitting device. Also provided is a nitride semiconductor transistor device including a nitride semiconductor layer and a gate insulating film which is in contact with the nitride semiconductor layer and includes an aluminum nitride crystal or an aluminum oxynitride crystal.
US08367438B2
An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body connected to a main area of a carrier body by a solder layer, wherein sidewalls of the semiconductor body are provided with a dielectric layer, and a mirror layer applied to the dielectric layer.
US08367436B2
A manufacturing method of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device includes forming a thin film transistor and an organic light emitting diode in a display area of a first substrate, forming a thin film encapsulation layer that has a layering structure of an organic film and an inorganic film on one substrate of the first substrate and a second substrate, forming a sealing member by coating a sealing material that includes an inorganic sealant and an organic compound on an edge of the second substrate, removing the organic compound of the sealing member by baking the sealing member, layering the second substrate on the first substrate so that the sealing member contacts the first substrate, dissolving the sealing member by using a laser beam, solidifying the sealing member, attaching the sealing member to the first substrate, and removing the second substrate from the sealing member.
US08367434B2
Method for fabricating a substrate comprising a nanostructured surface for an organic light emitting diode OLED, in which a layer of an organic resin or of a mineral material having a first nanostructuration is prepared by nano-imprint; the organic resin or mineral material is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than its glass transition temperature Tg or its melting point, and the organic resin or the mineral material is maintained at this temperature for a time tR called annealing time, whereby the organic resin or the mineral material flows and the first nanostructuration of the layer of organic resin or of mineral material is modified to produce a second nanostructuration; the organic resin or the mineral material is cooled.
US08367429B2
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor manufacturing method. The method includes defining a plurality of time regions of pad life for a polishing pad in a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) system; assigning a ladder coefficient to the polishing pad according to the plurality of time regions of pad life; defining a plurality of endpoint windows to the plurality of time regions, respectively, according to pad life effect; applying a CMP process to a wafer positioned on the polishing pad; determining a time region of a polishing signal of the wafer based on the ladder coefficient; associating one of the endpoint windows to the polishing signal according to the time region; and ending the CMP process at an endpoint determined by the endpoint window.
US08367422B2
Provided is a biochemical analyzer including: a microfluidic device loading space including a microfluidic device supporting unit detachably supporting a microfluidic device including an electromagnetic radiation application region in which electromagnetic energy is applied; an energy source loading space including an energy source applying the electromagnetic energy to the electromagnetic radiation application region; and an isolation wall isolating the microfluidic device loading space and the energy source loading space to prevent heat transfer between the microfluidic device loading space and the energy source loading space and including a transparent window through which the electromagnetic energy can be transmitted. A method of controlling an internal temperature of the biochemical analyzer is also provided.
US08367410B2
The present invention provides new methods for the in vitro preparation of bioartificial tissue equivalents and their enhanced integration after implantation in vivo. These methods include submitting a tissue construct to a biomimetic electrical stimulation during cultivation in vitro to improve its structural and functional properties, and/or in vivo, after implantation of the construct, to enhance its integration with host tissue and increase cell survival and functionality. The inventive methods are particularly useful for the production of bioartificial equivalents and/or the repair and replacement of native tissues that contain electrically excitable cells and are subject to electrical stimulation in vivo, such as, for example, cardiac muscle tissue, striated skeletal muscle tissue, smooth muscle tissue, bone, vasculature, and nerve tissue.
US08367399B2
A procedure for the quantitative determination of interactions of ligands with receptors adsorbed or immobilized on the surface of a solid material which can be functionalized, transparent and with low refractive index, by direct measure of the reflection of light. The procedure includes utilizing a planar surface, flat or rough, of a transparent solid material formed from a hydrophobic amorphous polymer, having a refractive index between 1.3200 and 1.3500, which is brought into a solution of a mixture containing from 1 nanogram/ml to 10 milligrams/ml in concentration of molecules with a function of receptor or reagent.
US08367395B2
The present invention provides methods for production of one or more sterol compounds. Further provided are methods and systems for producing engineered oleaginous yeast or fungi that are capable of production of one or more sterol compounds, and compositions which utilize the produced sterol compound(s).
US08367392B2
A method for transforming algal or cyanobacterial cells, comprising mixing a polynucleotide for transforming the cells with the polynucleotide; performing microporation by applying a plurality of electrical pulses to the cells with a microporation apparatus; and incubating said polynucleotide with the cells after said applying said electrical pulses.
US08367391B2
A pretreatment method of a specimen used for detecting or determining abnormal prion protein (PrPres) associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), wherein (1) a specimen which had been treated with proteinase K is heated in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to dissolve proteins and inactivate infectious activity in the specimen at the same time; (2) the specimen processed in the above (1) is cooled under a neutral condition to make abnormal prion protein (PrPres) associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) aggregated; (3) the aggregate formed in the above (2) is separated from a solution; and (4) the separated PrPres aggregate is detected by the ultrasensitive chemiluminescence method.
US08367390B2
The present invention relates to variants of Glycoside Hydrolase family 53 galactanases, e.g., variants of the galactanases from strains of Yersinia, Aspergillus, Humicola, Meripilus, Myceliophthora, Thermomyces, Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Cellvibrio, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Thermotoga, or Xanthomonas.
US08367380B2
The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods useful for, inter alia, production of commercial biologic products such as amino acids. More specifically, the present invention relates to genetically modified strains of microorganisms and the use thereof for the production of commercial products. The present invention also provides, inter alia, novel isolated DNA, nucleic acid, vectors and reduced genome bacteria.
US08367379B2
Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention.
US08367377B2
Methods of the invention comprise methods and devices for nucleic acid sequence determination. Generally, the invention relates to preparing a substrate for sequencing a target nucleic acid.
US08367376B2
The invention provides novel compositions with polymerase activity and methods of using the compositions.
US08367374B2
The present invention relates to the field of glycosylation engineering of proteins. More particularly, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules, including fusion constructs, having catalytic activity and the use of same in glycosylation engineering of host cells to generate polypeptides with improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased Fc receptor binding and increased effector function.
US08367362B2
A method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer by determining the presence of Aminoacylase 1 tumor marker in a biological sample taken from a patient suspected of having colorectal cancer. Said method can be used for early diagnosis, screening, therapeutic follow-up and prognosis, and also for relapse diagnosis in relation to colorectal cancer.
US08367360B2
The present invention provides methods of screening for candidate compounds useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related conditions by inhibiting specific phosphorylation of tau protein by tyrosine kinase c-Abl.
US08367359B1
Disclosed are small molecule metabolites useful as biomarkers for the evaluation and treatment of pre diabetes, diabetes and insulin resistance.
US08367358B2
The present disclosure discloses a reagent for differentiating and counting leukocytes which includes: (1) cationic cyanine compounds selected from those having the following general formulae I and II; (2) cationic surfactants selected from those having the following general formulae III, IV and/or V; (3) at least one nonionic surfactant; and (4) optionally, at least one anionic compound selected from those having one or more carboxyl or sulphonyl groups; and optionally includes alcohol compounds. Also disclosed is a kit comprising the reagent for differentiating and counting leukocytes. Further disclosed is a method for differentiating and counting leukocytes using the reagent and kit. Use of the reagent, kit and method disclosed enables the identification of leukocytes in blood samples into five subtypes in a very short time, or at least achieves the differentiation and counting of four leukocyte groupings. Moreover, immature and abnormal cells can be identified.
US08367343B2
Transfecting biology cells with nucleic acid molecules (DNA, siRNA) is an essential prerequisite in elucidating how genes function in complex cellular context and how their activities could be modulated for therapeutic intervention. Traditionally studies are carried out on a low throughput gene-by-gene scale, which has created a huge bottleneck in functional genomic study and drug discovery. Development of high-throughput cell transfection technology will permit functional analysis of massive number of genes and how their activities could be modulated by chemical or biological entities inside cells. This invention describes design, construction of device and apparatus for high throughput effective cell transfection. Procedures and protocols for using the device and apparatus are also described in the application. Novel methods of using the device in cell-based assays are also disclosed.
US08367341B2
The invention discloses a method for detection of genetically modified maize BT11. The principle of the method is that the DNA template of the sample is amplified at a temperature of 63° C.˜65° C. for 45˜60 min by using 4 specific primers and a DNA polymerase with strand displacement activity. The identification thereof is to make a judgment on whether BT11 component is contained in the sample by directly observing the turbidity in the reaction tube or the color change after the addition of SYBR Green with naked eyes or by agarose gel electrophoresis. The detection method of the invention has the advantages of high specificity, quickness, simplicity and convenience and the like, which provides a convenient method for detection of genetically modified maize BT11 with an extensive application prospect.
US08367340B2
Disclosed are methods of predicting cell response to drug-based therapy using both PCR-Stop assays and real time PCR assays. Methods herein may be used for assessment of drug effect, evaluation of regimen suitability for a given patient, and/or for determination of an optimal drug dose. Also provided are isolated oligonucleotide primers such as primers capable of annealing under PCR conditions to a segment of a c-myc locus, where the primers may be used in the disclosed methods. Further disclosed are kits and systems that may be used for predicting a cell response to drug-based therapy.
US08367337B2
The present invention provides improved tests for the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The tests are particularly useful for eliminating false positive results due to the presence of a mixed bacterial population in patient samples.
US08367331B2
Compositions and methods are provided for facilitating the enrichment of single-stranded DNA containing methylated CpG in a mixture containing methylated and unmethylated DNA. The compositions relate to methylation-binding protein domains that selectively bind to methylated single strand DNA. In embodiments of the invention, the methylated DNA is eluted in 0.4M-0.6M NaCl while the unmethylated single strand DNA is eluted in less than 0.4M salt. The ability to readily enrich for methylated DNA permits high throughput sequencing of the methylated DNA and identification of abnormal methylation patterns associated with disease.
US08367323B2
The invention relates to the use of an organic solvent selected from 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, ethylene glycol or ethylene glycol dimethyl ether for enhancing formation, potential formation, fluorescence and/or detection of an exciplex. The invention is applicable particularly to nucleic acid hybridisation assay using two polynucleotide probes that will hybridise to a target nucleic acid. Each probe is labelled with one of two partners capable of forming an exciplex such that, on photoirradiation, the exciplex is formed when the probes are hybridised to the target nucleic acid.
US08367315B2
Azido-diarylpyrimidine (azido-DAPY) compounds, and compositions containing such compounds, are provided. In addition, methods of using azido-diarylpyrimidines to inactivate reverse transcriptases, prepare inactivated viruses, and treat or prevent viral infections are also provided.
US08367314B2
An article such as a biosensor having a nonfouling surface thereon is described. The article comprises: (a) a substrate having a surface portion; (b) a linking layer on the surface portion; (c) a polymer layer comprising brush molecules formed on the linking layer; and (d) optionally but preferably, a first member of a specific binding pair (e.g., a protein, peptide, antibody, nucleic acid, etc.) coupled to the brush molecules. The polymer layer is preferably formed by the process of surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) of monomeric units thereon. Preferably, each of the monomeric units comprises a monomer (for example, a vinyl monomer) core group having at least one protein-resistant head group coupled thereto, to thereby form the brush molecule on the surface portion. Methods of using the articles are also described.
US08367305B1
A method is disclosed which calculates dimensions for a MEM resonator in terms of integer multiples of a grid width G for reticles used to fabricate the resonator, including an actual sub-width La=NG and an effective electrode width We=MG where N and M are integers which minimize a frequency error fe=fd−fa between a desired resonant frequency fd and an actual resonant frequency fa. The method can also be used to calculate an overall width Wo for the MEM resonator, and an effective electrode length Le which provides a desired motional impedance for the MEM resonator. The MEM resonator can then be fabricated using these values for La, We, Wo and Le. The method can also be applied to a number j of MEM resonators formed on a common substrate.
US08367304B2
Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. The markings provided on products can be textual and/or graphic. The techniques or processes can provide high resolution markings on surfaces that are flat or curved. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, the housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface.
US08367297B2
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) containing a compound having a cation moiety represented by general formula (I) (in the formula, R5 represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group of 1 to 30 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; and Q5 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group).
US08367294B2
The present disclosure provides processes for preparing toner particles, in which fewer coarse particles are generated. The process includes introducing a buffer solution during coalescence of the toner slurry. The amount of coarse particles in the resulting toner particles may, in embodiments, be reduced to less than about 5 percent by weight of the total toner particles generated.
US08367287B2
An electrophotographic photoconductor of the invention comprising: an conductive support; a light-sensitive layer formed on the conductive support and containing a charge generating material and a charge transport material; and a surface protective layer formed on the light-sensitive layer and made of a resin composition, wherein the resin composition constituting the surface protective layer contains an amine compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are, the same or different, each an alkyl group or an allyl group which may have a substituent or a heterocyclic residue to be formed through or not through a nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom together with the nitrogen atom to which R1 and R2 are bonded, R3 and R4 are, the same or different, each an alkyl group having a substituent and n denotes 1 or 2, provided that when n is 1, X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or an alkyl group, a hydroxyl group or a mercapto group which may have a substituent, or a ring optionally containing an oxygen atom and a nitrogen atom between carbon atoms and when n is 2, X is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom.
US08367246B2
A method of forming battery electrodes with high specific surface and thin layers of active material is disclosed. The method enables low series resistance and high battery power.
US08367231B2
The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells, comprising a polymer matrix of at least one basic polymer and one or more doping agents, wherein particles containing ionogenic groups and having a mean particle diameter in the nanometer range are embedded in the polymer matrix and the particles containing ionogenic groups are distributed homogeneously in the polymer matrix in a concentration of less than 50% relative to the weight of the polymer matrix, as well as to the production and use of same, especially in high-temperature fuel cells.
US08367223B2
Heteroleptic compounds containing phenylpyridine and phenylbenzimidazole are provided. The compounds may be used in organic light emitting devices, particularly as emissive dopants in the emissive layer of such devices.
US08367219B2
Provided are an anthracene-based compound represented by Formula 1 or 2 and an organic light emitting device employing the same: where R is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a hydroxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C30 heterocycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aralkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C30 heteroaryl group, L is a bivalent linking group and a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 arylene group or a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C30 heteroarylene group, and m is an integer of 0 to 3.
US08367215B2
An RF MEMS device comprising one or more free-standing thin films configured for motion in response to actuation or stimulation, the one or more thin films comprising an alloy of aluminum and magnesium, and optionally one or more further materials. The resultant thin film has improved hardness and reduced creep relative to conventional thin films.
US08367205B2
A plate-like polycrystalline particle is produced by forming inorganic particles into a freestanding shaped body, firing the shaped body, and crushing and classifying the fired shaped body. The inorganic particles contain as the main component an oxide that has a general formula of ABO3 and that satisfies a×Pb(M′1/3,Nb2/3)O3+b×PbTiO3+c×PbZrO3+z×M″O (wherein a+b+c=1, and M′ denotes at least one element selected from Mg, Ni and Zn, and M″ denotes at least one element selected from Mg, Ni and Zn), wherein z is in the range of 0.002≦z≦0.42. The oxide contains a predetermined excessive amount of M″O such that the plate-like polycrystalline particle contains an excessive amount of M″O. The plate-like polycrystalline particle contains a plurality of crystal grains that have a wavy structure composed of wavy grain boundaries. The plate-like polycrystalline particle is easily crushed at the grain boundaries and has a high degree of orientation.
US08367195B2
A method of making a structural component (and such a structural component) comprising mixing together wood pulp, water, bentonite clay, and calcium chloride and forming the mixture into the structural component.
US08367194B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide round fiber-reinforced plastic strand, a manufacturing method thereof, and a fiber-reinforced sheet which eliminate limitation in forming speed and limit on number of products capable of being manufactured at a time, do not require use of a release agent, eliminate the necessity of operations such as roughing after forming, and thus permit a considerable reduction of the manufacturing cost and a remarkable increase in the product quality. The manufacturing method of the round fiber-reinforced plastic strand of the present invention comprises (a) a step of continuously feeding reinforcing fiber bundles f1 each comprising a plurality of reinforcing fibers arranged in a direction while twisting the reinforcing fiber bundles f1; (b) a step of impregnating the reinforcing fiber bundles f1 fed continuously with a matrix resin R; and (c) a step of heating the resin-impregnated reinforcing fiber bundles f2 while tensioning to a prescribed intensity, thereby forming the reinforcing fiber bundle into a circular cross-section and hardening the resin, and manufactures a fiber-reinforced plastic strand 2 having a circular cross-section.
US08367193B1
The invention relates in one aspect to a post-formulation concentrated nanocomposite dispersion containing an invisible marker dye. The dispersion typically includes a silicate filler and a matrix polymer dispersed in an aqueous medium as well. The dispersions form optically transparent barrier films wherein the dye is effective to indicate film thickness on a substrate. Specific embodiments of this invention include a nanocomposite coating formulation designed to provide transparent high barrier coatings at thicknesses from 1 to 10 microns that include a near infrared (NIR) or infrared (IR) dye that enables rapid measurement of coating thickness and uniformity. The preferred dye imparts no observable color or appearance change, and thus can also function as an identifier for the coating.
US08367185B1
An art kit having a template, preferably with a pre-printed design defined by specifically positioned squares and a plurality of polygonal monochromatic tiles of various colors is provided. The pre-printed design has a numerical grid formed thereon which corresponds to a legend for positioning particular colors of tiles in particular locations to complete the intended artwork. This artwork can be framed and hung when completed. Optionally, the template may be formed of transparent material for backlighting purposes, have a hole pattern to accommodate positioning of lamps in a particular array, or be formed on an item of clothing and made permanent through the application of heat.
US08367184B2
Structured films having acoustical absorbance properties are disclosed. Methods of making and using the structured films are also disclosed.
US08367172B2
A blow-molded composite and method of making the same is provided. The composite includes first and second fibrous layers and first and second film layers. The first fibrous layer includes randomly oriented fibers dispersed throughout the thickness of the layer and has first and second surfaces. The first film layer has first and second surfaces such that the second surface of this layer is bonded to the second surface of the first fibrous layer. The second film layer has first and second surfaces as well, but only a portion of the first surface is bonded to the first surface of the first film layer. At least one cavity exists between the first and second film layers. The second fibrous layer also comprises randomly oriented fibers dispersed throughout the thickness of the layer and has first and second surfaces. The first surface of the second fibrous layer is bonded to the second surface of the second film layer.
US08367171B2
A polymer and coating composition containing the polymer are provided that are useful in coating applications such as, for example, food or beverage packaging containers. The polymer preferably includes a backbone having one or more polycyclic groups. In one embodiment, the polymer is a polyester and, more preferably, a polyester-urethane polymer. In one embodiment, the one or more polycyclic groups is a tricyclic or higher group.
US08367161B2
A method of preparing carbon nanotube/polymer composite having electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness is disclosed, which includes: dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in an organic solvent such as N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAc); dissolving monomers such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) and an initiator such as 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) in the MWCNT dispersion; and polymerizing the monomers in the resulting mixture at an elevated temperature such as 120° C. to form a MWCNT/PMMA composite. The composite is coated onto a PET film, and the coated PET film alone or a stack of multiple coated PET films can be applied as an EMI shielding material.
US08367159B2
The application relates to methods for producing islands of functionality within nanoscale apertures. Islands of functionality can be produced by growing an aperture constriction layer from the walls, functionalizing the exposed base of the aperture, then removing the aperture constriction layer. The aperture constriction layer can be produced, for example, by anodically growing an oxide layer onto a cladding through which the aperture extends. The islands of functionality can be used to bind a single molecule of interest, such as an enzyme within the nanoscale aperture.
US08367157B2
Radiation curable compositions comprising at least one radiation curable oligomer responding to a structure (C)—(B)-(A)-[(B)(C)]x wherein (A) is the residue of one or more hydroxyl functional polyester having a molecular weight MN higher than 900, a TG and/or Tm of 5 less than 30° C., and which is obtained from an acid constituent comprising at least 75 mole % of saturated aliphatic polyacid and, optionally, 0 to 25 mole % of another polyacid and an alcohol constituent, (B) is the residue of one or more polyisocyanate, (C) is the residue of one or more ethylenically unsaturated hydroxyl compound, and x is from 0.5 to 10.
US08367145B2
The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a food or a drink containing an acidic protein which has a favorable flavor with relieved astringency characteristic to a protein dissolved under acidic conditions to thereby broaden the flavor variety of protein-containing foods or drinks. The above problem can be solved by adding a water soluble polysaccharide, a water soluble basic salt, an alkali metal salt of an organic acid, a basic monosaccharide, a basic oligosaccharide or the like to a food or a drink containing a protein dissolved under acidic conditions to thereby relieve the astringency originating in the protein dissolved under acidic conditions.
US08367137B2
The present invention relates generally to functional sweetener compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different functional sweetener compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and at least one functional ingredient, such as fatty acids. The present invention also relates to functional sweetener compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the functional sweetener compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.
US08367133B2
For the production from a liquid food of an at least partially foamed food, in particular at least partially foamed milk or a milk product, the liquid food, which is contained in a container (1) or a capsule-type formation, is expelled from the container or the capsule, and at least partially foamed and subsequently expelled by generating an at least partially turbulent flow.
US08367117B2
Hydrogels formed from hyaluronic acid, a nanoclay and gelatin-type A. The hyaluronic acid is preferably dissolved in a cell culture medium containing amino acids, salts, glucose, vitamins and an antibiotic to form a hyaluronic acid solution. The gelatin-type A has a weight/volume of from about 0.02% to 0.08%. The nanoclay is exfoliated in deionized water and preferably includes SiO2, MgO, Na2O and Li2O.
US08367115B2
A process for producing a granule-containing tablet comprising mixing more than 25 mass % to 89 mass % or less of crystalline cellulose exhibiting a tensile displacement at break of 25 to 80 μm and a relative fluidity index of 2.15 to 2.80 at a maximum compaction stress of 15 kPa, 10 to 70 mass % of spherical granules, and 20 mass % or less of a disintegrant, and then compressing the obtained mixture.
US08367110B2
Degradable polymeric compositions containing water-insoluble drugs blended with copolymers of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups polymerized with biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid ester groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks, wherein the molar fraction in the copolymer of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks relative to the weight percentage of the drug in the composition is effective to provide pseudo-zero order release of the drug from the composition during the sustained-release phase of drug delivery under physiological conditions. Ocular treatment methods and manufacturing methods are also disclosed.
US08367097B2
Diseases and conditions associated with tissues of the body, including but not limited to tissues in the eye, can be effectively treated, prevented, inhibited, onset delayed, or regression caused by administering therapeutic agents to those tissues. Described herein are liquid formulations which deliver a variety of therapeutic agents, including but not limited to rapamycin, to a subject for an extended period of time; liquid formulations which form a non-dispersed mass when placed in an aqueous medium of a subject; non-dispersed mass-forming liquid formulations which form a gel or gel-like substance in an aqueous medium; liquid formulations, comprising a therapeutic agent and a plurality of polymers; and methods for delivering therapeutic agents to a subject for an extended period of time using the liquid formulations. The liquid formulation may be placed in an aqueous medium of a subject, including but not limited to via intraocular or periocular administration, or placement proximate to a site of a disease or condition to be treated in a subject. A method may be used to administer rapamycin to treat or prevent angiogenesis, choroidal neovascularization, or age-related macular degeneration, or wet age-related macular degeneration in a subject. The liquid formulations may comprise rapamycin or other therapeutic agents.
US08367093B2
Provided herein are methods for functionalizing an polymer for forming a coating and coatings and devices formed thereof or for functionalizing a coating or device surface including an polymer.
US08367088B2
The present invention relates to a liquid pest control system that includes a synthetic pyrethroid as a pest control active ingredient and an agent selected from the group consisting of purified diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, tocopherol nicotinate and tocopherol succinate, and combinations thereof, to reduce or eliminate paraesthesia of the synthetic pyrethroid. The system releases the synthetic pyrethroid efficiently and uniformly. The pest control system is less irritating to the animal's skin as compared to prior art systems, particularly to the small breeds of dogs. The system is useful for making liquid spot-on treatments, sprays and the like.
US08367084B2
The present invention provides an oily base for a cosmetic comprising an ester compound made from a multivalent alcohol and a fatty acid, characterized in that the ester compound is made from pentaerythritol and isononanoic acid and a molar ratio of a pentaerythritol residue and an isononanoic acid residue in the ester compound is 1.0:2.3 to 1.0:4.0. The oily base for a cosmetic of the present invention has proper oily feeling with moistness, no sticky feeling, excellent adhesion to the skin and safety to the skin, and excellent compatibility with oil agents, among others, silicone oil. Furthermore, upon blending the present oily base in a cosmetic, besides having proper emollient property and moisturizing property, the cosmetic exhibits smooth feeling on use, excellent adhesion to the skin and safety to the skin, excellent cosmetic effect-holding ability, and storage stability.
US08367083B2
The present invention relates to a process for making up and/or caring for keratin materials, in which a composition is applied to the keratin materials, and especially to the lips, this composition containing, in a physiologically acceptable medium: a) a siloxane resin comprising the following units: (i) (R13SiO1/2)a (ii) (R22SiO2/2)b (iii) (R3SiO3/2)c and (iv) (SiO4/2)d with R1, R2 and R3 independently representing an alkyl group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, a carbinol group or an amino group, a being between 0.05 and 0.5, b being between 0 and 0.3, c being greater than 0, d being between 0.05 and 0.6, a+b+c+d=1, on condition that more than 40 mol % of the groups R3 of the siloxane resin are propyl groups, and b) at least one phenyl silicone oil.
US08367082B2
The present invention provides a microgel having a mean particle size of 0.1-1,000 μm, the microgel being produced from a gel which is formed by use of a hydrophilic compound capable of forming a gel. An external composition containing the microgel provides an excellent sensation during use; i.e., the composition provides neither sticky sensation during use nor frictional sensation. Furthermore, even when a large amount of a pharmaceutical ingredient, such as a whitening ingredient, or a salt is incorporated into the composition, the viscosity of the composition is not lowered, and the composition exhibits excellent viscosity increasing property. In addition, the composition exhibits long-term stability, without inviting separation of water.
US08367081B2
A method of inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation or cytokine production in a subject, comprising administering a compound disclosed herein to the subject, is provided. The compound can be administered systemically, locally, or a combination thereof. For example, the compound can be locally delivered from a temporary device or an implant, such as a vascular prosthesis.
US08367080B2
The invention discloses a formulation prepared by granulating at least one anti-retro viral drug and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable additive, using an organic solvent; milling the product; finally processing the milled product to form tablets or capsules.
US08367075B2
A method for the treatment of myeloma and thymoma by administering a therapeutically effective dose of Mycobacterium indicus pranii with Cyclophosphamide. This disclosure generally relates to the field of cancer biology. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the immunotherapeutic treatment of myeloma and thymoma, using a combination of heat killed Mycobacterium indicus pranii and the widely administered chemotherapeutic drug, Cyclophosphamide. Mycobacterium indicus pranii has already shown its efficacy as an immunomodulator and has been safely administered to humans. The most common method of cancer management is the application of chemotherapeutic drugs which results in side-effects. At lower non-toxic doses Cyclophosphamide is not effective. The present disclosure discloses a method of improving efficacy of non-toxic doses of Cyclophosphamide by administrating it together with Mycobacterium indicus pranii. This disclosure is relevant for the treatment of other lymphomas as well.
US08367066B2
The present invention relates to molecules that are capable of killing cells. The molecules comprise a targeting agent and a channel-forming moiety. The molecules may be polypeptides. The present invention also relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the channel-forming moiety comprises a colicin and the targeting agent is an antibody. Methods of treatment by administering the molecules of the present invention are also provided.
US08367065B2
The present invention provides single chain antibody-directed polymeric prodrugs containing multifunctional linkers. Methods of making the polymeric delivery systems and methods of treating mammals using the same are also disclosed.
US08367063B2
Monoclonal antibodies and hybridomas producing them that interact with osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) are provided. Methods of treating osteopenic disorders by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of antibodies to OPGL are also provided. Methods of detecting the amount of OPGL in a sample using antibodies to OPGL are further provided.
US08367059B2
Porous HCG scaffolds are provided in a perfusion bioreactor. Cells are seeded in the HCG scaffolds and cell culture media is perfused through the bioreactor to allow for cell seeding and growth. The cell culture media is removed, the HCG-cell constructs washed, and then preserved in the bioreactor with a perfusion comprising cryopreservation fluid comprising one or more of DMSO, trehalose, glycerol, ethylene glycol, or serum. The HCG-cell constructs (or the perfusion chambers containing them) are then removed from the bioreactor and placed in a cryopreservant media and maintained at about −80° C. The frozen HCG-cell constructs (or the chambers containing them) can then be stored at a suitable cryogenic temperature until needed. When needed, frozen HCG-cell constructs can be removed from cold storage and thawed using suitable means.
US08367058B2
Disclosed are methods of selecting wide host range bacteriophage capable of growing in a plurality of bacteria including pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria and bacteriophage selected by the methods. Also disclosed are methods of treating a subject infected with a pathogenic bacterium using bacteriophage and methods of decontaminating objects using bacteriophage. Also disclosed are methods of producing vaccines. In another aspect, methods of determining bacterial viability and methods of improving the sensitivity of a biosensor using wide host range bacteriophages are disclosed.
US08367049B2
By formulating permanent wave compositions with chlorophyll derivatives of water soluble alkaline divalent cations selected from the group consisting of magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper, and zinc, an easily employed malodor reducing composition is achieved for use with conventional reducing agents employed for permanently waving hair. In accordance with the present invention, chlorophyll derivative compositions soluble in propylene glycol and glycerol are employed in pre-treatments, waving lotions, or as additives to the waving lotions using various different reducing agents salts and esters of TGA, TLA, Cysteine, Cysteamine, and Bisulfite.
US08367021B2
The invention provides fluidic devices having incorporated electrodes. One device comprises a card and a caddy. The card includes a channel disposed within the card, first and second vias in fluid communication with the channel through an upper surface of the card, and first and second electrodes disposed on the upper surface of the card. The first via and first electrode are positioned adjacent to a first end of the channel, and the second via and second electrode are positioned adjacent to a second end of the channel. The caddy comprises first and second reservoirs. The caddy is attached to the card such that the first reservoir is positioned over the first via and a portion of the first electrode, and the second reservoir is positioned over the second via and a portion of the second electrode. A portion of each of the electrodes is accessible for dry electrical contact.
US08367020B2
A microfluidic device includes a first substrate, and a phase change ink deposited on a surface of the first substrate. The phase change ink includes an ink vehicle including a polymeric material having one or more hydroxyl groups, and an optional colorant, wherein the phase change ink is solid at room temperature but is liquid at a jetting temperature of from about 60 to about 150° C., and a hydroxyl group mass percentage, measured as a total mass of hydroxyl groups to an entire weight of the ink, is from about 1% to about 35%.
US08367017B2
The methods, systems 400 and apparatus disclosed herein concern metal 150 impregnated porous substrates 110, 210. Certain embodiments of the invention concern methods for producing metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 that exhibit greatly improved uniformity and depth of penetration of metal 150 deposition. The increased uniformity and depth allow improved and more reproducible Raman detection of analytes. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise oxidation of porous silicon 110, immersion in a metal salt solution 130, drying and thermal decomposition of the metal salt 140 to form a metal deposit 150. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise microfluidic impregnation of porous silicon substrates 210 with one or more metal salt solutions 130. Other embodiments of the invention concern apparatus and/or systems 400 for Raman detection of analytes, comprising metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 prepared by the disclosed methods.
US08367001B2
The present invention generally relates to luminescent and/or optically absorbing compositions and/or precursors to those compositions, including solid films incorporating these compositions/precursors, exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields, enhanced stabilities and/or amplified emissions. The present invention also relates to sensors and methods for sensing analytes through luminescent and/or optically absorbing properties of these compositions and/or precursors. Examples of analytes detectable by the invention include electrophiles, alkylating agents, thionyl halides, and phosphate ester groups including phosphoryl halides, cyanides and thioates such as those found in certain chemical warfare agents. The present invention additionally relates to devices and methods for amplifying emissions, such as those produced using the above-described compositions and/or precursors, by incorporating the composition and/or precursor within a polymer having an energy migration pathway. In some cases, the compositions and/or precursors thereof include a compound capable of undergoing a cyclization reaction.
US08366999B2
Under one aspect, a system (100) for sensing the presense of an analyte in a fluid includes a nanotube sensor element including a plurality of nanotubes and positioned for exposure to a fluid; an optical source capable of generating optical radiation (102), the radiation having a source frequency and a fluence selected to generate a nonlinear optical response by the nanotube sensor element; an optical detector (110) capable of measuring the nonlinear optical response by the nanotube sensor element; and logic in electrical communications with the optical detector to sense the presense of an analyte in the fluid based on the nonlinear optical response measured by the optical detector.
US08366998B2
A sample analyzer includes an order receiver for receiving an analyzing order of a sample having analyzing item information; an analyzing section for analyzing a sample according to the analyzing order received by the order receiver; a calculator for counting a first number of analyses by the analyzing section in a first counting period, and a second number of analyses by the analyzing section in a second counting period different from the first counting period; a selection receiver for receiving a selection of either one of the first counting period and the second counting period; an output section; and an output controller for outputting a number of analyses in the counting period received by the selection receiver to the output section based on the counted result by the calculator is disclosed. A sample analyzing method is also disclosed.
US08366993B2
A system for adding gas to and transferring molten metal from a vessel and into one or more of a ladle, ingot mold, launder, feed die cast machine or other structure is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal, and one or more gas-release devices.
US08366986B2
Electrostatic fine fiber generation equipment such as for forming nano-fibers from polymer solution is provided. The fine fiber generation equipment includes a strand that may take the form of a stainless steel beaded chain. The beaded chain can be an endless chain entrained upon two guide wheels and driven about an endless path perpendicularly relative to the collection media.
US08366979B2
A carbon monolith includes a robust carbon monolith characterized by a skeleton size of at least 100 nm, and a hierarchical pore structure having macropores and mesopores.
US08366978B2
A method for determining a sintering shrinkage of a pre-sintered body. The method includes providing a green preform with at least one design feature. The green-preform is pre-sintered to form a white body. At least one change in the at least one design feature with the pre-sintering is recorded. An expected sintering shrinkage to a dense-sintered component is determined using the recorded change.
US08366971B2
A composition that may be an electronic circuit element includes a metal nanoparticle, a silicone modified polyacrylate compound and a solvent. The silicone modified polyacrylate compound may be a silicone modified polyacrylate compound with at least one organic functional moiety. A method of forming conductive features on a substrate includes depositing a composition containing metal nanoparticles, a silicone modified polyacrylate compound and a solvent onto a substrate, and heating the deposited composition to a temperature from about 100° C. to about 200° C.
US08366963B2
A liquid crystal compound is to be obtained that has stability to heat, light and so forth, a high clearing point, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. A liquid crystal composition containing the compound is also to be obtained that has a low viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a suitable negative dielectric anisotropy, a low threshold voltage, a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase (phase transition temperature from a nematic phase to an isotropic phase), and a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase. A compound having a hydrocoumarin skeleton is synthesized, and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound is produced.
US08366959B2
A colloidal dispersion for chemical mechanical polishing comprising: (a) an abrasive component; and (b) from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the abrasive component, a water-soluble amphoteric polymer comprising at least one macromolecular chain B and a part A bonded to a single end of the at least one macromolecular chain B, wherein the macromolecular chain B is derived from one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers having quaternary ammonium groups or inium groups, and wherein the part A is a polymeric or nonpolymeric group comprising at least one anionic group; wherein the dispersion has a pH of between about 1.5 and about 6. The colloidal dispersion is capable of polishing a substrate comprising silicon nitride and silicon oxide with a reverse selectivity ratio of at least about 27, typically at least 50 the reverse selectivity ratio being the ratio of the rate of removal of the silicon nitride to the rate of removal of the silicon oxide.
US08366958B2
The present invention provides an etching solution for silver or silver alloy including at one at least ammonium compound represented by the formula (1), (2) or (3) below and an oxidant: wherein each of the variables is as defined herein.
US08366940B2
Zero valent metal composite, manufacturing thereof, using thereof, and system including thereof, for (in-situ or ex-situ) catalytically treating contaminated water, such as sub-surface water, surface water, above-surface water, water vapor, or/and gaseous water. Composite includes powdered diatomite matrix incorporated with nanometer (1-1000 nm) sized particles of a zero valent (transition) metal (iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, palladium, platinum, or/and gold) and at least one electron transfer mediator (catalyst) from porphyrinogenic organometallic complexes (e.g., metalloporphyrins (chlorophylls, hemes, cytochromes) or metallocorrins (e.g., vitamin B12), and optionally, includes vermiculite. System includes composite and in-situ or/and ex-situ unit containing the composite, enabling exposure of contaminated water thereto. Applicable to in-situ sub-surface permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). Treatable water contaminants are organics (halogenated organic compounds), or/and inorganics (metal elements, metal element containing inorganic species, nonmetal elements, and nonmetal element containing inorganic species). Applicable to non-aqueous fluids (liquids, vapors, gases), for removing contaminants therefrom.
US08366937B2
What is presented is an innovative design of a chemical reactor for catalytic breakdown of halogenated hydrocarbons, the body of which acts as a specialized electromagnet capable of immobilizing and retaining very large quantities of non-magnetized ferro-dia- or para-magnetic material-containing nano, micro-, or milli-particles within it's reactor volume despite high-velocity flow of any liquid through said reactor. This is accomplished without any pre-treatment to the nanoparticles, without the use of adhesive of any sort, electroplating, electrolytic action, nano-structured nanocages, membrane or other impregnation, or any other mechanical or chemical means.
US08366934B2
A method extracts out of an aqueous solution, concentrate and/or reformulate [18F] fluorides without any evaporation step. The eluting solution is a low water content, preferably <3% water, organic solution containing at least: a first compound (A) which is a tertiary alcohol-function bearing molecule, a second compound (B) which is a phase transfer agent suitable for radiolabeling and which is necessary to the anion exchange process.
US08366922B2
A filter element for a pool or spa including a sintered plastic outer cylinder of a first diameter, a sintered plastic inner cylinder of a second diameter less than said first diameter; the inner cylinder being position coaxially with respect to the outer cylinder to define an annular interior chamber; and a selected granulated filter medium or combination of media residing in the annular interior chamber.
US08366912B1
A method for recovering base oil from waste lubricating oil by separating base oil range constituents from a waste lubricating oil mixture, thereafter separating higher quality base oil constituents and lower quality base oil constituents from the base oil recovered from the waste lubricating oil mixture and thereafter treating the lower quality base oil constituents to produce marketable base oil. The total base oil produced from a waste lubricating oil mixture by this process is greater than the quantity producible by previous processes using only base oil separation from the waste lubricating oil mixture or processes which use only treatment of the base oil recovered from the waste lubricating oil mixture to produce the product base oil.
US08366911B2
The present invention provides a method of producing a liquid fuel enabling production of middle distillate at a high yield from a feed oil containing paraffinic hydrocarbons having 20 to 100 carbon atoms as main components without losing the high cracking activity and also enabling provision of high quality gas oil included in the middle distillate.A feed oil containing paraffinic hydrocarbons having 20 to 100 carbon atoms as main components is subjected to hydrotreating in the present of a prespecified hydrotreating catalyst and under the conditions for hydrotreating including a temperature of 200 to 350° C., a liquid hourly space velocity of 0.1 to 5.0 h−1, and a partial pressure of hydrogen of 0.5 to 8 MPa to obtain an effluent oil, and then the effluent oil is fractionated to obtain middle distillate including a gas oil with a cetane number of 75 or over and a pour point of −27.5° C. or below at a yield of 55% or over against a total weight of the feed oil.
US08366910B2
A process is described for hydroconversion of a mixture of organic oils of different origins in a conventional hydrotreatment unit, constituted by at least two catalyst beds, under moderately severe process conditions to obtain diesel fuel oil. The process includes injection of a stream of oil of animal or plant origin, with independently adjusted flow rates, from the second catalyst bed of the hydrotreatment unit onwards, in accordance with the variations in temperature observed in each of the catalyst beds after the first bed. The process is applicable to conventional hydrotreatment units, and makes it possible to overcome the effects of the highly exothermic nature of hydroconversion reactions in oils of animal and/or plant origin in hydrotreatment process for obtaining specified diesel fuel oil.
US08366906B2
A lambda probe in which a measuring point for oxygen in a sensor is connected via a diffusion gap with a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber drives oxygen along the diffusion gap. A desired oxygen partial pressure is set in the reaction chamber. The pump current, which is proportional to the strength of the stream of oxygen driven along the diffusion gap, can be used as a measurement for the partial pressure of the residual oxygen in the exhaust gas during a normal operating phase. The lambda probe can be operated for test purposes intermittently in a high or low phase, in which the oxygen partial pressure in the reaction chamber is a minimum or maximum value. While changing between the operating phases, by comparing the pump currents with empirical values, conclusions with regard to the ability of the probe to function can be derived.
US08366902B2
Methods and systems are provided for producing syngas utilizing heat from thermochemical conversion of a carbonaceous fuel to support decomposition of at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells. Simultaneous decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells may be employed to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A portion of oxygen produced from at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells is fed at a controlled flow rate in a gasifier or combustor to oxidize the carbonaceous fuel to control the carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide ratio produced.
US08366899B2
The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for the separation of species, including biological species. Some embodiments involve the use of free flow isoelectric focusing (FF-IEF) devices in the separation of a mixture of species. Various device configurations and/or features may enhance the performance of the devices, providing faster and more efficient devices and methods for separating mixtures of species with high resolution. In some embodiments, separation of a mixture of species may be achieved with high resolution and with short sample residence times. Such devices may provide simplified, inexpensive, and optionally disposable devices for the separation of chemical and biological species and may optionally be integrated with orthogonal separation techniques, such as SDS-PAGE or capillary electrophoresis.
US08366891B2
A metallic oxygen evolving anode for electrowinning aluminum by decomposition of alumina dissolved in a cryolite-based molten electrolyte, and operable at anode current densities of 1.1 to 1.3 A/cm2, comprises an alloy of nickel, iron, manganese, optionally copper, and silicon. Preferably, the alloy is composed of 64-66 w % Ni; Iron; 25-27 w % Fe; 7-9 w % Mn; 0-0.7 w % Cu; and 0.4-0.6 w % Si. The weight ratio Ni/Fe is in the range 2.1 to 2.89, preferably 2.3 to 2.6, the weight ratio Ni/(Ni+Cu) is greater than 0.98, the weight ratio Cu/Ni is less than 0.01, and the weight ratio Mn/Ni is from 0.09 to 0.15. The alloy surface can comprise nickel ferrite produced by pre-oxidation of the alloy. The alloy, optionally with a pre-oxidized surface, can be coated with an external coating comprising cobalt oxide CoO.
US08366883B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.
US08366881B2
The present invention is a method of making a near-premium quality paper product having good strength and absorbency characteristics and a product made by that method. The invention is also a method for retaining a high ash content within a paper web formed by conventional wet pressing. The present invention is also a method for retaining a high percentage of softening agent within a paper web that includes such an agent. Further, the present invention is a soft absorbent paper product having a high void volume. Finally, the invention is also a method for producing a soft, absorbent, and near premium paper product having a high void volume using an undulatory crepe blade having a multiplicity of serrulations in its rake surface which presents differentiated creping angles and/or rake angles as to the paper being creped.
US08366874B2
Implementations and techniques for removing and segregating components from printed circuit boards are generally disclosed.
US08366862B2
A method for forming a structure includes: a step of forming on a substrate a resin layer composed of a resin which is cured by irradiation with active energy rays; a step of pressing a first mold on the resin layer, the first mold being composed of an active energy ray-transmitting material and having projections each having an active energy ray-shielding film at the end thereof; a first irradiation step of irradiating the resin layer; a step of pressing a second mold on the resin layer within a region where the resin layer is not exposed to the rays, the second mold being composed of an active energy ray-transmitting material and having projections each having an active energy ray-shielding film at the end thereof; and a second irradiation step of irradiating a portion of the unexposed region of the resin layer.
US08366858B2
Provided are a manufacturing system and a manufacturing method for an optical display device, which are enabled to adhere upper and lower optical films to an optical display device by using two rolls having optical anisotropies such as absorption axes in the same direction, so that the optical anisotropies may be orthogonal to each other. In the manufacturing system for the optical display device, the optical films are adhered to an optical display unit (W). The manufacturing system comprises a feeding device (M2) for a first optical film (F11) to be fed after cut to a predetermined length, and a feeding device (M5) for a second optical film (F21) to be fed after cut to a predetermined length. The feeding device (M2) of the first optical film (F11) and the feeding device (M5) of the second optical system (F21) are so constituted in a manner to correspond to the longer side and the shorter side of the optical display unit (W), that one feeding device may cut the optical film having a width corresponding to the shorter side may be cut to a length corresponding to the longer side whereas the other feeding device may cut the optical film having a width corresponding to the longer side may be cut to a length corresponding to the shorter side.
US08366842B2
An apparatus for manufacturing aluminum alloy strip for a lithographic printing plate supports includes a filter, a launder connected to the filter, a liquid level controller connected to the launder, and a melt feed nozzle connected to the liquid level controller. The liquid level controller includes a step to trap settled particles within an aluminum melt which forms the alloy strip. The launder has a length L (m) which satisfies the condition 4≧L≧V×270×1.2×D, where V is the flow velocity in meters per second of the aluminum melt in the launder and D is the depth in meters of the aluminum melt in the launder.
US08366831B2
The present invention relates to an evaporation source used in a vacuum deposition apparatus for forming an organic film or a metal film. The present invention provides an evaporation source including: a crucible accommodating a deposition material and having an opening portion through which the deposition material passes; a mesh member installed in the opening portion of the crucible and having a plurality of holes; and thermally conductive balls coated on the mesh member. Here, the thermally conductive balls are provided to cover the deposition material having a predetermined interval with the deposition material, not being mixed with the deposition material filling the crucible.
US08366813B2
A particulate matter detection device (100) includes a first electrode (10) that includes a conductive section (12) and a dielectric (14) that covers the conductive section (12), and a second electrode (20) that is disposed opposite to the first electrode (10) at an interval of 0.3 to 3.0 mm. Charged particulate matter contained in a fluid that passes through the space between the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20), or particulate matter that is contained in a fluid and charged by a discharge that occurs due to application of a voltage between the electrodes (10) and (20) is electrically adsorbed on at least one of the electrodes (10) and (20), and the particulate matter adsorbed on the electrodes (10) and (20) is detected by measuring a change in electrical properties of the first electrode (10), or a change in electrical properties of the electrodes (10) and (20).
US08366810B1
A method for separating mixed granular material based upon dissimilar specific gravities, (such as in firearm range cleaning) thereby separating lead from backstop material. Lead falling from an airstream is airwashed by an upwardly directed second airstream. The preferred method is performed under negative pressure to control lead dust. Application to pick up and clean or recover fouled ballast rock (such as used in the rail industry). Processes and apparatus are disclosed that pick up and clean or enrich precious metal bearing ore.
US08366805B2
Composite structures are described that have a porous anodic oxide layer such as, for example, a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. In one aspect, the present invention includes a composite gas separation module having a porous metal substrate; a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer overlies the porous metal substrate; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. A composite filter is described having a porous non-aluminum metal substrate; and a porous anodic aluminum oxide layer, wherein the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer defines pores extending through the porous anodic aluminum oxide layer. Methods for fabricating composite gas separation modules and composite filters and methods for selectively separating hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas-containing gaseous stream are also described.
US08366800B2
A target consisting essentially of a CoCrPt-based metal or a CoCrPtRu-based metal, and one or more metal oxides selected from the group consisting of SiO2, Cr2O3, CoO, TiO2 and Ta2O5, is heated in an upper crucible of a two-level crucible that includes the upper crucible with a through hole formed in a bottom surface, and a lower crucible disposed below the through hole. The target is heated at a temperature of from 1400 to 1790° C. if the target does not contain both TiO2 and Ta2O5. The target is heated at a temperature of from 1400 to 1630° C. if the target contains TiO2 but does not contain Ta2O5. The target is heated at a temperature of from 1400 to 1460° C. if the target contains Ta2O5. The metal thereby melted is caused to flow into the lower crucible, so that the metal is separated from the metal oxide.
US08366796B2
The present invention provides modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas). The syngas can then be turned into liquid chemicals and fuels such as ethanol. The modular units of the invention bring the conversion process to the biomass source, thereby minimizing feedstock transportation costs. The modules are capable of being connected to, and/or disconnected from, each other to easily adjust the overall feedstock capacity. The present invention also provides methods and systems to determine an optimal number and distribution of modular conversion units spatially located within a region of land. The disclosed methods and systems are flexible, efficient, scalable, and are capable of being cost-effective at any commercial scale of operation.
US08366789B2
A prosthetic limb has an outer surface that is a mirror image of an intact limb or a generic limb design. The intact limb is scanned and the surface data is manipulated to create a virtual mirror image. If generic data is used, the intact leg can be measured and the generic surface can be adjusted so the prosthetic limb appears similar to the intact limb. The end of the amputated limb is also measured to obtain socket data. A knee and foot are incorporated to form a virtual prosthetic limb represented by design data. The design data for the virtual prosthetic limb is forwarded to a rapid prototyping machine that fabricates the entire leg simultaneously. Once completed, the prosthetic limb is shipped to the patient.
US08366785B1
Basal thumb joint implant has a head with a smooth, generally hemispherical, medio-proximally directed, articulating surface, and a generally abrupt, distally directed, truncation thereto; and a stem attached to the head, which arises from the truncation of the head and includes at least one of the following features: A) a general angle of attachment to the head which is acute in relation to the truncation of the head; B) a flanged cross-sectional stem profile; C) an inwardly curved stem; D) an eccentric head attachment site for the stem. The implant may be one-piece or modular in construction. The modular basal thumb joint implant, however, which is not necessarily limited by requiring inclusion of the aforesaid additional features A-D, includes a head with a smooth, generally hemispherical, medio-proximally directed, articulating surface, a generally abrupt, distally directed truncation thereto, and a stem trunion-receiving cup in the truncation; and a stem attachable to the head, which stem has intracarpal spike-like distal end, and a proximally directed trunion, which trunion is insertable into the stem trunion-receiving cup of the head. Other digits may be provided with analogous implants, particularly with respect to those digital implants amenable to modularity.
US08366776B2
A vertebral implant for use in establishing desired spinal curvatures includes separate implant bodies. Each body may include an associated angle between inferior and superior surfaces of the body. Further, the implant bodies may be stacked so that the associated angles are oriented in different anatomical planes. The implant bodies may be secured to one another with a connector. The implant bodies may be used either independently or in conjunction with one another to achieve a desired spinal curvature. Each implant body may include bone engagement features that extend outward from the superior and inferior surfaces of the implant body. The implant bodies may include recesses that are positioned to correspond to the bone engagement protrusions in other implant bodies to allow contact between the inferior and superior surfaces of the respective implant bodies.
US08366762B2
A medical device and methods of making the medical device such as a stent having selected regions with different material properties than other regions are disclosed. Selection and modification of the regions may be based on facilitating a desired mechanical behavior and/or therapeutic prophylactic property of the device.
US08366755B2
The present invention involves a light system for stimulating or regulating neuroendocrine, circadian, and photoneural systems in mammals based upon the discovery of peak sensitivity ranging from 425-505 nm; a light meter system for quantifying light which stimulates or regulates mammalian circadian, photoneural, and neuroendocrine systems. The present invention also relates to translucent and transparent materials, and lamps or other light sources with or without filters capable of stimulating or regulating neuroendocrine, circadian, and photoneural systems in mammals. Additionally, the present invention involves treatment of mammals with a wide variety of disorders or deficits, including light responsive disorders, eating disorders, menstrual cycle disorders, non-specific alerting and performance deficits, hormone-sensitive cancers, and cardiovascular disorders.
US08366754B2
A sizable sternal closure clamp device for securing and retaining longitudinally or transversely divided halves of a sternum, the device having four body members and four engagement members that are positioned in inter-rib spaces on both sides of the sternum. The body members are interconnected in a sliding or telescoping manner that allows the device to be expanded or contracted in two orthogonal directions.
US08366750B2
Spine stabilization systems and integrated rods are disclosed. One spine stabilization system disclosed has at least four bone anchors and a stabilization member attached to the bone anchors. The stabilization member has first and second elongate portions interconnected by a connector portion. The first and second elongate members extend longitudinally and generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis and connector portion extends transverse to the central longitudinal axis from a first lateral end to a second lateral end. The connector portion is integrally connected to the first and second elongate portions such that there is no relative movement between the lateral ends and the respective elongate portion to which each end is attached.
US08366737B2
Expandable emboli filter and thrombectomy devices adapted for use with microcatheters to remove debris from blood vessels. The devices embody expanded profiles that span the entirety of various sized target vessels and thus are particularly effective in the engagement of debris found in vessels.
US08366731B2
An artificial hair transplantation method for implanting, directly or indirectly, artificial chemically synthesized filaments into the epidermal layer and the dermal layer of the human scalp features painless incisions and allows hair restoration to be attained in a short period of time, such as a few hours.
US08366729B2
A lancing device and method for self-collecting a sample of body fluid by penetrating a body tissue at a sampling site. The invention includes a housing geometry configured for ease of use at different sampling sites on the body, even by persons having reduced dexterity and/or poor vision. Depth of penetration is selectively controlled by adjusting the stroke range of a spring-driven lancet carrier. A pressure applicator is included for stimulating flow of the body fluid. A transparent portion permits observation of the sampling site.
US08366728B2
A method and apparatus for precisely controlling particle movement relative to a phacoemulsification needle tip is provided. The design monitors actual vacuum present and calculates a pulse shape amplitude waveform proportional to the amount of measured vacuum. An increase in vacuum indicates that the handpiece/needle is becoming occluded by a large particle. The present design determines whether additional power is required to bump or move a large particle away from the needle tip. The present design may employ a control loop that senses and continuously monitors vacuum. The design may dynamically vary the amount of ultrasonic energy delivered to the surgical area in response to the observed actual vacuum, and can actively vary the amount of power delivered to the surgical area based on the size of the particle and the resultant vacuum realized.
US08366719B2
The present disclosure describes a device and methods for safely and accurately placing screws into bones with a powered driving device. By employing multiple layers of fail-safe features and image-guidance systems, the powered driving device provides safe, accurate, and efficient screw placement. That is, the powered driving device may continuously monitor a screw advancement and placement and may automatically shutdown when improper placement is detected. Monitoring placement may be conducted by a microcurrent-monitoring system, by an image-guidance system, or by any other appropriate sensory system. Additionally, upon detecting that screw insertion is complete, the powered driving device may be automatically shutdown. As screw placement is continuously simulated by image-guidance in real time, multiple redundant verification steps are eliminated, providing highly accurate screw placement while decreasing clinician error, device contamination, and surgical time, the decreased surgical time associated with decreased patient-recovery time and associated medical costs.
US08366712B2
A method of accessing target tissue adjacent to a spinal nerve of a patient includes the steps of accessing a spine location of the patient by entering the patient through the skin at an access location, inserting a flexible tissue modification device through the access location to the spine location, advancing a distal portion of the first flexible tissue modification device from the spine location to a first exit location, passing through the first exit location and out of the patient, advancing the first or a second flexible tissue modification device through the same access location to the spine location and to a second exit location, and passing through the second exit location and out of the patient.
US08366708B2
A device for penetrating tissue includes an elongated element having a distal end, a proximal end, a body extending between the distal and the proximal ends, and a lumen located within at least a portion of the body, wherein the lumen has a cross-sectional shape that is a polygon. A device for penetrating tissue includes an elongated element having a distal end, a proximal end, and a body extending between the distal and the proximal ends, at least a portion of the body having a cross-sectional profile that is a polygon, wherein the elongated element is a cannula.
US08366707B2
Systems and methods for navigating a catheter along the epieardial surface of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein are useful for epieardial ablation, Various embodiments permit ablation of the epieardial surface of the heart using an external ablation catheter in the pericardial space and an internal guide catheter within the heart. Such a configuration allows the clinician to precisely target for ablation specific locations on the cardiac tissue.
US08366702B2
A method for treating presbyopia utilizes an Erbium based, pulsed laser to sever sub-conjunctival strictures located within the scleral matrix of the eye. Introduction of treatment energy into the scleral matrix increases or facilitates an increase in accommodation, thereby mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The treatment energy can be directed into the scleral matrix to form tunnel ablations in and through the strictures of the scleral matrix. The tunnel ablations can enhance the accommodation of the patient's eye, enabling the eye to refocus at near distances while not losing its ability to focus at a distance.
US08366700B2
Visceral fat may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered in pulses, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the visceral fat to soften, liquefy, or gellify, without damaging the subject's internal organs that are in the vicinity of the visceral fat. The visceral fat that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.
US08366698B2
A catheter for insertion into a vascular system of a patient and for directing fluid flow includes a catheter body having a longitudinal axis and longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends with an intermediate catheter portion defined therebetween. An intermediate catheter outlet in the catheter body is located in the intermediate catheter portion and is spaced longitudinally from the proximal and distal catheter ends. A first lumen is defined within the catheter body and has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal first lumen ends with a reversing bend located therebetween, the first lumen providing fluid communication between the proximal catheter end and the intermediate catheter outlet. The reversing bend is located longitudinally between the intermediate catheter outlet and the distal catheter end. The reversing bend directs fluid flow to turn approximately 180° as the fluid flows through the first lumen. A method of using the catheter is also described.
US08366696B2
An absorbent article comprises an absorbent interposed between a liquid-permeable surface sheet and a back sheet. The absorbent is constituted of a set of left and right absorbent elements arranged substantially along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The absorbent element of one side is formed as a dogleg to the right in a top plan view whereas the absorbent element of the other side is formed as a dogleg to the left in a top plan view, so that the absorbent elements have an intersecting portion intersecting in at least the region containing the portion corresponding to the blood discharge opening of the wearer.
US08366689B2
In a system for stabilizing a pattern of structural changes in corneal fibrils, an eye treatment system causes corneal fibrils of a cornea of an eye to transition from a first structure to a second structure. An application device applies a cross-linking element to the corneal fibrils. An activating device applies an initiating element to the corneal fibrils and activates the cross-linking element. The cross-linking element causes cross-linking in the corneal fibrils to preserve the second structure of the corneal fibrils. Another application device may apply a cross-linking breaker to the corneal fibrils. The cross-linking breaker halts or reverses at least partially the cross-linking in the corneal fibrils. Another activating device applies an initiating element to the corneal fibrils and activates the cross-linking breaker. Advantageously, the cross-linking breaker provides greater control over the amount and progress of cross-linking that occurs in the corneal fibrils.
US08366675B2
Body pressing surfaces of A and B members at which a body of the packing is to be pressed come into contact with the body of the packing, and the body starts to be pressed. Then, projections of the packing are pressed with a delay from the pressing of the body because of gaps provided between the projections of the packing and projection-pressing surfaces at which the projections of the packing are to be pressed.
US08366670B2
A contrast media injection system detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes. Additional features include using historical data to provide optimum pressure limit values during an injection protocol, a removable memory device for storing and transferring information such as injection protocols and injector statistics, and password protection of such protocols.
US08366664B2
An agent delivery catheter which has a support member comprising at least one articulating arm having an end fixedly secured relative to the shaft and having an anchor end section opposite to the fixed end. The articulating arm is biased to pivot at the fixed end away from the shaft, to transform from a low profile configuration to a high profile configuration in which the arm extends laterally away from the shaft and the anchor end section contacts the patient's body lumen wall, to support the shaft in the body lumen during delivery of an agent, for example by injection from a needle extended from the catheter into the wall of the body lumen.
US08366662B2
The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. In certain embodiments, the additive has a hydrophilic part and a drug affinity part, wherein the drug affinity part is at least one of a hydrophobic part, a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by hydrogen bonding, and a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by van der Waals interactions. In embodiments, the additive is water-soluble. In further embodiments, the additive is at least one of a surfactant and a chemical compound, and the chemical compound has a molecular weight of from 80 to 750 or has more than four hydroxyl groups.
US08366661B2
Medical devices using an expandable body to deliver a therapeutic agent. In one particular embodiment, the medical device comprises a tubular catheter and an inner expandable body (e.g., a scaffolding) contained within the catheter. The inner expandable body is connected to a core wire for advancing or retracting the inner body. The inner body may be advanced to exit out of the catheter or retracted to withdraw the inner body back into the catheter. This particular embodiment further comprises a sheath on the outside of the interior of the catheter. The sheath carries a plurality of capsules that contain a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent is delivered by pushing the core wire to advance the inner body, which expands against the sheath, causing the capsules on the sheath to be compressed against body tissue such that the therapeutic agent is released.
US08366655B2
A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette-based peritoneal dialysis system is described, including a disposable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a dialysate. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a dialysate. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.
US08366646B2
A massaging device in the shape of a rod with an essentially cylindrical end element with a sleeve. The device has a flexible sleeve and a drive element to produce an oscillating deformation of the sleeve.
US08366640B2
A device for measuring a length of a cervix includes an elongate measurement member, a hollow member, a flange, a handle, and a locking mechanism. The elongate measurement member extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a measurement scale thereon. The hollow member is coaxial with and disposed over the elongate measurement member. The flange is offset from the longitudinal axis and attached to a distal end of the hollow member. The handle is attached to a proximal end of the measurement member. The locking mechanism is configured, when locked, to fix the hollow member relative to the measurement member and, when unlocked to allow the hollow member to slide along the measurement member and rotate about the longitudinal axis so as to place the flange in a desired position without moving the measurement scale.
US08366634B2
A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a holster portion and a probe. The probe and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide a passageway through the targeting cube. The body of the targeting cube is at least partially comprised of elastomeric material to allow for compression of the body. The elastomeric material may thus provide a secure fit with a wide range of grid plates having openings of various shapes and sizes.
US08366626B2
The invention relates to a simplified fronto-sagittal and two-dimensional ultrasound apparatus exclusively intended for the exploration of the two right and left temporo-mandibular articulations (ATM) at rest or during mandibular movement, in the case of stomatology and traumatology exams. The calculation and the adjustment of the parameters for obtaining a displayed image of the region of the temporo-mandibular articulations is already done during the design step. Accordingly, the invention provides an apparatus with small dimensions and a lower cost relative to traditional ultrasound apparatuses, which will promote its use in medical practices both from a logistic and financial point of view. This exploration method has a low cost, does not require any particular preparation or hospitalisation for the patient, does not include any risks due to X-rays, and has no known side effects. The apparatus includes a quadruple hinged ultrasound probe (right and left) (FIG. 3, no1 et no3), two of which are connected to a flexible and telescopic extra-oral and semi-circular bearing (FIG. 3, no2) and are placed around the head of a patient, while two other ones are connected to a flexible and telescopic intra-oral and semi-circular bearing (FIG. 3, no4) adapted to the upper jaw. The bearings are connected to a screen (FIG. 3, no5) for simultaneously displaying the right and left ATM and for comparing them both in the sagittal and frontal planes. A printer (FIG. 3, no6) can be used for reproducing the selected images on paper. The device of the invention is particularly intended for use in medical practices and in hospital stomatology and traumatology wards for instantaneously displaying the temporo-mandibular articulations.
US08366599B2
An axial flow rotary blood pump including an impeller adapted to be magnetically rotated within a housing by the interaction of magnets disposed on or in the impeller and stators disposed on or in the housing. The impeller includes at least one support ring supporting a plurality of blades, and a hydrodynamic bearing that operates at least axially and radially in respect of an axis of rotation of the impeller.
US08366596B2
A sheet folding device includes a folding unit that applies a fold to a sheet, and a fold-enhancing unit that performs fold enhancement on the sheet applied with the fold by the folding unit. The fold-enhancing unit includes at least two or more rotator pairs each provided with a sheet holding member that holds and pressurizes the sheet applied with the fold so as to enhance the hold. In the at least two or more rotator pairs, the sheet holding member is provided so that an area for holding the sheet shifts from both sides of the sheet toward a central portion of the sheet along a sheet conveying direction from an upstream to a downstream in the fold-enhancing unit.
US08366593B2
A laser processing machine for processing workpieces, in particular, metal sheets, has a laser processing head having a nozzle receiving member for a laser nozzle and a workpiece support for workpieces that are intended to be processed and/or for processed workpieces. The workpiece support forms a workpiece support plane. A nozzle changing device is arranged at the lower side of the workpiece support plane remote from the laser processing head. In order to change a nozzle, a laser nozzle can be transferred between a nozzle magazine of the nozzle changing device and the nozzle receiving member of the laser processing head and can be assembled on or disassembled from the nozzle receiving member.
US08366580B2
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, a planetary gear set assembly, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The planetary gear set assembly includes first, second, third, fourth and fifth members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08366573B2
Arrow components, such as vanes and nocks, are provided with a light-emitting material for enhancing their visibility to the shooter, a camera, spectators, and/or others attempting to view the flight-path of the shot arrow during low-light conditions. In various embodiments, the light-emitting material is provided by a photo-luminescent material, a chemi-luminescent material, a refractive material, a reflective material, another material that will emit light in low-light conditions, or a composite of these. The light-emitting material is preferably selected for its ability to emit light, upon exposure to natural or artificial light and with no electric power source.
US08366562B2
Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.
US08366561B2
A riding floor assembly has a support layer laid on a subfloor. The support layer, or ground preparation layer, is formed of ground preparation elements that are substantially formed of plates and are arranged next to one another. A footing layer covers the upper side of the ground preparation layer. A plurality of tufts of bristles are provided on that side of the ground preparation layer facing toward the footing layer. The tufts of bristles have a length selected such that the bristles do not project out of the footing layer.
US08366546B1
According to a method for displaying an online game in a content stream, a website logon is received from a user of a computing device and an associated profile is retrieved. The content stream associated with the profile is displayed in a GUI presented by the computing device. The content stream includes multiple views associated with different games that are multiplayer online games. The view associated with a game is updated in response to an event recognized by the game mechanics model of this game. The view associated with the game is relocated to a location of prominence in the content stream, if the user data indicates that the user is a participant of the game. The relative location of the view associated with the game is maintained within the content stream, if the user data indicates that the user is a spectator of the game.
US08366536B2
A gaming method and system, the method comprising providing one or more reels in a spinning reel game, the reels being displayed as three dimensional and displayed as provided with game symbols along and around the reels, displaying spinning of the reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided along the reels, displaying rotating of the reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided around the reels, stopping the spinning and the rotating of each of the reels at a respective stop position, and determining a game outcome based on at least some of the game symbols displayed when each of the reels is in its respective stop position.
US08366521B2
Disclosed therein is a diamond tool fabricated by combining a mesh net with a synthetic resin material, which includes a diamond sintered body integrally coupled with the outer surface of the mesh net and a synthetic resin material impregnated into the inner surface of the mesh net, thereby maximizing a bonding strength and minimizing weight. The diamond tool includes: a diamond sintered body having a diamond tip; a mesh net integrally coupled with the sintered body in such a way that a portion of the sintered body is impregnated therewith; and a synthetic resin material for forming a body in such a way as to couple the mesh net with the circumference of the sintered body to thereby expose the sintered body to the outside.
US08366508B2
A booster for accelerating toy vehicles. The booster includes a rotation source and first and second wheels operatively coupled to the rotation source. Each wheel includes a thin-walled member configured to engage toy vehicles passing between the wheels as the rotation source rotates the wheels in opposite directions. The thin walled member is characterized by an S-shape that allows the relative distance between the wheels to change, thereby accommodating differently sized vehicles.
US08366498B2
The invention relates to a power jack (27) for a welding device (1), in particular an electrode and/or TIG welding device, wherein the power jack (27) made of conductive material comprises a bore (28) for receiving a plug element (29) attached to a hose packet, and an axial guide groove (33) is disposed in the bore (28), the guide groove being guided to the outside by way of a longitudinal groove (34) such that a locating pin (35) disposed on the plug element (29) can be inserted and rotated, wherein in the bore (28) a radial groove (36) is disposed and a retaining element (38) is positioned, preferably in the intersecting region of the groove (36) and the longitudinal groove (34), and a spring element (40) designed to transmit power is disposed in the groove (36), the spring element (40) protruding from the groove (36) and thereby reducing the diameter of the bore (28), wherein the retaining element (38) forms a contact surface (41) for the ends of the spring element (40) which is configured over only part of the entire periphery.
US08366497B2
An electrical connector formed to have at least one or more pairs of opposing legs extending from a body portion where each leg extends to a contact point where an inner surface of each opposing leg contact. A spring clip can be positioned over one or more of the opposing legs to increase a compressive force. The spring clip may include an alignment feature to limit clip rotating and/or pitching.
US08366489B2
Provided is a relay connector 100 for establishing connection between motors each having a pair of motor terminals provided to a back plate, and for supplying power supplied from external terminals to the respective motor terminals. The relay connector 100 includes: a motor connecting surface 120 having a first relay terminal 140 that connects to the motor terminals of each motor; an external connector connecting surface 130 that is continuous to the motor connecting surface 120 and has in its bonding surface a second relay terminal 150 that connects to L-shaped terminals 220; and a housing 110 having the motor connecting surface 120 and the external connector connecting surface 130 in its end surfaces. The first relay terminal 140 and the second relay terminal 150 are electrically connected with each other within the housing 110.
US08366484B2
A device for electric connection to an energy supply conductor for medium and/or high voltage having a voltage-carrying element with an outer periphery, and a tubular outer shell with an inner periphery, the outer shell being formed by a polymer, and along at least a part of the axial extension of the element the outer shell extends axially with a space between its inner periphery and the outer periphery of the element, at least along a section of said part of the axial extension of the element the space is filled with a filler of an electrically insulating material other than that of the outer shell. An electric installation including the device, and a method for producing the device.
US08366481B2
A post having a first end, a second end, and a flange proximate the second end, wherein the post is configured to receive a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric of a coaxial cable, a connector body attached to the post, a coupling element attached to the post, the coupling element having a first end a second end, and a biasing member disposed within a cavity formed between the first end of the coupling element and the connector body to bias the coupling element against the post is provided. Moreover, a connector body having a biasing element, wherein the biasing element biases the coupling element against the post, is further provided. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided.
US08366480B2
Embodiments of electronic accessories for digital music players are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08366471B2
A connection and junction box for a photovoltaic solar module having flexible flat conductor bands protruding from the surface of the solar module, wherein the connection and junction box has an insertion mouth at its side in mounting state facing the solar module, for at least one of the flexible flat conductor bands of the solar module, as well as comprising a housing for attaching to the solar module, and a connection device for the flexible flat conductor band, positioned in the housing, the connection device has a deflection arm and an electrical contact clamp, which is actuated when attaching the box to the solar module for bending and contacting the flat conductor band.
US08366458B2
An electrical power connector comprises a housing having a mounting interface and a mating interface. The mating interface defines a plurality of receptacles spaced apart in more than one direction. A plurality of electrical contacts is supported by the housing. These electrical contacts define respective mounting ends that are configured to electrically connect with an electrical component at the mounting interface, and opposed mating ends. At least one of the electrical contacts defines a common contact beam disposed within at least a select one of the receptacles. This common contact beam is configured to be electrically connected to a pair of adjacent electrical contacts of a mated electrical connector.
US08366454B2
In an electrical component socket, an electrical component can be removed easily even if a fixed contact potion bites into an electrical component terminal. In the electrical component socket (11), a floating plate (14) to accommodate an IC package (12) is provided in a socket body to be able to move up and down, and is biased upward by a biasing member. In a movable contact piece (15b) of a contact pin (15), a pressing projecting piece (15m) is formed. In the floating plate (14), a pressed part (14m) to be pressed by the pressing projecting piece (15m) is formed. When the movable contact piece (15b) is elastically deformed in an opening direction and a movable contact part (15g) separates from an IC lead (12b), the floating plate (14) rises upward by the biasing member, and the IC lead (12b) separates from a fixed contact part (15d).
US08366450B2
Methods of previewing a representation of a costume are provided. The method includes removably affixing two or more cling elements to a smooth surface in a non-overlapping manner, the two or more cling elements being disposed concurrently on and directly contacting the smooth surface, and the two or more cling elements comprising a portion of the representation of the costume to allow one of the following: a first person to view a semblance of a costumed image comprising a reflection of the first person with the affixed two or more cling elements each positioned over the reflection of the first person, and a second person to view through the smooth surface a portion of the first person with the affixed two or more cling elements each positioned adjacent the portion of the first person viewed through the smooth surface. The method also includes displaying the smooth surface.
US08366448B2
An aid arranged to be worn by an infant or infirm person, the aid comprising a tactile pad and an attachment means, the attachment means is arranged to allow the aid to be worn such that the tactile pad is held on to or by the infant or infirm person. The attachment means may be a strap, sleeve or glove arranged to be worn on an infant's or infirm person's hand.
US08366444B2
The present invention provides an artificial tooth with multiple internal crowns, which includes a plurality of the internal crown members, a plurality of the connection bars, and at least one external crown member. The internal crown members are respectively fit to a plurality of the abutments. Each of the connection bars connects to at least two of the internal crown members. The external crown member forms therein a plurality of recesses. The recesses are formed to correspond to the internal crown members. The external crown member, when fit to the internal crown members, forms a tight engagement with the internal crown members.
US08366439B2
A method for combusting oil from an oil-containing layer floating on water as from an oil spill or well leak. In the method, an oxygen-containing gas is passed through a conduit, the oxygen-containing gas from the conduit is introduced proximate the oil-containing layer floating on water, and oil from the oil-containing layer is combusted with the oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a flame. The oxygen-containing gas is introduced with an oxygen molar flow rate sufficient to decrease the opacity of a smoke plume from the combusting oil.
US08366427B2
A curing mold includes an upper mold portion having a plurality of upper and lower sections radially translatable between open and closed positions, wherein each of the lower sections are positioned adjacent one of the upper sections to form a plurality of pairs of upper and lower sections. The tire mold also includes a pin extending from a first section of each pair of sections, and an aperture extending within a second section of each pair of sections, the aperture including an opening and positioned for receiving a portion of the pin extending from the corresponding first section when the mold is in a substantially closed position. Particular embodiments of the present invention also include a first plurality of radially translatable sections arranged to form an expandable ring and one or more first synchronization members extending between adjacent sections of the first plurality of sections.
US08366426B2
A combination loader and post cure tire inflator for use with a tire press is provided. A post cure inflator for inflating and curing vulcanized tires includes a plurality of inflator stations with each inflator station including a pair of axially aligned, vertically separable tire inflating chuck rings. A loading apparatus includes a loading arm movable along a linear track relative to the plurality of inflator stations to load and unload each vulcanized tire in a selected one of the plurality of inflator stations without rotating the vulcanized tires in a turnover operation.
US08366421B2
A fluid pressure pulsation damper mechanism includes: a metal damper having two metal diaphragms joined together with a hermetic seal for forming a sealed spacing filled with a gas between the two metal diaphragms, an edge part overlapping along outer peripheries thereof, a main body having a damper housing in which the metal damper is accommodated, and a cover attached to the main body to cover the damper housing and isolate the damper housing from outside air.
US08366419B2
An inner rotor type motor includes a base having a pivotal portion. A stator is mounted to the base and includes a body and a coil unit engaged with the body and surrounding a hole of the body. A rotor includes a rotatable member, a shaft, and a permanent magnet. The rotatable member includes an engaging portion and a sidewall provided along a periphery of the engaging portion extending into the hole of the stator. The shaft includes an end coupled to the engaging portion. The other end of the shaft is coupled to the pivotal portion. The permanent magnet is mounted to an outer periphery of the rotatable member and aligned with the coil unit. The axial length of the shaft without the permanent magnet mounted thereto can be reduced, allowing reduction of axial heights of the motor and a heat dissipating fan utilizing the motor.
US08366416B2
A pumping device including a housing whose front face is at least partly formed by a block of transparent material, this block containing a number of machine-drilled holes including at least one blind hole forming a work chamber, at least one hole forming an admission and/or exhaust channel leading into the blind hole, two through channels whose orifices on the front face of the block are fitted with hydraulic hose connection means, two solenoid valves, a plunger sliding leaktightly in a bearing fitted to the orifice of the blind hole, this plunger defining with the blind hole a volume that varies as a function of the axial position of the plunger, and a module connected to the base of the plunger for moving the plunger translationally. The pumping device can be used for pipetting, dilution, rinsing and/or dispensing of samples, regardless of the envisaged volume ranges.
US08366407B2
The present invention is directed to provide a device for reducing pulsation in a variable displacement compressor. The compressor is connected to an external refrigerant circuit. The device for reducing pulsation includes a flow passage and a control valve. The control valve includes a valve housing, a spool valve and a damper chamber. The spool valve has formed therethrough a flow hole. The damper chamber communicates with the flow passage adjacent to the external refrigerant circuit through the flow hole. Effective cross-sectional area and effective length of the flow hole are determined based on frequency of a specific pulsation of the refrigerant gas and volume of the damper chamber at the time of the development of the specific pulsation in such a manner that the specific pulsation is developed, resonance effect of a Helmholtz resonator takes place in the damper chamber.
US08366398B1
An air cooled turbine blade or vane of a spar and shell construction with the shell made from a high temperature resistant material that must be formed from an EDM process. The shell and the spar both have a number of hooks extending in a spanwise direction and forming a contact surface that is slanted such that a contact force increases as the engaging hooks move away from one another. The slanted contact surfaces on the hooks provides for an better seal and allows for twisting between the shell and the spar while maintaining a tight fit.
US08366396B2
According to the present disclosure, a cable drip loop securement system that during operation of a wind turbine, including a nacelle supported by a tower prevents knurl formations beyond a specified area of at least one cable that is routed from the nacelle into the tower is provided. The cable drip loop securement system includes a displaceable cable drip loop securement device that accommodates part of the at least one cable and a positioning element for connecting the cable loop securement device inside of the tower. The at least one cable can turn and eventually form knurls only above the cable loop securement device.
US08366391B2
Provided is a turbine blade structure that is capable of suppressing quality variations of cast products during the manufacturing of turbine blades. A turbine blade structure wherein the space inside an air foil is divided into a plurality of cavities, partitioned by rib members provided substantially perpendicular to the center line connecting a leading edge and a trailing edge, is provided with partition members that partition the inside of the cavities located in the central portion of the blade, excluding the blade leading-edge side and the blade trailing-edge side, into blade pressure side cavities and blade suction side cavities substantially along the center line, wherein blade leading-edge end portions and blade trailing-edge end portions of the partition members are inserted from one shroud surface side to the other shroud surface side along engagement grooves formed on the rib members.
US08366386B2
A method of processing turbine airfoils includes depositing a protective coating on first and second turbine airfoils, and bonding the first and second turbine airfoils together after the deposition such that there is an open throat between the first and second turbine airfoil and at least portions of surfaces in the open throat are coated with the protective coating.
US08366383B2
A turbine blade outer air seal segment assembly has a first turbine blade outer air seal segment with a first end portion, a middle portion and a second end portion. The first turbine blade outer air seal segment is for connection with a second turbine blade outer air seal segment to form at least a part of a shroud of a turbine rotor. A first cooling passage is disposed within the first turbine blade outer air seal segment. The cooling passage extends from the first end portion to the second end portion and a land is disposed in at least one of the first or second end portions. The land represents a portion for receiving a mold ejection pin for a core forming the cooling passage.
US08366378B2
Blade assemblies are provided in a number of forms. These blade assemblies may have blades secured to disks (blisk), rings (bling) and drums (blum). The blades and/or the rotor elements formed by these rings, drums or disks can fragment and it is necessary to contain such fragments within a casing. Impact energy has a significant effect upon the necessary thickness of the casing to ensure containment. By providing blades as well as rotor elements which incorporate discontinuities which provide flexing under impact, energy is absorbed prior to further fragmentation upon impact engagement with a casing surface; flexing is about the discontinuity. In such circumstances casings may be thinner and therefore significant weight savings achieved with regard to aircraft incorporating gas turbine engines having blade assemblies with discontinuities.
US08366373B2
A fully collapsible lightweight mount to support a cargo loading apparatus. The mount has releasably attached horizontal and vertical arms, with a bracket to adjustably attach a cargo loading device on the vertical arm. In one embodiment, the horizontal arms have brackets configured to attach to “stake holes” in the standard side walls of a pickup truck cargo bed. The vertical arm of the device may be further supported against for example, a cargo bed forward wall or floor by a floor brace. Alternatively horizontal arm may attach to a pickup truck trailer hitch by additional mounts and connecting arm components suitable for attachment to a class 3 trailer hitch. The component parts can be readily assembled and disassembled, are lightweight, and occupy little space. The disassembled device can be stored in a carrying bag in the cab or other compartment of a vehicle.
US08366367B2
A nut and bolt cover apparatus is preferably made from three pieces. A cover piece may be placed over a nut and may have an adapter piece placed over the cover. An exterior cover may be releasably attached to the adapter piece and may squeeze a portion of the adapter piece as the exterior cover is releasably attached to the adapter. Squeezing the adapter piece preferably compresses the cover piece and causes the cover piece to grip the nut of a nut and bolt assembly while the adapter piece grips the cover piece. Removing the exterior cover may relieve the compression forces causing the adapter piece to grip the cover piece and the cover piece to grip a nut, thus permitting the nut and bolt cover apparatus to be removed.
US08366354B2
A rotary cutting tool with a longitudinal axis includes a shank portion, a cutting portion, and a plurality of chip-breaking features. The cutting portion includes a plurality of blades and a plurality of flutes. The blades and flutes extend substantially along the length of the cutting portion and have unequally-indexed spacing. The flutes have a tapered depth along the longitudinal axis. Each blade includes a leading face, a trailing face, and a land surface that extends between the leading face and the trailing face. A plurality of chip-breaking features having a multi-radius profile are disposed in the land surfaces of the blades and are distributed in an offset chip breaker pattern among the blades such that each chip-breaking feature on one blade is not directly behind the chip-breaking features on immediately adjacent blades. The chip-breaking features on each blade are equidistant from each other.
US08366338B2
An electronic pen for interacting with a surface. The pen comprises a cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface, a capacitive force sensor cooperating with said cartridge for sensing a nib force transmitted axially through the cartridge, and a processor configured to generate force data indicative of a force detected by the force sensor. The capacitive force sensor comprises: a spring having an integral conductive moving plate resiliently biased towards a reference position, a conductive fixed plate and a dielectric separating said plates.
US08366331B2
A blade driving device includes: a board including an optical path opening; first and second blades moving toward and away from the optical path opening; first and second transmitting portions driving the first and second blades; and first and second drive sources respectively driving the first and second transmitting portions, wherein the first and second transmitting portions respectively include first and second drive pins, and the first blade includes an engagement slot engaging one of the first and second drive pins and is attached to the first and the second transmitting portions to be rotatable about the other of the first and second drive pins.
US08366327B2
A communication media having a first media portion defining a first end, a second media portion having first and second ends, the first end of the second communication media fused to the first end of the first media portion at a media joint, the second media portion configured to transmit data received from the first media portion; and a support sleeve disposed about the media joint. The support sleeve defines an end face, the second end of the second communication media terminating at an end surface parallel with the end face, the end face configured to be selectively connected to a media component.
US08366318B2
An intraoral x-ray sensor with embedded standard computer interface. The sensor includes a data transfer cable with improved mechanical strength and heat transferring properties. The cable is quad-twisted USB cable and includes two data lines, a ground line, and fillers twisted within a metallic sheath, e.g., a metal braided shield. The cable is symmetrically organized about a centerline. The symmetric cable has an improved life due to the ability to withstand mechanical stress (e.g., rotational stress). The sensor includes a processor and a housing with an inner metallization layer. The sheath is coupled to the inner metallization layer to transfer heat generated by the processor from the inner metallization layer to the sheath.
US08366317B2
A sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation comprises a sensor element, a housing in which the sensor element is disposed, and a radiation inlet window provided in the housing and closed by a material transmissible for the radiation to be detected. The transmissible material is fixed to the housing by fixation means not disposed in the field of view of the sensor element.
US08366316B2
A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.
US08366313B2
A watch includes a watch movement, a dial supported on the watch movement, hands moveable by the watch movement with a watch case receiving the watch movement. The watch case includes a cylindrical main body configured to receive the watch movement therein, a bezel supported on the main body and a crystal supported by the main body. The watch case further includes a frame receiving the main body, wherein the frame comprises a back frame plate configured to be adjacent the user, a top frame plate spaced from the back frame plate and including a central opening therein for receipt of the main body, a pair of lugs on opposed ends of the frame, wherein each lug extends between the spaced top frame plate and the back frame plate, a bar extending between each pair of lugs, wherein each bar is configured to receive a strap of a wrist watch.
US08366309B2
The present invention discloses a light guide plate and a backlight module having the same. The light guide plate includes a light emitting surface, a light incident surface, a light reflecting surface, and a plurality of prisms disposed on the light reflecting surface. The disposition direction of the prisms can be parallel or perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the light reflecting surface. An inclined angle may exist between the disposition direction of the prisms and the lengthwise of the light reflecting surface. The backlight module includes a light guide plate, a light source, and an optical film set, wherein the light source is disposed near the light incident surface. The optical film set partially covers the light emitting surface, wherein a distance exists between a vertex of the prism and an edge of the optical film set.
US08366289B2
A personal light apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a resting base having a flat portion and a battery compartment for receiving a battery; a light having a flexible tube, the flexible tube attached to the resting base; a switch in electrical communication with the battery and the light, wherein the switch turns on and off the light; and at least one attachment means for removably attaching a time keeping apparatus to the flat portion.
US08366288B1
A lighting eyelash curler includes a main board having a space securely receiving a circuit board. A fence is provided on a front end of the main board. Compartments are defined between sidewalls of the fence and sidewalls of the main board. Light-emitting diodes are mounted in at least one of the compartments and electrically connected to the circuit board. A movable clamp, a fixed clamp, and a turnover plate are mounted to the front end of the main board. The turnover plate includes a rotating plate, a catch, and a rotating shaft between the rotating plate and the rotating shaft. A catch hole is defined in a rear end of the movable clamp and receives the catch. Through provision of the light-emitting diodes, the lighting eyelash curler can be used in an environment having a dim light and has simple structure while allowing easy operation.
US08366287B2
Disclosed are an optical sheet, which includes a prism pattern having condensing axes crossing each other in diagonal directions with respect to an arrangement direction of light sources, thereby achieving an enhanced contrast ratio without a reduction in viewing angle and an increase in costs, and a backlight unit using the same. The optical sheet includes a plurality of crossed prism patterns each having a first condensing axis and a second condensing axis crossing each other in diagonal directions with respect to an arrangement direction of a light source.
US08366279B2
An image display apparatus includes plural image forming devices and an observation optical system that includes at least a first optical system configured to fold in a first section a luminous flux from a first image forming device by using a plurality of reflective surfaces and to guide the luminous flux from the first image forming device to the exit pupil, and a second optical system configured to fold in a second section a luminous flux from a second image forming device by using a plurality of reflective surfaces and to guide the luminous flux from the second image forming device to the exit pupil, wherein the first section intersects the second section on an axis that directs from one point in the exit pupil to one point in the observation field.
US08366267B2
A spectacle structure includes an inner frame unit having two connected horizontal U-shaped frame members respectively formed from an upper, a laterally outer and a lower frame section, the upper frame sections being connected to each other, each of the outer frame sections being provided with two horizontal grooves and a post or a recess or a through hole located between the two grooves, and each of the lower frame sections having a forward and inward extended support section; a lens unit having two connected lenses, each of which being provided with two horizontal ribs and a recess or a through hole or a post corresponding to the outer frame section, allowing the inner frame unit to be firmly assembled to and conveniently disassembled from a rear side of the lens unit; and a wear unit being pivotally connected to two opposite ends of the lens unit.
US08366265B2
A vision assist device without side temples comprises a frame for holding a first vision assisting lens with a carabiner clip that extends from the frame for use as a handle. The carabiner clip has at least 3 sides, at least one of said sides including a bar with spring biasing to define a closed clip position. The carabiner clipped device can be used as reading glasses, a magnifying glass, lorgnette and/or binoculars. Optionally, the carabiner includes a switch-activated light. One preferred embodiment uses overlapping lenses to provide twice the vision correction when folded closed.
US08366255B2
A solid ink stick for use in an imaging device, such as a phase change inkjet printer, is provided. The solid ink stick has a retrieval feature located on a top surface thereof. When the ink stick is incorrectly loaded through the insertion opening of a feed channel of the printer, the retrieval feature has a vertical dimension such that the ink stick can be grasped, such as by two fingers of a user, to remove the ink stick through the insertion opening. The retrieval feature generally includes two lower surfaces interconnected with at least one upper surface.
US08366251B2
According to one aspect of the invention, a remanufacturing method of a liquid container forms an inlet in a certain area, for example, a buffer chamber, other than a specific section including liquid reservoirs and flow paths adjoining to and directly communicating with a bubble trap flow path in the liquid container. In the state of closing a liquid feeder and opening an air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects a liquid through the inlet to fill a space in the upstream of the inlet with the liquid. In the state of opening the liquid feeder and closing the air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects the liquid through the inlet to fill a space in the downstream of the inlet with the liquid. The remanufacturing process seals the inlet after completion of the injection of the liquid. This arrangement enables the liquid to be refilled into the liquid container without damaging the functions of the liquid container.
US08366250B2
According to one aspect of the invention, a remanufacturing method of a liquid container forms an inlet in a certain area, for example, a buffer chamber, other than a specific section including liquid reservoirs and flow paths adjoining to and directly communicating with a bubble trap flow path in the liquid container. In the state of closing a liquid feeder and opening an air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects a liquid through the inlet to fill a space in the upstream of the inlet with the liquid. In the state of opening the liquid feeder and closing the air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects the liquid through the inlet to fill a space in the downstream of the inlet with the liquid. The remanufacturing process seals the inlet after completion of the injection of the liquid. This arrangement enables the liquid to be refilled into the liquid container without damaging the functions of the liquid container.
US08366239B2
An image forming apparatus includes a printing head having an ink nozzle configured to discharge ink droplets onto a recording medium in order to form an image on the recording medium in a recording operation; a carriage on which the printing head is mounted and being moved in a main-scan direction during the recording operation; a linear encoder sheet having a counter for detecting a position of the carriage; an encoder sensor mounted on the carriage and detecting the position of the carriage by optically reading the counter of the linear encoder sheet; an carriage unit enclosure in which at least the carriage, the linear encoder sheet, and the encoder sensor are disposed; and an internal pressure adjusting unit adjusting an internal pressure of the carriage unit enclosure to be other than a negative pressure.
US08366238B2
An inkjet head maintenance device includes a power gear and a sliding seat. The sliding seat includes a rack, a first one-way gear and a second one-way gear. The first one-way gear and the second one-way gear are arranged at two ends of the rack, respectively. The power gear is engaged with the rack. In addition, through the first one-way gear and the second one-way gear, the sliding seat is driven by the power gear to move between a standby position and a maintenance position in a reciprocating manner. When the sliding seat is driven by the power gear to move to the maintenance position, the power gear is engaged with the second one-way gear, so that the sliding seat is stayed in the maintenance position to the clean an inkjet head.
US08366231B2
A carrier for an array comprising a plurality of print heads, comprises an elongate bar having an ink conduit extending through the bar in a longitudinal direction. The carrier also comprises a print head receiving area adapted to receive or mount the plurality of print heads, and a heat transfer fluid conduit extending through the bar in a longitudinal direction. The carrier is arranged so that each print head received or mounted in the print head receiving area is in fluid communication with the ink conduit, wherein the heat transfer fluid conduit is disposed adjacent both the ink conduit and the print head receiving area. The carrier may comprise two ink conduits and two heat transfer fluid conduits. Heat transfer fluid may in use be conducted along the first and second heat transfer conduits in opposite directions.
US08366229B2
A printing system for indicating print media quality to printer users includes a printing assembly configured to route print media along a pathway for printing. In an example, the system includes, but is not limited to, a thermal printer having a thermal print head for printing onto paper. The system also includes a light meter configured to detect light reflected from the print media, such as the paper. The light meter also measures a characteristic of the detected light. An indicator is coupled to the light meter, and configured to present a quality level of the print media to a user based on the measured characteristic of the detected light.
US08366226B2
An apparatus for generating data used to apply a plurality of inks similar in color and different in color material density, including a first ink and a second ink higher in color material density than the first ink, onto a pixel area on a recording medium with a recording head includes a generation unit configured to generate the data in such a way that out of a plurality of pixels constituting the pixel area, a number of pixels onto which dots of the first ink are applied in an overlapped manner is greater than a number of pixels onto which dots of the second ink are applied in the overlapped manner.
US08366215B2
A stabilizing assembly includes a retaining device settled between a drawable carrier and a cabinet body for preventing the drawable carrier from swinging in sliding. The retaining device includes two rails fixed to two opposite laterals of the drawable carrier. Each of the rails has a rack. Two gears engaging with the racks are connected by a rod and rotate simultaneously. Two bushes connected to two ends of the rod are received in supporting seats that are fixed on the cabinet body or the drawable carrier and allowed to shift vertically. Two stop portions, as a stop unit, each extending from the rail toward a side of the rod opposite to another side of the rod facing the rack on the rail, are closely adjacent to the retained portions so that the bushes are retained and stopped by the stop unit, and disengagement between the racks and the gears is prevented.
US08366208B2
A brake unit for a hydraulic, single-circuit or multi-circuit braking system of a land vehicle, with fluid on-off valves to be operated electrically, an electronic closed-loop/open-loop control circuit to provide control signals for the fluid on-off valves by which the hydraulic pressure in the brake circuits is modulated, a unit body, which consists of at least two ceramic boards connected to each other, and which has the fluid on-off valves, hydraulic connecting lines between the fluid on-off valves being incorporated in the boards, and at least one of the boards being used as the carrier board for electrical/electronic components and electrical connecting lines of the electronic open-loop/closed-loop control circuit.
US08366205B1
A brake booster wherein second and third pistons are separated within a bore of a master cylinder to define second and third chambers. Compensation valves control the flow fluid from a reservoir to the bore while a passage in the second piston connects the second chamber with the third chamber that is connected to the reservoir through an tilt valve that is held opened by pressurized fluid acting on a fourth piston. A control valve responds to a resiliently applied force from an input rod carried by the third piston to supply pressurized fluid to the brake system. In an event pressurized fluid is unavailable, a spring moves the fourth piston and a sixth spring to moves the tilt valve against a seat to seal the third chamber and create a hydraulic lock. Further movement of the third piston correspondingly moves the second piston to effect a manual brake application.
US08366204B2
A brake system for a vehicle including a master cylinder in which a front pressure chamber and a rear pressure chamber are defined by movably supporting an input piston and a pressure piston in a cylinder. A high-pressure supply pipe of an accumulator is coupled to wheel cylinders via hydraulic supply pipes, and coupled to the rear pressure chamber via a hydraulic supply pipe and a second hydraulic pipe. Pressure booster valves and pressure reducing valves are attached to the hydraulic pressure supply pipes, respectively. The wheel cylinder is coupled to the front pressure chamber via the first hydraulic pipe, and a coupling pipe for coupling a first hydraulic pipe and the hydraulic supply pipe is provided with the switching valve.
US08366203B2
A brake system for an automotive vehicle includes a controller for operating friction and powertrain braking subsystems so that hydraulic pressure to the friction brakes is minimized during powertrain braking, while at the same time emulating the driver-interface operating characteristics of a pure friction-braking system during all operating conditions.
US08366198B2
A fitting (5) for a vehicle seat, particularly for a motor vehicle seat, is provided with a first fitting part (9) fixed to a seat part, a second fitting part (11) that can be rotated between a plurality of usage positions relative to the first fitting part (9) for setting the tilt of the back (2) of the vehicle seat (1) and a locking element (15) fixedly connected particularly to the second fitting part (11). A third fitting part (14) is fixed to the back that can be locked by the locking element (15) and may be pivoted about an axis (A) relative to the second fitting part (11) for centered free pivoting of the back (2). A stop (18, 19) limits the pivot motion of the third fitting part (14) on one side. The stop includes at least one axially protruding first stop cam (18) that is formed on the third fitting part (14) and at least one axially protruding second stop cam (19) that is formed on the locking element (15). The cams limit the pivot motion of the third fitting part (14) by working together as the stop (18, 19).
US08366190B2
A damper includes a vessel; a partitioning member which partitions an internal space of the vessel into two accommodation chambers for accommodating a viscous fluid and which is movable with respect to the vessel; a moving force imparting device for imparting to the partitioning member a moving force in an A1 direction by the input of rotation in an R2 direction with respect to the vessel, so that the moving velocity is set to one corresponding to the rotating velocity of that input of rotation; a resilient device for resiliently urging the partitioning member in an A2 direction; a communicating hole formed in the partitioning member; and a flow limiting device for limiting the flow of the viscous fluid in the accommodating chamber into the accommodating chamber through the communicating hole when the internal pressure of the viscous fluid accommodated in the accommodating chamber has exceeded a fixed value.
US08366188B2
A release system for a furniture member leg rest assembly extended from an actuation mechanism includes an actuation mechanism, the actuation mechanism having a leg rest assembly movable between a fully retracted and a plurality of extended positions inclusive, including a fully extended position. A pantograph link of the leg rest assembly is rotatably connected to the actuation mechanism. An extension link is rotatably connected to the actuation mechanism and moves in extension and retraction directions. A member is in contact with the extension link and in releasable contact with the pantograph link. The member is in contact with the pantograph link when the member is operating to push the pantograph link outward toward the fully extended position. The member is spatially separable from the pantograph link when an object is contacted by the leg rest assembly during return from any of the extended positions toward the fully retracted position.
US08366179B2
A deflectable component for a motorized vehicle can include a deflectable part formed at least partially from a superelastic and or shape memory material, wherein at least a portion of the deflectable component is moved to a deflected position upon application of a threshold force when moving at or above a predetermined speed, and returning to an undeflected position when moving below the predetermined speed. The deflectable component may comprise a connection link fabricated at least partially from a superelastic and/or shape memory material to tailor the flex point characteristics of a connected surface to a desired response. The deflectable component may improve the performance of motorized vehicles by improving the aerodynamic and fuel efficiency, as well as other beneficial effects.
US08366174B2
A convertible vehicle has a movable top with a sunroof part that is movable with respect to the surrounding top region. The sunroof part has a closed position and an open position, as well as an interference-preventing position and an intermediate position. The top is movable from the top closed position with the sunroof part in the closed position and the top is movable from the top closed position with the sunroof part in the open position.
US08366168B1
A sealing system useful for sealing a slide out room in a recreational vehicle (RVs). The sealing system includes a first bulb seal that is adapted for being affixed to a transverse surface that defines an opening in a sidewall of the RV. A second bulb seal is affixed to a peripheral flange that extends from an end wall of the slide out room. Both of the bulb seals have an hourglass shape. The peripheral flange fits within the opening when the slide out room is in its retraced position and the bulb seals meet in a complementary fashion to form a seal. A wedge seal is included spaced inwardly on the sidewalls of the slide out room and is designed to contact the bulb seal attached to the opening when the room is extended. An internal flange is not required for sealing when the slide out room is extended.
US08366164B2
An animal dragging method for the purpose of dragging or carrying game animal carcasses from one point to another. The method consists of one strap weaved through two holes on each end of a cylinder pipe. This pipe serves as a handle opposite the knotted strap convenient for holstering game animals. The pendulum-looking device allows for simple maneuvering when hooked onto the ankle(s) or neck(s) of a game animal(s). The knotted strap weaved through the cylinder pipe also allows for adjustment; depending on the size of the game animal it can hold up to several game animals.
US08366156B2
A cart has a container body and a lid rotatably affixed to the container body so as to be selectively rotated between an open position and a closed position. A latch has a first end adapted to be rotatably affixed to the lid. A second end is adapted to engage the container body. The first end is connected to the second end by an arched member, the arched member is capable of flexure when a force is applied at a concave surface of the arched member.
US08366146B2
A vehicle seat includes: a seatback frame including an outer side part frame, provided at an outer side in a width direction of a vehicle body, and an inner side part frame, provided at an inner side in the width direction; an outer side load transmission block protruding from the seatback frame towards an outer side in the width direction, and transmitting to the seatback frame, an impact load inputted from a side of the vehicle body; and a protrusion part protruding from a side surface of the outer side part frame towards an outer side in the width direction, wherein the protrusion part is fitted and fixed to a fitting hole provided on the outer side load transmission block.
US08366138B2
Binding for fastening a boot (10) into in exercise appliance, such as into a ski (1), which binding comprises at least a support part (4), a tip part (7) installed in the support part, and a heel loop (8), of which the position of at least one or other in the support part (4) can be changed for adjusting the binding to boots of different sizes, and which heel loop (8) is installed in the support part (4) in a manner that allows turning in relation to it. The invention is implemented so that the support part (4) is hinged at its front end so that the support part is hinged around a horizontal axis, such as a hinge pin (5), which is essentially at a right angle in relation to the ski (1).
US08366129B2
A dual motion vehicle access step that can be deployed by initially rotating it around a pivot joint in response to an operator pushing down on the step to overcome a closing torque and then translating the step away from the vehicle in response to a biasing force. Both of the closing torque and biasing force are provided by a single energy storage device. An interlocking latch is configured to selectively structurally lock-out either the rotating motion or translating motion on an alternating basis.
US08366123B2
The Buggy Jack is used to transport a conventional automobile floor-type hydraulic jack across rough, sandy or otherwise unstable, loose terrain, and rolls it into position below a vehicle that requires inspection, maintenance or repairs even on rough or sandy terrain.
US08366121B2
A chuck includes a body having an engaging groove for releasably receiving a bit. A sleeve is slideably mounted around the body. The body further includes an annular groove in an outer periphery thereof. The annular groove includes a positioning portion having an opening extending into the engaging groove. A positioning member is slideably received in the positioning portion and movable between a disengaged position disengaged from the bit and an engaged position. The positioning member in the engaged position has a portion extending through the opening into the engaging groove to engage with and retain the bit in the engaging groove. A retainer ring is mounted in the annular groove and clamps the positioning member in the engaged position.
US08366117B2
A sealing device which includes an annular exterior sealing member; a reinforcing ring disposed in a housing hole to surround an outer circumference of a rotating shaft and to press a fitting portion of the exterior sealing member against an inner circumference surface of the housing hole; a retainer mounted in the reinforcing ring; an auxiliary sealing member having one end portion that is pinched and retained between the retainer and the reinforcing ring and the other end portion that is pressed against the outer circumference surface of the rotating shaft; and an elastic tongue piece and an engagement portion that are provided between the retainer and the reinforcing ring.
US08366111B2
A method of playing a game that includes a plurality of tiles that are marked with a number, a letter, or a pictorial symbol. Each player aims to replicate a sequence on identical game cards with allocated, swapped, and chosen tiles, using sets within chosen sequence. The method may be implemented by a game kit comprising physical tiles, tile racks, and other physical items. Alternatively the method may be implemented by software and run on a computerized device, which may include a networked computer server and various remote computerized player devices.
US08366101B2
This paper feeder brings the uppermost paper sheet of a plurality of stacked paper sheets into contact with paper feed rollers and feeds out the paper sheet in a paper feeding direction by the drive thereof. Side fences for guiding both side edges of the paper sheet on a paper feeding table are provided with a pair of blowing units for blowing air to both side edges of the paper sheet, whose air quantity can be controlled independently of each other. When skewing occurs, the blowing units are controlled to blow a larger quantity of air to the paper side edge having larger friction against a lower paper sheet as compared with the quantity of air to the other paper side edge. In paper feeding, problems such as skewing, multi-feeding and idle feeding can be addressed.
US08366098B2
A medium storage device that is covered by a dust cover and that stores a recording medium, includes: a guide member that is extendably and retractably provided in the medium storage device and that restricts a position of an edge part of the recording medium; and a lock member that locks the guide member and that releases the lock status of the guide member when the lock member moves in a first direction so as to allow the guide member to extend and retract, wherein the movement of the lock member in the first direction is restricted by the dust cover so that the guide member is stably locked.
US08366097B2
A clutch transmission mechanism of a printing device includes a power input shaft, a power input gear, a gear-shifting arm, a first gear-shifting module and a second gear-shifting module. In the cooperation of these components and modules, the printing device can be operated in a first gear-shifting mode or a second first gear-shifting mode. When the printing device can be operated in a first gear-shifting mode or a second first gear-shifting mode, the clutch transmission mechanism coaxially transmits the driving force. As such, the stability of transmitting the driving force is enhanced.
US08366090B2
A plug portion (27) is projected from a first block (1) so as to be inserted into a insertion hole (5) opened in a second block (2). A support surface (9a) is formed on the first block (1) so as to be brought into contact with a supported surface (2a) formed on the second block (2). In the support surface (9a) is opened a fluid flow hole (59). A gap supporting member (K) acting force upon the second block (2) in such a direction as to separate the second block (2) from the first block (1) so as to form a gap (G1) between the supported surface (2a) and the support surface (9a) is provided on the first block (1). A pull member (21) eliminates the gap (G1) by making the second block (2) approach the first block (1) against the force of the gap supporting member (K) in such a condition that an outer peripheral surface of the plug portion (27) is in close contact with an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole (5) to bring the supported surface (2a) into contact with the support surface (9a).
US08366089B2
A bar clamp includes a handgrip; a fixed jaw carrier; a slide bar comprising two opposite wing members; a moveable jaw carrier and comprising a transverse channel, a trough extending from center of the channel to one end of the channel, a bottom recess, and two opposite stop members in the recess wherein the slide bar passes the channel with the wing members being stopped by the trough in a locked position; and a U-shaped spring-actuated lock assembly in the recess and comprising inverted U-shaped opposite first and second lock members being engaged with the wing members in the locked position, and first and second projections between the lock members and a bottom of the lock assembly and being engaged with the stop members in the locked position. Pushing the locking assembly until being stopped will disengage the lock members from the wing members.
US08366087B2
A jig positioning system for use on a truss assembly table. The puck assembly 108 has a puck 109 positioned at least partially above the table top 105 with the puck 109 connected to a carriage 110 positioned at least partially below the table top. The puck assembly 108 moves along slots 118 in the table top 105. A threaded rod 102 extends through a threaded passageway 103 in the carriage 110, so, when the threaded rod rotates, the puck assembly moves along a corresponding slot in the table. A rod support member 116 extends along the length of the threaded rod 102 and is positioned below the threaded rod 102, the support member 116 contacting the carriage and, thereby, preventing the threaded rod from excessive sagging. A debris path is provided along both sides of the support member 116.
US08366077B2
A jack structure for a clutch contains a main hydraulic cylinder to push a movable arm to move vertically, and a holder including a support rod actuated by an auxiliary hydraulic cylinder of the movable arm to move vertically and horizontally relative to the holder. The main hydraulic cylinder is a single acting hydraulic cylinder, and the auxiliary cylinder is a double acting hydraulic cylinder. The main hydraulic cylinder communicates with an inlet tube of the auxiliary hydraulic cylinder. A valve seat includes a pump hole to draw hydraulic oil via a valve seat cylinder, an inlet connected with the inlet tube, an outlet coupled with an outlet tube of the auxiliary hydraulic cylinder, and a bore connected with an oil tank. A control post is axially connected with the valve seat and includes plural grooves to selectively communicate with the pump hole, the inlet, the outlet, and the bore after rotation.
US08366073B2
To provide a light-weight resin member, for a valve, which has high strength and can be used in a high-temperature atmosphere, and is also excellent in chemical resistance and corrosion resistance.A resin member for a valve, which is produced by molding a molding material having a tensile strength of 80 to 400 MPa at normal temperature, and a resin member for a valve, which is produced by molding a molding material having a tensile strength of 75 to 350 MPa at 120° C. are disclosed. There is also disclosed a resin member for a valve, which is produced by molding a molding material comprising a resin composition containing an epoxy acrylate resin (A) having a hydroxyl value of 60 to 100, a polyisocyanate compound (B) having 0.1 to 1.5 isocyanate groups per one hydroxyl group of the epoxy acrylate resin (A), a curing agent (C) and an internal mold release agent (D), and 20 to 70% by weight of a fiber reinforcing material (E).
US08366065B2
A laser stand for supporting a laser leveling device during construction involving metal studs and leg tracks provides a planar shelf including a first end and a second end, at least one first leg depending from the first end, at least one second leg depending from the second end, and a magnet enclosure mounted to the second leg and including at least one magnet for supporting the leveling device while attached to the metal stud. The shelf is configured for pivotably accommodating the leveling device and the stand is configured for supporting the leveling device when placed over the leg track on a substrate or attached to the metal stud.
US08366064B2
A ball-and-socket joint assembly includes a stationary object, a movable object, and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus has first and second rigid link sections, each link section having an upper socket section and a lower socket section, so that an upper receiving space is defined by the two upper socket sections and a lower receiving space is defined by the two lower socket sections. The assembly further includes an upper coupler having an upper ball that is received for rotation inside the upper receiving space, with the movable object secured to the upper coupler, and a lower coupler having a lower ball that is received for rotation inside the lower receiving space, with the stationary object secured to the lower coupler. A link member secures the link sections together with the upper ball retained inside the upper receiving space, and with the lower ball retained inside the lower receiving space.
US08366060B2
A supporting arm assembly has an upper arm, a lower arm, a display-connecting device and a holding device. The lower arm is pivotally connected to the upper arm. The display-connecting device is mounted on the upper arm and has a pivotal pin, a connecting base, a display mount, an engaging panel and a display holding panel. The pivotal pin is mounted rotatably on the upper arm. The connecting base is connected pivotally to the pivotal pin. The display mount is mounted securely on the connecting base. The engaging panel is mounted in the display mount. The display holding panel is mounted detachably in the display mount and detachably engages the engaging panel by an engagement between at least one engaging protrusion and at least one engaging recess. The holding base is mounted on the lower arm at an end opposite to the upper arm.
US08366028B2
An electrostatic atomizer equipped with an electrostatic atomization pole having superior resistance to migration. The atomizer includes an electrostatic atomization pole, a liquid supply mechanism that supplies the pole with liquid, and a power supply that supplies the pole with high voltage to electrostatically atomize the liquid held on the pole. A coating is formed on the surface of the pole, and the coating is formed of simple metal or alloy, which displays resistance to migration.
US08366027B2
A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. A nozzle is provided for the outflow of material from the reservoir to a metering cup. A control plug is provided within the metering cup to adjust the controlled volume to be received within the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted and the volume of material is directed from the cup, through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser. The control plug is removable from the cup to vary the charge of material to be dispensed.
US08366012B2
An automatic temperature control for a washing machine or the like may adopt in a first embodiment a single triac switched between a hot-water valve and cold-water valve by mechanical switch elements to provide for a range of temperature control via a microprocessor receiving a temperature command input. In a second embodiment two triacs may be used to permit a range of temperature controls to be effected by voltage signals generated by low-voltage low current switches implemented on an integrated circuit board.
US08366007B2
The invention is to solve a problem such that a server application that a secure device has cannot be used by a client application that a different secure device has.A secure device according the invention has an application storage section 202 for storing a client application of an application for performing data processing; an address calculation section 205 for determining whether or not the application storage section 202 has a server application for transferring data to and from the client application; and a referent existence determination section 210, when the address calculation section 205 determines that the application storage section 202 does not have a first server application for transferring data to and from a first client application, for determining whether or not a different secure device has the first server application.
US08365999B2
A security element, particularly for banknotes, security cards and the like, comprising a first substrate which is at least partially opaque when viewed in transmitted light, magnetic areas being deposited on the substrate, the magnetic areas comprising at least two types of magnetic areas which have different coercivity values and whose residual magnetism is identical or different, said different values being adapted to generate at least three mutually different codes.
US08365990B2
Every off-line response card to be registered comprises a card ID identifying the off-line card uniquely. In the registering process the card ID of a first off-line response card is read and a virtual user ID associated with the card ID of the first off-line response card is obtained. Afterwards, the obtained virtual user ID, for example, can be associated with card IDs of any subsequent off-line response card.
US08365989B2
An IC card includes: a card body; a conductive pad for receiving a power and an updating information; an electro-phoretic display located on the card body for displaying an information; and a driving circuit, coupled to the conductive pad and the electro-phoretic display, for receiving the power and the updating information from the conductive pad and driving the electro-phoretic display according to the updating information.
US08365985B1
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine may also include a portal device that is operative to cause the display, card reader and other devices in the machine to operate in response to communications through the portal device.
US08365984B2
Techniques for disparate barcode transaction processing are provided. A first barcode associated with a first service is presented at a self-service device, which is associated with processing a second barcode for a second service; the first barcode is disparate from the second barcode. The self-service device identifies the second barcode as a foreign barcode and consults an external service. The external service identifies a next transaction of an itinerary for a customer associated with the second barcode and communicates that to the self-service device. The self-service device completes the next transaction on behalf of the customer.
US08365982B2
In an illustrative implementation of this invention, a mechanical computer is manufactured without a separate step of assembly. This is achieved by producing parts in a three dimensional pattern (in relation to each other) such that, when this manufacturing is completed, the components are already assembled to form a computer or part of a computer. The second step of assembling the parts into a desired three dimensional pattern is avoided, because the parts, when made, are already arranged in that 3D pattern.
US08365981B1
A device is disclosed for supporting a second pizza in a rectangular pizza box which contains a first pizza, the pizza box having four corner zones. The device comprises a rectangular platform which is shaped and dimensioned to be received by the pizza box. The platform has at least four tabs which are selectively positionable to a support position which is substantially perpendicular to the platform, The tabs are located on the platform so that when the tabs are placed in the support position and the platform is placed inside the pizza box, at least one tab will rest upon each corner zone. In one embodiment, the platform includes four tabs; in another embodiment the platform includes eight tabs; and, in another embodiment the tabs include side tabs which can be folded to create a U-shaped support.
US08365969B2
A mobile carrier includes a generally planar cargo platform. The mobile carrier includes first and second opposed side rails, each side rail having a portion extending outwardly from the cargo platform, the opposed side rails being adjustably coupled to the cargo platform such that multiple distances between the outwardly extending portion of each side rail may be respectively maintained. The mobile carrier includes first and second opposed end rails, each end rail having a portion extending outwardly from the cargo platform, the opposed end rails being adjustably coupled to the cargo platform such that multiple distances between the outwardly extending portion of each end rail may be respectively maintained. The mobile carrier includes a rod. A receiving structure is configured to maintain the rod at multiple respective positions relative to the receiving structure, the rod and the receiving structure being separable from one another.
US08365964B2
A wine pouring spout that aerates the wine pouring therethrough comprises a generally tubular construction with a flow path extending along the axis of the spout. The flow path is provided with a Venturi constriction, and a Venturi intake port delivers ambient air to the low pressure zone of the constriction, as is generally known in the prior art. A closure member is pivotally joined to the spout, with a distal end that rotates to seal the spout outlet, and rotates open as the spout is tipped to a pouring position. A filter is removably secured in the proximal end of the bore in the spout to remove sediment from the wine.
US08365962B2
What is being proposed is a lever spray pump for dispensing a cosmetic liquid. The lever spray pump has a flexible section which can be deformed for the pumping of the liquid. The pump has a manually operable actuation element in order to deform the section for pumping. The pump has an air valve for a container associated with the pump. The air valve is embodied in a single piece with the section and is opened automatically upon deformation of the section or operation of the pump. Preferably, the section is pretensioned in the built-in state with non-actuated pump.
US08365960B1
A beverage container has a lower container section filled with a first liquid. Above the lower container section is an upper container section secured to the lip and groove of the lower section. The upper container section can hold a second different liquid than the first liquid. The upper section defines a mixing channel where openings to both the upper and lower container sections meet to allow the two liquids to mix prior to final dispensation.
US08365953B2
A dispensing tool for dispensing material from a cartridge includes a cartridge holder defining an opening sized to receive the cartridge and including a cartridge rail. The tool further includes a plunger coupled to the cartridge holder such that it is movable axially through the cartridge holder opening, a plunger restraining member coupled to the cartridge holder, a handle coupled to the cartridge rail, and a trigger pivotably coupled to the handle. The handle may be repositionable along the cartridge rail and the plunger restraining member may disengage with the plunger to allow axial movement when the trigger is pivoted relative to the handle.
US08365949B2
A canister for removable attachment to a dispenser is formed as a hollow shell defining a cavity into which wet or dry paper can be fitted and removed from the canister through a dispensing opening therein. The shell is formed with a part-cylindrical shape and has a outwardly projecting rim at its bottom for detachable mounting on the dispenser.
US08365941B2
A hydration bottle is described, including a body having a top neck and a bottom neck disposed at either end of the body, the top neck, the bottom neck, and the body being formed from a continuous mold of material, the top neck and the bottom neck having threads configured to engage thread channels, a top closure having a thread channel disposed about an inner surface of the top closure and configured to engage the threads disposed about the top neck, the top closure also having a nozzle shaft and a nozzle well configured to receive a nozzle, and a bottom closure having another thread channel configured to engage another thread about the bottom neck, the bottom closure having a groove configured to receive a gasket, the groove and the gasket being configured to provide a seal between the bottom closure and the body.
US08365936B2
An electrical enclosure that includes a sidewall, a back and a top, defining an interior. The top of the enclosure is adapted to open and provide access to the interior. The enclosure includes a backplane mounted to the interior of the enclosure. The backplane has an upstanding leg on which in interior swing panel door is hingedly attached.
US08365931B2
The specification discloses a device (10) insertable into a wine bottle (12) after opening, the device (10) being intended to float on the surface (21) of wine remaining in the bottle (12) and minimize deterioration of the remaining wine, said device (10) including a core structure (11) having a thin spring plate (11a) capable of being deformed when the device (10) is inserted into the bottle (12) and capable of recovering its shape once inserted into the bottle (12), the core structure (11) further having at least one floatation means (11b) and said device (10) including a liquid impervious outer sheath (18) having upper and lower walls (14, 15) sealed to one another to retain the core structure (11) therein, the outer sheath (18) being of a material that is non reactive with wine and including a flexible outer peripheral edge zone (42) with cuts or the like (49) formed therein, the outer peripheral edge zone (42) being adapted, in use, to contact the internal surfaces of the wine bottle (12) while floating on wine remaining in the bottle (12).
US08365929B2
A cabinet frame for easy assembly includes an upper frame and a lower frame each constituted of four corner connectors and four transverse capping pieces, and four longitudinal capping pieces connected between four corners of the upper frame and the lower frame, characterized in that: sixteen prismatic rods are used for connecting corner connectors on four corners of the upper frame and the lower frame with the longitudinal capping pieces, the corner connector being provided with protrusions and countersinks, the cross section of each of the transverse capping pieces and the longitudinal capping pieces being formed into a shape, square bores on both ends of the capping pieces being inserted by the protrusions of the corner connectors. The cabinet frame of the present invention is easy for assembly and has a simple structure. The frame constituted by assembling the corner connectors with the prismatic rods has a stable structure and a large load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, since each of the capping pieces has several mounting surfaces, the thus-obtained cabinet frame can be configured as different forms with flexible and changeable internal space, thereby conforming to the demands for products of different standards and dimensions.
US08365926B2
A sliding type tool storage structure includes an open-close switching unit clamped between a first storing element and a second storing element slideable relative to each other. When the first storing element slides relative to the second storing element to change their relative position, stopping portions on the open-close switching unit will open or close tool storing grooves on the respective storing elements. Being a simple structure, the sliding type tool storage structure is easy to carry. Furthermore, since the tool storage structure can be operated simply by sliding of the first and second storing elements, it is very convenient to use.
US08365925B2
The instant invention generally provides a porous filter medium, a porous composite filter medium, a filter assembly, processes of making the same, and processes suitable for filtering contaminants from liquids.
US08365922B2
A classifying device having two or more classifying passages is provided, the classifying device including a first classifying passage to which particle dispersion liquid is fed; plural discharge ports provided in the first classifying passage, the plural discharge ports including a discharge port of coarse particle dispersion liquid and a discharge port of fine particle dispersion liquid; a second classifying passage; and a connecting passage that transports the coarse particle dispersion liquid to the second classifying passage, wherein the discharge port of the coarse particle dispersion liquid is provided in more upstream part of the first classifying passage than the discharge port of the fine particle dispersion liquid.
US08365913B2
A liquid container comprising a bottle extends along a longitudinal axis X between a bottom of the bottle and a neck axially opposite to the bottom of the bottle. The container comprises a protection shell including a hollow body that is elongate along the longitudinal axis X and surrounding the bottle. The hollow body delimits an internal space extending axially from a first opening situated towards the bottom of the bottle to a second opening situated towards the neck. The protection shell also includes a cover blocking the first opening and arranged axially facing the bottom of the bottle. The neck is entirely contained in the space. The cover is fixed to the hollow body by a mechanical link that can be established manually.
US08365908B2
A golf bag has a cord, a bottom frame and a top frame. The bottom frame has a cover and a bottom cuff received therein. The bottom cuff is pivotally mounted to the cover and has a bevel surface, a lever holder and a lever received in the lever holder and tied to the cord. The top frame has a cord guide for guiding and branching the cord and two leg holders tied to two branches of the cord and abut against the cord guide. When the golf bag is tilted, the bevel surface rests on the cover, the cord is dragged down to pull and extend out the two leg holders to stand on the ground. As the cover stay intact when the bottom cuff tilts, the golf bag can stably stand and requires a simplified cord linking design.
US08365878B2
A hydraulic disc brake caliper housing that includes first and second side portions and first and second end portions that cooperate to define a fluid path defined therein that extends between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid path extends from the fluid inlet, through the second side portion, through the first end portion, through the first side portion and to the fluid outlet.
US08365877B2
An abseiling device for braking a load (16) that is suspended on a rope (14) and may be fastened to the abseiling device (10), with which the rope (14) passes through the abseiling device (10) and is frictionally guided along a section (22), at least one portion of the section (22) being guided by a part (25) of the abseiling device (10) that is movable out of an unloaded starting position relative to a housing (12) of the abseiling device; when a load is suspended, the part (25) generates a frictional force that is a function of the weight of the load (16).
US08365866B2
A gearbox including a gear-train including an input and an output and a rotating conduit internally traversing the gear-train is provided. The rotating conduit is configured to receive lubrication fluid from one or more components downstream of the rotating conduit and deliver lubrication fluid to one or more components upstream of the rotating conduit. The components downstream of the rotating conduit rotate at a different speed than components upstream of the rotating conduit.
US08365865B2
The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member.
US08365862B2
Described embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a sound absorption material. The method comprises: forming a low density fibrous web to act as a porous bulk absorber, the fibrous web containing a proportion of bi-component fibers, each bi-component fiber having a core material and a sheath material around the core material, the sheath material having a lower melting point than the core material; applying a thin facing layer to the low density fibrous web, wherein the facing layer is adhesively compatible with the sheath material; heating the fibrous web to a temperature sufficient to soften the sheath material of at least some of the bi-component fibers; and pressing the facing layer and fibrous web together under low pressure such that at least part of the facing layer contacts the softened sheath material of at least some of the bi-component fibers to form an adhesive bond between the facing layer and the fibrous web.
US08365846B2
A front face of a diamond table mounted to a substrate is processed to introduce a material which comingles with or semi-alloys with or partially displaces interstitial catalyst binder in a thermal channel to a desired depth. The material is selected to be less thermally expandable than the catalyst binder and/or more thermally conductive than the catalyst binder and/or having a lower heat capacity than the catalyst binder.
US08365839B2
Device, method and system for substantially simultaneous injection of air or sealant into a borehole resulting from extraction of a sampling assembly from a formation. An auxiliary conduit is attached along a sampling tube. Fluids, including a slurry or compressed air, are injected into the borehole as the sampling assembly is extracted. Injection of compressed air reduces or removes the suction of the vacuum forming below the retracting assembly. Introduction of a bentonite slurry seals the borehole that is opening as the sampling assembly withdraws. Fluids containing disinfectants or nutrients may be injected into the borehole as the assembly withdraws. Fluid flow of the auxiliary conduit may be used to activate a cut and cap mechanism for containing the sampled core. The auxiliary conduit is formed not to interfere with the insertion of sampling tube into the formation and is outfitted with mechanisms that keep the conduit closed during descent.
US08365835B2
A downhole tool actuator includes, an inflatable member, a first portion on an uphole end of the inflatable member that is attachable to a first structure of a downhole tool, and a second portion on a downhole end of the inflatable member that is attachable to a second structure of the downhole tool. The actuator configured so that the second structure is movable relative to the first structure in response to movement of the second portion relative to the first portion in response to inflation of the inflatable member.
US08365822B2
A logging tool, system and method for logging a wellbore are presented. The logging tool preferably includes at least two arm sets that are positionable on a downhole tool deployable into the wellbore. The two arm sets preferably include a first arm set, a second arm set, and an overlap tool body. The first arm set has at least two azimuthally spaced first arm systems with a sensor pad coupled to two arms. The two arms have an upper connection and a lower connection on a tool body of the downhole tool. The second arm set has at least two azimuthally spaced second arm systems with a sensor pad coupled to two arms. The two arms have an upper connection and a lower connection on the tool body, and wherein the upper connection of the second arm set are longitudinally overlapped between the lower connections of the first arm set. The overlap tool body portion for coupling the upper connection of the second arm set and the lower connections of the first arm set to the downhole tool.
US08365821B2
In one aspect of the present invention, a system for a downhole string comprises a fluid path defined by a bore formed within a tubular component. A reciprocating valve is located within a wall of the bore hydraulically connecting the bore with a fluid passage. The valve comprises a substantially cylindrical shaped housing. First and second ports are disposed on a circumference of the housing, and a fluid pathway is disposed intermediate the first and second ports. The valve comprises an axially slidable spool disposed within and coaxial with the housing and comprises a blocker. The blocker is configured to slide axially so to block and unblock the fluid pathway to control a flow from the bore to the fluid passage. The valve comprises a plurality of seals. Each seal is disposed opposite of the blocker causing pressure to be equally applied to the blocker and the plurality of seals.
US08365816B2
A method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT system comprising a first carrier with a reel of CT and a CT injector, a second carrier comprising a top drive rig having a mast, and a lifter operative to move the CT injector from the first carrier to an operative or near operative position with respect to the mast on the second carrier.
US08365814B2
A perforating system, comprising a perforating gun with shaped charges, and a pre-detonation orientation apparatus and method. The pre-detonation orientation device comprises an orientation device in communication with the firing means of the perforating gun. Detonation of the shaped charges can be contingent upon the perforating gun orientation.
US08365809B2
An integrated heat exchanger has a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger has a first bracket and a second bracket on header parts thereof, respectively. The first bracket and the second bracket are connected to header parts of the second heat exchanger with a first bolt and a second bolt, respectively, for integrating the first heat exchanger with the second heat exchanger. The header parts of the second heat exchanger are provided with a first bolt-receiving portion and a second bolt-receiving portions for receiving the first bolt and the second bolt therein, respectively. The first bolt-receiving portion and the second bolt-receiving portion define a first axis and a second axis, respectively. The first axis and the second axis are nonparallel to each other. Thus, the first bolt and the second bolt are disposed nonparallel to each other.
US08365808B1
Steam exhaust ports are located around a perimeter of a direct chill casting pit, at various locations from below the top of the pit to the pit bottom to rapidly remove steam from the casting pit with addition of dry excess air. Gas introduction ports are also located around a perimeter of the casting pit and configured to introduce an inert gas into the casting pit interior.
US08365806B2
A method and a device for producing a metal strip by continuous casting and rolling, in which a thin slab is initially cast into a casting machine, and is subsequently rolled in at least one rolling train using primary heat from the casting cycle. The cast thin slab is passed between the casting machine and the at least one rolling train and at least one holding oven as well as at least one induction oven. The holding oven and the induction oven are activated or deactivated according to a selected mode of operation, that is, a first mode of operation for the continuous production of the metal strip and a second mode of operation for the discontinuous production of the metal strip.
US08365805B2
A spline apparatus is provided which includes a spline section and a spline channel cover section. The spline apparatus includes an intermediate section that is intermediate and joined to the spline section and a spline channel cover section. A frame member is also provided that can be used with the aforesaid spline apparatus. A center divider is also provided which can be used with the aforesaid frame member and spline apparatus to form a complete main frame assembly that can retain a screen insert and/or glazed insert. An “R” channel member is also provided for use with the aforesaid frame member.
US08365794B2
An inflation work station for inflating a tire-wheel assembly including a tire mounted to a wheel is disclosed. The inflation work station includes a working device having an end effecter. The end effecter includes a wheel-engaging plunger member, a retaining apparatus connected to the wheel-engaging plunger member, and an inflation apparatus connected to the wheel-engaging plunger member. The retaining apparatus includes at least one tire-engaging portion extending from a retaining apparatus base member. The inflation apparatus includes at least one inflation probe extending from an inflation apparatus base member. A method for operating an inflation work station is also disclosed.
US08365790B2
The invention can perform building in a process for building a carcass band or a belt/tread band of a tire, in which two drum transfer support bases (10) supporting building drums (D1) are alternately shifted to first and second transfer sections (11), (12), in which predetermined building positions are set, and a rotational transfer device (A) for rotational transfer of the drum transfer support bases (10) is mounted between the first transfer section (11) and the second transfer section (12).
US08365777B2
A method an apparatus for filling a vessel with compressed gas is disclosed. Gas is compressed into the vessel at a predetermined flow rate using a variable speed pump or compressor. The flow rate is adjusted to increase the gas pressure at a predetermined rate of change. The flow rate is adjusted based upon the instantaneous value of a measured parameter such as gas temperature or pressure or ambient temperature. The parameter is measured by a transducer and the value is fed back to a controller which adjusts the speed of the compressor or pump to produce the flow rate needed to achieve the predetermined pressure rate of change.
US08365768B2
A fluidic device unit structure in which a plurality of fluidic devices are integrated and which is effective in reducing a footprint is provided. With a fluidic device unit structure in which a plurality of fluidic devices that are connected by channels are integrated in a base member 10 in parallel, the base member 10, which has a plurality of mounting surfaces 11 on which pure-water opening and closing valves 5 are mounted, includes a pure-water circulation supply line 2 that passes through the base member 10 and that is connected in parallel to the pure-water opening and closing valves 5 via pure-water branch channels 4.
US08365767B2
An electronic user interface for use with a water delivery device, such as a faucet.
US08365766B2
An observation valve structure includes an inlet pipe joint. The inlet pipe joint has an outer threaded section at an inner end thereof, an annular guide groove in the inlet pipe joint, and guide holes at the inner end thereof. The annular guide groove communicates with the guide holes. The inlet pipe joint has a stop trough at the inner end thereof for insertion of an annular gasket. A holder is provided on top of the connector body. The holder has two threaded holes at two sides thereof close to the inlet end of the connector body. A plate is positioned on the holder by two screws which are screwed in the threaded holes. The plate has a top surface with characters which are perpendicular to each other, a position hole disposed close to the middle character, and two apertures disposed at an outer side of the other two characters for insertion of the two screws. The handle has an indication plate. The indication plate has a positioning bead hole for insertion of a positioning bead. Through the right side or the left side of the indication plate limited by the screws or the positioning bead slid into the positioning bead hole and stopped, the handle cooperates with the characters of the plate to control rotation of the ball shutter. Two opposing sides of the ball shutter are airtight through two uniform annular gaskets which can be replaced with ease. The present invention can limit and position the handle and enhance side water flow.
US08365762B1
A control system for transferring fluid between a fluid supply and a process. The control system includes a transfer controller, which outputs a transfer signal that corresponds to a time varying fluid transfer rate, and plural valves that are plumbed in parallel for connection between the fluid supply and the process. Each valve has a corresponding input to receive an actuation signal that enables a closed state or an open state. The system also includes plural means for limiting the rate of fluid flow corresponding to the plural valves, and a valve drive that is coupled to the corresponding inputs of the plural valves, which operates to generate a sequences of valve actuation signals that result in a combined fluid flow rate through the plural valves selected to track the time varying fluid transfer rate defined by a modulated transfer signal within a margin of error. A transfer sensor is engaged to output a feedback signal that is related to the actual time varying transfer of fluid with the process, and a feedback modulator is coupled to modulate the transfer signal with the feedback signal to produce the modulated transfer signal.
US08365760B2
A slide valve for blocking a line conveying media includes a housing having a passage opening and a slider plate moveable within the housing at right angles to the passage opening. The slider plate can be displaced from an open position into a closed position blocking the passage opening tightly by a drive mechanism. A lateral seal is disposed in a respective groove in the housing above the passage opening on both sides of the slider plate at right angles to its direction of displacement. The inside and outside of the housing and the slider plate are provided with at least one layer forming a temperature barrier, and the lateral seal includes a high temperature-resistant layer or sealing compound. The risk of a leak into the atmosphere and/or in the passage during a fire or during extinguishing efforts is thus substantially reduced.
US08365756B2
A valve body and a float body are coupled so that the valve body is allowed to move in a direction along a central axis of movement of the float body, and the seated valve body is unseated when the float body descends. On a central axis side of the movement of the float body, a pair of guide members is provided, and when the valve body tilts, the valve body and the float body contact each other on a lower side of a tilt of the valve body and the float body ascends, so that the guide members correct the tilt. Also, when the float body ascends, the float body and the valve body do not contact each other in a rest of a portion.
US08365752B1
An enclosure intended to provide privacy and protection when tanning outdoors is herein disclosed, utilizing a lightweight frame. All sides are covered with a screen material and feature opaque panels that can be rolled up to allow for air flow or let down to provide privacy. The screen material provides for protection against insects as well. The roof of the enclosure is made of clear plastic through which the transmission of ultraviolet rays is still possible, thus allowing for tanning. Entrance into the enclosure is provided through a zippered opening at each end. The enclosure can be easily disassembled for ease of transportation or storage when not in use.
US08365749B2
A hunting blind is made of lightweight material allowing the hunting blind to be collapsed and folded or rolled into a compact configuration. The compact configuration allows the easy storage and transportation of the hunting blind. The hunting blind may easily be carried by one person to any desired location and temporarily set up. In this manner, the hunter can place the blind anywhere, rather than building a blind of more permanent material, such as wood, but then being restricted to the one location where the blind is built. Cords attached to two sides of the blind create tension in the blind, causing flexible rods at the top of the side to bend into an arcuate shape. The rods then create an arched roof, providing increased head room in the blind and preventing accumulation of debris and rain water on the roof.
US08365748B2
A cushioning device for umbrella includes a first gear, a plate spring, a bolt, and a second gear collectively arranged in a hollow chamber defined between a side cover and a casing. The umbrella has a central post to which an axially-extending toothed rack is mounted. The side cover and the casing of the cushioning device are mounted to the runner of the umbrella to have the second gear mating the rack of the central post. The first gear and the second gear of the cushioning device mate each other. The first gear has a surface to which the plate spring and the bolt are mounted. Rotating the bolt to different extents of tightness makes the plate spring apply different depression forces to the first gear, which changes the frictional resistance between the first gear and the casing. The frictional resistance is transmitted through the second gear and the rack to the central post to form a cushioning resistance between the central post and the runner, making the opening operation of the umbrella gentle and safe.
US08365746B2
A safely operable handle device for an automatic foldable umbrella includes a grip shell coupled with a telescopic central shaft unit, a retained block releasably blocked to hold the umbrella in an opened state, a reel member rotatably mounted in the grip shell and biased to reel in a force transmission cord to restrict extending movement of the central shaft unit, a pawl member movable to engage or disengage from a ratchet tooth of the reel member, and a force-transmitting mechanism urged to move from a lower position to an upper position, and having a camming surface mated with a cammed surface of the pawl member to move the pawl member to engage the ratchet tooth so as to prevent undesirable unfolding of the central shaft unit as a result of accidental slip-off during folding.
US08365731B2
A pressure reducing valve for use in a system adapted to deliver a breathing gas to a patient. The pressure reducing valve is structured to communicate a flow of breathing gas to such a patient's airway during an inspiratory phase. The pressure reducing valve is structured to discharge the flow of breathing gas and a flow of exhaled gas to atmosphere during the expiratory phase. The flow of breathing gas and flow of exhaled gas are discharged to atmosphere through a number of exhaust ports. Because the flow of breathing gas and flow of exhalation gas are discharged through the exhaust ports, less effort is required by a patient during the expiratory phase.
US08365729B2
A CPAP apparatus is provided that determines the presence of a snore by the simplified method of using filtered expiratory noise as the measure of intrinsic device noise and comparing that to filtered inspiratory noise. The filtering time constants for inspiratory and expiratory noise are adjusted such that treatment pressure does not cause false snore detection.
US08365722B2
A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch comprises of multiple thin layers of materials and which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange includes a filter, a protective outer layer and an inner hydrocolloid layer. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma.
US08365717B1
An accessory for a barbecue includes a plurality of frames which are arranged in vertically spaced apart relationship and form an array having an outer perimeter and a central cavity. The array is placed on the solid fuel support of the barbecue, and solid fuel such as charcoal is placed around the outer perimeter of the array. The accessory has a base upon which a container is placed to collect juices from the cooking food.
US08365709B2
A reverse rotation preventive device wherein an engine can be restarted without once stopping the vehicle even in the case where a reverse rotation preventive function is operated in response to momentary locking of a rear wheel. A plurality of reluctors are arranged at regular intervals, exclusive of a toothless part at one location with a crank pulse rotor rotated synchronously with a crankshaft of the engine, and a first and second pulse generators each of which outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the interval of the reluctors. Reverse rotation preventive means inhibits ignition of a spark plug by operating the reverse rotation preventive function when the interpulse time of the pulse signal exceeds a predetermined time and cancels the inhibition of the ignition when it is detected that a crankshaft is in normal rotation after the ignition is inhibited by the operation of the reverse rotation preventive function.
US08365704B2
In a method or a device for forming an electric control signal for an injection impulse of a position-controlled fuel injector, particularly of a common-rail or pump-nozzle injection system, the course of the electric control signal can be selected freely in regard to the pulse edges (injection rate changes Q), the holding period (Δt) and the injection rate (Q). This offers the advantage that the combustion process can be better optimized with respect to low emissions, low consumption and for meeting tightened legal regulations.
US08365702B2
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1), in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one cylinder (3) that defines a combustion chamber (4) and in which a piston (5) can be adjusted with regard to stroke. Each cylinder (3) comprises at least one intake opening (6) for a fresh mixture. Each intake opening (6) is associated with an intake valve (7) that works together with an associated valve seat (8) in order to control the intake opening (6). At least one such intake opening (6) is provided with a guide mask (9) that laterally encloses the respective valve seat (8) on a side that is opposite the respective combustion chamber (4) along a delimited circumferential section. Each intake opening (6) is associated with an intake canal (10). In order to improve the operation of the internal combustion engine (1), at least one intake canal (10) leading to a masked intake opening (6) is associated with an additional valve (11) for controlling the intake canal (10).
US08365701B1
A method of operating a multi-cylinder compression ignition engine having at least one cylinder acting as a compression cylinder and at least one cylinder action as a combustion cylinder. The method comprise compressing air in the compression cylinder, and in the combustion cylinder, opening and then closing an exhaust valve during an exhaust stroke to trap some exhaust gas, during a compression stoke immediately following the exhaust stroke, injecting a controlled amount of fuel into the combustion chamber to obtain compression ignition at or near a top dead center piston position without reaching combustion temperatures at which NOX is formed, and injecting compressed air and fuel during a power stroke immediately following the compression stroke to sustain combustion to burn the fuel with an equivalence ratio within a predetermined range around unity. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08365698B2
An improved internal combustion engine of the four-stroke variable volume type operates by refraining from introducing substantial fuel into the working medium during the compression stroke until substantially maximum pressure of the working medium has been reached and utilizing at least one of the following processes: (a) causing combustion of fuel under substantially constant volume conditions; and (b) causing the power stroke to provide a larger volume to combustion products than the compression stroke provides to the working medium. Related methods are also provided.
US08365694B2
A spark plug comprised of a spark plug main body and a cylindrical pressing member used for mounting the spark plug main body on an internal-combustion engine. The spark plug main body includes a cylindrical metal shell. A removing-tool engagement portion is formed on an outer circumferential face of the metal shell at a front end side of a caulking portion. The removing-tool engagement portion is used for engaging with a tool, when removing the spark plug main body from a plug hole of an internal-combustion engine.
US08365692B2
A valve drive assembly cooperable with gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine having a cam shaft and at least one came support rotatably fixed and axially displaceable on the cam shaft and having at least two cam profiles selectively engageable with a roller provided on a follower engageable with a valve comprising a cam support having a cylindrical surface disposed coaxially with a cam shaft, provided with a pair of oppositely inclined, spiral grooves; and means selectively insertable into the grooves, coacting with side walls of such grooves as the cam shaft rotates to effect axial displacement of the cam support.
US08365689B2
The invention relates to an arrangement including an internal combustion engine ignition device having a spark plug and a spark plug seat (in which the spark plug can be fastened in a fastening zone), and a cylinder head in which the spark plug is or can be mounted via the spark plug seat. The cylinder head has a cylinder head cooling cavity. The spark plug seat includes a temperature control medium chamber which is separate from the cylinder head cooling cavity and has a cooling medium feed line and a cooling medium discharge line. The temperature control medium chamber and the cylinder head cooling cavity are connected to separate medium temperature control devices and form separate medium systems.
US08365686B2
A malfunction detection device for a hot water supplier has a tank temperature detection thermistor for detecting a hot water temperature of a hot water storage tank and is configured such that when the detected hot water temperature of the hot water storage tank is a reference temperature or higher, a relay provided at a tank printed circuit board stops power supply from a tank unit to a heat pump unit. A heat pump shutdown command is a standby power saving command for saving a standby power of the heat pump unit.
US08365674B2
An intermodal transportation system having interconnected railcars adapted for transporting interconnected freight trailers where the freight trailers remain connected while being transported on the railcars. Individual trailers are assembled into trailer assemblies at an assembly area. Trailers containing freight are assembled into trailer assembles using specialized dollies. A preferred embodiment includes using a self-powered dolly having tires and mounting a fifth-wheel pickup plate and a ring coupler for engaging the kingpin of a trailer. Multiple dolly-trailer assemblies are connected together to form a trailer assembly. A self-powered movable ramp is positioned at an end of the railcar assembly and a tractor pulls the trailer assembly onto a railcar assembly by driving up a self-powered movable ramp and across the top of the railcars.
US08365670B2
A dual mode grenade (2) is selectively operational in lethal and non-lethal modes. The grenade (2) contains a hard back (10) containing fuse/safing assembly (14), and the central explosive charge (12) surrounded respectively by non-lethal (N-L) projectiles (8), N-L case (6), and the removable lethal fragmentation shell (4). The grenade operates in lethal fragmentation mode when all its components are present and the fragmentation shell bursts into plurality of lethal projectiles (18). The N-L operation of the grenade is effected by the removal of the fragmentation shell (4) whereby N-L projectiles are allowed to eject outwards in response to the bursting of explosive charge (12).
US08365669B1
A cartridge for non-lethal applications comprises a posterior portion 1 which extends axially to provide a cylindrical casing. An anterior portion comprises of a nose portion 2 with a centrally located recess 8 for receiving a projectile, and an axially extending piston 3 which is slidably engaged in the chamber defined by the cylindrical casing 1. A posterior primer 4 is located to the end of the posterior portion which is most distal to the nose portion 2. An anterior primer 5 sits just behind the recess 8 of the nose portion 2. A plastic striker is located in the chamber defined by the cylindrical casing 1 and comprises of a sealing flange portion 6 and striking nose portion 7. The striking nose portion 7 locates snugly but slidably in a second chamber provided axially within the piston 3. In use, the posterior primer 4 releases gaseous product which drives the striker 7 against the anterior primer 5 while simultaneously causing telescopic extension of the cartridge which in turn results in recycling of a host firearm.
US08365664B2
An impulse cartridge having multiple charges that are independently activatable. The impulse cartridge is further voltage polarity independent through the use of diodes. The polarity independence provides increased reliability.
US08365663B2
A method of forming ink patterns and an apparatus for printing ink patterns capable of reducing the amount of wasted ink and enhancing the printing and positional precision of the shape of ink patterns on a member to be printed, are described herein. The method includes providing a first printing member including first concave portions formed by engraving patterns larger than final ink patterns, that are to be printed on a member, on the first printing member; filling the first concave portions of the first printing member with ink; transferring the ink filling the first concave portions of the first printing member onto a blanket cylinder to form intermediate ink patterns; providing a second printing member including second concave portions formed by engraving patterns equal in size to the final ink patterns that are to be printed on the member, on the second printing member; closely attaching the blanket cylinder having the intermediate patterns to the second printing member to remove ink on portions of the blanket cylinder that contact convex portions of the second printing member, from the blanket cylinder; and printing ink that remains on the blanket cylinder, on the member to form the final ink patterns.
US08365662B2
A system for engraving flexographic printing plates, is presented. A flexographic plate (104) is mounted on an imaging drum 404. Printable areas (204, 304) on the flexographic plate are engraved by an imaging source (408) configured to engrave fine detail information. Non-printable areas (208) are engraved on the flexographic plate by a second imaging source (412, coarse imaging source) capable to engrave substantially deeper (208, 520) than the depth of engraving used for the printable areas. Synchronizing (424) between the fine imaging source and the coarse imaging source, by directing the fine and coarse sources operate simultaneously, whereby the fine source images on the printable areas and the coarse source images the non-printable areas. In addition the fine source engraves the printable data areas (704) and non-printable support areas (708) underneath the printable areas. The non-printable support areas are engraved to be substantially wider than the printable data areas.
US08365658B2
A method is provided for ornamenting a container, a mandrel, drum, apparatus used for the method, in which the number of manufacturing processes and the manufacturing cost are reduced, and scratches are prevented in the inner and outer surface of the container. The ornamenting method of a container includes a process to perform underprinting, a process to perform outer surface printing, and a process to perform embossing on the surface of the container held by a holder in a manufacturing line. It is preferable that the outer surface printing process and the embossing process are simultaneously or successively performed.
US08365653B2
A pump has an axial drive shaft with a cam fence that extends radially outwardly from an axis of the drive shaft. The cam fence axially displaces, in respective cylinders, each of a plurality of elongate pistons arranged in parallel to and around the axis and angularly spaced apart from each other. The axial position of an outer margin of the cam fence varies as a function of its radial angle with the axis. In one part of the operation of the pump, a piston is withdrawn to uncover a radial inlet port to draw fluid into the cylinder from an internal reservoir volume formed in the drive shaft. In a second part of the operation, the drive shaft is further rotated to open a cylinder end port by means of a rotary valve and closing the side port of the cylinder with a portion of the drive shaft body. In a third part of the operation, the piston is advanced to push fluid out of the cylinder end port into an output chamber. The pump is double-ended such that opposed ends of any piston are drawing in fluid, and pushing out fluid, at the same time.
US08365651B2
A piston-type accumulator has: a) an accumulator housing in the form of a cylinder tube (1) made of magnetizable material, which defines an axial direction of the housing; b) a piston (3), which can be axially displaced over a stroke path inside the cylinder tube (1) and which forms a moving separating element that, inside the accumulator housing, separates two working spaces (7 and 9) from one another; c) a magnet arrangement (29, 31, 35), placed on the piston (3) and generating a field on the wall of the cylinder tube (1), and; d) a magnetic field sensor device located on the exterior of the cylinder tube (1) and having at least one Hall sensor (51). The Hall sensor is mounted on the exterior of the cylinder tube (1) and responds to the field generated by the magnet arrangement (29, 31, 35) on the piston (3) to determine the position of the piston (3) along the stroke path.
US08365645B2
A dicing element assembly comprises a dicing element having multiple elements defining multiple openings through which food may pass and a management tool having multiple projections sized to be received by the dicing openings, with at least some of the projections having a coupling element for releasably coupling the dicing elements when the projections are received within the dicing openings. When the projections are received within the dicing openings, the coupling element couples with the dicing element and a user may move the dicing element by moving the management tool without touching the dicing element.
US08365644B2
There is provided a replaceable drywall saw blade capable of reciprocating in-line when mounted to a hand held reciprocating power saw. The blade includes a generally planar body member having a generally linear top edge and a generally parallel opposed bottom edge. The blade further includes a generally linear upper piercing edge angularly offset downwardly from the top edge. The blade additionally includes a generally linear lower piercing edge angularly offset upwardly from the bottom edge. The upper piercing edge and lower piercing edge intersect to form a forward point on said blade. A mounting aperture is also formed on the blade for releasably securing the blade to the hand held reciprocating power saw.
US08365643B2
A band saw machine which has an endless band saw blade hung around a driving wheel and a driven wheel rotatably supported by a saw blade housing that is capable of moving vertically. The band saw machine also includes a pair of guide posts for vertically guiding the saw blade housing between the driving wheel and the driven wheel, wherein an upper traveling part of the band saw blade is disposed at one side of the front and rear sides of the guide posts, and a lower traveling part of the band saw blade is disposed at the other side of the front and rear sides of the guide posts.
US08365641B2
A torque wrench comprising a shaft, a shaft cam configured to rotate with the shaft around the longitudinal axis, a groove defined in the shaft cam, a ramp positioned within the groove at a position below the groove upper surface, an outer cam comprising an engaging member configured to selectively contact a ramp upper surface or groove upper surface. The wrench also comprises a spring to apply a downward force on the outer cam and a void defined in the groove between the ramp and a side wall of the groove to allow the engaging member to escape the groove when not contrained by the ramp.
US08365636B2
A transaxle for a working vehicle including a housing, an integrated hydrostatic transmission (IHT) disposed within the housing, and a bi-directional overrunning clutch disposed within the housing and coupled to an output shaft of the IHT. The bi-directional overrunning clutch includes an input gear having a central opening, a roller assembly disposed within the central opening of the input gear, a plurality of rollers for selective engagement with the input gear, and a pair of hubs. Each hub is disposed at least partially within the roller assembly. The transaxle further includes a pair of clutch covers. Each clutch cover is disposed at either end of the roller assembly and each clutch cover is coupled directly to the roller assembly. The bi-directional overrunning clutch further includes a pair of friction members. Each friction member is disposed between one of the hubs and respective clutch cover. The transaxle also includes a pair of shaft segments of a primary drive axle.
US08365632B2
A Cartesian coordinate robot includes a first transmission mechanism slidably connected to a second transmission mechanism, a third transmission mechanism slidably connected to the second transmission mechanism. The first transmission mechanism includes a first guide rail, a first slider slidably connected to the first guide rail, and a first driving module driving the first slider. The second transmission mechanism includes a second guide rail perpendicular to the first guide rail, a second slider slidably connected to the second guide rail, and a second driving module driving the second slider. The third transmission mechanism includes a third guide rail perpendicular to the first guide rail and the second rail, a third slider slidably connected to the third guide rail, and a third driving module driving the third slider.
US08365623B2
A dual-clutch transmission with two clutches (K1, K2) whose input sides are connected to a drive input shaft (w_an) and whose output sides are respectively connected to one of two transmission input shafts (w_K1, w_K2) arranged coaxially with one another. Idler gearwheels (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06) are mounted to rotate on at least two countershafts (w_vorgelege1, w_vorgelege2) while fixed gearwheels (09, 10, 11) are rotationally fixedly connected on the two transmission input shafts (w_K1, w_K2). A plurality of coupling devices (A-B, C, D-E, D, E-F, F) connect the idler gearwheels (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06) of the two countershafts (w_vorgelege1, w_vorgelege2) with a respective drive output gearwheel (07, 08) fixed on each of the two countershafts (w_vorgelege1, w_vorgelege2). At least one shifting element (G) couples the two transmission input shafts (w_K1, w_K2) such that at least six shift-under-load forward gears (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and at least one reverse gear (RA1, R1) can be engaged. The transmission has three wheel planes (01-04; 02-05; 03-06) or four wheel planes (01-04, 01-09; 02-05, 02-04; 03-11, 03-05; 12-06) arranged in such manner that at least one shift-under-load winding gear can be engaged by the shifting element (G).
US08365617B2
An in situ sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Embodiments of the present invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element. A device of the present invention provides for substantially contemporaneous sample capture and sample processing.
US08365615B2
In a piezoelectric vibration type force sensor according to the present invention, vibration is restricted by a friction force between a piezoelectric body and a restricting member, and hence a range of sensing forces can be expanded compared with a case in which the vibration is restricted directly from a direction that is the same as an vibration direction. A conventional structure, in which a lead wire is soldered directly for electrically connecting the piezoelectric body to an external control circuit, causes a restriction of the vibration due to a solder attached to the piezoelectric body, resulting in narrowing the sensing range. Using the piezoelectric vibration type force sensor, the range of sensing forces can be expanded by making a state in which conducting portions of the piezoelectric body and the restricting member are not fixed but contact with each other for keeping electric conductivity.
US08365612B2
An electromagnetic flowmeter comprises an exiting coil, and a signal electrode having an electrode section, an axis portion, a first member which has elasticity, a second member which is harder than the first member, and a ring shape dividing wall which is harder than the second member, wherein the first and second members and the ring shape dividing wall are inserted between a rear face of the electrode section and an inner circumference face of the measuring pipe, the axis portion is projected to an outer circumference face of the measuring pipe through a through hole, and a fastening member is fastened to the axis portion which projects to the outer circumference face of the measuring pipe so that the first member is sandwiched between the rear face of the electrode section and the inner circumference face of the measuring pipe so as to be elastically deformed.
US08365605B2
Methods and systems for measuring pressure through a jointless pressure sensor port are disclosed, including permitting a substance to pass into a jointless pressure sensor port comprising an aperture, a channel, and a diaphragm having a larger area than the area of the aperture, allowing the substance to come into contact with the diaphragm resulting in a mechanical stress on the diaphragm, and measuring the mechanical stress to generate a signal indicative of the substance pressure.
US08365601B2
A high-precision corrosion monitoring sensor assembly is provided for permanent mounting on a vessel to measure wall thickness of the vessel. The assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer and a delay line, which are bonded to the vessel wall a first location. The assembly is further bonded to the vessel by an adjustable fixture. The assembly includes a cross-member attached to the ultrasonic transducer, having a pivot pin at each distal end. The pivot pins are attached to a first tower and a second tower, which bond to the outer vessel wall at a second location and a third location. The position of the first and second towers can be adjusted with respect to angle and placement about the pivot pins. Fasteners are attached to the pivot pins and can be tightened to make rigid the fixture, thereby allowing configuration of the assembly for use on flat surfaces and small-diameter pipes.
US08365590B2
A terminal encapsulated tire monitoring device electrically connectable with at least one contact of a read-write tool is disclosed to include a housing, a sensor unit mounted in the housing and consisting of a circuit board and a plurality of terminal connection portions, a plurality of conducting terminals partially embedded in the housing each having a first contact end electrically connectable by one contact of the read-write tool and a second contact end electrically connected to one terminal connection portion of the sensor unit.
US08365577B2
A measuring sensor (1) for the selective determination of oil mist or aerosols makes possible gas analysis in the ambient air. The measuring sensor (1) is inserted into an adapter housing (11), and a vacuum, by which ambient air is drawn in via the gas inlet duct (8) of the measuring sensor (1), is generated in the adapter housing (11) by means of a gas delivery pump (15).
US08365567B2
The object is to eliminate the difference in offset of work rolls at the upper and lower and left and right of the rolling mill occurring in the kiss roll state of the zero point adjustment work before rolling or during rolling and eliminate the problem of warping of the flat products or meander or camber due to the thrust force acting between the work rolls and backup rolls.For this, there are provided a rolling mill for flat products having a pair of upper and lower work rolls driven by electric motors, a pair of upper and lower backup rolls contacting the work rolls and supporting the rolling reaction force applied to the work rolls, and devices for applying substantially horizontal direction external forces to the upper and lower work rolls, the rolling mill for flat products characterized in that a direction of horizontal direction external forces applied to the work rolls is the same direction as the horizontal direction force component of the rolling reaction force applied to the work rolls due to the rolling direction offset and in that the horizontal direction external forces applied to the work rolls are supported by rolling mill housing project blocks or work roll chock support members, and a rolling method for flat products using the same.
US08365562B2
Apparatus and method of controlling strip geometry in casting strip having a rolling mill. A target thickness profile is calculated as a function of the measured entry thickness profile of the strip while satisfying profile and flatness parameters. A differential strain feedback from longitudinal strain in the strip is calculated by a control system by comparing the exit thickness profile with the target thickness profile, and a control signal is generated to control a device capable of affecting the geometry of the strip processed by the hot rolling mill. A feed-forward control reference and/or sensitivity vector may also be calculated as a function of the target thickness profile, and used in generating the control signal sent to the control device. The control device may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of a bending controller, gap controller and coolant controller.
US08365560B2
A key mechanism that makes it possible to fix the key inside the cylinder bolt lock outphased from the original combination, thereby preventing the cylinder of the bolt lock from turning. The security of the key mechanism is also enhanced as a cylinder tumbler engages within a slot of the key blade and the key cannot then be expelled from the cylinder bolt lock. Therefore, it is impossible to insert another key or picklock from the other side of the cylinder bolt lock.
US08365558B2
Handcuffs made up of a half-bracelet (21), a second half-bracelet (11), at least one casing (1) with a mean of locking (22, 41, 5, 7) and unlocking (4, 5, 9). The second half-bracelet (11) being interdependent (or not) from the casing of the handcuffs. A main characteristic being that the first half-bracelet pivots around an axis (100) located within the casing. The handcuff has a mean of control (3, 6, 200, 24) the first half-bracelet can move around its axis in order to allow a frontal gripping of the hand (or leg) to be blocked.
US08365557B2
The method comprises the phases of: knitting at least one part (5 A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion of the two cylinders of a double-cylinder machine; —knitting the leg pieces (9 A, 9B) with a continuous rotational motion of the two cylinders (11, 13), a first leg piece being knitted by a first of said cylinders and a second leg piece being knitted by a second of said cylinders. It is provided for an arc of needles (C) to be maintained temporarily inactive on each of said two cylinders while knitting said at least one part (5 A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion. Furthermore, it is provided that the temporarily inactive needles are set to work at the end of the knitting of said at least one part (5 A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion, thus forming an interknitting line (CC) for joining the two leg pieces (9 A, 9B), then continuing the knitting with continuous rotary motion with all the needles (15) of both the cylinders (11, 13).
US08365547B2
A machine (10) for the preparation and distribution of cold food products that is used in the production of soft ice-cream, that has a cylindrical chamber (12) equipped at one end with an inlet mouth (14) for a liquid food mixture and at an opposite end with an extraction tap (18) for the distribution of the cold food product through at least one distribution nozzle (36), wherein said cylindrical chamber (12) is enveloped by an evaporation chamber (20) for the cooling of said liquid food mixture and contains in its interior a mixer (24) wherein underneath said distribution nozzle (36) there is a protection door (62) for said nozzle (36). The machine includes at least one ultraviolet-ray lamp (48) positioned on the math body of the machine (10) in correspondence with a distribution nozzle (36) where the ultraviolet-ray lamp (48) functions to sterilize the distribution nozzle (36).
US08365545B2
The present invention has an object to provide an on-vehicle air conditioner that can prevent breakage or the like caused by applying a high voltage. In an inverter system 20 that controls an operation of a motor 30 of a compressor for the on-vehicle air conditioner, a motor control microcomputer 24 operates by converting a voltage supplied from an on-vehicle battery power source 50 into a low voltage. Thus, the motor control microcomputer 24 is operated to perform failure diagnosis of a high voltage circuit Cb without a high voltage power source 40 being turned on. The failure diagnosis can be performed without power being supplied from the high voltage power source 40 to the high voltage circuit Cb, thereby preventing the high voltage circuit Cb from being broken by applying the high voltage even when there is some failure in the high voltage circuit Cb.
US08365541B2
A refrigerator and a method of operating a refrigerator to determine the time at which to initiate a defrost cycle is provided. Changes in the voltage provided to an evaporator fan are used to determine and/or predict when to initiate a defrost cycle. Adjustments to the timing of the defrost cycle can be made based on known periods of peak energy demand and/or the increased costs associated with operating the defrost cycle during such peak energy demand periods.
US08365536B2
A dual fuel combustor nozzle includes a body member including a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion includes an outer wall portion and an inner wall portion with the inner wall portion defining a first fuel plenum. The dual fuel nozzle also includes an inner nozzle member arranged within the first fuel plenum. The inner nozzle member includes a first end section that extends to a second end section through an intermediate section. The intermediate section defines a second fuel plenum. The second end section being spaced from the second end portion of the body member so as to define a pre-emergence zone.
US08365535B2
A fuel nozzle manifold comprising a flange, a stem and a swirler is provided. The flange has a first fluid inlet fluidly connected to a radially extending first flow passage, the stem includes at least a first axially extending and only partially circumferentially extending flow channel, and the swirler has at least a first radially extending premix passage. The flange and the stem can comprise a homogeneous component, or two separate components fluidly connecting the first axially extending flow channel to the first flow passage, to form a fluid connection between the flange and the stem, the swirler comprises another component fitted together with the flange and stem component and fluidly connecting the first premix passage and the first flow channel.
US08365534B2
A combustor includes an end cover having a nozzle. The nozzle has a front end face and a central axis. The nozzle includes a plurality of fuel passages and a plurality of oxidizer passages. The fuel passages are configured for fuel exiting the fuel passage. The fuel passages are positioned to direct fuel in a first direction, where the first direction is angled inwardly towards the center axis. The oxidizer passages are configured for having oxidizer exit the oxidizer passages. The oxidizer passages are positioned to direct oxidizer in a second direction, where the second direction is angled outwardly away from the center axis. The plurality of fuel passages and the plurality of oxidizer passages are positioned in relation to one another such that fuel is in a cross-flow arrangement with oxidizer to create a burning zone in the combustor.
US08365532B2
A nozzle includes an inlet, an outlet, and an axial centerline. A shroud surrounding the axial centerline extends from the inlet to the outlet and defines a circumference. The circumference proximate the inlet is greater than the circumference at a first point downstream of the inlet, and the circumference at the first point downstream of the inlet is less than the circumference at a second point downstream of the first point. A method for supplying a fuel through a nozzle directs a first airflow along a first path and a second airflow along a second path separate from the first path. The method further includes injecting the fuel into at least one of the first path or the second path and accelerating at least one of the first airflow or the second airflow.
US08365531B2
A fuel injector head for a gas turbine engine the head comprising a pilot injector and a main injector located radially outwardly of the pilot injector. A concentric separates the pilot injector from the main injector and bounding a duct through which in use a fuel injected by the pilot injector flows. The splitter is hollow to improve cooling and has a radially inner surface which defines a first portion which tapers radially inwardly to a throat and a second portion which tapers radially outwardly from the throat with the angle of the radially outwards taper being such that a flow of air in use over the radially inner surface remains attached over the length of the surface.
US08365530B2
A system for conditioning an airstream entering an air-breathing machine includes an air conditioning system (ACS) configured for adjusting a physical property of the airstream, wherein the ACS comprises a module. The module includes a non-media conditioning system configured for adjusting a physical property of the airstream if an ambient condition is within a range, wherein the non-media conditioning system comprises nozzles adapted for spraying a fluid onto the airstream. The module also includes a media conditioning system configured for adjusting a physical property of the airstream to provide additional output of the air-breathing machine, wherein the media conditioning system comprises a direct exchange medium and a fluid distribution manifold. The ACS operates in a direct evaporative mode if the fluid is approximately greater than a dew point temperature and operates in a direct chilling mode if the fluid is approximately less than a dew point temperature.
US08365519B2
In a charging device for an internal combustion engine, the charging device has at least one first line for the intake of fresh air, having at least one air-gap-insulated exhaust-carrying component. This is assigned to an outlet side of the internal combustion engine. At least one regulating element for distributing an exhaust gas stream, and at least one regulating element for distributing a pre-compressed fresh air stream is provided. The air-gap insulated exhaust-carrying component has an outer chamber, through which a controllable stream of fresh air flows.
US08365515B2
A turbofan engine includes a fan variable area nozzle, which includes a louver system having a multiple of slats generally transverse to the engine axis. Each of the louver slats are pivotally mounted to the fan nacelle to vary the effective area of the fan nozzle exit area and permit efficient engine operation at predefined pressure ratios.
US08365510B2
Supersonic Magnetic Advanced Generation Jet Electric Turbine (S-MAGJET) described herein, and a subsonic derivative, MAGJET, integrate a gas power turbine, superconducting electric power and propulsion generation, and magnetic power flux field systems along with an ion plasma annular injection combustor which utilizes alternative petroleum-based fuel and combustion cycles to create a hybrid turbine turbomachine for aerospace propulsion. The propulsion unit is able to achieve a dramatic increase in horsepower, combustion and propulsion efficiency, and weight reduction. In addition, the turbomachinery structures may be disposed within an exo-skeleton architecture that achieves an increase in thrust to weight ratio with a concomitant increase in fuel efficiency and power generation over traditional gas turbine technology today. The engine continuously adjusts the temperature, pressure and mass airflow requirements using an electromagnetic power management system architecture. Engine performance may be controlled across the entire desired flight envelope, whether subsonic, transonic or supersonic flight conditions.
US08365508B2
A spool of banding material orbits a product to be banded, with the banding material unwinding from the orbiting spool and about the product to form a band about the product As the spool unwinds banding material, the shaft or other structure supporting the spool continuously urges the spool in the rewinding direction, thereby enhancing the tension on the unwinding banding material When initiating a band, gripping fingers grasp an end of the unspooled banding material and hold it adjacent the object being banded as the spool orbits the object and wraps the object and the fingers The fingers then slip out from between the object and the forming band, preferably with the assistance of a blast of pressurized air, and grasp the unspooling banding material between the spool and the banded object The length of banding material extending to the object is cut.
US08365505B2
Improved printing architectures and associated methods are disclosed for printing enclosures in substantially real-time for insertion with a document in a mail piece. The printing architecture allows for virtual enclosure bins in place of or in addition to actual enclosure bins. When a virtual enclosure bin is referenced in a document print job, an enclosure image is identified for the virtual enclosure bin and is printed in substantially real-time to generate an enclosure. The enclosure for the virtual enclosure bin may then be inserted with the document in the mail piece.
US08365486B2
The invention relates to a multi-layered building wall provided with an inner wall comprising a building inner surface and an outer surface, and a façade layer forming the outer side of the building wall. The aim of the invention is to provide a multi-layered building wall, wherein damp penetrating the wall from the inside or the outside is reliably drained off. To this end, a draining vapor barrier (6) having a cavity-forming structure on both sides and an S
US08365485B2
A column support footing, and a method for utilizing the same, allows structural columns to be installed after a cement floor is poured rather than pouring the floor after the columns are set. The column support footing comprises an apparatus which is utilized for setting the column after the concrete floor has been poured. The apparatus comprises a column support sleeve which has an upwardly facing open end for receiving the bottom end of the column. Extending downwardly from the apparatus is an anchor member, which is set within a concrete footing member. The concrete floor may be poured after the first concrete footing member has set around a portion of the anchor member. The concrete floor provides lateral support to the column support sleeve. The column may then be placed and secured within the column support sleeve after the concrete floor has been installed for the structure.
US08365484B2
A steel structural member is secured to a vertical cast concrete member or wall by a connector system including a fabricated steel receiver embedded within the wall. Embedded anchors are attached to the receiver which has upper and lower front wall portions flush with the concrete wall and define a front opening. A support bracket has a horizontal plate attached to the beam and a vertical plate which fits through the front opening within the receiver. The bracket is attached to the beam which is then elevated, and the vertical plate is inserted through the opening into the receiver. The beam and vertical plate are then shifted downwardly until opposite upper and lower edge portions of the vertical plate are blocked by the front wall portions of the receiver. In the illustrated embodiment, the front opening and vertical plate are generally rectangular with the opening wider than the plate.
US08365482B2
A curtain wall including an extruded aluminum sill having a first channel for receiving a glazed panel, a sill anchor/access portion for securing the sill to a poured concrete slab or slab wall, and toward the interior side of the sill, a wireway is defined in part by the sill and in part by a wireway cover for concealing power and/or data/telecommunication cables. The wireway cover may also include outlet devices or plugs arranged in a longitudinally spaced relationship.
US08365481B2
It comprises a series of vertical profiles (1, 20, 21) anchored to cogged brackets (3) and previously fixed to the slabs or resistant structure of the building. It also comprises horizontal profiles (15) which are fastened to said vertical profiles and to which retention clamps (27, 28, 29, 32, 33) are connected in the flagstones (24), which have grooves on their horizontal edges.The vertical profile (1, 20, 21) has a frontal “C” rail (18) which is fixed to one of the U-shaped parts (16) that interconnect with other parts (17) mounted on a C-rail (19) of the horizontal profile (15).The horizontal profile (15) includes frontal upwards flanges (25, 26) for anchoring clamps (27, 28, 29, 32, 33) with flanges (31) to be inserted in the grooving of the flagstones (24).
US08365479B2
A standalone or partially standalone solar photovoltaic structure and methods for assembling the structure are described. The solar photovoltaic structure can employ a hinged photovoltaic roof deck that can be folded for transportation. Described are hinges that can be removed after assembly and act as protective elements to facilitate transportation. Also described is an attachment arrangement for joining purlin or frame members to vertical support columns by locking the frame numbers into column capitals.
US08365478B2
A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. Hydrocarbon products can be collected from intermediate locations within the permeable body. Advantageously, an intermediate fluid collection system can be used to draw a hydrocarbon product from the permeable body at preselected locations. Such intermediate collection can provide hydrocarbon product fractions which can reduce or eliminate the need for full-scale distillation of a hydrocarbon product having a full range of products such as that typically found in crude oil. In addition, product quality can be tailored by monitoring such intermediate draws and adjusting operating parameters accordingly.
US08365475B2
A pedestal (18) for an access floor assembly (10), the pedestal (18) comprises a stand portion and a head portion. The stand portion has a base plate (21) for resting upon a sub-floor (20), and a stem (22) extending upwardly therefrom. The head portion has a platform (24) and a threaded shaft (26) extending downwardly therefrom. The pedestal (18) includes a lockable nut (28) which has a thread (29) adapted to screwably engage the threaded shaft (26), wherein the lockable nut (28) has at least one detent (30) to lock with the stem (22) in order to prevent the rotation of the lockable nut (28) when abutted against the stem (22).
US08365470B1
A lead screw window operator (100) utilizes a lead screw (110) that is in tension whether the operator is being used to open or close a window assembly (10). The lead screw window operator (100) may include a nut (170) that has edges sufficiently close to first and second support surfaces to prevent excess rotation of the nut (170). Also, the lead screw (110) may have a splined end to operatively connect to a first gear that has a splined profile to allow the gear to slide along the lead screw along a longitudinal axis.
US08365469B2
A door operator operates a door that is rotatable about an axis of rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door operator comprises an output shaft, a closing assembly, and a motor. The output shaft is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and is coupled to the door such that rotation of the output shaft pivots the door about the axis of rotation and rotation of the door about the axis of rotation rotates the output shaft. The closing assembly is coupled to the output shaft to apply a torque to the output shaft, wherein the torque applied by the closing assembly rotates the output shaft such that the rotation of the output shaft by the closing assembly rotates the door toward the closed position. The motor is coupled to the output shaft via a clutch to selectively apply opening and/or closing torque to the output shaft.
US08365453B2
A firearm for implementing an improved 9 mm cartridge is provided, wherein the improved 9 mm cartridge includes a 9 mm bullet associated with a 45-9 cartridge casing, wherein the 9 mm bullet weights at least 90 grains and wherein the 45-9 cartridge casing is configured to contain a propellant sufficient to propel the 9 mm bullet to a velocity of at least 1600 feet per second. The firearm may include a barrel, wherein the barrel is configured to operably interact with the 9 mm bullet and a chamber, wherein the chamber includes at least one chamber portion sized and shaped to operably associate with the 45-9 cartridge casing and a free-bore, wherein the free-bore includes at least one free-bore portion sized and shaped to operably associate with the 9 mm bullet.
US08365450B1
A display apparatus is disclosed that includes a screen and a frame system positioned to support the screen. The frame system includes a plurality of frame members, a hinge that couples the frame members together, and a lock that blocks relative movement of the frame members.
US08365443B2
A shoe is provided including a sole, an upper with a transverse aperture, and a cover piece, wherein the cover piece covers the transverse aperture and is affixed to the shoe at medial and lateral ends of the cover piece, and wherein the transverse aperture compresses without compression of the cover piece when the sole bends along a hinged metatarsophalangeal portion when transitioning from a stance phase to a swing phase.
US08365439B2
Disclosed is a shoe having a detachable cushioning member, in which the cushioning member for relieving an impact is detachable from a lower surface of a heel. More particularly, in the shoe having a detachable cushioning member, the cushioning member is selectively mounted to a lower surface of a heel of the shoe, a structure of the heel for mounting the cushioning member is simple so that it is possible to easily manufacture the shoe, and only the cushioning member has the construction for cushioning so that it is possible to easily replace and repair the cushioning member.
US08365433B2
A technique by which various types of organic waste can be easily treated so as to obtain a reusable material. An apparatus is provided which comprises a vessel (20) for introducing organic waste (18) therein, the vessel being equipped with: stirring means (82), (92), and (98) for stirring the organic waste (18); steam supply means (62), (64), and (66) which supply high-temperature high-pressure steam to the vessel (20); evacuation means (77), (78), and (80) which evacuate the vessel (20); and heating means (24), (68), (64), and (66) which heat the organic waste (18) present in the vessel (20). The apparatus has such constitution, in which the organic waste (18) in the vessel (20) is decomposed by hydrolysis and pyrolysis and vacuum dried using those means.
US08365428B2
A system for determining the grip length of a hole extending through a stack of panels so that a fastener of appropriate length can be selected for insertion into the hole. A shaft carrying an array of probes is inserted into the hole and the array generates signals indicating which probes of the array are contacting an inner wall of the hole.
US08365425B2
A navigational plotter for use with a selected navigational chart and its method for production include providing a generally transparent elongated planar straight edge member having each of a first and a second straight edges parallelly disposed opposite one another bounding a generally rectangular interior surface. A printed central axis bisecting the rectangular interior surface and at least one compass rose arranged to have its North/South ordinal points to lie upon the printed central axis thus to allow the user to maintain orientation of the plotter on the chart. A first distance scale is calibrated in accord with the scale of the selected chart along a selected line of latitude. The first distance scale is printed to span the East/West ordinal points on the compass rose and along the first straight edge. A second distance scale is calibrated in accord with longitude according to a Mercator projection.
US08365421B2
A point-to-point measurement tool performs the measurement of the distance between the outside surfaces of the shoulders across the back of an individual, which is associated with tailoring custom clothing and utilized to determine both the top-of-sleeve points and used to assist in determining the sleeve length measurements in tailoring custom clothing. Various embodiment of the point-to-point measurement tool can be folded, collapsed, or broken down to enable increased portability and ease of storage of the tool.
US08365419B2
A power tool having an elongated housing with a nose portion, an output shaft to which a cutting blade that oscillates through a small angle is attached, the attachment comprising, an accessory interface removably mounted to the nose portion of the housing and a depth guide attachment rotatably mounted to the accessory interface, the depth guide attachment further comprising a relatively thin body portion having a generally circular first opening with a center axis generally parallel to the output shaft, the body portion fitting on the accessory interface and being rotatable thereon and having a second circular opening transverse to the first opening center axis, a depth guide member adjustably mounted on the body portion and having an offset outer end portion, and a locking member configured to secure the depth guide member in a desired position.
US08365416B2
The invention features a hand held device that dispenses fluid during operation. The hand held device includes a handle and a device head operably engaged thereto. The handle has a proximal end forming a product dispensing aperture, a distal end forming a cavity for housing a fluid, a supply channel in fluid communication with the cavity and the product dispensing aperture, a peristaltic pump physically engaged with the supply channel, and a flexible barrier that rests between the peristaltic pump and the supply channel preventing direct contact of the supply channel by the peristaltic pump. Actuation of the peristaltic pump displaces fluid from the cavity to the product dispensing aperture.
US08365413B2
In an apparatus for manufacturing a fluid dynamic bearing, a housing portion defines a first work area. A vacuum pump discharges air in the first work area. A lubricant discharge device is arranged in the first work area, and discharges a lubricant into an inlet of a reservoir for storing the lubricant of the fluid dynamic bearing. At least one aperture is provided in the housing portion. A first door closes the aperture and a second door closes the aperture. Between the first door and the second door, when both have closed the aperture, a second work area is formed where the fluid dynamic bearing is placed.
US08365409B2
A heat exchanger is provided with a cooling fin including a plurality of fin portions and a base portion supporting the fin portions, and a plurality of pins press-fitted into the fin portions. In the heat exchanger the pins each having a wider width than each space between the fin portions formed in advance in parallel straight shapes are press-fitted into the spaces in a direction from a top end of each fin portion toward the base portion. Accordingly, the fin portions are formed into corrugated shapes by plastic deformation, thereby fixing the pins between the fin portions in positions apart from the base portion. In each space the pins are arranged at intervals in a longitudinal direction of each space. The pins arranged in adjacent spaces are placed with a displacement in alternating pattern.
US08365407B2
A method for manufacturing a radiator including preparing, aligning, punching, bending, shearing and riveting, rotating, and removing processes is provided. The shearing, riveting, and rotating processes are repeated. A sheet metal is continuously punched to form a plurality of heat dissipation fins in a manufacturing machine, the heat dissipation fins are then orderly sheared, inserted into the metal base, and further fixed with the metal base by two-direction riveting. The radiator can thus be obtained in an automatic and faster process without unnecessary assembling steps with higher yield and reduced costs.
US08365397B2
A sub-component circuit board may be electrically and mechanically connected to a higher order circuit board using one or more leads extending from a lead frame embedded in the sub-component circuit board. The sub-component board is produced as a layered assembly with the embedded lead frame at the core. One or more dielectric layers and one or more circuitry layers are provided over the lead frame and then bonded using heat and pressure. Apertures in the dielectric and circuitry layers define a perimeter of the circuit board where the leads of the lead frame are exposed. The lead frame connects to the circuitry layer(s) using plated vias.
US08365391B2
A method for establishing a wind turbine generator with one or more Permanent Magnet (PM) rotors. The method comprises the steps of: manufacturing a generator prepared for taking one or more PM rotors, manufacturing one or more rotors comprising a plurality of holding means prepared for retaining PM material, mounting substantially non-magnetized PM material prepared for magnetization in said holding means before or after said one or more rotors are mounted in said generator, connecting a magnetization system for magnetizing said PM material in the generator, and magnetizing said PM material with said magnetization system. The invention also relates to a wind turbine nacelle, a wind turbine comprising said wind turbine nacelle and use of a wind turbine.
US08365389B2
A multifunctional tool which enables a single robot or other manipulator to perform each of the operations to depalletize a palletized load is disclosed. The depalletization can proceed without the need to move the palletized load from one station to another. The multifunctional tool includes a strap cutting mechanism, extendable vacuum arms, and a fork lift mechanism.
US08365387B2
A rivet, including: at least one side wall extending from a first side of a sheet of material, formed from the same material as the sheet of material, and including respective inside surfaces; and a space at least partly enclosed by the respective inside surfaces. The space is open at a second side of the sheet of material. In one embodiment, the at least one side wall is cylindrical in shape. In another embodiment, the rivet includes an end wall formed of the same piece of material as the at least one side wall and defining one end of the space, the space is cylindrical in shape, the space has a first portion aligned with the sheet of material and a second portion partially defined by the end wall, and a diameter for the first portion is less than the diameter for the second portion.
US08365375B2
A rivet gun has a barrel, a shaft, a handle and a pneumatic cylinder assembly. The shaft is mounted under the barrel. The handle is mounted around the shaft. The pneumatic cylinder assembly is mounted under the handle and has a top cover, a fastener, an annular cylinder and a bottom base. The top cover, fastener, annular cylinder and bottom base are detachably assembled so can be replaced easily without changing the whole pneumatic cylinder assembly. The maintenance costs of the rivet gun are reduced.
US08365373B1
Though the initial concept of the face-mounted resonator was ahead of fabrication technology, the solidly-mounted resonator (SMR) is now a practical resonator design yielding high Qs in a space-efficient and robust mounting configuration. An agile tunable piezoelectric SMR is now provided with a resonator and alternating stacks of high mechanical impedance and low mechanical impedance, piezoelectric layers advantageously stacked on a substrate with the piezoelectric layers connected to an adaptive circuit that alternates with an external electrical impedance having values anywhere between an open circuit and a short circuit. The piezoelectric Bragg stacks with alternating layers of high and low mechanical impedance and properties made variable via the additional piezoelectric properties of the stack materials overcomes difficulties caused by the limitations of manufacturing techniques, acoustic power leakage and inability to meet the single-frequency, quarter-wavelength criterion due to manufacturing deviations.
US08365370B2
A device for transferring nonwoven material from a fleece-laying machine to a consolidation device having an endless circulating output conveyor belt of the fleece-laying machine for accepting card webs which are laid on the output conveyor belt from above by the fleece-laying machine, the laid card webs forming the nonwoven material. A first drive unit drives the output conveyor belt at variable speed. In addition, a second drive unit for driving the output conveyor belt at an essentially constant speed is provided at a point which, relative to the first drive unit, is closer to the consolidation device. A hanging storage buffer of the output conveyor belt is thus formed in a section of the output conveyor belt located between the first drive unit and the second drive unit.
US08365365B2
In a hook fastener having a sliding closure for closing the mouth of the hook, a keeper prevents opening of the closure. The hook fastener includes a body having a base portion and a hook portion extending from an end of the base portion to define a gap between the hook and the base portion. An opening formed in the base portion has an elongate mouth intersecting an external face on the base portion. The closure includes a shaft part and a grip part, the shaft part received in the opening, the grip part protruding from the shaft part through the mouth for manipulation by a user. A spring urges the closure such that the shaft part extends out of the opening into the gap. The keeper is received to rotate upon the external face, being located between the grip part and abutment on the body. A slot in the keeper extends parallel to the mouth, the keeper preventing the user retracting the closure from the gap, except when the slot is rotated so as to be angularly aligned with the mouth.
US08365364B2
A buckle attachment device is provided for removably securing a buckle and a strap to form a unified strap object, such as a belt. The buckle attachment device enables a user to select one of a wide variety of buckles to be coupled with one of a wide variety of straps that may be custom cut to a desired length. The selected buckle and strap are then removably secured by the user to the buckle attachment device without the need for specialized tools or additional binding components.
US08365346B2
A suction apparatus for retrieving liquids such as aircraft deicing fluid from a paved surface. The apparatus may have a squeegee structure with multiple inlets for fluid, and a fluid flow structure which can selectively connect only certain inlets to a suction tank. A large inlet can be used in deep fluids, whereas multiple smaller inlets can be used to retrieve a shallow layer of liquid. The inlets may be adjustable relative to the squeegee structure. The apparatus may be mounted on a trailer, and the trailer may be equipped with a hitch that can maintain the trailer in a predetermined level attitude regardless of the height of the hitch on the towing vehicle.
US08365345B1
The present invention is a windshield wiper lifter that mounts to a standard vehicle windshield wiper arm. The windshield wiper lifter has an articulating arm affixed approximately perpendicular to the windshield wiper. A first block and a second block are affixed to the windshield in the arced path of the windshield wiper lifter. When the windshield wiper lifter strikes the first block it raises the wiper arm off of the windshield when the wiper arm strokes in a first direction. When the windshield wiper lifter strikes the second block it lowers the windshield wiper arm when stroking in a second direction.
US08365344B1
The tool provides for cleaning of debris from grooves positioned on a face of a golf club. The tool has at least one working set of groove penetration pins which extend from a face contact side of the tool. Each groove penetration pin of the working set utilized during a cleaning procedure seats within a respective groove of the golf club. Preferably each deployed working set has three groove penetration pins. Once the groove penetration pins of the utilized working set are seated in unique grooves the tool is moved along the face of the golf club where each groove penetration pin is displaced substantially along the length of the respective groove. This provides for at least a substantial portion of any debris within the groove under treatment to be removed from the grooves. A series of such swipes of the tool are employed to clean debris from all grooves.
US08365331B1
The auto powered jack apparatus provides for selective telescopic extension of the jack shaft. The telescopic jack is especially useful for lifting an auto. The jack is in removable communication with either the air compressor or the electrical inverter, both powered by a cigar lighter plug removably fitted into a cigar lighter. The apparatus also provides for wrenching any given object with the powered handgun shaped wrench. The jack is omni directionally operated so that objects may be separated as chosen and other functions performed with the jack. The inverter converts 12 volt auto power to 120 volt electrical power so that the wrench and jack are able to operate with sufficient power to lift a car and to remove and replace highly torqued auto items such as wheel lug nuts, as compared to 12 volt wrench and jack operations that are typically woefully inadequate when faced with laborious tasks.
US08365322B1
The patient room window seat converts between a bench seat and a bed with a simple pull of a handle. In the seat position part of a horizontal upholster cushion is under the backrest so the portion of the cushion in available is the correct width for comfortable seating. Moving the upholstered cushion forward until fully uncovered provides a comfortable bed. A second knob removes a stop allowing the cushion to fully extend and leave the base uncovered in a service position that gives full access for cleaning. The patient room seat is constructed with a commercially available heavy-duty ball bearing slides and a modular multi-position remote latching mechanism. The slides and the latching mechanism working in combination provide an effortless transition between the seat and bed position, allowing elderly or weakened individuals to operate the window seat without problem.
US08365319B2
The present invention relates to a drain device for draining wastewater, urine, etc. through a drainpipe and blocking bad odors emanating from the drainpipe, and more particularly, to a drain device comprising: an outer container coupled to a top of the drainpipe, a cover seated on a top of the outer container, a conical sloped plate coupled at a lower center of the cover, and a blocking layer formed in a trapezoidal cylindrical shape and coupled between the cover and the sloped plate, the blocking layer having a narrow upper inlet, a wide lower outlet, and a bent portion formed below the upper inlet. Accordingly, water is not left remaining, foreign objects are prevented from being entrapped and are discharged more easily, and the drain device can be reliably used for a long period of time without deforming.
US08365318B2
The present disclosure generally relates to improved water closet flanges and methods for installing such water closet flanges. In one exemplary embodiment, an improved water closet flange apparatus includes an outer flange and a flexible conduit portion (i.e. sleeve) extending downwardly therefrom. The flexible sleeve has a sufficient degree of flexibility to accommodate connection between offset, misaligned, angled, or otherwise incongruous plumbing fixture discharges and waste drain pipe outlets. In one embodiment, the flexible sleeve includes at least one corrugated portion to aid the desired flexibility. An upper portion of the flexible sleeve may include an inwardly extending lip portion to accommodate the desired seal between the plumbing fixture discharge and the flange apparatus. Related methods for installing the disclosed flange apparatus between plumbing fixture discharges and waste drainpipes are also described.
US08365313B2
A reversible garment accessory of the invention designed to be seamlessly worn with sleeveless or strapless tops, dresses or other garments for the purpose of varying the appearance of the original garment, while at the same time concealing a woman's arms without adding undue bulkiness on the torso of the wearer.
US08370959B2
A method and apparatus are provided for a secure interconnect between data modules, including a security apparatus within a secured data connection device installed with a security chip. The connection device may be authenticated prior to enabling a stacking feature. Authentication of a connection device may be used to ensure the quality and performance of the connection device and the data modules.
US08370947B2
System and method for selecting computer security policy based on security ratings of computer users
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for reducing security risk in a computer network. The system includes an administration server that collect information about one or more computers in the network, including the following information: computer user's external drive usage history, software installation history, and Web browsing history. The server calculates based on the collected information a security rating of the computer user. The server then adjust a security rating of the computer user based on the security rating of at least one other user of another computer connected to the same computer network. The server then selects security policy of the security software based on the adjusted security rating of the computer user. Different security policies provide different network security settings and prohibitions on launching of executable files from external drives.
US08370941B1
A rootkit scanning system, method, and computer program product are provided. In use, at least one hook is traversed. Further, code is identified based on the traversal of the at least one hook. In addition, the code is scanned for at least one rootkit.
US08370940B2
A proxy server receives, from multiple visitors of multiple client devices, a plurality of requests for actions to be performed on identified network resources belonging to a plurality of origin servers. At least some of the origin servers belong to different domains and are owned by different entities. The proxy server and the origin servers are also owned by different entities. The proxy server analyzes each request it receives to determine whether that request poses a threat and whether the visitor belonging to the request poses a threat. The proxy server blocks those requests from visitors that pose a threat or in which the request itself poses a threat. The proxy server transmits the requests that are not a threat and is from a visitor that is not a threat to the appropriate origin server.
US08370937B2
A method for authenticating communication traffic includes receiving an initial incoming message, sent over a network from a source address to a destination address. In reply to the initial incoming message, an outgoing message containing an encoded token is sent to the client. Upon receiving a number of further incoming messages from the source address containing the encoded token, delivery of one or more of the further incoming messages to the destination address is inhibited when the number exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08370933B1
A computer-implemented method for detecting the insertion of poisoned DNS server addresses into DHCP servers may include: 1) identifying a DNS server address provided by a DHCP server, 2) determining that the DNS server address provided by the DHCP server differs from a prior DNS server address provided by the DHCP server, 3) determining, due at least in part to the DNS server address differing from the prior DNS server address, that a DNS server located at the DNS server address provided by the DHCP server represents a potential security risk, and then 4) performing a security operation in an attempt to remedy the potential security risk.
US08370929B1
A method of testing a web application, wherein a web application is a program that operates on a server and interacts with clients that access the program over a network, wherein further the web application accepts parameters that define results generated from the web application, the method comprising determining which web application uniform resource identifiers (URIs) are used to access various web applications on a system, determining if more than a threshold of the URIs are for a common web application, selecting a subset of less than all of the URIs for the common web application when the threshold is exceeded for that common web application, wherein the subset is selected at least in part independently of the order generated and performing a security scan on the selected subset.
US08370927B2
A portable device with password verification function includes several input units, a storage unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is electrically connected with the input units and the storage unit. Each of the input units is different from others. Password information is stored in the storage unit. The processing unit includes a receiving module and a password verification module. The receiving module receives several input signals from the input units respectively. The password verification module verifies if the input signals match the password information.
US08370925B2
Password aging based on the strength of the password provides an incentive for users to generate and/or memorize more complex passwords. The strength of the password is computed from a formula that relates the length of the password and the types of characters contained in the password to a strength value, which can be performed using a lookup table having values for different characteristics of the password, determining partial strength values corresponding to the ranges in which the characteristics fall, and then adding the partial strength values. Alternatively, a separate password strength application may be used to provide the strength value, which is entered by the user or administrator generating a new password. Alternatively, the password may be generated based on a specified desired expiration period, with the strength computation performed to ensure that the strength is sufficient to merit the desired expiration period.
US08370915B2
Techniques for identity enabled virtualized edge processing are provided. A target service, its data content, and its processing context are packaged with an identity as a self-contained virtual distribution within an enterprise environment and distributed to a host environment in accordance with distribution policy. The host environment represents an edge of a network, and the virtual distribution's identity is validated and the virtual distribution is subsequently deployed as a virtual machine at the edge in accordance with deployment policy.
US08370913B2
A user defines an audit policy. The audit policy identifies one or more triggers that, when related information is included in a security token, trigger the performance of the audit. The audit can include notifying the user in some manner that the trigger occurred. The audit can require in-line confirmation of the audit, so that the security token is not transmitted until the user confirms the audit.
US08370912B2
For users to access network services such as video streaming from a device, users usually have to register themselves with the service first. Most registration mechanisms require a user to input a username, password, date of birth and other details. When implemented through a web interface, this mechanism is relatively easy for the service provider to provision. However, the problem is that users are required to manually enter significant amounts of information which can be both time consuming, especially on a mobile device where there usually no QWERTY input device, and susceptible to unintentional errors. The present invention proposes an automated registration process that does not require a user to enter any details manually except for the initial request to subscribe to a service. The process gathers information automatically about the user and the device used, which is then stored and used for user authentication during subsequent service requests following the initial subscription request. The subsequent requests for service also do not require the user to manually input any user data.
US08370902B2
Network entities controlling a set of nodes may vary by trustworthiness, such as tolerance for nodes that send spam, distribute malware, or perform denial-of-service attacks. A device receiving such activities may identify a trust rating of the network entity and apply appropriately stringent filtering (such as spam evaluation) to activities received from nodes controlled by the network entity. However, a poor trust rating of a network entity may subject a legitimate node controlled by the network entity to inefficiently or unfairly stringent activity filtering. Instead, the device may evaluate the activities of a particular node, assign a trust rating to the node, and if the trust rating of the node is higher than the trust rating of the network entity, apply less stringent activity filtering to the activities of the node, thereby “rescuing” the node from the more stringent activity filtering applied to the other nodes of the network entity.
US08370899B2
Methods, computer program products, and apparatuses are provided for performing and facilitating secure communication between a client-side computing device and a remote application server through a virtual computing environment provided by an intermediate virtualization server. The virtual computing environment includes a disposable component, allowing all settings to be initialized to a secure state after each user session.
US08370887B2
The present disclosure relates to playback of video/audio streaming media data. The media stream is available from the network at multiple bit rates. When a seek operation is performed, a playback device requests a lower bit rate media stream in order to quickly fill a playback buffer so that playback can commence more readily. After a seek start-up period is complete, the playback device can return to downloading the media stream associated with higher bit rates in order to increase the quality of the playback.
US08370883B2
An interactive information distribution system for providing secure distribution of video-on-demand content. The interactive information distribution system includes at least one programming source for storing at least one partially encrypted video program, and a distribution center including a remote server. The remote server stores the at least one partially encrypted video program received from the at least one programming source. The remote server also processes the partially encrypted video program corresponding to a subscriber requested video program to produce a fully encrypted video program. A subscriber-side distribution network, coupled to the distribution center, causes transmission of the fully encrypted video program to the requesting subscriber.
US08370882B2
A system that enables an event or moments within an event to be captured and provided in a record that preserves at least some aspects of the participant's perspective of the event. In particular, the present invention involves centralized recording of the event in one or more modes including video, audio, and still image recordings and a system that enables a participant (i.e., one who perceives the event) to select portions of the event recording substantially contemporaneously with the event occurrence. A personalized record is made by duplicating the selected portions from the event record. In a particular example, the personalized record is recorded on a digital media such as a compact disc (CD) or digital video disk (DVD) or the like.
US08370878B2
Mobile interface for accessing interactive television applications associated with displayed content
A media client for a subscription multimedia network presents, on a display device, program content received from a backend server. The media client also receives, from a mobile device, a signal requesting access to an interactive television application, where the interactive television application is related to the program content. The media client receives, from the backend server, data for the interactive television application, and forwards, to the mobile device, the data for the interactive television application for presentation on the mobile device.
US08370872B1
Systems, methods and media are provided for presenting a group of available broadcast channels utilizing a wireless network upon initiation of a channel-viewing graphical user interface (GUI). The group comprises channels that can be broadcast most efficiently to the mobile device. After initiating the channel-viewing GUI on the mobile device, requests are communicated to elements on the network to retrieve lists of currently broadcast channels in the area and currently viewed channels throughout the wireless network. A list also is retrieved of recently viewed channels on the mobile device. At least a portion of each list is then presented on the channel-viewing GUI. The lists can be sent by a first video media proxy (VMP) server and a broadcast management server (BMS).
US08370869B2
Systems and methods for describing video content establish video description records which include an object set (24), an object hierarchy (26) and entity relation graphs (28). Video objects can include global objects, segment objects and local objects. The video objects are further defined by a number of features organized in classes, which in turn are further defined by a number of feature descriptors (36, 38, and 40). The relationships (44) between and among the objects in the object set (24) are defined by the object hierarchy (26) and entity relation graphs (28). The video description records provide a standard vehicle for describing the content and context of video information for subsequent access and processing by computer applications such as search engines, filters and archive systems.
US08370868B2
Disclosed herein is provided a spindle motor and a disk driver having the same. There is provided a spindle motor including: a sleeve rotatably supporting a shaft; a bush combined with the top portion of the shaft to be rotated together with the shaft; a rotor case including a cylindrical wall part combined with the outer peripheral surface of the bush; an air flow spreading part formed on the axial bottom part of the bush and spreading the air flow generated between the shaft and the sleeve to the radial outer side when the shaft is rotated; and a sealing part formed on the axial bottom portion of the bush and formed between the cylindrical wall part and the air flow spreading part to seal oil when the shaft is rotated.
US08370865B2
A sensing device including a base, a pillar, an arm, a sensing element and a driving module is provided. The base has a supporting surface suitable for supporting the object. The pillar is disposed on the supporting surface. The arm has two ends and a pivot portion between the two ends. The pivot position is pivoted to the pillar along an axis substantially parallel to the supporting surface. The sensing element is disposed on the arm and located between an end and the pivot portion. The sensing element is located between the base and the object. The driving module is disposed between the arm and the base. The driving module drives the arm to pivot relatively to the pillar along the axis, and the sensing element moves toward or away from the object as the arm is pivoted.
US08370862B1
A method for use in communicating between software environments is disclosed. A JavaScript connection is established between a Flex based operating environment and a Java based operating environment. Based on the JavaScript connection, a socket connection between the Flex based operating environment and the Java based operating environment is established. Based on the socket connection, remote procedure calls are executed between the Flex based operating environment and the Java based operating environment.
