US08634149B2
A system tube of an endoscope optical system, designed to contain cylindrical elements of an image guide provided with lenses and to support the elements by tongues cut out of the wall of the system tube and deformed nonelastically. Wherein the tongues are deformed toward the outside and are bent elastically by a holder toward the inside to below the level of the outer surface of the system tube. In a system tube of an endoscope optical system, designed to contain cylindrical elements of an image guide provided with lenses and to support the elements by means of nonelastically deformed tongues cut out of the wall of the system tube, the tongues are deformed toward the outside and are elastically bent by a holder toward the inside to below the level of the outer surface of the system tube.
US08634148B2
A lens drive device may include a movable body holding a lens and movable in an optical axis direction of the lens, a fixed body movably holding the movable body, a drive mechanism for driving the movable body, and a board on which an imaging element is mounted and which is fixed on an opposite-to-object side of the fixed body. An opposite-to-object side end face of the fixed body is formed with a plurality of projections which are abutted with a mounting face of the board on which the imaging element is mounted for correcting inclination of an optical axis of the lens with respect to the imaging element.
US08634139B1
A head up display can use a catadioptric collimating system. The head up display includes an image source. The head up display also includes a collimating mirror, and a polarizing beam splitter. The light from the image source enters the beam splitter and is reflected toward the collimating mirror. The light striking the collimating mirror is reflected through the beam splitter toward a combiner. A corrective lens can be disposed after the beam splitter.
US08634138B2
A lens barrel includes first and second driving units configured to move first and second moving frames in an optical axis direction, and two correction driving sources configured to move the second moving frame in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis. Moving ranges in the optical axis direction of the first and second moving frames overlap with each other. The first and second moving frames are connected to a fixing portion of a fixed barrel by first and second flexible printed boards. One of the first and second driving units is located on a side of the optical axis opposite one of the second correction driving sources, and U-turn portions of the first and second flexible printed boards are located on a side of the optical axis opposite the other correction driving source, when viewed in the optical axis direction.
US08634137B2
The reflectivity and transmissivity of building and vehicle surfaces is maintained while employing partial, variable, selective, or asymmetric diffusers between a surface and an external light source such that the reflected light is diffused to produce a reduction in glare, while minimally effecting the specular or collimated transmission (if any) of light through the surface. Glare is also reduced by utilizing diffuser devices that reflect light in a temperature dependent manner.
US08634128B2
An electrophoretic element includes an electrophoretic particle, and a porous layer formed of a fibrous structure having a non-electrophoretic particle with different optical reflection characteristics from optical reflection characteristics of the electrophoretic particle. A difference Δ1 (=A−B) between a solubility parameter value A of the fibrous structure and a solubility parameter value B of a particle surface of the electrophoretic particle is 2 or more and 5.2 or less.
US08634123B2
An optical scanning device is configured to cause a light beam to scan a photosensitive drum to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum. The optical scanning device includes light emitting units configured to emit light beams and a light deflecting unit having deflecting surfaces and being configured to cause the light beams emitted from the light emitting units to reflect at the deflecting surfaces and deflect and scan in a main scanning direction. Also, the device includes a lens disposed between the light emitting units and the light deflecting unit, the lens being configured to cause the light beams emitted from the light emitting units to be directed along the main scanning direction to the deflecting surfaces, and an aperture member disposed between the lens and the light deflecting unit, and having apertures formed in line in a sub scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction.
US08634121B2
A mirror device includes a mirror (153) which is supported to be pivotable with respect to a mirror substrate (151), a driving electrode (103-1-103-4) which is formed on an electrode substrate (101) facing the mirror substrate, and an antistatic structure (106) which is arranged in a space between the mirror and the electrode substrate. This structure can fix the potential of the lower surface of the mirror and suppress drift of the mirror by applying a second potential to the antistatic structure.
US08634115B2
To provide an image processing device and an image processing method capable of analyzing a code image on a document regardless whether it is a black-and-white document or a color one even when a mode is set in which “scanning is performed in a black-and-white scan mode and black-and-white image information acquired by the scanning is transmitted to a printing device”. Based on an instruction from a controller part, the scanner part acquires black-and-white image data and color image data for the detection of a color code image and transmits them to the controller part. The black-and-white image data is transmitted using bits 7 to 0 of an image data bus and the above-mentioned color image data is transmitted using bits 23 to 16 of the image data bus. The controller part analyzes a code image in the document based on the image data transmitted from the scanner part.
US08634099B2
An electronic device includes a storage unit that stores configuration data related to the electronic device, a configuration data writing unit that writes configuration data from the storage unit to the external storage device when electronic device power turns off, a configuration data updating unit that, after the configuration data is written to the external storage device, executes a deletion process to delete the configuration data in the storage unit, or an initialization process that resets the configuration data in the storage unit to a default initialization value, a configuration data reading unit that reads the configuration data from the external storage device when electronic device power turns on, a configuration unit that configures the electronic device based on the read configuration data, and a configuration data deletion unit that deletes the configuration data stored in the external storage device after the configuration unit completes configuring the electronic device.
US08634097B2
A receiver configured to receive a first command that contains a predetermined code string and a second command that does not contain the predetermined code string from a host computer. A first command analyzer configured to analyze and process only the first command received by the receiver. A buffer configured to temporarily store at least the second command received by the receiver. A second command analyzer configured to analyze and process the second command stored by the buffer. A sound generator configured to generate a sound when the first command analyzer analyzes the first command and determines that the first command includes a sound generating command. The first command analyzer analyzes the first command before the buffer temporarily stores the first command.
US08634095B2
A data administering apparatus configured to be connected to a plurality of information processing apparatuses and to administer information which is transmitted from the plurality of information processing apparatuses and relates to an image forming apparatus, includes: a communicating section to receive power-off information which is transmitted from the plurality of information processing apparatuses and is used to turn off a power source of the image forming apparatus, and a control section to administer a number of times of power-off of the image forming apparatus based on the power-off information received by the communicating section.
US08634093B2
An image processing apparatus capable of recording user information into an external recording medium, while preventing an occurrence of a security problem. The image processing apparatus generates user information about an image processing job, and determines according to predetermined recording medium categories whether security information can be stored into an external recording medium in a case where the user information is recorded into the external recording medium. When determining that the security information cannot be stored into the external recording medium, the image processing apparatus removes predetermined security information from the user information and records the resultant information into the external recording medium.
US08634085B2
An image forming apparatus includes the following elements. An apparatus body implements plural functions including an image reading function, an image forming function, and a display function. A controller controls first, second, and third power states. A first operation unit outputs a transition signal for shifting the states of the image reading function and the image forming function to the second power state. A second operation unit outputs a copy start signal for starting an operation to copy a document. A copy controller controls, when the functions other than the display function are in the third power state, the operation to copy a document in accordance with a copy start signal, and performs control so that another copy start signal is not handled during a period from when controlling of the operation to copy a document has started until when a predetermined specific state is detected.
US08634079B2
An attraction state inspection device includes a diffusion member that is disposed inside a nozzle group in which a plurality of nozzles that attract parts are disposed, and transmits incident light while diffusing the light, an image pickup is disposed on a side of the nozzle group apart from the diffusion member in a first direction, picks up an image of a part attracted by one nozzle positioned in the first direction with respect to the diffusion member, from among the plurality of nozzles, against a background of the diffusion member, and obtains an image of the part, an irradiation unit that is disposed opposite the image pickup unit with the diffusion member interposed therebetween, and radiates light toward the nozzle group, and an inspection unit that inspects an attraction state of the part on the basis of the image of the picked up part.
US08634074B2
Methods and systems for measuring particles within a flow are provided. An aircraft transports a high volume sample rate holographic measurement instrument through a particle-containing volume of interest along a reference axis X (time). As the instrument moves relative to the volume of interest, the holographic measurement instrument transmits a collimated light beam across the volume of interest along an optical axis Z. The light beam interacts with particles contained within the volume of interest, and a high-speed, one-dimensional detector array detects incident light reflecting patterns of light intensity levels that are associated with the interaction between the light beam and the particles. A processor integrates information relating to the detected patterns and a rate of relative movement between the measurement probe and the volume of interest to determine at least a statistically meaningful sampling of time-dependent particle distribution information associated with an entirety of the volume of interest. Using the time-dependent particle distribution information and automatic reconstruction algorithms running on the processor, the processor reconstructs holograms that depict the particles within the volume of interest. These holograms are then used to measure a spatial distribution, size distribution, number density or concentration, and/or shape of the particles within the volume of interest.
US08634073B2
An illumination apparatus of the present invention quickly adjusts illuminance of the light radiated from the light source in the irradiation surface to have high uniformity. The illumination apparatus includes the light source that emits a light beam having a rectangular shape, a DMD on which light emitted from the light source is incident and which controls reflection/non-reflection of the incident light by opening/closing control of minute mirrors, an optical system that shapes the light reflected by the DMD, a half mirror that splits the light emitted from the optical system into irradiation light and monitor light, the irradiation surface irradiated with the irradiation light, a monitor unit that measures illuminance of the monitor light, and a control unit that transmits a control signal to control opening/closing of the minute mirrors of the DMD to the DMD, based on a measurement result measured by the monitor unit. In this case, an illuminance distribution in the irradiation surface is adjusted to a predetermined value.
US08634070B2
In a method and apparatus for optically inspecting a magnetic disk, irradiating the surface of the sample with a light by rotating and moving the sample in the direction orthogonal to the center axis of the rotation, detecting the regular reflection light from the surface of the sample, detecting the scattered light in the vicinity of the regular reflection light from the surface of the sample by separating the scattered light from the regular reflection light, detecting the scattered light scattered in the direction at a higher angle with respect to the normal direction of the surface of the sample, and detecting the defects by processing the detection signal of the regular reflection light, the detection signal of the scattered light in the vicinity of the regular reflection light, and the detection signal of the scattered light in the high angle direction.
US08634069B2
A defect inspection device, which inspects defects such as foreign materials existing on a specimen on which a circuit pattern of wiring or the like is formed, is provided with an illumination optical system which illuminates a plurality of different areas the specimen with a plurality of linear shaped beams and an image forming optical system that forms images of the plurality of the illuminated areas on a plurality of detectors, and the detectors are configured to receive a plurality of polarization components substantially at the same time and individually, wherein the polarization components are different from each other and are contained in each of the plurality of the optical images formed by the image forming optical system, thereby detecting a plurality of signals corresponding to the polarization components and carrying out the inspection at high speed under a plurality of optical conditions.
US08634065B2
A method for operating a jamming laser in a DIRCM system on board an aircraft in a manner that is safe for eyes. The energy radiated by the jamming laser since the start of combat is determined, depending on the aircraft's flight condition, a limit is determined for the permitted energy radiation, where the limit corresponds to a laser protection distance to be observed for this flight condition, and when the limit is reached, radiation is suppressed.
US08634058B2
An immersion lithographic apparatus is provided in which a maximum permissible velocity of the substrate relative to a fluid confinement structure that controls the immersion fluid is determined based on a property of the substrate to be exposed and, during the exposure process, the velocity of the substrate relative to the fluid confinement structure is limited to be below this maximum permissible velocity.
US08634053B2
A liquid confinement system for use in immersion lithography is disclosed in which the meniscus of liquid between the liquid confinement system and the substrate is pinned substantially in place by a meniscus pinning feature. The meniscus pinning feature comprises a plurality of discrete outlets arranged in a polygonal shape.
US08634050B2
A liquid crystal display device using a plastic substrate becomes required to have high resolution, high opening ratio, high reliability, or the like, with the increasing of a screen size. Besides, high productivity and cost reduction is also required. According to the present invention, a protective film 123 comprising at least one silicon nitride film, which is formed by a ratio frequency sputtering using a silicon target, is provided over an opposing substrate (a flexible substrate); sealant 112 is drawn; a liquid crystal material 114 is dropped over the opposing substrate in vacuo; and the opposing substrate is pasted to a flexible substrate 110 provided with a pixel electrode 111 and a columnar spacer 115.
US08634049B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a TFT substrate having a display region which has first and second electrodes, a plurality of TFTs and a plurality of scanning signal lines connected to the plurality of TFTs, a counter substrate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the TFT and counter substrates, and sealed by a sealant, a plurality of scanning line leads connected to the plurality of scanning signal lines formed in a region outside of the display region, and a shield electrode formed on the TFT substrate covering the plurality of scanning line leads. The second electrode is connected to one of the plurality of TFTs, and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are driven by an electric field, which is generated between the first and second electrodes. The shield electrode is electrically connected to the first electrode and overlapped with the sealant in plan view.
US08634041B2
To sophisticate a portable electronic appliance without hindering reduction of the weight and the size, more specifically, to sophisticate a liquid crystal display apparatus installed in a portable electronic appliance without hindering the mechanical strength, a liquid crystal display apparatus includes a first plastic substrate, a light-emitting device which is disposed over the first plastic substrate, resin which covers the light-emitting device, an insulating film which is in contact with the resin, a semiconductor device which is in contact with the insulating film, a liquid crystal cell which is electrically connected to the semiconductor device, and a second plastic substrate, wherein the semiconductor device and the liquid crystal cell are disposed between the first plastic substrate and the second plastic substrate.
US08634020B2
A structured light pattern is projected onto a scene using pulses of light emitted by light emitting diodes (LEDs) of the projector, wherein during the pulses of the LEDs, the LEDs are driven at an overdrive current when the LEDS are ON. A sensor of a camera only integrates light from the scene during the pulses to acquire images of the scene.
US08634012B2
Provided is a solid-state image pickup device that includes: a pixel portion having a plurality of pixels that are arranged in a two-dimensional array and generate pixel signals; a readout row counter that generates row addresses for reading the pixel portion; a first reset row counter that generates a row address for resetting a first field of the pixel portion; a second reset row counter that generates a row address for resetting a second field of the pixel portion; a selector that selects one of the row addresses generated by the readout row counter, the first reset row counter, and the second reset row counter; and pixel driving units that respectively select two rows: an odd-numbered row and a neighboring even-numbered row of the pixel portion corresponding to the selected row address.
US08634004B2
Method of monitoring an image capture system (1) comprising a sensor (C) comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements (Z1, Z2, Zn) and an optical device (L) for focusing the light emitted from a scene towards the sensor. This method comprises the obtaining (100) of respective responses of certain at least of the photosensitive elements (E1, E1′, P1, P2) of the sensor to an exposure of the image capture system to any scene (S), followed by a determination (200) of at least one deviation (Δ) between at least one quantity (G) deduced from the responses obtained and at least one reference quantity (Gref). These steps may be followed by an estimation (300) of an optical effect of the image capture system (1) on the basis of said deviation (Δ) determined and optionally by an implementation of an action able to at least partially compensate (400) for the estimated optical defect.
US08634000B2
The image pickup apparatus includes an image production unit producing an image by using an output signal from an image pickup unit, a size detection unit detecting a size of a specific object in the image, a storage unit storing a target value of the size of the specific object, a control unit performing auto zoom control that automatically provides a zoom operation to make the size of the specific object equal or closer to the target value, and a position detection unit detecting a position of the specific object in the image. The control unit controls, in the auto zoom control, a speed of the zoom operation depending on the position of the specific object detected by the position detection unit. The apparatus can prevent easy disappearance of the specific object from the image when the auto zoom operation is performed.
US08633985B2
A method and apparatus for collecting information relating to a driver of a motor vehicle using portable computing apparatus, camera for capturing an image or images relating to operation of the vehicle by the driver and a location sensor for providing information relating to location of the vehicle. The computing apparatus is capable of recording information from an observer relating to operation of the vehicle by the driver to enable the driver to be assessed. The method and apparatus may be applied to capturing information relating to any observable scene. Information collected as above may be used for a training or an information program for drivers or users of vehicles.
US08633983B2
A feature detection apparatus and method for obtaining in a defined area of interest a parametric shape based on a selected combination of parameter values, constituting an approximation to an object feature. The feature detection apparatus includes an input unit for receiving at least two area indicator lines for defining in a digital image an area of interest, a parameter range defining unit for defining ranges of at least two parameters of a parametric shape, for which the parametric shape intersects at least one of the area indicator lines; a parameter selection unit for selecting a combination of parameter values from the parameter ranges, for which the parametric shape constitutes an approximation to an object feature of the object in the area of interest; and an output unit for providing the parametric shape based on said combination of parameter values for a display in the digital image.
US08633982B2
A monitoring system for use with a sewing machine. The monitoring system includes a camera assembly mounted to a base of the sewing machine with a camera that collects images from a bottom side of the fabric. The camera assembly delivers images of the back side of the fabric to a monitor assembly that includes a display device. The display device displays the images collected by the camera. The monitor can be mounted to an upper or arm portion of the sewing machine for convenient viewing by the operator during use of the sewing machine.
US08633980B2
The present invention discloses a monitoring apparatus having a detachable display device and a power failure protection, wherein the monitoring apparatus comprises a main body and the display device. When the display device is installed to the main body, a second terminal socket of the display device and a first terminal socket of the main body are inlaid, such that corresponding connecting terminals exposed out of the main body and display device can be electrically conducted with each other. When the display device is detached from the main body, a second switch of the display device and a first switch of the main body are in an opened status respectively, such that the connecting terminals exposed out of the main body and display device cannot receive electric power, however, the main body and display device can still be electrically coupled by a transmission line through corresponding ports thereof.
US08633979B2
A method to dynamically register a graphic on a driving scene of a vehicle utilizing a graphic projection display includes monitoring a user input indicated to a portion of the graphic projection display, determining a graphic representing a user-defined content based on the monitored user input indicated to the portion of the graphic projection display, dynamically registering a location of the graphic upon the graphic projection display corresponding to the driving scene of the vehicle, and displaying the graphic upon the graphic projection display.
US08633978B2
A human face detection device includes a photosensitive element, a human face detection unit, and a skin color threshold generation unit. The photosensitive element is used for capturing a first image containing a first human face block. The human face detection unit compares the first image with at least one human face feature, so as to detect the first human face block. The skin color threshold generation unit is used for updating a skin color threshold value according to the detected first human face block. The skin color threshold value is used for filtering the first image signal to obtain a candidate region, the human face detection unit compares the candidate region with the at least one human face feature to obtain the first human face block, and the skin color threshold value determines whether the first human face block detected by the human face detection unit is correct.
US08633975B2
A network based surgical system including a first medical device having a first network interface, a second medical device having a second network interface, a communications network over which the first medical device, through the first network interface, and the second medical device, through the second network interface, are communicable, wherein the first network interface and the second network interface employ the same network protocol for communicating over the communications network, and wherein the first network interface has a maximum throughput greater than a maximum throughput of the second network interface.
US08633972B2
A method for displaying image information on an autostereoscopic screen that is suitable for simultaneous display of a plurality of views visible respectively from at least one of a plurality of laterally offset viewing zones. A first stereoscopic half-image and a second stereoscopic half-image, which are perceptible simultaneously and together produce a stereoimage, are reproduced on the screen such that the first stereoscopic half-image is visible from two laterally offset and respectively continuous regions, while the second stereoscopic half-image is visible from a stereozone which is situated between the two mentioned regions and is smaller than each of these two regions.
US08633970B1
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for augmenting reality are described herein. An embodiment may include computing a real-world depth map using real-world imagery captured by an imaging device, providing, to a rendering engine, perspective information including location coordinates representing a location of the imaging device, rendering a computed depth map based on geographical data retrieved from a server in response to the providing, the geographical data corresponding to at least the location of the imaging device, correlating the real-world depth map with the computed depth map to improve accuracy of the location of the imaging device represented by the location coordinates, and overlaying the real-world imagery with virtual information based on the correlated real-world depth map and the computed depth map.
US08633955B2
A liquid dispensing system includes a downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid dispensing channel includes an outlet that exits onto the downwardly inclined slide surface. A carrier liquid flows continuously through the carrier liquid dispensing channel, the outlet of the carrier liquid dispensing channel, and down the slide surface. A liquid dispenser array structure includes functional liquid dispensers located on a substrate that is common to the functional liquid dispensers. The functional liquid dispensers include a functional liquid supply channel. A functional liquid source provides a functional liquid to the functional liquid dispensers through the functional liquid supply channel. A drop formation device, associated with an interface of the functional liquid supply channel and the downwardly inclined slide surface, is selectively actuated to form discrete functional liquid drops in the carrier liquid flowing down the slide surface. The functional liquid is immiscible in the carrier liquid.
US08633945B2
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes following units. The correspondence table describes a relationship between blood vessel contrasts and reference contrast medium concentrations and reference X-ray conditions. The acquisition unit acquires a blood vessel contrast by referring to the correspondence table based on the planned value of a contrast medium concentration and the X-ray condition. The calculation unit calculates a predictive pixel value of a region of interest set on the X-ray image based on the blood vessel contrast. The display unit displays the X-ray image while superimposing a partial image with the predictive pixel value on the region of interest.
US08633941B2
An image-processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a determining unit determining a type of image data; a holding unit holding color value for the still images, and holding a ratio for the moving image for each moving image, an updating unit updating the color value and the ratio, and a display unit displaying composite image data. For each piece of image data to be drawn, the updating unit updates each ratio based on a transmittance of the image data, updates the color value and a transmittance of a still image when it is a still image, and updates the color value data based on a transmittance of a moving image, and causes the transmittance to be further held as a ratio of the moving image when it is a moving image. The display unit displays the composite image data using the color value and the ratio.
US08633936B2
The disclosure relates to a programmable streaming processor that is capable of executing mixed-precision (e.g., full-precision, half-precision) instructions using different execution units. The various execution units are each capable of using graphics data to execute instructions at a particular precision level. An exemplary programmable shader processor includes a controller and multiple execution units. The controller is configured to receive an instruction for execution and to receive an indication of a data precision for execution of the instruction. The controller is also configured to receive a separate conversion instruction that, when executed, converts graphics data associated with the instruction to the indicated data precision. When operable, the controller selects one of the execution units based on the indicated data precision. The controller then causes the selected execution unit to execute the instruction with the indicated data precision using the graphics data associated with the instruction.
US08633935B2
A main processor collects the edge information and color information of the pixels of a rendering target image using a rendering command, and sends the collected edge information and color information of the pixels to a sub-processor of the succeeding stage. The sub-processor sends the edge information and color information of a left rectangular region to a sub-processor, and also renders a right rectangular region and, upon receiving a process wait signal from the sub-processor, sends the rendering result to the sub-processor. The sub-processor renders the left rectangular region and sends the rendering result to the outside, and also sends, to the outside, the rendering result of the right rectangular region acquired by sending a process wait signal to the sub-processor.
US08633927B2
In an example embodiment, 3D graphics object information associated with a render of a frame may be stored in an object-indexed cache in a memory. The 3D graphics object information comprises results for one or more shading operations further comprises one or more input values for the one or more shading operations.
US08633920B2
A display device includes: a pixel array including pixel circuits arranged in a matrix state, in which each pixel circuit has a light emitting element, a drive transistor, and a storage capacitor storing a threshold voltage of the drive transistor and an inputted signal value; a threshold correction operation means for performing a threshold correction operation plural times, which allows the storage capacitor to store the threshold voltage of the drive transistor by supplying a drive voltage to the drive transistor in a state in which a gate potential of the drive transistor is in a reference value before giving the signal value to the storage capacitor; and a cut-off control means for cutting off the drive transistor by supplying an intermediate voltage which is lower than the drive voltage to the drive transistor in a after-correction period which is the period after the period of the threshold correction operation.
US08633915B2
A touch sensor panel having co-planar single-layer touch sensors fabricated on a single side of a substrate is disclosed. The drive and sense lines can be fabricated as column-like patterns in a first orientation and patches in a second orientation, where each column-like pattern in the first orientation is connected to a separate metal trace in the border area of the touch sensor panel, and all patches in each of multiple rows in the second orientation are connected together using a separate metal trace in the border area of the touch sensor panel. The metal traces in the border areas can be formed on the same side of the substrate as the patches and columns, but separated from the patches and column-like patterns by a dielectric layer.
US08633913B1
An apparatus for controlling an aviation display is provided. The apparatus includes processing electronics configured to cause a first representation of aviation data to be shown in a first format and to cause, in response to a user input relative to the first format, a second representation of the aviation data to be shown in a second format, in a predefined location on a region of an aircraft display.
US08633910B2
An information processing device includes two casings that are openably/closably coupled to each other, a detection unit that is provided on at least one of the two casings and is configured to detect one of contact and proximity of an operation input with respect to an operation surface, and a control unit configured to extract a variation component, which varies along with proximity of the two casings in opening/closing of the two casings, based on a detection result, which is detected by the detection unit, and detect an opening/closing angle of the two casings based on the variation component.
US08633907B2
A touch screen overlay includes a flexible, substantially planar portion having length and width dimensions corresponding to a touch screen of an electronics appliance, one or more features for aligning the substantially planar portion with the touch screen, and a pattern of raised features and/or openings, providing facility for a person to interact with individual features or openings by touch rather than be sight.
US08633899B2
A display device includes a plurality of touch sensors and a touch sensor controller. The touch sensor controller defines sensing units. Each of the sensing units includes at least two touch sensors. The touch sensor controller generates coordinates information of the sensing unit when all of the touch sensors of the sensing unit are generating an output signal or at least one of the touch sensors of the sensing unit is generating an output signal.
US08633889B2
A driving method of a display device comprising a display area including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, comprising a first step and a second step. In the first step, a first signal is input to each of the plurality of pixels and a first image is displayed on the display area. In the second step, a second signal is input to each of the plurality of pixels; an afterimage that appears on the display area in the first step is erased; a second image is displayed on the display area. The second step is performed after the first step.
US08633879B2
The present disclosure generally provides for a variety of multi-domain pixel configurations that may be implemented in the unit pixels of an LCD display device, such as a fringe field switching LCD display panel. An LCD display device utilizing one or more of the presently disclosed techniques disclosed herein may exhibit improved display properties, such as viewing angle, color shift, and transmittance properties, relative to those exhibited by conventional multi-domain designs.
US08633874B2
A display device includes luminescence pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each of gate lines and reset lines correspond to one of the rows, and signals lines each correspond to one of the columns. Each luminescence pixels includes a luminescence element, a switching transistor, a drive transistor which supplies current to the luminescence element, and a reset transistor. The reset transistor includes a gate terminal connected to a corresponding reset line, one of a source and drain terminal connected to a source or drain terminal of the drive transistor, and the other of the source and drain terminal connected to a corresponding gate line. A capacitor is connected between the gate terminal and the source terminal of the drive transistor.
US08633871B2
If an image acquired from a video camera (113) contains a two-dimensional bar code as information unique to an operation input device (116), information unique to the video camera (113) and the information unique to the operation input device (116) are managed in a shared memory (107) in association with each other.
US08633867B2
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a detachable sub-display unit. A mobile terminal having a detachable sub-display unit includes a first body unit having a first display unit to a front surface of the first body unit. The invention also includes a second body unit having a second display unit to a front surface of the second body unit, wherein a magnet is formed on at least a portion of one side surface of the first body unit and at least a portion of one side surface of the second body unit, and the second body unit can be detachably coupled to the at least one side surface of the first body unit by the magnet.
US08633866B2
Frequency-selective surface (FSS) structures that may be used in a variety of different filtering capacities and applications. According to exemplary embodiments, there is disclosed: 1) a one-sided FSS structure that has a conductive grid and conductive loops located on the same side of a thin substrate and exhibits a single pole frequency response; 2) a multiple layer FSS structure that has several one-sided FSS layers and exhibits a multiple pole frequency response; 3) a loop/loop tunable FSS structure where the frequency response can be adjusted or tuned with a bias network; 4) a grid/grid tunable FSS structure where the frequency response can be adjusted or tuned without the use of bias network; and 5) an antenna arrangement that has a FSS structure placed over top of antenna array so that the need for separate components, like bulky filters in a transceiver chain, can be eliminated.
US08633863B2
One or more input signals are used to generate a Pseudo noise generator and re-inject the signal to obtain a more efficient method of control of a receiver using adaptive antenna array technology. The antenna array automatically adjusts its direction to the optimum using information obtained from the input signal by the receiving antenna elements. The input signals may be stored in memory for retrieval, comparison and then used to optimize reception. The difference between the outputs of the memorized signals and the reference signal is used as an error signal.
US08633861B2
Structures and methods for a tunable waveguide radiating element are disclosed. The waveguide radiating element comprises a rectangular tube, which includes partially filled dielectric slabs that are disposed on parallel planes and incident on a lower edge of the element's mouth. The faces of each slab are engraved with a number of concentric SRR squares that present a gap on one of its sides. The distance between any two consecutive slabs may vary. The gaps of the outmost square may be arranged in such a way that, on the facing sides of two adjacent slabs, the gaps are rotated with respect to each other.
US08633860B2
The subject disclosure may include, for example, a multi-port antenna structure including an antenna having a first antenna port to transmit electromagnetic signals and a second antenna port to receive electromagnetic signals, where the antenna is coupled to a housing assembly of a communication device to transmit energy between the housing assembly and the first antenna port and second antenna port, and where first resonant modes of the housing assembly for the first antenna port and second resonant modes of the housing assembly for the second antenna port are such that the first and second antenna ports are substantially isolated from each other. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08633857B2
An antenna structure includes a substrate, a radiation unit, and a metal plate. The radiation unit is disposed on the substrate. The metal plate is separated from the radiation unit for a distance and is electrically isolated with the radiation unit. The metal plate is excited by the radiation unit to generate at least one resonance mode, and includes a hole penetrating the metal plate. Thus, the gain is enhanced, the bandwidth is increased, and multiple resonance modes are provided.
US08633855B2
In a technique for communication with a station on a wireless network, the technique includes forming a plurality of narrow-band beams, each having a different angular direction from an antenna of a base station and collectively distributed over a beamspace to form a pseudo-omni-directional beam pattern. That beamspace may span an entire spherical region or a portion thereof, for example, when the narrow-band beams are broadcast over a sector of an entire spherical region. The technique may assign each of the plurality of narrow-band beams to a different frequency band (such as a different channel band or sub-channel) on the wireless network. The technique may simultaneously broadcast the plurality of narrow-band beams in a time-varying manner such that the angular direction of each of the plurality of narrow-band beams varies with time, where that variation may be random or ordered.
US08633854B2
A system for generating and utilizing a look-up mechanism consisting of one or more phase difference error maps, tables and/or mathematical models calculates the respective maps, tables and/or models by placing a short baseline or ultra-short baseline antenna array in a known location and known orientation, determining angles of incidence of incoming GNSS satellite signals with respect the antenna array and calculating expected carrier phase differences between respective pairs of antennas, calculating measured carrier phase differences between the respective pairs of antennas, and determining carrier phase difference errors using the expected and measured carrier phase differences. The carrier phase difference errors are then recorded in the look-up mechanism, with the maps and, as appropriate, look-up tables for the respective pairs of antennas being indexed by angles of incidence. Thereafter, the system utilizes the look-up mechanism when determining the unknown orientation of the antenna structure. For respective pairs of antennas, the system enters the look-up mechanism based on angles of incidence determined from a calculated orientation, and uses the retrieved values in the calculation of a corrected orientation, to compensate for phase distortion.
US08633850B2
A method and apparatus for identifying locations of objects. A portion of a sum signal corresponding to angular locations and velocities with respect to a sensor system that are different from a selected angular location and a selected velocity with respect to the sensor system, respectively, is modified to form a set of modified sum signals. A portion of a difference signal corresponding to the angular locations and the velocities with respect to the sensor system that are different from the selected angular location and the selected velocity with respect to the sensor system, respectively, is modified to form a modified difference signal. An angular location of a target object is identified with respect to the sensor system using the set of modified sum signals and the modified difference signal.
US08633849B2
A vehicle mounted radar device operable to scan a transmission wave to detect a detection point representing a position of an object disposed around the vehicle on the basis of a reflected wave of the transmission wave from the object. The radar device includes a reading unit, a continuity determination unit, a setting unit, anti an object determination unit that are configured to prevent the radar device from erroneously determining different pieces of object information as a single object.
US08633847B2
A differential analog-digital converter is provided. The converter comprises a decision unit for evaluating a potential difference between two input signal lines, a number of charging units for each input signal line each configured to add a predetermined charge onto the respective input signal line, a number of discharging units for each input signal line each configured to remove a predetermined charge from the respective input signal line and a control unit for selectively switching each of the charging units and discharging units so that depending on one result of evaluating the potential difference between the two input signal lines one of the input signal lines is charged by adding the predetermined charge of the respective switched charging unit while the respective other of the input signal lines is discharged by removing the predetermined charge of the respective switched discharging unit.
US08633841B2
A signal processing device includes amplifiers that are capable of amplifying detected signals using amplification factors that are different from each other; A/D converters that sample plural signals amplified by the amplifiers using the different amplification factors and output from the amplifiers; calculators that perform, on the basis of the amplification factors of the plural amplifiers, calculation on plural data pieces converted by the A/D converters; and a selector that selects one or more of output data pieces from among plural data pieces output from the calculators.
US08633838B2
Methods and apparatus for compressing data for network transport in support of continuous availability of applications are described. One computer-implemented method of compressing data includes receiving a current instance of data in an input buffer. A candidate chunk of data is selected from the input buffer. A signature hash is computed from a signature length range of data within the candidate chunk. A matching dictionary entry having a matching signature hash from a multi-tiered dictionary is identified. The matching dictionary entry prospectively identifies a location of a prior occurrence of a selected range of consecutive symbols including the signature length range of data within at least one of the current instance of data and a prior instance of data in the input buffer. A dedupe processed representation of the instance of data is formed wherein a dedupe item is substituted for the selected range of consecutive symbols if the selected range is verified as recurring. The dedupe item identifies the location of the prior occurrence of the selected range in accordance with the matching dictionary entry.
US08633827B2
A patient table system for medical applications is provided. The table system comprises: a table top; at least one sensor configured to measure information representative of a pressure exerted by a patient on the table top when the patient is in a lying position; and a safety detector configured to compare the measured information with reference data of the table top mechanical resistance and to provide an alert depending on the result of the comparison.
US08633821B2
A radio frequency identification (RFID) device has multiple modes of operation. One of the modes of operation is an electronic article surveillance (EAS) mode, which is used to allow use of the RFID device as an EAS device. Another mode of operation is an RFID mode, which allows normal function of the RFID device in RFID communications. The EAS mode has greater sensitivity than the RFID mode, requires less power than the RFID mode to operate the device, and requires less current and/or voltage for operation. The EAS mode may achieve these different characteristics by one or more of: switching off some digital blocks in the circuitry of the RFID device; reducing power storage required to respond to incoming signals; reducing the length of response to incoming signals; reducing modulation required for a response; changing chip input impedance; and having multiple chip ports with different impedances.
US08633818B2
An emergency service provider contact system includes a portable chassis. A processor is housed in the portable chassis. A storage, a communications module, at least one sensor, and a display are coupled to the processor and housed in the portable chassis. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium is housed in the portable chassis, coupled to the processor, and includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to monitor the at least one sensor and, in response to detecting an alert event through the at least one sensor, search the storage using the alert event to retrieve contact information for at least one emergency service provider that is associated with the alert event, and contact the emergency service provider through the communications module using the contact information.
US08633817B2
A displacement device for mapping wireless signal fingerprints includes motion sensors and at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) sensor and a round trip time (RTT) sensor. The motion sensors may include a pedometer and one or more sensors to receive turn information. The start position of the displacement device is initialized and as the displacement device is moved through an environment, the position of each measurement location is determined using the initialized position and data from the motion sensors. The measurement position along with the RSSI and/or RTT measurement is stored in a database, from which a map can be generated. The position of the access point may be determined using the RSSI measurement or RTT measurement. Additionally, accumulated errors in the measurement position may be monitored and when greater than a threshold, a user may be prompted to reinitialize the position of the displacement device.
US08633815B2
A system for automatically monitoring traffic, identifying vehicles traveling in violation of predetermined regulations and for automatically and immediately issuing traffic citations includes an audio or visual signal to the operator of the motor vehicle that they are in violation of regulations and receiving a citation. A printer is included in the vehicle and activatible from a remote station to immediately print the citation. A vehicle disposed receiver/transmitter/comparator includes ownership data that is transmitted to a remote station together with operating data that may result in an infraction.
US08633799B1
A method for controlling access to a storage unit owned by an owner, wherein a renter has access to the storage unit unless the owner receives the legal right to deny the renter access to the storage unit and decides to do so. In this method, the storage unit is secured by a lock that is, at least in part, controlled by the renter. A remotely controllable lockout assembly, however, is capable of over locking the storage unit so that the renter can no longer gain entry when the lockout assembly is activated. The method includes remotely controlling the lockout assembly to deny the renter access to the unit when the owner receives the legal right to deny the renter access to the storage unit and decides to do so.
US08633794B2
An electronic component and manufacturing method for preparing an electronic component includes providing a first insulator layer having a first nickel content rate. A coil conductor and a second insulator layer having a first bismuth content rate and a second nickel content rate higher than the first nickel content rate are provided on the first insulator layer. The first insulator layer, the coil conductor, and the second insulator layer constitute a first unit layer. The first unit layer and an exterior insulator layer are laminated to obtain a laminate. After a step of firing the laminate, a nickel content rate in a first portion of the first insulator layer, the first portion being sandwiched between the coil conductors from both sides facing in a lamination direction, is lower than a nickel content rate in a second portion of the first insulator layer other than the first portion.
US08633793B1
The common mode filter of the instant disclosure includes a non-magnetic insulating substrate, a stacked-layer structure, an insulating layer, and a magnetic layer. The stacked-layer structure is arranged on the non-magnetic insulating substrate. The magnetic layer is covered on the stacked-layer structure by the insulating layer arranged therebetween. The stacked-layer structure comprises a first coil and second coil, wherein the first coil is coupled to the second coil to suppress the common mode noise. Specially, a width W (mm) and a length L (mm) of at least one coil in the first and second coils satisfy the relational expression of: [(14.1−fc)/6.5]2
US08633789B2
Embodiments relate to a force arrangement (50, 60) adapted to be mounted on a surface of a radio frequency filter that comprises a housing and a filter part extending along a first axis (A), the filter part being connected to a first side of the housing arranged perpendicular to the first axis (A) in a connection, the connection forming a contact seam between the filter part and the first side of the housing, wherein the force arrangement (50, 60) comprises a first spring part (56, 62) that is arranged, when mounted against the first side of the housing, to provide a first force in a first direction along the first axis (A) being opposite a direction of a stress force on the contact seam generated along the first axis (A) due to expansion of the housing (20) along the first axis (A) in the opposite direction of the provided force.
US08633787B2
A microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) device includes a secondary MEMS element displaceably coupled to a substrate. A primary MEMS element is displaceably coupled to the secondary MEMS element and has a resonant frequency substantially equal to the secondary MEMS element and has a much larger displacement than the secondary MEMS element.
US08633781B2
An apparatus for providing impedance matching between a single-ended circuit and a differential circuit includes first and second capacitors and first and second inductors. The first capacitor is connected between an input/output of the single-ended circuit and a first differential input/output of the differential circuit. The first inductor is connected between the input/output of the single-ended circuit and a second differential input/output of the differential circuit. The second capacitor is connected between the second differential input/output of the differential circuit and ground. The second inductor is connected between the first differential input/output of the differential circuit and the second differential input/output of the differential circuit.
US08633779B2
A pulse width modulator for modulating a rectangular carrier signal in accordance with an input signal includes a modulating unit that receives the input signal and provides a digital output word. The output word has a pre-defined number of digits comprising a first contiguous set of binary ones (“1”) and a second contiguous set of binary zeroes (“0”) and in which the fraction of the binary ones (“1”) represents the digital input signal. The modulator also includes a random number generator that generates a pseudo-random sequence, and a flipping unit configured to flip, or not, the output word provided by the modulating unit in accordance with the pseudo-random sequence thus providing a randomly modified digital pulse width modulated output signal.
US08633774B2
Improvements in and relating to electronic pulse generation or oscillation circuitry based on a signal path exhibiting endless electromagnetic continuity and affording signal phase inversion in setting pulse duration or half-cycles of oscillation within time of signal traverse of said signal path, and having active switching means associated with said signal path to set rise and fall times of each said pulse or said half-cycle of oscillation, including for frequency adjustment by selective inductance and power saving without stopping pulse generation or oscillation.
US08633773B2
A gas cell unit has a gas cell, inside which a gaseous alkali metal atom is sealed, a heater that heats the gas cell. The heater includes a heating resistor including a plurality of band-like portions so as to be parallel to each other. By making the directions of electric current flowing through two band-like portions adjacent to each other opposite to each other, it is possible to mutually offset or alleviate the magnetic fields generated along with the electric conduction to the plurality of band-like portions.
US08633757B1
AFE circuitry handles both voltage and current input signals. In one embodiment, both a voltage path and a current path are provided from the input. Switching circuitry selects one of the paths. A switch also turns on or off a current-to-voltage conversion circuit used to convert a current input into a voltage. In one embodiment, noise is significantly reduced by using a dedicated ground pin or terminal for the negative reference of a differential circuit. This applies the same external board noise, which is on the input signal, to the negative reference, so the noise is canceled in the differential signal. In one embodiment, temperature compensation is provided via an IPTAT circuit which is used to shift the voltage up in order to balance the decrease in DC voltage with increasing temperature.
US08633754B2
In one embodiment, a variable attenuator is disclosed having an attenuation circuit and a control circuit. The attenuation circuit may include a first series connected attenuation circuit segment and a shunt connected attenuation circuit segment, as well as additional attenuation circuit segments. Each attenuation circuit segment includes a stack of transistors that are coupled to provide the attenuation circuit segment with a variable impedance level having a continuous impedance range. In this manner, the control circuit may be operably associated with the stack of transistors in each attenuation circuit segment to control the variable attenuation level of the variable attenuator.
US08633732B2
A circuit implementing a soft logical processing network includes an interconnection of analog processing elements, which can include soft logic gates, for instance soft Equals gates and soft XOR gates. In some examples, each of the soft logic gates include multiple circuit parts, with each part including an input configured to accept a voltage signal representation of a soft logical quantity, and a conversion section configured to use the accepted voltage representation to form a corresponding current signal. The current signals are combined to form a signal representation of the output of the gate. In an application of soft logic gates, a memory includes a group of electrical storage elements, each electrical storage elements carrying a respective storage values; a group of conversion elements, each conversion element being coupled to a respective electrical storage element for selectively converting the corresponding storage value to a current signal; and a current combination element for combining the current signals to form an output signal.
US08633726B2
A semiconductor device evaluation apparatus includes a current measurement portion that measures a current value at multiple times included in a period from the beginning of application of a voltage to a semiconductor device to a steady state of the current value flowing through the semiconductor device; a period division portion that divides the period into a first period and a second period later than the first period and finds a curve approximately representing a temporal change in a current value measured at time included in the second period so that a difference between a current value measured at the time included in the first period and a current value found by extrapolating the curve at the same time becomes greater than a specified threshold value; and a current estimation portion that estimates a current value flowing through the semiconductor device at the start time.
US08633724B2
A probe-unit base member having high rigidity and requiring no troublesome operations for its manufacture and a probe unit are provided. To achieve the purpose, the probe-unit base member includes a conductive substrate 41 that has a first opening 41a capable of fitting therein a probe holder 3 and a second opening 41b communicated with the first opening 41a; a coating 42 that is made of an insulating adhesive agent and is coated at least on an edge of the second opening 41b; and an insulating guide member 43 that is bonded to the edge of the second opening 41b through the coating 42 and guides one of two contact bodies to a position in contact with probes 2.
US08633716B2
A method and the device for position detection are disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of strips intersecting each other to form a plurality of intersecting regions. A pair of depressed strips intersecting on an intersecting region contact to each other to form a depressed intersecting region. According to the depressed intersecting regions, each depression can be determined. The total contact impedance of a depressing crossover a plurality of intersecting regions is the parallel contact impedance of the contact impedances of all intersecting regions corresponding to the same depression.
US08633715B2
Proximity sensing arrangements utilize one or more sensing devices to detect and/or to discern objects that are or become proximate, or are expected to be proximate to a position of interest. For example, one or more capacitive sensors may be distributed to locations about a machine, e.g., attached to, incorporated with, or otherwise associated with a moving or otherwise operating component of the machine. Corresponding control electronics drive each capacitive sensor, using a corresponding excitation signal, as well as process information read from each capacitive sensor to make intelligent proximity related decisions.
US08633714B2
An impedance detection circuit includes a detection circuit, a correction circuit, a subtraction circuit, and an AC signal generator. The detection circuit has a first operational amplifier having an inverting input terminal coupled with one end of a signal line to whose other end a measured capacitor Cs is coupled, a non-inverting input terminal coupled with a shielding wire covering at least a part of the signal line and an output terminal of the AC signal generator, and an output terminal, and a second feedback resistor coupled between the output terminal and the inverting input terminal of the first operational amplifier. The correction circuit has a third resistor and a variable capacitor, and corrects a detection signal outputted from the first operational amplifier by adjusting a capacitance of the variable capacitor.
US08633711B2
This invention provides methods and devices for detecting the viscosity and conductivity of a conductive fluid sample. A sample fluid can be received into a sample chamber between a field inductor and sensor inductor. Electromagnetic fields generated by the field inductor can be modulated due to the counter-emf induced in the sample. The modulations can be detected by the sensor inductor and correlated to electric parameters in the fluid.
US08633710B1
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for obtaining an image of the impedance properties of an object by inferring a measure of straight-line path impedance along a plurality of paths from a plurality of current amplitude and phase measurements made between combinations of electrodes placed at selected points, and/or from measurements of the intensity of the electromagnetic signal emitted when an alternating current is made to resonate along the straight line path.
US08633704B2
The helium sensor comprises a housing that encloses a detection chamber. A side of the housing is closed by a permeable wall that is selective for helium. In the detection chamber, there is located an ion getter pump comprising an anode, a cathode and a magnetic field. The cathode, or a cathode leg is made of beryllium. Beryllium has a low atomic mass, whereby the likewise light-weight helium ions can be better incorporated into the cathode material.
US08633703B2
A conductivity sensor for measuring conductivity of a medium surrounding the conductivity sensor, including: a first toroidal coil, which surrounds a first traversing opening for accommodating the medium and which serves for inducing an electrical current in the medium, a second toroidal coil, which surrounds a second traversing opening for accommodating the medium and which serves for registering a magnetic field produced by the induced electrical current. At least one of the toroidal coils has a plurality of first conductor sections, which extend in a plane of a multi-ply circuit card, a plurality of second conductor sections, which extend in a second plane of the circuit card, and a plurality of first vias, which connect the first conductor sections with the second conductor sections. The first conductor sections, the second conductor sections and the vias together form the windings of a toroidal coil, wherein at least one toroidal coil is surrounded by a plurality of internally metallized bores, which are arranged in such a manner, that they act as electrical shielding of the toroidal coil.
US08633701B2
A formation measurement and processing technique which reduces the effects of standoff between a resistivity tool and a borehole wall where the resistivity tool utilizes capacitive coupling between the tool and the formation to obtain resistivity data useful to generate a resistivity image of the formation. Reduction of standoff effects is achieved through the use of multi-frequency, phase sensitive measurements to identify a measured resonance frequency that may be used to produce an image that utilizes measurements least affected by the tool standoff and unknown or unspecified inductance of the tool. Reduction of standoff effects are the most pronounced in the case of the low resistivity formations and oil-based, low-conductive drilling fluids.
US08633699B2
A method and apparatus includes detecting lightning induced electromagnetic pulses and determining a physical property of an underground structure based on the lightning induced electromagnetic pulses. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an antenna, a low noise amplifier, a processor, cable, and a transmitter. The antenna includes three substantively perpendicular loops of electrical conductors. The processor is configured to condition the amplified signal. The cable is about 100 meters in length and connects the low noise amplifier to the processor. The transmitter is configured to send conditioned data to a data aggregation system.
US08633698B2
There is provided a gradient coil device which can suppress any generation of an error magnetic field and thus an eddy current, and which can improve the image quality of a cross-sectional image. An MRI device includes a first coil generating a linear magnetic field distribution at an imaging region of the MRI device, and a second coil which suppresses any leakage of a magnetic field from the first coil to a static-magnetic-field coil device that generates a uniform magnetic field distribution at the imaging region.
US08633696B2
A method for designing the time dependence function km(t) for a given k-space trajectory km, where m stands for one or multiple of the spatial dimension indices x, y, or z, of a magnetic resonance imaging (=MRI) experiment carried out on an MRI system, wherein the trajectory km is generated by applying a time varying waveform gm(t) of a gradient magnetic field, the method taking into account—the gradient magnitude limit G and—the gradient slew rate limit S of the MRI system, is characterized in that the method further takes into account a given frequency limit F in such a way that the gradient waveform gm(t) does not contain frequency components above the frequency limit F which is characteristic for the gradient hardware of the MRI system. The invention provides a method for designing a time dependence function for a given k-space trajectory, which allows obtaining better quality MRI images.
US08633689B2
A method and apparatus for estimating a flow rate of a phase of a multiphase fluid is disclosed. In the first method, nuclei in the fluid are polarized over two distances and a measured magnetization gives the relative fraction of two components of the fluid for a selected velocity. In the second method, nuclei in the fluid are polarized over a specified distance and measurements of the decay of spin echo signals is used to give the relative fraction of two components of the fluid for the selected velocity.
US08633687B2
A Hall element sensor circuit in one embodiment includes a Hall element, a Hall element source, a switch matrix operatively connected to the Hall element and the Hall element source to establish a spinning current in the Hall element and to receive a Hall element signal from the Hall element based upon the spinning current, a front end amplifier including a first input operatively connected to a first switch matrix output and a second input operatively connected to a second switch matrix output, and at least one voltage source operatively connected to the front end amplifier at a location in the Hall element sensor circuit between the switch matrix and the front end amplifier.
US08633686B1
Methods and apparatus for characterizing magnetic properties of materials, such as a material's anhysteretic B-H characteristic or its permeability as a function of B or H. A test apparatus for determining these magnetic properties is constructed to yield a symmetrical field distribution through material being tested to avoid localized saturation within the material. Characterization methods take into account radial variations in tangential field intensities when calculating the magnetic properties. The calculations are obtained as solutions of optimization problems through optimization methods such as genetic algorithms.
US08633683B2
The apparatus is provided with an abnormality determination means for determining abnormality of the apparatus where two different combinations of two electrodes are selected from the three electrodes, an alternating-current voltage is applied to an electrode in one combination by the voltage-applying portion to measure a value of a current flowing to the other electrode via the dielectric body by electrostatic coupling, an alternating-current voltage is applied to an electrode in another combination out of the at least two different combinations by the voltage-applying portion to measure a value of a current flowing to the other electrode via the dielectric body by electrostatic coupling, and an abnormality of the apparatus is determined from the current values measured.
US08633678B2
An EVSE system includes an electric vehicle supply circuit having overcurrent protection circuit to prevent excessive current from flowing to the electric vehicle. A current limit may be set by a manufacturer of the EVSE, by a user of the EVSE, by an electric utility, by the EVSE itself in response to a control pilot signal, etc. The current limit may be set to prevent tripping an overcurrent protection device on a branch circuit for the EVSE, to accommodate one or more parameters of an electric vehicle charging facility, etc. The overcurrent protection feature may be integrated into a controller for the electric vehicle supply circuit, or it may be operate independently of the controller.
US08633671B2
Photovoltaic (PV) systems for charging high voltage batteries used to power the electric traction motor of an electrically-powered vehicle are described. Suitable PV systems, fabricated of interconnected solar cells, modules or arrays, may be designed and adapted to efficiently charge a high voltage battery by matching the characteristics of the PV system to the fully-charged voltage of the battery. Preferably, a charging efficiency of about 90% or greater may be achieved through proper matching of the PV system to the battery. A reconfigurable PV system, based on assemblies of solar modules, is described. The reconfigurable PV system is capable of properly matching itself to a variety of different batteries, each of which may have a different voltage when fully charged. By using several reconfigurable PV systems a variety of batteries with different charged voltages may be charged simultaneously while utilizing substantially the full capacity of the PV system to charge batteries.
US08633665B2
An independent drive device for an aircraft, the drive device comprising a motor member, a drive mechanism for driving an aircraft wheel, which is adapted to co-operate with the wheel to drive it for rotation, and a coupling mechanism interposed between the motor member and the drive mechanism to selectively couple the wheel to the motor member. The coupling mechanism comprises two coupling members of complementary shape, comprising a first coupling member that rotates with the drive and a second coupling member that rotates with the motor member. The independent drive device includes measurement device for generating information representative of a relative speed of rotation of the second coupling member and the first coupling member. The drive device is associated with a motor controller that causes the motor to rotate so as to cancel the relative speed of rotation between the coupling members prior to coupling them together.
US08633645B2
A discharge lamp having an improved run-up time is disclosed. In an embodiment, the discharge lamp includes a light-transmissive discharge tube extending from a first end to a second end and having an inner surface and an outer surface, a phosphor coating layered onto the inner surface of the discharge tube, and a fill gas composition capable of sustaining a discharge sealed within the discharge tube. Also included is a resistive heating wire positioned about the outer surface of the discharge tube. In some embodiments, a lamp driver circuit is included that operates when the lamp is turned ON to provide power to electrodes in the discharge tube and to provide power to the resistive heating wire, and operates to disconnect power from the resistive heating wire when the discharge lamp achieves a predetermined percentage of its stabilized lumen output.
US08633636B2
In a method for manufacturing a laminated ceramic electronic component, when a plating film to define an external terminal electrode is formed by plating exposed ends of a plurality of internal electrodes at a WT surface of a component main body, ingress of a plating solution may be caused from a gap between an end edge of the plating film and the component main body to decrease the reliability of a laminated electronic component obtained. An internal dummy electrode is provided around a region where the exposed ends of the plurality of internal electrodes are distributed in the WT surface of the component main body. The internal dummy electrode includes two LW-direction sections extending parallel or substantially parallel to each other in a direction along the LW surface, and two LT-direction sections extending parallel or substantially parallel to each other in a direction along the LT surface. The plating film is formed at least over the exposed end of the internal dummy electrode. The internal dummy electrode is formed by wrapping an outer layer sheet with the internal dummy electrode formed around a laminate composed of ceramic layers and the internal electrodes.
US08633632B2
A vibration actuator includes an elastic body on which at least one projection is formed and a vibrating body including an electromechanical conversion device, and drives a driven member that is in contact with a contact portion of the projection by causing an end portion of the projection to perform an ellipsoidal movement in response to a combination of two vibration modes generated in the vibrating body when an alternating driving voltage is applied. The elastic body is formed integrally with the projection and a bonding portion between the projection and the electromechanical conversion device. A space is provided between the contact portion and the electromechanical conversion device to which the projection is bonded. The spring portion is provided between the bonding portion and the contact portion and causes the projection to exhibit a spring characteristic when the contact portion is pressed by the driven member.
US08633623B2
Apparatus is provided for use in a submersible pump, comprising; a stator having electrical windings and configured with a cavity to receive a rotor of a motor and to provide an electromotive force to drive the rotor arranged inside the cavity; a switch having circuitry configured to response to a level of fluid and control the operation of the stator; and electrical leads and connections configured to electrically couple the stator and the switch, and to provide power to operate the stator and the switch to drive the stator and to turn the electromotive force on and off to control the pumping of the fluid by submersible pump; the stator, the switch and electrical leads and connections being at least partly encapsulated in a material so as to form an encapsulated stator assembly with a watertight seal to prevent fluid from contacting the electrical windings, the circuitry of the switch and the electrical leads and connections.
US08633621B2
An electric motor for driving a motor vehicle component, in particular a fan motor for chilling cooling water, contains a rotor that includes a commutator, against which a brush rests in a contacting manner. A plastic-sheathed pressed screen for forming a current path that is embossed in an electric insulation is connected to the brush. The current path conducting a motor current is interrupted to form two spaced-apart current path ends. An interruption point is bridged by a contact spring that is used as a temperature fuse and consists of two spring legs, each of which has a fixing end and a free end. Each fixing end of the spring legs is connected to a current path end, while the free ends thereof are in contact with each other using a soldered connection so as to bias the spring.
US08633606B2
An assembly for generating electrical and thermal energy has a structure that supports a cogeneration device provided with a combustion engine supplied with fuel, an electric generator driven by the combustion engine, and at least one heat exchanger to heat a fluid for a thermal appliance using the heat produced by the combustion engine; the assembly also has a plurality of storage batteries, which guarantee the continuity of the flow of electrical energy during start-up of the electric generator and during load transients and are housed in a base of the structure.
US08633593B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; and a through electrode that penetrates the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a groove structure that is positioned between a peripheral edge of the semiconductor substrate and the through electrode.
US08633587B2
Disclosed is a package structure including a semiconductor chip disposed in a core board having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The package structure further includes a plurality of first and second electrode pads disposed on an active surface and an opposite inactive surface of the semiconductor chip respectively, the semiconductor chip having a plurality of through-silicon vias for electrically connecting the first and second electrode pads. As a result, the semiconductor chip is electrically connected to the two sides of the package structure via the through-silicon vias instead of conductive through holes, so as to enhance electrical quality and prevent the inactive surface of the semiconductor chip from occupying wiring layout space of the second surface of the core board to thereby increase wiring layout density and enhance electrical performance.
US08633581B2
A semiconductor device includes a carrier, a chip attached to the carrier, and an encapsulation body disposed over the chip and the carrier. An exterior surface of the semiconductor device includes an exposed peripheral edge of at least two of the carrier, the chip, and the encapsulation body.
US08633580B2
A microelectronic assembly having a through hole extending through a first wafer (or chip) and a second wafer (or chip) are provided. The first and second wafers (or chips) have confronting faces and metallic features at the faces which are joined together to assemble the first and second wafers (or chips) leaving a gap between the confronting faces. A hole is etched in the first wafer (or chip), then material is sputtered to form a wall of material in the gap between wafers (or chips). Etching continues to extend the hole into or through the second wafer (or chip). The hole is filled to form a substantially vertical through silicon conductive via.
US08633579B2
A multi-chip package may include a package substrate, an interposer chip, a first semiconductor chip, a thermal dissipation structure and a second semiconductor chip. The interposer chip may be mounted on the package substrate. The first semiconductor chip may be mounted on the interposer chip. The first semiconductor chip may have a size smaller than that of the interposer chip. The thermal dissipation structure may be arranged on the interposer chip to surround the first semiconductor chip. The thermal dissipation structure may transfer heat in the first semiconductor chip to the interposer chip. The second semiconductor chip may be mounted on the first semiconductor chip. Thus, the heat in the first semiconductor chip may be effectively transferred to the interposer chip through the thermal dissipation line.
US08633574B2
Organic electronic packages having sealed edges. More specifically, packages having organic electronic devices are provided. A number of sealing mechanisms are provided to hermetically seal the edges of the package to completely protect the organic electronic device from external elements. A sealant may be implemented to completely surround the organic electronic device. Alternatively, edge wraps may be provided to completely surround the organic electronic device.
US08633573B2
Various applications are directed to a material stack having a strained active material therein. In connection with an embodiment, an active material (e.g. a semiconductor material) is at least initially and partially released from and suspended over a substrate, strained, and held in place. The release and suspension facilitates the application of strain to the semiconductor material.
US08633568B2
Provided is an MCP including a plurality chips stacked therein. Each of the chips includes a plurality of inductor pads configured to transmit power or signals, and at both sides of a reference inductor pad, a first and a second inductor pads are formed to generate magnetic fluxes in different directions from each other.
US08633564B2
A method of formation of an isolation structure for vertical semiconductor devices, the resulting isolation structure, and a memory device to prevent leakage among adjacent vertical semiconductor devices are described.
US08633562B2
A voltage-switchable dielectric layer may be employed on a die for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. The voltage-switchable dielectric layer functions as a dielectric layer between terminals of the die during normal operation of the die. When ESD events occur at the terminals of the die, a high voltage between the terminals switches the voltage-switchable dielectric layer into a conducting layer to allow current to discharge to a ground terminal of the die without the current passing through circuitry of the die. Thus, damage to the circuitry of the die is reduced or prevented during ESD events on dies with the voltage-switchable dielectric layer. The voltage-switchable dielectric layer may be deposited on the back side of a die for protection during stacking with a second die to form a stacked IC.
US08633557B2
Image sensors include a first insulation interlayer structure on a first surface of a substrate and having a multi-layered structure. A first wiring structure is in the first insulation interlayer structure. A via contact plug extends from a second surface of the substrate and penetrates the substrate to be electrically connected to the first wiring structure. Color filters and micro lenses are stacked on the second surface in a first region of the substrate. A second insulation interlayer structure is on the second surface in a second region of the substrate. A second wiring structure is in the second insulation interlayer structure to be electrically connected to the via contact plug. A pad pattern is electrically connected to the second wiring structure and having an upper surface through which an external electrical signal is applied. Photodiodes are between the first and second wiring structures in the first region.
US08633549B2
A semiconductor device comprises a metal gate electrode, a passive device and a hard mask layer. The passive device has a poly-silicon element layer. The hard mask layer is disposed on the metal gate electrode and the passive electrode and has a first opening and a second opening substantially coplanar with each other, wherein the metal gate electrode and the poly-silicon element layer are respectively exposed via the first opening and the second opening; and there is a distance between the first opening and the metal gate electrode substantially less than the distance between the second opening and the poly-silicon element layer.
US08633537B2
A semiconductor devices including non-volatile memories and methods of fabricating the same to improve performance thereof are provided. Generally, the device includes a memory transistor comprising a polysilicon channel region electrically connecting a source region and a drain region formed in a substrate, an oxide-nitride-nitride-oxide (ONNO) stack disposed above the channel region, and a high work function gate electrode formed over a surface of the ONNO stack. In one embodiment the ONNO stack includes a multi-layer charge-trapping region including an oxygen-rich first nitride layer and an oxygen-lean second nitride layer disposed above the first nitride layer. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08633530B2
In a power feeding region of a memory cell (MC) in which a sidewall-shaped memory gate electrode (MG) of a memory nMIS (Qnm) is provided by self alignment on a side surface of a selection gate electrode (CG) of a selection nMIS (Qnc) via an insulating film, a plug (PM) which supplies a voltage to the memory gate electrode (MG) is embedded in a contact hole (CM) formed in an interlayer insulating film (9) formed on the memory gate electrode (MG) and is electrically connected to the memory gate electrode (MG). Since a cap insulating film (CAP) is formed on an upper surface of the selection gate electrode (CG), the electrical conduction between the plug (PM) and the selection gate electrode (CG) can be prevented.
US08633528B2
A memory is described that includes a shared diode layer and a memory element coupled to the diode layer. The memory element has a pie slice-shape, and includes a sidewall having a carbon film thereon. Numerous other aspects are also disclosed.
US08633527B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor element; a divider connected with an input portion of the semiconductor element; and a combiner connected with an output portion of the semiconductor element. The divider is disposed on a substrate and has a first divider portion including a first transmission line and a second transmission line, a second divider portion including a third transmission line and a fourth transmission line, and a first resistance and a second resistance respectively connected to both the first transmission line and the third transmission line. The first resistance is disposed in the space between the first and third transmission lines, the second resistance is disposed in the space between the first and third transmission lines, and the first resistance is disposed between the second resistance and the semiconductor element.
US08633524B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a substrate, a photoelectric conversion section, a first impurity layer having a carrier polarity of a second conductivity type, a charge-to-voltage converting section, an amplifying section, and a second impurity layer having a carrier polarity of the second conductivity type. The second impurity layer is disposed in a region between the photoelectric conversion section and the amplifying section. The second impurity concentration of the second P-type impurity layer is made higher than the first impurity concentration of the first impurity layer.
US08633521B2
A two terminal device which can be used for the rectification of the current. Internally it has a regenerative coupling between MOS gates of opposite type and probe regions. This regenerative coupling allows to achieve performance better than that of ideal diode.
US08633509B2
An apparatus and method for high voltage transient electrical overstress protection are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an internal circuit electrically connected between a first node and a second node; and a protection circuit electrically connected between the first node and the second node. The protection circuit is configured to protect the internal circuit from transient electrical overstress events while maintaining a relatively high holding voltage upon activation. The holes- or electrons-enhanced conduction protection circuit includes a bi-directional bipolar device having an emitter/collector, a base, and a collector/emitter; a first bipolar transistor having an emitter electrically coupled to the first node, a base electrically coupled to the emitter/collector of the bipolar device, and a collector electrically coupled to the base of the bipolar transistor; and a second bipolar transistor having an emitter electrically coupled to the second node, a base electrically coupled to the collector/emitter of the bipolar device, and a collector electrically coupled to the base of the bipolar transistor.
US08633507B2
An LED includes a base, a first lead and a second lead mounted to the base, a light emitting chip electrically connected to the first lead and the second lead, and an encapsulant sealing the chip. The first lead and the second lead each include a first beam and a second beam connected to each other. Each of the first beam and the second beam has two opposite ends protruding beyond two opposite lateral faces of the base, respectively, for electrically connecting with a circuit board.
US08633504B2
A light emitting device includes: a substrate; a light emitting element disposed on the substrate; a wavelength conversion unit disposed on the substrate to cover at least an upper surface of the light emitting element; and a reflection unit formed to cover a side surface and a lower surface of the substrate and having a resin and a reflective filler dispersed in the resin. Light emitting devices having uniform characteristics can be obtained by minimizing a chromaticity distribution of white light with respect to the different light emitting devices.
US08633500B2
Light emitting diodes and methods for manufacturing light emitting diodes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a light emitting diode (LED) comprises applying a first light conversion material to a first region on the LED and applying a second light conversion material to a second, different region on the LED. A portion of the LED is exposed after applying the first and second light conversion materials.
US08633498B2
A display substrate includes a base substrate, a data line, a gate line, a switching element, a self assembled monolayer (SAM) and a pixel electrode. The data line is formed on the base substrate. The gate line is formed across the data line. The switching element includes a source electrode electrically connected to the data line, a drain electrode spaced apart from the source electrode, a semiconductor pattern covering the source and drain electrodes, and a gate electrode electrically connected to the gate line and facing the semiconductor pattern. The SAM is disposed around the semiconductor pattern and a conductive pattern including the data line. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the switching element.
US08633490B2
An organic electroluminescence display including: a gate line disposed on a substrate; a data line crossing the gate line; a TFT connected to the gate and data lines; a capacitor connected to the TFT; and an OLED connected to the TFT. A gate electrode of the TFT and a lower electrode of the capacitor are patterned from a first layer. A gate insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode and an insulating island disposed on the gate line are patterned from a second layer. A semiconductor island disposed on the insulating island and an active layer disposed on the gate insulating layer are patterned from a third layer. An insulating layer is disposed on the TFTs, the capacitor, and between the semiconductor island and the data line. An upper electrode of the capacitor, source/drain electrodes of the TFT, and the data line are patterned from a fourth layer.
US08633489B2
Disclosed are a semiconductor device, which forms two insulation layers having different patterns by one mask process, and a method of manufacturing the same. In a semiconductor device having double insulation layers, a photosensitive material is included in an upper insulation layer. During a manufacture of the semiconductor device, the photosensitive material is used as a photo resist layer in order to reduce the number of masks.
US08633487B2
Disclosed is a transistor structure including: a first thin film transistor including, a first gate electrode; a first insulating film; a first semiconductor film; and a first light blocking film, and a second thin film transistor including, a second semiconductor film; the second insulating film; a second gate electrode; and a second light blocking film, wherein the first semiconductor film and the second semiconductor film include a first region and a second region along a thickness direction from the first insulating film side; and degree of crystallization of silicon of one of the first region or the second region is higher than the degree of crystallization of silicon of the other of the first region or the second region.
US08633485B2
To provide a display device having a thin film transistor with high electric characteristics and excellent reliability and a manufacturing method thereof. A gate electrode, a gate insulating film provided over the gate electrode, a first semiconductor layer provided over the gate insulating film and having a microcrystalline semiconductor, a second semiconductor layer provided over the first semiconductor layer and having an amorphous semiconductor, and a source region and a drain region provided over the second semiconductor layer are provided. The first semiconductor layer has high crystallinity than the second semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer includes an impurity region having a conductivity type different from a conductivity type of the source region and the drain region between the source region and the drain region.
US08633482B2
Semiconductor device test structures and methods are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a test structure includes a feed line disposed in a first conductive material layer, and a stress line disposed in the first conductive material layer proximate the feed line yet spaced apart from the feed line. The stress line is coupled to the feed line by a conductive feature disposed in at least one second conductive material layer proximate the first conductive material layer.
US08633480B2
An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to manufacture a semiconductor device with high display quality and high reliability, which includes a pixel portion and a driver circuit portion capable of high-speed operation over one substrate, using transistors having favorable electric characteristics and high reliability as switching elements. Two kinds of transistors, in each of which an oxide semiconductor layer including a crystalline region on one surface side is used as an active layer, are formed in a driver circuit portion and a pixel portion. Electric characteristics of the transistors can be selected by choosing the position of the gate electrode layer which determines the position of the channel. Thus, a semiconductor device including a driver circuit portion capable of high-speed operation and a pixel portion over one substrate can be manufactured.
US08633476B2
An organic light-emitting device including: an anode; a hole charging layer (HCL) comprising an oxide semiconductor and formed on the anode; at least one organic layer formed on the HCL; and a cathode formed on the organic layer. The HCL may be an oxide semiconductor including indium (In), gallium (Ga), and zinc (Zn), or an oxide semiconductor including In, Zn, and hafnium (Hf).
US08633471B2
Embodiments of an apparatus and methods for providing three-dimensional complementary metal oxide semiconductor devices comprising modulation doped transistors are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed, which may include a modulation doped heterostructure, wherein the modulation doped heterostructure may comprise an active portion having a first bandgap and a delta doped portion having a second bandgap.
US08633469B2
A Group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device includes a sapphire substrate; and an n contact layer, an n cladding layer, a light-emitting layer, a p cladding layer, and a p contact layer, each of the layers being formed of Group III nitride semiconductor, are sequentially deposited on the sapphire substrate. The n cladding layer includes two layers of a high impurity concentration layer and a low impurity concentration layer in this order on the n contact layer, and the low impurity concentration layer is in contact with the light-emitting layer. The low impurity concentration layer is a layer having a lower n-type impurity concentration than that of the high impurity concentration layer, which has an n-type impurity concentration of 1/1000 to 1/100 of the p-type impurity concentration of the p cladding layer and a thickness of 10 Å to 400 Å.
US08633459B2
An extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) light source is described herein comprising an optic; a primary EUV light radiator generating an EUV light emitting plasma and producing a deposit on said optic; and a cleaning system comprising a gas and a secondary light radiator, the secondary light radiator generating a laser produced plasma and producing a cleaning species with the gas.
US08633452B2
An openable gas passage provides for rapid pumpout of process or bake out gases in an inductively coupled plasma source in a charged particle beam system. A valve, typically positioned in the source electrode or part of the gas inlet, increases the gas conductance when opened to pump out the plasma chamber and closes during operation of the plasma source.
US08633425B2
A heating unit for use in heating a fluid storage and dispensing system includes a wall module and a lid module. The modules include cover layers. Each module may include a heating component disposed between the cover layers and which is configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy and to distribute the heat energy. The heating component includes a heat generating element for converting electrical current to heat energy and a heat spreading element comprising carbon thermally coupled to the heat generating element. The modules may further include a thermal insulation layer. The modules may also include a receiving power connector electrically connected to the heat generating element.
US08633424B2
An HVAC system for a work vehicle having an operator compartment for a vehicle operator, the system including a heating system, a compartment pressurizer blower, a compartment recirculation blower, a temperature sensor, and an operating mode switch, each operably coupled to an electronic circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to reduce pressurizer blower output when the operator selects high output from the heating system under certain predetermined temperature and conditions and operating modes to improve HVAC system performance.
US08633415B2
A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a wear stop designed to detect wear of an electrode and prevent the use of the electrode once the electrode has experienced a certain amount of wear. Either the electrode or the nozzle is movable with respect to the main torch body, and the movable component defines a projection. The wear stop is positioned a predetermined distance from a nozzle of the torch, such that prior to experiencing an excessive amount of wear, the electrode is able to contact the nozzle and initiate a pilot arc for starting a torch operation. Once the length of the electrode becomes shorter than a predetermined length due to wear, the projection of the electrode engages the wear stop, and the wear stop prevents the electrode from contacting the nozzle. In this way, an electrode that is excessively worn cannot be used in subsequent torch operations.
US08633405B2
A display device comprises: a display panel including a first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate that is arranged so as to deviate from the first insulating substrate; and an intermediate frame, wherein the intermediate frame includes: side walls that are arranged so as to correspond to four side surface of the display panel; a mounting portion which protrudes from the side walls inward and on which the first insulating substrate is mounted; and a supporting protrusion that protrudes from the mounting portion to the second insulating substrate and is arranged below the second insulating substrate and on the side of the first insulating substrate.
US08633402B2
An EMI shielding gasket having enhanced corrosion protection and force deflection is provided. The gasket has a body formed from an electrically conductive material with outwardly extending projections from one or both surface portions thereof. A non-conductive polymer gel is applied to the spaces between the projections for protection against corrosion. The gasket is particularly adapted for use in external aluminum aircraft surfaces which are exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
US08633398B2
The present disclosure provides a circuit board with a first via and a second via, the first and second vias providing an electrical path from a top surface of the circuit board to a bottom surface of the circuit board. The circuit board also includes a first contact pad electrically coupled to the first via and a second contact pad electrically coupled to the second via. The first contact pad is disposed at an angle with respect to a reference line crossing through the center of the first and second vias, and the second contact pad is disposed on an opposite side of the reference line at the angle with respect to the reference line, such that a footprint that encompasses an area between the first and second contact pads does not cover the first and second vias.
US08633397B2
A method of processing a cavity of a core substrate is disclosed. The method of processing a cavity of a core substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can include: forming a first processing area on one surface of a core substrate, the first processing area being demarcated by a circuit pattern; forming a second processing area on the other surface of the core substrate, the second processing area being demarcated by a circuit pattern; and processing a cavity by removing the entire first processing area from the one surface of the core substrate.
US08633393B2
A printed circuit board (PCB) is provided. The PCB includes a first microwave board material, a second prepreg, and a third ordinary board material that are pressed together. The first microwave board material, the second prepreg, and the third ordinary board material are provided with an opening respectively. At least two openings have different sizes. In a region between boundaries of the at least two openings having different sizes, a borehole is provided to pass through the board material in the region. A back-drilled hole is selectively used. A radio-frequency device and a method for manufacturing a PCB are further provided. Thus, it is suitable for designing different power modules and other circuit modules on the same single board, and is compatible with the existing basic PCB manufacturing technologies, which further has a low cost, and can meet the requirements of large-power radio-frequency circuits with different frequencies.
US08633392B2
A circuit board including: an insulator having a trench; a first circuit pattern formed to bury a portion of the trench; and a second circuit pattern formed on a surface of the insulator having the trench formed therein.
US08633391B2
A device includes a cover that includes a base. The cover is configured to be positioned over a mount that couples a support structure of an electrical device to another element. The electrical device includes an energized terminal that is configured to connect to an electrical power system and a grounded terminal. The device also includes an insulating interface coupled to the base of the cover such that, when the cover is positioned over the mount, the interface contacts the support structure to substantially electrically insulate the mount. A system includes an electrical device, a support structure that holds the electrical device on the first side, a mount configured to couple the structure to another element, the mount being grounded during operation of the system, and a protective device positioned over the mount.
US08633390B2
A hookup stem (48; 70) to implement an electric hookup (50; 60) of an electric heater of an injection molding nozzle (30), the hookup stem (48; 70) being designed in a manner that it can be affixed by means of at least one electrically conducting adhesion layer (52; 62; 64; 66) and/or by a contact paste (52) to the heater, the hookup stem comprising a shank element (54; 72), and a connecting segment (56; 74) coming into contact with the minimum of one adhesion layer (52; 62; 64; 66) or the contact paste (52).
US08633389B2
A cable enclosure sealing arrangement has a seal body with one or more cavities extending the full length of the sealing member and a slit extending from each cavity to the exterior of the sealing body such that the edges of each slit may be pulled apart to expose the cavity and permit insertion of a cable. The cavity may include a profiled interior surface having inclined or curved surface portions projecting into the cavity the inclination or curvature of the profiled surface portions being in opposite senses at opposite end zone sections of the cavity. The arrangement has a compression system for compressing the sealing member to effect sealing along the longitudinal slit. A tie rod extending through a central portion of the body and connecting two end plates can be used for this purpose.
US08633387B2
An electrical line (1) for motor vehicles is provided having at least two insulated electrical conductors (4, 5) which are combined to form one unit. The line is connected to a sensor (3)at one end. The conductors (4, 5) are surrounded by a prefabricated plastic tube (6). Parts (7), integrally belonging to the tube (6), are positioned on the outside along the course of the tube (6) as fastening devices for securing the line (1) at predefined fixed points of a motor vehicle. At those fixed points, fastening parts are present that are configured to connect with and that complement the parts (7) of the tube (6).
US08633384B1
An electrical box including an outer shell having at least four sides extending from a rear wall to an open top at a front surface and a box mounting tab protruding from two of the at least four sides, an inner shell having at least four sides, a front surface, and at least two device securing protrusions each having an aperture adjacent to each of the at least two sides, each device securing aperture including an opening extending toward the open top of the electrical box, the inner shell movable within the outer shell in a direction away from the rear wall, and wherein the inner shell front surface and the outer shell front surface are coplanar when the inner shell is in a rearmost position.
US08633374B2
In aspects of the present invention, a lamina is formed having opposing first and second surfaces. Heavily doped contact regions extend from the first surface to the second surface. Generally the lamina is formed by affixing a semiconductor donor body to a receiver element, then cleaving the lamina from the semiconductor donor body wherein the lamina remains affixed to the receiver element. In the present invention, the heavily doped contact regions are formed by doping the semiconductor donor body before cleaving of the lamina. A photovoltaic cell comprising the lamina is then fabricated. By forming the heavily doped contact regions before bonding to the receiver element and cleaving, post-bonding high-temperature steps can be avoided, which may be advantageous.
US08633371B2
A device and method for generating electricity. The device includes a heat source, a cold source, and a thermoelectric generating plate, having a first side and an opposed side. When heat is introduced to the heat source, heat flows across the thermoelectric generating plate and electricity is generated. In the present arrangement, because the hot and cold sources are in thermal communication with opposed sides of the thermoelectric generating plate, the thermal gradient or rate of heat flow across the thermoelectric generating plate is maximized. Thus, because the rate of heat flow is increased, the rate at which electricity is generated is also increased, and the size of the device is maintained, or minimized.
US08633370B1
The present invention provides a complementary bifurcated circuit to process and optimize music digitally with high fidelity yet with wireless elements. In a particular embodiment, an audio transducer in close proximity to a musical instrument or vocalist's mouth transforms audible music to analog electrical signals, which are digitized and then filtered to remove external noise at the frequencies of alternating current as well as internally generated noise. A FPGA encoder optimizes the signal's latency and formats the signal for wireless transmission, which is then accomplished with a transmitter and receiver. A transmitter control interface programs one or more of the digital encoder, digital processor, FPGA encoder and wireless transmitter. The signal received wirelessly at a remote location is stripped of formatting by a FPGA decoder, corrected to remove nonlinearities in amplification, further optimized for sound latency, and amplified as needed to drive an external audio apparatus such as a loud speaker, mixing board, or professional recording device. A receiver control interface programs one or more of a receiver, FPGA decoder, digital audio CODEC, and digital audio amplifier. The invention is particularly well suited for stringed instruments but is not so limited.
US08633368B2
A music application guides a user with some musical experience through the steps of creating and editing a musical enhancement file that enhances and plays in synchronicity with an audio signal of an original artist's recorded performance. This enables others, perhaps with lesser musical ability than the original artist, to play-along with the original artist by following melodic, chordal, rhythmic, and verbal prompts. The music application accounts for differences in the timing of the performance from a standard tempo by guiding the user through the process of creating a tempo map for the performance and by associating the tempo map with MIDI information of the enhancement file. Enhancements may contain MIDI information, audio signal information, and/or video signal information which may be played back in synchronicity with the recorded performance to provide an aural and visual aid to others playing-along who may have less musical experience.
US08633367B2
The invention is directed to a beater for operating a drum, the beater comprising the following: a main body (10) having a beating part (11) which is removably attached to the main body (10); a shaft (20) on which the main body (10) is mounted, at least one recess (12) being formed in the main body (10) for accommodating a bulk body, wherein one side of the recess is delimited by a bottom surface (11a) of the beating part (11) so that the recess (12) is accessible from outside when the beating part (11) is removed. A pivot bearing of the main body (10) at the shaft (20) can be realized by a friction surface between the main body (10) and the shaft (20).
US08633363B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH471541. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH471541, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH471541 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH471541.
US08633362B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH155414. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH155414, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH155414 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH155414.
US08633359B2
A soybean cultivar designated S100316 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S100316, to the plants of soybean cultivar S100316, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S100316, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S100316. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S100316. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S100316, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S100316 with another soybean cultivar.
US08633354B2
To produce early flowering genotypes, plum (Prunus domestica) was transformed with the poplar (Populus trichocarpa) Flowering Locus T1 (PtFT1) gene. Ectopic expression of 35S::PtFT1 Induced early flowering in vitro from transgenic plantlets within two months of transformation. When the transgenic plum plants were rooted and transferred to soil and grown in posts in the growth chamber, a number of additional lines flowered. Normal flowering and fruiting were observed in the greenhouse within one year of transformation. While dormancy was not necessary for growth or fruiting, FT plums were still winter hardy and floral bud set and flowering responded normally to changes in temperature. By manipulating a single gene, temperate tree crops can be effectively engineered for cultivation in new growing areas and for entirely new modes of agricultural production that are continuous, sustainable, and adaptable to climate change.
US08633349B2
This invention relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding genes that can confer resistance to the plant pathogen Colletotrichum, which causes anthracnose stalk rot, leaf blight and top dieback in corn and other cereals. It further relates to plants and seeds of plants carrying chimeric genes comprising said polynucleotide sequences, which enhance or confer resistance to the plant pathogen Colletotrichum, and processes of making said plants and seeds. The invention further presents sequences that can be used as molecular markers that in turn can be used to identify the region of interest in corn lines resulting from new crosses and to quickly and efficiently introgress the genes from corn lines carrying said genes into other corn lines that do not carry said genes, in order to make them resistant to Colletotrichum and resistant to stalk rot.
US08633347B2
An absorbent element for the absorption of body fluids in sanitary articles comprises a first layer of sheet material presenting an array of hollowed formations (16) with respective mouth parts, as well as masses (18) of superabsorbent material that is able to expand as a result of the absorption of body fluid, which are set in the aforesaid hollowed formations (16). A second layer of sheet material (12) is applied on the first layer of sheet material (10) so as to cover the mouth parts of the hollowed formations (16). At least one of the layers of sheet material (10, 12) is permeable to body fluids to enable the body fluids themselves to penetrate into the hollowed formations and be absorbed by the masses of superabsorbent material (18) that expand in the hollowed formations (16), creating a first level of absorption of body fluids. The second layer of sheet material (12) is compliant in an area corresponding to the mouth parts of the hollowed formations (16) and enables further expansion of said masses of superabsorbent material (18) beyond said hollowed formations (16) so as to create a second level of absorption of body fluids. The first layer (10) and the second layer (12) of sheet material are connected to one another by adhesive formations (14c) that leave the mouth parts of the hollowed formations (16) at least partially free.
US08633345B2
A process for preparing isobutene including cleaving a mixture obtained from an MTBE-containing feedstock and/or an MTBE-containing stream, affording a stream of reaction products consisting of isobutene, methanol, MTBE and by-products, the latter consisting of a1) high boilers having a boiling range above 55° C. at a pressure of 0.1 MPa; a2) medium boilers having a boiling range of 12 to 55° C. at a pressure of 0.1 MPa; and a3) low boilers having a boiling range below 12° C. at a pressure of 0.1 MPa; distillatively separating into a stream which contains the isobutene product and low boilers, and a stream which contains MTBE, methanol, medium boilers and high boilers; distillatively separating to obtain an MTBE-containing stream and a methanol-containing high boiler stream; recycling an MTBE-containing stream in which the medium boilers being removed completely or partially before recycling.
US08633332B2
A method for isolating cimiracemate A from a Cimicifuga species is disclosed, comprising the steps of a) providing a sufficient quantity of raw materials from the Cimicifuga species, b) mixing the raw materials from the Cimicifuga species with an aqueous polar solvent at a temperature of about 20° C. to about 28° C. to obtain a solvent extract comprising cimiracemate A, and c) isolating cimiracemate A from the solvent extract.
US08633326B2
Provided is a method for preparing a taxane derivative, comprising: carrying out condensation of a phenylisoserine derivatives having a protective group introduced thereto or a mixture of isomers thereof, as a side chain, with a baccatin III derivative or 10-deacetyl-baccatin III derivative to obtain a mixture of isomers; separating the isomers via chromatography; and carrying out a reversion of the stereochemical structure of a selectively separated isomer, which is suitable for producing a taxane derivative in a large scale with high yield.
US08633322B2
The present invention is directed to novel alkynyl derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by DPP-1.
US08633315B2
The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of Beta-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of Beta-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions. In one embodiment, the compounds have a general Formula I wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, B, W, R3, R4 and R5 are defined herein. In another embodiment, the invention provides compounds of general Formula II wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, R1a, R1b, R1c, R2, R4, R5, W, X and Z are defined herein. The invention also includes use of these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment, prophylactic or therapeutic, of disorders and conditions related to the activity of beta-secretase protein. Such disorders include, for example, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), cognitive deficits and impairment, schizophrenia and other similar central nervous system conditions. The invention also comprises further embodiments of Formula II, intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of Formulas I and II.
US08633313B2
Substituted bicyclic heteroaryls and compositions containing them, for the treatment of general inflammation, arthritis, rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, inflammatory eye disorders, inflammatory or unstable bladder disorders, psoriasis, skin complaints with inflammatory components, chronic inflammatory conditions, including but not restricted to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), myestenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, multiples sclerosis, Sjoegren's syndrome and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, allergic conditions including all forms of hypersensitivity, The present invention also enables methods for treating cancers that are mediated, dependent on or associated with p110δ activity, including but not restricted to leukemias, such as Acute Myeloid leukaemia (AML) Myelo-dysplastic syndrome (MDS) myelo-proliferative diseases (MPD) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) B-cell lymphoma and solid tumors, such as breast cancer.
US08633311B2
Described herein are methods and compositions for killing or preventing the growth of microbes. It has been discovered that a class of porphyrins can kill or prevent the growth of microbes. The porphyrins can be used in a number of different applications where microbes grow.
US08633308B2
Described herein are compounds and methods that prevent the viral infection of cells. The compounds and methods described herein minimize viral resistance and maximize the number of targeted viruses. Additionally, the compounds and methods minimize the toxicity toward uninfected cells.
US08633305B2
A novel method of treating and preventing bacterial diseases is provided. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibition of Gram negative, Gram positive and acid fast bacilli in general and tuberculosis (TB), mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), and anthrax in particular. Thus, the invention relates to modulation of cellular activities, including macrophage activity, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to the inhibitory compounds comprising naturally occurring and man-made inhibitors of serine.
US08633304B2
The present invention provides an oligonucleotide derivative that enables to easily synthesize an oligonucleotide derivative chemically modified at the 3′-end with two moieties each having a benzene or pyridine structure with a few steps, an aromatic compound serving as a precursor for preparing the modification carrier for synthesizing oligonucleotide derivative, and the oligonucleotide derivative and the oligonucleotide construct using the same, that is chemically modified at the 3′-end with two moieties each having a benzene or pyridine structure, and has good permeability through a cell membrane and excellent nuclease resistance. The modification carrier for synthesizing oligonucleotide derivative, comprising a unit and a carrier carrying the unit directly or via a linker, wherein the unit is represented by the formula (a): wherein, R1 to R6 each independently represent hydrogen or a substituent other than hydrogen; Z1 and Z2 each independently represent CH or nitrogen; and X represents oxygen or sulfur.
US08633303B2
Compounds and methods are provided for modulating in vitro and in vivo processes mediated by selectin binding. More specifically, selectin modulators and their use are described, wherein the selectin modulators that modulate (e.g., inhibit or enhance) a selectin-mediated function comprise particular glycomimetics alone or linked to a member of a class of compounds termed BASAs (Benzyl Amino Sulfonic Acids) or a member of a class of compounds termed BACAs (Benzyl Amino Carboxylic Acids).
US08633299B2
This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.
US08633294B2
Copolyester with improved transition temperature, melting temperature and crystallinity including units derived from lactic acid and isosorbide, where the ratio of lactic acid to isosorbide ranges from 99:1 to 50:50.
US08633283B2
Blends made of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) and of polylactides (PLAs) are produced via A) reaction of at least one thermoplastic polyurethane with at least one diisocyanate or one diisocyanate prepolymer which has at least two isocyanate groups, or a mixture thereof, in the melt, with reduction of the molar mass of the thermoplastic polyurethane and with formation of a thermoplastic polyurethane having an excess of isocyanate end groups, B) introduction of at least one polylactide into the melt of the stage A) product, and reaction of the stage A) product with the polylactide at a temperature below 190° C., C) cooling of the resultant blend, where no polyols are used in stages A) to C).
US08633279B2
A method for continuously producing a thermoplastic resin from a conjugated diene includes: primarily polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer with an aromatic vinyl monomer in a first solvent in a first reactor, and feeding a hydroxyl group-containing polymerization inhibitor and a polar hydrocarbon to the first reactor to prepare a rubber solution; and adding an aromatic vinyl monomer and a monomer copolymerizable with the aromatic vinyl monomer to the rubber solution, and subjecting the mixture to secondary polymerization in a second solvent of the same kind as the first solvent in a second reactor. The method can provide a thermoplastic resin that can have excellent color and low gloss characteristics.
US08633272B2
The present invention relates to a rubber composition containing carbon black for blending with rubber which is obtained in a reaction equipment comprising a combustion gas-generating zone, a reaction zone and a reaction-stopping zone by producing a high temperature combustion gas in the combustion gas-generating zone, subsequently spraying and introducing a raw material into the reaction zone to form a reaction gas stream containing carbon black and then quenching the above reaction gas stream by a multistage quenching medium-introducing means to terminate the reaction, wherein (1) the above carbon black for blending with rubber satisfies the following relational equations (1) and (2): 10
US08633264B2
The present invention provides a polyacetal resin composition having a metallic appearance, suppressing the generation of volatile organic compound (VOC), in particular formaldehyde from the molded article thereof to an extremely low level and giving excellent weathering (light) resistance. Specifically, (A) 100 parts by weight of a polyacetal copolymer containing 1.0 mmol/kg or smaller of a hemiformal terminal group, 2.0 mmol/kg or smaller of a formyl terminal group, 0.5 wt % or smaller of an unstable terminal group, (B) 0.03 to 0.30 part by weight of a hindered phenol-based antioxidant, (C) 0.01 to 1 part by weight of a guanamine compound, (D) 0.2 to 1 part by weight of a hindered amine-based stabilizer, and (E) 0.1 to 1 part by weight of an ultraviolet absorber, and (F) 1 to 20 parts by weight of a metallic pigment are blended together.
US08633259B2
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are directed to polymer compositions that are useful for forming temporary bonding layers that serve to releasably join a first substrate to a second substrate as well as methods of both forming such a temporary bond and methods of debonding such substrates. Some such polymer compositions encompass a casting solvent, a photoacid generator and optionally a sensitizer and/or an adhesion promoter.
US08633258B2
The invention relates to a liquid bis(acyl)phosphine oxide of formula (I): wherein R is C1-C18 alkyl, and wherein R is optionally substituted as described herein. The invention also relates to radiation curable compositions comprising liquid bis(acyl)phosphine oxide of formula (I).
US08633256B2
A process for creating polyolefin blends from waste streams with controlled rheological properties can include processing a waste stream to make a mixture comprising a mixture comprising polypropylene and polyethylene and compounding the mixture with one or more peroxides or nitroxides to produce a polyolefin blend. For example, a process can include: determining the required melt flow rate of the end product; determining the ratio of polyethylene to polypropylene to achieve the required melt flow rate; effecting a separation of polypropylene from polyethylene to achieve the desired composition; determining the amount of peroxide or peroxide concentrate required to increase the melt flow rate to the required level; melt compounding the mixture; evaluating the melt flow rate of the product; and adjusting the composition of polyethyelene and polypropylene or the amount of peroxide added if necessary to achieve the required melt flow rate.
US08633238B2
The present invention provides novel lactams extracted from an alcohol extract of dehulled adlay seeds. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of the lactams and a method for treating breast cancer in a subject, which method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of the lactam and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.
US08633226B2
The present application describes the compound of formula (I): or stereoisomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In addition, methods of treating and preventing inflammatory diseases such as asthma and allergic diseases, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosclerosis using the compound of the invention are disclosed.
US08633221B2
A method of enhancing the activity of lysosomal α-Galactosidase A (α-Gal A) in mammalian cells and for treatment of Fabry disease by administration of 1-deoxy-galactonojirimycin and related compounds.
US08633217B2
Citrate salts of N-(4-{4-amino-7-[1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-3-yl}phenyl)-N′-(3-fluorophenyl)urea and crystalline forms thereof are suitable pharmaceutical ingredients for pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of disease, for example, cancer.
US08633211B2
A compound of formula (I): in free or salt form, wherein A, R1, R3, Qa, Qb and Q are as defined herein, for the treatment of a disease mediated by the S1P2 or S1P3 receptor, such as inflammatory or obstructive airways disease.
US08633208B2
The present invention is directed to 6-(1H-imidazo-1-yl)-2-aryl and 2-heteroaryl quinazoline and quinolines derivatives, compounds of formula (I), their pharmaceutical acceptable salts and solvates and corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, that acts as Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and Imidazoline Receptor ligands: wherein: X is independently selected from —CH group or a nitrogen atom (—N), W is independently selected from an aryl group, an heteroaryl group, or a benzocondensed heteroaryl group such as 1,3-benzodioxole, benzofuran, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, benzothiophene, 2,3-dihydrobenzothiophene, indole, 2,3-dihydroindole, benzimidazole, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, 2H-3,4-dihydrobenzopyran, [1,4]-benzodioxine, 2,3-dihydro-[1,4]-benzodioxine (1,4-benzodioxan). R1 is independently selected from hydrogen (—H), C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxymethyl (—CH2OH), aminomethyl (—CH2NH2), alkylaminomethyl [CH2NH(R2)], or di-alkylaminomethyl [CH2N(R2)2], trifluoromethyl (—CF3). Compounds of formula (I) elicited a pharmacological profile suitable for the clinical treatment of depression and related disorders, Parkinson disease, drug abuse, and morphine tolerance and dependence.
US08633202B2
The present invention relates to stable crystalline (6S)—N(5)-formyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid, commonly referred to as levofolinic acid, in essentially pure 6S diastereomeric form, and to a process for its preparation.
US08633191B2
A composition for use as a topical treatment for mammals that is both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, and that is produced preferably in the form of a shampoo. Ketoconazole is the preferred anti-fungal agent used in the composition, and chloroxylenol is the preferred anti-microbial agent.
US08633185B2
Compounds of the formula I: or solvate thereof, wherein: R2 is an optionally substituted C5-20 aryl group; R6 and R9 are independently selected from H, R, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH2, NHR, NRR′, nitro, Me3Sn and halo; where R and R′ are independently selected from optionally substituted C1-12 alkyl, C3-20 heterocyclyl and C5-20 aryl groups; R7 is selected from H, R, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH2, NHR, NHRR′, nitro, Me3Sn and halo; R″ is a C3-12 alkylene group, which chain may be interrupted by one or more heteroatoms and/or aromatic rings; X is selected from O, S, or NH; z is 2 or 3; M is a monovalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation; R2′, R6′, R7′, R9′, X′ and M′ are selected from the same groups as R2, R6, R7, R9, X and M respectively, or M and M′ may together represent a divalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation.
US08633181B2
This invention concerns a method of treating hemangiomas with a beta blocker by applying the beta blocker onto the hemangiomas directly. The invention also concerns a combination therapy by using a beta blocker along with a corticosteroid or an alpha adrenergic receptor agonist for the treatment of hemangiomas.
US08633176B2
The present invention provides choline alfoscerate-containing pharmaceutical preparations which have improved storage-stability and are easily taken. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing pharmaceutical preparations comprising choline alfoscerate, which is easy and simple and is performed by normal manufacturing equipments.
US08633159B2
An apparatus and method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent comprising a delivery system having a microprojection member (or system) that includes a plurality of microprojections (or array thereof) that are adapted to pierce through the stratum corneum into the underlying epidermis layer, or epidermis and dermis layers. In one embodiment, the PTH-based agent is contained in a biocompatible coating that is applied to the microprojection member.
US08633157B2
The present invention provides conjugates between erythropoietin and PEG moieties. The conjugates are linked via an intact glycosyl linking group interposed between and covalently attached to the peptide and the modifying group. The conjugates are formed from glycosylated peptides by the action of a glycosyltransferase. The glycosyltransferase ligates a modified sugar moiety onto a glycosyl residue on the peptide. Also provided are methods for preparing the conjugates, methods for treating various disease conditions with the conjugates, and pharmaceutical formulations including the conjugates.
US08633152B2
A process of making micro-sized protein particles comprising the step of drying nano-sized protein particles suspended in a liquid medium under conditions to agglomerate the nano-sized protein particles and thereby form micro-sized protein particles.
US08633151B2
The invention comprises peptidyl analogs that possess agonist or antagonist ghrelin activity, along with therapeutic and non-therapeutic uses thereof.
US08633145B1
A non-toxic formulation for removing cosmetic residue from glass, porcelain, polymeric and textile surfaces includes an anionic surfactant; ethanol; glycerin; water; and optionally an edible fragrance. Optionally, the exemplary formulation includes from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % iso-propyl alcohol, or about 5 wt. %. Optionally, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium alpha-olefin sulfonates, and further optionally, the surfactant comprises sodium 14, 16 alpha-olefin sulfonate. In another exemplary embodiment, convenient wipes are provided that are impregnated with the formulation.
US08633142B2
The present invention provides a poly(hydroxycarboxylic acid) amide salt derivative having formula (III): [Y—CO[O-A-CO]n—Z—R+]mpXq− (III) wherein Y is hydrogen or an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group, A is a divalent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group, n is from 1 to 100, preferably from 1 to 10, m is from 1 to 4, q is from 1 to 4 and p is an integer such that pq=m, Z is an optionally substituted divalent bridging group which is attached to the carbonyl group through a nitrogen atom, R+ is an ammonium group and Xq− is a non-sulphur-containing anion. Furthermore, the present invention provides a lubricating composition and a fuel composition containing the poly(hydroxycarboxylic acid) amide salt derivative and the use of the poly(hydroxycarboxylic acid) amide salt derivative for decreasing the phosphorus volatility of a fluid.
US08633139B2
The invention provides methods of making designed and constructed protein (e.g., antibody) libraries and libraries resulting from the same.
US08633136B2
An adjuvant composition for use with a pesticide contains at least one surfactant compound selected from each of at least two of the following groups:(i) phosphate ester surfactants, (ii) alkylpolyglucoside surfactants, (iii) the group consisting of imidazoline-based amphoteric surfactants, sultaine surfactants, and aminopropionate surfactants, and (iv) the group consisting of sulfonate surfactants, sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl ether carboxylate surfactants, alkoxylated fatty acid surfactants, and alkoxylated alcohol surfactants. A pesticide composition contains the adjuvant composition and a pesticide is useful for treating plants.
US08633135B2
At present, many herbicidal compositions have been developed and used, but there are a variety of types of weeds to be controlled, and their development lasts for a long period of time. Thus, a high active and long-residual herbicidal composition having a broad herbicidal spectrum has been desired.The present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising (A) flazasulfuron or its salt and (B) at least one urea compound selected from the group consisting of tebuthiuron, diuron and metobromuron or its salt. According to the synergistic herbicidal composition of the present invention, a high active and long-residual herbicidal composition having a broad-spectrum can be provided.
US08633128B2
The invention describes a heteropolycompound constituted by a nickel salt of a lacunary Keggin type heteropolyanion comprising tungsten in its structure, with formula: Nix+y/2AW11-yO39-5/2y, zH2O wherein Ni is nickel, A is selected from phosphorus, silicon and boron, W is tungsten, O is oxygen, y=0 or 2, x=3.5 if A is phosphorus, x=4 if A is silicon, x=4.5 if A is boron, and x=m/2+2 for the rest, and z is a number in the range 0 to 36, in which said heteropolycompound has no nickel atom in substitution for a tungsten atom in its structure, said nickel atoms being placed in the counter-ion position in the structure of said compound.
US08633126B2
A solid, hydrocarbon-insoluble, catalyst component useful in polymerizing olefins, said catalyst component containing magnesium, titanium, and halogen, and further containing an internal electron donor having a structure: [R1—O—C(O)—O—]xR2 wherein R1 is independently at each occurrence, an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon, or substituted hydrocarbon group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; x is 2-4; and R2 is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon, or substituted hydrocarbon group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that there are from 3 to 4 atoms in the shortest chain connecting a first R1—O—C(O)—O— group and a second R1—O—C(O)—O— group.
US08633125B2
Catalysts suitable for preparation of a polyethylene which comprises ethylene homopolymers and/or copolymers of ethylene with 1-alkenes and has a molar mass distribution width Mw/Mn of from 5 to 30, a density of from 0.92 to 0.955 g/cm3, a weight average molar mass Mw of from 50000 g/mol to 500 000 g/mol and has from 0.01 to 20 branches/1000 carbon atoms and a z-average molar mass Mz of less than 1 million g/mol.
US08633123B2
The present invention provides unimolecular metal complexes having increased activity in the copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxides. Also provided are methods of using such metal complexes in the synthesis of polymers. According to one aspect, the present invention provides metal complexes comprising an activating species with co-catalytic activity tethered to a multidentate ligand that is coordinated to the active metal center of the complex.
US08633122B2
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an anode for in-situ sintering for a molten carbonate fuel cell, in which an anode green sheet is prepared using a slurry, and then a reinforcing layer is placed on the anode green sheet and then pressed, thereby improving the mechanical stability of a fuel cell stack and the long term stability of an anode, and an anode manufactured using the method.
US08633103B2
In order to achieve the highly reliable and highly functional semiconductor device capable of the high-speed transmission by stacking thin chips and substrates, a connecting process and a connecting structure capable of making a solid connection at a low temperature with a low load and maintaining the shape of a connecting portion even if the connecting portion is heated in the stacking process and the subsequent mounting process are provided. In a semiconductor device in which semiconductor chips or wiring boards on which semiconductor chips are mounted are stacked, a connecting structure between electrodes of the stacked semiconductor chips or wiring boards includes a pair of electrodes mainly made of Cu and a solder layer made of Sn—In based alloy sandwiched between the electrodes, and Sn—Cu—Ni intermetallic compounds are dispersed in the solder layer.
US08633093B2
Oxygen can be doped into a gallium nitride crystal by preparing a non-C-plane gallium nitride seed crystal, supplying material gases including gallium, nitrogen and oxygen to the non-C-plane gallium nitride seed crystal, growing a non-C-plane gallium nitride crystal on the non-C-plane gallium nitride seed crystal and allowing oxygen to infiltrating via a non-C-plane surface to the growing gallium nitride crystal. Oxygen-doped {20-21}, {1-101}, {1-100}, {11-20} or {20-22} surface n-type gallium nitride crystals are obtained.
US08633089B2
An array of semiconductor components, comprising a first plurality of semiconductor components and a second plurality of semiconductor components held on a carrier, is bonded onto one or more substrates. The first plurality of semiconductor components is first located for pick-up by a transfer device, and each semiconductor component comprised in the first plurality of semiconductor components is picked up with the transfer device and is bonded onto a respective bonding position on the one or more substrates. After the first plurality of semiconductor components have been picked up and bonded, the carrier is rotated and the second plurality of semiconductor components is located for pick-up by the transfer device. Thereafter, each semiconductor component comprised in the second plurality of semiconductor components is picked up with the transfer device and is bonded onto a respective bonding position on the one or more substrates.
US08633081B2
A device includes a substrate with a device region on which a transistor is formed. The device region includes active edge regions and an active center region which have different oxidation growth rates. A growth rate modifier (GRM) comprising dopants which modifies oxidation growth rate is employed to produce a gate oxide layer which has a uniform thickness. The GRM may enhance or retard the oxidation growth, depending on the type of dopants used. Fluorine dopants enhance oxidation growth rate while nitrogen dopants retard oxidation growth rate.
US08633074B2
The present memory device includes a substrate, a tunneling layer over the substrate, a floating gate over the tunneling layer, a dielectric over the floating gate and including silicon oxynitride, and a control gate over the dielectric. A method for fabricating such a memory device is also provided, including various approaches for forming the silicon oxynitride.
US08633066B2
A thin film transistor is provided, which comprises at least an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode, wherein the source electrode and the drain electrode are located on the active layer and spaced apart from each other; a channel is defined in the active layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode; edges of the active layer are aligned with outer edges of the source electrode and the drain electrode, the outer edge of the source electrode is an edge of the source electrode opposite to the drain electrode, and the outer edge of the drain electrode is an edge of the drain electrode opposite to the source electrode. Also, a method of manufacturing a thin film transistor is provided.
US08633061B2
A package structure includes a metal sheet having perforations; a semiconductor chip having an active surface and an opposite inactive surface, wherein the active surface has electrode pads thereon, conductive bumps are disposed on the electrode pads, the semiconductor chip is combined with the metal sheet via the inactive surface thereof, a protective buffer layer is formed on the active surface to cover the conductive bumps, and the perforations are arranged around a periphery of the inactive surface of the semiconductor chip; an encapsulant formed on the metal sheet and in the perforations, for encapsulating the semiconductor chip and exposing the protective buffer layer; and a circuit fan-out layer formed on the encapsulant and the protective buffer layer and having conductive vias penetrating the protective buffer layer and electrically connecting to the conductive bumps. A method of fabricating the package structure and a package-on-package device including the package structure are also provided.
US08633060B2
A purpose of the application is to provide a semiconductor device production method capable of reducing complexity of production operations and keeping production costs low, and enhancing reliability, and a semiconductor device. One aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a semiconductor device, the method including a first bonding step of bonding a first electrode plate and a semiconductor device portion, and a second bonding step of bonding the semiconductor device portion and a second electrode plate. The method includes a sealing step of forming a sealed composite body by covering target surfaces of a composite body formed by the first bonding step with resin, the target surfaces being surfaces other than a second surface of the first electrode plate and the second surface of the semiconductor device portion. The second bonding step is performed after the sealing step.
US08633058B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a substrate; connecting an integrated circuit die to the substrate, with the integrated circuit die having peripheral sides; molding a step mold covering one of the peripheral sides; attaching an intermediate die directly over the integrated circuit die, offset to one of the peripheral sides adjacent to the step mold; and directly connecting the intermediate die to the substrate.
US08633036B2
Provided is a ferroelectric memory including a silicon substrate, a transistor formed on the silicon substrate, and a ferroelectric capacitor formed above the transistor. The ferroelectric capacitor includes a lower electrode, a ferroelectric film formed on the lower electrode, an upper electrode formed on the ferroelectric film, and a metal film formed on the upper electrode.
US08633029B2
Provided is an efficiency improving agent for gene transfer to mammalian cells, a method for improving efficiency of gene transfer to mammalian cells, and a method for transforming mammalian cells. The method is characterized in that tRNA is used in combination with a lipofection reagent. Preferably, the agent may be used so that the tRNA concentration in a lipofection solution falls within the range of 3 to 50 μg/mL, and the concentration in a culture is approximately 1/10. More preferably, tRNA and PEG may be used in combination with a lipofection reagent. According to the present invention, gene transfer to mammalian cells with high efficiency can be achieved.
US08633011B2
The present invention provides methods and systems for the production of macroalgae in a manner to provide a sustained, economical source of biomass that may be used in various end-use processes, including energy production. The invention provides specific combinations of macroalgae types, saltwater growth medium compositions, and open pond water containers that results in biomass production beyond what may occur naturally without the required manipulation. Specifically, macroalgae that produce an exoskeleton in the presence of brackish water (e.g., stoneworts) have been found to provide excellent biomass production under the conditions of the invention.
US08633009B2
The present invention provides systems for producing engineered oleaginous yeast or fungi that express quinone derived compounds.
US08633005B2
A non-reducing saccharide by providing a novel non-reducing saccharide composed of glucose as constituents, a novel enzyme forming the non-reducing saccharide, a method and process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, a composition comprising the non-reducing saccharide, and uses thereof are provided by use of an isocyclomaltooligosaccharide(s) having a structure represented by Formula 1, Cyclo{→6)-[α-D-Glcp-(1→4)]n-α-D-Glcp-(1→}, wherein “n” is 4 or 5.
US08633003B2
A process of producing ethanol from whole stillage, includes obtaining a supply of whole stillage from an ethanol production facility after ethanol has been extracted therefrom; pre-treating the whole stillage to convert hemicellulose portions of the whole stillage into sugars; adding enzymes to the whole stillage to convert cellulose portions of the whole stillage to sugars; fermenting the whole stillage to create a beer mixture; and distilling the beer mixture to separate ethanol therefrom. The pre-treating step may include adding acid to the whole stillage to decrease its pH level; heating and pressurizing the whole stillage; holding the whole stillage under pressure and heat for a dwell time; removing pressure from the whole stillage to cause flashing; and cooling the whole stillage before the enzymes are added.
US08632997B2
The present invention relates to a Drosophila in vitro system which was used to demonstrate that dsRNA is processed to RNA segments 21-23 nucleotides (nt) in length. Furthermore, when these 21-23 nt fragments are purified and added back to Drosophila extracts, they mediate RNA interference in the absence of long dsRNA. Thus, these 21-23 nt fragments are the sequence-specific mediators of RNA degradation. A molecular signal, which may be their specific length, must be present in these 21-23 nt fragments to recruit cellular factors involved in RNAi. This present invention encompasses these 21-23 nt fragments and their use for specifically inactivating gene function. The use of these fragments (or chemically synthesized oligonucleotides of the same or similar nature) enables the targeting of specific mRNAs for degradation in mammalian cells, where the use of long dsRNAs to elicit RNAi is usually not practical, presumably because of the deleterious effects of the interferon response. This specific targeting of a particular gene function is useful in functional genomic and therapeutic applications.
US08632994B2
The invention relates to methods and compositions of detecting a biological marker in a sample. In certain embodiments, the methods and compositions comprise a first binding agent that specifically binds to a biological marker in a sample; a second binding agent linked to a first polymer, wherein the second binding agent specifically binds to the first binding agent; a third binding agent linked to a second polymer, wherein the third binding agent specifically binds to the second binding agent; and a detectable substance. In certain embodiments the biological markers are detected immunologically.
US08632984B2
A method for determining whether a mammalian subject having a malignant melanoma belongs to a first or a second group, wherein the prognosis of subjects of the first group is better than the prognosis of subjects of the second group is provided. The method comprises the steps of: evaluating an amount of RBM3 protein in at least part of a sample earlier obtained from the subject and determining a sample value corresponding to the evaluated amount; comparing said sample value with a predetermined reference value; and if said sample value is higher than said reference value, concluding that the subject belongs to the first group; and if said sample value is lower than or equal to said reference value, concluding that the subject belongs to the second group.
US08632983B2
Methods and related kits for differentiating pancreatic cancer from a benign pancreatic disease. The method includes assaying a patient biological sample for a total level of CA 19-9 antigen and for a glycan level in specific mucin(s), and comparing the total level of CA 19-9 antigen and the glycan level in the specific mucin(s) to statistically validated thresholds, wherein a different level of total CA 19-9 antigen in the patient biological sample as compared to a statistically validated threshold and a different level of glycan level in the specific mucin(s) as compared to statistically validated thresholds indicate pancreatic cancer in the patient rather than a benign pancreatic disease.
US08632982B2
Fourteen markers not previously known to be associated with liver injury have been identified. Methods to diagnose a subject for liver injury using these markers are described.
US08632973B2
Methods, devices, and compositions are described that provide for amplification of nucleic acid sequences without reliance upon temperature cycling, thus freeing the methods from conventional benchtop thermal cycling devices. Denaturation of double stranded nucleic acids, primer annealing, and precision control over primer extension by polymerase can be accomplished by applying stress to a nucleic acid. These methods can provide one or more benefits over conventional PCR methods including: precision control over the PCR process; generally improved fidelity; improved accuracy over problematic sequences such as GC-rich or tandem repeat regions; greater sequence length; increased reaction yield; reduced experimental time; greater efficiency; lower cost; greater portability; and, robustness to various environmental parameters, such as temperature, pH, and ionic strengths.
US08632971B2
Methods for monitoring, and determining the efficacy of, a treatment for prostate cancer in a subject are provided, such methods including detecting the levels of expression of multiple polypeptide biomarkers in biological samples obtained from the subject prior to, and during, a course of treatment. Specific patterns of changes in the expression of the polypeptide biomarkers are indicative of the effectiveness of the treatment in the subject.
US08632962B2
Human PLK genes are identified as modulators of the beta catenin pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective beta catenin function. Methods for identifying modulators of beta catenin, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of PLK are provided.
US08632959B2
A printing plate assembly for use in flexographic printing application is provided which includes an integral carrier layer, one or more cushion layers, and one or more photopolymer layers. The photopolymer layer(s) in the integral assembly are provided with relief images using digital imaging photopolymerization, which eliminates the need for a back exposure step and provides a precise relief depth for the plate.
US08632957B2
A process for making a relief printing plate is provided that includes a layer formation step of forming a relief-forming layer from a resin composition that contains (Component A) a compound having a hydrolyzable silyl group and/or a silanol group, (Component B) a binder polymer, and (Component C) a peroxide, a crosslinking step of thermally crosslinking the relief-forming layer to thus obtain a relief printing plate precursor having a crosslinked relief-forming layer, and an engraving step of laser-engraving the relief printing plate precursor having a crosslinked relief-forming layer to thus form a relief layer.
US08632956B2
The present invention provides a process for producing a photosensitive resin plate or relief printing plate having a recessed and projected pattern, which comprises the steps of: making a liquid containing an ink-repellent component (A) and a curing component (B) attach to the plate surface of the photosensitive resin plate or relief printing plate having a recessed and projected pattern prior to the post-treatment step or during the post-treatment step, wherein the ink-repellent component (A) comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicon-based compounds, fluorine-based compounds and paraffin-based compounds, and provides a treatment liquid which is suitable for the process for producing the photosensitive resin plate or the relief printing plate having the recessed and projected pattern.
US08632955B2
A method of conditioning the surface of a work piece, particularly of a strip or sheet, more particularly of a lithostrip or lithosheet, including an aluminum alloy is provided. The method for conditioning the surface of a work piece and a work piece including an aluminum alloy enabling an increasing manufacturing speed in electro-chemically graining and maintaining at the same time a high quality of the grained surface, includes a conditioning method which comprises at least the two steps, degreasing the surface of the work piece with a degreasing medium and subsequently cleaning the surface of the work piece by pickling.
US08632952B2
Provided are a photosensitive resin composition which is soluble in an alkaline aqueous solution and which has a good propagation loss in a visible light wavelength region, a photosensitive resin cured matter, a photosensitive resin film, a photosensitive resin film cured matter and an optical waveguide obtained by using the same.Provided are, to be specific, a photosensitive resin composition comprising (A) a vinyl polymer having at least one chain-polymerizable functional group in a molecule, (B) a polymerizable compound and (C) a polymerization initiator, wherein the component (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of 2-[2-oxo-2-phenylacetoxyethoxy]ethyl oxyphenylacetate, 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl oxyphenylacetate and oligo{2-hyroxy-2-methyl-1-[4-(1-methylvinyl)phenyl]}propanone, a photosensitive resin cured matter, a photosensitive resin film, a photosensitive resin film cured matter and an optical waveguide obtained by using the same.
US08632949B2
A presensitized plate bringing about the lithographic printing plate which exhibits a high resistance to scumming and in which formation of bulges causing image dropouts is suppressed is provided with the lithographic printing plate support which includes an aluminum plate and an anodized film of aluminum provided on the aluminum plate, and has a micropore extending in the anodized film in the direction of depth from a film surface opposite with a film surface facing the aluminum plate. The micropore is sealed at least partially on its inside with protrusions made of boehmite, and the protrusions made of boehmite which are located on the anodized film have a mean height of less than 15 nm.
US08632947B2
The invention provides a near infrared absorption polymer comprising at least two different pendent infra-red chromophoric moieties covalently bonded to the backbone of an alkali-soluble resin, at least one of which is an indole cyanine dye and the other of which is a benz[e]-indole cyanine dye. When used in the coating of a heat sensitive positive working lithographic printing plate precursor the stabilization time needed after manufacture is significantly reduced, avoiding further conditioning processes before use. The precursors are preferably imagewise exposed with a near-infrared laser emitting at between 780 nm and 850 nm.
US08632946B2
Provided is a positive photoresist composition containing a cresol novolac resin (A) manufactured using m-cresol, p-cresol, and formaldehyde as essential raw materials and a novolac phenolic resin (B) manufactured using o-cresol, resorcinol, and formaldehyde as essential raw materials. This positive photoresist composition has high sensitivity and high heat resistance at the same time, which have so far been difficult to achieve at the same time, at a higher level and is suitable for use as a resist in, for example, the manufacture of semiconductor devices such as ICs and LSIs, which have required formation of finer patterns with the increasing packing density in recent years, the manufacture of displays such as LCDs, and the manufacture of printing plates.
US08632945B2
A radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a solvent and a polymer. The polymer includes a repeating unit represented by a formula (I), a repeating unit represented by a formula (II), or a both thereof. Each of R1 to R3 independently represents a hydroxyl group, or the like. At least one of R1 represents a group having two or more heteroatoms. l is an integer from 1 to 5. Each of m and n is independently an integer from 0 to 5. Each of R7 and R11 independently represents a hydrogen atom, or the like. Each of R8 to R10 independently represents a hydrogen atom, or the like. A represents —O—, or the like. D represents a substituted or unsubstituted methylene group, or the like.
US08632943B2
An infrared sensitive, positive-working, image forming composition and element are disclosed. The image forming composition comprises a 1,1-di[(alkylphenoxy)ethoxy]cyclohexane, an infrared absorbing dye having a maximum absorption peak in the range of from about 700 nm to about 1100 nm, and a novolac polymer. The composition is applied and dried on a planar, hydrophilic substrate to form an image forming element, in particular, a planographic printing plate. Upon imagewise exposure to a near-infrared radiation source, the infrared dye absorbs light in the exposed areas and converts it to heat, which causes a disruption in the matrix of the image forming composition. Upon development with an aqueous alkaline developer, the exposed areas are removed while the nonexposed areas remain, thus forming a positive image.
US08632940B2
Electrochemically grained and anodized aluminum supports are treated with a post-treatment coating solution containing a polymer derived at least in part from vinyl phosphonic acid and phosphoric acid. This post-treated support is useful as substrates in the preparation of lithographic printing plate precursors. The post-treatment substrate treatment enables wide latitude in manufacturing and compatibility with silicate-free developers to achieve negligible background staining and oxide attack.
US08632939B2
A polymer comprising recurring units having a fluorinated carboxylic acid onium salt structure on a side chain is used to formulate a chemically amplified positive resist composition. When the composition is processed by lithography to form a positive pattern, the diffusion of acid in the resist film is uniform and slow, and the pattern is improved in LER.
US08632936B2
A method for producing an electrophotographic toner, including steps of: (1) preparing a thermally treated resin particle dispersion by retaining, for one hour or longer at a temperature satisfying the formula: (melting point of the crystalline polyester (a1)−35) (° C.)
US08632935B2
The present invention provides a method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a surface layer, the method including the steps of: forming a coat for the surface layer on the support by applying a surface-layer coating solution and forming the surface layer by drying the coat, wherein the surface-layer coating solution includes a resin α, a resin β, a solvent γ and a compound δ.
US08632928B2
A water reactive hydrogen fueled power system includes devices and methods to combine reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is converted in a fuel cell to provide electricity. The water reactive hydrogen fueled power system includes a fuel cell, a water feed tray, and a fuel cartridge to generate power for portable power electronics. The removable fuel cartridge is encompassed by the water feed tray and fuel cell. The water feed tray is refillable with water by a user. The water is then transferred from the water feed tray into the fuel cartridge to generate hydrogen for the fuel cell which then produces power for the user.
US08632927B2
A direct fuel cell comprises a cathode comprising electroactive catalyst material; and an anode assembly comprising an anode having a porous layer and electroactive catalyst material in the porous layer. The electrode characteristics of the anode assembly are selected so that fuel supplied to the anode is reacted within the anode so that cross-over from the anode to the cathode does not have more than a 10% negative effect on voltage or a 25 mV voltage loss when at peak power and steady state conditions. The anode and cathode each have a first major surface facing each other in non-electrical contact and without a microporous separator or ion exchange membrane therebetween.
US08632926B2
Provided are a solid proton conductor and a fuel cell including the solid proton conductor. The solid proton conductor includes a polymer providing a proton source, and a polymer solvent providing a proton path.
US08632923B2
A battery pack includes at least one battery cell, an evaporator disposed adjacent the at least one battery cell in thermal communication therewith, the evaporator including porous media and a collector in communication with the porous media, and a coolant storage unit in incoming and outgoing fluid communication with the evaporator.
US08632922B2
The present invention is directed to systems and processes of operating molten carbonate fuel cell systems. A process for operating the molten carbonate fuel cell includes providing a hydrogen-containing stream comprising molecular hydrogen from a high temperature hydrogen-separation device to a molten carbonate fuel cell, wherein the high temperature hydrogen-separation device comprises one or more high temperature hydrogen-separating membranes; mixing at least a portion of hydrocarbons to be provided to, or provided to, a first reformer with anode exhaust from the molten carbonate fuel cell; at least partially reforming some of the hydrocarbons in the first reformer to produce a steam reforming feed; and providing the steam reforming feed to a second reformer, wherein the second reformer comprises the high temperature hydrogen-separation device or the second reformer is operatively coupled to the high temperature hydrogen-separation device, and the high temperature hydrogen-separation device is configured to produce at least a portion of the stream comprising molecular hydrogen provided to the molten carbonate fuel cell.
US08632919B2
Provided is a secondary battery electrolyte having improved high temperature properties and overcharge-prevention properties, particularly improved overcharge-prevention properties under high voltage/high current conditions, in conjunction with a minimized deterioration of the battery performance, by adding 3 to 5% by weight of cyclohexyl benzene (CHB) and 0.2 to 1.5% by weight of 2-fluoro biphenyl (2-FBP) as overcharge-preventing additives to an electrolyte of a lithium secondary battery.
US08632912B2
The present invention provides a battery that includes: an auxiliary terminal configured such that a first tube is connected to a metallic foil of an electrode of a power generating element through a current collecting connector by being fitted into a battery container through a terminal pull-out through hole of a lid plate, and sealed and fixed to the lid plate by insulating and sealing members; a connecting conductor configured such that one end portion is connected and fixed to an upper portion of the auxiliary terminal, and provided with a terminal through hole on the other end portion; an external terminal having a bolt portion that projects upward from a base portion and inserted through the terminal through hole of the connecting conductor from below; and a baffling member fixed onto the lid plate and restricting rotation of the external terminal by engaging with the base portion of the external terminal.
US08632906B2
A battery-cell structure of a battery is constructed to have a resinous spacer 5 with a frame shape surrounding thick central portions between a battery cell 3 arranged at an upper side and a battery cell 4 arranged at a lower side, and ventilation portions 62 and 64 that are provided in the resinous lower case 6 to communicate the exterior with depressed portions 61 of the resinous lower case 6 and have an up- and down symmetrical shape and size. It is constructed so that the battery cell 3 arranged at the upper side and the battery cell 4 arranged at the lower side are put in a vertical direction between the resinous lower case 6, the spacer 5 and the upper case 2.
US08632900B2
A secondary battery capable of being formed to be relatively small by reducing the sizes of internal devices and compactly locating the internal devices. Accordingly, the volume of the secondary battery is reduced and the capacity thereof is maintained, thereby increasing the capacity density of the secondary battery. In one embodiment, the secondary battery includes a bare cell having a cap plate and a protection circuit module on the bare cell and including a printed circuit board surface-contacting the cap plate.
US08632894B2
A substrate for an electronic device having high carrier transport ability, a method for manufacturing a substrate for an electronic device which can manufacture such a substrate for an electronic device, an electronic device provided with the substrate for an electronic device and having improved properties, and electronic equipment having high reliability are provided. A substrate for an electronic device includes a light emitting layer (organic semiconductor layer), a cathode (inorganic layer), and an intermediate layer provided between the light emitting layer and the cathode so as to make contact with both of the light emitting layer and the cathode. The intermediate layer is constituted of a compound (1) represented by a general formula R—X—O-M as a main component thereof. In the general formula, the R is a hydrocarbon group, the X is any one of binding groups comprising a single bond, a carbonyl group and a sulfonyl group, and the M is any one of a hydrogen atom and a metal atom. Molecules of this compound (1) are oriented along a thickness direction of the intermediate layer in a state that each hydrocarbon group R is positioned on the side of the light emitting layer and each atom M is positioned on the side of the cathode.
US08632893B2
Organic compounds and organic electroluminescence devices employing the same are provided. The organic compound has a chemical structure represented as follows: wherein R are each independently an hydrogen, or a C1-8 alkyl group, and wherein R1 and R2 are each independently an hydrogen, or a C1-8 alkyl group, R3 is a hydrogen, and R1 and R2 are not hydrogen group simultaneously; or wherein R1 and R2 link together with the carbon atoms bonded thereto to form a phenyl group; wherein R2 and R3 link together with the carbon atoms bonded thereto to form a phenyl group.
US08632892B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an organic electronic material that can be easily formed into a multilayer structure. A further object of the present invention is to provide an organic electronic device and an organic EL device that exhibit a better emission efficiency and a better emission lifetime than heretofore achieved. In order to achieve these objects, an organic electronic material is provided, the material includes a polymer or oligomer that has at least one polymerizable substituent and a hole-transporting repeat unit.
US08632886B2
A vehicle glazing comprises a pane of tinted glass, tinted by at least 1.0 to 1.8% wt. of total iron, having a low emissivity coating on its interior surface. The coating has an emissivity from 0.05 to 0.4 and may include a transparent conductive oxide (and optionally a dopant), or a metal layer and at least one dielectric layer. The glass is preferably toughened glass. According to another aspect, a laminated glazing includes two plies of glass, with a sheet of interlayer material laminated between the two glass plies, and wherein at least one ply of glass or the sheet of interlayer material is body tinted. The glazing has a low emissivity coating on its interior surface, the inner ply may be clear glass or tinted glass, and the interlayer material may be clear PVB or tinted PVB, and may further be infra-red reflecting. Either of the glazings may be used as a roof or other vehicle glazing.
US08632879B2
A flexible sheet of aligned carbon nanotubes includes an array of aligned nanotubes held in a polymer matrix material. The carbon nanotubes have an average length of between about 50 microns and about 500 microns. The polymer matrix has an average thickness of between about 10 microns and about 500 microns. The flexible sheet has a density of about 0.2 to about 1.0 g/cc and includes between about 98 to about 60 weight percent aligned carbon nanotubes and between about 2 and about 40 weight percent polymer. A tape of aligned carbon nanotubes, a method for producing a tape of aligned carbon nanotubes, a method of producing the flexible aligned carbon nanotube sheet material and a method of increasing unidirectional heat conduction from a work piece are also disclosed.
US08632877B2
The invention provides methods for forming ultra-thin hydrophilic polymeric coatings on articles, as well as articles formed therefrom. The coatings are formed by irradiating a composition including a polymer having pendent photoreactive groups while the composition is in contact with a surface of the article.
US08632864B2
A decorative metal finish for a part with a non-conductive surface where the non-conductive surface is lightly roughened to improve its adherence capabilities. A thin metal layer is electrolessly deposited on the lightly roughened surface to provide a bright durable metal finish on the non-conductive surface. An translucent finish is deposited over the thin metal layer to provide protection for the metal finish.
US08632860B2
Disclosed is a method for preparing a multifunctional technical textile that exhibits multiple functional properties comprising flame or fire-retardancy, EMI shielding, anti-odorous property, UV protection, oil-repellency, anti-soiling property, antimicrobial property, anti-creasing property, water-proof, and antistatic property. The method comprises washing a textile product in a water solution comprising water mixed with a predetermined quantity of non-ionic detergent, storing the textile product at a predetermined temperature and a predetermined relative humidity, and subjecting the textile product to plasma treatment by placing the same in a plasma stream within a reaction chamber.
US08632857B2
Disclosed are Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol F, Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), and Bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE)-free coating compositions for metal substrates including an under-coat composition containing a polyester (co)polymer, and an under-coat cross-linker; and an over-coat composition containing a poly(vinyl chloride) (co)polymer dispersed in a substantially nonaqueous carrier liquid, an over-coat cross-linker, and a functional (meth)acrylic (co)polymer. Also provided is a method of coating a metal substrate using the BPA, BPF, BADGE and BFDGE-free coating system to produce a hardened protective coating useful in fabricating metal storage containers. The coated substrate is particularly useful in fabricating multi-part foodstuffs storage containers with “easy-open” end closures.
US08632850B2
The present invention relates to tooling and methods for disposing, coating, building up, repairing, or otherwise modifying the surface of a metal substrate using frictional heating and compressive loading of a consumable metal material against the substrate. Embodiments of the invention include friction-based fabrication tooling comprising a non-consumable member with a throat and a consumable member disposed in the throat, wherein the throat is operably configured such that during rotation of the non-consumable member at a selected speed, the throat exerts normal forces on and rotates the consumable member at the selected speed; and comprising means for dispensing the consumable member through the throat and onto a substrate using frictional heating and compressive loading. Embodiments of the invention also include fabrication methods using the tools described herein.
US08632847B2
Methods of making bioabsorbable stents with grooved lumenal surfaces for enhanced re-endothelialization are disclosed. Methods include molding grooves on the lumenal surface of coated bioresorbable and durable stents. Methods further include molding grooves on lumenal surfaces of a bioresorbable tube and forming a scaffold from the tube.
US08632835B2
A composition and method for providing a strong dough having a substantial quantity of fresh potatoes. Fresh potatoes are made into a mash and centrifuged to reduce the water content to about 70% by weight. Such potato mash can comprise over 50% by weight of the final dough. This dough can be used to make sheeted or extruded products. Such dough results in improved, more naturally-flavored products compared to products made entirely from dehydrated or partially-dehydrated potato derivatives. The method comprises finely slicing potatoes to form a potato slurry or mash; decanting excess water from the potato slurry; heating the potato slurry to a temperature no greater than about 190 degrees Fahrenheit; cooling the slurry to under 140 degrees Fahrenheit; and imparting a low amount of work input to a mixture of the slurry and other ingredients to form a shapeable dough.
US08632829B2
A cocoa extract which is rich in procyanidin monomers and oligomers is made by extracting de-fatted, unroasted, unfermented cocoa beans with organic solvents. The yield of procyanidins in an extract varies with type of solvent used, reaction temperature, reaction pH and whether or not the solvent is an aqueous solution. Extraction parameters can be optimized to increase procyanidin yield, and different conditions result in the preferential extraction of the higher or lower oligomers. A preferred extraction method is counter-current extraction method.
US08632828B2
A Chinese herbal medicine composition used for antiinflammation, detumescence and acesodyne, comprising first type medicinal material and second type medicinal material. The first type medicinal material includes Rhizoma Bletillae, Cortex Cinnamomi, Radix Angelicae Formosanae, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Paeonia Lactiflora, Rhizoma Notopterygii, Radix Linderae, Glycyrrhizae, Radix Angelicae Pubescentis, and Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei. The second type medicinal material includes one, two, or three selected from the group consisting of Zingiber Officinale, Olibanum, and Myrrha. The preparation method for the Chinese herbal medicine composition includes adding the first type medicinal material and the second type medicinal material into a container with organic solvent, heating, filtering, and then condensing the filtrate into an extractum.
US08632827B2
Methods for preventing, ameliorating, or reducing dermatological signs of aging are provided which employ active agents, other than a retinoid, that stimulate thymosin beta-4 expression in the skin. Also provided are methods for screening for substances which stimulate thymosin beta-4 expression levels and the methods of using active agents identified by the screening protocol in the treatment of skin.
US08632825B2
The invention relates to the use of a combination of cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of cancer. In particular the cancer to be treated is a brain tumor, more particularly a glioma, more particularly still a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
US08632822B2
There is provided wound healing composition which comprises at least one oxidant, at least one photoactivator capable of actuating the oxidant and at least one healing factor chosen from hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and allantoin in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In addition, a method of topically treating wounds using at least one oxidant and at least one photoactivator capable of activating the oxidant followed by illumination of said photosensitizer is disclosed.
US08632820B2
Compositions and methods of using the compositions are provided for forming an embolus within a region of an anatomical lumen for a transitory period in order to achieve a therapeutic effect.
US08632817B2
A coated proteinaceous material can be produced by contacting the proteinaceous material with de-oiled phospholipids or mixtures thereof containing less than 20% triglycerides. The coating has between 0.1 and 1.5% by weight of the total proteinaceous material, of de-oiled lecithin. The proteinaceous material is hydrophobic, especially amino acids having a hydrophobicity of higher than 1.0 kJ/mol. In particular, the amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and/or methionine. The coated amino acids can be incorporated into food product and medicaments.
US08632813B2
Compositions and methods for the treatment of vasospasm are provided comprising applying an amount of a semi-solid vasoactive prostaglandin composition to the affected tissue. Also provided are methods of improving microcirculation in a replanted body part.
US08632811B1
A silica-based nanoformulation and method is used to treat citrus canker, inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, and add nutrients to soil used for agricultural purposes. The nanotechnology-enabled copper-loaded, silica nanoformulation (CuSiNP/NG) design is a “revolutionary re-invention” of Cu for safe application because it provides a formulation with maximum abundance of ionic Cu, provides sustained and optimal Cu ion release for long-term disease protection, better adherence to plant surfaces and structural surfaces due to gel-based nanostructure of CuSiNG, thus avoiding multiple spray applications and reducing the amount of Cu used in comparison to existing Cu compounds without compromising antibacterial activity. Thus, the silica-based nanoformulation releases copper in non-toxic quantities to the environment and the silica matrix provides an environmentally safe host material with a flexible design that is optimized to provide specific antifungal and antibacterial remediation using infrequent applications.
US08632810B2
A therapeutic composition is described comprising a particulate dispersion of a hydrocolloid in a low water activity anti-microbial matrix. The composition may also contain any or all of a sequestrant, excipient, carrier and surfactant. The hydrocolloid may be naturally occurring, semisynthetic or synthetic. The invention extends to a method of producing a therapeutic composition. The composition is prepared by mixing a low water activity anti-microbial matrix with hydrocolloid particles at a temperature that will not cause degradation of the matrix. The method may also include the addition of other components such as excipients, sequestrants, carriers and surfactants and other agents. The invention extends to methods for treating a human or animal subject by applying or administering the composition to the subject subject in a therapeutically effective dose.
US08632809B2
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) a bioerodible water insoluble polymer matrix comprising a polyester polymer, wherein the polymer matrix has a melting point of less than 60° C. and (b) an active agent dispersed within the polymer matrix, wherein the composition is formulated to controllably release the active agent for a pre -determined period of time to a target site. Also disclosed are methods of treating a disease or condition with the disclosed compositions.
US08632803B2
A pharmaceutical composition containing a therapeutic protein which is particularly amenable to oral administration by providing stability in the gastrointestinal tract. Insoluble fibrils or aggregates of the therapeutic protein in the pharmaceutical composition are encapsulated in a lipidated glycosaminoglycan particle, coated with a multi-layer of lipids and lipid-glycosaminoglycan conjugates, or present as unencapsulated and uncoated insoluble fibrils or aggregates.
US08632800B2
A multilayered drug delivery system with a barrier suitable for delivery of drug through an individual's body surface. By placing a barrier between two adjacent layers, unintended drug flow due to migration of a drug matrix between the adjacent matrix layers in the system to a patient is avoided.
US08632795B2
The present invention relates to a device in the form of a container made of a polymer material, which container has one or more sealed chambers, each of which comprise a liquid pheromone comprising 2-ethyl-1,6-dioxaspiro[4,4]nonane, methyl 2,4-decadiene-carboxylate and at least one alcohol selected among 2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol and 2-methylbut-3-yn-2-ol, where at least 50% of the area of the walls forming the chambers have a wall thickness in the range of from 0.1 to 1 mm and the polymer material which forms the chamber is at least in those areas an uncoated vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer with a vinyl acetate content in the range of from 10 to 17% by weight. The invention also relates to a method of combating and for monitoring the swarming behavior of the species Pityogenes chalcographus, generally also referred to as spruce wood engraver or six-dentated bark beetle.
US08632793B2
A treated substrate with improved availability of a beneficial component for transfer to a target surface and methods for making the same are described. The substrate has a contacting surface with a beneficial component that is transferred from the contacting surface to a target surface during use of the article. The beneficial component is applied to the article in such a way as to “Top-Bias” the component on or near the contacting surface of the article.
US08632787B2
Methods of treating, preventing or managing leukemias are disclosed. The methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound of the invention. The invention further relates to methods of treatment using an immunomodulatory compound with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy. Pharmaceutical compositions and single unit dosage forms suitable for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US08632786B2
A novel dosing regimen for the administration of botulinum toxin based on the pattern, quantity, and location of neuromuscular junctions in the target tissue. Because the number of neuromuscular junctions in a target tissue remains generally stable throughout life and because the pharmacological effect of botulinum toxin is localized at the neuromuscular junction, dosing efficacy is unaffected by muscle mass, age of the patient, or body weight.
US08632774B2
A binding domain polypeptide and fusion proteins thereof that recognize an IL6/IL6 receptor complex, as well as compositions and methods of use thereof.
US08632771B2
Modifications of vitamin K-dependent polypeptides that lead to enhanced protein function on a weight or molar basis and/or increase of protein lifetime in the circulation are described. Both objectives are important for using vitamin K-dependent polypeptides for pro- and anti-coagulation therapies, as well as for other uses in the circulation.
US08632768B2
The present disclosure relates to human facilitating cells (hFC), and methods of isolating, characterizing, and using such hFCs.
US08632767B2
The present invention constitutes new 3-[1-(3-haloalkyl)triazolyl]phenyl sulphide derivatives of the formula (I) in which A1, A2, B0, B1, B2, B3, R1, R2 and n are as defined in the description, to their use as acaricides and insecticides for controlling animal pests, and to processes for preparing them.
US08632762B2
The present invention is a hair conditioning composition includes approximately 40,000 IU of Vitamin E oil from 2 fl. oz., approximately 2 fl. oz. of 100% pure Australian tea tree oil, approximately 4 fl. oz. of Jojoba oil, approximately 32 oz. of pure extra virgin organic coconut oil with 62 percent MCT's and approximately 4 fl. oz. of 100 percent cold pressed sweet almond oil. The hair conditioning composition also includes approximately 4 fl. oz. of 100 percent pure Vitamin E, approximately 16 fl. oz. of cold pressed paraben free hexane free castor oil, approximately 16 fl. oz. of 100 percent moisturizing sweet almond oil and a plurality of avocados and whole aloe Vera plants weighing approximately 10 pounds of 100 percent pure fresh cut whole grown aloe Vera fresh plants.
US08632761B2
The present invention relates to a hair cosmetic composition including a surfactant and a cationized hydroxypropyl cellulose, wherein the cationized hydroxypropyl cellulose contains a main chain derived from an anhydroglucose represented by the following general formula (1) and has a cationized ethyleneoxy group substitution degree of from 0.01 to 2.5 and a propyleneoxy group substitution degree of from 0.1 to 2.8, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently a substituent group including a cationized ethyleneoxy group and a propyleneoxy group; and n represents an average polymerization degree of the anhydroglucose and is a number of from 50 to 5000. The hair cosmetic composition of the present invention exhibits a less stickiness after use and is capable of imparting excellent run fingers through hair, coating feel and manageability to hair.
US08632758B2
An aqueous hair cleansing agent contains a sulfate-type anionic surfactant having a specific structure, an ether carboxylate-type anionic surfactant having a specific structure, and an organic carboxylic acid or salt thereof, thereby has a pH of 1 to 5 at 25° C. when diluted 20-fold with water.
US08632755B2
Antiperspirant compositions comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of the composition, of a high-efficacy antiperspirant active; (b) from about 0.1% to about 35% by weight of the composition, of a thickening agent; (c) from about 10% to about 99% by weight of the composition, of an anhydrous liquid carrier; (d) from about 5 ppm to about 20% by weight of the composition, of a primary fragrance; and (e) from at least about 5 ppm by weight of the composition, of a secondary fragrance that is distinct from the primary fragrance and is included in a surfactant-free, water-releasable matrix, which renders the secondary fragrance within the matrix substantially odorless prior to aqueous activation, wherein the antiperspirant composition is substantially devoid of a malodor reducing agent.
US08632745B1
A method of controlling stoichiometry in a multicomponent material includes providing a solid sample comprising N elements and having a first composition in a main chamber, which is connected to at most N−1 reservoirs. Each of the reservoirs is configured to contain a vapor comprising one of the N elements, where N≧2. The solid sample is heated to a first temperature in the main chamber, and each of the reservoirs is heated to a first reservoir temperature (T1, T2 . . . TN-1) sufficient to achieve a predetermined vapor pressure of the vapor contained therein. The reservoirs are placed in gaseous communication with the main chamber, and thermodynamic equilibrium is achieved between the vapor from each of the reservoirs and the solid sample in the main chamber. Consequently, a stoichiometry of the solid sample is changed to arrive at a second composition thereof.
US08632741B2
A system and method according to which exhaust is directed from a stationary exhaust source and through a burner, and a combustible fluid is vented from at least one combustible fluid source other than the stationary exhaust source. The combustible fluid is captured and directed to flow from the combustible fluid source and towards the burner, and at least air is mixed with the captured combustible fluid to form a mixture. The mixture is introduced into the burner and burned therein to thereby pre-heat the exhaust flowing therethrough. The pre-heated exhaust contacts a catalyst.
US08632740B2
A collection device and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes a separating member to separate the whole blood into its components, and at least reagent positioned to selectively interact with a component of the separated sample. The reagent is able to selectively interact with the plasma/serum, and is prevented from contacting or interacting with the whole blood.
US08632730B2
In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.
US08632728B2
An ultraviolet ray sterilizer for a water pipe and a waterway featuring a plurality of circular flow ways that are formed, and an ultraviolet lamp is provided at the center of the flow ways, thus removing a sterilization dead zone where sterilization is not performed.
US08632725B2
An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.
US08632723B2
Provided is a manufacturing method for preferentially-oriented oxide ceramics having a high degree of crystal orientation. The manufacturing method includes: obtaining slurry containing an oxide crystal B having magnetic anisotropy; applying a magnetic field to the oxide crystal B, and obtaining a compact of the oxide crystal B; and subjecting the compact to oxidation treatment to obtain preferentially-oriented oxide ceramics including a compact of an oxide crystal C having a crystal system that is different from a crystal system of one of a part and a whole of the oxide crystal B. By (1) reacting raw materials, (2) reducing the oxide crystal A, or (3) keeping the oxide crystal A at high temperature and quenching the oxide crystal A, the oxide crystal B is obtained to be used in the slurry.
US08632720B2
A mold for imprinting a patterned region by imprint lithography is provided with a peripheral groove around the patterned region. The groove is connected, as by channels through the mold, to a switchable source for gas removal to prevent bubbles and for the application of pressurized gas to separate the mold and substrate. In use, the mold is disposed adjacent the moldable surface and gas is withdrawn from the patterned region through the groove as the mold is pressed toward and into the moldable surface. At or near the end of the imprinting, the process is switched from removal of gas to the application of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas passes through the groove and separates or facilitates separation of the mold and the moldable surface.
US08632710B2
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a composite article comprising a composite plate (1) and at least one fitting (4). The method is characterized by the steps of arranging at least one former on said composite plate (1), arranging at least one fitting (4) on said composite plate (1), producing a lay-up by applying a composite material layer (9) least partly covering an external surface of the former and of the fitting, and curing the layup in a curing process. After curing, said composite material layer (9) forms the walls of a stiffener and at least partly encloses the fitting so as to support it in a predetermined position.
US08632705B2
A method for manufacturing a porous fuel comprising uranium, optionally plutonium and at least one minor actinide is provided. The method may comprise the following successive steps: a) a step for compacting as pellets a mixture of powders comprising uranium oxide, optionally plutonium oxide and at least one oxide of a minor actinide, at least one portion of the uranium oxide being in the form of triuranium octaoxide U3O8, the other portion being in the form of uranium dioxide UO2; b) a step for reducing at least one portion of the triuranium octaoxide U3O8 into uranium dioxide UO2.
US08632702B2
Highly uniform silicon/germanium nanoparticles can be formed into stable dispersions with a desirable small secondary particle size. The silicon/germanium particles can be surface modified to form the dispersions. The silicon/germanium nanoparticles can be doped to change the particle properties. The dispersions can be printed as an ink for appropriate applications. The dispersions can be used to form selectively doped deposits of semiconductor materials such as for the formation of photovoltaic cells or for the formation of printed electronic circuits.
US08632689B2
A stacked proportioning valve having a body with at least two sets of ports disposed at different positions along a longitudinal length of the body, each set of ports including at least three ports at different angular positions to couple to fluid conduits, a rotor disposed in the valve body has at least two sections stacked along the longitudinal length, each section comprising three fluid channels in longitudinal alignment with one of the sets of ports, and a drive shaft affixed to the rotor, the drive shaft to rotate the rotor over angular positions to fluidly couple together pairs of ports in each of the sets of ports synchronously as a function of the rotor's angular position. In embodiments a component of a plasma processing chamber, such as a plasma etch chamber is fluidly coupled by the stack proportioning valve to reservoirs of both a hot and cold chiller.
US08632684B2
A device for separating ferromagnetic particles from a suspension has a reactor (2) through which the suspension can flow, with at least one magnet (3, 4) arranged on the outside of the reactor (2), wherein the reactor (2) has an interior space (7) and an exterior space (8) surrounding the former, wherein the interior space (7) and exterior space (8) are separated from one another by an insert (6), and the insert (6) has at least one opening (9, 10) near the at least one magnet (3, 4).
US08632683B2
A pharmaceutical composition for therapeutic administration of pyrophosphate for phosphate repletion may be in either liquid or solid form and may be usable as or usable for preparing a hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis solution containing a pyrophosphate compound present in an amount that provides a concentration in the dialysis solution equivalent to an inorganic phosphorus concentration of at least 0.5 mg per deciliter.
US08632682B2
A method for operating a tapered flow pressure driven arrangement containing a plurality of membrane modules, which comprises positioning said membrane modules in at least two successively arranged flow stages, such that the number of membrane modules operating in parallel in a given flow stage is greater than their number in the consecutive flow stage, passing a feed stream through a flow stage to generate a permeate and a concentrate, directing said concentrate to the consecutive flow stage and passing said concentrate therethrough, while periodically replacing one or more of the membrane modules belonging to said consecutive flow stage with one or more membrane modules belonging to the previous flow stage, wherein the periodicity of said replacement is such that the surface of membranes disposed in said consecutive flow stage is exposed to super-saturation conditions associated with the passage of said concentrate for a period of time that is shorter than the time required for said concentrate to precipitate therefrom one or more sparingly soluble salts and/or minerals, onto the surface of the membranes in said consecutive flow stage under said super-saturation conditions, or before deposit of organic substances can occur in the first of said two or more successively arranged flow stages. An apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method is also provided.
US08632680B2
Chromatography column comprising a column tube and at least one adjustable adapter assembly with a plunger that may be positioned at a plurality of longitudinal positions in the column tube, wherein the piston is arranged at the end of a threaded piston rod arranged with the threads engaged by a rotable end cap for enabling longitudinal movement of the piston by turning the end cap, and wherein the adaptor assembly comprises rotation prevention means arranged to prevent rotation of the plunger rod in response to turning of the end cap.
US08632669B2
Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.
US08632666B2
An explosion-proof sensor for detecting combustible gases is provided with a glass seal (9) for establishing an electrically conductive connection with the interior of the housing. The sensor is improved in terms of the pressure resistance of the housing. The glass seal (9) has a bending-resistant casting compound (16, 17, 18) mechanically stabilizing the glass seal (9) on at least one side.
US08632663B2
There is provided a hydrogen production device high in light use efficiency and capable of producing hydrogen with high efficiency.The hydrogen production device according to the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion part having a light acceptance surface and a back surface, a first gas generation part provided on the back surface, and a second gas generation part provided on the back surface, in which one of the first gas generation part and the second gas generation part is a hydrogen generation part to generate H2 from an electrolytic solution, another one thereof is an oxygen generation part to generate O2 from the electrolytic solution, the first gas generation part is electrically connected to the back surface, and the second gas generation part is electrically connected to the light acceptance surface via a first conductive part.
US08632662B2
A sheet of material is received at a sensor assembly, which includes a sensor operable to measure a property of the sheet. An air flow is generated that is substantially tangential to the sheet in order to at least partially control a position of the sheet relative to the sensor assembly. For example, the sheet may be associated with an upstream boundary layer of air and a downstream boundary layer of air. At least part of the air from the upstream boundary layer could be removed and used to provide an air flow forming at least part of the downstream boundary layer. Also, the air flow could be provided between a surface of the sensor assembly and the sheet to at least partially control a distance of the sheet from the surface of the sensor assembly and/or an angle at which the sheet passes the surface of the sensor assembly.
US08632661B2
A process for manufacturing fiberboard by preparing a fiber slurry mixture including containing cellulose fibers and water then atomizing a liquid bituminous material, such as asphalt. The liquid bituminous material is atomized by mixing it with a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, forming a mist comprising droplets of bituminous material having a diameter between 20 microns and 50 microns. A water spray solidifies the bituminous material droplets thereby forming bituminous particles which fall into the fiber slurry within the spray chamber. From there the slurry is sheared, dewatered, and dried, forming a finished fiberboard.
US08632660B2
A process for manufacturing fiberboard by preparing a fiber slurry mixture including containing cellulose fibers and water then atomizing a liquid bituminous material, such as asphalt. The liquid bituminous material is atomized by mixing it with a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, forming a mist comprising droplets of bituminous material having a diameter between 20 microns and 50 microns. A water spray solidifies the bituminous material droplets thereby forming bituminous particles which fall into the fiber slurry within the spray chamber. From there the slurry is sheared, dewatered, and dried, forming a finished fiberboard.
US08632654B2
The present application is directed to use of a thioether compound, obtainable from a first educt that comprises at least two thiol groups and from a second educt that comprises at least one α,β-unsaturated amide group as well as at least one tertiary amine group, for the hardening of reactive resins.
US08632650B2
A V-ribbed belt that includes a ribbed surface covered with fabric is provided. The fabric is stretchable in two predetermined directions. A method for manufacturing the V-ribbed belt is also provided. The method includes placing a belt matrix about a mandrel, placing a fabric about the external circumference of the belt matrix which wraps around the mandrel, placing the mandrel inside a shell having a plurality of grooves on the internal circumference, expanding the belt matrix and the fabric toward the internal circumference of the shell and thus pressing the fabric onto the internal circumference having the multi-ribbed structure, and curing the belt matrix with the fabric. The fabric is stretchable to accommodate itself to the multi-ribbed structure.
US08632649B2
An object is to reduce a cycle time for fabricating a low rolling resistance pneumatic tire and to provide the same pneumatic tire. As a means therefor, in building a tread portion by winding spirally a rubber strip material whose cross section is divided into a first region made of a conductive rubber and a second region made of a non-conductive rubber in a tire circumferential direction in a partially overlapping fashion by the use of an extruding machine which extrudes continuously the rubber strip material, an area ratio of the first region relative to the cross section of the rubber strip material is made to change in a tire width direction.
US08632646B2
A method for joining pipes in which a first pipe in which at least one portion to be engaged is sunk inward to an inner circumferential surface side provided in an outer circumferential surface of an end portion of the first pipe, and a second pipe made of thermoplastic resin are joined together. The method includes: inserting an end portion of the first pipe into an end portion of the second pipe; and as a result of a component that transmits ultrasonic waves against an outer circumferential surface of the second pipe that corresponds to the portion to be engaged of the inserted first pipe, softening the second pipe by the ultrasonic waves so that an engaging portion is formed which is made to protrude into the portion to be engaged and is positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the first pipe.
US08632644B2
A bamboo composite timber and method for making the same is presented. Bamboo slats are laid up into a preform in a mold and coated with a urethane adhesive. The slats are arranged in the preform in side-to-side, end-to-end and face-to-face orientation. The composite is subjected to elevated temperature and pressure in the mold until the adhesive cures, the temperature and pressure ensuring uniformity of the resulting timber and eliminating voids and the like internally. The slats may be arranged in any of numerous ways, including three directions of orthogonal relationships.
US08632639B2
A mobile cleaning device for cleaning parts of a burner is provided. The mobile cleaning device includes a closable pressure vessel, wherein a nozzle end of the burner is located inside the pressure vessel. An end of the burner, which is used for supplying fuel and is arranged opposite from the nozzle end, is located outside the pressure vessel. Further, a method for cleaning parts of the burner is provided.
US08632638B2
Disclosed is a method for cleaning deposits from one or more parts of an engine fuel delivery system, the method comprising introducing into the engine fuel delivery system a cleaning composition comprising (a) one or more aromatic hydrocarbon solvents; and (b) one or more propylene glycol ethers.
US08632637B2
A plasma processing apparatus is disclosed for minimizing the non-uniformity of potential distribution around wafer circumference. The apparatus includes a focus ring formed of a dielectric, and a conductor or a semiconductor having RF applied thereto. A surface voltage of the focus ring is determined to be not less than a minimum voltage for preventing reaction products caused by wafer processing from depositing thereon. The surface height, surface voltage, material, and structure of the focus ring are optimized so that the height of an ion sheath formed on the focus ring surface is either equal or has a height difference within an appropriate tolerance range to the height of the ion sheath formed on the wafer surface.
US08632632B2
An apparatus for crystallization of silicon includes a crucible for containing silicon, a heating and heat dissipating arrangement provided for melting the silicon contained in the crucible and for subsequently solidifying the molten silicon, and an electromagnetic stirring device provided for stirring the molten silicon in the crucible during the solidification of the molten silicon. A control arrangement is provided for controlling the heating and heat dissipating arrangement to solidify the molten silicon at a specified solidification rate and for controlling the electromagnetic stirring device to stir the molten silicon in response to the specified solidification rate of the molten silicon such that the ratio of a speed of the molten silicon and the specified solidification rate is above a first threshold value.
US08632630B2
A thermal ink jet ink composition includes one or more volatile organic solvents, wherein the one or more volatile organic solvents are selected from C1-C4 alcohols, C3-C6 ketones, C3-C6 esters, C4-C8 ethers, and mixtures thereof; one or more humectants, wherein the humectants are present in an amount not more than 30% by weight of the ink composition; one or more binder resins; and one or more dyes. The ink composition is suitable for use in a thermal ink jet printer and the ink composition has a slow rate of kogation such that it is capable of being printed at least 10 million drops per nozzle from the thermal ink jet printer before drop weight of the ink composition is reduced by more than 10%.
US08632629B2
Water-based ink set for ink-jet recording, ink-jet recording method, and ink-jet recording apparatus
A water-based ink set for ink jet recording, includes: a water-based black ink which contains a black colorant, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent, the black colorant containing self-dispersible carbon black; and a water-based magenta ink which contains a magenta colorant, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent, the magenta colorant containing a dye represented by the general formula (1); wherein the water-soluble organic solvent includes a penetrant of which amount is 0.5% by weight to 3.5% by weight of the water-based magenta ink.
US08632612B2
Disclosed herein are compositions for dyeing keratin fibers, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same.
US08632611B2
The present invention relates to a method for coloring hair wherein a hair coloring composition is applied to the hair roots. The hair coloring composition is then diluted with a dilutant component and the diluted hair coloring composition is applied to the hair lengths and tips.
US08632604B2
A medical implant device comprises a substrate (10) having an undulating surface provided by peaks (12) which are separated by recesses (14). The device includes a porous coating layer provided on the undulating surface of the substrate which comprises a plurality of particles (16). The spacing between adjacent peaks on the surface of the substrate is less than the particle size of the particles. The particles are bonded to the peaks on the surface of the substrate and adjacent particles are bonded to one another.
US08632601B2
The invention relates to an implant for relieving damaged areas of the surfaces of hip or shoulder joints from stress. Said implant can be introduced into the space between the joint surfaces of the condyle and the socket cooperating in the natural joint. The inventive implant is cup-shaped or cap-shaped, rests in the socket by a convex external face, and sits on the condyle by a concave internal face in the implanted state. The implant comprises at least two articulation layers which are movable relative to each other and encompass articulation surfaces that face one another in the implanted state.
US08632599B1
A modular knee prosthesis system comprises a distal femoral articulation component, a distal augment, a posterior augment and a first connector for securing at least one of the augments to the distal femoral articulation component through a bore in the augment and an opening in the distal femoral articulation component. The distal femoral articulation component has a distal bone-facing surface, a posterior bone-facing surface and an opening. The openings into the bores of the augments are in the medial or lateral side surface of the augment. Both augments can be mounted and removed from the distal femoral articulation component from either the medial or lateral side.
US08632595B2
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.
US08632593B2
A spinal distracter and stabilizer has resilient, conformable bone contacting sections which are separated by an expandable chamber that extends from one of the sections, and which forms a ratchet with the section, ensuring that once expanded by being filled with a substance, cannot contract absent intervention by a medical practitioner. The stabilizer may be filled with a material which solidifies, after which some or all of the device may biodegrade. The device may also be provided in separable portions to facilitate implantation. The conformable sections distribute the distraction and stabilizing force evenly over the bone surface, reducing the incidence of disruption to the integrity of the bone.
US08632584B2
A medical implant, having a proximal and a distal end, that is preformed to assume a superimposed structure at an implantation site but can be made to take on a volume-reduced form making it possible to introduce it by means of a micro-catheter and a guide wire arranged at the proximal end, with the implant in its superimposed structure assuming the form of a longitudinally open tube and having a mesh structure of interconnected strings or filaments. The implant has a tapering structure at its proximal end where the strings or filaments converge at a connection point.
US08632576B2
A system for treatment of a wound area of a patient including a first treatment pad comprising a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for cleaning and exposing a wound area to ultraviolet light, a second treatment pad comprising removal ports for exposing the wound area to a negative pressure, and a control unit interoperably connected to the first and second treatment pads for providing a negative pressure and the ultraviolet light to the wound area.
US08632562B2
An embolic protection device for deployment in a body vessel is provided for filtering emboli within the body vessel. The embolic protection device generally includes a filter having a plurality of openings formed therethrough and an extraction element configured to be movable with respect to the filter between a non-extraction position and an extraction position. The extraction element is located distally of the filter when in the non-extraction position so as to allow the filter to open into an expanded state to collect the emboli. Additionally, the extraction element is disposed about at least a portion of the filter when in the extraction position so as to close the filter into a collapsed state and to permit the embolic protection device to be extracted from the body vessel.
US08632560B2
A system includes a generator with a grinder subgenerator and an ultrasonic subgenerator, a grinder handpiece, and an ultrasonic handpiece. The grinder handpiece is connected in electrical communication with the grinder subgenerator. The grinder handpiece includes a motor and a grinding tool connected mechanically to the motor. The rotational speed of the grinding tool is associated with electrical energy provided by the grinder subgenerator to the motor. The ultrasonic handpiece is connected in electrical communication with the ultrasonic subgenerator. The ultrasonic handpiece includes a transducer and a ball tip connected mechanically to the transducer. The amplitude of the vibrations at the ball tip is associated with electrical energy provide by the ultrasonic subgenerator to the transducer.
US08632559B2
A valvuloplasty catheter comprises a balloon or other expansible shell which carries a plurality of scoring elements, typically formed in an elastic, self-closing metal cage. The expansible shell and scoring elements are positioned inside an aortic or other cardiac valve, and the shell expanded to engage the scoring elements against stenotic material which covers the valve leaflets and valve annulus. The scoring elements uniformly distributed force to break up the stenotic material, and the cage further contributes to rapid balloon deflation allowing shortening of the treatment time.
US08632552B2
A method of preparing a femur and tibia in surgery on a knee joint using a navigation system and a robotic system. The navigation system tracks movement of the femur and tibia during the surgery. The navigation system may include a plurality of locating devices. The robotic system includes a base, a plurality of arms, and a cutting tool.
US08632551B2
The invention relates to a resetting tool (1a), for the axial displacement of a Kirschner wire (2a), in particular, for application with bone plates, which may be implanted for the fixing of fractures. The above comprises a Kirschner wire (2a), comprising a thread in at least a part region and at least one guide tube (4a, 4b), by means of which the Kirschner wire may be positioned. A nut (3a) is provided, which is slotted and contains an internal drilling, such that the nut may be placed over the Kirschner wire and may be supported on the guide tube, whereby the Kirschner wire may be displaced in the axial direction by means of rotation of the nut.
US08632550B2
A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. A guide member may be first inserted to establish the path between the tissues and fascia, and one or more intermediate cannulas may be temporarily inserted over the guide member to dilate the tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted in an intervertebral space through the cannula. The system may include a guide bar removably coupled to a targeting post. The targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to provide a target, and the guide bar may be removably attached to the guide member, to guide it along the path to the target location. An external support arm may be secured to any other component of the system.
US08632549B2
A pectus bar extraction tool for removing a pectus bar having posterior and anterior sides includes a handle, an engagement member fixed to and extending from the handle for extending from the anterior to the posterior sides of the pectus bar to engage the posterior side of the pectus bar, and a lever arm fixed to and extending from the handle opposite to the engagement member for engaging the pectus bar on the anterior side of the pectus bar. A system and method for removing a pectus bar are also disclosed.
US08632547B2
An osteotomy method includes attaching a patient-specific osteotomy guide to a corresponding surface of a tibia of a patient and making an osteotomy at a patient-specific orientation through a resection slot of the osteotomy guide. The osteotomy guide is removed and first and second faces of the osteotomy are opened to form an implant insertion angle. The first and second faces of the osteotomy are secured at the implant insertion angle and an osteotomy implant having a patient-specific wedge angle that is smaller than the implant insertion angle is implanted. The first and second faces of the osteotomy are brought to the patient-specific wedge angle and in contact with the osteotomy implant.
US08632546B2
A reamer for reaming a portion of a long bone cavity for use in implanting a joint prosthesis. The reamer is used in cooperation with a portion of an orthopaedic implant component and includes an expandable body that is adapted to adjust between a plurality of diameters. A plurality of cutting edges are also included and extend outwardly from the body, the edges adapted for cooperation with bone, and the cutting edges expanding as the expandable body expands.
US08632544B2
The invention relates to an internal osteodistraction device, which includes two fixing points (7, 8) for attachment to a bone in such a way that the distance between the fixing points can be increased in a controlled manner, and a magnetostrictive element (1) which produces a reciprocating mechanical motion in a changing magnetic field. The magnetostrictive element is configured for taking up solely a compressive or tensile force, such that the magnetostrictive element pushes a unidirectional movement permitting element which allows for an increase in the distance between the fixing points, and as the magnetostrictive element is in the process of returning to its original length, a second unidirectional movement permitting element allows the magnetostrictive element to resume its original length without changing a distance between the fixing points of the distraction device.
US08632537B2
Monopolar electrosurgery devices adapted for resecting tonsil and adenoid tissue. The devices minimize thermal injury by employing a plasma generated by pulsed electrical signals to precisely and effectively cut or coagulate the tissues. Suction may also be applied to the tissues to enhance the cutting, coagulation, and tissue manipulation functions. The devices include an interchangeable tip that may be switched for another tip, depending on which tip may be more suitable for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.
US08632527B2
A method for generating control data for an eye-surgical treatment device, which separates tissue layers in the eye cornea by application of a laser device, wherein a contact glass having a contact surface deforms the cornea to conform to the shape of the contact surface during the operation of the laser device. The contact surface is first placed on a cornea apex at a contact surface apex and is then pressed against the same for deforming the cornea. The method includes: generating the control data of the laser device such that the data specifies coordinates of target points located in the cornea for the laser device, and upon generation of the target point coordinates the deformation of the cornea which is present during the operation of the laser device as a result of the contact glass is taken into consideration. The invention provides that the several steps are carried out in consideration of the deformation in order to determine a displacement of a point P in the undeformed cornea caused by the deformation.
US08632523B2
The present invention provides a device for wound treatment, comprising a chamber that includes an inner surface and defines a treatment space, the chamber being made of a flexible, impermeable material. The device further includes a plurality of structures configured to exert mechanical stress on a wound, the plurality of structures intruding from the inner surface of the chamber into the treatment space. The device further includes a tube having a first end connected to the chamber, the tube being in fluid communication with the treatment space so as to enable at least one selected from the group of applying negative pressure to the treatment space and applying a therapeutic modality.
US08632521B2
A syringe assembly comprises a syringe barrel having an elongated body defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end, a distal end and a frusto-conically shaped tip extending from the distal end and having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber has an inside diameter of at least 13.5 mm. A stopper is in fluid-tight engagement inside the barrel. An elongated plunger rod extends proximally from the stopper through the open proximal end of the barrel. A flange is positioned at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The flange is shaped and positioned to limit the distal motion of the plunger rod in the barrel by contacting the proximal end of the barrel. A tip cap is releasably connected to the tip for sealing the passageway and the chamber contains injectable liquid.
US08632519B2
A syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel having an exterior surface, an inside surface defining a chamber, an open proximal end, a distal end, and an outlet disposed adjacent the distal end in fluid communication with the chamber; and a plunger assembly disposed at least partially within the syringe barrel. The plunger assembly includes an elongated plunger rod and a plunger head. The elongated plunger rod is associated with the plunger head to move the plunger head within the chamber of the syringe barrel through an injection cycle. The plunger rod is adapted to move from a collapsed position extending alongside the exterior surface of the syringe barrel to an extended position engaging the plunger head to move the plunger head through the injection cycle.
US08632515B2
An absorbent garment has a chassis. A first region of the chassis includes a first panel and at least one first side panel. A second region of the chassis includes a second panel and at least one second side panel. A resilient fastening component is permanently attached to an inner surface of the at least one first side panel and releasably attached to an outer surface of the at least one second side panel. At least one of the first region and the second region is folded at least twice such that at least portions of the at least one first side panel and the at least one second side panel are positioned between the first and second panels and the resilient fastening component is tucked between the folded absorbent assembly and lies in a plane parallel to a plane in which a first part of the absorbent assembly lies.
US08632512B2
According to an illustrative embodiment a method to promote healing of a wound is provided comprising contacting the wound with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative and gelatin. In another embodiment a wound dressing is provided comprising a scaffold coated with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative. In a further embodiment, a system is provided for treating a tissue site of a patient, the system comprising a reduced-pressure source to supply reduced pressure, a manifold to distribute reduced pressure to a tissue site and a scaffold coated with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative. Methods for producing such a system and scaffold are also disclosed.
US08632504B2
A device for storing and administering drug includes a housing, a sealing element (3) and a separate low friction plunger (4) which is substantially-permeable to gas over time. The sealing element (3) is typically broken to allow delivery of the drug. The housing (2) may be filled with the drug through an opening other than the opening through which the pusher (13) enters the housing to move the plunger so as to expel the drug during administration to a patient.
US08632494B2
A pen needle assembly includes a cap for covering the non-injection end of a needle of a pen needle. The needle is received by a hub, which is disposed in an outer cover. The cap is adapted to be connected to the outer cover in a first or second position. The cap is removable in the first position and the cap is locked to the outer cover in the second position.
US08632467B2
Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor.
US08632464B2
A system and method for monitoring implant sensor data includes an orthopaedic implant, a patient exercise machine, and an antenna coupled to the patient exercise machine. The orthopaedic implant includes a sensor and a transmitter configured to transmit implant sensor data. The antenna is selected from a group of antennas based on the data rate and/or carrier frequency used by the transmitter. A controller is coupled to the antenna and configured to display the implant data, or indicia thereof, on a display device such as a computer monitor.
US08632451B2
An incontinence treatment device includes a band, magnets, and a power source. The band has a length extending between a first end and a second end. A first magnet is connected to a first end portion of the band and a second magnet is connected to a second end portion of the band. The band is implantable around a urethra and configured to constrict a lumen of the urethra when the first magnet is coupled to the second magnet. The power source is electrically coupled to the first and second magnets and configured to electromagnetically couple and decouple the first magnet relative to the second magnet.
US08632449B2
A heart pump including first and second cavities, each cavity including a respective inlet and outlet, a connecting tube extending between the first and second cavities, an impeller including: a first set of vanes mounted on a first rotor in the first cavity portion; a second set of vanes mounted on a second rotor in the second cavity portion; and, a shaft connecting the first and second rotors, the shaft extending through the connecting tube, a drive for rotating the impeller and a magnetic bearing including at least one bearing coil for controlling an axial position of the impeller, at least one of the drive and magnetic bearing being mounted outwardly of the connecting tube, at least partially between the first and second cavity portions.
US08632436B2
A motor assembly for use in a surgical tool, has a motor and a gear train. The gear train has an output shaft, a fixed ring gear, a movable ring gear, a cover, and a multi-stage planetary gear set. Each gear stage has a sun gear, a carrier, and planet gears mounted on one side of the carrier. The planet gears are in mesh with a sun gear and either the fixed ring gear or the movable ring gear. The movable ring gear has inner teeth formed on an inner peripheral surface and one of the carriers has outer teeth formed on an outer peripheral surface. The movable ring gear is movable between a first position where the movable ring gear is engaged with and non-rotatable relative to the cover and is disengaged from said one carrier, giving the gear train a higher gear reduction ratio, and a second position where the movable ring gear is disengaged from the cover and is engaged with and rotatable with said one carrier and the planet gears adjacent to the other side of said one carrier giving the gear train a lower gear reduction ratio.
US08632429B2
A training game ball is described having cues for visually indicating the rotational alignment of the ball when it is thrown. If the ball is improperly thrown so that the axis of rotation does not stay perpendicular to the direction of flight, then the rotational alignment cue line will appear to wobble as the ball travels. The ball also has a rotational speed cue formed from a plurality of spaced panels arranged parallel with the alignment cue. If the ball is thrown with a high rotational speed, the panels will appear to the player as a solid line. Still further, the ball also includes hand alignment cues for assisting a player in properly positioning his or her hands for throwing the ball. Each of the cues may have a different appearance, so that they may be visually distinguished.
US08632425B2
Golf balls including at least one modified dimple group are disclosed. The modified dimple group comprises one or more modified dimples forming an axially symmetric pattern about a Correction Area Centroid located on an axis of symmetry at a latitude greater than 0°, where 0° represents the hemispherical pole and 90° represents the equator. The modified dimples can be altered, for example, by changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and/or dimple plan shape. Such modifications preferably produce a golf ball that flies more consistently regardless of orientation when struck than a corresponding golf ball without such modifications.
US08632422B2
The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, a cover of at least one layer encasing the core, and a layer of paint applied to a surface of an outermost layer of the cover, wherein the outermost cover layer or an inner cover layer adjacent to the outermost layer is formed of a resin composition which includes: (a) 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin, (b) from 0.003 to 2 parts by weight of a color pigment or dye, and (c) from 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of spherical inorganic fine particles as a reflective material. The golf ball has a novel appearance that is bright and highly visible, and also has an excellent durability.
US08632420B2
A golf club head enables the initial velocity of a ball to be increased and enables the carry to be lengthened. In some example structures, the golf club includes a face plate formed from metal and club head body (e.g., a crown and sole) formed from fiber reinforced plastic. A weighted body is provided inside the rearmost portion of the golf club head and a low rigidity portion whose width becomes gradually narrower as it approaches the rearmost portion is provided in the crown extending from the vicinity of the face plate to the rearmost portion.
US08632417B2
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a first cylindrical structure having a cylindrical interior chamber for receiving a golf club shaft, a first rotation-inhibiting structure, and a securing structure; (b) a second cylindrical structure having a borehole for receiving the first cylindrical structure, and a second rotation-inhibiting structure that engages the first rotation-inhibiting structure and (c) a securing system for releasably engaging the securing structure. The shaft may extend at an angle from the shaft connection assembly so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head by rotating the first cylindrical structure or exchanging the second cylindrical structure.
US08632416B2
A set of golf clubs in accordance with at least some examples of this disclosure may include one or more of the golf clubs which include an iron-type golf club head with a 3-piece configuration which may include a ball striking face; a golf club head body including a rear surface opposite the ball striking face, which may include a perimeter weighting member extending in a direction rearward from the ball striking face and along at least a portion of a circumferential area of the golf club head body; and an insert engaged with the golf club head body and positioned behind the ball striking face of the golf club head. Further, one or more of the golf clubs in the set may include iron-type golf club heads with a 2-piece configuration which may include a golf club head body and an insert engaged with the golf club head body. Additionally, one or more of the golf clubs in the set may include iron-type golf club heads with a 1-piece configuration.
US08632412B2
Techniques for recognizing the accomplishments of a game player are disclosed herein. In particular, a user identification profile is provided so that digital items awarded to the user for meeting specified performance criteria in a video game or some other event may be associated with such user identification profile. The digital item may be something that is usable within the current video game title, in a later version or the next generation of a particular video game title, or even in a different video game by the same developer. One technique involves receiving an identification representative of the digital item awarded to the user, associating the digital item with the user identification profile corresponding to the user, and storing an indication that the digital item is associated with the user identification profile. In this way, the indication may be utilized to display the digital item in the user identification profile.
US08632403B2
A gaming communication apparatus may include a wireless transceiver and a controller operatively coupled to the wireless transceiver. The controller may be programmed to establish a bidirectional wireless communication link with a gaming apparatus when in proximity to the gaming apparatus, receive a voice command relating to a first gaming function, transmit first gaming function data to the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver, and receive data relating to a second gaming function from the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver. The gaming apparatus may include a second wireless transceiver and a second controller operatively coupled to the second wireless transceiver. The second controller may be programmed to receive the first gaming function data via the second wireless transceiver, execute a first gaming function based on the first gaming function data, and transmit the second gaming function data to the wireless communication device via the second wireless transceiver.
US08632401B2
In a game program for a multi-player game, when a player character receives damage and the strength level reaches a certain level, the player character goes into an extension state before death, in which the character is weakened but is able to recover. If a friendly player character performs a recovery action within a certain time from the weakened state having been reached, the player character in the weakened state recovers to a normal state. On the other hand, if the player character in the weakened state is attacked by an enemy character, or if the certain time has elapsed, the player character in the weakened state is caused to die and the game is ended.
US08632398B2
A cabinetmaker can create an electronic license that governs 1) components allowed to be connected to a wagering game machine and 2) functionality enabled on the wagering game machine. The electronic license (cabinet license) is bound to a wagering game machine cabinet. The cabinetmaker can load the electronic license into a secure memory area bound to the cabinet of a wagering game machine. A process (application, daemon, etc.) can perform various operations that ensure the wagering game machine complies with the cabinet license. The executable code that implements this process (license compliance code) can execute to disable components and/or functionality that do not comport with the electronic license, can execute to place the wagering game machine in a limited operation state, can execute to generate a notification of the license violation and freeze the wagering game machine, etc.
US08632397B2
A system and method of providing purchase of gaming and non-gaming services or items while continuing to use a gaming machine. The purchase activity is unrelated to the gambling activities provided by the gaming machine.
US08632396B2
The gaming system disclosed herein accounts for game play over a gaming session in determining a bonus game attribute for a triggered bonus game. The gaming system maintains a plurality of different bonus game attributes. Each different bonus game attribute is associated with a different bonus game attribute modification event and an initial probability of that bonus game attribute being selected for a play of a bonus game. For each bonus game attribute modification event that occurs, the gaming system modifies the probability that the associated bonus game attribute will be selected for a play of a bonus game. Upon an occurrence of a bonus game triggering event, the gaming system randomly selects one of the maintained bonus game attributes. The gaming system then displays a bonus game and determines a bonus game award utilizing the selected bonus game attribute.
US08632394B2
Methods and apparatus for auctioning an item via a gaming device are disclosed. The methods and apparatus enable a gaming device player (e.g., a slot machine player) to select one or more auction items the player is interested in bidding on. As the player plays the gaming device, a portion of each bet and/or a portion of each win is allocated to an accumulating bid on the selected auction item(s). In one embodiment, other players, connected via a network, also bid on the auction item(s) in a similar fashion. At the end of an auction, the highest bidder is awarded with the auction item. In one embodiment, the auction item is a physical auction item physically displayed at the gaming device.
US08632390B2
A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels.
US08632387B2
Various embodiments of a game involving the elimination of game elements are described. Various methods and apparatus of described. Other embodiments are described.
US08632383B2
The gaming machine of the present invention provides a gaming machine that executes the processing of: determining, for each station, a normal game result based on a player card for the station; accepting via each input device an input for a side bet on a normal game in a station other than the station having this input device; determining, when a side bet is placed, a side game result according to the determined normal game result of the station as the side bet target; and offering a first payout based on the normal game result, and a second payout based on the side game result.
US08632381B2
An aircraft cabin pressure control system outflow thrust recovery valve includes a frame, a valve element, and actuation hardware. The frame, valve element, and at least a portion of the actuation hardware are made of composite material. The actuation hardware is disposed external to the frame.
US08632366B2
This invention provides a socket for a circuit board that adds function of electrical resistive element to a contact. A socket includes a socket body extending at a longitudinal direction; and a plurality of contacts disposed in two lines along the longitudinal direction of the socket body. When a memory module is connected to the socket body, terminals formed on opposite surfaces of the memory module are electrically and elastically connected by the contacts. The contact includes a contact portion which contacts the terminal, a bent portion for generating an elastic force, and a base portion. The contact is made of a conductive metal having elastic properties, and the contact used for carrying signal is provided with a resistor of an electrical resistive material that is different from the conductive metal. The resistor is connected in a current path between the base portion and the terminal of the memory module.
US08632364B2
Disclosed is a socket for a wedge bulb to maintain excellent grounding performance despite vibration encountered in use. The wedge bulb includes a light emitting element and a connector protruding from a lower end of the light emitting element and provided at each of a front surface and a rear surface thereof with a pair of parallel elastic terminals. The socket includes an elastic supporting terminal unit provided at an inner wall surface of a coupling recess defined in the socket and serving to elastically support the connector inserted into the coupling recess while achieving electrical connection with the electric terminals. Any one of each pair of the electric terminals is pressed and supported by the elastic supporting terminal unit at a different height from the neighboring electric terminal provided at the same surface of the connector and the other electric terminals provided at the opposite surface of the connector.
US08632346B2
A connection arrangement with a plug element and a circuit board with plated-through holes. The plug element has a plurality of pluggable contact elements. The plated-through holes are arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the contact elements of the plug element. The plated-through holes and the contact elements that can be plugged into them, are matched to one another such that the plug element is manually connectable to the circuit board by inserting the contact elements into the plated-through holes and the plug element is manually removable. The contact elements are simultaneously pluggable into their associated plated-through holes. The contact elements include two legs having a space between them, with both legs of each contact element pluggable into a respective plated-through hole.
US08632340B1
An apparatus assists educators in selecting achievement tools to meet an applicable one of a plurality of sets of educational standards. A first table holds a plurality of educational standards and a plurality of linked keywords. A second table holds a plurality of achievement tools, such as lesson plans, assessments and resources, and a plurality of linked keywords. A table manipulator program permits an educator to select an educational standard and shows achievement tools applicable to the selected educational standard by having a matching of keywords linked to the achievement tools to keywords linked to the educational standards.
US08632339B2
The apparatus described is computer controlled and includes a visual display system with a triple screen arrangement in front of and on the sides of a driver of a vehicle positioned on a chassis dynamometer. Three projectors project virtual scenic imagery onto the triple screen arrangement which spans at least 180° relative to the driver. The virtual scenic imagery has a progression which is dependent upon the speed of at least one of the drive wheels of the motor vehicle, as controlled by the driver, when the motor vehicle is positioned on rollers of the dynamometer. The apparatus may include a steering sensing arrangement for providing signals of steering actions by the driver, which signals are used to deflect the virtual scenic imagery in synchronism with the steering actions of the driver.
US08632338B2
A target acquisition apparatus for use in association with a target, includes a weapon activation sensor, an image detector, a modulated light detector, a weapon processor, and a weapon transceiver for detecting activation of the weapon and producing a triggering signal. The weapon processor identifies a predetermined modulation characteristic from detected light radiation, identifies a predetermined spatial configuration within a predetermined portion of an acquired image, determines a local coordinate system, and produces a hit indication.
US08632337B2
A method and marker element to determine the position of a prosthetic element (2) which is fixed to the jaw (13) of a person, such as a dental implant. An image is formed of the jaw of a reproduction model of this jaw which is provided with the prosthetic element (2), by means of X-rays or magnetic resonance. At least one marker element (3) is then provided on the prosthetic element (2) which produces a strong contrast in imaging techniques. The position of the marker is then formed by X-rays or by magnetic resonance, and the position of the prosthetic element (2) is then derived from the observed position of the marker element (3).
US08632336B2
The tooth implant includes a conical screw section with a multiple thread, which broadens progressively from the rounded apical end thereof, is adjoined by a multiple micro-thread with a lower pitch. Such an implant has improved primary stability and avoids the injury of anatomical structures and with the micro-thread thereof avoids too high a compression and necrosis. In one example, an abutment with a post is fixed to the implant, which post includes a groove to which various structures can be clipped.
US08632334B2
A method and apparatus for blow molding an article wherein a parison is positioned between substantially opposed mold closures. The opposed mold closures and at least one other mold closure are advanced, wherein the at least one other mold closure is advanced into abutment with at least one of another of the substantially opposed mold closures, and another of the at least one other mold closure. Thereafter, a gas may be injected within the interior of the parison to form a molded article, the mold closures retracted along their respective axes, and the molded article removed.
US08632330B2
Tools for manufacturing composite parts and methods for using such tools are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin part from a plurality of fibers positioned on a tool having a female mold surface. The mold surface can include a first side region, a second side region, an interior region between the first and second side regions, and transition regions between the first and second side regions and the interior region. The method includes positioning a compaction tool over the mold surface. The compaction tool includes a first pressing device and a second pressing device carrying the first pressing device. The method further includes pressing a first portion of the fibers against the transition regions with the first pressing device without generally compacting the portions of the fibers outboard of the transition regions. After pressing the first portion of the fibers, the method includes pressing a second portion of the fibers against the first and second side regions and shoulder regions of the mold surface outboard of the first and second side regions.
US08632329B2
An injection mold includes a first mold base, a first mold core, a second mold base, a fastening member, a second mold core and at least one elastic member. The first mold core is fixed to the first mold base, and the fastening member is fixed to the second mold base. The second mold core is movably mounted on the second mold base for engaging with the first mold core to fabricate a workpiece. The at least one elastic member acts as a shock absorber between the fastening member and the second mold core.
US08632320B2
An integrated high-pressure compression unit for a process fluid that includes at least a first compression device able to compress the process fluid from a essentially gaseous initial thermodynamic state to an intermediate thermodynamic state, a second compression device connected mechanically to the first compression device and able to compress the process fluid from the intermediate thermodynamic state to a final thermodynamic state, a motor device able to drive the first compression device and the second compression device, and a pressure casing or housing in which at least the said first and second compression devices are mechanically coupled to each other.
US08632317B2
A pump assembly including an air motor includes a pressure regulator assembly connected to a motive fluid inlet of the air motor. The pressure regulator assembly has a housing that contains an actuator assembly, a ball valve assembly, a bleed valve, a first pressure adjustment assembly, and a second adjustment assembly. The housing includes a motive fluid inlet port, a pressure regulator outlet, a bleed valve port, an actuator support, a pressure adjustment chamber, and a ball valve chamber. The pressure regulator assembly includes at least one gauge that displays at least one measurement parameter.
US08632313B2
A turbine rotor blade which is enhanced in erosion resistance and reduced in stress corrosion cracking sensitivity is provided. When a blade tip end of the turbine rotor blade is hardened by heat treatment, hardness at an outer circumferential side in a radial direction is made higher than hardness at an inner circumferential side, and thereby, enhancement in erosion resistance and reduction in stress corrosion cracking sensitivity are made compatible with each other all over in a blade length direction.
US08632311B2
A turbine blade includes an airfoil terminating in a tip. The tip includes a first rib conforming with a concave pressure side of the airfoil, and a second rib conforming with a convex suction side of the airfoil. The second rib is flared outwardly from the suction side.
US08632307B1
A propeller assembly includes a rotatable hub having a center metal hub portion and an outer composite hub portion. A set of composite propeller blades are mounted for pitch control rotation on the hub by a set of dry bearings.
US08632306B2
A wind turbine blade has at least one lightning receptor, wherein at least part of a surface of the wind turbine blade close to the lightning receptor is covered by a protective layer having electrical and thermal insulating material. Moreover, a method for protecting the surface of a wind turbine blade close to a lightning protector against temperature increase resulting from lightning impact is disclosed. At least part of the surface of the wind turbine blade is covered with a protective layer having electrical and thermal insulating material.
US08632305B2
A fan assembly includes a fan, and a fan holder for receiving the fan. The fan holder includes a first mounting member and a second mounting member. A first side of the second mounting member is pivotably attached to the first mounting member. A second side of the second mounting member is locked to the first mounting member to receive the fan between the first and second mounting members.
US08632303B2
A wind turbine generator includes a tower, at least one blade, a hub supporting the blade, a nacelle supported by the tower and having a duct part with an intake port and an exhaust port, and a heat exchanger provided in the duct part and cooling a cooling medium for a heat-producing component inside the tower or nacelle. The wall of the nacelle has a double wall structure constituted of an inner wall and an outer wall in an area where the duct part is provided. The inner wall forms a bottom surface of the duct part and has a curved portion which curves inward toward a center line of the nacelle with increasing distance from the hub. The duct part increases in cross-section from a side of the intake port to a side of the exhaust port at least in an area where the curved portion is formed.
US08632301B2
A gas turbine engine has a fan, a compressor section having a low pressure portion and a high pressure portion, a combustor section, and a turbine having a low pressure portion. The low pressure turbine portion drives the low pressure compressor portion and the fan. A gear reduction effects a reduction in the speed of the fan relative to a speed of the low pressure turbine and the low pressure compressor portion. At least one of the low pressure turbine portion and low pressure compressor portion has a number of blades in each of a plurality of rows. The blades operate at least some of the time at a rotational speed. The number of blades and the rotational speed are such that the following formula holds true for at least one of the blade rows of the at least one of the low pressure turbine portion and/or the low pressure compressor sections: (number of blades×rotational speed)/60≧5500. The rotational speed is an approach speed in revolutions per minute.
US08632295B2
A transporting system includes: a track portion; a plurality of loading platforms, disposed along the track portion, whose positions differ from each other in at least one direction; a plurality of transporting vehicles, each having a travelling device travelling along the track portion and a loading device, for loading transported objects; a first detecting device for detecting a first reference position, of the loading device when a reference transporting vehicle loads the transported object; a second detecting device for detecting a second reference position, of the loading device when each of the other transporting vehicles other than the reference transporting vehicle loads the transported object; and a teaching device for providing information on the position of the loading device with respect to each of the other loading platforms when each of the other transporting vehicles loads the transported object, on the basis of the detected first and second reference positions.
US08632285B2
A router table clamp system for attaching a router to a router table, wherein the system includes a first plate that is fixed with respect to the router table, a second plate that is configured to cooperate with the first plate to enable the router to be removably attached to the router table, and a clamping mechanism configured and arranged to move the second plate with respect to the first plate between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the clamping mechanism is in the locked position, the router is securely attached to the router table. The clamping mechanism also includes a lever assembly configured and arranged to move the second plate in a locking direction and an unlocking direction, which directions are both generally coincident with a plane defined by the second plate, wherein the locking direction is opposite of the unlocking direction.
US08632284B2
A device for machining an electrical cable having a cylindrical part and a conical part adjoining the cylindrical part. The device includes a fixture arranged to receive the cable and to hold the cable in a fixed position, the fixture defines an elongated space for accommodating the cable, a tool for removing material from the cable including at least one cutter, and rotational guiding means for guiding a first rotation of the cutter about a longitudinal axis of the space. The cutter is elongated and the longitudinal axis of the cutter is arranged inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the space so that the angle between the longitudinal axes of the cutter and the space is between 10 and 80 degrees. The device further includes drive means for providing a second rotation of the cutter about a rotational axis through the tool in order to cause the machining.
US08632282B2
A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements, where a soil reinforcing element is coupled to initial and terminal wires of the horizontal element. The soil reinforcing element may have a hook or similar coupling device on its end in order to be coupled to the initial wire. A strut may be coupled to the top-most cross wire of the vertical element and the terminal wire of the horizontal element to maintain the vertical element at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal element as backfill is added to the wire facing.
US08632276B2
A method and apparatus for processing underwater beds includes a plurality of polygonal hollow pipes arranged side by side, the upper ends of which form a horizontal, substantially flat working platform. Each hollow pipe has a horizontal projection with a flange extending vertically and a corresponding flange insertion aperture with a slot immediately above it running vertically and extending as far as the upper end of the hollow pipe, the aperture being further away from the upper end of the hollow pipe than the projection with the flange and having a greater horizontal dimension than the slot. Neighboring hollow pipes engage one another via a respective projection with a corresponding slot. The hollow pipes cannot be moved relative to one another horizontally. Individual pipes can only be pulled out individually in an upward direction at the platform outer edge.
US08632272B2
A post coupler is provided with a pair of coupler flanges having rivet receiving apertures for receiving rivets extending from horizontal shelf-supporting beams to facilitate vertical shelf placement in a shelving unit unfettered by the vertical disposition of the post couplers. Apertures in the coupler index with apertures in abutting corner post sections to permit rivet extension therethrough. The reverse bend flanges of the coupler have a length shorter than the overall length of the coupler.
US08632267B2
A carbon ribbon recovery device includes a carbon ribbon supply roller (100) and a carbon ribbon recovery roller (200). The carbon ribbon recovery roller (200) includes a first clutch plate (211), a second clutch plate (212), a friction element (213), a recovery gear (214) and a spindle (215); the spindle (215) is provided on a frame (400) of a printer to support a carbon ribbon (700); the first clutch plate (211), the second clutch plate (212), the friction element (213) and the recovery gear (214) are arranged in turn on the spindle (215), the first clutch plate (211) rotates in synchronism with the spindle (215); the recovery gear (214), the friction element (213) and the second clutch plate (212) can rotate around the spindle (215); the recovery gear (214) is rotated by a carbon ribbon driving device (300), and to drive the friction element (213) rotating, then to proceed to give the second clutch plate (212) a rotating force in the same direction; the second clutch plate (212) is matched with the first clutch plate (211) when the second clutch (212) rotates in a predetermined direction; the second clutch plate (212) is not matched with the first clutch plate (211) when the second clutch (212) rotates in a direction opposed to the predetermined direction. The present invention also relates to a thermal transfer printer having the carbon recovery device.
US08632252B2
A grease baffle that may be installed and removed independently of an outer race of a bearing assembly, thus reducing or eliminating damage to the grease baffle during maintenance actions, eliminating the potential for damage to the bearing support body for maintenance actions requiring removal of the grease baffle but not removal of the outer race, and reducing maintenance time and maintenance costs. The grease baffle may be retained in the support body by a retaining ring or a resilient sealing member, and may be preloaded against a retaining surface.
US08632251B2
At least one closure element is arranged between an outer ring and an inner ring of a bearing. The closure element aids in ensuring electric current is kept away from the rolling elements by diverting electric current from the outer ring to the inner ring of the bearing and onto a shaft of an associated machine. The closure element can take the form of either a seal or a shield. The closure element is arranged in the outer ring and contacts at least one of the notches of the inner ring. Preferably, more than one closure element is used.
US08632244B2
A system and method for monitoring the properties of a fluid, such as water, in a steam pipe without mechanically penetrating the wall of the pipe. The system uses a piezoelectric transducer to launch an ultrasonic probe signal into the pipe. Reflected ultrasonic signals are captured in a transducer, which can be the same transducer that launched the probe signal. The reflected signals are subjected to data processing, which can include filtering, amplification, analog-to-digital conversion and autocorrelation analysis. A result is extracted which is indicative of a property of the fluid, such as a height of the condensed fluid, a cavitation of the condensed fluid, and a surface perturbation of the condensed fluid. The result can be recorded, displayed, and/or transmitted to another location. One embodiment of the system has been constructed and tested based on a general purpose programmable computer using instructions recorded in machine-readable non-volatile memory.
US08632241B2
Disclosed is a standard size electrical end plate with a built in photosensor and light emitting diode (LED), which connect to a power supply/trigger circuit that taps electrical power from a standard electrical box. The photosensor in conjunction with a transistor in the trigger circuit, controls the LED so that when sufficient light is present, no current flows to the LED and it is turned off, and also to insure that when low light conditions are present, current now flows to the LED and it is turned on.
US08632226B2
There is provided a lighting system capable of suppressing a decrease in light output while preventing occurrence of glare. The lighting system of the present invention includes a light-emitting device and a jig for light control. The light-emitting device includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged so as to be distributed on a substrate, and the jig for light control is made up of a resin plate having a plurality of discrete openings for light-emitting surface partitioned by a louver. The light-emitting device and the jig for light control are overlaid so that a light-emitting portion is exposed from the plurality of discrete openings for light-emitting surface.
US08632225B2
An optical lens includes: a lens body having an outer surface extending in a longitudinal direction (a first direction) and formed to be symmetrical in a lateral direction (a second direction); and a cavity formed at a lower portion of the lens body and having inner side faces asymmetrical in the longitudinal direction.
US08632219B2
A luminaire (1) comprising a one-piece, transparent, tubular housing (3) with an annular wall (5). Said housing comprising an elongated light emission window (9), a reflector area (11) inside the housing and adjacent the light emission window, an electrical contacting support (13) inside the housing and remote from the light emission window, and two open ends. Elongate reflectors (21) extend towards the electrical support in a direction transverse to the axis. Two end parts (53) close the tubular housing (3) as each end part is provided at a respective open end and is electrically connected to a respective electrical contact. The lamp (17), together with the electrical contacts, can be replaced in the housing without the necessity to remove the reflectors as well.
US08632217B2
A light head structure with adjustable focal length and a lighting device thereof. The light head structure includes a base, a threaded collar and a soft lens. The threaded collar has an assembling section, a receiving space for receiving the base therein and a protrusion section formed on an inner circumference of the threaded collar. The base has a recess for receiving a light-emitting element therein and an outer connection section for movably assembling with the assembling section. The soft lens has a focusing section in alignment with the light-emitting element. The focusing section has an extension section. The protrusion section of the threaded collar abuts against the extension section to attach the extension section to the outer circumference of the base. The thickness of the soft lens is adjustable to change the focal length and enhance the illumination. The lighting device can be easily manufactured to lower manufacturing cost.
US08632215B2
In various embodiments, an illumination device includes a housing, a power connector for connecting the illumination device to a power socket and receiving input power, a light emitter for direct illumination disposed within the housing, a circuit for regulating the input power and providing the regulated power to the light emitter, and a decorative illumination element for providing decorative illumination.
US08632212B2
According to one embodiment, a light-emitting device comprises a substrate on which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged and mounted in two lines; and sealing members of two lines each sealing the plurality of light-emitting elements of each line. A distance between the lines of the sealing members is equal to 0.5 times or more but 2 times or less a width of the sealing member of each line.
US08632187B1
A contact lens is provided. It is a rigid gas permeable, corneal-scleral progressive, multifocal, vision lens that covers the cornea and a portion of the sclera of an eye. It is particularly beneficial for use on patients who have undergone refractive surgery and/or on patients experiencing presbyopia. The lens is designed to have dual touch contact with an eye. One contact point is the central portion of the cornea and the other contact point is a portion of the sclera.
US08632186B2
One aspect of the invention provides a method for training a classification algorithm to detect a retinal pathology. The method includes: for a plurality of pseudo two-dimensional data sets of one-dimensional data points, each pseudo two-dimensional data point representing RNFL thickness values for a subject and corresponding index values for the data points: performing fractal analysis on the data set to calculate a plurality of fractal dimensions and calculating a plurality of slopes between each fractal dimension; combining the plurality of slopes for subjects labeled as pathologic into a pathologic data set; combining the plurality of slopes for subjects labeled as healthy into a healthy data set; and applying a linear discriminant function the pathologic data set and the healthy data set; thereby training a classification algorithm to detect the retinal pathology.
US08632182B2
Methods of eye gaze tracking are provided using magnetized contact lenses tracked by magnetic sensors and/or reflecting contact lenses tracked by video-based sensors. Tracking information of contact lenses from magnetic sensors and video-based sensors may be used to improve eye tracking and/or combined with other sensor data to improve accuracy. Furthermore, reflective contact lenses improve blink detection while eye gaze tracking is otherwise unimpeded by magnetized contact lenses. Additionally, contact lenses may be adapted for viewing 3D information.
US08632174B2
A method of ink jet recording including forming an uncured first ink layer of a first ultraviolet curable ink A on a recording medium, forming an uncured second ink layer having a recording pattern inside the uncured first ink layer of the ink A by discharging a second ultraviolet curable ink B from an ink jet head, and curing the uncured first ink layer by irradiating the uncured first ink layer with ultraviolet light after forming the uncured second ink layer, wherein the ink A contains a photoradical generator and the ink B contains a photobase generator and a coloring agent.
US08632170B2
A liquid ejecting head according to the present invention comprises a passage unit and an actuator unit. The passage unit includes a first opening and a plurality of second openings. One end of a dummy passage extends from and is connected to one or more third openings formed within a fix area of the actuator unit on a surface of a first plate, and an other end of the dummy passage is connected to one or more fourth openings formed on a surface of any of plates, via a space formed in a plate other than the first plate. The dummy passage is opened to the atmosphere through the one or more fourth openings.
US08632169B2
A liquid ejecting head includes a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric layer made of a piezoelectric material and an electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric material is such that when a diamond conical indenter having an angle α of 136° between opposite faces is pressed into the piezoelectric layer at a load of 5 gf for 5 seconds to form cracks extending from an indentation, using a micro Vickers hardness meter, the length of the cracks from four corners of the indentation is 15 μm or less.
US08632152B2
Disclosed is a method for printing an image, comprising a step of rasterizing an image to be printed in view of a first resolution to generate a first data bitmap; a step of splitting the first data bitmap according to a ratio of the first resolution to a second resolution to generate second data bitmaps; and a step of outputting the second data bitmaps to a printer with the second resolution for printing. Disclosed is also a device for printing images. The method and device for printing an image may solve the problem in the prior art that the definition of an image printed from a printer is too low and improve the definition of an image printed from a printer.
US08632138B2
A traction assembly for replacing a wheel on a vehicle is disclosed. The traction assembly uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are pivotally mounted to a support frame which is coupled to the sprocket wheel via a support arm. The support arm is pivotally yet non-drivingly connected to the sprocket wheel and is pivotally connected to the support frame. The support arm is able to pivot forwardly and rearwardly, albeit in a limited fashion, with respect to the support frame. Such forward and rearward pivotal movements allow the weight of the vehicle to be transferred on the trailing portion, i.e. either the front or the rear portion, of the support frame depending on the direction of movement of the vehicle, thereby generally preventing the leading portion from diving or digging into the ground.
US08632116B2
A door includes an exterior-facing surface, an inner structure, and a latch mechanism. The door also includes a key-cylinder attached to and accessible from the exterior-facing surface, and adapted to selectively lock and unlock the latch mechanism, and a pawl adapted to be rotated by the key-cylinder to unlock the latch mechanism. Furthermore, the door includes a feature arranged on the inner structure and aligned with the key-cylinder, and a component connected to the key-cylinder, aligned with and extending into the feature without contacting the inner structure. The component is configured to not impede the rotation of the pawl when the component is aligned with the feature. Additionally, the component is configured to restrict angular movement of the key-cylinder with respect to the door, when the key-cylinder is forcibly manipulated thereby causing the component to contact the inner structure.
US08632112B2
A method of operation of a workpiece displacement system includes: providing a head including a conduit, a recess port, and a channel, the conduit configured such that its major axis intersects the recess port and the channel; inserting a force distribution member into the recess port; and supplying a negative pressure state through the head and the force distribution member.
US08632105B2
Tension clamp and a method of clamping with the tension clamp. The tension clamp includes a clamping band formed in an annular manner with two ends adjacent to one another, and a clamping fixture, structured and arranged to connect the two ends to one another, comprising a tightening screw with a screw head and a mounting section and a mating thread element into which the tightening screw is screwable. The mounting section includes at least one flexible region along its length.
US08632104B2
A lock member capable of contacting an engaging projection of an inserted pipe section from a direction of the pipe axis and relatively rotatably attachable between an annular wall portion of a receiving pipe section and the engaging projection of the inserted pipe section includes engaging stopper portions projecting therefrom for contacting an inward surface of the annular wall portion from the direction of the pipe axis. The annular wall portion has attachment/detachment recesses formed therein for allowing inserting and removing movements of the engaging stopper portions in the direction of the pipe axis. An elastic urging member is provided between an extending portion projecting from the lock member to the outside of the pipe through an inner peripheral surface of the annular wall portion and the outer peripheral surface of the inserted pipe section, and an outward surface of the annular wall portion.
US08632095B2
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition. An anchor tether (102) is secured to the vehicle (12). A shaping tether (104) is secured to a first portion (116) of the protection device (14). A releasable connection (132) connects the anchor tether (102) and shaping tether (104). The shaping tether (104) secured to the vehicle (12) via the connection (132) with the anchor tether (102) restricting deployment of the first portion (116) of the protection device (14). The connection (132) is configured to withstand tension between the anchor tether (102) and shaping tether (104) when the protection device (14) is fully pressurized. A trigger tether (106) is secured to a second portion (122) of the protection device (14) and is configured to release the connection (132) between the anchor tether (102) and shaping tether (104) when tension in the trigger tether reaches a predetermined level.
US08632086B2
A trailer slider locking system includes body rails longitudinally slidable relative to a suspension frame side rail. The body rails have holes providing multiple suspension positions. A pin locking system includes a pin moveable between retracted and locked positions. An end of the pin is received in one of the holes in the locked position. The pins have tapered ends so that the pin will extend through the body rail hole prior to advancing to the fully locked position.
US08632084B2
A drift scooter comprising a longitudinal frame including opposed leading and trailing end portions. A steering assembly is pivotably disposed on the leading end portion and includes a transverse member with two wheels rotatably supported on opposite ends of the transverse member. A stem is fixed in perpendicular orientation relative to the transverse member and a handlebar is connected to the stem. A rear wheel assembly is pivotably disposed on the trailing end portion, wherein the wheel assembly pivots about an upwardly extending pivot axis. The rear wheel assembly is preferably biased toward a centered position, aligned with a centerline of the frame. A resilient member is connected between the frame and a leading portion of the caster. The resilient member may be in the form of an extension spring. Means for adjusting the tension of the extension spring may also be included.
US08632074B2
This invention relates to a method of forming brush seals and to brush seals themselves. Thus a back plate 10, which defines an anchor recess 11, a reservoir recess 12 and a land 13 is laid horizontally. A bristle pack 14 is then laid on top of the back plate 10, so that one end 15 overlies a recess 11 and the other, 16, projects beyond the land 13. The bristles are then clamped in position by clamp 21 and epoxy resin is poured into the recess 11 as indicated by the arrows. A mold is introduced over the recess. Once the resin is cured, the mold can be removed and it will be noted that excess epoxy resin has fallen into the recess 12 preventing resin wicking beyond the land 13 and interfering with the performance of the bristles.
US08632053B2
Movable valve apparatus having conditioned lubricating surfaces are described. An example valve includes a valve packing having a graphite packing ring disposed within a bonnet of the fluid valve and a stem or shaft has a conditioned surface to hold a lubricating material. The conditioned surface of the stem or shaft is disposed within the bonnet and moves the lubricating material relative to and in contact with the graphite packing ring during operation of the fluid valve.
US08632051B2
A solenoid, in particular for media-controlling valves, includes in an armature space an armature movably acting on a tappet, and a coil carrying windings of a conductor. The magnetic core delimiting the armature space has a tappet boring that incorporates the axially moving tappet, and a boundary element, that consists of at least partly elastic material and is media- and liquid-proof, is provided between the tappet and the magnetic core. The boundary element includes a fastening area for a sealing connection of the boundary element with the tappet, a connection area for a sealing connection of the boundary element with the magnetic core, and an intermediate part provided between the fastening area and the connection area. The intermediate part surrounds at least part of the length of the tappet like a hose or sleeve.
US08632049B2
A plug for closing off a bore of a hydraulic spool type valve is provided. The plug includes a polymeric body having a plurality of integral projecting studs which have a snap fit engagement with an inward radial protrusion of the bore within the hydraulic valve.
US08632047B2
A pair of shear blades and a blowout preventer having the pair of shear blades. The shear blades are configured to cut a tubular inside the blowout preventer. The shear blades have different geometries of the front cutting surfaces. One geometry promotes a secure positioning of the tubular relative to the first blade while the second geometry promotes a puncturing of the tubular by the second blade.
US08632026B2
A mill for shredding scrap, comprising a shredding chamber able to contain scrap during the shredding and having a shredding unit, an inlet pipe connected to an opening of the shredding chamber, in order to transfer the scrap toward the shredding chamber. The mill comprises first thrust means associated with the inlet pipe, selectively movable between a loading position of the scrap into the inlet pipe and one or more intermediate positions to transfer by means of thrusting the scrap toward the shredding chamber. The mill also comprises second thrust means, disposed in proximity with the inlet of the shredding chamber, selectively movable between an inactive position, in which they do not interfere with the introduction of the scrap into the shredding chamber by the first thrust means, and one or more thrust positions in which they introduce into the shredding chamber the scrap moved by the first thrust means until the scrap is in proximity with the opening.
US08632024B2
Solid waste that includes a mixture of wet organic material and dry organic material can be are separated using mechanical separation to produce a wet organic stream enriched in wet organics and a dry organic stream enriched in dry organics. The separated wet organic stream and dry organic stream are separately converted to renewable or recyclable products using different conversion techniques particularly suited for the separated wet and dry organic streams.
US08632014B2
A wireless IC device includes a radiating plate, a wireless IC chip, and a feeder circuit board, on which the wireless IC chip is mounted. The feeder circuit board includes a resonant circuit with an inductance element, and the resonant circuit is electromagnetically coupled with the radiating plate. The wireless IC chip is interposed between the radiating plate and the feeder circuit board.
US08632012B2
A method and apparatus for using in an imaging scanner. The apparatus includes a solid-state imager, an imaging lens assembly comprising a base lens and a MEMS lens, and an electric circuitry operative to transfer the image captured by the solid-state imager to a decoding circuitry. The imaging lens assembly is configured to focus light reflected from the target object onto the array of photosensitive elements in the solid-state imager by passing the light reflected from the target object through the base lens followed by the MEMS lens.
US08632005B2
Some embodiments of the present invention provide for detecting a physical change (e.g., via a sensor of a transaction card), and, in response to detecting the physical change, producing an output signal promoting use of a financial account.
US08632004B2
According to one embodiment, includes an operation surface section, a card reader provided on one side of the operation surface section and configured to read card information, and an operation button provided near the card reader on the operation surface section and recessing a predetermined dimension from the operation surface section.
US08632003B2
A computer-implemented method can include selecting an information card from a group of identified information cards, selecting a persona from a group of identified personae that are associated with the selected information card, and generating a Request for Security Token (RST) based on the selected information card and the selected persona.
US08632000B2
Embodiments provide systems, methods, processes, computer program code and means for using mobile devices to conduct transactions with ATM devices.
US08631996B2
A composite of sheet metal parts on or for a vehicle comprises a first sheet metal part forming a first outer shell region and comprising a first joining region which projects from the first outer shell region via a bent transition towards an inner side of the composite. The composite further comprises a second sheet metal part forming a second outer shell region and comprising a second joining region which projects from the second outer shell region towards the inner side of the composite, the second joining region facing the first joining region. The composite also comprises a welding or soldering seam along which the sheet metal parts are connected, wherein the seam runs along or alongside a flange edge formed in the first joining region at a distance from the first outer shell region, a flange deviating from the first joining region along the flange edge.
US08631992B1
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt; at least one staple including a crown fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt, the crown having a first width, and a free end extending from the crown; and at least one pad wider than the first width, wherein each pad is associated with a corresponding crown. An exemplary surgical method using that exemplary apparatus may include placing the feeder belt in proximity to tissue; penetrating the free end of at least one staple into tissue, such that tissue is positioned between the free end and the crown; compressing the free end of at least one staple toward the crown, such that a compressive force is exerted toward the crown; distributing the compressive force across the pad of at least one staple; and shearing at least one staple from the feeder belt. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one feeder belt having two lateral edges; staples, where each staple includes a first end frangibly connected to a corresponding feeder belt and a second free end; and where the staples form at least one row, each row including at least two staples; and at least one pad, where each pad is located along a corresponding free end of a corresponding staple.
US08631991B2
A surgical instrument for fastening tissue with a staple. The instrument includes a cartridge adapted for containing the staple. The cartridge includes a mechanism adapted to selectively advance the staple toward a forward end of the cartridge so the ends of the staple protrude from the cartridge and to selectively close the staple. The cartridge includes a mount connected to the cartridge and adapted for mounting the cartridge to an end of an endoscope. The cartridge includes a linkage connected to the cartridge for actuating the mechanism to advance and close the staple and a remote actuator connected to the linkage a predetermined distance from the cartridge for actuating the mechanism from a position remote from the cartridge.
US08631990B1
An exemplary staple holder of a surgical stapler may include a cavity defined therein, staples held within that cavity; an upper surface; apertures defined through the upper surface through which staples are deployable, at least one wedge movable within the cavity, and at least one staple trap including a strip and arms extending from and bent relative to the strip, where at least one arm resides in a neutral position directly underneath a corresponding aperture.
US08631987B2
A surgical instrument that includes a distal member configured to receive a pneumatically operated tool assembly therein. The instrument may also include pneumatically powered drive member configured to generate at least one actuation motion upon receipt of at least one pneumatic signal from a source of pneumatic power fluidically coupled thereto. A drive shaft assembly communicates with the pneumatically powered drive member for transmitting the actuation motions to the distally mounted pneumatically operated tool. The device further includes a power assist member that communicates with the drive shaft assembly for transmitting additional manually generated actuation motions to the drive shaft assembly.
US08631986B2
A fastening tool includes a drive assembly configured to drive a fastener from the fastening tool, a work contact element moveable between an extended position and a depressed position, a trigger moveable between a release position and a fire position, an electric power source, an electronic control unit configured to deliver electric power from the electric power source to the drive assembly, and a single electric switch connected to the electronic control unit and configured to indicate that the work contact element is in the depressed position and the trigger is in the fire position.
US08631980B2
There is provided an apparatus for supporting a handheld electronic device including a holster and a clip. The holster defines a pocket for receiving a handheld electronic device and supporting the received handheld electronic device. The clip is coupled to the holster and is configured for movement between an open position and a gripping position and is biased towards the gripping position. In the open position, spacing is provided between the clip and the holster so as to receive an article. In the gripping position, the clip is disposed such that, when an article is disposed between the clip and the holster, the article is gripped by the clip against at least one gripping surface portion of the holster under the force effecting biasing of the clip towards the gripping position. When the clip is disposed in the gripping position, and a handheld electronic device is received and supported by the pocket, coupling of the handheld electronic device to the article is thereby effected. When the coupling of the handheld electronic device to the article is effected, the minimum distance between the handheld electronic device each one of the at least one gripping portion of the holster is at least eighteen (18) millimetres.
US08631978B2
A tundish assembly, including an element, for preventing or limiting steel reoxidization in the continuous casting of molten steel, is used in combination with a refractory nozzle. The element has an orifice engaging the outer surface of the nozzle, a main surface surrounding the main orifice and having a lowest level lower than the top outer edge of the nozzle inlet portion, and a periphery having an upper face surrounding the main surface of the element. The upper face of the periphery of the element is higher than the main surface of the element and is higher than the surface of the bottom well of the tundish. The main surface of the element is arranged so as to contact molten steel in a tundish.
US08631971B2
A bag in box packaging comprising an outer box, an inner bag and a tray member. The outer box includes an opening at the lower end of the front wall and onto the bottom wall. A pair of opposing slits extend along the lower edge on opposing sides of the opening thereat. The spout and/or the tap extend through an opening in the base so that the tap and the inner bag are on opposite sides of the base. A pair of opposing channels are defined between the respective flange and the dispensing wall interfacing surface of the tray. The tray member can be slid into position by extending the front wall between the respective flange and the dispensing wall interfacing surface and into the respective opposing channels defined thereby, to, in turn, secure the tray to the outer box.
US08631966B2
The specimen container comprises a cap, a body and a connector. The cap has an inner surface defining a hollow. The body includes a vial having a rim and an opening bounded by the rim. The connector couples the cap and body in a manner which permits cap movement between a fully-seated position on the vial, to form a sealed specimen container; and a position apart from the opening, to permit ingress to the vial. The connector can be adapted such that, in use, when the cap is disposed at the position apart from the opening, and in the absence of external forces, the connector holds the cap at the position apart from the opening. Snap-fit intermediate positions of the cap can be provided between the position apart from the opening and the fully-seated position and the cap can be adapted to reduce evaporative losses when intermediately positioned.
US08631962B2
The container includes a peripheral side wall, whose upper peripheral edge defines a retention hook with a profile in the form of an inverted U, having an inner side leg, an arched base leg (lib) and an outer lateral leg (lie). An upper end wall of the container includes a median panel and a peripheral upper skirt having an end edge defining a closure hook with a profile in the form of an inverted U, having an inner side portion, an arched base portion, and an outer side portion which incorporates an upwardly projecting end flange. The closure hook is fitted onto the retention hook and radially inwardly deformed, compressing an elastic sealing element between the two hooks and maintaining the end flange projecting upwardly to the interior of the retention hook.
US08631957B2
The invention is a recloseable lid for a drinking cup comprising a cap with a dispensing aperture through which liquid can pass. A plug is movably mounted to the cap and is sized to seal the dispensing aperture when a portion of the plug is inserted into the dispensing aperture.
US08631953B2
A closure for a container, e.g., a tube, for a sample, e.g., a biological sample. The closure comprises a cap having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening capable of communicating with the mouth of a container, the second opening sealed by an exterior seal, and intermediate the first opening and the exterior seal, an interior seal. The invention also provides an assembly comprising the closure of this invention and a container. The invention also provides a method for preparing the closure.
US08631944B2
A method and apparatus (1) for processing soil infested with plant root material. The method comprises depositing the soil on a vibrating conveyor support (105) at a substantially constant depth, wherein the vibrating conveyor support (105) is arranged to enable the plant root material to be hand-picked. In this way, soil throughput may be maximised without compromising removal of the plant root material. Further, fragmentation of the plant root material may be minimised. The soil may be screened using a vibrating screening mesh (107) to remove smaller particles prior to it being deposited on the conveyor. The soil may be heated, and the processed soil passed under an infrared detector (119) for detecting the presence of plant root material, to thereby objectively control quality.
US08631943B2
A package component for holding a personal care device is described. The package component has a first section and a first section cover with a first fold line therebetween. The package component also has a second section and a second section cover with a second fold line therebetween. An eccentric cover is configured to allow the first section and the first section cover to be folded with respect to the second section and the second section cover, the eccentric cover being disposed between the first section and the second section or between the first section cover and the second section cover.
US08631931B2
The present document describes a storage box for at least one of a dental prosthesis and a dental appliance. The storage box comprises: a container portion capable of holding a liquid; a holding area substantially within the container portion and for placing the at least one of a dental prosthesis and a dental appliance; a cover for placing over the container portion; and an external covering material substantially covering the container portion and the cover. In another embodiment, a separator divides the holding area in two or more parts. In another embodiment, the cover comprises a groove in which a seal can be lodged to hermetically seal the opening upon closure of the cover. The cover may also have a lip to hold liquid in the cover until the cover is sufficiently closed to release the liquid into the container.
US08631920B2
An apparatus for transferring torque from a crankshaft to a dual input transmission includes: a flywheel connected at one end to the crankshaft and at the opposite end to a torque transmitting device or dual clutch. The flywheel has a first coupling member that is configured to engage a second coupling member attached to a center plate of the dual clutch. The first coupling member is fixedly secured to the second coupling member by a fastening means. A dual clutch actuation device generates the axial compression force required to compress a first and second set of frictional elements of a dual clutch.
US08631915B2
Brake disk rings which have perforation holes perpendicular to the plane of the friction surfaces, characterized in that the perforation holes each have a distance from their nearest neighbors which is always at most 30 mm and on average is at least twice the average hole diameter.
US08631914B2
Braking systems and methods having above atmospheric pressure applied to the working hydraulic fluid of the braking system. In certain preferred arrangements, the braking system includes at least one source of pressure, which pressurizes a fluid. The pressurized fluid acts on respective pressure surfaces of the master plunger(s) and the slave piston(s) that are opposite the active or working surfaces of the master plunger(s) and the slave piston(s).
US08631909B2
An electromagnetic safety trigger 46 includes a link 72 kinematically connected to a safety 70A, 70B of an elevator system mass, such as an elevator car or counterweight. An electromagnet 76 mounted on a linear actuator 74 is magnetically coupled to the link 72, and a spring 78 is connected between the link 72 and the elevator mass. The electromagnet 76 can be triggered to release the link 72, which allows the spring 78 to move the link 72 to engage the safety 70A, 70B.
US08631908B2
An elevator system and associated method includes power control for operating an elevator (2) in an emergency mode wherein the elevator (2) includes a car (4), a drive motor (10), a motor drive unit (26) which supplies power to the drive motor (10) and controls the same and an emergency power supply (42). The motor drive unit (10) has a predetermined normal operation switching frequency. In an emergency mode, power is supplied to the motor from the emergency power supply (42) while the motor drive unit is in an emergency mode. An actual emergency operation condition characteristic is determined for setting the switching frequency of the motor drive unit (46) dependent on the actual emergency operation condition characteristic.
US08631906B2
A climbing tree stand for enabling a user to climb a tree or other substantially vertical object to be climbed adaptable for use in a plurality of different utilization modes including a tree stand mode, a backpack mode, and a chair mode, the tree stand including a seat platform assembly having a pair of tree engaging members associated therewith movable between a first storage position and a second operative position for selectively engaging the object to be climbed, a footbed assembly having a pair of tree engaging members associated therewith movable between a first storage position and a second operative position for likewise selectively engaging the object to be climbed, and a pair of cable members, each cable member being respectively adjustably attachable to the seat platform assembly and the footbed assembly. The footbed assembly is further adjustable to change the overall length thereof and is adaptable for attachably receiving the seat platform assembly in a plurality of different orientations to achieve the backpack mode and the chair mode.
US08631904B1
A step for use in association with a tree stand ladder. The step includes a frame that includes a plurality of elongated members that are formed into a rectangular or square form; a first pair of said elongated members extending substantially in parallel with each other and each having extending free ends; two holding pieces secured at the end of respective free ends of the pair elongated members; a planar platform secured within the frame to enable a person to stand on the platform and a pair side braces that extend from respective elongated members to respective ladder rails to provide support for said frame and planar platform.
US08631901B2
An acoustic structure includes plate members defining a plurality of hollow regions in parallel relation to each other. Opening portions are formed in one surface (reflective surface) of the plate members in corresponding relation to the hollow regions and in such a manner as to communicate the hollow regions with an external surface. A plurality of sound absorbing members are provided in a dispersed fashion on regions of the one surface (reflective surface) other than the opening portions and neighborhoods of the opening portions. As a modification, a sound absorbing member may be loaded in one of the hollow regions and partly exposed to the outer space through the corresponding opening portion.
US08631895B2
An exhaust device for a work vehicle including: an exhaust pipe for guiding exhaust to a vehicle exterior. The exhaust pipe includes: an exhaust guide pipe into which exhaust from an engine is introduced, a bending section for changing an exhaust direction; an external protective pipe that externally fits onto a downstream-side guide pipe; an ejector section for suctioning and introducing external air between an outer periphery of the exhaust guide pipe and an inner periphery of the external protective pipe; and an external air introduction section provided to an upstream-side end section of the external protective pipe.
US08631889B2
A vehicle includes a body that defines an opening in a forward end thereof. A heat exchanger and an inlet of a brake duct are each positioned rearward of the opening to receive a flow of air through the opening. A shutter system is movable between an open position to allow airflow through the opening and a closed position to block airflow through the opening. The shutter system controls the airflow to both the heat exchanger and to the inlet of the brake duct.
US08631883B2
A sectorial force balanced drill bit, including conventional and bi-center drill bits, having the true center of rotation the same as, or about the same as, the bit mass axis. The bit mass axis is a longitudinal axis located off-center to the geometric axis of the bit and comprises the center of mass point. Additionally, a method for sectorially force balancing drill bits is provided. The method includes dividing the drill bit into one or more sections, calculating the magnitude and direction of the resultant radial imbalance force for the cutters of each section, adjusting the cutters and/or blades until the magnitude of the resultant radial imbalance force is about the same for each section and the direction of the resultant radial imbalance force for each section is about 2π/n, where n is the number of sections, from the adjacent section.
US08631880B2
A power tool with a housing, a motor, a transmission, a spindle and an impact mechanism. The motor has an output shaft that drives the transmission. The transmission has a plurality of planet gears, a planet carrier journally supporting the planet gears for rotation about an axis, and a ring gear that is in meshing engagement with the planet gears. The impact mechanism has a plurality of anvil lugs, an impactor and an impactor spring. The anvil lugs are coupled to the ring gear and are not engaged by the planet gears. The impactor is mounted to pivot about the spindle and has a plurality of hammer lugs. The impactor spring biases the impactor toward the ring gear to cause the hammer lugs to engage the anvil lugs. A power tool having an impact mechanism with an external adjusting member that can be moved to vary a trip torque of the impact mechanism is also provided.
US08631876B2
A method of making a composite downhole article is disclosed. The method include forming at least one corrodible core member comprising a first material that is corrodible in a wellbore fluid at a first corrosion rate; and disposing at least one outer member on the core member, the outer member comprising a second material that is corrodible in the wellbore fluid at a second corrosion rate, wherein the corrodible core member has a composition gradient or a density gradient, or a combination thereof, and wherein the first corrosion rate is substantially greater than the second corrosion rate. A method of using a composite downhole article is also disclosed. The method includes forming a composite downhole article as described above; using the article to perform a first wellbore operation; exposing the article to the wellbore fluid; and selectively corroding the second corrodible member.
US08631874B2
A drilling system employing a main tubular having a plurality of fluid inlet and outlet conduits positioned thereon and a concentric inner tubular having a plurality seals for sealing the annular space between the concentric inner and main tubulars. The fluid inlet and outlet conduits work in cooperation with the annular seals to selectively open and close for effective management of pressure within the tubulars.
US08631873B2
A tubing hanger body made from Non-CRA steel coupled to production tubing made from CRA material. The coupling includes pin threads at the top end of the production tubing which are arranged to be screwed into box threads of the tubing hanger body. A seal sub having metal-to-metal and/or elastomeric seals engages the top end of the production tubing and protects the tubing hanger body from contact with production fluid flowing from the production tubing below to a Christmas tree tubing above. The invention includes a method of repairing of an existing tubing hanger body where its through bore has been damaged. This allows the through bore to be over machined and a CRA sleeve installed to replace tubing threads and body material.
US08631871B2
A once-through steam generator including one or more steam-generating circuits extending between inlet and outlet ends thereof and including one or more pipes, the steam-generating circuit having a heating segment at least partially defining a heating portion of the once-through steam generator, and one or more heat sources for generating heat to which the heating segment is subjected. The steam-generating circuit is adapted to receive feedwater at the inlet end, the feedwater being subjected to the heat from the heat source to convert the feedwater into steam and water. The pipe has a bore therein at least partially defined by an inner surface, and at least a portion of the inner surface has ribs at least partially defining a helical flow passage. The helical flow passage guides the water therealong for imparting a swirling motion thereto, to control concentrations of the impurities in the water.
US08631869B2
Provided are methods of using fluid loss control additives that comprise a water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification. In one embodiment, a method of providing at least some degree of fluid loss control during a subterranean treatment is provided. In an example of such a method, the method may comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous liquid and a fluid loss control additive, the fluid loss control additive comprising a water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation, wherein there is at least a partial reduction in fluid loss into at least a portion of the subterranean formation from the treatment fluid and/or another aqueous fluid introduced into well bore subsequent to the treatment fluid.
US08631868B1
A method of preparing and using a subterranean formation stabilization agent. The stabilization agent includes a guanidyl copolymer and may be admixed with a fracturing fluid and optionally brine. The stabilization agent is effective in preventing and/or reducing, for example, clay swelling and fines migration from a subterranean formation contacted with the stabilization agent.
US08631863B2
A debris barrier snap fits to a tubular groove of one of the tubulars that define the annular gap in which the barrier is to be mounted. It is loosely mounted so that it can center itself in the annulus as the relatively moving members go out of a concentric arrangement. The continuous carbon fiber material used for the debris barrier has lubricious qualities to act as a bushing when the annulus shape changes due to movement of the tubulars out of a concentric relationship. An outer or inner groove on the barrier acts to trap and retain small particles that manage to advance between the barrier and the outer tubular. The snap fit is accomplished with flexible spaced apart fingers with grip surfaces to engage a groove on one of the tubulars.
US08631857B2
A finned air-guiding heat-dissipating structure includes a heat sink having heat-dissipating fins arranged at intervals. At least one heat-dissipating channel is formed between the heat-dissipating fins. The heat-dissipating fins form an intake side and a first exhaust side and a second exhaust side in communication with the intake side through the heat-dissipating channels. The first exhaust side and the second exhaust side are located on both ends of the intake side and on both sides of the heat sink. A first exhaust trough and a second exhaust trough are provided on the other two sides of the heat sink and in communication with the intake side through the heat-dissipating channels. The heat sink is connected to a fan to form a heat-dissipating module. With this arrangement, the heat sink can guide airflow toward plural sides, so that the heat can be dissipated outside rapidly to achieve an excellent heat-dissipating effect.
US08631856B2
A stress equalized heat sink unit includes a radiating fin assembly having a plurality of radiating fins and a stress equalizing element. A vertical receiving hole extends from a top of the radiating fin assembly to a predetermined depth. The stress equalizing element is positioned on the bottom of the receiving hole with one side facing away from the bottom of the receiving hole that serves as a pressure receiving face. When a tightening device fitted on fin assembly applies a downward pressure on the pressure receiving face, the applied pressure is uniformly dispersed via the pressure receiving face and the radiating fins to avoid deformation of the radiating fins due to stress concentration.
US08631853B2
An apparatus and method for continuously casting thin steel strip include a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls in a roll cassette laterally positioned to form a nip there between through which thin cast strip can be cast, adapted to support a casting pool of molten metal on the casting surfaces, an enclosure to support a protective atmosphere immediately beneath the casting rolls in the casting position, and an upper cover positioned below the casting rolls to move between a closed position covering the upper portion of the enclosure maintaining the protective atmosphere in the enclosure in the closed position and a retracted position enabling cast strip to be cast into the enclosure. A scrap receptacle positioned beneath the casting position movable in either direction to a discharge stations. Further, a movable tundish adapted to be transferred from a heating station to the casting position.
US08631851B2
Brace devoid of joints or welds for reinforcing a tube, such as the roller tube of an awning, the brace being formed from a pair of elongate metal strips mounted to each other along their respective longitudinal central portions, the edges of each strip forming integral feet at angles with respect to the strip, and the strips extending substantially radially from the mounted central portions to engage the interior of the tube at the feet.
US08631842B2
Novel water balloon filling devices and tying fixtures are disclosed herein. Preferred filling devices are configured to attach to a water spigot or hose and include a spring valve that is protected from internal water flow. Preferred tying fixtures can include two prongs having diverging end sections.
US08631841B1
A funnel having a collection area disposed at one end of the funnel. A base surface of the collection area is flat. A flange surrounding an inlet opening is positioned spaced from the collection area. When the funnel is placed in a vertical orientation with the base surface of the collection area contacting a horizontal surface, a lowermost edge of the flange surrounding the inlet opening is aligned with the base surface of the collection area. The funnel is thereby supported in a vertical orientation on the horizontal surface by two contact points. In this position, the residual fluid in the funnel is transferred by gravity to collect within the collection area. No residual fluid is allowed to escape from the interior of the funnel.
US08631840B2
A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable items comprises a housing, a compressor assembly housed within the housing, a connecting device having an inlet connected to the compressor assembly and a seat adapted to be fluidically connected to a container assembly for a sealing liquid and to the inlet, a valve configured to be opened automatically when the container assembly is connected to the connection device and elastically maintained in a first position such as to fluidically disconnect the inlet from the seat when the container assembly is disconnected from the connecting device, and a flexible tube fluidically connected to the compressor assembly. In particular, the connecting device comprises an outlet fluidically connected to the valve so as to be fluidically connected to the inlet when the valve is in the first position, and in that the flexible tube is connected to the outlet.
US08631833B2
A yoga towel comprising a first layer for standing poses made of woven nylon threads and fibers made from skin-polishing cloth, and an opposite second layer for sitting, kneeling and lying poses made of waffle-woven microfiber fabric. The yoga towel has an edge made of sailcloth. The yoga towel is constructed to prevent a participant from slipping during standing yoga poses, and the exterior remains dry to the touch during use.
US08631823B2
A compact and low-cost mixing faucet for liquids of different temperatures is proposed that allows fine and accurate adjustment of the volume and temperature of the mixed outflow by single-handed operation. The mixing faucet is suitable for use of a ceramic perforated plate and/or thermostatic mixing valve. The actuation quantities can be converted by torque converters to rotational control variables in an ergonomically optimum type, magnitude and/or positioning of movement, such that both rotational control variables can be selectively adjusted when manually operated by accessing from a permanent direction of access. The hand position enables actuation of the faucet with only two fingertips, with torque limitable up to any degree of smoothness and a large angle of rotation at the associated rotary actuator. The rotational control variable for the outflow volume can be made ergonomically easier to reach and adjust from the direction of access.
US08631822B2
A dual-flow valve includes an inner valve body defining a first flow path and an outer valve body circumscribing the inner valve body. The outer valve body and the inner valve body define a second flow path. The dual-flow valve includes a valve element disposed across the first flow path and the second flow path. The valve element has a first passage for selective flow alignment with the first flow path and a second passage for selective flow alignment with the second flow path. A dual flow swivel includes an upper and lower swivel body, with the lower body adapted to rotate relative to the upper body. Two separate flow paths extend through the swivel bodies allowing upwardly and downwardly directed flows through the swivel bodies.
US08631819B2
A gas supply system includes a receiver assembly, a gas storage vessel coupled to the receiver assembly, a main poppet positioned at an end of the gas storage vessel and sealing the gas storage vessel when the main poppet is closed, a pilot poppet positioned in the main poppet and sealing the gas storage vessel when the pilot poppet is closed, and a chamber positioned behind the main poppet, wherein when the pilot poppet opens, gas from the gas storage vessel is released into the chamber to exert pressure on the main poppet to open the main poppet.
US08631816B2
A faucet structure includes a main body, a water collecting base, a water output head and a water control valve. The main body is tubular with thin body wall, having a receiving space that receives the water collecting base having two water inlet holes and one water outlet hole on lower portion thereof, and a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel extends from the water inlet hole and water outlet hole. A valve base is formed on sideway of the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel. The faucet includes the main body and the water collecting base respectively, so the complexity of the main body is reduced, and the manufacturing process is simplified. Also, the structure of the main body can be simplified to a thin-wall structure to reduce material and further reduce manufacturing costs.
US08631815B2
A pump attachment interface provides a fixed link between a first line in communication with a fluid reservoir, and a second line in communication with a mobile storage tank via a pump of a pump truck. The interface includes an interface body with a sloping surface that supports a fixed conduit such that a lower end of the conduit is at a height that is lower than an upper end of the conduit. The lower end is for coupling to the first line, and the second end is for coupling to the second line. The attachment interface also has a spill containment catch basin over which the second end of the conduit is located so as to catch any spillage from the second line when it is coupled to the conduit. The body can be a concrete block, or be molded plastic filled with sand or water.
US08631814B2
A flow control device for use in a supply line between a pressurized liquid container and a dispenser for the liquid, the flow control device comprising a chamber (200) having an inlet (114) for receiving liquid from the container; a base section (102) comprising a chamber outlet (122) for supplying liquid to the dispenser; a vent valve (110) for venting gas from the chamber (200); a float valve (106) comprising a float section (142) and a seat section (146) and movable to and from an open position wherein the chamber outlet (122) is open to liquid flow and a closed position wherein the chamber outlet (122) is closed to liquid flow; and a float valve opening mechanism (120) Wherein the float section (142) of the float valve (106) comprises a plurality of protrusions (143), at least some of which engage the inside (138) of the chamber (200) so as to locate the float valve (106) substantially in line with the chamber outlet (122). In this way, the float valve can guide itself into the correct position without the need for additional guiding components.
US08631809B2
An interface block is constituted by a cleaning/drying processing block and a carry-in/carry-out block. The cleaning/drying processing block includes cleaning/drying processing sections and a transport section. The transport section is provided with a transport mechanism. The carry-in/carry-out block is provided with a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism carries substrates in and out of an exposure device.
US08631808B1
An apparatus for intrasulcular cleaning and dental maintenance includes a toothpick preferably made from a non-splintering wood. A first end of the toothpick includes a sloping (i.e., beveled) curvature that extends below a center longitudinal axis of the toothpick and terminates at a thin rounded tip. The rounded tip includes a radius designed for ease and comfort once inserted within a gingival sulcus between a tooth and a gum. The second end of the toothpick may include any desired shape. One or more grooves or geometric shapes are provided to help properly orient the toothpick and provide a tactile indication that the toothpick is properly oriented. The user traces around the tooth with the rounded tip to remove plaque and food debris. The toothpick may disposable or reusable and packaged together or individually wrapped.
US08631800B2
The present technology provides a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) which may be self titratable. The MRD may be repositioned relative to the maxilla, e.g., the mandible may be brought, via the device, to a position forward of a neutral resting and/or bite position. The MRD allows for adjusting the maintained forward position by simply biting-down to preserve the desired degree of mandibular advancement. The present technology also allows for movement of the mandible in a lateral direction. The lateral movement is allowed for any forward longitudinal positioning of the mandible. The MRD may use a plurality of components that are coupled together and allow for lateral and longitudinal motion between each other. The present technology may be used in MRDs which may be self-fitted, typically by immersing the device in hot water and then biting into the device, making an impression of the teeth in the softened thermoplastic polymer. It may also be applied to MRDs that do not require any fitting to the teeth and to devices that are custom-fabricated by dental labs.
US08631795B1
An enhanced airway for creating an airway in a patient including a rigid connector with an insertion portion inserted into a flexible tube, and a padding member surrounding the flexible tube and the inserted portion of the rigid connector. The rigid connector includes a circuit end that may be directly coupled to an anesthesia circuit, reducing risk of fire caused by diffusing oxygen. The circuit end may also be covered by an oxygen mask or left open and uncoupled. The flexible tube enables a comfortable and less-injury prone creation of an airway in the patient's oral cavity. The rigid connector prevents a patient from biting down and collapsing the flexible tube and, if also inserted in the patient's airway, an endotracheal tube or a laryngeal mask airway. The padding member cushions the rigid connector, preventing damage and injury to a patient's teeth upon biting the rigid connector.
US08631794B2
A gas mask is provided for normal-pressure and overpressure operation with at least one breathing port, an expiration valve with a valve spring, an adjusting element affecting the prestress of the valve spring and a pushing element having a first switching position and a second switching position. The pushing element is designed to act on the adjusting element during a translatory motion from the first switching position into the second switching position. A change in the prestress of the valve spring can be brought about and a switchover from a “normal pressure” mode into an “overpressure” mode can thus be carried out.
US08631789B2
A humidifier (14) for humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be delivered to a patient includes a chamber (16) configured to receive the flow of breathable gas; a tub (20) configured to contain a supply of water, the tub being configured to be inserted into the chamber; a lid (18) provided on the chamber and being movable between an open position and a closed position; and a seal (19) provided on the lid, the seal being configured to seal the chamber such that the flow of breathable gas pressurizes the chamber. The humidifier may be connectable to a flow generator (12) configured to generate the flow of breathable gas. A tube for delivering the humidified flow may be connected to the humidifier. The tube may be a heated or non-heated tube. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient may include the humidifier and the flow generator and/or the tube. A method of humidifying a flow of breathable gas comprises sealing a chamber containing a supplying a water and pressurizing the chamber by directing the flow of breathable gas into the chamber.
