US08400293B2
A method of providing a reminder of a task to be performed at a task location is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving a location of a user via a mobile communication device associated with the user at predetermined time intervals for tracking historical travel information of the user. The method includes receiving user specified task information that includes a task and a task location. The method includes storing the user specified task information. The method includes generating a reminder for the task based on a comparison of an estimated probability of the user traveling in a trajectory leading toward the task location and an estimated probability of the user traveling in a trajectory leading away from the task location.
US08400278B2
The present invention provides a power supply circuit provided with a battery as a power source for supplying power to an RFID, and the battery of the power supply circuit is charged with a wireless signal. Then, a switching circuit is provided in the power supply circuit that supplies power to a signal control circuit which transmits and receives individual information to and from the outside to intermittently control supply of power to the signal control circuit by a signal from a low-frequency signal generation circuit.
US08400276B2
By pushing the registration switch of a main controller, a radio signal for requesting the transmission of a terminal-device ID number is transmitted (SP1, SP2). A wireless sensor sends back the terminal-device ID number (SP11, SP12), and the main controller stores the received terminal-device ID number in its storage unit and transmits a main-controller device ID number (SP4, SP5). The wireless sensor stores the main-controller device ID number in its storage unit. From then on, communications between devices whose device ID numbers have been registered are permitted.
US08400271B2
RFID data signals from RFID tags may be recovered by determining the probabilities of transitions between data states between a series of a pairs of signal samples using a set of predetermined probabilities related to data, timing, baud rate and/or phase variables affecting the received signal and processing those determined probabilities to determine the sequence of such transitions that has the highest probability of occurrence. A second set of predetermined probabilities related to transitions in the opposite direction may be used to sequence in a reverse direction. The determination of the sequence representing the RFID tag data may be iterated in both directions until further iterations do not change the determined probabilities.
US08400267B2
A vehicle authentication device has an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, an authentication unit disposed in the in-vehicle device, for matching an ID returned from a portable device in response to a request from the in-vehicle device and performing an authentication of the vehicle, and an operation switch for instructing a power supply transition of the vehicle. The in-vehicle device has a measurement unit for measuring a duration of an active state of the operation switch, a determination unit for determining whether the duration exceeds a predetermined time, and a control unit for executing a power supply transition control of the vehicle based on the determination that the duration time of the active state of the operation switch exceeds the predetermined time made by the determination unit and an authentication result of the authentication unit.
US08400263B2
A slide actuated key fob includes a housing having a transmitter disposed therein and at least one slide actuated button disposed on the housing. The transmitter sends an actuating signal when the at least one slide actuated button is slidably moved in a first direction and subsequently depressed in a second direction.
US08400258B2
A method of remotely configuring a controller responsive to wireless signals includes entering a controller programming mode from a regular mode in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a first click pattern from a switch. The controller provides a first notification to indicate a first selected configurable feature of the controller. Each of a plurality of configurable features of the controller has a different assigned notification. The controller provides a second notification to indicate a second selected configurable feature in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a second click pattern from the switch. The method also includes exiting the programming mode. The notification may be a flashing of lights, a dimming of lights, an audible sound, an adjustment of a damper position, or a combination of these things.
US08400246B2
A coil component comprises a plurality of coil elements arranged side-by-side and a connecting portion that interconnects the coil elements. The plurality of coil elements are formed from a single flat wire wound edgewise so that the coil elements wind in the same direction and have rectangular annular configurations. The connecting portion includes a portion of the flat wire between the two coil elements wound edgewise to protrude radially outward from two adjacent sides of the rectangular annular configurations of the coil elements, and bent flatwise at three positions including a turnover so that the two coil elements are arranged side-by-side with their axes in parallel with each other.
US08400235B2
In an exemplary embodiment, a fully monolithic active hybrid architecture can be configured to replace a ring hybrid, magic tee, branchline coupler, or 180° hybrid by providing similar functionality in an integrated monolithic solution. Exemplary embodiments of the active hybrids combine active implementations of power splitters, power combiners, and phase shifting elements in a novel fashion allowing for ultra-compact size and broadband performance. In an exemplary embodiment, the active hybrid replaces the typical hybrid couplers with active splitters and active combiners. Similarly, the delay lines and amplitude adjustment elements are replaced by active vector generators. Vector generators are magnitude and phase control circuits. The active hybrid results in certain advantages including being size independent of the operating frequency, wide frequency range of operation, and RF signals undergo a neutral or slight positive power gain, rather than power losses that occur in the passive prior art systems.
US08400233B2
A circuit provided for impedance matching includes an input, an output and four impedance elements arranged between them. In this case, two of the impedance elements are connected in series in a main path and form a T configuration with a third component. In addition, a fourth component is connected in parallel with the main path of the circuit. By way of example, the components arranged in the main path are variable capacitances and the further components are inductances.
US08400224B1
A low noise amplifier includes a programmable input stage, having a first gain that is programmable based on a first control signal. A programmable cascode stage, has a second gain that is programmable based on a second control signal. A programmable resistor stage controls the quality of a resonant tank circuit, based on a third control signal.
US08400222B2
Electronic circuits and methods are provided for various applications including signal amplification. An exemplary electronic circuit comprises a MOSFET and a dual-gate JFET in a cascode configuration. The dual-gate JFET includes top and bottom gates disposed above and below the channel. The top gate of the JFET is controlled by a signal that is dependent upon the signal controlling the gate of the MOSFET. The control of the bottom gate of the JFET can be dependent or independent of the control of the top gate. The MOSFET and JFET can be implemented as separate components on the same substrate with different dimensions such as gate widths.
US08400209B2
For proximity detection, capacitance of a sensing element to ground is measured as one or more objects move into or out of proximity to the sensing element.
US08400204B2
A DC offset cancel circuit includes, in each of an I-channel side and a Q-channel side, a mixer and an ADC that output differential signals. The DC offset cancel circuit further includes a direct-current component extractor. The direct-current component extractor extracts direct-current components from a signal I and a signal Ib output from the mixer in the I-channel side and a signal Q and a signal Qb output from the mixer in the Q-channel side. The ADC in the I-channel side receives signals in which the direct-current components extracted from the signal Q and the signal Qb are fed forward to the signal I and the signal Ib. The ADC in the Q-channel side receives signals in which the direct-current components extracted from the signal I and the signal Ib are fed forward to the signal Q and the signal Qb.
US08400193B2
Methods, devices and circuits are provided for protection from backdrive current. One such device is subject to back voltage from an output node of the device and includes circuitry that is configured to compare the supply voltage node and the output node. In response to the comparison, the circuitry generates an output signal. Level shifted versions of the output signal are used to provide an output voltage corresponding to the higher of a supply voltage node and an output node. Switches are used to place the device in different modes in response to the output signal.
US08400186B1
A circuit comprises first and second differential pairs and first and second switch circuits. The first differential pair includes first and second transistors operable to generate a first output signal based on a first input signal in a single-ended mode. The second differential pair includes third and fourth transistors operable to generate a second output signal based on a second input signal in the single-ended mode. The first switch circuit is operable to block current through the second transistor in a differential mode. The second switch circuit is operable to block current through the third transistor in the differential mode. The first and the fourth transistors are operable to generate a third output signal based on a third input signal in the differential mode.
US08400185B2
Methods and circuits related to a driving circuit with zero current shutdown are disclosed. In one embodiment, a driving circuit with zero current shutdown can include: a linear regulating circuit that receives an input voltage source, and outputs an output voltage; a start-up circuit having a threshold voltage, the start-up circuit receiving an external enable signal; a first power switch receiving both the output voltage of the linear regulating circuit and the external enable signal, and that generates an internal enable signal, the internal enable signal being configured to drive a logic circuit; when the external enable signal is lower than a threshold voltage, the driving circuit is not effective; when the external enable signal is higher than the threshold voltage, the start-up circuit outputs a first current; and where the output voltage at the first output terminal is generated by the linear regulating circuit based on the first current.
US08400184B2
A level shift circuit includes: a pair of first and second P-channel transistors which are connected in a flip-flop manner and whose sources connected to a first power supply line; a pair of first and second N-channel transistors with the first N-channel transistor provided between the first P-channel transistor and a second power supply line and the second N-channel transistor provided between the second P-channel transistor and the second power supply line, in which input signals complementary to each other are inputted to their gates; and a current supply circuit provided between the first power supply line and a drain of the first N-channel transistor and between the first power supply line and a drain of the second N-channel transistor, respectively. The current supply circuit includes third and fourth N-channel transistors with their sources connected to drains of the first and second N-channel transistors and third and fourth P-channel transistors serving as current limiting elements with their one ends connected to the first power supply line and the other ends connected to drains of the third and fourth P-channel transistors.
US08400176B2
A probe card assembly can include a plurality of probes disposed on a substrate and arranged to contact terminals of a semiconductor wafer. Switches can be disposed on the probe card assembly and provide for selective connection and disconnection of the probes from electrical interconnections on the probe card assembly.
US08400175B2
A scanning/imaging system wherein an external stimulus is used for exciting a device under test (DUT). A stimulus source is included for providing a stationary stimulus with a controllable spot size to a device under test (DUT), the controllable spot size covering a portion of the DUT for excitation by the stationary stimulus. A sensor is operable for capturing at least one of a functional response signal and an optical image signal emanating from the DUT portion. A linear positioning device is operable to facilitate scanning of remaining portions of the DUT until a predetermined area thereof has been traversed. A controller is operably coupled to the linear positioning device, stimulus source and the sensor for providing the overall control thereof.
US08400173B2
Embodiments of probe cards and methods for fabricating and using same are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for testing a device (DUT) may include a probe card configured for testing a DUT; a thermal management apparatus disposed on the probe card to heat and/or cool the probe card; a sensor disposed on the probe card and coupled to the thermal management apparatus to provide data to the thermal management apparatus corresponding to a temperature of a location of the probe card; a first connector disposed on the probe card and coupled to the thermal management apparatus for connecting to a first power source internal to a tester; and a second connector, different than the first connector, disposed on the probe card and coupled to the thermal management apparatus for connecting to a second power source external to the tester.
US08400170B2
A novel and useful sensor and sensing system employs a transmission electrode which provides a length of transmission electrode that is greater than the physical length of the sensor, allowing for the effective and accurate determination of the moisture content of a volume of material using high-frequency measurement methods. The construction of the sensor allows the sensor to be directly inserted into the material, without requiring excavation or backfilling of the sensors in the material. The sensor can be employed as part of a sensing system, with one or more sensors preferably being managed by a field node, which in turn, interoperates with a system master node.
US08400156B2
A service tee marker fixture comprises a disk marker and a cylindrical attachment sleeve fastened concentrically to the disk marker and constructed of a flexible material which provides a releasable friction fit with a service tee cap. For certain sleeve materials a stiffener plate is used to secure an end portion of sleeve adjacent to the disk marker. Detents are formed inside the attachment sleeve to grip matching ribs on the cap. An integrally formed inwardly-extending annular flange at an open end of the sleeve helps retain the sleeve on the cap. When installed the wire coil is horizontal and the marker shields the tee, and is further centered over a centerline of the main pipe. A novel method is also disclosed for using the service tee marker fixtures to survey and locate service line end points.
US08400154B1
An antenna useful in an antenna array of a man-portable buried utility locator includes a flexible bobbin made of copper foil. The bobbin has a plurality of axially spaced grooves and an axially extending gap formed therein. A layer of insulation surrounds an outer surface of the bobbin. A conductive wire is disposed in the grooves and wound around the bobbin over the layer of insulation to form a plurality of axially spaced sub-coils. A layer of copper-foil tape having an insulating backing is wound about the conductive wire and has a second gap aligned with the gap in the bobbin. A layer of a low dielectric material is wound about the copper-foil tape. The antenna provides more antenna wire surface for an equivalent coil cross-sectional area, compared to prior art antennas, thus yielding greater sensitivity. The construction of the antenna provides a series of Faraday-shielded sub-coils, which yield a greater useful antenna bandwidth by moving the inherent resonance of each coil to a higher frequency. The construction of the antenna also reduces inherent winding capacitance and provides a self-shielding effect that further improves sensitivity.
US08400151B2
A method for calibration of a magnetic resonance imaging system having a bore, a body coil mounted in the bore, a patient mat, a number of local coils mounted in the patient mat, an upconversion stage having a number of upconverters, and a processing stage, includes the steps of generating a calibration signal in the body coil; receiving the calibration signal at the local coils, upconverting the signal from the local coils in the upconversion stage, transmitting the upconverted signal to the processing stage, synchronously downconverting the signal in the processing stage using the calibration signal generated in the body coil, and processing the downconverted signal to generate an overall path complex gain.
US08400150B2
A method to control a magnetic resonance system includes at least one protocol step for measurement data acquisition with the magnetic resonance system, and at least one operator interaction step which allows an operator to enter information that affects at least one subsequent step in the control of the magnetic resonance system.
US08400147B2
A fluid property of live crude oil removed from an earth formation is determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. A pressure cell, located on or near the earth's surface, and in which the live crude oil is disposed, is provided. An NMR tool capable of making NMR measurements on the live crude oil is provided, as is a database linking existing NMR data and the fluid property. A mapping function is created from a combination of radial basis functions and parameters of the mapping function are derived using the database. NMR data are acquired on the live crude oil using the NMR tool, and the fluid property is estimated from the acquired NMR data using the mapping function.
US08400142B2
An anti-rotation device or assembly for preventing the rotation of a magnet in a linear position sensor and eliminating the risk of undesired magnetic field measurements and incorrect sensor signal outputs. In one embodiment, the anti-rotation device is an anti-rotation plate which is fixed to the housing of the linear position sensor and a magnet carrier which includes at least one finger extending into a receptacle defined in either the edge or the body of the magnet carrier to prevent the magnet carrier from rotating relative to the plate. In another embodiment, the magnet carrier includes a key and the magnet includes a groove. The key extends into the groove for preventing the rotation of the magnet in the magnet carrier.
US08400141B2
An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable. The apparatus includes: at least one energy input, via which the apparatus receives energy for operation of the apparatus. The invention includes features that: at least one measuring unit is provided, which measures energy applied to the energy input; and at least one control unit is provided, which, based on comparison of the measured energy with a desired value of the energy requirement, controls at least one unit of the apparatus.
US08400134B2
Circuitry and methodology for tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of a solar panel is disclosed. The voltage and current generated by the solar panel are monitored and used to generate a pulse signal for charging a capacitor. The changes in the voltage and current generated by the solar panel are also monitored, and that information is used to generate a pulse signal for discharging the capacitor. The charging and the discharging pulse signals are used to charge and discharge the capacitor. A reference signal indicative of the charge level of the capacitor is generated. As the current and voltage generated by the solar panel approach the maximum power point (MPP), the frequency of the discharging pulse signal becomes progressively higher, so that the capacitor charging occurs in progressively smaller increments. When the MPP is reached, the reference signal level becomes steady because the charge level of the capacitor becomes steady.
US08400130B2
A controller for switching power supplies includes a nonlinear controller component capable of providing a duty cycle to a pulse width modulator. The duty cycle corresponds to at least one predetermining switching power supply state variable. A nonlinear controller component receives as inputs at least one predetermined switching power supply state variable. A relationship between duty cycle and at least one predetermined switching power supply state variable is obtained by a predetermined method. The nonlinear controller component comprises memory for access by an application component. The memory includes a data structure stored in memory and a plurality of duty cycles. Each of the plurality of duty cycles has a corresponding at least one predetermined switching power supply state variable. Each duty cycle, when provided to the pulse width modulator of the switching power supply, provides a predetermined switching power supply output.
US08400126B2
In an embodiment, a low-dropout (LDO) regulator includes at least one of a programmable voltage reference and a programmable frequency compensation circuit and is configurable to produce an output voltage. The programmable voltage reference includes a floating-gate transistor coupled to a reference output and configurable for providing a reference voltage to an input of an error amplifier. The programmable frequency compensation circuit is responsive to a programmable current reference circuit that includes at least one floating-gate transistor that is configurable to adjust a frequency compensation parameter. A control circuit is provided to selectively program floating gates of the floating gate transistors to adjust the output voltage and/or to adjust a frequency component of the output voltage.
US08400125B2
A method of controlling a multiphase power converter including a plurality of sub-converters coupled to provide power to a load is disclosed. Each sub-converter includes a power switch. The method includes selectively and consistently turning on the power switch of one or more of the sub-converters at substantially a same time as a reference signal representing a desired output of the power converter increases. The method further includes selectively and consistently turning off the power switch of one or more of the sub-converters at substantially a same time as the reference signal representing the desired output of the power converter decreases. Other methods, multiphase power converters and controllers for multiphase power converters are also disclosed.
US08400121B2
The present invention realized miniaturization of a power supply device using a multiphase system. The power supply device includes, for example, a common control unit, a plurality of PWM-equipped drive units, and a plurality of inductors. The common control unit outputs clock signals respectively different in phase to the PWM-equipped drive units. The clock signals are controllable in voltage state individually respectively. For example, the clock signal can be brought to a high impedance state. In this case, the PWM-equipped drive unit detects this high impedance state and stops its own operation. It is thus possible to set the number of phases in multiphase arbitrarily without using another enable signal or the like.
US08400120B2
A control function formula which provides a relationship between an output voltage signal Vo and an output differential value with, for example, a negative linear function is defined in a calculation means. The calculation means samples an input voltage signal, an output voltage signal and an output differential signal at time instants in synchronization with a cycle of switching of a main switching element, and calculates subsequent ON and OFF durations of the main switching elements such that the control function formula might be satisfied. A drive pulse generation means generates a drive pulse with which the main switching element is turned on and off based on the ON and OFF durations determined by the calculation means. The output differential signal is generated by, for example, a capacitor current detection means or an observer device which detect a current of a smoothing capacitor.
US08400116B2
An apparatus for controlling a battery includes a capacitor for charging a voltage when the apparatus is on and discharging a voltage when the apparatus is off, a discharging circuit for discharging the voltage charged in the capacitor; a first switching unit for connecting or disconnecting the capacitor to/from a predetermined power source for the purpose of charging of the capacitor; a second switching unit for connecting or disconnecting the capacitor to/from the discharging unit; a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage charged in the capacitor; and a controller for calculating a power-off duration time according to the measured voltage. This apparatus may continuously calculate a power-off duration time of a battery pack.
US08400115B2
A charge device is provided. The charge device includes a charge interface, a voltage detector and a control circuit. The charge interface receives a first power and provides a charge power to charge a rechargeable device accordingly. The voltage detector detects a charge voltage of the rechargeable device. The control circuit is respectively coupled to the charge interface and the voltage detector. When the charge voltage is smaller than a predetermined voltage, the control circuit makes the charge voltage and a charge current of the charge power to present a proportional relation. An electronic device and a charge method are also provided.
US08400109B2
A flashlight charger includes a bottom plate provided with a pressing element and an electrically conducting part fixedly connected to a top plate that partially covers the pressing element and the electrically conducting part. A flashlight to be charged is aligned and connected with the flashlight charger and then pushed backward relative to the flashlight charger to allow the charging terminals at one end of the flashlight charger to make good electrical contact with the corresponding charging ends of the flashlight while the flashlight is securely fastened with the flashlight charger. When charging is completed, the flashlight can be removed from the flashlight charger rapidly and conveniently. The flashlight charger features good and stable electrical contact in use.
US08400104B2
Gangable inductive battery chargers with integrated inductive coils are provided. A gangable inductive battery charger has at least one power supply module and at least one inductive charging cup module. The power supply module and the inductive charging cup module are interlockingly connectable through rail and slot mechanical connectors and an electrical connector. The inductive charging cup module has one or more charging cups that are capable of receiving a battery. A primary inductive coil embedded in the inductive charging cup module transfers power from the power supply module to a battery received by one of the one or more charging cups. The battery contains a secondary inductive coil for receiving power from the embedded primary coil. Multiple power supply and inductive charging cup modules may be interlockingly connected as needed.
US08400095B2
A speed-control circuit for a BLDC motor is provided. The speed-control circuit includes a pulse generator, a current source circuit, a filter circuit, an error amplification circuit and a PWM circuit. The pulse generator detects a speed signal of the BLDC motor to generate a pulse signal. The filter circuit is coupled to the current source circuit to generate an average signal. The error amplification circuit receives the average signal and a speed-reference signal for generating a speed-control signal. The PWM circuit generates a switching signal to drive the BLDC motor in response to the speed-control signal. A pulse width of the switching signal is determined by the speed-control signal.
US08400092B2
A technique is provided for verifying the proper selection, installation, communication and operability of components in power electronic systems, such as motor drives. A processing circuit is coupled to multiple components or subsystems that identify themselves to the processing system. An identification code is stored that is compared to a similar code built based upon the information reported by the components at the time of commissioning, operation or servicing. If the comparison indicates that all components are properly installed, and communicating and operative, operation may continue. The technique may be applied in parallel motor drives at a power layer level to allow separate and parallel verification of component and component operation in the parallel drives.
US08400091B2
According to an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided which includes a microprocessor, and a built-in temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the microprocessor as a reference temperature. The apparatus further includes external temperature sensors, where at least one of the external temperature sensors is configured to measure the temperature of the microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to make an external temperature calibration using the reference temperature measured by the built-in temperature monitor. Each of the external temperature sensors is configured to monitor temperature information of a component and provide the temperature information to the microprocessor.
US08400085B2
Current source converter (CSC) based motor drives and control techniques are presented in which DC link current is regulated to a level set by the output inverter during dynamic braking operation by pulse width modulation of a braking resistance connection signal to maintain control of motor torque and speed while mitigating or preventing line side regenerative currents.
US08400084B2
Provided is a regenerative switched reluctance motor driving system which allows a motor to have a reduced size and weight and an increased efficiency as well as improved energy recovery efficiency at the time of regenerative braking without using a neodymium magnet. Based on an angular position of a rotor in the motor, a constant current flip-flop circuit 2 renders two current paths alternately conductive so as to allow a rectangular-wave current having a width of an electrical angle of 180° to alternately flow in two coils in the motor 3, and shifts the timing of rendering the two current paths alternately conductive, between when driving and when braking the motor 3, by a time during which the rotor is rotated by an angle corresponding to an electrical angle of 180°. When driving the motor, a DC constant current power supply unit 1 discharges a DC power supply, while when braking the motor, it receives an input current through a negative terminal of the DC power supply, and outputs a DC current to the constant current flip-flop circuit 2, and further outputs a DC current regenerated from the motor 3 through the constant current flip-flop circuit 2 to a positive terminal of, and thereby charges, the DC power supply.
US08400074B2
A discharge lamp ballast is provided for powering a discharge lamp with feedback filament heating control. A startup circuit is coupled between output terminals of a DC-AC power converter together with a discharge lamp. A lamp current detection circuit and a lamp voltage detection circuit detect output signals to the lamp. A control circuit controls the switching elements and generates an operating frequency in accordance with a startup operation to generate a high voltage output from the startup circuit and ignite the discharge lamp, a filament heating operation wherein the operating frequency is controlled so as to set the amplitude of the output current detected by the lamp current detection circuit to a target current amplitude based on the amplitude of the output voltage detected by the lamp voltage detection circuit, and a steady-state operation wherein the operating frequency is decreased to maintain a stable light output from the discharge lamp.
US08400066B1
Logic circuits based, at least in part, on use of spin-torque transfer (STT) to switch the magnetization—and hence the logic state—of a magnetic material are disclosed. Aspects of the invention include novel STT-based switching devices, new configurations of known STT-based devices into useful logic circuits, common logic circuits and system building blocks based on these new devices and configurations, as well as methods for inexpensively mass-producing such devices and circuits.
US08400065B2
A portable electronic device capable of assuming an open configuration and a closed configuration comprises a primary light sensor and a secondary light sensor. When the portable electronic device is in the open configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the primary light sensor, and when the portable electronic device is in the closed configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the secondary light sensor.
US08400057B2
An organic electroluminescence apparatus comprises: a substrate having a pixel region and sealing regions; an organic electroluminescence device located in the pixel region of the substrate; and a sealing substrate having a pixel region and sealing regions corresponding to the pixel region and the sealing regions of the substrate. The sealing regions of the sealing substrate comprise conductive layers continuously connected to each other. In a method of manufacturing organic electroluminescence apparatus by sealing the substrate and the sealing substrate using a glass frit, manufacturing costs and process time can be greatly reduced.
US08400054B2
An organic optoelectronic component comprises a substrate (1) with a first electrode (2) on the substrate (1), at least one first organic layer sequence (31) on the first electrode (2) which is suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiation during operation, an electrically conductive inorganic protective layer (4) on the at least one organic layer sequence (31) and a second electrode (5) on the protective layer (4). At least one of the first and second electrodes (2, 5) has a layer sequence (21, 22, 23) comprising a layer (21) comprising a transparent oxide and a layer (22) comprising a transparent metal.
US08400046B2
A power generation unit (1A) for converting an externally applied force into electricity comprises piezoelectric elements (22, 23), and a central spacer (24) and a peripheral spacer (25) provided, respectively, between a plurality of stacked piezoelectric elements (22, 23) or provided, respectively, between a plane for pressing the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) and the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) in order to form the deformation space of the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) and to transmit a deformation force to the piezoelectric elements. For example, the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) are fixed, respectively, to the both sides of a flexible diaphragm (21), columnar central spacers (24) are arranged on the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) and an annular peripheral spacer (25) is arranged on the diaphragm (21).
US08400044B2
An electromotive machine (200, 900) comprises a rotor (230; 800; 920) and a stator (210, 220; 500; 600; 700; 910, 920). The stator (210, 220; 500; 600; 700; 910, 920) comprises a first group of primary windings (260a, 240b, 240d; 520; 640a, 640b, 650a, 650b, 660a, 660b; 930a, 930b, 933a, 933b, 937a, 937b), which are concentrated windings, arranged on a first side of the rotor (230; 800; 920) and a second group of primary windings (240a, 250a, 240c; 530; 740a, 740b, 750a, 750b, 760a, 760b; 941a, 941b, 943a, 943b, 947a, 947b) that are concentrated windings arranged on a second, opposite, side of the rotor (230; 800; 920). The primary windings of each group comprise a plurality of coils that, in use, are supplied with current and produce a magnetic field. The windings of the second group (240a, 250a, 240c; 530; 740a, 740b, 750a, 750b, 760a, 760b; 941a, 941b, 943a, 943b, 947a, 947b) are displaced, relative to the windings of the first group (260a, 240b, 240d; 520; 640a, 640b, 650a, 650b, 660a, 660b; 930a, 930b, 933a, 933b, 937a, 937b) in order to cancel out an n-pole component of the magnetic field.
US08400040B2
A permanent magnet type rotary electric machine has a rotor having a rotor core and permanent magnets buried into the rotor core by being incorporated into respective permanent magnet slots. The permanent magnet slot per one pole is divided at least into four slots along an outer circumferential direction in the rotor core, and in respective rest core-portions between adjacent divided permanent magnet slots in the rotor core, a width of a first rest core-portion at the middle of each pole and a width of a second rest core-portion between adjacent poles of different polarities are formed larger than that of the others.
US08400038B2
Numerous arrangements for permanent magnets are disclosed that can focus the flux produced by the magnets. Depending on the particular application in which the disclosed designs and techniques are used, efficiency and reliability may be increased by minimizing flux leakage, increasing peak flux density, and shaping the flux fields to improve the effective coercivity of the flux focusing permanent magnet arrangement when loaded, and to achieve customized voltage and current waveforms. The disclosed magnet assemblies may be incorporated into a machine, such as a motor/generator, having windings and may be disposed for movement relative to the windings. The magnet assembly may be mounted on a support formed of one or more ferromagnetic materials, such as a back iron The disclosed flux focusing magnet assemblies may be formed using a variety of manufacturing methods.
US08400032B2
A driving device for a motor 15 is disclosed, the device including an inertia wheel 16, a free wheel 18 able to ensure a unidirectional automatic clutching on a torque reversal between the inertia wheel and the shaft 12 of the motor, and a run up device 20 for the inertia wheel. The driving device is mounted on the end of shaft 12 of the motor opposite to the end for coupling the motor to mechanical equipment driven by the motor 15.
US08400031B2
The invention provides an electrical connection for an electric motor having a casing which houses a drive device, embodied especially a stator in a casing interior. The drive device is contacted via a conductor, embodied especially in the form of a pin. The conductor is guided from the exterior into the interior of the casing via a casing opening. A cylindrical sealing element is provided on the casing opening in the casing interior to seal the conductor from the casing opening. The sealing element is provided with a continuous collar and a through-opening through which the conductor extends and in which the conductor is sealed in the through-opening via at least one radial sealing lip that is formed in the through-opening on the sealing element and that rests on a surface of the conductor. The conductor is then sealed towards the housing via at least one axial sealing lip that is formed on the collar and that rests on an inside of the casing. The electrical connection according to the invention can be used for a motor, especially for driving a motor cooling fan.
US08400030B1
A dispersant additive composition, a lubricant composition containing the dispersant additive, a transmission containing the dispersant additive, and a method of providing a versatile lubricating fluid. The dispersant includes a reaction product of a hydrocarbyl substituted carboxylic acid or anhydride and an amine. The reaction product has a nitrogen content up to 10,000 ppm by weight, and a boron plus phosphorus to nitrogen ((B+P)/N) weight ratio of from 0:1 to about 0.8:1. The dispersant additive composition is effective to provide an electrical conductivity to a lubricant composition containing the dispersant additive composition and a metal detergent of less than about 1700 pS/m.
US08400027B2
A flat linear vibrating motor includes a cover, a base forming a receiving cavity together with the cover, a coil fixed on the base, an elastic member coupled to the base, a vibrator suspended in the cavity by the elastic member. The elastic member includes a mounting section coupled to the base, an arm extending from the mounting section, a free end extending from the arm, and a binder. The binder includes two plates for clamping the vibrator and a coupling section coupling the two plates for positioning the free end between the vibrator and the coupling section.
US08400024B2
Described herein are embodiments of transferring electromagnetic energy that includes a first electromagnetic resonator receiving energy from an external power supply, said first resonator having a resonant frequency ω1, an intrinsic loss rate Γ1, and a first Q-factor Q1=ω1L1/(R1ohm+R1rad), generating an oscillating near field region, a second electromagnetic resonator being positioned at variable distances from said first resonator and not electrically wired to said first resonator, said second resonator having a resonant frequency ω2, an intrinsic loss rate Γ2, and a second Q-factor Q2=ω2L2/(R2ohm+R2rad). Electromagnetic energy may be transferred from said first resonator to said second resonator over a variable distance D that may be within the near-field region of the first resonator structure, and wherein R1ohm>R1rad, and R2ohm>R2rad.
US08400021B2
Described herein are embodiments of transferring electromagnetic energy that includes a first electromagnetic resonator structure receiving energy from an external power supply, said first resonator structure may have a first mode with a resonant frequency ω1, an intrinsic loss rate Γ1, and a first Q-factor Q1=ω1L1/R1ohm+R1rad). A second electromagnetic resonator structure being positioned distal from said first resonator structure and not electrically wired to the first resonator structure, said second resonator structure having a second mode with a resonant frequency ω2, an intrinsic loss rate Γ2, and a second Q-factor Q2=ω2L2/(R2ohm+R2rad). The electromagnetic energy may be transferred from said first resonator structure to said second resonator structure over a distance D that is smaller than each of the resonant wavelengths λ1 and λ2 corresponding to the resonant frequencies ω1 and ω2, respectively, where the characteristic sizes of the resonator structures are less than the resonant wavelengths and where Q1>100, Q2>100, R1ohm>R1rad, and R2ohm>R2rad.
US08400016B2
There is provided a system and method of operating a plurality of inverters that provide power via a plurality of switches. An exemplary method includes determining an inverter firing pattern corresponding to one of a plurality of regions of an inverter firing cycle, the inverter firing pattern defining whether each of the plurality of switches are held either on or off. The exemplary method also includes producing control signals for the plurality of switches based on the firing pattern. The control signals may be applied to the plurality of inverters for powering one or more electronic devices.
US08400008B2
A wind turbine having a rotor with a vertically oriented driven shaft for powering a generator and wherein the driven shaft in mounted between upper and lower bearings, and supporting rings perpendicularly attached in spaced relationship to the driven shaft, and a plurality of arcuate beams fitted with the rings and supporting turbine blades which are spaced inwardly of wind directing baffles that surround the rotor blades.
US08400003B2
A method for controlling a converter of a wind energy installation. The converter is connected to the rotor of a doubly-fed asynchronous generator in order to feed electrical power into an electrical grid and comprises a generator-side inverter, a grid-side inverter, and at least one converter regulator for regulating and/or controlling current output from at least one of the inverters to the doubly-fed asynchronous generator and/or to the electrical grid. The method includes detecting a change in output real power, determining whether the detected change satisfies a predefined condition, and changing a nominal value of reactive power to be output in an opposite sense to a change in real power at the grid-side inverter and in a same sense as the generator-side inverter when the predefined condition is satisfied.
US08399999B2
An electronic component including an electronic element, an electrode that is formed on a first surface of the electronic element, a first resin layer that is formed over the first surface of the electronic element, a wiring that is electrically connected to the electrode, a first portion of the wiring extending over the first resin layer, a second resin layer that is formed over the first resin layer and the wiring, the second resin layer having an opening, the opening overlapping the first portion of the wiring, an external terminal that is provided above the second resin layer, the external terminal being connected to the first portion of the wiring via the opening, and a third resin layer that is formed over the second resin layer, the third resin layer being provided around the external terminal.
US08399993B2
An embedded package includes a first semiconductor chip having a first conductive line which has a first sunken area, a second semiconductor chip having a second conductive line which has a second sunken area, wherein the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip are arranged facing each other, and wherein the first sunken area and the second sunken area are arranged facing each other, a core layer surrounding the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip, wherein the core layer has a first circuit pattern coupled to an external terminal; and a bump formed in the first and second sunken areas, wherein the bump is coupled to the first circuit pattern.
US08399986B2
A method of positioning at least 2 chips simultaneously on a substrate by parallel stochastic assembly in a first liquid is disclosed. In one aspect, the chips are directed to target sites on the substrate within the first liquid. The target sites are covered with a second liquid. The second liquid and the first liquid are immiscible. The chips are attracting the first liquid. A predetermined surface is chosen or treated on each chip such that it is selectively attracted by the second liquid and attracting the first liquid.
US08399980B2
A wiring electronic component of the present invention is incorporated into an electronic device package in which a circuit element including a semiconductor chip is disposed and in which the circuit element is connected to a wiring pattern on the back face and also connected, via vertical wiring, to external electrodes located on the front face opposite the wiring pattern. The wiring electronic component is composed of an electrically conductive support portion, which serves as an electroforming mother die, and a plurality of vertical wiring portions formed through electroforming such that they are integrally connected to the support portion.
US08399975B2
A stacked semiconductor package includes a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface, and divided into a first region and a second region that adjoins the first region; a support member formed in the second region on the upper surface of the substrate; and a semiconductor chip module including a plurality of semiconductor chips each of which is bent and has bonding pads near one lower edge of a declining slope of a first surface thereof and which are stacked on the support member in a step-like shape such that their bonding pads face the first region and are electrically connected with the substrate.
US08399958B2
A fuse part for a semiconductor device includes an insulation layer configured to cover a conductive pattern over a substrate, a dual fuse configured to include a first pattern and a second pattern that are positioned on the same line over the insulation layer and spaced apart from each other by a certain distance, a protective layer configured to cover the dual fuse and include a first fuse box and a second fuse box that partially expose the first pattern and the second pattern, respectively, and a plurality of plugs configured to penetrate the insulation layer and electrically connect the first and second patterns to the conductive pattern. Herein, the plugs are positioned beneath the first and second fuse boxes.
US08399957B2
Doped semiconductor back gate regions self-aligned to active regions are formed by first patterning a top semiconductor layer and a buried insulator layer to form stacks of a buried insulator portion and a semiconductor portion. Oxygen is implanted into an underlying semiconductor layer at an angle so that oxygen-implanted regions are formed in areas that are not shaded by the stack or masking structures thereupon. The oxygen implanted portions are converted into deep trench isolation structures that are self-aligned to sidewalls of the active regions, which are the semiconductor portions in the stacks. Dopant ions are implanted into the portions of the underlying semiconductor layer between the deep trench isolation structures to form doped semiconductor back gate regions. A shallow trench isolation structure is formed on the deep trench isolation structures and between the stacks.
US08399955B2
A method of forming patterns of a semiconductor device comprises forming a number of first insulating patterns that define sidewalls by patterning a first insulating layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, forming second insulating patterns, each second insulating pattern comprising a horizontal portion having two ends and being parallel to the semiconductor substrate and spaced protruding portions protruding from both ends of the horizontal portion parallel to the sidewalls of the first insulating patterns, forming third insulating patterns each filling a space between the protruding portions, removing the protruding portions to form trenches, and forming conductive patterns within the respective trenches.
US08399952B2
Strontium ruthenium oxide provides an effective interface between a ruthenium conductor and a strontium titanium oxide dielectric. Formation of the strontium ruthenium oxide includes the use of atomic layer deposition to form strontium oxide and subsequent annealing of the strontium oxide to form the strontium ruthenium oxide. A first atomic layer deposition of strontium oxide is preformed using water as an oxygen source, followed by a subsequent atomic layer deposition of strontium oxide using ozone as an oxygen source.
US08399951B2
A thin-film semiconductor device includes a temperature sensor formed of a thin-film semiconductor and sensing a temperature as current, and a current-voltage converter formed of a thin-film semiconductor and having temperature dependence in which its current-voltage characteristic is different from that of the temperature sensor. A temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is converted to a voltage by the current-voltage converter.
US08399945B2
A semiconductor light detecting element includes: a semiconductor substrate; and a distributed Bragg reflector layer of a first conductivity type, an optical absorption layer, and a semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, sequentially laminated on the semiconductor substrate. The distributed Bragg reflector layer includes first and second alternately laminated semiconductor layers with different band-gap wavelengths, sandwiching the wavelength of detected incident light. The sum of thicknesses a first and a second semiconductor layer is approximately one-half the wavelength of the incident light detected.
US08399928B2
A standard cell has gate patterns extending in Y direction and arranged at an equal pitch in X direction. End portions of the gate patterns are located at the same position in Y direction, and have an equal width in X direction. A diode cell is located next to the standard cell in Y direction, and includes a plurality of opposite end portions formed of gate patterns that are opposed to the end portions, in addition to a diffusion layer which functions as a diode.
US08399927B2
A first field effect transistor includes a gate dielectric and a gate electrode located over a first portion of a top semiconductor layer in a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. A second field effect transistor includes a portion of a buried insulator layer and a source region and a drain region located underneath the buried insulator layer. In one embodiment, the gate electrode of the second field effect transistor is a remaining portion of the top semiconductor layer. In another embodiment, the gate electrode of the second field effect transistor is formed concurrently with the gate electrode of the first field effect transistor by deposition and patterning of a gate electrode layer. The first field effect transistor may be a high performance device and the second field effect transistor may be a high voltage device. A design structure for the semiconductor structure is also provided.
US08399923B2
Provided are a high voltage semiconductor device in which a field shaping layer is formed on the entire surface of a semiconductor substrate and a method of fabricating the same. Specifically, the high voltage semiconductor device includes a first conductivity-type semiconductor substrate. A second conductivity-type semiconductor layer is disposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a first conductivity-type body region is formed in semiconductor layer. A second conductivity-type source region is formed in the body region. A drain region is formed in the semiconductor layer and is separated from the body region. The field shaping layer is formed on the entire surface of the semiconductor layer facing the semiconductor layer.
US08399895B2
Provided is a semiconductor light emitting device which includes a number of hexagon-shaped semiconductor light emitting elements formed two-dimensionally, and in which the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes are formed on its light outputting surface side lest the light outputting efficiency should decrease. A mask 11 for selective growth is formed on a substrate 1 for growth, and an AlN buffer layer 2 is formed in regions from each of which a part of the mask 11 for selective growth is removed. An undoped GaN layer 3, an n-type GaN layer 4, an active layer 5 and a p-type GaN layer 6 are sequentially stacked on the AlN buffer layer 2. An isolation groove A for isolating the elements from one another is formed. A p-electrode 8 and an n-electrode 7 of each semiconductor light emitting element D are formed on its hexagon-shaped light outputting surface side, and the p-electrodes or n-electrodes of each two neighboring semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged adjacent to each other with the isolation groove A in between.
US08399894B2
A wiring electrode is provided on a mount substrate. A light emitting element is provided on the wiring electrode to connect electrically with the wiring electrode and is configured to emit a blue to ultraviolet light. A reflective film is provided above the light emitting element to cover the light emitting element so that a space is interposed between the reflective film and the light emitting element. The reflective film is capable of transmitting the blue to ultraviolet light. A fluorescent material layer is provided above the light emitting element to cover the light emitting element so that the reflective film is located between the fluorescent material layer and the light emitting element. A light from the fluorescent material layer is reflected by the reflective film.
US08399891B2
An active device array substrate and a fabricating method thereof are provided. A first patterned conductive layer including separated scan line patterns is formed on a substrate. Each scan line pattern includes a first and second scan lines adjacent to each other. Both the first and the second scan lines have first and second contacts. An open inspection on the scan line patterns is performed. Channel layers are formed on the substrate. A second patterned conductive layer including data lines interlaced with the first and second scan lines, sources and drains located above the channel layers, and connectors is formed on the substrate. The sources electrically connect the data lines correspondingly. At least one of the connectors electrically connects the first and second scan lines, so as to form a loop in each scan line pattern. Pixel electrodes electrically connected to the drains are formed.
US08399889B2
This disclosure relates to an organic solar cell and an organic light emitting diode stack. The stack comprises a solar cell portion having a substrate, an electrode, an active layer, and a second electrode. The stack also comprises a light emitting diode portion having a substrate, an electrode, an active layer, and a second electrode. The solar cell portion is laminated to the light emitting diode portion to form a stack. In a variation, the stack comprises a solar cell portion that includes a substrate, an electrode and an active layer. In this variation, there is a connection portion that includes a second substrate, having, a second electrode on one side and a third electrode on the other side of the second substrate. Also in this variation, there is also a light emitting diode portion, which includes a third substrate, an electrode on the third substrate and a second active layer. The solar cell portion is laminated to the connection portion and the connection portion is laminated to the light emitting diode portion to form a stack.
US08399888B2
A p-type SiC semiconductor includes a SiC crystal that contains Al and Ti as impurities, wherein the atom number concentration of Ti is equal to or less than the atom number concentration of Al. It is preferable that the concentration of Al and the concentration of Ti satisfy the following relations: (Concentration of Al)≧5×1018/cm3; and 0.01%≦(Concentration of Ti)/(Concentration of Al)≦20%. It is more preferable that the concentration of Al and the concentration of Ti satisfy the following relations: (Concentration of Al)≧5×1018/cm3; and 1×1017/cm3≦(Concentration of Ti)≦1×1018/cm3.
US08399879B2
Provided is a method for fabricating a nano-wire field effect transistor including steps of: preparing an SOI substrate having a (100) surface orientation, and nano-wire field effect transistor where two triangular columnar members configuring the nano-wires and being made of a silicon crystal layer are arranged one above the other on an SOI substrate having a (100) surface such a way that the ridge lines of the triangular columnar members face via an insulator; processing the silicon crystal configuring the SOI substrate into a standing plate-shaped member having a rectangular cross-section; and as a nanowire, processing the silicon crystal by orientation dependent wet etching into a shape where two triangular columnar members are arranged one above the other in such a way that the ridge lines of the triangular columnar members configuring the nano-wires face through the ridge lines thereof, and an integrated circuit including the nano-wire field effect transistor.
US08399877B2
A light emitting device is provided. The light emitting device includes a first conductivity type semiconductor layer, a second conductivity type semiconductor layer, an active layer disposed between the first conductivity type semiconductor layer and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer and comprising a plurality of well layers and a plurality of barrier layers, a first nitride semiconductor layer disposed between the first conductivity type semiconductor layer and the active layer, and a second nitride semiconductor layer disposed between the active layer and the second conductivity type semiconductor layer, wherein the first nitride semiconductor layer has a higher indium composition than that of at least one of the plurality of well layers.
US08399872B2
According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first optical signal at a pulse detector. An electronic pulse of the first optical signal is received at an optical module. A second optical signal is generated at the optical module based on the electronic pulse. At least a portion of the first optical signal is received in a reverse direction at an optical isolator and the second optical signal is received in a forward direction at the optical isolator. The optical isolator substantially transmits the second optical signal to a target in the forward direction. The optical isolator substantially attenuates at least a portion of the first optical signal in the reverse direction.
US08399867B2
An EUV light source apparatus in which contamination or damage of optical elements and other component elements by debris can be suppressed to realize longer lives of them. The EUV light source apparatus is an apparatus for radiating extreme ultraviolet light by generating plasma of a target material within a chamber, and includes: a first laser unit for applying a first laser beam to the target material to generate pre-plasma; a second laser unit for applying a second laser beam to the pre-plasma to generate a main plasma for radiating the extreme ultraviolet light; and a magnetic field generating unit for generating a magnetic field within the chamber to control a state of at least one of the pre-plasma and the main plasma.
US08399862B2
When positively charged ions are implanted into a target substrate, charge-up damage may occur on the target substrate. In order to suppress charge-up caused by secondary electrons emitted from the target substrate when positively charged ions are implanted, a conductive member is installed at a position facing the target substrate and electrically grounded with respect to a high frequency. Further, a field intensity generated in the target substrate may be reduced by controlling an RF power applied to the target substrate in pulse mode.
US08399860B2
A fluororesin-coated electric wire cable is wound around a ring-shaped groove defined by an outer periphery of a cylinder and two flange edges immersed in an edible oil in a tank, forming each oscillating unit having a coil part; and the oscillating units are connected to an electromagnetic wave generator through a relay unit. Electromagnetic waves are irradiated from the coil parts based on an alternating current having a single frequency, an alternating current having a plurality of single frequencies different from one another, or an alternating current having a timewise varying frequency, the alternating currents each being within a frequency band of 4 kHz to 25 kHz, and a treatment based on a far-infrared heater or far-infrared ceramic is used combinedly therewith, to prevent deterioration of an edible oil or industrial oil.
US08399853B2
A UV sterilizer for oral appliances comprising, (a) a base including a UV source, (b) a lid, and (c) an appliance holder intermediate the lid and the base, the appliance holder being adapted to hold the oral appliance adjacent the UV source, wherein pressure exerted on the appliance holder can activate the UV source.
US08399852B2
The systems and methods described herein relate to the use of electrostatic elements or combinations of electrostatic and magnetic elements to confine charged particles in stable recirculating, trapped orbits. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for acceleration and focusing of multiple charged particle beams having multiple energies and arbitrary polarities along a common axis.
US08399837B2
A device for measuring oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production by a respiring subject based on the use of absorption spectroscopy. An absorption spectrometer using cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy at 763 nm to measure oxygen concentration and direct absorption or wavelength modulation spectroscopy at 2.0035 μm for carbon dioxide concentration is incorporated into a breathing tube in proximity to the respiring subject. This provides measurements of oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration with a good temporal resolution which can be combined with measurements of flow rate as a function of time to obtain oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production on a breath-by-breath basis. The device can also measure the concentration of water vapor and of anaesthetic gases in exhaled breath.
US08399830B2
Analyte ions are analyzed first by field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) before being analyzed by a mass analyzer. Analyte ions are produced at near atmospheric pressure and transferred via a dielectric capillary into the vacuum system of the mass analyzer. While passing through the capillary, the ions are analyzed by FAIMS via electrodes on the interior wall of the capillary. Improved ion transmission is achieved by providing smooth geometric transitions between the channel in FAIMS analyzer and the channel in the remainder of the capillary.
US08399827B1
Described herein are methods that may be used related to mass spectrometry, such as mass spectrometry analysis, mass spectrometry calibration, identification of proteins/peptides by mass spectrometry and/or mass spectrometry data collection strategies. In one embodiment, the subject matter discloses a phase-modeling analysis method for identification of proteins or peptides by mass spectrometry.
US08399823B2
A movement and control mechanism for operating a syringe is disclosed. The movement mechanism includes a rotatable shaft and two rods disposed coaxially to the shaft and a plunger associated unit. The plunger unit accommodates a plunger of a syringe and axially translates upon rotation of the shaft. An electrical sensor system is implemented with the movement mechanism for detecting the presence of a syringe plunger in the plunger associated unit during the operation of the mechanism. The electrical sensor system forms an interruptible electrical circuit between the rods of the movement mechanism, allowing continuous detection of the presence of a plunger in the plunger associated unit during axial translation of the plunger associated unit along the rods.
US08399820B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides photodetectors and components thereof having multi-spectral sensing capabilities. In some embodiments, photodetectors of the present invention provide a first photosensitive element comprising at least one accessway extending through the element and an electrical connection at least partially disposed in the accessway, the electrical connection accessible for receiving a second photosensitive element.
US08399817B1
A micro designator dart engages a target to allow for designation and tracking of the target by transmitting a radio-frequency identification code. The housing of the micro designator dart is configured to enclose its components and deform upon impact with a target to allow a target-engaging member to physically attach the micro designator dart to the target. Also upon impact with the target, an impact-sensitive triggering mechanism in the micro designator dart activates a power source, causing a transmitter to send a predetermined coded infrared signal to the seeker unit of a precision guided munitions system. The micro designator dart may also include a self-destruct device.
US08399815B2
An apparatus and method for hardening the concentric main bearing surfaces and orbital pin bearing surfaces of a crankshaft for an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes an inductor that is connected to a high frequency power source with a power controller to cause the power source to direct a given power to the inductor at given rotational heating positions of the crankshaft. A master controller creates output signals to control the power controller. The apparatus and method includes a first multi-surface hardening station with inductors for all of the main bearing surfaces, a second multi-surface hardening station with inductors for some of the orbital pins and a third multi-surface hardening station with inductors for the remaining orbital pins. Total indicator run out (TIR) is measured after the first station to adjust the heating process in the third station to produce a straight crankshaft.
US08399813B2
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of using a portable heating unit that does not use a separate compressor or blower or vacuum. The unit can be attached to an inlet of a piping system or section and be used to dry the interior walls of the piping system or section, and/or heat coatings passing through the piping system or section, etc. The portable heating unit includes a heater attached to an inlet end of a manifold, where the manifold can include alternative inlet end and two outlet ends. The inlet and outlet ends of the manifold can have quick connect fittings that allow similar fittings to be easily mateably attached thereto by rotating the fittings with one another. A quick connect/disconnect air pressure regulator with similar quick connect fitting can be attached to anyone of the inlet and outlet ends of the manifold. A quick connect/disconnect plug or plugs with similar quick connect fitting can close off any of the inlet and outlet ends of the manifold. The portable heating unit can be used with both a separate compressor and blower/filter having vacuum generator. The portable heating unit can also be used with only a compressor. The portable heating unit can also be used with only a vacuum generator.
US08399809B1
A disk processing system having a plurality of processing chambers, a load chamber comprising a heater, and a disk transport system coupled to the plurality of processing chambers and the load chamber to transport a disk there among.
US08399797B2
A system is provided that includes a torch power unit that includes a compressor and a controller configured to adjust output of the compressor in response to feedback comprising compressor output, or altitude, or atmospheric pressure, or a combination thereof. A method is provided that includes adjusting operational parameters of a torch power unit to account for environmental conditions affecting performance of the torch power unit. A method of manufacturing a portable cutting torch system is also provided. Another system is provided that includes a plasma cutting circuit, a compressor, a motor coupled to the compressor, an interface, and an environmental feedback controller.
US08399795B2
This invention relates to a plasma surface modification process (and a corresponding a system) of a solid object (100) comprising creating plasma (104) by a plasma source (106), application of the plasma (104) to at least a part of a surface (314) of the solid object (100), generating ultrasonic high intensity and high power acoustic waves (102) by at least one ultrasonic high intensity and high power acoustic wave generator (101), wherein the ultrasonic acoustic waves are directed to propagate towards said surface (314) of the object (100) so that a laminar boundary layer (313) of a gas or a mixture of gases (500) flow in contact with said solid object (100) is thinned or destructed for at least a part of said surface (314). In this way, the plasma can more efficiently access and influence the surface of the solid object to be treated by the plasma, which speeds the process time up significantly.
US08399794B2
A first inert gas (5) is supplied into a reaction space (1) and a high-frequency power supply (4) applies a high-frequency electric field so that a primary plasma (6) composed of the first inert gas which has been made into the plasma is ejected from the reaction space. A mixed gas area (10) in which a mixed gas (8) having a second inert gas (12) as a main ingredient and a proper amount of a reactive gas (13) mixed is formed. The primary plasma collides into the mixed gas area to generate a secondary plasma (11) composed of the mixed gas which has been made into the plasma, and the secondary plasma is sprayed on a processed object (S) to carry out a plasma processing. Accordingly, the plasma processing is carried out in a wide range by an atmospheric pressure plasma generated by a small input power.
US08399791B2
The invention relates to an interrupter arrangement (1) having a switching tube (3) comprising a switch gas outlet opening (5). The switching tube (3) is connected to a coupling section (9) of a drive rod (10) in the region of the switch gas outlet opening (5). The coupling section (9) is protected from switch gasses emitted from the switch gas outlet opening (5) by means of a shield (15).
US08399789B2
A keyboard having: a base panel, a switch panel including a hole portion, a membrane sheet including a contact portion, a key top adapted to be depressed for switching the contact portion ON, and a housing supporting and guiding the key top to move freely in a vertical direction, including each a tube portion on an upper end side having a guide hole formed for inserting a stem formed integrally with the key top and a flange portion on an lower end side extending laterally around the tube portion in a size larger than the hole portion; wherein the housing is inserted into the hole portion from a back side of the switch panel, the flange portion being attached to the back side of the switch panel.
US08399779B2
A wiring board includes a pad exposed from an opening portion of an outermost insulating layer. The pad includes: a first metal layer a surface of which is exposed from the wiring board; a second metal layer provided on the first metal layer and formed of a material effective in preventing a metal contained in a via inside the board from diffusing into the first metal layer; and a third metal layer provided between the second metal layer and the via, and formed of a material harder to be oxidized than that of the second metal layer. The thickness of the third metal layer is relatively thick, and is preferably selected to be three times or greater than a thickness of the second metal layer. A side surface of the third metal layer and a surface of the third metal layer to which the via is to be connected are roughed.
US08399778B2
A circuit board structure and a fabrication method thereof are disclosed. The circuit board structure includes a carrying board having a first and an opposite second surface and having at least one through cavity formed therein; a semiconductor chip disposed in the through cavity of the carrying board; an adhesive material filling the gap between the through cavity of the carrying board and the semiconductor chip to fix the semiconductor chip in the through cavity; and a reinforcing layer disposed on the second surface of the carrying board and the inactive surface of the semiconductor chip, thereby increasing the strength of the carrying board as well as the reliability of the circuit board.
US08399777B2
Disclosed herein are an electromagnetic bandgap structure and a printed circuit board having the same. The bandgap structure includes a conductive layer including a plurality of conductive plates, a first metal layer disposed under the conductive layer and including a first stitching pattern electrically connected to a first conductive plate of the plurality of conductive plates, and a second metal layer disposed under the first metal layer and including a second stitching pattern electrically connected to both the first stitching pattern and a second conductive plate of the plurality of conductive plates. The bandgap to structure includes stitching patterns formed in two layers different from the conductive layer, thus offering a stop-band having a desired bandwidth in a compact structure.
US08399775B2
A flex-rigid wiring board includes a first rigid substrate, a second rigid substrate arranged at a distance from the first rigid substrate to provide a space between the first and second rigid substrates and a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first tip portion connected to the first rigid substrate, and a second tip portion connected to the second rigid substrate such that the first and second rigid substrates are connected to each other by way of the flexible substrate. At least one bending portion is formed between the first and second tip portions of the flexible substrate, each of the at least one bending portions is provided in the space between the first and second rigid substrates.
US08399773B2
Various aspects provide for incorporating a VSDM into a substrate to create an ESD-protected substrate. In some cases, a VSDM is incorporated in a manner that results in the ESD-protected substrate meeting one or more specifications (e.g., thickness, planarity, and the like) for various subsequent processes or applications. Various aspects provide for designing a substrate (e.g., a PCB) incorporating a VSDM, and adjusting one or more aspects of the substrate to design a balanced, ESD-protected substrate. Certain embodiments include molding a substrate having a VSDM layer into a first shape.
US08399763B2
An electric wire including a core wire having element wires consisting of aluminum or aluminum alloy is provided, by which stable electrical connection between the core wire of the electric wire and the terminal fitting can be attained. The electric wire 1 includes: a core wire 3 including a plurality of element wires 5a, 5b, 5c bundled up, each element wire consisting of aluminum or aluminum alloy; and an electrically insulating coating 4 which coats the core wire 3. At least one element wire 5b, situated inside the element wires 5a situated on a most outer periphery of the core wire 3, is provided with an unevenness 14 on an outer surface of at least one element wire 5b. Concave parts 14a and convex parts 14b are arranged on the outer surface of at least one element wire 5b in a circumferential direction of at least one element wire 5b.
US08399755B2
A connection assembly of the present invention is provided for connecting a drum shell to a support. The connection assembly includes at least two fixation pieces, a connection member, two positioning bolt and a clamp. The fixation pieces are fixed on the drum shell. The fixation pieces are fastened on the connection member along a horizontal direction and a horizontal direction by the positioning bolts and several tension rods. The clamp is disposed on the connection member. The clamp is used for being detachably connected to the support.As such, the drum assembled from the drum shell is stably supported by the connection assembly. Performance can be precisely provided.
US08399754B2
A musical instrument comprising a shell and a rim for tensioning a head across an open end of the shell, for example a drum, is improved by forming one or both of the shell and the rim using a primary material having an axially oriented grain structure together with an auxiliary layer of secondary material having greater hoop strength than the primary material. The primary material can be a natural plant material, such as hardwood with the naturally occurring grain structure being oriented in an axial direction by assembling the annular rim using a stave construction. The secondary material can comprises a composite material including carbon fiber to reinforce the stave construction.
US08399752B2
A system and method for music playing and enjoyment, especially by handicapped persons. In some implementations, the system includes automatic height adjustment. In some implementations, the system includes oversized keys suitable for activation not body parts other than fingers. The sound quality is desirably professional.
US08399743B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024305. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024305. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024305 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024305 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08399741B2
Honeydew melon having high percent soluble solids and improved firmness is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of honeydew melons SSC 112, SSC 135, SSC 118, 10217-3, 10233-1, 11466, 10888, 10288-1, and 11876-1, to the plants of honeydew melons SSC 112, SSC 135, SSC 118, 10217-3, 10233-1, 11466, 10888, 10288-1, and 11876-1, and to methods for producing a honeydew melon plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing each of the melons SSC 112, SSC 135, SSC 118, 10217-3, 10233-1, 11466, 10888, 10288-1, and 11876-1 with itself or another honeydew melon cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a honeydew melon plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other honeydew melon cultivars derived from the melons SSC 112, SSC 135, SSC 118, 10217-3, 10233-1, 11466, 10888, 10288-1, and 11876-1.
US08399725B2
This invention relates to a functionalized co-oligomer having an Mn of 300 to 30,000 g/mol comprising 10 to 90 mol % propylene and 10 to 90 mol % of ethylene, wherein the oligomer has at least X % allyl chain ends, where: 1) X=(−0.94(mole % ethylene incorporated)+100), when 10 to 60 mole % ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, and 2) X=45, when greater than 60 and less than 70 mole % ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, and 3) X=(1.83*(mole % ethylene incorporated)−83), when 70 to 90 mole % ethylene is present in the co-oligomer. This invention also relates to a functionalized homo-oligomer, comprising propylene, wherein the oligomer has: at least 93% allyl chain ends, an Mn of about 500 to about 20,000 g/mol, an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8:1 to 1.2:1.0, and less than 100 ppm aluminum. This invention also relates to a process of making functionalized homo- or co-oligomer, comprising propylene, wherein the productivity is greater than 4500 g/mmol Hf (or Zr)/hour.
US08399723B2
Disclosed herein are processes for the production of hydrofluoroolefins by dehydrofluorination. Also disclosed herein are processes for separation of hydrofluoroolefins from hydrofluorocarbons and from hydrogen fluoride.
US08399711B2
A process for preparing (meth)acrolein by heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase partial oxidation of a precursor compound, in which the reaction gas mixture which comprises at least 3% by volume of precursor compound is passed through a fresh fixed catalyst bed whose active material is a multielement oxide which comprises the elements Mo, Fe and Bi and at least one of the elements Ni and Co, and the fixed catalyst bed is loaded with at least 40 l (STP)/l·h of precursor compound, and the precursor compound is converted to an extent of at least 90 mol %, wherein, over the first 8000 operating hours, during X=10 to 500 operating hours, the highest temperature of the reaction gas mixture in the fixed catalyst bed is 400 to 450° C. and, during the remaining 8000−X operating hours, is 300 to <400° C., and the loading of the fixed catalyst bed with organic precursor compound, averaged over the time, for the X=10 to 500 operating hours is greater than for the 8000−X operating hours.
US08399706B2
A chiral tetraaminophosphonium salt represented by formula (1) and a method for producing chiral β-nitroalcohol comprising reacting an aldehyde or a ketone and a nitroalkane in the presence of the chiral tetraaminophosphonium salt represented by formula (1) and a base, or in the presence of a conjugated base of the chiral tetraaminophosphonium salt represented by formula (1): wherein R1 to R4 are independently a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group; and, R1 and R2 are different groups or R3 and R4 are different groups.
US08399705B2
The present invention relates to an alkalimetal salt of glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) of the formula NaxKyHzGLDA, wherein x is equal to or more than 2 and lower than 4 and y is more than 0 and equal to or lower than 2, x+y is 3.5-4, and x+y+z=4, to processes to prepare such salt and the use thereof.
US08399693B2
A process for the preparation of an organic reactive intermediate that contains a combination of epoxy groups, hydroxy groups and unsaturated groups wherein the process can be utilized to control the amounts of each of the functional groups in the final product. The reactive intermediates are prepared from natural triglyceride plant and animal oils containing unsaturation.
US08399676B2
Compounds of formula (I) as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can be used in the form of pharmaceutical compositions, wherein A1, A2, R1, R2, R3 and R4 have the significance given in claim 1.
US08399675B2
This invention relates to novel compounds and a process for preparation of montelukast sodium.
US08399673B2
The invention relates to substituted 2-mercaptoquinoline-3-carboxamides, methods for the preparation thereof, medicaments containing these compounds and the use of these compounds for the preparation of medicaments.
US08399665B2
An object is to provide a novel organometallic complex capable of emitting phosphorescence, an organometallic complex which exhibits deep red emission, and a light-emitting element which provides deep red emission. Provided is an organometallic complex having a structure represented by the following General Formula (G1). In the formula, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 represent substituents, and M is a central metal and represents either a Group 9 element or a Group 10 element.
US08399662B2
The present invention relates to novel O-acyloxime derivatives, a preparation method thereof and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.The O-acyloxime derivatives according to the present invention may valuably be used for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipidemia, coronary arterial heart disease, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction caused by Lp-PLA2, because they have excellent inhibitory effect of Lp-PLA2.
US08399648B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting thrombosis without compromising hemostasis. Compositions include anti-factor XI monoclonal antibodies (aXIMabs) capable of binding to an epitope on the heavy chain of human FXI, particularly the A3 domain of the heavy chain of human FXI. Compositions also include epitope-binding fragments, variants, and derivatives of the monoclonal antibodies, cell lines producing these antibody compositions, and isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the amino acid sequences of the antibodies. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising the anti-factor XI monoclonal antibodies of the invention, or epitope-binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of the invention comprise administering the compositions described above to a subject in need thereof for the purpose of inhibiting thrombosis, reducing a required dose of an antithrombotic agent in the treatment of thrombosis, treating metastatic cancer, or treating an acute inflammatory reaction.
US08399639B2
Provided herein are isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments from the p15 arm of chromosome 11 encoding HASH2 and methods of use.
US08399637B2
This invention relates to an isolated protein MONaKA and methods of its use. Specifically, the invention is directed to a protein that modulates the Na,K-ATPase and glutamate transporters, by binding to the b-subunit of the plasma membrane Na,K-ATPase (Na pump).
US08399631B2
The present invention relates to compositions, methods for expressing, and related methods for purifying calreticulin that is free of an affinity label or tag (i.e., non-tagged calreticulin). The invention provides useful methods for commercial production of human calreticulin in a bacterial expression system such as Escherichia coli.
US08399629B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating hepatocyte growth factor activator function.
US08399623B2
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.
US08399621B2
An anti-CD4 antibody which binds to CD4, has a high affinity and has a high effector activity, such as an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC activity) or complement-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (CDC activity), is required for a disease relating to a CD4-expressing cell.The present invention can provide a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof, which binds to a CD4 extracellular region with high affinity and also exhibits a high ADCC activity or a high CDC activity; a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a DNA which encodes the antibody; a vector which contains the DNA; a transformant obtainable by introducing the vector; a process for producing an antibody or an antibody fragment thereof using the hybridoma or the transformant; and a therapeutic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof or a diagnostic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof.
US08399617B2
The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to P2X7 receptors and distinguish between function and non-functional P2X7 receptors, pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing the antibodies, and methods of using the antibodies for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease conditions.
US08399588B1
The invention is a novel family of polyolefins characterized by chain-walking defects of the type that add extra backbone carbons per monomer. These polyolefins display a large decrease in crystallinity relative to polyolefins known in the art. Specifically, the reduction in crystallinity is much greater than for earlier polypropylenes with a matched content of stereo or 1-alkene type defects. The claimed polyolefins can be an alkene-based copolymer. The defects in the polyolefin backbone are generated by a chain walking mechanism in which three or more carbons per monomer are added to the polymer backbone instead of two, as in conventional polymerization or copolymerization methods of alpha olefins. The novel polyolefins can be used in applications such as plastic wrapping, thin films, co-extrusion layers or molded parts in the absence of polymer blending or copolymerization. The cost of materials production can be reduced.
US08399585B2
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles with improved blood absorbence by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a surrounding gas phase, wherein the monomer solution comprises a surfactant.
US08399584B2
Copolymers are manufactured to include a zwitterionic monomer (e.g., methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine monomer), a dihydroxyphenyl derivatized monomer, and optionally one or more additional monomers. The dihydroxyphenyl derivatized monomer gives the copolymers excellent adhesion properties. Optional monomers include a cationic amino monomer, a hydrocarbon monomer, and/or a hydrophilic monomer. The copolymers are biocompatible and can be used with medical devices.
US08399580B2
Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.
US08399569B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a reactive urethane compound having superior curability, adhesion to substrates, transparency, molecular flexibility, and mechanical properties, a curable composition containing the compound, and a cured material formed from the composition. An ethylenically-unsaturated-group containing reactive urethane compound of the present invention is represented by formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkylene group; R3 is a hydrogen atom, a alkyl group, or an aryl group; R4 is a single bond or an alkylene group; R5 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R6 is an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or an imino group; n is 2 to 12; m is 1 to 300; and X is an aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic compound residue.
US08399557B2
Transparent blend or alloy comprising, by weight, the total being 100%: (A) 1 to 99% of at least one copolymer constituent: which is amorphous or has a crystallinity ranging up to semicrystallinity; and which comprises: (A1) amide units, among which is at least one cycloaliphatic unit; (A2) flexible ether units; (B) 99 to 1% of at least one polymer constituent selected from: (Ba) semicrystalline copolyamides comprising amide units (Ba1) and comprising ether units (Ba2), (Bb) semicrystalline polyamides or copolyamides without ether units, (Bc) transparent polyamides or copolyamides without ether units, which are amorphous or weakly crystalline, and alloys based on such polyamides or copolyamides; and (C) 0 to 50% by weight of at least one polyamide, copolyamide, copolyamide comprising ether units or alloy based on such polyamides or copolyamides other than those used in (A) and (B) above. The resulting blend or alloy has a high transparency such that the transmission at 560 nm on a plate 2 mm thick is greater than 50%.
US08399548B2
Moisture-curable organosilicon compositions which are storable in the absence of water, and crosslinkable on admission of water at room temperature to give elastomers, are based on organosilicon compositions containing: (A) compounds of the formula A-[(CR12)b—SiRa(OR2)3-a]x (I), (B) an organosilicon compound having basic nitrogen and (C) compounds of the formula R3—NH—C(═O)—C(═O)—NH—R3, and (II) optionally, further additives.
US08399543B2
The present invention concerns an improved method for introducing free carbon black additive into a polymer powder or fluff, and in particular into polyethylene powder.
US08399542B2
Disclosed is a method for making a poly-lactic acid/silica composite. At first, silica particles are aminated, thus providing aminated silica particles. Secondly, the aminated silica particles are mixed with poly-lactic acid. Then, the mixture is blended and extruded by two micro-screws, thus providing a poly-lactic acid/silica composite. Thus, the mechanical properties of the poly-lactic acid are improved without affecting the biodegradability of the poly-lactic acid.
US08399541B2
Disclosed is an active energy ray-curable ink composition comprising a coloring agent, a binder resin, and a radically polymerizable varnish and/or a radically polymerizable monomer as main components. The coloring agent is a modified pigment wherein the surface of a pigment (A) is provided with a polymer (P) which is obtained by polymerizing a polymer (B), which is soluble in nonaqueous solvents, with at least one polymerizable unsaturated monomer (C), which is originally soluble in nonaqueous solvents but becomes insoluble or poorly soluble after polymerization. Also disclosed is a printed matter which has a coating film obtained by curing and drying the active energy ray-curable ink composition.
US08399536B2
The present subject matter relates generally to polymer compositions, and more particularly to irradiated polymer compositions comprising at least one non-phenolic stabilizer. The present polymer compositions comprise an unexpected balance of properties after being subjected to irradiation treatments, including an unexpected combination of a lower melt flow rate ratio (MFRr) and high melt tension after being irradiated, while minimizing negative yellowing effects.
US08399530B2
A process for producing polymer foams by precise control of their morphology through use of microfluidic processes, foams produced in this way and use thereof.
US08399519B2
The present invention relates to the treatment of an individual afflicted with mast cell mediated diseases comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a 1-amino-alkylcyclohexane derivative.
US08399515B2
According to the present invention, acquired metabolic derangements or fatty acid disorders in humans that are manifested by a deficiency in at least one enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism are treated with a five carbon or a fifteen carbon fatty acid source. Rapid nutritional supplementation can also be provided to a mammalian cell by providing either a five carbon or fifteen carbon fatty acid source. Dietary formulations suitable for human consumption comprising either a five carbon fatty acid, a fifteen carbon fatty acid or triglycerides thereof is also disclosed.
US08399514B2
Provided are certain methods of screening, identifying, and evaluating neuroprotective compounds useful for treatment of neurological diseases, such as, e.g., multiple sclerosis (MS). The compounds described upregulate the cellular cytoprotective pathway regulated by Nrf2. Also provided are certain methods of utilizing such compounds in therapy for neurological disease, particularly, for slowing or reducing demyelination, axonal loss, or neuronal and oligodendrocyte death.
US08399510B2
The present invention provides a method of mediating hypo-activation of NK cells. Methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject an effective amount of broad acting phosphotase inhibitor, such as sodium orthovanadate, SHP specific inhibitor. In one embodiment, the SHP specific inhibitor is NSC119910.
US08399507B2
Tricyclic compounds containing a cyclopropanecarboxylic acid fused to a bicyclic ring, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, are agonists of G-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) and are useful as therapeutic compounds, particularly in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, and of conditions that are often associated with this disease, including obesity and lipid disorders, such as mixed or diabetic dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia.
US08399490B2
An insecticidal compound of formula (I) in which G1, G2, and G3 together with the two carbon atoms to which G1 and G3 are attached, form a non-aromatic 4- or 5-membered ring system; wherein G1 is sulfur, SO, SO2, oxygen, a direct bond, NRa or CR5aR5b; G2 is sulfur, SO, SO2, oxygen, a direct bond, NRb or CR5cR5d; G3 is sulfur, SO, SO2, oxygen, a direct bond, NRc or CR5eR5f; with the provisos that a) not more than 1 group G can be a direct bond, b) not more than 2 G groups can be oxygen, sulfur, SO or SO2 and c) when 2 G groups are oxygen, SO, SO2 and/or sulfur the two groups are separated by a carbon atom; each of Z1 and Z2, which may be the same or different, represents oxygen or sulfur; D is phenyl or a 5- or 6-membered heteroaromatic ring and R1a, R1b, R5a, R5b, R5c, R5d, R5e, R5f, Ra, Rb Rc, R2, R3 and R20 are specified organic groups and agronomically acceptable salts/isomers/enantiomers/tautomers/N-oxides of those compounds.
US08399487B2
The invention provides a compound of formula I: wherein R1-R6, X, Y, and B have any of the values described herein, as well as salts of such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and therapeutic methods that comprise the administration of such compounds. The compounds are inhibitors of MAO-B enzyme function and are useful for improving cognitive function and for treating psychiatric disorders in animals.
US08399483B2
A series of heteroaryl-substituted quinoxaline and quinoline derivatives, being selective inhibitors of PI3 kinase enzymes, are accordingly of benefit in medicine, for example in the treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, oncological, nociceptive or ophthalmic conditions, said substituted derivatives having the general formula
US08399482B2
The invention relates to 6-substituted isoquinoline and isoquinolinone derivatives of the formula (I) useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases associated with Rho-kinase and/or Rho-kinase mediated phosphorylation of myosin light chain phosphatase, and compositions containing such compounds.
US08399477B2
An (aza)indole derivative substituted in position 5, of formula (I) in which X, Y, Z, G1, G2, G3, R1, W, and R2 have the meanings given in the description, a pharmaceutical composition comprising it, and also intermediate compounds and a preparation process therefor.
US08399475B2
The present invention relates to novel crystalline forms of naltrexone hydrochloride including hydrated and solvated forms and a novel amorphous form. The invention also describes methods of preparing the various crystalline forms. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing crystalline and amorphous forms of naltrexone hydrochloride, as well as methods of treating addictive behavior by administering the pharmaceutical compositions.
US08399470B2
Disclosed herein are pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US08399469B2
The present invention provides low hygroscopic forms of aripiprazole and processes for the preparation thereof which will not convert to a hydrate or lose their original solubility even when a medicinal preparation containing the anhydrous aripiprazole crystals is stored for an extended period.
US08399466B2
A composition for regenerative treatment of cartilage disease, which comprises a PDE4 inhibitor as an active ingredient, specifically a composition comprising a PDE4 inhibitor and a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer is provided, which composition, when formulated into a form suited to administer locally to affected cartilage region, such as microsphere preparation, can provide a pharmaceutical composition showing an excellent effect in regenerative treatment of cartilage.
US08399464B2
Disclosed is a triazole derivative(s) represented by the general formula (1) below or a pharmacologically acceptable salt(s) thereof. Also disclosed are a prodrug(s) of such a triazole derivative(s) and an HSP90 inhibitor(s) containing any one of them as an active constituent. (1) (In the formula, X represents a halogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted alkynyl group or the like; Y represents a mercapto group, a hydroxyl group, an optionally substituted sulfonyl group, an optionally substituted amino group or the like; and R represents an optionally substituted aryl or alkyl group or the like.)
US08399463B2
The invention relates to imidazole derivatives which have a good affinity to the trace amine associated receptors (TAARs), especially for TAAR1.The invention also relates to a pharmaceutically-suitable acid-addition salt of the above compound.The invention further relates to a composition comprising an imidazole derivative as described above, or a pharmaceutically-suitable acid-addition salt thereof, and to processes for preparing such compounds.
US08399462B2
Compounds of formula I modulate JNK: wherein the variables are as defined herein.
US08399460B2
The invention concerns chromenone derivatives of Formula I or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, n and R9 has any of the meanings defined hereinbefore in the description; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders.
US08399459B2
The present invention provides 1,4 Oxazines of formula I having BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitory activity, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutically active substances. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of e.g. Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes.
US08399456B2
Provided herein are 2,5-disubstituted arylsulfonamides that are useful for modulating CCR3 activity, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods of their use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a CCR3-mediated disorder, disease, or condition.
US08399454B2
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein Y, Z, R1, and s are defined herein.
US08399427B2
The present invention relates to reagents, methods and systems to treat inflammation and pain in a subject using small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules targeted to either TNFα, IL1, IL6 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines.
US08399423B2
The invention provides the use of immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs in the prevention and treatment of a disease caused by a pathogen, for example, a DNA or RNA virus.
US08399417B2
A low-fat food containing an amino acid or a peptide which is able to activate a calcium receptor, examples of which include γ-Glu-X-Gly, γ-Glu-Val-Y, γ-Glu-Ala, γ-Glu-Gly, γ-Glu-Cys, γ-Glu-Met, γ-Glu-Thr, γ-Glu-Val, γ-Glu-Orn, Asp-Gly, Cys-Gly, Cys-Met, Glu-Cys, Gly-Cys, Leu-Asp, D-Cys, γ-Glu-Met(O), γ-Glu-γ-Glu-Val, γ-Glu-Val-NH2, γ-Glu-Val-ol, γ-Glu-Ser, γ-Glu-Tau, γ-Glu-Cys(S-Me)(O), γ-Glu-Leu, γ-Glu-Ile, γ-Glu-t-Leu, γ-Glu-Cys(S-Me), etc, wherein X and Y are an amino acid or an amino acid derivative.
US08399416B2
The present invention is for an isolated peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9 and using the peptide for treating asthma by reducing cytotoxicity of eosinophil derived toxins in bronchial epithelial cells of the subject suffers from asthma. The method comprises preparing a pharmaceutical composition having the peptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 and administering an effective amount of the composition to the subject.
US08399412B2
A method of treatment for treating, at least partly preventing, inhibiting or reducing tissue deterioration, injury or damage due to a periodontal disease or disease of oral mucosa, or for restoring tissue adversely affected by the disease, in a subject, and/or for downregulating NF-kappaB or suppressing NF-kappaB mediated action in a body, organ, tissue or cell, includes administering to a subject, body, organ, tissue or cell an effective amount of a composition including a peptide agent including at least one of Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), an isoform of Tβ4, an N-terminal fragment of Tβ4, a C-terminal fragment of Tβ4, Tβ4 sulfoxide, an LKKTET peptide or conservative variant thereof, an LKKTNT peptide or conservative variant thereof, a KLKKTET peptide or conservative variant thereof, an LKKTETQ peptide or conservative variant thereof, Tβ4ala, Tβ9, Tβ10, Tβ11, Tβ12, Tβ13, Tβ14, Tβ15, gelsolin, vitamin D binding protein (DBP), profilin, cofilin, depactin, DnaseI, vilin, fragmin, severin, capping protein, β-actinin, acumentin, an actin-sequestering peptide, an actin binding peptide, an actin-mobilizing peptide, an actin polymerization-modulating peptide, or a stimulating agent that stimulates production of an effective amount of the peptide agent in the subject, body, organ, tissue or cell.
US08399396B2
Detergent compositions containing catechols, such as Tiron (1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonic acid), which do not have or do not develop the reddish color associated with the catechol/ferric iron chelate are disclosed. Methods for reducing the intensity of red color in a Tiron (1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonic acid) containing detergent composition are also disclosed.
US08399395B2
Herein a solid, scent-imparting composition is disclosed that comprises a water-soluble support, a water-soluble polymer, a malodor-absorbing compound, and a perfume. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water-soluble support is provided as a particulate that is coated with an envelope consisting of the water-soluble polymer, the malodor-absorbing compound, and the perfume. A detergent compound may be included that is at least partly in and/or on the envelope. Washing or cleaning agents comprising the scent-imparting compositions are also described.
US08399390B2
The invention relates to industrial lubricant and grease compositions containing high viscosity index polyalphaolefins (HVI-PAO). The use of HVI-PAOs in industrial oils and greases application provides advantages in improved shear stability, wear property, foam property, energy efficiency and improved overall performance.
US08399376B2
The invention relates to a particle blend comprising mainly or consisting of an oxide phase of the pseudo-brookite type comprising at least titanium and aluminum, said blend being obtained from at least two particle size fractions, namely a coarse particle size fraction, the median diameter d50 of which is greater than 12 microns, and a fine particle size fraction, the median diameter d50 of which is between 0.5 and 3 microns, the mass ratio of said coarse fraction to said fine fraction being between 1.5 and 20, limits inclusive, and the ratio of the median diameter of the coarse fraction to that of the fine fraction being greater than 12.
US08399373B2
The invention describes a porous composite material that comprises a porous substrate based on a refractory inorganic oxide in which said substrate has a zeolite crystal content that is less than 25% by mass, whereby said crystals are dispersed homogeneously in the pores of said substrate, and the distribution coefficient that is measured by Castaing microprobe is between 0.75 and 1.25, and in which the total pore volume of said substrate represents at least 40% of the initial total pore volume of the substrate, and the mean diameter of the pores represents at least 50% of the mean diameter of the pores of the initial substrate, its process for preparation and its use as catalyst in the hydrocarbon feedstock conversion reactions.
US08399372B2
In one aspect, the invention includes a refractory material, said material comprising: (i) at least 20 wt. % of a first grain mode stabilized zirconia based upon the total weight of said material, said first grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 5 to 2000 μm, said stabilized zirconia including a matrix oxide stabilizer; (ii) at least 1 wt. % of a second grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 0.01 μm up to not greater than one-fourth the D50 grain size of said first grain mode zirconia, based upon the total weight of said material; and (iii) at least 1 wt. % of a preservative component within at least one of said first grain mode stabilized zirconia, said second grain mode stabilized zirconia, and an optional another grain mode; wherein after sintering, said material has porosity at 20° C. in the range of from 5 to 45 vol %.
US08399367B2
The disclosure provides a process to anneal group III-V metal nitride crystals, wafers, epitaxial layers, and epitaxial films to reduce nitrogen vacancies. In particular, the disclosure provides a process to perform slow annealing of the group III-V metal nitrides in a high temperature and high pressure environment.
US08399364B2
Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices including multilayer dielectric layers are disclosed. The methods include forming a multilayer dielectric layer including metal atoms and silicon atoms on a semiconductor substrate. The multilayer dielectric layer includes at least two crystalline metal silicate layers having different silicon concentrations. The multilayer dielectric layer may be used, for example, as a dielectric layer for a capacitor, or as a blocking layer for a nonvolatile memory device.
US08399354B2
A semiconductor substrate having a through-silicon via with an air gap interposed between the through-silicon via and the semiconductor substrate is provided. An opening is formed partially through the semiconductor substrate. The opening is first lined with a first liner and then the opening is filled with a conductive material. A backside of the semiconductor substrate is thinned to expose the first liner, which is subsequently removed and a second liner formed with a low-k or extra low-k dielectric is formed in its place.
US08399344B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprising a gate stack of a gate dielectric and a gate electrode, the method including forming a gate dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate the gate dielectric layer being a metal oxide or semimetal oxide having a first electronegativity; forming a dielectric VT adjustment layer, the dielectric VT adjustment layer being a metal oxide or semimetal oxide having a second electronegativity; and forming a gate electrode over the gate dielectric layer and the VT adjustment layer; wherein the Effective Work Function of said gate stack is tuned to a desired value by tuning the thickness and composition of the dielectric VT adjustment layer and wherein the second electronegativity value is higher than both the first electronegativity value and the electronegativity of Al2O3.
US08399336B2
A method is provided for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure. According to the method, a first active circuitry layer wafer that includes active circuitry is provided, and a first portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer is removed such that a second portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer remains. Another wafer that includes active circuitry is provided, and the other wafer is bonded to the second portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer. The first active circuitry layer wafer is lower-cost than the other wafer. Also provided are a tangible computer readable medium encoded with a program for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure, and a 3D integrated circuit structure.
US08399335B2
In sophisticated semiconductor devices, densely packed metal line layers may be formed on the basis of an ultra low-k dielectric material, wherein corresponding modified portions of increased dielectric constant may be removed in the presence of the metal lines, for instance, by means of a selective wet chemical etch process. Consequently, the metal lines may be provided with desired critical dimensions without having to take into consideration a change of the critical dimensions upon removing the modified material portion, as is the case in conventional strategies.
US08399328B2
The present invention relates to a transistor and the method for forming the same. The transistor of the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate; a gate dielectric layer formed on the semiconductor substrate; a gate formed on the gate dielectric layer; and a source region and a drain region located in the semiconductor substrate and on respective sides of the gate, wherein only the source region comprises at least one dislocation. The method for forming a transistor according to the present invention comprises forming a mask layer on a semiconductor substrate on which a gate has been formed so that the mask layer covers the gate and the semiconductor substrate; patterning the mask layer to only expose at least a portion of a source region; performing a first ion implantation to the exposed portion of the source region; and annealing the semiconductor substrate so as to form a dislocation in the exposed portion of the source region.
US08399326B2
Disclosed is a memory device and method of operation thereof. The memory device may include a source region and a drain region of a first dopant type, the source and drain regions contain a first semiconductor material; a body region of a second dopant type, the body region being sandwiched between the source and drain regions, the body comprising a second semiconductor material; a gate dielectric layer over at least the body region; and a gate comprising a conductive material over the gate dielectric layer. Specifically, one of the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor material is lattice matched with the other of the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor material and has an energy gap smaller than the energy gap of the other of the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor material.
US08399321B2
The method for manufacturing a memory device is provided. The method includes: implanting a first impurity into the substrate adjacent to the gate conductor structure to form a source region on a first side of the gate conductor structure and a drain region on a second side of the gate conductor structure; implanting a second impurity into the substrate to form a halo implantation region disposed adjacent to the source region, wherein the halo implantation region has a doping concentration which does not degrade a data retention time of the memory device; and performing an annealing process to the drain region, forming a diffusion region under the drain region, wherein the process temperature of the annealing process is controlled to ensure that the diffusion region has a doping concentration substantially equal to a threshold concentration which maintains an electrical connection between the drain and the deep trench capacitor.
US08399320B2
Electronic apparatus and methods of forming the electronic apparatus include a lanthanide yttrium aluminum oxide dielectric film on a substrate for use in a variety of electronic systems. The lanthanide yttrium aluminum oxide film may be structured as one or more monolayers. The lanthanide yttrium aluminum oxide film may be formed by a monolayer or partial monolayer sequencing process such as using atomic layer deposition.
US08399319B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a plurality of unit cells vertically arranged on the substrate.
US08399314B2
Techniques for embedding silicon germanium (e-SiGe) source and drain stressors in nanoscale channel-based field effect transistors (FETs) are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating a FET includes the following steps. A doped substrate having a dielectric thereon is provided. At least one silicon (Si) nanowire is placed on the dielectric. One or more portions of the nanowire are masked off leaving other portions of the nanowire exposed. Epitaxial germanium (Ge) is grown on the exposed portions of the nanowire. The epitaxial Ge is interdiffused with Si in the nanowire to form SiGe regions embedded in the nanowire that introduce compressive strain in the nanowire. The doped substrate serves as a gate of the FET, the masked off portions of the nanowire serve as channels of the FET and the embedded SiGe regions serve as source and drain regions of the FET.
US08399307B2
A method of forming a memory device includes providing a substrate having a surface region, defining a cell region and first and second peripheral regions, sequentially forming a first dielectric material, a first wiring structure for a first array of devices, and a second dielectric material over the surface region, forming an opening region in the first peripheral region, the opening region extending in a portion of at least the first and second dielectric materials to expose portions of the first wiring structure and the substrate, forming a second wiring material that is overlying the second dielectric material and fills the opening region to form a vertical interconnect structure in the first peripheral region, and forming a second wiring structure from the second wiring material for a second array of devices, the first and second wiring structures being separated from each other and electrically connected by the vertical interconnect structure.
US08399300B2
A semiconductor device has a flipchip or PoP semiconductor die mounted to a die attach area interior to a substrate. The substrate has a contact pad area around the die attach area and flow control area between the die attach area and contact pad area. A first channel is formed in a surface of the substrate within the flow control area. The first channel extends around a periphery of the die attach area. A first dam material is formed adjacent to the first channel within the flow control area. An underfill material is deposited between the die and substrate. The first channel and first dam material control outward flow of the underfill material to prevent excess underfill material from covering the contact pad area. A second channel can be formed adjacent to the first dam material. A second dam material can be formed adjacent to the first channel.
US08399281B1
A method and system for dicing semiconductor devices from a semiconductor film. A semiconductor film, backed by a metal layer, is bonded by an adhesive layer to a flexible translucent substrate. Reference features on the film are used to describe a cutting path like a scribe line. An infrared laser beam is aligned to the scribe lines from the back surface of the flexible substrate. The infrared laser beam cuts through the flexible substrate and the majority of the thickness of the adhesive layer, cutting a first trough of a backside street along a scribe line defined by the reference features. An ultraviolet laser beam is aligned to the backside street, or to the scribe line as mapped to the back surface of the flexible substrate. The ultraviolet laser cuts through the metal layer and the semiconductor film, cutting a second trough along the scribe line. The second trough extends from the bottom of and deepens the first trough, cutting through the semiconductor film.
US08399278B2
The integrated circuit/transducer device of the preferred embodiment includes a substrate, a complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit that is fabricated on the substrate, and a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) element that is also fabricated on the substrate. The CMOS circuit and cMUT element are fabricated during the same foundry process and are connected. The cMUT includes a lower electrode, an upper electrode, a membrane structure that support the upper electrode, and a cavity between the upper electrode and lower electrode.
US08399274B2
An organic light emitting display is disclosed. The display has a pixel which includes a transistor and a capacitor. The active layer of the transistor and at least one of the electrodes of the capacitor comprise a semiconductor oxide.
US08399269B2
A light-emitting device (LED) package component includes an LED chip having a first active bond pad and a second active bond pad. A carrier chip is bonded onto the LED chip through flip-chip bonding. The carrier chip includes a first active through-substrate via (TSV) and a second active TSV connected to the first and the second active bond pads, respectively. The carrier chip further includes a dummy TSV therein, which is electrically coupled to the first active bond pad, and is configured not to conduct any current when a current flows through the LED chip.
US08399256B2
The present invention provides a method for transferring a gene into cells, which is practically useful and can achieve high transfer efficiency, and also a composition for use in the method. By bringing a mixture of a composition comprising a diallylamine sulfur dioxide copolymer having a repeating unit represented by the formula (1) or a salt thereof and a gene into contact with a cell, a gene such as DNA and RNA can be transferred into a target cell safely and conveniently, and into a cell at a specific site with high gene transfer efficiency.
US08399235B2
This document provides methods and materials related to reducing biofilms. For example, enzymes (e.g., glycosyl hydrolases), nucleic acid molecules encoding enzymes, host cells containing nucleic acid encoding enzymes, and methods for using enzymes to reduce biofilms and infections associated with biofilms are provided.
US08399234B2
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
US08399233B2
The present invention concerns the discovery that proteins encoded by a family of genes, termed here HDx-related genes, which are involved in the control of chromatin structure and, thus in transcription and translation. The present invention makes available compositions and methods that can be utilized, for example to control cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro and in vivo.
US08399229B2
Magnetic array platforms such as nano or micro-wire networks that produce trapping, manipulation, and transport of micro- or nano-scale particles such as non-biological entities such as magnetic particles and cells, viruses, DNA, proteins, and other biological entities having magnetic particles labeled or tethered thereto are provided. Methods of manipulating, transporting, and sorting micro- or nano-scale particles are described.
US08399221B2
Improved methods that increase the specificity and sensitivity of detection of small RNAs, including miRNAs, using oligonucleotide primers and nucleic acid amplification, are provided. Reaction conditions that result in preferential decrease in cDNA synthesis of RNAs other than the small RNA molecules targeted for detection during miRNA tailing and reverse transcription reactions are described. Using these reaction conditions greater sensitivity and specificity of amplification of small RNAs including miRNAs is achieved.
US08399216B1
The efficient production of ethanol from low-cost biomass (e.g., corn, sugar beets, sugar cane, switchgrass and/or paper) has become increasingly important in making ethanol competitive with gasoline and decreasing the United States' dependence on foreign oil. For example, to reduce the cost of transporting biomass to ethanol production facilities, mobile systems for producing ethanol from biomass are provided. Also provided are small-scale ethanol production facilities. For example, instead of transporting biomass to the production facility, the facility is transported to the biomass or is located nearby the source of the biomass. The ethanol production facilities or components thereof may be transported via land, water, or air. Production of other products, such as hydrocarbons, natural gas, hydrogen gas, plastics, polymers, and proteins, can also be made by the methods and facilities. Any product described herein can be made in finished form or un-finished form and moved, e.g., to a fixed facility, e.g., fixed production facility.
US08399200B2
A process is disclosed which enables the establishing of comprehensive immunoglobulin-specific reaction profiles of subjects with disorders of the immune function by the individual V gene repertoire of Ig-expressing B cells. The process comprises the isolation of B cells from body fluids, the isolation of individual B cells and their genetic material, the amplification of nucleic acids coding the variable regions of an antibody expressed by a B cell, the recombinant preparation of antibodies by expressing the amplificates, and the determination of the binding capability of the recombinant antibody to antigens.
US08399196B2
The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequencing methods, kits and reagents, and more particularly to methods of sequencing nucleic acid which employ a nucleic acid processing enzyme and one or more nucleotide analogues that are capable of binding to the active site of the enzyme and to complementary bases in the nucleic acid molecule being sequenced, but which are non-incorporable or inhibitors of the nucleic acid processing enzyme. In further aspects, the present invention relates to conjugates which comprise a deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (DNTPs) or an analogue thereof linked to an intercalating dye.
US08399195B2
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for detecting genetic abnormalities. The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for comparing alleles in a sample containing both maternal and fetal nucleic acids in order to identify genetic abnormalities.
US08399187B2
This document provides methods and materials related to assessing organisms for the presence or absence of anti-virus antibodies. For example, this document provides methods and materials that can be used to determine whether or not an organism (e.g., a member of a swine species such as a pig) contains anti-PRRS virus antibodies. In other embodiments, this document provides methods and materials that can be used to determine if a particular organism received a vaccine version of a virus, was infected with a naturally-occurring version of the virus, or is naïve with respect to the virus.
US08399178B2
The invention relates to a method of producing a relief image arrangement, usable especially in the fields of flexography, embossing and heliogravure, and comprising a base layer and a layer of photosensitive material fixed on the base layer. The method is of the type according to which an image is produced on the photosensitive layer by causing selective curing by irradiating the zones that are to be in relief with light of a predetermined wavelength. The method is characterized in that the image is produced in the form of a set of points to which a substantially pyramidal shape is given, widening out in the direction of the base layer (5). The invention is usable for producing relief images, in the field of flexography.
US08399175B2
Photopolymer resins are disclosed which includes metal and/or ceramic surface chelating agents to provide strong bonding of the photopolymer resin to the inorganic surface of the first information layer of an optical disc. The resins also include a fast surface cure and glass transition temperature controlling monomers that provides easy stamper separation The disclosed photopolymer resins also include short wavelength (<405 nm) surface cure initiators. The resins may also optionally include shrinkage control oligomers and/or polymer fillers or a combination of both Use of the disclosed resins eliminates two steps from the manufacture of a multiple information layer optical disc as the formation of spacer layers and the curing of spacer layers is no longer necessary.
US08399173B2
The present invention provides a resist composition prepared by dissolving components in an organic solvent containing ethyl lactate, which suppresses deterioration of sensitivity with time and also has required lithographic characteristics, and a method for forming a resist pattern. The resist composition is prepared by dissolving a resin component (A) which exhibits changeable alkali solubility under an action of an acid, an acid generator component (B) which generates an acid upon exposure, an amine (D) and acetic acid in an organic solvent (S) containing ethyl lactate.
US08399160B2
Provided is a reflective mask blank, wherein even if inspection light for defect inspection is irradiated onto an uppermost surface of a multilayer reflective film or of an absorber film formed over a reference point mark, sufficient contrast is obtained between a position of the reference point mark and its peripheral portion so that the position of the reference point mark can be identified with high accuracy. By forming a reference point mark (11) in the form of a recess having a depth of 10 μm or more and a width of 80 μm or more on a main surface of a substrate (12), even if a multilayer reflective film (13), an absorber film (15), and so on are formed over the reference point mark (11), sufficient contrast for the inspection light is obtained so that the position of the reference point mark (11) can be identified with high accuracy.
US08399154B2
An anion-exchange membrane having quaternary ammonium groups or quaternary phosphonium groups wherein halogen ions serve as the counter ions is obtained. Rather than being subjected to ion exchange with an OH-type membrane using a toxic substance such as sodium hydroxide, the halogen-type anion exchange membrane is brought into contact with a carbonate solution and/or bicarbonate solution to directly obtain an anion exchange membrane where at least some of the counterions of the quaternary ammonium groups or quaternary phosphonium groups are CO32− and/or HCO3−.
US08399145B2
A membrane electrode assembly having a peripheral edge region and a central region. The membrane electrode assembly comprises an ion-conducting membrane, first and second electrocatalyst layers disposed either side of the ion-conducting membrane, and first and second gas diffusion layers disposed either side of the first and second electrocatalyst layers respectively. The membrane electrode assembly further comprises an edge protection member, the edge protection member comprising a film layer, a bonding layer, and one or more additives selected from the group consisting of free radical decomposition catalyst, self regenerating antioxidant, hydrogen donors (H-donor) primary antioxidant, free radical scavenger secondary antioxidant, oxygen absorbers (oxygen scavenger) and elemental palladium. The edge protection member is positioned between the membrane and the first and/or second gas diffusion layer at the peripheral edge region of the membrane electrode assembly, and the edge protection member overlaps the first and/or second electrocatalyst layers.
US08399142B2
A control strategy results in a relative humidity profile that is substantially the same or constant regardless of the operational power level of the fuel cell stack. The strategy maintains the relative humidity profile within a range that enables high current density operation of the fuel cell stack. The profile is achieved by adjusting a coolant flow rate through the fuel cell stack to maintain a temperature change across the coolant flow path from inlet to outlet substantially constant regardless of the operational power level of the fuel cell stack.
US08399134B2
A lead acid battery includes a housing and at least one cell disposed within the housing. Each cell includes at least one positive plate and at least one negative plate and an electrolyte disposed in a volume between the positive and negative plates. The at least one negative plate includes a current collector, consisting essentially of a layer of carbon foam disposed on a substrate, and a chemically active material disposed on the current collector.
US08399123B2
A battery case material includes a biaxially stretched polyamide film layer as an outer layer, a thermoplastic resin unstretched film layer as an inner layer, and an aluminum foil layer interposed between the two film layers. As the biaxially stretched polyamide film, a biaxially stretched polyamide film having a density of 1,130 to 1,160 kg/m3 is used. In the battery case material, excellent formability can be secured without coating a lubrication giving component, and sufficient volume capacity ratio can be obtained.
US08399113B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a high-energy density nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery that controls the rise in temperature during short circuiting.Used is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery 1, including a battery case 2, and a positive electrode plate 5 having a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode mixture layer containing a cathode material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, a negative electrode plate 6 having a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode mixture layer containing an anode material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, a separator 7 held between the positive and negative electrode plates, and a nonaqueous electrolyte that are enclosed in the battery case, wherein at least one of the positive electrode plate 5 and the negative electrode plate 6 has an electrode plate resistance, as determined in the charged state in the thickness direction when pressurized at 50 kg/cm2, of 0.4 Ω·cm2 or more.
US08399103B2
A method of a pre-treatment process for coating notably improves both the surface roughness of a coating layer of a cemented carbide cutting tool and the bonding force of the coating layer to the substrate. According to the method, a sintered surface layer within a range of 0.5-5 μm, which corresponds to the tungsten carbide particle size of a substrate, is properly removed from the substrate surface of a cemented carbide cutting tool. Thus, a porous sintered surface layer having a non-uniform structure is removed and a substrate surface having high structure density and evenness is provided compared to blasting pre-treatment. In order to obtain a sufficient bonding force between a coating layer and the substrate, the surface ratio of open pores, which exist around tungsten carbide particles appearing by removal of the porous sintered surface, is equal to or more than 5%.
US08399078B2
A container consisting of at least two layers, the inner layer consisting of a PE or PP film and the PCTFE layer consisting of a PCTFE film, and the thickness of the PCTFE layer being about 40-100 μm, which container is equipped with a device where the liquid can be lead out through when desired and which container is transparent, shows superior properties for storing liquid pharmaceutical compositions, especially insulin compositions containing preservatives.
US08399076B2
An ink jet recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing a binder which containing an acrylonitrile butadiene type copolymer, the butadiene concentration of the copolymer is 50 weight % or more, and an inorganic pigment on one or two sides of a base paper mainly composed of wood pulp, wherein the concentration ratio of the acrylonitrile butadiene type copolymer to 100 parts by weight of the inorganic pigment is from one part by weight to eight parts by weight, while 60 weight % or more of the inorganic pigment is kaolin with particles of 0.4 μm or more and below 4.2 μm which account for 64% or more as the cumulative value of the volumetric basis when measured using a laser diffraction method, and the surface roughness of the ink receiving layer is from 0.6 μm to 1.4 μm when a hard backing is used at a clamp pressure of 1,000 kPa according to JIS P8151.
US08399073B2
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium having negative dielectric anisotropy which comprises at least one compound of the formula I in which R1, R1* and a have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display, in particular based on the VA, PS-VA, PALC, FFS or IPS effect.
US08399072B2
A process for producing silicon rods including providing a reactor vessel containing at least one reaction chamber surrounded by a jacket, wherein a pre-heating fluid is circulated in the jacket; one or more electrode assemblies extending into the reaction chamber wherein each electrode assembly comprises a gas inlet, one or more heat transfer fluid inlets/outlets, at least one pair of silicon filaments, the filaments connected to each other at their upper ends with a silicon bridge to form a filament/slim rod assembly, each filament/slim rod assembly enclosed in an isolation jacket; a source of a silicon-bearing gas connected to the interior of the vessel for supplying the gas into the reaction chamber to produce a reaction and to deposit polycrystalline silicon on the filament by chemical vapor deposition thereby producing a rod of polycrystalline silicon; a heat transfer system that is connected to the jacketed reaction chamber that supplies heat transfer fluid to preheat the reaction chamber; and a power supply wherein the power supply supplies less than about 26,000 volts; wherein the apparatus does not include a heating finger is provided.
US08399064B2
The invention relates to a process for improving the adhesion of carbon fibers by coating a surface of the carbon fibers with a polymer film containing functional groups capable of acting as chain transfer agents during a chain transfer polymerization of a resin curable by chain transfer polymerization to obtain coated carbon fibers. The coated carbon fibers are then contacted with the curable resin, and the chain transfer polymerization of the curable resin is induced to produce an organic matrix and forming a composite material. The functional groups of the polymer film act as chain transfer agents during the chain transfer polymerization of the curable resin and thereby improve adhesion of the carbon fibers to the organic matrix. Applications of this invention include aeronautical, aerospatial, shipbuilding, railway and motor vehicle industries, armaments industry, sports and leisure articles, and the like.
US08399061B2
The invention relates to an aqueous coating material for metallic substrates, comprising a water-dispersible and/or water-soluble polymer P with a gradient in the concentration of covalently bonded hydrophilic groups along the main polymer chain, the polymer P having covalently bonded ligands A, which form chelates with the metal ions released during the corrosion of the substrate and/or with the substrate surface, and having crosslinking functional groups B, which with themselves, with further complementary functional groups B′ of the polymer P and/or with further functional groups B and/or B′ are able to form covalent bonds to crosslinkers V.
US08399060B2
A shake fabricating process for producing roofing shakes from a lumber drop block having a natural grain and having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface is provided. In accordance with the process, the drop block is scanned for unacceptable grain structure. The drop block is cut across said natural grain into blanks having a length generally equivalent to the length of a roofing shake and including a first end section and a second end section. The blank is cut on a diagonal plane relative to the first and second end sections, the plane extending from the first end to said second end so as to divide the board into a pair of shakes, each shake having a first and second end portion and defining a decreasing thickness from the first end portion to the second end portion. The shakes are placed in a pressure treating chamber for treatment with a chemical preservative.
US08399059B2
A PZT (lead zirconate titanate) element including one or more outside surfaces including a layer of encapsulation and metallization material and the method of making the same including at least the steps of providing a wafer of ceramic material including a base and one or more walls defining one or more recesses in the wafer which are filled with an encapsulation material. The encapsulation material is then cured and a layer of metallization is applied to one or more of the outside surfaces of the wafer and encapsulation material. Cuts are then made through the layer of metallization and cured encapsulation material to divide the wafer into a plurality of individual and separate ceramic elements with one or more surfaces including a layer of metallization and encapsulation.
US08399053B2
A nozzle for dispensing a random pattern of liquid adhesive filaments. The nozzle may include first and second air shim plates, an adhesive shim plate and first and second separating shim plates. The first and second air shim plates each have respective pairs of air slots. Each air slot has a process air inlet and a process air outlet and the air slots of each pair converge toward one another such that the process air inlets are farther apart than the process air outlets in each pair. The adhesive shim plate includes a plurality of liquid slots each with a liquid outlet. Four process air outlets are associated with each of the liquid outlets. The process air slots are adapted to receive pressurized process air and the liquid slots are adapted to receive pressurized liquid adhesive. The pressurized process air discharges from each group of the four process air outlets and forms a zone of turbulence for moving the filament of liquid adhesive discharging from the associated liquid outlet in a random pattern.
US08399050B2
A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium that includes a nonmagnetic underlayer, a magnetic layer, a protective layer, and a lubricant layer sequentially laminated on a nonmagnetic substrate. The method includes applying a lubricant onto the protective layer to form the lubricant layer, which includes ejecting shots of a heated lubricant liquid onto the protective layer from a nozzle. The heated lubricant liquid contains a perfluoropolyether lubricant, and each shot is of a quantity in a range of 0.1 to 10 pico liters.
US08399049B2
The application relates to a process for preparing a crosslinked cable, including:—applying one or more layers including a polymer composition on a conductor, wherein at least one layer includes one or more free radical generating agents,—crosslinking by radical reaction said at least one layer comprising said free radical generating agent(s),—cooling the obtained crosslinked cable in pressurized conditions.
US08399041B2
Provided is a plastic fat composition prepared using only fats and/or oils which are essentially free from trans acid residues as a raw material fat and/or oil, in which coarsening of the fat crystals during storage is suppressed. The fat composition is prepared by blending the fats and/or oils that are essentially free from trans acid residues as a raw material fat and/or oil with a specific mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids. The mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids have a palmitic acid content of 10% or more, and a palmitic acid and stearic acid content of 90% or more, based on 100% of the fatty acid constituting the mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids and are essentially free from trans acids; and have a diester content of 50% by mass or more and monoester content of 5% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids.
US08399038B2
An inexpensive heat treatment method for producing dried microbial cells is provided, wherein the method does not result in lowering the quality of the microbial cells or causing pulverization. The method includes a step of heating microbial cells to between 200 to 450° C. for 1 to 30 seconds.
US08399017B2
A tablet for oral administration comprises a matrix of progressive and continuous released magnesium. For the administration of 90 to 110 parts by weight of magnesium, the matrix comprises 180 to 190 parts by weight of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, 19.8 to 22.2 parts by weight of glyceryl behenate, 10 to 12 parts by weight of lactose and 10 to 12 parts by weight of colloidal silica. A non-enteric protective coating that slows down the gastric dissolution of the magnesium may comprise 15 to 75 parts by weight of shellac, cellulose ether or a mixture thereof. The tablet may be administered to patients in need thereof.
US08399015B2
A solid pharmaceutical dosage form providing improved oral bioavailability is disclosed for inhibitors of HIV protease. In particular, the dosage form comprises a solid dispersion of at least one HIV protease inhibitor and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble polymer and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant, said pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble polymer having a Tg of at least about 50° C. Preferably, the pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant has an HLB value of from about 4 to about 10.
US08399008B2
One embodiment of the present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing attachment of soft tissues to a metal prosthetic device. In one embodiment a construct is provided comprising a metal implant having a porous metal region, wherein said porous region exhibits a nano-textured surface, and a biocompatible polymer matrix coating the nano-textured surface. The polymer matrix coating comprises a naturally occurring extracellular matrix with biocompatible inorganic materials distributed within the matrix, or a biocompatible polymer and an osteoinductive agent.
US08399007B2
Methods for making formulations of drugs and crystalline side chain polymers which formulations provide controlled and/or sustained release drug formulations.
US08399006B2
A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. A plurality of interconnecting channels can extend from the first side to the second side so as to connect a first a plurality of openings on the first side with a second plurality of openings on the second side. Each of the openings on the first side can be connected to each of the openings on the second side with the plurality of interconnecting channels, such that the rate of release of the therapeutic agent can be substantially maintained when one or more of the openings is blocked, for example with particles, cells, bacteria or tissue when the device is implanted for an extended time. The length of the channels extending from the first side to the second side may comprise an effective length greater than a distance across the porous structure from the first side to the second side. The therapeutic device many comprise an expandable retention structure and an expandable reservoir, such that the device can be delivered from a lumen of a delivery device and expand when positioned in the patient. The therapeutic device may comprises a penetrable barrier to inject therapeutic agent into the device when implanted in the patient.
US08399000B2
The invention described herein relates to a Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) regulon encoding type IV pili. In particular, the invention relates to type pili from nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) and from H. influenzae strains a, b, c, e and f. The invention provides isolated H. influenzae pilus polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides as well as polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides involved in the assembly/disassembly of the structure. The invention also relates to uses of these polynucleotides and/or polypeptides including methods for eliciting an immune response to H. influenzae and methods of treating and preventing H. influenzae related pathological conditions.
US08398999B2
NMB1870 is a protein in Neisseria meningitidis. Three families of NMB1870 are known. To increase the ability of a NMB1870 protein to elicit antibodies that are cross-reactive between the families, NMB1870 is engineered. Sequences can be substituted from one NMB1870 family into the corresponding position in another family. Proteins of NMB1870 sequences from different families can be joined to each other.
US08398996B2
The invention provides proteins from Staphylococcus aureus including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. The proteins are useful for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, diagnostics, enzymatic studies and also as targets for antibiotics.
US08398992B2
The present invention relates to therapeutic and prophylactic methods for treating or preventing an infectious disease in a subject by stimulating or enhancing an immune response against an infectious agent causing the disease. The methods comprise administering to the subject a plurality of compositions, each composition being administered to a different site of the subject, wherein each site is, or substantially drains to, an anatomically distinct lymph node, a group of lymph nodes, a nonencapsulated cluster of lymphoid tissue, or the spleen. Each composition comprises at least one antigenic molecule having one or more epitopes of the same infectious agent or a strain thereof. The antigenic molecules of each composition comprise in aggregate a set of epitopes distinct from that of any other composition that is administered to the subject.
US08398988B2
Factor H binding protein (fHBP) has been proposed for use in immunising against serogroup B meningococcus (‘MenB’). This antigen can be efficiently adsorbed to an aluminum hydroxyphosphate adjuvant by (i) ensuring that adsorption takes place at a pH which is equal to or below the adjuvant's point of zero charge (PZC), and/or (ii) selecting a fHBP and adjuvant with an isoelectric point/PZC within the range of 5.0 to 7, and/or (iii) selecting a fHBP with an isoelectric point above the adjuvant's PZC and using a buffer to bring the pH to within 1.2 pH units of the PZC. The adsorption is particularly useful for compositions which include multiple fHBP variants, and also in situations where an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant should be avoided. Buffered pharmaceutical compositions can include at least two different meningococcal fHBP antigens, both of which are at least 85% adsorbed to aluminum hydroxyphosphate adjuvant.
US08398986B2
An ADP-ribosylating toxin from Listeria monocytogenes is disclosed, together with mutant toxins and uses therefor. There is only a low level of sequence identity between this toxin and known toxins such as the iota toxin from Clostridium perfringens.
US08398984B2
The present invention is to provide a removal promoter for apoptotic cells which is capable of immediately removing apoptotic cells in vivo by macrophages, or a removal inhibitor which inhibits the removal of apoptotic cells in vivo by macrophages. A removal promoter for apoptotic cells in vivo containing the milk fat globule-EGF factor 8-L (MFG-E8-L), MFG-E8-L mutant having removal promotion action for apoptotic cells in vivo by macrophages, or preferably a recombinant human or mouse MFG-E8-L, or a recombinant human or mouse MFG-E8-L mutant as an active ingredient is prepared. Such removal promoters specifically bind to apoptotic cells and promote the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages by recognizing aminophospholipids such as phosphatidylserine exposed on apoptotic cell surface. On the other hand, a point mutation (D89E) MFG-E8-L mutant is used as a removal inhibitor.
US08398979B2
The invention relates to anti-TNFR1 polypeptides and antibody single variable domains (dAbs) that are resistant to degradation by a protease, as well as antagonists comprising these. The polypeptides, dAbs and antagonists are useful for as therapeutics and/or prophylactics that are likely to encounter proteases when administered to a patient, for example for pulmonary administration, oral administration, delivery to the lung and delivery to the GI tract of a patient, as well as for treating inflammatory disease, such as arthritis or COPD.
US08398974B2
Provided are monoclonal antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, and combinations of the foregoing, that bind to, and inhibit the activity of, c-Met, and that are effective in treating cancers and other diseases, disorders, or conditions where pathogenesis is mediated by c-Met.
US08398971B2
The present invention provides a method of reducing the quanitity of mucus in the respiratory tract of a subject with elevated levels of mucus in said respiratory tract. The method includes administering to the subject a compound or composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of a fusion protein comprising a sialidase or an active portion thereof and an anchoring domain. The therapeutically effective amount comprises an amount of the fusion protein that results in a reduction of the quanitity of mucus in the respiratory tract after administration of the compound or composition when compared to the quantity of mucus present prior to administration of the compound or composition.
US08398955B2
This disclosure provides a method of preparing a crystalline molecular sieve comprising: (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising at least one source of ions of tetravalent element Y, at least one source of alkali metal hydroxide, water, optionally at least one seed crystal, and optionally at least one source of ions of trivalent element X, the reaction mixture having the following molar composition: Y:X2=2 to infinity, preferably from about 2 to about 1000, OH−:Y=0.001 to 2, preferably from 0.1 to 1, M+:Y=0.001 to 2, preferably from 0.01 to 2 wherein M is an alkali metal and the amount of water is at least sufficient to permit extrusion of the reaction mixture, wherein the reaction mixture is substantially free of crystalline molecular sieve; (b) extruding the reaction mixture to form a pre-formed extrudate; and (c) crystallizing the pre-formed extrudate in a liquid medium comprising water under liquid phase crystallization conditions to form a crystallized extrudate having the crystalline molecular sieve.
US08398939B2
A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.
US08398934B2
A magnetic coupling system may be used in a fluid displacement apparatus to magnetically couple a drive shaft to a piston. The magnetic coupling system may include first and second magnetic couplers at the ends of the drive shaft and piston, respectively. The first magnetic coupler and second magnetic coupler may be configured to exert an attractive force. A bearing between the magnetic couplers reduces friction and side loading.
US08398933B2
By a method and a device for preventing corrosion on and in the region of a gas inlet nozzle during nitric acid condensation, contact of the condensing gas with the nozzle and with the surroundings of the nozzle are supposed to be minimized. This is achieved in that the gas inlet nozzle has a sleeve on the inside in the transition region to the interior of the condenser, by which sleeve a gas inlet orifice in the form of an annular gap is formed, whereby the annular space is provided with at least one feed opening for secondary air, so that an enveloping flow of secondary air is produced around the entering NO gas.
US08398931B2
The invention provides a recirculating reactor for converting a substrate to a product. The reactor comprises a reaction chamber and a recirculation system, said recirculation system comprising a separator. The reaction chamber contains a catalyst, and comprises a chamber body, a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet. The recirculation system is adapted for recirculating liquid from the chamber outlet to the chamber inlet, and the separator is used for separating a by-product from the liquid.
US08398930B2
The invention relates to a system for externally holding a catalyst bed in a radial flow catalytic reactor, comprising a plurality of hollow longitudinal duct elements (2) regularly distributed in a peripheral ring around a central space (3) containing the catalyst bed and having a front filtering wall (5) facing the catalyst for the radial intake of a fluid to be treated in the catalyst bed (3). Each of the duct elements (2) is laterally defined by two lateral walls (6) radially oriented in the reactor (1) and comprising an assembling means for assembly with the respectively adjacent elements (2′) of the male member in female member (7, 8) type.
US08398915B2
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for a making a formed fibrous article and more specifically to method and apparatus for making a formed fibrous article useful as an absorbent core structure in a disposable sanitary article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, diaper or the like. The present invention also relates to a disposable sanitary article including a formed fibrous article according to the present invention as a core structure thereof.
US08398913B2
Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a combination of high tensile strength and high oxidative stability. The materials are especially suitable for use as bearing components in artificial hip and other implants. Treated bulk materials are anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted crosslinked UHMWPE.
US08398909B1
Dry adhesives and methods of making dry adhesives including a method of making a dry adhesive including applying a liquid polymer to the second end of a stem, contacting the liquid polymer on the stem with a tip shaping surface, bending the stem relative to the backing layer while contacting the liquid polymer on the stem with the tip shaping surface, curing the liquid polymer to form a tip on the second end of the stem while bending the stem relative to the backing layer and while contacting the liquid polymer on the stem with the tip shaping surface, andremoving the tip from the tip shaping surface after the liquid polymer cures.
US08398897B2
Thermoelectric material has attracted more attentions as a promising energy material in recent years. Research nowadays are devoted to improvement of figure-of-merit (zT=S2T/ρκ). Motivated by p-type AgSbTe2 compound, ternary Ag—Sb—Te has been reported as an important thermoelectric system. Although ternary AgSbTe2 compound has been considered as a candidate for thermoelectric materials with the advantages of low thermal conductivity (κp=0.6 WK−1 m−1), the relatively high electrical resistivity (ρ=7.5*10−3 Ωcm) has limited its applications. This invention disclosed brand-new Ag—Sb—Te bulk materials with very fine microstructures that nanoscale Ag2Te phase precipitate uniformly in the multi-phase matrix through class I reaction, liquid=Ag2Te+AgSbTe2+δ. Moreover, the electrical resistivity (ρ) measured by four-probe method is as low as 8.4*10−4 (Ωcm) at room temperature, which guarantees the promise of those ternary bulk materials.
US08398891B2
A red-emitting phosphor composed of an M-Al—Si—N system, comprising a cation M, wherein M is represented by at least one of the elements Ca or Ba or Sr and, if appropriate, can additionally be combined with at least one further element from the group Mg, Zn, Cd, wherein the phosphor is activated with Eu, which partly replaces M, and wherein the phosphor additionally contains LiF.
US08398887B2
A nematic phase liquid crystal compound with negative dielectric constant has a structure represented by wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or linear alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or linear alkenyl having 1-8 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy or alykenoxy formed by substituting one or nonadjacent two CH2 in the linear alkyl or alkenyl with oxygen atom, wherein 0 to 4 hydrogen atoms of R1 group can be substituted with fluorine; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or linear alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or R2 represents a linear fluoroalkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, in which group 1 to 4 hydrogens can be substituted with fluorine atoms; A represents a benzene ring or 1,4-cyclohexane ring, if A is a benzene ring 0 to 4 hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring may be substituted with fluorine; n=1 to 2, and m=0 to 2.
US08398886B2
The invention provides a liquid crystal composition that includes a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, that optionally includes a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a small viscosity as a third component and a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and that has negative dielectric anisotropy, and provides a liquid crystal display device containing this composition.
US08398881B2
The present invention provides a refrigerating oil composition containing a refrigerant (A) containing as a predominant component a C1-C8 hydrocarbon compound and a base oil (B) composed of a polyalkylene glycol ether having a specific structure and/or a polyvinyl ether having a specific structure, and satisfying the following conditions: solubility of the refrigerant (A) in the base oil (B) of 40 mass % or less at 40° C. and 1.2 MPa and mixture viscosity of the refrigerating oil composition of 0.1 mm2/s or more at 90° C. and 2.3 MPa. According to the refrigerating oil composition of the present invention, refrigerating oil and hydrocarbon-based refrigerant are mutually dissolved at an appropriate degree, and lubrication can be fully attained by the refrigerating oil. Even when the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant is used in an amount smaller than the conventional amount, cooling can be performed satisfactorily.
US08398872B2
A novel method of forming large atomically flat areas is described in which a crystalline substrate having a stepped surface is exposed to a vapor of another material to deposit a material onto the substrate, which material under appropriate conditions self arranges to form 3D islands across the substrate surface. These islands are atomically flat at their top surface, and conform to the stepped surface of the substrate below at the island-substrate interface. Thereafter, the deposited materials are etched away, in the etch process the atomically flat surface areas of the islands transferred to the underlying substrate. Thereafter the substrate may be cleaned and annealed to remove any remaining unwanted contaminants, and eliminate any residual defects that may have remained in the substrate surface as a result of pre-existing imperfections of the substrate.
US08398871B2
A method for designing a first optical filter, exhibiting a first filter performance satisfying a first preset criterion, and a second optical filter, exhibiting a second filter performance satisfying a second preset criterion, includes providing initial first and second filter designs for the first and second optical filters, respectively, as first and second ordered stacks of layers, respectively. A pair of layers, including a first layer, characterized by a first thickness, and a second layer, characterized by a second thickness, is selected from the first and second ordered stacks of layers. The first thickness is constrained to a first constrained thickness that is a positive integer multiple of the second thickness to yield a constrained first filter design. A predicted performance of the constrained first filter design is determined and compared with the first preset criterion for one of accepting and rejecting the constrained first filter design.
US08398862B1
A method for extracting energy from hydrocarbons located in a geologic reservoir is presented, including the steps of: oxidizing the hydrocarbons; extracting heat generated from oxidizing the hydrocarbons, relocating oxidized gases away from the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and replenishing oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons. The extraction of heat further includes: evaporating a liquid; transferring the evaporated liquid to the surface; and recovering low-NaCl, low-precipitate water from the evaporated liquid. The replenishing of oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons further includes: generating oxygen from water; and transferring the generated oxygen toward the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and combining hydrogen derived from the generating step with surface oxygen, whereby heat and low-precipitate, pure water is produced.
US08398853B2
A water purifying system having a bypass path supplies raw water to an outlet when a filter assembly is separated from a valve assembly. The water purifying system includes a valve assembly having a valve cover with an inlet and an outlet, and a head member moved up and down within the valve cover to form an inflow path and an outflow path, and a filter assembly removably connected to the valve assembly and mounted with a filter. When the filter assembly is connected to the valve assembly through a linear motion, the filter assembly advances the head member so that a fluid flown in through the inlet is guided to the outlet passing through the filter. When the filter assembly is separated from the valve assembly, the head member is retreated so that the fluid flown through the inlet is guided to the outlet bypassing the filter.
US08398843B2
Provided is a microfluidic device for electrochemically regulating the pH of a fluid comprising: a cathode substrate; an anode substrate facing the cathode substrate and forming a reaction chamber with the cathode substrate; and a nonconductor which forms a boundary between the portions of the cathode substrate and the anode substrate that are capable of contacting one another, wherein at least one of the cathode substrate and the anode substrate is a semiconductor doped with impurities and the other is a metal electrode.
US08398840B2
An electrode “cell” for use in a capacitive deionization (CDI) reactor consists of the electrode support structure, a non-reactive conductive material, the electrode accompaniment or substrate and a flow through screen/separator. These “layers” are repeated and the electrodes are sealed together with gaskets between two end plates to create stacked sets of alternating anode and cathode electrodes in the CDI reactor.
US08398839B1
A new microfluidic system comprising an automated prototype insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) triggering microfluidic device for pathogen monitoring that can eventually be run outside the laboratory in a real world environment has been used to demonstrate the feasibility of automated trapping and detection of particles. The system broadly comprised an aerosol collector for collecting air-borne particles, an iDEP chip within which to temporarily trap the collected particles and a laser and fluorescence detector with which to induce a fluorescence signal and detect a change in that signal as particles are trapped within the iDEP chip.
US08398832B2
A sputtering coil for a plasma chamber in a semiconductor fabrication system is provided. The sputtering coil couples energy into a plasma and also provides a source of sputtering material to be sputtered onto a workpiece from the coil to supplement material being sputtered from a target onto the workpiece. Alternatively a plurality of coils may be provided, one primarily for coupling energy into the plasma and the other primarily for providing a supplemental source of sputtering material to be sputtered on the workpiece.
US08398814B2
A tunable gas flow equalizer is described. In an embodiment, the tunable flow equalizer includes a gas flow equalizer plate having primary opening and a secondary opening. The primary opening may surround a substrate support, and the secondary opening may be configured with a tuner. In an embodiment, the substrate support may be vertically adjustable with respect to the gas flow equalizer plate. The flow uniformity may be fine tuned by adjusting a tuner configured with a secondary opening in the gas flow equalizer plate and/or by adjusting the height of a vertically positionable substrate support plate having an inwardly tapered skirt 528 with respect to the gas flow equalizer plate 520.
US08398813B2
The present invention provides a processing apparatus and a processing method, both of which can carry out a low-temperature process to allow active gas species to react with an oxide film on an object to be processed to form a product film and a heating process to heat the object to a predetermined temperature to evaporate the product film, in succession. This processing apparatus 12 is provided with a shielding plate 103 capable of entering a gap between the object W and a transparent window 28 and also withdrawing from the gap. On condition that the shielding plate 103 is closed to cut off irradiation heat from the transparent window 28, the product film is formed by allowing the active gas species of NF3 gas to react with a native oxide film on the object under the low-temperature condition. After that, upon closing the shielding plate 103, the native oxide film is removed by applying heat irradiated from a heating lamp 36 to the product film through the transparent window 28. Additionally, the apparatus includes a low-temperature processing chamber 207 allowing NF3 gas to react with the native oxide film at a low temperature and a heating chamber 209 for heating the product film, independently.
US08398804B2
A method of wash-durably bonding integrated textile emblems such as patches, emblems, labels and cut textile parts to another textile article by laminating a pressure sensitive acrylic polymer adhesive to the back surface of the textile emblem. The acrylic polymer adhesive has a storage modulus that is greater than a loss modulus throughout a frequency range of from 0.1885 Hz to 628 Hz where bonding and debonding are expected to occur, and is devoid of any cross linking additives or reagents. The integrated textile emblem with laminated pressure sensitive acrylic polymer adhesive has improved adhesion to low-to-high energy surfaces, is not water soluble and is of adequate thickness to provide a wash-durable textile-to-textile bond capable of seaming or permanently attaching items such as textile panels, appliqué bearing text, numbers, logos and other indicia for the apparel, accessory and other industries.
US08398798B2
A method for fabricating lenticulars includes applying a rubbing layer on a lenticular structure. The rubbing layer is baked on the lenticular structure before installation of the lenticular structure on a plate. After baking, the lenticular structure is applied to the plate.
US08398785B2
A rigid lance cleaning system includes rigid tubular lances that are movable between retracted and extended positions for delivering a cleaning fluid. Flexible hoses are connected to respective rigid tubular lances for delivering the cleaning fluid. A hose reel is configured to dispense the flexible hose when the rigid tubular lances extend and collect the flexible hoses when the rigid tubular lances retract. A frame movably supports the rigid tubular lances and a drive system is configured to selectively extend and retract the rigid tubular lenses.
US08398781B2
A method of cleaning equipment such as heat exchangers, evaporators, tanks and other industrial equipment using clean-in-place procedures and a pre-treatment solution prior to the conventional CIP cleaning process. The pre-treatment step improves the degree of softening of the soil, and thus facilitates its removal. The pre-treatment solution can be a strong acidic solution, a strong alkaline solution, or comprise a penetrant. A preferred strong acidic solution is an acid peroxide solution. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment may include no strong alkali or acid ingredient; rather, the penetrant provides acceptable levels of pre-treatment.
US08398779B2
Non-metallic deposits are selectively removed from aluminum containing substrates such as aluminum faceplates using a selective deposition removal (SDR) solution. The SDR solution does not substantially etch the faceplate holes, thereby preserving the hole diameter integrity and increasing the number of times the faceplate may be cleaned or refurbished while remaining within processing hole diameter tolerances. In an embodiment, the SDR solution comprises, in wt % of the solution, 15.5%+/−2% HF or buffered HF acid, 3.8%+/−0.5% NH4F pH buffer, 59.7%+/−5% ethylene glycol, and the balance H2O.
US08398777B2
A pedestal positioning assembly system for use in a substrate processing system includes a pedestal rigidly attached to a pedestal shaft, a reference rigidly attached to the substrate processing system, a lateral adjustment assembly to adjust a lateral location of the pedestal relative to the reference, and a vertical adjustment assembly to adjust a tilt of the pedestal relative to the reference. The lateral adjustment assembly and the vertical adjustment assembly are external to a processing chamber and are coupled to the pedestal disposed within the processing chamber through the pedestal shaft. The reference can be a ring and the lateral adjustment assembly substantially centers the pedestal within the ring. A method of adjusting a pedestal includes leveling the pedestal, translating the pedestal, calibrating the pedestal height to a preheat ring level, and checking the level and location of the pedestal while rotating the pedestal.
US08398770B2
A process for depositing a thin film material on a substrate is disclosed, comprising simultaneously directing a series of gas flows from the output face of a delivery head of a thin film deposition system toward the surface of a substrate, and wherein the series of gas flows comprises at least a first reactive gaseous material, an inert purge gas, and a second reactive gaseous material, wherein the first reactive gaseous material is capable of reacting with a substrate surface treated with the second reactive gaseous material, wherein one or more of the gas flows provides a pressure that at least contributes to the separation of the surface of the substrate from the face of the delivery head. A system capable of carrying out such a process is also disclosed.
US08398768B2
Methods of making an article of semiconducting material on a mold comprising semiconducting material
The invention relates to methods of making articles of semiconducting material on a mold comprising semiconducting material and semiconducting material articles formed thereby, such as articles of semiconducting material that may be useful in making photovoltaic cells.
US08398761B2
The present invention provides an ink composition for use in inkjet recording, the ink composition including one of water-soluble dye and water in an amount of from 20% to 40% by mass, which is capable of recording an image that is suppressed in the variation of image density immediately after printing.
US08398757B2
A CO2 recovering apparatus includes a CO2 absorber that brings flue gas containing CO2 and O2 into contact with CO2 absorbing liquid to reduce CO2 in the flue gas; and a regenerator that reduces CO2 in CO2 absorbing liquid (rich solvent) that absorbed CO2 in the CO2 absorber to regenerate the CO2 absorbing liquid, so that the regenerated CO2 absorbing liquid (lean solvent) having CO2 reduced in the regenerator is reused in the CO2 absorber. A lower liquid reservoir is located at the bottom of the CO2 absorber, and an air-bubble gathering member is arranged therein to gather air bubbles included in the absorbing liquid.
US08398748B2
Contemplated configurations and methods include a solvent regenerator (58) that has an upper (93) and a lower stripping section (94). Cooled rich solve is used as reflux while heated rich solvent (11) is used as a source of stripping agent in the upper section (91). A reboiler (62) in the lower section provides further stripping agent, hi especially preferred configurations, a portion of lean solved from the regenerator (58) is further stripped in a separate or integrated regenerator (62) to form an ultra-lean solvent. Both lean and ultra-lean solvents are preferably used in a two-stage absorber (52) to thereby from the rich solvent and an offgas that is very low in acid gas.
US08398742B2
A system for a vehicle includes a regeneration module and a disconnection indication module. The regeneration module indicates when a regeneration of a particulate filter is complete. The disconnection indication module receives a pressure difference across the particulate filter measured using delta pressure sensor. The delta pressure sensor generates the pressure difference based on first and second pressures upstream and downstream of the particulate filter applied to the delta pressure sensor using upstream and downstream pressure lines, respectively. In response to an indication that the regeneration of the particulate filter is complete, the disconnection indication module selectively indicates that the downstream pressure line is disconnected based on a comparison of the pressure difference and a predetermined pressure.
US08398734B2
The invention relates to a cyclonic separator comprising a throat portion (4) arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section, to generate a swirling fluid flow in a downstream direction. The diverging fluid outlet section comprises an inner primary outlet (7) for condensables depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet for condensables enriched fluid components (6). The cyclonic separator comprises a volute diffuser (9, 9′) connected to one of the outlets (6, 7), which comprises a volute outlet duct (90, 90′) defined by a volute axis (I1), forming a spiral shape around the central axis (I). The outlet duct (90, 90′) comprises a vortex chamber 95. The vortex chamber is provided to transform axial momentum of the swirling fluid flow with respect to the central axis (I) into tangential momentum with respect to the volute axis (I1).
US08398723B2
The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for dyeing keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one fatty monoamine compound; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one anionic silicone; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes. The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain at least one thickening agent, at least one alkaline agent, at least one fatty substance other than a fatty acid, at least one salt, and at least one oxidizing agent.
US08398711B2
A speech valve comprises a generally cylindrical body and a closure member which is slidably movable within the body between a closed position and an open position. The valve body and the closure member are formed of a rigid, smooth material which is resistant to the growth of biofilm such as a ceramic. A particular suitable ceramic is partially stabilised zirconia. The valve body is provided with an outer sleeve which is provided with radially outward extending annular flanges, which are used to retain the speech valve in a fistula between the oesophagus and the trachea.
US08398709B2
Accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) capsules having a continuously variable Diopter strength between a first Diopter strength in a non-compressed state and a second Diopter strength different than its first Diopter strength in a compressed state. The AIOL capsules include an anterior capsule plate, a posterior capsule plate, and a capsule ring for bounding a hermetic cavity filled with a capsule filling. The anterior capsule plate is intended to anteriorly bulge along the human eye's visual axis on application of an axial compression force against the posterior capsule plate from a posterior direction.
US08398701B2
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.
US08398698B2
The present invention is drawn to a system and/or device for deploying a stent at a bifurcation. In one embodiment, the system and/or device for deploying a stent at a bifurcation may include a dual balloon catheter may include an elongate catheter body. Some dual balloon catheters may have a first proximal balloon and a second balloon bonded to at least a portion of the elongate catheter body. In some cases, a guide wire port may be positioned between the first and second balloons.
US08398696B2
The present invention includes an introducer sheath. The sheath may comprise a first proximal elongated section having a first outer diameter and a first inner diameter, and a main body elongated section having a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter is larger than the first outer diameter. The sheath may further include a distal section having an outer wall that tapers from the second outer diameter of the main body elongated section to a smaller distal outer diameter.
US08398694B2
The over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism includes a cylindrical lock receiving section of a small diameter attached to an implantable medical device such as a blood clot filter, a stent, or a septal occluder. This cylindrical lock receiving section has a plurality of spaced, curved cutouts to receive both the guide fingers and contoured locking fingers formed on a cylindrical locking section. The locking fingers are angled outwardly from the cylindrical body of the cylindrical locking section, and are moved inwardly into engagement with the curved cutouts of the cylindrical lock receiving section by a sheath which slides over the cylindrical locking section or other suitable operator.
US08398687B2
Disclosed embodiments describe a volar plate generally for use treating distal volar fractures. The volar plate is designed in accordance with anatomical features and is generally Y-shaped, having a wider distal head portion that tapers to a narrower proximal body portion. A plurality of holes in the distal head of the volar plate allow for fixation means to fix the position of bone fragments with respect to the volar plate. The plurality of holes in the distal head basically form two substantially non-linear rows, with the distal row generally curving inward proximally and the proximal row generally curving outward distally such that the fixation means inserted through the holes generally converge. A central cavity may be located in the proximal body of the volar plate to promote bone growth, and mounting screws may border the central cavity on either side to provide secure support. Additionally, K-wire holes may be included which are visually linked to corresponding holes in the distal head.
US08398667B2
A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity. The apparatus may include a seal anchor member including a compressible material. The seal anchor member may be adapted to transition between a first condition for insertion of at least a portion of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and a second condition to facilitate a securing of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining a tissue tract. The seal anchor member may have proximal and distal ends and may define at least one port extending between the proximal and distal ends, the at least one port being adapted for the reception of an object whereby compressible material defining the at least one port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial scaled relation with the object. The seal anchor member may include indicia that indicates to a user a location at which the member may be cut so as to reduce the size of the member.
US08398655B2
The present invention relates to a clip applier for clipping and dividing blood vessels, including: a handle; a first jaw unit; and a second jaw unit. The clip applier of the present invention can bring up two ligating clips at the same time with the first jaw unit and the second jaw unit, whereas the two clamping positions of the blood vessel can be clamped with the ligating clips simultaneously by the clip applier of the present invention in a single step, and thus the operating steps can be simplified, and the time involved with the surgical operation can be shortened.
US08398638B2
A method of treating a spinal disk according to the present invention can include inserting an alloplastic bulking agent into the spinal disk to treat the defect. The alloplastic bulking agent has a plurality of microparticles. The bulking agent results in at least one of sealing the defect, increasing a pressure of the disk, increasing a height of the disk, improving stability of the disk and improving structural integrity of the disk.
US08398636B2
A hip fracture device providing distance limited dynamization, load controlled dynamization and combinations of both dynamization methods by varying components. The hip fracture device includes a plate having a head portion and a shaft portion. A barrel projects from the head portion of the plate and a screw is inserted in the barrel. A friction pin is slidably connected with the screw, and an end cap is fixed to the head portion of the plate. The friction pin is fixedly connected with the end cap. The screw slides over the friction pin and toward the end cap when a load is applied on the fracture device. The load required for further sliding of the screw over the friction pin increases incrementally as the screw slides towards the end cap.
US08398631B2
An ablation catheter system and method of use is provided to endoscopically access portions of the human esophagus experiencing undesired growth of columnar epithelium. The ablation catheter system and method includes controlled depth of ablation features and use of either radio frequency spectrum, non-ionizing ultraviolet radiation, warm fluid or microwave radiation, which may also be accompanied by improved sensitizer agents.
US08398627B2
An electrosurgical system has an electrosurgical generator with a multiple-phase RF output stage coupled to a multiple-electrode electrosurgical instrument. The instrument has three treatment electrodes each of which is coupled to a respective generator output driven from, for instance, a three-phase output transformer. Continuous RF output voltage waveforms are simultaneously delivered to respective generator outputs at the operating frequency, each waveform being phase-displaced with respect to the other waveforms. The magnitude of the RF output voltage waveform delivered to at least one of the generator outputs is sufficient to cause tissue vaporisation at the respective treatment electrodes when the system is used for tissue treatment. Also disclosed is an electrosurgical generator in combination with an instrument having both bipolar coagulation electrodes and a remote return pad, the generator including means for varying the RF voltage outputs to vary the relative preponderance of bipolar and monopolar coagulation.
US08398626B2
A system for heat ablation of tissue, the system comprising a radiofrequency source configured to supply RF energy to at least two electrodes for treating tissue, at least one return electrode configured to return the RF energy to the radiofrequency source, a controller configured to sequentially apply the RF energy to each of the at least two electrodes for a pre-determinable period of time and circuitry configured to switch the RF energy to an internal load. The RF energy is applied simultaneously to the internal load and at least one of the at least two electrodes. The controller is configured to apply the RF energy to the next electrode in the sequence when the amount of time the applied RF energy is off is greater than a predetermined minimum off time.
US08398625B2
An electrode adapted to connect to an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrode includes a proximal end that is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical instrument and an electrosurgical energy source. The electrode includes a distal end configured for treating tissue. The distal end of the electrode includes a first portion having one or more edges and a second portion having a substantially blunt profile. An insulative material is disposed over at least the distal end of the electrode. The insulative material includes a first thickness at the first portion and a second thickness at the second portion, wherein upon activation, the insulative material disposed over the first portion breaks away from the first portion allowing energy to travel to tissue from the first portion.
US08398622B2
The present invention includes an apparatus and method of surgical ablative material removal “in-vivo” or from an outside surface with a short optical pulse that is amplified and compressed using either an optically-pumped-amplifier and air-path between gratings compressor combination or a SOA and chirped fiber compressor combination, wherein the generating, amplifying and compressing are done within a portable system.
US08398619B2
A flexible wrist-type element and methods of operation thereof, including variations having an angularly moveable hub housing a rotatable and operable end effector driven via a drive train having one or more universal-type joints and/or other flexible couplings moveable via an input mechanism within a housing.
US08398617B2
Integrated tools for noninvasively reading and adjusting an implantable, magnetically adjustable valve, and methods of use are disclosed. The tools include magnetic or electronic reading of the valve, and magnetic or electromagnetic adjustment of the valve. In use, the tools are positioned above or in contact with the patient's skin, in proximity to the valve.
US08398615B2
The invention provides a packaging for a medical article e.g. for a urinary catheter. The medical article is stored in a compartment and can be accessed by detaching a first element from a second element thereby forming an opening into the compartment. The first element comprises a suction cup or another fastening element by which the packaging is attachable to a surface. Due to the structure of the packaging, it can be supported in an orientation in which the opening is remote from the surface, and risk of contamination of the medical article can therefore be reduced during removal of the article from the packaging.
US08398613B1
A surgical drain and method for using the same. The surgical drain comprises a first end, which may be sized for placement within an organism. The first end features a plurality of segments, each labeled with an alphanumeric character. The first end may be cut at a line between two of the segments. The alphanumeric character at the terminal end of the first end after cutting is recorded prior to placing the drain within the organism. When removing the drain, the recorded alphanumeric character is compared with the character at a terminal end of the first end of the surgical drain. Thus, a treating professional can ensure that no portion of the surgical drain is left within the wound, preventing infection due to a foreign object left within the organism.
US08398607B2
A medical connector for use with one or more medical implements. In some embodiments, the connector minimizes or eliminates the retrograde flow of fluid into the connector from one end or port upon the disconnection of a medical implement from the other end or port. In some embodiments, the connector generates a positive flow of fluid out of the connector from one end or port when a medical implement is disconnected from the other end or port.
US08398578B1
A surgical tool whose shaft terminates into a tip having a smooth, rounded edge and that has pores on its top or side, but none one the underside of its base. There may be a flattened base indicative of the shape of a bubble, basket, funnel, circular disc, oblong shape, Maltese cross or mulberry. The pores may be directed backward. A spring spiral may be provided within the shaft to exert a spring bias. The globe may be in the form of a sleeve fitted over a conventional phacoemulsification tip and needs to be positioned to keep the phacoemulsification tip from contacting the sleeve during operation. Alternatively, the globe may be part of a tip itself.
US08398577B2
A device for removing fluid from a first bodily cavity and for directing that fluid into a second bodily cavity while avoiding risks of infection and, in one embodiment, excessive dehydration of the first bodily cavity. The device includes an uptake tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with the first bodily cavity and a distal end in fluid communication with a pump, and an outflow tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with the pump and a distal end in fluid communication with the second bodily cavity. The distal end of the uptake tube may be coupled to a reservoir configured to expand upon ingression of fluid into the reservoir and to contract upon removal of fluid due to a negative pressure provided by the pump.
US08398569B1
The present invention provides a novel implementation of a low cost eccentric mass motor vibrotactile transducer providing a point-like vibrational stimulus to the body of a user in response to an electrical input. Preferably the eccentric mass and motor form part of the transducer actuator moving mass. The actuator moving mass is constrained into vertical motion by a spring between the actuator housing and moving mass. The actuator moving mass is in contact with a skin (body) load. The actuator housing is in simultaneous contact with the body load. The body load, actuator moving mass, spring compliance and housing mass make up a moving mass resonant system. The spring compliance and system component masses can be chosen to maximize the actuator displacement and/or tailor the transducer response to a desired level. The mass of the motor/contactor assembly, mass and area of the housing, and the compliance of the spring are chosen so that the electromechanical resonance of the motional masses, when loaded by the typical mechanical impedance of the skin, are in a frequency band where the human body is most sensitive to vibrational stimuli 150-300 Hz. This configuration can be implemented as a low mass wearable vibrotactile transducer or as a transducer that is mounted within a soft material such as a seat. A particular advantage of this configuration is that the moving mass motion can be made almost independent of force loading on the transducer housing.
US08398549B2
A system for identifying a presence of an object in a tissue region of interest includes a controller configured to obtain first and second image data sets from the region of interest. A contrast identification module is configured to identify a contrasting region of altered stiffness in the first image data set corresponding to an object in the tissue region of interest. An image data enhancement module is configured to identify the object in the second image data set based on the contrasting region of altered stiffness in the first image data set.
US08398535B2
A catheter assembly for delivering a radiation source into a body cavity includes a catheter shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. An inflatable balloon is coupled to the catheter shaft between the distal end and the proximal end. A dose delivery lumen extends along the catheter shaft between the proximal end and the distal end. The dose delivery lumen is configured to receive the radiation source. A radioabsorptive portion is surrounded by the inflatable balloon.
US08398533B2
A paper folding apparatus includes a ruling unit that rules a line on each of sheets, a pushing unit that pushes the sheets on which the lines are ruled by the ruling unit, and a pair of folding rollers that comes into contact under pressure with the sheets pushed by the pushing unit and discharges the sheets. The ruling unit includes a plurality of pressing blades for ruling a line on each of the sheets, a swinging unit that swings the pressing blades from a pressing position where the pressing blade presses the sheets to a retracted position where the pressing blades are retracted from the sheets, and a moving unit that moves the pressing blades and the swinging unit along the sheets.
US08398519B2
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and an intermediate member coaxially aligned with the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes at least one countershaft substantially parallel with the input member, output member and the intermediate member, and at least one gear associated with each of the input member, the output member, intermediate member, at least one countershaft. The transmission also includes a planetary gear set to operatively couple a gear of the at least one gear associated with the intermediate shaft with the output shaft, and a plurality of clutches to selectively define a torque transfer path from the input member to the output member via one or more of the intermediate member, first countershaft, second countershaft, and the at least one associated gears therewith. The plurality of clutches include a direct drive clutch to selectively couple the input member directly to the intermediate member.
US08398514B2
A hybrid electro-mechanical transmission connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member and a stationary member. The transmission also includes a first planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third node and a compound planetary gear arrangement having a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, and a seventh node. The engine, the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected with the first planetary gear set, and the output member and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected with the compound planetary gear arrangement. Thus configured, the transmission provides an under-drive gear for launching the vehicle, as well as a direct-drive gear and an over-drive gear for propelling the vehicle at higher speeds.
US08398513B2
A plate-link chain for a motor vehicle drive system. The chain includes a plurality of link plates articulatingly connected with each other by rocker members. The rocker members extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain. The chain includes curved contact surfaces formed on the rocker members and on the link plates, along which the rocker members and link plates are in contact with each other to transmit force. The respective contact surfaces have a width that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain, and when considered in a side view running transversely to the width and in the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain, they have an arc length. The contact surfaces have at least three regions along the arc length with different curvatures.
US08398510B1
An expandable arrowhead having a blade-carrying body with a slot that houses at least one movably mounted blade. Each blade can be pivotally mounted about a shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is fixed with respect to the body. In other embodiments, the shaft is movably mounted with respect to the body, for example by mounting a shaft within the slot so that the shaft moves within the slot with respect to the blade-carrying body. In some embodiments of this invention, a spring element positively holds one or more blades in a closed position or a retracted position, particularly during extreme forces encountered when launching an arrow from an archery bow, such as a compound archery bow. The spring element of this invention can be used to improve blade opening capabilities of conventional blade-opening arrowheads or broadheads.
US08398509B2
Certain embodiments of the present system deal with a basketball goal assembly which adjustably supports a backboard assembly and a rim assembly to enable players to play the game of basketball. In certain preferred aspects, the rim assembly is connected directly to the support arrangement so that force applied to the rim assembly is transmitted directly to the support assembly and is not transferred to the backboard assembly.
US08398508B2
A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein. The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer obtained from a CMOS imaging system, a plurality of mass properties of a first golf club, and a plurality of mass properties of a first golf ball into a rigid body code. Ball launch parameters are generated from the rigid body. The ball launch parameters, a plurality of atmospheric conditions and lift and drag properties of the golf ball are inputted into a trajectory code. This trajectory code is used to predict the performance of a golf ball if struck by the golfer with the golf club under the atmospheric conditions. The method can then predict the performance of the golf ball if struck by the golfer with a different golf club. The method and system of the present invention predict the performance of the golf ball without the golfer actually striking the golf ball.
US08398502B2
A hitting position detecting device includes: a golf club which includes a shaft having a grip portion and a head portion having a face portion with a hitting surface and a rear surface and attached to the front end of the shaft; vibration wave sensors which is arranged on the side of the rear surface of the face portion and is fixed to the head portion so as to output electrical signals in accordance with a vibration wave generated upon hitting of the face portion; a calculation unit which detects arrival times in the vibration wave sensors of the vibration wave generated in the face portion upon hitting of a ball on the basis of the electrical signals, calculates a hitting position of the ball in the face portion on the basis of a difference in the plurality of arrival times, and then outputs the result as a hitting position signal; a display unit which displays the hitting position in the face portion on the basis of the hitting position signal output from the calculation unit; and a power source which supplies power to the vibration wave sensors, the calculation unit, and the display unit.
US08398491B2
A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus includes a first plate member, a second plate member rotatable relative to the first plate member, and a first friction member disposed between the first plate member and the second plate member and pressed against the first plate member in a slidable manner. The second plate member includes a first retaining surface that makes contact with the first friction member. The first friction member includes a plurality of grooves at a surface facing the first retaining surface of the second plate member, the grooves extending in a radial direction of the first friction member.
US08398490B1
A career management system facilitates career management an online environment. The career management system introduces gaming elements to career management in order to make career-related tasks more enjoyable to participants. In one embodiment, a computer-based career management system generates a virtual career path customized based on a particular player's current career position and career goals. The virtual career path includes one or more challenges for the player to complete. The career management system tracks completion of the one or more challenges in the online environment and provides rewards and incentives as the player progresses.
US08398486B2
Embodiments of this invention create a mechanism for visual and other communication between two or more separate/distinct 3-dimensional virtual universes (VUs) akin to a “wormhole” or “tunnel”. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention allow a mechanism for a player to walk through such a tunnel, logging out from a first VU and logging into a second VU. Embodiments of the present invention utilize streaming video abilities in both virtual universes and the capability to capture output in a useable format and convert to a d streaming video standard.
US08398475B2
A gaming system having a first skill, partial skill, or pseudo skill based game having a plurality of individually activatable designated components and a plurality of second chance based games each respectively associated with a different one of the individually activatable components of the skill based game. When each designated component of the first game is activated through one or player inputs, a corresponding chance based game associated with that designated component is activated. Each chance based game randomly determines whether the player wins an award. In one embodiment, the likelihood of activating each designated component is different and the chance based game associated with each different designated component is different.
US08398472B2
An poker game which provides a predetermined outcome to a player. In one embodiment, a plurality of playing cards are provided to a player wherein one or more of the provided playing cards are based on the predetermined game outcome. The player is enabled to select one or more of the initially dealt playing cards to hold or to discard. If a poker hand with an associated payout equal to the value associated with the predetermined game outcome may be obtained based on the held cards, the gaming device utilizes one or more backfill algorithms, to determine which card or cards, if any, need to be dealt to the player. The determined cards are provided to the player to replace the playing cards designated by the player to discard and the selected predetermined game outcome which is associated with a value equal to the payout of the player's poker hand is provided to the player. If a poker hand with an associated payout equal to the value associated with the selected predetermined game outcome cannot be obtained by the player based on the playing cards held by the player, a subset of the held cards is selected and one or more backfill algorithms are used to determine which cards need to be dealt to the player. The discarded playing cards and at least one held playing card are replaced with the determined card. The selected predetermined game outcome which is associated with a value equal to the payout of the player's poker hand is then provided to the player.
US08398470B2
A puzzle includes light emitting diodes integrated in the puzzle in order to achieve a high level of interaction between the user and the puzzle. The puzzle can adapt to the players needs by increasing or decreasing the difficulty level or by giving the user hints. The puzzle functions not only as a puzzle but may also function as an ambient light (or object) of programmable color point (and layout) when not in use as a puzzle.
US08398469B2
An agricultural work machine for performing harvesting operations. The agricultural work machine includes a support structure. An unloading system is coupled to the support structure and is configured to transport an agricultural product received from a hopper to an off-machine location. The unloading system includes a transfer assembly having a discharge chute. A positioning system is configured to adjust at least one of an elevation, a length and a rotational position of the transfer assembly to position the discharge chute. A control system is configured to automatically locate the discharge chute from a stowed position to a desired unload position of a plurality of preset unload positions upon receiving an operator input via an operator input device.
US08398468B2
An air conditioning device for a car includes a door structure composed of an inner door and an outer door having an inner space in which the inner door rotates, and the circumference of which comes into facial contact with the inner door, wherein the facial contact prevents air from leaking, and the inner and outer doors respectively control the temperature and amount of air to flow.
US08398464B2
The present invention relates to a grinding wheel truing tool, its manufacturing method, and a truing apparatus, a method for manufacturing a grinding wheel and a wafer edge grinding apparatus using the same. The grinding wheel truing tool of the present invention compensates a groove of a fine-grinding wheel for fine-grinding a wafer edge, and includes a truer having an edge of the same angle as a slanted surface of the groove of the fine-grinding wheel and a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the groove. The present invention uses the truing tool to easily process the groove of the grinding wheel for fine-grinding the wafer edge.
US08398461B2
A polishing method, a polishing pad and a polishing system are provided. In the invention, the polishing pad is used to polish a polishing article. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer and a surface pattern disposed in the polishing layer. The polishing layer includes a polishing surface, a rotating central region, and a peripheral region. The surface pattern includes many grooves distributed from near the rotating central region and extending outward to near the peripheral region. The grooves include many groove cross sections along a circumferential direction of a same radius. Each of the groove cross sections has a left sidewall and a right sidewall. An included angle is formed by the polishing surface and one of a group of the left sidewalls and a group of the right sidewalls. The included angle is an obtuse angle.
US08398460B2
Apparatus for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of gas, the apparatus comprising: a. a pressurized hopper for receiving particulate abrasive material; and b. a pressurized conveyor coupled to the hopper comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving particulate material from the hopper, an outlet for delivery of particulate material from the housing, and a screw located within the housing for transporting particulate material from the inlet to the outlet. Also provided is a method of dispensing particulate abrasive using said apparatus and a pipe cleaning system including said apparatus.
US08398450B2
A connecting means for construction elements, e.g. (toy) building blocks, comprises a strip-shaped member having a thickened portion and a component of a detachable connecting mechanism. The strip-shaped member is insertable into a groove in the side faces of the construction elements. To that component of the detachable connection, e.g. to a nut, further construction elements can be attached in a simple but stable manner. The detachable mechanism is preferably the one that is provided in the construction element for connections without using the connecting means. The connecting means thus allows an extension of the assembly possibilities in a stable manner in other directions than those provided by the construction elements themselves.
US08398448B2
The present application relates to assembling a lighting element (20) onto a substrate (28). To enable exact positioning of the lighting element (20) and further optical components (30), there is provided aligning the lighting element (20) with a support element (22) within one mounting plane P using an auxiliary carrier (24), surface mounting the lighting element (20) together with the support element (22) onto a substrate (28) within one step e.g. by reflow soldering, and mounting a further component (30) onto the support element (22) such that no mechanical stress is applied to the lighting element (20).
US08398436B2
A stackable cable mount power connector includes a cover having a draw screw engagement pin and a connector shell having a bushing and an insert assembly positioned therein. A draw screw having a locking pin is positioned within the bushing. The bushing includes grooves for receiving the locking pin. The connector includes multiple primary contact pins having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the primary contact pins is positioned within the bushing. The lower portion of the primary contact pins is positioned within the insert assembly. The upper portion of the primary contact pins is configured to receive secondary contact pins. The lower portion of the primary contact pins is configured to engage a power source. The connector also includes a stud positioned within the insert assembly. The stud includes slots for receiving the locking pin. When the cover is removed from the connector shell, the locking pin is positioned within the grooves of the bushing, and the draw screw is fixed within the connector and does not rotate. When the cover is attached to the connector shell, the draw screw engagement pin engages the draw screw, and can be rotated by a handle attached thereto. Attachment of the cover causes the locking pin to be positioned within the slots in the stud, and the draw screw is rotatable within the connector, thus allowing connection to a power source. The cover can be removed to allow a secondary connector to be coupled to the bushing.
US08398435B2
An electrical receptacle comprises a body comprising an opening and main terminal channels that are spaced apart from each other and from the opening. Electrically conductive main connectors are disposed in the body and spaced apart from each other. The main connectors are disposed in or in alignment with the main terminal channels. A connector is disposed in the body and includes an arcuate shape in or near the opening.
US08398434B2
A connector assembly includes contact modules each having a dielectric frame and contacts held by the dielectric frame. The contacts are arranged along a contact plane within the frame. The dielectric frame includes frame members connected by connecting segments. The frame has windows between the frame members located between adjacent contacts. Holders support corresponding contact modules. The holders are electrically grounded. The holders each have a support wall and tabs that extend outward from the support wall. The contact modules are coupled to the holders such that the tabs are received in the windows to provide shielding within the contact modules. The holders are coupled together such that the contact modules are stacked together with the tabs of at least some of the holders that extend into the contact module held by the adjacent holder and across the contact plane defined by the contact module of the adjacent holder.
US08398432B1
A receptacle assembly includes a contact module having a conductive holder has a first side and an opposite second side. The conductive holder has a chamber between the first and second sides. A frame assembly is received in the chamber of the conductive holder. The frame assembly includes a plurality of contacts and a dielectric frame supporting the contacts. The contacts extend from the conductive holder for electrical termination. A ground lead frame is received in the chamber between the frame assembly and the conductive holder. The ground leadframe has grounding members that extend from the conductive holder for electrical termination to header shields of the header assembly.
US08398429B2
A connector system includes a chassis that has a framework of panels that defines a plurality of cells extending between first ends and second ends. A clip is coupled to the framework within a corresponding cell. A cable assembly is received in a corresponding cell. The cable assembly includes a first header connector coupled to the framework at the first end of the corresponding cell using the clip and a second header connector is coupled to the framework at the second end of the corresponding cell using the clip. The first header connector has a housing that holds a plurality of contacts. The housing of the first header connector has a first mating interface. The second header connector has a housing that holds a plurality of contacts. The housing of the second header connector has a second mating interface that faces in an opposite direction from the first mating interface. A cable bundle has a plurality of cables that extends between the first and second header connectors. The cables are connected between corresponding contacts of the first header connector and the contacts of the second header connector.
US08398428B2
A reel for connecting a cable to the reel and power connections that includes a winding reel housing that has a biasing member and a connection assembly. The assembly is received in the housing and has an insulator with two recesses, a return barrel terminal and a power barrel terminal. One of the insulator recesses receives a return barrel terminal and the other insulator recess receives a power barrel terminal. The return barrel terminal is connected to a return contact, and the power barrel terminal is connected to a power contact. The power contact is connected to a power output member and the return contact is connected to a return output member. The return barrel terminal is rotatable with the return contact while maintaining electrical contact with the return contact and the power barrel terminal is rotatable with the power contact while maintaining electrical contact with the power contact.
US08398425B2
A board-to-board connector comprising a first connector and a second connector is disclosed. The first connector has a first housing mounted on first terminals. The second connector is configured to be engaged, by fitting, with the first connector. The second connector has a second housing mounted on second terminals, which are configured to make contact with the first terminals. At least a part of an entrance end portion a concave guide portion is provided with a sloped guide surface formed therein. Due to the insertion of a second fitting guide portion into a concave guide portion, in such a manner that portions of the second fitting guide portion are brought into abutting contact with the sloped guide surface, the first and second terminals are spaced apart from each other in a state where fitting faces of the first and second housings are even with each other.
US08398422B2
A card edge connector includes an elongated housing having an upper face, a lower face and a mating groove defined therebetween and extending along a longitudinal direction. A plurality of terminal grooves are respectively defined between the upper face and lower face and in communication with the mating groove. A plurality of contacts are respectively received in the terminal grooves. Each contact includes a body portion, at least one retaining portion, a contacting portion and a soldering portion. The at least one retaining portion forms at least one barb thereon and is inserted into the terminal groove with the at least one barb interfering with an inner wall of the terminal groove until the at least one barb falls into a through hole defined on the inner wall of the terminal groove.
US08398416B2
A socket connector comprises a housing, a shield covering the housing and a detecting switch mounted in the housing. The housing includes a base and a pinboard having a first board surface and a second board surface. An eSATA terminal set having seven terminals side by side is mounted on the first board surface. An USB terminal set having nine terminals is mounted on the second board surface and five terminals are connected to the five middle terminals of the eSATA terminal set to form a shared terminal structure. The shield has a shared inserting room which includes a first inserting room for connecting an eSATA plug connector and a second inserting room for connecting an USB plug connector, the second inserting room having a nonoverlapping space relative to the first inserting room. The detecting switch includes a first detecting terminal that extends into the nonoverlapping space.
US08398412B2
The invention relates to a housing, including: electronic components (42); walls (44) mechanically insulating said electronic components from the outside; at least one electric connection pad (18, 20, 22, 24) arranged on an outer surface of one of said walls so as to be electrically coupled to a cable outside the housing, said connection pad being electrically coupled to the electronic components (42) inside the housing, characterized in that the connection pad includes: a printed circuit board (50) defining a portion of the housing wall (44) and having a surface exposed to the outside of the housing; and an electric connection outer plane (60, 62) engraved on said surface for directly contacting the outer cable, said plane being electrically coupled to the electronic components.
US08398407B2
One embodiment is on a computer-implemented learning method and system in a window environment at a display that can help get the attention of a user. In another embodiment, a computer-aided-educational method and system consider a student's concentration level when teaching the student. The system monitors automatically more than once the student's concentration-sensitive behavior while the student is working on the study materials. Through monitoring the student's volitional or involuntary behavior, the system provides an indication on the student's concentration level. Based on the indication, the system could react accordingly. Reactions include, for example, providing rewards, punishments, and stimulation; or changing the study materials. The system can also react by asking the student a question to stimulate the student or to assess the student's understanding level. Based on the student's response, the system may change to more appropriate study materials, or presentation style.
US08398403B2
The tooth root channel anchorage assembly comprises a core member to be fixed within the tooth root channel and a post to be inserted into the core member having a thoroughgoing bore. The core member comprises a crown part and an anchorage part to be fixed within the root canal, the surface of the anchorage part having a substantially hyperbolic form. Preferably the crown part of the core member as well as a part of the surface of the post have also a substantially hyperbolic form. The hyperbolic form allows a better anchoring and distributing of the load, thus reducing the danger of breaking of the post and root canal, still allowing the access to the root canal before the post is inserted.
US08398402B2
A dental implant capable of reliably preventing elution of metal when the dental implant is applied within an oral cavity and capable of reliably preventing occurrence of mismatching (bumpy occlusion or the like) when the dental implant is fixed in place. The abutment is manufactured by molding a ceramic molded body composition to obtain a ceramic molded body, assembling a titanium member and the ceramic molded body together to obtain an assembled body, degreasing the assembled body so that the ceramic molded body is transformed into a ceramic degreased body, and sintering the assembled body to transform the ceramic degreased body into a ceramic member so that the ceramic member is firmly fixed to the titanium member.
US08398388B2
A vane pump may include an oval fixed portion of which an outer circumference may be oval, a rotation ring that may be rotatably disposed outside of the oval fixed portion with a gap and in which blade slots may be formed in a predetermined depth along a circular interior circumference of the rotation ring at a predetermined interval from each other, blades of which one end thereof may be slidably inserted into the blade slots respectively and of which the other end slidably contacts an outer surface of the oval fixed portion, an elastic member coupled to the rotation ring and elastically pushing the blades towards the oval fixed portion, and a drive portion connected to the rotation ring and rotating the rotation ring such that oil may be sucked through an expanding space that may be formed between at least two of the blades and oil may be pumped through a shrinking space that may be formed between at least two of the blades.
US08398387B2
A fluid machine (101) includes a first compressor (107) and a second compressor (108). The first compressor (107) has a first closed casing (111), a first compression mechanism (102a), an expansion mechanism (104), and a shaft (113). A first oil reservoir (112) is formed in the first closed casing (111). The second compressor (108) has a second closed casing (125) and a second compression mechanism (102b). A second oil reservoir (126) is formed at a bottom portion in the second closed casing (125). The first closed casing (111) and the second closed casing (125) are connected to each other by an oil passage (109) so that a lubricating oil can flow between the first oil reservoir (112) and the second oil reservoir (126). An opening (109a) of the oil passage (109) on a side of the first closed casing (111) is located above the expansion mechanism (104) with respect to the vertical direction. This configuration prevents the low temperature lubricating oil in a surrounding space of the expansion mechanism (104) and the high temperature lubricating oil in the second compressor (108) from flowing. Thereby, the heat transfer between the first compressor (107) and the second compressor (108) is suppressed.
US08398376B2
A dry pump apparatus comprises; a pumping mechanism, a controller for controlling the operation of the pumping mechanism, and a sensor for sensing the operating temperature of the pumping mechanism. The controller is configured to carry out an automated shutdown sequence involving the following steps; a) ceasing operation of the pumping mechanism b) monitoring the temperature of the pumping mechanism by means of the temperature sensor c) at least one pre-selected temperature interval, initiating operation of the pumping mechanism for a fixed time period so as to purge a proportion of contaminant particulate matter present until a predefined temperature is reached or a predefined time limit has passed. By carrying out these steps the incidence of powder compaction between component parts of the apparatus which may contract during shutdown, and consequential restart failure and down time, can be significantly reduced.
US08398372B2
A method for reducing the vibration levels capable of occurring, in a turbine engine including at least one propeller and one coupling structure of the turbine engine, because of the turbulence of aerodynamic origin generated by the coupling structure on the propeller. The method includes: defining an initial configuration of the aerodynamic profiles, calculating the synchronous forced response on the propeller as a function of the force of harmonic excitation generated by the coupling structure expressed in the form of a linear function of the generalized aerodynamic force for the mode in question, and determining a tangential geometric offset value θ of the individual aerodynamic profiles for stacked sections of one of the propeller or of the coupling structure in order to reduce the term corresponding to the generalized aerodynamic force. The combination of the sections with the tangential offsets therefore defines a new configuration of the aerodynamic profiles.
US08398371B1
A large and highly twisted and tapered turbine rotor blade with a low flow cooling circuit that includes a first serpentine flow circuit in a forward section of the lower span of the blade, a second serpentine cooling circuit in the aft region of the lower span, a third serpentine cooling circuit in the forward region of the upper span, and a fourth serpentine cooling circuit in the aft region of the upper span to provide cooling for the entire blade. Cooling air from the first serpentine flows into the third serpentine cooling circuit and cooling air from the second serpentine flows into the fourth serpentine cooling circuit so that the lower span of the blade is cooled first using fresh and relatively cooler cooling air.
US08398365B2
A modular fan array is provided that is configured for use in an air-handling system and configured to deliver air to a ventilation system for at least a portion of a building. The modular fan array comprises a plurality of modular units configured to be stacked adjacent to one another in at least one row or column to form an array. The modular units each include at least an interior surface, a front end and a back end that define a chamber. The modular fan array includes motors and fans positioned in the chambers of the modular units. The fans are located proximate to the front ends of the corresponding chambers. The fans direct air to discharge from the back ends of the chambers. Sound attenuation layers extend along at least a portion of the interior surface of the chambers. The sound attenuation layers are positioned between at least some of the adjacent chambers.
US08398363B2
A device for sealing a bearing housing, which holds lubricating oil, from which a rotor supported inside the housing of an exhaust gas turbocharger is guided into a compressor housing, loadable by a mass flow of a charger. The device includes a fixed partition with a wall extension, a sealing disk fastened on a shaft of the rotor, a separating gap arranged between the sealing disk and the wall extension, and a drip device connected to an oil-collecting channel and directs lubricating oil collected in the oil-collecting channel into an oil drain by gravity. The drip device includes a drain-off surface for lubricating oil, which has a large axial distance from a rotating sealing disk which delimits the separating gap. Lubricating oil which can penetrate into the separating gap is guided into an oil drain of the bearing housing without interacting with the sealing disk.
US08398362B2
A turbomolecular pump includes a plurality of alternatively axially arranged one behind another, rotor and stator discs (8,9) provided with blades (10), with the blades (10) located in vicinity of the high vacuum side having a blade angle (α) that is steeper than blade angle (α) of the blades (10) located in vicinity of the vacuum side, and with the blade angle (α) of the blades (10) located in the vicinity of the vacuum side (3) amounting to less than 8°.
US08398361B2
A high-efficiency, multi-stage centrifugal pump and method of assembly. The pump can include three pump stages with each one of the three pump stages including a front casing, a back casing, an impeller, and a bladed diffuser. The front casing and the back casing are removeably coupled around the impeller and the bladed diffuser. In the three-stage pump, the fluid can be pumped at a flow rate between about 300 liters per second and about 500 liters per second with an efficiency between about 86% and about 91%. The method includes separately casting, machining, and polishing each one of the front casing, the back casing, the impeller, and the bladed diffuser.
US08398355B2
A substrate processing apparatus includes a transport chamber capable of holding an isolated atmosphere therein and communicably connected to a charging station for loading and unloading a substrate into the apparatus, a transport system inside the transport chamber for transporting the substrate and an array of processing chamber modules distributed alongside the transport chamber and communicably connected to the transport chamber to allow the substrate to be transferred therebetween.
US08398348B2
The invention relates to a method for producing hollow body elements (200), for example, nut elements which are applied to components which are normally made of steel (280), in particular, for producing hollow body elements having an essentially quadratic or rectangular external profile (202). Said method consists of cutting individual elements of a profile in the form of a profile rod (1) or a winding after holes (204) have previously been stamped in the profile, a threaded cylinder (206) is subsequently, optionally, formed using a follow-on composite tool (10) which consists of several working stations. The invention is characterized in that a penetrating process and a punching process are carried out in the working station. The invention also relates to hollow body elements (200), components, follow-on composite tools (10) and rolling mills (600, 602).
US08398336B2
A pipe structure suitable for being laid in the sea comprises an inner pipe (2) for conveying fluid to be transported along the pipe structure and an outer pipe (3) around the inner pipe and supporting the inner pipe with space between the inner and outer pipes, the outer pipe having openings to allow water first to flow into the space between the inner pipe and the outer pipe and then to flow out of the space.
US08398323B2
The dental appliance includes a pouch for an index finger with a dentifrice carrying pad. The pouch covers the index finger to at least a midsection region. The dentifrice pad is atop the user's finger pad surface. The pouch has an elongated tail which extends proximally to at least beyond the thumb of the user. The tail has one or many thumb holes, located at a proximal region, and the user, upon insertion of his or her finger in the pouch, pulls the tail and insert his or her thumb in the thumb hole. Therefore, the thumb hole is adapted to encircle the thumb of the user when the pouch is mounted on the user's index finger. The tail may be elastic. The dentifrice pad (with dry powder) sometimes includes bumps or ridges. Alternatively, the tail may be long to wrap around the wrist of the user.
US08398321B2
A system and apparatus for printing configured to estimate a value of a required feed length for an intended printing operation. The printing operation is performed as a function of a comparison between the sum of an actual value of a previously consumed feed length of the print media unit and the estimated value of the required feed length for the intended printing operation at a predefined maximum feed length of the print media unit. In the event the printing operation is executed, the previously consumed feed length us updated as a function of the estimated value of the required feed length.
US08398312B2
A roller bearing includes: an inner ring having an inner ring raceway; an outer ring having an outer ring raceway; and a plurality of rollers interposed between the inner ring raceway and an outer ring raceway, wherein a crowning is formed on at least one of the inner ring raceway, the outer ring raceway, and a roller rolling contact surface, wherein an optimal value of a drop amount of the crowning at an end of an effective length is determined, from a diameter of a roller and an effective length of the roller, and wherein drop amounts of the crowning at a plurality of positions in a bus-line direction of the crowning are within an allowable range set forth in a specific table.
US08398309B2
A flanged bushing comprising a slide bearing (1), which has at least one half-ring-shaped or ring-shaped axial bearing (2) affixed to the side (6) of the bearing, this side being formed by its thickness, where recesses are provided with geometry cooperating with those of the locking elements, resilient fixation protrusions (3), arranged on the axial bearing (2), angularly distributed along its perimeter, like protrusions (3), which are radially of the inner diameter of the axial bearing (2).
US08398306B2
A reclosable flexible package having a reclosable closure comprising easy-to-use adhesive securement means in combination with non-reclosable closures provided above and below the reclosable closure. The package provides a re-openable seal for reclosing the bag upon a partial discharge of the contents thereof, such as food contents. The flexible package offers manufacturing ease and cost-savings, and tamper-resistance. The flexible package also may be incorporated into a bag-in-box package configuration. Methods of making and filling the package also are provided.
US08398298B2
An automatic pot stirrer is provided that has a mount assembly. The mount assembly is mounted on a pot plate having slider clamps. The slider clamps engage the rim of the pot and are designed to accommodate differently dimensioned pots. The mount assembly supports a shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor at one end and threaded to a block at the other end. The block has opposed first and second block end walls and opposed first and second block paddle walls to which are connected paddles. The first and second block paddle walls may be disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to a second block end wall. The paddles are disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to the second block end wall such that the paddles lift food product from the bottom of the pot during operation of the automatic pot stirrer.
US08398296B2
The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.
US08398291B2
A back cover for a backlight assembly capable of achieving a more compact a display apparatus includes a cover element, a line portion, and a plurality of point light sources. The cover element includes a metallic layer, and the cross-section of the cover element has an L-shape. The line portion is formed over the cover element. The point light sources are mounted on the surface of the cover element to receive a driving voltage from the line portion. A bottom cover portion of the cover element covers an opening portion. A side cover portion of the cover element faces the side wall. The point light sources mounted on the cover element emit light on a side surface of a light guide plate.
US08398287B2
A multicolor light source including a first light source operably to emit a first light of a first color and a second light source operably to emit a second light of a second color. The multicolor light source also includes a first wave guide optically connected to the first light source and a second wave guide optically coupled to the second light source and to the first wave guide. The combination of the first wave guide and the second wave guide couples the first light to the second light to create an outputted light having at least one aspect, other than hue, different from the first light and the second light.
US08398278B2
Lighting devices, particularly with light-emitting diodes, able to generate an adaptative light beam
A lighting device comprising a support for optical modules able to make a rotation movement, comprising a first optical module able to generate a light beam exhibiting a cutoff of the dipped beam type; a second optical module able to generate a light beam exhibiting a substantially L-shaped cutoff; the first optical module and the second optical module of the first lighting device being disposed on the optical module support able to make a rotation movement.
US08398264B2
A lighting device with at least one first-element that emits visible light at a wavelength and irradiance sufficient to inactivate one or more pathogenic bacterial species, and at least one second element that emits light of one or more longer wave-lengths to that of the first-element. The at least one second element has a higher illuminance than that of the at least one inactivating element or component.
US08398257B1
Devices, apparatus, and methods of using a solar powered, battery operated, light sensitive toilet seat LED (light emitting diode) lid light device that removably clamps to an edge of the outside toilet seat lid. A solar panel is visible on outside of toilet seat is used to recharge a battery in the device. The underside of device contains the secured battery, circuit board, mercury switch and photocell. When the lid and device are in upright position the mercury switch closes. The photocell senses absence of light and the LED light illuminates the toilet bowl and surrounding area.
US08398253B2
A light fixture can be affixed within a wall and powered using the same cable along which data signals are transmitted. The LED lights in the light fixture are sufficiently bright to be used for illumination and are powered by a voltage derived from power delivered via the data cable. The light fixture may be used in conjunction with a building automation system. The light provided by the LED lights may be modified based on control signals received via the data cable. Modifications may include changes to the perceived brightness and/or color of the light.
US08398252B2
The invention relates to a self-supporting reflector for a parabolic trough, the parabolic trough itself, a process for preparing the reflector, a process for preparing the parabolic trough, and the use of the reflector.
US08398233B2
An inkjet recording medium includes a substrate, a base layer disposed on the substrate, and an ink receiving layer disposed on the base layer. The ink receiving layer includes cationically-modified fumed silica having nanoparticles of alumina and/or silica mixed therein. The alumina nanoparticles have an individual particle size ranging from about 15 nm to about 50 nm, and the silica nanoparticles have an individual particle size ranging from about 5 nm to about 45 nm.
US08398232B2
A consumable product accommodating device includes an accommodating body, a cushioning member, a weight detecting unit and a control unit. The accommodating body accommodates a consumable product whose weight decreases due to being fed to a consumption side, and is consumed with the accommodating body being configured and arranged to move between a first position and a second position. The cushioning member applies a cushioning force to the accommodating body when the accommodating body moves between the first position and the second position with the cushioning force resisting a movement of the accommodating body. The weight detecting unit is configured and arranged to detect the weight of the consumable product accommodated in the accommodating body. A control unit is configured to control magnitude of the cushioning force applied by the cushioning member according to the detected weight of the consumable product.
US08398228B2
Provided is an image forming apparatus for an inkjet recording having improved bleed resistance and stickiness resistance of formed image, exhibiting excellent abrasion resistance and adhesion to the recording medium, and having capability of printing onto recording medium with low softening temperature. An image forming apparatus for an inkjet recording method that forms an image by jetting a photo-curable inkjet ink comprising a colorant, a photo-curable monomer, a photo-initiator and a gelling agent onto a recording medium, and photo-curing the ink by a light irradiation apparatus, wherein an illuminance of the light irradiation apparatus is 1 mW/cm2 or more and 50 mW/cm2 or less, the apparatus comprising: a warming section for warming the photo-curable inkjet ink at a temperature of 5 to 30° C. higher than a gelling temperature of the photo-curable inkjet ink, and a control section for controlling a surface temperature of the recording medium at a temperature of 5 to 30° C. lower than the gelling temperature of the photo-curable inkjet ink.
US08398227B2
Disclosed herein is a fine and thick wiring drawn at high speed in such a manner that a region on the substrate, on which region the liquid droplet is scheduled to impact, is heated beforehand, and that immediately after the impact of the liquid droplet on the substrate, the liquid droplet is promptly solidified so as thereby to suppress the spread of the liquid droplet due to the wettability of the liquid droplet to the substrate, and also to suppress the clogging of the nozzle due to the heating of the substrate. Thereby, even in the case where a liquid droplet having a larger volume than before is used, high-speed drawing of a thick and fine wiring having a line width approximately equal to the liquid droplet size is realized independently of the substrate material.
US08398220B2
A disclosed liquid container containing liquid to be supplied to a liquid discharge head includes a container main body defining a liquid containing section and including an opening section formed in one surface of the container main body, the opening section including an opening; and a film-like flexible member sealing the opening section of the container main body. Further, the film-like flexible member is joined with a joint section formed on the opening section of the container main body in a state where the film-like flexible member is bent, and a concave-convex structure is formed in the circumferential direction of the joint section.
US08398214B2
There is provided a liquid ejecting head including a channel forming member in which a pressure generating chamber is provided, a piezoelectric element that is provided at one surface side of the channel forming member, a terminal portion electrically connected to the piezoelectric element; the terminal portion being provided at the one surface side of the channel forming member, a wiring substrate which has a wiring layer, and an adhesive layer for electrically connecting the wiring layer and the terminal portion and for combing the wiring substrate and the channel forming member, the adhesive layer being formed by an anisotropic conductive material. A gap layer that is electrically discontinuous with the terminal portion and the wiring layer is provided on at least one surface of the channel forming member and the wiring substrate in an area in which the adhesive layer is provided.
US08398211B2
A method of producing a recording head including a substrate provided with an element that generates energy utilized for ejecting a liquid, a wiring member that is connected to the substrate, and a supporting member that supports the substrate and the wiring member includes applying a sealant to a region existing between a side surface of the substrate and the supporting member through a communicating path that connects the region to an outer peripheral area of the supporting member.
US08398209B2
An integrated structure of an inkjet head and an antenna includes a metal heat dissipation board, a flexible (or rigid) circuit board and an antenna module. The metal heat dissipation has an elongated printing ribbon. The flexible (or rigid) circuit board is mounted on the metal heat dissipation board, and has one end electrically connected with the printing ribbon and the other end having a plurality of parallel circuits mounted thereon and connected to external control circuits. The antenna module is directly mounted on and electrically connected with the flexible (or rigid) circuit board. Given the integrated structure, the antenna module is effectively mounted on the inkjet head to reduce the size of the structure and lower the cost thereof.
US08398205B2
A wiping device for an inkjet printer includes a wiper mount moveable between a wiping position and a non-wiping position. A slider coupled to the wiper mount, translates between a retracted position and a deployed position. A first translation of the slider to the deployed position causes the wiper mount to move into the wiping position. A trigger, operable between a cocked position and an un-cocked position is coupled to the slider. In the cocked position, the trigger locks the wiper mount in the wiping position. When actuated, the trigger moves to the un-cocked position and the wiper mount moves to the non-wiping position. The wiping device includes logic to control the actuation and non-actuation of trigger.
US08398202B2
An inkjet printer has a carrier frame supporting an ink supply manifold; a pagewidth printhead with an ink ejection surface; an encapsulant defining a film guide and a maintenance station. The maintenance station includes: a chassis; a plurality of rollers mounted on the chassis; a film wound in a loop around the rollers; and a drive motor operatively connected to one of the rollers such that actuation of the drive motor rotates the film around said rollers. The chassis is moveable between a printing position in which the film is remote from the printhead and a cleaning position in which the film engages the film guide so that a cavity is defined by the film, the encapsulant and the ink ejection surface.
US08398198B2
An image recording apparatus including: a head having openings; a sheet-moving mechanism; a drive-data storage portion storing drive data; a converting section which converts the drive data such that an image position adjustment is changed; a first extracting section which extracts at least one opening whose number of ejections during the recording on at least one sheet of a first number based on unconverted drive data is smaller than a second number; a second extracting section which extracts at least one opening whose number of ejections during the recording on at least one sheet of a third number based on converted drive data is smaller than a fourth number; and a controller which controls the ejection such that a preliminary ejection from at least one opening extracted by the first and second extracting sections is performed upon recordings based on the unconverted drive data and the converted drive data.
US08398197B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: a treatment liquid deposition device which deposits on a recording medium a treatment liquid having a function to aggregate inks or increase viscosity of inks; an ink deposition device which includes a plurality of ink heads for ejecting the inks of at least two types in such a manner that the inks are deposited on the recording medium on which the treatment liquid has been deposited; and a heating-pressuring device which fixes the inks that have been deposited on the recording medium, wherein the ink deposition device ejects the inks from the plurality of ink heads in such a manner that following Relationships (A) and (B) are satisfied where Mx represents in-plane average deposition volume of one of the inks that is priorly deposited on the recording medium, My represents in-plane average deposition volume of another one of the inks that is subsequently deposited on the recording medium, and N represents number of the types of the inks (1≦x
US08398196B2
A printer control unit (3) is described for controlling the size of droplets emitted by a nozzle of a printhead (8) in an inkjet printer. The control unit (3) receives information about an image to be printed by the printer, for example from a raster image processor (5), the information including droplet size information regarding the size of droplet required to be emitted by the nozzle to print the image. Print parameter information for printing the image is determined on the basis of the received droplet size information, the print parameter information including information for use in setting the printer such that droplets emitted by the nozzle during the printing of the image have the required droplet size.
US08398195B2
An adjustment method is a method for adjusting a fluid ejection device having first and second heads with the first head disposed on an upstream side of the second head in a feed direction in which a medium is conveyed, the second head forming dot rows of a fluid between dot rows of the fluid formed by the first head. The first head and the second head are driven with a first voltage change amount to form a first test pattern, and the first head and the second head are driven with a second voltage change amount to form a second test pattern.
US08398188B2
A recording apparatus includes an electrolytic capacitor for stabilizing the head power source voltage, a transistor for charging the electrolytic capacitor, a transistor for discharging the electrolytic capacitor, a push-pull circuit, a resistor for controlling the charging/discharging current to the electrolytic capacitor, and a resistor for dividing the head power source voltage. The power supply to the head is turned on with the head power source voltage increased by the capacitor.
US08398186B2
The refrigerator includes the following parts. A heat-insulating main body has openings in a front side. A divider divides inside of the heat-insulating main body into side by side so as to form a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment having a width smaller than a width of the first storage compartment. The first door turns to open and close at the first storage compartment, and has a vertical axis that extends in an anterior portion of a side wall of the heat-insulating main body. The second door turns to open and close at the second storage compartment, and has a vertical axis that extends in an anterior portion of a side wall of the heat-insulating main body. A concavity part is vertically provided at a front side of an free end of the first door.
US08398184B1
A thermal barrier and retaining apparatus including a flexible sheet for deployment in blocking relationship over the front edge of a horizontal shelf fixture in a compartment, in which said sheet with downward opening and resealable panels for access into compartment while in place is attached to mounting devices mounted to the inside wall surfaces of a refrigerator, cabinet or shelving fixture to retain cold air and containers from escaping therefrom.
US08398181B2
This invention generally relates to the configuration of the inner surface of a traction band which increases the protection of the embedded reinforcing elements without reducing the flexibility of the band or increasing the generation of heat. The outer surface of the band generally comprises a plurality traction lugs while the inner surface generally comprises a plurality of drive and/or guide lugs. According to the present invention, each group of traction lugs, drive lugs and guide lugs, which are generally laterally aligned, defines generally non-flexible lug areas and each of these lug areas are separated by flexible and generally lug-less hinge areas. The lug areas, on the inner surface thereof, further comprise projections located between the drive lugs and the guide lugs and along the wheel paths defined therebetween.
US08398175B2
A method of mining a mineral deposit includes setting a plurality of explosive charges at spaced pre-blast locations in the deposit, wherein at least selected pre-blast locations also carry respective markers that are such that the post-blast location of at least a useful proportion will be detectable after explosion of the charges. After the charges are exploded to fragment the deposit, the post-blast locations of certain of the markers are detected to obtain an indication of the relative positions of selected components of the mineral deposit after the fragmentation of the deposit by the exploding of the charges. Also disclosed is a method utilizing a plurality of markers arranged to emit a detectable signal after blast fragmentation, and detecting the post-blast locations by triangulation techniques employing a plurality of receiver detectors. A further aspect proposes the use of secondary explosive charges as post-blast markers.
US08398171B2
A lift chair includes a seat portion formed therein with an accommodating room that is closed atop by a plane; a cushion deposited on the plane; a lifter mechanism deposited in the accommodating room and having an upper end connected to a bottom of the cushion; and a power source serving to drive the lifter mechanism to operate, thereby lifting or lowering the cushion, horizontally moving the cushion, or tilting the cushion, and in turn assisting a user to stand up or sit down.
US08398170B2
A seat having a plurality of defined zones for supporting the human anatomy. The zoned seating can also include one or more recoil shields that can be one piece, multiple pieces, or can itself comprise multiple sections that correspond with the multiple zones or individual zones. The seating can also include inserts to assist in supporting or isolating certain desired portions of the human anatomy. The seating includes both seat back structures and seat pan structures, with each including a zoned configuration designed to support and stabilize specific structures of the human anatomy in a defined manner. The zones can separate independent and defined zones that are designed to be separate and act as individual anatomical support areas that collectively support, cradle and permit the human anatomy to be supported in a comfortable manner. It is preferred that the zones act and operate independently from one another. However, the zones could be arranged, for example, by size, design, formation, or the shape of construction, to interact with adjacent zones. The seat can also be formed around and/or from a molded, contoured member that itself replicates a surface taken from a multi-zoned surface which has been adjusted to fit an individual.
US08398158B2
A floor structure of a motor vehicle body is provided that has two side member arrangements substantially extending in vehicle longitudinal direction, which are interconnected by way of at least one front cross member and one rear cross member, and with a floor panel arranged above the cross members, which is provided with a reinforcing element substantially extending in vehicle longitudinal direction and arranged above the floor panel, which is structurally connected to at least one front cross member and to one rear cross member.
US08398156B2
In a damper mounting structure provided at each lateral end of a vehicle body to support an upper end of a wheel suspension damper, a dash upper panel (1) and a cross member (2) jointly form a laterally extending member that supports upper ends of vehicle suspension dampers (5) at either lateral end thereof. The cross member (2) includes a main body welded to an upper surface of the dash upper panel (1) via a pair of lateral flanges (5a) thereof extending along either side thereof, and a half bowl-shaped portion (9) formed on each end thereof and welded to a periphery of the corresponding damper mounting portion via a peripheral flange (9d) formed along an outer periphery of the half bowl-shaped portion (9). The peripheral flange (9d) is provided with a pair of cutouts (2b) that expose two of the threaded bolts (7). The cross member is further provided with an opening (10) for exposing the third threaded bolt.
US08398154B1
A deflector is attached to a sub-frame in the front end of a vehicle that rotates the front end of the vehicle in the event the vehicle contacts an object outboard of the sub-frame. The deflector has a deflection beam that is supported on an outboard end by a reaction leg. The reaction leg is backed by an attachment leg that is secured in a parallel orientation to a part of the sub-frame.
US08398150B2
A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer along a length of the trailer. A mounting bracket assembly of the system is coupled to the side skirt wall and is configured to be coupled to a floor assembly of the trailer. The mounting bracket assembly is configured to tilt laterally outwardly and laterally inwardly with respect to a generally vertical axis parallel to the side wall of the trailer.
US08398139B2
A storage compartment or presenter includes a tray that is ejected from a vehicle panel when a door on the storage presenter is fully opened and recessed into a storage housing. In this way, the present invention presents objects stored in the storage compartment to a driver or passenger by deploying a storage tray allowing access to items stored therein. Thus, the present invention eliminates the difficulty in retrieving objects within the often times small confines available for in-panel storage compartments.
US08398135B2
A safety assembly that provides a lifeline for utility poles and other tall structures is provided. The safety assembly includes a tubular member and a positioning member. The tubular member has first and second openings to a passage. The passage is configured to receive a rope. The positioning member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the positioning member is configured to be received in at least one of the first and second openings of the tubular member. The second end of the positioning member is configured to be coupled to a reaching member. With the use of the positioning member and the reaching member, the tubular member is positioned to engage the tall structure and the rope passing through the internal passage is used as a lifeline.
US08398134B1
A universal safety and rescue carabiner holder is disclosed for securing a carabiner with its gate in the open position while extending the user's reach several feet in any direction, which is also capable of supporting a long and heavy segment of attached safety rope. The carabiner holder is mounted to the end of an extension pole and includes an axial stem, gripping means supported by the axial stem for releasably capturing the spine of the carabiner and for holding the carabiner's gate arm in an open position, and supporting means supported by the axial stem opposite the gripping means for restraining the base of the carabiner. An axial gap defined by the gripping means and the supporting means is variable to accommodate a broad selection of carabiners have a wide variety of sizes, shapes and gate arm configurations.
US08398131B2
A radiator grill arrangement for a motor vehicle front end of a motor vehicle with a number of air passage openings, which can be closed at least substantially by at least one flap element is provided. The at least one flap element is supported so as to be able to swivel about an associated flap axis. In driving states of the motor vehicle in which little cooling air is needed for the engine or engine compartment, the entire flap arrangement or a part of the flaps can thus be closed in order to improve the drag coefficient cw of the motor vehicle and to save fuel. Also in the parked state of the motor vehicle with the engine switched off, it is possible to close the flap arrangement in order to ensure a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the motor vehicle.
US08398124B2
A fitting is provided that may optionally be pulled up to its final assembled condition by torque rather than by turns. At least one fitting component includes a structure that facilitates pull up by torque. In one embodiment, a ring is provided that may be disposed on one of the fitting components and includes an engagement surface that engages a surface on the other of the fitting components at a first axial position that corresponds to a complete pull up. The engaging surfaces increase the torque required to continue pulling up the fitting past the first axial position.
US08398123B1
A duct coupling system has a first duct with and end having a threads thereon, a second duct having an end with threads thereon, and a coupler having a first end threadedly engaged with the threads of the first duct and a second end threadedly engaged with the threads of the second duct. The ducts and the coupler are each integrally formed of a polymeric material. A plurality of tendons extend through the interior passageways of the ducts of the coupler.
US08398120B2
A swivel-type cast iron swinger gladhand is provided. The gladhand has a mounting bracket, a cast iron coupler support body, and a cast iron coupler body. The cast iron coupler body includes a pivot arm, a coupler and a clamp integrally formed from a single casting. The cast iron coupler body is pivotally supported by the mounting bracket and the cast iron coupler support body.
US08398110B2
A slope compensation mechanism for automatically adapting an angle between a ski boot and a ski to a slope, including a tower mechanism having a tower base assembly mounted to the ski and a tower pivot mechanism rotatably and slidably mounted to the tower base assembly. A resilient pivot mechanism allows the tower pivot mechanism to rotate and to axially move with respect to the tower base assembly and a boot mounting beam engages with elevation angle catches corresponding to ranges of angles of a slope. A slope angle adaptation mechanism acting between the tower base assembly and the tower pivot mechanism determines a slope index angle corresponding to a slope being traversed and maintains the tower pivot mechanism at the slope index angle.
US08398108B2
A transfer chair and a method of using the same. The transfer chair includes a base frame, a seat frame, and a seat having a front edge and a back edge and that is supported by the seat frame. A vertical lift mechanism couples the base frame to the seat frame and is configured to translate the seat from a first height to a second height. A seatback extends upwardly from the back edge of the seat in a first configuration and extends downwardly from the back edge of the seat in a second configuration. When the seatback is in the second configuration, a patient may slide over the back edge of the seat. A transition mechanism moves the seatback between the first and second configurations.
US08398104B2
A bicycle seat adjustable device includes an outer tube with an inner tube movably inserted therein and a piston is connected to the inner tube. A valve control device includes an outer path tube in the inner tube, and a lower end of the outer path tube is connected to the piston and a top end of the outer path tube extends toward the inner tube. A movable piston is movably mounted to the outer path tube. An outer oil room and an inner air room are defined between the inner tube and the outer path tube. A valve unit is connected to the inner path tube to form an inner oil room and a path which communicates with the outer oil room and the inner oil room, and controlled by the valve unit. The inner tube and the inner path tube increases the travel distance of the hydraulic oil.
US08398101B2
A vehicle includes a frame, a swing member, an axle tube, a cushion bracket, a protrusion, an axle, and a cushion member. The swing member is pivotable about a first axis. The axle tube is coupled with the swing member, the cushion bracket, and the protrusion. The axle is rotatable about a second axis. The cushion member includes lower and upper ends. The lower end is pivotally coupled with the cushion bracket and is pivotable about a third axis. The second and third axes reside in a first plane. The protrusion is located above the first plane and is spaced from the cushion member by a first distance having a minimum value. The lower end of the cushion member is spaced from the axle tube by a second distance having a minimum value. The minimum value of the first distance is less than the minimum value of the second distance.
US08398094B1
Skibobs are disclosed having features for conveying the skibob with rider on a moving chairlift while the rider remains mounted on the seat of the skibob. The frame and suspension are configured for elevating the underside of the skibob seat above the level of the chairlift bench during loading, so that the chairlift bench, while moving forward from behind the rider, can pick up the skibob, rider and all, and carry the mounted rider up the ski slope without falling. As the undercarriage of the skibob is lifted off the snow, the rider is deposited on the chairlift bench so that the seat of the skibob is secured in place by the weight of the rider on the seat. During offloading, the skibob is nonetheless readily disengaged from the chairlift bench with an active boost from the suspension and optional spring-loaded seat as the undercarriage contacts the offloading platform, permitting the rider to ski away from the chairlift without dismounting the skibob, thus improving ease of use for riders with limits in physical capacity. These and other features of the invention are a benefit to disabled persons in gaining access to the ski slopes.
US08398087B2
A bonded piston seal, which comprises a metal ring, and a rubbery elastomer seal as vulcanization-bonded thereto expect the sliding site along which a mating seal member slides, where the rubbery elastomer seal is partially bonded to the metal ring through an adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layers comprises (a) an underlayer adhesive layer comprising a phenol resin and an epoxy resin, and (b) an overlayer adhesive layer comprising a phenol resin, a halogenated polymer, and a metal oxide. Not only the distinguished initial adhesiveness, but also the distinguished water-resistance can be obtained by providing (a) the underlayer adhesive layer of the afore-mentioned components and (b) the overlayer adhesive layer of the afore-mentioned components.
US08398086B2
A sealer (5) for sealing a sealed portion (3) is a sheet member formed into a shape that matches a three-dimensional shape of the sealed portion (3). The sealed portion (3) is sealed by placing the sealer (5) over the sealed portion (3) and heating the sealer (5).
US08398085B2
A Bingo card trade feature is disclosed. This feature can offer players the option to trade one set of Bingo cards for another set of different Bingo cards. This exchange can cost nothing or an additional preset cost. These trades can be established through the entity hosting the game. The traded cards can be available for further trades for the same Bingo game based on the business rule set by the entity. The players can be able to trade cards up until a specified time before the start of the actual game. The players can also be able to trade a card as many times as they wish depending on their budget. In one specific example, a “Bonanza Trade” can offer the player the ability to take a daubed Bonanza card that was purchased, add a dollar and get two new Bonanza cards in exchange.
US08398084B2
A method to implement a blackjack variation. The dealer is dealt an up-card and a hole-card. If the up-card is a 10-valued card, then the dealer peeks at the hole-card, and if the hole-card is also a 10-valued card, then the dealer will burn both the up-card and the hole-card (which are both 10-valued cards), and deal two additional cards to the dealer which become the dealer's hand. The game then proceeds normally.
US08398081B1
A combination dice and board game includes a substantially square-shaped arena. Such an arena includes a planar base member and a plurality of vertical walls monolithically formed with such a base member. The game further includes a mechanism for scoring points. Such a point scoring mechanism is employed within an interior area of the arena and includes a plurality of pretty dice. The point scoring mechanism further includes a plurality of fancy dice coextensively shaped with the plurality of pretty dice, a third plurality of traditional dice, and a dice cup. The game apparatus further includes a mechanism for calculating the points, a mechanism for recording the points, and a mechanism for determining how to score the points. Such a score determining mechanism includes a manual of rules. Such a manual describes steps necessary to score points during operating conditions.
US08398080B2
An apparatus useful as an educational device, puzzle or toy of a kind having magnetic interactions between an elongate support and pieces held, or to be held, with or without contact, about said support, wherein a plurality of said pieces collectively form, or can form, a first band of pieces about said support, and another plurality of said pieces form, or can form, a second band of pieces about the support, and wherein at least one piece of each said band has an indicia, said indicia of a piece in one band being able to be indexed to an indicia of a piece of the other band, and wherein at least one of the bands of pieces is able, or will be able, to be rotated about the elongate axis of the support.
US08398076B2
A storage device for a mail-handling machine, said storage device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck along a longitudinal edge of which a referencing wall extends, and through which a conveyor belt passes for the purpose of conveying mailpieces along said referencing wall, and a shock-absorber ramp that is mounted against the referencing wall and that is hit by the mailpieces after they are ejected from said mail-handling machine, and before they fall back down onto the conveyor belt so as to be conveyed towards the sloping surface.
US08398068B2
An image recording device includes a tray unit, a sheet feeder disposed above the tray unit, a recording unit disposed above the sheet feeder, and a unit for discharging the sheet having an image recorded thereon. The tray unit includes a first tray for holding thereon a first sheet, a second tray disposed above the first tray to hold thereon a second sheet, and a third tray disposed above the first tray. The second tray selectively moves between a first position and a second position. When the second tray is in the first position, the sheet feeder feeds the second sheet from the second tray, and the third tray receives the second sheet discharged from the discharging unit. When the second tray is in the second position, the sheet feeder feeds the first sheet from the first tray, and the first tray, the second tray, and the third tray overlap one another vertically.
US08398067B2
A sheet processing apparatus includes pairs of rollers being sheet conveying units that convey recording sheets that are sheet media, a binding tray in which a plurality of recording sheets conveyed by the pairs of rollers are stacked and the recording sheets are retained as a paper bundle, and a stapler being a binding unit that performs a binding process on the paper bundle retained in the binding tray. Target positions on the paper bundle are adjusted by moving both of two jogger fences in an R direction to move the paper bundle in the sheet width direction so as to displace the paper bundle with respect to the stapler.
US08398060B2
A dynamic vibration absorber for a vehicle suspension system includes a spring elastically supporting a vehicle body on a vehicle frame, the spring including multiple coils, an isolator secured to at least one of the coils, at least a portion of the isolator being elastically displaceable in response to movement of one of the coils, and a mass formed as unit with the isolator portion, and supported on the isolator for elastic movement.
US08398053B2
Disclosed are a method and a ball valve structure which provide for an improved seal in a trunnion mounted, double piston ball valve, which is especially useful in applications requiring a seal against high pressures, such as in the oil, gas and chemical process industries. Higher pressures on an inlet side of the valve are used, while the valve moves toward and is maintained in a valve closed position, to create movement of a ball element of the valve so as to bias the ball element against both piston seat elements (or rings) used to create the seals. This movement of the ball element thereby effectively uses such upstream pressure to create and enhance a seal between the ball element and both piston seat elements while in the valve closed position.
US08398051B2
A gate valve actuator including a stem that is movable linearly in an actuator housing connectable to the gate valve. The stem acts on the gate valve to shift the gate valve between open and closed positions, respectively. The stem is driven by a motor in a first direction into a steady state operation position. In the position the stem is biased in a second opposite direction towards a shutdown position by a spring member acting on the stem. A trigger mechanism is arranged for holding the spring member in a compressed state. The trigger mechanism includes an electrically controllable trigger that is arranged for release of the spring member in result of de-energizing the electrically controlled trigger. A method for shifting a gate valve between a steady state operation mode and a shutdown mode utilizing the gate valve actuator.
US08398050B2
An actuator and counterbalance system including a nonmobile carrier; a mobile carrier, mobile relative to the non mobile carrier; and a counterbalance system in operable communication with the mobile carrier and configured to counterbalance less than 100 percent of a return force of a tool actuated by the actuator and method.
US08398042B2
The present invention provides a docking device for connecting to equipment. The docking device includes a first housing section having a plurality of leg sections extending from a surface thereof. A second housing section is attachable to the leg sections of the first housing section. The first housing section and the second housing section define an internal cavity of the docking device. The internal cavity is dimensioned to receive an electrical cable. The leg sections and the second housing section define an opening therebetween. The opening communicates with the internal cavity of the docking device. A panel is dimensioned to be received into the opening defined by the leg sections and the second housing section. The panel has a connector extending therethrough.
US08398038B2
A wheel support assembly is mounted to a pivotable system spanning an opening, with the pivotable system mounted to one side of the opening at a pivotable connection and to another side of the opening at a removable connection. The support assembly is disposed proximate the removable connection and spaced apart from the pivotable connection, and has a wheel positioned and oriented to support the pivotable system weight that would otherwise be cantilevered as the pivotable system rotates about the pivotable support. The wheel support assembly may include a vertically adjustable wheel that may be adjusted to remain just out of contact with the support surface when the pivotable assembly is connected to both the pivotable and the removable connections.
US08398037B2
A support having a plurality of elongate hollow leg members, each of which is at least partially supporting an apex selectively, detachably mountable to equipment. At least one leg member has a circumferential wall of a thickness along a major portion of its length no more than approximately 0.04 inches.
US08398032B2
A mounting bracket for a gutter for buildings, the gutter including a generally channel or trough shaped body for collecting water with an internal wall having mounting means thereon, the mounting bracket including an elongated bracket body which includes an attachment section which is attachable to the building and a gutter mounting section, the gutter mounting section including a plurality of gutter support elements arranged along the gutter mounting section and aligned so as to correspond to a fall required when the gutter is in an installed position.
US08398029B2
The present invention relates to an on-board device for measuring the mass and the position of the center of gravity of an aircraft having a plurality of landing gears (T1, T2), each landing gear (T1, T2) being provided with at least one contact member (2) having a deformable element (3) that is deformable under the action of the weight of the aircraft when the aircraft is standing on a surface, and is remarkable in that the formable element (3) is provided with a bar (4) having an eddy current sensor (6) at its free end.
US08398026B2
A method and apparatus comprising a frame and a door. The door may be moveably connected to the frame. The door may be capable of being rotated in the frame between a closed position and an open position to provide access to an opening of a vehicle body without moving the door outside of a mold line of the vehicle body.
US08398018B2
A fan cowl support for an aircraft having an engine pylon, an engine fan case and an engine fan cowl. The fan cowl support includes a support having a forward end connected to the engine fan case and an aft end connected to the engine pylon with a spherical connector. At least a portion of the engine fan cowl is connected to the support.
US08398017B2
A duct having a continuous C-shaped cross section slidably attached to a strut supporting an aircraft engine. The duct may comprise an inner wall, an outer wall, a first end wall, a second end wall, at least one slider, a thrust reverser, and an outer cowl panel of a thrust reverser. The inner wall may comprise a forward section and an aft section. The aft section may be integral with the first end wall, the second end wall, the outer wall, and the at least one slider. The forward section may comprise a right half and a left half which may be pivotally attached to the strut and may pivot to an open position when the rest of the fan duct is slid aftward away from the engine. The duct, excluding the forward section of the inner wall, may slide aftward on its at least one slider, providing engine access.
US08398016B2
An air intake arrangement includes a mobile plate controlled by at least one fluid communication passage or opening extending between the outer and inner surfaces of the mobile plate. The fluid communication passage or opening is located at least in the vicinity of a limited downstream area of the outer surface, is at a high pressure when the aircraft flies at cruising speed, and is capable of transmitting the high pressure to an extended area of the inner surface. The air flowing through the air intake arrangement may be used to refresh an enclosed area with electrical or mechanical equipment.
US08398013B2
The invention relates to a cable reel device, comprising a rack on which the cable reel is rotatable mounted. The cable reel is provided with a portion for storing cable, wire or the like, as well as flanges on either side of the portion. The device comprises a machine which is provided with at least two drive wheels. The rack with the cable reel can be placed in the machine so that the rack and the cable reel rest on the machine, so that the flanges of the cable reel are in contact with the drive wheels.
US08398012B2
A reversible seat belt tensioner includes an electric motor (2), a belt shaft (1) drivable in the belt winding direction by the electric motor (2) via a drive wheel (10), and a drive shaft (9) transmitting the rotational movement of the electric motor (2) to the drive wheel (10). The drive shaft (9) is connected to at least one of the drive wheel (10) and the electric motor (2) via a helical gear unit. The use of a helical gear unit provides the advantage that the rotational axes of the meshing components can be arranged at angles other than 90 degrees with respect to each other because the components in the helical gear units only come into punctiform contact.
US08398009B2
A refiner or disperser blade is made of a steel alloy by casting. The alloy comprises, in weight percent: 0.6 to 4 wt-% carbon (C), 0.5 to 1.5 wt-% silicon (Si), 0.4 to 1.5 wt-% manganese (Mn), 12 to 28 wt-% chromium (Cr), 4 to 12 wt-% niobium (Nb), as well as iron (Fe).
US08398007B2
A jet mill in which crushed material introduced into a crushing chamber is comminuted by gas being sprayed from a plurality of gas-jet nozzles, wherein high-efficiency pulverization is performed by optimizing various pulverization conditions according to the type of crushed material or other such properties. The direction in which gas is sprayed into the crushing chamber is variable adjustable; the spraying direction of each nozzle is displaced simultaneously by the electromotive actuator; swirl flow is produced in three dimensions, including the flow of a directional component that is perpendicular to the horizontal swirl flow; and a fine-powder discharge port of a first pulverization chamber and a fine powder introduction port of a second pulverization chamber are communicatingly connected by a ventilation duct.
US08398005B2
The electrostatic atomizing device includes a discharge electrode, an opposed electrode, and a voltage application device. The voltage application device is configured to apply a voltage between the discharge electrode and the opposed electrode so as to atomizing a liquid supplied to the discharge electrode. The electrostatic atomizing device further includes a reduced water provision device configured to supply reduced water as the above liquid to the discharge electrode.
US08398001B2
A method for performing an aperture plate comprises providing a mandrel that is constructed of a mandrel body having a conductive surface and a plurality of non-conductive islands disposed on the conductive surface. The mandrel is placed within a solution containing a material that is to be deposited onto the mandrel. Electrical current is applied to the mandrel to form an aperture plate on the mandrel, with the apertures having an exit angle that is in the range from about 30° to about 60°.
US08397999B2
A two-dimensional code having a rectangular region is provided. In the rectangular region, there are code blocks composed of a plurality of cells, a first specific pattern specifying the positions of the cells, and a second specific pattern separating the code blocks from a background of the code. The first specific pattern is located at a specified corner of the rectangular region. The second specific pattern is located along one or more of first borders along which the first specific pattern is located, the first borders being part of the borders of the rectangular region. The code blocks include error-correction code blocks, which are located along second borders which are different from a border of the borders along which the second specific pattern is located. The second borders are part of the borders. Compressed data code blocks are also arranged in the same way as the error-correction code blocks.
US08397995B2
A security structure including: a first region that is at least partially reflective and of low opacity; a second region that is at least partially reflective and of higher opacity than the first region; and a layer of a coating presenting birefringence properties, covering the first and second regions, at least in part.
US08397980B2
A card identifying apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention has a light-receiving portion that reads a card on a pixel basis of a predetermined area as a unit including color information having brightness, RAM that stores image data comprised of a plurality of pixels read by the light-receiving portion, an image data thinning processing section that makes the number of read pixels lower in another direction than in one direction to vary the number of pixels of the image data when the reading means reads the card, and an judgment processing section that identifies authentication of the card based on the image data varied by the image data thinning processing section.
US08397976B2
A process for cohesive bonding between a metal surface and a nonmetallic substrate is provided. The non-metallic substrate may comprise a plurality of microfilaments and/or nanofilaments dispersed into and below the surface of the substrate. The application of pressure and laterally-oriented high frequency and low amplitude vibration may allow for diffusion bonding between the metal surface and material of the nanofilaments. Another method includes discharging energy from a bank of capacitors to melt adjoining surfaces of the metal surface and nonmetallic substrate. Additionally, a cohesive bonding method may further comprise converting electrical oscillations of ultrasonic frequency into ultrasonic vibrations which are transmitted to the metal body and/or substrate for fusing the two materials together.
US08397973B1
A surgical apparatus may include at least one feeder belt; a plurality of staples frangibly affixed to each feeder belt, where each staple includes two ends, a first end frangibly connected to a corresponding feeder belt and a second, free end; and a handle within which at least part of at least one feeder belt is received, where that feeder belt extends along a path within that handle that is at least partially nonlinear. A method for operating a surgical apparatus, including providing a surgical stapler including an end effector, a shaft, a handle and at least one feeder belt, where staples are frangibly affixed to each feeder belt; deploying a plurality of staples from the end effector; and advancing at least one feeder belt along a nonlinear path after deploying the staples, whereby fresh staples are moved into the end effector into position for deployment.
US08397958B2
The present invention provides a closure assembly for a container having a housing, a retaining ring and a valve. The closure assembly is useful for attachment to a container to provide flowable, aseptic access to the contents of the container.
US08397953B2
A pocket-sized self-defense spray device is capable of dispensing a chemical irritant to cause temporary breathing difficulty and a burning sensation in the eyes of the target without any permanent damage. The device comprises a casing, a nozzle, and a multi-position trigger. The trigger is slidably mounted in the casing to be moveable from a safe position to an active position. The casing may contain a battery-powered light that is switched on to illuminate the target when the trigger is in the active position. The trigger button in the second position may then be depressed into an engaged position that causes chemical irritant to be discharged from a removable canister with a poppet valve into a nozzle chamber, and out the nozzle exit at a target. The casing includes an ergonomic finger grip that serves to prevent inadvertent discharge at the user, and ease of aiming at the target.
US08397942B2
An improved flexible storage container [1000] is sized and shaped to hold and store a specific item, such as a handbag. It employs a front wall [1100], a rear wall [1130], and side walls [1150] which are made of a breathable material. Moisture is allowed to pass in or out of the container to keep moisture equilibrium. Pockets [1113, 1153] inside of the walls [1100, 1130] may be used to hold front and side supports [1115, 1155] to make the storage container [1000] more rigid. A hypoallergenic barrier [1200] which acts as a liner inside of container [1000] employs material having a tight weave with pores 10 microns or smaller to keep out dust, dust mites or other allergenic materials. The storage container [1000] is capable of storing items for long periods of time with little or no change to the item. It also minimizes allergic reactions to those using the items after storage.
US08397936B2
A package has a base for holding foodstuff objects, a cover fittable downwardly over the lid and having a rim with a rear edge and a front edge parallel thereto, and a hinge interconnecting the cover and base at the rear edge for movement between an open position with the rims separated at the front edge and a closed position with the rims engaging each other at the front edge. A female formation open vertically at one of the rims toward the other of the rims has a recess with a rear side formed by a forwardly projecting counterhook and a front side defined by a flank extending vertically forward and toward the other rim. A male formation projecting vertically from the other of the rims toward the one rim is fittable into the recess and has a hook matable with the counterhook.
US08397918B2
A separator for separating a first component and a second component from within a mixed fluid includes a plurality of discs, a separator chamber, and a disc rotator. The discs are spaced apart along a disc axis The separator chamber encircles the plurality of discs. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis relative to the separator chamber. The separator chamber includes a chamber inlet that receives the mixed fluid, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis so that the mixed fluid is spun around the separator chamber about the disc axis to separate the heavier second component from the first component. The first component is directed out of the separator through the first outlet and the second component is directed out of separator through the second outlet.
US08397911B1
A protective tubing assembly having male and female connectors integrally formed along its exterior surface and an asymmetrical cross-section with additional wall thickness in the non-connector cross section regions is provided by the present invention. Cooperating, substantially flat exterior bearing surfaces may also be formed along the exterior surface of the tubing. The tubing can be wound into coiled alignment with the male and female connectors securing adjacent coils together, and the additional wall thickness regions in the asymmetrical cross-sectional reducing unwanted twisting of the tubing that would otherwise lead to individual coils rising from their original, substantially planar coiled alignment. An extrusion manufacturing process with special inner and outer dies is also provided.
US08397910B2
An oral care implement demonstration assembly includes a powered oral care implement, a package housing and a plurality of demonstration elements. The oral care implement demonstration assembly is configured to produce a visual demonstration effect when relative movement is provided between a first demonstration element and a second demonstration element. Among the visual effects that may be utilized is a Moiré effect. Additionally, an associated method for demonstrating features of an oral care implement though one or more visual effects is described herein.
US08397903B2
A modular belt conveyor (12), in particular curving or helical conveyor, including a number of mutually interconnected modular belt conveyor links (14) that together form a common curving or helical conveyor with an inner and outer belt edge, respectively, of which at least one belt edge, preferably the inner belt edge, interacts by inter-spaced, preferably vertical curve guides, wherein at the belt edge or edges interacting with the curve guide, each of the belt conveyor links (14) are either provided with an edge reinforcement or are fitted with an edge element (20), the edge reinforcement or edge element (20), respectively, together with the corresponding adjacent belt conveyor link (14) forming a substantially closed guide surface (34) at the belt edge in question. In a simple way and by means of simple technical means are hereby achieved the possibility of counteracting the said problems of lateral incisions or apertures at the inner or outer belt edge.
US08397896B2
A conveyor system comprising: a track section comprising a control system; a drive system that is controlled by the control system; a plurality of moving elements that are driven by the drive system; a pallet support apparatus; a plurality of pallets that are configured to engage with the moving elements and move on the pallet support apparatus; and a plurality of workstations provided along the track section, each workstation at a predetermined pitch from each other workstation, wherein at least some of the pitches are different among workstations, wherein the control system, drive system and moving elements are configured such that each pallet of the plurality of pallets is independently advanced through the workstations based on the pitches of the workstations.
US08397894B2
An apparatus for locking a shift lever of an automatic transmission in a vehicle may include a shift lock cam including a position converting member and being connected with a brake pedal wherein the shift lock cam is pivotally coupled to a shift lever housing and elastically supported by a first elastic member, and a shift lock release lever that is pivotally coupled to the shift lever housing and elastically supported by a second elastic member, wherein one end of the shift lock release lever is selectively coupled to a shift lever body and the other end of the shift lock release lever is eccentrically coupled to the position converting member of the shift lock cam.
US08397892B2
A clutch support for supporting a clutch hub of a clutch such that the clutch hub is rotatable is described. The clutch hub comprises a flange that is fixable at clutch housing or the like; a substantially cylindrical element for receiving the clutch hub such that the clutch hub is rotatable; and a sleeve with at least one groove formed therein for providing at least one channel that allows oil to be supplied to the clutch through this channel. The sleeve is manufactured substantially without any chip removing machining action. This achieves the goal to provide a clutch support that can be manufactured in a simple manner and at comparatively low cost.
US08397890B2
A method of operating a friction plate clutch includes activating a clutch control mechanism to engage the friction plate clutch, and engaging a holding clutch. The clutch control mechanism is then deactivated, rendering it unable to maintain engagement of the friction plate clutch. The holding clutch is used to retain engagement of the friction plate clutch. One embodiment of the method uses a wedge clutch as the holding clutch. A latching clutch assembly includes a friction plate clutch movable between an engaged and a disengaged position.
US08397882B2
A fastening device for externally fastening cables or lines to housings, especially to the housing of brake cylinders, includes a fastening pin that can be locked in a breather of the housing. A connecting channel is configured in the fastening pin via which channel, in the locked state, the interior of the housing communicates with the atmosphere.
US08397876B2
A cable-operated device (50) suitable for use with a parking brake (10) includes a cable (54) having first end coupled to a lever (52) of a brake mechanism. A supporting member (58) supports at least one longitudinal portion of the cable (54). One end of a coil spring (56) is affixed to the lever (52) and the other end may be affixed to the supporting member (58) or a bracket (81). The cable (54) extends through at least a portion of the coil spring (56). One end of a liner (61) is affixed to the supporting member (58) and the liner (61) surrounds at least a bent portion of the coil spring (56) that is supported on a guide surface (58b).
US08397872B2
In a housing 13, an air discharge hole 41 and a suction pipe 51 are arranged vertically in parallel and are located outward with respect to a bearing 12 that supports a vertical main spindle 11. A communication hole 43 connects between a space formed below the bearing 12 and an intermediate portion of the air discharge hole 41 in a height direction. A bottom end of the air discharge hole 41 and that of the suction pipe 51 communicate with an oil reservoir 45. Lubricant in the oil reservoir 45 is sucked through the suction pipe 51 and is recovered at a position outside the housing 13.
US08397871B2
A device comprises a rotor element which is connected to a stator element by at least one roller bearing, and a grease storage recipient for lubricating the roller bearing. The supply of grease from the grease storage recipient is controlled by a temperature-dependent expansion element.
US08397859B2
In an electric power steering system, multiple cutouts (45) are formed in a flange portion (36) formed on an axial end portion (23a) of a ball screw nut (23) of a ball screw device that drives a rack shaft. In addition, a motor shaft (6) has a thin-plate portion (44) that extends on the radially outer side of the ball screw nut (23). When the thin-plate portion (44) that extends from the motor shaft (6) is swaged into the cutouts (45) that serve as engagement recesses that have side walls in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the ball screw nut (23) relative to the motor shaft (6) is restricted.
US08397843B2
An output control unit of a vehicle, having a front riding space and a rear riding space, includes a riding detection device for detecting the presence of a passenger in the rear riding space. When the riding detection device detects the passenger, the output control unit regulates the output of the engine as compared with the output when the riding detection device does not detect a passenger in the rear riding space.
US08397836B2
A method of maintaining a desired downhole pressure during a drilling operation can include measuring a parameter with a sensor, communicating actual parameter values from the sensor to a predictive device, training the predictive device to output predicted parameter values in response to input of the actual parameter values, and outputting the predicted parameter values from the predictive device when the predictive device ceases receiving the actual parameter values. A well drilling system can include a predictive device which outputs predicted parameter values in response to input of actual parameter values to the predictive device. The predictive device continues to output the predicted parameter values, even when the predictive device fails to receive valid actual parameter values. Another well drilling system includes a data validator which communicates valid actual parameter values to the predictive device, but does not communicate invalid actual parameter values to the predictive device.
US08397832B2
A hand tool is disclosed, comprising a housing, a motor shaft being coupled to a drive motor, a working spindle configured for being driven rotatingly oscillatingly about its longitudinal axis, and a coupling element being driven rotatingly by the motor shaft and having a closed guide surface that revolves around the motor shaft. The guide surface is coupled, via transmission means, to at least one driver for driving the latter. The at least one driver is arranged movably relative to the working spindle and engages the working spindle at a circumferential region thereof for driving the latter rotatingly oscillatingly.
US08397829B2
A method and apparatus for controlling and extinguishing subterranean coal fires. Suitable detection and measuring devices are initially used to determine the extent of the fire and develop a plan of extinguishment. Flow control devices are added to all the mine's access points in order to control gas flow into and/or out of the mine. In addition, new access points may be added. Gaseous carbon dioxide is pumped into the mine until a positive pressure is developed (with respect to atmospheric pressure. Pressurized and liquefied carbon dioxide is directed into the area of the combustion face. The liquid carbon dioxide blankets the combustion area with a gas which will not support combustion and absorbs a tremendous amount of heat from the burning coal.
US08397815B2
A method and apparatus for fishing a wellbore with wired drill pipe are provided. Embodiments of the invention advantageously identify objects for removal and signal proper attachment therewith. In an embodiment, a method of fishing with wired drill pipe comprising attaching a fishing apparatus to the end of a wired drill pipe string, extending the wired drill pipe string into a wellbore, monitoring signals received through the wired drill pipe string from one or more sensors coupled to the fishing apparatus, and determining proper coupling of the fishing apparatus with one or more objects intended for removal based on the signals received from the sensors is provided.
US08397809B2
A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying at least one sensing device in the well and during a leak off test, communicating a signal that is indicative of a measurement that is acquired by the sensing device(s) over a wired infrastructure of a drill string. The technique includes controlling the leak off test based at least in part on the communication.
US08397794B2
Described herein is a twin roll caster including a pair of casting rolls arranged parallel to one another with a gap between the casting rolls and side dams parallel to one another forming a pool between the casting rolls and side dams. A side dam support is provided that applies a compression force on at least one of the side dams at a compression angle relative to the axis of the casting rolls.
US08397793B2
A steel continuous casting method using a continuous caster that includes a pair of upper magnetic poles and a pair of lower magnetic poles is disclosed. The method comprises braking a molten steel flow with DC magnetic fields respectively applied to a pair of upper magnetic poles and a pair of lower magnetic poles while stirring the molten steel with an AC magnetic field simultaneously applied to the pair of upper magnetic poles, the strength of an AC magnetic field applied to the upper magnetic poles and strengths of DC magnetic fields applied to the upper magnetic poles and the lower magnetic poles are controlled within a particular ranges in accordance with the width of a slab to be cast.
US08397791B2
A mold for molding a green body for manufacturing a zirconium oxide dental implant includes a first molding part and a second molding part. The first and second molding parts each has a first imprinting inner surface and two none-thread inner surfaces for forming the external of the green body with two external thread sections and two none-thread sections. The mold may also include a driving mechanism, a polygonal conical slider and a screw thread forming rod. The polygonal conical slider can be driven for axially sliding into the mold cavity without rotation. The screw thread forming rod is coaxially and slidably penetrated the polygonal conical slider and driven by the driving mechanism for screwing into the mold cavity and unscrewing out of the mold cavity thereby forming the inner of the green body with an internal thread and a polygonal tapering section.
US08397789B2
Provided are methods of replacing drilling holes in castings by pre-tensioning sand cores. These methods are used in long cylindrical shaped sand cores in cold core box processes. The urethane sand core is placed in compression to increase the core strength during handling, placing inside of the mold. The pre-tensioned urethane sand core is set in a casting mold so as to form a cavity in the casting mold. The molten metal is poured to form the cavity inside of the casting. The pre-tensioned urethane sand core maintains its initial shape during casting.
US08397780B2
An automatic machine and an automatic method for the application of a spacer profile, preferably made of expanded synthetic material, on a glass sheet in order to compose the insulating glazing unit, after extrusion of a thermoplastic sealant on a portion of each one of its faces designed for mating. The process for extrusion of the sealant on the profile is independent of the process for applying the profile on the glass sheet, so that therefore each one of the two processes can be performed by using its optimum parameters.
US08397778B2
The present invention relates to a flat-running device intended for equipping a mounted assembly without an air chamber for a motor vehicle, and to such a mounted assembly incorporating this device.This device (30) comprises a wheel rim (10) with a plurality of blocks (10a and 10b) and a tire (20) comprising beads (21 and 22) mounted against flanges (12 and 13) of the rim, the device comprising: a structure (31) for supporting the tire, which structure is to be mounted around the rim and is divided into ring sectors (32) in the form of an arc of a circle, surmounted by a casing (34) which is intended for supporting the tire when the latter is running flat and which has two projecting lateral portions (34b) partially covering lateral faces (32b) of the structure, and means (33) for locking the beads against said flanges, which connect the annular supporting structure to the beads. According to the invention, these lateral portions incorporate means (34c) for holding the sectors, opposing the axial displacement of the latter under lateral forces in the event of a shock during running in the inflated state or in the event of running flat, so that these sectors remain surmounted by the casing.
US08397777B2
A run-flat tire capable of reducing weight and enhancing its uniformity. The run-flat tire 1 provides a toroidal carcass 6 extending from a tread portion 2 to the bead core of each bead portion 4 through each of sidewall portions 3 and a pair of side reinforcing rubbers 9 arranged inside the carcass 6 and extending along the sidewall portions 3 in the tire radial direction inwardly and outwardly. In the outer surface of the tread portion 2, pattern elements are arranged, thereby forming a pitch pattern. Each of the side reinforcing rubber 9 provides with recesses 11 circumferentially spaced on the inner surface of side reinforcing rubber facing the tire cavity. The total number (n) of recesses 11 on each of the side reinforcing rubber 9 is 0.70 to 1.30 times the total number of pattern elements.
US08397775B2
A cushioning rubber composition contains 5 to 20 parts by mass of first carbon black having an iodine adsorption number of 50 to 70 mg/g and a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption of 130 to 150 ml/100 g and 15 to 30 parts by mass of second carbon black having an iodine adsorption number of 110 to 130 mg/g and a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption of 105 to 120 ml/100 g as well as sulfur and a vulcanization accelerator with respect to 100 parts by mass of a rubber component, while the mass ratio of sulfur to the vulcanization accelerator is 1.0 to 2.3.
US08397771B2
A pneumatic radial tire includes a carcass, opposing bead portions, a carcass reinforcing ply extending between the bead portions, and opposing bead cores situated within respective opposing bead portions. An annular hollow tube member is situated within a bead portion, the tube member containing within a tube internal passageway a viscous fluid and a plurality of spherical balls within the viscous fluid. The spherical balls are dimensioned and sized to freely move circumferentially about the tube passageway. The balancing bodies operationally reposition within the tube passageway to cancel imbalance effects within a running wheel assembly including the tire. The tube member may be located in a tire apex member or form a tire bead core within the tire bead portion with carcass reinforcing ply endings surrounding the tube member.
US08397770B2
A non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is connected to the valve for controlling the first movable valve portion, and has a liquid sensor responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.
US08397765B2
A polymeric composition for insulating fluid and/or gas transport conduits, such as off-shore oil and gas pipelines operating at temperatures of 130° C. or higher in water depths above 1,000 meters. The outer surface of the conduit is provided with at least one layer of solid or foam insulation comprising a high temperature resistant thermoplastic having low thermal conductivity, high thermal softening point, high compressive strength and high compressive creep resistance. The high temperature resistant thermoplastic is selected from one or more members of the group comprising: polycarbonate; polyphenylene oxide; polyphenylene oxide blended with polypropylene, polystyrene or polyamide; polycarbonate blended with polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, or polyetherimide; polyamides, including polyamide 12 and 612 and elastomers thereof; polymethylpentene and blends thereof; cyclic olefin copolymers and blends thereof; and, partially crosslinked thermoplastic elastomers, also known as thermoplastic vulcanizates or dynamically vulcanized elastomers.
US08397762B2
The invention relates to a fluidic system that includes a body structure having a chamber disposed therein. The fluidic system includes at least one fluid input at a first end of the chamber and at least one fluid output at a second end of the chamber. The fluidic system also includes a sensor device (e.g., an acoustic device) having a surface defining a portion of a surface of the chamber. The fluidic system also includes a first surface at the first end of the chamber oriented at an oblique or arcuate (e.g., curved) angle relative to the surface of the sensor device to direct fluid through the chamber.
US08397760B2
Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.
US08397756B2
A fluid conduit coupling assembly has a depressible latch mechanism that secures a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit via a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler connects to the first fluid conduit and the second coupler connects to the second fluid conduit. The depressible latch mechanism is formed by a pair of cantilevered buttons disposed in symmetrically opposed positions on one of the couplers. The cantilevered buttons have engagement lips that extend distally with catches that extend radially outward to engage a ridge formed on an interior wall of the opposing coupler. Fluid ports within the couplers interface when the couplers connect to provide fluid flow between the first and second conduits. Valves may be disposed in each of the couplers to arrest fluid flow when the couplers are detached and automatically open to allow fluid to flow when the couplers are connected.
US08397754B2
The invention concerns the female or male member (3) of a connection (1) that can be connected with a corresponding male or female connection member (5) and includes a pusher (33) and a stop valve (35) capable of sliding axially relative to the pusher (33) for coupling to the member (3). The member (3) further includes at least one seal (34) mounted on a first part (35) selected from the pusher and the valve and capable of sealing interaction with a first portion (331) of the second part (33) selected from the pusher and the valve in an uncoupled configuration of the member (3). In the coupled configuration of the member (3), a second portion (333) of the second part (33), defining a seal (34) protection portion (333), is radially provided between the seal (34) and a main fluid flow line (V) in the member (3). The portions (331, 333) have different radial dimensions so that the radial thickness available for the seal (34) in the coupled configuration is higher than the radial configuration available for the seal (34) in the uncoupled configuration. The portions (331, 333) are connected to each other by connection tabs (338) having a constant cross-section.
US08397753B2
A hands free water system and method for use with an existing or new wash basin.
US08397749B2
An oil jet assembly includes a body, a tube, a cap insert, a ball, and a spring. The body includes a bore passing longitudinally through the body; a tube aperture passing through the body near a first end of the body; and an opening at a second and opposite end of the body. The tube is attached to the body and in fluid communication with the tube aperture. The cap insert is positioned within the bore of the body. The cap insert includes a bore that passes longitudinally through the cap insert to form a wall. The cap insert also includes an oil exit aperture passing though the wall and is in fluid communication with the bore of the body. The ball and spring are positioned within the bore of the insert cap. The spring is positioned between the ball and the first end of the body.
US08397748B2
A valve includes a body, a cavity in the body, and a check valve formed in the cavity. The check valve includes a poppet having a first end and a second end, and a first seat and a second seat, wherein the first seat is formed at the first end, the second seat is formed at the second end, and a diameter of the second seat is greater than a diameter of the first seat.
US08397744B2
A distribution valve monitor to monitor the operation of a distribution valve of the type having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, which couples the outlets to the inlet according to a desired fluid distribution pattern comprises a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed at spaced locations about the distribution valve to sense activation of the valve to different operating conditions. A controller communicates with the sensors and records data representing the operation of the valve. The recorded data is examined to detect improper operation of the distribution valve.
US08397743B2
An example internal relief valve disclosed herein includes a relief valve seat coupled to a first end of the relief valve stem and to engage a first side of a sensing apparatus to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and a second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in a closed position. A bleed hole within a surface of the sensing apparatus and separate from the opening of the sensing apparatus is dimensioned to provide a controlled flow rate between the first side and the second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in an open position. A seal is disposed along a body of the relief valve stem upstream from the bleed hole and the valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and the second side of the sensing apparatus via the opening of the sensing apparatus when the relief valve is in the open position.
US08397742B2
A shuttle valve useful in connection with operation of underwater blowout preventers employs soft seals sealing an annulus between an inlet bore and the outer periphery of the shuttle to provide hydraulic function control from a high pressure low flow supply source such as a low volume positive displacement pump on a remotely operated vehicle without losing opposing inlet sealing and hydraulic fluid dump the opposing inlet during a return stroke of the pump.
US08397731B1
A fluoroscopy chair convertible between a chair configuration for use during fluoroscopic procedures to a support table configuration. The fluoroscopy chair has a seat, a support column supporting the seat, a radiotranslucent chest support retained to an anterior side of the seat, and a back support retained to the posterior side of the seat. The back support is reconfigurable between a first configuration that forms an upstanding surface and a second configuration cooperating with the seat to form a support table. The chest support, which can have multiple, differently contoured support surfaces, can be adjusted vertically and rotated relative to the patient. A support arm attachment for use during fluoroscopic procedures in relation to a support table with a support platform with a base portion, a mechanism for selectively retaining the base portion relative to the platform of the support table, a support arm retained by the base portion, and a chest and neck support retained by the support arm.
US08397724B2
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a ventilation system for providing gas under a first pressure to the nose of a user and second pressure to the mouth of a user is disclosed. A ventilation system can include a flow generator that can be connected to a gas supply tube. The gas supply tube can be in fluid communication with a ventilation interface. At least a portion of the gas supply tube can have a divider within the channel of the tube forming a nasal passageway and an oral passageway. A nasal breathing chamber and an oral breathing chamber can be defined in the ventilation interface. The nasal breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the nasal passageway. The oral breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the oral passageway.
US08397718B2
An inhaler which comprises a base having at least one sealed cavity containing medicament and a foil portion comprising two sides, one side being attached to the base for sealing the medicament within the cavity. A separating element is attached to the other side of the foil portion for separating the foil portion from the cavity, the separating element having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the separating element is movable to an intermediate tilted position in which said first end is moved-away from the cavity. The separating element is further movable from the intermediate tilted position to a removed position in which also said second end is moved-away from the cavity so that the foil portion is removed from the cavity which is thereby uncovered so that medicament contained therein is enabled to become entrained in a fluid flow.
US08397717B2
The present invention relates to an inhaler with a novel mouthpiece having a microbiological protective function. The inhalers are used for administration of a pharmaceutical substance, substance formulation or substance mixture.
US08397716B2
A substance delivery apparatus for use with a system for supplying breathable gas to a human or animal includes a sensor to measure the pressure of the supplied breathable gas and to detect inhalation by the human or animal; and a reservoir, a conduit, a pump, and a diaphragm to deliver the substance to the human or animal during inhalation at a pressure higher than the supplied pressure of the breathable gas.
US08397703B2
A high voltage resonator-amplifier for a radiofrequency ignition system that can be used in an internal combustion engine, the resonator-amplifier including at least two electrodes, a coil arranged in alignment with the electrodes along a longitudinal axis, and a linking mechanism retaining the coil and the electrodes in a relatively fixed position. The coil is wound around a closed bend which in turn wraps around the longitudinal axis.
US08397702B2
A control circuit for use with an ignition system of a light-duty combustion engine. In one embodiment, the control circuit includes a charging circuit, a timing circuit and a shut down circuit that includes a manual stop switch. Activation of the manual stop switch causes the control circuit to shut down the engine, and can do so even if the manual stop switch is only momentarily engaged by the operator.
US08397699B2
A fuel pretreater apparatus for pretreating fuel for combustion is provided. A conversion tube is provided for vaporized fuel to flow therethrough. The conversion tube includes an intake end for receiving the vaporized fuel and an outlet end for dispersing the vaporized fuel. The conversion tube includes a hollow tapered interior wall having a narrower diameter near the intake end and a wider diameter near the outlet end. A tapered conversion rod is removably placed inside the conversion tube. The tapered conversion rod is conically tapered along at least one half of a length of the tapered conversion rod. The tapered conversion rod includes a narrow end corresponding to the narrower diameter of the conversion tube near the intake end and a wide end corresponding to the wider diameter of the conversion tube near the outlet end.
US08397680B2
An engine system includes a medium which chemically repeats storage and release of hydrogen to provide an engine system where CO2 emissions can be suppressed and system efficiency is excellent. The engine system includes a hydrogen supply device for producing hydrogen rich gas from a medium which chemically repeats the storage and release of hydrogen, and drives an engine using the hydrogen rich gas produced in the hydrogen supply device as one of the fuels. This engine system is characterized by comprising a waste heat supply device for supplying waste heat of the engine to hydrogen supply device, a generator which generates electricity by power of the engine, an energy storage device for storing electric power produced by the generator, and a motor for converting electric power discharged from the energy storage device into power.
US08397674B2
A pet feeding system that includes a dish configured to regulate intake of food by a pet, such as a cat. The dish has a housing in cooperation with a food-dispensing receptacle that dispense food into a food-receiving chamber within the housing permitting a pet to access food in the chamber through at least one food access port that only permits part of the pet to reach within the housing to get some food. The food-dispensing receptacle can be a bowl that can be integrally formed as part of the housing and can also be a food-holding container that seats in the bowl. A cap is provided that can cover food in the bowl or container preventing a pet from accessing the food.
US08397672B2
A pet bed having a base and a plush pad within the base which is sized to support a pet thereon. A tubular member is provided having one end affixed to the base and a non-rigid side wall, the non-rigid side wall being extendable from the base in a first orientation forming a tunnel from the plush pad and collapsible in a second orientation creating a side wall to the base.
US08397665B2
A device for imparting a curved gradation of tint density on an ophthalmic or optical lens is described. This gradient-tinting device utilizes both vertical movement and rotation about the vertical axis of the lens as it moves into a tinting solution.
US08397661B2
A tire dressing applicator station for use in car wash installations wherein the applicators are tolerant of large degrees of vehicle misalignment, misorientation and entry contact shock. In each applicator structure, an additional pivot or “knuckle” is placed in one of two support arms which are pivotally connected between floor anchors and an elongate mounting carriage to which the dressing applicator elements are attached. Flared tire guides are located on the entry ends of the applicator structures to make contact with the tires of approaching vehicles whereby one or both of the two applicator structures is/are reoriented as necessary to accommodate the actual location of the vehicle, whether it be on the intended path of travel or off to one side and/or angularly misoriented relative to die intended path of vehicle travel.
US08397652B2
A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a nesting portion formed in an upper surface and sidewall of the table top. The table may also include a frame with one or more engaging portions sized and configured to be disposed in the nesting portion of an adjacent table when the tables are nested together. In addition, the table top may include a compression edge sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the tables are nested together. The compression edge and engaging portions may be sized and configured to be simultaneously disposed in the nesting portion of the adjacent table when the table is nested with the adjacent table.
US08397637B2
A method and an apparatus for handling printing plates which are fed to at least two process stations, include at least one receiving deck on which the printing plates are provided and fed to the different process stations by pivoting the receiving deck. The receiving decks are pivoted first of all about a first rotational axis and likewise about a second rotational axis which is different than the first, in order to ensure favorable receiving angles between the receiving deck and the individual process stations in each case for the printing plate transfer. A printing plate exposer having an apparatus for handling printing plates, is also provided.
US08397633B2
The invention relates to an anilox roll for a printing apparatus. The anilox roll comprises a cylinder having a surface. The surface comprises a fluid distribution structure for receiving, distributing and transferring a fluid such as an ink. The fluid distribution structure comprises a channel formed in the surface having channel walls. This channel is arranged for distributing the fluid over the fluid distribution structure. The channel comprises channel parts, wherein the courses of connected channel parts are at an angle with respect to each other for preventing a linear distribution of the fluids to be received in a course direction of the channel, allowing a meandering distribution of the fluid to be received in the channel. Side walls of the channel are arranged for allowing a meandering flow of the fluid throughout the fluid distribution surface.
US08397632B2
The subject invention relates to a knotter assembly for use in a wire-tieing system. The knotter assembly includes a slidably removable twist module assembly, a ratcheted cover arm assembly, and a torque tube assembly having two operating arms that carry all of the operating components for actuating various elements of the knotter assembly.
