US08482170B2
An installation structure of a temperature sensor in a brush motor includes a holding plate; a metal-made fixing base; and a brush holder arranged on the fixing base to hold a brush in place. The metal-made fixing base is provided on the holding plate, and the fixing base includes a sensor attachment portion to which the temperature sensor is attached. Further, the sensor attachment portion is positioned outside the holding plate.
US08482169B2
Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module and a method for cooling an electric machine. The electric machine module includes the electric machine including a stator with stator end turns, a through bolt, and a housing with at least two removably-coupled frame members. Each of the at least two removably-coupled frame members include an inner wall, an outer wall, a coolant cavity defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a bolt channel. The coolant cavity can be positioned substantially around at least one of the stator end turns radially. The bolt channel can be positioned through a portion of each of the at least two removably-coupled frame members and can be located radially inward from an outer substantially circular periphery of the housing.
US08482167B2
A system and method for cooling an electric motor comprising a plurality of laminations defining a lamination stack, a coolant passage and a motor winding. Coolant is pumped into the coolant passage and forced along the entire length of the lamination stack. The coolant is then sprayed on the motor winding in order to cool the motor winding.
US08482161B2
A power supply coil is provided in a specified area of a power supply station, and a power receiving coil is provided on a vehicle. The power supply coil has a rectangular shape that is long in direction y and the power receiving coil has a rectangular shape that is long in direction x when viewed from the direction of the coil axis. The resonant frequency of the power receiving coil is set to be the same as the resonant frequency of the power supply coil.
US08482155B2
A power converting device for a renewable energy storage system includes rechargeable batteries, bidirectional converters respectively connected in parallel to the batteries, direct current (DC) links connected in parallel to the bidirectional converters, respectively, bidirectional inverters connected in parallel to the DC links, respectively, and an electric power system connected to the bidirectional inverters. The bidirectional inverters are cascade H-bridge multi-level boost inverters. The DC links are charged by the bidirectional inverters connected to the battery and a charged voltage of the DC links is provided to the electric power system by the bidirectional inverters. In addition, the DC links are charged by the bidirectional inverters connected to the electric power system and a charged voltage of the DC links is provided to the battery by the bidirectional inverters.
US08482154B2
In an uninterruptible power supply apparatus, a common mode current flowing from nodes (N1 to N3) to a line of a ground voltage (GND) through a stray capacitance (41) of a battery (40) is limited by a common mode reactor (34), and the low-level common mode current passing through the common mode reactor (34) is caused to flow to a virtual neutral line (NL) through a common mode capacitor (37). Therefore, the level of noise caused by the common mode current can be reduced.
US08482142B2
A mixer-ejector wind turbine uses an ultracapacitor system to store power from the variable generation of power by a permanent magnet generator. The system takes advantage of the MEWT area ratio, the higher velocity at the outer radius of the turbine, and the ability of the ultracapacitor system to store almost all of the input charge.
US08482138B2
Provided is a three-dimensional semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same. The device includes a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure stacked sequentially on a substrate. The first and second electrode structures include stacked first electrodes and stacked second electrodes, respectively. Each of the first and second electrodes includes a horizontal portion parallel with the substrate and an extension portion extending from the horizontal portion along a direction penetrating an upper surface of the substrate. Here, the substrate may be closer to top surfaces of the extension portions of the first electrodes than to the horizontal portion of at least one of the second electrodes.
US08482135B2
A method for producing a component and device including a component is disclosed. A basic substrate having paper as substrate material is provided, at least one integrated circuit is applied to the basic substrate, the at least one integrated circuit applied on the basic substrate is enveloped with an encapsulant, and at least parts of the basic substrate are removed from the at least one enveloped integrated circuit.
US08482134B1
A stackable package is placed within a mold during an encapsulation operation. A compliant surface, e.g., of a compliant film, of the mold is pressed down on upper interconnection balls of the stackable package to force upper portions of the upper interconnection balls into the mold. However, lower portions of the upper interconnection balls are exposed within a space between the compliant surface and a substrate of the stackable package. The space is filled with a dielectric material to form a package body. The package body is formed while at the same time exposing the upper portions of upper interconnection balls from the package body in a single encapsulation operation. By avoiding selective removal of the package body to expose the upper interconnection balls, the number of operations as well as cost to manufacture the stackable package is minimized.
US08482132B2
Two substrates are brought together and placed in a plating bath. In one embodiment, a conductive material is plated in microscopic cavities present at the interface between a first metal pad and a second metal pad to form at least one interfacial plated metal liner portion that adheres to a surface of the first metal pad and a surface of the second metal pad. In another embodiment, at least one metal pad is recessed relative to a dielectric surface before being brought together. The two substrates are placed in a plating bath and a conductive material is plated in the cavity between the first metal pad and the second metal pad to form a contiguous plated metal liner layer that adheres to a surface of the first metal pad and a surface of the second metal pad.
US08482119B2
A semiconductor chip assembly includes a semiconductor chip and a pyrolytic graphite element that is an electrode that is electrically connected to and provides electrical conduction of current from the chip during operation of the chip.
US08482118B2
One aspect of the present invention relates to an integrated circuit package that includes multiple layers of a planarizing, photo-imageable epoxy that are formed over a substrate. In some designs, the substrate is a silicon wafer. An integrated circuit is embedded in the epoxy. An antenna, which is electrically coupled to the active face of the integrated circuit through an interconnect layer, is formed over one of the epoxy layers. In various embodiments, at least some of the epoxy layers are positioned between the substrate and the antenna such that there is a distance of at least approximately 100 microns between the substrate and the antenna.
US08482111B2
A microelectronic package has a microelectronic element overlying or mounted to a first surface of a substrate and substantially rigid conductive posts projecting above the first surface or projecting above a second surface of the substrate remote therefrom. Conductive elements exposed at a surface of the substrate opposite the surface above which the conductive posts project are electrically interconnected with the microelectronic element. An encapsulant overlies at least a portion of the microelectronic element and the surface of the substrate above which the conductive posts project, the encapsulant having a recess or a plurality of openings each permitting at least one electrical connection to be made to at least one conductive post. At least some conductive posts are electrically insulated from one another and adapted to simultaneously carry different electric potentials. In particular embodiments, the openings in the encapsulant at least partially expose conductive masses joined to posts, fully expose top surfaces of posts and partially expose edge surfaces of posts, or may only partially expose top surfaces of posts.
US08482101B2
A bipolar transistor structure and a method for fabricating the bipolar transistor structure include: (1) a collector structure located at least in-part within a semiconductor substrate; (2) a base structure contacting the collector structure; and (3) an emitter structure contacting the base structure. The interface of the emitter structure and the base structure includes an oxygen impurity and at least one impurity selected from the group consisting of a fluorine impurity and a carbon impurity, to enhance performance of a bipolar transistor within the bipolar transistor structure. The impurities may be introduced into the interface by plasma etch treatment, or alternatively a thermal treatment followed by an anhydrous ammonia and hydrogen fluoride treatment, of a base material from which is comprised the base structure.
US08482092B2
Provided are a silicon photomultiplier and method for fabricating silicon photomultiplier. The silicon photomultiplier includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer; a first conductive type buried layer disposed in a lower portion of the first conductive type semiconductor layer, and having a higher impurity concentration than the first conductive type semiconductor layer; quench resistors spaced from each other and disposed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer; a transparent insulator formed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer, and exposing the quench resistors; second conductive type doped layers disposed under the quench resistors to contact the first conductive type semiconductor layer; and a transparent electrode commonly connected to the quench resistors electrically.
US08482091B2
A light receiving element comprises: a photodiode including an optical waveguide, an end surface of the optical waveguide being a light receiving surface of the photodiode; a signal electrode and a bias electrode on a common surface of the photodiode, the signal electrode being connected to an anode of the photodiode, the bias electrode being connected to a cathode of the photodiode; an insulating film on the bias electrode; and a metal electrode on the insulating film.
US08482090B2
Charged particle sensing devices and methods of forming charged particle sensing devices are provided. The charged particle sensing device includes a source of charged particles, a plurality of collector electrodes for receiving a first portion of the charged particles and a grid formed around and spaced apart from the plurality of collector electrodes. The grid receives a second portion of the charged particles and directs backscattered charged particles, generated responsive to the second portion, to adjacent collector electrodes.
US08482089B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to a silicon semiconductor device, and a conductive paste for use in the front side of a solar cell device.
US08482088B2
A MEMS device comprises a membrane layer and a back-plate layer formed over the membrane layer. The membrane layer comprises an outer portion and an inner portion raised relative to the outer portion and a sidewall for connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The sidewall is non-orthogonal to the outer portion.
US08482075B2
A plurality of gate structures are formed on a substrate. Each of the gate structures includes a first gate electrode and source and drain regions. The first gate electrode is removed from each of the gate structures. A first photoresist is applied to block gate structures having source regions in a source-down direction. A first halo implantation is performed in gate structures having source regions in a source-up direction at a first angle. The first photoresist is removed. A second photoresist is applied to block gate structures having source regions in a source-up direction. A second halo implantation is performed in gate structures having source regions in a source-down direction at a second angle. The second photoresist is removed. Replacement gate electrodes are formed in each of the gate structures.
US08482067B2
A lateral, extended drain, metal oxide semiconductor, field effect transistor (LEDMOSFET) with a high drain-to-body breakdown voltage (Vb) incorporates gate structure extensions on opposing sides of a drain drift region. The extensions are tapered such that a distance between each extension and the drift region increases linearly from one end adjacent to the channel region to another end adjacent to the drain region. In one embodiment, these extensions can extend vertically through the isolation region that surrounds the LEDMOSFET. In another embodiment, the extensions can sit atop the isolation region. In either case, the extensions create a strong essentially uniform horizontal electric field profile within the drain drift. Also disclosed are a method for forming the LEDMOSFET with a specific Vb by defining the dimensions of the extensions and a program storage device for designing the LEDMOSFET to have a specific Vb.
US08482058B2
In a high frequency amplifying MOSFET having a drain offset region, the size is reduced and the on-resistance is decreased by providing conductor plugs 13 (P1) for leading out electrodes on a source region 10, a drain region 9 and leach-through layers 3 (4), to which a first layer wirings 11a, 11d (M1) are connected and, further, backing second layer wirings 12a to 12d are connected on the conductor plugs 13 (P1) to the first layer wirings 11s, 11d (M1).
US08482039B1
A memory array includes a first layer, a second layer, a third layer and a contact. The first layer is disposed on a substrate. The second layer includes a first conductive line. The first conductive line includes first line segments and second line segments. Each of the second line segments are connected to a respective one of the first line segments. The first line segments extend in a first direction on the first layer. The second line segments extend in a second direction on the first layer. The first direction is different than the second direction. The third layer is disposed on the second layer. The contact is disposed through the second layer and connects the third layer to the first conductive line. One of the first line segments extends towards the contact. Each of the first and second line segments are at least a predetermined distance from the contact.
US08482037B2
Some exemplary embodiments of a semiconductor device using a III-nitride heterojunction and a novel Schottky structure and related method resulting in such a semiconductor device, suitable for high voltage circuit designs, have been disclosed. One exemplary structure comprises a first layer comprising a first III-nitride material, a second layer comprising a second III-nitride material forming a heterojunction with said first layer to generate a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) within said first layer, an anode comprising at least a first metal section forming a Schottky contact on a surface of said second layer, a cathode forming an ohmic contact on said surface of said second layer, a field dielectric layer on said surface of said second layer for isolating said anode and said cathode, and an insulating material on said surface of said second layer and in contact with said anode.
US08482033B2
In one embodiment, a semiconductor structure is provided which includes a base substrate, and a multilayered stack located on the base substrate. The multilayered stack includes, from bottom to top, a first sacrificial material layer having a first thickness, a first semiconductor device layer, a second sacrificial material layer having a second thickness, and a second semiconductor device layer, wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.
US08482018B2
Disclosed is a light emitting device. The light emitting device comprises a light emitting semiconductor layer comprising a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive semiconductor layer, a second electrode layer supporting the light emitting semiconductor layer while surrounding the light emitting semiconductor layer, and a first passivation layer between a side of the light emitting semiconductor layer and the second electrode layer.
US08482014B2
A lighting apparatus is provided with a plurality of light-emitting devices, a substrate, a blind member, and a reflector. The reflector is formed with a plurality of reflective surfaces corresponding to the light-emitting devices, individually. The shielding angle at which light emitted from that one of the light-emitting devices which is located on the outermost periphery is intercepted by the reflective surface corresponding to the outermost light-emitting device is greater than shielding angles at which light emitted from the light-emitting devices located inside the outermost light-emitting device is intercepted by the reflective surfaces corresponding to the inside light-emitting devices.
US08482009B2
A method of forming a SOI substrate, diodes in the SOI substrate and electronic devices in the SOI substrate and an electronic device formed using the SOI substrate. The method of forming the SOI substrate includes forming an oxide layer on a silicon first substrate; ion-implanting hydrogen through the oxide layer into the first substrate, to form a fracture zone in the substrate; forming a doped dielectric bonding layer on a silicon second substrate; bonding a top surface of the bonding layer to a top surface of the oxide layer; thinning the first substrate by thermal cleaving of the first substrate along the fracture zone to form a silicon layer on the oxide layer to formed a bonded substrate; and heating the bonded substrate to drive dopant from the bonding layer into the second substrate to form a doped layer in the second substrate adjacent to the bonding layer.
US08482003B2
An image display unit is provided for which it is possible to reduce the number of ion plantation and photolithographic processes required to manufacture the device. A gate electrode GT is a laminated structure of a thin bottom layer metal film GMB and a top layer metal film GMT. A top electrode of a storage capacitor Cst is formed of the bottom layer metal film GMB and ion implantation for the top electrode is performed at the same time as the ion implantation of source-drain electrodes. The gate electrode of a PMOSTFT of the device is also formed with the bottom layer metal GMB, and the ion implantation for threshold adjustment is performed by using the same resist.
US08481984B2
An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus using a spectrum purity filter capable of obtaining EUV light with high spectrum purity. The apparatus includes a chamber; a target supply unit for supplying a target material; a driver laser using a laser gas containing a carbon dioxide gas as a laser medium, for applying a laser beam to the target material to generate plasma; a collector mirror for collecting and outputting the extreme ultraviolet light radiated from the plasma; and a spectrum purity filter provided in an optical path of the extreme ultraviolet light, for transmitting the extreme ultraviolet light and reflecting the laser beam, the spectrum purity filter including a mesh having electrical conductivity and formed with an arrangement of apertures having a pitch not larger than a half of a shortest wavelength of the laser beam applied by the driver laser.
US08481981B2
Surface roughness having intervals of several tens of nanometers to about a hundred micrometers in a solid surface is reduced by directing a gas cluster ion beam to the surface. An angle formed between the normal to the solid surface and the gas cluster ion beam is referred to as an irradiation angle, and an irradiation angle at which the distance of interaction between the solid and the cluster colliding with the solid dramatically increases is referred to as a critical angle. A solid surface smoothing method includes an irradiation step of directing the gas cluster ion beam onto the solid surface at an irradiation angle not smaller than the critical angle. The critical angle is 70°.
US08481980B2
An ion beam machining and observation method relevant to a technique of cross sectional observation of an electronic component, through which a sample is machined by using an ion beam and a charged particle beam processor capable of reducing the time it takes to fill up a processed hole with a high degree of flatness at the filled area. The observation device is capable of switching the kind of gas ion beam used for machining a sample with the kind of a gas ion beam used for observing the sample. To implement the switch between the kind of a gas ion beam used for sample machining and the kind of a gas ion beam used for sample observation, at least two gas introduction systems are used, each system having a gas cylinder a gas tube, a gas volume control valve, and a stop valve.
US08481975B2
The invention relates to a method for optically detecting surfaces wherein strip patterns are projected onto the surface, images are captured, and the three-dimensional contour thereof is determined from the reproduction of the strip pattern on the surface of the object. The aim of the invention is to prevent reflections that interfere with the images and as a result, the surface of the object is covered with a layer of a fluorescent material, is then radiated with ultraviolet radiation, and the radiation emitted by the fluorescent material in the visible light is detected.
US08481972B2
A fluoroscopy apparatus that includes an illumination section including a light source for radiating illumination light and excitation light onto a subject; a fluoroscopic image acquisition section acquiring a fluoroscopic image of fluorescence generated in the subject; a return-light image acquisition section acquiring a reference image of return light returning from the subject; a distance-information acquisition section acquiring information about a distance between the return-light image acquisition section and the subject; and an image correction section correcting the fluoroscopic image by using the reference image. The image correction section sets a correction coefficient based on the distance information, generates a correction reference image or a correction fluoroscopic image by performing a power calculation for light intensity information of the reference image and/or the fluoroscopic image by using the correction coefficient as an index, and divides the correction fluoroscopic image by the correction reference image.
US08481970B2
A sanitizer for sanitizing a portable electronic device is provided, the sanitizer having a base including a cavity for receiving the electronic device, at least one ultraviolet radiation source for emitting ultraviolet radiation into the cavity, a cover cooperating with the base, the cover moving between an open position wherein the electronic device can be inserted into or removed from the cavity and a closed position wherein the cavity is enclosed so as to substantially maintain the ultraviolet radiation within the cavity, and a controller for enabling the ultraviolet radiation source to be activated only when the cover is closed.
US08481957B2
An ionizing radiation detector has conductive tubes arranged in parallel and containing a pressurized gas mixture, a conductive wire being pulled tight at the center of each tube and capable of being biased with respect thereto. Each tube is divided into isolated longitudinal sections. All the tube sections of a same transverse slice are electrically connected. Each group of sections of a same slice includes means for being connected to an elementary detector, wherein each slice is formed of a grid of blades.
US08481956B2
A dental radiology apparatus having: an intraoral sensor comprising a detector including an active pixel array produced using biCMOS technology and converting a received x-ray into at least one analog electrical output signal; an electronic module encapsulated in a case and which has at least one detector activation device, the module linked to the sensor for the transmission to the sensor of a detector activation signal generated in the module and for the transmission to the module of the at least one analog electrical output signal, the module having analog-digital means for converting the at least one analog electrical output signal into at least one digital output signal. A remote processing and display unit of the at least one digital output signal is linked to the electronic module to ensure the transmission to the unit of the at least one digital output signal.
US08481952B2
A scintillation reflector can include a specular material having a first and second surface, and a first diffuse material arranged adjacent to the first surface of the specular material and proximal to the scintillator surface. The composite reflector may surround at least a portion of a scintillator surface as provide in a scintillation detector.
US08481948B2
A light transmitting element such as a scintillating element (50) or an optic fiber (50′) has side surfaces coated with a metamaterial (62) which has an index of refraction less than 1 and preferably close to zero to light transmitted in the light transmitting element. A photonic crystal (80) or metamaterial layer optically couples a light output face of the light transmitting element with a light sensitive element (52), such as a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM). A thin metal layer (64) blocks optical communication between adjacent scintillating elements (50) in a radiation detector (22), such as a radiation detector of a nuclear imaging system (10).
US08481947B2
A method and system for nuclear imaging normally involve detection of energy by producing at most two or three bursts of photons at a time in response to events including incident gamma radiation. F number of sharing central groups of seven photodetectors, depending on the photodetector array size, is arranged in a honeycomb array for viewing zones of up to F bursts of optical photons at a time for each continuous detector and converting the bursts of optical photons into signal outputs, where each of the central groups is associated with a zone. This enables the detector sensitivity to be increased by as much as two orders of magnitude, and to exchange some of this excess sensitivity to achieve spatial resolution comparable to those in CT and MRI, which would be unprecedented. Signal outputs that are due to scattered incident radiation are rejected for each of the central groups to reduce image blurring, thereby further improving image quality. For planar imaging, the energy and position signals of up to the F number of valid events are generated once every deadtime period and transferred to computer memory for image display and data analysis. The number of valid events detected is up to 6F for SPECT and up to 3F for PET imaging.
US08481926B2
A method and mass spectrometer for filtering ions are provided. The mass spectrometer generally comprises an ion guide, a quadrupole mass filter, a collision cell and a time of flight (ToF) detector, and is enabled to transmit an ion beam through to the ToF detector. The mass spectrometer is operated in MS mode, such that ions in the ion beam remain substantially unfragmented, the quadrupole mass filter operating at a pressure substantially lower than in either of the ion guide and the collision cell. The quadrupole mass filter is operated in a bandpass mode such that ions outside of a range of interest are filtered from the ion beam, leaving ions inside the range of interest in the ion beam. The ions inside the range of interest are analyzed at the ToF detector.
US08481923B1
A mass spectrometer includes first to fifth vacuum chambers and a single split-flow turbo molecular pump. The first vacuum chamber draws an ionized sample from atmospheric pressure plasma. The second vacuum chamber includes means for extracting and guiding an ion beam from ions from the first vacuum chamber. The third vacuum chamber includes first ion-optical separator means. The fourth vacuum includes a collision/reaction cell into which collision/reaction gas is introduced. The fifth vacuum chamber includes second ion-optical separator means and a detector. The split-flow turbo molecular pump has multiple inlets for differentially evacuating the second, third, fourth and fifth vacuum chambers. The fourth vacuum chamber is connected to an inlet of the split-flow turbo molecular pump providing a pressure higher than a pressure of an inlet of the split-flow turbo molecular pump to which the third vacuum chamber is connected.
US08481919B2
Apparatus for the controllable downhole production of ionizing radiation (12), the apparatus including at least a thermionic emitter (11) which is arranged in a first end portion (7a) of an electrically insulated vacuum container (9), and a lepton target (6) which is arranged in a second end portion (7b) of the electrically insulated vacuum container (9); the thermionic emitter (11) being connected to a series of serially connected negative electrical-potential-increasing elements (141, 142, 143, 144), each of said electrical-potential-increasing elements (141, 142, 143, 144) being arranged to increase an applied direct-current potential (δV0, δV1, δV1+2, . . . , δV1+2+3) by transforming an applied, driving voltage (VAC), and to transmit the increased, negative direct-current potential (δV1, δV1+2, . . . , δV1+2+3+4) and also the driving voltage (VAC) to the next unit in the series of serially connected elements (141, 142, 143, 144,5), and the ionizing radiation (12) exceeding 200 keV with a predominant portion of the spectral distribution within the Compton range.
US08481890B2
A textile (10) comprising first and second conductive layers (12a, 12b); at least one porous layer (14) positioned between first and second conductive layers (12a, 12b), the pores of said porous layer (14) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conductive layers (12a, 12b); the conductive layers (12a, 12b) being connected to an electric signal generator (15) such that, in use, a voltage can be applied across said porous layer (14) to effect directional flow of liquid across said textile (10), and a voltage can also be applied along at least one of the conductive layers (12a, 12b) to effect heating of said textile (10).
US08481884B2
A device for pretreating an exterior surface of an aircraft coated with an aircraft-specific base material so as to prepare the surface for a final painting with aircraft paint includes a pretreating tool. The pretreating tool has a laser head configured to activate the aircraft-specific base material using a laser. The device also includes a support construction including a robot device and a control unit configured to control and move the laser head over the surface using the robot device.
US08481880B2
A modular cost-effective drive system for electrical switching devices of medium-voltage installations is specified. The drive system, by the addition or omission of individual components, can be used both as a three-position disconnector with a snap-action or storage drive function and as a two-position circuit breaker which can also be expanded by a brief interruption function.
US08481877B2
A dust-proof machine tool which has a handgrip with an aperture to hold a driving switch movable up and down and a control bar hinged thereon to generate a pivotable stroke to press the driving switch. The handgrip is coupled with a dust-proof cover which has an opening to couple on the driving switch and a press portion formed on the perimeter of the opening to press the handgrip and seal the aperture. Thereby during operation of the machine tool, dust can be prevented from entering the machine tool through the driving switch and the aperture to maintain steady operation of the machine tool and enhance the lifespan thereof.
US08481876B2
Switch assembly, including a fixed contact part, an elastic switching contact part, a mounting plate, wherein the fixed contact part and the switching contact part are located on the mounting plate, the switching contact part having at least one extension that projects beyond an outside surface of the mounting plate upon installation and in an operating position such that when the switching contact part is exposed to pressure in a direction of the mounting plate, an electrical signal between the elastic switching contact part and the fixed contact part will be either interrupted or established. A fixing mechanism pretensions the switching contact part prior to installation such that the at least one extension does not project beyond the outside surface of the mounting plate. The fixing mechanism releases the switching contact part tension when the switch assembly is installed and in the operating position.
US08481866B2
An electrical signal connection, an electrical signaling system, and a method of connecting printed circuit boards. The electrical signal connection having a first conductive via and a second conductive via disposed in a first printed circuit board. A first conductive trace with a first end and a second end has the first end electrically coupled to the first conductive via at a first distance from the top surface of the first printed circuit board. The second end of the first conductive via is electrically coupled to the second printed circuit board. A second conductive trace with a first end and a second end has the first end being electrically coupled to the second conductive via at a second distance from the top surface of the first printed circuit board. The second end being is electrically coupled to the second printed circuit board.
US08481865B2
A wiring board includes a core substrate, a first laminated structure formed on a surface of the substrate and including conductive and insulation layers, and a second laminated structure formed on the opposite surface of the substrate and including conductive and insulation layers. The substrate has a connection conductor made of a plating. The insulation layers of the first laminated structure have connection conductors stacked one over another and made of platings. The insulation layers of the second laminated structure have connection conductors stacked one over another and made of platings. The connection conductors of the laminated structures are stacked on the connection conductor of the substrate. The connection conductors of the laminated structures include outer-layer connection conductors which have positions shifted in a substantially same direction from the position of the connection conductor of the substrate.
US08481863B2
A substrate includes a storage portion which is defined by a base for mounting a light emitting element and a wall portion standing up on and from the base. A package is structured such that the upper end of the wall portion so formed as to surround the periphery of the storage portion is connected to a cover to thereby seal a light emitting element. A seal structure is composed of an uneven portion formed on the lower surface side surface of the base, a close contact layer formed on the surface of the uneven portion, a power supply layer formed on the close contact layer, and an electrode layer formed on the surface of the power supply layer. The uneven portion includes a first recessed portion formed at a position spaced in the radial direction from the outer periphery of a through electrode or from the inner wall of a through hole, and a second recessed portion formed at a position spaced further outwardly from the first recessed portion.
US08481861B2
A die having a base formed of a first material is connected to a board having a base formed of a second material. An interposer having a coefficient of thermal expansion intermediate coefficients of thermal expansion of the first and second materials is positioned between the die and the board.
US08481859B2
Some embodiments teach a method of preparing a flexible substrate assembly. The method can include: (a) providing a carrier substrate; (b) providing a cross-linking adhesive; (c) providing a plastic substrate; and (d) coupling the carrier substrate to the plastic substrate using the cross-linking adhesive. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.
US08481853B2
An electrical wire includes a plurality of first conductors. The plurality of first conductors includes at least one electrifiable conductor for delivering electrical power and at least one signal conductor for delivering a communications signal. Second and third conductors are respectively formed on opposing sides of the plurality of first conductors, such that each of the plurality of first conductors is at least substantially entrapped by the second and third conductors. A distance between the at least one electrifiable conductor and each of the second and third conductors is no greater than approximately 0.030 inches.
US08481852B2
A method, system, and structure are provided for implementing a flex circuit cable and connector with a dual shielded air plenum. A flex circuit cable is provided with a connector. The flex circuit cable includes a stack of three spaced flex cable members with a plurality of gasket separators that are configured to form a pair of air plenums between the inner flex cable member and the respective outer flex cable members carrying cooling air coupled to the connector. The respective outer flex cable members together with the gasket separators provide a shielding function.
US08481842B2
The invention relates to a method for producing Peltier modules, each of which comprises several Peltier elements that are arranged between at least two substrates. The substrates are made of an electrically insulating material at least on the sides facing the Peltier elements while being provided with contact areas on said surfaces. The contact areas, to which the Peltier elements are connected by means of terminal sure during the production process, are formed by metallic areas.
US08481838B1
A method is provided for progressive musical instruction using a media system with processor-executable software modules storing musical performances each having a plurality of segments. A set of audiovisual signals is generated to simulate a predetermined musical instrument from a selected performance during host segments. The audiovisual signals are adjusted to mute the predetermined instrument during user segments (non-host segments) of the performance. The number of user segments may be maintained or increased for successive iterations of the performance, as the user becomes more proficient. Proficiency of the user may be set by the user or in preferred embodiments may be determined by comparing received signals from a musical instrument with expected signals for the musical performance which are saved in the media system. Determinations to maintain or increase user segments, and which segments are added to the user segments, may be user selectable or programmable by the system.
US08481833B1
A drum shell has upper and lower peripheral edges. A flexible drum head is provided over at least one peripheral edge. Upper and lower hoops have vertical sections adjacent to the upper and lower edges. Each vertical section has horizontal regions. The horizontal regions have first and second apertures. A plurality of lug bodies are provided. Each lug body has a first end extending through a first aperture. Each lug body has a second end located adjacent to a second aperture. A plurality of threaded tension rods is provided. Each threaded tension rod has a head and a threaded end. Each tension rod extends through a second aperture. Each tension rod is threadedly coupled to the second end of a lug body.
US08481831B2
Provided is a stringed instrument using frets, in which a low-pitched sound range is extended without changing the size of the main body and the sound range before the low-pitched sound range has been extended can be restored by using a capotasto. The stringed instrument comprises: a high-pitched sound string nut which is attached to an end of a fingerboard and from which a low-pitched sound string portion is removed; a low-pitched sound string nut attached at a position selected so that the string length from a saddle extends over the position of the high-pitched sound string nut; a new fingerboard provided over the area extending to the low-pitched sound string nut from the portion where the low-pitched sound string portion of the high-pitched sound string nut is removed; a minus-one fret and a zero fret newly provided on the fingerboard; and a board used for attaching a capotasto for always pushing the low-pitched sound string against the zero fret and provided on the headstock side in the vicinity of the high-pitched sound string nut.
US08481818B2
A lettuce cultivar, designated 51-0703373-B, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar 51-0703373-B, to the plants of lettuce cultivar 51-0703373-B and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar 51-0703373-B with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar 51-0703373-B, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar 51-0703373-B and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 51-0703373-B with another lettuce cultivar.
US08481816B2
Disclosed herein are a sweetpotato SRD1 cDNA, a plant transformation vector carrying the same, and a transgenic plant comprising the vector. The thickening growth of storage roots of the transgenic sweetpotato prepared using the SRD1 cDNA is stimulated, increasing the number of storage roots by up to two times. Therefore, SRD1 according to the present subject matter is useful in the generation of transgenic root crops with high-numbered storage roots or early-maturing storage root plants.
US08481812B2
Provided are methods of increasing the tolerance of a plant to abiotic stresses and/or increasing the biomass and/or increasing the yield of a plant by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide homologous to SEQ ID NO:13.
US08481809B2
An isolated polynucleotide is provided. The isolated polynucleotides comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 88% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 22, the polypeptide being capable of increasing a cuticular water permeability of a plant expressing same. Also provided are methods of generating plants expressing such polypeptides which can be used for producing dehydrated plants or cuticular covered portions thereof.
US08481804B2
A wound dressing comprising a sealed enclosure having at least one compartment; a plurality of spaced apart pillar-like structures positioned within the at least one compartment; and means for evacuating air from the at least one compartment, wherein the evacuation of air from the at least one compartment causes a reduction in the distance between at least two of the pillar-like structures.
US08481797B2
Processes for maximizing high-value aromatics production utilizing stabilized crude benzene withdrawal are provided. Aromatic reactor effluent comprising a C5− fraction and a C6 to C10 fraction is separated into a benzene-rich stream and liquid and vapor streams depleted in benzene, one of the liquid streams depleted in benzene being a benzene-depleted C6− fraction. At least a portion of the C5− fraction from the benzene-rich stream is removed.
US08481796B2
A hydrocarbon composition that comprises species of at least 3 different carbon numbers, at least about 95 wt % non-normal hydrocarbons, no greater than 1000 wppm aromatics, no greater than 10 wt % naphthenes, and also has a certain boiling point range; and a process for making the hydrocarbon composition.
US08481784B2
In one aspect, a process for the preparation of a superabsorbent polymer is described herein. In some embodiments, the process comprises (I) preparing acrylic acid, wherein the process comprises (a1) provision of a fluid F1 having a composition comprising from about 5 to about 20 wt. % of hydroxypropionic acid, salts thereof, or mixtures thereof; from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % of inorganic salts; from about 0.1 to about 30 wt. % of organic compounds which differ from hydroxypropionic acid; from 0 to about 50 wt. % of solids; and from about 20 to about 90 wt. % of water; (a2) dehydration of said hydroxypropionic acid to give a fluid F2 containing acrylic acid; and (a3) purification of said fluid F2 to give a purified acrylic acid phase comprising acrylic acid having a purity of at least 70 wt. %; and (II) polymerizing the acrylic acid of (I) to form a superabsorbent polymer.
US08481782B2
The present invention is directed to a novel method for preparing a synthetic intermediate for treprostinil via a stereoselective alkyne addition reaction. Also described are methods of preparing treprostinil comprising the alkyne addition reaction described herein as well as novel intermediates useful for synthesis prostacyclin derivatives, such as treprostinil.
US08481781B2
Formulations of canfosfamide and their preparation.
US08481770B2
A method of selectively separating a phospholipid from a sample solution containing the phospholipid is provided. The method comprises: adsorbing calcium ions to a filler, at least a surface of the filler being constituted of a calcium phosphate-based compound; supplying the sample solution into an apparatus having a filling space, wherein the filling space being filled with the filler so that the phospholipid contained in the sample solution is adsorbed to the filler through the calcium ions; supplying an organic solvent-based eluate into the filling space of the apparatus to obtain a liquid containing the phospholipid and discharged from the apparatus; and fractionating the obtained liquid per a predetermined amount to thereby separate the phospholipid from the sample solution.
US08481769B2
A process for isolation of carotenoids crystals having lutein and zeaxanthin in a weight ratio of about 10:1, 5:1 or 1:1. The process comprises contacting a plant source rich in lutein with hexane and extracting at a temperature of about 40° C. to 60° C. to obtain an oleoresin rich in lutein; contacting a plant source rich in zeaxanthin with hexane and extracting at a temperature of about 40° C. to 60° C. to obtain an oleoresin rich in zeaxanthin. The oleoresin rich in lutein and the oleoresin rich in zeaxanthin are mixed separately in a ratios ranging from about 80:20 (w/w) to 90:10 (w/w) or about 70:30 (w/w) to 30:70 (w/w) or about 10:90 (w/w) to 20:80 (w/w) and homogenized to obtain a mixed oleoresin. The mixed oleoresin is hydrolyzed with an alcoholic alkali at a temperature of about 70° C. to 80° C. to obtain a reaction mixture. The carotenoids crystals are precipitated by adding hot water to the reaction mixture to form a precipitate. Carotenoids crystals having lutein and zeaxanthin in a ratio of about 10:1 or 5:1 or 1:1 respectively are obtained by filtering, washing and drying the precipitate.
US08481761B2
The present invention provides a method for preparing sesamin and sesamolin. The method includes the steps of passing a mixed solution of an oil containing sesamin and sesamolin and an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent through a silica gel column, washing the silica gel column with an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, and eluting the sesamin and sesamolin adsorbed by the silica gel column with an eluent selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate. The method of the present invention allows a simple and convenient operation, and has excellent purifying effects and high recovery rates. Thus, the method of the present invention has substantial applicability in related industries.
US08481732B2
The present invention relates to substituted heterocyclic compounds of Formula I or XI: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or N-oxides or quaternary ammonium salts thereof wherein constituent members are provided hereinwith, as well as their compositions and methods of use, which are histamine H4 receptor inhibitors useful in the treatment of histamine H4 receptor-associated conditions or diseases or disorders including, for example, inflammatory diseases or disorders, pruritus, and pain.
US08481730B2
The present invention relates to alkaline earth metal salts of bosentan, anyhdrous bosentan, polymorphic forms thereof, amorphous bosentan and processes for preparing them. The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of bosentan and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
US08481726B2
The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of specific sterically hindered nitroxyl ethers from their corresponding sterically hindered nitroxyl radicals by reacting it with an aldehyde and a hydroperoxide. This nitroxyl ether formation may be carried out from different starting nitroxyl radicals, which are subsequently further reacted to the desired compounds. The compounds prepared by this process are effective as stabilizers for polymers against harmful effects of light, oxygen and/or heat and as flame-retardants for polymers.
US08481722B2
Polyionic liquid salts are provided comprising polycationic or polyanionic molecules. Further provided are solvents comprising one or more polyionic liquid salts, and the use of such polyionic liquid salts as stationary phases in gas chromatography, and as a reagent in electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).
US08481701B2
The present invention concerns methods and compositions usable for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in mammals, in particular humans. It particularly describes serum markers for Alzheimer's disease and their use in diagnostic methods. It also concerns tools and/or kits usable for implementing these methods (reagents, probes, primers, antibodies, chips, cells, etc.), their preparation and their use. The invention is usable to detect the presence or progression of Alzheimer's disease in mammals, including in the early phase, as well as for predicting the efficacy of an Alzheimer's disease treatment.
US08481693B2
Methods for purifying human Calciviruses are disclosed, including Noroviruses and Sapoviruses.
US08481689B2
Antibodies specifically binding to c-Met protein, hybridoma cell lines, and compositions comprising the antibodies are disclosed herein. Methods of making and using the antibodies and compositions are also disclosed.
US08481685B2
The present invention provides, among other things, modified DNA polymerases containing amino acid alterations based on mutations identified in directed evolution experiments designed to select enzymes that are better suited for applications in recombinant DNA technologies.
US08481682B2
The invention provides isolated cellulose synthase nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering cellulose synthase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants comprising cellulose synthase nucleic acids. The invention provides isolated products from the processing of transgenic plants comprising cellulose synthase nucleic acids.
US08481675B2
A process for recycling a polymer blend necessarily containing PLA, comprising grinding, compacting, dissolving in a solvent of PLA, removing the undissolved contamining polymers, alcoholysis depolymerisation reaction and purification steps.
US08481674B2
A polymer having a repeating unit structure represented by the following general formula (1), wherein in general formula (1), Ph is a phenyl group; X is an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a selenium atom or a tellurium atom; and R1 and R1 each independently contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a chained saturated hydrocarbon group, a chained unsaturated hydrocarbon group, a cyclic saturated hydrocarbon group, a cyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon group, a phenyl group, a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a cyano group, an amino group, a nitro group and a nitroso group. The chained saturated hydrocarbon group, the chained unsaturated hydrocarbon group, the cyclic saturated hydrocarbon group and the cyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon group each contain at least one selected from the group consisting of a carbon atom, an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and a silicon atom:
US08481673B2
The present invention provides a method for reducing the content of a metal catalyst in a biodegradable and absorbable polymer that can be applied on an industrial scale and a method for producing a biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymer having a metal catalyst content of less than 1 ppm in terms of a metal. The method includes the steps of (1) copolymerizing lactide and ε-caprolactone at a molar ratio ranging from 40/60 to 60/40 or 65/35 to 85/15 in the presence of the metal catalyst to produce a copolymer; and (2) washing the copolymer with a mixed solvent comprising acetic acid and isopropanol at a volume ratio ranging from 25/75 to 45/55 or 45/55 to 55/45 at less than 40° C., and drying the copolymer.
US08481667B2
A polymeric material with a variable modulus of elasticity is described herein. The polymeric material described herein is useful for forming implantable medical devices (e.g. ophthalmic lenses, breast implants, and body augmentation devices). In addition, medical devices formed from the polymer material can be used to controllably release a therapeutic agent. Also, the polymeric material may be used to prepare topical compositions or other applications or devices where control of a mechanical property such as material modulus is important.
US08481656B2
A silicone resin composition that exhibits low gas permeability and is suitable for encapsulating optical semiconductors. The composition includes: (A) an organopolysiloxane having a specific structure containing two or more alkenyl groups, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane composed of two organohydrogenpolysiloxanes having specific structures, in which the mass ratio between the two organohydrogenpolysiloxanes is within a range from 10:90 to 90:10, in an amount that provides 0.4 to 4.0 mols of silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atoms within the component (B) per 1 mol of alkenyl groups within the component (A), and (C) an addition reaction catalyst.
US08481653B2
Biodegradable aliphatic/aromatic copolyester comprising: A) an acid component comprising repeating units of: 1) 53 to 54 mol % of an aromatic carboxylic acid; 2) 47 to 36 mol % of an aliphatic acid at least 50% of which is azelaic acid; B) a diol component selected from the group consisting of C3, C4 and C6 diols said AAPE being disintegrated according to the Standard ISO 20200 in 90 days.
US08481652B2
Thermoplastic molding compositions comprising A) from 10 to 99% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polyamide, B) from 0.01 to 30% by weight of at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polyetheramine, C) from 0 to 70% by weight of further added materials, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to C) is 100%; the use of polyetheramines for improving the flowability and/or thermal stability of polyamides; and to the use of the molding compositions for the production of fibers, of foils, or of moldings of any type, and also to the resultant fibers, foils, or moldings.
US08481650B2
It is to provide a method for producing a polymer by a living anionic polymerization, wherein the number of functional groups and the introduction position are accurately specified in the polymer. For this purpose, a cinnamyl alcohol represented by the following formula [I] or a derivative thereof is subjected to a reaction when conducting a living anionic polymerization. In formula [I], R1 represents an alkyl group or alkoxy group; m represents an integer of 0 to 5 and when m is 2 or more, R1s may be the same or different; R5 represents a hydrogen atom, alkali metal atom, trialkylsilyl group or a substituent represented by the following formula [II]. In formula [II], R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; and R4 represents an alkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a cycloalkyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group, a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkyl group, or a phenyl group which may be substituted by an alkoxy group).
US08481644B2
Compositions comprising a coupled interpolymer such as polybutadiene which may be suitable for HIPS and ABS have been discovered. The coupled interpolymer composition comprises an interpolymer comprising one or more monomeric units derived from a diene wherein the coupled interpolymer composition is characterized by: (A) a halide content of less than about 30 ppm based on the total weight of the coupled interpolymer; (B) a molecular weight distribution of from about 1.6 to about 2.4; and (C) a vinyl content of from about 5 to about 15 weight percent based on the total weight of the coupled interpolymer.
US08481643B2
Nanoparticle precursor structures, nanoparticle structures, and composite materials that include the nanoparticle structures in a polymer to form a composite material. The nanoparticle structures have chemical linkage moieties capable of forming non-covalent bonds with portions of a polymer for the composite material. Such composite materials are useful as biomaterials in medical devices.
US08481640B2
The invention relates to a water-insoluble hydrophilic polymer network comprising polyorganosiloxane polyoxyalkylene block copolymer moieties characterized that they are linked to each other through an organosilicon cross-linking moiety, provided that the cross-linking moiety forming the links between polyorganosiloxane polyoxyalkylene block copolymer moieties result from an addition reaction between cross-linking sites present on the polyorganosiloxane polyoxyalkylene block copolymer moieties prior to formation of the hydrophilic polymer network, selected from silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms and aliphatically unsaturated groups, and reactive groups present on the cross-linking moiety prior to formation of the hydrophilic polymer network. Also disclosed is a process for making the polymer network, and a curable composition able to be reacted into such polymer network.
US08481636B2
Provided is a polyolefin resin composition including: an ultra-high crystalline polypropylene resin, e.g. about 40-80 wt %, having an isotactic index of about 99.5 or higher; a branched polypropylene, e.g., about 10-20 wt %, having a branching index of about 7 or higher; a thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., about 1-20 wt %; an inorganic filler, e.g., about 1-30 wt %; and a fluoroacrylic copolymer-based amide polymer compound, e.g., about 2-6 wt %.
US08481634B2
A hot melt desiccant matrix composition has an organic binder and an absorbent material as components thereof. The organic binder includes about 10% to 80% by weight of a propylene based poly-α-olefin polymer having a melting point or a glass transition temperature less than 180° C., a density in the range of 0.85 to 0.95 g/cc or a blend of poly-α-olefin polymers; about 5% to 70% by weight of a plasticizer having a flash point equal to or greater than 180° C.; about 0% to 50% by weight a compatible tackifier; and a stabilizer in the amount of about 0% to 5% by weight. The absorbent component may be a water/moisture absorbing material, or a VOC absorbing material, or a blend of water/moisture absorbing and VOC absorbing materials. The absorbent material is selected from absorbing materials including, but not limited to, silica gels, activated carbons, silica alumina, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, natural zeolites and molecular sieves and the mixtures thereof. The ratios of organic binder component to absorbent component range from about 30% by weight to about 80% by weight.
US08481633B2
The invention relates to a rubber mixture, in particular for pneumatic vehicle tires, bands, and belts. The rubber mixture is characterized by the following composition: at least one diene rubber and—at least one precipitated silicic acid having a CTAB surface area greater than or equal to 150 m2/g and a BET surface area greater than or equal to 150 m2/g and a DBP number between 180 and 350 g/100 g and a full width at half maximum, which is standardized to the location of the reflection, of the reflection of less than or equal to 0.95 and a homogeneity ratio d 25% to d 75% of 1.00 to 1.80 and a relative width Ypressed in the compressed state of less than or equal to 2.8 (g nm)/ml and a fineness index F.V.pressed in the compressed state between 100 and 140, and further additives.
US08481620B2
A method for producing a resin composition, including the steps of melt-kneading a raw material A containing a polylactic acid resin, a crystal nucleating agent, and a plasticizer containing an ester compound formed between a polycarboxylic acid having a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms and a mono-alcohol having a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, to prepare a polylactic acid-containing melt-kneaded mixture having a relative crystallinity of 70% or more (step A); and further melt-kneading the polylactic acid-containing melt-kneaded mixture obtained by the step A and a raw material B containing a polypropylene resin and a compatibilizing agent (step B). The resin composition obtainable by the method of the present invention can be suitably used in various industrial applications, such as daily sundries, household electric appliance parts, and automobile parts.
US08481615B2
A process is for preparing a self-healing composite material including a matrix of epoxy polymer in which a catalyst of ring opening metathesis reaction and vessels containing at least one monomer able to polymerize due to a ring opening metathesis reaction are dispersed. The process includes the preliminary step of dispersing at molecular level the catalyst in a mixture containing at least one precursor of the epoxy polymer, and then the steps of dispersing, in the mixture, the vessels and a tertiary amine acting as curing agent of the precursor, and the step of curing the mixture by at least a first heating stage performed at a temperature between 70 and 90° C. for a time between 1 and 5 hours, and a second heating stage performed at a temperature between 90 and 170° C. for a time between 2 and 3 hours.
US08481614B2
The process of the present invention provides a novel way of producing a masterbatch or polymer improver by heating a wax or polymer with a low temperature and mixing the molten wax with a additives, including pigments, at a low temperature above the congealing point of the wax to create a carrier material, in doing so this process will not degrade the pigment or additive which will be mixed together.
US08481612B2
A curing agent for epoxy resins that is comprised of the reaction product of an amine, an epoxy resin, and an elastomer-epoxy adduct; compositions containing the curing agent and an epoxy resin; the compositions are useful in electronic displays, circuit boards, semi conductor devices, flip chips and other applications.
US08481600B2
Disclosed herein are ways to solubilize aspirin for parenteral administration containing aspirin and a diluent NNDMA (N,N-Dimethylacetamide) useful in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes as well as other disease states. The solution so constituted is stable at room temperature for prolonged periods without decomposition and avoids significant hydrolysis of the aspirin and thus the loss of the anti-platelet action when stored.
US08481598B2
The present invention relates to stable dosage forms of levomilnacipran and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Processes for the preparation of these dosage forms and methods of using these dosage forms are also described.
US08481597B2
The present invention provides the use of (−) (3-trihalomethylphenoxy) (4-halophenyl)acetic acid derivatives and compositions in the treatment of insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia.
US08481595B2
Agents useful for the treatment of various metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, cachexia, obesity, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are disclosed. The agent is a compound of Formula (I): wherein m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8; R1 is hydrogen or alkyl having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R2 is hydrogen, halo, alkyl having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or alkoxy having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. A is phenyl, unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 groups selected from: halo, hydroxy, alkyl having 1 or 2 carbon atoms, perfluoromethyl, alkoxy having 1 or 2 carbon atoms, and perfluoromethoxy; or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 ring carbon atoms wherein the cycloalkyl is unsubstituted or one or two ring carbons are independently mono-substituted by methyl or ethyl; or a 5 or 6 membered heteroaromatic ring having 1 or 2 ring heteroatoms selected from N, S and O and the heteroaromatic ring is covalently bound to the remainder of the compound of formula I by a ring carbon; Alternatively, the agent can be a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of Formula (I).
US08481580B2
The present invention provides analogs of a Lysofylline (LSF), and synthetic methods for the preparation of such analogs. The have the active side chain moiety (5-R-hydroxyhexyl) of LSF and can have greater potency and oral bioavailability than LSF.
US08481577B2
The present invention relates to the field of drugs associated with treating diabetes. Particularly, the present invention relates to a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor having the structure shown by formula (I), which contains amide thiazole structure and has an effect on treating diabetes, and a preparation method and a pharmaceutical composition containing it, as well as use thereof in manufacture of the drugs for treating the diabetes, wherein, R1 is methyl; R2 is phenyl; phenyl, 2-thienyl substituted in a mono-substituted, bi-substituted manner by fluorine and methyl.
US08481569B2
The present invention aims to provide an iminopyridine derivative compound having an α1Dadrenergic receptor antagonistic action, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of a lower urinary tract disease and the like. The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof.
US08481558B2
Isolated and purified chemokine peptides, variants, and derivatives thereof, as well as chemokine peptide analogs, are provided.
US08481555B2
The disclosure generally relates to compounds of the following formula, including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds are prodrugs for ligands, agonists, and partial agonists for the nicotinic α7 receptor and may be useful for the treatment of various disorders of the central nervous system, especially affective and neurodegenerative disorders.
US08481552B2
The present application is directed to solid forms of compounds of formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that inhibit bacterial gyrase and/or Topo IV and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and salts. These compounds and salts are useful in treating bacterial infection.
US08481551B2
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein X and R are as defined herein. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as gyrase and/or topoisomerase IV inhibitors for treating bacterial infections. The compounds of formula (I) either possess a broad range of anti-bacterial activity and advantageous toxicological properties or are prodrugs of compounds having said activity.
US08481539B2
The invention relates to alkynylaryl compounds according to the general formula (I) in which A, B, D, E, Ra, R1, R3, R4, R5 and q are as defined in the claims, and salts, N-oxides, solvates and prodrugs thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said alkynylaryl compounds, to methods of preparing said alkynylaryl compounds, to intermediate compounds useful in said methods, to uses of said intermediate compounds in the preparation of said alkynylaryl compounds, as well as to uses of said alkynylaryl compounds for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases of dysregulated vascular growth or of diseases which are accompanied with dysregulated vascular growth.
US08481531B2
The invention relates to new bicyclic heterocyclyl derivatives of formula (I), to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases, e.g. cancer.
US08481530B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating a patient infected by Actinomycetes sp. by administering 6-aza-17-substituted-androst-4-en-3-one compounds to that patient. Another aspect of the invention relates to the screening for drug candidates to treat patients infected by Actinomycetes sp.
US08481505B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of cancers associated with overexpression of a BCL2 gene and/or gene product in a subject, and methods and compositions for the improvement of anti-cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The invention also encompasses methods for determining the efficacy of a cancer therapy in a subject and methods for inducing apoptosis of a cell.
US08481500B2
The invention relates to the use of morin and mangiferin, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and/or solvates thereof in the production of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of a neurodegenerative disease and symptoms associated with ageing, as well as to food compositions comprising said compounds.
US08481491B2
The present invention relates to the use of Stefin A as a scaffold protein for the display of inserted peptides, particularly wherein the Stefin A is a human Stefin A. Several mutations are advantageously made in the wild type stefin A sequence to improve it as a scaffold; preferably the Stefin A comprises a heterologous peptide insertion at the Leu 73 site. Furthermore, preferably the scaffold protein comprises a V48D mutation; preferably the scaffold protein comprises a G4W mutation. Preferably the scaffold comprises Leu73, V48D and G4W mutations. The invention also relates to the scaffold proteins themselves, in particular a stefin A polypeptide having the Leu73, V48D and G4W mutations, such as shown as SEQ ID NO: 1. The invention also relates to a method for identifying binding proteins and to peptide A (RLNKPLPSLPV, SEQ ID NO: 30) and its use in treating yeast infections.
US08481487B2
The invention relates to modified soluble FGF receptor Fc fusions comprising a fusion of a soluble fragment or domain of the FGF receptor part (targeting or binding moiety) with an Fc region of an immunoglobulin part (effector function moiety), having improved biological activity including ADCC/CDC activities, compositions containing them, and method of producing such modified soluble FGF receptor Fc fusion molecules.
US08481485B2
Full potency analogs of insulin are provided wherein the analog comprises a modification of the tyrosine residue at position 19 of the A chain.
US08481476B2
Modified aminoalkyl- and polyoxyalkylene-functional organopolysiloxanes exhibit delayed antifoaming activity in washing operations, minimizing foaming of rinse water. When applied to a pulverulent carrier, they may also be used in powder detergent formulations.
US08481474B1
A cleaning composition including an ionic liquid, and preferably no co-surfactants are provided. The compositions are substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates, including nonyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning compositions provide superior cleaning efficacy for various soils, including proteins and food soils, providing an effective, biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates.
US08481471B2
The present invention provides a solid-layered composition having at least two parts. The first part comprises a) calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof, b) a builder, c) a water-soluble polymer, d) an acid, and e) wherein the first part does not contain sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof. The second part comprises a) a functional ingredient, b) a builder or filler, and c) wherein the second part does not contain any oxidant.
US08481470B2
A system and method for monitoring an individual's hand hygiene comprising: a hand washing substance comprising a chemical odor marker, said odor marker comprising a detectable odor marker vapor; a detector for detecting said odor marker vapor emanating from an individual's hand containing said hand washing substance wherein said hand is placed proximate said detector without said hand physically touching said detector, said detector comprising a sensor and one or more indicators in operable communication with said sensor, said detector generating a signal based on the results of said detection; and a card reader or ID sensor to identify the individual.
US08481463B2
A grouting composition for use in insulating a portion of a tubular located inside an enclosed conduit comprises: (A) an oil-swellable binding material comprising a organophilic clay; and (B) a hydrocarbon liquid, wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is the continuous phase of the grouting composition; and (C) an insulating material comprising a hollow microsphere, wherein after the grouting composition has set, the grouting composition has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.3 BTU/hr·ft·° F.
US08481461B2
Described is a means for objectively determining hybridization failure in addition to performance degradation, insufficient washing and the like in a microarray. In particular a method for detecting the hybridization between a probe polynucleotide and a target polynucleotide by using a microarray is presented.
US08481456B2
Active compound combinations are disclosed which comprise (A) a dithiino-tetracarboximide of formula (I) and a further insecticidally active compound (B). Methods for controlling animal pests such as insects and/or unwanted acarids and for curatively or preventively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants or crops are also disclosed as well as the use of a composition according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and to the treated seed.
US08481451B2
The present invention relates to a catalyst for hydrocarbon steam cracking, a method of preparing the same, and a method of preparing olefin by the hydrocarbon steam cracking by using the catalyst, and more specifically, to a catalyst for hydrocarbon steam cracking for preparing light olefin including an oxide catalyst (0.5≦j≦120, 1≦k≦50, A is transition metal, and x is a number corresponding to the atomic values of Cr, Zr, and A and values of j and k) represented by CrZrjAkOx, wherein the composite catalyst is a type that has an outer radius r2 of 0.5R to 0.96R (where R is a radius of a cracking reaction tube), a thickness (t; r2−r1) of 2 to 6 mm, and a length h of 0.5r2 to 10r2, a method of preparing the same, and a method of preparing light olefins by using the same.
US08481449B1
An oxide catalyst is formed by vaporizing a quantity of at least one precursor material or catalyst material thereby forming a vapor cloud. The vapor cloud is quenches forming precipitate nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are impregnated onto supports. The supports are able to be used in existing heterogeneous catalyst systems. A system for forming oxide catalysts comprises components for vaporizing a quantity of at least one precursor material or at least one catalyst material, quenching the resulting vapor cloud and forming precipitate nanoparticles. The system further comprises components for supports with the nanoparticles.
US08481448B2
The invention is a heteropoly acid compound catalyst composition, a method of making the catalyst composition and a process for the oxidation of saturated and/or unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated carboxylic acids using the catalyst composition. The catalyst composition is a heteropoly acid compound containing molybdenum, vanadium, phosphorus, cesium, bismuth, copper and antimony. Thermal stability is achieved with higher cesium content (up to less than 3.0) but antimony, copper and bismuth must be present to maintain good activity.The catalyst is made by dissolving compounds of the components of each of the heteropoly acid compounds in a solution, precipitating the heteropoly acid compounds, obtaining a catalyst precursor and calcining the catalyst precursor to form a heteropoly acid compound catalyst.Unsaturated aldehydes, such as methacrolein, may be oxidized in the presence of the heteropoly acid compound catalyst to produce an unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as methacrylic acid.
US08481443B2
In a process for producing xylene by transalkylation of a C9+aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock with a C6 and/or C7 aromatic hydrocarbon, the C9+aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock, at least one C6 and/or C7 aromatic hydrocarbon and hydrogen are contacted with a first catalyst under conditions effective to dealkylate aromatic hydrocarbons in the feedstock containing C2+alkyl groups and to saturate C2+olefins formed so as to produce a first effluent. At least a portion of the first effluent is then contacted with a second catalyst under conditions effective to transalkylate C9+aromatic hydrocarbons with said at least one C6-C7 aromatic hydrocarbon to form a second effluent comprising xylene.
US08481441B2
An anodic bondable low-temperature fired porcelain having high-strength and low-thermal-expansion, wherein a conductive ion during anodic bonding is an Li ion, containing a complex oxide having a composition represented by the following formula: (1−x)(αLi2O-βMgO-γAl2O3-δSi2O2).xBi2O3 (1) where x represents a mass ratio of 0.01 to 0.1, and α, β, γ and δ have a molar ratio of 2 to 5:1 to 2:1 to 2:7 to 17.
US08481440B2
An electronic component 100 which includes: a dielectric body (a ceramic substrate) 110 containing a dielectric ceramic composition containing Al2TeO5 as a main component; and terminals 120 each provided on a pair of opposed side surfaces of the dielectric body 110 is provided.
US08481439B2
Because fracture toughness and translucency of translucent colored alumina sintered body of the past were low, the alumina sintered body was not suitable for uses such as dental materials, which require high toughness. The present invention relates to providing a translucent colored alumina sintered body that contains transition metal oxides, and with which the fracture toughness is 4.5 MPa·m0.5 or more and the maximum value of total forward transmittance (sample thickness 1 mm) to a wavelength of 300-800 nm is 60% or more. The present invention relates to obtaining a sintered body, at least 20% of which contains anisotropic grains with a long axis length of 10 μm or greater and an aspect ratio of 1.5 or more by subjecting an alumina sintered body containing transition metal oxides having a eutectic point with alumina or an alumina sintered body containing transitional metal oxides and at least one selected from the group consisting of Group 1A alkali metal oxides, Group 2A alkaline earth metal oxides, and SiO2, B2O3, P2O5 and GeO2 to pressureless sintering and HIP treatment.
US08481437B2
The invention relates to a thermally bound non-woven material containing a low-shrinkage dual-component core-sheath fiber consisting of a crystalline polyester core and a crystalline polyester sheath which has a melting point at least 10° C. lower than the core, the heat-shrinkage characteristic of said fiber being less than 10% at 170° C.
US08481434B2
To remove the deposit including a high dielectric constant film deposited on an inside of a processing chamber, by using a cleaning gas activated only by heat. The method includes the steps of: loading a substrate or a plurality of substrates into the processing chamber; performing processing to deposit the high dielectric constant film on the substrate by supplying processing gas into the processing chamber; unloading the processed substrate from the inside of the processing chamber; and cleaning the inside of the processing chamber by supplying a halide gas and an oxygen based gas into the processing chamber, and removing the deposit including the high dielectric constant film deposited on the inside of the processing chamber, and in the step of cleaning the inside of the processing chamber, the concentration of the oxygen based gas in the halide gas and the oxygen based gas is set to be less than 7%.
US08481428B2
The present invention relates to polishing slurry and polishing method used for polishing in a process for forming wirings of a semiconductor device, and the like. There are provided polishing slurry giving a polished surface having high flatness even if the polished surface is made of two or more substances, and further, capable of suppressing metal residue and scratches after polishing, and a method of chemical mechanical polishing using this. The polishing slurry of the present invention is polishing slurry containing at least one of a surfactant and an organic solvent, and a metal oxide dissolving agent and water, or polishing slurry containing water and abrasive of which surface has been modified with an alkyl group, and preferably, it further contains a metal oxidizer, water-soluble polymer, and metal inhibitor.
US08481426B2
A method of forming a pattern structure and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the pattern structure, are provided the method of forming the pattern structure includes forming a mask on an underlying layer formed on a lower layer. The underlying layer is etched using the mask as an etching mask, thereby forming patterns on the lower layer. The patterns define at least one opening. A sacrificial layer is formed in the opening and the mask is removed. The sacrificial layer in the opening is partially etched when the mask is removed.
US08481421B2
Functional linkers or anchors interconnecting graphene-like carbon, such as nanotubes or graphite sheets, with a conducting material such as a metal, are shown, together with related structures, devices, methods and systems.
US08481412B2
A method of and apparatus for forming interconnects on a substrate includes etching patterns in ultra-low k dielectric and removing moisture from the ultra-low k dielectric using active energy assist baking. During active energy assist baking, the ultra-low k dielectric is heated and exposed to light having only wavelengths greater than 400 nm for about 1 to about 20 minutes at a temperature of about 300 to about 400 degrees Celsius. The active energy assist baking is performed after wet-cleaning or after chemical mechanical polishing, or both.
US08481411B2
The present invention provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor substrate, the method including forming a first semiconductor layer on a substrate, forming a metallic material layer on the first semiconductor layer, forming a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer and the metallic material layer, etching the substrate using a solution to remove the metallic material layer and a portion of the first semiconductor layer, and forming a cavity in the first semiconductor layer under where the metallic material layer was removed.
US08481410B1
Disclosed herein are various methods for better height control of the finFET patterned fins. In one example, this invention begins by depositing or growing an oxide material, for example, silicon dioxide. This oxide material is then patterned and etched to open windows or trenches to the substrate where fins will be grown. If a common channel material is desired, it is epitaxially grown in the windows. Then, some windows are covered and one pole of fins (for example nFET) are epitaxially grown in the exposed windows. The previously masked windows are opened and the newly formed fins are masked. The alternate channel material is then grown. The masked fins are then un-masked and the oxide is recessed to allow the fins to protrude from the oxide. This invention also allows for different channel materials for NMOS and PMOS.
US08481407B2
The invention relates to a process for fabricating a heterostructure. This process comprises heating an intermediate heterostructure. The intermediate heterostructure comprises a crystalline strain relaxation layer interposed directly between a first substrate and a strained layer of crystalline semiconductor material. The process further comprises causing plastic deformation of the crystalline strain relaxation layer and elastic deformation of the strained layer of crystalline semiconductor material to at least partially relax the strained layer of crystalline semiconductor material.
US08481406B2
Methods of forming bonded semiconductor structures include temporarily, directly bonding together semiconductor structures, thinning at least one of the semiconductor structures, and subsequently permanently bonding the thinned semiconductor structure to another semiconductor structure. The temporary, direct bond may be established without the use of an adhesive. Bonded semiconductor structures are fabricated in accordance with such methods.
US08481402B2
Methods and structures for semiconductor devices with STI regions in SOI substrates is provided. A semiconductor structure comprises an SOI epitaxy island formed over a substrate. The structure further comprises an STI structure surrounding the SOI island. The STI structure comprises a second epitaxial layer on the substrate, and a second dielectric layer on the second epitaxial layer. A semiconductor fabrication method comprises forming a dielectric layer over a substrate and surrounding a device fabrication region in the substrate with an isolation trench extending through the dielectric layer. The method also includes filling the isolation trench with a first epitaxial layer and forming a second epitaxial layer over the device fabrication region and over the first epitaxial layer. Then a portion of the first epitaxial layer is replaced with an isolation dielectric, and then a device such as a transistor is formed second epitaxial layer within the device fabrication region.
US08481397B2
A method is provided for making a resistive polycrystalline semiconductor device, e.g., a poly resistor of a microelectronic element such as a semiconductor integrated circuit. The method can include: (a) forming a layered stack including a dielectric layer contacting a surface of a monocrystalline semiconductor region of a substrate, a metal gate layer overlying the dielectric layer, a first polycrystalline semiconductor region adjacent the metal gate layer having a predominant dopant type of either n or p, and a second polycrystalline semiconductor region spaced from the metal gate layer by the first polycrystalline semiconductor region and adjoining the first polycrystalline semiconductor region; and (b) forming first and second contacts in conductive communication with the second polycrystalline semiconductor region, the first and second contacts being spaced apart so as to achieve a desired resistance. In a variation thereof, an electrical fuse is formed which includes a continuous silicide region through which a current can be passed to blow the fuse. Some of the steps of fabricating the poly resistor or the electrical fuse can be employed simultaneously in fabricating metal gate field effect transistors (FETs) on the same substrate.
US08481391B2
A process for manufacturing a stress-providing structure is applied to the fabrication of a semiconductor device. Firstly, a substrate with a channel structure is provided. A silicon nitride layer is formed over the substrate by chemical vapor deposition in a halogen-containing environment. An etching process is performed to partially remove the silicon nitride layer to expose a portion of a surface of the substrate beside the channel structure. The exposed surface of the substrate is etched to form a recess in the substrate. Then, the substrate is thermally treated at a temperature between 750° C. and 820° C. After the substrate is thermally treated, a stress-providing material is filled in the recess to form a stress-providing structure within the recess. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a recess and a stress-providing structure. The recess has a round inner surface. The stress-providing structure has a round outer surface.
US08481381B2
When forming high-k metal gate electrode structures in a semiconductor device on the basis of a basic transistor design, undue exposure of sensitive materials at end portions of the gate electrode structures of N-channel transistors may be avoided, for instance, prior to and upon incorporating a strain-inducing semiconductor material into the active region of P-channel transistors, thereby contributing to superior production yield for predefined transistor characteristics and performance.
US08481376B2
Methods of fabricating transistor in which a first Group III nitride layer is formed on a substrate in a reactor, and a second Group III nitride layer is formed on the first Group III nitride layer. An insulating layer such as, for example, a silicon nitride layer is formed on the second Group III nitride layer in-situ in the reactor. The substrate including the first Group III nitride layer, the second group III nitride layer and the silicon nitride layer is removed from the reactor, and the silicon nitride layer is patterned to form a first contact hole that exposes a first contact region of the second Group III nitride layer. A metal contact is formed on the first contact region of the second Group III nitride layer.
US08481374B2
A substrate diode of an SOI device may be formed on the basis of contact regions in an early manufacturing stage, i.e., prior to patterning gate electrode structures of transistors, thereby imparting superior stability to the sensitive diode regions, such as the PN junction. In some illustrative embodiments, only one additional deposition step may be required compared to conventional strategies, thereby providing a very efficient overall process flow.
US08481367B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a circuit device in which a circuit element is resin-sealed with sealing resins formed integrally with each other. In the present invention, a resin sheet and a circuit board are housed in a cavity of a mold, and thereafter a first sealing resin formed of a tablet in melted form is injected into the cavity. At the time of injecting the first sealing resin, a second sealing resin formed of the resin sheet in melted form is not yet cured and is maintained in liquid form. Accordingly, the injected first sealing resin and the second sealing resin are mixed at the boundary therebetween, preventing the generation of a gap in the boundary portion and therefore preventing the deterioration of the moisture resistance and withstand voltage at the boundary portion.
US08481366B2
A semiconductor device is provided that includes a semiconductor chip and a resin section that molds the semiconductor chip and has a first through-hole. A through electrode that is electrically coupled to the semiconductor chip, extends through the resin section, and extends between a top edge and a bottom edge of an inner surface of the first through-hole. A cavity which extends between planes corresponding to an upper surface and a lower surface of the resin section is formed inside the first through-hole.
US08481365B2
A method of manufacturing a MEMS device comprises forming a MEMS device element (14). A sacrificial layer (20) is provided over the device element and a package cover layer (22) is provided over the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is removed using at least one opening (22) in the cover layer and the at least one opening (24) is sealed by an anneal process.
US08481352B2
The present invention provides a method of fabricating a light emitting diode chip having an active layer between an N type semiconductor layer and a P type semiconductor layer. The method comprises the steps of preparing a substrate; laminating the semiconductor layers on the substrate, the semiconductor layers having the active layer between the N type semiconductor layer and the P type semiconductor layer; and forming grooves on the semiconductor layers laminated on the substrate until the substrate is exposed, whereby inclined sidewalls are formed by the grooves in the semiconductor layers divided into a plurality of chips. According to embodiments of the present invention, a sidewall of a semiconductor layer formed on a substrate of a light emitting diode chip is inclined with respect to the substrate, whereby its directional angle is widened as compared with a light emitting diode chip without such inclination. As the directional angle of the light emitting diode chip is wider, when a white light emitting device is fabricated using the light emitting diode chip and a phosphor, light uniformity can be adjusted even though the phosphor is not concentrated at the center of the device. Thus, the overall light emitting efficiency can be enhanced by reducing a light blocking phenomenon caused by the increased amount of the phosphor distributed at the center portion.
US08481349B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device can result in a device that includes a housing having a cavity, a light emitting element on a bottom face of the cavity, and a wavelength conversion layer provided within the cavity. The wavelength conversion layer can include particles of a wavelength conversion material. The method includes forming the wavelength conversion layer within the cavity, which can include applying and hardening a first material to form a first wavelength conversion layer on the light emitting element, and applying and hardening a second material to substantially fill the remainder of the entire cavity, thereby forming a second wavelength conversion layer. The semiconductor light emitting device manufactured by the inventive method can achieve uniform light emitting characteristics without substantially any uneven color and can include high heat dissipation efficiency.
US08481347B2
Provided are a resonance tunneling device and a method of manufacturing the resonance tunneling device. The resonance tunneling device includes a substrate, a plurality of electrodes disposed on the substrate, and a nanoparticle layer disposed between the electrodes, and doped with an impurity. The nanoparticle layer uses the impurity to exhibit resonance tunneling where a current peak occurs at a target bias voltage applied between the electrodes.
US08481341B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device. A substrate is provided and includes a dielectric layer and a mask layer, which is patterned and developed. A plurality of trenches is created within the dielectric material by a retrograde etching process. The plurality of trenches is subsequently overfilled with a material by heteroepitaxial growth with aspect ratio trapping. The material includes at least one of germanium, a Group III-V compound, or a combination of two or more thereof. The overfilled plurality of trenches is then planarized.
US08481339B2
A magnetic memory has a magnetic recording layer, a reference layer connected via a non-magnetic layer to the magnetic recording layer, first and second magnetization pinning layers disposed below the magnetic recording layer. The magnetic recording layer and the reference layer have a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The magnetic recording layer has a magnetization reversal region having a reversible magnetization and overlapping the difference layer, a first magnetization pinned region connected to a first boundary of the magnetization reversal region with the direction of the magnetization being fixed in a first direction, and a second magnetization pinned region connected to a second boundary of the magnetization reversal region with the direction of magnetization being fixed in a second direction anti-parallel to the first direction. The first and the second magnetization pinning layers fix the magnetization of the first and the second magnetization pinned regions.
US08481338B2
ALD processing techniques for forming non-volatile resistive-switching memories are described. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a first electrode on a substrate, maintaining a pedestal temperature for an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process of less than 100° Celsius, forming at least one metal oxide layer over the first electrode, wherein the forming the at least one metal oxide layer is performed using the ALD process using a purge duration of less than 20 seconds, and forming a second electrode over the at least one metal oxide layer.
US08481334B1
The invention features a method of attaching a ligand that has a free carboxyl group to a solid support by adding an amino group to the ligand to form a ligand-amino derivative, converting the ligand amino derivative to a ligand sulfhydryl derivative, attaching the ligand sulfhydryl derivative to a protein to form a ligand-linker-protein conjugate, and applying the ligand-linker-protein conjugate to the solid support. The method is particularly useful for immobilizing small molecule ligands having a free carboxyl group, such as cloxicillin, to a lateral-flow test strip, in order to make a detection zone on the test strip that exhibits a clear signal and enhanced sensitivity.
US08481330B2
Disclosed is a method for analyzing a sample solution, including introducing a sample solution 50 through a sample introduction part 6 and developing the sample solution 50 to a developing layer 2 through a capillary phenomenon to analyze an analyte contained in the sample solution 50, the sample introduction part 6 being provided on one side of a test strip 100 and the developing layer 2 being provided on the other side of the test strip 100, wherein the test strip 100 is disposed in such a development posture that the downstream region of the developing layer faces downward during the development. By this method, the developing rate is less susceptible to the viscosity of the sample solution 50 and thus has a small difference even among sample solutions 50 differing in viscosity. As a result, the analytical accuracy and reliability can be improved.
US08481328B1
A water flow pattern simulation tank includes a tank base, a tank aquarium having an aquarium interior carried by the tank base, at least one nozzle in the tank aquarium, at least one drain in the tank aquarium in spaced-apart relationship to the nozzle, a pump disposed in fluid communication with the nozzle and the drain and at least one insert placed in the tank aquarium generally between the nozzle and the drain.
US08481322B2
A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel by adding to the petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel at least one compound having formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 independently represent at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy and nitro; and R3 and R4 independently represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.
US08481309B2
The invention relates to methods of altering expression of a genomic locus of interest or specifically targeting a genomic locus of interest in an animal cell, which may involve contacting the genomic locus with a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition that includes a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding polypeptide having a N-terminal capping region, a DNA binding domain comprising at least five or more Transcription activator-like effector (TALE) monomers and at least one or more half-monomers specifically ordered to target the genomic locus of interest, and a C-terminal capping region, wherein the polypeptide includes at least one or more effector domains, and wherein the polypeptide is encoded by and translated from a codon optimized nucleic acid molecule so that the polypeptide preferentially binds to the DNA of the genomic locus.
US08481308B2
Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.
US08481306B2
The present invention provides methods for assembling DNA molecules in a predetermined order to produce a DNA construct useful in Agrobacterium mediated transformation in plants. The method employs ligation independent cloning of separate DNA elements where one of the DNA elements contains T-DNA borders from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The invention further provides methods for assembling a construct containing an inverted repeat. Using this approach, DNA constructs are constructed rapidly, efficiently and directionally.
US08481294B2
Durability of formate dehydrogenase is improved with the use of formate dehydrogenase exhibiting high specific activity that is unpredictable from conventional findings. A specific amino acid substitution is introduced into Gibberella zeae-derived formate dehydrogenase. Mutant formate dehydrogenase exhibits durability that is extremely superior to that of wild-type formate dehydrogenase. Thus, the productivity of NADH that is produced using the mutant formate dehydrogenase can be improved.
US08481293B2
Provided are mutant microorganisms having the ability to produce a high concentration of putrescine wherein gene(s) involved in the putrescine degradation or utilization pathway is inactivated or deleted and a preparation method thereof. A method for producing putrescine in high yield by culturing the mutant microorganisms is also provided. The mutant microorganisms are useful for producing a high concentration of putrescine which can be widely used in various industrial applications.
US08481281B2
The present invention is based on the discovery that drug resistance in microorganisms can be rapidly and accurately determined using mass spectrometry. A mass spectrum of an intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in drug containing, isotopically-labeled media is compared with a mass spectrum of the intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in non-labeled media without the drug present. Drug resistance is determined by predicting and detecting a characteristic mass shift of one or more biomarkers using algorithms. The characteristic mass shift is indicative that the microorganism is growing in the presence of the drug and incorporating the isotopic label into the one or more biomarkers, resulting in change in mass.
US08481276B2
Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the contractility of intestinal tissue upon treatment with GLP-2 or a GLP-2 ligand. Also disclosed is an assay which directly measures the activity of GLP-2 or GLP-2 ligands ex vivo and permits the screening of putative GLP-2 ligands in native tissue.
US08481269B2
Human PIK4CA genes are identified as modulators of the RAC pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective RAC function. Methods for identifying modulators of RAC, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of PIK4CA are provided.
US08481245B2
A pattern clean-up for fabrication of patterned media using a forced assembly of molecules is disclosed. E-beam lithography is initially used to write the initial patterned bit media structures, which have size and positioning errors. Nano-sized protein molecules are then forced to assemble of on top of the bits. The protein molecules have a very uniform size distribution and assemble into a lattice structure above the e-beam patterned areas. The protein molecules reduce the size and position errors in e-beam patterned structures. This process cleans the signal from the e-beam lithography and lowers the noise in the magnetic reading and writing. This process may be used to fabricate patterned bit media directly on hard disk, or to create a nano-imprint master for mass production of patterned bit media disks.
US08481241B2
A radiation curing composition suitable for building a three-dimensional object by a solid freeform method is disclosed. The composition includes one or more mono-functional monomers where a respective polymer has a Glass Transition Temperature higher than about 60° C., one or more di-functional oligomers where a respective polymer has a Glass Transition Temperature lower than about 40° C. and a phase separation inducing component. The phase separation may be induced during curing, resulting in a non-clear cured material having an improved impact strength and higher elongation, when compared to similar compositions without a phase separation including component.
US08481237B2
A photoconductor containing a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer, and an overcoat layer in contact with, and contiguous to the charge transport layer. The overcoat layer is comprised polyethylene-block-polyethylene glycol copolymer and a charge transport component.
US08481233B2
Disclosed is an organic photoreceptor comprising on an electrically conductive support a light-sensitive layer and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer comprises a resin formed by curing a photocurable compound containing at least one polar group and at least one photocurable-functional group and a particulate metal oxide having a water absorption of 0.1 to 10%. There are also disclosed an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge.
US08481226B2
A sheet body includes an electrolyte layer, a fuel electrode layer formed on the upper surface of the electrolyte layer, and an air electrode layer formed on the lower surface of the electrolyte layer, wherein these layers are stacked and fired in such a manner that the electrolyte layer is sandwiched between the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer. The fuel electrode layer is a porous layer including a first layer on a side close to the electrolyte layer made of fine particles of Ni and YSZ, and a second layer on a side apart from the electrolyte layer made of fine particles of Ni, YSZ, and ZrSiO4. The zircon particles are uniformly distributed in the second layer in the plane direction and in the stacking direction.
US08481225B2
The present invention provides a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) which has a high level of power generation performance under a low humidified condition and a high level of production efficiency, and further, a manufacturing method of such an MEA and a fuel cell having such an MEA. The present invention includes forming first electrode catalyst layer 2, forming polymer electrolyte layer 1 on the first electrode catalyst layer 2 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the first electrode catalyst layer 2 is also covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1, and forming second electrode catalyst layer 3 on the polymer electrolyte layer 1 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the second electrode catalyst layer 3 is covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1.
US08481218B2
The present invention provides a hydrogen exhaust system for a fuel cell vehicle, which is configured to actively control an exhaust path of hydrogen discharged from an anode of a fuel cell stack to maximize the safety of the vehicle by minimizing the possibility of explosion due to hydrogen exhaust and ensure the silence of the vehicle by minimizing noise generated during hydrogen exhaust. Moreover, the present invention provides a hydrogen exhaust system for a fuel cell vehicle, which can improve the performance and power of the fuel cell stack by supplying water discharged from the fuel cell stack to an air supply line of the fuel cell stack together with purge hydrogen discharged to a hydrogen exhaust line to increase the humidification performance of the fuel cell stack.
US08481213B2
Disclosed herein is a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery, in particular, including a lithium transition metal oxide with a layered crystalline structure in which the transition metal includes a transition metal mixture of Ni, Mn and Co, and an average oxidation number of all transition metals other than lithium is more than +3, and specific conditions represented by the following formulae (1) and (2), 1.1
US08481210B2
An alkaline storage battery has a negative electrode using a hydrogen-absorbing alloy represented by a general formula Ln1-xMgxNiyAz wherein Ln is at least one element selected from rare-earth elements including Y, Ca, Zr, and Ti, A is at least one element selected from Co, Fe, Mn, V, Cr, Nb, Al, Ga, Zn, Sn, Cu, Si, P and B, and 0.15≦x≦0.30, 0
US08481209B2
An electrode includes: a collector; and an active material layer provided on the collector, containing a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing, as a comonomer, at least one member selected from monomers represented by the following general formulae (1) to (4) with vinylidene fluoride or vinylidene fluoride and a copolymerizable monomer thereof wherein each of R1 to R3 independently represents a hydrocarbon group having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; each of R6 and R7 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; each of R5 and R8 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms; and X represents a cyano group or an aldehyde group.
US08481208B2
The invention provides bipolar articles (e.g., batteries and capacitors) with new architectures and methods of making and using the same. Articles are provided with interpenetrating anode and cathode structures that allow for improved power density, and arbitrary form factors that allow for formation in substantially any desired shape. The articles are useful for embedding or integral formation in various electronic devices to provide more efficient use of space in the devices. The articles optionally include self-organizing bipolar structures.
US08481203B2
An integrated energy storage unit includes a container and a battery housed within the container. The battery includes a positive battery terminal, a negative battery terminal, and a battery electrolyte. A capacitor is housed within the container, separate from the battery. The capacitor includes a positive capacitor terminal, a negative capacitor terminal, and a capacitor electrolyte. A plurality of connectors electrically couple the battery and the capacitor in parallel. A positive lead is electrically coupled to the positive battery terminal and the positive capacitor terminal. The positive lead extends from the container. A negative lead is electrically coupled to the negative battery terminal and the negative capacitor terminal. The negative lead extends from the container.
US08481202B2
A battery cover assembly includes a back cover, a battery cover and at least one elastic device. The back cover includes a battery chamber recessed there-into and an separation-preventing portion protruding therefrom. The battery cover is slidably mounted on the battery chamber of the back cover and includes an anti-detaching portion protruding therefrom. The anti-detaching portion is configured for being blocked by the separation-preventing portion to avoid the battery cover being released from the back cover when the battery cover is slid relative to the back cover. The elastic device has two opposite ends secured to the back cover and the battery cover respectively. The elastic device is configured for providing an elastic force to open the battery cover relative to the back cover.
US08481196B2
Disclosed herein is an electrochemical cell constructed in a structure in which a plurality of full cells or bicells, as unit cells, are folded by a separation film formed in the shape of a long sheet, and separators of the unit cells are secured to the separation film by thermal welding. The electrochemical cell according to the present invention has the effect of preventing the electrodes of the stacked electrodes from being separated from the separation film or from being twisted due to external impacts and vibrations, thereby restraining the electrochemical cell from generating heat or catching fire. Furthermore, the structural stability of the electrochemical cell is maintained even when the temperature of the electrochemical cell is increased, or the volume of the electrochemical cell is increased due to the generation of gas.
US08481191B2
A spacer assembly, comprised of a plurality of rigid spacers, is provided that is configured for use with a cell mounting bracket within a battery pack. The spacer assembly maintains the positions of the batteries within the battery pack during a thermal event and after the cell mounting bracket loses structural integrity due to the increased temperature associated with the thermal event. By keeping the battery undergoing thermal runaway in its predetermined location within the battery pack, the minimum spacing between cells is maintained, thereby helping to minimize the thermal effects on adjacent cells while ensuring that the cooling system, if employed, is not compromised. As a result, the risk of thermal runaway propagation is reduced.
US08481183B2
A secondary battery includes a cylindrical bare cell including a cylindrical can configured as a first electrode and an electrode cap configured as a second electrode, the electrode cap coupled with the cylindrical can and a protection circuit module including a circuit board facing the electrode cap, a first electrode tab electrically connecting the circuit board to the cylindrical and a second electrode tab electrically connecting the circuit board to the electrode cap of the cylindrical bare cell.
US08481178B2
Oxide-coated Fe powder for producing various electromagnetic circuit components requiring high resistivity is provided. The oxide-coated Fe powder is a Mg-containing oxide film-coated iron powder coated with an Mg—Fe—O ternary-based deposition film at least containing (Mg, Fe)O. The (Mg,Fe)O is a crystalline MgO-dissolving wustite. The Mg—Fe—O ternary-based oxide deposition film has a sulfur-enriched layer containing a higher concentration of sulfur than that of central portion of the iron powder, fine crystalline texture having a grain size of 200 nm or less, and the outermost surface is substantially composed of MgO. A composite soft magnetic material using the Mg-containing oxide film-coated iron powder is also provided.
US08481167B2
Provided is a charging member having an elastic layer to which components derived from a developer hardly adhere even when the charging member is used for a long time period and in which elastic layer the occurrence of compression set is suppressed The charging member includes: a electroconductive support; and a electroconductive elastic layer, in which the elastic layer is formed through irradiation of an electron beam onto a surface of a rubber layer formed of a crosslinked product of a rubber mixture containing an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and a styrene-butadiene rubber; the styrene-butadiene rubber has a 1,2-vinyl bond, and at least one selected from a cis-1,4 bond and a trans-1,4 bond; and a ratio of the numbers of moles of the 1,4 bonds to a total number of moles of the 1,2-vinyl bond, the cis-1,4 bond, and the trans-1,4 bond is 31 mol % or more and 61 mol % or less.
US08481163B2
The invention relates to a method of growing carbon nanotubes (5) on a substrate (1) using a hot-wire-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. The inventive method consists in first depositing a bilayer of titanium (12) and cobalt (13) on the substrate such that: the thickness of the titanium layer is between 0.5 and 5 nm, the thickness of the cobalt layer is between 0.25 and 10 nm, and the thickness of the cobalt layer is between half and double that of the titanium layer.
US08481160B2
An industrial feedstock of plant biomass particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein the particles are individually characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L, wherein the L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers, the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers, and the L×W dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces, and wherein the particles in the feedstock are collectively characterized by having a bimodal or multimodal size distribution.
US08481157B2
Polymeric fibers along with methods and systems for extruding polymeric fibers are disclosed. The extrusion process preferably involves the delivery of a lubricant separately from a polymer melt stream to each orifice of an extrusion die such that the lubricant preferably encases the polymer melt stream as it passes through the die orifice.
US08481149B2
This disclosure relates to a polyurethane resin composition for a mounting pad, including a polyurethane resin, C9-15 alkyl benzene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof, and a DMF solvent, and a polyurethane mounting pad using the same, whereby long and large pores may be uniformly formed thereinside to provide a mounting pad having low hardness, excellent compressibility, and a high compression modulus.
US08481141B2
A Flexible VCD Having Domed Center and Flat Central Bottom Ring and Method of Making Thereof is disclosed. The disc will has a flat data storage section of its substrate that is less than 0.7 millimeters thick, while the central region of the disc is defined by a dome structure adjacent to the spindle aperture that is of standard digital disc thickness. The disc is thin enough such that its substrate is flexible. The dome structure is shaped to provide the widest compatibility with player/recorders, as well as with disc printing systems. Disc versions are available that provide conical dome structures, as well as slivered dome structures of both conical and rectangular cross-section, and a combined design having a plurality of raised protrusions on the top surface of the disc, and a flat central ring protruding from the bottom surface of the disc. The method for manufacturing the discs simply requires the replacement of the conventional stamper holder with a stamper holding having a non-flat face.
US08481138B2
Implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the implantable or insertable medical devices include at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents.
US08481128B2
A method for growing an array of carbon nanotubes includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate having a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface opposite to the first substrate surface; (b) forming a catalyst film on the first substrate surface; (c) flowing a mixture of a carrier gas and a first carbon source gas over the catalyst film on the first substrate surface; (d) focusing a laser beam on the second substrate surface to locally heat the substrate to a predetermined reaction temperature; and (e) growing an array of the carbon nanotubes on the first substrate surface via the catalyst film.
US08481126B2
A method for making a housing of an electronic device includes applying a layer of ceramic powder material to an outer surface of a metal substrate. The layer of ceramic powder material and a top layer of the metal substrate are melted by laser irradiation, forming a ceramic-metal composite coating integrally bonding with the metal substrate when cooled. The substrate with the ceramic-metal composite coating is heated to a peak temperature, maintained at the peak temperature for a desired period of time, and then cooled down to room temperature. The heat treated metal substrate with the ceramic-metal composite coating is then formed into a desired shape.
US08481123B2
Novel methods and apparatuses for annealing semiconductor devices in a high pressure gas environment. According to an embodiment, the annealing vessel has a dual chamber structure, and potentially toxic, flammable, or otherwise reactive gas is confined in an inner chamber which is protected by pressures of inert gas contained in the outer chamber. The incoming gas delivery system and exhaust gas venting system are likewise protected by various methods. Embodiments of the present invention can be used, for example, for high-K gate dielectric anneal, post metallization sintering anneal, and forming gas anneal in the semiconductor manufacturing process.
US08481118B2
A method and apparatus that may be utilized for chemical vapor deposition and/or hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) deposition are provided. In one embodiment, a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process is used to deposit a Group III-nitride film on a plurality of substrates. A Group III precursor, such as trimethyl gallium, trimethyl aluminum or trimethyl indium and a nitrogen-containing precursor, such as ammonia, are delivered to a plurality of straight channels which isolate the precursor gases. The precursor gases are injected into mixing channels where the gases are mixed before entering a processing volume containing the substrates. Heat exchanging channels are provided for temperature control of the mixing channels to prevent undesirable condensation and reaction of the precursors.
US08481116B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a coated basic material for a hydraulic composition (11) comprising a basic material (14, 16) and water (15). According to the invention, the basic material can consist of several sub-groups (14, 16) and at least one hydraulic binding agent (14) and to produce the hydraulic composition the basic material (14, 16) and the water (15) are mixed in a mixer (8). Prior to the mixing of the hydraulic composition, the basic material (14, 16) is at least partially coated with an additive (13). The invention also relates to a coated basic material to be used in concrete production, to an additive for concrete production and to a method for producing a hydraulic composition.
US08481113B2
A nanocrystal capable of light emission includes a nanoparticle having photoluminescence having quantum yields of greater than 30%.
US08481104B2
Disclosed are methods of fabricating an organic electronic device, which includes dip coating layers, and the devices made therefrom.
US08481102B2
Provided is a method in which a difference between a surface temperature of a susceptor and a surface temperature of a substrate is accurately grasped without using a complicated high-priced equipment. A temperature control method for a chemical vapor deposition apparatus includes detecting a rotation state of a susceptor on which a substrate is accumulated on a top surface thereof, measuring a temperature of the top surface of the susceptor, calculating a temperature distribution of the top surface of the susceptor, based on the detected rotation state and the measured temperature, and controlling the temperature of the top surface of the susceptor, based on the calculated temperature distribution.
US08481099B2
Processes for converting by-products of citrus, such as peels and juice from juice sacs attached to the peel after hand or mechanical peeling into high quality dietary fiber, naringin, juice, and oil. The processes involve pressing peels to release juice from vesicles and then grinding peels in water to create a slurry. Peel color and oil is removed by a flotation technique. Decolorized citrus peel particles—or pulp—are debittered with water in steps of boiling and washing. Dietary fiber obtained after debittering is dried and packaged for commercial use. The process promotes environmental responsibility by reducing standard citrus waste—a high BOD waste product, by overcoming discharging problems with industrial waste, by converting an environmentally undesirable product—peels, juice, and oils—into a value-added ingredient, by drastically reducing discharge and penalty cost of waste, and by eliminating the use of solvents that generate pollution.
US08481092B2
A method of manufacturing a medical antimicrobial suture having a grapefruit extract which is a grapefruit seed extract including naringin, ascorbic acid or citral is provided. The method includes preparing grapefruit extract solution with a concentration of 500 to 2000 ppm by mixing the grapefruit extract with methanol solvent; and impregnating a biodegradable monofilament suture with the grapefruit extract solution for more than 360 minutes. The grapefruit extract is continuously released in a body for 70 hours after the antimicrobial suture is inserted into the body.
US08481080B2
The present invention relates to methods of producing a homogenous hydrogel comprising hyaluronic acid, or salt thereof, crosslinked with divinylsulfone (DVS), said method comprising the steps of (a) providing an alkaline solution of hyaluronic acid, or salt thereof; (b) adding DVS to the solution of step (a), whereby the hyaluronic acid, or salt thereof, is crosslinked with the DVS to form a gel; (c) treating the gel of step (b) with a buffer, wherein the gel swells and forms a hydrogel comprising hyaluronic acid, or salt thereof, crosslinked with DVS.
US08481079B2
Disclosed herein is a drug delivery system consisting of one or more compartments and comprising a progestogenic compound dissolved in a thermoplastic polyethylene vinylacetate copolymer. Also disclosed are a contraceptive kit or hormone-replacement therapy kit comprising the drug delivery system, and a combination preparation that simultaneously provides contraception and treatment of a sexually transmitted disease comprising the drug delivery system.
US08481075B2
The present invention discloses preparation and application of a kind of biodegradable-material-made microsphere vascular embolus that contains liposome-encapsulated cytokines. The present invention is technologically characterized by encapsulation of liposome-wrapped immunocytokines such as IL-2, TNF and interferon by sodium polysaccharide or gelatin, which is extracted from natural alga and is good at biodegradability and biocompatibility. Owing to the encapsulation procedures, cytokine microspheres can take shape measuring 50-75 μm, 75-150 μm, 100-200 μm, 200-300 μm, 200-450 μm, 100-300 μm, 300-500 μm, 500-700 μm, and 700-900 μm. The microsphere preparations are good targeting medication for embolism treatment and immunochemotherapy of animals loaded with human hepatocarcinoma and cervical cancer, as well as human suffering from late-stage or recurrent liver cancer, renal tumors, bladder cancer, colon carcinoma and rectal cancer.
US08481074B2
Elastomeric fibrous constructs are formed from multicomponent, non-woven nano-/microfibers having a core and sheath configuration made primarily of an absorbable polymer and preferably a water-soluble one, respectively. Most preferably, the nano-/microfibers are produced by electrostatic spinning. Depending on clinical use of these constructs, suitable bioactive agents can be incorporated into the construct.
US08481055B2
Method of preventing infections from bioterrorism agents with immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides
The present disclosure relates to a method of preventing or treating an infection caused by a bioterrorism agent, specifically to a method of increasing an immune response to a bioterrorism agent using an oligodeoxynucleotide including a CpG motif, and a method of enhancing the immunogenicity of a vaccine against a bioterrorism agent using an oligodeoxynucleotide including a CpG motif.
US08481053B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The invention comprises administration of an effective amount of bacterial lysate compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions of microbial infections. The present invention can also be used to enhance the immune system to prevent infections by the administration of an effective amount of the compositions.
US08481052B2
The present invention relates to avirulent Salmonella gallinarum variants by inactivating virulence gene clusters of Salmonella gallinarum (SG), a main pathogen of avian salmonellosis, and various uses thereof notably in the production of Salmonella-specific lytic bacteriophages, pharmaceutical compositions and feed additives.
US08481051B2
The present inventors introduced mRNAs for the Epstein-Barr virus proteins LMP1 and EBNA1 into antigen-presenting cells, and as a result, demonstrated that the cells induced Epstein-Barr virus-specific cytotoxic T cells. The present inventors also demonstrated that the cytotoxic T cells recognized epitope peptides presented via HLA-A*0206, HLA-Cw*0303, or HLA-Cw*0304, inhibited the outgrowth of Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells, and lysed Epstein-Barr virus-infected NK lymphomas and NK cells.
US08481050B2
A tissue culture system for production of infectious hepatitis C virus is described. In particular, the invention provides recombinant monocistronic and bicistronic genomic constructs for production of virus, including constructs for production of wild-type HCV type 2a strain JFH1 and constructs for production of chimeric viruses comprising HCV proteins from strain JFH1 and a second HCV isolate. Constructs of the invention also include a reporter gene to facilitate measurement of RNA replication and viral infectivity in cultures. The cell culture system may also include various factors that improve viral replication or infectivity. In addition, a neutralization assay using HCV grown in cell culture is described.
US08481046B2
Ophthalmic formulations of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist are provided suitable for intravitreal administration to the eye. The ophthalmic formulations include a stable liquid formulation and a lyophilizable formulation. Preferably, the protein antagonist has the amino acid sequence of residues 27-457 of SEQ ID NO:4.
US08481036B2
The present invention relates to the use of an anti-NGF antibody in the treatment or prevention of pain and/or a lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) associated with chronic prostatitis and/or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
US08481032B2
Methods and compositions for identifying and treating obesity and obesity-induced metabolic disorders are provided. One aspect provides a method for the evaluation of risk and progression of glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes in mammalian subjects. The method includes measuring the concentration of circulating lipocalin-2 in a subject and comparing the measured level to lipocalin-2 to a reference level. Another aspect provides methods of treating insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and other related complications by administering to a patient a composition that can reduce the circulating levels of lipocalin-2, for example a lipocalin-2 antagonist.
US08481031B2
The present invention is directed to fusion polypeptides comprising Klotho protein or an active fragment thereof and FGF23 or an active fragment thereof.
US08481029B2
Methods of inducing T cell proliferation and expansion in vivo for treating conditions wherein antigen-specific T cell immune response are therapeutically desirable such as cancer, infection, inflammation, allergy and autoimmunity and for enhancing the efficacy of vaccines are provided. These methods comprise the administration of at least one CD27 agonist, preferably an agonistic CD27 antibody, alone or in association with another moiety such as immune stimulant or immune modulator such as an anti-CD40, OX-40, 4-IBB, or CTLA-4 antibody or an agent that depletes regulatory cells, or a cytokine. These mono and combination therapies may also optionally include the administration of a desired antigen such as a tumor antigen, an allergen, an autoantigen, or an antigen specific to an infectious agent or pathogen against which a T cell response (often CD8+) is desirably elicited.
US08481028B2
The invention relates to compositions for preparing a beverage, the compositions comprise a microorganism and/or an enzyme capable of hydrolysing chlorogenic acids of a coffee extract to phenolic acids. When a beverage prepared with the compositions of the invention is consumed chlorogenic acids present in coffee extract is hydrolysed to improve antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties compared to a similar conventional beverage.
US08481027B2
A stable, pellet-frozen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture comprises at least one additive compound in a commercial relevant package. The pellet-frozen culture has at least 50 g frozen material and a content of viable bacteria of at least 109 colony forming units per gram of frozen material. The individual pellets of the frozen culture do not stick together and remain as individual pellets, when stored at about −46° C., for at least 7 to 14 days.
US08481026B1
Bacteria with improved survival under toxic and oxidative stress and methods of using the same for bioremediation are described. Many bacteria such as Escherichia coli have been found to naturally reduce toxic pollutants into a less toxic form, such as by reducing Chromium (VI) to Chromium (III). Reducing such toxins generates damaging reactive oxygen species, so it is important to find a defense for these bacteria against the associated oxidative stress. Trehalose is a small biomolecule that has been shown to protect bacteria from various types of stress by accumulating within the cells. The present invention is directed to bacteria genetically modified to overexpress trehalose biosynthesis genes. The bacteria demonstrate improved viability when challenged with toxins and oxidative stress. The present invention provides inexpensive and beneficial bacteria and methods for environmental remediation.
US08481017B2
A medium for isolating or releasing an electrostatically charged component from or into an aqueous composition. The medium has a polyelectrolyte film on at least one surface of an article wherein the polyelectrolyte film is characterized by an interpenetrating network of a predominantly positively charged polymer and a predominantly negatively charged polymer. The predominantly positively charged polymer, the predominantly negatively charged polymer or both contain (i) a pH sensitive imidazole repeat unit having a pKa between 3 and 9, or (ii) a redox sensitive repeat unit selected from the group consisting of quaternized bipyridine repeat units, coordinated metal repeat units, pyrrole repeat units, aniline repeat units, thiophene repeat units and combinations thereof having a redox potential between +1.2 volts and −1.2 volts versus a standard hydrogen electrode.
US08481015B2
The present invention relates to a topical skin care composition containing a safe and effective amount of a skin care active comprising agmatine, and its salt; a safe and effective amount of a first additional skin care active selected from the group consisting of BHT or BHA, hexamidine, cetyl pyridinium chloride, green tea catechins, phytosterols, ursolic acid, compounds derived from plant extracts, their salts and derivatives; and a dermatologically acceptable carrier for the agmatine composition.The present invention also relates to methods of using such agmatine compositions to regulate hair growth and the condition of mammalian skin. Said methods generally comprise the step of topically applying the composition to the skin of a mammal needing such treatment, a safe and effective amount of such compositions.
US08481014B2
The invention relates to polyorganosiloxanes containing, per molecule, at least one siloxyl unit substituted with at least one group having one or more sterically hindered piperidinyl functional groups, devoid of toxicity upon contact with the skin. The invention also relates to an improved cosmetic composition comprising the polyorganosiloxanes according to the invention and the use of these compositions for the treatment of keratin materials, in particular the skin and the hair.
US08481012B2
Antiperspirant emulsion products and processes for forming antiperspirant emulsion products are provided. One process for making an antiperspirant emulsion product comprises the steps of heating and mixing water and an active antiperspirant compound to a first temperature to form a water phase. A hydrophobic carrier, a structurant, and cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone are heated and mixed to a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature to melt the structurant and form an oil phase. The oil phase is cooled and mixed to a third temperature. The water phase is gradually added to the oil phase to form an antiperspirant emulsion so that the water phase is present in an amount of from about 54 to about 89 wt. % and the oil phase is present in an amount of from about 11 to about 46 wt. % of the antiperspirant emulsion.
US08481006B2
A topical composition comprises a vehicle, said vehicle including an emulsion or dispersion of water in an amount of from 50% by weight to 93% by weight; and a non-aqueous discontinuous phase in an amount of from 50% by weight to 7% by weight; at least one of a bronzer, a tanning accelerator, or a mixture thereof; and from 0.01% by weight to 5% by weight of a warming agent, based on the total weight of the composition. The warming agent comprises at least one alkyl ether of vanillyl alcohol at least one N-alkyl amide of vanillic acid; and is present in an amount effective to produce a prolonged warming sensation when applied to a user's skin. The composition is transparent to UV radiation. The composition is used for indoor tanning.
US08481004B2
Oral care compositions containing a stannous salt and sodium tripolyphosphate are provided where stannous tripolyphosphate ionic intermediates comprise less than about 1% of the compositions Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, a methylvinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer and/or a silica oral polishing agent may be added for further efficacy. In a single phase blend, the oral care composition may be effectively limited to comprise less than about 10% water. In a dual-phase blend a mixture having the stannous salt in a first phase and the sodium tripolyphosphate in a second phase may be generated from a dual chamber storage tube (with each phase provided from a separate chamber) immediately prior to dental care usage.
US08480998B2
A method for the production of a nanocrystalline bismuth-molybdenum mixed oxide, the use of the bismuth-molybdenum mixed oxide as catalyst for chemical conversions, in particular for a conversion of propylene to acrolein and/or acrylic acid or of isobutylene to methacrolein and/or methacrylic acid, as well as a catalyst that contains the bismuth-molybdenum mixed oxide.
US08480994B2
Provided is a method of modifying carbon nanotubes, the method including: preparing a mixed solution in which a radical initiator and a carbon nanotube are dispersed; applying energy to the mixed solution to decompose the radical initiator into a radical; and reacting the decomposed radical with a surface of the carbon nanotube, wherein the radical which has reacted with the carbon nanotube is detached from the carbon nanotube after the reaction with the carbon nanotube. In the method of modifying carbon nanotube, a radical is reacted with a carbon nanotube and then separated from the carbon nanotube to thus modify the surface of the carbon nanotube without chemical bonding. Accordingly, the conductivity of the carbon nanotube can be increased.
US08480986B2
A system for NOx reduction in combustion gases, especially from diesel engines, incorporates an oxidation catalyst to convert at least a portion of NO to NO2, tparticulate filter, a source of reductant such as NH3 and an SCR catalyst. Considerable improvements in NOx conversion are observed.
US08480983B1
A wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system includes an absorber vessel operable to remove pollutants from flue gas supplied thereto. The absorber vessel defines a slurry section for containing a reagent slurry therein and an outlet in fluid communication with the slurry section. The WFGD system includes a mercury removal vessel in fluid communication with outlet. The mercury removal vessel has activated carbon disposed therein.
US08480966B2
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of producing regenerative water. The apparatus includes a main body, a basket, a regenerative substance block and an on/off valve. The main body has a water inlet port through which raw water is supplied into the main body, a water outlet port through which regenerative water is discharged out of the main body, and a drain port which drains an excess of raw water or regenerative water. The basket is provided in the main body. The regenerative substance block is contained in the basket and dissolved by the raw water. The on/off valve is provided on the water outlet port. The raw water dissolves the regenerative substance block for a predetermined duration. When the on/off valve is opened, the produced regenerative water is supplied through the water outlet port into a soft water tank.
US08480963B2
A liquid arc induced cavitation (LAIC) system (also referred to as a pulsed arc electrohydraulic discharge system) for use in reducing contaminants in liquids (e.g. water), having: a moving electrode positioning mechanism with feedback sensors to control the electrode gap geometry; a bank of hybrid capacitors and an air gap switch.
US08480958B2
A metal nanoantenna for use in a biosensing device is disclosed. The metal nanoantenna is arranged to exhibit at least two particle plasmon resonances or surface plasmon resonances (SPRs). The nanoantenna is for use in a sensor and allows detection at low concentration of biological components. In one aspect, the nanoantenna can have an asymmetric structural configuration and spectrally separated resonances. In one aspect, there is a location in its structure providing local electromagnetic field enhancement at all of the SPRs. The metal nanoantenna can be used for background free measuring of a quantity of a biological component.
US08480955B2
The disclosure provides sensor for gas sensing including CO2 gas sensors comprising a porous framework sensing area for binding an analyte gas.
US08480945B2
An electrospinning manufacture for drug carriers is disclosed. The method comprises a preliminary step mixing a predetermined drug, an alginate, and a saline to obtain a mixture; an electric field establishing step providing a collection plate and an emitter filled with divalent cation agent and the mixture individually, wherein an electric field is applied to the collection plate and the emitter to form a voltage therebetween; and an electrospinning step sequentially dropping the mixture from the emitter into the divalent cation agent filled in the collection plate via the driving of the electric field, triggering a crosslinking-gelating reaction between the divalent cation and the alginate, wherein a plurality of gel particles is produced for a coating of the predetermined drug presenting a drug carrier performance.
US08480944B2
Disclosed herein are processes for making quaternary chalcogenide wafers. The process comprises milling quaternary chalcogenide crystals to form milled particles, and then compressing the milled particles to form a quaternary chalcogenide wafer. The quaternary chalcogenide wafers are useful for forming solar cells.
US08480941B2
A three-dimensional molded body, a method for producing a three-dimensional molded body and a method for producing an adhesive bond between a polymer-containing material and a molded body having an inorganic porous framework structure in at least partial areas are described. In all cases the porous structure of the molded body comprising inorganic material is brought in contact with a polymer-containing material which is heated until the heated material enters into a joint connection with the molded body based on adhesive interactions, interfacial interactions, electrostatic interactions or any combination thereof, in which the pore-like voids of the porous structure are filled completely with the polymer-containing material, which stabilizes the molded body so that it has dimensional stability after cooling.
US08480934B2
According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method includes performing lithography processes for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes a three-dimensional stacked device. The stacked device includes layers stacked above a substrate. Each of the layers includes a device circuit. The lithography processes include a lithography process for forming a lower layer of the layers by using a first original plate that has quality not less than a certain level. The first original plate is selected from original plates. Each of the original plates includes a pattern corresponding to the device circuit. The original plates are ranked according to quality based on defect. The lithography processes further include a lithography process for forming a higher layer of the layers by using a second original plate that has quality lower than the certain level. The second original plate is selected from the original plates.
US08480932B2
The present invention provides a process for producing a composite of metal sulfide and metal oxide obtained by dispersing a metal sulfide, which is nickel sulfide, copper sulfide, iron sulfide or a mixture thereof, in a metal salt-containing aqueous solution, and depositing metal salt on the metal sulfide by drying the aqueous solution; and heat-treating the metal sulfide comprising a metal salt deposited thereon at 400 to 900° C. in a sulfur-containing atmosphere. Also disclosed is a composite obtained by the aforementioned process, comprising a metal sulfide having a surface partially covered with a metal oxide. The composite of the present invention has improved cycle characteristics while maintaining a high charge/discharge capacity and excellent electrical conductivity inherently possessed by metal sulfide, which is usable as a material having a high theoretical capacity and excellent electrical conductivity when used as a positive-electrode material for a lithium secondary battery.
US08480931B2
A composite structure and a method of manufacturing the composite structure. The composite structure includes a graphene sheet; and a nanostructure oriented through the graphene sheet and having a substantially one-dimensional shape.
US08480927B2
A composition can include a first moiety capable of being excited to an excited state, and a second moiety capable of accepting excited state energy from the first moiety. The second moiety is capable of emitting light with a FWHM of 15 nm or less when excited. The second moiety can be a J-aggregate and the first moiety can be a semiconductor nanocrystal.
US08480919B2
A lubricating oil composition for refrigerators including (A) a base oil containing as a main component a polyol ester compound obtained from a polyhydric alcohol selected from among pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane and neopentyl glycol and a C4 to C20 aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, (B) a phosphorus-based additive comprised of a phosphoric acid triester and/or a phosphorous acid triester, and (C) at least one acid scavenger selected from among glycidyl esters, glycidyl ethers and α-olefin oxides.The lubricating oil composition is applicable to such refrigerators that use a refrigerant having a specific structure, such as an unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon compound, and being usable in current car air conditioner systems, and has excellent compatibility with the refrigerant, good sealing properties, capability of imparting a low coefficient of friction to sliding members and, yet, excellent stability.
US08480918B2
The present invention provides a piezoelectric material which can be applied even to the MEMS technique, exhibits satisfactory piezoelectricity even at high ambient temperatures and is environmentally clean, namely, a piezoelectric material including an oxide obtained by forming a solid solution composed of two perovskite oxides A(1)B(1)O3 and A(2)B(2)O3 different from each other in crystalline phase, the oxide being represented by the following general formula (1): X{A(1)B(1)O3}−(1−X){A(2)B(2)O3} (1) wherein “A(1)” and “A(2)” are each an element including an alkali earth metal and may be the same or different from each other; “B(1)” and “B(2)” each include two or more metal elements, and either one of “B(1)” and “B(2)” contains Cu in a content of 3 atm % or more; and “X” satisfies the relation 0
US08480915B2
According to one embodiment, the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes contacting a film formed on a semiconductor substrate with a rotating polishing pad which is supported on a turntable, and feeding polishing foam to a region of the polishing pad with which the film is contacted, thereby polishing the film. The polishing foam is obtained by turning the aqueous dispersion into a foamy body. The aqueous dispersion includes 0.01-20% by mass of abrasive grain and 0.01-1% by mass of foam forming and retaining agent, all based on a total mass of the aqueous dispersion.
US08480914B2
Different gases are separately exposed to RF energy in different zones in inlets to a processing chamber. Plasma is activated in the gases in each of the zones separately and the activated gases are then introduced into the plasma processing chamber where they may undergo mutual interaction within a processing zone. Control of the active species distribution within the processing chamber is provided by control of the energizing of the gases in the separate inlet zones before they are combined in the processing zone. An ICP source energizes gas in each zone through an antenna having one or more conductors, each of which is coupled to a plurality of the zones. This allows gases to be brought together in their active states, rather than being combined and then activated, and allows the same or different parameters to be applied in different inlet zones.
US08480911B1
A read sensor for a read transducer is fabricated. The read transducer has field and device regions. A read sensor stack is deposited. A mask covering part of the stack corresponding to the read sensor is provided. The read sensor having inboard and outboard junction angles is defined from the stack in a track width direction. A critical junction (CJ) focused ion beam scan (FIBS) polishing that removes part of the read sensor based on the junction angles is performed. A hard bias structure is deposited and the transducer planarized. A remaining portion of the mask is removed. A stripe height mask covering part of the read sensor and hard bias structure in a stripe height direction is provided. The read sensor stripe height is defined. A tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) FIBS polishing that removes part of the stack in the field region is performed. An insulating layer is provided.
US08480908B2
An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range.
US08480896B2
A scavenging filter includes a volume containing activated beads or fiber particles of a scavenging material housed in a removable housing in a cartridge filter body having an axial inlet extending to a space below a permeable false bottom, the fluid permeating upwards through the material, and cleaned liquor leaving via an annular space surrounding the chamber.
US08480889B2
A novel chromatographic stationary phase for reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is provided. By using mono and dimethyl silanes as endcapping reagents as compared with the use of traditional trimethyl silanes, an improved blocking of unreacted surface silanols is achieved. The improved blocking of surface silanols results in at least better peak shape and more reproducible retention times in reversed-phase HPLC analyses.
US08480883B2
A pipe coupling (10) which comprises a coupling body (12) having an inlet end (22) for connection to a water outlet; an outlet end (24) for connection to a water inlet, and a liquid flow passage (26) which connects the inlet and outlet ends (22, 24) and which defines a water flow path (28) through the coupling body (12); a sealable filter and flow detector access opening (14) which is provided on the coupling body (12); and a filter element (16) and a flow detector device (20) which are removably receivable in the coupling body via the access opening and positionable on the flow path to extend across at least a part of the lateral extent of the liquid flow passage.
US08480881B2
A method and a product made by treating a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed, e.g., heavy crude asphaltene reduction is disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of: mixing the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed with a hydrogen donor solvent and an acidified silica to form a mixture and oxidizing the sulfur in the mixture at a temperature between 50° C. and 210° C., wherein the oxidation lowers the amount sulfur in the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon heavy feed by at least 90%.
US08480879B2
A process for producing an API Group I base oil, comprising: blending a lower quality base oil that does not meet API Group I specifications with a Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate fraction having defined pour point, viscosity index and Oxidator B, and isolating an API Group I base oil that has improved defined properties. A process for producing an API Group I base oil, consisting essentially of: (a) selecting a lower quality base oil not meeting API Group I specifications, having defined saturates, viscosity index and Oxidator BN; and (b) blending the lower quality base oil with a Group II base oil and a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil. A process for improving the lubricating properties of a lower quality base oil. Also, a process for operating a base oil plant.
US08480877B2
A sensor arrangement for detecting particles potentially contained in an analyte is disclosed. The arrangement includes a substrate; at least one sensor electrode which is arranged on and/or in the substrate and on which scavenger molecules, which hybridize with particles that are potentially contained in an analyte and are to be detected, are immobilized, electrically charged particles generated by hybridization being detectable on the at least one sensor electrode; and at least one diffusion detection electrode which is arranged in a surrounding region of the at least one sensor electrode and is embodied in such a way that it detects electrically charged particles that are generated by hybridization and can be diffused away by the at least one sensor electrode.
US08480869B2
The present invention provides a method of electrochemically measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value using a sensor, capable of achieving excellent measurement accuracy and reliability and also provides a sensor used in the method. The method of electrochemically measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value of blood include: providing an electrode system having a working electrode (11) and a counter electrode (12), in which a redox substance is provided on the counter electrode (12) but not on the working electrode (11); supplying blood to the electrode system; applying a voltage to the electrode system in this state to cause an oxidation current or a reduction current to flow between the working electrode (11) and the counter electrode (12); detecting the oxidation current or the reduction current; and determining a Hct value based on a value of the detected current.
US08480868B2
A method for distinguishing between types of electrochemical test sensors in a meter is disclosed. The method comprises the acts of providing an electrochemical test sensor comprising an enzyme and a chemical additive, contacting the test sensor to the meter to form an electrical connection, applying a potential having a magnitude sufficient to initiate a redox reaction of the chemical additive, and determining which type of electrochemical test sensor is being used based on whether a predetermined signal has been generated after the potential has been applied. The meter is adapted to determine an analyte concentration in a fluid sample.
US08480858B2
The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with the press section of a web-forming machine. The arrangement includes at least one press nip for dewatering the web manufactured on a web-forming machine. The arrangement also includes a smoothing press including a smoothing roll arranged after the press nip. The smoothing press includes smooth heat carrying devices arranged as a loop around at least two guide rolls. The smoothing roll is arranged into contact with the devices between two guide rolls. The smoothing roll and/or at least one of the guide rolls is a steam heated drying cylinder or a steam heated roll modified thereof. The invention also relates to a board or paper produced in such arrangement.
US08480848B2
The present invention relates to a plasma processing apparatus including: a processing chamber whose ceiling portion is opened and the inside thereof can be evacuated to vacuum; a ceiling plate which is made of dielectric material and is airtightly mounted to an opening of the ceiling portion; a planar antenna member which is installed on a top surface of the ceiling plate, for introducing a microwave into the processing chamber; and a coaxial waveguide, which has a central conductor connected to the planar antenna member, for supplying the microwave, wherein a gas passage is formed to pass through the central conductor, the planar antenna member, and the ceiling plate, and an electric field attenuating recess for attenuating an electric field intensity of the center portion of the ceiling plate is installed on a top surface of a center area of the ceiling plate.
US08480841B2
A method is disclosed of manufacturing a transparent wear resistant surface layer (1). The method may include the steps of, applying a decorative material on a carrier, applying a dry powder layer comprising a mix of processed wood fibers, binder and wear resistant particles above the decorative layer, curing the mix to a decorative surface, including the transparent wear resistant layer, by applying heat and pressure on the mix. In a preferred embodiment the method includes the step of pressing the mix against an embossed matrix to create an embossed decorative surface with high wear resistance.
US08480837B2
The seamless edge-sealing method of fluorine resin coating comprises following steps: (I) Putting the raw material of fluorine resin into a mold to obtain a cylinder (1) through one of the below ways: First, pressure maintaining and demolding, finally sintering the mold formed casting; Second, mechanical injecting; Third, mechanical vulcanizing; (II) Cutting the cylinder (1) into rings (3) and cutting each ring (3) to form an annular slot (31) on the inner wall of each ring; (III) Cutting a piece of base fabric of fluorine resin coating (2) into the shape adapted for the ring (3), and then stuffing the edge of the cut fabric of fluorine resin coating into the slot (31) of the ring; (IV) After hot-pressing, obtaining a piece of fabric of fluorine resin coating (4).
US08480830B2
A method of making an elastic composite is provided. The method entails conveying a first web of material along a web plane path. The method also entails applying a first section of a first elastic strand onto the first web and generally transversely to the web plane path and applying a second section of a second elastic strand onto the first web and generally transversely to the web plane path. These applying steps are repeated while performing the conveying step, thereby arranging a plurality of first and second elastic elements on the first web, in generally parallel relation to one another. The resultant composite is suitable for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment, textile or fabric structure, and the like.
US08480829B2
A 300% modulus at 100° C. in the range of 1 mm in an radial direction from a surface of a tread member is set to be between 1.10 times and 2.0 times inclusive, more preferably, between 1.10 times and 1.5 times inclusive, larger than a 300% modulus at 100° C. in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm in the radial direction from a bottom part of the tread member.
US08480826B2
Disclosed herein is a method for bonding dissimilar materials using an elastic adhesive to permit the bond to withstand variations in temperature and pressure. The use of elastic adhesive accommodates previous problems associated with large differences in thermal expansion coefficient between dissimilar materials, and provides a thermally and chemically stable materials combination that withstands large thermal shock loads, such as may be experienced in a space environment. Also disclosed herein is a method for attaching a coating to a structure. In particular applications, the coating may be (1) specular (greater than 98% specularity); or (2) RF reflective for use in applications including but not limited to high frequency satellite communications.
US08480821B2
A piston ring material is provided which retains excellent mechanical properties and processability, which are required of piston ring materials, and has wearing resistance and scuffing resistance, which are sliding properties required of piston rings. The piston ring material, which is for use in internal combustion engines, contains, in terms of mass %, 0.3-0.8% carbon, 0.1-3.0% silicon, 0.1-3.0% manganese, 0.01-0.3% sulfur, 0.1-2.0% chromium, and 0.05-2.0% the sum of titanium and/or zirconium, with the remainder being iron and incidental impurities. The titanium and/or zirconium contained in the piston ring material and the sulfur contained therein satisfy the following relationship. [Ti (%)+½Zr (%)]/S (%)≦5.0 Preferably, the material may contain one or more members selected from up to 1.0% copper, less than 3.0% molybdenum, up to 1.0% aluminum, and less than 2.0% nickel, in terms of mass %.
US08480819B2
High-strength cold-rolled steel sheet excellent in workability and method for manufacturing the same
In a cold-rolled steel sheet in relation with the present invention, metallurgical structure of the steel sheet is made a mixture structure including bainite, residual austenite and tempered martensite, particularly, when the metallurgical structure is observed with a scanning electron microscope, bainite is constituted of composite structure of high temperature range forming bainite with 1 μm or above average distance between neighboring residual austenite and/or carbide and low temperature range forming bainite with below 1 μm average distance between neighboring residual austenite and/or carbide, and when the area ratio of the high temperature range forming bainite with respect to total metallurgical structure is made a and the total area ratio of the low temperature range forming bainite and the tempered martensite with respect to the total metallurgical structure is made b, a: 20-80%, b: 20-80%, and a+b: 70% or above are satisfied. The cold-rolled steel sheet in relation with the present invention is improved in all of the elongation (EL), stretch flange formability (A), and bending properties (R) with a good balance, is excellent in the overall workability, and has 980 MPa or above tensile strength.
US08480818B2
There are provided a permanent magnet and a manufacturing method thereof capable of preventing grain growth in a main phase and enabling rare-earth rich phase to be uniformly dispersed. To fine powder of milled neodymium magnet material is added an organometallic compound solution containing an organometallic compound expressed with a structural formula of M-(OR)x (in the formula, M represents Cu or Al, R represents a substituent group consisting of a straight-chain or branched-chain hydrocarbon, x represents an arbitrary integer) so as to uniformly adhere the organometallic compound to particle surfaces of the neodymium magnet powder. Thereafter, a compact body formed by compacting the above neodymium magnet powder is held for several hours in hydrogen atmosphere at 200 through 900 degrees Celsius. Thereafter, through a sintering process, a permanent magnet is manufactured.
US08480816B2
There are provided a permanent magnet and a manufacturing method thereof capable of preventing degrade in the magnetic properties by densely sintering the entirety of the magnet. To fine powder of milled neodymium magnet is added an organometallic compound solution containing an organometallic compound expressed with a structural formula of M-(OR)X (M represents Dy or Tb, R represents a substituent group consisting of a straight-chain or branched-chain hydrocarbon, X represents an arbitrary integer) so as to uniformly adhere the organometallic compound to particle surfaces of the neodymium magnet powder. Thereafter, the desiccated magnet powder is calcined by utilizing plasma heating and the powdery calcined body is sintered so as to form a permanent magnet 1.
US08480807B2
The invention relates to a method of cleaning and/or sterilization of an object provided in a hermetically sealed enclosure, providing a pressure difference between an internal volume of the enclosure and surroundings and generating a plasma solely inside the enclosure for said cleaning and/or sterilization of the object. The invention further relates to an apparatus for enabling the same. The apparatus 10 comprises a vacuum chamber 1, which can be evacuated using a vacuum pump 2, and a source 3 arranged to generate plasma of a suitable gas in an enclosure 8, which is substantially hermetically closed with respect to the atmosphere of the vacuum chamber. The enclosure 8 may be of a flexible type or may be manufactured from a rigid material. In case when the enclosure is rigid the pressure inside the enclosure may be lower than an outside pressure.
US08480791B2
Sorbents for removal of mercury and other pollutants from gas streams, such as a flue gas stream from coal-fired utility plants, and methods for their manufacture and use are disclosed. The methods include injecting a sorbent consisting essentially of recovered and separated fluid cracking catalyst particles into a flue gas stream.
US08480786B2
Information used for creating an adsorption isostere of a substance to be measured in a measuring system (container) is obtained by repeating alternately a first control step of changing temperature or pressure of the measuring system by a fixed amount by adjusting a gas amount supplied to/discharged from the measuring system, and a second control step of changing pressure or temperature of the measuring system by adjusting the gas amount supplied to/discharged from the measuring system until a gas adsorption amount of the substance to be measured becomes the same as before execution of the first control step.
US08480785B2
It is an object to provide a method and an apparatus for recovering indium, the method and apparatus ensuring that it is unnecessary to recover indium in the form of indium hydroxide, indium can be recovered easily by a filter or the like without handling inferiors and also, the recovery rate of indium is greatly improved. The method includes immersing a precipitation-inducing metal which includes zinc and is made into the form of a solid such that any part coming into view three-dimensionally has a longitudinal length of 2.5 to 10 mm in an etching waste solution containing at least indium and ferric chloride and allowed to stand, thereby allowing indium contained in the etching waste solution to precipitate on the surface of the precipitation-inducing metal based on a difference in ionization tendency between zinc and indium, and detaching the indium precipitated on the surface of the precipitation-inducing metal to recover it.
US08480781B2
Cement containing multi-modal fibers for making thermal shock resistant ceramic honeycomb structures
A ceramic honeycomb structure comprised of at least two separate smaller ceramic honeycombs that have been adhered together by a cement comprised of inorganic fibers and a binding phase wherein the smaller honey-combs and fibers are bonded together by the binding phase which is comprised of an silicate, aluminate or alumino-silicate. The fibers have a multi-modal size distribution in which some fibers have lengths of up to 1000 micons and other fibers have lengths in excess of 1 mm. The cement composition may be made in the absence of other inorganic and organic additives while achieving a shear thinning cement, for example, by mixing oppositely charged inorganic binders in water together so as to make a useful cement composition for applying to the smaller honeycombs to be cemented.
US08480780B2
A honeycomb filter includes a ceramic laminated body including columnar porous ceramic members and an adhesive layer combining the columnar porous ceramic members with one another. The columnar porous ceramic members each have a partition wall and through holes, the through holes extend in parallel with one another in a length direction of the columnar porous ceramic members, the partition wall separates the through holes and filters particulates in an exhaust gas, and the adhesive layer includes an inorganic binder, an inorganic fiber, inorganic particles and an inorganic balloon.
US08480778B2
An air cleaner assembly and components therefor are provided. Features are described providing for a cantilevered support of a filter cartridge contained therein, and also, in some examples anti-rotational support. Also, a supported housing seal is shown. A filter cartridge arrangement is described and shown. Methods of assembly and use are also described.
US08480770B2
A hydrogen manufacturing system for performing offgas flow control includes: a vaporizer (1) for heating a material mixture containing a hydrocarbon material; a reforming reactor (2) for generating hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming reactions of the material; a PSA separator (5) for repeating a cycle of adsorption and desorption, where in the adsorption PSA separation is performed with an adsorption tower loaded with an adsorbent to adsorb unnecessary components in the reformed gas and extract hydrogen-enriched gas out of the tower, and in the desorption the offgas containing the unnecessary components from the adsorbent and remaining hydrogen is discharged from the tower; and a buffer tank (6) for holding the offgas before supplying to the vaporizer. The offgas flow supply from the tank (6) to the vaporizer is changed continuously over time when the cycle time is changed according to load change on the separator (5).
US08480761B2
A router comprises a local network interface and routing services. The router also includes a data exchanger interface that can be configured to connect to a data exchanger. A security enclosure is configured to cover the data exchanger when the data exchanger is connected to the data exchanger interface.
US08480758B2
An assembly for fixating a prosthesis in body tissue such as bone of a mammal, comprising a mechanical compacting device and a mass comprising at least granules of a biocompatible material having a sponge-like structure, wherein the mechanical compacting device is designed for compacting the granules during use by insertion of the device in a hole in bone and subsequently inducing relative movement of at least a first part of the compacting device relative to a second part thereof, such that the volume of at least one space between at least part of an outer surface of the device and the adjacent inner surface of said hole is reduced.
US08480755B2
A total ankle replacement system, novel surgical method for total ankle replacement, and novel surgical tools for performing the surgical method are described. The total ankle replacement system includes the calcaneus in fixation of a lower prosthesis body, thereby significantly increasing the amount of bone available for fixation of the lower prosthesis body and allowing the lower prosthesis body to be anchored with screws. The total ankle replacement system further includes a long tibial stem which can also be anchored into the tibia with, for example, screws, nails, anchors, or some other means of attachment. The novel surgical arthroscopic method allows introduction of ankle prostheses into the ankle joint through an exposure in the tibial tubercle. Various novel surgical instruments, such as a telescoping articulating reamer and a talo-calcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.
US08480748B2
The present disclosure relates to an intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebral bodies and adjusted or expanded in situ to occupy an optimal or desired space between the vertebral bodies. The implant is preferably inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae bodies occupying the disc space with the outer ends of the implant being supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae bodies. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of a, predetermined thickness may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is also disclosed.
US08480743B2
A disc prosthesis designed to effectively replace a damaged intervertebral disc, enabling the various normal movements between two adjacent vertebral bodies and controlling these movements and their extent within the same physiological limits that determine the relative motions of two adjacent vertebrae separated by a healthy intervertebral disc.
US08480741B2
A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized diameter in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The cage enhances spinal arthrodesis by creating a rigid spine segment. Expanding selectively, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. Greater distraction height is achieved without an increase in implant size through the use of interfitted stages.
US08480738B2
Vertebral implants that may be movable between collapsed and expanded orientations to space apart first and second vertebral members. The implants may include first and second contact surfaces to contact against the vertebral members. The implants may include nested struts. The implants may have a first height measured between the contact surfaces in the collapsed orientation with a first amount of overlap in the struts. The implants may have a second height in the expanded orientation with a lesser amount of overlap in the struts.
US08480731B2
An implant holder for removably retaining an implant during an implantation procedure includes a holder device having a frame defining a chamber. The frame may be configured for removable retention of an implant, such as the flexible bioprosthetic heart valve, substantially within the chamber. The removable retention of the implant to the implant holder maintains the implant in an orientation and shape suitable for implantation.
US08480719B2
A method of high intensity laser treatment for stimulating regeneration of living biological tissue in a patient by applying a pulsed laser beam to a skin of the patient in need of the treatment.
US08480710B2
An access apparatus is adapted and configured to access an underlying body cavity. The access apparatus includes a sleeve including a plurality of tubules. The tubules are configured and adapted to suction fascia of opposing tissue tracts to facilitate wound closure. A method of using the access apparatus is also provided.
US08480709B2
A septal occluder, such as one made from a polymer tube, can have portions on either side of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other septal defect. The portions on either side can be held in place with a catching mechanism that can take one of many forms. The tube can be made of bioresorbable materials.
US08480705B2
An apparatus for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, conduit and an end effector. The handle has means configured and adapted for operating the end effector and dispensing biological sealant to the surgical site via the end effector. The conduit stores and/or carries sealant towards the end effector. The end effector is configured to clamp around a body organ or tissue and apply and confine biological sealant in a substantially uniform manner thereto.
US08480702B2
An embolic protection device for removing emboli from a blood vessel in a patient's body. The device comprises a mesh element being expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and an elongate tubular element having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a lumen between the proximal and distal openings. The lumen has a diameter large enough to slideably accommodate a standard guidewire. The mesh element is disposed on the elongate tubular element.
US08480700B2
A system for treating a target tissue includes (a) an instrument head sized and shaped for insertion into a hollow organ of a living body, the instrument head including a working chamber movable between an open position in which the working chamber is exposed to an exterior of the head and a closed position in which the working chamber is substantially sealed with respect to an exterior of the instrument head, the instrument head including a first imaging device having a field of view extending distally of a distal end thereof and a second imaging device having a field of view within the working chamber; (b) a handle which, during use, remains outside the living body, the handle including an actuator; (c) a steering mechanism coupled to the actuator for steering the instrument head within the hollow organ based on actuation of the actuator; and (d) a controller coupled to the first and second imaging devices for processing the image data received from the first and second imaging devices and providing images to an operator.
US08480699B2
A system for absorbing fluid material on trocar surfaces is provided. The system comprises a trocar and a cleaning instrument having at least two ends with an absorbent area at one end of the cleaning instrument. The absorbent area has a first outer diameter at a first part of the absorbent area and a second smaller outer diameter at a second part of the absorbent area, such that at least a portion of the absorbent area has an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the trocar. When the absorbent area is inserted inside the trocar, the absorbent area comes into contact with an inner wall of the trocar and absorbs fluid along the inner wall. Furthermore, when a part of the absorbent area is passed through a tip at the distal end of the trocar, the absorbent area absorbs fluid along an outer wall of the tip.
US08480696B2
The invention provides a system and method for harvesting a vessel section. The system comprises a vessel support member, a handle, and a tubular cutting device. The vessel support member is introduced into the vessel section to be harvested. The tubular cutting device may comprise an outer tubular member or an outer and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member carries at least one cutting element. The tubular member or members are advanced over the vessel section and vessel support member to core out the vessel section and tissue adjoining the vessel section.
US08480692B2
Disclosed are medical devices and methods for tendon, ligament, and soft tissue repair. A method includes introducing a first segment having a delivery assembly into a first soft tissue, and removing the delivery assembly to expose an opening of a hollow body of the first segment. The method also includes introducing a second segment having a second delivery assembly and a second body into a second soft tissue, guiding the second delivery assembly through the opening, and advancing the second body into the hollow body, thereby joining the first soft tissue and the second soft tissue.
US08480685B2
An endo-therapy product system includes an introduction device led into a body cavity, a treatment device and a cartridge. The cartridge includes a treatment device accommodating portion in which the treatment device is accommodated. The treatment device accommodating portion includes a coupling member accommodating portion which accommodates a coupling member of the treatment device and a treatment device main body accommodating portion which accommodates a treatment device main body. The coupling member accommodating portion prevents a connecting portion of the introduction device from being engaged with an engagement portion at a proximal end of the coupling member. The treatment device main body accommodating portion is provided on a distal end side of the coupling member accommodating portion, has the treatment device main body arranged therein, and includes an engagement allowing portion which allows engagement when engaging the connecting portion of the introduction device with the engagement portion of the coupling member.
US08480681B2
A pressurized syringe used to inject a viscous liquid through an adapter attached to a bone filler adapter into a cannulated surgical screw utilizing the cannulated surgical screw as a port to inject bone void filler into a bone void within a bone cavity during the course of a surgical repair to attach, repair and secure broken or separated bone fragments and providing a more secure bone anchor matrix within which the surgical screw is set.
US08480679B2
Disclosed herein is a method of generating a computerized bone model representative of at least a portion of a patient bone in a pre-degenerated state. The method includes: generating at least one image of the patient bone in a degenerated state; identifying a reference portion associated with a generally non-degenerated portion of the patient bone; identifying a degenerated portion associated with a generally degenerated portion of the patient bone; and using information from at least one image associated with the reference portion to modify at least one aspect associated with at least one image associated the generally degenerated portion. The method may further include employing the computerized bone model representative of the at least a portion of the patient bone in the pre-degenerated state in defining manufacturing instructions for the manufacture of a customized arthroplasty jig. Also disclosed herein is a customized arthroplasty jig manufactured according to the above-described method. The customized arthroplasty jig is configured to facilitate a prosthetic implant restoring a patient joint to a natural alignment. The prosthetic implant may be for a total joint replacement or partial joint replacement. The patient joint may be a variety of joints, including, but not limited to, a knee joint.
US08480678B2
The present invention discloses a method of using beads to create a cavity in a bone, which includes introducing beads into a bone by applying a pressure on said beads, wherein the beads are metallic beads able to be attracted by a magnet; and withdrawing the beads from the bone by magnetic force. Preferably, a pocket is disposed in the bone prior to the introduction of beads, and the introduction and withdraw of the beads are carried out with respect to said pocket.
US08480677B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for treating a proximal humeral fracture. A system according to one embodiment includes a longitudinal member configured to be received within the humeral shaft. The system includes a jig assembly configured to be coupled to the longitudinal member, wherein the jig assembly includes at least one hole defined therethrough that is configured to guide placement of at least one hole in the humeral shaft, and wherein the hole formed in the humeral shaft is configured to align with at least one hole in the humeral implant such that the jig assembly is configured to locate the position of the humeral implant in the humeral shaft.
US08480665B2
A conduit junction for use with an electrosurgical system includes a body having a lumen defined therein and at least one positioning structure. The lumen is configured to receive to receive at least a portion of a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes at least one of a conductor and a conduit of an electrosurgical system. The positioning structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the lumen and is adapted to position at least one of the conductor and the conduit within the body of the conduit junction. The body of the conduit junction may include a first section and a second section pivotably connected to each other. The positioning structure may include at least one rib pocket.
US08480658B1
A handle for a surgical instrument multiple surgical end effectors, the handle being configured to provide a complete and consistent actuation of the different end effectors regardless of whether the instrument is flexible or rigid. The handle is similar in size and configuration to handles of similar single end effector devices.
US08480654B2
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a catheter for insertion into a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion. A lumen is formed through the proximal and distal portions. The elongated member is formed of a polymeric material including shape memory polymers having a first phase transition temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about room temperature. The elongated member has a first configuration at about room temperature for insertion into the patient's body and self-configures to a second configuration at a first temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for fluid communication with the patient's body. At least a portion of the lumen has a larger flow area in the second configuration than in the first configuration.
US08480651B2
The present disclosure provides a cannula useful for introducing a thermally responsive polymer in situ. In embodiments, the cannula possesses more than one cannula, with the thermally responsive polymer introduced in one cannula, and a material such as a coolant in a second cannula which prevents premature gelling of the thermally responsive polymer.
US08480650B2
Method for increased uptake of beneficial agent and ejection fraction by postconditioning procedures
A method for improving tissue uptake of beneficial agent and ejection fraction.
US08480648B2
An automated therapy system having an infusion catheter; a sensor adapted to sense a patient parameter; and a controller communicating with the sensor and programmed to control flow output from the infusion catheter into a patient based on the patient parameter without removing fluid from the patient. The invention also includes a method of controlling infusion of a fluid to a patient. The method includes the following steps: monitoring a patient parameter with a sensor to generate a sensor signal; providing the sensor signal to a controller; and adjusting fluid flow to the patient based on the sensor signal without removing fluid from the patient.
US08480647B2
A device and method for administering a bioactive agent to internal tissue in a body, by introducing a balloon in a deflated condition into the body, inflating the balloon, introducing the bioactive agent into the balloon at the time of, after, or before the inflation of the balloon, and delivering the bioactive agent from the balloon to the tissue.
US08480646B2
The present invention relates to a first medical device (1, 100) configured to permit connection to a second medical device (3). The medical device (1, 100, 200) comprises a guiding track (12) for receiving a lock protrusion (4). The guiding track (12) comprises a surface (16) having a lock edge (15) extending between a first and a second level (H1, H2). The lock edge (15) extends in a smooth curvature between the first and the second level (H1, H2), the curvature of which is a function of at least of radius (Ra). The medical device (1, 100) may comprise a neck element (11) with at least one guiding track (12) for receiving a lock protrusion (4) of a second medical device (3) or optionally the medical device may comprise a sleeve member (202) which comprises the guiding track (12). The present invention provide for a connection site which enables a smooth lock but especially a smooth unlock motion of the second medical device being connected.
US08480645B1
The present invention is a multi-dose device for insertion into a vial containing a fluid. The device has a double-nested needle inserter for insertion into the vial. Opposite the double-nested needle inserter is an air opening stack and a Luer lock port.
US08480644B2
One end of a tubular portion (16) is sealed with a stopcock (5) that is fitted in the tubular portion (16). A first flow channel (33) and a second flow channel (36) are formed in the stopcock (5). A first hole (37), a second hole (43), a third hole (38), and a fourth hole (44) are formed in a connector main body (2). Switching between a setting that brings an inner space (16a) of the tubular portion (16) into communication with the first hole (37) via the first flow channel (33) and a setting that brings the inner space (16a) of the tubular portion (16) into communication with the second hole (43) via the first flow channel (33) and brings the third hole (38) into communication with the fourth hole (44) via the second flow channel (36) can be achieved by rotating the stopcock (5).
US08480634B2
A pressure compensating device includes a compensating disc located within an internal chamber of a housing. The compensating disc has a diaphragm over which fluid passes after entering the internal chamber. The diaphragm deflects in response to a pressure differential between fluid entering the internal chamber and fluid exiting the internal chamber to maintain the set flow rate of the fluid.
US08480633B2
A pump drive and a method thereof to dispense a liquid drug from a container having a plunger piston are disclosed. The pump drive provides a unidirectional clutch provided about a rotational axis which supports centrally a wheel. The clutch has an inner race operably connected to the plunger piston, wherein the clutch is configured to rotate both the inner race about the axis in unison with rotation of the wheel in only a first direction to advance the plunger piston, and to let the wheel rotate relative to the inner race about the axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction without advancing the piston plunger. The drive in one embodiment includes at least one shape memory alloy wire which when excited rotates the wheel in the first rotational direction to advance the piston plunger and dispense the liquid drug from the container.
US08480628B2
An apparatus for providing percutaneous access to a vessel of a patient over a wire guide. An outer sleeve of the apparatus has proximal and distal open ends, and has a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. An inner sleeve has proximal and distal open ends, and has a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The inner sleeve is sized to be received within the lumen of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has a main body portion having a distal portion that tapers toward its distal open end. The tapered distal portion extends distal to the distal open end of the outer sleeve to provide a generally smooth diametrical transition between the outer sleeve and the wire guide. A more rigid stiffening cannula has proximal and distal open ends, and has a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The lumen of the stiffening cannula is sized to receive the wire guide therethrough. The stiffening cannula is sized to be received within the lumen of the inner sleeve, and extends along the main body portion of the inner sleeve to a terminal point proximal to the inner sleeve distal end. The stiffening cannula and the inner sleeve are engaged such that relative axial movement between them is substantially inhibited. As a result, the inner sleeve distal portion acts as a shield for the distal end of the stiffening cannula distal end when the apparatus is percutaneously introduced into the vessel.
US08480618B2
A robotic catheter system is provided. The robotic catheter system includes a housing and a drive assembly coupled to the housing. The drive assembly is configured to impart movement to a catheter device. The catheter system includes a release structure permitting the drive assembly to be decoupled and removed from the housing without removing the catheter device from a patient.
US08480617B2
The invention relates to an injection device for the needle-free injection of a medium. Said injection device comprises an injector device and an ampoule unit, said ampoule unit comprising a base (4) holding the medium to be injected. Said base comprises a jacket (5) which exerts pressure on the base, and jacket completely enveloping the base in the longitudinal axial direction.
US08480615B2
A device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, the device including a cartridge for containing the medicament, the cartridge including a housing, a retractable chamber disposed within the housing and having a lumen sized to contain the medicament, a stationary member disposed within the lumen and having a sized to provide a sliding fit within the lumen to provide for retraction of the retractable chamber about the stationary member upon actuation of the device, and means for retracting the retractable chamber while maintaining the stationary member in a stationary position. The device further includes means for activating the means for retracting the retractable chamber. The device further includes an actuator, the actuator including a handle case having a proximal portion for gripping and a distal portion including means for attaching the actuator to a cartridge.
US08480613B2
The invention is to provide a gas mist pressure bath system, which is possible to control the amount of gas and liquid, pressure and others, and cause a gas mist to be absorbed through a skin and mucous membrane of a human living-body under an optimum condition, in which a mist is prepared by pulverizing and dissolving carbon dioxide or oxygen or a mixed gas of carbon dioxide and oxygen and a liquid at a density of not less than a predetermined value, and the thus prepared gas mist is directly contacted to the skin and mucous membrane of the living-body, the gas mist pressure bath system comprises a gas supply means 11, a liquid supply means 21, a gas mist supply means 31 for generating and supplying the gas mist prepared by blowing off gas supplied from the gas supply means into the liquid supplied from the liquid supply means 21, and the living body cover member 41 of covering the skin and mucous membrane of the living-body and forming a space of sealing the gas mist inside thereof, and the gas mist pressure bath system causes the gas mist within the living body cover member 41 to contact the skin and mucous membrane of the living-body at pressure of not less than a predetermined value.
US08480609B2
An apparatus (1) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising a blood treatment device (2) having a semipermeable membrane (5) which separates a blood chamber (3) from a fluid chamber (4). A used fluid line (7) connects the fluid chamber to a used fluid discharge. A first pump (8) controls the ultrafiltration through the semipermeable membrane. A second pump (9) arranged in the used fluid line downstream of the first pump keeps pressure between the first and the second pump at a constant predetermined value. The invention provides a protection system against any possible pressure change in the used fluid discharge in a hemodialysis or hemo(dia)filtration apparatus.
US08480605B2
A system uses reduced pressure to provide a therapeutic force to a person's breast area. The system includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the breast area, a releaseable circumferential connector for holding the dressing assembly against at least a portion of the breast area, and a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly against a person's epidermis. The system may further include a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates a force against at least a portion of the breast area of the person. The dressing assembly may be formed as a brassiere having a first cup and a second cup formed from a bolster material.
US08480604B2
A method of making an orthoses, comprising the steps of preparing a plaster mold, upon which the layers of the orthosis will be placed and formed; and placing layers of material on the mold, then forming and removing the layers. An orthosis, comprising a footplate that is capable of receiving a human foot thereabove, a heel portion at the rear side of the footplate; a strut extending upwardly from the heel portion; a calf portion extending forwardly from the strut, the calf portion including a tibial shell; the tibial shell extends around the front of the user's tibia; a rear portion extends around the back of the user's calf a rear portion disposed rearwardly with respect to the calf portion; and sides such that the calf portion is completely circumferential without seams. Two foam layers line the orthoses for comfort and ease of use.
US08480602B1
Rehabilitation apparatus for use with unweighting apparatus including a vest having shoulder straps connected to the unweighting apparatus. Also included are a pair of thigh cuffs having resistance straps connected to the unweighting apparatus and a pair of foot straps having gait straps connected to the unweighting apparatus. An elongate roll is suspended from the vest and extends across the patient adjacent the pelvis area of the patient. The resistance straps and gait straps are threaded through loops provided on the front fact of the elongate roll.
US08480601B2
A therapeutic device for relieving pain and providing a curative healing effect includes a motor for rotating at least one magnet to generate a magnetic field, micro-vibrations and audible acoustic tones. A shaft couples the at least one magnet to the motor. In one embodiment, the at least one magnet is coupled to the shaft in an offset configuration with respect to a centerline of the shaft thereby generating micro-vibrations in the form of oscillating inertial loads. The therapeutic device includes a light source for generating a photonic light field in an optical light spectrum.
US08480599B2
The invention is directed to a guidewire having a distal flexible member, such as a helical coil, which is formed with at least one highly radiopaque component and at least one high strength component. In a presently preferred embodiment, the highly radiopaque component is at least 10% and less than about 60% of the transverse cross-section of the flexible member, preferably at least 20% but less than 40%. The highly radiopaque component may be formed of radiopaque material such as platinum, gold, iridium and the like and the high strength component may be formed of a material such as tantalum, stainless steel, NiTi alloys, Co—Cr—Mo alloys and the like.
US08480596B2
A lancing system can include a device body having a sealing device coupled to a lancing end, a lancing shaft slideably coupled to the lancing end, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a release mechanism, a main shaft slideably coupled with a free end of the device body in communication with the release mechanism, a piston coupled to the main shaft, a vacuum spring coupled to the piston, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft. The system can include a lance tool having an insertion portion and a removal portion. A method can include creating a first portion of a vacuum, lancing a surface, and creating a second portion of a vacuum.
US08480591B2
A diagnostic imaging system is provided that includes an image acquisition component, a transmitter operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to transmit a signal therefrom, and a beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to receive image data therefrom. Also included is a processor configured to assemble images from the acquired image data and a display configured to display the images. The image acquisition component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers during an imaging session without a change of the image acquisition component.
US08480589B2
An ultrasound imaging method comprises the steps of: transmitting a prescanning ultrasonic beam toward a subject and measuring an ultrasonic echo from a bone structure inside a cranium in advance; determining a transfer function of an ultrasonic wave in the cranium based on the measured said ultrasonic echo; transmitting an imaging ultrasonic beam toward the subject; generating a cancelling ultrasonic beam having an opposite phase as an ultrasonic echo reflected by the inner surface of the cranium due to said imaging ultrasonic beam, based on said transfer function; receiving an ultrasonic echo from the subject while cancelling said ultrasonic echo from the bone structure inside the cranium by transmitting the cancelling ultrasonic beam in accordance with the ultrasonic echo from the bone structure inside the cranium due to said imaging ultrasonic beam; and generating an ultrasound image of the subject.
US08480577B2
A wireless patient monitoring system. In one embodiment the system has a first patient monitoring subsystem including a plurality of sensors and sensor modules; and a processor-transceiver in communication with the plurality of sensors and sensor modules; and a first clinician display subsystem including a processor-transceiver. The processor-transceiver of the first clinician display subsystem broadcasts, on a first predetermined frequency, the frequency the processor-transceiver of the first clinician display subsystem will use to communicate with the processor-transceiver of the first patient monitoring subsystem. The processor-transceiver of the first patient monitoring subsystem then transmits and receives data on the frequency that the processor-transceiver of the first clinician display subsystem will use to communicate with the processor-transceiver of the first patient monitoring subsystem. The processor-transceiver of the first patient monitoring subsystem reverts to the first frequency if communication with the processor-transceiver of the first clinician display subsystem is lost.
US08480571B2
An endoscopic device of the present invention comprises: an endoscope having an image pickup unit that outputs a picked up an image of a subject as an image pickup signal; an image pickup signal amplification unit; a light source unit; a light intensity control unit that controls an amount of light; a spectral unit that penetrates light in a band based on predetermined characteristics; a brightness control unit that controls a brightness of an image displayed on a display unit; and a mode switching unit that switches a first mode for emitting first illumination light and a second mode for emitting second illumination light having a band narrower than the first illumination light, wherein the brightness control unit controls the light intensity control unit and then controls the image pickup signal amplification unit in the second mode.
US08480566B2
Various embodiments for providing solid state illumination for endoscopy or borescopy are provided. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating devices located thereon. The solid state or compact electro-optic illuminating device can include, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), laser diode (LD), or other Infrared (IR) or Ultraviolet (UV) source. Solid state sources of various wavelengths may be used to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or otherwise conditioning purpose. The solid state illuminating device may be placed on the exterior surface of the device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.
US08480554B2
Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for treatment of depression. Described are methods and devices to treat depression that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect symptoms of depression.
US08480541B1
An improved treadmill control system which adjusts the speed of a moving tread belt to follow user motions. Equipment includes a tread base supporting a moving tread belt upon which a user can run or walk, a motor assembly and motor driver to move the tread belt, a plurality of foot sensors, a tread belt motion sensor, a measurement system to estimate user motion based on foot and tread belt sensor signals, and a motor controller to adjust motor assembly speed based on estimates of user motion. The system is capable of making improved user motion estimates and of using them to provide improved belt speed control. In one embodiment, user position, speed, and acceleration are estimated at each user footfall while estimates are continually revised between footfalls. In one embodiment, foot sensors are capacitive proximity sensors which are effective, fully concealable, and economical.
US08480537B2
The second clutch is caused to transition to an engaged state after setting the second clutch in a slip state when the vehicle starts in the hybrid start mode, the temperature of a magnet of the electric motor is estimated based on the temperature of the hydraulic oil and an operating condition of the electric motor when the second clutch is controlled to be in the slip state; and an output torque and a lower limit rotation speed of the electric motor is restricted and reduced when the estimated temperature of the magnet exceeds a restrictive temperature.
US08480526B2
The movable barrier operator 10 is a shaft-mounted movable barrier operator that operates a garage door 20. Such an operator includes a motor 22 operably connected to shaft 26 such that motor 22 may move door 20 between the open and closed position. Shaft 26 may include axle 36 and wheels 38. The movable barrier 10 further includes a rotational drive unit 46 with a sun gear 52 having an open center 49 into which the axle 36 extends. Further, the rotational drive unit may have an annularly shaped portion 47 and a removable portion 48 such that the operator 10 may be installed onto a previously mounted garage door. The movable barrier operator may also include protection plates or a finger guard 90.
US08480522B2
A power plant which is capable of enhancing the driving efficiency and the power-generating efficiency thereof. A rotating machine includes a first rotor having a magnetic pole row that has each two adjacent magnetic poles, a stator having an armature row that is disposed in a manner opposed to the magnetic pole row, for generating a rotating magnetic field between the armature row and the magnetic pole row by a predetermined plurality of armature magnetic poles, and a second rotor having a soft magnetic material element row that is formed by a plurality of soft magnetic material elements arranged in a manner spaced from each other. The ratio between the number of the armature magnetic poles, the number of the magnetic poles, and the number of the soft magnetic material elements is set to 1:m:(1+m)/2 (m≠1.0).
US08480520B2
An insert assembly for an arrow that includes a sleeve and a nut which can selectively secure an arrowhead in a desired rotational position on an arrowshaft wherein the arrowhead has a threaded stem that is fixed relative to the arrowhead. The sleeve is secured at the fore end of the arrowshaft and the nut is positioned at the aft end of the sleeve. The threaded stem is inserted through the sleeve and secured to the nut. In one embodiment, the nut is engaged with a tool inserted through the aft end of the arrowshaft to secure the nut with the arrowhead. In another embodiment, the sleeve includes axially extending crimp arms extending rearwardly from the sleeve to axially capture the nut.
US08480515B2
A golf club head having a translucent insert disclosed. The club head includes a body defining a striking face, a top line, a sole, a back, a heel, and a toe. The back contains a cavity that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the face. A recess is provided within the cavity, with the recess extending away from the cavity and toward the sole. A translucent insert, such as a vibration dampening member, may be provided within the recess. The insert may contain secondary inserts, such as weight members, therein in strategic locations. The insert may completely fill the recess, or may fill only a portion thereof.
US08480514B2
A golf club head with an improved face insert is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head wherein the face insert has a cavity near the top surface of the face insert that extends vertically downward towards the bottom surface of the face insert while terminating short of the bottom surface. The face insert having the cavity serves to remove unnecessary weight from the upper surface weight of the face insert; while the cavity that terminates short of the bottom surface yields a solid face insert near the bottom surface to preserve the structural integrity of the face insert where the golf club head impacts a golf ball. The cavity created within the face insert may be filled in with a lightweight material that helps further maintain the structural integrity of the entire face insert while still removing unnecessary weight from the face insert.
US08480505B2
A golf swing monitoring and feedback system uses an adjustable support and foam ball that are variably positionable in contact with or closely spaced from a body part whose proper positioning is important in developing a proper swing. The support apparatus includes a main vertically adjustable tubular body, the lower end of which can be supported in a stand-up golf bag or can be pressed into the ground by the use of a spike on the lower end of the body.
US08480501B2
A round ride with suspended vehicles from ends of actuated support arms. The ride includes a drive assembly rotating a centrally located hub. The ride also includes a passenger vehicles including at least one input device such as a support arm actuator controller. For each of the passenger vehicles, a vehicle support assembly is provided that supports the passenger vehicle such that the vehicle rotates with the hub. The vehicle support assembly includes a rigid support arm pivotally coupled at a first end to the hub. The support assembly has an actuator that operates in response to signals from the input device to move the support arm through a range of vertical support angles. The support assembly includes a suspension arm connected at a first end for free pivoting about a second or the free end of the support aim and attached at its second end to the passenger vehicle.
US08480492B2
A game device includes: a character control unit configured to move a player's character in a game field in accordance with a control command from a player; a group control unit configured to move a character belonging to a group including the player's character along with the player's character; and an enemy character control unit configured to move an enemy character located in the game field so as to follow the player's character or a character belonging to the group. The group control unit includes a function of causing at least one of the characters belonging to the group to leave the group. The enemy character control unit includes a function of allowing the enemy character to attack the player's character or the character that left the group when the enemy character catches up with the player's character or the character that left the group.
US08480490B2
A sensing baseball game apparatus (10) has a game machine (12) connected to a television monitor (18). A bat input device (32) is provided with an acceleration sensor. An acceleration signal is transmitted by an infrared-ray LED (34) to an infrared-ray receiving part of the game machine (12) whereby the game machine (12) determines a moving speed of the bat input device (32) to calculate a moving parameter of a ball to be batted. Accordingly, a batted ball is moved in the game scene according to the parameter.
US08480489B2
A method and game machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progressive associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot machine game.
US08480485B2
A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.
US08480483B2
A device (1) monitors a validator (2) used by a terminal, this terminal taking the form of an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (3) having a central control unit (CCU) (4). Device (1) includes a first interface (5) for connection to validator (2), and a second interface (6) for connection to CCU (4). Device (1) also includes a processor (7) for passing signals (not shown) between interface (5) and interface (6), and compiling information (not shown) in response to the passed signals. Device (1) further includes a port (8) for communicating the information to a server (9) external of EGM (3).
US08480478B2
The present invention provides a gaming console 40 having display means 41, and game control means 100 arranged to control images displayed on the display means 41. The game control means 100 are arranged to play a game wherein a plurality of symbols 43 are randomly selected and displayed on the display means 41 and, if a winning combination results, the console 40 pays a prize. The console 40 is characterised in that the displayed images include a first image component 31 which displays basic game features and a second image component 50 which displays image features which appear superimposed on the first image component 31. The second image component 50 is transparent, whereby the first image component 31 is visible through the second image component 50 under the control of the control means 100.
US08480475B2
A gaming machine for playing an episodic wagering game includes a game display and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of an episodic wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The display further displays creative material content in one or more episodes of the episodic wagering game. The controller is in communication with the game display and is programmable to provide an award based on the randomly selected outcome and, in response to collecting a predetermined number of game items in one or more of the game episodes, cause the display of new creative material content of the wagering game without affecting the expected value of the episodic wagering game.
US08480469B2
An electronic gaming system configured for executing an electronic game using physical gadget. The electronic gaming system has a gaming console which runs an electronic game. A physical gadget has a wireless transmitter that transmitting an outcome value. The main console receives the outcome value over wireless communication from the gadget, and advances the flow of the game according to the outcome value. Examples of the physical gadget may be a die, a clock, and a game piece, having a transmitter that transmits to the console an outcome value, e.g., rolling of a die or time from a clock.
US08480466B2
A portable sample play device, such as a player tracking card or other player-carried device, allows players or users of a gaming machine to view, and/or participate in, sample or preview play of a game. The portable sample play device can be a smart card that stores all necessary information itself, or a known magnetic stripe card that simply stores rudimentary information. Additionally, such a sample or preview can include many different modes of play. For instance, the gaming machine can display a preview of link progressive play, along with the progressive jackpot. It can also display the special bonus modes of various games, demonstrating to the player various special prizes than can be won. Such preview play can be interactive, allowing player participation, or passive, simply illustrating sample play without allowing user interaction. Preview play can also include full, nominal, zero, or other payouts if so desired.
US08480464B2
A puzzle plane generation system generates a puzzle plane constituted by plural cells. Puzzle plane information defines, for each of a matrix of cells constituting a puzzle plane, position coordinates and line type information where line types of the two sides crossing at a predetermined corner are connected to each other. A line information generation unit and a puzzle plane information generation unit are provided. The line information generation unit connects each of the two sides constituting the line type information of each cell in a new puzzle plane and a side of the puzzle plane, and generates line type information by determining each line type of each side of the line type information of the cell of the new puzzle plane as the line type of side of the puzzle plane connected to each of the sides by referring to the puzzle plane information.
US08480457B2
A hand-held surface preparation apparatus comprising a frame, a hollow semi-circular shaped housing member connected to said frame, a drive housing connected to said housing member, a motor secured to said drive housing aligned directly over said hollow semi-circular shaped housing member, a roller rotatably positioned inside of the semi-circular shaped housing member in communication with said motor, front and rear guide handles extending from said frame, and removably connected front and rear debris guards.
US08480456B1
The present invention comprises of a process for lapping a high-throughput of ultra-flat wafers by utilizing a lapping apparatus containing a rotary flat, grooved polishing platen, at least two rotating pressurized heads each having a polishing wafer carrier that is adapted to receive a plurality of mounted wafers, and a plurality of concentric conditioning rings surrounding each pressurized head. The rotating pressurized heads are counterbalanced throughout the inventive process, and the lapping platen is continuously conditioned by simultaneously rotating the concentric conditioning rings over the lapping platen. This process allows continuous and controllable planarization thus allowing for a high throughput of wafers, while at the same time it prevents distortions in the lapping platen which reduces maintenance by providing continuous conditioning of the lapping platen. Further this inventive process allows substantially the entire surface of each wafer carrier to be utilized while maintaining a high quality planarized wafer product, highly desired in the semiconductor industry.
US08480455B2
A lens machining apparatus is provided that can execute everything required in machining eyeglass lenses, from measurement to various kinds of machining, and still ensures high-precision machining. The apparatus includes a lens holding unit 12 which holds a lens 1 and causes the same to turn, a cutter 131 which cuts (edges) the circumferential surface of the lens in a prescribed cross-sectional shape, an end mill 141 which machines a groove in the circumferential surface of the lens whose circumferential surface has been cut (edged) and chamfers edges at the lens circumferential surface, and a lens measurement unit 15 which measures the shape and the position of the lens held by the lens holding unit.
US08480453B2
A die grinder including a body having a longitudinal axis, and a grinding head portion with an output shaft capable of powered rotation. A motor is disposed in the body for rotating the output member. A locking interconnect portion attaches the grinding head portion to the body and is adapted to permit selective rotation of the grinding head portion relative to the body about the longitudinal axis of the body. Thus, the grinding head can be positioned at different selected angles relative to the body.
US08480442B2
Clamp for electrical connections comprising a metal body (1) in which more seats are provided for the electrical connection with a cable or carrier wire (2) and for the electrical connection of one or more cables or derivation wires (3) and means for locking said cables or carrier wires (2, 3) to said metal body (1). The metal body (1) exhibits a channel (10) which is open laterally thus forming a mouth where a bare portion (2N) of the carrier wire (2), which can pass through the same open channel (10) without being interrupted. The channel (10) has a circle arc cross section, with an angular extension greater than 180°, and the ends of said circle arc are joined to two rectilinear edges (11) which frontally delimit the channel (10).
US08480440B2
An advanced modular plug connector assembly incorporating an insert assembly disposed in the rear portion of the connector housing. In one embodiment, the connector has a plurality of ports in multi-row configuration, and the insert assembly includes a substrate adapted to receive one or more electronic components such as choke coils, transformers, or other signal conditioning elements or magnetics. The substrate also interfaces with the conductors of two modular ports of the connector, and is removable from the housing such that an insert assembly of a different electronics or terminal configuration can be substituted therefor. In this fashion, the connector can be configured to a plurality of different standards (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet and 10/100). In yet another embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a plurality of light sources (e.g., LEDs) received within the housing. Methods for manufacturing the aforementioned embodiments are also disclosed.
US08480432B2
An electrical connector assembly (100) comprises: a housing (1) having a front mating portion (13) and a rear body portion (12). The rear body portion is greater in cross-section than the mating portion. An insulative spacer (3) is positioned in the housing. Two printed circuit boards (2) sandwich the insulative spacer. The two printed circuit boards and the insulative spacer are supported by the housing. And a metallic gasket (9) is assembled to an outer surface of the front mating portion and having an inserting portion (915, 925) extending into the housing and attached to the insulative spacer.
US08480430B2
A post having a first end, a second end, and a flange proximate the second end, wherein the post is configured to receive a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric of a coaxial cable, a connector body attached to the post, a coupling element attached to the post, the coupling element having a first end a second end, and a biasing member disposed within a cavity formed between the first end of the coupling element and the connector body to bias the coupling element against the post is provided. Moreover, a connector body having a biasing element, wherein the biasing element biases the coupling element against the post, is further provided. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided.
US08480421B2
There is provided a method of integrally molding a connector in which the number of components can be reduced, and productivity can be enhanced.The method of integrally molding a connector according to the invention includes a first step of injection molding elastic resin 15 around a connection part 9 and an end part of a cover part 5 of an electric wire which is positioned adjacent to the connection part 9 thereby to bond the cover part 5 and the elastic resin 15 to each other, and a second step of injection molding resin 17 around the elastic resin 15 so as to compress the elastic resin 15 thereby to press-fit the elastic resin 15 to a terminal 11, and at the same time, to bond the elastic resin 15 and the resin 17 to each other.
US08480409B2
The present invention relates to radio frequency and microwave connectors, and more particularly to grounding methods for printed wiring board edge-launch connectors. The grounding method comprises conducting tabs secured to a PWB and to an attached connector frame holding coaxial connectors. The conducting tabs thus provide a ground connection between the connector frame and one or more ground conductors on the PWB.
US08480404B2
The present invention teaches a medical procedure training system based on a PC platform that provides multimodal education within a virtual environment. The system integrates digital video, three-dimensional modeling, and force-feedback devices for the purpose of training medical professionals medical procedures.
US08480403B2
Techniques for delivering medical care by improving decision making skills of medical personnel who deliver the care include receiving normal data that indicates normal conditions in a patient. Abnormality data is received from an author and indicates an abnormal condition in a patient. An instance of a virtual patient is generated based on the normal data and the abnormality data. The instance describes a sufficiently comprehensive physical state of a patient having the abnormal condition to simulate clinical measurements of the patient's condition. Action data is received from a trainee who is different from the author. Action data indicates a requested action relevant to dealing with the instance. Response data is generated based on the action data and the instance. Display data is presented to the trainee based on the response data. The display data indicates information about the instance available as a result of the requested action.
US08480402B2
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an educational game comprising: a structure rotating around a vertical axis; a plurality of frames, each connected to the structure, each of the frames having a geometrical form, each of the frames having a basket suspended therefrom; and a plurality of bricks, each having a form corresponding to the geometrical form of one of the frames. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the bricks has a prism form. According to one embodiment of the invention, the bricks are of polyhedron form. The structure may comprise a central pole on which the baskets hang, each via a rod. A base may be employed for holding the central pole upright.
US08480398B1
A compact and simple computer system comprising: a 16×4 bit RAM housing a multiprocessing OS, two application programs, and an input interrupt routine, whereas a small modular processor gives life to time-shared execution of the two application programs under the management of the OS while implementing process synchronization. A student builds the totality of this model computer using simple standard SSI circuit chips which are the components of a per-student lab kit designed and documented for physical implementation of this simple but rich-in-information-instruction operational computer. The computer model is generic in nature and can be augmented and applied in multitude of areas in various ways.
US08480395B2
A dental implant apparatus consisting of an auger-like lower threaded portion that is screwed into the bone. It includes a divergent intermediate collar with mini-threads for engaging the cortical bone, and a tapered abutment for fixed tooth replacement or a ball-like snap attachment to secure removable dentures. The apical end of the device has a tapered portion with a blunt tip that condenses the medullar bone, which in combination with the divergent collar engaging and wedging into the cortical bone, provides a dual stabilization structure that can be immediately loaded or placed in light function by cementing on a temporary crown or bridge or by lightly attaching a removable full or partial denture.
US08480393B2
A method and apparatus for a reusable resin distribution line for use in conjunction with a resin transfer molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a soft tool and a hard tool (i.e., mold). In the illustrative embodiment, two inflatable bladders are disposed on a side of the soft tool, wherein a bridge spans the bladders. The soft tool is coupled to the bridge. When the bladders are inflated, the bridge moves away from the hard tool, drawing the soft tool away from the hard tool in the region between the bladders. This creates a temporary passage or reusable resin distribution line for distributing resin to a reinforcement constituent disposed between the soft tool and the hard tool.
US08480387B2
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.
US08480386B2
The invention relates to a vane for a vane pump, in particular a vane vacuum pump, having a crucible-shaped housing and provided with a rotor mounted eccentrically and rotatably in the housing, wherein the vane is displaceably mounted perpendicular to the axis of rotation in the rotor and the free ends thereof are in contact with the interior circumferential surface of the housing, wherein the vane has a closed surface, at least in the sections protruding beyond the rotor, in the direction of the interior circumferential surface, and the surface is formed by an exterior wall, which is provided with a coating, wherein the coating is provided with perforations in the area located inside the rotor.
US08480372B2
A system including an airfoil portion of an unshrouded turbine bucket, which includes a pressure-side surface and suction-side surface each extending from a root surface to a tip surface and joined at a leading edge and a trailing edge, the pressure-side surface having a generally concave shape and the suction-side surface having a generally convex shape; the airfoil portion having an increasing stagger angle in a span-wise direction from the root surface to the tip surface and an increasingly loaded suction-side surface as the suction-side surface approaches the tip surface and the tip surface approaches the leading edge, the airfoil portion having a resultant lean in a direction of the suction-side surface as the leading edge approaches the tip surface, and the pressure-side surface and the suction-side surface each having a locally reduced or reversed curvature in a direction of the pressure-side surface at their intersection with the tip surface.
US08480369B2
A pitch drive device of a wind power generator capable of preventing the loss of reliability of the pitch drive device with a simple structure and a wind power generator are provided. A rotor head of a wind power generator in which a plurality of wind turbine blades are radially attached around a rotation axis is formed by joining a plurality of separately formed front rotor head and rear rotor head, and joint portions of the front rotor head and the rear rotor head are formed in a plane intersecting the rotation axis.
US08480367B2
A yawing system for a wind turbine with a tower construction and a nacelle includes a stationary part associated with the tower construction, and a rotating part being associated with the nacelle. The rotating part is allowed to rotate relative to the stationary part via a gear connection. The rotating part includes a plurality of modules, each having a sub-module, the sub-modules substantially identical in size and shape. Each module is configurable to perform various functions by positioning one or more function defining elements in the corresponding sub-module. Thereby a configured module belongs to a category of modules reflecting the function of the configured module. A module belonging to a category may be replaced or reconfigured to belong to a different category of modules without altering the main design of the rotating part.
US08480350B2
A turbofan engine includes core and fan nacelles that provide a bypass flow path having a nozzle exit area. The bypass flow path carries a bypass flow to be expelled from the nozzle exit area. A turbofan is arranged within the fan nacelle and upstream from the core nacelle for generating the bypass flow. A flow control device includes a surface in the bypass flow path including an aperture. The flow device is adapted to introduce a fluid into the bypass flow path for altering a boundary layer of the bypass flow that effectively changes the nozzle exit area. In one example, bleed air is introduced through the aperture. In another example, pulses of fluid from a Helmholz resonator flow through the aperture. By decreasing the boundary layer, the nozzle exit area is effectively increased. By increasing the boundary layer, the nozzle exit area is effectively decreased.
US08480348B2
Arbitrary pieces of semiconductor wafers are supported flexibly on either the upper side or the lower side. The present invention is a thin plate container for supporting plural semiconductor wafers for use in carriage, storage, processing, etc. It comprises processing trays plurally stacked in a state of each supporting at least one semiconductor wafer individually and a coupling mechanism for integrally coupling the processing trays in a state where the processing trays are plurally stacked and separating the processing trays at an arbitrary location. Each processing tray has a one-side support for supporting at least one semiconductor wafer on its one side and the other-side support mutually fitted to the one-side support of the other processing tray on the other side to form a housing space sealed off from the external environment for constraining and supporting the thin plate. Accordingly, as many processing trays as the number of the semiconductor wafers are stacked to constitute the thin plate container.
US08480347B2
An order-picking system and method includes a pallet warehouse (12), preferably in terms of a high-bay warehouse, being used as a supply warehouse dedicated to a plurality of, preferably different, packing units (40) which are stored, preferably by one sort only, on pallets (14) in the pallet warehouse (12); a tray warehouse (24) which is used as a picking buffer for supplying connected order-picking stations with packing units (40), wherein trays (38) are stored in the tray warehouse which have been loaded with a pallet layer of packing units (40) before; a conveyor (22) which transports from the pallet warehouse to the tray warehouse trays (38) which are respectively loaded with a pallet layer of packing units, particularly across longer distances; and at least a rack-transport unit (36) for trays (38), the rack-transport unit allowing receipt of a plurality of trays being respectively loaded with a pallet layer.
US08480344B2
A conveying apparatus with a first conveyor and a second conveyor is used a the welding apparatus and a welding method for container bodies and in particular can bodies between which conveyors the object to be welded is handed over. A control unit determines the take over position and/or the conveying travel of the second conveyor and controls the conveyors accordingly, so that the take over occurs at the determined position and/or with the determined conveying travel of the second conveyor. This allows an easy and swift changing of the welding apparatus to different sizes of the objects to be welded.
US08480340B2
Different embodiments of hydraulic nut are described comprising a pressure system with screws that may be displaced to an end detent, and once the travel of the screw has finished, there is no possibility of a further forward movement thereof, so there cannot be a hydraulic fluid leakage. The hydraulic wrench of the present invention may be used in a preventive way, since the nut may indicate a decrease or increase in the preset stress to which it must operate, or it may indicate that the stress at which it must be installed has been reached. For example, the nut may comprise a visual alarm device, an acoustic alarm device or it may issue a warning signal through phototransistors or radiofrequency.
US08480339B1
A trim coping apparatus includes a support frame having an upper support and a plurality of legs attached thereto. A cutting assembly includes a saw blade and motor for rotating the saw blade. A panel is mounted to the support frame. The panel has a planar upper surface and the saw blade extends above and below the upper surface. The panel and the cutting assembly are movable with respect to each other to allow a portion of wall trim extending over an edge of the panel to be cut by the saw blade. A control guide is in communication with the panel and is configured to follow contouring on a face of a piece of guide trim to restrict movement of the panel and the cutting assembly with respect to each other to allow the cutting assembly to cope an ending of the piece of wall trim.
US08480338B2
An adjustable drill having a drill body having a longitudinal axis, and a face surface including an aperture extending into the drill body. A directional feature adjacent the aperture extends toward an edge of the drill body, and a longitudinal gullet extends from the face surface along at least a portion of the drill body. A cartridge adjacent the face surface is selectively slidable along the directional feature, and a cutting face having an insert pocket positioned adjacent the edge of the drill body in which an insert is releasably affixed.
US08480329B2
Coupling pins for connecting weapon components are described. An example fastener to couple weapon components includes an elongated body defining a first aperture. The first aperture being defined along a longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Tension member and a biasing element being positioned within the first aperture. The elongated body defining a second aperture. The second aperture being defined through a portion of the elongated body to enable a tension element, positioned at least partially within the second aperture, to be urged from the elongated by via an interaction with the tension member. The fastener is insertable into aligned apertures of respective first and second weapon components. The tension element being urged from the elongated body to interact with the second weapon component to urge the second weapon component into further engagement with the first weapon component.
US08480326B1
A ring binder mechanism has an elongate housing, a pair of locking elements, a translation bar, a pair of elongate hinge plates having mating ring halves extending there-from, a plurality of mating ring halves, and an actuator. Movement of the actuator moves the hinge plates, translation bar, and locking elements to cause the ring halves to disengage so a user can place holed paper over the open ring halves, or closes the ring halves together to secure the paper with the closed-loop rings thus form while simultaneously locking the rings in the closed-loop configuration to prevent inadvertent opening.
US08480319B2
A process block is formed by arranging a heating-process related block on the side of a carrier block, a group of liquid-process related unit blocks, and a heating block on the side of an interface block, in this order from the side of the carrier block to the side of the interface block. The group of liquid-process related unit blocks is composed of: a group of unit blocks for coating films that is formed by stacking upward a unit block for an antireflection film, a unit block for a resist film, and a unit block for an upper layer film, in this order; and unit blocks for developing that are stacked on one another in the up and down direction with respect to the group of unit blocks for coating films. Liquid process modules of each of the liquid-process related unit blocks are arranged on the right and left sides of a transfer path for a substrate.
US08480316B2
A camera mounting apparatus for supporting a camera, having a base member with a front plane and a back plane and a base attached to the front plane of the base member. A pivoting member is connected to the top of the base member about the intersection of a base and a rear member of the pivoting member with a hinge apparatus. An attachment apparatus mounted to the back plane of the base member comprises two rectangular gripping elements for gripping a stanchion-like object.
US08480311B2
An optical connector in which works of attaching an incorporated optical fiber to a ferrule, removing a coating of the tip end side of a coated optical fiber, and attaching an optical connector to the coated optical fiber can be made more efficient, and the transmission characteristics can be prevented from being lowered in the optical connector, and a method of attaching the optical connector to a coated optical fiber are provided.An optical connector 101 includes: a ferrule 140 into which a glass fiber 121 that is obtained by peeling a coating 124 of a coated optical fiber 120 is to be inserted; a fixing portion 130 which fixes the coated optical fiber 120 inserted into the ferrule 140; and a coating-removing portion 110 which removes the coating 124 from an end portion of the coated optical fiber 120, by means of a force of inserting the coated optical fiber 120 into the optical connector 101.
US08480305B2
A cage has a ring portion, and a plurality of column portions that protrude from the ring portion, that are arranged in the circumference direction. Each column portion has a column portion radially inward section that forms a bearing-radial-direction inward side portion, and a column portion radially outward section that is connected to the radially inward section at its radially outer end position, so as to protrude on both sides in the circumferential direction from the radially inward section. A connection position at which the radially outward section is connected to the radially inward section is adjusted to a position radially outward of a pitch circle position of the plurality of the balls that are held in the respective pockets. Thus, the thickness of the radially inward section at the connection position is larger than the thickness of the radially inward section at the pitch circle position.
US08480304B1
A bearing ring for use in bearing apparatuses is disclosed. Such a bearing ring may comprise a body having a first array and a second array of bearing elements mounted to the body. The body may have an annular shape and the first array and the second array may be a concentric elliptical shapes, including circles. The body may comprise a plurality of bearing element pockets into which the bearing elements are disposed. In one aspect of the instant disclosure, the material of the bearing elements comprises polycrystalline diamond. A bearing apparatus comprising a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring is also disclosed. A drilling system for use in drilling subterranean formations employing the bearing apparatus is also disclosed.
US08480297B2
The present invention provides an ear thermometer that irradiates liquid crystal with backlight without increasing a battery capacity, to make a body temperature displayed with the liquid crystal easily visible even in a dark place. An MCU 1 displays a body temperature measured by a body temperature measuring part (3) on a liquid crystal display part (5), controls, through input/output ports (P1, P2), a backlight emitting part (7) in such a way that the light quantity of the backlight irradiating the liquid crystal display part (5) from the backlight emitting part (7) is maximized for a first predetermined time, controls the backlight emitting part (7) in such a way that the quantity of the backlight keeps, for a second predetermined time that follows the first predetermined time, a predetermined level that is lower than the maximum, and controls the backlight emitting part (7) in such a way that the quantity of the backlight is zeroed after the second predetermined time elapses.
US08480282B2
A reflective plate includes a high heat conductivity material having a first heat conductivity and a reflective material having a second heat conductivity on the high heat conductivity material, wherein the first heat conductivity of the high heat conductivity material is greater than the second heat conductivity of the reflective material.
US08480272B2
An exterior lighting system for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting system may include a plurality of lights provided proximate the wheel-wheels of the vehicle. The plurality of lights may be illuminated upon a brake pedal of the vehicle being depressed, a turn signal lever of the vehicle being activated, or upon a driver entering a desired setting into an operator interface of the system. The lighting system may be used as a safety feature to provide approaching vehicles better warning of a braking, slowing, or turning vehicle. The lighting system may also be used during roadside repair to warn other vehicles and/or to provide illumination for the repair. The lighting system may also be used for entertainment or accessorizing purposes enabling the user to select from a plurality of lighting sequences stored in the memory of the system.
US08480250B2
A lighting apparatus for providing illumination within a furniture module is provided. The lighting apparatus comprises a means of capturing kinetic energy of a moving part of the furniture module, a means for converting the kinetic energy into electric energy, and a means of converting the electric energy into light energy for lighting up the space within the furniture module. The lighting apparatus is attached to the furniture module. The means of converting kinetic energy into electric energy is, for example, a mechanical gear based assembly or a piezoelectric crystal based assembly. The light source is activated using a rechargeable battery or by using a continuously generated electric current in the short duration of the operation of the furniture module. The lighting apparatus is either directly attached to the furniture module or is an integral part of a furniture hinge.
US08480240B2
An image capturing apparatus with an image sensor converting the image of a subject and an optical member in front of the image sensor. First and second piezoelectric elements at respective ends of the optical member are independently driven by respective first and second driving units. A detection unit has first and second detecting piezoelectric elements adjacent to the respective first and second piezoelectric elements for detecting vibration of the optical member. A first control unit controls the first and second driving units and the detection unit to vibrate the optical member by vibrating the first piezoelectric element and detect vibration of the optical member using the second detecting piezoelectric element, or vibrate the optical member by vibrating the second piezoelectric element and detect vibration of the optical member using the first detecting piezoelectric element.
US08480238B2
A projector array includes a plurality of projectors, which together project images into a projection area on a projection surface. Aspect ratios are normalized for all of multiple images designated for display. The normalized aspect ratios are aligned at a common central point. An aspect ratio of a minimum rectangular shape is determined that will encompass all of the aligned aspect ratios. A maximum rectangular projection area is determined within the projection area having the same aspect ratio as the minimum rectangular shape. The center of the maximum rectangular area is designated as a centralization point. Each of all of the multiple images is sequentially projected into the projection area. Each image is scaled for display at its aspect ratio and is displayed centered at the centralization point.
US08480232B2
A fundus imaging apparatus comprises: a plurality of light source modules with different wavelengths; a moving unit adapted to move one of the plurality of light source modules to a position to illuminate a fundus of an eye to be examined through an illumination optical system, based on a selected imaging mode; and an image sensor which captures feedback light from the fundus of the eye illuminated through the illumination optical system.
US08480225B2
An inkjet recording medium including: a coated paper substrate; and an inkjet-receptive coating applied to at least one side of the coated paper wherein the inkjet-receptive coating includes inorganic oxide particles, a multivalent metal salt and a binder; wherein said inorganic oxide particles includes a cationic porous silica having an average particle size less than 0.5 microns and a pore volume of at least 0.70 ml/g and a surface area less than 200 m2/g, and said inkjet recording medium has a 75° gloss of at least 60.
US08480223B2
There is provided is an ink for inkjet recording, including: a pigment coated with a water-insoluble resin including a structural unit represented by the following formula (1) and a structural unit having an ionic group; a nitrogen-containing organic solvent; resin particles; and water, wherein a mass ratio [nitrogen-containing organic solvent/resin particles] is from 2.0 to 6.0: wherein, in formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or a halogen atom; L1 represents *—COO—, —OCO—, *—CONR2—, *—O—, or a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group, wherein “*—” represents a bond linking to the main chain; R2 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and L2 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, and an image forming method.
US08480216B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a pressure control unit provided in a liquid flow path so as to control pressure. The pressure control unit includes a liquid introduction unit, a liquid chamber having a diaphragm, a communication hole that allows communication between the liquid introduction unit and the liquid chamber, a movable member including an opposing surface disposed on the side of the liquid chamber so as to oppose the communication hole, the movable member being disposed so as to move in response to the displacement of the diaphragm unit, and a displacement member that displaces the opposing surface between a first posture of opposing the communication hole and a second posture in which the opposing surface is tilted with respect to the communication hole in an angle different from the first posture.
US08480211B2
A wide format printer that has an ink supply, an accumulator reservoir, a valve coupling the accumulator reservoir to the ink supply, the valve being configured to open when the ink level in the accumulator reservoir reaches a lower limit of a predetermined ink level range, and close when the ink level in the accumulator reservoir reaches an upper limit of the ink level range and, a plurality of printheads collectively spanning a paper path more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, each of the printheads being in fluid communication with the accumulator reservoir and each of the printheads having nozzles for ejecting ink onto media. During printing, the accumulator reservoir is fixed relative to the printheads such that hydrostatic ink pressure at the nozzles is generated by the elevation of the ink level in the accumulator reservoir relative to the elevation of the of the nozzles.
US08480210B2
A liquid jet head is provided with an actuator substrate having grooves spaced apart from one another through an intermediation of partition walls. Drive electrodes are formed on confronting side surfaces of the partition walls so as not to be electrically connected to one another and are configured to be driven independently from one another to independently deform the partition walls. Each of the partition walls has a first portion made of a first material and extending from a base surface of the corresponding groove, and has a second portion extending from the first portion and being made of a second material having a higher permittivity than that of the first material. A cover plate is mounted on the actuator substrate so as to cover the grooves, and a nozzle plate has nozzles communicating with respective ones of the grooves.
US08480207B2
Methods and means for imaging are provided. A sequential application hierarchy of two or more colors is defined. A page-wide print array forms images on a moving media using colored inks. Shingling is performed in accordance with the sequential application hierarchy within the overlap print zones of the page-wide print array. Images formed on the media are visually seamless and of proper hue and color saturation throughout as a result of the present teachings.
US08480206B2
An inkjet carriage printer includes a carriage for transporting an inkjet printhead in a carriage scan direction across the print region in reciprocating fashion, the carriage including an encoder sensor; a linear encoder disposed along the carriage scan direction; and a controller for controlling the motor on the basis of signals provided by the encoder sensor, the controller includes: a first motion control mode for damping carriage vibrations during a period when the carriage is in the print region; and a selectable second motion control mode for dislodging air bubbles for removal from the inkjet printhead, wherein the selectable second motion control mode is configured to decrease damping in order to set the carriage into oscillation.
US08480205B1
An ink cleaning apparatus for a printer, includes an ink suction cover configured to suck loose ink and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a rotating gear and two pipes connected to the ink suction cover. The rotating gear defines a first receiving hole and a second receiving hole. A first fan and a second fan are mounted in the holes. One pipe connects to the first receiving hole, the other pipe connects to the second receiving hole. The rotating gear rotates to alternatively drive the first fan and the second fan to force air and loose ink in one of the two pipes from the ink suction cover, and drive the other fan to exhaust air with loose ink out of the other pipe.
US08480204B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a head portion which ejects liquid; a plurality of liquid reception portions which receive the liquid discharged from the head portion and in which flow-out ports of the liquid are provided on the bottoms; a suction pump which is connected to each of the flow-out ports of the plurality of the liquid reception portions and sucks the flow-out ports; and closure members each of which is provided in each of the plurality of liquid reception portions, is formed so as to float in the liquid, and closes each of the flow-out ports in a state where the liquid has flown out.
US08480200B2
An image processing method includes converting multilevel data of an image into a dot pattern using a multilevel error diffusion process. The conversion includes determining a pixel corresponding to an abnormal nozzle based on abnormal nozzle information provided for each of droplet sizes supported by nozzles of an image forming apparatus; preventing jetting of a droplet onto the determined pixel; distributing a quantization error of the determined pixel calculated in the multilevel error diffusion process to neighboring pixels; and if extra-large droplets with a droplet size greater than the droplet size of a full-size droplet capable of filling a pixel are to be formed in the neighboring pixels as a result of distributing the quantization error, removing one or more of the extra-large droplets or reducing the droplet size of one or more of the extra-large droplets.
US08480199B2
A method of printing with an inkjet printer, the method includes moving the carriage along a first carriage scan direction while the second drop ejector array ejects drops of anti-curl solution onto the portion of recording medium providing a delay time that is greater than 15 milliseconds after the second drop ejector ejects drops of anti-curl solution at a given location on the portion of recording medium and before printing with the first drop ejector array moving the carriage along a second carriage scan direction while the first drop ejector array ejects drops of ink in an image-wise fashion onto the given location of the portion of recording medium.
US08480198B2
An image forming apparatus includes an ejection head having a plurality of nozzle arrays arranged in an orthogonal direction to an array direction thereof, a carriage on which the ejection head is loaded, and a moving unit that moves the carriage. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit that controls the moving unit and the ejection head such that, when flushing is to be performed while the image is formed on a sheet as the carriage reciprocates, a liquid is ejected to an image forming region of the sheet from the plurality of nozzle arrays, the liquid is ejected to a first receiving area from a first nozzle array group disposed adjacent to an outward side, and the liquid is ejected to a second receiving area from a remaining second nozzle array group excluding the first nozzle array group and disposed adjacent to a homeward side.
US08480183B2
A parking brake interlock is provided according to the invention. The parking brake interlock includes a parking brake inlet configured to receive a parking brake air supply, a service brake inlet configured to receive a service brake air supply, an exhaust port, and an interlock valve mechanism in communication with the parking brake inlet, the service brake inlet, and the exhaust port. The interlock valve mechanism is configured to exhaust the parking brake air supply if the service brake air pressure is not received. The interlock valve mechanism is further configured to hold the parking brake air supply in order to generate a parking brake air pressure if the service brake air pressure is received.
US08480172B2
A universal reclining armrest system for use with an articulated examination chair. The system includes an armrest adapter having a universal aperture for receiving a post portion of an armrest assembly. The armrest adapter further includes a splined peg for coupling to a pivoting mechanism of an articulated chair. The pivoting mechanism enables the chair to move throughout an operable range of motion while maintaining a fixed rotational position of an attached armrest adapter. The armrest assembly further includes an adjustable joint to provide 360° of rotational adjustment to the armrest relative to the fixed position of the armrest adapter.
US08480166B1
An air duct for a vehicle includes a housing and a ductile member. The housing is formed from a first extrudable material having a first elastic modulus, and a second extrudable material having a second elastic modulus that is different from the first. The housing has a central longitudinal axis, defines a cavity therethrough along the axis, and is transitionable from a preform configuration in which the axis is substantially straight, to an installation configuration in which the axis is tortuous. The ductile member is embedded within the housing and is formed from a third extrudable material having a third elastic modulus that is greater than each of the first and second. The ductile member is bendable to transition the housing from the preform configuration to the installation configuration and is configured for retaining the housing in the installation configuration. A vehicle includes the air duct.
US08480160B2
There is provided a structure for mounting an attachment for vehicle capable of absorbing the marginal difference of a front spoiler and reducing the procedures for controlling the dimension of the front spoiler. The structure for mounting a front spoiler on a front bumper includes: a male clip provided on the front spoiler; an insertion hole provided on the front bumper for inserting the male clip therethrough; and a female clip engaged with the male clip and allowing the front spoiler to be held by the front bumper. The male clip is loosely inserted through the insertion hole and engaged with the female clip around the insertion hole via an abutting brim, thereby producing a gap between the insertion hole and the male clip, thus increasing the degree of freedom of positional adjustment, reducing the steps for mounting and controlling the accuracy of the attachment, reducing the overall cost.
US08480158B2
The wheel-less camper comprises at least one jack mounted to the camper, the first jack being disposed inside the first sidewall. The camper may include a second jack, the second jack being disposed inside the second sidewall. Each wall of the camper may have an inner wall and an outer wall, the first jack being disposed between the inner and outer wall of the first sidewall and the second jack being disposed between the inner wall and outer wall of the second sidewall. The camper may also include third jack and a fourth jack. In one embodiment, the inner walls are omitted. In another embodiment, the inner wall includes a bulged area or an unevenness to accommodate one or more of the jacks. In another embodiment, the first jack may be a pull-out jack that is movable between a first position in which it is disposed inside the first sidewall and a second position in which it extends out from the first sidewall. The camper may include a second pull-out jack.
US08480156B2
The interior trim assembly, comprising: a trim panel (16) comprising a panel screen (20) having a front surface (20A) and a rear surface (20B), the panel comprising a screen opening (24) extending through the panel screen (20); an insert (18) assembled to the rear surface (20A) of the panel screen (20), said insert (18) comprising an insert screen (26) covering at least partially the screen opening (24) and at least one support flange (28) extending from the insert screen (26) and resting on the rear surface (20B) of the panel screen (20), the insert (18) comprising a hooking flange (30) fitted into a groove (42) of the panel (16) in such a manner as to prevent the insert (18) from translating with respect to the panel (16) such that a support flange (28) moves away from the rear surface (20B) of the panel screen (20).
US08480154B2
A clamp structure for a tonneau cover of a pick-up truck is disclosed and mounted to one frame section of a tonneau cover for releasably securing the frame section on a side wall of a cargo bed of the pick-up truck. The clamp structure has a composite grip element which has a metal grip body and a plastic sleeve. The metal grip body has an engaging portion to stably engage with the side wall of the pick-up truck. The plastic sleeve has a first abutment flange to smoothly abut against a turning handle, and a second abutment end facing a sliding block. Thus, the composite grip element can provide advantages of both of metal and plastic material, so that the operational stability and reliability of the clamp structure can be enhanced, and the lifetime thereof can be elongated.
US08480146B2
A loading device using multiple handles with straps or loops dispensable sequentially to at least one but preferably two loading arms is shown for loading and closing bags with handles. While one loading arm may be used, two or more loading arms are preferable and these arms rotating about a stand above a loading and unloading area is preferable. A support which moves with the loading arms to support the bags as they sit on the loading arm. The multiple arms may be dispensed as a plurality of sequential straps and handles that are connected together so they can be fed steadily onto the loading arms on either side as they are used. The device is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with a bag loader so that the user may load the bags and then put them over the straps on one or more rack arms and then close and lift the bags utilizing the handle running through either a loop formed by the straps or an opening provided in a strap for that purpose.
US08480144B2
A securement device to make it much easier for a user to securely hold onto a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader, a tablet computing device, a cellular phone, a personal data assistant, and a common clipboard—while minimizing the fatigue and discomfort on the user's hands: A typical device solves this problem by providing a system of one or more finger holds formed with a fabric or pliable material that are disposed on the back side of the personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device. In many devices, the position and fit of the finger holds are easily adjustable by a user via hook-and-loop schemes.
US08480132B2
Provided is a book cover core body and a kit, which are used for manufacturing a book cover member which allows the original book to be finished easily, accurately, and neatly when an individual prepares an original book according to his taste without having to use an auxiliary tool such as a ruler and a stabbing. In the book cover core body used for manufacturing the book cover member and the kit including the same, at least a front cover core and a back cover core are glued at a predetermined interval (L) to a reverse side of a book cover print sheet with a book cover pattern, a title or the like drawn thereon, the book cover member being equipped with a front cover part, a spine part, and a back cover part, and the book cover core body including the front cover core, the back cover core, and a holding part having the same width as the above-mentioned interval (L), in which the front cover core and the back cover core are held integrally through an intermediation of the holding part, and in which, after the front cover core and the back cover core have been glued to the reverse side of the book cover print sheet, the holding part is separable from the front cover core and the back cover core.
US08480130B2
An engine cradle mounting an engine in a vehicle has left and right side members spaced laterally apart on opposite sides of the engine, a rear cross member having right and left ends attached respectively to the left and right side members, and a front cross member having left and right ends attached respectively to the left and right side members. Body mounts are provided on the left and right ends of the front cross member for bolting the cradle to the vehicle body. Left and right deflector devices are mounted on the cradle, and each includes an impact receiving member that projects outwardly from the cradle to receive an impact load, and a brace member that extends between the cradle and the impact receiving member to brace the impact receiving member and provide a load path transferring the impact load into the cradle.
US08480127B2
A restraint system for occupants of a vehicle, comprising a belt; an airbag unit arranged on the belt, wherein the positions of the belt and the airbag unit can be shifted with respect to each other; an airbag in the airbag unit; and means for securing the position of the airbag on the belt, i.e., means by which the airbag and the belt can be fastened together upon deployment of the airbag without the possibility of a shift in their relative positions.
US08480126B2
An airbag including first and second sheets joined along outer peripheral parts. The second sheet includes a plurality of base cloths. The plurality of base cloths are arrayed around the circumferential direction, and include overlapping parts where adjacent ends are overlapping. At least one of the overlapping parts includes unjoined sections that are not joined together, and the gas inside the airbag can be ejected through the unjoined sections.
US08480112B2
A ski or a snowboard in the form of a board-like sliding device, comprising a multi-layered sliding board body and at least one board-like force-transmitting element supported on the top side of the sliding board body, the upper side of which force-transmitting element is provided for supporting a binding device for a potentially releasable connection with a sports shoe. In at least one of the two lateral upper edge sections of the sliding board body running in the longitudinal direction of the sliding board body at least one interlocking coupling means is formed. Said at least one interlocking coupling means is formed by at least one physically independent strip or profile-like coupling element which is arranged between the board-like force-transmitting element and the sliding board body and is provided for forming an interlocking connection between the board-like force-transmitting element and the sliding board body.
US08480109B1
A pulley and drive belt system comprising a drive belt and at least one pulley configured to engage a surface of the drive belt, the at least one pulley comprising, a frame configured to rotate about a rotation axis, the frame having a circular outer rim with opposing sides, a plurality of circumferential teeth extending radially and axially of the rim, each tooth having a tooth width and each tooth being configured to be received between adjacent lugs of the drive belt, and an alignment member having a wire form and extending between adjacent circumferential teeth tops, and the alignment member extending no further radially from the rotation axis than the circumferential teeth, a debris ejecting opening disposed radially inward of the alignment member between the circumferential teeth.
US08480107B2
A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle includes a suspension arm having a base body and support elements formed on the base body. Pivotally mounted on the suspension arm for rotation about a rotation axis is a wheel carrier which defines a wheel axis. An adjustment screw is arranged in substantial orthogonal relationship to the wheel axis and received at least one installation opening of the wheel carrier for securing the wheel carrier to the suspension arm.
US08480098B2
A golf bag cart comprises a lower frame including a connecting plate pivotally coupled to a rear wheel stand, a slide element installed at the top of the connecting plate, and an upper carrying base and a lower carrying base for placing and fixing a golf bag; an upper frame coupled to a lower frame and pivotally coupled to the upper carrying base; two front wheel stands coupled to the lower frame and pivotally coupled to the lower carrying base; a link rod module composed of link rod modules and coupled between the upper frame, a slide element and front and rear wheel stands for driving the front and the rear wheel stands or the front and rear wheels to fold or unfold; and a lift switch installed between the upper and lower frames and latched for fixing at a position when the golf bag cart is unfolded.
US08480093B2
A pipe sealing assembly for sealing a connection between a pair of pipes. The sealing assembly includes a generally cylindrical seal or gasket having a pair of axially spaced sealing portions joined by a bridge portion. Each sealing portion has a plurality of compressible sealing ridges, as well as an annular expansion band seat capable of receiving the expansion band of an expansion band assembly that is used to sealingly compress each sealing portion against a respective inner surface of a pipe. Additionally, each sealing portion may include a hollow section which houses the expansion band assembly, and may be provided with a small slit for installing the expansion band assembly and allowing access to the expansion mechanism of the expansion band assembly during installation, or a separate cover member for enclosing the expansion band assembly.
US08480092B2
A dynamic radial seal includes a rigid casing. The seal also includes an elastomeric casing positioned interior of and bonded to the rigid casing. The elastomeric casing has an axial spring member which extends radially inwardly from and axially along the rigid casing. The axial spring member includes a neck portion which extends from the elastomeric casing and a seal attachment portion that is attached to the neck portion and has a bonding surface. The seal also includes a pre-stressed fluoropolymer seal which has a bonding surface and a sealing surface. A bond joins the bonding surface of the pre-stressed fluoropolymer seal to the bonding surface of the seal attachment portion. The seal attachment portion of the spring member is operative to provide sealing contact of the fluoropolymer seal along the entirety of its sealing surface when engaged with a mating surface of a shaft. The fluoropolymer seal may be formed from PTFE and may include a groove or grooves formed in the sealing surface to enhance the sealing performance of the seal. The elastomeric casing may also incorporate a static seal or temporary dynamic seal to facilitate in-process testing or dirt exclusion, as well as one or more additional dirt exclusion features to protect the fluoropolymer seal from damage caused by environmental contaminants during the use of the seal.
US08480091B1
A casino gaming table having interchangeable layouts includes a table base and a planar tabletop supported on the base. The tabletop has an upper surface and a peripheral edge, at least a portion of which is arcuately shaped. An arcuately shaped rail is mounted to the tabletop adjacent the arcuately shaped peripheral edge but is spaced from the upper surface of the table. A plurality of game layout pads are provided with arcuate peripheral edges. The pads are adapted to rest on the tabletop with their arcuate peripheral edges fitting under the rail in the space between the rail and the table surface. The game layout pads are rigid enough to substantially maintain their planar shape when being moved into and out of position but can be flexed in order to insert their arcuate peripheral edges into the space between said lower surface of the rail and the upper surface of the tabletop. Three pads with a different game on each can be accommodated on the table with their peripheral edges fitting within the space between the rail and the tabletop.
US08480089B2
A multi-stage poker game or tournament and a method for conducting the same comprising a first stage in which a first plurality of players buy in at a first amount and a second stage in which a second plurality of players buy in at a second, greater amount. The second stage is a continuation of the game, such that non-eliminated players from the first stage may continue playing the game, along with the second plurality of players. The latter group may start the second stage with substantially equal chip counts, but the chip counts for the former group may be unevenly distributed, e.g., in proportion or substantially equal to their chip counts at the end of the first stage. The end of the first stage or beginning of the second stage may be marked by the occurrence of a predetermined trigger, such as a predetermined average chip count being reached or percentage or number of first stage players being eliminated.
US08480079B2
A sheet reversing apparatus including: a right angle reversing conveyance section which reverses front/back sides of a sheet while changing a conveyance direction of the sheet, being conveyed in a first conveyance direction, to a second conveyance direction perpendicular to the first conveyance direction; a sheet skew sensor which detects a sheet skew of the sheet being conveyed by the right angle reversing conveyance section; and a sheet skew correction mechanism which corrects the sheet skew of the sheet while the sheet is being conveyed by the right angle reversing conveyance section.
US08480077B2
A document processing apparatus comprises a document transport path which extends from an upstream end to a downstream end, a low speed drive disposed at the upstream end of the document transport path and for transporting a document along the document transport path from the upstream end towards the downstream end, a high speed drive disposed at the downstream end of the document transport path and for receiving a document being transported along the document transport path from the low speed drive, an actuatable document processing device disposed at the downstream end of the document transport path and for, when actuated, performing a downstream processing operation on a document being transported along the document transport path, a sensor for (i) sensing speed of movement of a document which is being transported along the document transport path from the upstream end to the downstream end, and (ii) providing a first electrical signal which is indicative of speed of movement of the document, and a controller for (i) monitoring the first electrical signal to thereby monitor speed of movement of the document along the document transport path, (ii) detecting when speed of movement of the document has increased from a first speed to a second speed which is greater than the first speed, (iii) providing a second electrical signal to actuate the document processing device to perform the downstream processing operation in response to detection of speed of movement of the document having increased from the first speed to the second speed.
US08480074B2
Provided is a sheet feeding device having a sheet surface detecting mechanism installed to be movable up and down between adjacent adsorption conveyance belts 21, and detects a position of the top surface of the sheet by a sheet surface detecting member 61 that moves upward higher than the adsorbing surface of an adsorption conveyance belt 21. The position of the lower surface of the sheet surface detecting member 61 being pushed up by the blown upward sheet is regulated such that the difference in height between the adsorbing surface of the adsorption conveyance belt 21 and the lower surface of the sheet surface detecting member 61 is smaller than the difference in a height direction between the adsorbing surface of the adsorption conveyance belt 21 and the upper surface of a separation nozzle by a sensor abutting portion 62 that regulates upward movement of the sheet surface detecting member 61.
US08480072B2
A flat-article feed device comprising a supply magazine in which flat articles are moved in a stack on edge in a first transfer direction, a separator for separating the leading flat article of the stack from the remainder of the stack and for driving it in a second transfer direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first transfer direction, an unstacker that takes a flat article that is being unstacked and brings it in the second transfer direction to the inlet of a conveyor, and a retainer that exerts a retaining force that opposes movement of the flat article towards the conveyor, the unstacker being offset from the separator by a distance not less than the maximum length of a flat article, and the retainer being provided facing the unstacker. A postal sorting machine including such a feed device.
US08480065B2
An elastomeric spring-damper has a one-piece tubular body having an integral cap. A tension stop flange is formed in the body near the cap portion, and a compression stop flange opposing the tension stop flange is formed on the cap portion. An inner member located within the body is coupled to the body with an annular elastomeric member, such that longitudinal motion of the inner member relative to the body is allowed through elastic deformation of the elastomeric member. An inner member stop flange is positioned between the compression stop flange and the tension stop flange to limit longitudinal motion of the inner member relative to the body.
US08480059B2
An adjustable motorcycle prop jack comprised of a hinging device with an over-center locking action for lifting and holding in place a motorcycle's rear wheel by lifting the motorcycle's right side over the pivot line formed between the tip of its side stand and the contact point of the front tire to facilitate maintenance requiring the rear wheel to spin freely. The invention is comprised of a base and lifting arm, and a pin and spacers inserted between the two to form a hinge. The motorcycle is lifted by placing the base of the invention perpendicular to, and on the ground, and the lifting arm under a lifting point on the rear right side of the motorcycle with the invention forming an obtuse angle. Upon engagement, the invention lifts the rear of the motorcycle off the ground and locks in an over-center position.
US08480058B2
Sheet material lifts including an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, a foot extending transverse the longitudinal axis from the second end of the elongate body, a support element disposed on the foot distal the elongate body, a base defining a fulcrum coupled to the foot, and an arm extending transverse the longitudinal axis from the elongate body at a position intermediate the first end and the second end. In some examples, the arm includes a sleeve, and a shaft slidingly mounted within the sleeve, the shaft being configured to slide along a path between a retracted position proximate the elongate body and an extended position distal the elongate body.
US08480055B2
The invention relates to a solenoid wherein a magnetic discontinuity is formed in the pole tube reducing the effective material thickness, such as by reducing the thickness, particularly the wall thickness of the magnetically active material, the front face of the armature facing the pole core and a bottom face in the interior of the pole tube at the pole core each have a contour allowing mutual axial overlapping. This enables advantageous influencing of the force-stroke characteristic curve of the solenoid with low production effort.
US08480044B2
An omni-direction rotatable dual-cup suction device includes two suction cups, which are respectively combined with and in communication with two evacuation structures, so that the two evacuation structures can evacuate air from the suction cups to induce vacuum suction forces. The two suction cups are respectively provided with a mounting seat and an attaching seat for securely coupling the two evacuation structures. The mounting seat includes a pillar fixed thereto. A collar receives a ball end of a bar therein and is attached to the pillar. The ball-ended bar is coupled to a threaded rod, which extends through an internally-threaded locking knob and received into the attaching seat to be secured by a nut. With such an arrangement, one of the suction cups can be attached to a planar fixture surface, while the other suction cup can be used to hold an article and is orientation adjustable in any direction.
US08480041B2
A beam clamp providing for a positive attachment to I-beams, H-beams, T-bars, pairs of conventional angles, bulb angles, channels, plates and other similar structural shapes wherein the beam clamp includes a pair of clamping hooks incorporated into opposing clamp bodies that capture an attached elongated rectangular, round or other shape. The shapes are secured against the structure using one or more bolt with nut assemblies to pull the halves together towards each other and the attached member and towards the structure.
US08480024B2
A collapsible reel having a high strength to weight ratio is provided. The collapsible reel comprises a core, around which a flexible media is wound, and flanges which prevent the wound flexible media from migrating axially off of the core. The core is formed of first and second blanks having hub portions and a plurality of spaced apart tabs projecting from the hub portions. To form the core, the tabs of each blank are folded and the tabs of the first blank are secured to the corresponding tabs of the second blank. The flanges are then adhered to the outer surface of the hub portions.
US08480020B2
In a spinning reel, a traverse camshaft 21 is arranged to engage with an engaging member used to cause a bail arm and a spool to undergo a relative reciprocal movement. The traverse camshaft 21 has a shaft body 37 and a cam groove 38. The shaft body 37 is arranged to rotate in coordination with rotation of a handle assembly in at least a line reel-in direction. The cam groove 38 is formed in an external circumferential surface of the shaft body 37 and configured to engage with the engaging member. The cam groove 38 is also configured to intersect itself. The cam groove 38 has a first groove section 38b and a second groove section 38c on opposite sides of an intersecting portion 38a. The first groove section 38b and the second groove section 38c have different widths at the intersecting portion 38a.
US08480017B2
The present invention relates to a grinder, comprising a grinding unit is installed between a receptacle and a base. A grinding wheel and a grinding base of the grinding unit are detachably and respectively installed on a transmission shaft and at the bottom side of the receptacle, and a bottom cover of an automatic open/close control device utilizes an engaging button for being combined with a combination part of a fasten cover installed at the bottom side of a follower member, so the bottom cover can be detachably installed at the bottom opening of a housing. Accordingly, components which may have food powders adhered thereon, such as the grinding wheel and the grinding base of the grinding unit and the follower member, the housing and the bottom cover of the automatic open/close control device are capable of being detached for cleaning, so the food hygiene can be ensured.
US08480016B2
A device for mixing, grinding, drying, deagglomeration, crushing, or coating of feedstock with a rotor is provided, rotating around an axis within a housing, and a stator, fixed relative to the housing, encompassing the rotor with maintenance of a radial working gap. The rotor has rotor tools, which are distributed over its outer surface and whose active edges for crushing the feedstock work together with the stator tools on the inner circumference of the stator. In this regard, the feedstock is supplied in the carrier gas stream to the working gap. For effective processing of the feedstock, it is proposed according to the invention that in the outer surface of the rotor a plurality of indentations is introduced, whereby areas between two adjacent indentations form webs, which form the active edges of the rotor tools.
US08480015B1
A fluid dispense tip includes a bevel at an opening to reduce the amount of surface tension, or “land”, at the opening. The bevel is formed by grinding in a longitudinal direction such that any tooling scars resulting from the grinding operation are likewise longitudinally oriented, further reducing the amount of surface tension in the tip, thereby leading to heightened dispensing accuracy. The tip may be machined from stock as a unitary piece, to increase its lifetime, and may be formed with a bore of a relatively large diameter that is tapered down to a smaller diameter near the tip opening, to allow for delivery of fluid through the tip body at a decreased pressure. A cleaning tool may be provided for removing residual material from the inner surfaces of the tip. A removable liner sleeve may be provided within the bore to reduce the effective inner diameter of the dispense tip.
US08480011B2
Provided is a spray nozzle, that includes a stationary tube and a rigid rotor. The stationary tube has a proximal, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a tube passage that extends from substantially at or near the proximal end of the stationary tube to substantially at or near the distal end of the stationary tube. The stationary tube is configured to communicate substantially at or near the proximal end with a pressurized air source The rigid rotor has a distal end rotatably coupled substantially at or near the distal end of the stationary tube, a proximal end comprising an outlet port substantially at or near the proximal end and a rotor passage in fluid communication with the stationary tube. The rotor passage extends from substantially at or near the distal end of the rotor to substantially at or near the proximal end of the rotor. Further, the rotor passage is configured to remain in fluid communication with the tube passage during rotation of the rotor relative to the stationary tube about a rotor axis of rotation. The outlet port is offset a radial distance in a radial direction from the rotor axis substantially at or near at a distal end of the rotary member, and ejection of the pressurized air from the outlet port is configured to produce directional components of the pressurized air in the direction of rotation about the rotor axis of rotation.
US08480005B2
A system described is for providing improved cabin heating. The system may include a vehicle cabin heating system having a first and second heating system receiving coolant flow from the engine; and a control system for operating the engine at a first engine idle speed upon entering idle speed control operation from previous drive operation, maintaining said first idle speed for a duration, and then increasing engine speed to increase coolant flow to the second heating system during cold ambient conditions when the second heater system is in operation.
US08480001B2
A wireless mobile communications apparatus reads removable cards and can communicate an account corresponding to the removable card in order to conduct a wireless transaction with a merchant on the account with the wireless mobile communications apparatus. A total currency amount for the transaction, and remaining balance in the account after the transaction, can be displayed on a display screen of the wireless mobile communications apparatus. The removable card can be a gift card bearing a magnetic strip having an identifier for the account encoded thereto that will be read when inserted into the wireless mobile communications apparatus which can be a cellular telephone or Web enabled portable device. The magnetic strip gift card can be substantially composed of paper so as to be intended for disposable after use.
US08479998B2
There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal comprising an image sensor pixel array having a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels including a first set of pixels and a second set of pixels, the first set of pixels having wavelength selective filters transmitting light of a first wavelength, the second set of pixels having wavelength selective filters transmitting light of a second wavelength. The indicia reading terminal can include an optical imaging assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto the image sensor pixel array, the optical imaging assembly being adapted so that for light rays of the first wavelength the optical imaging assembly has a first focus range and for light rays of the second wavelength the optical imaging assembly has a second focus range.
US08479993B2
A method of operating a barcode reader. The method includes (1) detecting a first pulling of the trigger while the barcode reader is at the waiting mode; (2) detecting a first release of the trigger within a first predetermined time period after the first pulling of the trigger is detected, for operating the barcode reader in the aiming mode if the first release of the trigger is detected within the first predetermined time period,; and (3) detecting a second pulling of the trigger while the barcode reader is at the aiming mode within a second predetermined time period after the first release of the trigger is detected, for operating the barcode reader in the decoding mode if the second pulling of the trigger is detected within the second predetermined time period.
US08479985B1
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine may also include a portal device that is operative to cause the display, card reader and other devices in the machine to operate in response to communications through the portal device.
US08479984B2
An automated banking machine system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system is operative to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader. A user is able to perform at least one banking operation responsive to account indicia read by the card reader from the card. The banking operations include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. The card reader may further communicate a component to an automated banking machine component, which is operative to use the component from the card reader to operate the card reader. The automated banking machine may store signed electronic documents in a data store in association with the user's financial account such as checking, savings, debit, or credit account.
US08479983B1
An automated banking machine transaction request is authorized based on the determined location of an authorized user relative to the machine. Identification of an authorized machine user is linked to a remotely locatable item (e.g., a cell phone) of the authorized user. A machine receiving the user identification causes the location of the cell phone to be determined. A comparison is then made of the cell phone location and the machine location. If the locations correspond, then the current machine user is recognized as the authorized user and machine transactions are permitted. If the locations do not correspond, then the current user is denied transactions at the machine. The security arrangement helps prevent an unauthorized person from using a fraudulent machine card to access a financial account.
US08479974B2
A paper cup that contains a beverage and is held by a user with a hand, the paper cup includes: a cup main body formed as a cylinder with an open upper portion, and containing the beverage from the open upper portion; and a heat insulating material disposed on an outer wall of the cup main body so as to reduce a thermal conductivity between the beverage contained in the paper cup and the hand of the user holding the paper cup, and the heat insulating material is partially disposed on an outer wall of the cup main body along with a circumferential direction of the cup main body, and attached to the cup main body so as not to separate from the cup main body. Thus, since the heat insulating material is attached on the outer wall of the cup main body, the heat insulating material is not separable from the cup main body, and the user may conveniently hold the paper cup containing a hot or cold beverage.
US08479963B2
The nailing machine (1) comprises an air passage (510) allowing communication between a cylinder (200) and a return air chamber (500) in which compressed air for returning a piston (300) to the initial position is accumulated. The air passage (510) is provided with a control valve (520) controlling entry of compressed air into the return air chamber (500) from the cylinder (200). The control valve (520) opens the air passage 510 and allows entry of compressed air into the return air chamber (500) in the case wherein the nailed object produces a small reaction force upon driving the nail, namely when the upward moving distance of the body (100) relative to the push lever (700) is smaller than a predetermined distance. The compressed air that has entered the return air chamber (500) further enters a below-the-piston chamber and serves as air damper, reducing excess energy absorbed by a piston bumper (360).
US08479946B2
A portable drip containment device comprises a tray formed of fuel and chemical resistant fabric. Side walls of the tray are supported by removable bolster segments formed of resilient open cell foam members enclosed within sleeves. The bolster segments are wrapped within a flap of material extending from under the side wall of the tray and around the bolster segments to secure them to the side walls. The outer edge or end of the flap is secured to the side wall. The bolstered side walls may be repeatedly driven across by industrial vehicles without harming the bolster or side wall. The modular bolster segments may be removed and easily stacked, and the tray folded and rolled into a compact modular form, for transport, storage, and reuse of the portable containment tray.
US08479940B2
A packaging combination characterized by including a casing (1) having at least two openings (5, 6), and a casing coupler; a container (2) having a mouth (11), a container coupler and a container attachment mechanism, wherein the container (2) is at least partially housed inside the casing (1) and its container coupler cooperate at least partially with the casing coupler; a sealing lid (4) having sealing lid attachment structure, wherein the sealing lid (4) can be fastened to the container (2), with the lid attachment structure cooperating with the container attachment mechanism.
US08479929B1
A screwdriver hanging assembly has a main frame and two connecting devices. The main frame has two track grooves formed in the main frame and parallel to each other. The connecting devices are respectively connected with the track grooves. Each connecting device has multiple brackets for holding multiple screwdrivers. Because combining the connecting devices having the multiple brackets with the main frame is easy, to assemble the connecting devices with the main frame is quick, reduces manufacturing cost and is convenient for holding multiple screwdrivers.
US08479903B2
A hydraulic control device for a transmission is provided. The hydraulic control device regulates hydraulic pressure from an oil pressure source to generate line pressure, and selectively applies the generated line pressure to at least two kinds of controlled objects. The hydraulic control device includes: linear solenoid valves each controlling hydraulic pressure to the line pressure in accordance with electromagnetic force of a solenoid; and switching valves each selectively switching at least two kinds of controlled objects to apply the hydraulic pressure applied from the corresponding linear solenoid valve to the switched controlled object. The hydraulic control device further includes a feedback oil passage provided for each of the switching valves. The feedback oil passage is branched from one of a plurality of output oil passages of the corresponding switching valve. The feedback oil passage is connected to a feedback port of the linear solenoid valve.
US08479901B2
A hydrodynamic torque converter with an impeller connected on the drive side arranged in housing and a turbine driven by the latter, connected with the driven side of the torque converter, with a turbine damper actively disposed between the turbine and driven side. To improve the vibration damping on the driven side of the torque converter, the turbine damper with a first damper part is formed out of an input part connected with the turbine and an intermediate flange, limited and rotatable opposite and against the action of at least a first energy accumulator and a second damper part with the intermediate flange and an output part limited and rotatable oppositely and against the action of at least a second energy accumulator. An adaptive-speed vibration absorber is arranged on the intermediate flange.
US08479898B2
The present invention includes a hydraulic brake device 4, 5 that generates a braking force corresponding to an operation of a brake pedal 1 performed while the vehicle is traveling, a brake lock means 6 for applying a hydraulic lock on the hydraulic brake device 4, 5 and releasing the hydraulic lock, a brake pedal operation detection means 22 for detecting an operation of the brake pedal 1, and a control means 10 for controlling the brake lock means 6 so as to apply the hydraulic lock on the hydraulic brake device 4, 5 upon detecting via the brake pedal operation detection means 22 a predetermined depressing operation of the brake pedal 1.
US08479894B2
A rod acceleration reducing mechanism is provided in a bottom-side oil chamber in an inner tube. The rod acceleration reducing mechanism includes a housing having a cylindrical accommodating casing screwed onto a fastening bolt of a bottom valve and a cap, a free piston displaceably fitted in the housing to define variable chambers at vertically opposite sides thereof, and elastic disks applying an elastic resistance to the displacement of the free piston. The variable chambers formed in the housing are variable in volume in response to pressure changes in the bottom-side oil chamber and the reservoir chamber. Thus, rod vibration can be generated by the rod acceleration reducing mechanism to reduce generation of rapping noise during running of the vehicle.
US08479889B2
A buffer arrangement of an elevator includes at least a buffer of the elevator and a buffer stop, which includes at least a stem part fixed to its base and a stop element with adjustable height position fitted in connection with the stem part. The stop element includes a stopping surface for the buffer of the elevator. An extension part is in connection with the buffer stop for increasing the height position of the stopping surface of the buffer stop.
US08479887B2
An exemplary assembly includes at least one elongated tension member. A jacket covers at least some of the tension member. The jacket comprises a polymer material. The assembly includes a flame retardant selected from a group consisting of a halogen-free melamine based intumescent or a filled polymer having a nanoscale filler chemically bonded to a matrix phase.
US08479881B2
The invention relates to a rescue apparatus to be lowered from buildings and other elevated locations. The invention includes an enclosure defining an interior space configured for receiving an individual, a harness, and one or more cable securements. The enclosure includes a bottom surface, a sidewall having an internal surface and an external surface, and a closure mechanism coupled to the sidewall and configured for at least partially isolating the interior space from a surrounding environment. In another aspect, the invention relates to a rescue apparatus including a harness assembly and a cable attached thereto.
US08479876B2
A panel assembly for use in any number of different applications, including a variety of vehicle applications, that reduces noise or vibrations, provides thermal insulation, and/or improves structural integrity. According to an exemplary embodiment, the panel assembly includes a main panel made from a metal, one or more sound damping patches also made from a metal, and an adhesive layer that joins the patches to the main panel in a constrained layer construction. The sound damping patches may include one or more forming features, which are designed to improve the formability of the panel assembly without significantly impairing its sound damping characteristics. There are different types of forming features, including internal forming features (e.g., openings, holes, slits, slots, etc.) located within the interior of the patch and external forming features (e.g., projections, fingers, recesses, waveforms, etc.) located along the perimeter of the patch.
US08479873B2
A loudspeaker comprising a horn waveguide having a throat and a waveguide surface; an acoustic radiator assembly, located at the throat of the waveguide, comprising a diaphragm having a rigid acoustically radiating surface shaped as a section from a toroidal surface for generating acoustic wavefronts, the waveguide surface being adapted to match the shape of the wavefronts coming from the assembly.
US08479862B2
A branch joint is provided at the rear portion of an exhaust pipe. Second exhaust pipes with a small diameter arranged one above the other are branched at a position forward of an intersecting position P with a pivot plate. The second exhaust pipes are made to intersect the inside of the pivot plate. The gap between the pivot plate and the engine can be narrowed while ensuring a smooth exhaust. The exhaust path lengths of the second exhaust pipes are made to be offset from each other so as not to be the integral multiple of the wavelength of the exhaust sound in the operating area. This allows exhaust gases to interfere with each other in the muffler. Thus, the exhaust sound can be reduced and the muffler can be downsized. This allows for the slimming of the vehicle body without lowering the output of the engine.
US08479860B1
An all terrain endless track vehicle of the present invention comprises a front suspension assembly and a rear endless track assembly supported by a chassis. The front suspension assembly is engageable with the ground by a steerable set of skis or wheels. The endless track assembly supports an engine, transmission and first and second shock absorbers. The first shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly forward of the engine, while the second shock absorber connects to the endless track assembly rearward of the engine. A rear swing arm supports a rearwardly positioned main driver mechanically linked to the transmission by way of a chain or belt. A plurality of idler wheels disposed on the endless track assembly, along with the main driver, define an endless track contour. An endless track or belt disposes on the plurality of idler wheels and the main driver. The engine, transmission, and shock absorbers are each contained within the contour of the endless track.
US08479847B2
An accessory drive system for a hybrid vehicle is provided including a planetary gear set having first, second, and third members. A torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second member. A plurality of vehicle accessories are operatively connected to the third member. A one-way clutch is operatively connected to either the first member of the planetary gear set or the torque transfer device. The one-way clutch is also selectively connected to a stationary member via a breakaway clutch configured to slip when either the input torque exceeds a threshold value or the direction of rotation is opposite of the driving direction. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories at a selectable rate, and the motor/generator is controllable to run the accessories while the engine is off and while restarting the engine.
US08479844B2
A distance holder for connection to, and rotation with, a drill string in an earth formation drilling device arranged to supply a jet of abrasive fluid for the purpose of providing a borehole by removing earth formation material through abrasion, comprises a chamber that is essentially rotational symmetric and which faces the earth formation material, and a jet nozzle arranged for discharging a jet of the abrasive fluid in the chamber. The chamber comprises a deflector positioned in the path of the fluid jet discharged from the jet nozzle.
US08479833B2
An enhanced oil recovery process that is integrated with a synthesis gas generation process, such as gasification or methane reforming, involving combined capture and recycle of carbon dioxide from both processes.
US08479828B2
Wellhead control line deployment involves replacing the seat/retainer plate of a master valve of the wellhead with a modified retainer plate. The retainer plate defines a first port communicating from a central opening of the plate to outside the plate. A modified bonnet installs on the master valve, and the bonnet has two ports, one communicating with the first port in the retainer plate and the second communicating with a needle valve port. The communication ports are linked by a tube with outside diameter seals that inserts between the retainer plate and the bonnet. A control line hanger can be retained by locking into an adapter sleeve or directly in the back-pressure valve threads of a tubing hanger. The adapter sleeve can be attached to the retainer plate or have a collet to snap into the back-pressure valve threads of the tubing hanger.
US08479824B2
A power slip extends a joint from tubing disposed in casing at a well so that a casing head can install on the casing and the tubing can be packed-off from the casing. The joint attaches to an inner sleeve having collet members that fit onto the inner tubing so that the joint extends thereabove. An outer sleeve and interlocking collet assemble together and install onto the inner sleeve. The collet threads onto the inner sleeve and forces the outer sleeve downward onto the inner sleeve. Being forced, the outer sleeve causes the collet members to engage around the inner tubing. The casing head then installs on the casing with the joint extending up through the head's bowl. An H-plate installs in the open bowl around the extended joint, and another pack-off installs on the joint to pack it off from a spool attaching to the casing head.
US08479823B2
A plug counter including a j-slot sleeve; a helix sleeve in operable communication with the j-slot sleeve such that axial movement of the j-slot sleeve causes rotational movement of the helix sleeve; an anti-rotation sleeve disposed about the helix sleeve and having a keyway therein; and a key disposed in the keyway and responsive to movement of the helix sleeve and method.
US08479816B2
The application is directed to a hydraulic fracturing method and can be used for enhancement of the well production. The method for enhancement of fracture conductivity comprises the chemical treatment of the fracture surface and the space between the proppant pillars over the protective mask formed by material precipitated out from the proppant pillar.
US08479815B2
A system for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant or horizontally directionally drilled (“HDD”) wells, and for concentrate disposal (e.g., injection of brine). A method for constructing a slant or HDD well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply or to inject concentrate into a subsea aquifer.
US08479813B2
Methods to enhance biogenic gas production in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material may include the steps of accessing the anaerobic formation, increasing a rate of production of the biogenic gases in the anaerobic formation, and flowing formation water within the anaerobic formation after the increase in the production of biogenic gases. Methods to redistribute formation water in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material may include the steps of locating a reservoir of the formation water within the anaerobic formation, forming at least one channel between the reservoir and at least a portion of the carbonaceous material, and transporting the formation water from the reservoir to the carbonaceous material through the channel. The methods may also include the accumulation of biogenic gas in an anaerobic geologic formation to enhance biogenic gas production.
US08479811B2
The invention relates to base pipe with slots cut into the peripheral wall to form compaction absorber segments that are arranged to permit the base pipe to be compacted in length without buckling or transferring excessive compressive forces to other pipe sections when a poorly consolidated formation shrinks due to production from the formation. Over time, the slots close as the base pipe shrinks in length and production continues through conventional holes in the base pipe.
US08479809B2
An antiextrusion backup system includes an inner expandable backup ring having a first set of slots. An outer expandable backup ring having a second set of slots wherein the outer expandable back up ring is rotationally locked to the inner expandable backup ring to prevent an extrusion gap in an expanded condition of the backup rings. A method for operating within a tubular is also included.
US08479801B2
A fabric closure, and enclosure, are provided for cargo containers, including a fabric panel formed of high-strength yarns, and a selectively closeable opening formed in the fabric panel for access therethrough, the selectively closeable opening having a substantially vertical opening, and a slide fastener for closure thereof.
US08479795B2
A three-dimensional object fabrication apparatus is disclosed. A housing encloses a work area having at least two distinct zones including a fabrication zone and an assembly zone. Digital data defining geometry for a three-dimensional object to be fabricated is passed via an interface to a processor within the housing. A fabrication mechanism in the fabrication zone to fabricates sub-elements where each sub-element corresponds to a portion of the object substantially consistent with the digital data. An assembly mechanism in the assembly zone joins the sub-elements in relative alignment to form the object defined by the geometry.
US08479790B2
A central tire inflation system. The system includes a central tire inflation valve and a hub bore manifold. The hub bore manifold is connected to and surrounds the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold defines first and second air passageways which are in communication with the central tire inflation valve. The hub bore manifold is configured for removable connection to a hub of a vehicle and is also configured to fit within a central opening of a wheel of the vehicle.
US08479789B2
A solid rubber tire with a multiplicity of self-pumping vent holes formed into opposed spaced apart sidewalls of the solid rubber tire. The self-pumping vent holes each extend from the side walls into the solid rubber tire about one-half the spaced apart distance and parallel to the rotation axis of the tire. Each of the multiplicity of self-pumping vent holes has a maximum cross-sectional dimension of between 0.5% and 1.5% of the maximum tire diameter. Any and all parts of the solid rubber material in the tire are at a distance of less than 12% of the original maximum diameter of the tire from any one of the multiplicity of self-pumping vent holes so that heat that may result in the solid rubber tire from its use is dissipated and temperature of the rubber in the tire is reduced by pumping of air into and out of the multiplicity of self-pumping vent holes upon rolling contact with the ground.
US08479787B1
A vehicle cover having a plurality of handles with tethers disposed along its longitudinal meridian for easy manipulation of said handles and attached cover so as to lift the cover and dislodge accumulated snow and/or ice. Additionally the present invention has a plurality of fastening clips for increased sustainment of the covers positioning against wind and environmental elements.
US08479785B2
A collar for a dispensing connector and a fitment assembly are disclosed. The connector collar engages a valved fitment for a container for holding and dispensing fluid. The fitment includes a spout connected to the container and a sliding internal valve body and an external valve body securely positioned within the spout. The connector collar has a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top edge of the external valve body so as to form a seal between the external valve body and the dispensing connector.
US08479778B2
A weaving machine and a weaving method for direct three-dimensional weaving, wherein the weft thread (32) is imparted with its desired two-dimensional course already when the weft thread is being input. The position of the warp threads (12) is adapted to the weft thread path (23). The weft thread path (23) is defined by the lamellae (44) that extend into the shed (21) in between the warp threads (12). The lamellae (44) are arranged on a common bar (45) so that they can be individually adjusted, thus enabling the adjustment of the desired weft thread path (23) by positioning the lamellae (44). The lamellae (44) and the bar (45), at the same time, form the reed (43) that is used for casting on the weft thread (32) at the fabric edge (16).
US08479773B2
A hydraulic unit comprises a solenoid valve group with at least two solenoid valves having each a valve cartridge and a solenoid subassembly arranged around the valve cartridge. According to the invention, a positioning unit is arranged between at least two adjacent solenoid valves and applies a force to at least two adjacent solenoid valves in such a way that the corresponding solenoid subassembly of the solenoid valve takes a defined radial position relative to the corresponding valve cartridge of the solenoid valve.
US08479770B2
The invention relates to valve system made up of multiple three way valves mechanically coupled together to produce the functionality of a four way valve.
US08479765B1
A water faucet assembly includes a water conduit that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. The water conduit has a channel therein extending through the first and second ends. The water conduit is comprised of a translucent material to allow light to be transmitted through the water conduit. A temperature sensor is mounted in the water conduit and is in thermal communication with the channel to detect a temperature of water within the channel. A temperature indicator mounted on the water conduit is electrically coupled to the temperature sensor to visually indicate a temperature of water within the channel. A power source is electrically coupled to the temperature sensor and the temperature indicator to supply electric power to the temperature sensor and the temperature indicator.
US08479755B2
An ambulatory aid is revealed. The ambulatory aid includes a hollow main rod and a hollow support pole connected with each other, and a cushion unit therebetween. The main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit all have insertion holes, aligned with each other. By insertion pins inserted into the insertion holes, the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit are assembled with each other. The structure of the assembly of the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit is more firm and tighter. When the ambulatory aid is pressed by a larger pressure, the assembly will not come loose and move around and the unstable walking stick makes the users fall down due to a loss of support.
US08479745B2
Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.
US08479742B2
Medical devices and related methods are disclosed for delivering an implant into the body of a patient. The devices include a damping assembly having an internal chamber with a varying inner diameter, and a piston slideably disposed therein. The piston is operably connected with a catheter portion such that movement of the piston is associated with concurrent movement of the catheter for implant delivery. The varying inner diameter of the damping assembly results in a decrease in damping force during implant delivery, thus providing a substantially constant velocity of implant delivery.
US08479737B2
A surgical mask for administering and/or scavenging medical gases includes a nasal mask and an oral mask that envelops the nasal mask. The nasal mask is secured to the oral mask and may be removable from it.
US08479736B2
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. Each side frame member includes an integrally formed first connector portion. A headgear assembly is removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly has a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The second connector portion is manually movable to a releasing position to detach the headgear assembly from the frame. The headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.
US08479732B2
A dose counter for use in connection with a device adapted for metered dispensing of a medication is described. The dose counter has a first count indicator that has a first indicia bearing surface, with the first count indicator being rotatable about a first axis. The dose counter also has a second count indicator that has a second indicia bearing surface, with the second count indicator being rotatable about a second axis. The second axis is disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first axis, and the first and second indicia bearing surfaces align at a common viewing area to collectively present at least a portion of a medication dosage count.
US08479719B2
A crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0.
US08479711B2
A piezoelectric-actuated fuel injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a piezoelectric actuator movable to expand in a first direction and movable to contract in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a hydraulic link assembly disposed within a nozzle cavity formed in a nozzle housing containing a nozzle valve element. The hydraulic link assembly is positioned close to the injector orifices to minimize needle valve element length and mass, thereby reducing seat impact forces and enhance response time. A refill valve operates to move into an open position to refill a hydraulic link chamber. An actuator power source operates to vary voltage to cause multiple injection pulses and to selectively maintain the voltage above a predetermined lower level between injection pulses to maintain the refill valve in a closed position to prevent refilling of the hydraulic link chamber.
US08479708B2
With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides, an internal combustion engine comprising a variable volume combustion chamber (10); an air intake passage (103,104) via which air is delivered to the combustion chamber (10); a fuel injector (107) delivering fuel into the air intake passage (103,107); and a fuel storage tank (107) for storing fuel to be injected. The fuel injector (107) is at least in part immersed in fuel, the fuel injector (107) being located at least in part in a fuel chamber (108b) which is connected to or which forms part of the fuel storage tank (108). An escape path is provided for escape of fuel vapor from the fuel injector (107) and/or from the proximity of the fuel injector to the fuel storage tank (108).
US08479705B2
In an internal combustion engine, on a cylinder head side, a tumble flow is formed that is directed from an intake vent opened on the cylinder head to an exhaust vent opened on the cylinder head. A direct injection valve injects fuel directly into a combustion space. The direct injection valve injects the fuel toward a section where a piston top surface intersects with a cylinder inner surface, at a point closer to an intake top dead center than a middle between the intake top dead center and an intake bottom dead center, and thereafter injects the fuel into the combustion space again.
US08479698B2
A parallel starter system for starting an internal combustion engine has at least two parallel-connected starters and a thermal switch associated with each of the starters, which thermal switch interrupts operation of the respective starter in the event of a response. The thermal switches are connected in series so that in the event of tripping of one of these thermal switches, the operation of all starters is interrupted.
US08479697B2
Glow plug, particularly for operation in a combustion engine, comprising at least one heating rod (1) and at least one body (2) and at least one annular gap (3) between the heating rod (1) and the body (2) and at least one chamber (4) primarily arranged between the heating rod (1) and the body (2).
US08479691B1
A cooling system for a marine engine is provided with various cooling channels which allow the advantageous removal of heat at different rates from different portions of the engine. A split flow of water is conducted through the cylinder head, in opposite directions, to individually cool the exhaust port and intake ports at different rates. This increases the velocity of coolant flow in the downward direction through the cylinder head to avoid the accumulation of air bubbles and the formation of air pockets that could otherwise cause hot spots within the cylinder head. A parallel coolant path is provided so that a certain quantity of water can bypass the engine block and avoid overcooling the cylinder walls.
US08479689B2
A system is provided to optimize multiple boiler plant systems having mixed condensing and non-condensing boiler groups. The system advantageously employs the independent groups of boilers depending on preset conditions under control of a system control unit. The preset conditions are checked against operating conditions of the boiler plant, and a system control unit controls which of the groups of boilers is the lead and which is secondary. In some instances, both groups of boilers may be utilized under heavy load. Further, effective switching between groups and within groups is also provided to minimize unnecessary repetitive boiler operation.
US08479685B2
A magnetically coupled device for an aquarium wall. The device may include an inner member and an outer member. The inner member may include a main body portion and an inner magnetic or magnetically attractable element coupled to or disposed within the main body portion. The outer member may include an outer magnetic or magnetically attractable element and a polymer static cling layer. The outer magnetic or magnetically attractable element may be magnetically attracted to the inner magnetic or magnetically attractable element. The polymer static cling layer may be configured to allow the outer member to be removably attached to an outer surface of the aquarium wall. The inner member may be removably attached to an inner surface of the aquarium wall by magnetic attraction with the outer member. The device may provide, for example, a feeding point for aquatic life contained in the aquarium.
US08479675B2
A self-levelling system comprising a base (10) fixed onto a first external load-bearing structure subjected to natural stressing forces, a second internal flat structure (21) which is to be self-levelled, and a movable fixing system between said first and second structure. Said movable fixing system comprises a cylindrical element (13) slidable vertically along a base guide (11) on the basis of a first command, and fixed at one end to said base and at its other end to a ball joint (20), said ball joint being fixed to said second structure, a first actuator (24) associated between said cylindrical element (13) and said second structure (21), said first actuator (24) being operated on the basis of a second command, a second actuator (25) associated between said cylindrical element (13) and said second structure (21), said second actuator being operated on the basis of a third command, said first actuator being associated with said second structure at a first point, said second actuator being associated with said second structure at a second point, said first point being positioned on a first axis and said second point being positioned on a second axis, said first axis and said second axis being mutually perpendicular.
US08479674B2
System for the active and passive stabilization of a vessel (10), such as ships, boats, rigs, barges, platforms and cranes operating in a maritime environment, which vessel (10) is provided with tanks (Ha-d) to provide buoyancy and/or ballast, which tanks (11a-d) are provided with openings (12a-d) in the bottom, which openings (12a-d) are facing the medium in which the vessel (10) is floating. The tanks (11a-d) are independent of each other and the openings (12a-d) are so large that a sufficient volume of fluid can pass without cavitation or other resistance, and the system includes means (13a-d) for supplying fluid to the tanks (11a-d), controlled to counteract the effects of external forces on the movements of the vessel (11). The invention further includes methods for the passive and active stabilization of the vessel by use of the system.
US08479668B2
A burner includes a primary air-coal mixture duct coaxially extended through a secondary air wind box, a pulverized coal separator supported within the primary air-coal mixture duct, a secondary air duct including an inner secondary air duct and an outer secondary air duct coaxially formed around the primary air-coal mixture duct, a primary air-coal mixture conical outlet coupled with the outlet of the primary air-coal mixture duct, and inner secondary air and outer conical outlets coupled with the outlets of the inner secondary air and outer secondary air ducts respectively. The conical outlets are arranged to delay the mixing time of the primary air-coal mixture and secondary air flows through the primary air-coal mixture and secondary air ducts and to prolong the residence time in the center recirculation zone under the reduction ability so as to effectively reduce the formation of NOx.
US08479665B2
An rear seat table assembly for a vehicle, the rear seat table assembly may include a rear seat table placed in front of a rear seat console, wherein the rear seat table includes an upper table and a lower table which may be selectively foldable around a table hinge portion pivotally connecting the upper table and the lower table, a locking unit arranged in the rear seat console and selectively lock the rear seat table to the rear seat console so as to maintain or release a locking state of the rear seat table, a rotation unit rotatably connecting the rear seat table and the rear seat console for allowing the rear seat table to be fixed after the rear seat table may be rotated upward centering around a rotation axis (axis X) which may be fixed to an upper side of the rear seat console, and a swiveling unit connected between the rotation unit and the rear seat table for allowing the rear seat table to swivel centering around a swiveling axis (axis Z).
