US08384124B2
The output circuit uses an IGBT incorporating a normal latch-up operation measure and the ESD clamp circuit uses an IGBT that can more easily latch up than the output circuit device which has the latch-up prevention layer lowered in impurity density or removed.
US08384113B2
A photoelectric device includes a ceramic substrate defining a cavity in a top thereof and having two electrode layers beside the cavity. A photoelectric die is received in the cavity. A first packing layer is received in the cavity and encapsulates the photoelectric die. The photoelectric die is electrically connected with the electrode layers via two wires. A reflective cup is mounted on the ceramic substrate and defines a receiving space above the top of the ceramic substrate and the first packing layer. A second packing layer is received in the receiving space and covers the first packing layer.
US08384112B2
A light emitting chip includes a substrate, a reflective layer, a light emitting structure and a first electrode having a base formed between the reflective layer and the substrate. The light emitting structure includes a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layer. The first electrode further includes a connecting section extending upwardly from the base. An electrically insulating ion region is defined in the light emitting structure and extends from an upper surface of the base to the first semiconductor layer. A receiving groove is defined in the ion region and extends upwardly from the upper surface of the base to the first semiconductor layer. The connecting section is positioned in the receiving groove and electrically connects with the first semiconductor layer.
US08384105B2
Solid state lighting devices and associated methods of thermal sinking are described below. In one embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED) device includes a heat sink, an LED die thermally coupled to the heat sink, and a phosphor spaced apart from the LED die. The LED device also includes a heat conduction path in direct contact with both the phosphor and the heat sink. The heat conduction path is configured to conduct heat from the phosphor to the heat sink.
US08384098B2
The present invention relates to an AC light emitting diode. An object of the present invention is to provide an AC light emitting diode wherein various designs for enhancement of the intensity of light, prevention of flickering of light or the like become possible, while coming out of a unified method of always using only one metal wire with respect to one electrode when electrodes of adjacent light emitting cells are connected through metal wires. To this end, the present invention provides an AC light emitting diode comprising a substrate; bonding pads positioned on the substrate; a plurality of light emitting cells arranged in a matrix form on the substrate; and a wiring means electrically connecting the bonding pads and the plurality of light emitting cells, wherein the wiring means includes a plurality of metal wires connecting an electrode of one of the light emitting cells with electrodes of other electrodes adjacent to the one of the light emitting cells.
US08384097B2
Substrates and packages for LED-based light devices can significantly improve thermal performance and provide separate electrical and thermal paths through the substrate. One substrate includes multiple electrically insulating base layers. On a top one of these layers are disposed top-side electrical contacts, including light device pads to accommodate a plurality of light devices. External electrical contacts are disposed on an exterior surface of the substrate. Electrical paths connect the top-side electrical contacts to the external electrical contacts. At least portions of some of the electrical paths are disposed between the electrically insulating base layers. The electrical paths can be arranged such that different subsets of the light device pads are addressable independently of each other. A heat dissipation plate can be formed on the bottom surface of a bottom one of the base layers.
US08384091B2
Light emitting LEDs devices comprised of LED chips that emit light at a first wavelength, and a thin film layer over the LED chip that changes the color of the emitted light. For example, a blue LED chip can be used to produce white light. The thin film layer beneficially consists of a florescent material, such as a phosphor, and/or includes tin. The thin film layer is beneficially deposited using chemical vapor deposition.
US08384087B2
A thin film transistor includes a substrate, a buffer layer on the substrate, a semiconductor layer including source/drain regions and a channel region on the buffer layer, a gate insulating layer corresponding to the channel region, a gate electrode corresponding to the channel region, and source/drain electrodes electrically connected to the semiconductor layer. A polysilicon layer of the channel region may include only a low angle grain boundary, and a high angle grain boundary may be disposed in a region of the semiconductor layer that is apart from the channel region.
US08384085B2
An object is to provide a semiconductor device in which characteristics of a driver circuit portion are improved while the aperture ratio of a pixel portion is increased. Alternatively, it is an object to provide a semiconductor device with low power consumption or to provide a semiconductor device in which the threshold voltage of a transistor can be controlled. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having an insulating surface, a pixel portion provided over the substrate, and at least some of driver circuits for driving the pixel portion. A transistor included in the pixel portion and a transistor included in the driver circuit are top-gate bottom-contact transistors. Electrodes and a semiconductor layer of the transistor in the pixel portion have light-transmitting properties. The resistance of electrodes in the driver circuit is lower than the electrodes included in the transistor in the pixel portion.
US08384075B2
A thin film transistor includes a multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a plurality of coaxial silicon nanowires on a substrate, the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a central portion and end portions of the central portion; a gate electrode on the central portion; and a source electrode and a drain electrode on the respective end portions, respectively, so as to electrically connect to the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit.
US08384074B2
A heterocyclic compound of formula 1 and an organic light-emitting device including an organic layer containing the heterocyclic compound. The heterocyclic compound of Formula 1 may be suitable as a material for an emission layer, an electron transport layer or an electron injection layer of an organic light-emitting device. Due to the inclusion of the heterocylic group in its molecular structure, the heterocyclic compound of Formula 1 may have a high glass transition temperature (Tg) or a high melting point, and may prevent crystallization. An organic light-emitting device manufactured using the heterocyclic compound of Formula 1, in which a chrysene group and an indole group are fused, has excellent durability when stored or operated.
US08384072B2
An OLED display is disclosed. The display includes: a substrate main body, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) formed on above the substrate main body, where the OLED includes: a first electrode injecting holes, a second electrode injecting electrons, an emission layer formed between the first and second electrodes, a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL) sequentially formed between the first electrode and the emission layer, and a semi-transparent layer formed between the first electrode and the emission layer in red and green pixels.
US08384067B2
Example embodiments disclosed herein may relate to organic electronic and/or organic optoelectronic devices, which may further relate to hybrid organic/nanoparticle devices with dual functions of resonant tunneling and light emission behaviors.
US08384061B2
A nonvolatile memory device of the present invention includes a substrate (1), first wires (3), first resistance variable elements (5) and lower electrodes (6) of first diode elements which are filled in first through-holes (4), respectively, second wires (11) which cross the first wires 3 perpendicularly to the first wires 3, respectively, and each of which includes a semiconductor layer (7) of a first diode elements, a conductive layer (8) and a semiconductor layer (10) of a second diode elements which are stacked together in this order, second resistance variable elements (16) and upper electrodes (14) of second diode elements which are filled into second through holes (13), respectively, and third wires (17), and the conductive layer (8) of each second wires (11) also serves as the upper electrode of the first diode elements (9) and the lower electrode of the second diode elements (15).
US08384060B2
Provided is a resistive memory device that can be integrated with a high integration density and method of forming the same. In an embodiment, a bit line is formed of copper using a damascene technique, and when the copper bit line, a copper stud may be formed around the copper bit line.
US08384052B2
An electron beam lithography apparatus includes an electron gun emitting an electron beam, a deflector deflecting the electron beam, a focus corrector correcting a focus of the electron beam, a storage unit storing exposure data, and a controller correcting the exposure data based on a constant correction coefficient independent of time passage and a fluctuating correction coefficient changing with time, calculates a deflection efficiency indicating a relation between an input signal to the deflector and an amount of beam deflection, and a correction intensity indicating a relation between an input signal to the focus corrector and a beam focus, and writes the electron beam on a sample according to the deflection efficiency and the correction intensity.
US08384045B2
A minute particle analyzing device includes: a light source; a first condenser lens for condensing light from the light source to a first end of a multimode optical fiber; a second condenser lens for condensing the light emerging from a second end of the multimode optical fiber to a minute particle; and a detector for detecting light generated from the minute particle by the application of the light from the light source.
US08384038B2
A data acquisition system includes a charge-sensitive amplifier (CSA) configured to receive a charge from an x-ray detector, the CSA includes a high-gain electronic voltage amplifier, an electrical energy storage device coupled with the amplifier, and an electrical resistor coupled with the amplifier. The data acquisition system includes a baseline sampling circuit configured to receive an output from the CSA and to sample a baseline signal from the CSA, at least one discriminator coupled to an output of the CSA and to an output of the baseline sampling circuit, the at least one discriminator configured to output a voltage if the output of the CSA exceeds a threshold, and a counter coupled to an output of the discriminator and configured to output a digital signal indicative of a photon count received at the x-ray detector and based on the output from the CSA and on the signal from the CSA.
US08384030B2
A method and apparatus for setting a sample observation condition and a method and apparatus for sample observation which allow sample observation by speedily and simply finding an optimum condition while suppressing damage to the sample are provided. The setting of a sample observation condition according to the present invention is realized by an electron beam apparatus acquiring a profile at a predetermined evaluation location of a sample under a reference observation condition, by a processing section judging whether or not the above described acquired profile is located within a predetermined setting range and setting an optimum observation condition to be used for sample observation based on this judgment result. More specifically, locations where the condition can be examined are registered beforehand first and then a jump is made to the corresponding location which is irradiated with an electron beam (hereinafter referred to as “predosing”) at a low magnification, the surface of the sample is charged, enlarged to an observation magnification and secondary electron information on the target location is obtained. After that, secondary electron information is obtained at any time while performing predosing, it is successively judged from the information whether the pattern bottom part can be observed/measured or whether or not the sample is destroyed and an optimum observation condition is thereby found.
US08384027B2
An ion guide array is disclosed comprising a first ion guide section and a second ion guide section and optionally further ion guide sections. Each ion guide section may comprise a plurality of electrodes having an aperture through which ions are transmitted in use. A transfer section is arranged at the exit of the first ion guide section and ions are transmitted radially from the first ion guide section into the second ion guide section. The electrodes in the transfer section may have a radial aperture enabling ions to be transmitted radially from the first ion guide section to the second ion guide section.
US08384014B2
A method for interpolating an encoded signal of encoders is disclosed. The first step may include generating four first stage signals having a first frequency that are 45 degrees out of phase. The four signals may then be multiplied to obtain a plurality of second stage signals that are 90 degrees out of phase having a second frequency two times the first frequency. The second stage signals may then go through further computation to obtain a plurality of third stage signals that are 45 degrees out of phase. The third stage signals may be further adapted for further multiplication to obtain higher levels of interpolation. Interpolators and optical encoders characterized by the interpolation capability are also disclosed.
US08384013B2
An optical filter includes a light-shielding conductive layer provided with a plurality of apertures on a substrate surface that selectively transmits light of a first wavelength, and a dielectric layer in contact with the conductive layer. A size of the apertures is a size equal to or less than the first wavelength, and a ratio of a surface area of the conductive layer to a surface area of the substrate surface is within a range of equal to or greater than 36% and equal to or less than 74%. A transmissivity of the first wavelength is increased by surface plasmons induced in the apertures by light falling on the conductive layer.
US08384012B2
A photodiode includes a photosensitive area and a polarizing grating located in front of the photosensitive area. The polarizing grating is formed by a plurality of galvanically conducting filaments.
US08384011B2
An optical detection device includes a light emitting element, which is an area sensor, a light emitting lens part for irradiating an object to be measured with a bundle of emission rays emitted from the light emitting element, a light receiving lens part for condensing reflected light from the object, a light receiving element for detecting reflected light from the object condensed by the light receiving lens part, and a signal processing section for processing a light-reception signal from the light receiving element. Based on the light-reception signal from the light receiving element, the signal processing section detects at least one of an x-coordinate or a y-coordinate of the object on an x-y coordinate plane from at least one of a light-spot position or a light-spot shape on the light receiving element.
US08384009B2
An optical member including high refractive index layers having a great refractive index and low refractive index layers having a small refractive index, which are each relatively thin as compared with an optical length, disposed alternately in the lateral direction as to an optical axis. Each width of the high refractive index layers and the low refractive index layers is equal to or smaller than the wavelength order of incident light.
US08384006B2
An apparatus includes pixels each having a transistor that transfers a charge of a photoelectric conversion unit, an amplification unit that receives the transferred charge, a scanning unit that supplies, to the transistor, a conductive pulse, a non-conductive pulse, and an intermediate-level pulse having a peak value between the conductive pulse and the non-conductive pulse, a generating unit that generates an image signal using a signal based on a charge transferred in response to the conductive and intermediate-level pulses, and a control unit that changes at least one of a pulse width of the intermediate-level pulse and the peak value in accordance with information on the detected temperature. The conductive and intermediate-level pulses are supplied to the transistor during a light shielding period of the photoelectric conversion unit.
US08384004B1
Embodiments are directed to a digital data acquisition method that collects data regarding nuclear fission at high rates and performs real-time preprocessing of large volumes of data into directly useable forms for use in a system that performs non-destructive assaying of nuclear material and assemblies for mass and multiplication of special nuclear material (SNM). Pulses from a multi-detector array are fed in parallel to individual inputs that are tied to individual bits in a digital word. Data is collected by loading a word at the individual bit level in parallel, to reduce the latency associated with current shift-register systems. The word is read at regular intervals, all bits simultaneously, with no manipulation. The word is passed to a number of storage locations for subsequent processing, thereby removing the front-end problem of pulse pileup. The word is used simultaneously in several internal processing schemes that assemble the data in a number of more directly useable forms. The detector includes a multi-mode counter that executes a number of different count algorithms in parallel to determine different attributes of the count data.
US08384002B2
The invention pertains to methods, components, and operations of multi-focal intraocular lens systems, including range finding for driving same and for discriminating between multiple objects and varying brightness conditions. The invention also pertains to intraocular photosensors and range-finding methods to be used with intra-ocular lens systems, and components, that provide multi-focal IOL capabilities in dynamic visual environments.
US08384001B2
Disclosed herein is a microwave oven, in which a tray within a cooking room is rectilinearly reciprocated in a lengthwise direction of the cooking room and is rotated, simultaneously, to cook food. This is achieved using a gear assembly including a main gear and a planetary gear. The gear assembly includes the main gear and the planetary gear, which are engaged with each other and are rotated. A diameter of the main gear and a diameter of the planetary gear may be equal to each other, and the main gear and the planetary gear respectively include eccentric shafts. The gear assembly effectively transmits power supplied by a motor to the tray, thereby allowing the tray to be rotated at a uniform speed and to be driven even using a motor having a small load capacity.
US08383999B2
The present invention concerns a device for heating a sample by microwave radiation comprising a source of microwave radiation, a first waveguide for guiding said microwave radiation to an applicator space adapted to receive said sample to be heated, wherein said applicator space is defined by a terminal portion of said first waveguide and an initial portion of a second waveguide extending from said terminal portion of said first waveguide and being arranged at an angle with respect to said first waveguide.
US08383997B2
A double-sidedly bondable planar element which has an electrical contacting layer via which it is self-regulatingly intrinsically heatable and at the same time has a high flexibility. The particular features of this planar element are that the planar element in the storage condition is adhesive on one side only, and is therefore particularly easy to handle, and that, on bonding, the adhesive passes through cutouts in the contacting layer, and the planar element thus becomes double-sidedly bondable. The invention further provides a method for the bonding of this planar element, including as a key step the passage of the adhesive through the cutouts in the contacting layer, thus turning a single-sidedly adhesive planar element into a double-sidedly adhesive planar element.
US08383990B2
A chilled arm that transports a substrate to and from a heating plate for performing a heating process on the substrate is formed with a flow passage pipe therein, and cools the entire holding area thereof opposed to the substrate held by the chilled arm to a predetermined reference temperature by supplying circulating cooling water through the flow passage pipe. Six polyimide heaters are affixed to the holding area to control the temperature of at least a portion of the holding area at a temperature different from the reference temperature. These two temperature control mechanisms intentionally provide a temperature distribution to the holding area to thereby provide an intentional temperature distribution to the substrate before and after the heat treatment by the heating plate. This reduces the nonuniformity of a temperature distribution which typically occurs in the heating plate to accomplish a uniform heat treatment throughout the heat treatment process step.
US08383972B2
An illuminated keyboard includes keys; a spacer board on a base plate and comprising units each including two first groove connectors and two second groove connectors; an optically transmissive film circuit board on the spacer board and comprising a second circuitry, switch contacts, and first holes each with the first or second groove connector passing; a rubber plate of optically transmissive plastic and on the film circuit board, the rubber plate comprising resilient domes having a recessed top for retaining the key, a conductive bottom stem above the switch contact, and second holes grouped as groups each formed as four corners around the dome, the first or second groove connectors adapted to pass through the second holes; and an LED circuit board on the rubber plate and comprising a first circuitry and LEDs electrically connected to the first circuitry to be powered therefrom.
US08383969B2
A draw-out type circuit breaker apparatus is provided and includes a base from which a circuit breaker is selectively dismounted and moved along a first portion of a dismounting path into a disconnected position, a plate, fixed to the base, which is configured to guide the movement of the circuit breaker along the dismounting path, and a toggle link, coupled to the plate and biased to remain in a locking position, which is configured to block the circuit breaker from moving along the dismounting path beyond the disconnected position while the toggle link remains in the locking position, and to cause the circuit breaker to freely move from the disconnected position and along a second further portion of the dismounting path upon a temporary defeat of the bias thereof.
US08383968B2
A lever switch for safe breaking of a circuit of an exercise apparatus includes two conductive copper pieces spaced apart and stably received within a housing by means of elastic pieces. A rotatable cylinder with two journals is positioned in the area of the contact portions of the conductive copper pieces within the housing. Moreover, a rectangular piece is provided at one side of the rotatable cylinder such that the contact portions of the conductive copper pieces are just clampable to the top and bottom ends of the rectangular piece. In addition, the middle portion of the conductive copper pieces is inwardly bent to form corresponding conductive contact surfaces. As a result, an insertion lever may fit into the body of the rotatable cylinder for in-place-moving the rotatable cylinder such that the rectangular piece is turned to bring the conductive contact surfaces of the conductive copper pieces in an electric disconnection or connection state for safe breaking and making of a circuit.
US08383950B1
A first patterned etch stop layer and a first patterned conductor layer are laminated by a dielectric material to a second patterned etch stop layer and a second patterned conductor layer. As the etch stop metal of the first and second patterned etch stop layers is selectively etchable compared to a conductor metal of the first and second patterned conductor layers, the first and second patterned etch stop layers provide an etch stop for substrate formation etch processes. In this manner, etching of the first and second patterned conductor layers is avoided insuring that impedance is controlled to within tight tolerance.
US08383944B2
A metal fitting integration type stress-relief cone is provided with a stress-relief cone which includes a cylindrical rubber-like elastic body on an outer circumference of a cable core and a metal fitting which surrounds the cable core and is integral with a low-voltage side of the stress-relief cone. The stress-relief cone is provided with a cylindrical semi-conducting body part at the low-voltage side and has a bell-mouthed electric-field stress-control part in an end of a high-voltage side, an insulating body part on the high-voltage side with a low-voltage side end concentric with the semi-conducting body part and a cylindrical insulation protective layer which is arranged continuously at the end of the low-voltage side of the insulating body part and is integral with the outer circumference of the semi-conducting body part.
US08383941B2
A method and apparatus for keeping headphone and earpiece cables from tangling is disclosed. The apparatus may include a flexible sleeve capable of moving relative to a headphone cord to restrict the movement of earpiece cables associated with the headphone cord.
US08383940B2
A bus bar attaching member 1 forming a room lamp 10 for a vehicle includes a housing 2 and a plurality of bus bars 3a, 3b, 3h and 3i insert molded in the housing 2. Further, in wiring parts 5 of the bus bars 3a and 3b, impact absorbing parts 6a and 6b are provided that prevent an impact when an electric wire 8 is pressed in contact with pressure contact parts 4 from being transmitted to parts attaching parts 7. The impact absorbing parts 6a and 6b are configured in U shaped forms by first absorbing parts 61a and 61b extending in the directions intersecting virtual straight lines K1 and K2 that connect bottom walls 40 of the pressure contact parts 4 to the parts attaching parts 7, second absorbing parts 62a and 62b and third absorbing parts 63a and 63b.
US08383936B2
A grounding mechanism is used for a slidable electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, a conductive member and a grounding tab. The grounding tab is for attachment to the first housing. The receiving portion is formed in the second housing. The conductive member is attached to the receiving portion. The grounding tab contacts the conductive member, the first housing is electrically connected to the second housing.
US08383930B2
Disclosed is a solar cell including a passivation film formed on a light-receiving surface of a silicon substrate, and an antireflection film formed on the passivation film, wherein the passivation film has a refractive index higher than that of the antireflection film. The passivation film and the antireflection film can each be made of a silicon nitride film.
US08383925B2
A music station is connected through a communication network to another music station, and pieces of music data expressing an exhibition performance on a automatic player piano and pieces of voice data expressing tutor's explanation are transmitted from the music station to the other music station through different communication channels; and a close-talking microphone and a bone conduction microphone are incorporated in a sound collector on the music station, and a vibration signal from the bone conduction microphone is examined to see whether or not the cord of tutor vibrates; when the answer is given affirmative, a voice signal from the close-talking microphone is relayed to a transmitter module so that the sound collector does not permit the transmitter module to transmit the voice signal expressing noises such as the tones; whereby the music performance system prevents the trainee from tones reproduced from a headphone.
US08383924B2
A CPU 19a supplies parameters on musical tone signals to a tone generator 17 having a plurality of tone generation channels CH0, CH1, . . . , CH127 each generating a musical tone signal. The parameters include channel information which designates one or more of the tone generation channels, and musical tone information which defines respective musical tone signals which are to be generated in the respective tone generation channels designated by the channel information. The tone generator 17 has a tone generation reservation circuit 17b which makes the designated tone generation channels start generation of the musical tone signals defined by the musical tone information when the respective tone volume levels of musical tone signals currently generated in the tone generation channels designated by the channel information are equal to or below a certain tone volume level.
US08383916B1
A novel maize variety designated X05B936 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 X05B936 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05B936 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05B936, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05B936. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05B936.
US08383902B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH999541. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH999541, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH999541 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 CH999541.
US08383896B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1023758. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1023758. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1023758 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1023758 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08383895B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024198. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024198. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024198 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024198 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08383892B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1015895. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1015895. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1015895 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1015895 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08383887B2
Disclosed are new effects of increased gdhA gene expression on plants that are susceptible to Aspergillus and Fusarium virguliforme infection. Plants transformed with the gdhA gene are resistant to aflatoxin accumulation following Aspergillus infection, and to root rot following F. virguliforme infection. The resistance to aflatoxin accumulation and root rot in gdhA+ plants is coincident with drought tolerance and resistance of the plants to certain herbicides. Methods for controlling aflatoxin contamination and root rot in crop plants, and for screening plants putatively transformed with gdhA, are described.
US08383882B1
A novel maize variety designated X8N333 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 X8N333 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8N333 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8N333, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8N333. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8N333.
US08383877B2
An absorbent composite includes a water-insoluble fibrous matrix, a superabsorbent polymer composition that has an initial absorbent capacity of at least about 5 grams of saline per gram of superabsorbent polymer composition; and a first triggering mechanism having a first release time of between about 5 and 60 minutes, where the superabsorbent polymer composition has a second absorbent capacity that is at least about 25 % greater than the first absorbent capacity as measured by the mCRC Test.
US08383874B2
A reactor for the autorefrigerant alkylation process has a reactor vessel with a lower end inlet for the refrigerant reactant and the sulfuric acid and a series of inlets for the olefin reactant at vertically spaced intervals. A flow path for the reactants is provided by co-acting baffles which define sequential reaction zones. The baffles interact with a rotary mixer with multiple impellers to provide agitation. Outlets for the vaporized refrigerant and the reaction effluent are provided at the upper end of the vessel. In the alkylation process, the liquid isoparaffin hydrocarbon reactant/refrigerant with a sulfuric acid alkylation catalyst is introduced into the lower end and passed along the extended reactant flow path with the olefin reactant introduced at intervals along the path. The reaction mixture flows in the sequence of serial reaction zones within the reactor to promote mixing of the isoparaffin reactant with the acid catalyst.
US08383871B1
Embodiments of a thermochemical method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to a useful fuel are disclosed in a process sequence resulting in low levels of depositable tars in the output gas stream. One disclosed embodiment comprises performing a sequence of steps at elevated pressure and elevated hydrogen partial pressure, including fast (or flash) hydropyrolysis of a lignocellulosic biomass feed followed sequentially with catalytically enhanced reactions for the formation of methane operating at moderate temperatures of from about 400° C. to about 650° C. and under moderately elevated pressure (about 5 atm to about 50 atm). A temperature rise in the catalyst above pyrolysis temperature is achieved without the addition of air or oxygen. Gas residence time at elevated temperature downstream of methane formation zones is extended well beyond the time required for methane formation. This sequence results in low depositable tars in the output gas stream.
US08383868B2
A method of the present invention, for producing an iodizing agent, includes the step of electrolyzing iodine molecules in a solution by using an acid as a supporting electrolyte. This realizes (i) a method of producing an iodine cation suitable for use as an iodizing agent that does not require a sophisticated separation operation after iodizing reaction is completed, and (ii) an electrolyte used in the method. Further, a method of the present invention, for producing an aromatic iodine compound, includes the step of causing an iodizing agent, and an aromatic compound whose nucleus has one or more substituent groups and two or more hydrogen atoms, to react with each other under the presence of a certain ether compound. This realizes such a method of producing an aromatic iodine compound that position selectivity in iodizing reaction of an aromatic compound is improved.
US08383864B2
Methods of converting cellulose or related biorenewable carbohydrate materials into high-value chemical compounds. The methods provide a means of converting low-cost materials such as cellulose and biomass into high yields of compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, hydroxyacetone, glycolaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.
US08383862B2
Provided are a salt compound, cationic polymerization initiator and cationically polymerizable composition, which have a superior acid-generating capacity and high sensitivity, and are free from coloration. The salt compound is represented by the following general Formula (1): (wherein, R01 to R05 each independently represents a group selected from a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom and —YR group, one of the R01 to R05 being a —YR group and at least two of the R01 to R05 being fluorine atoms; Y represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; R represents a C1-C4 alkyl group; Ctp+ represents a p-valent cation, the p being 1 or 2; and n represents a coefficient required for maintaining electrical neutrality).
US08383857B2
A method is disclosed for preparing hydrazides from hydrazine and an acyl chloride which comprises the steps of (a) preparing a stirred substantially uniform slurry comprising hydrazine and an inert solvent at low temperature; and (b) adding an acyl chloride continuously to said slurry. The method avoids or limits production of undesired bis-hydrazide by-products. The method is used to prepare 3-methyl-3-mercaptobutanoic acid hydrazide, a molecule used to link calicheamicin to a monoclonal antibody.
US08383837B2
The invention relates to a process for the catalytic conversion of a carbohydrate, an alcohol, an aldehyde or a polyhydroxy compound in the presence of a catalyst containing gold in a solvent.
US08383832B2
Provided are methods for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds such as benzimidazole carboxylic acid core structures having Formula Ib-1: wherein Z, X1, X2, X5, R2b and R10 are as defined herein. Compounds of Formula Ib-1 can be used to prepare heterocyclic derivatives such as benzimidazole derivatives.
US08383806B2
The present invention discloses the cloning of a new cDNA, HGFIN, from stimulated bone marrow stromal cells that was retrieved with a probe specific for the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor. The novel gene, HGFIN, encodes a protein receptor that is involved in the regulation of hematopoietic proliferation and differentiation. HGFIN is implicated in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, particularly bone and breast cancer, because it acts to suppress the proliferating cells.
US08383805B2
The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of a SCAP gene (Human SCAP gene), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of a SCAP gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by Human SCAP expression and the expression of a SCAP gene using the pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of a SCAP gene in a cell.
US08383801B2
Compositions and methods relating to epitopes of sclerostin protein, and sclerostin binding agents, such as antibodies capable of binding to sclerostin, are provided.
US08383789B2
The present invention relates to a vasopressin-binding nucleic acid, characterized in that the nucleic acid contains a stretch Box1 and a stretch Box2, in which Box1 comprises the sequence GUGGW and W=A or U, preferably W=U, and in which Box2 comprises a sequence of about 18 to 24 nucleotides, preferably 21 nucleotides, and a group (G)n is contained four times in the sequence, in which n=2, 3 or 4.
US08383785B2
The present invention discloses compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which exhibit superior antibacterial properties, particularly against Haemophilus influenzae. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject in need of antibiotic treatment. The invention also relates to methods of treating a bacterial infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention. The invention further includes process by which to make the compounds of the present invention.
US08383781B2
An antibody or antibody preparation being capable of specifically binding the amino acid sequence of NF-&kgr; B-inducing kinase (NIK) MAP3K14, or a specific portion thereof, and of thereby regulating a biochemical activity of NIK, and/or enabling detection of NIK or a specific portion thereof.
US08383779B2
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to mesothelin with high affinity, particularly human monoclonal antibodies. Preferably, the antibodies bind human mesothelin. In certain embodiments, the antibodies are capable of internalizing into mesothelin-expressing cells or are capable of mediating antigen dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The invention further provides anti-mesothelin antibodies that can inhibit the binding of mesothelin to the ovarian cancer antigen CA125. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Antibody-partner molecule conjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. This disclosure also provides methods for detecting mesothelin, as well as methods for treating cancers, such as mesotheliomas, pancreatic cancers and ovarian cancers, using an anti-mesothelin antibody of this disclosure.
US08383773B2
The invention includes a process for extracting a target protein from Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells that includes lowering the pH of a whole E. coli cell solution to form an acidic solution, disrupting the cells to release the protein into the acidic solution, and separating the cellular debris from the released protein to obtain a protein product enriched in the heterologous target protein. The invention also includes addition of a solubility enhancer.
US08383759B2
A method is provided for producing a liquid crystal polyester including: (1) polycondensing a mixture of a compound of formula (I) with a compound of formula (II) in a polymerization tank at 260 to 350° C. to form a prepolymer, wherein a ratio of by-products to be distilled off to the theoretical amount of by-products formed when the compound of formula (I) is polycondensed with the compound of formula (II) in a stoichiometric relation is 95% or more; (2) continuously discharging the prepolymer from the polymerization tank in a molten state, solidifying the prepolymer while transferring, and continuously grinding the solidified prepolymer by a grinder provided downstream in a transfer direction to produce prepolymer particles; and (3) heat-treating the prepolymer particles in their solid state under an inert gas atmosphere, thereby subjecting them to solid phase polymerization.
US08383754B2
The present invention provides a polymerization process utilizing a dual ansa-metallocene catalyst system. Polymers produced from the polymerization process are also provided, and these polymers have a reverse comonomer distribution, a non-bimodal molecular weight distribution, a ratio of Mw/Mn from about 3 to about 8, and a ratio of Mz/Mw from about 3 to about 6.
US08383749B2
The invention relates to a pigment preparation containing (i) at least one organic and/or inorganic pigment, (ii) a dispersant that can be obtained by the polmerization of monomers [A], [B], [C] and [D], where [A] is a monomer of formula (I) wherein A is C2-C4 alkylene and B is a C2-C4 alkylene different from A, and R is hydrogen or methyl, [B] is a monomer of formula (II) wherein D is C3 alkylene, R is hydrogen or methyl, and o is a number between 2 and 500, [C] is an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing an aromatic group; and [D] is an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing an alkyl radical.
US08383745B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide, which comprises a step for controlling the N-1,3-butadienyl-N-methylacetamide content in N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide to 0.01-150 ppm. This method enables production of N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide having a stable quality, which can be controlled in stability and polymerizability as a monomer. N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide produced by the method enables production of an N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide polymer having stable physical properties such as a molecular weight.
US08383744B2
The invention provide a class of actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymers which comprise dangling polysiloxane chains each having a terminal ethylenically-unsaturated group and are obtained in a one-step of RAFT polymerization of a reactive mixture comprising a polysiloxane crosslinker, a hydrophilic vinylic monomer, a RAFT agent, and a free-radical initiator. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from a prepolymer of the invention and methods for making the contact lenses in a cost-effective way and with high consistency and high fidelity to the original lens design.
US08383743B2
Disclosed is an ink composition for jet printer, comprising a pigment, a film forming resin and an organic solvent, the film forming resin being an acrylic copolymer containing, as a monomer unit, at least one of compounds represented by the general formulas (1) and (2): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms which may be linear or branched; and R3 and R4 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group or an aryl group, and the sum of the number of carbon atoms of R3 and R4 is from 4 to 12, or R3 and R4 form a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group which is a five-membered ring formed by combination of the R3 and R4; and wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms which may be linear or branched; and X represents a group selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the general formulas (3) to (9).
US08383741B2
The present invention relates to the control of flow of a particulate feed to a reactor, and in particular provides a process for providing a slurry of particulate matter to a reactor, comprising providing a slurry comprising said particulate matter and diluent, and passing said slurry to the inlet of a reactor feed pump from where it is then pumped to the reactor, characterized in that a stream of additional diluent is also passed to the inlet of the reactor feed pump, the reactor feed pump is operated at an essentially constant volumetric flow rate, and the amount of particulate matter in slurry passed into the reactor is adjusted by adjusting the flow.
US08383738B2
Disclosed is an epoxy resin composition for printed circuit board, which includes (A) an epoxy resin; (B) a composite curing agent, including amino-triazine-novolac resin, diaminodiphenylsulfone, and dicyandiamide mixed in a certain proportion; (C) a curing accelerator; and (D) an optional inorganic filler.
US08383734B2
The present invention relates to bone cements and, more particularly, to acrylic-based orthopedic bone cements, their use in spinal applications, and methods for making the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of grafting PMMA brushes on cross-linked PMMA nanospheres comprising at least one of the following steps: performing a hydrolysis reaction of surface methyl ester groups of said cross-linked PMMA nanospheres to form surface carboxylic acid groups of said cross-linked PMMA nanospheres; forming a 2-aminoethyl acrylate compound; coupling said surface carboxylic acid groups of said cross-linked PMMA nanospheres with said 2-aminoethyl acrylate compound to form a coupled compound with an initiating site; and grafting said PMMA brushes onto said initiating site. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an orthopedic bone cement including cross-linked PMMA nanospheres comprising PMMA brushes prepared by this method, and a monomer, wherein polymer to monomer ratio is between about 1:1 and 1.3:1.
US08383730B2
Bimodal polyethylene compositions and methods for making the same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the bimodal polyethylene composition can include a high molecular weight component having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of from about 400,000 to about 950,000. The bimodal polyethylene composition can also include a low molecular weight component having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of from about 3,000 to about 100,000. The high molecular weight component can be present in an amount ranging from about 25 wt % to about 40 wt % of the bimodal polyethylene composition. The bimodal polyethylene composition can also have a percent die swell of less than about 80%.
US08383720B2
A thermoplastic resin composition comprising: 20 to 60 parts by mass of a styrene-based resin (A) in which a content of an unsaturated nitrile-based monomer is from 32 to 50 mass %; 20 to 60 parts by mass of an aromatic polyester (B) in which an isothermal crystallization time from the molten state is from 25 to 100 sec; and 20 to 60 parts by mass of a filler (C).
US08383718B2
Aqueous strippable paint comprising one or more pigments, a polyether polyurethane binder having anionic stabilizing groups, and a second polyether having at least 20 wt. % of lipophilic parts. The first polyether has an acid number of at least 8, preferably at least 12, and the second polyether has 30-70 wt % of lipophilic parts. The mixing ratio of the first and second polyethers is at least 20:1. The second polyether comprises a lipophilic polyester and/or polyurethane backbone. The polyether polyurethane binder has a Tg of less than −42° C.
US08383715B2
An aqueous primer dispersion which contains surfactant-stabilized polymer particles, an organic solvent and a mineral thicker, when coated onto a fluorocarbon substrate, significantly increase the bond strength between the fluorocarbon substrate and a subsequently applied water-derived protective coating, provided that the amount of surfactant-stabilized polymer particles in the aqueous primer dispersion, if any, is about 8 wt. % or less.
US08383708B2
An unhindered polyol is used to react with an epoxidized soyate to make epoxidized soyate diester in the presence of a catalyst. The unhindered polyol can be 1,3-propanediol or any polyol having four or more carbon atoms with no two adjacent carbon atoms having hydroxyl functionality. Preferably, a combination of catalysts is used to promote the transesterification reaction of the epoxidized soyate with the unhindered polyol to yield a high percentage of epoxidized soyate diester with epoxy functionality retained. The primary catalyst is a metallic hydroxide, and the secondary catalyst is a titanate. Bioderived epoxidized soyate diester plasticizers useful for thermoplastics and thermosets result.
US08383707B2
The invention relates to a colored β-nucleated polypropylene composition having a high content of β-modification, wherein the polypropylene composition comprises at least one β-nucleating agent and an inorganic blue pigment and an inorganic yellow pigment.
US08383705B2
An extender for flexographic and other ink compositions and inks using such extender where potato starch serves as the ink carrier and an emulsion resin. The use of potato starch provides for a readily available, cost effective, substantial and environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum and soy based resins.
US08383703B2
A process is provided for producing discrete solid beads of polymeric material e.g. phenolic resin having a mesoporous structure, which process may produce resin beads on an industrial scale without aggregates of resin building up speedily and interrupting production. The process comprises the steps of: (a) combining a stream of a polymerizable liquid precursor e.g. a novolac and hexamine as cross-linking agent dissolved in a first polar organic liquid e.g. ethylene glycol with a stream of a liquid suspension medium which is a second non-polar organic liquid with which the liquid precursor is substantially or completely immiscible e.g. transformer oil containing a drying oil; (b) mixing the combined stream to disperse the polymerizable liquid precursor as droplets in the suspension medium e.g. using an in-line static mixer; (c) allowing the droplets to polymerise in a laminar flow of the suspension medium so as to form discrete solid beads that cannot agglomerate; and (d) recovering the beads from the suspension medium. Also provided is an apparatus for forming discrete solid beads of polymeric material. In other embodiments, a method is provided for carbonizing and activating carbonaceous material, and an externally fired rotary kiln for carbonizing and activating carbonaceous material.
US08383688B2
A product has solid stable water clusters including a plurality of water molecules connected with one another by electrical dipole interaction via internal electric field of ions and having a permanent electric dipole moment with an electrical field surrounding the solid stable water clusters.
US08383669B2
The invention provides a crystalline hydrochloride salt of (S)-3-[(S)-1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropyl]pyrrolidine. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline salt, processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline salt, and methods of using the crystalline salt to treat diseases.
US08383666B2
The subject of the invention is Compound of Formula (I): in which R1-R8 and R10 are defined within, its method of preparation, and its therapeutic application.
US08383663B2
The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions including: (a) bendamustine, (b) a first charged cyclopolysaccharide, and (c) a stabilizing agent which is a second charged cyclopolysaccharide having a charge opposite to that of the first charged cyclopolysaccharide. The composition provides unexpectedly desirable stability in reactive environments such as plasma, coupled with unexpectedly desirable anticancer activity. The compositions are suitable for injection or infusion into patients in need for treatment with bendamustine.
US08383660B2
Dibenzyl amine compounds and derivatives of Formula I, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and the use of such compounds to elevate certain plasma lipid levels, including high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and to lower certain other plasma lipid levels, such as LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and accordingly to treat diseases which are exacerbated by low levels of HDL cholesterol and/or high levels of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases in some mammals, including humans.
US08383659B2
Novel isoxazoline compounds and compositions containing the compounds are disclosed. The compounds have pesticidal properties and are suitable for use on non-human animals.
US08383654B2
Described herein are heteroaryl compounds that are antagonists of PGD2 receptors. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the heteroaryl compounds described. Also described herein are methods of using such antagonists of PGD2 receptors, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating respiratory, cardiovascular, and other PGD2-dependent or PGD2-mediated conditions or diseases.
US08383653B2
Compounds are disclosed which inhibit SIR2 base exchange more than deacetylation, thus enhancing SIR2 deacetylation activity. Methods of using the compounds for enhancing SIR2 deacetylation activity and increasing longevity of an organism are also disclosed. Methods for screening for compounds that enhance SIR2 deacetylation activity and increase longevity of an organism are additionally disclosed.
US08383641B2
The present invention relates to aryloxyethylamine compounds of the formula I and the physiologically tolerated acid addition salts thereof. The variables have the meanings given in the claims and the description. The invention also relates to the use of a compound of the formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a medical disorder susceptible to treatment with a dopamine D3 receptor ligand.
US08383632B2
In one aspect, the present invention features a method of producing a tablet including cetirizine including the steps of: (i) mixing cetirizine, a polyol, and a solvent for the cetirizine to form a cetirizine:polyol complex, wherein the solvent comprises water and an alkalizing agent and has a pH from about 2 to about 7; (ii) isolating particles of the cetirizine:polyol complex from the mixture; and (iii) forming the particles into a tablet.
US08383627B2
Crystalline Form IV of doxazosin mesylate, a process for its preparation and uses thereof.
US08383624B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutical acceptable salts, wherein R1a, R1b, X, and Y are defined in the description. The present invention relates also to compositions containing said compounds which are useful for inhibiting kinases such as Cdc7 and methods of treating diseases such as cancer.
US08383623B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutical acceptable salts, wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, X, Y, Z, n, and m are defined in the description. The present invention relates also to compositions containing said compounds which are useful for inhibiting kinases such as Cdc7 and methods of treating diseases such as cancer.
US08383611B1
The present invention provides an aqueous pharmaceutical composition containing ciclesonide and hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose, wherein the ciclesonide is dispersed in an aqueous medium in the form of solid particles. The composition is able to avoid variations in the concentrations of ciclesonide during production as well as avoid decreases in the recovery rate of ciclesonide.
US08383607B2
Treatment regimens comprising co-treatment of cancer with perifosine and capecitabine are disclosed herein, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms thereof formulated to be suitable for use in said treatment regimens.
US08383601B2
The invention provides nucleic acid segments, compositions and methods for the treatment of heart failure, vascular dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, diabetes, [Ca2+]i regulation and NO synthase dysfunction. Adeno-associated and adenovirus are used as gene delivery vectors for the nucleic acid segments to product long term over-expression of S100A1, a small calcium sensing protein associated with the disclosed ailments and dysfunctions.
US08383600B2
Methods and compositions for modulating glucose transport are provided herein.
US08383598B2
The invention provides novel immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit or suppress TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen.
US08383594B2
The present invention relates to the Synthesis of Triterpenoid peptides and mechanism of action for Anti ageing and skin care. The present invention is directed towards anti-aging skin care compositions comprising peptides which are made by linking herbal actives to a pentapeptide for enhanced anti ageing activity by regenerating the dermal matrix. In detail, the present invention relates to the synthesis of Triterpenoid peptides, providing an enhanced and synergistic activity for reducing the consequences of ageing such as appearance of fine expression lines and wrinkles on the skin by cosmetic modes of application. The Triterpenoid peptides of the present invention with its novel dual action mode can be used for skin ageing & collagen insufficiency. Its Triterpenoid group acts by preventing oxidation and excess activity of serine proteases like elastase and collagenase that result in wrinkling of skin. With added peptides which boost the collagen and other matrix protein, Triterpenoid peptides provide a complete protection against pre mature ageing and functions as a best anti ageing ingredient.
US08383591B2
The present invention relates to peptide from 4 to 50 amino acids comprising a phosphorylated pYX1X2X1 motif (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein each X1 independently is M or Nle and X2 is any amino acid, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptide and use thereof for treating cancer.
US08383589B2
The present invention relates to the discovery of the Aegyptin gene and Aegyptin protein, a molecule that interacts with collagen and inhibits platelet adhesion, activation and aggregation. Novel biological tools, prophylactics, therapeutics, diagnostics, and methods of use of the foregoing are also disclosed.
US08383579B2
Generally the method involves identifying the concentration of each of two or more active therapeutics tailored to treat a particular patient's unique metabolism and one or more diseases, communicating that information to a producer who has multiple fixed or variable concentrations of each active available, where the producer then combines the individual concentrations of each active into single units such as a tablets or pills, and distributes those indirectly or directly to the patient.
US08383577B2
Methods, formulations and kits are described that allow for the controlled release of octreotide, e.g., octreotide acetate, in a subject.
US08383573B2
New cleaning compositions including novel amphoteric dispersant polymers containing anionic and nitrogen containing substitution are disclosed. In particular, cleaning compositions containing modified polysaccharides having anionic and nitrogen containing substitution and methods of forming the same are disclosed.
US08383568B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing a polyol oxidase in micoroorganisms, and the use of polyol oxidases in cleaning compositions. The invention includes cleaning compositions that contain combinations of two or more POx oxidases, and cleaning compositions that contain combinations of two or more POx oxidases and a perhydrolase. In particular, the invention provides methods for expressing polyol oxidases in bacterial hosts for use in detergent applications for cleaning, bleaching and disinfecting.
US08383559B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods of supplying a corrosion inhibitor including placing a corrosion inhibitor attached to a nanostructure carrier, placing the nanostructure carrier containing the corrosion inhibitor at a location and the nanostructure carrier is capable of releasing the corrosion inhibitor.
US08383545B2
A linking ligand compound includes three bidentate chemical moieties distributed about a central chemical moiety. Another linking ligand compound includes a bidentate linking ligand and a monodentate chemical moiety. Coordination polymers include a plurality of metal clusters linked together by residues of the linking ligand compounds.
US08383543B2
The invention relates to a bulk multi-metallic catalyst for hydrotreating heavy oil feeds and to a method for preparing the catalyst. The bulk multi-metallic catalyst is prepared by sulfiding a catalyst precursor having a poorly crystalline structure with disordered stacking layers, with a type IV adsorption-desorption isotherms of nitrogen with a hysteresis starting point value of about 0.35, for a sulfided catalyst that will facilitate the reactant's and product's diffusion in catalytic applications. In another embodiment, the precursor is characterized as having a type H3 hysteresis loop. In a third embodiment, the hysteresis loop is characterized as having a well developed plateau above P/Po of about 0.55. The mesapores of the precursor can be adjustable or tunable.
US08383537B2
Refractory materials are provided which contain P2O5/R2O3 constituents, where R is Y, Sc, Er, Lu, Yb, Tm, Ho, Dy, Tb, Gd, or a combination thereof, and/or V2O5/R′2O3 constituents where R′ is Y, Sc, one or more rare earth elements, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the refractory materials are xenotime-type materials and/or xenotime-stabilized zircon-type materials. The refractory materials can be used in the manufacture of glass and glass-ceramics. For example, the refractory materials, especially those that contain P2O5/R2O3 constituents, can be used as forming structures (“isopipes”) in the fusion process for making flat sheets of glass such as the glass sheets used as substrates in the manufacture of flat panel displays.
US08383526B2
A liquid containing a hydrophilic polymer is applied by spreading or impregnation to a porous sheet comprising paper or a nonwoven fabric containing not less than 30% by weight and not more than 100% by weight of hydrophilic fiber to provide a hydrophilic polymer-processed sheet of which the surface and/or the interior of the porous sheet is filled with the hydrophilic polymer, which is made insoluble to water. This sheet is used as a sheet for a total heat exchanger which has higher conductivity of sensible heat and latent heat than conventional sheet for a total heat exchanger that uses a moisture permeable membrane.
US08383507B2
A metal interconnect structure includes at least a pair of metal lines, a cavity therebetween, and a dielectric metal-diffusion barrier layer located on at least one portion of walls of the cavity. After formation of a cavity between the pair of metal lines, the dielectric metal-diffusion barrier layer is formed on the exposed surfaces of the cavity. A dielectric material layer is formed above the pair of metal lines to encapsulate the cavity. The dielectric metal-diffusion barrier layer prevents diffusion of metal and impurities from one metal line to another metal line and vice versa, thereby preventing electrical shorts between the pair of metal lines.
US08383502B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a first active region and a second active region, forming a first metal layer over a high-k dielectric layer, removing at least a portion of the first metal layer in the second active region, forming a second metal layer on first metal layer in the first active region and over the high-k dielectric layer in the second active region, and thereafter, forming a silicon layer over the second metal layer. The method further includes removing the silicon layer from the first gate stack thereby forming a first trench and from the second gate stack thereby forming a second trench, and forming a third metal layer over the second metal layer in the first trench and over the second metal layer in the second trench.
US08383499B2
A method for forming a gallium nitride based semiconductor diode includes forming Schottky contacts on the upper surface of mesas formed in a semiconductor body formed on a substrate. Ohmic contacts are formed on the lower surface of the semiconductor body. In one embodiment, an insulating layer is formed over the Schottky and ohmic contacts and vias are formed in the insulating layer to the Schottky and ohmic contacts to form the anode and cathode electrodes. In another embodiment, vias are formed in the insulating layer to the Schottky contacts and vias are formed in the semiconductor body to the ohmic contacts. An anode electrode is formed in electrical contact with the Schottky contacts. A cathode electrode is formed in electrical contact with the ohmic contacts on the backside of the substrate.
US08383487B2
Forming an insulating film on a surface of the single crystal semiconductor substrate, forming a fragile region in the single crystal semiconductor substrate by irradiating the single crystal semiconductor substrate with an ion beam through the insulating film, forming a bonding layer over the insulating film, bonding a supporting substrate to the single crystal semiconductor substrate by interposing the bonding layer between the supporting substrate and the single crystal semiconductor substrate, dividing the single crystal semiconductor substrate at the fragile region to separate the single crystal semiconductor substrate into a single crystal semiconductor layer attached to the supporting substrate, performing first dry etching treatment on a part of the fragile region remaining on the single crystal semiconductor layer, performing second dry etching treatment on a surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer subjected to the first etching treatment, and irradiating the single crystal semiconductor layer with laser light.
US08383484B2
A semiconductor device production method includes: forming a gate insulating film on the p-type region of a semiconductor substrate; forming a first aluminum oxide film with an oxygen content lower than stoichiometric composition on the gate insulating film; forming a tantalum-nitrogen-containing film that contains tantalum and nitrogen on the first aluminum oxide film; forming an electrically conductive film on the tantalum-nitrogen-containing film; patterning the electrically conductive film to form a gate electrode; injecting n-type impurities into the p-type region using the gate electrode as a mask; and carrying out heat treatment after the formation of the tantalum-nitrogen-containing film.
US08383464B2
The method for producing a field effect transistor on a substrate comprising a support layer, a sacrificial layer and a semi-conducting layer comprises forming an active area in the semi-conducting layer. The active area is delineated by a closed peripheral insulation pattern and comprises an additional pattern made from insulating material. The method also comprises etching the insulating material of the additional pattern to access the sacrificial layer, etching the sacrificial layer resulting in formation of a first cavity, forming a dielectric layer on a top wall of the first cavity, and depositing an electrically conducting layer in the first cavity. The closed peripheral insulation pattern is formed through the semi-conducting layer and the sacrificial layer.
US08383463B2
A semiconductor package includes an electromagnetic shielding member for shielding electromagnetic waves. An antenna is disposed on an upper face of the electromagnetic shielding member and includes an antenna part with a plurality of conductive particles electrically connected with each other and an insulation part disposed on the upper face of the electromagnetic shielding member and insulating the antenna part. Ball lands are disposed on the electromagnetic shielding member and are electrically connected with the antenna part. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip is electrically connected to the ball lands.
US08383461B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor package includes the steps of forming first circuit patterns on an upper surface of a carrier substrate. Bumps are formed in recesses defined on the upper surface of the carrier substrate. An insulation layer is formed on the upper surface of the carrier substrate to cover the first circuit patterns. Second circuit patterns are formed on an upper surface of the insulation layer so as to be electrically connected with the first circuit patterns. The carrier substrate is then separated from the insulation layer.
US08383457B2
A semiconductor device has a first semiconductor die mounted over a carrier. An interposer frame has an opening in the interposer frame and a plurality of conductive pillars formed over the interposer frame. The interposer is mounted over the carrier and first die with the conductive pillars disposed around the die. A cavity can be formed in the interposer frame to contain a portion of the first die. An encapsulant is deposited through the opening in the interposer frame over the carrier and first die. Alternatively, the encapsulant is deposited over the carrier and first die and the interposer frame is pressed against the encapsulant. Excess encapsulant exits through the opening in the interposer frame. The carrier is removed. An interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant and first die. A second semiconductor die can be mounted over the first die or over the interposer frame.
US08383452B2
In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method can include depositing a first amorphous film having a first impurity, depositing a third amorphous lower-layer film on the first amorphous film, forming microcrystals on the third amorphous lower-layer film, depositing a third amorphous upper-layer film on the third amorphous lower-layer film to cover the microcrystals, depositing a second amorphous film having a second impurity on the third amorphous upper-layer film, and radiating microwaves to crystallize the third amorphous lower-layer film and the third amorphous upper-layer film to form a third crystal layer, and crystallize the first amorphous film and the second amorphous film to form a first crystal layer and a second crystal layer.
US08383451B2
In particular embodiments, a method is described for depositing thin films, such as those used in forming a photovoltaic cell or device. In a particular embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate suitable for use in a photovoltaic device and plasma spraying one or more layers over the substrate, the grain size of the grains in each of the one or more layers being at least approximately two times greater than the thickness of the respective layer.
US08383443B2
A non-uniform gate dielectric charge for pixel sensor cells, e.g., CMOS optical imagers, and methods of manufacturing are provided. The method includes forming a gate dielectric on a substrate. The substrate includes a source/drain region and a photo cell collector region. The method further includes forming a non-uniform fixed charge distribution in the gate dielectric. The method further includes forming a gate structure on the gate dielectric.
US08383435B2
A photonic semiconductor device and method are provided that ensure that the surface of the device upon completion of the SAG process is planar, or at least substantially planar, such that performance of the subsequent processes is facilitated, thereby enabling higher manufacturing yield to be achieved. A photonic semiconductor device and method are also provided that ensure that the isolation region of the device will have high resistance and low capacitance, without requiring the placement of a thick dielectric material beneath each of the contact pads. Eliminating the need to place thick dielectric materials underneath the contact pads eliminates the risk that the contact pads will peel away from the assembly.
US08383429B2
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for rapid and uniform thermal treatment of semiconductor workpieces in two closely arranged thermal treatment chambers with a retractable door between them. The retractable door moves in between two thermal treatment chambers during heating or cooling process, and additional heating and cooling sources are provided for double-side thermal treatment of the semiconductor workpiece.
US08383427B2
A semiconductor device having a MTJ device excellent in operating characteristics and a manufacturing method therefor are provided. The MTJ device is formed of a laminated structure which is obtained by laminating a lower magnetic film, a tunnel insulating film, and an upper magnetic film in this order. The lower and upper magnetic films contain noncrystalline or microcrystalline ferrocobalt boron (CoFeB) as a constituent material. The tunnel insulating film contains aluminum oxide (AlOx) as a constituent material. A CAP layer is formed over the upper magnetic film and a hard mask is formed over the CAP layer. The CAP layer contains a substance of crystalline ruthenium (Ru) as a constituent material and the hard mask contains a substance of crystalline tantalum (Ta) as a constituent material. The film thickness of the hard mask is larger than that of the CAP layer.
US08383416B2
An optical sensor and method for use with a visible-light laser excitation beam and a Raman spectroscopy detector, for detecting the presence chemical groups in an analyte applied to the sensor are disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate, a plasmon resonance mirror formed on a sensor surface of the substrate, a plasmon resonance particle layer disposed over the mirror, and an optically transparent dielectric layer about 2-40 nm thick separating the mirror and particle layer. The particle layer is composed of a periodic array of plasmon resonance particles having (i) a coating effective to binding analyte molecules, (ii) substantially uniform particle sizes and shapes in a selected size range between 50-200 nm (ii) a regular periodic particle-to-particle spacing less than the wavelength of the laser excitation beam. The device is capable of detecting analyte with an amplification factor of up to 1012-1014, allowing detection of single analyte molecules.
US08383405B2
In a method embodiment, a method includes introducing a plurality of Ideotypically Modulated Pharmacoeffectors (IMP) into a population of cells. Each IMP may include a detection domain and an activation domain. One or more epitopes is bound by the detection domain. The activation domain is activated in response to the binding. Applications may include but are not limited to viral infections, other intracellular infections, cancers, vector-borne diseases, autoimmune diseases, cellular diseases, cellular enhancement, and research.
US08383402B2
An isolated cell from the cell line identified as TnT4. This cell may be infected with a baculovirus expression vector which may carry a heterologous nucleotide that encodes a polypeptide, such as a membrane protein, e.g., human neurotensin receptor 1. Also included is a method for using this cell line to produce a polypeptide, such as a membrane protein; and a method for identifying a cell-of-interest which expresses a protein-of-interest.
US08383401B2
A polypeptide comprising a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 of Sequence Listing or a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence having deletion, addition, insertion or substitution of one to several amino acid residues in the sequence, the polypeptide being capable of constituting an HLA-A24-restricted, MAGE-A4143-151-specific T cell receptor together with a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 of Sequence Listing.
US08383400B2
Disclosed are fusion proteins, polynucleotides that encode the disclosed fusion proteins, and methods for expressing and autoprocessing of the disclosed fusion proteins to obtain a target protein. The disclosed fusion proteins include an autoproteolytic cysteine protease fused to a heterologous polypeptide, which may be isolated as the target protein. Preferably, the protease activity of the cysteine protease is inducible. Suitable autoproteolytic cysteine proteases for the fusion proteins include the cysteine protease of the Vibrio cholerae RTX toxin.
US08383390B2
This invention relates to bacteria having a function of reducing the content of heavy metals in plants, a method for reducing the content of heavy metals in plants with the use of such bacteria, and a composition comprising, as an active ingredient, such bacteria.
US08383388B2
Provided are modified factor IX (FIX) polypeptides and methods of generating modified FIX polypeptides. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, including compositions formulation for oral administration, that contain the modified FIX polypeptides, and methods of treatment using modified FIX polypeptides.
US08383385B2
The present invention relates to variants of a parent glycoside hydrolase, comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 21, 94, 157, 205, 206, 247, 337, 350, 373, 383, 438, 455, 467, and 486 of amino acids 1 to 513 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and optionally further comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 8, 22, 41, 49, 57, 113, 193, 196, 226, 227, 246, 251, 255, 259, 301, 356, 371, 411, and 462 of amino acids 1 to 513 of SEQ ID NO: 2 a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 8, 22, 41, 49, 57, 113, 193, 196, 226, 227, 246, 251, 255, 259, 301, 356, 371, 411, and 462 of amino acids 1 to 513 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the variants have glycoside hydrolase activity. The present invention also relates to nucleotide sequences encoding the variant glycoside hydrolases and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleotide sequences.
US08383384B2
The present invention provides novel glycosyltransferase proteins produced by ascomycetous filamentous fungi (preferably species belonging to the genus Trichoderma, more preferably Trichoderma viride), as well as genes encoding the same. Among novel enzyme proteins provided by the present invention, particularly preferred is an enzyme protein obtained from the culture supernatant of Trichoderma viride strain IAM5141. The novel enzymes of the present invention allow glycosylation of flavonoid compounds to thereby improve their water solubility.
US08383383B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08383380B2
Segmented water soluble polymers, containing a higher molecular weight segment linked to a lower molecular weight segment, are described. In one embodiment, the polymer segments are poly(ethylene glycol) segments. The segmented polymers are functionalized and are useful for conjugation to various moieties such as pharmacologically active substances. Also described are conjugates of such polymers and methods of their preparation.
US08383375B2
The present invention relates to a novel thermostable gluconate dehydratase from the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus, a coding sequence, and an expression system. The gluconate dehydratase has a molecular weight of about 320,000 to 380,000 daltons as the native protein, and about 40,000 to 50,000 daltons as the monomer protein, and catalyzes the dehydration reaction of aldonic acids to 2-keto-3-deoxy derivatives at temperatures of less than 120° C. The gluconate dehydratase can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and thereby used in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and other industries.
US08383374B2
The subject invention provides materials and methods wherein unique and advantageous combinations of gene mutations are used to direct carbon flow from sugars to a single product. The techniques of the subject invention can be used to obtain products from native pathways as well as from recombinant pathways. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides new materials and methods for the efficient production of acetate and pyruvic acid.
US08383371B2
The present invention relates to a replicon RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence at least containing the 5′ untranslated region, the nucleotide sequence encoding NS3 protein, NS4A protein, NS4B protein, NS5A protein and NS5B protein, and the 3′ untranslated region on the genomic RNA of hepatitis C virus of genotype 2a.
US08383370B2
The invention provides a novel truncated mutated T4 RNA ligase 2. In addition, methods are provided for ligating pre-adenlylated donor molecules to the 3′ hydroxyl group of RNA in the absence of ATP using the ligase.
US08383365B2
Modified FGF-21 polypeptides and uses thereof are provided.
US08383346B2
The present disclosure relates to methods for efficient synthesis, cloning, transformation and screening of large diverse libraries of polynucleotide variants comprising well-defined nucleotide differences relative to a reference polynucleotide.
US08383331B2
A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material for movie, having a specific layer structure by using particles of at least one kind of electroconductive metal oxide and at least one kind of an electroconductive polymer.
US08383329B2
There are provided a pattern exposure method, a conductive film producing method, and a conductive film, wherein a photosensitive material is subjected to a proximity exposure through a photomask disposed with a proximity gap of 70 to 200 μm, and thereby is exposed in the mask pattern periodically in the conveying direction to obtain a conductive film. The conductive film has a plurality of conductive portions of first and second conductive thin metal wires and a plurality of opening portions. A side of each thin metal wire has a protrusion extending toward the opening portion from a virtual line representing a designed width of the thin metal wire, and the protruding amount of the protrusion is 1/25 to 1/6 of the designed width.
US08383328B2
A method for producing an optical part includes an irradiation process for irradiating a radiation-sensitive polymerizable composition with a radiation. The radiation-sensitive polymerizable composition includes at least a polymerizable compound (a) and a polymerizable or non-polymerizable component (c). The irradiation process includes at least a first step of irradiating with a radiation only a first irradiation region that is a portion of the radiation-sensitive polymerizable composition and a second step of irradiating with a radiation only a second irradiation region that is a portion of the radiation-sensitive polymerizable composition and is different from the first irradiation region in at least one of size and position. When the component (c) is polymerizable, the polymerization rate of the component (c) is controlled to be lower than that of the polymerizable compound (a) in the first and the second steps.
US08383320B2
There is provided a composition for forming a resist underlayer film not only having a large selection ratio of a dry etching rate but also exhibiting desired values of the k value and of the refractive index n at a short wavelength such as a wavelength of an ArF excimer laser. A resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography comprising: a linear polymer; and a solvent, wherein a backbone of the linear polymer has a unit structure in which 2,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid is introduced through an ester bond and an ether bond.
US08383313B2
Provided is a toner including toner particles each containing a binder resin, a colorant, and a wax, and inorganic fine particles, the toner having such a characteristic that a temperature-storage elastic modulus curve at a high frequency shows a characteristic change in its behavior in a specific temperature region with respect to a temperature-storage elastic modulus curve at a low frequency.
US08383304B2
A gallium phthalocyanine compound represented by the following chemical structure I, where X represents a substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, a substituted or non-substituted alkenyl group, a substituted or non-substituted alkynyl group, a substituted or non-substituted aralkyl group, a substituted or non-substituted cycloalkyl group, a substituted or non-substituted aryl group, or a hydrogen atom, where substitution groups thereof are an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an alkyl group, a halogen atom, nitro group, amino group, an aryl group, carboxylic group, and cyano group, R1 to R16 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an alkyl group, a halogen atom, nitro group, or aryl group, n represents an integer of from 1 to 3 but excluding a combination in which n is 1 and X is methyl group.
US08383303B2
A color filter includes a transparent substrate, a transparent conductive layer, a plurality of filter layers, and a plurality of bumps. The filter layers are disposed between the transparent substrate and the transparent conductive layer, and the bumps are disposed on a plane of the transparent conductive layer. A sheet resistance of each of the bumps is above 1014Ω/□, and an optical density (OD) of each of the bumps is above 1.5.
US08383301B2
Methods for designing, fabricating, and using attenuated phase shift reticles, or photomasks are disclosed. Methods are also disclosed for subdividing the radiation blocking regions of previously fabricated reticles of previously existing designs. The methods may include forming radiation blocking regions that are subdivided, by cut lines, into discrete, spaced apart sections with dimensions (e.g., surface area, etc.) configured to minimize or eliminate the buildup of electrostatic energy by the radiation blocking regions and/or the discharge of electrostatic energy from the radiation blocking regions and the damage that may be caused by such electrostatic discharge. The methods may include configuring the reticle to prevent radiation from passing through the cut lines between adjacent sections of a subdivided radiation blocking region.
US08383296B2
The photomask manufacturing method comprises at least one step of cleaning the photomask and at least one step of placing a protective pellicle onto the photomask at the end of manufacturing. The inventive method further comprises at least one step of removing ammonia and sulfate residue between the cleaning step and the pellicle placement step. This step comprises the following operations: placing the photomask into a sealed chamber, creating a low pressure within the sealed chamber by pumping out the gases that it contains, exposing the photomask to infrared radiation, stopping the infrared radiation, checking that the temperature of the photomask does not exceed 50° C., restoring the atmospheric pressure within the chamber, and removing the photomask from the chamber. The device for implementing the inventive method comprises a sealed chamber containing at least one photomask, a pumping unit for creating and maintaining a vacuum inside the chamber, a system for holding at least one photomask, placed inside the sealed chamber, infrared radiation means and a gas injection system.
US08383295B2
A composition for holographic recording medium, which can be coated in a uniform thickness and enables to simply produce a high definition holographic recording medium is provided. And a holographic medium having a low error rate, high storage capacity, high-performance, high-density, which is produced using the composition for the holographic recording medium, is also provided. The composition comprises a (meth)acrylic acid ester group-containing polymerizable substance, an alicyclic epoxy group-containing cationical polymerizable substance of which is ring-opening polymerized by heat, and a hydroxyl group-containing substance which is reactive with the alicyclic epoxy group-containing cationical polymerizable substance. The holographic recording medium is produced by forming a holographic recording layer on a substrate by applying the composition on the base material and polymerizing the alicyclic epoxy group-containing cationical polymerizable substance and the hydroxyl group-containing substance.
US08383292B2
In a fuel cell that includes an electrolyte (10), and an anode (20) and a cathode (30) which constitute a pair of electrodes that are arranged sandwiching the electrolyte (10), the cathode (30) includes catalyst particles (24) and trapping particles (38). The catalyst particles (24) operate as catalysts for a reaction that creates hydroxide ions from oxygen, and the trapping particles (38) trap hydrogen peroxide ions.
US08383281B2
A fuel cell system has a flooding elimination mode as one of available operation modes of fuel cells and includes a drive controller. When the ambient temperature of the fuel cell system is not higher than a preset first temperature, the drive controller causes the fuel cells to be driven in the flooding elimination mode. When the ambient temperature of the fuel cell system is not lower than a preset second temperature that is higher than the first temperature, the drive controller prohibits the fuel cells from being driven in the flooding elimination mode. On the occasion of input of a checkup instruction of the fuel cells, the drive controller causes the fuel cells to be driven in the flooding elimination mode, independently of the ambient temperature. This arrangement effectively improves the user's convenience at the checkup time of the fuel cell system having the operation mode for eliminating the state of flooding.
US08383278B2
In order to provide a fuel cell system (which ensures high proton conductivity and high energy conversion efficiency and, in addition, copes with an operating mode of the startup/shutdown type and which has excellent durability capable of effectively preventing a polymer electrolyte membrane from deterioration) and an operating method of such a fuel cell system, a fuel cell system (100) is provided with a fuel cell (11), a fuel gas supplier (16) and an oxidizing gas supplier (17), a temperature supplier (19) which controls the temperature of the fuel cell, and a humidifier unit (18) which humidifies oxidizing gas, wherein there is further provided a controller (20) which controls the dew point of fuel gas and the dew point of oxidizing gas as follow: during the generation of electric power, the fuel gas dew point is made higher than or equal to the temperature of the fuel cell while the oxidizing gas dew point is made less than the temperature of the fuel cell and, before interrupting the electric connection between the fuel cell and a load, at least, the temperature of the fuel cell and the oxidizing gas dew point are made to conform to each other.
US08383263B2
A battery pack comprising a housing having an first housing portion and a second housing portion and an electrostatic discharge protection device to prevent electrostatic discharge from entering the housing.
US08383259B2
In the case of a safety device for an accumulator cell, which has an electrode assembly disposed in an elastic cell sheath and at least one electrical connector, a blocking element is provided which blocks at least a first electrical contact associated with the electrical connector with at least a second electrical contact in a releasable electrical connection, the blocking element being configured for the purpose of releasing the releasable electrical connection when the cell sheath expands as a result of a change in volume of the accumulator cell during operation. A separation of the second contact from the first contact is thereby made possible.
US08383258B2
Disclosed herein is a cap assembly loaded on an open upper end of a cylindrical container of a battery in which an electrode assembly is mounted in the cylindrical container, the cap assembly including a safety vent having a predetermined notch configured to rupture by high-pressure gas generated in the battery, a current interruptive device coupled to a bottom of the safety vent by welding for interrupting current when internal pressure of the battery increases, and a current interruptive device gasket for surrounding an outer circumference of the current interruptive device, wherein the current interruptive device includes two or more through holes for gas discharge, the through holes being formed such that the sum of areas of the through holes is equal to 20% to 50% of an entire area of the current interruptive device. When high-pressure gas is generated in the battery, the cap assembly effectively interrupts current and rapidly discharges the gas, thereby greatly improving safety of the battery.
US08383257B2
An electrochemical storage cell is disclosed which includes at least one cathode sheet, at least one anode sheet and at least one separator sheet combined to make a core. The core is housed within a rectangular shell with four sides and two ends, sealed with an air-tight seal. The cell further includes a blow out vent in at least one of the two ends of the shell. This blow out vent is adapted to open and release excess pressure above a predetermined level to thereby prevent catastrophic rupture of the shell.
US08383252B2
The present invention has aimed to provide a method which is capable of producing a rare earth magnet having a protective layer that can provide a sufficient water resistance. The present invention provides a method for producing a rare earth magnet comprising a magnet body containing a rare earth element and a protective layer with high water resistance formed on the surface of the magnet body, the method comprising a first step in which a zinc compound soluble in an alkaline solution is dissolved in an alkali silicate solution to prepare a treatment solution, a second step in which the treatment solution is attached on the surface of the magnet body, and a third step in which the treatment solution attached on the magnet body surface is cured to form a protective layer comprising the cured product of the treatment solution.
US08383248B2
A coated article is described. The coated article includes a substrate, a combining layer formed on the substrate, a plurality of titanium dioxide layers and a plurality of copper-zinc alloy layers formed on the combining layer. The combining layer is a titanium layer. Each titanium dioxide layer interleaves with one copper-zinc alloy layer. A method for making the coated article is also described.
US08383235B2
Fibrous structures that exhibit a Dry Burst of greater than 100 g and a Cross-Machine Direction Flexural Rigidity (CD Flexural Rigidity) of greater than 56 mg*cm2/cm as measured according to the Flexural Rigidity Test Method and/or a Total Dry Tensile (TT or TDT) of less than 3000 g/76.2 mm as measured according to the Tensile Strength Test Method and/or a Geometric Mean Tensile (GM Tensile or GMT) of less than 750 g/76.2 mm as measured according to the Tensile Strength Test Method and/or a Machine Direction Modulus (MD Modulus) of less than 900 g/cm as measured according to the Modulus Test Method are provided.
US08383234B2
Provided is the following charging member of an electrophotographic apparatus. The charging member suppresses the occurrence of each of a streak-like image, a spot-like image, and a rough image that occur when image formation is performed over a long time period. Also provided are a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each having the charging member. A compound having a siloxane dendrimer structure at a vinyl group or a side chain of a vinyl polymer is incorporated into the surface layer of the charging member comprising a conductive substrate and the surface layer.
US08383228B2
A laminated shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.
US08383219B2
A multilayer thermoplastic container for storing and transporting liquid contents, especially combustible or explosive contents, is made of at least three superimposed layers and includes at least one layer for discharging an electric charge. The innermost layer of the container in contact with the liquid content is made of virgin material and a second integrated inner layer which is covered by the innermost virgin material layer is electrically conductive as a result of incorporated additives, e.g. conductive carbon black and is covered on the outside by another electrically non-conductive layer. Electric charge carriers that accumulate on the surface of the thin inner layer due to the friction with the content are “suctioned through” large areas of the inner, electrically non-conductive layer by the second, electrically conductive layer and discharged.
US08383217B2
A corrosion inhibiting protective sleeve formed of a woven fabric material and impregnated with a vapor-phase corrosion inhibitor (VpCI).
US08383201B2
A method including passing a substrate by at least one slot die in at least a first direction and applying at least one coating to the substrate with the slot die, where the slot die is moved in a direction transverse to the at least first direction.
US08383199B2
The present invention relates to a process for adhering a lining to the interior surface of an oil pipe wherein the lining imparts substantially reduced adhesion of asphaltenes, paraffin wax, and inorganic scale, so as to reduce plugging of the oil pipe, and impermeability to salt water so as to protect the oil pipe from corrosion.
US08383193B2
There is a problem in a method for forming an EL layer by heating with light and transferring an organic material in that the organic material is not uniformly transferred. The present invention relates to a film formation method including the steps of forming a metal film over a first surface of an elastic substrate; forming an organic material layer onto a second surface of the elastic substrate which is opposite to the first surface; placing the second surface of the elastic substrate and a substrate on which a film is to be formed, with a space between the second surface of the elastic substrate and the substrate on which a film is to be formed; heating locally and rapidly the metal film from a first surface side of the elastic substrate to deform the elastic substrate by expansion of the metal film; and transferring the organic material layer from the elastic substrate onto the substrate on which a film is to be formed.
US08383189B2
A coating system comprises a high gloss coating ink supply source, and a low gloss coating ink supply source. The system includes a coating module configured to receive the high gloss coating ink and the low gloss coating ink. The coating module includes a first and second group of nozzles configured to emit the high gloss and low gloss coating inks, respectively. The coating system has a controller that is configured to selectively actuate the first group and second group of inkjet nozzles to deposit the high gloss and low gloss coating inks onto the image receiving surface in accordance with a halftone pattern to form a gloss coating, the halftone pattern specifying a halftone density for the high gloss coating ink and for the low gloss coating ink, the halftone densities of the high and low gloss coating inks corresponding to a gloss level for the gloss coating.
US08383187B2
The present invention provides a method for processing a green body comprising a powder mixture in which a metal powder and a space filler assume respective positions, comprising applying a material that comprises aspherical metallic particles to at least one surface of the green body, thereby forming a coating on the green body. The present invention also provides implants that are produced in accordance with such method.
US08383182B2
An apparatus for easily removing excess moisture from blocks of tofu. The apparatus comprises a container which holds the tofu. A first substantially flat plate member is disposed within such container and placed on top of the tofu. A second substantially flat plate member which has a spring attached thereon engages a pair of arm like projections disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sides of the container member. The other end of the spring engages the upper surface of the first flat plate member that sits on the top of the tofu so that as the spring exerts pressure on the first flat plate member water is removed from the tofu.
US08383178B2
The present invention relates to a method for stabilizing vegetable, marine and single cell oils/oil concentrates as well as pigments like astaxanthin and canthaxanthin with regard to oxidation. It also relates to a feed for salmonids, and a method for optimising the effect of the pigment in feed for salmonids. Furthermore, the invention relates to a health care product and a composition for prophylaxis or therapeutical treatment. Essential features by the invention are treatment by or presence of amines/amides.
US08383177B2
A method and system is provided whereby pathogens in food are reduced by first sealing food in a package and then applying high hydrostatic pressure to the sealed package. The package is moved to a clean area having pathogen-reducing treatment such as a cleansing plasma. The food is removed from the sealed package and then transferred to a food processor such as a grinder or dicer having internal pathogen reducing treatment. The food may then be transferred to a patty maker having internal cleansing plasma. The food may then be transferred to a freezer or freeze dryer having internal cleansing plasma.
US08383173B2
A method of making bread is provided. The method includes a thermally treated dough making process of forming a thermally heated dough, a dough mixing process of mixing the thermally treated dough of the thermally treated dough making process with wheat flour, dried yeast, refined sugar, refined salt, whole milk powder, bread improver, processed butter, milk, egg, and water to form a dough mixture, and stirring the dough mixture, a deep-freezing process of dividing the dough mixture into equal-sized dough pieces and deep-freezing the divided dough pieces, a thawing process of thawing the deep-frozen dough pieces, a fermentation process of fermenting the thawed dough pieces, and a baking process of heating the fermented dough pieces.
US08383168B2
The present application describes an antioxidant complex having a synergistic effect between its ingredients. Said mixture comprises: a) vitamin E and/or derivatives thereof; b) green tea extract and/or derivatives thereof; and c) cacao extract. Examples of cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said antioxidant complex and a physiologically acceptable carrier are also described. The antioxidant complex of the present invention, as well as the aforementioned compositions, aid in preventing and protecting against cell and skin damages resulting from the action of free radicals, and also provide DNA, protein and cell membrane protection.
US08383163B2
Fluoride varnish compositions for temporary application and adhesion to a person's teeth. The composition includes a carrier comprising a resin and an adhesion promoting agent comprising an alkyl phosphoric acid. A fluoride ion source (e.g., a fluoride salt such as sodium fluoride) is dispersed within the carrier so as to provide biologically available fluoride ions to the tooth tissue being treated. The composition adheres only temporarily to tooth tissue (e.g., for a period of at least about 4 minutes, but not more than about 1 year), after which the composition spontaneously wears away as a natural result of the action of the tongue, saliva and/or other factors.
US08383161B2
A pharmaceutically acceptable implant system comprising a collection of pharmaceutically acceptable, covalently-crosslinked hydrogel particles having a radioopaque agent covalently attached to a plurality of the particles in the collection, with the radioopaque agent being present in the collection at a concentration of at least about 0.1% w/w. The implantable materials may be used, for instance, in an iatrogenic site and for fiducial marking.
US08383160B2
The present invention relates to method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.
US08383155B2
A novel dosage form. The dosage form is presented in particulate form and before oral ingestion the particulate material is subjected to an aqueous medium, whereby it is converted to a semi-solid form by swelling or gelling of one or more of the components, especially of a gellan gum, of the particulate matter. The invention also relates to a vehicle for oral administration of one or more active substances, the vehicle comprising a gellan gum arranged in a configuration allowing optimal water diffusion so that upon addition of a predetermined amount of an aqueous medium, without the necessity of applying shear forces or other mixing forces, within a time period of 5 minutes or less swells and/or gels and the texture of the swelled vehicle being similar to that of a soft pudding and having a viscosity of at least about 10,000 cps as measured by a Brookfield Viscometer with a #4 LV spindle at 6 rpm and at 20-25° C. In one embodiment of the invention, the particulate matter can be molded into a desired shape or pressed onto a dispensing unit such as a spoon.
US08383143B2
The present disclosure invention relates to medical devices treated with a solution comprising one or more solvents and a combination of chlorhexidine free base and a water-soluble chlorhexidine salt in a weight/weight ratio of between about 1:1 to about 1:5, preferably about 1:1.
US08383140B2
Bioactive, hydroforming luminal liner compositions are formed of high molecular weight crystalline, absorbable copolyesters dissolved in a liquid derivative of a polyether glycol that undergoes transformation into a tissue-adhering, resilient interior cover or liner for the controlled release of its bioactive payload at clinically compromised conduits in humans as in the case of bacteria- and yeast-infected vaginal canals, esophagi, and arteries following angioplasty.
US08383134B2
The present application relates to a biodegradable material comprising opened starch or a mixture of opened starch and destructurised starch. The biodegradable material comprises about 50 to about 100 wt. % of opened starch or of a mixture of opened starch and destructurized starch, based on the total weight of the biodegradable material, said biodegradable material having a bulk density of 1.0 to 1.5 kg/dm. The biodegradable material is used for manufacturing biodegradable shaped articles, wherein said biodegradable shaped articles are suitable for delivery of a biologically or pharmaceutically active component in or to a vertebrate, e.g. a mammal.
US08383124B2
Methods, processes, uses, and pharmaceutical compositions are provided herein for mobilizing hematopoietic progenitor cells and/or cancer stem cells from bone marrow into peripheral blood, comprising the administration of an effective amount of an inhibitor of GTPases, such as a Cdc-42 specific inhibitor alone or in combination with one or more additional agents. Specifically, methods are disclosed for mobilizing hematopoietic stem cells into a subject's peripheral blood. In particular, embodiments of the method involve specific inhibition of the Cdc42 GTPase to increase the numbers of hematopoietic stem cells into a subject's peripheral blood of a subject.
US08383123B2
Anti-HEPSIN monoclonal antibodies, and methods for using the antibodies, are provided.
US08383107B2
A phage-displayed library of llama single heavy domain antibodies (sdAbs) was enriched for species that selectively bind to and are internalized by human cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells (HCEC). From the enriched library, two sdAbs were selected, sequenced, subcloned, and expressed as fusion proteins with c-myc-His5 tags (His5 is SEQ ID NO:101). Similarly as phage-displayed sdAbs, these soluble tagged sdAbs were shown to selectively bind to HCEC and to transmigrate across in vitro human blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. In contrast to an unrelated llama sdAb, these sdAbs were also detected in the brain after i.v. injection into mice. These small (˜13 kDa) antibody fragments have essential characteristics of brain-specific delivery vectors and can be used to facilitate drug transport across the BBB.
US08383104B2
The invention relates to a thrombin-free, fibrinogen-based biological adhesive for therapeutic use, which comprises factor VIIa and a source of calcium ions. The invention also relates to the use of the biological adhesive as a medicament, in particular as a dressing for biological tissues, wounds or biomaterials.
US08383103B2
Disclosed herein are methods of using extracellular matrix digesting enzymes and neurotoxins, such as a Clostridial neurotoxins, to treat various medical conditions, such as overactive bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia, hyperhidrosis, and cholecystitis for example.
US08383093B1
The present disclosure provides polymer conjugates comprising a polymer and an agent, the agent linked to the polymer via a linking group containing a hydrolyzable moiety.
US08383090B2
A cleansing composition based on oily substances, particularly for cleansing skin and/or hair and having excellent dermatological properties, is described. The composition is characterized in that it comprises one or more oily substances at a total concentration of between 10% and 90% by weight relative to the composition and one or more surfactants selected from the N-acylates of amino-acids, proteins, and peptides, in acid or neutralized form, at a total concentration within the range of between 2% and 80% by weight relative to the composition, and in that it is substantially anhydrous or has a water content no greater than 10% by weight.
US08383086B2
The present invention relates to isolated nicotinamide riboside kinase (Nrk) nucleic acid sequences, vectors and cultured cells containing the same, and Nrk polypeptides encoded thereby. Methods for identifying individuals or tumors susceptible to nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug treatment and methods for treating cancer by administering an Nrk nucleic acid sequence or polypeptide in combination with a nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug are also provided. The present invention further provides screening methods for isolating a nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug and identifying a natural source of nicotinamide riboside.
US08383066B2
A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.
US08383061B2
Fluid-based no-moving part logic devices are constructed from complex sequences of micro- and nanofluidic channels, on-demand bubble/droplet modulators and generators for programming the devices, and micro- and nanofluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for storage and retrieval of biological or chemical elements. The input sequence of bubbles/droplets encodes information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets or on-chip chemical synthesis. For performing a set of reactions/tasks or process control, the modulators can be used to program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the micro- or nanofluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated droplets/bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries. Various devices, including logic gates, non-volatile bistable memory, ring oscillators, bubble synchronizers, analysis chips, and printers have been designed.
US08383059B2
Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter. The spotter is particularly useful for depositing proteins in high concentrations on a surface, since the spotter may be placed on a surface for an extended period of time.
US08383055B2
An anchoring system is provided for supporting a double-layered refractory lining of a process vessel. The refractory lining includes a first layer positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the process vessel and a second layer positioned adjacent to the first layer. The anchoring system has a plurality of bifurcated anchors extending from the internal surface of the process vessel through the first layer and into the second layer of the double-layered lining adjacent the first layer wherein the plurality of bifurcated anchors have a bifurcation disposed within the second layer.
US08383050B2
A method and a device for the parallel study of chemical reactions in at least two spatially separated reaction spaces is provided. A device for the parallel study of chemical reactions includes at least the following components: (a) at least two spatially separated reaction spaces; (b) on the reaction space input side, at least one common educt feed for the reaction spaces according to (a); (d) on the reaction space output side, at least one connection per reaction space to at least one holding gas feed common to all the reaction spaces, or subsets of them; (e) on the reaction space output side, and downstream of the connection to the holding gas feed according to (d) in the product flow direction, at least one restrictor per reaction space.
US08383026B1
One or more embodiments relates to the production of a fabricated fiber having an asymmetric polymer network and having an immobilized liquid such as an ionic liquid within the pores of the polymer network. The process produces the fabricated fiber in a dry-wet spinning process using a homogenous dope solution, providing significant advantage over current fabrication methods for liquid-supporting polymers. The fabricated fibers may be effectively utilized for the separation of a chemical species from a mixture based on the selection of the polymer, the liquid, and the solvent utilized in the dope.
US08383019B2
A sputtering target including indium, tin, zinc and oxygen, and including a hexagonal layered compound, a spinel structure compound and a bixbyite structure compound.
US08383003B2
Described herein are polishing apparatus, polishing formulations, and polymeric substrates for use in polishing surfaces, and related methods. The apparatus, formulations, substrates, and methods may each be used in applications involving the polishing of metal and/or metal-containing surfaces such as semiconductor wafers. The apparatus, formulations, polymeric substrates, and related methods described herein may be used without abrasives, and in some instances, without mechanical friction of a pad surface against the surface to be polished. Therefore, defects on a polished surface due to such mechanical polishing processes may be reduced.
US08383002B2
The disclosure concerns a method of processing a workpiece or in a plasma reactor chamber, using independent gas injection at the wafer edge.
US08383001B2
There is provided a plasma etching method capable of achieving a sufficient organic film modifying effect by high-velocity electrons. In forming a hole in an etching target film by plasma etching, a first condition of generating plasma within a processing chamber by way of turning on a plasma-generating high frequency power application unit and a second condition of not generating the plasma within the processing chamber by way of turning off the plasma-generating high frequency power application unit are repeated alternately. Further, a negative DC voltage is applied from a first DC power supply such that an absolute value of the applied negative DC voltage during a period of the second condition is greater than an absolute value of the applied negative DC voltage during a period of the first condition.
US08382996B2
Metal-clad laminates in which a conductor layer having superior peel strength is formed on a smooth surface of an insulating layer can be obtained by a method comprising (A) a step of preparing a metal-clad laminate precursor by providing one or more sheets of prepreg between two sheets of film having a metal film layer on a support layer, and heating and pressing them under reduced pressure, (B) a step of removing the support layer, (C) a step of removing the metal film layer, and (D) a step of forming a metal film layer on the surface of an insulating layer by electroless plating.
US08382994B2
The present invention provides a composite pressure vessel containing a distributor plate. The distributor plate comprises a thermoplastic polymeric disk having a top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge and a central opening. The disk is provided with a plurality of radial slits, which define fluid flow passages through the disk between the central opening and the perimeter edge. The fluid flow passages through the disk are adapted to swirl fluid flowing through the disk from the bottom side to the top side such that it swirls around the central opening. The perimeter edge of the distributor plate is joined to an inner side of a thermoplastic liner during or immediately after the thermoplastic liner is formed by a blow-molding process or a rotational molding process.
US08382990B2
The use of a coupling agent containing a mercapto, disulfide, tretrasulfide and/or polysulfide end group provides a mercury removal media having increased reactivity, stability, and mercury removal ability. The mercury removal media described herein is prepared by reacting an organophilic clay containing onium ions with a mercapto, disulfide, tetrasulfide, and/or polysulfide end moiety. Alternatively, the clay can be made organophilic by onium ion reaction prior to or simultaneously with the coupling reaction of the mercapto- or sulfide-end group-containing coupling agent.
US08382989B2
The present invention relates to a process for separating a charged species from an aqueous system, wherein the process comprises the following steps: (a) a first aqueous system comprising the charged species is contacted at a first temperature with an ampholytic polymeric 5 system comprising cationic and anionic domains, wherein the charged species is bonded to the ampholytic polymeric system; and (b) the ampholytic polymeric system is contacted with a second aqueous system at a second temperature, wherein the charged species is released to the second aqueous system, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature and wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature and wherein the second 10 temperature is less than 60° C.
US08382988B2
The invention is directed to a process for the production of ultra pure water, comprising feeding water containing ions and optionally other impurities to one side of a membrane based on hydroxy sodalite (H-SOD), and recovering ultra pure water from the other side of the membrane.
US08382978B2
A device and method for cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, that have spilled on the water or are borne on water or an other relatively dense liquid, and for separating oil and other liquids that are relatively less dense than water, from water or an other relatively dense liquids including an oil/water separation column having a lower end forming a bottom opening oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the body of water in fluid communication with the water and spilled oil, an air pump in airtight engagement with, and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw water and the spilled oil into the oil/water separation column; and an oil pump in liquid tight engagement with and proximate the upper end of the oil/water separation column and adapted to draw the spilled oil from the oil/water separation column.
US08382976B2
A method for recovering a tailings bitumen from a froth treatment tailings, including providing a first feed material which is derived from the froth treatment tailings, conditioning the first feed material in order to produce a conditioned first feed material, providing a second feed material which is derived from the conditioned first feed material, and subjecting the second feed material to solvent extraction in order to produce an extract containing an amount of the tailings bitumen. The method may further include dewatering the conditioned first feed material in order to produce the second feed material and may further include clarifying the extract to produce a clarified extract containing an amount of the tailings bitumen.
US08382975B2
The process for monitoring the curing reaction of a polymeric matrix, in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed whereby a composite material is formed, provides for: arranging an electric circuit comprising at least a generator of a substantially constant voltage, an amperemeter and two electrodes immersed into the composite material, whereby the composite material interposed between the electrodes closes the electrical circuit, and tracing the current intensity value measured by the amperemeter, which is correlated to the progress of the curing reaction of the polymeric matrix, so as to control said progress.
US08382968B2
A conductor/insulator/porous film device is provided which is used in electrochemiluminescence methods and instrumentation based on the chemical excitation of label molecules with subsequent measurement of the luminescence in order to quantitate analyte concentrations especially in bioaffinity assays.
US08382964B1
A solar-powered pool skimmer is disclosed. The solar-powered skimmer may include lid having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a solar cell affixed to the upper surface of the lid. A pair of electrodes is electrically affixed to the terminals of the solar cell, and is each capable of being stored in a retracted position and moved to an extended position.
US08382962B2
A method of distilling mixtures of salts having a melting point of less than 200° C. at 1 bar (ionic liquids). The cation of the ionic liquid has a heterocyclic ring system having at least one nitrogen atom, and all nitrogen atoms of the heterocyclic ring system have an organic group as substituent. The anion of the ionic liquid is a compound having at least one carboxylate group or at least one phosphate group. The distance from the surface via which the heat of distillation is introduced in the distillation (vaporizer surface) to the surface at which condensation takes place (condenser surface) is less than 50 cm at at least one point, with the vaporizer surface and condenser surface themselves having at least one length dimension of greater than 50 cm.
US08382960B2
So-called decoking, in other words, the emptying of a container in which coke arising from the operation of a refinery is deposited and carried out using a decoking tool with a free mounting on the end of a drilling bar. The mounting is achieved using a sliding guide on a guide plate, coupled to the container. Distortions in the container and the guide plate therewith as a result of temperature variations during operation of the refinery which could lead to function disturbance of the drilling rod are avoided, wherein the sliding guide and the guide plate are arranged with a spring relative deflection by at least one spring element in the manner of a spring damper.
US08382956B2
A device for drainage of a pulp web, particularly a tissue web, having a first pressing zone having a first pressing zone length through which the pulp web is fed horizontally between a circulating, permeable band and a circulating, permeable support band. The first pressing zone is designed such that a fluid can flow through the band, the pulp web and the support band at least on one part of the first pressing zone length. In addition, the device has a subsequent second pressing zone having a second pressing zone length. The pulp web is guided through the second pressing zone between two bands having differing compressibility.
US08382953B2
A process for manufacturing fiberboard by preparing a fiber slurry mixture including containing cellulose fibers and water then atomizing a liquid bituminous material, such as asphalt. The liquid bituminous material is atomized by mixing it with a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, forming a mist comprising droplets of bituminous material having a diameter between 20 microns and 50 microns. A water spray solidifies the bituminous material droplets thereby forming bituminous particles which fall into the fiber slurry within the spray chamber. From there the slurry is sheared, dewatered, and dried, forming a finished fiberboard.
US08382950B2
The invention provides a method of recovering and recycling waste coating color from papermaking coating process for use as wet end filler. The inventive method overcomes many technical challenges inherent in using waste coating colors as wet end filler such as the coatings having fine pigments that hurts sheet strength more than regular filler, having strong anionic charge and tendency to disturb wet end chemistry, causing excessive foaming, and containing a large amount of hydrophobic binder particles that tend to agglomerate in the white water and deposit on papermaking equipment. The method involves mixing the coatings with fresh filler particles, adding de-foaming agent, adding cationic coagulant, then preflocculating the mixture. This process causes fresh filler particles, pigments and binders in waste coating color to agglomerate together and form stable flocs with defined particle size distribution. Moreover, using such agglomerate as wet end filler was found to improve sheet strength properties by taking advantage of the binding ability of the latex or binders contained in the waste coating color.
US08382948B2
The use of water-soluble, amphoteric copolymers which are obtainable by copolymerization of a) at least one N-vinylcarboxamide of the general formula in which R1 and R2, independently of one another, are H or C1- to C6-alkyl, b) at least one monomer which is selected from the group consisting of (b1) monoethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acids, phosphonic acids, phosphoric acid esters and derivatives thereof, and (b2) monoethylenically unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids, the salts thereof and dicarboxylic anhydrides, c) if appropriate, at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer differing from the components (a) and (b), and d) if appropriate, at least one compound which has at least two ethylenically unsaturated double bonds in the molecule, with the proviso that the monomer mixture comprises at least one monomer (b) having at least one free acid group and/or an acid group in salt form,and subsequent partial or complete hydrolysis of the groups —CO—R1 from the monomers (a) incorporated in the form of copolymerized units into the copolymer,as agents for increasing the initial wet web strength of paper.
US08382941B2
Plasma reactors with adjustable plasma electrodes and associated methods of operation are disclosed herein. The plasma reactors can include a chamber, a workpiece support for holding a microfeature workpiece, and a plasma electrode in the chamber and spaced apart from the workpiece support. The plasma electrode has a first portion and a second portion configured to move relative to the first portion. The first and second portions are configured to electrically generate a plasma between the workpiece support and the plasma electrode.
US08382938B2
A gate valve cleaning method that can clean a gate valve that brings an atmospheric transfer chamber and an internal pressure variable transfer chamber that transfer a substrate into communication with each other or shuts them off from each other without bringing about a decrease in the throughput of a substrate processing system. Before the gate valve brings the atmospheric transfer chamber and the internal pressure variable transfer chamber into communication with each other, the pressure in the internal pressure variable transfer chamber is increased so that the pressure in the internal pressure variable transfer chamber can become higher than the pressure in the atmospheric transfer chamber.
US08382933B2
Adhesion by molecular bonding of two free surfaces of first and second substrates, for example formed by monocrystalline silicon wafers, comprises at least successively: a cleaning step of the two free surfaces with hydrofluoric acid in vapor phase to make the two free surfaces hydrophobic, a rinsing step of said free surfaces with deionized water with a time less than or equal to 30 seconds a step of bringing said free surfaces into contact.
US08382924B2
A method for fabricating a repair laminate for a composite part having an exposed surface includes applying a release film to the exposed surface and forming an uncured ply stack assembly on the release film. The uncured ply stack assembly is formed by forming and compacting a series of uncured ply stacks. The release film and ply stack assembly is then removed from the exposed surface. A bonding material is then applied to the exposed surface, and the uncured ply stack assembly is applied to the bonding material. The ply stack assembly and bonding material are then cured.
US08382920B2
A method of making metal articles as well as sputtering targets is described, which involves deforming an ingot to preferred dimensions. In addition, products made by the process of the present invention are further described.
US08382912B2
A biofilm-removing agent which effectively removes biofilms is provided.A biofilm-removing agent containing a basic amino acid derivative represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof: (wherein R1 represents a linear- or branched-alkyl group having 4 to 18 carbon atoms or a linear- or branched-alkenyl group having 4 to 18 carbon atoms; X and Y each represent a group selected from the groups represented by the following formulas: and m represents an integer from 1 to 5).
US08382904B2
The present invention relates to a gas feed installation for depositing barrier layers in a container. According to the invention, a balancing step is carried out using a start-up feed device (70) during transient states when the operation passes from a vacuum step, then to a step of depositing a preparatory layer and finally a step of depositing an actual barrier layer on an injector (44) inside a container (42).
US08382901B2
A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate includes introducing a material and a carrier gas into a heated chamber. The material may be a semiconductor material, such as a cadmium chalcogenide. A resulting mixture of vapor and carrier gas containing no unvaporized material is provided. The mixture of vapor and carrier gas are remixed to achieve a uniform vapor/carrier gas composition, which is directed toward a surface of a substrate, such as a glass substrate, where the vapor is deposited as a uniform film.
US08382900B2
A system and method for controlling deposition of thin films on substrates. One embodiment includes a vacuum chamber; a plurality of sources located inside the vacuum chamber; and a plurality of gas tubes, each of the plurality of gas tubes comprising a first volume for delivering precursor gas and a second volume for providing pumping.
US08382893B1
A cementitious composition is formed from a dry mix including a quantity of cement; a quantity of silica and a plurality of fibers. The cementitious composition further includes a quantity of water and a complex admixture of cement additives. The complex admixture includes superplasticizer, shrinkage reduction agent and a non-ionic surfactant in a predetermined quantity per hundred pounds of dry mix.
US08382890B2
The invention relates to mixtures of bituminous products with granulates in the form of coated materials that can be used in the field of sealing, building and maintenance of road coatings, sidewalks and aviation strips, and to road coatings, sidewalks, cycling corridors, parking areas and aviation strips.
US08382886B2
A system, apparatus and method for generating electricity from renewable geothermal, wind, and solar energy sources includes a heat balancer for supplementing and regulating the heat energy fed to a turbine generator; a hydrogen-fired boiler for supplying supplementary heat; and an injection manifold for metering controlled amounts of superheated combustible gas into the working fluids to optimize efficiency. Moreover, wind or solar power may be converted to hydrogen in an electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen. A phase separator unit that operates by cavitation of the geothermal fluids removes gases from the source fluid. A pollution prevention trap may be used to remove solids and other unneeded constituents of the geothermal fluids to be stored or processed in a solution mining unit for reuse or sale. Spent geothermal and working fluids may be processed and injected into the geothermal strata to aid in maintaining its temperature or in solution mining of elements in the lithosphere.
US08382880B2
A process for digesting molybdenum oxide concentrates includes suspending a molybdenum-containing starting material in an aqueous solution so as to obtain a suspension. While stirring, an oxidizing agent and an alkali solution of at least one alkali metal are metered to the suspension so as to set a pH and produce a product having a molybdenum content of at least 98% of the molybdenum-containing starting material. The alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of Na, K and Li.
US08382876B2
Principles, techniques and configurations applicable in air cleaner arrangements and filter cartridges therefore, are described. In general the filter cartridge includes an axial pivot arrangement, for pivoting the filter cartridge in place, when mounted in an air cleaner for use. The air cleaner may include a base pivot, for engagement with the pivot projection on the filter cartridge. Methods of assembly, installation and use are described.
US08382873B2
A safety cabinet can adapt to variations in body height of a worker or user. The safety cabinet prevents various bacteria from proceeding from the outside of the safety cabinet into a working space of the safety cabinet and prevents bacteria or viruses from proceeding from the working space to the outside of the safety cabinet irrespective of a change in opening area of a front opening. A flow velocity of clean air supplied into the working space and a flow velocity of the air flowing through the front opening are set in accordance with a size of the front opening to maintain physical isolation and prevent contamination. The size of the front opening of the safety cabinet is adjustable.
US08382865B2
The invention relates to a reaction apparatus having an enhanced connection, and a fuel cell system and an electronic device that include such a reaction apparatus. A reaction apparatus (1) a reformer (4) in which a reforming reaction chamber (31) is formed, a CO remover in which a removing reaction chamber (35) where a chemical reaction is performed at a temperature lower than that in the reforming reaction chamber (31) is formed, and a connecting portion (6) having a communicating path that communicates between the reforming reaction chamber (31) and the removing reaction chamber (35). The reformer (4) and the CO remover (5) are arranged spaced apart from each other, at least one of which (4, 5) is configured by combining ceramic parts (11, 12) and metal components (15, 16), and the ceramic parts (11, 12) and the metal components (15, 16) are connected with connecting members (18, 20) interposed therebetween. The connecting members (18, 20) have thermal conductivities higher than those of the ceramic parts (11, 12).
US08382859B2
Fluffy powders, such as calcined kaolin clays or air floated clays, can be compacted using a process which comprises applying increasing amounts of pressure to a powder moving through a confinement area. The compacted product has an improved bulk density and improved wet out and slurry incorporation times as compared to the non-compacted starting material feed.
US08382842B2
An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The device and method can be used to treat compression fractures. The compression fractures can be in the spine. The device can be deployed by compressing the device longitudinally resulting in radial expansion.
US08382841B2
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for interbody fusion. In some embodiments, a device is provided for fusing vertebral bodies. The device includes a shell configured to be disposed between a first body and a second body, an injection opening to receive fusing material, and a delivery hole configured to enable fusing material to flow into at least one of the first body and the second body.
US08382839B1
Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.
US08382835B2
An apparatus and method is disclosed for performing a surgery, such as an orthopedic surgery. The apparatus can include a guide portion and an alignment portion. The guide portion can assist in positioning the alignment portion to assist in aligning an implant. The implant can be aligned and positioned to hold a graft relative to a bone portion.
US08382834B2
A method of altering a medical implant having a shape memory portion includes the use of a probe having a tip provided with an induction coil. The induction coil is electrically coupled to an induction power supply. The induction coil is inserted into the mammalian body. The power supply is activated at a suitable frequency to cause the induction coil to generate a magnetic field, wherein such magnetic field induces eddy currents in the shape memory portion of the implant which are sufficient to heat the shape memory portion of the implant to a phase transformation temperature to effect shape change of the implant.
US08382833B2
The invention relates to a soft-tissue implant for use in the medical field which has an antibacterial effect. The soft-tissue implant, which may for example be a breast implant, has at least one antibiotic substance bound to the implant surface in first and second configurations that release the antibiotic substance, after implanting in an animal body, at short term and long term release rates. The first and second configurations are each present at one or more common surface locations. The soft-tissue implant has an antibacterial effect that prevents or reduces the deposition of bacteria and the formation of bacteria-containing biofilms.
US08382831B2
An intraocular lens assembly for implantation in the posterior chamber of an eye has anchor portions with teeth rigid enough to penetrate the scleral wall of an eye. A method for implanting the lens includes the steps of: introducing the first haptic portion with a first anchor portion that includes a plurality of teeth projecting therefrom, into the posterior chamber of the eye until said teeth are anchored in the scleral wall at a desired location; and moving a second haptic portion with a plurality of teeth projecting therefrom, until said teeth are anchored in the scleral wall on the opposite side of the lens from the first anchor portion.
US08382825B2
A vascular occluding device for modifying blood flow in a vessel, while maintaining blood flow to the surrounding tissue. The occluding device includes a flexible, easily compressible and bendable occluding device that is particularly suited for treating aneurysms in the brain. The neurovascular occluding device can be deployed using a micro-catheter. The occluding device can be formed by braiding wires in a helical fashion and can have varying lattice densities along the length of the occluding device. The occluding device could also have different lattice densities for surfaces on the same radial plane.
US08382817B2
An endoprostheses for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen includes a plurality of elongate strut members spaced apart and extending along a longitudinal axis, each elongate strut member having a plurality of alternating peaks and valley. At least one flexible connecting link connects each elongate strut member to an adjacent elongate strut member. The elongate strut members and connecting links forming a generally tubular stent body having a first delivery diameter and a second implanted diameter. The positioning of the connecting links along the stent body produces desired stent performance characteristics.
US08382812B2
The present invention provides an apparatus for photodynamic therapy and fluorescence detection, in which a combined light source is provided to illuminate an object body and a multispectral fluorescence-reflectance image is provided to reproduce various and complex spectral images for an object tissue, thus performing effective photodynamic therapy for various diseases both outside and inside of the body.For this purpose, the present invention provides an apparatus for photodynamic therapy and photodetection, which provides illumination with light of various wavelengths and multispectral images, the apparatus including: an optical imaging system producing an image of an object tissue and transmitting the image to a naked eye or an imaging device; a combined light source including a plurality of coherent and non-coherent light sources and a light guide guiding incident light emitted from the light sources; a multispectral imaging system including at least one image sensor; and a computer system outputting an image of the object tissue to the outside. Thus, the apparatus for photodynamic therapy and photodetection of the present invention can effectively perform the photodynamic therapy and photodetection by means of the combined light source capable of irradiating light having various spectral components to an object tissue and the multispectral imaging system capable of obtaining images from several spectral portions for these various spectral ranges at the same time, thus improving the accuracy of diagnosis and efficiency of the photodynamic therapy.
US08382810B2
A surgical instrument includes a first component and a second component moveable about an axis relative to the first component. The second component is moveable between a first position and a second position. Movement of the second component from the first position to the second position applies a torsional force to an orthopedic fastener to remove a portion of the orthopedic fastener.
US08382804B2
A disposable medical device is especially an articulation for the relative positioning of fixation bars or of pins of an external fixator, having at least one clamp to be introduced into the medical device, the clamp has an element that alters its appearance when being heated over a threshold temperature, thus giving optical or mechanical information that the device should not be used a second time.
US08382802B2
A device and method for use in spinal surgery are provided.
US08382800B2
Apparatus and methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. Various devices, e.g., stops, spring members, fuses, strain gauges, etc., can be used to indicate when the anchor has been deflected to a predetermined level within the optimal range. Moreover, other factors to affect the anchor characteristics include, e.g., varying the number of arms or struts of the anchor, positioning of the arms, configuration of the arms, the length of the collars, etc.
US08382799B2
A variable tension post fixation device includes an outer body including a shaft, a tip, and a central core, and an inner body including a suture hole and configured to be advanceable within the central core, wherein the outer body is configured for allowing insertion of the outer body into a pilot hole in a bone, and wherein the outer body and inner body cooperate to secure sutures in the bone.
US08382788B2
Various devices are described to provide filtering of flow from the aorta to the left carotid artery and the right carotid artery. The filters can be brought into a desired position through one or more peripheral arteries. A single filter device can provide the desired filtering or a plurality of devices can be used. In particular a single filter device can span between the brachiocephalic artery and the left carotid artery. These filter devices can be used effectively to capture emboli generated during procedures on the heart so that emboli do not travel to the patient's brain where the emboli can cause a stroke or other adverse event. In particular, these filters can be used during percutaneous procedures on the heart, such as endovascular heart valve replacement.
US08382786B2
An improved endoluminal device. The device includes at least a control element (such as a guide wire, tube or related structure) connected to a surrounding sheath and an elastic bias section to control changes to a bias force formed between the control element and the sheath. By applying an external force at a proximal end of the device, the shape can change between varying degrees of deformed shapes and an undeformed shape. In this way, both ease of insertion into the body lumen and anchoring to the lumen is promoted. A distal end of the assembly can be made to change shape for improved steerability, anchoring or both. In a particular form, the anchoring section can work as a floating parachute-like device to pull the assembly by means of the flow in the body lumen, while in a more particular form, the floating parachute-like device may be modified to act as a filter for trapping emboli.
US08382784B2
A catheter-based system for accessing specific body cavities percutaneously and minimizing patient trauma is provided. In the preferred embodiment, in order to create an aperture at an access site in a patient's existing tubular body organ structure, a delivery sheath is passed axially along the interior of a portion of the existing tubular body organ structure to place a distal end of the delivery sheath near the access site. A centering wire is passed axially along the interior of the delivery sheath, piercing through from inside to outside of the patient's existing tubular body organ structure at the access site by causing an end portion of the centering wire to emerge from the distal end of the delivery sheath. A cutting catheter is passed substantially coaxially over the centering wire and axially along the interior of the delivery sheath. The aperture is formed by advancing a distal end of the cutting catheter through from inside to outside of the patient's existing tubular body organ structure at the access site and advancing the distal end of the delivery sheath through from inside to outside of the patient's existing tubular body organ structure at the access site.
US08382783B2
The medical handpiece of the present invention includes a cutting tool having a flexible shank and a cutting bur, a plastically deformable tubular casing for the cutting tool, a handpiece body detachably holding the cutting tool, bearing members disposed in the casing, an inner intervening member for receiving the shank, and an outer intervening member arranged around the inner intervening member. The inner and outer intervening members are composed of a plurality of segments, and each segment is arranged between or on distal or proximal side of the bearing members. Each segment of the outer intervening member is further composed of a plurality of sub-segments. Annular members having the outer diameter that is larger than that of the outer intervening member are arranged between the sub-segments of the outer intervening member. The present handpiece provides improved operationality since shaking is hardly generated even when the casing is flexed.
US08382782B2
An ultrasonic surgical instrument that supports an ultrasonically excited blade and an outer sheath that can be selectively rotated relative to each other to bring a distal cutting tip of the blade into contact with at least one cutting surface formed on a distal end of the outer sheath. In some embodiments, the distal cutting tip may contact two cutting surfaces located on opposing sides of an opening in the outer sheath through which the distal cutting tip protrudes. Tissue pads may be attached to the cutting surfaces. Various embodiments also include at least one suction lumen.
US08382781B2
A device for ophthalmic surgery includes a vacuum-pump arrangement for generating a vacuum serving for fixing a suction ring to an eye, an evacuation-path system for transmitting the vacuum to an interface port which permits the separable attachment of a suction-ring instrumentarium including the suction ring, and also a control unit for controlling the vacuum-pump arrangement. In accordance with the invention, the device includes pressure-measuring components for measuring at least the vacuum pressure, the control unit adapted to ascertain a differential pressure between the measured vacuum pressure and an atmospheric pressure. The vacuum-pump arrangement is preferably operated at maximal pumping power in a test-operation mode with suction-ring instrumentarium not attached, in order to ascertain an optimally obtainable relative underpressure in the evacuation-path system. In this way, in the case of fluctuating altitudes of the location of use of the ophthalmic-surgery device and also in the case of fluctuating weather conditions (low pressure, high pressure) it can be ascertained at all times whether the achievable relative underpressure is sufficient.
US08382780B2
A fatigue-resistant inflatable gastric banding device suitable for laparoscopic placement around the stomach of a patient for the treatment of obesity and a method for such treatment are disclosed. The device includes a gastric band having a chambered inflatable member, substantially coextensive with an inner stomach facing surface of the band, that does not crease, wrinkle or fold when adjusted, so as to present a substantially smooth contour along the inner circumference, and to avoid fatigue or failure of the member itself. A gastric band having multiple inflatable compartments or chambers, which may be inflated together or individually is also disclosed.
US08382779B2
A magnetic vascular clamp for vascular repair is described. There are two clamp pieces, where each clamp piece forms a partial cylindrical section of an annular cylinder. Each clamp piece has an outer surface and an inner surface, structural ribs arranged across the inner surface from one sectional end to the other, and a pair of magnetic sectional end surfaces connecting the outer surface and the inner surface and having a characteristic magnetic field arrangement. The sectional end surfaces and magnetic field arrangements of each clamp piece cooperate with the sectional end surfaces and magnetic field arrangements of the other clamp piece to form a complete annular cylinder held together by the magnetic field arrangements and enclosing an inner cylinder so as to structurally support damaged vascular tissue therein with minimal fluid leakage.
US08382752B2
A medical device for fusing or necrosing a biological tissue, including a first electrode member and a second electrode member protruded from a non-electrically-conductive attachment portion configured to sandwich the biological tissue; and an energy supply unit configured to supply electric energy to between the first electrode member and the second electrode member, wherein the region of a predetermined length in a direction of axial line from the attachment portion in at least one of the electrode members within the first electrode member and the second electrode member is coated with an electrical insulator.
US08382746B2
A device for treating esophageal target tissue comprises a catheter, a balloon and a refrigerant delivery device. The catheter has a distal portion and a refrigerant delivery lumen. The balloon is mounted to and the refrigerant delivery device is coupled to the distal portion. The refrigerant delivery device comprises a chamber with the refrigerant delivery lumen opening into the chamber, a refrigerant delivery opening fluidly coupled to the balloon interior, and a distribution passageway fluidly coupling the chamber and the refrigerant delivery opening. A refrigerant is deliverable through the refrigerant delivery lumen, into the chamber, through the distribution passageway, through the refrigerant delivery opening and into the balloon interior so to place the balloon into an expanded, cooled state so that the balloon can press against and cool esophageal target tissue. The medical device may include means for sensing a leak in the balloon.
US08382745B2
There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for developing laser systems that can create precise predetermined clear corneal incisions that are capable of reducing astigmatism. The systems, apparatus and methods further provide laser systems that can provide these incisions at or below Bowman's membrane and in conjunction a precise predetermined capsulotomy shot pattern.
US08382743B2
An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus for irradiating a laser beam to a patient's eye, comprises: a delivery optical system for forming the laser beam emitted from a laser source into a plurality of spots on a target surface, the delivery optical system including: a diffraction optical element for dividing the laser beam incident thereon into a plurality of diffraction beams in a predetermined spot pattern; a first zoom optical system placed on a side closer to the laser source than the diffraction optical element, the first zoom optical system being configured to change a spot size without changing a spot interval on the target surface; and an objective lens.
US08382740B2
A trocarless intravenous cannula with a multifilament tip is described. The trocarless intravenous cannula has a tapered, distal multifilament tip that is comprised of a plurality of individual filaments. In one aspect, the distal part of the cannula is fenestrated. The tip and the distal part of the cannula may both be covered in a dry, water-soluble coating.
US08382733B2
In an absorbent product (1), a front pocket (26) and a rear pocket (27) are formed between a front absorbent core (212) and a rear absorbent core (222) and a back sheet (23). A pair of side sheets (3) are located on both side portions of an absorbent sheet member (20) having an opening (25). Both absorbent cores are raised so that they become spaced apart from the back sheet (23) by contraction of a third elastic member (35) bonded to an inner edge (331) of a bonded part (33) of each side sheet (3). It is possible to keep the distance larger in a thickness direction between the absorbent sheet member (20) and the back sheet (23) in the vicinity of the opening (25) and fit a portion around the opening (25) of the absorbent sheet member (20) to a wearer.
US08382730B2
A surgical fluid basin includes a receptacle member having a lower wall and a peripheral wall extending from the lower wall and arranged about a longitudinal axis, and having an internal chamber within the peripheral wall for reception of fluids. The peripheral wall has at least one terrace defined within the peripheral wall corresponding to a volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The at least one terrace defines an internal rise surface and an internal run surface intersecting the internal rise surface. The internal run surface includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. A plurality of terraces may be defined within the peripheral wall with each terrace corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The internal run surface defined by each terrace includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber.
US08382725B2
A novel system for coloring the sclera of a human eye, including steps of accessing the conjunctiva, drying a portion of the conjunctiva, applying one or more colorants to the dried portion of the conjunctiva, drying the colorant, and closing access to the conjunctiva. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be coverings or stains.
US08382720B2
A catheter for connecting an administering device to an administering needle, the catheter including a catheter wall, a flow region limited by the catheter wall, and at least one catheter portion at which at least one partial piece of the catheter wall abuts at least one other partial piece of the catheter wall to releaseably block or obstruct the flow of a medium through the catheter, wherein the flow is unblocked or opened when the medium exhibits a pressure above a predetermined blocking pressure.
US08382715B2
A tearaway sheath assembly (100) having a splittable sheath tube (102) a splittable hub (110), a split valve (150,250) and a split cap (180). The valve (150,250) has a slit (158,258) at least partially across the transverse distal section (154) such that transverse distal section may be displaced laterally during insertion through the slit (158,258), of a dilator (200) or a catheter. The valve (150,250) is formed in two separate halves (152A,152B;252) that are fused or adhered to each other to form a sealed weak bond (154) that is easily broken during splitting of the sheath; each valve half is mechanically affixed in a proximal valve-receiving recess (130) of the hub such as by anchor posts (136) extending through apertures (166A,166B) in ears (164A,164B) of each valve half. A two-part cap (180) is affixed to the hub proximal end (120) and traps the valve between itself and the hub. Pairs of opposed gaps (184,122) of the cap (180) and the hub (110) are aligned with lines of weakness or seams (106) of the sheath tube (102) and the weak bond (154) of the valve, facilitating splitting of the assembly (100) when desired by the practitioner to peel it away from the inserted catheter.
US08382708B2
A safety catheter includes a multi-lumen shaft. The shaft has a proximal shaft portion with a distal end having a given outer diameter and a distal tip portion having an outer diameter less than the given outer diameter. A hollow balloon is disposed at a junction of the proximal shaft portion and the distal tip portion. The balloon has a distal leg fixedly secured to the distal tip portion and a proximal leg removably secured to the proximal shaft portion.
US08382704B2
A system for delivering a cell-slurry to a patient may include a fluid, cells that are non-dissolvable or immiscible in the fluid, thereby forming the cell-slurry, a syringe adapted to contain the cell-slurry and a supernate of the cell-slurry, the syringe defining a first end having an outlet through which the cell-slurry is delivered to the patient, a fluidizing system associated with the syringe and adapted to effect dilation of the cell-slurry with a portion of the supernate, to form a dilated cell-slurry, the dilated cell-slurry being transferred from the fluidizing system to the syringe, while maintaining at least a portion of the supernate, the cell-slurry and supernate being transferred from the fluidizing system to the syringe, a pressurizing mechanism adapted to create a pressure to cause the dilated cell-slurry contained within the syringe to flow for delivery to the patient and a control unit in communication with and adapted to control the fluidizing system, the pressurizing mechanism and movement of the dilated cell-slurry.
US08382693B1
A segmented lumbosacral orthosis with mechanical advantage integrates two side members conjoined by cord threaded through an array of seamless tubes that are independently mounted and swivel from an axis point proximal to the end points of each tube. Each tube array is housed in a mounting bracket made from a continuous piece of material folded over to form a gap in between two sides. Each mounting bracket is attached to a side member by sliding a pin along the folded edge of the bracket through knuckles (or loops) attached to the side member—similar to a hinge. A removable posterior member is connected to each posterior end of the side members using an elastic material that expands and contracts in parity with the mechanical advantage closure system. The removable posterior panel is designed to hold a rigid or semi-rigid insert stored in three separate sections.
US08382685B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide an electronic safety device, adapted for use in a helmet suitable for an impact-sport, which operates to warn a first participant that a head inside the helmet is in an unsafe position relative to a body coupled to the head. In some embodiments, the head may belong to the first participant, in which case the first participant is warned of their own unsafe head position. Alternatively and/or additionally, the head may belong to a second participant, in which case the first participant is warned of the unsafe head position of the second participant. In very specific embodiments the electronic safety includes a sensor that senses head position and provides corresponding readings, and a processor that interprets the reading of the sensor in order to determine whether or not to produce a signal that indicates that the head is in an unsafe position.
US08382676B2
In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information.In order to achieve the above object, biologic information detecting apparatus according to the invention has a structure in which the apparatus includes a sensor for detecting biologic information in a pair of arms connected via a spindle, and the sensor is tightly attached to a projecting part in a living body, particularly, a tragus of an auricle.
US08382675B2
In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information.In order to achieve the above object, biologic information detecting apparatus according to the invention has a structure in which the apparatus includes a sensor for detecting biologic information in a pair of arms connected via a spindle, and the sensor is tightly attached to a projecting part in a living body, particularly, a tragus of an auricle.
US08382673B2
An ultrasonic endoscope in which the temperature rise can be suppressed with a reduced diameter. The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer part including plural ultrasonic transducers; an exterior member for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer part; and a heat conducting part provided inside of the exterior member and respectively connected to the ultrasonic transducer part and an inner surface of the exterior member. It is preferable that the heat conducting part has a coefficient of thermal conductivity equal to or more than 10 W/(m·K). Further, it is preferable that one of the heat conducting member and the exterior member has an electric insulation property.
US08382668B2
Systems and methods for non-invasively scanning and analyzing one or more characteristics of a sample utilizing electromagnetic radiation are described. More particularly, the systems and methods utilize an electromagnetic radiation source connected to a transmitter and an analyzer connected to a receiver. A sample to be analyzed is placed between the transmitter and receiver in a variety of different manners and a frequency sweep of electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the sample to create a series of spectral data sets that are used to create one or more composite spectrograms, which are then analyzed to determine one or more characteristics of the sample. A magnetic field can alternatively be applied around the transmitter, receiver and sample to enhance some characteristic analysis applications. Samples include inert and living items, and the characteristics include a wide variety of different applications.
US08382659B2
An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope main body and an assisting drive unit. The endoscope main body includes an endoscope insertion portion having a curving portion on the leading end side thereof, a curving operation portion operating or curving the curving portion, and a curving drive portion driving or curving the curving portion according to an operation force applied to the curving operation portion. The assisting drive unit generates a drive force assisting a curving drive operation to be carried out by the curving drive portion. Curving information regulated at each curving angle corresponding to curving amount of the curving portion is stored previously. The curving amount θa of the curving portion is detected. The drive force is generated from the assisting drive unit using the curving information corresponding to the detected curving amount θa.
US08382656B1
A male masturbation device and method for using same facilitates orgasm without the necessity of the subject achieving an erection. The novel device comprises a housing (14) and accumulator means (12). The accumulator means maintains a consistent modest vacuum within the housing notwithstanding sliding of the penis within the housing. The accumulator means can be integrated with the housing or detached from but in fluid communication with the housing. The device may be used with or without a partner and its use may be augmented by sensory stimulation contrivances. The novel device and method offers the health and recreational benefits of orgasm, and facilitates semen collection, for individuals suffering ED, without resort to drugs or vacuum erection devices. The novel device takes advantage of the fact that an erection is not required for orgasm, however, users may experience an erection prior to ejaculation.
US08382652B2
An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body includes a constricting member for allowing fluid flow within a body canal when in an open position, and for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in an closed position. Remote telemetry can be used to operate the constricting member from a position outside the body. The constricting member can include a piston having at least two protrusions for contacting the vessel surface of the body canal. A fluid-operated member can receive fluid to reduce fluid flow within the body canal and expel fluid to allow fluid flow within the body canal. An actuating member is provided for operating the fluid-operated member between the open and closed positions. The actuating member has structure for flowing fluid into and out of the fluid-operated member. A control device is provided for operating the actuating member. An implantable drive mechanism for a constricting member or other medical device includes a sealed housing for implantation in a patient body, a drive magnet positioned within the housing, an actuator for moving the drive magnet, and a magnetically susceptible drive member positioned outside the housing such that movement of the drive magnet within the housing will move the drive member outside of the housing.
US08382648B2
A method for manufacturing boxes made of paper or cardboard, whereby the boxes have a base or a lid with a glued-on sidewall and the sidewalls are formed from a strip with a beginning, an end, and connecting tabs on a long side. First, the connecting tabs are bent by about 90°. Next, the strip beginning is placed against the lateral surface of a cylindrical matrix, whose cross section corresponds to the cross section of the box, with the aid of a patrix and attached by vacuum. Next, the matrix is rotated. In so doing, the strip is suctioned by vacuum onto the lateral surface and held in place. After application of an adhesive at the beginning or end of the strip, the beginning and end of the strip are glued together. A base along whose periphery an adhesive bead is applied is then pressed onto the connecting tabs. After the adhesive has hardened, the finished box can be removed from the matrix.
US08382640B2
This apparatus is provided with a clutch mechanism 14. The clutch mechanism 14 is interposed between an engine 11 and a transmission 15, and is coupled to a clutch pedal 28. An operating mode of the clutch mechanism 14 changes in conjunction with a change of an operating position of the clutch pedal 28. In the case that an execution condition is met, the apparatus lowers a maximum operating speed of the clutch mechanism 14 in comparison with a state in which an execution condition is not met. The execution condition includes the following execution start condition that “the operating position of the clutch pedal 28 is a position setting the clutch mechanism 14 to a disengaged state, and a changing speed of the operating position of the clutch pedal 28 in an engaging direction at a time of setting the clutch mechanism 14 to an engaged state from the disengaged state is equal to or higher than a predetermined starting speed”.
US08382638B2
A method is provided for controlling a drive unit of a motor vehicle with an automatic or automated transmission. The drive unit includes at least one drive motor, which generates a drive torque in an overrun mode. The drive torque acts as a drag torque or as a creep torque on the drive wheels as a function of the current speed. The level of the drive torque in the overrun mode can be at least partially controlled by actuating a brake pedal. The drag torque applied to the drive wheels in the overrun mode can be controlled by actuating the brake pedal in such a way that a reduced drag torque dependent on the actuation of the brake pedal is applied to the drive wheels.
US08382633B2
A drive axle assembly comprises a carrier member having a trunnion outwardly extending from the carrier member, an output shaft axially outwardly extending from the carrier member, a differential assembly including a differential case supported for rotation within the carrier member and a side gear rotatably mounted about the output shaft, a clutch collar non-rotatably coupled thereto and configured to selectively drivingly engage the side gear, and an annular clutch actuator for axially moving the clutch collar between a first position and a second position. The clutch collar drivingly engages the side gear in power transmitting relationship in the first position, while the clutch collar is disengaged from the side gear in the second position.
US08382627B2
A multiple drive system of a food processor/mixer, comprising first, second and third drive outlets, each operable at different speeds. This system is incorporated with a planetary gear system. A motor with shaft, coupled to the first drive outlet, drives it at a selected speed. The shaft coupled with a first sun gear meshed in a ring gear drives a first set of planet gears. The second drive outlet, mounted on the arm of the first set of planet gears, drives at a different speed, and is coupled with a second sun gear meshed in the ring gear and drives a second set of planet gears. The third drive outlet, mounted on the arm of the second set of planet gears, drives at another different speed. The second and third drive outlets are driven at different speeds according to gear-ratio of the planetary gear system, without changing the input voltage.
US08382624B2
The invention relates to a powertrain for a hybrid electrical vehicle, comprising an engine, a first motor, a second motor and a transmission device, said transmission device having a planet gear set with double planet gear ranks comprising a first planet gear rank and a second planet gear rank, said engine is arranged on one side of said planet gear set, said first motor and said second motor are arranged on the other side of the planet gear set, said first planet gear rank comprises a small sun gear, a planet carrier, a short planet gear and an outer ring gear, said second planet gear rank comprises a big sun gear, a long planet gear and the planet carrier shared with the first planet gear rank, said long planet gear meshes with the short planet gear and the big sun gear respectively.
US08382621B2
An electrical drive apparatus for valves includes: a main body having an internal first receiving space in which a transmission unit is received; a drive unit disposed on one side of the main body for driving the transmission unit to rotate; a hand wheel fixed with a top section of the transmission unit, a lower section of the hand wheel being formed with several sockets; and a switch unit for controlling whether the hand wheel and the first transmission shaft can be rotated so as to switch the electrical drive apparatus between an electrical drive operation mode and a manual drive operation mode.
US08382613B2
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.282 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 120,000 to 180,000 and for a range of spin rates from about of about 3,000 rpm to 5,000 rpm.
US08382612B2
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a large center and a thin outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard, thin intermediate core layer.
US08382604B2
A golf putter head with a front portion comprising traditional shape and appearance, with an integral face insert extending through the head to an alignment and weighting portion extending beyond the main body of the putter, adding improved alignment, increased MOI and adjustable weighting and adjustable balance and optimizable Center of Percussion. The putter head comprises a central face insert portion extending through the body and above the traditional weight flange, with mass relieved portions below the top of the alignment piece in order to receive one or more optional weights, and the upper side of the rearwardly extending portion being engraved or marked with various alignment indicia, and the whole through-head insert face portion and rearwardly extending portion being affixed to the base portion of the head at least in part with threaded fasteners.
US08382599B2
A universal joint arrangement with a journal cross, supported by bearings in two joint yokes offset to one another by 90°. Each joint yoke comprises a flange and two bearings. Each bearing has an axial bearing pressure disk that is supported by a first connection element on the joint yoke and a second connection element on the journal cross to form a first and second friction pairing. One of the connection elements has at least one elevated support region facing the axial bearing pressure disk. The support region is arranged in the region of low relative movement of the joint yoke with the journal cross, while the regions other than the support region lie in the region of greatest relative motion.
US08382593B2
A method and system for customizing a gaming machine by transferring software files from a download server to a gaming machine. The download server may store software files in three-tier hierarchical structure and execute program logic to determine which software files need to be transmitted to the gaming machine to customize the gaming machine. The method may include (i) determining a download signature for software files that correspond to the gaming machine and that are stored at the download server, (ii) determining a machine signature for software files stored at the gaming machine, (iii) comparing the download signature to the machine signature, and (iv) allowing the gaming machine to carry out gaming functions if the signatures match, or (v) if the signatures do not match, updating the gaming machine with gaming machine software files and, thereafter, allowing the gaming machine to carry out gaming functions.
US08382582B2
Some embodiments are associated with wagering game devices and/or portable wagering mediums. Some portable wagering mediums are capable of outputting various indications related to one or more potential or current statuses of the portable wagering mediums. Some wagering game devices are operable to (i) determine a status of a portable wagering medium and (ii) cause, based on the determining, an outputting of an indication of the status via an output device coupled to the portable wagering medium. In some embodiments, a central server or other device conducts the determining of the status and/or the causing of the outputting. The status of a portable wagering medium may be based on one or more of many different factors or metrics.
US08382570B2
Systems and methods for determining a plurality of outcomes of a game of chance are provided. In a spinning reel game, for example, a first game event may be provided in which a plurality of symbols are spun up on a plurality of spinning reels to form an array of symbols, each spinning reel spinning up at least three symbols and at least one of the spinning reels being defined so that at least two feature symbols can be simultaneously spun up on that reel. A result of the spin is evaluated to assess whether two or more feature symbols have been spun up on the same reel. If so, a second game event is provided in which the two or more feature symbols and all other symbols spun up on the same reel are converted to special symbols. The special symbols have an enhanced play characteristic in comparison to the other symbols, and the outcome of the game is re-evaluated to establish whether any outcomes exist which define a winning combination. A prize or an award is awarded if one or more winning combinations exist.
US08382566B2
An embodiment of this invention discloses a network game anti-cheating device, method and system. The device includes: an information processing unit, adapted to modify actual game state information to dummy game state information, and send the dummy game state information to a terminal of a player; and a seat assignation unit, adapted to assign a player into an unoccupied seat of an idle table according to actual table information in a game room. The information processing unit comprises: a table information processing unit, adapted to send dummy table information in the game room to the terminal of the player; a watching information processing unit, adapted to send dummy game information of players who are playing the game on the table; and a partner-player information processing unit, adapted to send dummy information of the partner-players on the table.
US08382557B2
A CMP pad conditioner is provided that includes a substrate having a surface and three dimensional structures protruding relative to the surface of the substrate. The three dimensional structures include CVD carbon-containing material selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes and diamond, and may be arranged in a ordered array or desired pattern. The CMP pad conditioner also includes a bonding layer overlying the three dimensional structures and the surface of the substrate. The condition may include a reinforcing layer disposed within gaps between the three dimensional structures. Techniques for manufacture and use are also disclosed.
US08382555B2
Provided are a substrate supporting unit and an apparatus and method for polishing a substrate using the same. The substrate supporting unit vacuum-absorbs a bottom surface of the substrate during a polishing process, and supports the substrate in a state where the substrate is upwardly spaced from the substrate supporting unit to clean the substrate during a post-cleaning process. Therefore, in the substrate supporting unit and the apparatus and method for polishing the substrate using the same, a polishing process on a top surface of the substrate and a post-cleaning process on the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate may be sequentially performed in a state where the substrate is supported by a single wafer type substrate supporting unit.
US08382551B2
A toy figure with a movable appendage and a movable head is disclosed. The appendage is coupled to a movement mechanism such that movement of the appendage results in movement of the head. Depending on the particular quantity of appendage movements, the head is moved to the side or tilted forward as the appendage is moved relative to the body of the toy figure.
US08382550B2
The present invention is such that a doll equipped with a plurality of auxiliary magnetic poles is inserted into a hermetically-sealed container filled with liquid and the container is circumferentially arranged with variable magnetic poles whose polarities are determined by electromagnets, whereby attraction or repulsion is applied on each portion of the doll. The polarity of each variable magnetic pole can be arbitrarily controlled by adjustment of direction of current flowing in the electromagnets to enable the doll in the container to be driven in various types of motions. Therefore, the motions of the doll can be expressed in various interesting types including dancing to the accompaniment of music without recourse to making the doll in a complicated robotic shape.
US08382547B2
A projectile and a compact carrying and launching case in combination. The projectile includes foldable wings which when unfolded resemble a plane. The compact carrying and launching case includes a two piece housing that is pivotally attached to each other about a hinge/launching mechanism. When closed, the two piece housing encloses the plane in its folded position. When opened, the hinge/launching mechanism can be pulled to a cocked position and then released forcibly moves the projectile such that it releases from the launching mechanism and is capable of flying.
US08382544B2
Various embodiments of methods and systems for designing and constructing displays from multiple light-modulating elements are disclosed. Display elements having different light-modulating and self-assembling characteristics may be used during display assembly and operation.
US08382543B1
An adjustable fin apparatus adjustable between a first expanded position including a pair of inner elongated blades 12 and a pair of outer elongated blades 14; the blades 12, 14 are mounted to a blade housing portion 16 comprising an upper housing element 18 and a lower housing element 20; the lower blade housing element 20 comprises an elongate shape having a slot 22 formed therein along a portion of the length of the lower blade housing element 20; the inner elongated blades 12 comprise an inner edge 26 and an outer edge 28 and a bore 30 is located at an end thereof; an outer elongated blade 14 defines an inner edge 32 and an outer edge 34; and the upper blade housing element 18 comprises an elongate shape generally corresponding to the elongate shape of the lower blade housing element 20.
US08382542B2
The swimming apparatus pertains to swimming with special equipment for swimmers and divers and can be used for increasing speed, comfortable maneuvering, and making swimming more economical. The swimming apparatus comprises a tail fin, a hand-held fin and a dual snorkel.
US08382541B1
An upper smart arch extends upwardly from an inflatable upper tube and a lower smart arch extends downwardly from a lower inflatable. An orientation sensing transfer valve is located at each interface of the upper smart arch and upper tube and a lower orientation sensing transfer valve is located at each interface between the lower smart arch and the lower tube. Deployment of the upper smart arch along with an upper canopy will be deployed with the opening of the upper orientation sensing transfer valve and the lower smart arch and a lower canopy will not be deployed since the lower orientation sensing transfer valve remains closed.
US08382540B2
A method and apparatus for controlling the motion of a cable-driven autonomous moored profiler. The profiler includes one or more buoyant members for buoying the profiler in the fluid, a winch, and a feedback controller for controlling the winch. The winch includes a spool, a device providing for varying rates of turning of the spool, and a flexible cable for winding onto and unwinding from the spool. A first end of the cable is carried by the profiler. The controller monitors an indication of the tension in the cable and controls the device in response thereto.
US08382535B2
An electrical connector including a first connection section adapted to connect the electrical connector to a first conductor; and a second connection section connected to the first connection section. The second connection section includes a lug with a plurality of lug portions with at least one weakened section between the lug portions. Each lug portion has a hole adapted to be located onto a respective mounting post. A first one of the lug portions can be removed from a second one of the lug portions at the weakened section to reconfigure the second connection section to have one less lug portion.
US08382526B2
There is disclosed a power adapter which comprises an adapter body and a modular connector. The adapter body has a cavity forming a first opening and a second opening respectively disposed on two adjacent lateral walls of the adapter body, a first connecting member disposed on one of the lateral walls and adjacent to the first opening, and a sliding plate member having a sliding plate embedded in a slide and protrusible in said second opening. The connector is interchangeably coupled to the cavity and blocked by the sliding plate to form an electrical connection with the adapter body, and comprises a second connecting member engaged with the first connecting member.
US08382524B2
An electrical connector electrically connects a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, where the electrical connector includes: (a) an insulative housing; (b) a plurality of signal conductors, with at least a portion of each of the plurality of signal conductors disposed within the insulative housing; (c) each of the plurality of signal conductors having a first contact end, a second contact end and an intermediate portion therebetween; and (d) a passive circuit element electrically connected to the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of signal conductors, where the passive circuit element is housed in an insulative package and includes at least a capacitor or an inductor.
US08382521B2
An electrical connector may include a first connector with electrically-conductive contacts. The contacts may have blade-shaped mating ends, and may be arranged in a centerline. The electrical connector may include a second connector with electrically-conductive receptacle contacts, which may also be arranged in a centerline. The connectors may be mated such that the mating portion of a first contact in the second connector may physically contact of a corresponding blade-shaped mating end of a contact in the first connector.
US08382519B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a mating cavity, a tongue portion extending into the mating cavity and defining thereon first and second faces opposite to each other, and a plurality of contacts retained to the housing. The plurality of contacts defines a first and second set of contacts and expanded contacts. The first set of contacts each defines a first blade contacting section exposed onto the first face, the second set of contacts each defines a deflectable cantilevered beam exposed onto the second face, and the expanded contacts include at least one power contact for power transmission. The at least one power contact defines a second contacting section arranged between two adjacent cantilevered beams and projecting out of the second face.
US08382513B2
A connecting member 10 for connecting ends of adjacently arranged photovoltaic cell modules 4 fixed in a state in which the ends of the photovoltaic cell modules 4 each obtained by supporting an outer periphery of a photovoltaic cell panel 2 by frame bodies 3a and 3b are floating, including a plate-like upper piece 11, a plate-like lower piece 12 opposed to the upper piece 11 and a connecting piece 13 for connecting end sides on the same side of the lower piece 12 and the upper piece 11, where the connecting member 10 is capable of being fitted to the ends of the frame bodies 3a facing the same direction in the adjacent photovoltaic cell modules 4 so as to sandwich the same from a direction perpendicular thereto by the upper piece 11 and the lower piece 12.
US08382501B2
Communications patching system and methods utilizing common-mode channel communications are provided for identifying patch panel ports to which a backbone cable is connected in a communications patching system, for identifying a patch panel port to which a horizontal cable terminating at a telecommunications outlet is connected in a communications patching system, and for identifying the physical location of first and second connectors of a patch cord in a communications patching system having multiple patching zones.
US08382496B2
A security device for preventing or inhibiting unauthorized separation of a first part (e.g., a cable filter device) from a second part (e.g., a cable signal source) includes a connector having first and second connector parts which are freely rotatable with respect to each other, the first connector part including a male threaded end for removable connection to the first part and the second connector part including a female connector end for removable connection to the second part. A cylindrical sheath extends in covering relation to the first and second connector parts and is freely rotatable with respect thereto. In the attached condition, the first and second connector parts are accessible for attachment and removal only with a specially configured tool.
US08382489B2
Disclosed are apparatus comprising single-path and multiple-path compliant interconnects that are coupled between electrical contacts and that allow for increased electrical performance without compromising mechanical reliability. Exemplary apparatus comprises a conductive vertical anchor coupled at a first end to an electrical contact; and one or more conductive arcuate beams coupled at a first end to a second end of the vertical anchor, and coupled at a second end to a second electrical contact. One electrical contact comprises a die contact pad and the other electrical contact comprises a substrate contact pad. Alternatively, one electrical contact comprises a substrate contact pad and the other electrical contact comprises a printed circuit board contact pad. Also, one electrical contact comprises a die contact pad and the other electrical contact comprises a printed circuit board contact pad. Methods of fabricating the apparatus are also disclosed.
US08382485B2
Method and apparatus to provide simulation of a human casualty. In one embodiment an autonomous casualty simulator includes a processing module having a scenario progression controller and a physiological modeling system to receive sensor input and to control effectors. The autonomous casualty simulator can be contained in a nominal human mannequin form.
US08382480B2
Apparatus and methods for converting data into Braille text and permitting scrolling of a Braille display are provided. Embodiments may include a Braille display configured to present Braille text, a control device configured to allow a user to at least partially control scrolling of the Braille text, communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive data, and a processor that is operably coupled to the Braille display and communication circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to convert at least portions of data received by the communication circuitry into Braille text for presentation by the Braille display. Embodiments may further include a memory for storing Braille text.
US08382473B2
A teeth whitening apparatus and a method of teeth whitening is provided. The apparatus includes one or more thermoelectric device(s) which may be in the form of peltier devices adapted to be placed in the mouth. The or each thermoelectric device has one side that heats up and another side that is cooled when an electrical current is passed through the or each device. The or each thermoelectric device is preferably molded into a mouth guard into which a teeth whitening composition is placed such that the heat generated by the or each thermoelectric device activates the teeth whitening composition. The one or more thermoelectric device(s) are preferably powered by one or more batteries. Preferably, the one or more thermoelectric device(s) are coupled to one or more heat sinks such that the heat produced by the one or more thermoelectric device(s) is spread out over the teeth to be whitened.
US08382470B2
A fluidized bed boiler plant and a method of combusting sulfurous fuel in the fluidized bed boiler plant, a furnace of which plant is provided with a fluidized bed of particles. Sulfurous fuel, CaCO3-containing sulphur-binding agent and combusting air are introduced to the bed of particles, whereby fuel burns and generates flue gases and the sulphur-binding agent calcinates to CaO and binds SO2 generated in the combustion. Energy is recovered to a heat exchange medium circulating in heat exchange tubes of a condensing heat exchanger arranged in a flue gas channel, and a water solution of acid condensing on outer surfaces is neutralized by mixing it in a mixing vessel to a CaO-containing ash from a plant, preferably, fly ash collected by a dust separator.
US08382468B2
Method for combusting a solid phase fuel, where the fuel is caused, by the help of a non-pneumatic feeding element (11), to be fed to an inlet opening (11a) in a burner device (10) having a first inlet (13a) for the oxidant through which an oxidant is caused to flow via a first supply conduit (13). The first inlet (13a) for oxidant is caused to be arranged in the form of an opening surrounding the inlet opening (11a), in that the oxidant is caused to flow out through the opening (13a) with a velocity of at least 100 m/s, through a burner pipe (16) and out through a burner orifice (17) to a combustion space (18), so that the oxidant by ejector action causes the fuel to be conveyed through the burner pipe (16) and out through the burner orifice (17).
US08382467B2
A multiple part mandrel on which a hollow body may be formed includes multiple sectors. Each sector has a skin on an outer face and a pair of opposed side returns at longitudinal sides of the sector. The mandrel formed by the sectors is symmetrical about a central axis of the mandrel. When the sectors are assembled as the mandrel, the side returns of adjacent sectors face each other. Each of the side returns includes a recess in an outside surface of the side return, spaced from the skin of the respective sector, and an inflatable O-ring disposed in the recess. The recesses of adjacent side returns in the mandrel are offset with respect to each other in an axial direction of the mandrel. Inflation of the inflatable O-rings urges adjacent sectors together at the skins of the sectors to seal the adjacent sectors at the skins.
US08382465B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for test pressing tablets with at least two layers.
US08382464B2
The present invention is directed to a device for the production of a cellular wood plastic composite material comprised of an orifice that conducts the composite material from the adapter of the extruder to the transition die plate in such a manner that a uniform flow of material reaches the transition die plate; a transition die plate that further directs the flow of material to a flow restriction die plate in a manner ensuring that equal amounts of material are delivered to all areas of the flow restriction die plate; a flow restriction die plate that provides sufficient resistance to material flow to increase the melt pressure of the portion of the material that is upstream in relation to the flow restriction die plate and controls the temperature increase caused by this restriction by dividing the flow into numerous suitably sized and shaped streams; a compression die plate that fuses the separate streams issuing from the flow restriction die plate into a single stream of material and maintains the melt pressure at a level which will prevent premature development of cells in the material; a shaping die plate that is designed to shape the material in such a way that the fully expanded material will approximate the shape of the desired profile and to control the rate of cell development and expansion so that large numbers of uniform cells are produced.
US08382460B2
In a pump, a flexible tube passes through the pump and is held “normally closed” at an output constriction. The pump includes a pump body and a pump member that can perform two functions by their relative motion. The first function is to open and close an input constriction of the flexible tube. The second function is to compress the section of flexible tube between the input constriction and the output constriction. This section of tube acts as the pump chamber. When closed, the input constriction provides a greater impediment to fluid flow than the output constriction. Therefore, when the input constriction is closed and the pump chamber is compressed, fluid flows out of the pump past the output constriction. When the input constriction is open and compression of the pump chamber is removed, the output constriction closes and fluid can enter the pump by flowing past the location of the input constriction.
US08382457B2
A technique is provided for pumping fluid in subsea applications. A self-contained pumping module is created by mounting a pumping unit on a skid that can be lowered to a sea floor. The skid comprises a support structure designed to hold the pumping unit in a desired orientation, such as an inclined orientation with respect to a base of the skid. The self-contained nature of the pumping module facilitates deployment to a sea floor/retrieval from the sea floor to enable use of the pumping module in a variety of subsea applications with reduced complexity and cost.
US08382455B2
A stator for a linear compressor is provided that includes a coil winding, in which a coil is wound in a circumferential direction and current flows; a bobbin set, which is wound with the coil winding and which insulates the coil winding; and a plurality of core blocks, which is arranged in a circumferential direction of the bobbin set at predetermined intervals from an axial direction of the bobbin set, and which is advantageously used to simplify the manufacturing process, enhance the clamping force, reduce an overall production cost, and reduce a size of a product incorporating the same.
US08382438B2
A blade for an axial-flow turbomachine with a gap-side blade area I which transits into a free blade end and with a hub-side or casing-side blade area II, respectively. Blade 3 forms a flow line profile section with leading edge VK and trailing edge HK which establish forward end point V and rearward end point H, respectively, by a tangent normal to and intersecting with the profile chord, with the distance between these end points being profile depth L. Blade 3 includes an enlargement of profile depth L at a tip of the free blade end which is at least +10 percent and decreases to zero in the blade central section, with the values being non-negative throughout, with the profile enlargement at trailing edge HK being larger than zero at the tip in the gap-side peripheral section.
US08382437B2
A fan structure including a hub and at least one blade. The hub includes a top section, an annular section and at least one first connection section. The first connection section is selectively disposed on the top section or the annular section. One end of the annular section is connected with a circumference of the top section to define a receiving space. The blade has at least one second connection section disposed at one end of the blade. The second connection section is complementary to the first connection section and connected thereto. The blades are positioned in an overlapping pattern. The blades are independently formed and are easier to manufacture. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the fan structure is simplified and the manufacturing cost is lowered. Moreover, the wind power of the fan structure is increased.
US08382432B2
A rim seal assembly includes an annular seal element circumscribing an engine centerline or axis and mounted on an annular platform including a radially inwardly extending annular platform flange disposed between and connected to forward and aft flanges at distal ends of forward and aft annular elements respectively. Annular forward and aft outer rim cavities radially disposed between the forward and aft annular elements and the platform are axially separated by the platform flange. Cooling slots extend radially across axially facing forward and aft surfaces of the forward and aft flanges. The platform flange and the forward and aft flanges are bolted together. The annular seal element may include seal teeth in sealing relationship with an annular seal land such as in a labyrinth seal. The rim seal assembly may be incorporated in a low pressure turbine use a compressor as a source of cooling air.
US08382424B1
A stator vane with an endwall having a mate face with a seal slot, where the seal slot includes a row of feed slots on an outer side and two rows of impingement slots on an inner side and along the sides of the seal pin. Each impingement slot is connected by an impingement hole to one of the feed slots. With the seal pin secured within mate face seal slots of adjacent endwalls, cooling air flows through the feed holes and through the impingement holes to provide convection and impingement cooling for the mate faces. The spent impingement cooling air then flows out the diffusion slots and into the gap to purge hot gas flow away from the gap.
US08382423B1
Embodiments are directed to micro-scale or meso-scale devices having hydraulic or pneumatic actuation mechanisms incorporating bearings elements (such as ball bearings, cylindrical bearings, interference bearings, or hydrostatic bearings. Devices of some embodiments are turbines. Some devices may function as medical devices. Other embodiments are directed to multi-layer, multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods for producing such devices.
US08382421B2
A compact transport apparatus that does not cause pollution to its environment is provided. In a transport apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, an installation area of the apparatus is small because first and second rotary shafts are arranged concentrically, and a dead center escaping mechanism has a simple structure with a small thickness. Since a connecting portion of a hand portion can be made thin, an opening of a gate valve through which the hand portion is inserted can be reduced. As a result, it becomes difficult for dust inside a transport chamber to enter a processing chamber. A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a spaced dual shaft-type transport apparatus. Although the lengths of first arms provided at rotating shafts may differ from the lengths of second arms provided between the first arms and a substrate supporting portion, the apparatus is free from malfunction even when the lengths thereof differ because the transmission of a rotative force of a dead center escaping mechanism is released at a position except at a dead center in the present invention.
US08382412B2
A method and apparatus comprising providing a temporary or permanent connection of one or multiple sheets of material and providing an attachment point to hold these materials. A mating two part base and cap connected by a central tube connector that securely sandwiches sheet material between the two. The base may have additional passthrough holes for affixation to supports or ground. The connector may be threaded or frictionally attached and may optionally have thumb wings for easy turning. The connector may have one or more wings for easy manipulation. The connector may also be configured to receive various staking means including ones with eyelits or other attachment points and have pass throughs for stable engagement to other structures.
US08382404B2
A drill in which a flute is formed from a point to a base end side of a body of the drill, on a side face to be rotated about an axis, a cutting edge is formed between a wall surface of the flute which faces a drill rotational direction side and a flank at the point of the body, and a thinned portion is provided to a web portion of the point. The cutting edge is formed in a convex arc shape with a curvature radius 0.25 to 1 times a drill diameter; a radial rake angle at an outer peripheral portion of the cutting edge is −60 to −15 degrees; a corner portion, closer to the center of the point, of the thinned portion is formed in an arc shape with a curvature radius of at least 0.1 mm and not greater than 0.05 times the drill diameter; and the drill includes three flutes and three cutting edges.
US08382400B2
The bag has a trapezoidal shape including a pair of parallel edges opposite each other with one longer than the other and a pair of opposite diverging edges. One edge of the bag is defined by a fold to close off an opening providing access into the bag. Other edges of the bag are formed by a seam joining two opposite layers of flexible material together. The opening is preferably provided on a flap which extends beyond the trapezoidal perimeter of the bag. When this flap is folded over, the final trapezoidal shape for the bag is provided. Walls are built utilizing a plurality of such trapezoidally shaped sandbags in alternating parallel orientations for the long edges and short edges of adjacent bags. Joints between adjacent sandbags are longer than with rectangular sandbags and interlock together somewhat.
US08382397B2
The invention relates to a vibrator device for a vibratory compacting machine, said device comprising: a tubular body extending longitudinally and having a bottom end; at least one first hydraulic motor disposed in the tubular body and comprising a rotor and a stator; an eccentric member arranged inside the tubular body between the bottom end and the first hydraulic motor, said eccentric member being adapted to be rotated by the rotor of the first hydraulic motor so as to generate vibration. The invention is characterized in that the stator of the first hydraulic motor is constituted by the tubular body.
US08382396B2
A slipform paver including a dowel bar inserter unit having a pair of spaced-apart, endless transport chains oriented transversely to the travel direction. Each chain defines upper and lower strands with turn around chain sections at respective ends of the chain strands. A plurality of pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups carried by exterior sides of the chain hold the dowel bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the concrete strip. A dowel bar holding magazine is located above the upwardly facing sides of the chains. Elastic bands having ends fixedly attached to the magazine extend generally about a portion of a convexly curved dowel bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliency bias the dowel bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel.
US08382394B1
A carriage having a paint nozzle and reflective bead nozzle is provided for rolling along a roadside barrier, such as a guard rail or Jersey wall, to apply a reflective paint stripe on the barrier to improve visibility of the barrier at night. The carriage includes a first set of wheels to support the carriage on an upper edge of the barrier, and one or more additional sets of wheels to maintain proper spacing between the nozzles and the barrier surface being painted. The carriage includes handles with controls for actuating the nozzles. The paint and bead nozzles are connected to the paint system and pressurized bead tank on a paint striper, which may move simultaneously with the carriage along the barrier during the painting process.
US08382383B2
A ferrule structure for an optical connector includes a central member disposed in the ferrule. The central member is configured so that an exterior dimension of the central member can change between a smaller size and a larger size. A plurality of optical fibers are disposed in the ferrule externally to the central member. A method for assembling an optical connector ferrule includes providing a central member, wherein the central member is configured so that an exterior dimension of the central member can change between a smaller size and a larger size. The method further includes placing an axial load on the central member to cause the exterior dimension to assume the smaller size. The central member is disposed in the ferrule. A plurality of optical fibers are disposed in the ferrule, external to the central member. The axial load is removed from the central member.
US08382381B2
A blind hole insert fixing device is configured for fixing a number of blind hole inserts. The blind hole insert fixing device includes a hollow housing defining a cavity and an engagement member received in the cavity. The housing includes a first inner surface and an opposing second inner surface in the cavity. The engagement member includes a body portion, a number of spring portions, and a number of engagement portions conforming to the blind hole inserts. The spring portions and the engagement portions are located at opposite sides of the body portion. The spring portions abut against the first inner surface. The engagement portions and the second inner surface cooperatively form a number of receiving spaces for receiving the blind hole inserts. The spring portions are configured for applying a force to the body portion in a direction away from the first inner surface.
US08382376B2
A split-type sliding bearing for a crankshaft is formed of a pair of semi-cylindrical bearings halves which are fitted between a pair of housing halves having respectively high and low thermal expansion coefficients, one of the pair of bearing halves being supported on the housing half having a low thermal expansion coefficient, and the other of the pair of bearing halves being supported on the housing half having a high thermal expansion coefficient. The circumferential end zones of the bearing half supported on the housing half having a high thermal expansion coefficient have a thickness which is greater than that of the circumferential end zones of the bearing half supported on the housing half having a low thermal expansion coefficient.
US08382371B2
The X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of this invention includes a slide arm for supporting an X-ray tube, a middle slider for holding the support arm to be movable in directions along an irradiation axis of the X-ray source, and a strut for holding the middle slider to be movable the directions along the irradiation axis. Thus, compared with an amount of stroke of the X-ray tube, an amount of movement of each of the middle slider and the support arm can be small, and each of the strut, middle slider and support arm can be shortened to reduce apparatus height. Therefore, the amount of stroke of the X-ray source can be secured appropriately, while inhibiting an increase in installation space.
US08382369B2
A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code.
US08382367B2
A probe for an ear thermometer has a mounting bracket, a light module, a temperature sensor and a probe tube. The light module and temperature sensor is mounted on the mounting bracket. The light module is capable of radiating different colored lights to respectively indicate normal or abnormal body temperature. The probe tube covers the light module and temperature sensor and is light-pervious. Because the probe of the ear thermometer indicates the body temperature by different colored lights and/or numerals, using the ear thermometer with the probe is easy, simple and instinctive when compared to conventional thermometers that use LCD display to show numerical values.
US08382361B2
A backlight assembly includes a light source, a light-guiding member, a mold frame and a printed circuit board (“PCB”). The light source generates light. The light-guiding member guides the light generated from the light source. The mold frame receives the light-guiding member. An opening is formed through a side of the mold frame. The PCB drives the light source, and includes an extension portion extending through the opening of the mold frame.
US08382359B2
A backlight unit 12 includes LEDs 15, light guide plates 18, reflection sheets 24, LED boards 17 and reflection parts 47. Each light guide plate 18 has a light entrance surface 34 and a light exit surface 36. The light entrance surface 34 is arranged so as to face the corresponding LED 16 via a gap C. Light from the LED 16 enters the light entrance surface. The light exit surface 36 is arranged parallel to an arrangement direction in which the LED 16 and the light entrance surface 34 are arranged. The light exits from the light exit surface. Each reflection sheet 24 is arranged on an opposite surface of the corresponding light guide plate 18 from the light exit surface and configured to reflect light toward the light exit surface 36. Each LED board 17 is arranged so as to face the corresponding reflection sheet 24. The LEDs 16 and the light guide plates 18 are mounted to the respective LED boards 17. Each reflection part 47 is arranged on the corresponding LED board 17 at least in an area between the LED 16 and the light entrance surface 34 and configured to reflect light toward the light entrance surface 34.
US08382351B2
In a vehicle lamp (1), a plurality of LED light sources (11) are arranged on a common substrate (12). A light guiding lens (13) elongated in a direction in which the LED light sources (11) are aligned is provided. A plurality of reflecting sections (22) are provided on the light guiding lens (13). The reflecting sections (22) are configured to individually reflect incident lights from the respective LED light sources (11) to a periphery of a vehicle. Respective directions of the reflecting sections (22) are made to differ in accordance with positions of the corresponding LED light sources (11).
US08382350B2
A luminant component, such as reflective tape or an electrically powered component, is applied to the window frame of a motor vehicle. The component is visible from both the outside of the window, through the window and the inside of the window to illuminate at least portions of the vehicle.
US08382347B2
Light fixtures having a plurality of light-emitting diodes that maximize the amount of direct light into an intended area. The light fixture may include a carriage with a first (top) end and a second (bottom) end. A hood may be mounted to the first end of the carriage. At least one light engine comprising a plurality of light sources is mounted to the hood. The light sources emit light downwardly directly onto an intended area. In certain embodiments the second end of the carriage is shaped and sized so that it does not interfere with emission of the light to the intended area. The light fixture thus provides light in a thermally efficient manner, maximizes the amount of direct light, and limits the amount of light pollution.
US08382334B2
A lighting apparatus is shown and described. In one aspect, the lighting apparatus includes a light source, a plate, and frame. The light source can include one or more lighting elements that are in thermal communication with the light source. The plate can have a dissipative portion extending outward from a point of thermal communication between the plate and the light source. The frame can at least partially enclose the light source and may also be in thermal communication therewith.
US08382332B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a lighting and ventilating system including a main housing. The main housing can include an inlet through which air can be received within the main housing and an outlet through which the air can exit the main housing. A fan wheel can be supported in the main housing and it can be operable to generate a flow of air. A grille can be coupled to the main housing and the grille can comprise a plurality of apertures and a second set of illumination devices. The system further can include a lamp housing coupled to the grille, the lamp housing can include a first set of illumination devices. Also, a plate can be coupled to the grille so that the plate is adjacent to the second set of illumination devices.
US08382330B2
The present invention provides an illuminating device and heat-dissipating structure thereof. The heat-dissipating structure includes a plurality of heat-dissipating units stacked together. Each heat-dissipating unit includes a cone-like portion with an opening and a plurality of protrusions connected to the cone-like portion, wherein at least one of the protrusions of one heat-dissipating unit is coupled to that of the adjacent heat-dissipating unit to form one or more zonal planes for allowing a light source to be disposed thereon to constitute the illuminating device, and the openings of the heat-dissipating units are liked together to form an airflow passage.
US08382327B2
The present invention provides a light tube for illumination by a power supply circuit including a bulb portion and a pair of end caps disposed at opposite ends of the bulb portion. A plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed inside the bulb portion and in electrical communication with the pair of end caps for illuminating in response to electrical current to be received from the power supply circuit.
US08382326B2
It is provided with a light source unit that can be thinner. Further, it is provided with a lighting apparatus and a notice bearing apparatus utilizing the light source unit.A light source unit 10 is configured with a plurality of LED modules 3, 3 and a constant current supplying section 2 consisting of electric components for holding constant of current supplied to the plurality of LED modules 3, 3. The plurality of LED modules 3, 3 and the electric components are aligned on a rectangular plate 11 of a module casing 1. Thus, it is possible to manufacture the light source unit 10 to be thinner. The electric components are arranged between the plurality of LED modules 3, 3. Thus, it is possible to reduce cable length installed in the light source unit 10 and to facilitate the installing works of the cable.
US08382323B2
Individually controllable multi-colored illumination units, including light beads and a light wand, the beads preferably connected to the wand or to each other through conductivity elements providing electric conductivity for at least four separate lines through the connection while providing for full relative rotation and limited swivel between the connection elements.
US08382322B2
An LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED printed circuit boards (PCB), with each LED PCB having at least one LED bulb and electrical connector pads configured at each opposite end of the boards. A two-component surface mount electrical connector is configured to connect one end of a first LED PCB to an end of a second said LED PCB such that the first and second LED PCBs are electrically connected end-to-end. The connected LED PCBs may be configured in a light tube that includes connector end caps for mounting the light tube in a light fixture.
US08382320B2
An LED-illuminant includes a plurality of LED arranged on a corresponding plurality of supports each support having an angled support section. The angled support sections being adjacent to one another to form angled surfaces of a polyhedron. The heat of each LED is respectively dissipated from the angled support section to the rest of the support.
US08382310B2
A packaging system for the retail display of an electrical device is disclosed. The packaging includes a “try me” switch to allow a potential customer to activate the electrical device in the store. The product includes a photovoltaic array and rechargeable battery which is intended to be periodically charged by the photovoltaic array. When packaged by the manufacturer, the rechargeable batteries are sufficiently charged to substantially activate the electrical device. When depressed, the “try me” switch interconnects the primary rechargeable battery with the electrical device within the packaging.
US08382308B2
The invention relates to a machine tool having working field illumination disposed in a housing, having an illumination mechanism and a transparent element which allows the light from the illumination mechanism to be led out toward the working field. A light beam can be deflected between the illumination mechanism and the transparent element. According to the invention, the transparent element forms a region of the housing.
US08382299B2
A beam direction control element has transparent areas and light absorption areas alternately arranged on a surface of a substrate, wherein the light absorption areas function as a louver for controlling the direction of a beam of light. The beam direction control element is manufactured by disposing an optically transparent material on a first transparent substrate to form transparent ridges which constitute the transparent areas, filling curable and photo-absorptive fluid in gaps between the transparent ridges, and then curing the fluid to form the light absorption areas.
US08382292B2
A light source module adapted to be used in a projection apparatus includes a first LED device, a second LED device, and a light switching element. The first LED device emits a first light beam along a first light path during a first time period. The second LED device emits a second light beam along a second light path during a second time period. The light switching element is disposed at an intersection of the first light path and the second light path for permitting one of the first light beam along the first light path and the second light beam along the second light path to be transmitted along a third light path.
US08382291B2
A projector adapted to perform display by projecting an image on a projection surface, includes: a light source; a light modulator adapted to modulate light from the light source into image light representing the image; a projection optical system adapted to project the image light modulated by the light modulator on the projection surface; a keystone distortion correction section adapted to perform a keystone distortion correction process for correcting keystone distortion of the image to be projected on the projection surface; a detection section adapted to detect start of movement of the projector; and a control section adapted to cancel the keystone distortion correction process in the keystone distortion correction section in response to detection of start of movement of the projector in the detection section.
US08382284B2
A method and system for providing multiple ophthalmic and retinal blood measurements is outlined. By extracting multiple digitized wavelength images and quantitative data within a relatively short time period the method allows for compensation of a patient's eye or head movement, generation of ophthalmic clinical records, and determination of data relating to blood measurements, such as oxygen saturation and hemoglobin, in addition to ocular and other disease determinations. The method provides for multiple analysis and measurements within a single sitting of the patient, with a single simple instrument and without adaptations to the instrument during a patient's eye examination. Beneficially the approach allows for low cost, compact, and even portable implementations offering such analysis and determination outside the current ophthalmic centers providing eased access and earlier diagnosis opportunities.
US08382279B2
The present invention generally relates to an adjustable eye patch for use in connection with eye glasses. The eye patch has a first end and a second end. While in use, the first end may be located near the nose of an individual and the second end may be positioned near the ear of the individual. Near the second end of the eye patch may be a plurality of slits wherein a support bar portion of the frame of the glasses may be inserted. The first end of the eye patch may have an elongated slit for securing around the bridge or nose support of the eye glasses. The elongated slit may be temporarily secured around the bridge of the glasses to provide additional support for the eye patch.
US08382276B2
A conveying platen is provided with a plurality of air circulation parts, each of which includes a long groove opened toward the conveying belt and formed in a longitudinal direction following a conveying direction, and a hole that penetrates in a thickness direction from a part of a bottom surface of the long groove. These air circulation parts are arrayed in the conveying direction and a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The conveying platen has an opposed region which faces a nozzle surface. The long groove is provided in the opposed region. The hole is provided in a region other than the opposed region.
US08382275B2
A printer is provided that can convey recording paper at a constant transportation speed and transportation amount passed a printing position by means of the transportation force of a single transportation roller pair located on the upstream side of the printing position.A roll paper printer has a vacuum type platen member opposite the ink nozzle surface of an inkjet head, and an upstream guide surface and a platen surface that defines the printing position are formed on the guide surface of the platen member. The upstream guide surface extends to a position near the nipping part of the single transportation roller pair on its upstream side. Because the recording paper fed from the nipping part toward the printing position is guided while being constrained by air suction to the upstream guide surface, deflection in the out-of-plane direction is suppressed and the recording paper is held flat. The recording paper can be conveyed with good precision to the printing position using only the transportation force of the single transportation roller pair disposed on the upstream side.
US08382270B2
Release layers, and particularly low surface tension aqueous solutions, such as fountain solutions, which function as release layers. These release layers are integrated into copying and printing machines, such as xerographic machines, multifunctional devices, color systems, and the like, wherein the release layers are specifically incorporated onto a hydrophilic roll material for contact leveling of UV curable gel inks.
US08382269B2
A solid ink printer is configured to learn the identity of solid ink sticks for printer operation. The solid ink printer includes a feed channel having an insertion opening configured to receive solid ink sticks, a sensor positioned near the insertion opening of the feed channel and configured to obtain solid ink stick type data from a solid ink stick inserted into the insertion opening of the feed channel, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor to receive the solid ink stick type data, the controller being configured to store the solid ink stick type data in a memory in response to an initialization signal and to operate the solid ink printer with reference to the solid ink stick type data stored in the memory by the controller.
US08382244B2
A method of operating a printer enables a controller in the printer to operate electrical motors to move printheads in the printer for longer periods of time before maintenance is required. Each printhead in the printer is operatively connected to an electrical motor for movement of the printhead and the printheads are organized in groups with each group being operatively connected to an electrical motor for movement of the group. By selectively designating printheads as being moveable or fixed, electrical motors that fail to move a printhead can be taken out of operation and an electrical motor that moves the printhead group used instead to continue printing operations without requiring a service call for replacement of the failed motor.
US08382242B2
A printing system that has a media feed assembly for feeding different sizes of media along a media path, the media path having a width corresponding to a maximum width of media that can be printed by the printing system. The system also having a printhead assembly positioned on a first side of the media path and spanning the width of the media path, an aerosol collection duct with an opening on the first side of the media path and a spittoon system positioned on a second side of the media path opposing the first side. The printhead assembly is configured to eject non-printing ink drops from any section not required to print media that is less than the maximum width, and the spittoon system is configured to collect the non-printing ink drops.
US08382239B2
A printhead cleaning device includes a housing having an opening and an ink receptacle positioned within the opening. A member has a first end positioned in the ink receptacle and a second end that extends out of the opening in the housing. The member is configured to contact a drip bib and provide a path for liquid ink to move from the drip bib to the ink receptacle.
US08382221B2
An ink level sensing system that exhibits good sensitivity is described herein. The system includes a first probe having a first active surface, a second probe having a second active surface facing the first active surface, a memory in which data indicative of a conductivity curve and command instructions are stored, and a processor configured to execute the command instructions to associate a level of fluid in a reservoir with a first signal indicative of the electrical coupling between the first active surface and the second active surface with reference to the data indicative of a conductivity curve.
US08382219B2
An appliance comprises a body and a door panel and/or drawer panel movable between a home position, an open position, and an over-travel position. A cosmetic panel may be coupled to the door and/or drawer panel. The appliance may further include an installation system and/or a positioning device. The positioning device is configured to bias the door and/or drawer panels to the home position from the over-travel position. The installation system is configured to establish the front-to-back alignment of the appliance. The installation system may be a direct mount installation system. The installation system may include an adjustment system configured to facilitate positioning the cosmetic panel to be co-planar with the surrounding cabinetry. The adjustment mechanism may further help establish small and consistent reveals.
US08382218B2
A refrigerator is provided that includes a carcass, a door, and a support for goods to be cooled. The support is mounted within the carcass via telescopic pull-out mechanisms for extending movement outwardly of the carcass and retracting movement inwardly relative to the carcass. A shell covers each telescopic pull-out mechanism on a top side, a longitudinal side facing the support, and a front side facing the door thereof.
US08382217B2
A kitchen unit arrangement (10) having three or more storage units (12, 14, 16), the arrangement comprising first and second end walls (22) and at least two internal walls (20), the first end wall and a first said internal wall together defining a first said storage unit (12), the second end wall and a second said internal wall together defining a second said storage unit (14); wherein two of said internal walls (20) are connected by a substantially horizontal shelf (26) to define a third storage unit (16). A method of assembling such a kitchen unit apparatus is also provided.
US08382212B2
A tubeless wheel for vehicles intended for the transport of loads or large number of passengers, such as trucks or buses, with external valve (8), as well as the products rim (1), disk (2) and valve (8) with the disk (2) mounted on the second ledge (4) of the rim (1). The parts have such geometry that, by a combination of factors distributed between rim (1), disk (2) and valve (8), enable the placement of the valve (8) on the external side of the disk (2) and the valve laying region is defined by two concurrent planes exempt of ribs.
US08382209B2
A rotary wheel cap includes a fixed base fixed to a center of a wheel, a rotary cover axially mounted onto the fixed base, and an elastic member installed between the fixed base and rotary cover. When the wheel rotates, the rotary cover compresses the elastic member to a first position to form a positioning relationship with the fixed base, such that the rotary cover is rotated with the wheel and fixed base at the first position. When the wheel is still, the rotary cover is supported by the elastic member at a second position to release the positioning relationship with the fixed base. The rotary cover is rotated axially with respect to the fixed base by gravitation of a weight balancing portion at the second position. A design pattern on the rotary cover is aligned correctly by the axial rotation of the rotary cover when the wheel is still.
US08382191B2
A vehicle emergency egress system includes a transparent armor assembly disposable in a vehicle window frame, the transparent armor assembly including at least one transparent armor pane, and interiorly accessible release means, the release means being selectively operable by a vehicle occupant for effecting release of at least the one of the transparent armor panes, such release permitting shifting a respective one of the at least one transparent armor panes from the transparent armor assembly to define an egress portal. A method of forming a vehicle emergency egress system is further included.
US08382189B2
A vanity mirror and light assembly is provided for use on a vehicle visor. The vanity assembly includes a clear frame molded to a reflective film to define a reflector portion and a partially transmissive portion. The assembly also includes a lighting device located behind the partially transmissive portion of the reflective film to provide a vanity light passing through the partially transmissive portion. A method of forming the vanity assembly in a mold is also provided.
US08382180B2
An apparatus for transferring substrates in a processing system where the substrate is exposed to high temperatures is provided. In one embodiment a blade for transporting a substrate is provided. The blade comprises a base having an arcuate lateral shoulder, a first finger extending outward from and perpendicular to the base, a second finger extending outward from the base and parallel to and spaced-apart from the first finger, a first support tab configured to support the substrate and positioned along the arcuate lateral shoulder, a second support tab configured to support the substrate and coupled with the first finger, and a third support tab configured to support the substrate coupled with the second finger, wherein the arcuate lateral shoulder extends from an outer edge of the first finger to an outer edge of the second finger.
US08382176B2
A vault cover grabber, bolt cover lifter or vault cover eye-hook is formed from two L shaped components with each component having an eye opening on one end and each component having an L shaped end (lower end) designed to be inserted through a void of a vault cover or other object. The top ends or eye ends of the two components are pivoted apart to allow the two lower ends to pass through a vault cover void. After insertion, the upper eye ends are pivoted together, causing the two lower ends to contain the vault cover. A hook or other object is placed through the two eye voids of the top ends of the two components. A combination of double clevis connectors, shaft collars, shackles and chains secure the vault cover grabber to a handle or other means of lifting.
US08382150B2
An easy lock and release mechanism for a safety seat retaining on a stroller frame and a base. A front confinement is mounted on the stroller frame, and has a spring-loaded latch retractively protruding from a rear wall of the front confinement for locking the safety seat. The safety seat has two anchoring slots, at least a downward holding slot and two latching elements. The downward holding slot has an orifice formed therein for engaging with the spring-loaded latch. The two anchoring slots may anchor to two transversal bars on the base and be locked by the two latching elements. The release mechanism is mounted on the safety seat, and has a release actuator associated with a pushing element and the two latching elements for pushing the spring-loaded latch away from the orifice and unlock the two latching elements.
US08382149B1
A baby trailer frame mounting structure includes a bottom frame unit, a top frame unit, a trailer bar, two front wheel holder mounting frame assemblies and two front wheel holders. Each front wheel holder mounting frame assembly includes a base frame block affixed to one sidebar or front bar of the bottom frame unit, and a spring-loaded control member pivotally coupled to the base frame block for locking the associating front wheel holder.
US08382142B2
A trailer which is sized to be towed behind a motorcycle. The trailer includes a cargo bay for storing luggage, spare parts, tools or other cargo. The trailer is preferably towed behind a motorcycle in a group of motorcycles. In the unfortunate event that one of the motorcycles breaks down or a rider is unable to continue operating his or her motorcycle, the cargo bay can be converted to a towing configuration for towing the disabled motorcycle. This allows the group of motorcycles to continue riding, and the disabled motorcycle can be towed to a repair location at a more convenient time for the entire group of riders.
US08382141B2
An axle security fixture comprises one or more bracket portions configured to be secured about a rail of a truck frame, a receiving portion contiguous with the bracket portions for receiving a plurality of axles, and a cover situated atop the axles and secured to the receiving portion.
US08382139B2
A bicycle riding training device, or torsion seat-handle, attaches directly to the seat frame of a bicycle allowing the rider to receive immediate physical feedback from the instructor. The rider can “feel” the instructor's corrections through the seat, allowing the rider to more quickly learn how to balance the bicycle. The torsion seat-handle extends rearwardly and upwardly from the seat of the bicycle, such that it may be grasped by an instructor to provide physical corrections the rider. Additionally, the angular deployment of the torsion seat-handle can be adjusted to account for the height of the instructor.
US08382134B2
An axle assembly (310) has a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for rotatably mounting a wheel and hub assembly on an axle portion or the axle assembly, the axle portion located between the first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for affixing to first and second structural members (301, 302), at least one of the structural members (302) comprising a substantially closed bore orifice (306) wheel mounting point or dropout, said dropout having a first side configured for the axle portion to extend therefrom when said axle assembly (310) is fixed to said point and a second side, the axle assembly (310) comprising a first fixing means (309) at the first end for releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the first structural member (302) and a second fixing means (311) at the second end fog releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the second structural member (301).
US08382126B1
A mobile wheelchair lift system includes a wheelchair that includes a pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels. A panel has a top side and a bottom side. A plurality of wheels each is attached to the bottom side. A lift has a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a base and the second end comprises a mount that is attached to the bottom side. The lift is positioned in a first position to lift the panel upwardly from a support surface. The lift is positioned in a second position lower the wheels onto the support surface. A ramp is hingedly coupled to the rear edge. The ramp has an upper side, a lower side and a peripheral edge. The ramp is may be positioned in an extended position to allow the wheelchair to be rolled onto or off of the panel.
US08382122B2
A gasket having a concentrically waved metal sheet, i.e., a core member, which has a PTFE sheet or an inorganic sheet of sealing-property layered and bonded on each of its opposite surfaces. The gasket makes it possible to ensure a stable sealing-property for a long period of time with a low to a high fastening-load applied. The metal sheet has valley portions, which were conventionally vacant gaps, and are filled with powdered sealing member to be embedded from the beginning. Therefore, the PTFE sheet or the inorganic sheet at the valley portions of the metal sheet that conventionally could not be compressed with a low fastening-load applied is compressed and even with the low fastening-load applied can secure a fastening surface-pressure over the entire surface. Further, since it is possible to suppress the deformation of the sheet in quantity, which was conventionally large, the PTFE sheet or the inorganic sheet each of low-fluidity are arranged so as not to be broken with a high fastening-load applied and the thinner PTFE sheet or the thinner inorganic sheet can be used.
US08382115B2
A gaming table is provided with an associated playing card printer. At the beginning of play, the playing card printer prints an entire deck of playing cards on suitable card stock. The deck of playing cards is printed in a random order as determined by a random number generator. The deck of playing cards is collated into a stack of cards and presented to the dealer who then uses this deck of playing cards to deal the casino game.
US08382113B2
A card game in which players compete against a dealer to obtain a poker hand and a blackjack hand that beats the dealer without busting by exceeding 21 points.
US08382109B2
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a first sheet conveying path, a second sheet conveying path branched from the first sheet conveying path, a switching member capable of moving in the branch portion of the first sheet conveying path and the second sheet conveying path, and a first regulation member and a second regulation member which regulate the movement of the switching member, wherein when the first regulation member is abutted against the switching member, the first regulation member forms a gap having a first interval through which the sheet can pass to the second sheet conveying path, when the switching member is further moved forward, and when the second regulation member is abutted against the switching member, the second regulation member forms a gap having a second interval smaller than the first interval through which the sheet can pass to the second sheet conveying path.
US08382108B2
The present invention provides a recording medium overturning mechanism, comprising: a bracket (100); an entry (50) and an exit (60), arranged in the bracket (100); a first channel (10), communicating the entry (50) with the exit (60) to convey a recording medium which does not need to be overturned; a second channel (20), communicating with the entry (50) to convey a recording medium which needs to be overturned; a third channel (30), communicating with the exit (60) and the second channel (20) to convey the overturned recording medium, wherein the first channel (10), the second channel (20) and the third channel (30) are basically arranged in an inverted triangle and joined with each other; a channel switching mechanism (40), arranged on the bracket (100) and located at a joining area between the first channel (10) and the second channel (20); and an overturning roller (70), arranged on the bracket (100) and located at a joining area between the second channel (20) and the third channel (30), the overturning roller (70) is driven by a motor (M), and the overturning roller (70) firstly rotates in a first direction to convey the recording medium away from the second channel (20), and then rotates in a direction opposite to the first direction to send the recording medium into the third channel (30). The present invention is simple in structure, small in volume and low in cost.
US08382101B2
A sheet conveying apparatus has a guide member disposed in a space on a side of a pair of rotating bodies. The guide member is supported such that the guide member can project outward from an outer periphery of one of the rotating bodies located upstream in a sheet conveying direction. When a front end of a conveyed sheet abuts against the guide member and pushes the guide member, the guide member retracts from a projecting position into the space on the side of the pair of rotating bodies, and in this state, the front end of the sheet is guided to a nip portion of the pair of rotating bodies.
US08382097B2
A sheet feeding device may include a tray, a sheet feeder, a pressurizing unit, a height detection unit, a weight detection unit, and a control unit. The tray may be raised and lowered. The sheet feeder sends out a sheet stacked on the tray. The pressurizing unit urges the tray to pressurize the sheet stacked on the tray against the sheet feeder. The control unit adjust pressure force of the pressurizing unit per change in height of sheets stacked on the tray on a basis of weight per unit height of the sheets, calculated on a basis of an initial total weight of the sheets stacked on the tray detected by the weight detection unit before a feeding operation is started and on a basis of the initial height of sheets stacked on the tray detected by the height detection unit before a sheet feeding operation is started.
US08382096B2
A sheet package for supplying sheets to a printing apparatus has stacked sheets, and a package member that includes a first flat surface portion covering the sheets, a first side face portion extended from the first flat surface portion, a second flat surface portion extended from the first side face portion, a second side face portion extended from the first flat surface portion, a third flat surface portion extended from the second side face portion, a first cut-out portion formed in the first flat surface portion, a second cut-out portion formed in the second flat surface portion, and a third cut-out portion formed in the third flat surface portion, wherein at least one of an end of the second cut-out portion and an end of the third cut-out portion is disposed more toward the opposite side of the transfer direction of sheets than an end of the first cut-out portion.
US08382089B2
A sheet cutting apparatus, including: a conveying member configured to convey a half-folded sheet bunch in a conveyance path in which the conveying member is provided; a registration member which comes into contact with a leading edge portion of the sheet bunch to correct a skew feed of the sheet bunch; a cutting member positioned upstream of the registration member to cut a trailing edge portion of the sheet bunch; and a discharging member provided at an outlet of the conveyance path to discharge the sheet bunch, wherein the leading edge portion of the sheet bunch is positioned outside the discharging member when, after the skew feed is corrected, the sheet bunch is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction by the conveying member and the trailing edge portion of the sheet bunch is conveyed to a cutting position of the cutting member to cut the trailing edge portion.
US08382081B2
For machining a workpiece the workpiece is fixed in a first gripping device of a machining device in order to make at least one element. Next the workpiece is transferred to the second gripping device of the machining device, where the workpiece is fixed by means of the element in the second gripping device of the machining device, while the first gripping device remains connected to the machining device. The element comprises a dovetail-shaped mounting element.
US08382080B2
A cord reinforced resilient membrane (or diaphragm) having a high radial (transverse) stiffness and a relatively low axial stiffness, wherein the cord reinforced resilient membrane has adapatability for use in both hydraulic and conventional strut mounts, as well as other applications, and wherein the radial stiffness provided by the cords is directionally tunable for utilization in a particular application.
US08382076B2
A support column with a vertical tube has a coaxially installed gas spring including a cylinder divided by a piston into first and second working chambers. A piston rod passes through the second working chamber in a sealed manner to the outside, where it is attached to a bottom support piece of the vertical tube. The cylinder projects out of the vertical tube and is guided with freedom to slide back and forth in a guide sleeve installed in the end of the vertical tube opposite the bottom support piece. A connection between the first and second working chambers can be blocked by a manually actuatable valve. A second valve between the chambers, which is closed when the gas spring is under load, can be switched to the open position after the load on the gas spring has been absent for a certain period of time.
US08382071B2
A raw material supply device (105) includes an introduction pipe (152a) which introduces a carrier gas into a raw material vessel (151), a transport pipe (152b) which transports a source gas fed out from the raw material vessel, a supply pipe (155a) which is branched from the transport pipe and supplies the source gas to a film forming chamber (101), a circulation pipe (155b) which is branched from the transport pipe (152b) and returns the source gas to the introduction pipe (152a), an introduction valve (156a) which is attached to the introduction pipe, a supply valve (156b) which is attached to the supply pipe, a circulation valve (156c) which is attached to the circulation pipe, and a controller (157) which controls opening/closing of the valves. The controller controls the supply valve and the circulation valve to be in opposite open/closed states. The source gas can be supplied more stably while suppressing the waste of the raw material.
US08382062B2
The invention provides an electromagnetic actuator for moving a closure member of a valve. The actuator contains a solenoid, a yoke and a wire spring for fixing a guide tube, in which the closure member is movable, to the solenoid. The spring is formed so that it further fixes the yoke to the solenoid. Accordingly, the number of components is reduced, and detaching of the yoke may easily be facilitated.
US08382060B2
A component to be mounted on a vehicle includes a housing, a pair of component mounting passages, defined in the housing, aligning with a pair of respective vehicle mounting passages when the component is any of a plurality of orientations with respect to the vehicle, and a component orientation element, on the housing. The component orientation element cooperates with a vehicle orientation element only when the component is in one of the plurality of orientations with respect to the vehicle. A hub on the component orientation element acts to tune the component orientation element for attenuating vibration received by the component orientation element from the vehicle.
US08382059B2
A protective holder for the iPhone®, iPad®, iPod Touch™, electronic books, electronic tablet computers and other portable devices having a frontal LCD, OLED, touch screen, or other display that employs a form-fitting backplate with corner frames for cradling the device while leaving the entire frontal aspect unobstructed is disclosed. The holder may include a series of contoured side grippers on each side of the backplate for clamping the device in place without obstructing the LCD screen (or access to it for cleaning or otherwise). The holder may include a fully-adjustable kickstand for upright hands-free viewing of the device at several landscape and portrait angles and the holder may also include a built-in moveable directional sound reflector and noise shield improves audio performance, and a detachable belt clip allows belt wearing. The holder has an extreme slimline folded profile to facilitate pocket insertion, minimize bulk and create an eye-catching aesthetic.
US08382057B2
A seat track system for a seat of a vehicle includes at least one seat track having a lower track member adapted to be fixed to a vehicle structure and an upper track member adapted to be connected to a seat and moveable relative to the lower track member. The seat track system also includes a manual positive engagement locking system cooperating with the at least one seat track to allow longitudinal adjustment of the upper track member relative to the lower track member and to positively engage the at least one seat track such that a locking element does extend through the locking plate but does not extend below the lower track member.
US08382050B2
A universal connector (5) is provided for connecting an architectural covering to an architectural surface. The connector has an adaptor plate (6) that is substantially circular and has one or more radially outwardly projecting flanges (16) and is arranged to be inserted into a ring-shaped engagement member (7) having one or more openings (18) in a front cover (17). The adaptor plate and the engagement member are configured such that the adaptor plate may be inserted into the engagement member by aligning the one or more flanges of the adaptor plate with a respective opening in the front cover of the engagement member and removal of the adaptor plate from the engagement member may subsequently be prevented by a partial rotation of the adaptor plate relative to the engagement member.
US08382027B2
Adjustable servomechanism assemblies and associated systems and methods. An unmanned aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a movable mechanism and a servomechanism assembly operably coupled to the movable mechanism. The system also includes an interface assembly operably coupled to an output shaft of the servo and the movable mechanism. The interface assembly includes an adapter portion carried by the output shaft and an output arm releasably engaged with the adapter portion. The adapter portion includes a first aperture having a non-round surface mated with a non-round surface of the output shaft, and a non-splined, engagement surface. The output arm includes a second aperture sized to receive at least a portion of the outer surface of the adapter portion. The second aperture includes a generally smooth inner surface in contact with and rotatable through 360 degrees relative to the engagement surface of the adapter portion.
US08382026B2
A paper toweling dispenser selectively operable to dispense paper toweling from a roll of paper toweling employing a plurality of alternative operational modes.
US08382015B2
A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.
US08382013B2
An air knife system includes a first set of openings and a second set of openings arranged along opposite first and second walls, respectively, of a main body. The first set of openings may be aligned with the second set of openings such that a coupling member may be inserted through each one of the first set of openings and a corresponding one of the second set of openings. The coupling members may be fixedly joined to the first and second sets of openings to maintain a desired width of a discharge slot defined by a first lip extending from the first wall and a second lip extending from the second wall. In one embodiment, the coupling members may be joined to the first and second sets of openings using a welding process.
US08382011B1
The shower head apparatus has a first end spaced apart from a second end, a first tube extended from proximal to the first end, a second tube extended from proximal to the second end, a ball valve with lever threadably disposed in-line between the tubes, a pair of spaced apart 90 degree junctions with a swivel connecting the 90 degree junctions at the first end, an attachment collar connected to one swivel at the first end, a pair of spaced apart 90 degree junctions with a swivel connecting the 90 degree junctions at the second end, a head collar connected to one swivel at the second end, a positionally adjustable shower head with face connected to the head collar of the one swivel at the second end, and a plurality of nozzles disposed distally within the shower head face.
US08382005B1
A rideable toy that includes a base that includes a quartet of wheels and a battery-powered motor. The base also has a control pad attached to the motor and a pair of speakers that can be controlled through the control pad. The rideable toy is used in conjunction with a track that is fabricated from a number of track segments that can be interconnected with one another in a wide variety of configurations. Each track segment has placement holes that allow a stop block to be inserted, providing some limitation and perhaps safety considerations to the use of the rideable toy.
US08382002B2
Improved methods, devices, compositions, and systems are provided for concealing information on articles in commerce, such as pharmaceuticals, to improve detection of counterfeits. Embodiments are provided where Moiré patterns on article surfaces are detectable using a revealing layer only when the surfaces are illuminated at or near particular angles. Embodiments incorporating revealing layers into detection systems, such as microscopes, are also provided. A method comprising: providing at least one pharmaceutical composition which comprises at least one surface which comprises at least one area which is adapted to provide a Moiré base layer; illuminating the area at an angle; imaging the illuminated area with a Moiré revealing layer to generate a Moiré pattern. Such embodiments provide an additional layer of security over previous methods of detecting counterfeit articles.
US08381999B2
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for selectively switching antennas of transaction cards. In some implementations, a method includes physically interfacing a card with a mobile host device including a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The card executes wireless financial transactions independent of the mobile host device. User credentials used to execute financial transactions with retail terminals are stored. Information is presented through the GUI of the mobile host device. An antenna of the card is selectively switched between an activate state and an inactive state in response to at least an event.
US08381990B2
An antenna module in which an antenna coil formed of a metal foil and a condenser are formed on an insulating substrate, the antenna module includes: a control circuit configured to control communications done by the antenna coil, the control circuit disposed on the insulating substrate; and a pattern formed of a metal foil, wherein the pattern is formed on the insulating substrate on the opposite side of the control circuit through the insulating substrate, and the control circuit has: a detecting means for detecting a temperature of the control circuit, and a control means for terminating the communications when a temperature of the control circuit is equal to or above a predetermined temperature.
US08381987B2
Among other things, a portable memory card that conforms to a size, shape, and connection interface of an industry-standard memory card is smaller than and held by a support that conforms to a shape and size of an industry-standard credit card. The support is insertable into a receptacle with the connection interface of the memory card mated with a corresponding connection interface of the receptacle.
US08381974B2
A mobile communication device is equipped with hardware and/or software components to enable the device to output a data in a form of a radio frequency signal, emulating outputting of the data by either an active or a passive RFID transponder. The data may be a security key or an identifier. Emulation of an active RFID transponder includes facilitating selection of the data and instruction to output by a user. Emulation of a passive RFID transponder includes detecting for proximal presence of a RFID reader. Either case, provision of the data to the mobile communication device may include provision of associated signal attribute(s).
US08381968B2
A food tray is automatically convertible from a flat position to an erect, elevated position. The food tray is fabricated as a blank, preferably of rigid cardboard, which is appropriately folded and, with interlocking tabs, assembled to lay flat under the food, particularly a pizza pie, when the pizza remains in its flat delivery box. When the pizza is to be removed from its box, the central tray section of the convertible food tray is lifted, with the pizza thereon. This permits folded wing sections of the tray located beneath the central section to swing down to become tray leg support members. When the support members of the tray are placed on a table or similar surface, the weight of the pizza on the central section compels the support members inward, to a position perpendicular to the central section, to securely provide elevated support to the pizza on the food tray.
US08381966B2
A first substrate mounted to a bonder head and a second substrate mounted to a base plate are held at different elevated temperatures at the time of bonding that provide a substantially matched thermal expansion between the second substrate and the first substrate relative to room temperature. Further, the temperature of the solder material portions and the second substrate is raised at least up to the melting temperature after contact. The distance between the first substrate and the second substrate can be modulated to enhance the integrity of solder joints. Once the distance is at an optimum, the bonder head is detached, and the bonded structure is allowed to cool to form a bonded flip chip structure. Alternately, the bonder head can control the cooling rate of solder joints by being attached to the chip during cooling step.
US08381960B2
A hand-held drive-in tool (10) for fastening elements (60) includes a driving unit (30) for a drive-in ram (13) which is displaceably mounted in a guide (12), and has at least one driving element for the drive-in ram (13) formed by an elastomeric band (31) and tensioned by a tensioning device (70).
US08381957B2
The invention relates to a bag (30) dispenser comprising a receptacle (10) inside which a supply of bags (30) is located. Said bags (30) form a supply roll (37). The dispenser further comprises a device for accommodating or mounting said roll (37) in a housing (1). The housing (1) has at least one gap (17) through which individual bags (30) can be discharged from the housing (1). One respective tearing mechanism (20) is assigned to said gap (17).
US08381955B2
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a fastening device for the fastening of an attachment part on a carrying part, for a motor vehicle, with at least one hooking-in device, which includes a carrying element that is fastened or can be fastened to the carrying part. The fastening device further includes an attachment element that is configured to be fastened to the attachment part, and also has a securing element.
US08381949B2
A magnetically-hanging spice dispenser comprises a plate assembly and a container assembly. The plate assembly comprises a non-magnetic planer plate and permanent magnets. The container assembly comprise a cylindrical spice container, a circular removable cap and a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction force between the magnetic element of the container assembly and the permanent magnet of the plate assembly is exerted when the container assembly is placed in proximity to the plate assembly. The container assembly and the plate assembly form self-seal in order to prevent dust, air, moisture and the like from entering into the spice container. The container assembly further comprises a circular elastic cover for covering the removable cap. The elastic cover is capable of variably overlapping with the removable cap so that spices can be dispensed at continuously-variable flow rate. This invention relates to spice dispensers, and the principal use of the invention is for dispensing spices in a kitchen.
US08381943B2
An obturator for an opening of predetermined outline produced in a metal sheet comprising a cap, at least one stiff wall projecting transversely of said cap and at least one snap-fastening blade having a resting position in the absence of urging in which it extends in a direction parallel to said cap, said snap-fastening blade being moveable parallel to said cap against elastic return forces returning it towards said resting position, said snap-fastening blade having an insertion cant adapted to bear on the surface of said metal sheet delimiting said opening when the obturator is pushed therein, said insertion cant sloping relative to a direction transverse to said cap such that said snap-fastening blade is driven to displace to pass through said opening and that slope progressively increasing between said attachment end and said free end.
US08381942B2
A cooking vessel for cooking foodstuff includes a base that has an outer sidewall, a generally hollow interior and a generally open top. A lid is removably mounted to the base and complementarily covers the open top of the base in a first position. The lid includes a handle that extends outwardly from the lid away from the base in the first position. A lid holder is rotatably mounted to the outer sidewall of the base. The lid holder engages with the handle to support the lid in a second position. The open top of the base at least partially exposes the hollow interior when the lid is in the second position. The lid holder is rotatable between a support position and a storage position. The lid holder extends partially above the open top of the base in the support position and is entirely below the open top in the storage position.
US08381938B2
In a propellant tank, which especially stores cryogenic propellants, for example a fuel or an oxidizer for a spacecraft, and which operates with a driving gas to drive or convey the propellant, the propellant is separated from the driving gas in a propellant extraction apparatus using sieves with hydrostatic forces and capillary forces. The extraction apparatus includes a refillable reservoir, which is mounted near the tank floor outside of the tank shell, and which is connected via plural holes with the interior of the propellant tank. The extraction apparatus includes a double-walled housing that is thermally insulated. Capillary plates and struts are inserted in an L-shape into the reservoir. To substantially prevent the penetration of gas out of the propellant line, a cylinder-shaped pleated sieve is mounted at the end of the propellant line.
US08381936B1
A laundry-sorting hamper device including a top portion disposed atop a bottom portion, the top portion including a plurality of horizontally-aligned top-loading box compartments, each of said plurality of compartments including an open top, an access door hingedly disposed upon a front side proximal to a closed bottom side, and a color-code bar disposed on the front side, wherein laundry is presorted between the plurality of compartments, and easily retrievable therefrom into a plurality of baskets, each of the plurality of baskets storable in the bottom portion, each basket underlying each compartment. The present laundry-sorting hamper device further includes an alternative embodiment for use in tight spaces, wherein the plurality of compartments are stacked atop each other, each of the plurality of compartments having an accepting window disposed in the front side through which laundry is inserted into each compartment.
US08381932B2
A storage system for storing a plurality of fluids or other goods has a plurality of containers adapted to fit within a receptacle. Each of the containers has an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall, and a top sidewall having a spout sealable with a cap such that the container contains the fluid or other goods when the cap is engaged with the spout. The plurality of containers are shaped such that the containers are stackable or nestable within the receptacle such that the containers tessellate, the inner sidewalls of the containers abutting each other, and the outer sidewalls abutting the inner surface of the receptacle, filling substantially all of the receptacle.
US08381927B2
A container is provided, which includes a container main body having a loading space formed therein to load freight therein; a door opening/closing a freight doorway formed on one side of the container main body and including a first door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the container main body by a first hinge portion, and a second door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the other side of the first door by a second hinge portion; a slide rotation portion including a slide rail provided on the container main body, a movement member connected to the second door to slidably move along the slide rail, a link member connected to the movement member and an inner side surface of the second door to make the door rotate at 0 to 270 degrees around the first hinge portion, and a movement limit member connected between the movement member and one side of the link member to limit the movement of the link member; and a locking portion locking/unlocking the door with respect to the container main body. The capturing of freight can be originally prevented by a finished product itself without any separate locking device, and the merchantability and convenience in use can be improved through limiting of movement of a link member using the movement limit member to prevent the rattling of doors.
US08381925B2
A dispensing closure and label system provides a clear indication of prior opening directly at the point of application of force to open the closure. The dispensing closure includes a closure body, a living hinge and a lid. The lid includes a downwardly depending sidewall that has a thumb tab that extends down beyond the parting line of the lid and the closure body. A label wraps around the skirt and container neck. The label overlaps that portion of the thumb tab that extends below the parting line of the lid and body. When the thumb tub is lifted to open the container, the paper label is ripped in the area of the thumb tab to evidence opening.
US08381922B2
A shelf includes a rear frame, two side frames pivotally mounted on two opposite ends of the rear frame respectively, two connecting frames each detachably mounted on the rear frame and each located between the two side frames to locate the two side frames, and at least one placement board mounted between and supported by the rear frame and the two side frames. Thus, the shelf can be folded to have a smaller volume so as to decrease the cost of packaging, storage and transportation of the shelf.
US08381921B2
A rolling extension tray bag dispenser rack includes a bag pack support tray that has a base, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, a front wall and is sized and shaped to hold a merchandise bag pack. The front wall has an opening sized and shaped to permit extraction of bags from the pack. Rolling extenders are provided that have fixed portions and moving portions. The moving portions are attached to outer surfaces of the first and second side walls or the underside of the support tray and are slidably mounted to the fixed portions. The fixed portions have mounting features for attaching to an underside or back wall of a counter. A spring-loaded check ball or other latching mechanism is mounted to the support tray. A detent panel or other mating latching mechanism is mounted to the underside or back wall of the counter.
US08381917B2
A method for destroying bank notes is provided, wherein bank notes are checked and sorted by at least one bank-note processing machine in at least one decentralized place, whereby unfit bank notes are sorted out in order to be transported to a central place for destruction. It is provided that all bank notes recognized as unfit are stored on a single stack independently of the bank-note denomination and/or orientation recognized during the check, for which purpose a single output pocket of the bank-note processing machine is used for all unfit bank notes.
US08381916B2
An aggregate washing and classification system incorporates into a water-filled receptacle a sand classifier and one or more rotating augers. The augers are wrapped with screens or perforated walls that are fixed relative to the augers. The size of the perforations may be chosen to selectively sift particular sizes of gravel and rock, and if the perforations increase in size along the length of the augers, either continuously or discontinuously, the material which passes through the perforations will likewise increase in size with greater travel through the auger passageway. Consequently, a set of rock bins may be provided adjacent to the auger outlet, for collecting various sizes of larger aggregate, such as washed rocks. Sand will typically be permitted to pass through the screen perforations near the aggregate inlet. Once outside of the auger and screens, the sand will drop directly into a sand classifier, which is conveniently located directly below the augers and adjacent to the material inlet. Fresh water is pumped into the bottoms of the rock bins, and flows counter to the aggregate passing through the augers. The counter-flow keeps the rock bins clean, and the flow of water adjacent and counter to the material inlet is used to extract and discharge low-density matter from the aggregate inlet. The entire system is desirably incorporated into a single land vehicle for transport to aggregate sources, such as gravel pits and the like, where the finest grades of aggregate may be rapidly prepared.
US08381915B2
The invention concerns a process for purification of calcium carbonate-comprising minerals comprising at least one flotation step, characterized in that this step implements at least one quaternary imidazoline methosulfate compound as collector agent.
US08381912B2
A tray for retaining food items during transportation includes a lower deck having a base and a side wall extending about and upward from a perimeter of the base; an upper deck which includes a plurality of apertures spatially positioned across the deck, the upper deck configured to fit within the lower deck and removably disposed thereon; and a plurality of pegs, each peg configured to friction fit within at least one of the apertures to be retained therein.
US08381900B1
An auger assembly is disclosed that comprises an extendable auger section that includes an auger trough having first auger, an auger tube having a second auger and configured to couple to a grain-receiving hopper, and a drive mechanism configured to move the auger tube and the second auger substantially parallel to the auger trough.
US08381899B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for stacking rolling material, such as e.g. wood chips, bark or grain into a pile (10) and reclaiming from the pile (10) to a material-discharging conveyor (20) located below the storing point, which apparatus comprises a center column (30) that supports a stacker boom (40) and a reclaimer boom (50), an equalizing hopper (60), at least one conveyor (25) located in the equalizing hopper (60) for transmitting the material being discharged to the discharging conveyor (20). A characteristic feature of the apparatus is that the center column (30) is supported directly through the equalizing hopper (60) onto the bottom of the equalizing hopper's (60) foundation.
US08381897B2
A sorting system having a vertical sorter for conveying and sorting parcel goods, including a plurality of sorting units provided at specified distances from one another extending over a closed conveyor belt along a traveling path and being connected with the conveyor belt and movable along the traveling path. Two reversing drums with horizontal rotational axes are provided, at least one of the reversing drums serving as the drive drum to reverse and drive the conveyor belt and the sorting units provided thereat around the horizontally oriented rotational axes. The conveyor belt is configured as a traction carrier. To this end the conveyor belt is reinforced by reinforcing apparatus for driving the sorting units. A sorting unit includes a moving device with wheels and is attached to the conveyor belt, the sorting unit including at least one parcel goods receiver which allows controlled discharge of a parcel.
US08381896B2
A conveyer apparatus for transporting and processing tablets includes a conveyer and an ejection system. Each of the tablets includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a belly band that interconnects the first and second sides. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier links to convey a plurality of tablets along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier link has a pocket to receive and transport a tablet in a vertical orientation along the predetermined conveyer path. The ejection system is structured to selectively accept or eject a tablet from the carrier link in response to a signal provided by a sensor positioned upstream of the ejection system. The ejection system includes at least one ejection finger movable between a non-ejection position in which the ejection finger is positioned out of the conveyer path of the carrier link and an ejection position in which the ejection finger is positioned with respect to the carrier link to contact and eject the tablet from the carrier link. At least a portion of the ejection finger defines a width that is smaller than a tablet width of the tablet and larger than a link width of the carrier link.
US08381887B2
In a shock absorber of a vehicle, when a moving speed of a piston rod in relation to a cylinder tube is slow and first and second input forces are externally applied to the shock absorber, damping forces of pressure side and extension side first damping force generating devices are larger than that of pressure side and extension side second damping force generating devices. On the other hand, when the moving speed is fast, the damping forces of the pressure side and the extension side second damping force generating devices are larger than that of the pressure side and the extension side first damping force generating devices. A gas enclosure chamber filled with gas is connected to a first chamber through a free piston.
US08381881B2
A brake sensor apparatus is provided, including a base unit, a movement unit, a spring, a first buckle unit and a second buckle unit. The movement unit is partially confined inside the base unit so that the movement of the movement unit is restricted to a short distance and along the direction of the base unit. The spring is to allow the retracted movement unit to be moved to the original position. The first buckle unit and the second buckle unit are engaged respectively to the outer wall of base unit and movement unit, and can be hanged and buckled to the positions of brake wire of the brake. In this manner, when the bicycle brakes, the movement unit is retracted into the base unit so as to trigger the trigger switch to connect the connected circuit.
US08381879B2
A drive system for use with a cable and a carrier for raising and lowering a payload includes a reel, a drive mechanism, a cable slack control mechanism, and a tension adjustment system. The drive member is operatively connected to the reel to rotate the reel in a winding direction when the drive member is rotated in a raising direction, and to controllably rotate the reel and/or permit the reel to rotate in an unwinding direction when the drive member is rotated in a lowering direction. The cable slack control mechanism is operative to automatically selectively decouple the drive member from the reel while the drive motor is rotating the drive member in the lowering direction when a tension on the cable does not exceed a threshold tension and/or the cable is fully unwound from the reel. The tension adjustment system is operable to selectively adjust the threshold tension.
US08381871B1
A resonator for a vehicle is provided, including a housing having at least one chamber formed therein. The housing has at least one aperture formed in a wall thereof. The housing is in fluid communication with an air conduit of the vehicle. At least one flexible member is disposed within the chamber of the housing. The flexible member includes an outer portion and an inner extension protruding from the outer portion which vibrates to attenuate low frequency sound energy transmitted from the air conduit.
US08381861B2
A transfer case for use in motor vehicles for transferring drive torque from a powertrain to first and second drivelines includes a first output shaft adapted to transmit drive torque from the powertrain to the first driveline. The second output shaft is adapted to transmit drive torque to a second driveline. The transfer case includes a first spiral bevel gear set driven by the first output shaft and a second spiral bevel gear set driven by the first spiral bevel gear set and driving the second output shaft.
US08381857B1
The present invention generally relates to snowmobiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to skis for a snowmobile.
US08381856B2
A plurality of supports and a top plate attached to between upper ends of the supports are provided, and a power storage device and a controller are installed on the both upper and lower sides of the top plate respectively. Meanwhile, a hydraulic pump and a control valve are accommodated in space for hydraulic devices on the lower side of the top plate, and a heat insulating member and heat shield plates are provided as heat shield means for protecting the power storage device and the controller against heat from the exterior including heat of the hydraulic pump and the control valve.
US08381837B2
A downhole tool including a tubular body having an upper connection and a lower connection and an axial borehole therethrough, wherein the upper and lower connections are configured to connect to a drilling assembly, at least one expandable component coupled to the tubular body and configured to selectively extend radially therefrom, and an actuation assembly configured to selectively actuate, deactuate, and reactuate the at least one component. A method of selectively actuating a downhole tool, wherein the downhole tool comprises a tubular body with an axial borehole therethrough and at least one component, the method including circulating a drilling fluid in the axial borehole of the downhole tool, actuating the at least one component, deactuating the at least one component, and reactuating the at least one component. An actuation assembly including a mandrel having an actuation chamber port, at least one drop device, a piston disposed within the mandrel and configured to move to open the actuation chamber port, at least one dart, a sleeve disposed within the mandrel and configured to move to close the actuation chamber port; and at least one biasing member configured to exert a force on the sleeve in an upstream direction.
US08381835B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power tool including: a housing; a fan rotatably supported by the housing so as to generate an air flow; a wall portion supported by the housing; and a heat generation portion supported by the wall portion, wherein the wall portion has an exposing hole to expose a part of the heat generation portion so that the exposed part of the heat generation portion is positioned within the air flow.
US08381834B2
A drive system for releasably interconnecting a motor shaft of a rotary hand held power tool and an input shaft of an attachment device. The system includes an elongated flexible drive shaft connected to the input shaft, wherein the flexible drive shaft has an outer end portion with a non-circular cross-section configured to engage a complementarily shaped cavity of an output shaft operatively attached to the power tool motor shaft, where the output shaft has a generally cylindrical outer configuration along its length and a rearward mounting portion for attachment to the motor shaft, an intermediate portion having the complementarily shaped cavity for receiving the flexible drive shaft and a forward portion with an enlarged concentric opening for receiving and guiding the outer end portion of the flexible drive shaft into the cavity during mounting the attachment device on the power tool.
US08381832B1
A combination drywall screw gun and rotary saw device kit featuring a base that has a body, a handle with a trigger, and a drive shaft connected to a motor. The kit has a screw attachment component that functions to install screws that has a screw bit, a shaft lock, a screw drive shaft, a depth guide, and a collet nut. The screw attachment component can be attached to and removed from the base using an attachment means. The kit has a saw attachment component that functions as a rotary saw that has a saw component and a saw drive shaft. The saw attachment component can be attached to and removed from the body portion of the base using the attachment means The kit has a wrench piece for engaging the collet nut to tighten or loosen the screw bit.
US08381828B2
A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw between a first position, in which the first and second jaws are aligned within a plane, and a second position, in which the second jaw is in non-parallel correspondence to the plane. The surgical device may include a surgical member, e.g., a cutting and/or stapling element, disposed within the first jaw, and a second driver configured to cause relative movement of the surgical member in a direction parallel to the plane. The first and second jaws may include a camming arrangement that is configured to move the second jaw between the first and second positions. The camming arrangement may include a channel disposed along at least a portion of one or both of the first and second jaws, a ball bearing disposed within the channel.
US08381825B1
A sprinkler mounting strut that secures an unrestrained pipe and a sprinkler together to engage a wall through which the sprinkler extends. The strut provides prongs and engagement portions that secure the strut to the edges of a hole extending through the wall. The strut provides a base against which a pipe abuts to secure the pipe to the wall. The sprinkler extends through an escutcheon and through the base of the strut to engage the pipe and draw the pipe and escutcheon towards each to secure the components to the surfaces of the wall.
US08381819B2
A system for rotating an element inside a pressure containing housing. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a pressure containing housing having an opening through a wall of the housing into an internal chamber in which, in use, the element to be rotated is located, a bushing located within the opening, and a worm gear rotatably mounted in the bushing. The worm gear is offset from the axial center of the bushing such that rotation of the bushing moves the worm gear between an extended position, wherein the thread of the worm gear engages an element in the chamber, and a retracted position, wherein the thread is disengaged from the element in the chamber.
US08381816B2
A method of flushing a wellbore fluid from a downhole tool containing a bearing package includes pumping hydraulic oil through at least one of a hydraulic inlet line and at least one of a pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and into an annulus formed between the bearing package and a main housing of the downhole tool, wherein the hydraulic oil replaces the wellbore fluid in the annulus, removing the wellbore fluid from the annulus through at least one hydraulic outlet line and at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing, pumping air through the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and removing the hydraulic oil from the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing, and removing the hydraulic oil through at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing.
US08381808B2
A cement head, comprising a first module comprising a first module outer profile, a second module comprising a second module outer profile, a bridge comprising a bridge profile engaged with each of the first module outer profile and the second module outer profile. A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising a first module coaxial with a central axis, the first module comprising a first module outer surface, and a plurality of first module protrusions extending radially outward from the first module outer surface, a second module coaxial with the central axis, the second module comprising a second module outer surface, and a plurality of second module protrusions extending radially outward from the second module outer surface, a bridge having an outer bridge surface and an inner bridge surface, the bridge inner surface substantially complementing each of the first module outer surface, including the plurality of first module projections, and the second module outer surface, including the plurality of second module projections, when the first module is substantially adjacent the second module and a bridge outer surface, and a retainer coaxial with the central axis and configured to substantially radially retain the bridge toward the central axis with respect to each of the first module outer surface and the second module outer surface.
US08381799B2
A heat radiating unit in the form of a heat sink includes a contact section arranged on a central portion of an end face of the heat sink for contacting with a heat source, and having more than one extension plate outward extended therefrom; a first heat-dissipating section composed of multiple curved radiation fins outward extended from two opposite sides of the contact section to provided increased heat radiating areas; and a second heat-dissipating section composed of multiple straight fins outward extended from another two opposite sides of the contact section and outer surfaces of the extension plates. The contact section conducts heat generated by the heat source to the first and second heat-dissipating sections, through which airflow produced by a cooling fan flows to carry the heat away from the heat sink in multiple directions to achieve enhanced heat-dissipating effect.
US08381789B2
An automatic drywall taper is provided. The automatic drywall taper has a securing device for securing drywall tape to the body of the taper during use. The securing device has an elongated bar which runs substantially parallel to the body of the taper. The elongated bar is spring activated to lock a hub on a bar which is attached substantially perpendicular to the body of the taper. The hub rotates thereby allowing the tape to dispense and be used on drywall. The hub has a braking mechanism which allows for the controlled release of the tape.
US08381788B2
To provide a plurality of conveyor belts which are disposed, with a space kept mutually in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction thereof, and capable of running along the longitudinal direction thereof in such a state that the sheet pieces with cords are placed thereon, and a lift mechanism installed between the plurality of conveyor belts to support the sheet pieces with cords on the upstream side or those on the downstream side in the longitudinal direction among the sheet pieces with cords placed on the conveyor belts while in contact with these sheet pieces from the lower side, thereby allowing them to make a relative upward movement from the sheet placing surfaces of the conveyor belts.
US08381784B2
A groove is positioned within the bending region of the first tire sidewall and deforms segment by segment within the rolling tire footprint. An air tube positioned within the sidewall groove is in contacting engagement with groove sidewalls and resiliently squeezes and collapses segment by segment as the groove constricts segment by segment within the rolling tire footprint. A series of adjacent projecting ridges extend from a groove sidewall segment into the groove air passageway, the projecting ridges operatively positioned to vary the applied pressure on the air tube increase the air pressure within the air tube passageway as the air tube rolls segment by segment with the tire through tire footprint. The series of projecting ridges are constructed having a variable amplitude and/or spacing frequency in a direction of air flow within the air passageway to increase the pressure applied to the air tube and air pressure of the air flowing through the tube passageway.
US08381782B2
It aims to provide a heavy duty pneumatic tire with block patterns and capable of improving deflected wear resisting performances without sacrificing wet grip performances or on-snow performances and that can particularly be favorably used for all seasons. The present invention comprises block patterns employing at least three types of blocks 4 comprised of central blocks 4C delimited by the central longitudinal groove 2M, the intermediate longitudinal grooves 2M, and the central lateral grooves 3C, intermediate blocks 4M delimited by the intermediate longitudinal grooves 2M, the outer longitudinal grooves 2S and the intermediate lateral grooves 3M, and outer blocks 4S that are delimited by outer longitudinal grooves 2S, outer lateral grooves 3S that extend from this outer longitudinal grooves 2S to the tread ends E, and wherein longitudinal length ratios (L4/W4) of blocks 4, groove width ratios of longitudinal grooves and lateral grooves (w2/w3), maximum widths of blocks, minimum widths of blocks and ratios thereof (W4max/W4min), and circumferential edge components and tire axial edge components and ratios thereof (EC/EL) at respective stages of wear are defined to be within specified ranges.
US08381779B1
A system for wirelessly refueling an aircraft includes an aircraft having a fuel tank, a control valve, a fuel sensor outputting a fuel signal indicative of the amount of fuel in the at least one fuel tank, and a controller controlling the control valve in response to the fuel signal, a refueling apparatus having a fuel supply, a pump and a controller in which is stored a fuel profile including fuel data indicative of the amount of fuel to be supplied to the at least one fuel tank, and wireless communication systems operably coupled to the controllers within the aircraft and refueling apparatus to control the operation of the control valve and the pump to fill the at least one fuel tank in accordance with the fuel profile and in response to the fuel signal.
US08381777B2
A filling valve includes a hollow housing including a liquid chamber, a gas chamber, and a sliding valve assembly. The sliding valve assembly includes a hollow valve rod with an opening in the gas chamber at an upper end of the valve rod, the valve rod sliding in the housing between an open position where valve rod opens an aperture in the housing allowing liquid to flow from the liquid chamber through the aperture, and a closed position where the valve rod closes the aperture, and a sliding piston disposed in the housing between an open position where a lower end of the piston is spaced from the upper end of the valve rod allowing gas to pass from the gas chamber to the opening in the valve and a closed position where the lower end of the piston contacts the upper end of the valve rod.
US08381775B2
A passive method for conserving fuel vapor by connecting the ullage space of the liquid fuel storage tanks to a bladder in a vapor conservation tank; connecting the ullage space of a liquid fuel delivery vehicle to air space of the vapor conservation tank, external of the bladder; delivering liquid fuel from the delivery vehicle into the liquid fuel storage tanks, the liquid fuel displacing fuel vapor from the storage tanks; delivering displaced fuel vapor into the bladder, the delivered fuel vapor inflating the bladder and displacing air from the air space of the vapor conservation tank, external of the bladder; and, thereafter, over time, delivering fuel vapor from the bladder into ullage space of the fuel storage tanks, replacing the volume of liquid fuel delivered from the fuel storage tanks into vehicle fuel tanks. A passive system for conserving fuel vapor is also described.
US08381763B2
The invention relates to a gas filling and dispensing device that comprises a body to be positioned in the opening of a pressurized gas storage tank, a gas-tapping circuit extending between a first upstream end to be connected to the inside of the tank and a second downstream end to be connected to a gas user, wherein the tapping circuit includes a first insulation valve, the device further including a safety valve subjected to the tank pressure for blocking or selectively opening a passage for the gas from the tank towards a discharge area based on the temperature and/or pressure of the gas in the tank relative to at least one predetermined threshold, characterized in that the discharge area of the safety valve is located upstream from the first insulation valve.
US08381759B1
A faucet apparatus has a bolt assembly with a brake shaft lever extending therefrom, a handle lever, and a handle holder lock having one end affixed to the handle lever, a handle holder having an axial hole extending therethrough, and a handle lever assembly positioned in the axial hole. The handle lever is connected to the brake shaft lever. The handle lever assembly is sleeved over the handle holder lock. An elastic locker is positioned in a radial slot of the handle holder lock so as to engage with a notch in the handle lever assembly.
US08381751B2
A self service automated dump station is provided using a control mechanism for the collection of money that releases a latching mechanism located on a removable lockable cap that sits upon the dump station's drain line. In one embodiment provided, the removable lockable cap is lifted from the dump station inlet line by a remote foot pedal—this allows for a cleaner and more efficient means for inserting the hose from the waste tank of a vehicle into the dump station inlet line. Money payment can be either made by cash or by credit or debit cards. The operation of the dump station is made more efficient and requires fewer interactions between those who need to transfer waste from their vehicle waste tanks, such as operators of campers or recreational vehicles, and the dump station operator. Remote sensors can also be deployed to minimize the possibility of spillage or over-fill of the dump station if the dump station is not hooked up to a sewer system.
US08381740B2
The invention provides a tobacco smoking apparatus that enables a person to smoke; namely, inhale and exhale smoke and other combustion products from burning tobacco, while isolating and protecting others from a substantial portion of the combustion products, including smoke, smoker's exhale, and odor, that are produced from smoking tobacco.
US08381737B2
A smoking pipe comprising an elongated body with a removable chassis located therein. Located on the chassis is a lighter with an activation switch and flame opening located on one end. The lighter is positioned in the chassis so that the lighter's flame opening is located adjacent to the upper bowl on the bowl assembly also mounted on the chassis. Formed over the upper bowl are air openings which allow heated hot gas to enter the bowl and vaporize or burn material placed therein Rotatably mounted on the lower neck on the bowl assembly is a ratchet. Attached to the ratchet is an elongated mouthpiece. The ratchet which includes a cam surface with a hook formed thereon that engages the distal end of a pawl. The proximal end of the pawl sits in a receiving cavity form a moveable head also mounted on the chassis that selectively presses against the activation switch on the lighter. The relative locations of the cam surface, smoke bores on the bowl assembly, and the mouthpiece are designed so that less movement of the mouthpiece is required to activate the lighter.
US08381733B2
Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.
US08381732B2
A nasal interface device and a method of use are disclosed. The device includes a facial adaptor configured to be secured to the nose of a user and having two nostril pads having open channels configured to be inserted into nostrils of the user and a piercing/swivel adaptor configured to interact with the facial adaptor through the two nostril prongs. The piercing/swivel adaptor is further configured to be coupled to an airway tube, the airway tube is configured to supply air/gas to the user.
US08381729B2
Modes, methods, systems and devices are described for providing assisted ventilation to a patient, including wearable ventilation systems with integral gas supplies, special gas supply features, ventilation catheters and access devices, and breath sensing techniques.
US08381728B2
The self-cleaning and sterilizing endotracheal and tracheostomy tube may include a combination of an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube and a suction catheter that decreases the tendency of mucus and bacteria to adhere to the inner surfaces of the thereof. The endotracheal tube and the catheter may have a hydrophobic surface exhibiting the lotus effect, which may be formed either by femtosecond laser etching or by a coating of ploy (ethylene oxide). Alternatively, the endotracheal tube and the catheter may have a lumen coated with a photocatalyst. The endotracheal tube may also have a light source and a fiberoptic bundle mounted thereon, the optical fibers extending into the lumen to illuminate the photocatalyst.
US08381720B2
An inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip has a plurality of blister pockets and uses a pivotable mouthpiece cover to move the blister strip onward. The mouthpiece cover is drivingly coupled with a conveyor wheel to drive the conveying wheel and to move the blister strip onward, and the axis of the actuator and of the conveying wheel is identical to the cover axis of the mouthpiece cover.
US08381716B2
A flame ignition device for a gas burner is described, comprising at least one ignition circuit and electric switching means that are associated with the gas tap for the respective burner. The electric switching means include at least one electric contact member (50) which is integral, at least in translation, with the control rod of said gas tap.
US08381710B2
Paintball ejecting apparatus having a body, a breech, and a barrel for ejecting paintballs through and out of the barrel is disclosed. There are included a paintball reservoir disposed in an other-than-top-of-body position and a paintball conduit coupling the paintball reservoir to the breech for facilitating transport of paintballs from the paintball reservoir to the breech. There is also included a paintball transport arrangement having an actuator to move paintballs toward the breech, the paintball transport arrangement automatically moves at least a first paintball from the paintball conduit into the breech if the breech is empty and open for receiving the at least first paintball, the paintball transport arrangement automatically ceasing moving another paintball into the breech after the at least first paintball is disposed in the breech.
US08381707B2
Internal combustion engine air-fuel ratio control apparatus and method in which the target air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust-gas purification catalyst unit is controlled through at least proportional-integral control such that the correction amount per unit time of the oxygen amount in said catalyst unit is maintained constant. When the intake air amount is smaller than a predetermined amount and the air-fuel ratio detected by an oxygen sensor provided downstream of the catalyst unit is rich, the target air-fuel ratio is controlled to suppress an increase in the air-fuel ratio in the exhaust-gas purification catalyst unit. Accordingly, even if rapid acceleration operation is performed in a state where the intake air amount is extremely small and the air-fuel ratio detected by the oxygen sensor is rich, NOx in exhaust gas can be sufficiently removed through reduction reactions at the exhaust-gas purification catalyst unit.
US08381702B2
A load adjustment device for an actuator that determines the power of an internal combustion engine, designed as a throttle valve and is disposed on an actuator shaft in a housing, the actuator shaft being pivotally drivable about the rotary axis of the actuator shaft between a minimal load setting defined by a minimal load stop and a full load setting defined by a full load stop by means of a reversibly drivable actuating drive via an actuating part rotationally fixed to said shaft. The actuator shaft is subject to a load in the minimum load direction by a restoring spring. The actuating part can be subjected to a load by a leg of a torsion spring disposed radially outside the pivoting range of the part, the leg of the torsion spring extending into the pivoting range of the actuating part.
US08381697B2
An internal combustion engine for reducing the amount of bubbles contained in the circulated oil without reducing the ground clearance of the engine. A crankcase is provided therein with an oil suction passage makes an oil pump and an end part of a bottom wall of an oil sump chamber communicate with each other, passes between the oil sump chamber and a hanger boss, and has a lowest part located below the bottom wall of the oil sump chamber.
US08381690B2
A cleaning system and method for cleaning heat transfer surfaces in a boiler using a temperature measuring system for measuring and monitoring wall temperature of an annular wall of the tube of a lance of one or more sootblowers. Controlling a flow of steam or other fluid through the tube during the cooling portions of the strokes based on wall temperature measurements from the temperature measuring system. Infrared or thermocouple temperature measuring systems may be used. The steam or other fluid may be flowed at a default flowrate that may be substantially zero until the temperature measuring system indicates the wall temperature of the annular wall begins to exceed a predetermined temperature limit which may be the softening point of the annular wall. Then the steam or other fluid is flowed at a rate greater than the default flowrate.
US08381679B2
The invention relates to a method in a milking system for creating a required vacuum level, the milking system comprising at least two variable speed vacuum pumps P1, P2. The method comprises the steps of: utilizing a first variable speed vacuum pump P1 for creating the required vacuum level within the milking system; monitoring the vacuum level requirement within the milking system, and when the vacuum level requirement of the milking system is such that the speed of the first variable speed vacuum pump P1 reaches a first speed threshold then: starting a second variable speed vacuum pump P2, and running the first and second variable speed vacuum pumps P1, P2 in parallel for creating the required vacuum level. The invention also relates to computer program products.
US08381673B2
An apparatus for stabilizing a watercraft for boarding or exiting comprising an elongated cradle arm support member for attaching vertically to a docking structure and a cradle arm for attaching to the cradle arm support member, in which the cradle arm has a generally V-shaped upper surface for cradling the under surface of a watercraft, restricting roll. The cradle arm is adjustably connecting the cradle arm support member, for selectively fixing the arm to the cradle arm support member in one of a range of vertical positions to accommodate changing water levels.
US08381672B1
Systems and methods for compensating for compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch in buoyancy controlled or buoyancy-driven underwater vehicles are disclosed herein. An underwater vehicle configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, for example, can include a hull and a compartment carried by the hull and at least partially flooded with a first liquid having similar properties as a surrounding liquid into which the hull is configured to be deployed. The first liquid has a first compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient. The underwater vehicle can further include a compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient compensation system comprising a container filled or at least partially filled with a compressible liquid comprising silicone in the compartment. The compressible liquid has a second compressibility higher than the first compressibility and second thermal expansion coefficient higher than the first thermal expansion coefficient. The compressible liquid can include, for example, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS).
US08381671B2
A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.
US08381666B2
A table includes a table top and a pair of support pedestals. A first pivotal support brace can be attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support can be attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces can be pivotally attached to a retaining assembly, which may include a cross-brace member. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, wherein each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position.
US08381665B2
A table includes a table top and a pair of support pedestals. A first pivotal support brace can be attached to the first support pedestal and a second pivotal support can be attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces can be pivotally attached to a retaining assembly, which may include a cross-brace member. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, wherein each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position.
US08381659B2
A railway vehicle including a plurality of bogies is provided. Each bogie includes a chassis, two front wheels and two rear wheels. For each front wheel and each rear wheel, a guidance device is provided for guiding the wheel in rotation and a primary suspension device of the chassis is provided on the guidance device. At least the primary suspension devices associated with the front and rear wheels are arranged on the same first lateral side of the bogie. The primary suspension devices each include two longitudinal connecting rods, each connected by a first connection point to the chassis and by a second connection point to the corresponding guidance device and at least one resilient component inserted between the two connecting rods to define at least the vertical stiffness of the primary suspension device, the two connecting rods being offset longitudinally relative to one another. Each of the bogies also includes a pivot connection device for connecting the bogie to the railway vehicle.
US08381655B2
A cartridge casing for rifles is made from a high strength aluminum alloy. A method for making such cartridge casing includes the steps of (a) forming a cylindrical blank from an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength greater than 80,000 psi, and (b) rotating the blank at a rate greater than 500 rpm and forcing the blank into a die, the die having a bore with progressively reduced interior diameters which are less than the external diameter of the blank. In the method, the forcing of the blank into the die results in the finished cartridge casing having a distal end with an external diameter which is less than the external diameter of its proximal end.
US08381654B2
A method of charging explosives in a substantially vertical blast borehole, with a loading density reduced in relation to that corresponding to the complete fill up of the borehole diameter. The method includes the step of introducing a charging hose in fluid connection with a nozzle into an end opening of the vertical blast borehole. The charging hose and nozzle are then moved along the blast borehole along a travel direction at a controlled rate. As the nozzle is being moved, an explosive emulsion is forced though the nozzle at a controlled pumping rate such that the emulsion is sprayed by the nozzle laterally relative to the travel direction, in an arc formation extending around an axis of the nozzle, which axis is parallel to the travel direction, and onto an inner wall of the blast hole. The pumping rate and the controlled moving rate are adjusted so as to form a coherent string of the explosive emulsion exiting from the nozzle, whereby the string only partially fills up the blast borehole diameter.
US08381649B2
A printing method including the steps of, forming a transfer layer on a blanket, forming a groove portion on the transfer layer by pressing a protrusion portion of a mold member including the protrusion portion having a predetermined pattern against the transfer layer, the groove portion having the pattern corresponding to the protrusion portion, forming a print pattern layer on the blanket by causing the transfer layer on the blanket and a relief printing plate including a convex portion having a pattern corresponding to a reverse pattern of the protrusion portion to face each other and pressure-contacting them so that a portion on the transfer layer corresponding to the convex portion is selectively eliminated, and transferring the print pattern layer onto a substrate to be printed by causing the print pattern layer on the blanket and the substrate to be printed to face each other and pressure-contacting them.
US08381645B2
A radial press comprising a first and a second structure, each having a press yoke that form a receiving chamber for a press tool. Under the action of a drive unit, the second structure can be linearly moved by a pressing stroke relative to the first structure between an open position and a pressing end position in a working plane perpendicular to the press axis. In the open position of the radial press, a lateral feed opening is formed between the two press yokes. The drive unit is arranged offset with respect to the press axis only on the side facing away from the feed opening. A supporting drive, which is arranged on the side of the drive unit facing away from the press axis and can be continuously longitudinally adjusted in a defined manner within a supporting stroke, acts between the first structure and the second structure.
US08381643B2
A pitting knife assembly including a pitting knife mount and a pulley drive assembly coupled and configured to move the knife mount around a circular or substantially circular path, and a fruit pitting apparatus including such an assembly. During operation of the pitting knife assembly with at least one pitting knife mounted to the knife mount and a fruit conveying assembly positioned to convey fruit to the pitting knife assembly, the pitting knife can produce pitted fruit by moving into engagement with fruit conveyed by the conveying assembly (to pit the fruit) as the knife mount moves through a first portion of the path, and the pitting knife can then move out of engagement with (and away from) the pitted fruit as the knife mount moves through a second portion of the path.
US08381636B2
The present invention relates to a grill pan, which comprises a main body, an electrothermal tube disposed on the lower surface of the main body; wherein the electrothermal tube comprises an normal-temperature area for grilling food and an high-temperature area for burning smoking materials to generate smokes; the normal-temperature area and the high-temperature area are connected integrative, and the two ends of the electrothermal tube have an adapter connected to exterior power supply; there is a smoking box for containing smoking materials disposed on the main body corresponding with the high-temperature area. The present invention achieves the functions of roasting and smoking by only one heating source. That can reduce the cost of production and is convenient for use.
US08381628B1
An ambidextrous receiver and bolt operating assembly for use in combination with a standard bolt for a Ruger® 10/22® rim-fire firearm action. A receiver housing is configured to function with the original Ruger® 10/22® firearm bolt and has an ejection port which is smaller than the ejection port of the original Ruger® 10/22® receiver and which does not include a bolt handle reciprocation opening. The receiver housing also includes a longitudinally extending upper guide channel and an opening at an aft end of said channel. A bolt closure mechanism is adapted to bias the original Ruger® 10/22® firearm bolt into battery and to be received in a seat of the original firearm bolt. The engagement member does not include a laterally extending bolt operating handle. An ambidextrous charging handle is positioned in the channel and has a forward portion including a hook portion adapted to retract the original firearm bolt during rearward movement of said handle. The handle has a T-shaped aft portion extending out of said opening in said receiver housing.
US08381622B2
A hand tool for assembling and disassembling a plurality of workpieces is provided. The hand tool comprises a pair of handle members, a pair of intermediate members pivotally coupled to the pair of handle members, a pair of jaw members pivotally coupled to the pair of intermediate members, a spring member mounted between the pair of handle members, and a locking mechanism configured on the pair of handle members. Accordingly, upon applying a grasping force to the pair of handle members, the spring member is compressed and the pair of intermediate members converge towards each other thereby allowing the pair of jaw members to grasp the at least a portion of the workpiece therebetween for assembling and disassembling the plurality of workpieces. Further, upon grasping the at least a portion of the workpiece, the pair of handle members are held in a locked state by the locking mechanism.
US08381618B2
For driving an extruder (1) having disposed along a circle a plurality of shafts (3) with processing elements (4), the shafts (3) are connected to the output shafts (11) of a gearing (7) which are provided with output pinions (12, 13). The output pinions (12, 13) are disposed axially offset so that adjacent output shafts (11) have a different length (L1, L2) between the end facing the extruder (1) and the output pinion (12, 13). The axially offset output pinions (12, 13) are in engagement each with a sun gear (18, 19). One sun gear (19) is connected to a hollow torque shaft (21) and the other sun gear (18) to an inner torque shaft (22) disposed therewithin. The hollow torque shaft (21) and the inner torque shaft (22) are configured such that the difference in torsional rotation angle caused by the different length (L1, L2) of the output shafts (11) is compensated by a different torsion of the hollow torque shaft (21) and the inner torque shaft (22).
US08381616B2
A pedal includes a pedal body configured for engagement with a person and defining a first major side and a second major side of the pedal. A first plate member engages the first major side and has a first outer surface. Similarly, a second plate member engages the second major side and has a second outer surface. At least one of the first or second outer surfaces includes a graphic design feature. The first and second plate members may be coupled to each other through openings in the pedal body. The graphic design feature may be carried on a graphic design element which is coupled to the first and/or second outer surface.
US08381614B1
An apparatus includes a linkage having an axis of rotation, a handle member being linked to the linkage, a stop member connected to the handle member, and a guide member defining an engagement region aligned with the stop member such that a portion of the stop member engages the engagement region.
US08381611B2
A vehicle, such as an all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicle, includes a telescoping, adjustable, steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering device that is coupled to the steering assembly, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the steering device. The steering assembly may include a detent member, a steering post, a yoke, a collar, and a biasing member. The steering post includes axially spaced arcuate grooves where a detent member is seated and held in place with a collar. The collar includes a tapered internal surface for applying lateral pressure to the detent member to lock the yoke in place relative to the steering post. Without the use of tools, the collar may be moved to release the lateral pressure on the detent member, which in turn permits the yoke to be moved relative to the steering post—resulting in adjustment of the steering device.
